Sharing, not quite there, more to enjoy later

1. The privilege of visiting another church to talk about the schools work in the area. We were made very welcome. And I got to have a go with 2 puppets!

2. We didn't see the Red Arrows (they couldn't take off from Liverpool because it was too windy) but we almost caught the end of the Typhoon display. It sounded amazing! (and we saw a tiny bit through the trees as we walked)

3. Making a tasty meal, with more for tomorrow and 2 meals in the freezer. Spicy aubergines, peppers, courgettes, onion, tomato, kidney beans and chickpeas. Served with couscous and creme fraiche. My teenage self wouldn't recognise me ;-)

Growing... and blubbing!

1. Played bass at church again, this time in a different band to usual.  One song was much more funky than I'm used to and I struggled a bit during the practice ("Let's do this bit with just drum and bass") but when it finally clicked what the chords actually were it felt good.  I missed the transition to the bridge section though - I was too busy trying to read the notes to see the signal from the leader.

2.  The sermon was about spiritual gifts, and particularly prophecy.  I liked the practical approach he took, which included asking a couple of people to explain the words they'd brought earlier in the meeting.  I found myself nodding to a lot of it.

3.  Saw Les Miserables at the cinema with a friend.  I think it was better than the stage version (certainly the 2nd time I saw it) and I liked that they incorporated a few details from the book which weren't in the stage musical.  It was very emotional though - as expected.  I kept myself together most of the way through, but the final 5 minutes were impossible!

Preparations and a nice surprise

1. A productive meeting at work - it lasted most of the day, but I think we got somewhere... and it was good to catch up with some colleagues who are based elsewhere.

2. Planning a weekend away for A's birthday in May. I think I have to be away on the day itself, but I hope a trip away can be special instead.

3. First housegroup of the year, and a lovely surprise present. Michelle had made bookmarks for each of us, with specially chosen bible verses on the back. What a lovely idea!

A slightly more sociable Sunday

1.  I enjoyed playing in our usual band again this morning - much easier to predict what other people would do and to be able to fit in.  Although I did start to play the wrong song at the end of the meeting... in my defence, we hadn't practised it and the titles were very similar!
2.  We went for lunch at a coffee shop in town after church and a lady from church came in towards the end.  We stayed while she had her lunch, and all enjoyed the chance to catch up after far too long.

3.  An unexpected phone call from a friend who's far away.  It was good to be able to say Happy New Year and start thinking about when we might be able to meet up.

(I also got some very exciting news from another friend, but it's a secret so I can't tell anyone yet!)

Sunday thoughts

I was playing in the band this morning.  We didn't have our usual keyboard player, but had an extra guitarist and the drummer from another band which led to a quite different feel - I quite liked it.  I've learned to go with the flow a lot more on Sundays and to choose not to be stressed if things aren't quite as I'd like.  That's made a big difference.

And my bass is finally connecting properly to the system!  The pick-up was quite worn/loose so our usual drummer fixed it for me during half term.  What a star!

The sermon was about giving.  I was grateful that God had already spoken to us on this over the last few days - it feels better to know that we're making changes because of a conversation with Him, rather than because we've been "told" from the front.  I know that God is faithful in this and it's such a privilege to be able to join Him in helping others.

We had a lovely lunch at a cafe in Cockermouth.  We'd not planned anything after church, but I'd wanted to walk into town to try to clear my head a bit... I had a tasty baked potato with cheese and chorizo - yum!

I had a nap when we got home to fix my headache, then enjoyed the final F1 race of the season.  It was probably the best I've seen this year, and a great way to end the year.

Sunday thoughts

1. Played bass again this morning. I was encouraged that a couple if people said they'd enjoyed what I'd done. And I'm very pleased that our drummer has said he'll look at my bass to fix the loose lead connection.

2. Quite powerful this morning too... we're living with the reality that a church member (not much older than me) is seriously ill and the medical prognosis isn't good. Her husband used Psalm 23 to declare his trust in God. So hard, but reassuring that they know God's presence.

3. On a lighter note... I seem to be getting quicker at making chutney. I've made my annual Christmas chutney today (3rd year) and I think I've got the hang of it now! I'll see what the house smells like in the morning though...

