Charlie's 18th birthday came and went very quickly. He went to Letton Hall with church on the Friday and then came back on Saturday to party and go clubbing with his school friends. We had a dramatic end to the week end due to Charlie developing an allergic reaction to something he ate and we ended up in A & E ! We were told it was due to something he had ingested within the hour so reckon it was the colouring in the BBQ sauce on his ribs! Very scary at the time but thankfully he was ok after Piriton.
Still amending my thesis and looking for part-time work. I have applied for a couple of part-time lecturing posts to start in January but haven't heard anything yet. Sure God has got something planned for me so I need to be patient.
Wednesday 23 November 2011
Thursday 20 October 2011
Autumn half -term
Half-term is here again. The children have two weeks off school. Rosie is in Germany this week on a hockey tour and is back tomorrow. I took Harry to visit my mum yesterday. An almost 400 miles round trip to spend 3 hours with her but it was worth it. It was a beautiful day and we went to Rivington and drove over Belmont. We saw for miles and could see Blackpool tower, the sea at Lytham from the top of Belmont, close to Winter Hill. The Autumnal colours looked stunning as a result of the sunshine-which is rare in that part of the country. My mum enjoyed her drive and we stopped off at Ikea in Birmingham on the way home and bought a few bits of tat. Much to our surprise Ikea have stopped selling Dime chocolate which was the sole purpose of the visit to the shop.
Back home a friend came round for the evening and we drove into town to drop Charlie off to go clubbing! I am in a whole new phase of parenting with Charlie as he has discovered clubs. He came in at 4am with a friend and they are both still asleep. He will be 18 in 3 weeks time and I am hoping that his new found freedom won't deter him from other more important things in his life right now.
We're all off to Interlaken for a few days at the week-end. Looking forward to spending precious family time together as I am very much aware that the children are growing up and Charlie will be at university this time next year.
Other highlights during the last couple of weeks include, Graham's parents coming over last Sunday for tea, two trips to Cambridge and a meal with friends at Browns and Harry playing in Evan Roger's band at church. We had a great multicultural celebration at church at the weekend with a huge party and dancing and singing . Apparently there are people from 28 different nations who are part of our church, which is amazing and worthy of celebration. Church is a reflection of our town's diverse population which it ought to be. The two services are going well with 191 people at the 9am service and 192 at the second on the first Sunday.
Working hard to fit my writing in with the family at the moment. A deadline approaches but I am extending it by a few days. My supervisors are fantastic and have been very supportive and encouraging. Not sure whether I'll finish in December now and just need to take it one day at a time.
Back home a friend came round for the evening and we drove into town to drop Charlie off to go clubbing! I am in a whole new phase of parenting with Charlie as he has discovered clubs. He came in at 4am with a friend and they are both still asleep. He will be 18 in 3 weeks time and I am hoping that his new found freedom won't deter him from other more important things in his life right now.
We're all off to Interlaken for a few days at the week-end. Looking forward to spending precious family time together as I am very much aware that the children are growing up and Charlie will be at university this time next year.
Other highlights during the last couple of weeks include, Graham's parents coming over last Sunday for tea, two trips to Cambridge and a meal with friends at Browns and Harry playing in Evan Roger's band at church. We had a great multicultural celebration at church at the weekend with a huge party and dancing and singing . Apparently there are people from 28 different nations who are part of our church, which is amazing and worthy of celebration. Church is a reflection of our town's diverse population which it ought to be. The two services are going well with 191 people at the 9am service and 192 at the second on the first Sunday.
Working hard to fit my writing in with the family at the moment. A deadline approaches but I am extending it by a few days. My supervisors are fantastic and have been very supportive and encouraging. Not sure whether I'll finish in December now and just need to take it one day at a time.
Tuesday 4 October 2011
Knuckling down
I am determined to finish my PhD and am aiming to submit on 31st December this year. So in an attempt to be less distracted by the Internet whilst I am working I have de-activated my Facebook account. However I am now on Twitter and am hoping that this won't distract me either. We have had a heatwave here in the UK during the last few days which has been a lovely start to Autumn and makes the prospect of the predicted Arctic Winter more bearable. We headed over to Cambridge on Saturday ( just the two of us) which was great-we're still thinking about moving back once Rosie has finished her GCSEs, which will be in two year's time.
We are all well and enjoying some of the challenges in our lives at the moment!
We are all well and enjoying some of the challenges in our lives at the moment!
Wednesday 14 September 2011
New season
The last month has flown by! The highlights include:
A fantastic holiday-the weather was stunning and we visited Italy and enjoyed 3 days on Lake Garda.
Children back at school. Rosie is settling well at her new school and has been picked for the hockey team which she is pleased about.
Two conference presentations for me. One at the University of Geneva and the other here at The O.U. Geneva is such a beautiful city and I managed to visit the reformation museum and learnt about Calvin's life and saw the house where he lived and the chapel where both himself and John Knox preached.
