Musings of a Pegleg

It's not too late!

2007-11-02T09:07:00.000Z

Spud Party!

2007-11-01T17:32:00.000Z

Phew...
We catered for 70 people last night for our Non-halloween spud pary! Holy Smoke did brilliantly... it was their idea, and they really got involved with it, working really really hard... Well done everyone!

Slum pics

2007-10-30T17:38:00.001Z

Wow, Slum Survivor!

2007-10-29T18:28:00.000Z

Was an amazing time!
I'm not sure words are going to do it justice but here we go...
We spent a weekend living in a slum. We built it and lived in it for 2 days. Yes it was hard, cold, wet, hungry, tiring, the rest... but we sought God's heart for the last, the least and the lost of this world. We follow and worship a God who loves everyone he made and his heart breaks for their poverty, therefore if we really love Jesus, we cannot be indifferent to the plight of the poor. We havent changed the world, but we have glimpsed God's heart and stood beside our brothers and sisters in the slums of the world. We have been raising money and awareness of their plight. Our total currently stands at £780 and is rising steadily.
Its not too late to donate...

Ok ok ok ok, i be rubbish!

2007-10-18T20:45:00.000Z

Yeah yeah yeah, i havent updated for ages and ages! Well, Kathryn and I are happily settled into our new flat, its still nice! We (st Andrews) took 23 to Soul Survivor, that was great, it had its ups and downs but we survived and God spoke to us. As a result i will be sleeping in a slum for the whole of next weekend... hmmm! We will be raising money for Soul Action and you can sponsor us here. We will be simulating slum life, through eating a limited diet, and facing challenges like the slum dwellers would face, we will build and sleep in our slums.
Other than that, things are plodding along nicely, we are running a non-halloween spud party at church, going to Youthquake, having a youth alpha away day, a couple of bowling trips, a formal dinner, a grill the panel, and several other things and then before we know it it will be christmas, that's a little scary!
Well, i think that is it really, please keep praying for me, things are busy and i use that as an escape... but pray i can find the time to hear His voice.

07.07.07 and a flat

2007-07-26T19:47:00.000Z

The title sums it up really... 07.07.07 was amazing! We had over 90 people! Wow!
Plus Kathryn and I have a flat... that's the most exciting piece of news really! Not a lot else to report, it's the end of term - holiday club and soul survivor loom!

Proud of our nationality?

2007-06-05T20:23:00.001Z

Be very proud to be British because...

Only in Britain... can you get a pizza to your house faster than an ambulance.

Only in Britain... do supermarkets make sick people walk all the way to the back of the shop to get their prescriptions while people can buy Cigarettes at the front of the shop.

Only in Britain... do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a DIET coke.

Only in Britain... do banks leave both doors open and chain the pens to the counters.

Only in Britain... do we leave cars worth thousands of pounds on the drive and lock our junk and cheap lawn mower in the garage.

Only in Britain... are there disabled parking places in front of a skating rink.

NOT TO MENTION..

Brits die each year testing if a 9v battery works on their tongue.

58 Brits are injured each year by using sharp knives instead of screwdrivers.

31 Brits have died since 1996 by watering their Christmas tree while the fairy lights were plugged in.

British Hospitals reported 4 broken arms last year after cracker pulling accidents.

8 Brits had serious burns in 2000 trying on a new jumper with a lit cigarette in their mouth.

5 Brits were injured last year in accidents involving out of control Scalextric cars.

AND FINALLY....

In 2000, eight Brits cracked their skulls whilst throwing up into the toilet.

RULE BRITANNIA !!

Oh what joy to be British !

Dublin

2007-06-03T21:13:00.000Z

Dublin was great! We saw so many great sights and tasted the culture of Ireland. Im now looking forward... to a busy week and lots of planning and preparation for me not being around. I am having surgery in a weeks time and that is taking most of my focus right now. But God is in control so I will see the other side of this...

Relief

2007-05-15T17:31:00.000Z

My wait for insight into what I will being doing next year is over.
I have been offered a further 12 months in my current job and Youth and Schools' worker for the Parish of Dibden. It's where God wants me at the moment.
Not everyone knows what next year holds tho, so prayer for them appreciated. Kids moving on and friends looking for jobs.

Whoop Whoop!

2007-05-13T12:27:00.000Z

Well, it's been a busy but exciting few days!
We were going to take Blitz out to play crazy golf on friday evening... but it was raining too hard. So we had 9 11-13s in the Unwin Room for 2 hours! I guess it shows that i can handle kids and leaders when some turn round and say it was one of the best Blitz sessions they'd been to and could we do it again please?! Lol!
I have been on retreat this week too. Had a lovely time, nice to spend time with different people and with God. Great to have some space for God.
Then yesterday, Helen, Beth, Lydia, Kayleigh and I went up to Watford for the Soul Sista conference... it was lovely! We had a great day! Including laughing so hard that Helen spat her pizza all over the table! I love just hanging out with the girls... its what it's all about!
Yay!

Tech support

2007-05-09T21:14:00.000Z

Tech Support: Yes, how can I help you?

Customer: Well, after much consideration, I've decided to install Love. Can you guide me through the process?

Tech Support: Yes. I can help you. Are you ready to proceed?

Customer: Well, I'm not very technical, but I think I'm ready. What do I do first?

Tech Support: The first step is to open your Heart. Have you located your Heart?

Customer: Yes, but there are several other programs running now. Is it okay to install Love while they are running?

Tech Support: What programs are running ?

Customer: Let's see, I have Past Hurt, Low Self-Esteem, Grudge and Resentment running right now.

Tech Support: No problem, Love will gradually erase Past Hurt from your current operating system. It may remain in your permanent memory but it will no longer disrupt other programs. Love will eventually override Low Self-Esteem with a module of its own called High Self-Esteem. However, you have to completely turn off Grudge and Resentment. Those programs prevent Love from being properly installed. Can you turn those off ?

Customer: I don't know how to turn them off. Can you tell me how?

Tech Support: With pleasure. Go to your start menu and invoke Forgiveness. Do this as many times as necessary until Grudge and Resentment have been completely erased.

Customer: Okay, done! Love has started installing itself. Is that normal?

Tech Support: Yes, but remember that you have only the base program. You need to begin connecting to other Hearts in order to get the upgrades.

Customer: Oops! I have an error message already. It says, "Error- Program not run on external components." What should I do?

Tech Support: Don't worry. It means that the Love program is set up to run on Internal Hearts, but has not yet been run on your Heart. In non-technical terms, it simply means you have to Love yourself before you can Love others.

Customer: So, what should I do?

Tech Support: Pull down Self-Acceptance; then click on the following files: Forgive-Self; Realize Your Worth; and Acknowledge your Limitations.

Customer: Okay, done.

Tech Support: Now, copy them to the "My Heart" directory. The system will overwrite any conflicting files and begin patching faulty programming. Also, you need to delete Verbose Self-Criticism from all directories and empty your Recycle Bin to make sure it is completely gone and never comes back.

Customer: Got it. Hey! My heart is filling up with new files. Smile is playing on my monitor and Peace and Contentment are copying themselves all over My Heart. Is this normal?

