Kennettworld

Who Am I - Casting Crowns

2008-04-02T20:49:00.001Z

Sometimes a song just comes along - and says it all - just crank up the speakers, and lose yourself in worship....

leona lewis- footprints in the sand (official video)

2008-03-27T18:26:00.001Z

Absolutely love this - thanks Pen

Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster

2008-02-11T20:30:00.001Z

Everlasting God by Lincoln Brewster

2008-02-11T20:25:00.001Z

I've been doing a lot of thinking and re-arranging of my schedules lately - mostly because my time-management was going haywire! I have some very dear and close friends who make me accountable for this, and I know their hearts are to make sure thatI don't overload myself.

This song has helped me through this process. It's an amazing song, and gives me goosebumps whenever we sing it at church - which is a LOT at the moment! Hope it blesses you

Love
Pat

Happy Christmas

2007-12-24T15:25:00.000Z

Just wanted to take a minute to wish you all a Very Happy Christmas, and a Peaceful New Year

It struck me earlier today that this will be the 30th Christmas that John, my incredible hubby, and I have been together. In some ways, it would have been interesting to know then what the future would hold for us, but the journey would not have been half as interesting! Of one thing I am completely sure, though – he is my Soulmate, my rock, and my very best friend, and life with him, and the boys, has enriched me in ways beyond measure. Our youngest son, Andy, turned 21 twelve days ago, and therefore in my dearly-loved, and much-missed mother-in-law’s eyes, would now both be officially classed as adults.

The journey of parenthood is never easy, and each child comes into the world with its own set of unique skills, abilities and challenges. At this Season, I often wonder how Mary thought of her future that very first Christmas – the birth of her firstborn Son could hardly have been less auspicious. But we often focus on Mary, and give little thought to what kind of a Soulmate Joseph had to be, to bring up this child of hers, but not his, in the face of open condemnation and hostility.

So here’s a toast to the unsung heroes - to all the Dads out there who hold their families together, who guide, protect and provide, often wondering if they’re doing it right, but not wishing to admit it out loud. To my own Dad, whose legacy lives on, and who pointed me to the Greatest Father of All.

For we celebrate this Christmas the Gift of a Father, who risked everything, to hold His family together through Eternity, and with the deepest respect, gave His son to “Bring them all home for Christmas”
God be with you this Christmas

The Anchor of Hope

2007-09-28T15:51:00.000Z

This is the word I shared last weekend at our local Church. I pray it blesses you.

"I want to share 2 verses with you. They are from Heb 6:19-20

“ This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

In New Testament times, many people travelled by ship. When a large ship wished to come into harbour during a low tide, it was often unable to do so, because of precarious sandbars in the way. Nowadays we can dredge harbours, but it was not often possible then.

So the ship would have to wait, and ride out the storm. When this happened, they would send a man out into a smaller boat, complete with the ship’s anchor and chain. Somehow it was his incredible job to brave the storm himself, and row into the safety beyond the harbour walls As soon as he reached the harbour, he would drop the anchor. Even though the ship might be battered somewhat, everyone knew that as soon as the tide turned, they could pull themselves safely home. This brave hero was called the forerunner

It may be that today you are battling storms of unbelief and hopelessness. You are fearful over many things. But Jesus came to dwell among us, and then went out from us “through the veil” in order to ensure that we could one day be with Him. So just remember – In Jesus, your anchor is already home

When a physical diagnosis threatens to tear your family apart, remember
Your anchor is already home

When you feel like a spiritual wreck about to crash on the rocks, remember
Your anchor is already home

When your financial situation sends your anxiety and blood pressure levels sky high, remember - Your anchor is already home

When you cry in the night over your kids, remember - Your anchor is already home

And when Satan tries to tell you that your faith is pointless, that God does not love you, that you are the most useless of Christians and may as well give up right now, remember - Your anchor is already home

Jesus, our forerunner, has made it possible for you to have total faith and hope that He will bring you safely through this. Heb 4; 4 encourages us to “Hold on tight to the hope you profess”. The anchor is in place – just keep on holding on"

My Leaving "Do"!

2007-08-28T14:00:00.001Z

Just thought you'd like a few pics of my leaving "Do" from my Counselling Agency.

I was amazed at the number of people who came - some people will do anything for free food!!! - but I was genuinely touched by the numbers of those who turned up.

Many of these social events prove to be rare occasions of frivolity in an otherwise fairly stressful working environment. When we do get together, we usually all contribute to the food, and over the years, John's Coronation Chicken has become a firm favourite . Nobody bothers to ask me what I'm bringing anymore - just as long as I come with a trayload of his chicken! I do give him the credit every time, but somehow this event became a lot to do with chicken in various forms! My mate Sally even made me a tissue paper chicken as a memento! Sally is also a brilliant poetess, and wrote "An Ode to Pat", which she read out, and then presented me with a framed copy of the poem.

I was also given a beautiful bouquet, and a very nice cheque, which I am spending on cardmaking equipment - something for me to do in all this free time I'll have, you understand!

My thanks to all who made it a special time, and I am currently trying to have 2 weeks off before formally starting at Bible Cafe as Team Leader

Love to you all

A day we hoped would never come...

2007-08-09T17:09:00.001Z

For those who could not be there, today was Meg’s funeral. 273 people came to express their deep respect for a lady who was, quite simply, unique. I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a funeral quite like this one – and I’ve been to a few – where the sense of the person who has gone has somehow felt so present. It was not in a scary or eerie way – there were just things that were done in the preparation for the day, as well as during and after the service, that had many of us quietly smiling, “Meg would have liked that”. The flowers were beautiful – lots of soft blues, creams and deep pinks; roses, freesias and delphiniums dominated the colours and scents of the day.

But above it all was this huge sense of just how much one life, sold out for God, in an incredible gentle way, can, and has, affected hundreds. This is no exaggeration, for the ripples of Meg’s life and legacy will continue in the lives of many.

It was a day that we had hoped would never come – at least, not for us. Not for Meg, though - she’s having a ball. However, I believe her son Neil, in an amazing tribute, summed it up so wonderfully. He said that there are some people in life who have completed all that God asked them to do, and so He calls them home. What a memorial – someone who did EVERTHING God asked them to do.

Pat’s Thought for the Day

When some people greet you, they might call you “love” or “darling”. Meg always called people “treasure”. She valued each one, and treasured every moment spent with each one. Let’s never waste moments spent with those we love –they are far too valuable

Farewell, Meg

2007-08-03T20:21:00.000Z

A very special friend passed away early this morning, and my prayers and thoughts go out to her wonderful husband, Alan, and to their 3 very special children. Heaven's incredible gain today cannot diminish the huge sense of loss we feel at her passing.

My own words are hopelessly inadequate, and quite raw right now, but this poem became vey precious to me when my own beloved Dad died 14 years ago.

It's by Thomas Moore (1779 - 1852), and I have changed the original words of "his" in the poem to read "her"

The Scent of the Roses

Farewell! but whenever you welcome the hour

Which awakens the night-song of mirth in your bow'r,

Then think of the friend who once welcom'd it too,

And forgot (her) own grief to be happy with you.

(Her) griefs may return, not a hope may remain,

Of the few that have brighten'd (her) pathway of pain,

But (she) ne'er will forget (her) short vision that threw

Its enchantment around (her), while ling'ring with you.

And still on that evening, when pleasure fills up

To the highest top sparkle each heart and each cup,

Where'er my path lies, be it gloomy or bright,

My soul, happy friends! shall be with you that night;

Shall join in your revels, your sports and your wiles,

And return to me, beaming all o'er with your smiles! --

Too blest, if it tells me, that, 'mid the gay cheer,

Some kind voice had murmur'd, I wish (she) were here!

Let Fate do her worst, there are relics of joy,

Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy;

Which come, in the night-time of sorrow and care,

And bring back the features that joy used to wear.

Long, long be my heart with such memories fill'd!

Like the vase in which roses have once been distill'd --

You may break, you may shatter the vase if you will,

But the scent of the roses will hang round it still.

Friend of God

2007-07-28T20:45:00.000Z

Have just spent some time sitting at my PC listening to various versions of "I am a Friend of God" on You Tube ( must ask Pen how to download You Tube clips onto my blog). Personal Favourites are Saddleback worship and Chris Tomlin

But it's been great to mediatate on the awesomeness of the concept.

Many people love to "Name-drop" if they've met someone famous, or even got just close enough to see them "in the flesh". But just consider for one moment - the Creator of the Universe chooses to call you a friend. So much so, that He willingly gave everything He had in order to do so.

Christ said to His disciples "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends" ( John 15:15)

Pat's Thought for the Day:

Just imagine for one second, that you can eavesdrop in heaven, and Jesus is chatting to someone, and name-drops YOU........

Quick update....

2007-07-17T17:33:00.000Z

Just a quick update

Things are in a lot of transition at the moment (the photo is of a quilt entitled "Transitions") – it seems to be a year of changes – and I’m in the process of attending a lot of planning meetings, in one way or another. For someone who’s winding down in one area of work, my new area seems to be “winding up” in a good way!

Whilst I am very excited at the prospect of heading up the leadership of the Bible Café team, it is also an important part of my own personal walk with God, too. One of the most significant areas for me is that this will be a voluntary role, but one I felt required a change in my time commitments to do the role justice. I simply do not have the time to be able to continue with my counselling responsibilities and work for Bible Café.
I know that this is a stewardship decision on my part, as well as a huge step of faith. But I also know, for we have considered this extremely carefully and prayerfully, that it is right for me, and for us as a family. We trust God to provide, and are carefully considering my responsibilities within this.

Thank you for all the words of encouragement, and special thanks to those I know of who are praying for me in this time of change

2007-07-08T21:05:00.000Z

Testing, testing…

Ever noticed how, as soon as you take a step of faith, that you are tested on it?

John, my adorable hubby, works in the kind of industry where you have to build certain pieces of equipment, and then install them, and then go and visit the customer some time later to go over “The snag list” – at least, that what I think he calls it! It’s a list of things that have gone wrong with the equipment, for a possible variety of reasons, which can only be discovered once the equipment is tried and tested out in the environment it was designed for.

And there’s the tricky bit.

You see, sometimes my faith is OK, but only in the rarefied fantasy atmosphere of my own mind. I take comfort from believing how everything is going to fall neatly into place, and then get surprised when the realities of everyday life and Monday mornings change things around somewhat.

For example, if my faith has to be in the realm of finances, then something crops up, like an unexpected expense

If I’m believing God to heal someone, then either I get sick, or someone else close to me does

If I’m believing God to bring about an increase in numbers, I end up preaching to 7 people (where there should have been around 35!)

I call it my Spiritual Snag List.

God is at work, checking out what my responses to these things are. Will I get angry, despondent, and doubtful? Or will I use such times to trust Him more, and highlight areas I need to keep working in?

I’m also coming to realise that it’s no good John having a snag list for a piece of computer equipment that he hasn’t built, or belongs to someone else – or even the same piece of equipment, but which is now located in another country. He has to work with the list that belongs to THIS piece of equipment. Likewise, it does neither me nor anyone else any good to compare myself to how they are coping with problems, good or bad. God is working things out for them where they are, and I must focus on me, not on them.

Pat’s Thought for the Day:

In battles throughout history, soldiers bravely raised their flag of allegiance– called “The Colours” – on the battlefield, to distinguish which side was which. It did, however, make the holders of the Colours a very tempting target. But the sight of the Colour raised the spirit and morale of all around them. What kind of “Colours” will you be showing this week? Doubt and Uncertainty, or Faith and Hope? And which one can you expect to be tested on?

2007-06-24T16:56:00.000Z

Bible Café

As announced in church this morning, I have been asked to take on the role of heading up Bible Café. As yet, it is so new and exciting that we haven’t yet even come up with a name to describe the role (“Mug” and “Mad” did spring to mind at one point…..)

