Apologies for the lack of blog posts - but if I said that life had been busy - it would be an understatement!
I can't believe that it's six weeks' since I handed in my notice (where does the time go?)!! I'm currently finishing all of my work (as I leave work this Friday), training my replacement (a nice guy called David) - and haven't had the chance to even think about Australia yet! I've got my ticket, passport, visa and laptop (the important things!) - and will think about the rest (including the ipod) next week!
So....what's been happening.....well - had a great time on Wednesday evening - met up with Linda - I should explain how this happened.....I was waiting for someone in Starbucks one day - and just got chatting to the person next to me (as you do!) for AN HOUR - and it turned out that we both had connections with India - so we kept in touch, and met up again Weds eve (and found that we can both make a chicken out of a tea towel - don't ask!).
Friday - took the day off work and enjoyed the sunshine (before you get jealous - read on)......got up at 6am - did two hours' ironing and then spent four hours on the M25 and M3 (this wasn't as bad as it sounds - thanks to the air-con, and some great preaching tapes I had in the car - made all the more interesting, in that the message was in English and Finnish!)
Spent a fab w/end in Salisbury with John & Bron (who I'm flying to Oz with) - for their farewell parties (all three of them!), as unlike me, they won't be coming back to the UK, but emigrating to NZ. Saturday night - all of the 'India crowd' (see Archives - November 2004) were there too - so it was great to catch up with them again.
Went strawberry picking too (first time in approx 20 yrs!). Also, ended up singing in the worship band on Sunday morning. Bron was leading worship - and turned to me (during the notices) and said 'read something inspirational'...so with all of 30 seconds to prepare - we had an 'inspiration' from the Psalms (it nearly turned into a 'preach' - but I managed to stop myself!). Sometimes it's good to be 'put on the spot' - so watch out worship team this Sunday - because....IT COULD BE YOU!!!
Thought I'd be intelligent(!) and leave late on Sunday (to miss the traffic)....I then spent a few more hours on the M25 (in roadworks) and arrived home at midnight. It was worth it though!
Went to Praise Academy last night at church - so watch out for new songs coming your way!!
Oh - went to the dentist this morning too. I know you normally have teeth OUT at the dentist, but today, I had one put IN! He said that unfortunately it was going to cost £x amount, which was HALF what they'd originally quoted (don't you just love it when that happens?). Even after querying it - he assured me it was correct, so I was a happy bunny!
So....that's a SUMMARY of what I've been up too (and if you've read this far - congratulations!) - pics will follow soon (probably tomorrow)..... In usual 'Penster' fashion, you either get NO blogging - or SEVERAL posts all at once - so I'm just about to start the next one....stay tuned!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
Sunday, June 12, 2005
Happy Birthday Blog!
My blog is offically one year old today! For someone who didn't think they had a lot to say(!!).....I'm amazed!
If you had told me last year, what I'd be doing a year later - I wouldn't have believed it! Life is certainly never dull....and who knows what I'll be writing NEXT June?! Watch this space!
I went to the opticians yesterday (had to get new glasses - as apparently my eyes have 'changed shape' - yes, I'd never heard of that either (apparently it's common in women)! I know SOME things change shape as you get older - but didn't think that eyes were one of them!). Anyway, I asked the girl on reception how she was....she then told me she was having a bad day - and said that I looked like I'd got the answer to 'the meaning of life'!! Personally, I just thought I was looking rather tired, but my reply was 'funny you should say that, because actually, yes.....'
It's been a fab weekend! Great service Saturday night and Sunday morning - with challenging words from Nigel Tween - absolutely great! Sunday night - great baptism service....finishing with 'Oh Happy Day'...and just because I like the song SO much: Oh Happy Day - the original! (Track 7) - enjoy!!
I'll leave you with two things from the archives:
Psalm 23
Faithful with much
Keep smiling!
Pen x
If you had told me last year, what I'd be doing a year later - I wouldn't have believed it! Life is certainly never dull....and who knows what I'll be writing NEXT June?! Watch this space!
I went to the opticians yesterday (had to get new glasses - as apparently my eyes have 'changed shape' - yes, I'd never heard of that either (apparently it's common in women)! I know SOME things change shape as you get older - but didn't think that eyes were one of them!). Anyway, I asked the girl on reception how she was....she then told me she was having a bad day - and said that I looked like I'd got the answer to 'the meaning of life'!! Personally, I just thought I was looking rather tired, but my reply was 'funny you should say that, because actually, yes.....'
It's been a fab weekend! Great service Saturday night and Sunday morning - with challenging words from Nigel Tween - absolutely great! Sunday night - great baptism service....finishing with 'Oh Happy Day'...and just because I like the song SO much: Oh Happy Day - the original! (Track 7) - enjoy!!
