Back to church

Today is a big day – Church . I have been once since June and its time to get back- I actually was ready to go last week but my son took sick as the very last minute. Theres a lunch after so im feeling a bit stressed by the thought of it

It was spring now its Autumn

Its a bit of a shock to the system when you start to come out of the fog to find that while the world in a sense stopped – it actually didnt – People carried on , a bit like when you bump into a friend you havent seen for a long time – their baby is now running around, practically ready for school , your aware that time has passed but now how long .
it was spring now its autumn kind of thing and i dont know how it happened . I sort of know it was march and now its september – very little in between connects – you can only blame meds so much . I have lost a couple of real life friends in this time , and a heap of on line ones . Some have battled on regardless on the reaction they got or failed to get . Gosh must have been tough for them . We all need affirmation in what we do , whether its work or relationships . I know she is my friend because …………
we have fun
we do things
shes there for me
we talk
we listen
we cry we laugh
kinda stuff.
well im sure they didnt get much feed back from me for a lone while but im so blessed by them hanging in there. I dont think one will know how much it meant her just to texts telling me what was going on in her life – some not great but it till made me feel valued – Thanks Hun

Painted smile

We walk down the street , we bump into people we havent seen for an age and we ask they how they are . Fine they reply , we dont wait for the answer and this is on a good day . On a bad day we mighten even ask . Unaware that the persons painted smile stuck on is covering more pain and heartbreak that we can imagine.Oh maybe we do but dont want to open the can of worms that might follow. I guess im that person at the moment , theres a lot of us out there .
This blog has been my painted smile – a smile i havent managed to hold on for the last 6 months , i dont think i even will again – but with Gods grace maybe i can start being honest

At the moment , for the last 2 years life has Sucked – time to get better

www.thereprobablyis.com

I think this is a great idea so am passing this on – please feel free to do so as well…………

Richard Dawkins and the British Humanist Association have raised over £119,000 for a nationwide poster campaign with the slogan “There’s Probably No God! No Stop Worrying, And Enjoy Your Life!”.

As Churches we need to thank Prof. Dawkins and the BHA for this wonderful opportunity they have presented us with as it will undoubtedly get people wondering all the more about God’s existence. Instead of being all negative and cross with this campaign our plan is to engage with it positively and turn the tables on these outspoken atheists.

www.thereprobablyis.com has been set up to be available to churches of all denominations to point people to when they see these posters going up in their towns and cities. In response to the atheists saying “There’s Probably No God!” we as Christians need to stand up and say “There Probably Is!”. www.thereprobablyis.com is based around a simple idea of presenting normal, intelligent, sensible people’s stories of why they believe in God, and allow those who see the atheist campaign to decide for themselves.

We are inviting Christians from across the UK, from any background and denomination, to submit their story of why they believe in God. This can be a testimony of how you became a Christian, or perhaps better still – why some years on you continue to believe in God. What has God done in your life? What evidence have you seen or experienced first hand which excites you and convinces you still that God is real, and that He loves you?

Visit www.thereprobablyis.com today and submit your own personal story of the truth and love of God.

CARE FOR THE FAMILY

I was asked by a friend would  I be a stewart and help out at a care for the family event .  http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/ I have been to several events and attended one of their courses quite a while ago about parenting teens – It was while my teens where quite young and alot of it I have found helpful over the last year or two , especially the importance of keeping the lines of communication open .

Thursday night was called  Motherhood- the rollercoaster years , They had a couple of good speakers including Jean Gibson who works for Care for the family – I had just finished reading her book called Seasons of womanhood  which I can really reccomend. Its about different women at different stages of their life and there faith as they continues life journey. You can find out about Jean here -  http://jeangibson.co.uk/

Also Moya Brennan was  singing and sharing her story which was awesome who some will know from Clannad. I will save some of her music for Monday and it was so special to hear some of the meaning behind her songs http://www.moyabrennan.com/

All in all a worthwhile evening

Wordless Wednesday

Get the WW code here

Scripture

Picture taken in south vendee- France

We have an awesome God

I have been feeling flat the last while – the arrival of my family from Australia has in some ways lifted me from depression only to crash after they have returned home – It was never going to be long enough , I was never going to see them enough . On the positive I have seen that despite what they have gone through they have come through it in a way that makes me feel very proud of them . All four live with my Bil , the boys no contact with their mother – my sister at all . The little girl has access for 4 days twice a month – how long that will continue I dont know – I fear for her when she becomes a stroppy teen with an independant spirit that does not bend to the will of my sister .

And its lovely to see answered prayer – its over 2 years since i found out they were at risk but didnt know who from . As time went on I knew it wasnt from my bil but it still took a while to accept it was from  my own sister . Then i cried out to God to keep them safe and i remember in particular praying that they where placed with the right parent – cause I sure didnt know  who that was .