Tech Support: Sometimes. For others it takes awhile, but eventually
everything gets it at the proper time. So Love is installed and running. One more thing before we hang up. Love is Freeware. Be sure to give it and its various modules to everyone you meet. They will in turn share it with others and return some cool modules back to you.

Customer: Thank you.

Tech Support: You're Welcome! Anytime.

Stolen from someone's facebook, but very cool!

The Noise

2007-05-07T08:30:00.000Z

Wow, what a weekend!
We started on Friday evening with T shirt painting and decorating. Just some social time together to help gel the group (as we had pathfinders and Holy Smoke mixing together). Was good fun, we had 14 kids plus leaders. Had some great designs done by the younger kids.
Saturday morning started bright and early (8am for me!) with a free car wash in our front car park. We had a lot of fun... got very wet (in fact in the evening service Dani told the congregation that the highlight of the weekend for her was me getting splashed and looking like i'd wet myself!) It was great to have the opportunity to share with people, why we are doing this for free. People wanted to redress the balance, to pay us back. It meant we were able give a reason for the hope that we have.
We spent the afternoon making cards and posies of flowers to give to the congregation, so that they can go out and bless their friends and neighbours, enabled by the teenagers. It was lovely to get everyone together to make the cards, and to see everyone being creative.
Yesterday morning was the family service, based on Esther (that we studied on the weekend away.), it went well, all the kids who were involved did really well. Alison did brilliantly with her dramatic telling of the story... 10 chapters of the Bible in 6 mins! My sermon went well too.
In the afternoon we ran a tea dance. Wow! Everyone enjoyed it sooo much! Everyone (eventually) got involved and had a go. Highlight has to be Biddy (who is in a wheelchair) dancing with Ash (with a little help from me!)
The evening was the perfect end to the perfect weekend. The service was great, had no negative comments at all. It all slotted together perfectly and the drama was brilliant - infant school show and tell anyone?! Again my sermon went well and fitted well into the service. Random acts of kindness... how can you bless someone in a way that arent expecting? To show God's love?

Links

2007-04-21T21:23:00.000Z

Recent events in the news have got me pondering...
How closely linked we all are. A few weeks ago i was driving thru Woolston with some friends and we drove through a marked off murder scene... we were slightly on edge, but other wise unaffected. But yesterday, i discovered that the young lad who was stabbed was in fact the cousin of one of the kids i work with...
Then we hear today that a 19 year old girl has been murdered onsite at Butlins Minehead, where only a week ago we where worhipping God together as One People.
A 12 year old was called in to decapitate a man thought to be a spy out in the middle east...
What is going on in our world? Are we separate from all this? I dont think so... We are more involved that we think. We need to call on God... Only he can save our land.

Spring Harvest

2007-04-17T17:11:00.000Z

Was cool...
We had awesome weather... we were actually able to sit out on the beach (never before done at SH! Minehead in April is usually freezing!)
Have built good relationships with those who went and got to know them better. God had plenty to say, as usual! Also spent too much money - oops! But overall we had a good time. I'm so tired now tho and its straight back to the grindstone with the AGM and the noise! I'm preaching and leading at 2 different services in one day! I knew it was coming but it does look a bit scary on the preaching rota!
To top it all off, i have a cold... i think i caught it from Helen... blah!

24? 24! 24! That's very old!

2007-04-05T17:32:00.000Z

Yep, I am now 24... old!
Had a lovely day yesterday with friends. Was working but we (Me, Ali, Lynn, Ruth, Kelly and Saz) went for a nice lunch at the newly revamped Heath (v nice!), and then had drinks there in the evening... Was great to have all my friends in one place... 16 of us (we sooo ran out of chairs!), I am nursing a slight headache today, but there we go!
Good Friday tomo... need to finish the Holy Smoke notice board before the service...hmmm!
Out for a meal with friends on Sat for mine and Laura's bdays (I love it when birthdays are extended!), and Ruth and i are off to Spring Harvest on tuesday...v excited!
Yay!

Soul Sista Momentum

2007-04-01T08:46:00.000Z

Was great! We had a great day, 4 of us went, lots of laughs, learning and worshipping God... Its all good!
Can't stop... got to get to church... apparently I'm doing a quiz... I hope its already written for me! Or I'll be frantically scribbling on my notice sheet during the reading!

Cranium, Starlight express and a write off...

2007-03-27T20:34:00.000Z

Saturday night, was brill! Went to Laura's with Emma and Kat... ate chinese, played cranium and trivial pursuit... cant remember the last time I laughed so much! Definately good for me!
Last night I went to see Starlight express with Luke, Kathryn, Tash, Debbie and Simon... 3rd time i've seen it... it never gets old, i love it!
On a low note... some idiot in a van with a trailor wrote off my parents car for them and didnt bother to stop... No one was hurt, but what an idiot!
Been to see Amazing Grace tonight - really good, thoroughly recommend it!
It's been a very up and down few days, one step forward, eighteen steps back??

Born for this...

2007-03-23T21:26:00.000Z

Just returned from seeing one of my young people in a production. It was a protrayal of the Passion, through mine, dance, song and dramatic reading, was very powerful and Lizzy was awesome!
I also saw my year 6 teacher! Quite strange, but good to catch up on things...made him feel old tho!
Tomo, i am going to rest, crack on with my application form, and then chill with friends in the evening.
Yay! Praise God, Nicky is home and on the mend!

Flyers - it's really happening!

2007-03-21T15:18:00.001Z

Yay! Our flyers have arrived for the Youth event! Yay... so excited, but scared!
(Flyers designed by Rob Pannell - He's amazing! robpannell.com)

Shopping :)

2007-03-20T18:27:00.000Z

We've been shopping today! Fun fun fun! Have chosen my birthday presents... a digital camera and a brown leather filofax :> yay! I love birthdays! I have a nice new jumper too...
Hmmm today has been a bit materialistic me thinks...
Child protection meeting this evening... not sure what to expect... hopefully some resolution for some difficult situs...

Pottering around...

2007-03-17T11:32:00.000Z

Just mooching around really. Currently waiting for the printer to finish printing my 11 (yes 11!) page application form... blah, praying for motivation to fill that one in! Need to contact my old uni too for references and proof of qualification and all that jazz.
We (me and the 'rents) are going out later... as sibling of joy invited boyfriend round for lunch and failed to tell us... pff!
Streetwise later and then tomo is busy! Pathfinders in the morning, me leading, Holy Smoke on Coffee, Mothering sunday lunch (i really need to do some wrapping!) and then Holy Smoke in the evening! Phew, that's going to be a long day!
Right the printer has finally finished... even tho i asked it to print last page first, it didnt, gar!
Prayers please for Nicky and family...

Stressed!

2007-03-16T17:29:00.000Z

I have had enough of people taking advantage of me and other people, of just assuming that people will do things without actually asking them first. Then who ends up being called up and asked what's going on? Me! Grr... I'm not the co-ordinator... I'm another mug being used.
Sorry, rant over... But I'm not going to sit back and let it happen again... either this stops or I'm out of this situation.

Weekend away, preaching, busy busy busy!