I'll leave you with two things from the archives:
Psalm 23
Faithful with much
Keep smiling!
Pen x
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Dates for your diaries....
Saturday 11th June - 7.30pm and
Sunday 12th June - 9.15am & 11.15am
* Nigel Tween will be speaking at Church
* Hillsong (London) events in 2005
Two for the ladies....
Saturday 18th June - 9.30am-3.30pm
* Ladies' day at COC - Heybridge with Ruth Schmierer
Saturday 15th October
* Equipping Women 2005
Sunday 12th June - 9.15am & 11.15am
* Nigel Tween will be speaking at Church
* Hillsong (London) events in 2005
Two for the ladies....
Saturday 18th June - 9.30am-3.30pm
* Ladies' day at COC - Heybridge with Ruth Schmierer
Saturday 15th October
* Equipping Women 2005
Lunch on the River Thames
Had lunch with the MD today - on a boat on the Thames....very nice it was too! He said some nice things too..... but we ended up talking about 'God's plan for people's lives' - and 'life as a Christian'. He also said '....that it must be nice to know that someone has planned your life - because it gives you a certain reassurance which you don't have otherwise'.......I couldn't agree more!
One good thing about leaving work - is that I'm certainly having some interesting conversations - and strangely enough, he thinks I'm doing the right thing!
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Tagged!
Well - apparently I've been 'tagged' twice - so thought I should think about responding..... Some people have put 10 things they LIKE doing - but others have put 10 things they LOVE....so, what's right?
Ok, so here is a very (and I mean VERY) quick list of 10, because I've just checked my PC - and I've been at work for 10 hrs, 39 mins and 4 seconds - which means that I need to go home!
1. Worshipping - and being in the presence of God. He is my All in all - and there's nothing quite like it!
2. Missions - any place, any time (especially open-air ones)
3. Listening to music - ALL the time(!) Mainly worship stuff.
4. Praying.
5. Galloping on a horse, across an open field (I've surprised some of you with that - haven't I?)
6. Starbucks (with latte, muffin & friends - old and new!)
7. Skiing (preferably with fresh snow - and the sun shining!)
8. Watching the sunrise.
9. Travelling.
9a. Being by the sea.
10. Church!
11. Reading
12. Blogging
13. Chocolate
14. Playing the keyboard (also applies to #1)
15. Finding the solution to formulas which I've been working on for hours (if not is null and <> d, then x, else y) you get the picture!
So, there you have it - and because I've been tagged twice, you get five bonus ones!
PS - I'm no longer the boss! My boss returned today, and the MD is over from Paris too - so I've been on my best behaviour (especially as we had an important meeting this afternoon)!! Ah, it was fun while it lasted....er, that's 'being the boss' - as opposed to the meeting!
Ok, so here is a very (and I mean VERY) quick list of 10, because I've just checked my PC - and I've been at work for 10 hrs, 39 mins and 4 seconds - which means that I need to go home!
1. Worshipping - and being in the presence of God. He is my All in all - and there's nothing quite like it!
2. Missions - any place, any time (especially open-air ones)
3. Listening to music - ALL the time(!) Mainly worship stuff.
4. Praying.
5. Galloping on a horse, across an open field (I've surprised some of you with that - haven't I?)
6. Starbucks (with latte, muffin & friends - old and new!)
7. Skiing (preferably with fresh snow - and the sun shining!)
8. Watching the sunrise.
9. Travelling.
9a. Being by the sea.
10. Church!
11. Reading
12. Blogging
13. Chocolate
14. Playing the keyboard (also applies to #1)
15. Finding the solution to formulas which I've been working on for hours (if not is null and <> d, then x, else y) you get the picture!
So, there you have it - and because I've been tagged twice, you get five bonus ones!
PS - I'm no longer the boss! My boss returned today, and the MD is over from Paris too - so I've been on my best behaviour (especially as we had an important meeting this afternoon)!! Ah, it was fun while it lasted....er, that's 'being the boss' - as opposed to the meeting!
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
Goodbye Alice & David....
On Sunday, we said goodbye to Alice, David & Nathanael - as today they move back to Mannheim (Germany) - where David is going to start pastoring a church. We will miss you all - but it's been great to have you over here for the last nine months!! May God bless you - as you step out in faith!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Friday, June 03, 2005
He goes before us.....
Every day, I walk past a guy selling papers - on a street corner near to where I work. I've seen him every day for two years - and we always say 'hello' or have a chat in the mornings. It's cool.....
Last week - I was going through my bookshelf, and came across a copy of Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz. I re-read it this week on the train - and this morning, as I stopped by the corner, I asked him if he would like to read the book.
