Friday, December 22, 2006

Happy Christmas!!


Have a great Christmas and a TCA 2007!!

A Candy Maker's Witness

A candymaker wanted to make a candy that would be a witness, so he made the Christmas Candy Cane. He incorporated several symbols for the birth, ministry, and death of Jesus Christ.

He began with a stick of pure white hard candy. White to symbolize the Virgin birth and the sinless nature of Jesus, and hard to symbolize the Solid Rock, the foundation of the Church, and the firmness of the promises of God.

The candymaker made the candy in the form of a "J" to represent the precious name of Jesus, who came to earth as our Saviour. It could also represent the staff of the "Good Shepherd" with which He reaches down into the ditches of the world to lift out the fallen lambs who, like all sheep, have gone astray.

Thinking that the candy was somewhat plain, the candymaker stained it with red stripes. He used three small stripes to show the stripes of the scourging Jesus received by which we are healed. The large red stripe was for the blood shed by Christ on the cross so that we could have the promise of eternal life.

Unfortunately, the candy became known as Candy Cane - a meaningless decoration seen at Christmas time. But the meaning is still there for those who "have eyes to see and ears to hear". I pray that this symbol will again be used to witness to the wonder of Jesus and His Great Love that came down at Christmas and remains the ultimate and dominant force in the universe today.

Author Unknown

Monday, December 18, 2006

Three Trees

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree the woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree, I'll take this one," and he cut it down.

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.

Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and He stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop; the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realise that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Christmas Sheep!

Click here to go to the website, follow the link....turn up your volume, and enjoy!!

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Time for an update!!

I thought it was about time I updated my blog a bit!!

Since my last post, we've had the Youth Weekend Away (35 or so of us from church). It was tca (totally cool & awesome!). I've also been re-vamping the Elim Youth website - and putting pics etc on there.

What else? I went to Nantwich to spend a few days at Bible College (which was great).

I also went to hear LZ7 recently. Here's a pic of me and Lindz West (btw - he's very tall - I haven't shrunk!). If you haven't heard their music - check it out here

The Youth have been busy preparing for the youth service which we had at the end of November in church. What a fab evening! They were totally awesome!! Great meeting!



I went to Lille (France) the other week to the Christmas market. Here are some pics of the day! My passport was a bit shocked I think....it hadn't been out of the UK since January!!!

What else? I've recently celebrated another birthday!

Sunday was great - 80 of us went to visit Hillsong Church in London! We had a great day out - and I was just very relieved that we didn't lose anyone!!



We've also had a bit of a move round in the office - so I've moved my 'stuff' to a new desk (which judging by the pics you will understand this was no small [or quick] task!) The pink fluffy lights were only temporary (honestly) - and I'm pleased to report that my desk is looking a lot tidier, and professional(!!) now (ha ha!)

Well, that's about it for now.....more soon (maybe!) In the meantime, Christmas is coming which means it's time for me to have a run through all the Christmas carols - as I'm playing on Christmas Eve.

Have a great week everyone!! :-)

White Christmas!

Are we going to have a white Christmas? Click here to find out!

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Latest purchase.......



I've just bought a new case for my keyboard - and the handy thing is - it almost doubles as a sleeping bag (as demonstrated in the office today!).

Delirious? Concert!

 A crowd of us from church went to hear Delirious? last week. It was an awesome night! They totally rocked - as did Tim Hughes!! 

More Delirious?....

 

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Chinese.....



Went out for a Chinese last night! Never knew just how much fun you could have making crispy duck pancakes!!!

It made me laugh anyway!

:-)

Friday, August 25, 2006

Off to the seaside!

I'm off to sunny Folkestone for the weekend - so will catch up with you all next week! Enjoy the weekend!!!

Pen x

Tuesday, August 08, 2006

Quick update!

Hi everyone!

Sorry for the lack of news lately.....life's been great - but really busy too!

It's a month ago now when we had the baptism service at church! What a fab evening - and so cool to see so many being baptised, including several young people! Awesome!

