Stop-Gap

It's that little gap between Christmas and New Year, which, so far has been quite expensive. I'm procrastinating from work horrendously. Sadly essay's do not write themselves...

Well, Merry Christms everyone, sorry it's so late. I have been a little busy.

We built the Christmas story on the afternoon before Christmas, and it felt like I'd been the most prepared for one event all year. I guess we do have nearly 3 months of being to that it is nearly that one special day.

And now the Easter eggs are out. Great.

Have a fantastic new year, wherever you are.

In the midst of it all...

Here are some of my young people and me enjoying the Christmas Ball. St Mary's transformed, lots of good friends around and a brilliant evening had by all. It's great to get involved in town wide things.

Also a chance to get dressed up, everyone made an effort...




Also the Christmas lights are out in full force on the farm. But these ones aren't on the farm, they are my favourite though, and yes, that is a projection on the front door.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Lots of people sneezing, carol singing, too many mince pies (esp the 23 boxes I had to take back because Mr. Kipling had recalled them) and some exciting TV. Not forgetting to mention the million and one times I've heard 'All I want for Christmas'...

The festive season is upon us, and we kick off with a Christmas Party tonight at St Hugh's, not that I'd know how prep for that is going. I've been ill, but I'm kinda glad to get it out of the way before the hard work begins again on Monday.

Good evening Wembleeeeey!

Was in London last night with Liz and Chris seeing the brilliant Maroon 5, and their supporting act (and one of Liz's fav bands) Dashboard Confessional.

It was really good to be able to sing at the top of my voice and actually feel the pain this morning when I woke up! I came crashing back to the real world quite quickly, remembering what had happened before the night of great music and better crowd interaction than some of the previous events I've been too.

We had normal services in the morning, both with anointing at the end. God does amazing things in anointing, it's a mystery as to what, but somethings happening. Advent is changing it's flavour here.

Then we had Christingle in the afternoon. The children and young people were amazing and as per usual we missed que's and made mistakes, but got raving reviews from pretty much every one!

Those who play Mary at St Hugh's seem to be in the category of 'most nervous person prior to performance' but we prayed and God saved! So, next up is a panto! 12 days and counting, argh!

If you are in Luton, there is room at 'The Inn Party' for every one, give me a bell if you want a ticket. 15th December, 6.30pm.

Roll on December!!

Obligatory

This post feels a bit obligatory, there hasn't been much happening since I got back from Eastbourne, apart from the crazy snow on Sunday night (but I was tucked up nice and warm in a duvet watching Ewan and Charley on the "Long way down").

God did answer some prayers this week. On Sunday morning (in Eastbourne) a new friend prayed for an opening into a school, within the last week I have had two phone calls and a personal invitation to attend staff briefing (which so far I have tried, in vain, to get to). The head of BWA came in to shake hands with me on Wednesday, very excited.

Over the next 3 weeks BWA year 7 & 8 will be spending time in church. Woop! Jesus is amazing. God is working through school...

I'm teaching about HIV/AIDs at the end of the week, a little bit scared by this one, because I'm not an expert and I'm pretty sure I need to read up about current medical thinking.

Saw some good friends on Saturday and am very excited about the imminent arrival of their baby girl!

Today The Times magazine T2 was taken over by teenagers from North London, talking about (surprise, surprise) what it means (to them) to be a teenager. I think I'm going to use this soon, and see what my teenagers think...

Eastbourne

The sun also rises... into my window on Friday morning, the most wonderful thing I've seen in a while, so I took a picture


Eastbourne is great, I was the youngest in my hotel, but luckily I had some great friends to chill out with during the days of the weekend

This was one of the views from my balcony. I don't think I'll be staying in that particular hotel again, but it was gorgeous.


The conference I was at I mainly used for networking/meeting other youth workers who I'd otherwise never see. It was a brilliant opportunity.

What's happenin'?

This is a question I get asked regularly, normally I have no clue myself. Today I feel as if I'm on the inside, fully aware of what's going on, not only in church, but in my own head.

Clearly this makes a change from everyday life!

Some of the more exciting things happening are:
* the young people/young adults of St Hugh's are heading to Uganda in summer '08. Logistically this could be a headache, prayers/emotional support much needed.
* Christingle is in the hands of the young people again, pray for God inspired moments and the 'coming together at the last moment'-ness that church is famous for!
* I've got two conferences this week (wohoo!), I need to be well (haven't been since last week) to maximise effect of networking.

In other news -we will not be interviewing for a second youth worker this time round. Oh well, God's got other plans...

A day...

... where you wish your mum was around to take a picture.

But she was in essex and I was in Luton, so here's my self portrait.
Just before I headed to St Mary's (the big church in the town centre) to speak at their 10am service on Luke 11v1-10.

As I finished I got some encouraging words. It was lovely to be back for just a short time. I really enjoy sharing with other churches, it makes my happy.

Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly pt 2

The poster a few of the young people made.

The second attempt at building a slum, which was a luxury. The roof stayed up all night and they really worked as a tem. I'm proud of them!!

Brave, brave souls, who stayed out both nights and did an amazing job at pulling together. They stopped complaining after a bit and even polished off the dhal I made.

Iain very kindly brought heat and light, so we went to bed warm on Saturday night.

So there we have it. We survived the weekend and have begun to collect money, starting with £200 from church! (there is still time to give at http://www.justgiving.com/slumsurvivorlewsey It's amazing the amount of support we had during the weekend. Lots of people came to visit us and some people stopped on the street to ask what was going on.

Sunday morning was spent leading the 11am, and they did so well, for having about 8 hours sleep all weekend!

Back to school and back to routine. Really looking forward to this term church-wise. I just love the run up to Christmas!

Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly Pt 1

Well, yet again St Hugh's youth and friends were blessed with amazing non-rainy weather for Thorpe Park. I'm sitting at home with Jed (the goldfish) reflecting on a very interesting day!

Thats the main social trip of the year and now we are gearing up for a full-on weekend.

Prayers, if you can/are willing:

* That we have good weather
* That we learn something about God's heart for the poor
* That we don't get on each other's nerves too much
* That we get some sleep
* That the service we are running would be real and honest, teaching the church about the one billion that live in Slums
* That we raise our target (give at http://www.justgiving.com/slumsurvivorlewsey - thanks!)

