Fame.....

Toujours en France

2007-05-14T16:59:00.001+01:00

Hi all - love you too!

My new job is crazy, I'm sooooooo busy I don't know where to begin with things.....so I have another cup of tea and a biscuit.

Cold Feet refers to the 90s comedy drama about 3 sets of 30 somethings. I've got into watching it on DVD and it's still ace......my feet are only actually cold at night - so I wear socks most nights.

I'm off to Brittany for 3 days on Wednesday and am getting more and more excited......wish it could be longer......

I promise I'll put some pictures up soon as my blog is starting to get a bit boring........

Flowers in the window

2007-05-04T10:38:00.000+01:00

No post for ages but I haven't dropped off the planet....but I've not been that busy either just a bit uninspired any way i'll do a quick 60sec update on what I've been upto since March and if you wanna know more ask in a comment? (Hows that for a shameless plug to get comments and feel like I have friends!?)

NoAngels.....carboot-sales........Ryan-Gosling.....Sun.....Easter....new-job-at-work....Tru-Calling....gardening..... fireplace.....Belfast-sink.....Cold-Feet......Tapas.....DIY.....funeral.....Northumbria.......Sun....Family-Night-Fridays....Dancing....the-Notebook....Open-Mike-Night.....Fracture.....Sun.....Prison.....running.....top-5s.....top -10s....meetings....rhubarb cake.....boring book....Little Miss Sunshine....weekend in France....

yo yo yo....

2007-03-22T15:14:00.000Z

If you don't already know about it have a look at the link to stuff on my cat it's simple, amusing and very cute!

Neither a borrower nor a lender be.....

2007-03-14T10:07:00.000Z

....but maybe there is nothing wrong with lent?!

Thank you Bea for pointing me in the direction of the BBC lent talks. I've just read the first two one on Jesus' temptation in the desert and one on Jesus in the temple. Cherie Booth is doing one this afternoon on Radio 4 but I'll wait 'til I can read it I think.....

I've posted this not because I think they are really that superior or works of extreme theological genius it's just that I really hate reading Christian books, or listening to sermons and some articles and things I read I just think people need to get over themselves. These just seem refreshing, easy to read/understand bits of writing. I know they're a bit long - but if you trust me once you get reading you should enjoy them too!

Actually...

2007-02-02T09:36:00.000Z

I hope this isn't too big headed of me but I thought I'd quite like to put up the newsletter I did for our church this month....

....okay so to get a proper feel of the whole concept, see last months too....

flippin' 'eck...

2007-01-22T10:26:00.000Z

Last night I saw Imogen Heap in concert in Oxford. Not only was it way better than I thought it could be considering before I went I wouldn't have said I was a fan as such but it was inspiring, entertaining and humbling. The woman is a musical genius! She didn't just sing along to a load of pre-recorded backing tracks, she created every sound in every song right in front of you. She mixed, clicked, clapped, played keys, sang, beat-boxed, twirled and drank tea right there on stage in the New Theatre Oxford.

...see this bit from an interview just to get an idea of the womans tenacity....

"Describe the production of the track Hide and Seek. It is an unusual arrangement, and really seems to have struck a chord with your fans."
"That's the one that took the least amount of time, out of the whole record. In the beginning that annoyed me, that everyone loved the one I did in one day. The one that took me weeks and weeks wasn't anyone's favorite.
I did Hide and Seek the day my computer blew up on me. I was putting in a card, and the powerboard went down. I was really irritated that I couldn't do anything that day, because I had just bought it. I had learned a lesson on my last record, never to leave the studio on a downer. Try to do something creative before you leave.
Hide and Seek was basically like that. I didn't want to leave with a bad feeling so I picked up my harmonizer and played my keyboard and recorded it on my Mini-Disc recorder.
From the moment I put fingers to keys, and voice to harmonizer, the song just appeared. 4 ½ minutes later, there was the structure, the harmony, and the melody. Not the lyrics, though, I always add those later.
As I was doing it, I got very excited. It's never ever happened like that before. The only song it was like that for was Sleep, the last song on my first record.
Then I spent about 4 days trying to figure out what the hell I played. It was all one performance, not tracked vocals.
As you say, people really seem to have an affinity for it. I think because it doesn't really have a relationship to any genre. It's not Pop, its not Rock, its not Electronic. You can't really say you don't listen to that kind of music. It's actually a bit like a hymn. "

Woo hoo it's Monday.....

2007-01-15T10:18:00.001Z

......look I'm trying! I'm not actually massivley excited that it is Monday but I'm trying!

Gig dates for this month include:

24/01 - Imogen Heap, Oxford

Gig dates for next month include:

19/02 - Matt Willis (excuse is I'm taking 2 teenage girls and it's difficult to find gigs that let in u18s) Bristol
21/02 - Little Man Tate, Bristol
28/02 - The Fratellis, Birmingham

Nothing booked in from March to June yet....but the Scissior Sisters is planned for July in Manchester!

Class Act....

2007-01-11T10:09:00.000Z

A mate at work has lent me Radio 1s Live Lounge Album....and may I say it ROCKS!...Well most of it (there are a few dodgey ones but hey you have to take the rough with the smooth!). Who would have thought Jamelia would listen to Linkin Park?...not to mention the Arctic Monkeys excellent Love Machine!

Another Radio 1 show is featuring Jesus in a number of random places (mostly stains actually) and then I came across this poster from the people whose job it is to make adverts of Jesus:

In all seriousness I like is the concept that Jesus can be found anywhere....that's not a bad message for Christians to hear either.....but is it me or does Jesus look more like Father Chrsitmas?

and the fun just keeps coming....

2007-01-05T11:38:00.000Z

The other day I listened to the Radio all afternoon and night. I went for an iccle jog in between...and knowing that the band, Editors were going to be presenting Zane Lowes show on Radio I decided to re-listen to thier album whilst doing so. Hearing them present the show, I realised that they are not particularly charasmatic but they are very humble and lovely chaps but man is their album ace or what!? I'm listening to it again now- and it's just one of those that makes me feel well emotional becuase it's just soooo good!

And I've also found out that Tom Smith (who's not too bad looking either) is from Stroud which is only a stones throw from Gloucester so who knows maybe one day......

PS - 2 interesting nuggests from the Bible yesterday are i) Jesus's baptism and his temptation aren't in John's gospel. It's possible that John's gospel starts after these events. ii) The calling of Nathaneal - why was the fact he was sitting under the fig tree so significant? Check out Zechariah 3:8-12!

what's the AA for the OC....?

2007-01-04T10:15:00.000Z

Oh good Lord! What am I going to do? The OC is ending...but I cannot workout if it will end at the end of season 4 or 5.....

You know it's bad enough that I'm nearly halfway through season 3.....but to think that one day the OC will end!....This is not condusive to a happy beginning of 2007!

http://uk.news.yahoo.com/04012007/364/oc-cancelled.html

Winter Wonderland Land

2006-12-20T13:43:00.000Z

If you got this card through the post then you're one of the luck ones as I had a flurry at the beginning of the month sending out cards then didn't get round to printing anymore out. so here's what you would have got (my new address is being pulled by Santa).

ps - if you did get a card from me ignore the mobile number printed on the back as its one digit out. honestly I wonder how I manage to dress myself in the mornings!

US Army kill Giant Squirrel.....no way!

2006-12-06T14:40:00.000Z

going for a song....

2006-11-29T15:37:00.000Z

well the adventures just keep coming....

sun - first visit to a carboot sale to buy shabby chic objet d'art for my pad - I picked up the following:
Tapestry poof - £5
Mirror/shelf - £5
Sewing-box-seat-laundry basket - £3
wooden bin - £6
Tapestry cushion cover- £2

mon - 1st monday morning I've walked to work for over 4 years.

tue - Christmas shopping in Cardiff - and bought my first ever pair of black knee high boots and saw Paolo Nutini at Cardiff Uni (see flickr photos).

wed - recieved my first ever fridge/freezer and freaked about how big it is! (kinda dominates the kitchen).

possoms and poo

2006-11-23T08:46:00.000Z

The thing I discovered yesterday was that IKEA doesn't have to be hell on earth. At its best it could even be a little bit of heaven.