Remembering, refreshed, identity

1. I've actually been using some of my degree this week! Refrigeration cycles on Monday, CHP systems, electrostatic precipitation and surface chemistry today. Although, when I say "using" perhaps I should really say I've been stretching my memory back 20 years to try to follow what someone else is saying. I still think it counts anyway...

2. I was feeling very tired and sleepy today after some late nights, but after a short lie down I perked up enough for the meeting this evening.

3. An interesting meeting... encouraging news on the church plant, and helpful reminders that our identity is from God first - any other labels (job, roles, relationships) have value as God-given but don't take that priority in defining us.

Sunday, sunshine and satisfaction

Up early today to be at church for 9am to do the projector...  It went well, I didn't make any obvious mistakes, and I managed a fast song-switch (which needed a wee bit dexterity to time correctly).  Also encouraging was that I chatted with a couple of people I don't normally see, and had helpful conversations with closer friends.

Lunch later with another friend, followed by a cyclepath walk in the sunshine to try to find a view of the sea.  We were within a few hundred yards of the coast, but the shore hills got in the way... Eventually we had a lovely view across the Solway to Scotland, including the wind farm in the middle but I think there's a certain elegance to the tall turbines...

I've finally untangled a skein of yarn for Mum...  I'd tried to help her wind it into a ball before the summer, but it was just getting into a real mess so I said I'd take it home and bring it back next time we were up north.  Well, that didn't work out, but I wrapped it round the arms of a wooden chair this afternoon and, with lots of patience, I've untangled it into a hand-wound ball.  I might try to transfer it to a ballwinder if I feel brave tomorrow evening.  A satisfying end to at least 3 hours' work!

A weekend of contrasts

Friday:

• No work today... but the funeral of a relative who died shortly before his 90th birthday.  A sad occasion, but comforting to hear of a long life lived with God and to know that he's with his Maker now.  No more sin, sickness, suffering, sadness... (Rev 21:4)
• We sang "There is a redeemer" as the final hymn.  The 3rd verse was particularly touching:

When I stand in glory,

I will see His face

and there I'll serve my King forever

in that holy place

• I had the house to myself for the rest of the day/weekend, so I took the opportunity to do some baking.  I've borrowed a friend's recipe book (Mary Berry's Simple Cakes) and made a lemon drizzle tray bake and some chocolate brownies.  Both were wonderfully easy.
• I also treated myself to a new electric hand mixer - what an improvement on the 20-year-old (at least!) mixer I'd been using until now.
• Finally, I joined a couple of friends for a nice girly evening
• enjoying some of the cake I'd made
• watching Nanny McPhee - I enjoyed it lots, and couldn't help admiring the crochet and patchwork beadspreads on the children's beds!

Saturday:

A trip to Carlisle with a friend

• we had browsed and had lunch at Orton Grange, which has something of an eclectic mix of lovely gifts, fairtrade clothes, patchworking materials, a hairdresser and a beauty shop!
• I was also pleased to see they stock Bolesławiec pottery - a distinctive style with childhood memories for me.
• The sun shone, so we made the most of it and enjoyed driving with the car hood down.
• Looking around craft shops in the town... and Fun2Do have started to offer classes in new techniques.  Much too tempting!

Sunday:

• Playing in the band at church
• I'm starting to experiment a little with how I play... still very basic stuff, but I used the octaves to give a bit of interest.  Playing the tonic, but at different positions on the guitar neck.  It's a way of getting to know the instrument a little better, so that I can move on a bit more as I gain confidence and my fingers get stronger.
• An encouraging meeting, with many people standing up to share how they'd grown with God during the hard times, and seen His faithfulness throughout (sometimes with hindsight!)
• A relaxing afternoon, but still getting a few things done.
• I've worked out (with help from a Ravelry forum) how to block the knitted moebius cowls I've made myself.  I pinned them onto (and round) the ironing board and held the iron over to give some steam; a few minutes to cool, and then move it round a bit further and start again.  They feel a bit softer and more luxurious now :o)
• A second go at a Tangy Onion Chutney - I'm a bit happier with how it's turned out this time.  I used a small amount of balsamic to replace some of the red wine vinegar, and have now got some grenadine syrup.  The first attempt got better over time, so I'm very optimistic for this one.  I'm looking forward to trying it with grilled goat's cheese on toast - yum!