2007-03-13T09:12:00.000Z

It has been a busy few weeks... (ok so more than a few weeks!). We have just returned from the Holy Smoke weekend away... Actually an amazing weekend! God blessed us so much. The kids were great, the leaders even better! Can't thank Ali enough (she knows why), and the whole thing just rocked!
The weekend before we had the informal service, again Holy Smoke out did themselves and pulled off an awesome service. ''Prayer' - do you really know what the Lord's prayer is about? Do we just say it cos we know we should. I was pleased with the way my sermon went and we are now looking ahead, forward to the all age worship service in May and the Informal service that follows the noise project.
The last few months have thrown many things at us, including: the club X sleepover - a crazy day in Basingstoke with 20 kids!, the resignation of a staff member, and a very ill vicar (who is now on the mend). On the up tho, we have set up a 20's group locally, its going really well and is a huge answer to prayer for each of us involved.
Right, today is my day off, and its also nearly Mothers day so i need to go shopping...

Long time no blog... again!

2007-01-27T12:40:00.000Z

Ok, so it's been a while. Not really been in the right frame of mind for blogging for all the world to see, so i havent, tough.
But, plans for our large scale youth event are underway, 07.07.07, please pray.
I am just off to collect Liz from the station too, Adrian Plass is speaking at Church tonight, so that should be great.
Oh and Im going to Ireland in May, yay!

Alpha Disco

2007-01-13T23:24:00.000Z

Was actually good fun! After we eventually got people dancing anyway! Had fun dancing away with James Harrison etc! Crazy man! Been shopping today too, buying new things does temporarily make things feel better, but only briefly! Hmmmm

Not a lot to report again

2007-01-10T22:10:00.000Z

I have been meaning blog for a while, but there really isnt a lot going on right now. Well actually there is a lot going on, but not really anything i'm likely to write on here. Trying to keep this a bit up beat... so i wont talk about how i feel...
Please pray. Lot to deal with.

Not a lot

2007-01-05T18:12:00.000Z

It's been a very busy, but I don't have a lot to show for it! Had a quiet but fun new year playing games with Emma and Laura. Then back to work on wednesday, and have hit the ground running, sorting out the weekend away and the Blitz socials. But progress is being made so that's something i guess!
First Blitz of the new term tonight - I'm optimistic!

I have a pet...

2006-12-31T18:20:00.000Z

adopt your own virtual pet!

His name is Boris and he is a duck!

Christmas!

2006-12-27T20:31:00.000Z

Was quite frankly rubbish! I spent the whole of christmas day hurling my guts up and unable to move cos my head hurt so much. Then i carried on sleeping thru boxing day... so Christmas, what Christmas?
However, i did receive some lovely gifts and still have opportunities to catch up with friends before going back to work, so it's not all bad!

Boredom strikes!

2006-12-22T13:06:00.000Z

I have done all the rotas for the new year, and the teaching plans. The information packs have been sent out and the sessions for January are planned. What more is there for me to do? I have even started budgeting for the weekend away in March. Oh yes and I must find the suitable slides for the reading on January 7th. We are using the brick testament! Very amusing!
Right, back to it then...
Family Christmas outing tonight with my gran, then various services over the weekend and then it's Christmas - how did that happen?!

Pictures

2006-12-20T19:32:00.000Z

Formal dinner pics here....

Formal Dinner!

2006-12-18T16:20:00.000Z

It went really well. Everyone made an effort and looked lovely! We had 16 young people in formal dress at the carol service and got many comments about how good they looked. We had a lovely meal and everyone had fun! Now we are looking to the Christingle services and im doing planning for the new year! Fun fun fun!

Children's Christmas Praise

2006-12-17T13:05:00.000Z

Went superbly! All the groups did really well but Holy Smoke were the stars of the show. The timing was perfect and it looked great. Well done to everyone, I am sooo proud! Now for the formal dinner. We have set up the room it looks great - so festive!

Blitz Christmas Game Show

2006-12-16T21:54:00.000Z

Went really well!!
I am so so so tired now, but it was a huge hit. The kids are going to be talking about the spam game for a long time to come!!
It's time to look forward now... We have 'Children's Christmas Praise' tomorrow morning... Holy Smoke are presenting the idea of being expectant this Christmas and generally of the future. What are you expecting? Our words are: Food, Santa, Presents, Equality, Innovation, Rebellion, Space Travel, Global Warming, War, Death, JESUS! We can always hang on to the promise that God will move.
So I am looking forward with expectancy, of the Formal dinner, and another Christmas, remember - 'Love came down at Christmas'.

Cheltenham!

2006-12-10T17:35:00.000Z

I have just returned from spending the weekend with Liz in Bristol. We went to Cheltenham yesterday. Was very strange! We bumped into Fred Hughes our old lecturer, ended up having coffee at his Church. We also met up with my old housemate - great to catch up. I finished my Christmas shopping too! Yay. Then we spent the evening with Jane and Peter (pretty much my adoptive family when i was at uni), and their son Tom. It was soooo lovely to chill out and hang and chat with them. I have missed them and was reminded of how much i have when i saw them yesterday.
Relationships are important and so is maintaining them - we are lucky if we can just pick up where we left off, but it doesnt always happen that way.

Testing

2006-12-05T16:19:00.000Z

There is a lot going on right now, I have some huge decisions to make... I dont really know what's going to happen, it's scary.
Please pray for me - apparently I look tired, I think that's a fair assessment.
Ps on a more positive note i spent the afternoon with Julie at her new shop, check it out - Bear it in mind, on Beaulieu High street.

A-Z of thanks and praise to God!

2006-11-28T18:50:00.000Z

Check it out!

Spinnaker Tower

2006-11-28T18:36:00.000Z

We have been up the Spinnaker Tower today, great fun! Brilliant views. I was the only one brave enough to walk over the glass floor tho!

Small but effective!

2006-11-26T17:51:00.000Z

That is how i am describing the Youth Alpha away day. Numbers were very down on what i would have liked them to be but God worked in the lives of those who went. They were the ones that God wanted to be there. I went through every emotion on Friday evening. From anger, to tears, to disappointment to detirmination to make the day as brilliant as i could for those who would commit to what we are doing.
We had 3 lovely girls and 2 brill young leaders, and then Alison, Richard and myself leading. There are some pictures from our day on here as well as our amazing A-Z of thanks and praise to God! (coming soon!)
Im off to Holy Smoke soon, we are still currently testing our cell structure - it seems to be going well! Its then going to be a busy week, with the awayday out of the way i need to be thinking about Christmas! I have Children's Christmas praise to think about too, and the social. Term plans for next year need doing too and this week's talk for Alpha is going to be a tough one! 'How can I resist evil?' Hmmm that will be interesting considering most of them didnt go on the away day and so wont really know what im talking about! Need to do some small group juggling!
Right...off i go then!

Youth Alpha

2006-11-23T23:13:00.000Z

We have just done our recap week. It has been good to have a free week to catch up on ourselves. I love it when illustrations work and dont need explaining as the speak for themselves. The Crucifixion backed by Bryan Adams - Everything i do i do it for you. Flash paper sin, wiped out, gone. It's no more. Jesus has conquered it.
I do the job i do because i am passionate about making sure young people hear the gospel. They heard it again this evening.
The away day is a chance for them to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Please pray for each one of them. And the leaders! We are going to need it!