The new season is almost upon us with a distinct drop in the temperature and the nights are drawing in.
Lots happening at church and I am thankful to God for so many things, particularly that He never ever lets me down and is with me all the time in everything that I do.
Saturday 6 August 2011
My boy is home! Thanking God for the safe return of Charlie and how He has protected him during his month travelling and doing community work throughout China and Hong Kong. He has so many stories to tell us and we stayed up late last night so he could show us his photos. What an amazing time he has had.
The other two are at Newday and are also having a fantastic time with over 7000 12-19 year olds. One of Harry's friends who he took with him became a Christian-praise God. They are back tomorrow lunchtime and then all my chicks will have returned to the nest for a short time anyway!
Graham and I went to Interlaken on our own for 3 days this week. We had a great time and did the big walk- I didn't ache as much afterwards this time probably as I had climbed Helvellyn 10 days earlier. Prior to that my mum came down for 5 days which went well. She can't communicate properly but she had a good time and managed the train journey well. We took her over to see Graham's parents too.
I had supervision yesterday to discuss my thesis and for the first time I was told that I could possibly submit it at the end of the year! I have so much to do though but will do my best to finish it asap.
Our family holiday approaches which may be our last one for a while as Charlie won't want to come away with us next year. Looking forward to being together before the new season for all of us- Charlie's final school year, Harry's GCSE year and Rosie starting a new school. Exciting times ahead though.
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Mountains
I've had a productive couple of weeks which has helped to take my mind off missing Charlie. 10 days to go until his return and I can't wait to see him. We are all really missing him.
I've completed a complete draft thesis which is a milestone for me even though it made me realise how much work I still have to do.
We are thinking of taking in a German boy for a year starting from next September and the family came to dinner last week as they were in the UK for a holiday. The boy is exactly the same age as Harry and everybody is keen that he comes to live with us for the year. We will just wait and see what Charlie's plans are before we decide.
I am aching so much after a climb up Helvellyn (the third highest mountain in England) on Saturday. I had a great time though. The weather and views were superb and spending time with three friends was lovely. It was the break I needed after the hard work of the previous couple of weeks. We were only away one night but it felt longer as we did such a lot during the time we were away.
The summit of my metaphorical PhD mountain is getting closer with another steep climb ahead before I reach the top! My funding runs out at the end of next month so I have applied for a very part-time lecturing post (6 hours per week) to start in October.
Looking forward to our holiday next month and a couple of days away on our own next week whilst the children are away at Newday.
Monday 4 July 2011
Celebrating
So much has been happening recently. Two birthdays, 20th wedding anniversary, Charlie preparing for his month's trip to China on Wednesday, big presentation to the faculty, Graham's mum in hospital but now home and children's last week at school with musical evenings and prize giving.
We enjoyed our wedding anniversary and went to Cambridge for the evening. We had dinner at the hotel where we had our wedding reception. It was so lovely to go back and we are still thinking we will return to live in Cambridge one day, if that's where God is leading us.
I'm feeling very churned up inside about Charlie going to China. Whilst it will be a once in a lifetime experience for him I will miss him so much. A full month without any contact. The longest time away from home has been 6 days so it will be hard. Just praying for God's protection.
It is Rosie's last week at her school and she will join the boy's school in September. More change ahead.
Harry did D of E last week and returned a bit worse for wear after doing about 15 mile hikes for two days.
Friday 10 June 2011
Wednesday 8 June 2011
Tuesday, 8th June 2011
A great couple of weeks have been had by all. Highlights include:
Short trip to Interlaken-bad weather but went swimming and walking and it was a time of relaxation. I read Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa, an amazing powerful novel about the life of a Palestinian woman and her family. The novel spans four generations and gives a profound insight into life in a Palestinian refugee camp and the atrocities of the Israeli-Palestinian war. It was written from a Palestinian perspective which I hadn't really considered before, when thinking about the Jews return to the promised land. It just made me want to read about the experiences of Palestinian Christians, so I am waiting for This Side of Peace by Hanan Ashrawi to arrive from Amazon.
Amazing times at church-a day drip to the beach with the twenties group, powerful and life-changing talks about how God worked through Nehemiah and God ministering to people during the Alpha Holy Spirit evening.
Rosie will be 13 on the 14th! My baby will be a teenager. Her party is on Saturday. 17 girls will be having a manicure here. It is also Graham's mum's 80th and we will be having a small party for her here the day before.
Next week-end three friends and myself will be going to Interlaken for the weekend to do part of the Alpine Way, from Schynige Platte to First. The walk will take 6 hours. Really looking forward to it. Last year we climbed Helvellyn and decided to go continental this year. However, next week will be busy as I have my next draft chapter deadline on Thursday. The following week I will be presenting at the HSC conference which I'm not looking forward to.
Charlie's exams have finished and he has been busy doing jobs for us around the house as he needs to earn some money to help fund his trip to China next month. Harry is in the middle of exams and is off school timetable this week. Rosie is winding down now until the end of term and end of an era on the 8th July.