When I went a couple of weeks ago it was a sunday afternoon - big mistake - the entire population of the south west was in Bristol IKEA. I bought way too much stuff and mostly out of panic. When I went yesterday it was the afternoon again but this time - there was pleanty of space to park, pleanty of space to walk around with a trolley and to turn it if I needed to.

I also have to give it up to Ethan Keeper for being the most chilled out and content, nearly-three-year-old in the whole of IKEA. Well done boy-o.

Well, well, well....

2006-11-21T13:49:00.000Z

adventure n. 1. an exciting or dangerous experience. 2. willingness to take risks, the spirit of adventure.

The most exciting thing that happened yesterday was that my Mum made me a hot toddy of scotch, hot water, honey and a slice of lemon, to help aleviate some virus-like symptoms. It was a scrummy drink and it made me feel loads better!

So far today I've not had too much of an adventure but I have discovered that the managers of Fopp have decided to embark on an adventure (in the sense of taking risks) by opening a Fopp in Gloucester city centre! It is the best news I've heard for a long while and gives me more and more hope for City. I think it is particularly cool that they 've chosen Gloucester over Cheltenham!

pease pudding....don't ask

2006-11-20T14:58:00.000Z

This morning I was considering the concept of adventures. Having unpacked most of my bits and pieces and positioned them around my flat I was thinking about how nearly all the 'cool' stuff is from the various countries that I have visited. I think that a lot of people think I have been on a lot of adventures but I think that maybe I've just had lots of great holidays.

Whilst in New York I kept a journal/scrap book as I wanted to capture every second of this prticular 'adventure'. I do seem to be hungry for adventures all the time and am only living for the next adventure.

I thought that I might experiment with the concept that every day could be an adventure and that there must be something I experience each day that is worthy of remembering or making note of....

I'm going to give it a go and see what happens any way - I very much hope the experiment is successful otherwise I might start to get a bit depressed.

ethical addictions

2006-11-16T12:42:00.000Z

I have started a new feature on the right-hand-side of my blog. A set of links to businesses that are trying to make a difference in an unscruplulous world....but quite legitimately at the same time trying to make some money.

This new section was predominately started in aid of helping my friends the founders of ethical addictions in the uk to up their rankings on google.

So if you (being anyone in the world who happens to be reading this) have ethical addictions to caffine have a look at this site and think about purchasing some cwoffee from them.

Hope this helps chaps!

whoosh...

2006-11-10T13:12:00.000Z

“God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.”- Job 37:5-6

God certainly does do things beyond our understanding, I often think it is with hindsight that we say they were great.

Unfortunately how and why it snows or rains is not as big a mystery as it was to the writer of Job but there are still many things in nature we can't explain.

We have an appointment with the Holy Spirit on Sunday evening and I'm really looking forward to it.

These are nature sculptures by Andy Goldsworthy. I don't know why but I am feeling very moved every time I see amazing peices of art at the moment.....

two by two...

2006-11-09T10:34:00.000Z

I had one of those really bad days yesterday...in summary:

1. Went from Cheltenham to Gloucester (10miles) to collect laptop and projector for 10am meeting back in Cheltenham.
2. Laptop takes 30mins to get working. Eats into meeting time and is very embarrassing.
3. Get back to car 12pm to return projector to Gloucester for 2pm meeting to find back tyre is flat.
4. Wait 1 and a half hours for RAC to come and mend it (tried myself but bolts were too tight)
5. Had car booked in for MOT and had to carry laptop and projector from garage in town to work hurrying to get there for 2pm.
6. Get to office for 1.45pm (bloody miracle - thank you God)
7. Car fails MOT
8. Wheels had to come off car, handbrake and wheels re-aligned, lights re-aligned and wiper blade replaced. Car finally passes MOT (thank you God)
9. Ended up getting home at 9pm and someone having a go at me for going to New York and not taking time off to sort out my flat (really still do not understand arguement for this) but after such a day I did not need to get into a pointless arguement and be made to feel as shitty as I did. So thank you God (again) that I do have somewhere to move to and giving me the kick up the butt I needed to move there quicker than I had been planning on moving!

mundane morning

2006-11-02T10:10:00.000Z

I'm back from Oz. It seems appropriate to say that because it was such an amazing place and totaly exceeded expectation which is wierd cause that doesn't happen often. I didn't want to come home (which is unlike Oz I spose). The pictures below are just a tiny sampler of what I took and mostly about the gigs i've been to. The first obviously being Razorlight (in Sheffield):

The next lot are of the Killers who were AWESOME really fabulous live and the venue was way smaller than I thought it would be so I could see alot more than I thought I would....

I only saw a few of the main sights in NY. I wasn't really big on the old sightseeing - felt like I was only doing it so I could tell others that, "yes, I have been up the Statue of Liberty" or "yes, the Empire State Building is really big isn't it?". Most time was spent wandering the streets looking for interesting things to do or nice coffee shops to sit in.... anyway here are a few of the more recognisable sights (Times Square and Central Park) Maybe I'll workout this flickr thing so they can all be uploaded....

start spreading the news....

2006-10-06T10:50:00.000+01:00

It's looking like my flat moving in date will be approximately the 11th November. I've bought my sofas and am looking forward to having my stuff around me again.

In order to pass the time whilst waiting to move I though I might have a few little adventures. Since being incredibly frustrated that I couldn't get tickets to see the Killers in the UK, I've decided to take the bull by the horns and take myself to see as many bands (that I like) as I can regardless of whether or not I can find someone to come with me.

So my itinery for the next couple of weeks has worked out like this:

Sunday October 22nd - Razorlight, Hallam FM Arena, Sheffield
Wednesday October 25th - The Killers, Maddison Square Gardens, New York
Tuesday November 28th - Paulo Nutini, Cardiff Uni, Cardiff

Don't know if you missed it there but YES I'm going to New York to the Killers at Maddison Square Gardens! I am unbelievably excited. I've also managed to find someone to go with me, in fact the only gig that I'm going to on my own is the one in Sheffield and that doesn't freak me out at all.

So, off to Norwich this weekend to celebrate the cosmic Carlas 30th birthday bash......

the american dream....

2006-09-11T13:53:00.000+01:00

Radio One have been plugging a Killers gig for the last 2 weeks. I tried phoning for the tickets that were on sale and for the tickets that were up for being won on the radio.

I wasn't surprised that these were friutless tasks but I was much more disappointed than I thought I would be. So I have done a bit of research and found that they are playing in New York next month and I reckon I'm going to try and go!.....failing that I think they are playing in dublin in November. The only stumbling block I have is buying tickets in the States then getting hold of them as not all the ticket sellers seem to offer sending them abroad (understandably)....I also don't have a credit card at the moment but I do know plenty of people who do.....

good enough to eat....?

2006-09-08T16:27:00.000+01:00

The following pictures are entitled marzipan babies......

.....but after a bit of research I found out they are made of some kind of polymer resin....still good though, just not edible!

yay!

2006-09-05T15:45:00.000+01:00

New project! - I'm moving off Patient Letters and moving on to Pathology.....I haven't told anyone yet that I can't stand the sight of blood....

itchy eyes....chili fries

2006-09-05T09:43:00.000+01:00

“Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”- Matthew 28:18-20

I'm really quite bored at the moment. At work especially but in other things too. I need to get my teeth stuck into something. When I was looking for a flat that was fairly consuming but now I've found one I'm just playing the waiting game. I need to talk to my boss about getting on and doing something a bit more interesting at work. He's just never around, with the school holidays he's been away alot and now he's got a stack of meetings to catch up with work. I'm just passing the time looking busy on the Internet and that's just not good for morale.

How can I be bored when there are so many things of God to be getting on with (see above verse of the day)? But the truth is that I can't seem to be able to get on with them. I have hardly met any new people and I only know 3 people who haven't pushed a baby out through thier cervix....actually I know a few husbands who fit into that category but their wives have so they don't count.....and it's not really very appropriate to just hang out with other peoples husbands either.....