Staff team vision

2006-11-20T22:33:00.000Z

I have just returned from our Church staff vision evening... A long hard look at growth and how we are planning for it. We are going to re-jig the office and do a bit of building work!
God has put small groups (cell structure) on my heart. I think it is what he is calling us to within the youth ministry. We are moving towards small groups facing towards a bigger picture ministry. As a result we are looking at a large youth event in july 07, run by St Andrew's youth Ministry (so, yeah, me!). I need to find a band...
Day off tomo, Physio and shopping - an interesting combo!

Soul Sista

2006-11-19T13:21:00.000Z

A very long and tiring day. Really good worship and teaching tho. Great to spend time all together, small groups are great for things like that. It was very very relevant, scarily so, therefore it was tough and challenging!
Needs acting on... but the next thing is on the horizon - Youth Alpha away day!! Exciting!

God's amazing answer!

2006-11-17T18:06:00.000Z

God completely came through! The away day disaster is completely solved! There is so much good stuff going on that the devil is trying to attack it. It's so important that we don't give him the focus he wants. Just recognise his attempts and turn to God's power.
Amen!

Under Attack

2006-11-17T10:32:00.000Z

Everything seems to be under attack at the moment! Please pray! Alpha away day is a huge one!!

I need...

2006-11-15T22:10:00.000Z

Sleep! I didn't get to sleep until 3am! Gar...then I woke up at 6. How is that fair?!
I also need help! I have 7 talks to write in the next week and an away day to sort out! I don't think I can do it!
Therefore as gutted as I am not to be going on the Youth Work Conference this weekend, I can't afford the time. We are going to Soul Sista instead. Me and Ali are taking 2 of our youth group. I've seen the line up and proposed topics... having read it, I'm a little concerned it may hit a little too close to home... its not about me, its about the kids. Besides... I'm a coward and too busy to deal with things right now.
On a more positive note Love Came Down, the Soul Survivor live 2006 album is out....its great! A fab reminder of what was an amazing but challenging week!

Day off!

2006-11-14T17:49:00.000Z

Have had today off. Decided to start finding more things to fill my time off with... its a good thing! So I have booked my gym induction (yep, you may laugh!). I'm currently also trying to find a 'cell group' to go to, somewhere I can be stretched in my faith and study the Bible alongside others of a similar age, where i dont have to lead, like I have to all the time in my job. Hmmm, still searching currently!
Please pray about that, as being spiritually fed when you're giving out as much as I am in my job is really important.

Long time no blog...

2006-11-12T22:04:00.000Z

Apologies for the delay in blog... slight 'censoring' issue... dont ask! Just irritated me slightly!
Things are pretty hectic right now! Having to work 'hand to mouth' as my rector would put it... its not the most helpful or productive way to work. I must see my employment group about this... One of 3 things that if i can just do them will benefit me in the long run... for those of you who are on my back over it all - I have done one out of 3 so far!
Work is church, church is work... i am dealing with that atm. Do i do my job because of my faith or is my faith my job? Well i know the answer but i have to fight to find it at the moment... not the way it should be.
Soul Sista next weekend! Yay! Alpha away day the following week, I am looking forward to both... the amount of work involved in the away day worries me tho!
Prayers appreciated!
PS: Finally my picture on the church website has been updated to something vaguely human!

Busy...

2006-11-02T22:25:00.000Z

I've just returned from Youth Alpha... it's a tough group! Hmmm... It's going well, i think, but hard to tell if anything is going in. Just have to wait and see I guess!
It's all very busy right now... i have sooo much to do tomo it's actually insane! Ahhh well, that's life i suppose.
I've been to the dentist today... my face hurts so much now :(
Generally things are feeling a bit much right now, not work... that i can deal with... its other things.

Wheelie chair + Laminate Floor =

2006-10-28T09:26:00.000Z

A bruised ego and a sore bum! Yep... I completely and utterly fell off my chair! Fool... Advice for everyone - don't lean forward whilst on a wheelie chair that's on laminate flooring...nuff said!

The start of a potentially busy weekend!

2006-10-27T18:25:00.000Z

Liz has arrived! Yay! We have been shopping this afternoon to Gunwharf Quay, mainly to buy some presents... i have bought no presents, but i do have some nice new trousers! Ooops!
Ahh well, i'll get em eventually!
We might shop tomo too, you never know!!
Sunday is Lite Nite too... fun fun fun! That's going to be busy, but hopefully good. I need to read through my readings - being the reader is one thing for a service but giving me 5 readings is taking the mick (Andy!)...
I'm back at work officially on sunday too... la la la, its been 'interesting' taking time out!

Dreading again!

2006-10-26T18:01:00.000Z

I've spent the day at Jelly's again today. But i am pleased to say that his hair is finished! yay! (Apologies - I've nicked James' laptop and half the keys are missing! Space bar is very unresponsive too!)
I've had a good day tho! We are having a celebratory meal later too, because Julie has got into her shop! She now owns the lease on a shop in Beaulieu - 'Bear it in Mind'. It's going to be good, u should visit when you are in the area!
Right, I am going to watch Superman and help get all the Chinese food in the oven! We are watching 50 First Dates later... I love that movie!!

Dreading Jelly...

2006-10-24T22:31:00.000Z

It isnt quite how it sounds!
I have spent the afternoon helping to dreadlock the hair of one of my youth group. It took rather longer than we had hoped so i stayed for tea and we watched X-men 3... good film, probably easier to follow if you're not all laughing at other things. It has been so nice to get out of the house and spend time with different people. Huge thanks to Julie for making sure I am staying sane through all this!
I also had physio today... I'm making good progress, i have good muscle strength, movement and balance. I just need to work on my regulation of weight - ie i cant walk downstairs properly yet! I must just point out i only had the operation a week ago!!
Right, i am off to bed, it's been a long day - the longest time i have been out and active since the op. I am feeling it now.

I have the power...

2006-10-22T19:14:00.000Z

I now have control over what is posted on the youth section of the Church website...yay! I can keep it up to date! So if it's out of date - u can blame me!
It has given me something to do... I am so bored!
Right, please pray for Liz... not saying anything, just praying...

Post Operation!

2006-10-21T20:33:00.000Z

Well I have survived surgery. It was the most painful of all the ones I've had, but the cock up with the painkillers didnt help! But we have it sorted now... Feeling a little sick on the drugs but that's life!
I AM SOOO SICK OF THESE 4 WALLS! Let me out! But i cant manage more than an hour or so out at any time. Grrr!
I'm struggling, feeling lonely, ill and in pain.

What a week!

2006-10-14T10:10:00.000Z

Well, its been interesting! Alpha is going brilliantly... I'm so pleased with it and we have a great group.
I'm just winding down ready for surgery next week. So its all a bit strange right now.
There are a lot of problems with politics atm. Its a bit nasty - but the future is exciting...the journey there will be painful tho. Its growing pains.
Meeting Jane was great, even tho my mum wouldnt stop talking! Hmmm.
Off out with some friends today so that's cool. Church and Holy Smoke tomo and then more to life and booking the Alpha away day on monday. A hideous kids and youth leaders meeting in the eve and then tuesday is Dday! Not going to comment any more on that. Those who know me best know how i feel and are standing with me in this, in prayer and support.