Hope everyone who gets a half term is enjoying it, and if you are doing Slum Survivor this weekend, my prayers go out to you!

Mamouth

It's been a weekend for many church services, I got a good cross section of what it means to be part of church this weekend.

Yesterday was Dad's Licensing as a Reader (which means Lay Preacher, with privileges). So here he is in his robes


I got to see lots of family and friends.

Then this morning the Bishop of St Albans confirmed 10 peole from St Hugh's. Then this afternoon I attened the wedding of Lorraine and Edmore.


Was a great afternoon, day, weekend... now I'm all churched out an ready to have a great week.

Intermittent

I'm a task related person, if there is a task to do I will put it off right until the last minute!!

Most days this is how I feel, but I know I don't work like this. Doing tasks, completing things you said you would do is a lot easier if your laptop at home works.

But actually sitting in my office, I realise I've done a lot more than I would normally do at home. It's a shame that online seminars start this week, otherwise I'd be quite happy that my laptop didn't work.

The solution is a simple one, get a new adapter (which I think is the broken thing). Luckily I have a twin and we buy the same things, including similar laptops. So I potentially have the simplest of solutions at my fingertips... wednesday afternoon will be the test for that one.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) not all solutions come as easily or as simply.

This month Soul Action is calling young people across the UK to live in a slum for a weekend (by live I mean build, inhabit, and dismantle). Just one weekend, it's not a lot, and it doesn't make the problem go away.

One sixth of the worlds population live in slum conditions every day for years on end. We're just raising money. Soul Action is here and our fundraising page is here. Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.

Circus

Went to see the Chinese State Circus on Saturday night, was a lot of fun. Quite hard to understand at some points, but that would probably be the thick Chinese accent and bad acoustics. I feel sorry for the people who live over the road from the site.

The 'funniest moment' of the night is awarded to the small child who was sitting behind us, who said as the monks who were trained in the art of pain management left the stage "that was sick!". I think he meant "it was good". Or maybe it should have gone to Chris' reaction when the mum said 'shhh now, and watch' before talking for the next 5 minutes! I think I've seen C.S.C. before and they are a bit different than the Moscow guys.

Last week was 'back to school' week for me. Back in middle school and back to breakfast club. Back to admin and back to church. Also back to half of the blogger site being in German.

The rest of this month is a bit hectic... keep an eye out for random up dates.

Keeping tabs

I'm not really sure what to say. I'm back at work, and kinda glad that I just found a folder I thought I'd lost in the mess that is home right now. I'd always thought September was a weird month, but it gets even stranger if you are away for most of it because of holiday and learning.

Of course it's nearly over now and before you know it it'll be half term, and then we are into Christmas!

The last few days of the launch for the MA were more interesting, though to be honest the last day was a bit of a waste of time. But it is really great to chill out with the guys form the course and listen to their thoughts on the issues we seem to hold as a group.

The next three years will be hard, but fun and I hope that I'll be a better youth worker when I've finished. (and I get another graduation ceremony, fun!!)

Any way, back to work.

MAAAAA

I just listened to John Mayer singing to me down the phone!!

Ok he was singing to other people in the Albert Hall, but Christine was kind enough to ring me and share "Dreaming with a Broken heart", "No Such Thing" (which I'm told I heard, but I couldn't make it out) "Gravity" and "Why Georgia" (the encore).

Why am I not at the Albert Hall drooling on Mr Mayer's feet (that is how close I would be)? Because I'm in Leicester at the beginning of launch week fir my MA. I'm absolutely petrified (still) and have the feeling that I will be glued to my laptop for the next three years. Distance learning will definitely answer the question "how disciplined am I?".

Anyway... back to the fact that I'm missing John Mayer for the 2nd time in a year. His visits to the UK better become more frequent, or I'll be travelling to see him soon.

God has me on all this MA stuff, but I wish he's aduibly give me directions when I'm driving. Leicester is a confusing city with enough road rings to make even the most confident out of town driver (not me by the way) scared.

Oh Canada!

I'm back in the UK and I'm tired, but there is always time to blog.

After the wedding (see below), I spent some time hanging out with the Pullman clan, saw a hockey practice and ate lots.

Then I travelled to Calgary with Becky, Bryan and Bentley (their dog). Spent a few days in Calgary, the Zoo, the museum, shops, coffee shops, hotel, more coffe shops and saw the new Mrs McConachie. That was probably one of the most exciting things. Realised that the zo and museum are not really fun unless you have some one to share with!

Then I had an 18 hour bus journey ahead of me... which I was uite excited about. Don't ask why, 'the 1' which is the main highway, running the width of the country is a rubbish road in places and it's all flat between Calgary and Winnipeg... boring!! I slept for the most part and had proper canadian breakfast in Brandon (2.5 hours from Winnipeg).

I did get to stop in a place called Medicine Hat, drove by Caronport (where the weddin was) and then was in Regina in the dead of night. 18 hours on a bus, by yourself is no fun!

Next time I go away for that long, will some one come with me?

It was good to see Jana and Derek on Saturday and Sunday, to sleep in a bed and eat like there really was no tomorrow. Time for sleep...

I maid it!

So here we are, Sunday evening (I'm on Caronport time, so it's actually 7pm). I've been fully introduced and integrated into the Pullman family. I also feel pretty engulfed, there is quite a few of them.

This is me as a Bridesmaid.

Here I am fully dressed and made up. I'd been on my feet for quite a while! But I really enjoyed my self. (Better quality photo at Facebook.com)

But not as happy as these two!

Congratulations Mr & Mrs Brawner! See you in a few days.

Ladies and Gents I'm off to Calgary for a few days, then I have a nice long bus trip back to Winnipeg. I'll be back in England on Monday 10th... come say hi if you are around.

It's been a while, ey?

Look Canada isn't as flat or as cold as British people think! It's been roasting that last few days, and I just sat outside with all of Jana's family to eat dinner. It was lovely.
This is Mac...

I'll give you a quick run down of why I have a massive moose posted. Mac first appeared in Luton after Jana sent a postcard with him on it. So I decided that I needed to have my photo taken with Mac, I did whilst I was having the best coffee in Canada (Tim Horton's). It's all good at the moment.

Wedding stuff has really taken over, anything we do we make 85 of. It keeps everything cheap. And it really helps to have an army of volunteers who are stuck in a random part of the world/country with nothing better to do!!