Anyway I know I'm doing the right thing at the moment and I know I'm in the right place, I would just like to shake things up a little bit....I need a project.....

2006-08-30T10:45:00.000+01:00

“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,”- Ephesians 2:19

The word for the day...or last couple of weeks really, has been 'devotion'. I came across it in 1 Corinthians "An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord's affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit". This is a scary verse as it makes me think of nuns, habits and solitary confinement. It's also quite exciting because it kind of gives me a head start on married people to knowing what God's affairs are. Jesus did what he saw the father doing because he could see what the father was doing. With a bit of luck and a following wind maybe one day I'll see it too.

2006-08-24T14:16:00.000+01:00

“I love the LORD, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live.”- Psalm 116:1-2

I remember when I was about 16 or 17 I was cycling up the road to school and I thought to myself, 'What is it going to be like being a christian when I'm forty?' I thought about being married to a christian and having children and being part of a church and there being a whole load of teenagers like I was then at this church and just tried to figure out how I would feel. I remember thinking that I'm bound to be a lot more sorted, secure etc and I remember thinking that I'll be happy. I had quite a volitile relationship with God when I was a teenager and didn't really know if I would still have a faith by then.

Well I'm not forty but I'm much closer to it than I was then and already I feel I've achieved some of those things (obviously not the husband and children thing). I've made it 13 years and they must have been the hardest, so I'm more confident that I will still be a Christian in 14 years (yes folks thats all I have left until I'm forty) and as the verse says ,'will call on him as long as I live.'

The photo was taken by my friend Ana as part of a prayer thing we're gonna do for the glos thing on sunday - lush isn't it!?

sigh

2006-08-09T15:09:00.000+01:00

“ Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. ”- Luke 12:6-7

I don't often get scared or worried about the things of life....but the other day I was really challenged by God to think about what is the biggest dream I have, that if I completely devoted my life to him would mean I might have to give up.....well that was awful and I realised that I possibly haven't given my whole life to God...I'm still keeping bits back from him....then I got scared about the future....

After a bit of a cry, I remembered that God only wants goodness for me and even if that biggest hope does not come true there is nothing to be scared of and I have to believe more than anything that God's way is soooo much better than mine.

well hello there!

2006-08-07T14:45:00.000+01:00

so, I'm on a diet. It's official. I'm going to stop moaning about how fat I am and stop eating stuff that makes me fat.....it's a good job I like celery and nuts!

2006-08-04T13:55:00.000+01:00

So I met a girl today who was 18. She has been a drug addict, don't really know if she still is. She is homeless. She had a house once but some people stole her keys, copied them and started squatting in her house so the council took the house back. Her stuff has been set on fire on a number of occasions. She needs £15 a night for a B&B that don't always give the breakfast. She has depression and an eating disorder. She has a child but not in her care. She's been raped while living on the streets. She has friends who smoke crack in the presence of thier babies, leave them to cry and leave needles hanging around the lounge. She told social services and no longer has these friends. Her sister died when she was about 17. Today she was crying because no one had stopped and those that did were calling her a dirty druggy. She gets benefit but she's had so many crisis loans that by the time the repayments are taken off her weekly amount, she gets about £20 a week. She met someone a couple of weeks ago who told her about God. He prayed with her and she talked to God for the first time and since then (other than today) things have been looking up. Her only dream is that she will get a house again so she can have her child back and be a mother again.

have a drink with cheese

2006-08-04T11:22:00.000+01:00

“This is what the LORD says, he who made the earth, the LORD who formed it and established it—the LORD is his name: 'Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”- Jeremiah 33:2-3

How amazing, where to start....today when I pray I'm going to do that. They say that you learn something new everyday, and today I want to learn about a great and unsearchable thing!

"Really, I would have said dungarees"

2006-08-01T13:56:00.000+01:00

“ You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word. ”- Psalm 119:114

I so wish the Word of God was more deeply rooted in me. I have many other refuges on my list of refuges before I go to God. I rarely let Him protect me when I need to and right now I'm embarking on something which means any hope I did have in his word has fallen ever so slightly by the wayside and is being put elsewhere.

On a lighter note I think I have finally found the perfect flat - it's truly gorgeous, so much so that I'm not going to resent moving from a house to a 1 bed flat...oooh I have a photo....its the flat with the bay window on the ground floor.

five little speckled frogs....

2006-07-28T14:15:00.000+01:00

“ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. ”- Philippians 3:14

If heaven is more than the place we go when we die and more than where God is now what does that mean - where or what is heaven?

I've been flat hunting the last couple of weeks and had no joy - they are too expensive, too small, too manky or too characterless - I might just have to stay at home that little bit longer and save up some money and wait for that perfectly reasonable, oozing with character in just the right spot.....wait am I talking about a man or a flat?....... little abode.

what makes the world go round?.....

2006-07-19T11:29:00.000+01:00

ooooh so we did money again last night but this time in relation to the poor as opposed to tithing. It's a bit scary...next week we're bringing in our bank statements so that we can be accountable with each other....I''m going to have to deal with the fact that although I feel people are going to judge me they aren't really and it's for my own good. I'm also starting to think that it might be a huge relief to stop being embarrassed about my appalling money management and get it out in the open.

We discussed being more aware of the poor in this world would make us respond more ie if there was a famine or disaster on our doorstep then surly as christians we would respond?!

We also discussed being more frugal with the moeny we do have in order to be able to give more away

We also think it might be a good idea to start responding to the needs we do see around us - even though they are not poor, poor by world standards.

Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain

2006-07-18T12:38:00.000+01:00

I have a new car and the letters on the number plate are "BDF" and I am terrible at remebering things like number plates - could someone suggest a phrase that would help me remember the letters......like Never Eat Shredded Wheat.....to remember North East South West.

violets are blue, roses are red, when I ask you about Jesus, so are you.

2006-07-17T12:15:00.000+01:00

“ I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. ”- Romans 1:16

But the thing is I am a little....well I don't know if it's shame...I'd say embarrased....whenever I have to talk about my faith to people who are surprised I have one I go red and my head pulsates....however, I do the same whenever anyone asks me if I fancy someone - I'm much better at talking about both when I've had a drink - what on earth does that say about me!!??

On another note, I've been thinking about writing but I don't know where to start - I'm not sure poems are my thing as I don't read them - I like songs and love clever lyris but I'm not musical, I love reading novels but am pretty sure I don't have the patience or the imagination to write one of those, but I have remebered that when I was at school I loved writing articles but how would I do that now....

The last 2 paragraphs contained 22, "I's", they must have been written by someone who is feeling quite self-obsessed at the moment.

wish you were here.....

2006-07-12T08:21:00.000+01:00

the lord is my shepherd i shall not be in want
he makes me lie down in green pastures
he leads me beside quiet waters
he restores my soul
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his names's sake
Even though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death
i will fear no evil
for you are with me
his rod and his staff they comfort me
you preapre a table before me in the presence of my enemies
you anoint my head with oil
my cup overflows
surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life
and i will dwell in the house of the LORD forever

things are a bit shitty right now....goodness and love have got waylaid some where along the road......

June Bug

2006-07-06T08:45:00.000+01:00

Here are some photos of my June 2006............

The first is of my brief meeting with Paul Merton after the Improv Chums show at the Everyman:

The next is of my fab trip to Spain with 3 lovely ladies:

And finally of my dream come true, my first trip to Wimbledon...the fantasy would have been complete if I had seen Tim Henman play but that was not to be, Andre Agassi, Venus Williams, Leyton Hewitt and Henman Hill will just have to do......

Pimms and Stawberries and Cream

2006-06-28T14:04:00.000+01:00

“ The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. ”- 2 Peter 3:9

Indeed the Lord is not slow - I've waited 26 years and tomorrow I'm off to Wimbledon!!!

bienvenue...