I wish I could post picture of us all together – we had a lovely chinese at my house one night , a day out with other family , a meal with my whole family and of course they had to do it with pip`s family . Not a restful holiday for them at all . He hopes to bring them back in 2 years – that would be wonderful but expensive and of course the court case to get permission – my sister made it so difficult ( and expensive) .

So loads to pray about and much more to give thanks for . I feel loss, and guilt that Im not there to help , guilt that shes my sister and that she chose to follow in the footsteps of our mother . Pain for my BIL, and Im praying that God will place someone in is life , its no suprise a couple of days ago i was prayig for them all as i was driving , my eyes filled with tears when i thought of him on his own, the sun was shining through the clouds and for a brief second there was a dove – the dove of peace – Gods peace and understanding over him -we have an awesome God.

Better again

pepper teapot was poorly which involved running her to the vets for an injection  every day – so nice bill to be paid but she does seem better – UTI poor girl – seems happier now that she allowed to run in and out again when she pleases – Yesterday she came into the kitchen – i gave her a carrot and of she went with it .

As you can see she got a bit close to the camera

Often I think I live in a bubble – not always aware fo what is going on in it – I dont read newspapers , rarely watch the news- but I now know what The Mighty Boosh is or at least that this programme has been doing my head in without realising it .

Often I think Dd should be on the stage , she regularty goes around acting and singing silly songs -Remember Charlie from candy mountain – she knows and sings it word for word- heres a reminder and a warning – there is now part 2 and 3

well I now know where her more of her talents have been coming from The mighty Boosh- any wiser? How did I miss this for over 4 years-lol

The song she sings is about half way through this one

Personally I think Dd is better

Tara

So Not fair

Never liked those video clip programmes where it is deemed funny when people trip and fall over -personally cant see what is funny about people nearly breaking their necks . Society seems to love laughing at others as they fall flat on their faces .

Im sure if one of my neighbours had been out early yesterday armed with their video camera they would have been assured of the £200 or so for the funny clip as I fell and nearly broke something . Actually thought I had broken my arm as I fell and did a rather spectacular roll – bumped my hip and a few scrapes but otherwise thank God .

This morning I woke up in agony, awful spasms .  My back , I have damaged discs and was on painkillers for years – A year and a Half ago a couple of friends prayed over me and praise God I was great and didnt have any side affects of stopping strong tablets immediately .  So today Im resting , letting God have peace to do his work .

What I want to know if I was 2 I would have cried , got up and been fine – Why is that , why do kids bounce , and why at 21+++ do I not . So not fair.

Fear grips,
Panic takes hold.
Restricting, Consuming,
helplessness leaves me
feeling weak and cold.

Running away,
I bow my head and hide.
In denial and disbelief,
I long to hide in my bed,
blanketed in sorrow.

Without strength,
Without power,
I wander aimlessly.
Till finally I turn to you,
broken for repair.

For every step and every breath,
God still is in control

GARDEN

The garden hasnt done well this year , the window boxes etc that Bear and I planted where just starting to come on when we had the wettest Augusts ever . I took a few photos around the garden of any colour I could find.

I particularly like the last little flower- very cute

Open Doors: Indian

Violence in Orissa claims many lives

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

- Matthew 5:9 [NIV]

India

A tide of anti-Christian violence has erupted in the eastern Indian state of Orissa, after suspected Maoists murdered Hindu leader, Swami Laxmanananda Saraswati, and four of his disciples on Saturday 23 August.

Over 3,000 police have been deployed but attacks on churches continue. Hundreds of Christians have fled their homes. The Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described the violence as a “national disgrace”.

The number of suspected deaths has risen to 21 after a week of ongoing violence in Kandhamal district and other parts of Orissa. The Global Council of Indian Christians (GCIC) reported that more than 114 anti-Christian attacks have taken place in various parts of the state.

GCIC President, Dr. Sajan K. George, stated: “The worst hit are the people in Kandhamal district, where more than 400 churches, 500 houses and many Christian institutions have been demolished. The people have fled to jungles for safety.”

A spokesman for the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India said Christians in Orissa were living in fear and anxiety. “The law enforcing agencies have not been able to contain the violent elements that are still at large,” he said. “The violent mobs are destroying churches, orphanages, hostels of children, convents of religious women and houses of Christian families. There appears a sense of helplessness among the Christian community that has borne the brunt of the communal frenzy created by some fundamentalist organizations.”

Christians account for less than a million of Orissa’s 37 million population.

Source: Compass Direct / BBC

Prayer points:

• Please pray for peace to prevail in Orissa. Pray that God would raise up ‘peacemakers’, men and women who are able to positively influence the deteriorating relationship between the Christian and Hindu communities
• Please pray for our Open Doors local coordinator, who was only able to escape Baliguda fractionally before the colony he lived in was torched by a Hindu mob
• Pray that Open Doors’ ministry in the region will be able to continue.