Work's great - but busy too! Loads of things to organise....and tomorrow we're off to Soul Survivor (until Monday!). Would value prayer - as the only camping I've ever done before, was a night in the garden about two weeks' ago - in a tent which I bought for £8 in Tesco!! I might even post a pic on here if I get a chance today!

Last week was cool - met up with friends in Ipswich and went to an African evening. A friend who I hadn't seen for ages is off to work in Kampala (Uganda) - so I got to take part in a South African 'gum boot dance' and eat lots of amazing food! I tried billtong for the first time (speciality dried meat from SA) - and even ate some ostrich! I was a brave girly!! - and it tasted ok too! I also watched a DVD of Uganda....and slightly wished I was going too......

Sunday was the first of our 'Summer Special' services - and I was asked to do the whole meeting! A first for me (speaking in main church) - and an amusing morning!

Yesterday I met John & Bron for lunch at Heathrow (en-route from Rwanda to NZ) - it was great to see them and catch up on all the news, and hear what's been happening in Rwanda!

Tomorrow, 21 of us are heading to Soul Survivor!!!! I'm sure it'll be a fantastic few days..... We're back next Monday - so you might get some more news then!

Have a great week everyone!

Pen x :-)

Wednesday, July 12, 2006

Only Fools on Horses


Anyone else been watching the program? I got laughed at the other day, as I was probably the only one in our Life Group who managed to sit through the whole of the England v Sweden game without shouting at the tv once!! Now put me in front of the horses (and their riders) on tv - and it's another story!!

I rode at the same place some years back (and it was there that I discovered my horse liked jam doughnuts) so it would've been cool to go and watch the show (as it's only at Towerlands) - but no tickets available!

I'm just pleased that there's now a decent reality tv program to watch (if you like horses of course)!

Saturday, June 10, 2006

Something for nothing.....

What a fabulous day....the sun's shining - and some of us from church went out onto the streets of Chelmsford this morning, to give out free bottles of water with a 'Message on a Bottle'. It's amazing isn't it - that people just don't expect to be given something for free! "What's the catch?" they ask. Quite simply, there is no catch! We just like to give things out for free and bless people!!

We gave out 800 bottles in 40 minutes - pretty good going I'd say!! I think Trevor's thinking much larger quantities next time! We had some good conversations, so let's pray for everyone who received one!

If you're into football - enjoy today's game! If you're not - just enjoy the sunshine!!!

Keep smiling!!
Pen :-)

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

A week in the life of a Youth Pastor.......

I've moved into my new desk (or desks) - and here's a little pic for you all. The background is a bit 'blue' at the moment - so will soon be sorted out (and customised in usual 'Penster' fashion!) I always think that a girl can never have too many computers(!). The ambience is good.....the lava lamp's going.....Hillsong & Delirious DVD is playing in the background....yes - it's a good place to be! Oh, and check out the blow up globe in the corner of the desk - totally fab! All it needs now are a few fish in a tank on the desk - and we're almost there!!

Yesterday I went to High Leigh with Annie (we thought we'd start our w/end away early!)...no, not really - we had to make sure that everything's in place for this weekend (and sample the coffee & biscuits - v.important!). I'd recommend the oat crunch biccies, but not the jammy rings - they were lacking in cream...nuff said really!

I was thinking about joining the 'Songs of Praise' crew in Chelmsford Cathedral tonight - but thankfully (for them) they were full....so it's an evening with the Elim worship team instead, to practice/plan for the weekend!

Tomorrow I'm off to Carrotty Wood - and then off to meet Glen Podd (the Metropolitan East Regional Youth Director!). Then Thursday - I'm speaking at the Ladies meeting in the morning, then have a meeting in the afternoon - then Friday it's off to High Leigh for the church w/end - yay!!!

In the meantime I've got lots of stuff to sort out for High Leigh....music to think about - and thoughts for Thursday morning!

More soon....
Pen x

This season's must have....



