A weekend-off beckons.....

Had an appraisal at work today with my line manager. Was a bit tricky, as I am under a lot of pressure to go back to working an evening shift. I was able to negotiate dropping this about 6 months ago, which I felt was so much in God’s plan, as Bible Café has taken off so well, and I desperately need all the study time I can get. The added problem is that I am specifically under pressure to work on Wednesday evenings, which is Bible Café night…

Anyway, you would have been proud of me (John certainly was!) as I stuck to my guns, and have another 6 months reprieve before we have to discuss this again. Worst-case scenario is that I may not be allowed to continue working there if I DON’T work an evening shift. We will have to take this as it comes, but I would value your prayers.

I also appreciate that with a heavy preaching load recently, I am feeling quite run-down – I've developed a sty in my right eye over the last few days (like a large spot on the tip of the eyelid), and I am trying very hard to stop rubbing it raw. Anyway, John and I have planned a break to the Cathedral City of Salisbury from Thursday to Monday, and we are both so much in need of it. I might also try and post some photos soon of our lounge – you wouldn’t believe the state of the “before” at the moment… I pray that the “after” will be worth all the extremely hard work John is putting in….

Have a great weekend

Last week a good friend asked me to update. Sorry for the delay folks - now on my 6th sermon in 6 weeks, and I feel like I'm flagging a bit.

Just thought I'd share something that I found interesting and provocative in a book I've jst started reading by Bishop T. D Jakes, called "The Lady, Her lover and Her Lord". Great title, and astounding use of language. If you've never heard T.D Jakes preach, checkout God TV on Thursday mornings, as his programme is called "The Potter's House". Great showmanship, but also an astounding insight into people and The Word. This blessed me a few days ago:


"Perhaps one of the most difficult things to achieve is the ability to be motivated by ourselves. Most of us have a tendency to live and receive motivation as martyrs. We live for others and their causes, making our own needs and presence secondary pursuits. Sadly, sometimes we place ourselves so far on the back burner that the dreams boil out and leave only a parched pot where once we had personal expectation. When dreams boil out, a scorching heat of stress and anxiety causes the kettle to give a shrill sound before the burning begins. That shrill sound can be heard in our excesses and overindulgences, which camouflage the fact that we are frustrated with dreams that are denied and hopes that seem deferred. The burning, destructive, compulsive behaviour could all be avoided if we only, with patience and perseverance, took life in small doses and allowed ourselves the privilege of having an appointment with our own attention, and scheduled ourselves as clients that we must see before the day is over. In short, take time for yourself. Listen to the hissing sound before you catch fire!"

I know as a Counsellor that one of the privileges of my work is seeing the effect of deep, focussed attention and listening on another human being. However, I often feel guilty about allowing myself the space to really relax. I know all about the pressures of life, but I am challenged to making such "schedules with myself" more of a priority.

Pat's Thought for the Day:
Again from T.D Jakes:
"A pendulom swings only when it is attached and anchored to something that doesn't move. While people will change and you wil change, it is nice to be fastened to something that is always the same. Anchor yourself in the Lord"

Hi all!

This is just a quick test to see if I've updated my blog correctly!

For those of you who stayed at home last night, you missed a brill worship expereince - thanks to all the team

See you at Bible Cafe this Wednesday