It will be our 20th wedding anniversary on the 22nd!
Short trip to Interlaken-bad weather but went swimming and walking and it was a time of relaxation. I read Mornings in Jenin by Susan Abulhawa, an amazing powerful novel about the life of a Palestinian woman and her family. The novel spans four generations and gives a profound insight into life in a Palestinian refugee camp and the atrocities of the Israeli-Palestinian war. It was written from a Palestinian perspective which I hadn't really considered before, when thinking about the Jews return to the promised land. It just made me want to read about the experiences of Palestinian Christians, so I am waiting for This Side of Peace by Hanan Ashrawi to arrive from Amazon.
Amazing times at church-a day drip to the beach with the twenties group, powerful and life-changing talks about how God worked through Nehemiah and God ministering to people during the Alpha Holy Spirit evening.
Rosie will be 13 on the 14th! My baby will be a teenager. Her party is on Saturday. 17 girls will be having a manicure here. It is also Graham's mum's 80th and we will be having a small party for her here the day before.
Next week-end three friends and myself will be going to Interlaken for the weekend to do part of the Alpine Way, from Schynige Platte to First. The walk will take 6 hours. Really looking forward to it. Last year we climbed Helvellyn and decided to go continental this year. However, next week will be busy as I have my next draft chapter deadline on Thursday. The following week I will be presenting at the HSC conference which I'm not looking forward to.
Charlie's exams have finished and he has been busy doing jobs for us around the house as he needs to earn some money to help fund his trip to China next month. Harry is in the middle of exams and is off school timetable this week. Rosie is winding down now until the end of term and end of an era on the 8th July.
It will be our 20th wedding anniversary on the 22nd!
Wednesday 25 May 2011
Working from home
I'm trying to decide whether the pros outweigh the cons of working from home. Whilst it is great that I can spend time in my own home and can combine work with the children and housework, I do miss my student colleagues. My home environment is more conducive to writing than the one at work but it is also one which leads to distraction. I also tend to accept too many coffee/lunch invitations. I recognise that I need to be more disciplined but putting it into practice is another matter. The cat getting stuck up a tree (again) whilst chasing a bird this morning didn't help! Thankfully Charlie is at home and so scaled the tree with a basket which the cat jumped into and then passed it down to me. Working on another draft findings chapter at the moment which is due in on Monday.
Charlie only has 3 more AS exams left, Harry has had a few end of year and an early gcse exam with more to follow after half term and Rosie's end of year exams are taking place all this week.
The weather is lovely but at the back of my mind I am concerned that we haven't had any rain for weeks now and the garden is looking very dry. The North of the country are having more than average rainfall whilst in the South there is talk of a drought!
Charlie only has 3 more AS exams left, Harry has had a few end of year and an early gcse exam with more to follow after half term and Rosie's end of year exams are taking place all this week.
The weather is lovely but at the back of my mind I am concerned that we haven't had any rain for weeks now and the garden is looking very dry. The North of the country are having more than average rainfall whilst in the South there is talk of a drought!
Monday 16 May 2011
A Monday in May
When God pours out His blessing upon you, you'll begin to see three things. First, that your problems are just an opportunity for Him to '...show Himself strong on [your] behalf...' (2 Chronicles 16:9 NKJV). Second, that His '"...strength is made perfect in [your] weakness"...' (2 Corinthians 12:9 NKJV). Third, that you can reach a place where you actually begin to thank God for your enemies, because God 'prepares a table', and vindicates you right there in front of them (Psalm 23:5 NKJV).
Part of my Bible notes for today. So true.
Really struggling with bad Hay Fever. Don't think I've ever had it so bad but it feels like I've got a permanent cold. I have been taking cetrizine or loperamide but both make me drowsy ( even the non-drowsy ) and don't make much difference in terms of symptom relief. Now taking Beconase. I heard on the radio this morning that the Milton Keynes area was the worst in the country for Hay Fever sufferers at the moment as we haven't had any rain for weeks plus it is so windy at the moment. Anyway, little rant over with. Supervision tomorrow then back to writing another draft chapter. I won't finish at the end of September but hopefully by the end of the year. My funding runs out in September so will need to find a part time job then. Just have to think that God is in control and knows what is best for me.
Our new assistant leader preached for the first time yesterday. Wow-what a challenge for us individually and as a Church. We need to break-out of our comfort zones and stand up for what we believe in more. Not rocket science but basic principles which we should adhere to and stop being wishy-washy Christians in our environments.
Charlie is off school now for exam leave and Harry breaks up soon. Half-term in a couple of weeks and we are off to Interlaken for a few days.
Part of my Bible notes for today. So true.
