I'm really easy to get along with...

...once you learn to worship me.

In so many ways its wrong...but at the same time I love it. It proves how ultimately self obsessed the western world is and makes you wonder who's likely to say it in a normal conversation (I'm thinking Jane from Coupling).

On with work, no-one is here and its skeleton staff across the county, so I'm very happy, but finding it hard to focus...I need a nap...

Ah ha!

Here's that nano second I was talking about...

First of all let me mention Maroon 5...


and Dashboard Confessional (though no photo sadly). How amazing! I really enjoyed the entire evening, thanks to Chris and Karen for drinking my beer for me, here's a photo for your troubles...


This is becoming a photo blog...

What's next on the list?

Cheltenham, a weekend with the girls, out celebrating a birthday. Smashing glasses, flavoured vodka shots, and dancing til my feet hurt. I really enjoyed catching up with everyone, hopefully there will be another weekend soon!


And finally...

Bristol, Stoke Gifford, St Michael's Church - always fun and somewhere I miss so much! Lots is happening in the church currently and the new vicar has found his feet very quickly, he even served dinner at the banquet, which was great to see. Everyone is happy and all of the events I went to ran smoothly! Muchos impressed, looking forward to seeing you all again! (yes I've already been invited back!)

Looking great ladies! Thanks once again to The Smiths who had to put up with me for the weekend (Kay, I will bring slippers next time).

I'm off to bed and praying that work isn't too bad tomorrow, though I might get the extra early bus to help with the workload. Me thinks I'm going to be ill for Christmas!

Apologies

I'm going to blog at some point, when I've got a spare nano second or two. Sorry...

I have been very busy at work, social workers do not understand the concept of 'as soon as you know'.

Bristol was amazing as always...looking forward to seeing the Banquet photos!

Off to Makro (yeay) to buy some supplies for the youth group!

New Look

So this is how I look now, and will do for a few months maybe! Do you like?

Just quickly, the driving is going well, steady progress towards getting my test done. I've jst got to focus on getting the theory sorted!

I'm cold, so I'm going downstairs to warm up!

At work...

Only briefly...the system is down and I'm bored. There is very little to do when this happens, and obviously people's minds wander and temps go missing for a while.

So I've been saving files and looking occupied for the last couple of hours. Joy!

More later on in the week, when hopefully I will have pictures of my new hair style (not just a cut!) and will let you know how the driving is going...

Well, well, well...

...a hole in the ground!

Which is precisely where the whole of the England team should be hiding tonight, after an absolutely dismal performance against Croatia.

I think my Mum is right when she says everyone thinks we have the right to be in any football competition, just because we're English (and, if you believe some people, because we practically invented sport). We don't and we need to work harder, with more passion and a belief that we can win, not that it should all be automatic (after all who wants to watch a team who are so big headed they think they can play in their sleep?).

Heads will roll.

So while I'm ripping some CD's to put on my new MP3 player, I'll update you on life.

Work is going really well, I'm balancing stress and happiness quite well, we're only 3 team members down at the moment, and things could be a lot worse. We've had a new temp join us and as we head towards Christmas I'm happy that the hours I'm doing will buy some nice presents!

Work is pretty much all-consuming right now. The new youth group kicked off last week with some success, so I'm happy with that. I'm also volunteering at a school during Friday lunchtimes (ah ha a chance to get out of the office!) which is good fun.

My room is 99% done, just a clock and some pictures to put up, and a bookcase to purchase!

This weekend I'm going to see Phantom of the Opera for a special friend's birthday and last weekend I spent time with my old housemates (which made me ill!). Only one piece of news that has upset me this week - a friend who I thought was going to be around for Christmas and New Year has decided to stay where he is for a little longer...Good for him, I do miss him though!

Right, I'm on my last CD!

Beautifully done...

The (almost) finished article! Doesn't it look amazing? Shortly after this photo was taken both of my brothers decided to dive on to the bed.

There are many people to thank for the look of this room - my Mum, who provided support in the form of edge painting, cleaning, new bedding and most importantly lunch on Saturday, my Dad, who filled in all the cracks, built the bed and gave advice, Mandy and Rob who did all of the painting, and my sister for allowing me to have a double bed (cos it wouldn't look right with a single!).