Girly weekend

Andrew was away visiting his brother, so I've enjoyed a girly weekend:

Friday:
- a yummy meal with my prayer triplet.  I headed home fairly early to try to get a good night's sleep, but it was lovely to catch up with them both at last.

Saturday:
- I played my bass guitar for a short worship time at the ladies' quiet day for church.  I wasn't sure how well it would work just having me on bass and Becca on acoustic, but actually it sounded pretty good!  I feel self-conscious that I can only do very basic playing but it was enough.  I definitely need to make time for practising more though...
- The sun shone, and Camerton Hall was the perfect venue.  We were able to explore the grounds and sit outside during our quiet times.  Lunch was delicious too!
- I left after lunch to go birthday present shopping and found just what I needed.
- I've had Andrew's car this weekend and enjoyed the chance to drive around with the hood down all day.  Lovely summer weather!
- Once back home I relaxed with sitcoms and a rom-com (The Proposal - virtually a remake of While you were sleeping and fun to watch).
- I added almost 2" to the Clapotis scarf

Sunday:
- Unusual not to be at church around 9am; 10:30 was quite a treat!
- Caroline invited me back to their new house for lunch.  They've found a great house: it needs work but knowing what they've done before it's going to be stunning.
- I enjoyed simply relaxing with a friend and catching up.
- When Andrew & Gary got back we headed out to see the Scarecrow festival at Dean.  There were some fab scarecrows to be seen and it just amazes me how much effort and imagination has gone into the creations.
- and finally we caught up on the highlights from today's F1 race - I'm so pleased that Williams have finally won a race!

Exhausted...

...after a weekend of getting stuff done.

- We catered for about 24 people (including 6 kids) at Sunday's newcomers' lunch. Probably double what we've done before, and I found it quite stressful to plan, but it all went well on the day. Carrot & red pepper soup, bread, cheese, meats & salad, followed by little Easter nests. I bought far too much, so we'll be eating ham salad sandwiches for the rest of the week.
- We looked at a house in Cockermouth on Friday, which needs far more work than we can do. A shame, because it's got loads of potential, but we've got to be realistic.
- We then had an estate agent round on Saturday to have a look at our house. So that meant lots of tidying beforehand! We may end up deciding we're better staying where we are, but it'll be interesting to see what potential there is...
- Oh, and I played in the band and Andrew was in charge of the cafe at church. Busy morning!

Catching up, making a difference, a good replacement

1. My list of things to do at work is gradually getting cleared; there are a handful of things which must be done before I'm away next week, and at the moment it feels manageable.

2. So proud to listen to Andrew describing the West Cumbria Community Money Advice centre which he's involved with. It's still early days but encouraging that they've already been able to help some people get through the debt trap.

3. I handed over a fully inflated birthday helium balloon, after returning the original to the shop. It had been looking very sad after only one day so I couldn't take it as planned yesterday. All's well now though.

A wee bit of a stretch

I enjoyed playing bass in the band this morning. It stretched my skills a bit too (as well as my left hand)...

I'm usually ok with the faster rockier songs, where I just need to keep a steady, quick beat going and follow the guitar chords, but the slower ones need a bit more interest & I've not learnt how to stray far from playing the tonic notes yet. Today, I worked out a very simple little riff to get away from playing a line of D followed by a line of G (over and over again) and it seemed to work. I had quite a stretch in my left hand to get from D to F# smoothly but it sounded ok most of the time.

It felt good to develop a little from where I've been for so long.

The now and the not yet

Today's sermon was about "the shout that stopped God" - when blind Bartimaeus called out to Jesus on the road to Jericho and was healed.  It was also about living in "the now and the not yet", where we live with the realities of this world alongside the Kingdom which is coming and already here but still to be fully seen. 

I prayed with a friend who's going through a difficult time.  She's managing well, but sometimes it hits her hard; I recognise this.
I probably wouldn't have chosen our path, but I'm encouraged that I have experience which can help another. I truly believe that God needs to be our goal above anything else, however valid these other goals might be. 
This is a hard-fought battle but I can't see any other way, and He's with us throughout.

We were both given this passage to read:

"For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name.  I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.  And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that you may be filled to the measure of all the fulness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen"

Ephesians 3:14-21

His constant love

I've been feeling a bit anxious/panicky about travelling this week (partly after having a difficult few days at work and partly just not enjoying the M6). I was able to get to church for the first part of the meeting though and it was very helpful. First I could feel God saying that last week is in the past and next week is still to come so I need to concentrate on now and enjoy Him in the present.