Really struggling with bad Hay Fever. Don't think I've ever had it so bad but it feels like I've got a permanent cold. I have been taking cetrizine or loperamide but both make me drowsy ( even the non-drowsy ) and don't make much difference in terms of symptom relief. Now taking Beconase. I heard on the radio this morning that the Milton Keynes area was the worst in the country for Hay Fever sufferers at the moment as we haven't had any rain for weeks plus it is so windy at the moment. Anyway, little rant over with. Supervision tomorrow then back to writing another draft chapter. I won't finish at the end of September but hopefully by the end of the year. My funding runs out in September so will need to find a part time job then. Just have to think that God is in control and knows what is best for me.
Our new assistant leader preached for the first time yesterday. Wow-what a challenge for us individually and as a Church. We need to break-out of our comfort zones and stand up for what we believe in more. Not rocket science but basic principles which we should adhere to and stop being wishy-washy Christians in our environments.
Charlie is off school now for exam leave and Harry breaks up soon. Half-term in a couple of weeks and we are off to Interlaken for a few days.
Sunday 8 May 2011
Loving the day already. Just about to go and get ready for church. The sun is shining and I'm enjoying the peace and quiet. Graham is away golfing in the Lakes with three friends, Charlie is in bed, Harry is camping in a field somewhere for a practice D of E and Rosie left early this morning to go to London for a friend's birthday party.
I drove 400 miles yesterday- a 350 round trip with Rosie to visit my mum and then we drove to Horwich and then to see my dad's tree and then to Frankie and Benny's for tea. We got back at 9pm. I'm glad I did it and whilst it's difficult trying to communicate with my mum I feel less guilty that I live so far away from her. She seemed well physically though.
Next week will be very busy. Two draft chapters in for Friday, Twenties on Tuesday, Prayer meeting on Wednesday and lots of the usual children's taxiing around. My car needs a major overhaul so will be in the garage all day on Tuesday.
We start prayer and fasting for a week, so Facebook and lunch will be replaced with prayer! That is my plan and with God's help I will do it. I know when we have prayed and fasted previously God has moved in our family and within the church!
I drove 400 miles yesterday- a 350 round trip with Rosie to visit my mum and then we drove to Horwich and then to see my dad's tree and then to Frankie and Benny's for tea. We got back at 9pm. I'm glad I did it and whilst it's difficult trying to communicate with my mum I feel less guilty that I live so far away from her. She seemed well physically though.
Next week will be very busy. Two draft chapters in for Friday, Twenties on Tuesday, Prayer meeting on Wednesday and lots of the usual children's taxiing around. My car needs a major overhaul so will be in the garage all day on Tuesday.
We start prayer and fasting for a week, so Facebook and lunch will be replaced with prayer! That is my plan and with God's help I will do it. I know when we have prayed and fasted previously God has moved in our family and within the church!
Thursday 5 May 2011
Thankful Thursday
I am thankful to God for many things at the moment:
Family-Graham and children and our health
Friends-I'm thankful that God always provides supportive friends especially at times when I need them.
The privilege of helping lead the Twenties group at church with Graham. We had 17 young adults in our growth group on Tuesday night and it was great. I'm so excited to see how God is going to help us all to grow and how He will transform us over the next few weeks. We're still running our Saturday group for the time being.
The opportunity to work from home and I'm praying that I won't get so easily distracted when I'm trying to write.
Another deadline approaches and I need to get my act together and start working hard. It has been difficult to write anything half decent during the last few weeks with the children being off school. Normally I can work when the children are here, with fights, arguments and laughter surrounding me alongside the general background noise that three children plus their friends make but since Harry has upped his band practices the noise from electric guitars has caused my brain to cease functioning I think!
I took my car to the garage this morning to sort out the air conditioning (which they couldn't fix and I have to return it next week)and as I was walking to collect my car I took the above picture of the lovely countryside.
Friday 22 April 2011
Good Friday 2011
I was up early this morning. I love this early morning solitude whilst everybody sleeps. I relish this short amount of peaceful time on my own when I read my bible and listen to the sounds from outside which are birds chirping away at the moment. The sun is peeking through the trees and it looks like it's going to be another beautiful day.
Good Friday today- what's good about a day that commemorates the brutal murder of God's son?
''He is broken, beaten, bloody. Pilate's soldiers are hitting him, making fun of him. They give him a crown of sharp, twisted thorns.''
I thank you Jesus for that brutal death on a cross because it has changed my eternal destiny! That is what is 'good' about today.
We have a busy weekend ahead. Church service this morning then an Easter witness service in the town centre at lunchtime. We are then driving to Cambridge to see some friends for a BBQ. Tomorrow we are having two families round for dinner and then on Sunday Graham's parents are coming over for lunch.
I've had a great few days this week and in between working a friend who was visiting from Australia came to stay and we went to Cambridge for the day which was really enjoyable. The weather has been stunning-it's like the middle of summer here.
Our new church leader has arrived from South Africa and will be preaching on Easter Sunday for the first time- really looking forward to that.