I am so very grateful to God for the opportunity to expand what has become a big part of my life over the last year in particular. It is also a role I feel He has been planning for me all my life, although I could not always see how all the pieces ever made sense.

Basically I will be fully responsible for all the day-to-day planning of the Bible Café as we currently know it, plus the creation and implementation of major plans for growth. There is very little “out there” in this region for people who want to learn about their faith, and the practical outworking and living of it, in the way that we are presenting it, so the scope and potential is enormous. To this end, John and I are taking a huge leap of faith, and I have given up my work as a Counsellor in order to fulfil this role. Initially I will be working Part-time for the church, and building up steadily towards a fulltime post as and when possible. I am currently working out my notice period, and leave my work as Associate Counsellor on 15th August.
I would really value your prayers at such an exciting ( and often scary) time of transition, and also that I would endeavour to listen closely to God for His direction, wisdom and guidance in all that lies ahead

I will keep you posted.

P.S. Any comments especially welcome

2007-06-21T16:46:00.000Z

And finally, the cherry on the icing on the cake...yes, it's a Plasma TV. For the tecchies out there, yes, it is 42", and I must say, watching God TV on it is quite something ( not that we ever watch anything else, you understand........)

2007-06-21T16:44:00.000Z

Here is that footstool I was talking about.......

2007-06-21T16:43:00.000Z

Please note full-length cream damask curtains looking out onto the garden.......

2007-06-21T16:41:00.000Z

Close-up of Andy's Father's Day pressie to John.....

2007-06-21T16:39:00.000Z

The new armchairs....John's is on the right ( electric recliner), and mine on the left - which comes complete with huge footstool......

The Lounge - Finale!!

2007-06-21T16:36:00.001Z

In response to a number of "encouragements" ( i.e , nagging) Andy and I have taken some shots of the finished lounge. It has been wonderful to finally enjoy it all after months of hard work...

Herewith is the new cream sofa - veeeery comfy...

2007-05-22T19:27:00.000Z

Done it!

Well done Chris - £209 raised for an excellent cause

2007-05-22T19:26:00.000Z

Steady as he goes..........

Chris' Abseil....

2007-05-22T19:23:00.000Z

Chris recently abseiled down the 100ft wall of one of the Buildings at our local County Hall. He wanted to raise money for a charity called "Hand in Hand", which helps out disadvantaged children in Brazil and Kenya.

A few pics for you - the first gulp from all of us as he got over the ledge....

Take 4 mugs........

2007-04-28T20:25:00.000Z

Just returned from a brilliant Ladies' Day here at Chelmsford Elim. Amazing sense of God in the place from the word “GO!”

Immense thanks to all involved – biggest team we’ve ever put together, and boy, did it pay dividends.

If you were unable to make it, you missed out. (DVD’s and CD’s available!!)

Now I must sleep – too many 4 a,m, and 5 a.m. mornings. Hopefully, now I can relax – at least until Bible Café starts….

And if anyone tells you that they “want to be a mug for Jesus….” You’ll have to get me to explain it to you …….

The Caves....

2007-04-22T17:49:00.000Z

Had a great time in church this morning, preaching on three caves, and the 3 guys who got into difficult positions within them - David, Elijah and Lazarus.

Made me realise that to preach once can be thrilling and exhausting, but then to have to preach exactly the same sermon just over an hour later, is REALLY tough! Still, a small price to pay for church growth. Hope those of you who made it to one or other of the services enjoyed it as much as I did.

Noticed how God is answering prayer for us as a church right now? Emma is up and moving around really well now; Nick and Lesley have managed to buy a new home near the Bible College, where they go in September; Trace and Andy have finally sold their house ( bit close to the wire re; Australia, but great nonetheless. Let's build our faith now for freinds in real need - especially Meg, in need of a huge miracle right now. Not forgetting Simon & Helen - praying the right job for you guys

Would value prayer for this week - it's absolutely manic, what with Ladies Day coming up this weekend., and the possibility of me having to make some pretty tough decisions work wise in the next few days. Will keep you posted

Life as an Aspie....

2007-04-06T16:50:00.000Z

I never was any good at languages at school – not even Welsh, and coming from the Rhondda Valleys, that’s saying something. But if there is a universally difficult language to master, then it must be teenage “Grunt”. I have tried to master this most non-expressive use of sounds for some time now, but until this week, with little success

But then I got to talk with my son Andy. 17 years ago he was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome on the same day as was his older brother Chris. It was not an easy day – we thought Chris might have the Syndrome, but until then had not realised that Andy did, too. A long journey has followed, and to some extent we have learned to adapt to their differing needs, within the limits of this condition.

Until now

A few days ago, I tried to talk to Andy about what might happen when he finishes his 2 –year Course at Uni this summer. There was a possibility of his retuning for a third year, but whenever I asked him about it, I got very little response – sort of Grunt noises. And then he started to tell me about how difficult he finds life as an “Aspie”. Until that moment, I had no idea that this was how people with Asperger’s can refer to themselves. It was an eye-opening 90 minutes, but gave me more of an insight into Asperger’s in general, and his Asperger’s in particular, than I’ve had for 17 years. Having asked him for permission to publish this on my blog, here are some of the highlights:

Andy has great difficulty functioning in large groups. The noises, sounds, and inability to “read people” – i.e., their reactions – makes crowds both tough and threatening. If he comes to church, this is why he will sit in the balcony – at least it’s a smaller group.

Andy can get distracted easily. This has been true for a long time, and he will often play with small objects, appearing disinterested in company. He now tells me that he finds company somewhat chaotic, but if he can distract himself, even for a few minutes, it relaxes his thinking enough to stop the panic, and then he can join in again. To realise that mental chaos is normal for Andy is very humbling

He has made a personal association that for him, clear thinking is facilitated by movement. He enjoys being on a swing, and finds travelling as a passenger in a car quite soothing. In a car, his apparent “staring into space” times are in fact some of the rare periods of peace for him. He will often pace a room when he is trying to work out a problem – the movement really helps.

He finds touch difficult. This can be especially true if he is taken by surprise, or when someone “lays hands on him” – especially when they might be praying for him. He views it as “forced contact”, and it is highly intrusive. Consequently, he has developed a marked “startle response”, finding sharp sudden noises (e.g. a telephone) quite disturbing. Noise that he can control – e.g. his own music – is subject to different responses – it is the suddenness of intrusive noise that is disconcerting. Hugs outside of the family are rather difficult for him, and even within the family, he will not prolong a hug.

I thought I knew that people with Asperger’s (or AS, as it is often referred to) think in different ways. Within his own world, Andy has a very strict logic, and variations in routine, or big changes, have to be assimilated in a very different way. For most of us this is not easy: for Andy, it can be a lot of very hard work, which often goes on internally. His ability to process life, events and relationships takes up a huge amount of thinking time, most of which is interrupted by intrusions - even saying “hello” can be tricky.

His Uni course has proved difficult, as the students on the course have halved in the space of the 2 years he’s been there. Therefore any attempts to make friends have been extremely difficult, as they often leave. He has therefore felt lonely, but acknowledges that in many instances, he actually prefers to be alone. This has not helped him on the course itself, and he is now concerned about what his future holds. We would value prayer as we seek viable work opportunities for him

Above all, I realised that Andy is not being stubborn, or selfish, when he appears to be withdrawn. He is trying to make sense out of a rather threatening world, whether it be at home or at Uni, in the best way that he can. The fact that he has achieved anything at all is remarkable. He thought that me writing a blog about our chat might be good, as it might help others to understand him a bit more. I certainly noticed a lightening in his spirit once we had talked, as I guess he had been thinking about it for a long time.

Pat’s Thought for the Day
Made me realise again how thankful I am for a God who understands us in every detail, who knows our thoughts, and who works on our behalf. We can trust Him to prepare the way ahead for each one of us, however we feel, and whatever life throws our way.

2007-04-05T18:54:00.000Z

Finally, the new fireplace, made from Portuguese Limestone, and we are thrilled with it. Carpet arrives Tuesday, and finally we get to sit and enjoy it. The new furniture’s not due for another couple of weeks, but at least by Tuesday the bulk of the work will be done.

Enjoy!

2007-04-05T18:53:00.000Z

We also wanted you to see another of John’s entries for Tate Modern – we think this one should be called "Turquoise Tarantula”… actually it’s some of the wiring behind the new Cable TV outlet ( now relocated) waiting for John to “join up the dots”…

The Lounge - Part 3.....

2007-04-05T17:20:00.000Z

In response to loads of requests for updates – didn’t know decorating could be so interesting to you – we are nearly there now – although at the moment this part of the lounge is looking like something out of the film “Mousehunt”!! Floorboards up in all sorts of places, as John tries to make sense of some of the wackiest underfloor wiring he’s ever seen!

As we have now taken the dustsheets off (now that all the painting is done – hope y’all like the turquoise walls…) – please note the one and only armchair currently in the room. I felt like a real Duchess when John made me sit down with a cuppa whilst surrounded by all these holes in the floor…

The Lounge - Part 2...

2007-03-26T12:21:00.000Z

Thought you'd like to see John's entry for the Tate Modern.....

This is actually the brick above the fireplace in the Lounge. What happened was that we decided to remove the layer of brickwork surrounding the chimney breast, as it was too intrusive into the room. We then chose a new fireplace, with a wonderful limestone mantel and surround. Having ordered it, we discovered that it was bigger than the bricks we had left! So John has to hastily erect some plasterboard to make it one brick wider, and one sheet of plasterboard thicker, to allow us the room for the new fireplace! This is called "Dibs and Dabs", by the way! Offers for this work of art in the region of 10 grand will be considered....

Have to say that the wall is looking considerably improved - new fireplace comes this Thursday. I'm off now to complete first coat of gloss on just over 7 metres of new skirten board, amongst a host of other things!

P.S. If You see me sporting a new hair colour, it's actually speckled white paint from doing the ceilings ( twice) with a roller......

The Lounge Part 1

2007-03-08T10:18:00.000Z

Been harping on about the lounge – it’s only just reached the preparation stage, as it feels like we’ve been at a demolition stage until now! The picture of John's knees was as a result of him kneeling on sections of plasterboard all day - made a lovely imprint of the knee-pads he'd been wearing, and he wants to prove that he is obviously a good christian by spending so much time on his knees!

John is taking the opportunity to re-do and add lots of electrical wiring, plumbing, and, at along last, wiring for a decent sound system! Made me realise, again, that projects like this take both time and planning. Things have to be sequenced carefully for the whole end-result to work.

Pat's Thought for the Day:
And that is how God works in our lives, though I suspect that the mess He often starts with looks a while lot worse than my lounge….

But He patiently puts everything in place, sorting, disposing, cleaning and re-creating to make us into the image of His Son, and that really DOES take time….

A weekend-off beckons.....

2007-02-27T18:46:00.000Z

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

2007-02-19T21:42:00.000Z

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"

2007-02-12T17:41:00.000Z

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

Bleary-eyed of Chelmsford...

2007-01-21T20:33:00.000Z

Help! Not blogged in a month…there are reasons.
Primarily I am studying A LOT. I have the joy of doing a 3-part series in our Thursday Ladies Bible Study on the lives of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (18th Jan, 25th Jan and 1st Feb). Then on 7th, 14th and 21st Feb I start a 3-week series on Wednesdays at Bible Cafe on Elijah and Elisha

Sometime just after that, I think I’m doing a Sunday evening preach at church, and then I’m doing a fairly significant part of our Ladies Day on 28th April – do book in, you REALLY don’t want to miss that one!

So all in all, my head is full of Hebrew words, genealogies, OT customs, Covenant theology, ministry development and a host of other stuff.

Please therefore forgive me if I don’t get time to say a great deal, but I often check out the blogs to see what’s up!

Would also highly recommend a devotional book I’m being greatly blessed by at the mo – it’s called “He Still moves Stones” by Max Lucado. Easily available at Amazon. In all the studying, it’s like sweet oil for a weary, bleary-eyed soul!