I'm really enjoying myself and I feel really safe. I've not been that fussed by the time changes so far.

Wedding pictures to follow!

Survived!

These are some of the 12,000 people I just spent the week with. It was one of the driest weeks in the british 'summer'... but you've gotta love it.

Wellies became a new skin for the most part. It did help, but at the end of the week it was back to flip flops.

God is moving in different ways all over the camp this year. He always does some really interesting stuff and it was good to see some of my young people respond and engage. We had marquee issues, but some lovely people from St Hugh's saved us.

I also randomly met a lovely lady in the shower queue and some of my cardiff friends were around.

But this picture pretty much sums up how I felt all week. Joy over rides everything and at the end of the day all I can do is try to be more like Jesus.

Off to Canada to see Jana on Monday. Well excited.

Surviving

Boys and girls, I'm off to camp for the week. Good old Soul Survivor down in bright Shepton Mallet, where it will not rain for the entire time we are there.

So I will be without internet for a whole week. And then when I get back I will be heading to Canada. I'm really excited!!

I promise to take pictures!

Pinicking & Dressing Up

Dressing for a wedding. This is the dress and shoes I will wear when I am a bridesmaid for the first time ever! Very excited. Chris took some arty photos of me in the bridal shop and now I'm thinking about what I can do for the rest of my time in Canada... any suggestions?


I was messing round with my digital and SLR camera before I go to Canada to see what type of photo's I could get from the huge lillies I brought the other day, this is one of many.


The children playing in Ashridge today at the church picnic. Climbing up is never an issue, it's always getting down! The littlest one didn't climb she was lifted. They kept me busy all afternoon, but I had such a good time.

This week is preparing for Soul Survivor and preparation for the new term. Keep praying hard! I know I am.

Spiderpig...

'...Does whatever a spiderpig does'

The Simpson's Movie was genius, much more so if you know a little bit about the Simpson family. I clearly watch too much, and whilst laughing all the way through the movie, I was pretty much the only one! I'm a geek.

St Hugh's is being generous at the mo, so I've got lots of time to do things that I haven't got round to doing in the year. Finally clearing out stuff, putting the babies away and tidying, ready for a month away from luton in the next 2 months.

We cleared the church loft of all the camping stuff ready to lend tents to LCF and St Mary's (we're generous in the small things) and then take too much stuff to week B of Soul Survivor. If you are at Bath and West Showground for week B come find me!!

Next month is gonna be busy... watch this space for pictures, thoughts, and mini-updates.

Geeeek

We all have a little bit of geek in us... whether you like it or not I'm pretty sure we can all identify an inner geek.


This brings out my inner geek. Thanks Chris.

Modern Day Parables

I was preaching on Sunday, after spending the day in Cardiff on Saturday.

So check out the transcript on my other blog.

It's going to be a really quiet week, which I'm quite glad of. School and church groups have come to an end. Now there is the build up to Soul Survivor... lots of people quite excited. I'm hoping to meet up with some other groups. If you find yourself a Week B give me a bell!

Birthday

I love my friends! 2 of them surprised me this morning at breakfast, and lovely Christine just drew - no, doctored - this for me!

Yeah it's my birthday, and yeah I'm busy. But loving it.

working at the car wash, yeah!

We washed many cars on Sunday, we raised lots of money! I'm well impressed with how hard the young people have worked and they thoroughly deserve the holiday.

I have also been working... much too much in some cases.

The lovely pink car has been working hard too and I think we both need new brake pads!

It's silly games galore on Sunday, and it would be even better if my sponge ball hadn't gone walkies... Church is fantastic, but it's definitely full of mums who love to clean. You can put stuff down and never see it again (it's gone to that magical place called 'tidied').

Oh well... i've got to put some energy into going to the wholesalers before school kicks out. Traffic around Luton is much more hectic nowadays.

Ma Baby...

Well not mine exactly, she was mine for a few mintues on Friday afternoon as I spent some time with her lovely family. Lydia is less than 3 weeks old at this point in time and I really look forward to watching her (and the whole family) grow up. It's like having 4 little sisters!

At this point Liz said 'Babies suit you'. I think I scared enough people for one night... One more photo!

joy

One of the joys of my job (apart from working in front of wimbledon) is being able to encourage teachers that I come across.

Last week when I was in MV, a different teacher than usual helped me out at Lunch time club. I see all the teachers quite regularly, but don't really interact with them becuase of the times I arrive and leave. So there we are talking about David, doing a bit of acting and finishing with Joshua 1 v 9.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you will go"

What I didn't know was this teacher had been having a rough day. As we left the classroom she told me that school was not great for her at the moment, but that verse had refreshed her and she went off with a huge smile on her face.

The teacher who normally helps out was back this week and reminded me of what had happened last week, so I thought I'd share with you.

Happy Birthday!

Church had all their celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the newest building this weekend, so it's been busy, but much fun. It was lovely to see everyone dressed up and enjoying themselves.
This is a banner that the young people and children made a few weeks ago... they are amazingly talented.


As busy as it was I still found time to eat an entire chocolate cake to myself!

The sponge cake that Ann made, and yes it had little people all the way round the edge! It was amazing and tasted so so good!

And Ben, trying to be clever when we asked 'what is your favourite memory of St Hugh's?' But he actually got me thinking and it makes me smile when I'm having a hard time!

Home

I was at home at the weekend to celebrate Mandy's birthday. Went out for lunch and shopping... was very lovely to be home if it was just for a few hours. Set Dad up on Facebook too, or 'myface' or 'facespace' whatever. It's getting too busy.

The babies came back from Cambridge safely and Charlie (my white boy who has been mistaken for my son) was on parade today. I'm taking him out on Wednesday if I can get the biro ink off his face. - if what I just wrote has made no sense, check out here.

There is a real baby at church. Lydia Gendi was born at 23.14 last monday and is very very cute. I'm a long way down the matriarchal list when it comes to holding the new baby, but I do have the other 3 Gendi children to keep my busy. Liz knows all about that!

Next weekend St Hugh's celebrate 40 years in their current building with bouncy castle, pimms, chocolate, cocktails, worship and dinner. It's going to be a great weekend. I'm anticipating lots of dancing and being shattered.