Friday 15 April 2011
Easter holidays
We had a few days in sunny Interlaken over the week-end. It was so hot and the weather was like how it is during August. We were going to go sledging but went walking and swimming instead. The snowline was retreating higher up the mountains so we decided to give it a miss. We climbed Harder Kulm which took two hours and then two hours down again. Rosie brought a friend with us and I was worried as she had never climbed a mountain before, but she was fine. The short break did me good and I started back working straight away and finished my second draft chapter yesterday.
I'm so enjoying the lazy mornings when I can stay in my pjs without school runs to contend with. Looking forward to seeing an old friend next week who I lived with in Switzerland. She is over here from Australia for a holiday and I spoke to her the other day. We are planning to meet in Cambridge next week as she will be staying with her sister who lives in Norfolk.
Wednesday 30 March 2011
30th March 2011
Another month which has whizzed by. It has been a challenging last few days:
Leaking bathroom- if we stood in the kitchen we could shower due to the leak from the bathroom above which is coming through the light sockets! So I managed to find a great handyman via a friend who has re-grouted and re-tiled most of the bathroom. He has also re-sealed and whitened the grout in our bathroom.
Broken laptop- I knocked my cup-a-soup over my laptop on Monday! It immediately stopped working. Thankfully I had just backed up my work. I have also managed to install NVivo on Harry's laptop and have copied my project onto that. So I can still work whilst a friend is going to try and retrieve the data from my old laptop. A lesson learnt.
Crisis with my mother- My mum's mental health is deteriorating and she allowed some dodgy guys to do some work on her roof. However, when they were demanding £600 from her a lady who was driving by recognised the roofers ( who had done the same to her ) and she dialled 999. The police arrived within minutes and did a great job. Apparently these guys were well known to them. My poor mum is obviously very shaken up about this. So I drove an almost 400 mile round trip on Sunday to go and see her. We had a nice day and I took her to my dad's tree and then we went out for something to eat. She is so confused though and can't remember much at all. It is a worry and she won't move in with us.
Working on a second draft chapter this week and just about to have a brief interlude to meet a friend who is coming over from Cambridge. I'm planning on taking her to the John Bunyan museum and then out for lunch.
Looking forward to a night in tonight. Monday we had book group and last night was Alpha which was excellent.
Leaking bathroom- if we stood in the kitchen we could shower due to the leak from the bathroom above which is coming through the light sockets! So I managed to find a great handyman via a friend who has re-grouted and re-tiled most of the bathroom. He has also re-sealed and whitened the grout in our bathroom.
Broken laptop- I knocked my cup-a-soup over my laptop on Monday! It immediately stopped working. Thankfully I had just backed up my work. I have also managed to install NVivo on Harry's laptop and have copied my project onto that. So I can still work whilst a friend is going to try and retrieve the data from my old laptop. A lesson learnt.
Crisis with my mother- My mum's mental health is deteriorating and she allowed some dodgy guys to do some work on her roof. However, when they were demanding £600 from her a lady who was driving by recognised the roofers ( who had done the same to her ) and she dialled 999. The police arrived within minutes and did a great job. Apparently these guys were well known to them. My poor mum is obviously very shaken up about this. So I drove an almost 400 mile round trip on Sunday to go and see her. We had a nice day and I took her to my dad's tree and then we went out for something to eat. She is so confused though and can't remember much at all. It is a worry and she won't move in with us.
Working on a second draft chapter this week and just about to have a brief interlude to meet a friend who is coming over from Cambridge. I'm planning on taking her to the John Bunyan museum and then out for lunch.
Looking forward to a night in tonight. Monday we had book group and last night was Alpha which was excellent.
Wednesday 23 March 2011
Spring is here
What a fab sunny day it has been. Recovering from a chest infection so haven't done much work at all this week. I'm feeling much better now that the antibiotics have kicked in so back to it tomorrow. The cold virus thing that both Graham and I had over a month ago unfortunately got the better of me despite prayer, echinacea, acai powder and vit c and zinc supplements every day! However, I'm sure I would have been a lot worse without the above as I feel ok really.
We had a busy week last week and ate out several times. Alpha is being held at an Indian restaurant which is great. I am accompanying someone who I used to work with who started coming to church a few weeks ago. It was a friend's birthday so the four of us enjoyed a lovely steak meal at Box End. Friday night we had friend's round and Saturday night we out to friends' dinner. Sunday, after church was spent watching Harry and band busk.
On Saturday several of us visited the Charles Rennie Mackintosh museum in Northampton which was a real treat. The museum is a reconstructed house which he had designed during the 1st World War. Mackintosh started the Art Nouveau Arts and Crafts movement which is evident throughout the house he designed for his friends.It was fascinating to see how each room had been designed and I was very surprised to see how the decor would not look out of place today.
Decision time in our house as Rosie needs to decide by Friday which school to go to. She may join her brothers or opt to stay with her friends and go to the newly-merged school from September. She has got friends at the other school. We continue to pray for wisdom in this.
Can't stop singing the Tim Hughes song Everything at the moment which is a constant reminder that God is in the everything of my life. Whether it is writing my thesis, doing the washing, spending time together as a family, eating and sleeping, He is there with me. I briefly sat outside today and for the first time this year I felt warm sun on my face. I am so thankful for the seasons.