He took it - and saw 'NICKY CRUZ' in huge letters on the front - and said 'I heard Nicky Cruz, at Crystal Palace when I was 15 years old'. Ok - then I was surprised..... He then went on to tell me that he went to Spring Harvest (Skeggy!) when he was 18 - and used to play drums in two churches in London....but left, and hasn't been back for some years....
I then shared a bit of Bill's story - before heading off to work.
Ever get the feeling that God has gone before us? I certainly got that this morning! God moves in mysterious ways - and often when we least expect it!
Then......if that didn't surprise me enough....whilst working this afternoon, my colleague suggested we put some music on - and suggested 'some of that funky Christian stuff you've got'. As the 'acting boss' this week - I was only too happy to oblige!! So....we had a great afternoon (and got loads of work done) - listening to Delirious and Hillsong!
Last week - I was going through my bookshelf, and came across a copy of Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz. I re-read it this week on the train - and this morning, as I stopped by the corner, I asked him if he would like to read the book.
He took it - and saw 'NICKY CRUZ' in huge letters on the front - and said 'I heard Nicky Cruz, at Crystal Palace when I was 15 years old'. Ok - then I was surprised..... He then went on to tell me that he went to Spring Harvest (Skeggy!) when he was 18 - and used to play drums in two churches in London....but left, and hasn't been back for some years....
I then shared a bit of Bill's story - before heading off to work.
Ever get the feeling that God has gone before us? I certainly got that this morning! God moves in mysterious ways - and often when we least expect it!
Then......if that didn't surprise me enough....whilst working this afternoon, my colleague suggested we put some music on - and suggested 'some of that funky Christian stuff you've got'. As the 'acting boss' this week - I was only too happy to oblige!! So....we had a great afternoon (and got loads of work done) - listening to Delirious and Hillsong!
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Sunrise - Jakarta (5am)
After an AMAZING trip - we saw the sun rise over Jakarta one more time - before heading home....
You'll like this!
A young man once asked God how long a million years was to Him and God replied, "A million years to Me is like a single second to you."
So, the young man asked God what a million pounds was to Him. God
replied, "A million pounds to Me is just like a single penny to you."
Then the young man gathered his courage and asked, "God, could I have
one of Your pennies?"
God smiled and replied, "Certainly, just a second."
So, the young man asked God what a million pounds was to Him. God
replied, "A million pounds to Me is just like a single penny to you."
Then the young man gathered his courage and asked, "God, could I have
one of Your pennies?"
God smiled and replied, "Certainly, just a second."
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
I haven't blogged for ages.....
I can't believe it's been a whole WEEK!!!
Oohh, it's been busy....and continues to be....I'm the boss at work this week! Yes, hard to believe I know - but it's true.....I have been left in charge for 10 days(!) - so am v.busy!
Friday had a fab evening in London - met up with Michelle for pizza - sat outside and made the most of the warm day (which I'm glad about, seeing as it's been raining ever since)!
Coming home on the train later that evening, I was just walking through the carriages - when I was stopped by an ex work colleague. So...I joined him and his rugby mates for the journey home. Matt started asking me about my trip to Indonesia - which then turned into a very interesting discussion about God/Christianity etc - with him, his four mates, and a nice 'older' lady who was on her way home from the Chelsea flower show - and just happened to be sitting with them all. Amazing - if a little bizarre!
Weekend was great - but busy (what's new). Had a great day in church on Sunday - the children were in (with drums - awesome!); Jim & Judi Braddy were visiting from California - and we also got to watch the new T-Rex DVD (honestly!). Have a read of Neil's post - and....check out this website too!! Rock on!
I shared a quick thought which had been on my heart last week - so thought I'd share it here too.....
While listening to the song 'With All I Am' (Reuben Morgan), there's a line in the song which says 'You hold my world, in the palm of Your hand' and it reminded me of the following verse: 'Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand....'
Isaiah 40:12(a)
The One who has measured the waters in His hand (not just a cup of water either - think 'Atlantic Ocean') - is also the One who holds YOU in the palm of His hand....the One that says 'The very hairs of your head are all numbered' (Matthew 10:30), and the One that says 'I have redeemed YOU; I have called YOU by name; YOU are Mine' (Isaiah 43:1) It's almost like a comparison between the greatness of God - how awesome He is - but yet how interested He is (in us), and so much so, that even the tiniest details of our lives matter to Him!! Awesome......well - it blessed me anyway!