Working Weekend

So I didn't work too much this weekend, but I still had to work. The young people spent some time creating a banner and a board for the church's 40th celebrations in two weeks time. Bless them they worked amazingly hard for a whole hour.

I'll take some pictures of what they produced, and I'm pretty sure the church will be impressed.

The world is a pretty dangerous place to live in, a policeman was stabbed and killed in Luton today... it's quite scary. But Luton is a big place and I happen to live a few miles away from the action. So I'm safe, and I'm amazed some days at how safe I feel.

raaah

Things that make me angry:

ER being bumped to 11pm for Big Brother.
I really hate it when good TV is moved...

Other things happening.

St Hugh's is amazing still, they are so good to me. They let the young people lead services, run lunches, get invovled in everyday church things. Life is so full on for them in a good way and they've got older people to back them up too.

Liz is back in Bristol and there has been a promise of a trip from my Essex buddies, I'm looking forward to it lots. Summer in Britain draws ever closer, but it's still a bit of a lottery when you wake up in the morning. Before you know it, it'll be gone and we'll be heading full on in to Autumn, but thats a bit too negative.

May Ball 2-007 / Pentecost

A bit nicked from Chris! We headed to the Universities May Ball on Friday, which had a James Bond theme...


And the girlies pre-coach trip...

It was a great night.

Now it's half term, and there are a few different things happening, but for now I'm chilling out and watching POTC3 with Liz this evening!

* * *

The young people led the Petecost service at St Hugh's on Sunday. They were all amazing, I was so impressed. Sermon is on other page.

The Holy Spirit definitely arrived and I'm well excited about what the future holds for the young people in St Hugh's.

Less Itchy

I'm less itchy than I was earlier in the week... I reckon I had head lice from school. Which is never fun, but it doesn't matter now.

Taught Moses through a picture this afternoon, so I've had a crafty week. That ends the series on God talking to us - next is God giving us courage.

Luton is being covered in prayer currently, and the young people from St Hugh's joined in. I'm proud of them. It's Global Day of Prayer on Sunday. Pray for them as they lead St Hugh's Pentecost Service. I'm doing a short preach, should be good.

It's half term next week, wohoo! Heading to Cambridge for an afternoon and Essex for a day, looking forward to it all.

Why do we do what we do?

So John tagged me...

1. I'm a twin, but I often refer to Liz as my sister, it's just easier to explain!

2. CSI is turning me into a geek, I know I will never be a CSI, it's far too much hard work. If I'm sat in front of the telly it's usually CSI related.

3. I'm currently driving my dream car! I love it, and it has had a lot of comments. I'm singing quite loudly at the moment, so I'm not quite sure if the stares are because of the colour or the dancing.

4. Teaching 11-14 year old's is a big passion of mine. Any thing that gets young people understanding God a bit more. I want young people across the world enabled to make their own decisions about faith.

5. Obscenities in pop music makes me want to cry every time I hear them. I don't understand why something/anything that is universal needs to be gratuitous or explicit. I'm starting to sound old in my ways, but lots of young people are robbed of their innocence because of pop stars etc.

6. I love luton, it's not hard to tell the way I talk, but I love it. I'm still really glad to be back here, I wonder if it will ever wear out, I hope not.

7. My biggest issue about myself is my face...

8. Beautiful jewellery is something I wish I had more of.

* * *

In other news, life is moving along at a swift pace. I can't believe we are headng towards the end of the academic year so quickly. I'm hoping to have a chilled out weekend, before a hectic one next week.

I may be saying good bye to the Proton this weekend. It's getting to be quite hard.

Oh and if you wanna know anything more about me, just ask!

Down time

Having some down time after a long weekend and a long few days after that.

Soul Sista was fantastic. "Christ in me, the hope of glory" something I understand a bit more. The bible refers this statement as a mystery, probably because we are pretty good at using jargon. Hope and glory mean different things now to when they were written. It's still largely a mystery, but I'm quite happy with that.

I know Christ is in me, I know my hope is in the cross and the resurrection, so the glory bit remains a mystery (to be honest I wasn't listening!).

Any ideas?

New Car!!

Let me introduce you to Jazz-mine... My beautiful new car, and it's pink. I don't think I need to say any more.

Also I got a place on the MA course at De Montfort. The MA is in youth and community development... it's joined with a professional qualification in youth work in the UK (which I've wanted to do since October 2005). It's distance learning, so it's very flexible and can be tailored to me a lot more.

I'm well excited, it's been a long week but a very good week.

Tomorrow the girlies are heading to Soul Sista in Watford to learn about 'Christ in us the hope of glory'. A phrase I've been struggling with for the past few years. I'm praying hard for this weekend, it's gonna be busy.

Bank Holiday

Had a fantastic long weekend... started with school on Friday being fun. Saturday was a bit here-and-there, but I ended up in town at a party. Sunday was groups in church, Jeff helped out, and we were singing Joseph in GLP. Evening was spent at St Mary's... was brill.

Monday morning was an early start for breakfast at Joe and Jess's, then we all walked to The Green Man. Had some lunch and on the way back walked passed the bluebells.

Then I headed to Essex to make a purchase. I'll tell you more on Thursday...

Lyrically speaking

Had quite an anglican weekend... St Hughs held it's APCM (Thats Annual Parochial Church Meeting aka AGM aka health check), was a bit full on for a Sunday morning. It would have been quite short if someone hadn't have asked 'whats the relationship between the school and the church?' Which of course sparked a few people into action.

I was way down the queue to have my say... but that's such a good sign. So many people are ready to help out and they know so much more than I do at the moment.

We had news this week that the young people had raised £1000 for WorldVision! I'm so impressed with them. The certificate will be proudly displayed on our new fundraising board. We had started to pull ideas together for Soul Survivor (and Resonate), so look out for pictures!

Had Tim Hughes' new album on repeat lately, he's gone a bit grassroots with his lyrics. 'Clinging to the cross' is my favourite. I'm already having fun adding other lyrics to the songs though. One goes 'the sun, the moon, the stars, the heavens' but could easily be changed to 'the sun, the moon, the stars, whatever!'. Ok I found it funny, stop laughing at me.

Back to work I suppose.

Healings

God is amazing, nothing can take away from that. He is great and He does things that we can't even imagine.