Monday 7 March 2011
Indoors but wanting to be outdoors!
I have been sat at the table working all day today. I haven't even been to the gym and came straight home after the school run, did a spot of tidying up and then started work. However I wish my writing had progressed as quickly as the day has! I've written a chapter plan and the introduction but that is all and it is 2.30pm and the children will be back home in less than two hours. So I thought I would have a quick break ( another one) and write a few words on here in the attempt to inspire my writing skills.
It has been a beautiful day all day. I'm looking out onto my garden and watching the birds who are watching the cat! There isn't a cloud in the sky and I so long to be outside walking across the fields and getting some fresh air. Never mind.
We've had a relatively quiet weekend although spent most of it ferrying the children to various parties and sleepovers. It was Harry's birthday on Thursday and we enjoyed a Chinese take away. He went to a party on Saturday. Charlie went to two parties on Saturday. I didn't sleep much as I was anxious about his whereabouts as he was staying at a friend's overnight and hadn't texted to say he arrived there after the second party. I know he is 17 and hopefully knows the boundaries where alcohol is involved and I know I should trust God but I woke up at 4am and didn't get back to sleep until 5.30am and most of the time praying for him! At church yesterday a friend whose son was with him at the same two parties said she also awoke at 4am feeling anxious and prayed. Anyway they both arrived at church, looking very tired nevertheless, but they were there.
Well my short break is over. Back to work
Tuesday 1 March 2011
Spring is around the corner
Despite the cold weather we are having at the moment Spring is around the corner. The mornings are most definitely lighter as are the evenings and shrubs and flowers are growing and budding in the garden.
We had a good break although Graham and I were both ill with coughs an colds. We just couldn't rest as we had to be up early to sledge and ski every day. We walked miles every day. I'm sure the mountain air benefited us though.
The flat is looking more homely now with the addition of another sofa and a coffee table. The views from the lounge of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau are magnificent and we feel really blessed to not only have a place to stay but one with an amazing outlook. It is beyond my wildest dreams that we would ever have a home in the Bernese Oberland after spending the last twenty odd years in a tent on a campsite!
Back home and back to another chapter deadline for next Friday. If I can write 1000 words a day until then I will manage it, although I'm finding it difficult to motivate myself at the moment. Charlie has been on exam leave for the last two days as he has has mock AS levels so I am trying to motivate him to do some revision. It is Harry's birthday on Thursday and we'll go out for a family meal in the evening. He has a party to go to at the week-end and his recording studio session is at the end of the month where the band are going to cut their first disc! Rosie is busy planning her week-end as usual with friends and a sleepover will be involved no doubt.
Looking forward to my Freedom in Christ course tonight.
We had a good break although Graham and I were both ill with coughs an colds. We just couldn't rest as we had to be up early to sledge and ski every day. We walked miles every day. I'm sure the mountain air benefited us though.
The flat is looking more homely now with the addition of another sofa and a coffee table. The views from the lounge of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau are magnificent and we feel really blessed to not only have a place to stay but one with an amazing outlook. It is beyond my wildest dreams that we would ever have a home in the Bernese Oberland after spending the last twenty odd years in a tent on a campsite!
Back home and back to another chapter deadline for next Friday. If I can write 1000 words a day until then I will manage it, although I'm finding it difficult to motivate myself at the moment. Charlie has been on exam leave for the last two days as he has has mock AS levels so I am trying to motivate him to do some revision. It is Harry's birthday on Thursday and we'll go out for a family meal in the evening. He has a party to go to at the week-end and his recording studio session is at the end of the month where the band are going to cut their first disc! Rosie is busy planning her week-end as usual with friends and a sleepover will be involved no doubt.
Looking forward to my Freedom in Christ course tonight.
Thursday 17 February 2011
Almost half-term
I'm full of cold as is Graham who unlike him, spent most of the day in bed yesterday. Hoping that the Swiss air will blow away our germs next week.
Trying to write two abstracts, one a short one then the other 2,500 words, both for conferences in September. I'm also thinking about another chapter which I will write when I get back from holiday. This one is about how the caregivers in my project coped with their multiple care-giving roles.
About to stop for a break- a friend is coming round and we are going to go for a walk across the fields. The weather is brightening up a bit which is good.
I have had a strange week though. On Monday I received an email from somebody who I lived in Switzerland with 25 years ago. I haven't seen her since 1988 and she now lives in Australia. We established contact recently via Facebook. Well she emailed to say she wants to meet up in April when she comes back to the UK for a couple of weeks and also to impart some sad news which I have thought of little else this week. A mutual friend who also went to nurse in Switzerland at the time died from oesophageal cancer several years ago and she had only just found out. Of course, whenever I hear good or bad news about people from my past who I haven't been in touch with for years I start to ponder about the past and perhaps think too much about it. Whilst Facebook is a positive medium for reconnecting with people, I do think that God places people in our lives for seasons only and when we move on from various situations we also move on from certain people, leaving the relationship behind. What a tragedy that a forty year old mother died from cancer and it is so clear in my mind, memories of her vivacious and zest for life personality and of the fun times we had together as young nurses in a foreign country. Those memories are etched in my mind, and yet, we lost touch when I moved back to the UK and I didn't know of her suffering, firstly from rheumatoid arthritis and then cancer which ultimately claimed her life.
