Where does the road lead?

Where does the road lead?  Hmmm.. I am back on my journey again.  Whilst I know the road leads to Burton-on-Trent it appears there are a few hills to climb first.  Mortgages to sort, a house to sell, a house to buy, a dissertation to write, an ordination to enjoy.  I think I need a holiday!

It is good to know that God journeys with me and that the people at Burton are waiting at the end of this road with expectancy as to how our journey together will continue.  Whilst I am excited by new prospects I am sad to be leaving behind my beloved Gloucestershire.  Whilst I'm still here I am trying to enjoy the area as best I can.

These photos were taken in around Shortwood, near Nailsworth, Glos, where I live.

The Bird Got the Worm!

It seems that I have now found that place to where God has called me to pastor.  I am feeling like the bird who finally got the worm and as happy as a cheshire cat.  I'm not sure that cats and birds really go together or indeed that there is any similarity between the worm and the church.  I hope not - lol (laugh out loud).  I took this photo in my back garden, on the day it was taken about a dozen Thrushes descended from the sky in search of tea.  Most, after much digging finally found a worm, although not all.  Settlement has been very difficult for the last couple of years but it seems that God had a plan for me all along.  Did I doubt this, no not really.  But when you are walking in the valley it is sometimes difficult to see the mountain top.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who are still in the valley digging for worms.  If you look up you will see God smiling and knowing full well there are plenty of worms and much to do for His Kingdom.  

     

A Dittie and a thought..

Not much time to blog this week but, I thought I would share a 'dittie' (short poem) with you that I learnt at school when I was about 11.  For some reason it keeps going round and round my head at the moment...

Here am I with my four daughters

dead from drinking Cheltenham waters.

If I'd have stuck to Epsom salts 

I wouldn't have been in these 'ere vaults.

Anon.

I can't believe I can remember it from all those years ago.  My class had to learn a poem, or two short ones, to recite in class and the winner was to compete against pupils from the rest of the school.  I learnt two poems, although I can't remember even what the other one was about.  But, I do remember that I went wrong on purpose as I didn't want to enter the competition.  I had a fear of public speaking - God really does have a sense of humour sometimes!

A Puzzling Easter

I had a very puzzling Easter this year.  It didn't quite take its normal form but was nevertheless very enjoyable on a number of counts.

I would normally go to church on Good Friday and then take part in the march of witness in Stroud.  I have done this for years and have loved to join in the procession that winds its way through the town singing and praying at it goes.  For the last 5 years or so we have also given away free hot cross buns to passers-by.  It is so good to be able to interact with people along the way - both Christians and non-Christians alike.  However, it has always struck me how somber we appear.  Yes, Good Friday is about remembering Jesus' brutal crucifiction and there is a need to express this but, will this mood attract others to the church - no.  Better perhaps to show the love of God, the joy of knowing Him and rejoicing over the victory of the ressurection.  Christ has risen, Halellujah!


I have a very dear friend who lives in France but, also has a flat in Cardiff.  This Good Friday I spent the day with her (alas not in France) catching up, hanging out, and mostly talking about our walk with God.  I love the fact that we understand exactly what the other means without having to explain ourselves.  We are very much on the same spiritual wavelength and are great friends, even though she is old enough to be my mum - lol (laugh out loud).  Actually, I have a lot of friends who are around this age bracket.  I'm not sure whether this is from hanging out in a church with an older congregation or that my siblings are nine/ten years older than me and age just does not register?  



Whilst it seems strange to have missed the Good Friday service I had no doubt that I was in the right place.  Sometimes God does unexpected things and asks us to trust Him.  It is like God says, 'Walk with me a while.' and he takes you down this quiet path.  You can hear a stream gurgling and a gentle breeze cools you in the heat of the day.  You can smell lavender and the flowers that border the path; all seems well in the world.  As the stream comes in to view you realize that God is with you - you feel and know his peace.  A peace the surpases all understanding.


John was working Friday, Saturday, and Monday and we had every intention of making the most of our time together.  Whilst we had planned to do things in the end we chilled out by putting our feet up in front of the TV and watching lots of films.  Oh yeah... there was also the thousand piece jigsaw puzzle that took up most of Sunday.  It was good not having to race around for a change.  We had a very peaceful weekend.  The church was packed on Easter Sunday and there seemed to be lots of new people and visitors - which was great.  I love meeting and getting to know new people and ofcourse catching up with friends.  


I am so blessed with friends of all ages and nationalities.  Some I know better than others.  Some share my faith, others do not.  Some understand my calling, others less so, but they all suport me in what I am doing.  That, I guess, is the nature of friendship.  This Easter has been about friendship for me.  Being there for friends who have needed my suport, meeting new friends, getting to know people better, spending time with God, and hanging out with John, my husdand, who is my best friend.  We all need good friends to help us through tough times, to give us a hug when we are feeling down,  to share in our excitement and rejoice in our triumphs.  Sometimes life seems one big puzzle.  It takes a while to work out what all the pieces are for and how they slot together.  Indeed, sometimes you never do work out the meaning of all the pieces and events in life.  Easter is my favour time in the Christian callender - a time for rejoicing.  Easter is the piece in the jigsaw puzzle that gives the rest meaning and helps me to see the bigger picture.  Easter is the piece in the jigsaw puzzle that brings me the most peace and the most joy.   


I wonder what piece in the jigsaw Easter is for you?

                 

Good Friday

No words can express the magnitude of today.  

Crucified for you and for me.

Take time to remember...

Take time to consider...

Take time.

 

Tiredness

I feel so tired at the moment.  Its not really surprising seems I was up until 3.00am working on an essay.  I did intend stoping at 9.00pm but I seemed to get a second wind.  I'm not sure why I am such a night owl but I definately work better at night.  The downside is that I can't seem to get up much enthusiasm for working again today.  I have an essay deadline on Friday so I guess I will just have to knuckle down.  Perhaps more tea will help?  Or a little snooze?  Seems that I didn't get up untill 10.30am I think the tea will have to do.  I have already tried a sugar rush but the Jelly Babies seem to be sleeping as well. 

My journey to the cross is going well but I will be glad when I finally get there.  I have enjoyed studying for an MA but didn't realize how hard it would be when I started.  The work load shifts up a gear, expectations step up a gear... more is required of me.  And then we have the hunt to find the church that God is calling me to.  Life has been a juggling game since september.  A one handed juggling game at that having developed a repetative strain injury to my right hand. 

I have met some wonderful people in my search to find a church and have had a few laughs with John, my husband along the way.  Normally God makes it very clear where I am supose to be and what I am supose to be doing.  He has been less direct in my hunt for a church but his guidance has never the less been clear.  Although I can't help but think of a pinball machine where I am the ball that seems to be bouncing off the bumpers at a great rate of knots only to end up down the hole and have to start off all over again.  Sometimes I have actively sought the black hole as a place of safety, sometimes I have been spat out of the game and have no choice... but thats the game!  There have been a few bonus points gained and clearly I have learnt a lot about different churches and about myself in the whole process.  I think John's role in all this has been the plunger that you pull out to give the ball a flick in the right direction.  Sometimes I haven't really wanted to play the game and John has had to give me a kick in the right direction.  He is such a positive influence in my life - I really am truely blessed.

The curent game of pinball has been going on for a while and has been a very enjoyable game.  I am hoping not to fall down the black hole this time...