Me and my cousin thought we'd try this season's look...... in none other than Harrods!!

What about these?? (Bargain at £165!)




These are by far the best - don't you think?!

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

Starbucks 'n other things....

Just thought I'd let you know that I checked out the re-furbished Starbucks today (and their new range of muffins!!) - definitely worth a visit (or 6)!

I went to see Jo's new flat last night - very exciting it was too (and a good supply of coffee and cakes)!

Not that I'm overly concerned about coffee and cakes you realise.....

Anyway....I'm off to CRE tomorrow (Christian Resource Exhibition). First stop I think will be the 'African Praise Church Vestments' stand, to see if they have any suitable 'Youth Pastor' wear. As long as it comes in pink - I'm happy!!

Thursday afternoon is the funeral - so would value your prayers!

Friday I'll be back at work - ready for youth - yay!! By the way: if anyone from the youth band (who played in church on Sunday night) is reading - you guys were awesome!!

Have a good week all!!
Pen x

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

New job!!!

Today I started my new job, as Youth Pastor at Church! Ann and I have a month's handover time - before she leaves to have her ickle baby - bless!

It's cool for lots of reasons - but also because I knew from the age of 16/17 that I would be in full-time ministry one day. When people used to ask me that question 'what do you do?', I always used to reply with 'well, I work in insurance, but one day I believe I'll be in full-time ministry'.

I realised that over the years, I had stopped saying the last part, because although I believed that it would happen, I couldn't quite see how and when. It was only three weeks' ago - when I remembered this and thought 'hey, in three weeks' time, I'm going to be in full-time ministry!' Even though it's only for seven months, and I'm now 30 (not 17) - it's all part of God's plan - which is pretty awesome really!

So, if God's put something in your heart - trust Him with it! It may take a few years to come to fruition - but it's worth the wait!

Have a great week!
Pen x

PS: you might want to pray for the Elim crew who have to work with me now!! :-)

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Goodbye to a very special person....

Last weekend, my Gran passed away peacefully in her sleep, whilst on a family holiday in France. It's been a very sad week for us as a family, and a complete shock, as she was full of laughter, life and health - and very close and special to us all.

....But faith in Christ alone, gives us the assurance of heaven. When you die - what then? John Maxwell tells of attending a funeral where the following poem was read: "I am standing on the seashore. A ship appears, spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the ocean. She is an object of beauty and I stand watching her till last she fades away on the horizon. Somebody at my side quietly says, 'She is gone.' Gone where? Gone from my vision, that is all; she is just as large as when I saw her last. The diminished size and loss of sight is in me, not her; and just at the moment when someone at my side says 'She is gone,' there are others who are watching her coming, and voices take up the joyful shout, 'Here she comes!'"

Thanks for all your texts, e-mails, cards, phone calls and prayers - they have been appreciated more than you know.
Pen xx

Monday, April 10, 2006

The gym induction......

Well.....I survived!!! Oh my goodness, what a LAUGH!!! Where do I start? I'm afraid to say that I laughed my way through the whole thing, and couldn't bring myself to take it too seriously! Thankfully I had an understanding young guy who was very helpful (but couldn't understand what was so funny!) I'm still not sure what WAS actually funny - but there you go!

One of the funniest things, was those big exercise ball things (the ones that look like space hoppers)! When I sat on it, I said that it was like being on a space hopper, but it would be better if it had the handles (you know what I mean) to hang on to (and bounce around)!! He just looked at me with a look of bewilderment - and smiled (he couldn't have done a lot else really!) I guess it could've been worse.....I could have suggested they paint smiley faces on them like my space hopper used to have (should point out that I was about 5 at the time!) ah, fond memories!

Moving on....
I didn't like the bit where they weigh you (probably because now they will know that I lied on my form!!) ah, confession is good for the soul!
The guy asked me about my job, and I explained what I do - and then went on to say that I did a sleep in last night (which means you don't always get much sleep). He asked me if this was the reason for me being a little 'lethargic' so I said yes, although, I figure that actually, I was just being lethargic because I was in a gym - doing exercise!!!!