I know that the people surrounding Jesus would have either been sceptics or in awe of the miracles. Today there are exactly the same kind of people. I, for one, skip from sceptic to awe depending on the day, and my mood... I am human!

Saturday morning I woke up scared and excited about what might happen during the day. Turns out there was no need to be really petrified.

Randolph Vickers sees healing as an everyday event, which happens to some people and not to others. He's calm and knows that there is no formula to healing, but we can have a go. We have the power in us with the Holy Spirit to heal people. They come however they are, and hopefully go away better than they were.

Stories from the weekend include:

Healing of a relationship
Many lower back pains healed
Hips and backs realigned
Dancing grandmas
Releasing of demons
and many people blessed by God's presence.

The most confusing thing in the whole weekend was the idea that while this is an amazing thing, and lots of people can now move around without pain, it's so ordinary.
Almost like there is nothing to it, the best example I can think of is driving a car. I waited ages to learn to drive a car, the first few times I drove all alone were amazing, but now I drive everyday. It comes naturally.

God is amazing, nothing can take away from that. He is great and He does things that we can't even imagine. (maybe thats all I need to understand right now)

Needing a boy

Things come in three's apparently. So now my car has a new electric connection to the front head lights, a new back windscreen, a new battery, a new clutch, a newly ground fly wheel and a new tyre. I'm well past three.

I needed a boy to fix this one, I definitely couldn't do it myself. As much as I might complain or put boys down, they are very very useful for a lot of things! Give me a few years and I'll be able to do more things by myself, but there will always be the point where I just need a boy.

Luton life goes on quite well. St Hugh's are holding a healing conference all day Saturday, and I'm part of the ministry team. To say I'm scared would probably be an understatement. Jesus miracles would have been really scary to those standing around witnessing it. They would have been amazed.

The conference should be good, letting God do His thing. I'm sure there will be lots of stories afterwards!

All By Myself

Had a Bridget Jones moment this morning, it was great.

It's been a long week. We cooked lunch for the oldies in the church on Friday. Was lovely to see the young people working.

Friday night and Saturday were spent catching up with my beautiful friends.

Sunday was a whole other world, back in church, working hard and then chilling out with the rest of the staff in the afternoon. St Mary's in the evening was all about community. Sitting around a table with a mixture of people has got to be one of the best things in the world, and I think it's what I love most about my job.

Pictures that make me laugh

Me, as natural as it gets, I'd just washed my hair and i always sit in a naturally defensive position (knees up). No make up, no nothing really. I drove 400 miles today.
Holly in 'The Bump' at a recent health day in Lewsey. She's such a great sport and didn't get too many bad looks (I'm told).

Easter Weekend

It's been fantastic.

Caught up with quite a few people, decisions have been made, it's just time to move on them really.

Good Friday, Saturday and Easter Sunday were all brilliant. If you've never been up for sunrise on Easter Sunday you are missing out. Find a hill, and a bunch of people (if you offer them breakfast more will come), it was amazing.

Back in Essex for a bit, sorting out car trouble and general family tasks. Easter Monday was certainly a day for much sleep and catch up drinks with Billericay guys. Trying to work out if/when I'll be back. Doesn't look likely.

Back to reality soon enough with a trip up north to be trained, cooking lunch for over 50's, away day and normal sunday service resumes. Holiday never feels long enough.

Maundy Thursday

Yes, I am anglican, yes I am a little bit weird.

Those of you who know me will understand a little bit about why I love tradition so much.

We come to Easter, and a chance to meet with the church family at least once a day for 4 days. How exciting! The next four days are intense and busier than the other christian (nicked from the pagans) festival that we don't mention til november.

Tonight is the last supper. Tomorrow is the walk of witness, which takes place between three churches hopefully there will be lots of people. Saturday is youth night, pizza and sweets all round. Sunday sees the dawn service and breakfast for anyone who can brave it.

Ladies and gentlemen, enjoy your Easter long weekend, wherever in the world you are.

Labyrinth

St Hugh's hosted the Labyrinth over the last weekend, here are a selection of pictures.


Young People huddling around Station 5, called 'distraction'... playing with magnets to distort what a compass says.



My handprint in some sand, at Station 11. It was supposed to be the the first footprint of the onward journey when you leave the Labyrinth.



The Cd players that guide you around the Labyrinth, filled with Tesco Value batteries.



Please sign the visitors book as you leave the Labyrinth, we'll take the strangest comments and reflect upon them later.

Its over

The lessons have finished, for now. Didn't end great, but at least I've got 2 weeks to recover and a weekend of reflecting.

So, yawning aside, Sex God is a brilliant book. You should read it. As always Rob Bell has an amazingly simple way of writing and he enhances his stories by putting references and recommendations in the back of the book.

I would love to hear him talk about this book. By the way, the book was definitely meant for me. God is great.

I smell

School is over for another day. The lovely boys this morning were fantastic, they listened, they had questions (sensible ones) and generally responded, with a bit of respect.

The girls this afternoon are a whole other challenge. Numerous times I asked them to be quiet, with no response at all, or cries of 'But Miss, we are talking about Sex'.

One exercise invovles covering a hand in perfume and shaking hands with others in the room. I really smell of the perfume now, but the example really works. If its an active class, then a whole class might put their hands up. The aim is to point out how quickly an STI can spread through a population.

That's the one thing that James Bond never has, never suffers from... Don't you just love what Hollywood film makers have done to our world?

Sex God

I'm not joking... I could have started this blog with 'I wanna have your babies'.

In a world obsessed with sex, I hope I'm teaching so that they young people I know will be able to make an informed decision - or at least consider the danger they put themselves in every time they have sex.

Whats the one thing James Bond doesn't have? I wonder how the boys may answer this question on Monday morning.

'I wanna have your babies' is a song from Natasha Bedingfield, shes a genius! Single is out on 16th April. I was very scared of this song until I heard the lyrics, then I just laughed for a good ten minutes.

Things I've heard this week
'But miss, I'll never get HIV'
'Girls should get on their knees more often'
'I could never do that miss' (she was talking about faithfulness)
'Miss, that's what I've chosen' on virginity and abstinence

Sex God is Rob Bell's new book, written in the same style as Velvet Elvis. I got given it twice this week. However I have this really strange feeling that the book is aimed at me and not who I will be teaching! I'll let you know when I've finished.