Monday - Bank Holiday...yay!!! Woke up at 6.30am (don't you just LOVE it when that happens - especially on a day when you actually could have a lie in!). Actually woke up feeling like a 'domestic goddess'(??!!) - so decided to bake a cake! The last time this happened, was in 1994!! Ha ha! Anyway - it was a v.nice cake - and didn't last very long in our house!
Took the dog for a walk in the woods, and got absolutely soaked! You know, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl! Came back from the walk....(picture it - no make-up, jeans, wellies) and helped to move the cows into another field - then walked round the field to check that the fence was all ok. Got soaked - again!
Ah, life on the farm..........!
Had a great evening at Caroline's (Youth Plus BBQ). A big thank you to Caroline and Robyn for all their hard work! :-)
Yesterday.....decided it's 'what's on the inside that counts - not what's on the outside' - so decided to buy a Dell laptop instead of a Sony Vaio (same spec but £250 cheaper)! Ordered it from a very nice lady in Hyderabad (India) - and we ended up having a little chat about my visit to India! Still didn't get a free case though....
Oohhh, it's a long post, but I want to keep going. Think I'll finish this one - and start another.....
Be blessed!
Pen x
Oohh, it's been busy....and continues to be....I'm the boss at work this week! Yes, hard to believe I know - but it's true.....I have been left in charge for 10 days(!) - so am v.busy!
Friday had a fab evening in London - met up with Michelle for pizza - sat outside and made the most of the warm day (which I'm glad about, seeing as it's been raining ever since)!
Coming home on the train later that evening, I was just walking through the carriages - when I was stopped by an ex work colleague. So...I joined him and his rugby mates for the journey home. Matt started asking me about my trip to Indonesia - which then turned into a very interesting discussion about God/Christianity etc - with him, his four mates, and a nice 'older' lady who was on her way home from the Chelsea flower show - and just happened to be sitting with them all. Amazing - if a little bizarre!
Weekend was great - but busy (what's new). Had a great day in church on Sunday - the children were in (with drums - awesome!); Jim & Judi Braddy were visiting from California - and we also got to watch the new T-Rex DVD (honestly!). Have a read of Neil's post - and....check out this website too!! Rock on!
I shared a quick thought which had been on my heart last week - so thought I'd share it here too.....
While listening to the song 'With All I Am' (Reuben Morgan), there's a line in the song which says 'You hold my world, in the palm of Your hand' and it reminded me of the following verse: 'Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand....'
Isaiah 40:12(a)
The One who has measured the waters in His hand (not just a cup of water either - think 'Atlantic Ocean') - is also the One who holds YOU in the palm of His hand....the One that says 'The very hairs of your head are all numbered' (Matthew 10:30), and the One that says 'I have redeemed YOU; I have called YOU by name; YOU are Mine' (Isaiah 43:1) It's almost like a comparison between the greatness of God - how awesome He is - but yet how interested He is (in us), and so much so, that even the tiniest details of our lives matter to Him!! Awesome......well - it blessed me anyway!
Monday - Bank Holiday...yay!!! Woke up at 6.30am (don't you just LOVE it when that happens - especially on a day when you actually could have a lie in!). Actually woke up feeling like a 'domestic goddess'(??!!) - so decided to bake a cake! The last time this happened, was in 1994!! Ha ha! Anyway - it was a v.nice cake - and didn't last very long in our house!
Took the dog for a walk in the woods, and got absolutely soaked! You know, you can take the girl out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the girl! Came back from the walk....(picture it - no make-up, jeans, wellies) and helped to move the cows into another field - then walked round the field to check that the fence was all ok. Got soaked - again!
Ah, life on the farm..........!
Had a great evening at Caroline's (Youth Plus BBQ). A big thank you to Caroline and Robyn for all their hard work! :-)
Yesterday.....decided it's 'what's on the inside that counts - not what's on the outside' - so decided to buy a Dell laptop instead of a Sony Vaio (same spec but £250 cheaper)! Ordered it from a very nice lady in Hyderabad (India) - and we ended up having a little chat about my visit to India! Still didn't get a free case though....
Oohhh, it's a long post, but I want to keep going. Think I'll finish this one - and start another.....
Be blessed!
Pen x
MICHAEL W SMITH is coming to London!!
Michael W. Smith Exclusive UK Date!
Sunday October 9th - 7.30pm at London's Royal Albert Hall
Tickets can be booked NOW by clicking here or by calling 0871 230 4422 or 020 7589 8212. Or - directly via the Royal Albert Hall.
Avoid disappointment and book now!
See you there! :-)
Sunday October 9th - 7.30pm at London's Royal Albert Hall
Tickets can be booked NOW by clicking here or by calling 0871 230 4422 or 020 7589 8212. Or - directly via the Royal Albert Hall.
Avoid disappointment and book now!
See you there! :-)