Do keep in touch

To make you smile...

2006-12-19T17:12:00.000Z

A funny from my friend Sally....

A woman brought a duck in to see a veterinarian. The duck wasn’t moving. As she lay her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird’s chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, “I’m sorry, Cuddles has passed away”.

The distressed owner wailed, “Are you sure?”
“Yes, I am sure. The duck is dead”, he replied
“How can you be so sure?” she protested. “I mean, you haven’t done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something”

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room, returning a few moments later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the duck’s owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. The Lab then looked at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head.

The vet patted the dog and took it out, returning a few minutes later with a beautiful cat. The cat jumped up on the table and also sniffed delicately at the bird. The cat sat back on his haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room. The vet looked at the woman and said “I’m sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck”

Then he turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill which he handed to the woman

The duck’s owner, still in shock, took the bill. “£150 ? “ she cried “£150 just to tell me my duck is dead?”

The vet shrugged. “I’m sorry”, he said “if you’d taken my word for it, the bill would have been £20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan……….”

Parenthood.....

2006-12-12T18:17:00.000Z

I find it hard to credit that this little lad is 20 today. It is Andy’s birthday today, and so Officially, I no longer have teenage sons! I have 2 adult men who call me Mum – which is rather scary!!

I think that at this time of year, one of the things that strikes me most about the Christmas Story is what it tells us about the nature of parenthood. First, we have a Heavenly Father who risked so very much by allowing the Only Son He had to become so very vulnerable. Today, if we did a Risk Assessment on God’s Plan of Salvation, heaven could not contain the number of Health and Safety Executives banning it as a Very Bad Idea! Thankfully, God’s plans always come to pass…..

And then there were Mary and Joseph, of course. So many plans, so little realisation of them…I guess they had not intended to start a family so soon in life, nor that the Nazareth Maternity Centre was to be completely struck off Mary’s “Birth Plan for The Midwife….”

And Scripture never tells us what Mary’s Mum thought of all this.

We know that Mary’s Aunt rejoiced (but then Elizabeth was probably a little pre-occupied with her own pregnancy). I wonder if Mary’s parent’s died young, or does Scripture draw a veil over that family set-up? ‘Cos I know, that had I been Mary’s Mum, I would have had a few words to say about (apparent) illegitimacy, making a ridiculously unsafe journey at such a late stage in her pregnancy ( hadn’t she read the Government Health Warnings?), not to mention my letters of complaint to the Bethlehem Midwives for a complete lack of attention to the most basic hygiene practises. And then, not only does Mary not bother coming home to show off MY Grandchild, she flits off to Egypt as a refugee! What kind of a no-good fellow had she got involved with?….

And as for Joseph’s Mum…well…..Who to believe? The village gossips, who tut-tutted but never said aloud that her son “got that lovely nice girl into trouble”; or her own son Joseph, who claimed that it was a miracle?

Pat’s Thought for the Day
In the pressures of the last 12 Days of this Christmas, remember that as parents, we are human, even though we attempt the super-human for our children. And then remember that there is One Father, who put everything on the line, to make sure that His Family can one day come home, not just for Christmas, but forever…..

Christmas Lights.....

2006-11-19T04:42:00.000Z

Not blogged in ages – been exceptionally busy doing artwork for our main notice board in Church in the run-up to Christmas. I painted a copy of a nativity scene we’ve had on our handout leaflets (I took it up to A1 size), and although it took a lot of time (and space, using my son’s architect’s drawing board in his bedroom for 6 weeks – thanks Chris!), the finished result looks pretty good.

Yesterday was spent at the church getting completely stuck in to the great day we run when Father Christmas turns on the lights in Moulsham Street. It struck me yesterday that I’d been involved in this fun day ever since we moved to Chelmsford from our native Wales – and that’s 29 years this year! My back, and especially the soles of my feet, know that I am not 19 any more. But I was doing the notice board and the 3-D “wallboxes” in the foyer for most of the morning, and then was doing face painting in the afternoon when the hoardes came back for tea and cakes (and bouncy castles, and craft, and sports results, and the tradecraft stall – so much going on….!)

Would value your prayers for John. He’s been away on business in Bucharest, Romania, for 17 days. Hopefully he will be back tomorrow, but he’s had “The Romania Factor” to deal with – which is probably best described as “Maniana”, but without the energy!! There is the possibility that he might only be home for a short while before returning, once they have released some vital equipment that is still stuck in customs, for him to install. He also has a number of other site visits (in this country) to squeeze in before Christmas, so we would value your prayers.

Bible Cafe - The School Of Ministry

2006-10-26T19:44:00.000Z

Well, the first two taster sessions of the School of Ministry at Bible Café are now done – I am delighted with how well both evenings went, and I feel there has been a fantastic buzz to both sessions. The responses I’ve had – both in terms of written “homework” and direct feedback – has been great. It has given me a lot to think about, especially regarding the next phase ( Foundation Course in February) and beyond.

I pray that for those who attended, it gave them a sense of just how significant every single child of God is to the outworking of His Kingdom purposes here on earth, and that equally, Satan wants us to be blissfully unaware of what that might actually mean.

Our God, though, is a GREAT BIG God, and He wants us to minister wherever we are, and whenever we can.

And I pray that ideas, assumptions and pre-conceptions regarding what is and isn’t ministry have been blown out of the water.

Now all I have to do is think about visual aids for the next course that do not involve either shoes or shoeboxes……

Aberfan - 40 years on...

2006-10-20T20:16:00.000Z

21st October 1966 may not mean much to many people, but for those of us born and bred in the Valleys of South Wales it is a tragic date.

On that fateful day, a coal tip collapsed sending thousands of tons of mud and colliery waste down Merthyr Mountain, destroying a school and about 20 houses and killing 144 people. The name Aberfan, barely known outside the valleys until that moment, flashed across the world.

Many will have memories of that day, but mine centre around my Dad and my young brother. At that time, my father worked for South Wales Gas Board, and as such, he played a vital role on site at Aberfan, making sure that no further complications were added to the tragedy by problems with gas pipes, and also, so I now understand, acting as an important Quartermaster, obtaining much needed tools and supplies for the rescuers. He never spoke to me about that day at all.

Forty years ago, the news was not quite as instant as it is today, and mobile phones did not exist. It was therefore some while before an emergency announcement could be made to avoid drinking water for a few hours, as the sludge may have contaminated water supplies. By the time this news reached my Junior School, my brother, only 5 years old, had already taken a drink from the school water fountain. He became very ill indeed, and at one point, we feared greatly for him.

I can never visit the valleys these days without remembering the terribly white, spotlessly clean rows of gravestones across the hillside at Aberfan, and for those of us who lived through those days, 40 years on seems not a lot of time, really. We were touched when The Queen visited Aberfan within a few days, and was given a posy of flowers, with the inscription: "From the remaining children of Aberfan".

Today we remember a lost generation, and those left behind who still mourn deeply

The School of Ministry...

2006-10-18T21:51:00.000Z

First Bible Café of the School of Ministry tonight, and it went really well. Many thanks to all those who prayed – there was a great buzz to the evening, and I can truthfully say that everything I felt God wanted me to say got said, which is all I can ask for, really. Hopefully it also sparked off a lot of thought

Please also pray for John, my wonderful hubby. He is exhausted, especially having had to work an 18½ hour day yesterday, It meant he did not get home until 3 am, and unfortunately, I could not drop off to sleep until he did come home. John then had to go back into work for 8;30 am, but thankfully , the equipment that needed to be shipped out to Romania ( which they were doing final checks with up until 3 am) left this afternoon.

So it’s nite nite from him, and definitely nite nite from me….

Crowns...

2006-10-15T15:42:00.000Z

There are a number of songs that use the lyric “Crown Him with Many crowns”, one of which we sang in church today. The Bible speaks of the crowns we will get in heaven – such as a crown of life, of joy, of beauty, of glory, to name just some. And Revelation chapter 4 says that these will be gladly lain at the feet of Jesus, when we see Him.

I got to thinking, though, as we sang this today - what does He do with all the crowns, as there will be lots of them at his feet?

Revelation 19 might give us a clue – it says that he wears “many crowns”. I don’t think he does this all at the same time, as some of them might fall off. Maybe it means that He wears many crowns, but one at a time

I certainly know that there are people in our Queen’s Royal Household whose job is it to care for, and catalogue, every gift she is given, including jewellery. Someone knows who gave it to her, when, and from where. On her travels, she is meticulous in wearing jewellery that will bring honour to the country and the giver.

And I think that there may be one day in heaven, when The Lord will call us by name, and as we come into His direct presence, we will notice that he is holding something in His hand. It will be a crown.

It will be our crown

And He will say, “Child, today I choose to wear You”

How then should we live, so that the crown of our life will be fit for The King?

Weights and Aches....

2006-10-13T20:32:00.000Z

Bible Café has now started, and it’s only 5 days until I kick off preaching with the School of Ministry.

It has taken a great deal of my brainpower to get to this point, and I’m now at the stage of “Why did I agree to this? Is this the right material? How will it be received? Will anyone turn up….” and so on. Pretty standard preacher collywobbles, really!

It is at this point that I have to really lean into God, and pray that He knows what He is doing. If you do get to Bible Cafe this Wednesday night, hopefully some of this will actually make sense, but at the moment, it all seems a bit on the blurry side….

I met Helen (by chance) at the gym this week, and she has valiantly persuaded me to book in to have one of the trainers instruct me on some of the weights machines. So far, I have stuck to the three main pieces of equipment that I was first shown how to use – the cross-trainer, resistance bike and treadmill. I vary times and programmes within these, but essentially, I stick to these three. Helen assured me that better toned muscles help all round. I therefore booked up the one and only session they had free next week that I could make – namely 7 am next Monday morning! It should be my week off Oaks and Acorns Playgroup, but if anything, I’ll have to get up even earlier – typical! And a Monday,too – I mean….

Anyway, If this doesn’t work, I will lovingly know who to blame…..

Silly Season Again...

2006-09-26T22:06:00.000Z

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....

2006-09-02T18:43:00.000Z

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??

Please pray...

2006-08-29T17:41:00.000Z

Not blogged for a while - been busy with the last few Chunky Shows of the Season ( 2 more weekends to go...)

Would appreciate prayers for Chris, though. As we have only space on our very small drive for 2 cars, Chris parks his Micra just around the corner. So it was that, having not driven it all weekend, he went to go to work this morning only to discover that both his Number plates had been stolen.

Not a huge deal, but he had to report it to the police and get replacements today. Petty crime is not always petty when it happens to you. Mind you, although Chris was annoyed, I think he handled it better than we did - we're feeling very angry on his behalf.

Many thanks

Thank you!

2006-08-15T21:26:00.000Z

Just a quick note of thanks to all who prayed for me - the session today with the couple mentioned in the last blog actually went really well - we managed to work out an agenda, and they have now decided to work with me after all - a huge turnaround!

Special thanks to all who prayed, and a very special hug to someone specal who took time out to write and give me the most wonderful card - I shall treasure it always!

Arc of Distortion....

2006-08-11T16:42:00.000Z

I know that as Counsellors we are often accused of waffling on, using “psychobabble”. However, sometimes you come across a word or phrase that sums up something so well – and this is one of those phrases.

An “Arc of Distortion “ is what happens when one person tries to communicate something, but the listener hears something very different indeed. It’s not always that I get to experience this so vividly, but this week I started counselling a couple, and although the problems they presented were very difficult (I guess if they weren’t, they wouldn’t need someone like me!), I thought the session had gone pretty well.

Well, I got into work yesterday, to discover that this couple had phoned in, asking for a different Counsellor. They then listed all the things I had apparently done wrong in session - Not easy reading.