On form

I'm pretty much back to normal after all the car trouble last week. It got me down, but is probably a symptom of bigger things.

So this morning as part of my job I headed into first lesson at the school across the road from work. And went head on against a lovely bunch of guys who are hopefully a little bit more aware of the choices they have to make before they have sex.

I'm teaching all girls this afternoon. So we will see how differently that goes.

Its a bit more hard-core next week. Going to try and teach the boys how to use language without being derogatory.

Spaces in between

You'll be happy to know that a mechanic looked at my poorly car and is fitting a new battery tomorrow morning before I head to school dressed in red.

Comic Relief has come around again, with a brilliant series of Fame Academy. Well impressed with the courage. I've done my singing on stage, so I no longer feel the need to ever ever do it again.

In other news I head in to the local school next week. For teaching and a meeting about Mentoring. Well excited. This is the start of a busy time, I feel. Lots of socail stuff happening, and hopefully lots of learning.

Easter shall be an interesting time this year. The last time I was properly away for Easter was a Spring Harvest trip, this time I'm going to be working flat out and hopefully blag a few days away afterwards.

But I am looking forward to it.

If anyone wants to join in with St Hugh's traditions, just ask. This does include a dawn service (what's dawn? Seriously I have been asked...) on Easter day and then breakfast after.

My own car

Owning my own car has been interesting from the day my mum drove it up a kerb and broke the front bumper... it seems I started with more problems than I thought.

It's been a journey (no pun intended), but I've learnt alot. One thing is, don't leave the interior light on over night.

This morning I had to get a taxi into work due to my own stupidity...

Oh well life goes on, I've certainly deal with worse things in this car.

Here's to the next one, I think it's time to start looking! Any one want to come shopping??

Joseph's Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

I have the privilege of working with some amazing young people, who are talented in many many ways.

One example of this was a school play I went to see last night. In it were young people I've known since I've been in Luton and I'd have to say I'm absolutely amazed by their abilities. Musicians, dancers, actors, stage hands, costume designers and makers. To stand on a stage in front of a full house (opening night as well!) and perform as well as they all did, wow!

They have all done more than I ever could. I was on stage about 4 times during my whole school career, these guys already have impressive CV's and they will all go on to do great things (some of them will be doing it for Jesus too).

Today sees the end of a randomly busy week... and making the tough decision of whether to spend the day at Bedford Corn Exchange on Monday and what to teach now I've made connections with Halyard.

Vacant

Youth Alpha weekend away was excellent! Great to hang out with a good bunch of people, see Liz and meet Ant again.

It was good to be away, but being active... I've got a lovely throat infection which meant I felt abit rough and got tired very quickly.

I've been sno-tubing (only the second time in my life that I've been on a dry ski slope, there is still time for me to learn to ski though), swimming, and talking. The Holy Spirit is great! I was a bit hyper on Sunday and every one else was tired, so interaction was a bit hard, but we got there in the end.

I think I'm gonna talk more about the Holy Spirit in Luton, we had some interesting chats about dreams and thoughts last night.

So life is pretty much back to normal, and routine. I intend to give my brain a full relax tonight and hopefully my throat will benefit too!

Eurgh

This word sums up how I currently feel. My head weighs 10 times the amount it should and I really want to go back to sleep, but I know if I do I won't sleep tonight.

Weekend away this weekend, and I'm ill.

Bonus! I shall be snoring so loudly I intend to keep everyone awake.

The most exciting thing I've done this week is go all the way to the top of St Alban's Abbey tower. I've walked right next the the Rose Window, it's amazing up close. Make sure you say yes if someone invites you up the tower!

Ready, Set, Go!

Aww, had a long weekend... mostly started with a painful bit of parking in St Albans (which is lots of roadworks and highly confusing - made me wish I had sat-nav).

Then saw Music and Lyrics, much hilarity had by all. Cheesy rom-com, but it hit the spot.

Woke up Sunday morning to a smashed back windscreen and am currently wondering how on earth I'm going to cope tomorrow... God has a way to provide throuh these things. So I was at work all day today, and intend to be at work all day tomorrow. I have lots to do anyway! Maybe being trapped at work will help.

We had Tea-Time! this afternoon, and am very glad it only happens once a month... ddon't think I'd be able to cope if it was any more frequently. And I don't think I'll ever ad-lib/have control of my temper as much as I did!

God has been amazing since forever and I don't really expect it to stop now. I think I'm just going to spend a while enjoying telling the devil to take a hike, my God is bigger than a smashed windscreen and mental kids. Hoorah!

Lent

As Lent began I went to my first Ash Wednesday service. There's something in me that associates Ash Wdnesday traditions with the Catholic faith, I don't know how or why, but its there.

I think I surprised myself a bit by wanting to go, but it was a great service. I had been up for a very long time and driven to Essex and back in the afternoon, but I managed to stay awake.

At the moment I am slightly petrified by the idea that I will be the main speaker at Liz's Youth Alpha weekend. And I seem to have managed to make the Friday before extremely busy, but I don't have school tomorrow, so I need to make the most of that.

Check out this, if you are interested in doing a Gap Year, or if you just want a laugh!

Pretzels

I found some. Mightly over-expensive, but the yp were impressed. So Lent begins tomorrow... what you giving up?

But more importantly what will you be putting in place of the things you've given up?

I could rant here, but I think I'll leave you to think it through for yourselves.

The best thing about pre-Lent is the pancake party and me eating as many biscuits as I can. Ooo, I've just thought of another game for tonight! Aha, yes, I'm quite harsh really.

Thats the randomness over with for today...

The joy of the Anglican Church means I'll be writing annual reports this week, the scary formal part of my job, but it's not something I can't do. I just have to concentrate a bit more than normal.

I'm looking forward to the next few weeks and my diary is slowly filling up (in all the wrong places), but it's exciting.

Been in Luton just over 6 months and you know I'm loving it. But I know I've already been here too long, words are starting to come back into my vocabularly Ithought I'd waved goodbye to!

Images of God

What do you think of when you think of God?

Do you immediately think about the big guy who lives upstairs and is normally dressed in white with a long white beard (Simpsons)?

Or something detached coming from the sky, like a hand or foot (Monty Python)?

Or do you not have an image, and maybe thing images are irreverent?