Finally its over

2006-10-09T16:15:00.000Z

Well i have survived the weekend. I wont comment majorly, its not fair on those involved, but generally it was a good weekend and the kids enjoyed it. We have built good relationships with the kids. Alison was brilliant. Couldnt have done it with out her. We are going to be reviewing all the off site policies i think though! It's been interesting and im mentally, physically and emotionally exhausted. I need time to regroup and pull myself together. I have some other massve things coming up and I need to be able to cope with them.
I've had Phil shadowing me this morning. He is the Children's and Youth worker for St Mary's in Longbenton, Newcastle. That is our twin parish. He's really nice, it was a great to spend time with someone near my own age and who isnt from my work (well not technically!). He sat in the office while i sorted out the paperwork after the weekend. Then he helped me find the illustrations for my Alpha talk. Then we went to the pub to hang out - yay! I beat him at pool, then he decided to teach me to play darts - and i beat him at that too! He he!
Tomorrow is my day off, I am going to Marlborough with my Mum to meet up with Jane, yay! Will be nice to see her. Havent seen her since February and that was fairly brief! Jane was like an 'adopted' Mum to me during my final year at Uni so that will be lovely to see her.
Tonight i may go to the informal prayer and worship evening at church. I need some time to receive. Particularly as i couldnt join Ali in the service last night as i had to be at Holy Smoke and i missed Church yesterday as i was on the IOW supervising all weekend!! It really depends on if I'm still awake!
Next week finds me having more surgery... I'm not looking forward to it, and that is massive understatement.

IOW!

2006-10-06T21:05:00.000Z

I am off to the IOW with Blitz tomo. There are 16 of us going, please pray for us. That we have a great time, getting to know each other and God better.
I injured my knee yesterday after Alpha, I am now in lots of pain (more than usual) so please pray that everything is ok, there are a lot of stairs at the centre!
Youth Alpha was good yesterday - a lot easier than the launch! Please continue to pray for all the kids and leaders!
Been out this evening for a meal with some friends - very nice! My mouth was on fire for half of it tho!!
Right - I must get all the last bits and pieces together for tomo morning! Ali is coming at 8:30am!!!

Another busy week out of the way!

2006-10-01T20:49:00.000Z

Youth Alpha - Well, i think INTERESTING is the word! We fed 15 teenage guests at the launch meal. 9 of whom stayed to hear me speak on Christianity. Watch this space, for how the course develops! I was pleased that the 6 girls did leave in the end - they were a very large presence and threatened some of our other young people.
I spent yesterday with Liz - we went to Paultons Park! We had free tickets, so we made the most of the very short queues! Was lovely to see her and to be able to spend quality time with her.
I have just got back from the Youth Service, Holy Smoke all did brilliantly. My sermon went down well, had lots of positive responses. Always encouraging! I'm feeling positive, its a busy week but will keep facing forwards!
I believe the poo is going to hit the fan tomo morning but we shall see! That's a whole other story!

Alpha tomorrow - la la la!

2006-09-27T20:13:00.000Z

I cant believe it is tomo....
My talk is written, the pizza is ordered, the technology tested....so now we must wait and pray... and if that wasnt enough, I am preaching at the evening service on Sunday! Yay...then off to the IOW the weekend after... im going to need a holiday after this. But God is doing great things. Its a priviledge to be on board!
I will let you know what happens!
Please pray!!!!!

Busy, busy, busy!

2006-09-25T19:44:00.000Z

I'm so tired!! We are launching Youth Alpha in 3 days!! Wooo! I wrote the launch talk today... and if that wasnt enough, I am preaching at the evening service on Sunday! Yay...then off to the IOW the weekend after... im going to need a holiday after this. But God is doing great things. Its a priviledge to be on board!

Tiredness, abuse and the IOW!

2006-09-22T21:06:00.000Z

Its been an eventful week!
I cant even remember what day it is! I'm that tired! But never mind. Yesterday Andy and I travelled to the Isle of Wight to see the centre that we are taking the 11-14s to in a couple of weeks time. Its a really nice place....far too many steps but that's life! I think we'll have a great weekend!
I led Alpha training last night - we are ready to go! I cant believe it, we are launching Youth Alpha...it's very exciting!
Despite the great excitement and the IOW trip, I am extremely tired and therefore i am quite vulnerable... therefore the abusive email i got thru the office from a church member (yep!) knocked me far harder than it would usually. I just dont need it. There are so many better ways of going about these things, not by being offensive. I agree there is a small issue - that i am in the process of dealing with, but some of the complaints are just untrue...
I'm cross and quite upset by this... but i'l get over it and get on with work... I just hope she doesnt take it further - i have left it with the rector to deal with.

WOW!

2006-09-18T18:35:00.000Z

Gosh, wow, Holy Smoke last night...there were 20 of us squashed into the Unwin Room. It was hard work, because some people will always insist on disrupting, but so so encouraging to have so many people there, 4 new faces and lots of the pathfinders who have moved up too. If this continues we are going to have to start thinking about Cell groups and splitting them up a bit. But I don't have to worry about it on my own anymore. James and I are a team, praise God... and we have Phil on board too. Love him and his wife sooo much!

Alpha

2006-09-16T22:01:00.000Z

I have just returned from an awesome evening. We have just launched Alpha in our area. 50+ people coming to hear about the Gospel. A few of the teenagers intending to do Youth Alpha also came. I have had some very encouraging conversations... people are searching, Jesus is the answer. I am feeling positive - despite all that is going on and how i feel, God is in charge and he is changing hearts.
Please pray for the launch of Youth Alpha on Sept 28th. Also for the leaders, for me, Richard, Alison, Jill, Julie and our young leaders, James, Josh and Steff. Pray for those thinking of coming along.

Yawn

2006-09-10T16:48:00.000Z

Well its a new term, a new job, but the work is still there!! I have so much to do! We are taking Blitz away for a weekend soon and im co-ordinating - its proving to be very stressful! Very thankful for Alison - she's been my sounding board when i've been budgeting for it. She's a complete legend!
I'm really very tired too, I'm not sleeping very well, and im staying super busy at the moment too.
All the groups are kicking off this week, please pray.

ARGH!!!!

2006-09-04T20:51:00.000Z

I need to learn to say no!! Is all I need to say! Its all a bit manic - all made worse by an assembly!! That isnt in my remit!!!!!
Hmph!

Grrrr!

2006-09-02T08:18:00.000Z

Plans change, things come up, yeah i get that... but atleast tell me. Dont just do something else and then wait for me to ask, that's just rude.
I need a friend, locally. My best friend is in Bristol, others live away. Feeling a bit lonely - term time can be like that... its not so bad when work gets busier.
Ho hum... just having a low time.
Interview etc tomo, and a service on 'New Starts'... the idea of new starts terrifies me.

Back to work - and its all been a bit hectic!

2006-08-31T17:04:00.000Z

Well it didnt get a whole lot more exciting really! I discovered that my painkillers could be having some wierd side effects. Took some on Saturday evening and then nearly passed out during the Sunday morning service. Was really wiped out and woozy for the whole day and if im honest im still not 100%, so maybe it wasnt the painkillers. We shall see!
I went to Brighton on Tuesday to visit my friend Sarah, was so good to see her and her flat - finally, she's been living there for 2 years now.
Then back to work yesterday, sooo much to be sorted by this weekend.
This weekend we are watching Chicken Little - as i promised the kids at Soul Survivor that we could as it clashed with dinner while we were there!
This sunday I am being interviewed by John for my new job and 'commissioned' by the church. Its a new start, please pray for me.