I love it, I can't believe its real and the mattress I'm now sleeping on has made my back problems easier to deal with. Now all I have to worry about is which side I sleep on.

There is a little more to do, you can't see it, but my Dad has helpfully pointed out that I need to finish the window surround and the sill (one coat of gloss and two coats of bright pink). Thats a job for Monday of next week, right now I need to recover from a sore throat.

Oi Vey!

What a busy time I'm having!

Last weekend I was taking part in Slum Survivor at the Billericay Baptist Church.
We were raising awareness and money for those who live in slums around the world, in worse conditions than we actually stayed in.
If you'd like to give some money, click on the widget!




We had a guy from CVII come and tell us about his work in Columbia, working with street children. Some of the stories are actually quite shocking, particularly the way the police treat small children. I was actually really shaken by all of them and can't imagine how anyone can treat a child like that. So I'm praying about what I should do.

The rest of my time has been spent preparing my room for some painting. It's going to be pink by the end of the weekend and hopefully with a new bed, which is arriving tomorrow. I've got some help from some very good friend of mine, so fingers crossed, we'll have lots done by the time we have to leave for the fireworks on Saturday evening! Because if we don't I'll be sleeping on the floor for another week!

Work continues to please me, I'm actually getting the hang of it now. We're enjoying a lull in the amount of work we're getting right now, my colleague and I seem to be as on top of things as possible, so when an urgent job comes in there's not a lot of panic... I am enjoying it, there have been a few blonde moments, but generally I'm happy.

I'm also going to be doing some volunteering for Envision during Friday lunch times which will greatly help my application for teacher training (when I get round to it) and will also get me out of the office on a Friday for an hour or so.

Life is good at the moment...I'm lacking a little bit of direction, but I'm happy...hopefully once my bedroom is finished I'll be blogging a bit more.

Wondering what to write...

It's been a weekend where a lot has happened but theres not a lot to say really. Kay was here this weekend, which was really good fun - I enjoy seeing her - we're very similar and have a great laugh together. We lost the rugby, which the whole world knows, and we're all very disappointed with. We could've won, but the quality of rugby wasn't world class in my opinion. Watching the game in a pub with no sound and little atmosphere has been the most interesting, I've never concentrated on a game so much.

This morning in church was interesting. I was approached by a lady who is training to be a Reader (just like my Dad) and asked if I would do some flag waving at the front of church. I've never done it before, but decided to give it a go! (Thanks Kay for your opinion before the service!) It was really good fun, and a lot of people commented on it. Now the next task is to teach the children how to flag wave safely!

So on with the working week, I could do with a half term right about now, but thats not going to happen - a chance to take the wallpaper off the walls though this week and chase up my new bed!

In a winning mood...

Oh yes...just a few hours till we find out who England will play in the Rugby Cup Final. I'm losing my voice from all the shouting I did in the last few minutes of yesterdays match. Truth is we need to play better than we have done for this whole tournament next weekend. Obviously there's that to look forward to next weekend...but Kay is also coming to stay, so I get to share the whole experience with her! Yeay!

I'm in a good mood anyway, yesterday was really good fun, despite all of the stress during the week (both from work and certain family members). If you ever need a caterer in the Chelmsford area, I'd totally recommend Select Sandwiches, the food was really good and a very friendly service.

Chelmsford Cathedral always amazes me.

Anyway, finally...here's my Dad in a dress (cassock actually!)

Enjoy it Dad - now the real work starts (as if!)

A brief interlude...

Only to tell you that work is pretty rotten at the moment, what with the first bout of flu and late summer holidays putting half the team out of action at one point. It mans there is a huge backlog of stuff to do which isn't easy when social workers and operators are phoning up constantly to ask advice/query something. I'm also making mistakes because its not something that is natural to me just yet, and sometime those mistakes take a lot to be corrected.

The stress of it all finally got the better of me this afternoon, and unfortunately I was on the phone to a social worker at the time. Although...what was going on at the time wasn't my fault, we still didn't manage to listen to each other and I got really frustrated with it all.