As a result of this I emailed her husband and received a lovely response from him. He wants to meet up and I have suggested that when the friend from Australia visits we will meet then. Although it is far too late to reclaim the lost years and friendships I think that meeting up with both of them will help me to make more sense of my friends' lives during the last 20 years. Whether we will keep in touch after that, only God knows.
Trying to write two abstracts, one a short one then the other 2,500 words, both for conferences in September. I'm also thinking about another chapter which I will write when I get back from holiday. This one is about how the caregivers in my project coped with their multiple care-giving roles.
About to stop for a break- a friend is coming round and we are going to go for a walk across the fields. The weather is brightening up a bit which is good.
I have had a strange week though. On Monday I received an email from somebody who I lived in Switzerland with 25 years ago. I haven't seen her since 1988 and she now lives in Australia. We established contact recently via Facebook. Well she emailed to say she wants to meet up in April when she comes back to the UK for a couple of weeks and also to impart some sad news which I have thought of little else this week. A mutual friend who also went to nurse in Switzerland at the time died from oesophageal cancer several years ago and she had only just found out. Of course, whenever I hear good or bad news about people from my past who I haven't been in touch with for years I start to ponder about the past and perhaps think too much about it. Whilst Facebook is a positive medium for reconnecting with people, I do think that God places people in our lives for seasons only and when we move on from various situations we also move on from certain people, leaving the relationship behind. What a tragedy that a forty year old mother died from cancer and it is so clear in my mind, memories of her vivacious and zest for life personality and of the fun times we had together as young nurses in a foreign country. Those memories are etched in my mind, and yet, we lost touch when I moved back to the UK and I didn't know of her suffering, firstly from rheumatoid arthritis and then cancer which ultimately claimed her life.
As a result of this I emailed her husband and received a lovely response from him. He wants to meet up and I have suggested that when the friend from Australia visits we will meet then. Although it is far too late to reclaim the lost years and friendships I think that meeting up with both of them will help me to make more sense of my friends' lives during the last 20 years. Whether we will keep in touch after that, only God knows.
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Glimpses of Spring
Longer days are on their way-yippee! Not that I'm wishing the seasons away but the more noticeable they are to me the older I become. The daffodils are appearing through the earth as are other Spring flowers.
Started Freedom in Christ last night- a 9 week course. The first one was fab and what an affirmation to read out God's promises aloud:
I Am Significant
I am no longer worthless, inadequate, helpless or hopeless. In Christ I am
deeply significant and special. God says:
Matthew 5:13,14 I am the salt of the earth and the light
of the world.
John 15:1,5 I am a branch of the true vine, Jesus,
a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed by
God to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 I am a personal, Spirit-empowered
witness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am a temple of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Corinthians 6:1 I am God’s fellow worker.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Christ in the heavenly
realms.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship, created for
good works.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and
confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me!
I Am Secure
I am no longer guilty, unprotected, alone or abandoned. In Christ I am
totally secure. God says:
Romans 8:1,2 I am free forever from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that all things work
together for good.
Romans 8:31-34 I am free from any condemning
charges against me.
Romans 8:35-39 I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21,22 I have been established, anointed and
sealed by God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that the good work God
has begun in me will be perfected.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
Colossians 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear,
but of power, love and a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy to help in
time of need.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one
cannot touch me.
I Am Accepted
I am no longer rejected, unloved or dirty. In Christ I am completely
accepted. God says:
John 1:12 I am God’s child.
John 15:15 I am Christ’s friend.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord and I am one
spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:19,20 I have been bought with a price.
I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s Body.
Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint, a holy one.
Ephesians 1:5 I have been adopted as God’s child.
Ephesians 2:18 I have direct access to God through
the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:14 I have been redeemed and forgiven for
all my sins.
Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ.
These are now pinned on my noticeboard.
At home today being productive. Doing some work but trying to have a short break as I have had a few late nights writing a draft chapter. So today I have done lots of housework including cleaning out the fridge freezer, mopping the floor and tidying up. Anyway, I met my deadline and am now thinking about the next one. I have two conference abstracts to prepare before next week.
Organising Harry's birthday party. Taking the band to a recording studio so they can cut their first disc! Very exciting. The band have a gig this Friday which we are looking forward to. Lots happening on Friday- Rosie finds out if she has got a place at the boys' school and also has a school disco to attend with her 'boyfriend.' Charlie has had 2 driving lessons and is already commenting on my driving habits- trying not to let it wind me up!