This is the focus of Lunch time club next week, so I've been doing a little bit of research, with some amusing results!

Including a fake Jesus beard, seriously don't ask.

It did get me thinking, what is my image of God? More thoughts later...

On a different note, Valentines week hasn't past without some really good news! 3 Engagements and I'm very close to booking a trip to Canada for a special event. I would have to say I'm very excited about the future for all of the couples. Many congratulations!!

Well, back to work. And searching for cheap flights!

Recurrent

My alarm did go off at 5.30am, and I did ignore it! For a change.

Half term moves on slowly, I've done the lent course for the youth and hopefully we won't have too much of a stress with it all. So it's there ready to be dealt out... now we just have to hope I don't lose it or forget where I've put it (Too many things have suffered that fate recently).

Tomorrow I'm going to spend some time thinking about what I should give up for Lent. My latest sermon was on this subject (and can be found here), so that has helped a little bit.

I'm off to find dough pretzels (in the UK a near impossible task)

Bub-bye!

24 hour Famine

I thoroughly intend for this post to be massively disjointed... it's going to be written over three days, so you guys get the full effect of Youth Work in flow (if I can ever find a quiet moment).

Friday night:
Having just got in from youth club, which I really enjoy, I've sat down to work out what I'll need for this weekend, and how I'm going to feel human delivering a sermon having not eaten for 24hours previously.

I'll wear a nice pair of trousers and pray to God that I can do this. Miracles are a highly acceptable situation. Listening to John Mayer's amazing album to calm my nerves. Some times I have no idea what he is talking about, but at this moment he is hitting the spot on lots of stuff. My Bed beckons me...

Saturday Night:
Young People are watching High School Musical. So is pretty quiet. Am very hungry, but it's been a really good day. 15.5 hours to go, I'm very excited about what the morning prayer and bible study will be like. HSM is pretty cheesy, just needed to escape it a bit!

Sunday Night:
So after 24 hours, abit of rambling for 10 minutes up the front of church (I'll post sermon on other blog soon) and lots of triumphant eating the famine is over. The longest weekend of my life is over (only to be repeated again in 3 weeks time, thats a whole other story).

They did really well, one of the volunteers ate a raw onion and this morning we raised more money for WorldVision.

The challenge has been set... get fasting into daily church life!

One Week to go...

(early) Valentine's Day was a big sucess! I had lots of fun decorating last night. And this morning was a lot of fun... The pancakes went down a storm. They even had little arrows through them that said 'With Love' on the fletchings.

The weekend is the next big event. Planning and writing today, then with the possibility of a snow day tomorrow I'll be writing again.

Actual Valentine's day is empty in my diary (could I drop any more hints!!!) but with out Big Breakfast I will feel a bit lost, after I've had the extra four hours to lie in!

It's going to be a long weekend, the youth group are doing 24 hour fast and then we are doing some spring cleaning. I feel like this weekend will be break through with a lot of them. I'm praying!

Blogging

I went to see Blood Diamond with a new friend and then we went on the Ferris Wheel at Milton Keynes. Film was very scary and probably too gruesome for me. A 15 being too bloody is worrying.

Sunday I headed into town for the LCET open day and Andy talking on 'Cars' at St Mary's. So thats my weekend in a few sentences.

Of course I enjoyed the return of Johnny Wilkinson on Saturday. I'm still an advocate of watching rugby curled up on a sofa with coffee! It'll be a long time before I enjoy standing in the cold watching sport!

Had dinner with Chris and M today, it's always good to see them and even see some pictures from South Africa. Thanks M, glad you had such a good time.

I say phew! and the week has only just started.

I know

It's late, it's Friday.

A girl my age should be out dancing or something. But I'm saving it all for next week, when Tasha starts uni. Exciting stuff! Got me reminiscing a bit, and thinking, 'wow Uni, that was 18 months ago'.

And basically thats all I could think. Sad eh?

I ranted on myspace earlier, thats much more interesting than me here and now. Bed time I think!

It's Wednesday again

And you know what that means... giggly moments from the St Hugh's kitchen as we entertain ourselves.

The best brain storming for this team happens jaust at our busiest moments when I'm in and out of the kitchen serving Halyard students and the group of men who arrive aboout 8.30am.

So today we were brain storming St Valentines day (two weeks to go!) and decided on these

(yes they are pink heart shaped scotch pancakes - Trina made them, she's a genius!) and wearing pink.

Red flowers for table decorations and red napkins! Also playing some love songs in the background.

I'm definitely taking my camera into work next week. Sadly there have been reports of matchmaking in the past, but I'm sure Cupid is very busy this time of year (and I've told the girls to keep schtum).

If you are in Luton and can get to St Hugh's it'll be well worth it next week, 8am-9am!

Celebration

Another weekend has past and we are nearly in the second month of the year!

Christine had a birthday this weekend (Pics later) We had a lot of fun, various trips to Tesco and Asda, so we could have smoothies. We played Rapidough and had a laugh!! Was great to see everyone.

Then yesterday I spent my entire afternoon with a family from Church. Absolutely loved it. I was exhausted and feel a little ill, but nothing would stop me from enjoying their company.

Tonight we are having a sweet absitence... we'll see if the hyperactivity calms down. And it's New Testament mashed with why should I read the Bible and what have I learnt. Concluding the 4 week series on the Bible.

Back to dancing tomorrow night. Can't wait... and in a few weeks Liz will be joining me! Wohoo!

The Valentine's Day emails are rolling in, as are the plans for breakfast the week earlier (why does it always fall in half term?). Themes are something that delight me greatly!

Crisis and complaining

Billericay has made a name for itself on regional news last night... There was a massive fire down the road from my parents house, which meant that people were evacuated to the local Secondary school (which just happens to be the school I went to). I watched it on the news and then tried to ring my parents, could I get through? No.

They are miles away from the fire... so they are fine.

The second feature on the news was about the people of Crays Hill protesting outside Westminster yesterday. They got on the coach just outside the pub where I used to work! Why the protest? The biggest travellers site happens to be near Crays Hill.

So if you ever wondered why I can make a big crisis out of a little flame, or complain about something even though I've lived with it for a while, its because I'm an Essex girl!