Despite all of this a prayer was answer during the week, though I won't go into detail, it was a miracle for me, to actually feel something happen, whilst I was praying.

The other prayer that has been answered is the safe delivery of a healthy baby Miles last weekend. Yes I had to sit down and take a deep breath when I was told, and I can't wait to see him and his proud parents at Christmas, though I possibly may not be able to wait that long! Congratulations Ant and Laura!

Right I'm off to do some friday night youth work, and hopefully fill out another CRB form, so I can be offically a part time youth worker for the team ministry.

P.S. Dad's getting licensed as a Reader tomorrow, watch out of the pictures!

Time to blog again!

It's Monday night already! Where did the weekend go?

The good news is that the weekend was brilliant. Friday night was a chance to celebrate Emily's birthday and check out Sam's in Brentwood. Saturday was part recovery, part lots to do day! I've had my hair cut (and promptly got annoyed that it wouldn't do the 'decent' thing this morning before work) and started to learn to drive again.

Sunday was 'Back to Church' day and also Harvest celebration, which was incredibly interesting if last week was your first week in church. I also went over to B&Q to get some paint samples for my room. One bright pink, one a lot paler. Then had my mate over for a couple of games on the Wii. Inevitably there were competitions within competitions and a good night was had by all!

Today, I have tried not to fall asleep at work and have realised I am ill, but only very slightly. I have also put 4 blocks of paint on my wall, I might go for the disco floor look! (Only kidding!) Bright pink is a really good colour on me!

The iPod

Possibly the worst invention in the world if you don't own an MP3 or iPod yourself, and you're sat on a bus next to someone who is playing theirs so loud you can hear the words to sing along to. Not only once, but twice today...on the way to work and on the way back! Justin this morning, and Backstreet boys, Another Level and Westlife (old skool!) this evening...only made better by the Subway roll I consumed.

The other thing that actually made me chuckle was that a particular weight loss organization was having an open evening for new members - with wine and nibbles! Umm...great way to start losing weight ladies!

Exciting news: I get my permanent pass tomorrow after lunch and I get to meet the guy who is at the top of our particular department!

Right, off to outreach training and a chance to meet the lady vicar in the parish!

Smashing!

Just a few pictures for you before I go to bed for a well earned rest. Yes I have spent the last two days watching tennis (10 hours in total so far!) but, as always, with any British team, it's not been straight forward.

The rugby and football scores kept me on my toes too! Shame we lost in the women's word cup, but a 5-0 trashing by Arsenal brightened my smile.

So 2-0, what will day 3 of the Davis cup hold?

Facebook has a selection of photo's from the last two days - and will have the third day when I get back tomorrow!

Night!

Take it all...

The joys of Hillsong, from 'Take, take, take it all' to 'I will worship you for who you are'. These are the songs I've been singing for the last few days at work. A good lyric can just get me, and will not get out of my head for days on end. I'm quite surprised that no-one has told me to shut up yet!

Now I just have to figure out how to turn the bass down on the computer speakers!

If you get a chance - check out the link on Ant's blog (below and to the right) for the new look St Mike's web address. A whole mixture of feelings for me at the moment. The start of a new term and I'm not in Stoke Gifford, full time youth work is not my job any more. Pray for the full-time youth team (Ant, Trev and Cath) as well as the large group of extra-timers who are involved in a huge on-going ministry. You don't know how much I miss you all.

A bit of a glum moment.

This week at work has been a tough one. I think I've figured out that being in charge of two areas is not a one person job, or a two person job, it's one and a half almost. I felt absolutely swamped on Wednesday, but today I got through emails that weren't urgent. Having two people takes the pressure off a lot. Still getting an email today for transport tomorrow at 3.30pm today is not funny.

But this week will end on a high (of sorts). Tomorrow is a day off (yeay) which is to be filled by watching the Davis Cup (umm..). I also got my very own stapler and hole punch today! Woot! The exciting life of Liz!

Pictures of tennis and a weekend sports commentary to follow...

Loving Live

Ricky Gervais, everyone!