We also had a very powerful contribution from a lady who is suffering from cancer. She's survived it in the past but now it's back and not so easy to beat. She spoke about how she's questioned whether God loves her as much as people who are healthy, or whether she could earn a longer life by doing more useful things... but she's realised that her hope and future are in God and that His love is eternal and constant. We were all close to tears but the next song fitted so well:

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I won't give up, I know you are near
...

Oh no, You never let go
through the wind and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
You never let go of me

I don't remember all the words right now but it was amazing the way we could celebrate God's constancy in difficulties.

This lady's testimony was so powerful because she's in such a hard situation and yet she knows God is there. I believe in all she said, and have come to a similar conclusion myself, but she's truly testing it.

In my own, much more trivial, challenge I was so grateful not to feel panicky on the car journey. I only felt peace and I know that was from God.

Sunday

1. My first time playing bass this year. I'd love to be able to play more interestingly but thankfully what I can do is good enough. I enjoyed playing anyway.

2. Sunday lunch with A's family - delicious. I counted the calories up afterwards (almost 1100!) so maybe it's good that it's not a frequent event... everything balances out though and I'm still about 3lb lighter than 2 weeks ago.

3. I've enjoyed having a quiet weekend. We've not wasted it but relaxed as well as getting a few things done.

Christmas begins...

Christmas starts here!

• We went carol singing today around the north part of Cockermouth.  I've not been round the streets singing carols for years!  It was good fun (although very cold!) and it was lovely how many local people seemed to enjoy joining in. 
• We served mulled wine and hot chocolate from the back of Dave's van, with mince pies galore, and had a great time.  The people I spoke to all want us to come back next year.
• One of the stops was outside the house of Andrew's former colleague, who we see from time to time.  I'm hoping we can keep some stronger links going now...

Eating lots and having fun:

• Yesterday was my department's Christmas meal at our guest house.  The food was delicious (as usual) and we played some silly games.  Lots of fun, and my voice was going by the end
• Today, our department and the Finance area went out for lunch.  I had the slow-cooked leg of lamb, and it was just as good as last time... the meat was so tender and just fell off the bone (yum!)

I've also heard from a close friend I've feared I was losing touch with - it felt good to start catching up again, and begin making plans for getting together soon.

tickle-monsters, good company and next WIP

1. tickle-ickle-ickle!  at our housegroup meal out, Toby and Daniel were little tickle-monsters.  Lots of laughing!
2. and it felt good to have a relaxing meal with friends, even if I've eaten far too much.
3. I've started another Christmas knitting project... I've been looking for a 2nd pattern for fingerless mitts (for my future sister-in-law this time), and hopefully this one will work.  The last one I tried was looking far too big, so I hope this works better... fingers crossed!

weekend activities

yesterday:

1. to receive a text from a friend who'd prayed for me last Sunday, asking how my week had been
2. yummy mezze platter for lunch at Merienda's in Carlisle (with handcut chips!)
3. the fingerless mitts I'm making as a Christmas present are very nearly finished
• just the hems left to sew on the 2nd glove

today:

1. playing bass during the worship time
• it's been a while since I last played, but it was good to be part of the group again.  I'm looking forward to being part of a regular band for a change
2. watching the Abu Dhabi grand prix with friends after church
• the race had a few good moments, but the company was fun
3. knitted another 2" of scarf this evening
• it's coming on, but I'm still only about 2/3 of the way through
• will it ever be finished?!

Blessings... received and planned

• Church was in Whitehaven this morning...
• we're looking at planting a new church there, with the blessing of other churches in the town
• was good to pray for those who are planning to be part of the initial team
• I was encouraged last week when talking to Mike about the Workington church
• God seems to be bringing the different churches in the town together
• breaking down barriers between the congregations
• so encouraging to know that there are strengthening bonds there
• More knitting this afternoon, while watching the BTCC and F1 races
• almost finished a pretty bag which we'll give to a young friend when she visits us soon
• amazed at how quickly it came together, and pleased with the new stitch I learned
• planning what to make for Christmas presents now
• unexpected phone call from a good friend
• good to catch up on what's happening, and to know that we still matter to each other