2006-06-27T14:28:00.000+01:00

create your own visited countries map
or vertaling Duits Nederlands

I've visited 5% of the worlds countries...this has almost convinced me to go travelling as soon as I get the opportunity! I didn't count Germant and Austria because I was too young to remember it!

the birds.....

2006-06-13T11:37:00.000+01:00

“ If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”- Luke 11:13

I think Matthew 17 suggests that good gifts are good gifts, it doesn't mention the Holy Spirit, but here it does. I always refer to Matt 17 when I want something that I'm sure is good and often get confused when I don't get it! What I like about Luke 11 is that its a specific promise, God will NEVER withold the Holy Spirit from us when we ask for Him to come....the Holy Spirit is the best of the best of things we could ask for (according to this verse)...this could be a good thing to get a hold of in my life as the Holy Spirit is often the very last thing I ever ask for......

......peace, money, somewhere to live, a family, positive self image, Wimbledon tickets, a holiday, confidence, the answer, inspiration, love, a church, healing, boldness, slimmer hips, thighs and whilst you're about it arms and ankles, patience, hope, whiter teeth, England to score thier own goals, less bushy eyebrows, an adventure, joy, discipline, fruit, chocolate, no traffic, fun......

in answer to your question Jo...

2006-06-09T13:21:00.000+01:00

Jo D wondered where 'I have a pointy chin' came from well see the photo below, it's actually an okay photo (taken at Joy and Bryans wedding) but the fact remains I do have a pointy chin and I'd never thought of myself as a pointy chin kinda gal!

Double Dang.....

2006-06-08T15:19:00.000+01:00

I've just done a Valerie and posted to ttai without realising!

A man walked into the ladies department of a Macy's and shyly walked up to the woman behind the counter and said, "I'd like to buy a bra for my wife." " What type of bra?" asked the clerk. " Type?" inquires the man, "There's more than one type?" "Look around," said the saleslady, as she showed a sea of bras in every shape, size, color and material imaginable. "Actually, even with all of this variety, there are really only four types of bras to choose from ." Relieved, the man asked about the types.

The saleslady replied "There are the Catholic, the Salvation Army, the Presbyterian, and the Baptist types. Which one would you prefer?"

Now totally befuddled, the man asked about the differences between them. The Saleslady responded, "It is all really quite simple.. The Catholic type supports the masses. The Salvation Army type lifts the fallen,The Presbyterian type keeps them staunch and upright, and The Baptist makes mountains out of mole hills."

Hey Bea this ones for you - how ya doing bird send us an email....

2006-06-08T12:24:00.000+01:00

“ The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights. For the director of music. On my stringed instruments. ”- Habakkuk 3:19

Not sure who I'm writing this to but if anyone reads this and has a bible to hand, have a think about worship in the context of the New Testament only....for me this raises more questions about what worship actually is....but I think that if I start working through some of the answers then maybe I'll be able to articulate what worship is - to a non-christian without having to use the words, singing, music, pslam, songs, time of...etc.

We did a word association on worship last night and I couldn't say mine 'cause I was in a group I'd not been in before and I didn't want them to think I wsa just fooling around or trying to make a bad joke I seriously thought htis and couldn't think of anything else.........When Dave said 'worship' I thought it sounded like 'warship' and then I thought 'submarine'.....nothing esle would come!

I have a pointy chin....

2006-06-06T10:10:00.000+01:00

“ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ”- Ephesians 3:17-19

How cool is that - understanding Jesus's love is something that should be done corporately! We have not been built to do things alone not even to begin to understand, or grasp, Jesus' love!

I'm going to see Paul Merton tonight doing a live version of Have I Got News for You! Should be good but I'm going to have to brush up on my current affairs so I get the most out of it!

speak now or forever hold your peace.....

2006-06-01T12:13:00.000+01:00

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Tomorrow is the third and finally wedding of the last 7 days. I had a great time at Joy and Bryans on sunday and one of the best bits was hanging out with all my sheffield mates!

I am really being challenged by discipleship at the moment, I was sure it was something I wanted but over the last few weeks the definition has changed somewhat as to what I thought it was and now I still think I want it I think my original desire remains but man the cost is huge but in very different ways to what I thought the costs were - anyway i'm not in a postition to articulate it at the moment, maybe I never will be....

Anyway feast your eyes on the piccy below of Joy's wedding, it really was very lovely:

24 days to the start of the World Cup

2006-05-17T14:01:00.000+01:00

I've been a bit poorly over the last couple of days, I have a strange pain in my abdomen that is uncomfortable and has also made me very tired. The doctor thinks it might be an inflamed gland but isn't really sure. I've gone to work today because it's only really bad in the morning by the afternoon it gets better, and I'm bored on daytime TV (although C4 on Monday was really educational!).

Anyway my mate Jennie sent me a couple of jokes this week so I thought I'd share one of them:

One day a guy died and found himself in hell. As he was wallowing in despair, he had his first meeting with a demon. The demon asked, "Why so glum?" The guy responded, "What do you think? I'm in hell!"

"Hell's not so bad," the demon said. "We actually have a lot of fun down here. You a drinking man?" "Sure," the man said, "I love to drink." "Well, you're gonna love Mondays then. On Mondays all we do is drink Whiskey, tequila, Guinness, wine coolers, diet Tab and Fresca We drink till we throw up and then we drink some more!" The guy is astounded. "Damn, that sounds great."

"You a smoker?" the demon asked. "You better believe it!" "You're gonna love Tuesdays. We get the finest cigars from all over the world and smoke our lungs out! . If you get cancer, no biggie You're already dead, remember?" "Wow, the guy said, "that's awesome!" The demon continued.

"I bet you like to gamble." "Why yes, as a matter of fact I do." "Wednesdays you can gamble all you want. Craps, blackjack, roulette, poker, slots, whatever. If you go bankrupt, well, you're dead anyhow. You into drugs?"

The guy said, "Are you kidding? I love drugs! You don't mean . . ." "That's right! Thursday is drug day. Help yourself to a great big bowl of crack, or smack. Smoke a doobie the size of a submarine. You can do all the drugs you want, you're dead, who cares!"

"Wow," the guy said, starting to feel better about his situation, "I never realized Hell was such a cool place!" The demon said, "You gay?" "No" "Ooooh, you're gonna hate Fridays!"

It's wrong......but it is a little funny.....

2006-05-08T11:53:00.000+01:00

“ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. ”- Colossians 4:5-6

I think this verse could be enough to keep me challenged for a lifetime! I'd love to try and have my conversations seasoned with salt, I often worry that if I try to do that I might end up over doing it and seasoning with cheese!....

....this could also be the motto of politicians....hmmm....

my scary stapler....

2006-05-03T15:06:00.000+01:00

“ Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. ”- Romans 12:12

Last nights small group was really good, I think it was the first time I didn't cry on the way home!

God gave us an interesting picture of a goldfish in a round bowl submerged in the sea. Its kind of to do with the kingdom of God being the sea and wanting to be outside of our own little bowl emerse in what God is doing no matter how scary or vast it seems.

It remined me of a pictuer Paul M gave me a while ago, it was of me in a boat tethered up, the boat went some way out into the sea but not very far, I really wanted to be free from the rope but the truth was that I wasn't.

Someone else had a picture for me before I left Sheffield that my boundaries were going to shift, I would have more freedom.

That's all very well but I kinda feel 9though that does n't mean that i'm not huh?) much less free than I did in Sheffield and I have no idea what God's doing here in Gloucester so that I can join in - it was a bit more obvious in Sheffield.

answers on the back of a stuck down envelope....

2006-05-02T15:58:00.000+01:00

“ This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. ”- 1 John 5:14-15

Oooh here's a good one - with reference to this verse what do you think the difference is between the confidence that is referred to in verse 14 and faith?

It would be really easy to look at this verse like a formula - and get upset when it doesn't retrun the expected result but I just don't think the Bible works like that despite the fact that I believe everything in the Bible...go figure....

rat ta tat tat...