Yes, live and loud, and saying things to shock...a good laugh, but there are times when I want to hit him.

I'm understanding the concept of a weekend now. I didn't get away from work today until 5 and it absolutely sucks getting out late! Looking forward to not getting up until a sensible time tomorrow!

Just time to grab a drink and settle in for the rugby...I have a feeling I'm not going to like the score! (I'm not liking firefox right now, its playing up big time!)

You First

What a week! It started with the car and continued in a similar crazy fashion.

My lickle brother turned 18 on Thursday so now there is a house full of adults...which has its ups and downs as always. We had good fun celebrating and after the disappointment of Tuesday night (the boys lost their 5-a-side football match 9-5) we needed some cheering up. I'm still really trying to get over going out on Friday - I think that bad nightclubs are the reason why I don't enjoy myself when I go out. Essex just doesn't have the same idea as some of the nightclubs I've been to. I won't rant about it, cos I will just bore you, but its got a lot to do with dance music and having one big room rather than lots of floors for different music.

Yesterday was spent with the extended family, where I got the mick taken out of my constantly. Not good. And quite annoyed that I let it get to me so badly.

Today was the day of 101 things to do at church. Dad was preaching (is sermon - which was really good is here) and serving, Mum was down for drinks after the service and doing the projector during... as Mum always does, she panicked before asking if I wanted to help! D'uh. So I was on the projector this morning and helped with drinks too.

The majority of the afternoon was spent in front of the TV - watching F1 and the rugby! Then it was off to church again to see what Mark's idea for alternative worship is. I really enjoyed discussing the questions he had asked us about the beattitudes in Matt 5. The Message version is a lot different from the NIV and the questions that Mark asked where:

Which beattitude describes you best?

Which beattitude challenges you the most?

Which beattitude can change the world?

Now you might find those questions easy or really difficult (the first one for me is the hardest to answer), but how ever you feel about them, you should feel inspired that God is calling us to be a people that isn't 'me first'.

Who is God calling you to be? Another question that is filling my head. At 22 I thought I knew who I was, what I was meant to do, but God has shown me otherwise and now I have to find who it is that God is calling me to be. At 23 I'm a little lost, those who know me well will know that the last 12 months have been a struggle, hopefully the next 12 will help me to find my feet.

This week pray 'you first' and see how you get on.

One for the road...

You know it had to be done! And I promise this will be one of few rather than one of many...but why 'One for the road...', well it's because of this...


Isn't it beautiful! A pink mini cooper - possibly the car of my dreams! I'll have to see how much it costs and start saving. First I have to learn to drive...

Also one for the road because I've being running. Three times a week, fingers crossed (with or without my younger brother running alongside 'encouraging' me), I'm hoping to get a little fitter by Christmas and lose some of the fat I've gained by drinking too much.

And one for the train...last time I went to Bristol I was some what scuppered by a closed ticket office! So I am mid-flow (well finished now) writing a letter to 'one' railway complaining about the poor service...They will reimburse the tickets that I had to purchase to get myself across London and hopefully try to explain why the ticket office was closed in the first place. As ever I'll keep you updated.

One for the traveller!

Karen...this one is specifically for you as international calling is a little too expensive!

Dad making a complete hash of lunch today...

Camera phones can be so useful!

He thought he was being clever by using the microwave to heat the spaghetti, he didn't give much thought to how hot the bowl was going to be when it came out, so half of it ended up on the work top, with me in stitches! I then proceeded to use the oven glove that is available, like every other sensible human being!


Work this week has being interesting. I'm currently working for the education transport department, doing call backs to parents/carers who are concerned about their/a child's transport to school. The last week and the next two are the busiest for the department apparently, what with school and college starting during September. I'm trying to get to grips with a system that I have very little knowledge of and also fit into the office way of life.

I have never worked in an office with regular hours before, but I'm getting used to it. There is a lot to learn and ideas to get to grips with. Essex County Council is a very busy place. I'm having to learn to listen with both ears separately - those who have worked in the office for just a few months have the amazing ability to listen to the conversation that is going on in the office and have a conversation on the phone too!

