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.

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.

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