2006-04-28T13:52:00.000+01:00

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! - Philippians 2:5-8

5Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. 6He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. 7Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! 8Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless, obedient death--and the worst kind of death at that: a crucifixion. - Philippians 2:5-8 (The Message)

This is a more bizzare passage to consider than I've ever thought before - when you grasp something I thought it was to understand something but here it really means being God didn't give Jesus an ego....are we to be slaves or servants what is the real difference? how can one humble ones self? The Message suggests that Jesus didn't neccessarily humble himself rather being human was a humbling process in its self.

If I am obedient and selfless am I humble? Is humility a goal or a bi product?

I'm feeling really restless at the moment - like I really want to get stuck into something and run with it - a project and idea....something new, different - I keep having bizarre ideas and want to do all of them - some might make money, some won't, some might bring in the kingdom of God, some won't.

This is the nicest one of all - a sweet shop that doesn't sell sweets! It looks like a sweet shop though with big jars and lolly pops bright colours etc but its really clevery packaged and marketed fruit and nuts, ready to eat on the go that sort of thing, some fresh, some dried, local produce, fair trade stuff, juices and smoothies etc etc. With a table in the corner for people to knit....knitted fruit!

ow!

2006-04-18T13:10:00.000+01:00

“ That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ”- Romans 10:9-10

Now I am sure of my salvation! I love Romans it has so many little gems that sort stuff out for you....the only problem with Romans is there is a lot of other stuff that causes me more problems than I started with....

AOB - My nose stud fell out a couple of days ago and yesterday it had started to heal over...I managed to stick a ring through but now its really sore...I've just been to town to buy some studs and I didn't check the packet properly and the studs are these bizarre things that are way too thick for the hole in my nose so I'm back to the ring which I don't like very much!

2006-04-13T13:01:00.000+01:00

“ for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. ”- Romans 3:23-24

Do you think that this verse suggests that we only just miss the mark?...like we're nearly there but not quite?....As far as I think I know we're or I certainly am, miles away from the glory of God becuase of my sin (before Jesus came along).

'Falling short' also therefore suggests that the actions of Christ are like the last little bit of a bridge to make sure it reaches the other side - surely the gap is a chasm (similar to that of the Grand Canyon and Jesus is the entire bridge, foundations and all!

I'm going to see what it says in the message....

Since we've compiled this long and sorry record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, 24God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we're in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.

hmm that's a bit more like it!

ha!

2006-04-13T12:52:00.000+01:00

Robin may not be wearing my creation in public but its definately the start of something!

why stop working just cos you need the loo......?

2006-04-07T10:38:00.000+01:00

“ I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ”- Galatians 2:20

A question has been raised about whether or not there is a difference between a believer, a Christian and a disciple.

Consider the following:

1. What does it mean to be saved?
2. Can we ever be sure of our salvation?
3. How well do we have to know Jesus before we should give our lives to Him and encourage others to do so?
4. Once someone proclaims the Lordship of Jesus in their lives are they saved?
5. Where is the balance between discipline, personal sacrifice and grace?
6. Can you lose your salvation?
7. There were many people who believed who Jesus was but were they disciples?
8. What is the definition of a disciple?
9. Can you be a disciple if you can't read the bible, don't know the Holy Spirit or don't go to church?
10. (for good measure) Why does it seem to be more hard core to being a disciple rather than a Chrsitian?
11. If you want to be a disciple are you therefore a disciple?

Now the following are things I'm fairly sure I know:

1. Jesus told his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations.
2. When Peter preached (Acts 2) thousands believed and were added to there numbers.
3. The parable of the talents suggests we should invest what we have been given by God, but if we have'nt been given much we can't invest much (but that 'talent' is still to be invested).
4. Blessed are the poor, the hungry, the mourners, the merciful etc
5. Paul taught about the complete transformation of mind and spirit through Jesus and the Holy Spirit.
6. Believing in Jesus, who he is, what he's done is good.....but there is more
7. The devil believes who Jesus is but he does not submit to him (unless you remind him about when happens in Revelation.)
8. You have discipleship training schools but not Chritianship training schools (or are those churches?)
9. Jesus will tell you he never knew you if you don't do the will of the Father
10. The gate is narrow and few will pass through
11. There are many different types of people: people who have rejected Jesus, people who believe Jesus existed, people who have never been told the truth about Jesus, people who once gave thier lives to Jesus and have since taken parts of it back, people who are all about what you have to do for your salvation rather than who you have to be, and people that are just trying to figure it all out and are not sure where that putsthem on the beliver-disciple spectrum (if there is one!) That's me by the way.

Any thoughts?

missing monkeys found shaved.....

2006-04-03T09:15:00.000+01:00

“ Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ”- Hebrews 12:2

There' s that joy thing again.....

.....I don't know if it has anything to do with the sunny weather or God but today I am so much more optomistic about seeing change in Gloucester. It really is a deprived City is so many ways....I've been thinking about how it could be changed around and remebered hearing this guy (Christian) talk about what he was doing in Leeds (what he felt his role in God's mission to Leeds was really) and it was all about sustainable development, helping the people to help themselves, increasing the local economy but keeping the wealth within the area. This is exactly the kind of thing we need to do here....not sure where to begin....I never do with ideas like this maybe I'm supposed to pray for it rather than be the person who does it....

ps. I will send a mars bar to anyone who can tell me where I got todays title from...

babies taste of chicken....

2006-03-31T13:30:00.000+01:00

“ But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. ”- Isaiah 53:5-6

Jesus really did do an amazing thing for us on the cross. I tend to only think about it in terms of salvation but what he did covered so much more.
He died so we could be healed,
He died so that we would have peace,
He died so that we could have a direct relationship with God the Father,
He died so that we didn't just have to meet God in the temple
He died so that the richness of heaven would be available to us and that we would always be provided for.

Maybe salvation is all these things. Maybe I have limited what salvation means, ie its more than simply going to heaven, it all of the above.

The 3rd of March's babies has been born safe and well, and as a girl - Congratualtions Lydia and Robert on the birth of Bethany Grace!

split ends...

2006-03-30T12:01:00.000+01:00

“ He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. ”- Isaiah 53:3-4

Yesterday my lovely friend Val encouraged me from her blog with the following qoute:

'There is a difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is caused by things which happen around us, and circumstances will mar it, but joy flows right through trouble; joy flows on through the dark; joys flows in the night as well as in the day; joy flows through persecution and opposition; it is an unceasing fountain bubbling up in the heart; a secret spring............' (L. Moody).

I'm sure Jesus was not always happy but he would have had this deep joy. Although I don't think I have this deep, deep joy that is talked about here, I know that it is available to me if I ever work out how to access it, I'm sure that I hope for this and I'm certain it exisits although I can't see it so hopefully my faith will be rewarded and one day it will happen.....

fill in the blanks

2006-03-29T09:39:00.000+01:00

“ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ”- 2 Corinthians 5:21

This verse looks like it should be really inspiring, thought provoking, poignant even...I know it is what Jesus did is bigger than I can ever get my head round - but today is all about me.

I am really PMTish and therefore the world is revolving around me and my feelings and thinking that I should be or am becoming the righteousness of God is'nt really helping especially when I don't feel very becoming in general.

If anyone reads this do they have any idea what it means to 'become the righteouness of God'?

magic bullet....

2006-03-25T15:24:00.000Z

“ If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. ”- 1 John 1:9

Okay so some of you guys need a bit of a summary of what i've done. I wish it was more exciting but it really isn't....I have moved back to Gloucestershire, living wth my parents in Cheltenham but going to work and church in Gloucester. I'm working as a Business Analyst for the NHS, which is exactly the job i wanted but the problem at the moment is being new, office politics and generally not being trusted by the other members of the team to get on with the work i have been assigned.

I have joined my friends Dave and Paula in a church they are planting in Gloucester. The reason I moved was because I wanted 2 things that i just don't have in Sheffield - Family and Discipleship. Living back with my family is actually really lovely - i have meals cooked, washing done, no cleaning to do (yet) , company, and generally stability. Hopefully I will be able to use this time to get out of my student debt adstart a fresh.