My problem, though, is that whilst it seems that I had obviously pressed quite a few buttons for them, their specific objections are actually not true – they managed to distort what I had both done and said because of their underlying problems. In my work we have to be highly ethical, and also spend a lot of time and energy evaluating exactly what we do with clients – so the evaluation is not the problem. But this was deeply and intensely personal, and just, well, wrong. They have agreed to come back for another session, so I would value prayers.

Got me thinking, though… When we feel God wants us to do something – big or small – the temptation is to mis-hear. Usually it’s because we have a different agenda, or a different time-schedule. We delay, prevaricate, or fill our time with really good stuff – but it’s not actually what God has asked of us. Jonah is a great Scriptural example of this.

As I watched all of the poor people yesterday caught up in the chaos at airports, I wondered how many plans had been ruined, in just one day? And whilst I appreciate the importance of the security measures, I guess there were a lot of disappointed and frustrated people around.

But once in a while, I wonder just how frustrated God gets when His plans for our lives have to have a "built-in” delay factor”? We try and distort His plans, yet He is so very patient, waiting for us to just be quietly obedient.

Pat’s Thought for the Day:
In our desire to make sure we fully understand what God has asked of us, do we keep Him on hold? Sometimes I think He would rather a touch of what we might consider misguided, quick, enthusiastic obedience, than a lot of waiting and deep sighing, wondering if we heard right……

The Globe

2006-08-09T21:20:00.000Z

Thanks Helen and John for help in posting a photo!

Birthday Blog....

2006-08-09T17:00:00.000Z

Thought I’d best update a little re; my birthday – my 48th, if you REALLY want to know! The Big Five-Oh loometh ever closer….

Anyway, John simply told me that we were going to London on the Friday before my birthday on the Sunday, and that he would sort out lunch. There we were, happily poodling off on the train towards Liverpool Street, when he suddenly says at Stratford, ”we’re getting off here”. Another first – a trip on the Docklands Light Railway, though the maze of Canary Wharf, and then we stopped off at the Cutty Sark. This led onto a fabulous and leisurely trip up the Thames by boat to Westminster. Then we got the tube back to St. Paul’s, where John “wanted to see what they’ve done since they cleaned up the front of St Paul’s”…

So I’m busy looking up, when a voice behind me says “And what are you doing here, Mrs Kennett?” Nearly jumped out of my skin, and then realized it was John’s elder brother David! He was there with his friend Celia – all p-re-planned of course – and John took us over to a small grassy area just outside St Paul’s for “lunch”. Out of his rather heavy (I should have been more suspicious) rucksack, he spread a wonderful picnic, Mary-Poppin-like, for the 4 of us. He then produced a DVD of modern Shakespeare plays for me – in the back of which were two tickets to that afternoon’s performance at The Globe of “Comedy of Errors”! Needless to say, David and Celia also had tickets right next to us!

Thoroughly enjoyed the most wonderful farce on stage, even though it was staggeringly hot. Then we went for a listen to some brilliant Street musicians at Convent Garden. This was topped by grabbing something to eat at a local pizza express, followed by a leisurely walk to Trafalgar Square, and then onto Westminster. It was lovely seeing folk just dangling their feet in the fountains beside Nelson’s Column, relaxing at the end of s working week, or a hard day as a tourist.

Fabulous day out – and then we went to see the film “Storm breaker” to round off a great weekend. (Highly recommended – a 14-year old version of James Bond, who gets his mission gadgets from a backroom in Hamley’s! Brilliant!!)

I will try and post a photo of the Globe with this, but if not, can someone advise me how to post pics up here – seems to have thrown a complete wobbly on me for weeks on end now. Any solutions, Bloggers??

Work and parenting......

2006-07-31T17:03:00.000Z

Not blogged in ages – I’d like to say there was too much going on, but truth is, it’s really down to a lack of motivation. Did I really want to share with anyone else some of the low times?

Truthfully, not really. But I guess if I only managed to put good stuff down in writing, it wouldn’t be a terribly realistic or authentic life.

Work has not been easy. Following a number of difficult meetings with my Line Manager, I have had to agree to a reduction in my working hours (and salary), and although there seemed to be a plus to this ( I get a night off from counselling), in practise, it’s been a difficult and politically sensitive decision, so is on a trial basis only. The whole process has left me feeling pretty yuk about me, my job, and my colleagues.

However, I did feel that an important change in me was an ability to be “honourably assertive”. I did not shout at any of these meetings, but neither did I lie down and let people walk all over me. I realised that I have been quite compliant for most of my life, and so this was quite a change for me. I think the changes have worked out thus far as well as it could have done, but it will take time to implement, as I can’t just say to clients “sorry, I have to stop seeing you as of right now!”

Also would value your prayers about my youngest son, Andy. Had a very interesting chat with him today, which, although it has helped me to understand one very significant part of how he thinks and feels, is going to be tricky to help him with. I know that all parents have times when they doubt how well they’ve raised their children, and how ready they might be for a huge, imposing world, which seems frightening to us as adults, let alone them. In my lifelong determination to demonstrate that I desire to treat them as normally as I can, there are still times when the reality of them having Asperger’s Syndrome rears it’s ugly head again, and takes me by surprise. I won’t go into any more details here, as that would be unfair to him, but prayers would be appreciated.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes – I’ll write a little bit more another time about my birthday weekend.

The quilt....

2006-07-09T19:48:00.000Z

If anyone ever bothers to read profiles of bloggers (!), mine includes the fact that I love needlecrafts.

One of my favourites is machine quilting, and a few years ago, I made a quilt for John and I. My quilt is made from soft yellows and blues, in a log cabin design (for those who need to know such things) I'd post a photo, but I'm having tech problems with this, and I didn't really want you to see the inside of my bedroom, either!!!

I made this particular quilt with very thin wadding, so that we could use it as a summer quilt in its own right, but I also added an additional back to it, so that we could also use it as a duvet cover when it’s really cold.

Anyway, the top edge (nearest my face as I sleep) has become very worn and torn, and needed fixing. I should add (with due respect to my hubby), that I am an extremely restless sleeper, and am forever flipping my pillow (it’s colder on the underside – nice) and pulling at whatever covering we happen to be using. This is all to pre-empt the fact that John’s side of this quilt is looking pristine, as he barely moves when he’s asleep.

So I had to make a decision this week; do I buy just enough fabric to patch it up on my side only – as John’s side is fine? Or I do I go for the more complex option, and remove the backing, then take the whole outside edge off the quilt, to replace it with completely new fabric, and replace the cover? What would you do?

Pat’s Thought for the Day
Sometimes I think we live as though God only has to “patch us up” and send us back into the fray. Sometimes we act as though that’s actually all we WANT Him to do. Much of my professional life is spent with people asking me “Why do you want to talk about stuff in the past? It’s the here-and-now I have problems with, not the there- and-then “. The truth is, sometimes the only way we can sort out the frayed edges of our lives is to go back to where the fabric was intact, and take it from there. Have you been resisting God’s need to take you back a bit – to where things were OK, and then to sort it out from that point?

What did I do with the quilt? The harder option, of course – but one which will ultimately be better for both of us, not just for me, and which looks to the long-term solution, and not just a quick fix that I’ll have to repeat in the very near future…..

One final pic...

2006-07-01T20:50:00.000Z

And one final pic - one of my favourites, with the most wonderful, special sister on the world, who, as I had no time between getting home from the cruise, completing the Race for Life, throwing more clothes into a hurredly emptied case, and dashing off to Norfolk ( within 2 hours of the Race) for a wonderful week with my hubby and my boys, spent much of last week cleaning my home - Kim and Aggie, eat your heart out! - together with help (and Consultant advice from Mum!) from Darren and Reece and Chantal - what a welcome-home present guys!

Pics of the Cruise...

2006-07-01T20:19:00.000Z

Ok guys - in response to requests, herewith some pics of the Cruise - absolutely fabulous time, and all we could have ever hoped for ( and much more!!)

Mum being serenaded with her birthday cake......

Also getting to meet the lovely Tom O'Connor...his cabaret kept us crying with laughter, and not a swear word, a nasty comment, or anything disparaging all night - BRILLIANT!!

On a carriage ride through Bruges....

And just to show that we can look the business, here we are on the Gala Evening, having just come from the Captain's Gala Reception ( by special invitation only!)

Race for Life 2006

2006-07-01T20:13:00.000Z

Can't beat the blogs of those who have pipped me to the post - see Rhi's blog and Helen's blog for pictures - guess who forgot her camera! - but here's living proof that we all took part and had a great time. With 6000 entrants the "Walkers" start was a bit ragged, and I somehow managed to lose the rest of the group before we actually crossed the start line. I did try to wait back for you guys, but was kind of pushed along by the crowd....

It took about 2 km for the whole thing to start spreading out a bit, and I was able to open up my stride - having had a phone call from Rhi asking where I was! Delighted to say I managed to finish in 1 hour and 1 minute exactly! Also thanks to my sponsors, as I raised just over £250 for this worthy cause

The Cruise....

2006-06-25T07:46:00.000Z

Just a few moments before I go over to Hylands Park for Race For Life – we have had the most amazing time on the Oriana for the last 4 days – will write more later – but thought you might like to see the three of us all dolled up for the Captain’s Gala Dinner…

Suffice to say, I think Mum found it a great way to celebrate her 70th birthday, and today we race for those we love, but have lost, and between us have raised over £500 in sponsorship.

Am coming straight back from Hylands Park to pack up the car to go off on a week’s family holiday by the seaside in Norfolk. Will catch up after that

Cruisin'.....

2006-06-21T07:23:00.000Z

Just a few minutes before we leave for the Oriana – terribly excited now that the day has finally come.

Typical Kennett planning, though – we get back to Chelmsford Saturday afternoon, just in time to do a laundry load, before re-packing, as we will be travelling up to Norfolk for a traditional seaside family holiday on Sunday afternoon – all 4 of us – for a week – that’s AFTER I take part in the Race For Life on Sunday - have managed to raise an amazing £241.62!! HUGE THANKS to all who have sponsored me, and hopefully it will be one way of working off some of the 5 course meals on board over the next 4 days!

See you when we get back, hopefully with some pics

Barbecues....

2006-06-18T16:16:00.000Z

It’s that time of year again – we get enough sun so that everyone’s mind wanders off to – Barbecues!

I found this in last week’s Mail, and for those of you who have missed this essential bit of Barbecue etiquette, please read on…

When a man volunteers to do the BBQ, the following chain of events is to be set in motion:
1. The woman buys the food
2. The woman cleans the salad, prepares the dips and makes pudding
3. The woman prepares the meat for cooking, places it on a tray along with the necessary cooking utensils and sauces, and takes it to the man who is lounging beside the grill – drink in hand. The woman pours herself a large drink

Here comes the important part:

4. THE MAN PLACES THE MEAT ON THE GRILL! Commander of the Coals, he brandishes the tongs in a manly fashion. Everything about his posture says, “This cooking lark’s a doddle”
5. The woman goes inside to organise the plates and the cutlery
6. The woman comes out to tell the man that the meat is burning. He thanks her and asks if she will bring him another drink while he Deals With The Situation.

Another very important part:

7. THE MAN TAKES THE MEAT OFF THE GRILL AND HANDS IT TO THE WOMAN.
8. Inside, the woman cannot find a clean glass and starts drinking wine from the bottle. She scrapes the burnt bits off the lamb steaks, and, from the oven, produces some M & S kebabs which she has bought, just in case. The woman prepares the plates, salad, bread, cutlery, napkins, and sauces and brings them to the table.
9. After eating, the woman clears the table and loads the dishwasher.

And most important of all:

10. Everyone PRAISES THE MAN and THANKS HIM for all his cooking efforts
11. The man asks the woman how she enjoyed her “night off”. Woman grips barbecue skewer tightly. Says nothing

I showed this to John, who has a great sense of humour, as we had a family Barbie last week, and we had a slight variation on the above.
Our Barbie is a gas one (really fast), and the instructions recommended that we lay new cat litter on the drip tray underneath to catch any grease. Worked a treat last year, so we got some new for this year.

