I cannot believe that it is October already! The summer has gone, even though it feels like I have only just returned from my holidays.
I spent most of September with my husband. That is something out of the ordinary, as we live in separate countries most of the time! Richard's job is based in Italy and involves a lot of travelling to the Middle East. So to spend more than a weekend in each others company was something of a novelty.
We enjoyed a relaxing cruise on the Mediterranean, a cruise that coincided with our 30th wedding anniversary. Our marriage has not always been plain sailing and sometimes the seas were particularly choppy, but we have managed to keep afloat. (Sorry, I know awful!!)
My Christian journey has not always been plain sailing either, but I have weathered the storms so far. Thank you God for the many blessings in my life. May I always be as faithful to you as you have been to me.
Friday, 27 August 2010
Yesterday, 26 August, saw the 100th anniversary of the birth of Mother Teresa.
This one tiny lady answered the call of God to travel to a strange land and there founded the Missionaries of Charity of Kolkata.
At the time of her death, in 1997, the Missioaries of Charity were operating in 123 countries. Mother Teresa herself worked tirelessly for over 45 years, ministering to the poor, the sick, the orphaned and the dying.
Throughout her life she had her supporters and her critics, but she carried on working to the end, resolutely fulfiling her mission.
Looking at what was accomplished for the good of humanity and for the Glory of God, by the work of this one woman is very humbling. It also reminds me that God works through every one of us and can do great things if we are open and obedient to his Will in our lives.
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no-one ever come to you without leaving happier" Mother Teresa
This one tiny lady answered the call of God to travel to a strange land and there founded the Missionaries of Charity of Kolkata.
At the time of her death, in 1997, the Missioaries of Charity were operating in 123 countries. Mother Teresa herself worked tirelessly for over 45 years, ministering to the poor, the sick, the orphaned and the dying.
Throughout her life she had her supporters and her critics, but she carried on working to the end, resolutely fulfiling her mission.
Looking at what was accomplished for the good of humanity and for the Glory of God, by the work of this one woman is very humbling. It also reminds me that God works through every one of us and can do great things if we are open and obedient to his Will in our lives.
"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no-one ever come to you without leaving happier" Mother Teresa
Monday, 9 August 2010
It seems so long since I have posted anything here.
The Conference was very interesting. Portsmouth was very hot!
Much has happened since my return. A great deal of time was spent with Circuit and Church farewells to the Superintendent Minister, on his retirement.
Yesterday I was preaching at Harrowby Lane. My "Trial Service". Fortunately I had an excellent assessment and live to preach another day!
I was particularly aware of the extraordinarily diverse gifts of so many of the congregation at HL. From singing, acting, playing instruments to listening skills, hospitality and welcoming skills - the list goes on!
Thank God for the blessings God pours down on us!
The Conference was very interesting. Portsmouth was very hot!
Much has happened since my return. A great deal of time was spent with Circuit and Church farewells to the Superintendent Minister, on his retirement.
Yesterday I was preaching at Harrowby Lane. My "Trial Service". Fortunately I had an excellent assessment and live to preach another day!
I was particularly aware of the extraordinarily diverse gifts of so many of the congregation at HL. From singing, acting, playing instruments to listening skills, hospitality and welcoming skills - the list goes on!
Thank God for the blessings God pours down on us!
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
I am making final preparations for the trip to Portsmouth tomorrow, where I will be a representative of the Nottingham and Derby District of the Methodist Church, at the Methodist Conference 2010.
Looking at the agenda, there will be several very important debates. It will be good to be involved.
Hoping to meet some old friends in Portsmouth - including someone I knew at university and who I have not seen for over 25 years.
I pray for guidance for all the representatives, that they will make decisions in line with God's will, for the future of the Methodist Church in the UK.
Looking at the agenda, there will be several very important debates. It will be good to be involved.
Hoping to meet some old friends in Portsmouth - including someone I knew at university and who I have not seen for over 25 years.
I pray for guidance for all the representatives, that they will make decisions in line with God's will, for the future of the Methodist Church in the UK.
Monday, 7 June 2010
I have just returned from a few days in Rome. June 2 was the Italian national Day and a public holiday. The Festa della Repubblica was celebrated in Rome with a huge procession of military and state might, ending with a fly past of military jets, swooping above the Colisseum and towards the Victor Emmanuel Monument. I watched the procession live on TV as the crowds along the way are always too dense to see anything much - especially for a short person!
I also visited theBasilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva, with important Dominican links and site of the body of St Catherine of Siena. (the head being in Siena.) I was pleased to pray in the quiet of the Basilica and remember St Catherine's words "All the way to heaven, is heaven."
I also visited theBasilica Santa Maria sopra Minerva, with important Dominican links and site of the body of St Catherine of Siena. (the head being in Siena.) I was pleased to pray in the quiet of the Basilica and remember St Catherine's words "All the way to heaven, is heaven."
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
After a few days of uncertainty, the UK has a new Prime Minister in David Cameron. The Conservatives have formed a coalition with the Lib Dems.
A key word in David's first speech as PM was "difficult". There will be "difficult" days ahead and "difficult" decisions to make.
We are "fishing from the other side of the boat" and doing things differently, butweall must pull together to ensure success.
This may not be the government many of us wanted or expected, but we have a duty now to work to ensure some form of stability and economic growth in this country.
A key word in David's first speech as PM was "difficult". There will be "difficult" days ahead and "difficult" decisions to make.
We are "fishing from the other side of the boat" and doing things differently, butweall must pull together to ensure success.
This may not be the government many of us wanted or expected, but we have a duty now to work to ensure some form of stability and economic growth in this country.
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Election Day in the UK has finally arrived. I know we have a fairly short time of campaigning, but a much longer campaign would still not have helped my thinking and decision-making.
This has been the most difficult choice I can remember in my voting history! I don't think that any of the three main parties tick my boxes.
I just pray that, whoever wins, Christians in the UK become more involved in the government and leadership and realise how incredibly important it is to engage with the political.
This has been the most difficult choice I can remember in my voting history! I don't think that any of the three main parties tick my boxes.
I just pray that, whoever wins, Christians in the UK become more involved in the government and leadership and realise how incredibly important it is to engage with the political.
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