Sooo bored!

2006-08-25T10:51:00.000Z

I'm actually dying of boredom! Time off is great but I'm finding it hard to fill the time! I want to get back into the swing of work. I have loads of term plan ideas buzzing round in my head, but I'm trying to be good and not work on them! Other people are at work, Ruth, Sarah, my Sister, Emma, Ewan.... So there isnt a lot to do, getting bored of my parents! I have even created a myspace profile! I was that bored!!
Well its friday today - hopefully able to catch up with people over the weekend and then sunday is Church so that'll be good - my last work free sunday morning service! Then back to work on Wednesday!
Its all going to be ok!

The next step...

2006-08-24T17:40:00.000Z

The next step for me is apparently more surgery :( .
Im not sure how i feel about this. I know I need it, and that it might help. But I still have to wait 8 weeks and the pain is getting worse.
So October 17th will find me in hospital with Professor Barrett sticking a telescope in my knee and grinding away the underneath of my knee cap.... great. Then I will have a 5 week recovery time to endure. I really really really struggled after my last op, so im quite worried.
Prayers appreciated.

Time off!

2006-08-21T16:20:00.000Z

I'm taking some time off from work, before i start my new job at the beginning of September. Its all good to have some free time after the 'manic-ness' of the last few weeks! I went up to Telford to stay with Jo and Matthew last week, that was really nice and great to chill out. Shame i was drugged to the eyeballs for most of it. Pain levels are high at the moment. I'm really hoping this is just a patch. Yesterday, was horrible, i didnt do anything over the top but in the evening i couldnt even move, had to take strong drugs and go to bed at 9... therefore was knocked out til 11 today. Its not fair.

Wow, God continues to blow my mind!

2006-08-14T20:23:00.000Z

Wow... Soul survivor is over. I dont really know where to start! God moved in these kids lives! It was truely amazing. We didnt have a meeting where we werent needed for ministry with our kids, with prayer, tissues and a caring hug. I am completely drained... as are my leaders, we need prayer for rest and relaxation, and against attack. The week was amazing, 2 of my kids gave their lives to Christ and one (who last year told me that Christianity wasnt for him) was praising God with all his might and told me that if his wedding night was supposed to be his best night ever - it would have to be completely amazing to beat the last night of Soul Survivor where God blessed so many of us! I am on an emotional high, despite my physical low. I love every single one of those kids and I'm so proud of them. The hardest and most humbling part of the week was not being able to walk unaided for most of the time. I had to rely on my other leaders and the kids for help - something i am not very good at. God has taught me a lot this week, thru the kids and the leaders. I have an awesome mentor for next year, who i know is going to look out for me, i feel that i can tell her what ever i need to, like safe to share - I am thanking God so much for her.
This isnt over for any of us... God will continue to move and i must be there to help these kids. The follow up is more important, the other leaders and i are going to be key in that. I am so grateful for their support.
I am going to take a few days away now and rest, visiting some friends.
Please pray for us - all 22 of us... coming home is always hard.
God bless. xxx

Soul Survivor is on the horizon!

2006-08-07T19:01:00.000Z

Well Holiday club is well and truely over... I think Sunday was the most tiring day in the end. Probably because i finally stopped! I was on the go all morning... on stage for the entire service. I think it went well.... except for the moment when Andy said 'so Helen, how do people become a Christian?'... my mind went completely blank! I blagged it and apparently it sounded fine! Hmmm!
But i have to forget about Holiday Club now and focus on Soul Survivor...in 48 hours we will be worshipping together in the big top!! Wow!
Please pray for me... pain is a huge concern, not to mention all the other issues that we will have to face.

It's nearly over!

2006-08-05T21:36:00.000Z

We have nearly finished Holiday Club!! Wow, i cant believe i have survived! We had the fun day today and it was great. Even me getting soaked in the stocks! Oh well, at least its been hot today! The whole week has been great fun if not a little painful and stressful. Our team (me and Andy) had 4 family trips to A&E between us in 5 days, what with my sister and Gran and then his son. We must be doing something right - we are under so much attack at the moment.
I have enjoyed myself this week, but i am going to suffer for it. We have reached a lot of kids with the gospel and we are praying that they will bring their parents along to the service tomo. I am on stage for the whole service tomo...gar! Please pray i dont collapse after the warm up!
Right... I am going to carry on playing with my new toy...i bought a laptop today!! Yay!
Sorry, this is a little random - it reflects the state of my head!

PS for a slightly more detailed Holiday club report see Liz's Blog

Day 1!

2006-08-01T17:09:00.000Z

Well, day one is over! Hmmm how will we get thru the rest of the week? I don't know, but there we go. Today has gone well generally but i'm exhausted. That's life! Blah blah blah. Its been one of those weeks. Yesterday, my mum spent all day at A&E with my sister, who had been up all night vomiting and with stabbing pains in her stomach. But now we have just heard that my Gran has had a nasty fall, my parents have gone over there, so we are just waiting. Prayers appreciated.

Well I'm alive, but I have hurt myself

2006-07-30T20:01:00.000Z

Well the issue has been faced head on. I have to just wait and see what happens now. I handled it in the best way I could. I am still enemy number 1, but I was expecting that. Though however much I prepared myself for it, it still hurt a lot to be completely blanked by someone I care about.
Now it is time to stop thinking about Soul Survivor and think about Holiday club. It kicks off officially on tuesday, but I'm on the go all day tomo with practices and planning. We had our first stage rehearsal this afternoon and i have hurt myself already. I cant do anything without causing pain, a lesson i have to learn.
Please pray, im scared by all the pain.

New Wine

2006-07-29T09:27:00.000Z

Well that was eventful! We got attacked by people with dodgy Theology. They were going round the market place and collaring people to push their strange ideas. It really unsettled us. How will people ever hear the Gospel if it is wrong to assocciate with Non-Christians? This was one among many of their dodgy ideas. Did u know i am a sinner for wearing earrings?! It isnt the kind of thing you expect when at a Christian conference. Matthew (very wise man! Dont get me wrong Jo is very wise too!) took Ruth round to control to talk to security about it, because it really was worrying, and we had to rescue a young girl from them later as well. Gosh, its always exciting with me around!
New Wine itself was ok, it wasnt really that relevant to us, but nice to be there and be part of the worship. The best bit, and the main reason was to see Jo, really nice to catch up and chat. The four of us had a good prayer time last night, im still very muddled but good to give it over to God with someone else.
Today i face the head of the problem that has been brewing and bubbling for months, I have to handle it right, please pray for wisdom and guidance.
Right, today i begin my 16 days straight manic time at work. Holiday club starts on tuesday and we start practices tomo. Liz is coming on monday, so that will be good, great to have her around again.
I guess its watch this space.... if i blog again, im still alive.

The poo has hit the fan!

2006-07-27T19:19:00.000Z

Gosh, what a few days.
The S**t really has hit the fan. I cant really explain because i dont know who will read this, but i will say that i cannot win in this, what ever i do someone is going to attack me. And going on what has already happened its not going to be pretty. Im going to hang on to my job over this, cos I have done the right thing, just not everyone agrees. My management team do tho.
This is a very painful time tho, I'm hurting, in many many ways. Please pray, i'm scared everytime the phone rings.