Just around Point 6 above, my 11 year old nephew calmly said, “Uncle John, the barbecue’s on fire”
"It’s supposed to be, Reece”
“ But look, Uncle John……”

Yes, the cat litter had caught alight! Enter Pat with a water spray while John is frantically Dealing With The Situation and trying not to drop burning cat litter on the grass!

The British Summer – don’t ya just love it?

Flypast and fanfares....

2006-06-17T21:29:00.000Z

I suppose I’d best let a cat out of the bag – I like watching the Trooping of the Colour

I indulged myself this morning and watched the whole event on TV – makes it worth the TV licence! I love the precision marching, the attention to details, and all the ceremonial.

This year was a bit special – yes, I know the Queen is 80 – but it was the turn of the Welsh Guards to parade their stuff. So I got to sing along to a great medley of classic welsh music as well! One special highlight was that part of the fabulous flypast came over Essex, so we were dashing out into the garden to watch them fly overhead, and when the last group passed over, we dashed back into the lounge to see the first group come in over the Mall – amazing!

Got me thinking, though, about how much of a team event it is, and all with one purpose – to honour the Queen. We are all called to play our part on God’s team, from the oldest to the youngest - the flypast encompassed planes from the Battle of Britain to the latest RAF jets.

And we all should have one purpose in mind – that whatever we do, honours the King of Kings

Happy Birthday Ma’am, and God Bless You

Oriana, here we come!

2006-06-15T16:11:00.000Z

This has been the picture on my screensaver for about the last 5 months!

Just 5 days to go before our Cruise – and a few more hours in work before I can leave it all behind for 2 weeks.

So looking forward to spending a few days of pampered luxury on board. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, not just to be on board, but also to share such a special time with my mum and sister.

So if I look as if I’m far away on Sunday, I probably will be…..

Thank You

2006-06-14T21:24:00.000Z

Thanks for all the prayers and encouragement re; today’s meeting.

The outcome was both bad and good!

Bad – in that I will have to effectively take a wage cut – basically I have to cut the number of sessions I am able to offer to clients, due to budget restrictions.

Good – in that because I have been messed around a lot, they have allowed me to negotiate reducing these sessions by not working Thursday nights. This will take quite a while to work through my current contracts, but I get the feeling that God may have intervened to allow this to happen. I don’t yet know if or why it might be important for me not to have to work on Thursday nights anymore, and it might cause the Agency even more headaches that they have with me now (!), but that actually isn’t my problem.

Would appreciate ongoing prayers, as although I have been asked not to boast about this, and be as discreet as possible, sooner or later someone will notice that I’m not around at certain times. I will need a lot of wisdom to walk in integrity when that happens.
Thanks again

2006-06-13T17:11:00.000Z

To anyone reading tonight – I have a potentially difficult appraisal meeting with my Line Manager at 9;30 a.m. tomorrow, where I hope to clear the air regarding recent difficulties at work.

I am a little anxious, and would value prayers that the atmosphere will be condusive towards sorting out what is right for me and right for the Agency I work for.

Will update ASAP

Many thanks

Who do you listen to?

2006-06-04T18:34:00.000Z

I had to miss church today – had a bit of a rough night with a tummy bug – but I watched the broadcast on God TV from Abundant Life Church, Bradford. Paul Scanlon was speaking on Proverbs 15:22:
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed”

Having recently updated our version of PC Study Bible (now includes the Life Application Bible Notes), it made the following comment on this verse: -

“People with tunnel vision—those who are locked into one way of thinking—are likely to miss the right road because they have closed their minds to any new options. We need the help of those who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective. Seek out the advice of those who know you and have a wealth of experience. Build a network of advisers. Then be open to new ideas, and be willing to weigh their suggestions carefully. Your plans will be stronger and more likely to succeed.”

On the Church weekend away at High Leigh, I shared something with the people about new ways of thinking. Talked about Noah, Abraham and Moses. Noah had no blueprints for an Ark – he could not go on the Internet and check out how you were supposed to build one. They didn’t even have a concept of rain, let alone floods. So he had to rely totally on what God told him to build, and get the blueprints for something never before conceived directly from Him. No wonder they thought he was mad!

Abraham had no map to get to the City God had for him – God simply told him to pack up and leave. I was also listening to Bayless Conley yesterday, and he used a great illustration. He said that when you drive somewhere at night time, you don’t stay outside your house with the car running and the lights on, but refuse to move until the headlights light up the entire journey! You have to move forward 50 yards at a time, and then the headlights will light up the road ahead for the next 50 yards, and so on. God leads in this way – he asks us to take a first step of faith, and you can’t move into Step Two until you have taken Step One.

And then there was Moses. He had no satellite Navigation system through the Wilderness – maybe that was a good thing! - but God led them supernaturally, and made every provision for the journey.

But along the way, these people also had the opportunity to take counsel – for support, wisdom and encouragement. Noah had his family, who were supportive enough to help him build the Ark. Abraham took counsel from Heavenly visitors, and Moses took counsel from his father-in-law

Pat’s Thought for the Day;
Whose human voice do you listen to? Is it the one you think is the most encouraging one? Sometimes, we can be too “nice” in our encouragement, fearing to be honest and truthful with our words. Flattery, it is said, will get you anywhere – usually means “lost”, though. Far better to seek out wise counsel, even though it might seem confrontational, and then consider it carefully before taking actions.

And the next one is.....

2006-06-01T11:00:00.000Z

It may have been quicker just to get a new kitchen…..

Last night, the grill on my 14 year old cooker died. John is going to try to fix it, but we also have one of the rings not working, so it’s looking like next month might mean another trawl round the shops for a new cooker. Thankfully, when we had to buy a new microwave a few weeks ago, we got an option which was both a microwave and a griller, so we’re OK for the moment, but it doesn’t do family-sized grilling all at the same time.

I have to say, I am getting SO cheeeeeesed-off with so many things breaking on us at the same time. It’s hard not to feel that this attack is personal, now

All I can pray is for strength and patience, and to choose to rejoice, because if Satan is behind this, then he must be trying to get us rattled, and thereby take our focus off what God is doing, and is yet to do

Pat’s Thought for the Day
"Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colours. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way." (James 1:2-4, THE MESSAGE

High Leigh and All That....

2006-05-28T19:31:00.000Z

A really quick update – just got back a few hours ago from the Church Weekend at High Leigh. Brilliant time – great fellowship, conversations, atmosphere, and worship from the band – superb, guys!

Nigel and Rachel Tween's teaching on “Thanks God it’s Monday” was timely, funny, thoughtful, and inspiring. Best bits all round, but the sense of the Holy Spirit on Saturday night was truly awesome.

Busy and tiring for the Tech Ministries Team – special thanks to those, including hubby.

Very Special and deep appreciation to Annie Bolitho for managing the whole event, and to Nigel, obviously the next Brad Pitt!

Am signing off for supper and a much-needed rest!

Appraisals...

2006-05-24T08:19:00.000Z

It was the first stage of my annual appraisal at work yesterday.

Had not really been looking forward to it, as the last year has been “turbulent” to say the least. A lot of staff changes have meant that I'vehave had to have a series of different supervisors since my last appraisal – actually 5 in total – which means that the one I now have has not been with me very long, and is very unsure of our particular polices and procedures on many things, including appraisal protocols.

Sounds a lot of waffle, but the upshot is that I had to challenge much of what she said, and that is never easy. I now have the second stage to follow, where I meet my Line Manager. Politics are playing a very large part in this right now, and although my competence is not being challenged, my working hours are under threat, so this could mean a huge wage-cut.

I know God has things in control, and I am so encouraged by what God has done for Helen this last week, but I have been in a very similar situation once before, and it took months to sort out.

Sometimes we get very direct attacks on our sense of security. For me, recently, the house feels like it’s been under attack. John and I have spent time in prayer over this, but now it feels like my job is under threat as well.

Your prayers for wisdom and strength would be much appreciated

Pat’s Thought for the Day
“My people will live in peaceful dwelling-places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest”. Isaiah 32:18

Spiritual truths....

2006-05-19T18:03:00.000Z

Reading Tracie’s blog earlier today I was reminded of how incredibly spiritually aware children can be.

Not long after my Dad died, I wanted to place some flowers at his grave. Andy was with me in the car – only about 8 years old at the time. I asked him if he was OK to go. “Yes” was the simple reply. I wondered how he would take it, as this was the first time he had seen Dad’s grave.

As I bent down with the flowers, his little voice said “You know Gramps isn’t here, don’t you, Mum?”

I was wondering how to explain things to him, fearing that he might be in denial or something.

“No. Gramps isn’t here. His old body is, I know, but Jesus made him a new one, which was waiting for him in heaven, and when Gramps got up there, Jesus just poured Gramps into his new body”

If that isn’t the finest teaching on the existence of a soul and our glorious hope, I don’t know what is……

Out of the mouths of babes….

Things can only get.....(Part 2)

2006-05-16T23:19:00.000Z

Just when I thought that nothing else could break down on me - on Sunday night , smoke emerging from the back of our microwave hinted that there just might be a reason why it wasn't working anymore...

After some researching on the net, (in the few hours we had before John left on a business trip to Cyprus) we decided on one we liked, which was at Comet - but getting it, well - thereby hangs a tale.

At Comet, there were 2 of the ovens we had looked at in boxes, underneath the display oven, so I could have a play around with it - only
opening and closing the door and having a good look at the stainless steel interior, but enough to assure me it should be OK. I then went to lift it, and decided that, although I could probably get it to the front desk, why bother when there were staff lounging around? So I went to the nearest workstation, with a man and a woman pouring over a monitor, waved my piece of paper, and started to say, "I wonder if someone could help me carry..."

"No need, madam - we just need the paper you have with the spec number"
"But it's only over there..."
"That's fine - but we'll get one out of stores for you"
"But …"

Onto the phone she goes, orders up the oven, and asks me to wait at the front cash desk. I duly walk to the front, and the cashier asks if he can help.
"They're just bringing a microwave out of stores for me"

So I wait, and wait, and wait, and wait....

And his phone goes. It was Stores

"Do you happen to have the paper with the spec number on it, madam?"
"Yes, but honestly, I only wanted someone to help me lift it from the shelf."
"No need, Madam - he's just bringing it down"

A grunt comes out of a door - with nothing in his hand.

"Which microwave did you want?"
" The one on the shelf over there" says I.
"What was the spec number?"
At this point, I smiled and said to the grunt "Come with me". He followed like a lamb, as I explained the problem.
"Which Pratt told you it was quicker to ring through?"

As we passed said Pratts, hiding behind their monitor, I quietly pointed them out
"****** typical" the grunt said.

I showed him the microwave, apologised that I didn't want to risk lifting it by myself (on my current form, I would have probably dropped it), and he smiled saying "That's my job, my love". He carried it to the cash desk, where in about 15 seconds, I was the proud owner of the oven I had seen 20 minutes previously. He then escorted it to the car, smiling, whilst the original hapless duo around the monitor were nowhere to be seen.......

'Aint technology wonderful.....

Things can only get better....

2006-05-08T19:08:00.000Z

Things are slowly improving this week.

John and I spent a fair bit of Saturday trawling around shops for various pieces of equipment. So far we have;-
Purchased a dishwasher (able to bring home from the store)
Ordered new kitchen taps (not available “for a few weeks yet”)
Bought some new telephones (the ansaphone system on the last one was completely shot)
Got my car into the garage for the hydraulic system on the clutch to be replaced - (forget such simple things as clutch cables – this is a LOT more complicated! – hopefully it might get done tomorrow (Tuesday)
Tried to find a mirror for the hall (unsuccessfully)
Tried to find lights for the hall and upstairs landing (Oh boy! This is gonna take a while….)

Got home from all this, fearing that the credit card company would think our cards had been stolen, as there was so much activity on it in one day! John said that fixing the dishwasher should be ”a 5-minute job”.