It got better..... my blood pressure is apparently v.good and heart rate good too. I was asked if I'd had any caffeine this morning, and when I answered '4-5 cups of coffee', I realised that to have this many by 11am really wasn't displaying 'healthy living'! (Good job they have a Starbucks on site - ha ha!)

So.....to sum it up - an interesting morning!
I should add that I did then do 25mins on the treadmill, but of course, the guy only happened to walk by when I was doing the 'cooling off' bit, so I spent the next five minutes trying to prove that I had actually been exercising, and was taking it seriously! Not sure if he was convinced......not sure if I am yet either - but will continue!

Watch this space.....

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Oh my goodness - I'm at the gym!!!!

Yes, I'm as shocked as you are! I should add though, that I'm on the internet, and have just finished a cappuccino (courtesy of Helen - thanks!), and would you believe, I've just signed up!!! It probably has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that it's got a Starbucks on site, and free internet access etc!!! However, I thought it was about time that I thought about getting fit (again!) and the fact that I can sit here (with a coffee), updating my blog and THINK about fitness, is just about perfect! I feel better already, and I've only been here a little while. The added bonus is that in the space of a short time this afternoon I've met half (ok, maybe that's a slight exaggeration) of the church here!

Happy days!!
Watch this space for news of any progress! Ha ha ha!

PS - I have an induction booked for 10th April - so if you could all pray that I just survive that - that would be fab! I think I'm still in shock....!

I'm off for a 10 mile run now.....

Saturday, April 01, 2006

Surprises......

I've had a couple of surprises this week! Today was a good surprise.....I went to Heathrow Airport (I was missing the place - ha ha!) to pick up my Aunt who was flying in from Australia. My Aunt walked through with my cousin Lynette, and I had no idea she was coming over as well, so that was a nice surprise!

My other surprise was yesterday - when I took my car to the garage.... I'd figured the tracking was out a little, so thought I'd better get it checked out. To cut a long story short (a first for me) it was an expensive surprise! My almost new front tyres have to be replaced - as my tracking has been WAY out. I also need new wishbone bushes, and some other boring stuff done (such an exciting thing for a girl to spend her money on - not!!!)

Anyone else had a surprise recently??
Answers on a postcard, or post a comment!

Sunday, March 12, 2006

New Job!!!

All change - again!!!

As most of you know - I've been working as a Residential Worker in a Childrens Crisis Unit (for 11-16s) since December (quite different to my previous job - but there you go!!). Originally, they needed people up until mid March (ie, now) which was fine, as I was planning to go and live in Rwanda for four months (March to July) and help with Hope Rwanda. The idea of living in Africa was pretty cool, and everything was coming together nicely (so I thought)....

Less than 24hrs after replying about Rwanda, I then had another job emailed to me, which would've meant moving to Birmingham....and if two options weren't enough, I was then offered a permanent position where I currently work, and then came another offer which I wasn't expecting..... It's kinda like buses - you know, you either get none - or three at once!

So....for all who've been wondering - I've been praying about Rwanda, Birmingham and Chelmsford (how different can you get?)

For those in church today, you will have now heard the news! I'm staying in Chelmsford - and will be covering Ann's maternity leave. I'm going to be a full-time Youth Worker at Church with effect from 1st May! How cool?!

So, thanks for all your prayers etc - it's v.appreciated! Just thinking back to this time last year, I was working in an office in London. Since then, I've been to six new countries - and COMPLETELY changed my work. I'm thinking that I've now got out of my last 'comfort zone' - so I'm ready for the challenge! The challenge may be just to stay in the country for the next 7mths or so!

Pen x

Saturday, March 11, 2006

A few more ads....