A quiet week-end ahead for us planned after Graham was away last week-end. Starting to think about half-term.
Started Freedom in Christ last night- a 9 week course. The first one was fab and what an affirmation to read out God's promises aloud:
I Am Significant
I am no longer worthless, inadequate, helpless or hopeless. In Christ I am
deeply significant and special. God says:
Matthew 5:13,14 I am the salt of the earth and the light
of the world.
John 15:1,5 I am a branch of the true vine, Jesus,
a channel of His life.
John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed by
God to bear fruit.
Acts 1:8 I am a personal, Spirit-empowered
witness of Christ.
1 Corinthians 3:16 I am a temple of God.
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
2 Corinthians 6:1 I am God’s fellow worker.
Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Christ in the heavenly
realms.
Ephesians 2:10 I am God’s workmanship, created for
good works.
Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and
confidence.
Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me!
I Am Secure
I am no longer guilty, unprotected, alone or abandoned. In Christ I am
totally secure. God says:
Romans 8:1,2 I am free forever from condemnation.
Romans 8:28 I am assured that all things work
together for good.
Romans 8:31-34 I am free from any condemning
charges against me.
Romans 8:35-39 I cannot be separated from the love of God.
2 Corinthians 1:21,22 I have been established, anointed and
sealed by God.
Philippians 1:6 I am confident that the good work God
has begun in me will be perfected.
Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
Colossians 3:3 I am hidden with Christ in God.
2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear,
but of power, love and a sound mind.
Hebrews 4:16 I can find grace and mercy to help in
time of need.
1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one
cannot touch me.
I Am Accepted
I am no longer rejected, unloved or dirty. In Christ I am completely
accepted. God says:
John 1:12 I am God’s child.
John 15:15 I am Christ’s friend.
Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord and I am one
spirit with Him.
1 Corinthians 6:19,20 I have been bought with a price.
I belong to God.
1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s Body.
Ephesians 1:1 I am a saint, a holy one.
Ephesians 1:5 I have been adopted as God’s child.
Ephesians 2:18 I have direct access to God through
the Holy Spirit.
Colossians 1:14 I have been redeemed and forgiven for
all my sins.
Colossians 2:10 I am complete in Christ.
These are now pinned on my noticeboard.
At home today being productive. Doing some work but trying to have a short break as I have had a few late nights writing a draft chapter. So today I have done lots of housework including cleaning out the fridge freezer, mopping the floor and tidying up. Anyway, I met my deadline and am now thinking about the next one. I have two conference abstracts to prepare before next week.
Organising Harry's birthday party. Taking the band to a recording studio so they can cut their first disc! Very exciting. The band have a gig this Friday which we are looking forward to. Lots happening on Friday- Rosie finds out if she has got a place at the boys' school and also has a school disco to attend with her 'boyfriend.' Charlie has had 2 driving lessons and is already commenting on my driving habits- trying not to let it wind me up!
A quiet week-end ahead for us planned after Graham was away last week-end. Starting to think about half-term.
Wednesday 2 February 2011
2nd February 2011
Feeling tired but refreshed after a girly week-end away. The weather was stunning and it was good to get lots of fresh air and exercise walking and sledging in the mountains. Now back to work. I envisage a long few days ahead- deadline 6 days
Tuesday 25 January 2011
Knuckling down
I feel I am rewarding myself this week-end with a week-end away with a friend. We are going to Interlaken and plan on hitting the slopes on our sledges!! Looking forward to the break but apprehensive about being away from the family for 3 nights.
I'm writing bits each day and am still analysing my data. It is a slow process with slow progress and I can't do it in my own strength, only with God's help.
My dad died four years ago today. Not sure where the time has gone.
I'm writing bits each day and am still analysing my data. It is a slow process with slow progress and I can't do it in my own strength, only with God's help.
My dad died four years ago today. Not sure where the time has gone.
Saturday 8 January 2011
Happy New Year
Another year begins and it is exciting to wonder what God has in store for us as a family. No new year resolutions but my goals for the year include getting fit and healthy, to stop wasting my time on facebook and the internet when I should be working, to be focused and try to complete my PhD by the end of the year.
New Year was spent in Interlaken and we sledged along the lower slopes of the Eiger on New Year's Eve. The weather was stunning and watching the sun disappear over the Wetterhorn and the lights slowly appear in the Grindelwald valley as it turned into dusk was amazing. We arrived back at the flat about 6pm and after tea we headed into the town centre. Not convinced about the local New Year's Eve customs where lines of men carry large cow bells and march through the town centre ringing them. It was scary. We went back to the flat and saw New Year in as a family listening to World Service on the radio!
We have now been back at work and school for a few days and routine has been quickly established which is good. I took the tree and decorations down on the 2nd Jan and cleaned the house which I found very cathartic. Think I'm turning into a grumpy old woman as I dislike more and more each year the commercialisation and marketing which is associated with Christmas- and not the the true meaning. Christmas is not about giving presents. It is about Jesus Christ, end of!
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