Well, unfortunately, it isn’t - not because John can’t do, it, but because this particular dishwasher uses non-standard connections. As we were expecting company that afternoon (who stayed overnight and through to late last night) he hasn’t had a minute to do things. He is plumbing in as we speak, but the one thing more frustrating than having a dishwasher in your kitchen that doesn’t work is having TWO dishwashers in your kitchen not working (yet!!)

So apart from having to use jugs to get cold water from the basin in my downstairs cloakroom every time I want to fill the kettle (the kettle won’t fit in the basin!!) things are looking up!

Pat’s Thought for the Day
Sometimes it scares me that I put my trust in fragile earthly things, yet baulk at trusting the Creator of the Universe, believing that I can possibly do things better, or in my own way, or in my own time. In His Grace, He does not tell me off, or refuse to listen when I come with such a doubting attitude. He does not hold grudges, or pout, with a “ You didn’t believe me last time, did you?” attitude.

Awesome.

Great Date!

2006-05-03T19:56:00.000Z

Just been surfing a bit - had not realised the date...

At exactly 3 seconds and 2 minutes past one o'clock tomorrow morning, there is a brilliant date.

You could write it as 01:02:03 04/05/06

That kind of string doesn't happen very often.

Might stay up to enjoy the moment, 'cos it will only last a moment, you know......

Ordeal by Machine...

2006-05-03T19:42:00.000Z

There is a saying, that when things break down, they often come in threes.

Well, we are having a serious run of things breaking on us. On Monday morning, just as I was about to set off for the Country Show in Knebworth, the clutch on my car failed. Foot went straight to the floor, and nothing but a huge grating noise. John kindly loaned me his car for the day… and the rest of the week… whilst I try to get it sorted….

Then the cold-water tap in the kitchen just kept going round and round – something broken there. …

The strap came off my handbag, and it had to be professionally repaired with an industrial sewing machine in town. I only actually possess one handbag at a time, so I considered getting a new handbag, but those of you who have read my blog will remember that this one replaced the one I had stolen, so I’d got seriously attached to this one…

The 4th thing that has “crashed” is our dishwasher. It started making some seriously bad noises last night, and was not doing a thing to clean the contents inside. It is a luxury, but with our very hectic schedule, it is a significant thing not to have working…

My “street” trainers (as opposed to the pair I reserve for the gym) developed a hole in the left sole last Friday. I therefore got a new, cheap pair (can’t be spending £60+ on a new pair) and tried them out. By the time I had finished my walk, I had developed a blister the size of a £2 coin. Forget any advice on puncturing it with a needle or anything. Although the trainer pinched a little, I had not realised that the skin had been ripped right off – looks not too good at all, so gym work has been out this week…

Would like to say that I rose to the challenge, but instead indulged in quite a bit of self-pity. Something about feeling a bit insecure and fragile, I think

Pat’s Thought for the Day
When the Word says that we should count it joy when we face trials, (James 1:2) and that when we are weak, God is strong (2 Cor 12:10), we must take this on faith. Joy is only truly possible in the middle of a trial, and strength is all the more potent when we allow God to flow through the weakness and frailty of human bodies.

Running Update...

2006-04-26T20:00:00.000Z

I was surfing through some images under Google on “running”, and saw this!

The training for “Race for Life” is going well, and I am managing some decent workouts in the gym 3-4 times a week, together with weekly circuits around the estate where I live, covering a 3.2 mile course in a consistent 63 minutes (not quite as fast as Dave Gilbey!)

Mum, Rhi and I have started doing this circuit on Wednesday evenings, so if anyone wants to join in, please do! With I month and 28 days to go, it’s good to keep the focus up.

I think the London Marathon this last week was a real inspiration of feel-good stories, and it was remarkable to see so many people doing so well for themselves and for their chosen charities But it inspired me – no, not to run the marathon! – but to try to keep making healthy choices where I can, and to work on a day-to-day basis. I know I have made dreadful choices regarding food in the past, and not been good about consistent exercise. However, I know that the diabetes now means that I have a really big choice daily, and when I can work this through well, I feel so much better for it.

Have a great Bank Holiday weekend, everyone. I shall be doing some in-depth training for work on Friday and Saturday, and then am manning the Chunky Furniture stand at the Knebworth Country Show on Sunday and Monday.

A busy day...

2006-04-22T17:44:00.000Z

Just got back from Huddersfield, where Andy is now installed for his third term, and soon the completion of his first year. Not sure where the time went.

Thanks for all those who have been so supportive of me re; last Sunday’s sermon. It felt really relaxed, and I trust it blessed those who heard it.

Am continuing with the training for Race for Life – many thanks to those who have sponsored me – as it’s only about 8 weeks to go now.

Will blog more soon – it’s been a manic couple of weeks – but in case we don’t see many of you in church tomorrow, we’ll be with some of the Worship Team taking a meeting in Great Sampford. It’s our third outing there, and the people are really welcoming.

Achievements and Celebrations...

2006-04-13T08:25:00.000Z

Had a wonderful evening last night

John took me out for a fantastic meal to celebrate clocking up 2000 counselling hours. It has taken 8 years to complete this, and although there is nothing especially significant in this number, we felt it would be a good idea to mark such an accomplishment. It represents a huge body of work, and the fact that there are 185 people out there whose lives have connected with mine, and hopefully have been helped in some way by this.

I’d like to put on record my immeasurable thanks to John, and the rest of all the family, for their support during intensive periods of training, and that continued, unflinching support on a daily basis. There are times when knowing who and what I come home to, and that sweet constant presence of Christ, is all that keeps me going.

For this celebration meal, we went out to Muddy Waters, the “restaurant in the barge” on the river Chelmer. Lovely evening, amazing food, very leisurely and relaxed.

John also gave me 20 stunning roses, one for every 100 counselling hours – such a romantic!

Looking forward to sharing the Word with you this Easter Sunday – thanks for the prayers – please keep them up!

Pat’s Thought for the Day:
As we approach Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, let us reflect on the fact that Christ’s accomplishment is to be celebrated every way we know how – his Life, Death and Resurrection affect every soul on the planet, not just in an 8-year slot, but for Eternity. And Father God justly rewarded Him with the Name that is above every Name…..

Easter Sunday

2006-03-31T14:58:00.000Z

Been asked to preach at Church on Easter Sunday evening. It is a privilege - although the fact is that The Ministry Team will by then be on their way to Conference . They are leaving after the Easter Morning Service. So I'm not sure if it's a mass exodus 'cos they don't want to hear me preach, or ultimate trust to leave the whole thing in my hands! Comments on a postcard, please....

I am still here...

2006-03-28T21:20:00.000Z

Having a few problems with blogging at the mo - lack of time for one, and a few intermittent probs with the Network hub, so sometimes Net access is a bit tricky...

Otherwise - a bit manic at work, but then, in my job, manic is the new normal. Quite a few goodbyes at work as folk leave - some sad - others, well....

Reminds me of a quote I saw on a plaque ( shan't tell you where!), which says "Everyone blesses this home; some when they come and some when they leave"

Anyway, thanks for all the prayers and words of encouragement, both here and face-to-face. The Blogger will return, I promise - just as soon as the HSL is sorted....

Ongoing Sagas....

2006-03-19T20:58:00.000Z

Hi folks

As of today, the HSL (Hall Stairs and Landing) have now had the right gloss on the whole skirting board, kneeposts, banisters, handrails….. on and on….. plus two coats of Ivory Lace Silk Emulsion on all the walls. My hand is suffering RSI from painting, but John has now labelled me “The Roller Queen”. Sadly, it’s not a Rolls Royce, but Mistress of paint rollers! I am shattered – a worrying number of people in church this morning told me I was looking very tired – but the flooring and carpet are on order, so hopefully, in the next few weeks, Chez Kennett should look considerably better.

The REALLY worrying thing has been all of the things we’ve put up with whilst decorating, that you would not normally consider – like the current sock box is in the bath (don’t ask…..), my kitchen is chock a block full of paint tins, paintbrushes, stirring sticks, coat hooks…. I have a stepladder in my bathroom….. and the house has been freezing as we have also painted the loft hatch – had to leave it open for the paint to dry!

All this madness - I think I must be getting something contagious from Helen Tween…

Dust...

2006-03-06T20:36:00.000Z

Haven’t posted in a while – I’m sitting in my study waiting to follow in John’s wake, as we sandpaper our way through our Hall, Stairs and Landing. Major confession time – we have not decorated the Hall, Stairs & Landing (henceforth called the HSL) since we moved in 14 years ago!

Now I know why!

As mentioned in a recent blog, most of the walls had been artexed, but thanks to a great job by Andy Ormesher, they are now plastered over, ready for painting. However, before we paint the walls, we have to re-paint all the gloss work – and with an HSL that means we have to sandpaper back a tremendous amount. We are trying to do things properly – hopefully, so we won’t ever have to do it again!

We have great plans for the HSL, but at this stage of the game, every job that appears to be finished only raises a few more. For example, we realized that we would have to paint two ceilings – which meant washing them first – which highlighted how horrible the loft hatch was looking - and then of course, we have to get the doors ready for varnishing (all 7 of them) - as well as following Andy’s advice to VERY lightly sand over all the new plasterwork once it was dry – and I ache all over!

But I had forgotten just how much dust there could be…. Because as we have to sandpaper doors, it means that as we open the doors to get into the corners of them, all this lovely pale pink plaster dust finds its insidious way into all the rooms, into every wrinkle on my face (too many of them by far!), into clothes, into toothbrushes, bed linen, shoes… everywhere! Reminded me of how awful it must have been at the time of the Egyptian plagues. We read in Exodus 8:17 that “When Aaron stretched out his hand with the staff and struck the dust of the ground, gnats came upon men and animals. All the dust throughout the land of Egypt became gnats”. If every scrap of dust in my house right now turned into a gnat – URGGGGGGGGGGGHHHH!

I keep telling myself the end result will be worth it….

Pat’s Thought for the Day;
God is preparing us for an eternal life in His presence. For that to be perfect, it means getting us prepared now. If one job turns up another, then that has to be dealt with, too. And just like sandpaper, God often uses irritable people, events and circumstances to build up a friction, in order to smooth out all the rough edges. It’s irritating, and messy, and it feels like we will never be clean. But oh, how it will be worth it all, to be presented as a spotless Bride before the King of Kings….

A special moment....

2006-02-26T12:15:00.000Z

I was both excited and humbled this morning when Pastor Mike came up to me privately and said he had a Word from God for me. It is very private at the moment, but hopefully there are some specific plans ahead for me, which will be based on this.

It has confirmed something God has very much been laying on my heart, but it always staggers me that God speaks so directly to us. I cannot say that this has happened many times in my life, but maybe the scarcity serves to focus our minds on those incredible moments when God does break through.

It also re-affirms something I have always held true; that God uses people to share words only AFTER He has told us about it, not the other way around. A word from God through someone else should not really come as a surprise; only a confirmation of what He has already shared with you.
It may take a while, but watch this space!

Did you ever have one of those days?

2006-02-23T10:26:00.000Z

Yesterday started off pretty bad….

Wednesdays are usually long days at work for me. I think lots of counsellors try to stick to between 3-4 sessions per day, as it is quite exhausting work. On Wednesdays, I do 5, with an hour off for lunch in the middle, so it gets tiring on good days. Yesterday I had the frustration of the first 2 clients not turning up – one should have been an assessment, the other a client who also had not turned up last week, and made no response to my letter. So although I had some reading I could catch up on, I was mainly thinking about a load of things I could have been doing at home instead. Thankfully the other 3 turned up.

Got home, to discover that I had left my handbag in Reception at work – so I’ll have to pick it up when I go in later today….