Dave and Paula Keeper were my youth group leaders when I was a very tiny 13 year old. They (and Jesus) are really resonsible for shaping me spiritually and emotionally. I hope that being part of this new thing we call Church will continue to challenge me and keep me on the straight an narrow. I'll keep people updated with this progress...

Ps The reason I entitled this post Magic Bullet is because I am sat at the dining room table with something called a magic bullet looking at me. This thing is just a bit bigger than a pint glass, it plugs in, it costs £50 and guess what it does?.....it chops onions! I cant believe anyone would spend £50 on a lump of plastic that chops onions- but then, my Mum, bless her, isn't anyone!

alleluia

2006-03-17T12:25:00.000Z

“ [ A psalm of David. ] The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. ”- Psalm 23:1-3

I nearly cried today when I saw the view from one of the wards' windows today. I saw the Cathedral in the foreground and hills and fields behind that. I love being so near to greenery and beautiful views. One also gets Seagulls in Gloucester as they come up the Bristol Channel to the docks and it makes you thik for just a second that you're by the sea.

At the moment all I want for is more work to do. Every morning I wake up the view from my bedroom window is green pastures. I'm physically very tired but feel great inside....however, I'm still working on my righteous path.....

I can now blog again so I hope you folk out there will be reading again!

Hmmmmm...

2005-11-24T17:49:00.001Z

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. ”- Colossians 2:6-7

The hmmmm is because I am not impressed with the Internet security at work. They have decided to categorise ttai as a chat website and therefore ban it! They've also installed some other security thing that disables the sign in button from the blogspot homepage so i cant even update my own blog at work. However it may have been the kick up the bum I needed to sort myself out with internet at home - and here it is!

Thankfulness seems to be a bit topical at the moment. I took my Granny to church on sunday and Mark b talked on thankfulness and she really enjoyed it. She said it wsa an extremely relevant and helpful ermon and she wished her friend Janet had been there as well as my uncle Phil - there's an evangelist in her just waiting to get out!

Be thankful for eveything - to God ultimately but also to others. Thank your parents for their parenting (the good bits anyway), thank your teachers for teaching you, thank your employers for giving you access to the Internet albeit limited! Thank God for health, for breath, for life. Being thankful makes you generous.

.com

2005-11-24T17:49:00.000Z

Mrs Robinson

2005-11-17T07:33:00.000Z

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105

Today is the day I graduate. My family are coming up to stay. I'll be going back to Cheltenham with them for the weekend too.

This verse is quite topical for a graduate I think. Everyone will be thinking what am i going to do now? Some will already know. Others like me, are still trying to figure it out. I find this verse helps. Currently my path is dark, I cannot see it - it's there but none of us can clearly see the future. However, there is hope. God and his word will light the way. God is not promising to show me my future, only to illuminate the imminent.

Interiority - Thesaurus bingo

2005-11-10T10:05:00.000Z

God's voice thunders in marvelous ways; he does great things beyond our understanding. He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,' and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.”- Job 37:5-6

I realise that over the last couple of years I've stopped trying to understand God. I no longer ask 'why?' very often. I probably won't understand the answer - I don't even think 'why?' is the right question. I've stopped asking why do good people suffer? why to bad people prosper? why are there devastating eathquakes, weather phenomenons that kill and destroy?

I see things and know they are God - beautiful sunsets, mountains, tropical islands, forgiveness. The things I see and don't know what God has to do with them, I look for where God is in them - the compassion, the grace, charity, amazing coincidences etc.

I don't know if I've stopped asking the questions because I'm afraid of getting answers I don't want to hear or if I'm scared of never getting the answers, either way my energy seems much better spent looking for the things that I can see.

Bye Bye Baby Bye Bye

2005-11-07T19:04:00.000Z

“ [Instructions on Worship ] I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. ”- 1 Timothy 2:1-2

1. God give wisdom and peace to the French government
2. God give our government your authority, power and wisdom so they make godly decisions
3. Give that homeless guy a hot meal and roof over his head tonight - and help me know what I can do when I see needs like that
4. May the girl I met on friday night get to her methadone appointment and may it be the start of her never having to use heroin again
5. Bless Simon and Liz in their marriage and home about a million times more than they are amazingly hospitable and great at throwing parties.

I hope thats enough for me to have a peaceful and quiet life, (or at least a good nights sleep - i had bad dreams last night) and bring on the godliness and holiness....

sigh

2005-11-02T09:35:00.000Z

“ But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ”- 1 Peter 2:9

Right now I couldn't feel less chosen, less royal (unless we're talking about the Windsors where it seems a given to be a complete f*** up! In which case I'm a right royal f*** up!), or less holy.

I don't feel out of the darkness, I'm well in the darkness. However, the Bible says I am all these good things whether I feel them or not. Regardless of my actions etc.

I do find it easy to beleive things I don't neccessarily feel if I'm feeling positive or indifferent. When I feel bad it's virtually impossibe to believe the good things until the negativity passes. Anyway I'm gonna give it a go.....

Ptomaine - dictionary bingo

2005-10-28T08:55:00.000+01:00

I was listening to a U2 song on the radio and the chorus goes, "all because of you, I am". I thought, that's true for me, I wouldn't be who I am without God - all of it has been ordained by God, who my parents were to be, where I was going to live and in which decade etc. Then I thought that it's the same for God too. All because of us, He is. He does not say "I am, who I am" to the rest of the Trinity, because they are who they are because of each other. Instead He created us so He could express himself to us, He gives us a reason to be just as we give Him the opportunity to be too.

“ For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you. ”- 1 Peter 1:24-25

swivel top pencil cases

2005-10-27T09:18:00.000+01:00

“ For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. ”- Hebrews 4:12

See yesterdays note.

a man in pink shirt

2005-10-26T10:40:00.000+01:00

“ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. ”- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

I get really encouraged by reading this verse. I remember how sacred the bible is and how useful it can be. Despite all the things I have difficulty having faith in, the bible, surprisingly isn't one of them. I still have trouble applying the truths and getting them deep into my heart but I do truly believe every word of the Bible and love the way God can speak to us, me, through it.

la la la, la la la

2005-10-25T09:53:00.000+01:00

“ Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. ”- Ephesians 5:19-20

I recently heard someone preaching from this passage and it was very inspirational. They talked about how we should do this. He talked about how worship songs should be biblical, theologically sound etc. This is so true - when I was a newbie crispy crunchy I loved worship times at church (still do) and I learnt so much from these. When I got to reading the Bible it was great to find where the lyrics had come from - it reinforced the truth the songs and the passages was trying to convey.

water, water (nearly) everywhere....

2005-10-20T08:46:00.000+01:00

I have a new bath, and a new sink with shiny new taps and today i should have a new toilet!

I have thought many times how great it would be to feel like I did when I first became a Christian, but today I think actually it wasn't that great. I was picked on at school for going to church and my family thought I should see a phsychiatrist.....the Holy Spirit came to heal me of things so I spent the first 7 years of my salvation crying! However, when I wasn't crying I was joyful, things started to make sense, I was passionate about something for the first time in my life and I was willing to do anything or go anywhere with God (except funnily enough Sheffield).

“ Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. ”- Psalm 51:12

Today I think that the childlikeness of those early years, and my fervency are not to be knocked and I'd love have those things back to compliment the stuff I know now.....

50 50 50 50.......

2005-10-18T09:26:00.000+01:00

“ Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD. ”- Psalm 27:14

Is this like waiting for the Holy Spirit to come?
Am I waiting for God to do something?
Am I waiting for Jesus to come back again?

Or is this simply a message to the Jews to wait for their Messiah.....