Well there we go

2006-07-26T18:10:00.000Z

I'm just on my way out to a meeting about Alpha. We are hoping to run Youth Alpha at church, we have all been called together to discuss what is going to happen.
Just want to say Congratulations to Liz on getting her degree! Well done dude!
Right, on the previous matter i blogged on... Ali and i discussed it and gave in. I couldnt cope with the bullying. We shall see what happens as a result. With leaders and kids alike - neither are co-operating. Its horrible to be honest. But never mind!
Im rushing to finish all the bits i have to for Holiday club. So that i can have some chill time tomo and then Ruth and I are off to New Wine on Friday for the day!!! Yay i get to see Jo! Havent seen her properly to chat with for ages. So that will be good. And a great chance to connect with God and spend time with Ruth.
Anyway off i go to my meeting! La la la, lots of people i need to face at this meeting and talk to, not many i want to tho! Pleased Ali and Julie will be there.
Please pray, holiday club, more pain and more stress are all on the horizon.

It got to me

2006-07-23T13:14:00.000Z

I broke this morning at Church, i have had enough. I wish i had never agreed to take the kids away. Im sick of being bullied, argued with, over looked and completely disrespected. I'm going over to see Alison later... we can decide the way forward. I'll carry on - i always do, but the point is it isnt fair. I shouldnt have to take this. Alison and Julie were amazing this morning, looking after me. Its just the accumalation of everything, the pain and the stress.
Im really struggling today. Please pray for me.

The Aftermath!

2006-07-23T06:32:00.000Z

Hmmm. I think that sums it up nicely. It was, well, interesting to say the least. Shame about the fact that the pact that Sarah and i had about chucking people out if they were rude or too drunk, couldnt extend to the friend of Sarah's who was staying here last night. She was a nightmare. In fact all of Sarah's friends were. Im sure that they are very nice people, WHEN THEY ARE SOBER! Gosh, i dont appreciate a bunch of 18 year olds coming into my house and calling me and my friends a bunch of c***s. Not only do i hate that term, but come on, get over yourselves. Perhaps i was wrong that at 18 and 23 people could mix happily. The younger kids just hung out in the kitchen complaining if we came in. My friends all gathered around the table on the patio, until... the ogre's wife next door sticks her large unwanted head over the fence and yells that if they dont shut up she'd call the police... Interesting threat, considering it was the first thing she had said. So that is the line i am maintaining. They came inside as soon as they realised they were bothering anyone. Stupid woman. Right, i guess i should begin to clear up a bit. I think my sister has done a lot already but i must collect up bottles for the bottle bank. Its a little unfair that i didnt drink anything alcoholic at all but i feel as sick as anything this morning. Gar! And i have early starts all this week! La La La.

Ps all credit to my sister, who handled her stupid friends well, even when i had to have a go at one of them.

Pps. I won the bet over how many of Sarah's friends would be sick... 1, tho yes Emma you have a case to argue - he was sick plenty enough for 2!!

A gathering of randoms!

2006-07-22T17:26:00.000Z

This evening could be interesting. Sarah (my sister) and I are preparing for a gathering of friends at our house this evening. Both are currently wondering whose dumb idea this was as we sweep the patio of its flood and frantically pray that it doesnt rain so that we dont end up with everyone in the house! I think i have changed my mind about the whole thing. My knees are really hurting and there is no one coming who understands about my knees. (This is the same issue I have with holiday club - there is no one who wont push me too far!) But anyway, that is bye the bye. I will relax and not think about work (except that i have to be up in the morning! Ahh well! Anyway, i must sort out last minute bits and pieces and shower before people arrive. Please pray that people get along - some of my friends can be very unsociable with people outside the group - it winds me up!! It would be nice if Sarah's friends mixed with mine too, but without certain people being rude!! Im not sure of the general opinion of my friends of my sister either. So this could be interesting as many havent seen her since she was about 15. She is now 18 and a young woman - how old do i sound?! But our relationship has matured, dont get me wrong we can still wind eachother up no end, but things are a lot better than they were. Hoping people will come without preconcieved ideas!
La la la!

Ok now im cross

2006-07-21T15:31:00.000Z

Im not going to give details - it wouldn't be fair. But it seems that how ever hard i try i cant do the right thing. When i do, i get insulted, rejected and hurt. If it was from kids i could almost take it - but not condone it, but from the parents it just makes me question why at all i do this. Its just insane and upsets me greatly. Im in pain, but im still doing this. I could have quit and refused to take all this, but im still doing it. Im not asking for recognition... im asking for the respect i deserve. I am going to give in to the bullying... purely because i cannot cope.

Its a sad day

2006-07-20T18:53:00.000Z

Today is the first time that my knees have really interfered with my work. I am meant to be at Youth church, but my knees are so painful. So for once, as i know they have enough leaders, i have done the sensible thing and stayed at home and rested. But instead of supporting me and caring, the other leaders are bullying me and guilt-tripping me into going anyway. This is partly why i never pull out of things and try not to let people down, cos i hate it so much when people do it to me, but then when i do i get guilt tripped. Im upset and angry by this. I hate being controlled by the pain, but sometimes i have to give in. Usually i push thru it, but I'm going to be spending the next few weeks doing that and i've been told by the chair of my employment group that he doesnt want me injuring myself further. I hate the pain and the problems it causes, but i hate having to explain and justify myself too.
Im not happy.

Scared by Holiday Club?!

2006-07-18T17:46:00.000Z

What am I? Like 6 yrs old?!
But seriously tho, I am feeling anxious at the thought of Holiday Club. I am now doing the role of 2 people, overall trouble shooter and supervisor, pastor to the young leaders, one half of the up front duo, planning and leading of messy games, and teaching the stories from the front. Not to mention all the random bits and pieces that will no doubt fall into my lap. Dont get me wrong - i enjoy holiday club and it is a huge priviledge to be able to teach 110 children about Jesus! Its a huge ask for me physically tho... I'm not good at saying no, and i never pull out... esp if it lets people down - i just cant do it. So God give me the wisdom to know when to stop and the humility to ask for help.
Right - to the rest of my day off - i must not spend any more money!! Ooops!
God bless - may you know He loves you, we all need reminding at times.

Routines

2006-07-17T21:01:00.000Z

Its taken me the weekend to manage it, but i have managed to get back into the routine of cooking/cleaning/washing. A habit i had got out of when i returned from Uni.
Routines are a good thing, they help get things done. But we must be careful not to get stuck in a routine and not leave space for God to move. We mustnt put God in a box. Easy for me to say, i know, but its been on my heart. I'm guilty of it. Especially with everything with my knees - putting God in one box and the pain in an other. Its not the right way to live.
"HAVE WE MADE OUR GOD TOO SMALL, too small?
Have we made our God too small?
He made the heavens and earth and He reigns on high
Yet He's got the time for you and I"
Time to hear everything - even the same pain over and over.

Soul Survivor

2006-07-16T16:23:00.000Z

Well i have survived the Soul Survivor meeting. Good to get most people together. A few noteable gaps but i shall chase them. Overall it has been successful tho i think, i was able to answer every question thrown at me! My senior leaders are fab!
Right - Holy Smoke now! I can usually cope with this pace, but with pain levels this high - im struggling. However, i run from the still and quiet - and with an empty house i'm going to keep busy!
Ha!