And then the fun really started. We are currently getting prepped for Andy Ormesher to come and skim a plaster layer over the artex walls (yes, walls, not ceiling!) in our Hall. It’s only taken us 14 years to get around to doing anything about it ….. and so John is taking the opportunity to take some of the surface wiring in under the walls before Andy comes and we decorate. Lots of brick dust later, he’s found a conduit that goes up the main wall, and in theory goes up into the loft. From here, John could take the wiring back to my study… I won’t bore you with all the details, but suffice to say, the plan meant picking up a floorboard in the upstairs bathroom. John takes up a section of carpet, saws through a floorboard, one huge yell later, and water starts flooding the bathroom and dripping through the hall ceiling! A water pipe had been run virtually touching the floorboard, and John had sawn through it! Two stopcocks later, several sodden towels and some nifty work with a blow-lamp, and the damage is mostly repaired. He’s taking time off on Friday to get the job properly sorted!

The more we decorate this house, the more bodged wiring, plumbing and sheer convolutions we discover!

Thought for the Day:
Have you ever found that you try to fix one thing, only to create 4 more jobs in the process? I sometimes wonder if God feels like that in our lives – as soon as we try to do what He wants, four other problems surface? Thankfully, His “toolkit” does not depend on when B & Q shuts; neither does His patience wear thin. He is able to bring every skill required to work in our lives. And He is constantly, wonderfully, creating us to bear the image of His Son, and never gives up on us as a bad job

Ice Skating...

2006-02-21T19:21:00.000Z

Sinead and John Kerr ( GB)

Have you been watching any of the Ice Dancing from the Winter Olympics? I think it's amazing, the way those guys lift their partners so effortlessly, and watching it, I get scared that sometimes those skates look like they come pretty close to their partner's faces, or other strategic bits of anatomy...

Whilst I admire their skills and techniques, as well as the brilliant choreography, what we don’t see is the level of practise behind the scenes, and how many times they got dropped! (I think the “Dancing On Ice” programme has been quite enlightening in this respect! )

Sometimes, I am sure that my “walk with God” looks very much like very wobbly first steps on ice, with many a slip as I try to find my “footing”. I’m not sure I like the thought of being spun around inches from the hard, cold surface of an ice rink.

But the truth is, when God holds us, we are SO VERY SAFE in His hands. And so are all those we love. However scary it might look, or feel, God's grips are rock-solid, and He does not drop us.

Never has, Never will.

And this is true, especially when we feel that our feet are falling….

Committing people to God....

2006-02-19T18:11:00.000Z

A number of folk have been asking about a word I gave in church this morning (11:15 service). Thought it might help to put it here. Praying it will be a blessing to you:

"For a few weeks the Lord has been challenging me on committing things to Him, especially committing our children to Him.

The story of the birth of Samuel has struck me so forcibly. We read in the First Book of Samuel that Hannah committed her as-yet unborn child to God. She honoured the vow, that if she had a child, then she would “give him back to the Lord all the days of his life”, but it was a joint commitment by her and Elkanah, Samuel’s father. They both agreed, and they both honoured the vow.

But it was not an easy vow to honour. Not only was Samuel very young when he left to serve in the Temple, but he was to serve at a point in Israel’s history where Eli’s sons, Hophni and Phineas, brought the priesthood into shame and disrepute. We are told that they were “wicked, and had no regard for the Lord.” (1 Sam 2:12), they were “treating the Lord’s offerings with contempt” (1 Sam 2:17), and they “slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting” (1 Sam 2:22)

It would have been easy, understandable and justifiable for Hannah and Elkanah to get Samuel out of such an atmosphere. I think they would have felt highly protective, and not want Samuel exposed to such sinfulness. They could have said that the circumstances had changed so much, that the vow was null and void.

But they had committed Him to God, and believed that He would protect their son. The only things we are told, is that they made an annual trip to see Him, at the time of their yearly sacrifice, and that they brought with them a new robe each year. They did not panic, and go up to see him more often. They simply made provision for his growth – fully assured that he would indeed flourish and grow in the place God intended him to be.

Who have you committed to God’s care? Your children, be they young, or fully grown, may often be in places and circumstances that concern you greatly. The world has never been an easy or stable place in which to raise families. But God is able, and more than capable, of caring for them, protecting them, and using them in just such environments. Samuel went on to become one of the most significant figures in Israel’s history, using the experience from those formative years in a powerful way.

2 Tim 1:12 reads:
"For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. (KJV)"

2006-02-15T22:24:00.000Z

Would value your prayers at the moment. Struggling a bit at work, and I am feeling under quite a bit of spiritual attack over a number of issues.

Thank you

The Sport of Kings...

2006-02-11T11:40:00.000Z

For all you Romantics out there - this is me, standing by the so-called "Lake of Love" in Bruges - and it was BITTERLY cold!

John climbed the 366 steps to the top of the Belfry to take this shot!

An amazing shot with John's new camera - the Belfy at Bruges

The famous Black Swans of Leeds Castle

This is John with Maggie, the Vulture!

Ozzy the Eagle Owl, and John with Brook, the Harris Hawk

Just returned from a fabulous week – the photos don’t really do it justice.

After a lovely family party last Saturday, it was off to Leeds Castle early Sunday morning. We both had a brilliant time, but it was magical to see the way Mark, our Falconer for the Day, was so passionate about all aspects of Birds of Prey and their care. John got to fly Ozzy, the Eagle owl (with the feather tuffs!), Maggie, the vulture – huge wingspan – and Brook, a highly intelligent Harris Hawk. It was all we could have hoped for, and a fantastic experience.

Then off to Bruges early Monday morning, courtesy of the Eurostar.Bruges was a lovely city, albeit cold (well, it is early February!) Managed to avoid too much chocolate – they give it to you with EVERY drink! – and all windows are draped in red hearts for Valentines Day. Flowers, chocolates, hearts – the whole deal, really.

The architecture is quite superb, and John managed to use his brand new camera to some quite stunning effects, even going up the 366 steps to the Belfry (I waited at the base for that one!) to get some incredible views of the city.

All in all, a great trip, but it’s also good to be home. John has decided that being 50 does not really matter at all – all that has happened is that instead of feeling 14 on the inside, he’s grown up a little, and now feels like 15!

See you all soon

An important milestone....

2006-02-03T23:10:00.000Z

Leeds Castle

Tomorrow as a family we start a few days of celebration. It’s John’s 50th birthday, and we are having a family meal together at home on Saturday evening. He has already been treated to a new digital camera, because on Sunday we travel into Kent, as John will be a VIP Guest of the Falconry Team at Leeds Castle for the Day. We will be learning how to handle, and hopefully fly the birds around the magnificent grounds there.

Later on, we get to have lunch and afternoon tea in the Castle itself. John loves watching falconry displays, and this way he gets to handle them with the experts, plus they will set up photo opps, so hopefully we might have some good photos to show here soon! My role is to act as spectator, and carry the camera bags! If he wants to , and is up to it, they might also let him help out with the Falconry Display to the public in the afternoon!

Then it’s off to a luxury Spa Hotel in Royal Tunbridge Wells for dinner and a chance to unwind. After an early breakfast on Monday morning, we will then drive off to Ashford, to pick up the Eurostar train as passengers (i.e. without the car) to spend three nights in Bruge, Belgium.

Very much looking forward to a romantic break.

See you when we get back.

No easy answers....

2006-01-31T19:20:00.000Z

Please pray for Anna, Joel and Simon, as the news came through last night that Anna’s Dad had died yesterday.

I have no answers to the deep questions that this raises, but Anna herself reminded me when I saw her last night, that God promises that no temptation has come upon us, that God has not already provided a way of escape from. I love the Message rendition of this verse (1 Corinthians 10:13), which reads:

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He'll never let you be pushed past your limit; He'll always be there to help you come through it.”

A great verse, from an amazing lady. Pastor Mike has taken her up to Yorkshire today, to be with her mum. Thanks, Mike

Any bloggers out there might like to add a note to Mo’s blog, to assure the extended family of our prayers. Mo is Neil’s sister, and has often commented on his blog.

Accepting and Achieving....

2006-01-30T19:55:00.000Z

The gym I attend is currently being re-vamped (following being taken over by Virgin Active – ghastly name for a Gym, but there you go!), and they have roped off whole sections of gym equipment whilst they paint/re-carpet etc. The scramble for equipment has become silly this last week. So I decided to do some walking around the estate where I live, and measured out in the car a loop that actually took 3.2 miles. The Race For Life is 5 km (3.1 miles), so I thought that I would try to a) walk the whole distance, and b) see if I could do so in a reasonable time. This loop has a tough up hill section for 0.4 miles, then a gradual meandering gradient for the next mile, a corresponding downhill section, and then the last mile or so home. I actually managed the 3.2 miles in 63 minutes, and I was really pleased.

Maybe more than folk realise…..

Last Thursday, I shared with our Thursday Ladies Bible Study Group some of my early testimony, from when I was in Grammar school to my Uni days. Very few people are aware of this – and following Helen’s earlier blog, one day I might share this here someday in more detail. But suffice to say, on the day I got my results that I had passed to go to Grammar school, I was actually beaten ( I had to “run a gauntlet” and was quite badly beaten around the head, back, neck and shoulders) for “daring” to pass. Only then did I realise that of all the girls entered for this exam, I was the only one who had passed. My poor parents suffered delegations from irate parents, convinced that there had been a clerical error, and that their darlings should be there, not me. I never mentioned what had happened for a very long time – years in fact – and only now do I feel really able to mention it at all – and that was 36 years ago.

The reason I mention it now, is that on that one day, I think I was robbed of the ability to appreciate personal achievement in myself. I put myself down, never feeling that I did well enough, never mentioning the fact that I went to a Grammar School (always called it High School) and always spoke of going to “College” rather than to University. Anything more always sounded arrogant in my head. Also, being overweight, I guess I tried to achieve things academically rather than physically.

So the fact that at this point in my life, and for good health reasons, I am managing to keep up with an exercise programme, and challenge myself physically, is a massive achievement. Yes, I have known and accepted God’s unconditional love and acceptance all along – but somehow, until very recently, I could not really rest in the fact that I could also take some credit, without Him losing the glory either.

It’s a good feeling…

Pat’s Thought for the Day;
I once said to a dear friend (she knows who she is!), then on the verge of a brand new phase of her ministry, “Believe He can, through you”. I still think it holds true, and am beginning to accept this more in myself, too. Have you doubted yourself recently? Reflect back on all that you have achieved, because Christ works in and through you. “And it will surprise you, what the Lord has done”!

On his Shoulders....

2006-01-23T22:10:00.000Z

I felt honoured to be part of a truly wonderful memorial service to Neil today. It was a fitting tribute to an incredible person, whose many roles in life were honoured this lunchtime by those who knew him best.

My personal thanks go to an incredible team, from the Worship Team, to the Technical Ministries Team, the Stewards, the caterers, and obviously to all those who took part publicly. Their dedication, both in public, and in private, is testimony to the highest esteem in which we held this Brother In Christ.

I think descriptions of his athletic prowess were most apt, as he certainly has won his own eternal Victor’s Crown. But in thinking back over today, I recalled a phrase that I think sums up his legacy for me. It is a quote from John of Salisbury, a 12th Century theologian, and reads;

“We are like dwarfs sitting on the shoulders of giants. We see more, and things that are more distant, than they did, not because our sight is superior or because we are taller than they, but because they raise us up, and by their great stature add to ours”

Pat's Thought for the Day:
Neil would have probably admitted, that in terms of human stature, he was not the tallest of men. And yet henceforth, whenever I shall think of him, the legacy of his life will be a foundation on which to build, and it will feel like standing on the shoulders of a giant.

Don't panic.....

2006-01-21T20:08:00.000Z

On phoning Andy earlier today, when I asked how things were going, there was a slight pause followed by “Don’t panic, Mum, but….”