The offside rule explained for girls

You're in a shoe shop, second in the queue for the till.
Behind the shop assistant on the till is a pair of shoes which you have seen and which you must have.
The female shopper in front of you has seen them also and is eyeing them with desire.
Both of you have forgotten your purses.
It would be totally rude to push in front of the first woman if you had no money to pay for the shoes.
The shop assistant remains at the till waiting.
Your friend is trying on another pair of shoes at the back of the shop and sees your dilemma.
She prepares to throw her purse to you.
If she does so, you can catch the purse, then walk round the other shopper and buy the shoes.
At a pinch she could throw the purse ahead of the other shopper and, *whilst it is in flight* you could nip around the other shopper, catch the purse and buy the shoes.
Always remembering that until the purse has *actually been thrown* it would be plain wrong to be forward of the other shopper.

Saturday, February 18, 2006

The following ads are from a press campaign, run by the Church of Singapore. By all accounts, the campaign was a great success! Enjoy...





Change

Last week I took the plunge......I finally upgraded my phone (not only did I get a new phone - but 10% off my line rental AND £20 back - bargain!!) The only problem was, that I was changing from a Nokia to a Sony Ericsson. I had the big deliberation in the shop - do I keep with what I know (ie Nokia, because I've had them for years) - or do I take the plunge, and get to grips with a completely different phone?! After about 4hrs - I finally decided to go a bit mad and got the Sony. It's taken me a week to get used to the space bar being in the wrong place (for texting) - amongst other things! However, this little nifty thing does just about everything (except make coffee!) and I'm now in the process of downloading music to it - so that I can have 'Oh Happy Day' as my ringtone, or the guitar riff from the start of 'What the World Will Never Take' on the latest Hillsong album.

All in all, it was a good change!

It also made me think about changes in our lives.....sometimes, it's easier to stick with what we know and feel comfortable with, rather than trying something new (which actually might be better than what we had before). Pat K preached a really good message on 'Change' recently. If you want to borrow the CD, let me know.

Have a great weekend everyone!
Pen :-)

PS: If anyone's got time to explain the rules of golf to me, it would make the golf game on here a lot better! I have no idea!

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Suzette Hattingh's in London....

Next week - and it will be awesome!!
For dates/times etc, click here or visit Voice in the City homepage.

Quick update.....

Well, work's busy (but good) - and I'm now a Keyworker, which means that I'm basically responsible for sorting out one young person’s medical, educational and personal needs. If any of you have watched 'Brat Camp' (Channel 4 9pm Weds) - you'll get an understanding of the type of YP that I work with, day in day out! Really quite interesting....one minute they swear at you (which can also involve being hit and spat at - on a bad day!) - I've also had water thrown over me, but at least the YP made sure it was warm beforehand (very considerate)!....never mind that I had to go to an appointment looking like I'd wet myself....but that's another story! Other times, they are little angels - and a complete delight to spend time with! This week has been great - because it's half-term - which means lots of fun and activities. So far this week, I've spent a couple of hours at Quasar (lazer) - and tomorrow we're heading off to Warwick Castle for the day! I'm a bit gutted though, because it was meant to be Cadburyworld (SO much more my kind of thing) - but the prospect of a group of us arriving for their last available slot at 9.20AM!!! was just way too early to even think about, so we've settled for the castle instead.

Work was erm, interesting today - we were told to take a blindfold and something to eat, to the team meeting!! Not knowing what was going to happen (and whether even the food would be analysed) - I played it safe, and took Angel slices (Mr Kipling's - and if you haven't tried them - it's worth it!) - they're sweet, pink - and angelic! :-)

I'd better explain.....

We had to get into twos, and then one person had to be blindfolded, and sit on their hands - then the other person had to feed them something (could've been ANYTHING!) It was quite amusing, but illustrated a good point - about how vulnerable people can feel when they don't have all of their senses - or are put into a different kind of environment.

I'm enjoying my job - but also have a few other options to pray about at the moment. Those of you who know, know what I'm talking about. Anyone who doesn't know - watch this space! Life certainly continues to be exciting!