Thank you for praying with us.

John
Communications Team

Please feel free to forward this email to members of your church, friends and family,
because it is your prayer cover which supports and strengthens our work!

Prayer :Contentment

Lord, grant us true contentment…

Acceptance of what each day brings,

Joy in you and not in things,

Tranquility in storm or strife,

Serenity in all of life;

That when you whisper, ‘Peace, be still,’

We’ll wait upon your perfect will,

Knowing we will soon be blessed

By love that only wants our best.

Help us see that we are meant

To rest in you… and be content.

~ B.J. Hoff

Catching up

Havent been blogging for a while Im now playing catch up – Hence the holiday photos over a month after we return – will add some more later.

Two days after I returned I was back in Hospital again – a  month to the day after my other op- still healing but at least this time it was oral surgery.  I needed a tooth out  and a surgical extraction of a wisdom tooth ,because of a blood condition it ends up a little more complicated – due to my trigeminal neuragia it always makes me a bit nervous in case its set off- which it did  , other wise went to plan , I did refuse to stay a third day , the hospital is getting a new building and the noise was incredible – How sick people are meant to recover I dont know.

Music Monday :Iron & Wine – Passing Afternoon

This is one of those beautiful but sad songs – I heard it on House recently and fell in love with it – hope you do too.

There are times that walk from you like some passing afternoon
Summer warmed the open window of her honeymoon
And she chose a yard to burn but the ground remembers her
Wooden spoons, her children stir her Bougainvillea blooms

There are things that drift away like our endless, numbered days
Autumn blew the quilt right off the perfect bed she made
And she’s chosen to believe in the hymns her mother sings
Sunday pulls its children from their piles of fallen leaves

There are sailing ships that pass all our bodies in the grass
Springtime calls her children ’till she let’s them go at last
And she’s chosen where to be, though she’s lost her wedding ring
Somewhere near her misplaced jar of Bougainvillea seeds

There are things we can’t recall, blind as night that finds us all
Winter tucks her children in, her fragile china dolls
But my hands remember hers, rolling ’round the shaded ferns
Naked arms, her secrets still like songs I’d never learned

There are names across the sea, only now I do believe
Sometimes, with the windows closed, she’ll sit and think of me
But she’ll mend his tattered clothes and they’ll kiss as if they know
A baby sleeps in all our bones, so scared to be alone

Let me know if you post a music monday

Pepper- Teapot

Pepper Teapot was chillin in the hall today – She really is a spoilt girl

And having a snuggle on the sette tonight

open doors: China

Sichuan Earthquake Aid Demonstrates God’s Love

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

- Psalm 46:1-2 [NIV]

China

Open Doors’ local church partners are ministering to those affected by the disaster in a village located 30 km from the epicentre, nearly three months on from the devastating Sichuan earthquake.

Open Doors has been distributing tents and relief packages here with the help of the local house church. Prior to each distribution, the church leader explains to the villagers that the tents and aid materials have been contributed by Christians who want to express their love to the victims.

In some instances, this has prompted villagers to ask, “If we don’t believe in Jesus, will we still be able to receive the tents and aid materials?” This has given church leaders the opportunity to explain that it doesn’t matter whether they are Christians or not; all the needy in the village will be helped.

The aid provided by the church and the kindness of local believers has made a positive impression on village officials as it demonstrates that, contrary to their misconception, Christians do not destabilize society, but instead bring good to the community.

One villager who is not yet a believer gratefully told a Christian who was helping with the aid distribution, “You Christians really have a good heart and genuinely love us. Thank you so much for your tent. Now I can have a shelter in which to live.”

Many other Christian groups are also active in the disaster zones and several house churches have sent volunteer teams to help victims by providing counselling services and distributing fabric and medicine. Most use this as an opportunity to let the victims first experience God’s love and comfort before sharing the Gospel with them at a more appropriate time.

“Sharing the Gospel with a victim is important, but not the priority. We must first develop friendships and care for their needs so that their hearts will be open to the Gospel,” one church worker said.

Source: Compass Direct

Prayer points:

• Give thanks for the opportunities Chinese Christians have had to share the Gospel, both in actions and in words
• Pray that many non-believers will meet with Christ through this practical demonstration of God’s love
• Pray for wisdom for government authorities and for Open Doors and other Christian groups as they continue to deal with the aftermath of this tragedy

Update on Shi Weihan

China Aid Association reported yesterday that imprisoned Beijing book store owner Shi Weihan has been suffering a deterioration in health. As a result of poor prison conditions and lack of diabetes medication, Shi has lost more than 10 kg in body weight amidst the constant physical and psychological torture employed by prison officials.

Please continue to pray for Shi’s release. To speak up for Shi by writing to the Chinese Ambassador in the UK, go to www.opendoorsuk.org/advocacy

Thank you for praying with us