I discovered that he’d had a nasty fall at Jui-Jitsu on Tuesday night, which led to a check-up and x-ray at the local hospital. Nothing broken, just a very sore left shoulder, and he’s had to wear a sling on his left arm since Tuesday. His housemates have been very supportive, but independent as he is, he’s managing everything one-handed! He is determined to stay on track with his training, as he wants to continue up the belt grades, with his next Jui-Jitsu grading due in March.

We are increasingly impressed with Huddersfield Uni’s care of their students. As this fall happened at the Club, one of the team members was able to get him to the local hospital, but they had no idea how long he’d have to wait for x-ray. But the Uni has an Emergency Transport Service for just such events. The club arranged that, as soon as Andy had finished, and phoned the call Centre, a minibus picked Andy up from the hospital (as it was fairly late Tuesday night), and got him back to Halls, for the princely sum of 50p!

Pat’s Thought for the Day;
It is sometimes very hard to be a parent when your child’s first time away from home is 200 miles away. But I thank God that He watches over all of us, and distance is absolutely no object to Him.

Sponsorship...

2006-01-20T12:51:00.000Z

The Race for Life Team encourage online sponsorship, and ask each entrant to set up a webpage solely for this.

My webpage can be found at http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/patkennett

Alternativley - you can go to my links section, and click on Sisters United

Thank you

Challenge accepted...

2006-01-20T08:28:00.000Z

1865727 - yup. that's me, folks!

At least, that will be the number on the front of my T-shirt on 25th June 2006, when I enter the Race for Life at Hylands Park. I have picked up the gauntlet from my kid sister, and have been accepted as a "runner" this morning.

I say "runner", as my aim is to actually walk the course, but I have stepped up my gym work, and now have something specific to aim for.

A good all round package really - I'll be training to keep myself fit and the diabetes under control; to obviously raise money for Cancer UK, and also in memory of Neil, a very dear friend and complete inspiration.

I would deeply appreciate any sponsorship, but more of that nearer the time. Managed 1.5 km on the cross-trainer and 2.5 km on the treadmill at 6;30 am this morning - not that I am boasting, you understand.....

Practise what you preach...

2006-01-17T20:04:00.000Z

Just thought all you bloggers might like to know that yes, 36 hours after I preached on "How to Handle Change When It Comes, and When It Doesn't", Yours Truly was thrown another major change at work this morning!

I was in a group with 4 other colleagues (one of whom is my Director at work!), and it was really interesting to see how they reacted to a pretty big change. I did not, however, say " Well, I have these sermon notes you might find helpful....!"

It was thought-provoking, though, to see how many of the 5 principles came into play in the space of half an hour. I watched and listened as "Inflexibility", "Trying to Change/Modify the Plan", "Apparent Demotion" and "Arguing for a Different Pace in the Change" were all there! I had to smile....

Pat's Thought for the Day:
I was reassured that this word should be tested in me so quickly after sharing it - I think it might prove something....

Tonight's Preach...

2006-01-15T22:14:00.000Z

Preach went well tonight – although I think it may be remembered as “The Sermon where Pat wanted Jodi’s Shoes!” For those of you not there – it’s tough to explain out of context.

Many thanks for all the love, support and prayers – much appreciated. To God be the glory. Also special mention to John, who has patiently listened to many possible component parts of this, some of which made it to the final notes!

Neil....

2006-01-14T12:14:00.000Z

A deeply and profoundly sad day for many of us.

The news of Neil’s passing this morning extinguishes a very special light to those of us who were privileged to know him. He was, in every possible sense, a man of God. The gentlest of spirits, who knew and loved His God without question, and who maintained his integrity in life, and through his illness, at every conceivable level.

Our thoughts and prayers naturally continue to be with his lovely wife Anna, and two incredible sons, Joel and Simon. Such experiences of loss at such a young age - for all of them - can floor many people, were it not for the fact that their spiritual inheritance from Neil will, I am sure, support them through some tough days ahead

Pat’s thought for the Day:
Considerable weight is often given to someone’s last words. I have no idea what Neil’s last words actually were – such things are far too private, and should remain so – but Neil’s last words on his blog serve as a measure of the man. He said “(This Christmas) - have a really good time and make sure you take time to reflect on the true meaning and include Jesus in your celebrations- He makes the difference.” Jesus made all the difference in the world to Neil.

Someone to Watch Over Me....

2006-01-10T22:39:00.000Z

Just got back from Small Group tonight, on the first of the run-up to the new 40 Days series

One of our readings was Psalm 31, and these verses really impressed on my spirit:

“Praise be to the LORD, for he showed his wonderful love to me when I was in a besieged city. In my alarm I said, "I am cut off from your sight!" Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help. “
Psalm 31:21-22

I know there are many times when I can’t see a way out of something, and it feels like I am besieged. It is that panic of the childish mentality (to which we all run under stress) which believes that if we can’t see God, then obviously He can’t see us!

Pat’s Thought for the Day:

So-called “Reality TV” has made the concept of “Someone’s Watching You” (“Big Brother” et al) into something to be devoutly feared. Yet God’s love is demonstrated in the fact that He constantly watches over us with love, with provision, with understanding, with grace, and meeting all our needs. All that takes time. So it’s just as well that He also doesn’t need sleep…….

Footfalls...

2006-01-08T09:01:00.000Z

Quite an emotionally-packed few days this weekend

Friday was really busy, what with an early-morning gym workout – Helen, keep going! – followed by coffee and I think a possibly highly significant talk with a dear friend, then off to buy some stuff ready for Andy to go back to Huddersfield Uni. Then over to my mum’s, where, together with my sister, we booked a 3-day holiday later in the year to celebrate her birthday – more details nearer the time!

Then back home – to some cooking some goodies for Andy’s trip up north (student housemates love chocolate cake!) and sorting out final packing. Seems much less than 3 weeks that he’s been home.

Then that evening I got a phone call, asking me to preach at next Sunday night’s evening service. Honoured to be asked, but feeling a huge sense of responsibility. I love to preach, and spent quite a lot of missed sleep going over possibilities in my mind of what to talk about. Think I have the “seed thought” on which to build over the coming few days, but would value prayers. Only managed 2 hours sleep that night, though…

Then yesterday, spent a total of about 12 hours getting Andy back up North, what with John doing some serious diagnostics in Andy’s room to try to get his wireless broadband connection up and running. The consultation fees otherwise needed would have cost a fortune…

A long drive home, as part of our planned route was closed on the return trip, so got home very tired, but grateful for John’s “knockout prayers” which ensured a sound, deep sleep. And then lying in bed, after John has already left to set up the PA system for the early service, listening to footfalls around the house, and realising that I don’t have to think which son is moving around, as only one of them is here…

Pat’s Thought for the Day;

Do you know that God listens for your footfalls? He not only knows where you are; He is also interested in how you got there, and why you are there. No movement is beyond his scope, and no intention of your heart escapes His notice. There may be times when you might step outside of His Will, but you can never be outside His Care

God's always got a bigger shovel...

2005-12-30T23:07:00.000Z

God's grace is amazing, isn't it? Just when you think that God has poured out His blessing on you, something else surprises you.

I remember when John and I were first married, we were struggling financially (even more than we do now!), and reading lots about the Biblical injunctions regarding tithing. I know it's not easy - never will be, really, but it is so very important. And one phrase I remember from that time - "however much we try to shovel back to God in terms of tithes, gifts and offerings, we can never out-give God, 'cos He's always got a bigger shovel!"

Made me remember a very old hymn, which has been running through my mind all day:

He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,

He sendeth more strength as our labours increase;

To added afflictions He addeth His mercy,

To multiplied trials He multiplies peace

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources

Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

His love has no limits, His grace has no measure,

His power no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus

He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again

Annie J Flint

Pat's Thought for the Day:

As we approach a New Year, with new Resolutions, how's about appreciating and valuing God's grace each day? And how's about finding secret ways to bless people? And why not try surprising God with your giving? As Creator, He delights in creativity!

God Almighty...

2005-12-28T22:27:00.000Z

John and I have just quietly sat down this evening and watched a video of the film “Bruce Almighty”. A lovely story, with many moments that stop and make you think. If you’ve never seen the film, it’s worth hiring it, just to watch how Bruce (played by Jim Carrey, and to whom God gives Almighty powers - and the responsibilities of being God - for just 7 days) handles prayer requests! The sheer volume of prayers, from just one part of God’s creation, is overwhelming to him.

I have a much-loved, somewhat dog-eared book, inherited from my Dad. It’s called “The Speaker’s Sourcebook”, a compilation of quotes and stories, edited by Eleanor Doan. I found this on “Prayer”;

The Prayer of a Child
“And Dear God, I hope You’ll also take care of Yourself. If anything should happen to You, we’d be in an awful Fix”

And also;
“Two people praying the same prayers anywhere on earth will raise a commotion in heaven”

Today has been a day spent in prayer for Pastor Tony – for his surgery, the skills of the Theatre staff, and for those who now care for him as he recuperates in hospital. For all the family, close and extended, and for us as a church family as we respond to this need. I believe it has also heightened prayer for Neil Cooper, also seriously in continuous need of our prayers. There is an awesome power in concerted, agreeing prayer – it does indeed cause a commotion in heaven.

And it is always good to remember that God can take extremely good care of Himself – He has never needed us, or anyone, or anything, for Him to exist, or for Him To Be All that He is. And All that He is, is All that there ever needs to be, for today’s prayers, and for all prayers

Pat’s Thought for the Day;
How effective do you honestly believe your prayers are? Another little quote from this book reminds me, “Satan trembles when he sees, the weakest Christian on his knees”. It is not how we pray, or even the eloquence of prayer that ultimately matters – it is just doing it. Thank you to all who today have done just that

Happy Christmas

2005-12-21T21:39:00.000Z

Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful and God-Blessed Christmas, and looking forward to a New and Exciting 2006!

With love

John, Pat, Chris and Andy Kennett

Pastor Tony...

2005-12-18T23:02:00.000Z

Not an easy day for us as a Fellowship. Tony, one of our Pastors, has been diagnosed with cancer. He will be setting up his own blog, linked from our Church website, very shortly. This is one of those brilliant times when you realise how powerful and supportive blogs and the dissemination of information can be, so let’s use it wisely, prayerfully and thoughtfully.

I guess there will be much to say over the next few weeks and months, but three things I will say right here and now.

Firstly, for Satan to attack in such a dirty, underhanded way probably means that something big is on the horizon for us as a Church. Satan is not omniscient – he cannot know everything, for that is an Attribute of God. However, Satan is aware of things in “The heavenlies”, that spiritual realm which often heralds moves of God. He watches that, and when he sees something powerful from heaven heading our way, we then become a prime target for anything he can throw at us. He will use whatever means he can to make us doubt God, to fear, and to feel that everything we have believed in is a lie. So remember; if he’s trying that hard, it’s because something big is on the move.

Secondly, how to respond. From my perspective, and from experience, when this kind of news hits, people don’t know what to say. But it is vital that the family are made constantly aware of our love and prayers. The thing that helped us as a family the most were the cards. Every day, somebody somewhere remembered to send a get-well card, a word of encouragement, a thought, a prayer. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does need to happen often. And every one of those cards were pinned up on a wall at home, a living reminder that we were not alone, nor forgotten. So if you ‘re wondering what to do, send a card. If you don’t know how to pray, just pray simply, and send a card, saying “I prayed for you today”.

And finally, our love and thanks go to everyone who signed up today for The Covenant Prayer Chain on the day of Tony’s op. The chain is now complete, with at least one person, sometimes two and occasionally three people praying every 15 minutes throughout the day. Chelmsford, you are a brilliant church, and I know that you know how to pray. Now is the time, though, to step up to the plate again, dig in our spiritual heels, and do battle for a very special family.

Made it!

2005-12-14T22:10:00.000Z

John has fixed the problems in Oslo, and got back home this evening – a day earlier than planned.

I have survived the last manic 10 days, and hopefully, can now wind down to the 25th…

Andy’s back on the weekend, and all seems well with the world….

I must be missing something……