It's amazing how the Bible can be read and interpreted on so many levels. That's the thing with theology. Some theologians will say that there is only one correct interpretation and others will say that anything goes. I'm sure the Word is living so that it applies to us in the way we need it when we need it. Thats my theology and I think I'm going to stick to it. I'm not waiting for anything from the Lord at the moment so I'll wait for the meaning of this when I need it.

diminutive - dictionary bingo

2005-10-17T09:57:00.000+01:00

“ The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. My eyes are ever on the LORD, for only he will release my feet from the snare. ”- Psalm 25:14-15

Covenant is promise, right? The LORD makes his promises known to those who fear Him. A while ago I blogged that I was feeling 'stuck' - well having my feet in a snare is pretty similar. I well encouraged that it is God who will release me from the snare. I have been more into Him recently, if that makes sense, I have tried to raise my eyes to see him and have found quite unconsciously that I think my feet have been released! God is reminding me more and more of past promises He's made to me and even though I have nearly always doubted them - I really shouldn't and am increasingly starting to believe that they may be real....

Rhapsodie of Fruit

2005-10-14T09:20:00.000+01:00

“ Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. ”- Romans 12:2

Yes please! I would love to be transformed so that I no longer conform to the pattern of this world. So, I need to renew my mind....how do I do this?

Her name was Lola....

2005-10-13T09:19:00.000+01:00

“ For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. ”- Jeremiah 29:11

I seem to find myself constantly thinking about bathrooms but when I'm not thinking about bathrooms I'm thinking about the age old question - "What am I doing/going to do with my life?"

Well today, I'm thinking that perhaps that isn't my decsion, its Gods. He knows and that should be enough. I'll stop worrying that I may end up doing the wrong thing (see Mondays post) but how am I going to transpose this truth, this promise of Jeremiah 29:11 to my heart. How am I going to feel that is a truth rather than a legend?

Hope and a future are Gods gift to me. Just as life is a gift. Ordinarily by right I do not deserve a future or to feel hope, because without Jesus I would have none. Now I do know Jesus, my future is eternal and my hope is that one day I'll come face to face with my Father and then I'll get it. All those questions will evaporate, they won't matter. The only small bit left to think about (other than what colour to paint the walls) is, am I going to hear the words, "well done, good and faithful servant." or "this is my daughter, whom I love, with her I am well pleased." when I get there?

Anyone for a cuppa?

2005-10-11T08:56:00.000+01:00

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken - Pslam 62

How does our soul get tired? Do we rest just because we are tired? My body and mind finds rest when I sleep, or do nothing, but my soul? I have never consciously tried to rest my soul. When I am in God, resting in His presence my soul could well be resting. It does kind of feel like that sometimes....that my soul is resting....or my heart at any rate.

Maybe my soul is permanently rested now its salvation is found in Jesus? Is my soul now held by God, high up in a castle on a cliff? Hidden from the crashing waves, the high winds, the scavenging crows, the robbers and the enemy.

The rock will have to be climbed and the castle besieged and Gods hand wrenched open to get my soul from Him. I know that story and I know the ending - my soul is the LORDS, He will never let be me shaken, He will never let me be lost again.

what's brown and sticky......?

2005-10-10T10:13:00.000+01:00

I am well bored at work at the moment but as soon as the pens I ordered for staff arrive with the catchy slogan - "Internet Service - Self-Help for Customers" - I'll have pleanty to do batching 'em up and shipping 'em out.

Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. ”- Proverbs 19:20-21

I think sometimes I get so sick of waiting for God to tell me what to do that I just do what I want to do, blindly hoping that the verse about giving me the desires of my heart will come into play. However, this proverb seems to suggest that, yes, often plans are born from man rather than God but the the plan that comes successfully to fruition IS God's plan.

It was Gods purpose for me to do a degree
It was Gods purpose for me to move to Sheffield
It was Gods purpose for me to transfers jobs and continue to work for Jobcentre Plus
It was Gods purpose for me to buy a house

This has given me faith for the future. It's okay to plan, it's okay to seek Gods purpose too and if it happens then it's not a fluke or Gods plan B or C its the LORD's
purpose.

A boomarang that doesn't come back.

Hey Ant hope this works......

2005-09-02T09:46:00.000+01:00

I am going on holiday to the south of france tomorrow morning - its going to be great fun and i'm sorry its not going to be for longer than 2 weeks.....but i am going to france again for my birthday so only 3 months to wait....i think i'm going to do a lot of journalling whilst away because i have a lot of things i want to work out in my head for when i get back.

whats that over there?

2005-08-18T10:20:00.000+01:00

maybe, just maybe things are on the up. it's not started yet but if God is as faithful as i'm really hoping he is then its all just below the surface. will be seeking Gods heart for me more over the next couple of weeks and hopefully when i come back off holiday i'll be ready to rock and roll....

huh?

2005-08-16T11:22:00.000+01:00

1. Rudely awakened/awoken by the builders
2. Finally saw the last ever episode of Sex and the City
3. Met more nice people at BBQ
4. Commuted from Cheltenham to Sheffield on Monday morning
5. Stayed at work until 6pm on Monday
6. Nearly running out of shampoo
7. Desperately in need of a hair cut
8. Got invited out for food on monday, tuesday and wednesday (any volunteers for thursday and friday?)
9. Going to Morpeth on Sunday night
10. for good measure....need to go for a wee right now

Me, myself and me too....

2005-08-08T10:47:00.000+01:00

Well, I would love ot say things are getting better but they're not really. I am still finding it really hard to hold on to, "I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future..." God may know - but I don't. Is the fact that God knows enough....hmmm not really. He plans to give me a hope and a future - but when, when do I get just the hope? I'm balancing on a pin head. If I wobble any more I'm going to fall of. If I stay very still then I'll be fine, but I'll start to get twitchy and achey and not be able to do that for long.

The other stupid thing is that I know God has a plan for me, I know its the best plan ever, even better than my plan for me - but I know this like I know the Earth revolves around the Sun. Other people have told me, I've not seen it for myself, but there does seem to be evidence for it being true. I just want to know and see it happen for myself.

in the mud

2005-07-19T17:31:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling a little stuck at the moment. It's actually more than a little, I reckon I'm about up to my knees. Job hunting isn't going great, money is tight, decorating is slow, God is near but also very far away. I'm starting a slippery slope of cynicism. I could do with a little more faith in God, the future other people and myself.

I often wish I had the indulgence of being able to do things all over again. I don't have a feeling as sharp as regret more like a whimsical notion that my hindsight should have been my foresight.

this is for bea....

2005-06-22T13:32:00.000+01:00

For info - piccy of Napolean Dynamite aka Jon Heder
Little bit different huh? Still has goofy teeth though....

phew....

2005-06-22T12:59:00.000+01:00

well yesterday afternoon was a bit of a stresser! My heart was in my mouth for about 3 and a half hours whilst Tim Henman had a go at beating a bloke who's name i cant pronounce but is very similar to eminem, with a n at the begining.

I've heard all the jokes before, "oh yeah, I'm gonna be supporting Tim all the way......to the quarter finals!" and the "he's just crap" comments. How can he be crap and be seeded 6th at Wimbledon? He's not the best, and I'll be the first to admit it but if I'm going to be vaguely patriotic (and lets face it well all need to be a bit more patriotic England and Britian aren't crap either! But thats another long blog that I may write another day), I'm going to shamelessly support Henman all the way, full stop!

Tim may not win the tornament or even get to the semis (and if yesterday is anything to go by I'm not going to money on him getting through round 2) but what I can say is that I still thoroughly enjoy whatching him play even if its badly (and thats not just 'cause I fancy him a bit either). You/one just never knows whats going to happen. For me it's like watching a film with my favourite actor and sometimes its a shit film but you can enjoy it anyway and sometimes its brilliant and they shine all the way through and sometimes its a shit film and they give a shit performance but you still live in hope that the next one will be better and they don't stop being your favourite actor. Well thats what is like for me and Tim.

We need to be a bit more supportive of our British number one, and people need to stop dismissing him as simply a "crap" tennis player!

Here endeth the lesson.

dust to dust, ashes to ashes.....

2005-06-06T13:10:00.000+01:00

May the Student Catherine Lucy Pearson October 2001 to June 2005, rest in peace

IT'S OVER! IT'S ALL OVER! Woo!, and may I also say Hoo!

you shouldn't laugh but.....

2005-05-23T14:01:00.000+01:00

it is a bit funny
what gets me is the stance the Cambodian Government took!

oo la la...