What makes me laugh the most is when I say I'm an Essex girl the response is 'oh really' with a knowing nod, so I wait for the jokes to roll out. I'm not shocked, and this really stuns people (mostly Luton people). I'm incredibly proud of Essex, and nothing can phase me.

On other notes, there isn't going to be a trip to Africa this year. We are heading to Soul Survivor again. Africa is being pitched for Summer 2008. And I'm not sure there will be SS festivals in 2009 because they are heading to Durban. Prayers are essential as I plan and organise SS.

Snow

This is what greeted me at 5.50am this morning as I headed out to my car!

I'm really starting to love getting up so early and its made even easier if you've slept really well. I had lots of fun (literally) skipping to my car and de-snowing it, then I slid off to work.

It was snowing again as I left at 10 am, but I don't think it'll stick around very long.

Looks like the week is getting better. Wohoo!

Random Dreams

I love having random dreams that really make absolutely no sense, but that make you laugh as you wake up, so I'm in a great mood this morning!

We also read Hosea in staff prayers (no staff meeting this morning, it all happens tomorow), which made me think.

I have a very deep joy that God's word is living. Prophets who wrote years and years ago can still speak right into the heart of us.

It's quite a big thing, but it can be very simple too... I clearly am writing as I think. AND we live in the absence of a Saviour who has already come and will come again. I can't imagine what it would have been like to live as a Jew in the times of Isaiah and all the other prophets. To be God fearing, but to know that he was coming.

Or what about living in the 400/500 years between Malachi and John the baptist, when God said nothing!! Oh man, I find it hard enough when some one doesn't reply to an email or text. I'd be absolutely stuffed!

But here I am right now, living with God's word which (scarily) can speak to me and catch me out.

A new week has started and I feel like it's going to be a good one.

WiFi at home

So after many minutes on the phone to tech support (actual tech support, not my dad) I was told that my laptop doesn't support USB wireless adapters.

I got a card to stick in the side of my laptop and it worked first time, though my laptop can't seem to do anything with out complaining prefusely. I'm sitting at home blogging, after a productive quiet day.

It means I can finally do this


and this



Aren't we lovely. I miss them both loads.

Apart from the wind, nothing really crazy is happening at the mo. Preparing for things to come seems to be taking up a lot of my time. Living in the past, now and future is definitely a balance.

Old Testament teaching continues. We've got Genesis down, now Exodus. Don't worry, I'm not about to bore the young people with a book-by-book analysis, they can't sit still for long enough. We'll skip the law bits and get on to the adventure stuff, with David, Esther and Hosea.

I'm praying that my phone bill isn't massive. Seriously, the 15 mintues could have been about 30 seconds and have gone like this "The USB doesn't work? Right, what make is your laptop?"
"Compaq"
"OK, HP laptops don't support USB adapters, get a card"
"Thanks, bye"

And on that note, I'll leave...

At the end of the day

I go home.

Well, I go to Tesco's, then I go home.

Only to come back an hour later to do youth club...

Mondays were never going to be a short day to be honest.

Been thinking about burning some stuff. A few years ago someone suggested I burn somethings because I wanted to get rid of them for good. Just got to find a place where I won't set light to stuff that doesn't need to be burned!

That's a bit of an insight into my really crazy mind at the moment. Hmmm, maybe I should stop sharing.

God's doing really interesting things right now (yes, I'm carrying on even if you are shouting NO at your computer screen). Teaching the Old Testament Fathers of Faith tonight. It's only 4 peoples names to remember, we shall see how it goes. Going to leave lots of space for thinking and reflecting.

Have stopped. You can breathe a deep sigh of relief (I won't be able to hear you)!

Chocolate and gloves

There is something about getting up at 5.30 every Wednesday morning that is really releasing.

I was a bit hyper this morning and managed to eat a slice of chocolate cake at about 6.15. I was hungry and I think it was a good idea. When it came to getting the sausages out of the oven I had too much fun the with oven gloves.

Now for those of you who know me, you will more than likely know about the pink mittens... the oven gloves have a similar affect on me. Oven mits that go all the way to your elbow and make you feel quite invincible!

If you haven't worn mittens since you were 5, I suggest you find a pair and have a go. It's inspirational!

So I feel like I'm back in full swing now. Even forced myself to go dancing last night (wanted a night in to feel sorry for myself, but also needed the company) ended up really enjoying myself and getting some really good dances.

Does anyone want to come dancing next week? May even try Ballroom! He he... Watch out Liz, half term isn't far off.

I agree with Robert, get a blog J! Robert, you have to write more - need to be updated about you coming here again.

Cold Feet

No hidden meaning here.

I'm being absolutely transparent.

Hot air rising means that I have no circulation in my feet and have been cold pretty much all day. I wonder why I have a cold!

Back to work today. I almost added a finally in there, but i had a mammoth task of writing a Bible overview, which was fun. I borrowed from a variety of places (thanks Dad). It should all be ok.

I've already said this about the Nativity story, but I love it when things come alive and have meaning, when myths and traditions are blown away. When you find out facts you just didn't know and would never have been taught. Yes I am a bit of a geek.

I have much admiration for those who teach.

Plastic Carol Singers

Plastic Carol Singers
Originally uploaded by chrismacfie.

I think the title says it all.

Christine and I spent a good few hours driving around the Luton and Caddington area taking photos of the lovely Christmas lights.

This is late I know, but carolling is something that can be done all year. I'm lobbying for carolling in the summer!!

New Year

Happy New Year to everyone out there! Whatever you did on New Years Eve I hope you had a good time.

Like I said before I was spending a few days in Cardiff, chilling out with all my mates from my gap year. It was really good to see them all, even if it was only for a few hours here and there. I miss them all very much and am very glad that I got the chance to see them.

I think my next trip away will probably be to Edinburgh to see Rachel... We'll see.

I spent over 8 hours driving this weekend and it's done me a load of good. Not just for my driving (am now a bit of a pro at over taking!) but for me. Having to be forced to sit down for a long time with no one to talk to is very interesting. I don't think I've felt this chilled in a long time.

We went for a a walk on New Years Day... wet, cold, snowed on and I nearly lost both my trainers at one point. Many thanks to Nick who carried me over the worst bits. Maybe next year I'll go to Cardiff on the 27th and come back well before New Year hits!

The world is slowly going back to work, wohoo! Pray for my youth, I'm being a bit hard core on them as soon as I get back!