Silly Season Again...

Too many dates in the diary - I knew this would be a particulalrly busy silly season ( run-up to Chritsmas) but it's whizzing past...

Bible Cafe starts in 8 days, and we are under a lot of attack - so would value prayers. Specifically re; the following:

John has work right up to his eyebrows, and the deadlines are speeding ever closer, but the software is not functioning as it should on his latest project; Sleep-depriving and worrying for him...

Chris suffered his first ever migraine at work yesterday - had to be brought home. Spent the rest of yesterday and all of today in bed. Those of you who know him, know he is super-fit and that this is totally out of character....

I had a written feedback in work today from a very irate couple who were totally disatisfied with the way I counselled them. None of their accusations was actually true, but it sounds as if I am being over-defensive to mention this too loudly. Had to bring it before a Supervision Group today to examine its ramifications. Not a nice way to spend an hour....When I got up at Church to plug Bible Cafe, I mentioned that sometimes Satan loves to get his oar in when something special is around the corner. Looks like we may be onto something good, then......

Pat's Thought for the Day:
Satan does not, and has not ever "played fair" He will expose every weakness, pour salt into every wound, and use all and any means to make us feel worthless, stupid and unvalued. He will not baulk at using our children as weapons against us, nor worry about "kicking us when we're down". The Lord, however, is a balm of Gilead, a gentleman, and is the Personification of Meekness and Majesty. We are safe in His hands, but that does not mean we are deaf to the storm. Trust is fashioned in Tempests, not in gentle sea

Just a normal Saturday....

Just returned from my last-ever-but-one Show for Chunky Garden Furniture. It’s been an interesting couple of years helping out my brother and all, but with all that this next few months and years possibly holds, I’m giving up the show circuit.

However, today was a one-day only show, and it was really great to share it with my sister Rhi. I consider myself extremely blessed to have her as a sister, and the two of us could not be closer. I know that those of you who know her will understand how precious that relationship is to me - though I will have to forgive someone today who came onto our stand and referred to her as my daughter!

There were some quiet moments on the stand, and it was fun playing the “Who’s really interested?” game, and “Which gazebo (on other stands) is going to blow over first?” The stand selling macramé (!!) opposite us, who had spent nearly an hour first thing fighting against the wind won that round hands down, shortly followed by our next-door -neighbour! Then we had the Dancing JCB’s (honest!!!) in the Show Ring, and some amazing stunt motorcycle teams. Oh, we also sold some furniture as well!!

But as for the future – well, I am really looking forward to working with Gareth and Bob and our new team for the Adult Bible School here at Chelmsford Elim. As I will be heading up the School Of Ministry, it is a huge challenge, and one I am very excited about. My heart is to see people relax into what God has called them to do, yet also be challenged and inspired to find new paths for each stage of their Journey in Him. Having spent months in preparation meetings with Bob & Gareth, it will also be a time for learning for me, both in Bob’s thorough grounding in Theology, and Gareth’s amazing insights into Apologetics – do come, you’re in for a great treat1 Taster evenings start on Wednesday 4th October 2006, and run for 6 weeks in total.
Anyway, just one thought before I sign off – can anyone tell me what the definitive meaning of LOL is? Whenever I have been texted with this as an ending, I assumed it meant “LOTS OF LOVE”. I am now wondering if it actually means “LAUGH OUT LOUD” – Please enlighten me, before I make some pretty huge mistakes!! Or does anyone know of anywhere I could get some help on Text-speak – anyone got a list of TLA’s ( Three-Letter-Abbreviations)???!! Or fancy making some up??