2005-05-09T16:41:00.000+01:00

my exams start today, by 7.00 tonight I will have completed appromiately 16.66% of my degree. I'm more excited than nervous coz this just means the beginning of the end.

the last exam of my a levels was the final paper of english. it was also the first england match of the 98 world cup (v Tunisia) we were all going to the pub after the exam to watch it. i was sooo excited about finishing my exams and watching the footie that i couldnt concentrate on my exam at all and completely fluffed it up.

lets hope i can keep my excitement contained a little longer so i do a bit better at my degree......

oh for the love of God...

2005-05-05T10:37:00.000+01:00

I have just be interegated as to why I and a number of colleagues might require a new name badge....it's a disciplinary offence not to wear one but now apparently its also an offence to have too many! oh how I love bureaucracy

Absolutely quackers.....

2005-04-18T10:06:00.000+01:00

I see ducks,
here there and every where,
webbed feet and beaks yeah,
love the way they walk yeah.

Its raining and the Porter Brook (the actual brook not the pub) is full and there are ducks in it! That was quite cool to see this morning. They were a couple and quacking at each other. Well it made me smile anyway.

Maybe I need more sleep. Watched Angel til 11.30 (He and Dala had a baby and no one knew Vampires could have babies!) then caught the end of the best albums on C4. OK Computer was number 1.

rock on tommy....

2005-04-13T10:10:00.000+01:00

i think it would be quite boring to start detailing the events of the last week so i wont (and i've kinda already done it on ttai.com). Also if what happened was anything to do with the old angel of light i dont want him to feel all smug by having his schemes written down and having a laugh about it with his mates.

i'm currently hoping for oodles of redemptive stuff happening (so God ya know what ta dooo).

Please bring on vision, hope, empowerment, freedom and passion.

motionless....

2005-04-04T10:57:00.000+01:00

Does anyone know what a pedal box is coz i sure as hell dont! but apparently mine (well my cars) is bust and i need a new one.

Twitching eye lids.....

2005-03-31T11:52:00.000+01:00

a very long weekend in 'nham involved seeing quite a few people i've not seen for a long time. I also went out for a great meal to a restaurant called Vanilla My mum also filled me with enough food to keep me going 'til next easter!

My twitching eyelids are not a result of batting them provocativley at blokes but due to emmense tiredness, late nights, an uncomfortable bed and since returning, an adiction to Jamies Schools Dinners.

the emergency exits are here and...well here!

2005-03-09T14:30:00.000Z

Just in case anyone is wondering I arrived back in Sheffield safe and sound. However my stress levels weren't helped by a secondary leak to spring up in my kitchen! I also had a French oral exam to practice for.

However today life seems a little brighter (hooray) my test went relativley well considering, my leaks are now fixed (i'm just waiting for the next one) and I managed to get to 2 lectures today which makes me feel very self-righteous.

I think i'll pop along to starbucks treat myself to a nice hot cup of cwoiffee and have a stab at the big issue crossword - can life get any better.....? (don't answer that!)

okay now i'm scared...

2005-03-07T12:38:00.000Z

Adrian has just shown me the seat layout of our return flight plan - its half the size of the one we flew up on....please pray for my nerves they're frayed enough as it is!

Elastic bands and twigs....

2005-03-07T12:19:00.000Z

Well I'm lucky to be alive quite frankly. Yesterday I flew 350 miles north to Aberdeen in what can only be described as a paper aeroplane. There were a total of 13 on the plane including the pilot, co-pilot and flight attendant. It felt like the thing was powered with elastic bands. Not a jet engine in sight, just propellers, i didnt think they still made aeroplanes with propellers! Putting my abject fear aside and giving credit where credit is due the flight itself was relativley smooth as was the landing - any hoo i have to endure it all again in a couple of hours when i fly home. Think i'm going to do some shopping (spend my expenses and subsistance - aren't you taxpayers glad that your money is being well spent)this lunchtime to help calm my nerves....

vul-ner-rabili-ty

2005-02-21T12:12:00.000Z

now, i'tle ve noticed that folks are quite vulnerable on their blogs so in an attempt to try and be a little bit more interesting i'll post a little bit more of me....

yesterday i saw Fisrt Daughter and i cried. I didn't cry when i saw million dollar baby even though it was incredibly tragic (making me think i might be dead inside) but i did with this rather poor cheesy movie. The main thing that got me choked up was the scene with Katie Holmes and her Dad. Her Dad is the President of America but they have this incredibly intimate and close relationship there is one particular scene where they are eating cake together in the middle of the night that made me long for that kind of relationship. I neither have it or had it with my earthly father (although as Dads go he's okay) but what upset me the most was i dont even have that with God. Even though i've been persuing it for so long i'm still so far away - i guess its coz unlike the presidents daughter just knowing this guy all her life as Dad rather than the president, i've always known God as the president and not as my Dad.

crunchy nut clusters....

2005-02-17T10:30:00.000Z

someone has just emailed me and asked whats going on with me and clusters, here is part of my reply, i think its quite telling and i didnt realise this was how i felt until i started typing...

so at the moment I am clusterless – this is okay for the right now but also a bit lonely – I’m sure God has a plan for me....maybe he wants me to get so desperate for a small group/cluster that when i finally get accepted into another one I’ll never complain about it again...it would be nice to have a group of people who are committed to support me and pray for me and sound stuff off as well as get excited about God and His kingdom (and of course I'm there to return the favour) anyway who knows whats just round the corner....

brits 25

2005-02-16T11:13:00.000Z

so the brit awards are as old as me. I finally got to see them late last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. Even though I knew who won most of the awards it didn't stop me crying when they did win (that could have been something to do with PMT...I don't know). Thank you Jesus for leading Daniel Bedingfield to the hairdressers and a razor! But i do wonder why Chris Evans had to have that little quip with Billie about going for chips and dreams to coming true - what was that about?!

oh my goodness....

2005-02-16T11:07:00.000Z

after a lot of procrastination and trying to borrow it before i bought it, i finally took a chance and got the new Killers album with my grocery budget at tescos. and oh my goodness it totally rocks. I actually danced about in the kitchen as soon as it started and made doing the washing the most fun ever!

Fame.....

Toujours en France

Flowers in the window

yo yo yo....

Neither a borrower nor a lender be.....

Actually...

flippin' 'eck...

Woo hoo it's Monday.....

Class Act....

and the fun just keeps coming....

what's the AA for the OC....?

Winter Wonderland Land

US Army kill Giant Squirrel.....no way!

going for a song....

possoms and poo

Well, well, well....

pease pudding....don't ask

ethical addictions

whoosh...

two by two...

mundane morning

start spreading the news....

the american dream....

good enough to eat....?

yay!

itchy eyes....chili fries

*sigh*

well hello there!

have a drink with cheese

"Really, I would have said dungarees"

five little speckled frogs....

what makes the world go round?.....

Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain

violets are blue, roses are red, when I ask you about Jesus, so are you.

wish you were here.....

June Bug

Pimms and Stawberries and Cream

bienvenue...

the birds.....

in answer to your question Jo...

Double Dang.....

I have a pointy chin....

speak now or forever hold your peace.....

24 days to the start of the World Cup

my scary stapler....

answers on the back of a stuck down envelope....

rat ta tat tat...

ow!

ha!

why stop working just cos you need the loo......?

missing monkeys found shaved.....

babies taste of chicken....

split ends...

fill in the blanks

magic bullet....

alleluia

Hmmmmm...

.com

Mrs Robinson

Interiority - Thesaurus bingo

Bye Bye Baby Bye Bye

*sigh*

Ptomaine - dictionary bingo

swivel top pencil cases

a man in pink shirt

la la la, la la la

water, water (nearly) everywhere....

50 50 50 50.......

diminutive - dictionary bingo

Rhapsodie of Fruit

Her name was Lola....

Anyone for a cuppa?

what's brown and sticky......?

Hey Ant hope this works......

whats that over there?

huh?

Me, myself and me too....

in the mud

this is for bea....

phew....

sigh

sigh