Wet and Wild night

2006-07-15T10:02:00.000Z

Hmmm, how dodgy does that sound? But actually not... our 11-14s club night, Blitz. An evening of water games. But it was cold!! My knees are/were so painful. I was asked what stupid things i had been doing to make me that bad. I wish i could say that i had, that i had been out having fun and had done too much. But i havent, i've been doing my best to not hurt them, and yet they are worse than ever.
I guess u can tell im having a down day, but there we go, that happens. Its going to be a busy weekend, and i have a washing up rota to make!
ARGH!

Yay!

2006-07-11T20:13:00.000Z

Well the PCC have decided my future. They decided that they would like me to work for them as part of the Staff Team (I kinda was anyway, but as a volunteer!) but this is as St Andrew's Schools and Youth worker. Full Salary etc. Im very chuffed! Clearly they appreciate what I do. Its good news tho!
Things are good, praise God!

Busy weekend!

2006-07-11T08:04:00.000Z

Its been a very hectic weekend! Liz arrived on thursday, and had to do Thursday night church that evening, then Friday was dress shopping for Liz's wedding - yep, me in a dress! Hmmm reserving judgement! Then we ran Youth Drop-in. Then the highlight of the weekend... Pathfinder camp! Great fun, but hard work. 12 great 11-13s. But I'm suffering now... the pain in my knees is through the roof! If one night of camping does that to me, how will i cope with running the camp for 5 days at Soul Survivor? Prayers appreciated. Though the leaders I have in support are amazing. Alison I love you!
Tried to chill out for the rest of saturday, we showed our faces at the Orchard School Fayre, then went for an amazing cream tea at church - visit St Andrew's coffee shop if u can! (Opening times). Visiting relatives on saturday evening, an endurance feat but we survived!
Church was good, a vibrant service and wonderful to see my pathfinders return from camp in such high spirits!
Yesterday was stressful, apparently it is possible to make 4 major errors with one booking. If i have to send yet more cheques i will be unimpressed. School and More to Life was great, despite a missing leader. We made helmets of salvation and checked how protected we are from attack and how important it is that we have a knowledge of our salvation because we dont always feel it.
Right, today is my day off. Im going to drive my parents to get their car fixed and then go into town to see what i can get in the way of camping equipment to make things easier on my knees. Think i may treat myself to a new sleeping bag too...one that wasnt a drain pipe in a former life!
Please pray for the continuing preparations for Soul Survivor - im struggling to find space to transport all the equipment and all the people! Gar!
Ok i off, im awaiting a call from the chair of the PCC - they sat deciding my future last night... hmmm!
God bless x

Lunchbreaks and the like

2006-07-03T11:36:00.000Z

Today is a fairly busy day.
Im always in school on a monday so the morning is usually spent in prep for that. Today we are doing the Shield of Faith, thanks to my amazing friend Sarah for the great cling film shield idea! I love having friends who are either creative or Youth workers! I really enjoy teaching a small group of kids who have come along to learn. Its just such a priviledge.
The rest of today is to be spent photocopying and planning! Its that time of year again - sending out Soul Survivor info packs!
Tomo, however is my day off and im going to Gunwharf Quays with my family!
I believe God is going to move in St Andrew's Youth Ministry soon. He is preparing us, that is never easy and often painful. Pray for humility to be moulded.
God Bless

I love my job but...

2006-07-01T21:39:00.000Z

I cannot cope with rude kids! I disciplined one and he belched in my face. He is sooo banned from Blitz for 2 weeks! No wet and wild night for him! Or his equally rude little friend.
Out on the streetwise bus this evening. A good evening, we met a lot of kids but i feel sick from Gavin's driving, and i wasnt the only one!
I know i am called to this job, but there are times when i question my calling - this is one of them. I am under a lot of attack at the moment. So God is going to do great things. IN HIS NAME - is the only way im going to get thru this!

Just briefly

2006-06-27T09:31:00.000Z

Things are interesting right now...
Prayers very much appreciated - I dont know what is going to happen.
To update tho, the assembly went well, despite having two bosses watching! I survived my busy week, but i need to recharge!
Looking forward to Liz's visit! Yay! Oooh camping in the forest with the Pathfinders, fun!
Today is my day off...so i must get on and..... do nothing YAY!

Busy, busy, busy!

2006-06-20T21:28:00.000Z

This has to be one of the busiest weeks ever! Coming back from holiday to complete mayhem! Im leading 7 sessions this week, and then attending at least 3 other sessions and events and its meetings galore! Hmmmm!

There are a lot of other things looming in the background. Things I only have the strength to face by the Grace of God. Its going to be a difficult few weeks, for me and for others I care about. Life is scary right now - pray for the courage to carry on in His strength.

Right - bedwards... Im doing an assembly tomo, and im being observed by the new Vicar!!

God's Big Story!

2006-06-17T22:05:00.000Z

Ok so God is amazing!
He just completely came and met me where i was. Completely swamped by God! Awesome.

On a slightly more dodgy note i was trying to sit down on the floor with everyone else and my knee gave way and i fell on top of Andy, my boss! Brilliant! Hmmm!

Right i have planning to do and casualty to watch!

Holiday return!

2006-06-17T16:23:00.001Z

Well I have returned!
Im alive! Just! Shame the weather wasnt that great most of the time but never mind! We did go to Nausicaa tho - huge marine centre - i want a pink tropical fish!!
My knees just about held up - we shall see what the effect of driving home has been!
Right - off to Big Story. Get to see an old friend and hang out with my kids and leaders and help them to connect with God. Its what my job is all about. I love it - it reminds me of why i do what i do! Pray for a connection for me tho, i feel far from God, need to just sit at His feet.
Busy weekend - tomo we plan for Soul Survivor! Yay!
God Bless x

Ok I'm know I said I wouldnt blog...

2006-06-11T06:37:00.000Z

But I woke up stupidly early. Perhaps I shoudld be packing for tomo's holiday (!) or preparing for Holy Smoke (14-18 church youth group) this evening. But no - I am (possibly) leading pathfinders (10-13) this morning anyway, but I dont actually know cos apparently communication is over-rated! So I am not going to do work before I have to go to church. I am watching Calender Girls instead!!!

Hmmm, my knee is hurting a little this morning - this does not bode well for driving for the holiday. However, God is faithful - it will be ok. However much I say that however - my stomach, or the butterflies in it, is saying otherwise. God give me the faith to leave EVERYTHING at the Cross.

Right - ok, I have a cold - sooo not fair just before my holiday but there we go! Plus I need to make sure people know I'm off work this week - helpfully it hasnt gone on the notice sheet - I dont want random calls from parents etc this week!!

Ok, ok, ok, going! God bless x

Spot the Difference!

2006-06-10T12:30:00.000Z

Me!!!

2006-06-10T12:22:00.000Z

Blog No. 1!

2006-06-10T12:08:00.000Z

Hey hey!
Here we go, welcome to the word of Helen!
The aim is to blog whenever I can, but hmmm - we shall she!
So, anyway.... im off on holiday on Monday so I doubt i shall blog before then, so I'll update when I get back!
Yay.

Ps - Liz this is all your fault!