More soon....
Pen x

25 most played on the ipod.....

Simple friends......and real friends....

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps themselves.
A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.
A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in their address book.
A simple friend brings a bottle to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and stays late to help you clean.
A simple friend hates it when you call after they have gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.
A simple friend seeks to talk with you about your problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.
A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.
A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend calls you after you had a fight.
A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Friday, February 10, 2006

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Quick hello!

Hi!

Just a quick hello from me (so I don't get hassle from fellow bloggers :-)!) It's been a busy few weeks.....work's been great - but busy! It's sooooo different to what I was doing before, I can't even begin to tell you.....I'll try and elaborate on here sometime!

In the last week, me and my little car have spent some quality time together, covering approx 700 miles in one week! Last Tuesday, I went to Folkestone for Caroline's surprise 30th birthday party - it was a great evening - and fab to catch up with friends again. Came back on Wednesday, and then worked Thursday, and had my first sleep in! Thankfully the YP were fairly well behaved (and I got 5hrs sleep), and then drove up to Birmingham Friday morning, to see friends from Voice in the City. Had a great evening with Joylyn, and had some interesting discussions about toilets (you have to have been on a mission trip to appreciate the conversation!! - and no, I won't be elaborating here!)

Got back home v.late Friday evening - then worked on Saturday (and got paid to go out for a Chinese meal.....sometimes my job's really tough!!) Led worship Sunday morning and evening, then it was back to work yesterday - and I'm not due a day off for 9 days - so don't expect too much blogging! I've got some great pics though, which I'll try and post on here soon.

Keep smiling! :-)
Be blessed!
Pen xx

Thursday, January 19, 2006

Last Weekend.....

Last weekend I was in Frankfurt for a surprise birthday party for a friend (Suzette). It was a fantastic evening - honouring an amazing woman of God, who had no idea about the party! Had a great time meeting up with friends over there, and also had breakfast on Sunday morning with David and Bobbie (Elim Pastors) who know Mike and Tony v.well!

My basic German that I'd been learning paid off - although most spoke English anyway. I don't know if it was the hat I was wearing (it was -6C!) that made me look German, but apparently I did - so people were happily speaking to me in German, while I stood there not having a clue what they were saying! Probably the most useful phrases I know are:
"Do you speak English?"
"I don't speak German, I'm English" and that all important one......
"I'd like a cup of coffee please".

It was also a very sad weekend, as I got a telephone call passing on the sad news about Neil Cooper. We are all going to miss him heaps.... especially his guitar playing in church - and his blogging! He had a heart to worship - and to serve God. He was a great musician, and it has been a privilege to play alongside him. As a band member he was always on time, always enthusiastic and 'up for anything' (with a smile to go with it) - especially if it was something 'out of the ordinary'! I remember one time when he wanted to try out his new electric guitar at a Monday night practice, and wasn't quite sure whether he should 'rock it' to its full potential! Needless to say, he didn't need much encouragement to do so - and we had a great practice!


When I heard the news, I was on a bus in Germany. I'd only been talking with a friend the night before about this song, and I was reminded of it, so I've put the words here.

I can only imagine......


Our thoughts and prayers are with Anna, Joel and Simon - and the whole family. Praying that you may all know God's comfort and presence around you, particularly at this time.

Thursday, January 05, 2006

Sunday, January 01, 2006

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Diary Entry: Tuesday 8th February 2005....
.....It's strange - I really don't know what God has got planned - but really believe that this year could be a year of change!

When I read that the other night, I laughed, and laughed - and laughed!!! For those that know me, and for those that read my blog - you'll know what I'm on about! It's certainly been a year of change - in SO many ways!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Anyway - our thoughts turn now to 2006!!!
Have a fantastic 2006 - and a Happy New Year to you all!!

To have an excellent life,
stive for an excellent year.
Within that year,
strive for an excellent month,
and within that month,
strive for an excellent day!


Fix your thoughts on what is true and honourable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.
Philippians 4:6


Pen x