We went out of drinks yesterday, so I'm getting to know them all slowly but surely. I have realised really quickly that its an office that changes constantly - the only really fixed element is the system that the council uses!

The rest of life is just that! I get home and theres not a lot to do! Once term kicks off though, I'm sure I'll be able to fill my evenings - the boys have football on Tuesday, alpha on Wednesday, I'm going to start exercising to just so that I start sleeping properly! Its driving me nuts waking up in the middle of the night!

Anyway - Karen I hope the rest of your time in Canada serves you well. I suggest sleeping for the 18 hour bus journey! Or have you picked up any good books while you've been out there?

On the move...

Not only am I going to Bristol for a couple of days this weekend, I'm also starting a new job on Tuesday morning with the council! Exciting, eh?

The last two weeks have been a little on the crazy side, and so much of a roller coaster, its been hard to get to grips with just what is happening in my life. Just a week ago I was saying goodbye to a very good friend of mine, he's now on a ship somewhere and it's difficult to keep up with him! That was a sad occasion and I'm looking forward to seeing him when he eventually gets back.

Last Friday I was saying hello to Kay, who is a very good friend. I've pretty much spoken to her every day since I left Bristol, now whenever I'm on the phone my parents don't need to ask who I'm talking to! I'm off to see her tomorrow, spend a couple of days in Stoke Gifford before starting my new job. It was really good fun having Kay stay in Billericay for a few days, I really enjoy her company! Unfortunately she'd built Essex up to be something that, well, frankly it isn't and going out on Saturday night didn't much help her impressions! Still we had a lot of fun and we're happy at the end of the night! When she left on Sunday, I was not in a happy mood. The sore throat that I'd gotten from drinking too much completely wiped me out, so I went to bed.

Monday was spent mainly feeling sorry for myself, although I did end up going out with my brother and his mates in the evening. The night started off well, but I hit a point where I just could not be bothered any more. I don't know if you've ever experienced a change in attitude quickly (otherwise known as a mood swing), one thats so quick, you're caught by surprise? I was completely, and I realised that I have been in self destruct mode for a few weeks. I wasn't happy when I woke up on Tuesday and felt even lower walking into the job centre to claim my JSA (which rather ironically I won't have to do any more as my circumstances have changed!), so I'm doing something about it.

That's enough of that! I'm just going to draw your attention to a new link on the side panel. Its the blog of a magazine, and a very good read.

Right, off to pack!!

P.S. How is it that sex sells everything? From Paint (Dulux during Ugly Betty at 11am this morning) to Fabric conditioner - I am so shocked, why can't we just have cute babies and dogs again?

P.P.S. (Because another entry would be crazy) My brother is currently playing music in our drive that is so loud I can hear all of the words, and I would turn it down if the sound system was in the same room. No where to escape!

Theme parks and interviews!

Sunday was Funday - renamed by all those in this photo (except the Bear)

The seven of us had a great time - convincing each other that the rides really aren't that scary, screaming 'look at the view' at the top of a ride, and getting absolutely soaked in the process (thank you very much, Rich). There are a lot more photos on Facebook, if you have it.

I did enjoy the day completely and now I realise I'm not as scared of the rides as most of my friends. It's all about trusting the technology and knowing that even if the harness is a little loose, you're not going to fall out. I expect to fall forward a little cos I'm so tiny. Air, Rita and Nemesis are brilliant, but next time I go to a theme park I want to go on rides that scare me!

On to interviews, I went up to Lakeside today to fill out more forms and had a look while I was there too. Just a waiting game now!

The old ones are the best...

Yes...My Nan in my hoodie...well she was the one that asked for a jumper! I guess I thought I'd never see it, but boy did I laugh when it actually happened!!

We've spent the evening around the BBQ discussing the fun that my brother and his mates are going to have at the V festival next weekend in the tiniest tent ever! I haven't taken a photo of it, but it should be fun never the less. I'm thinking of going out to our garden (they're having a trail run tonight) at 5.30am tomorrow, before I go to Alton Towers, just to wake them up!

Yep, its the almost annual trip to a theme park tomorrow, so I'm going to knock myself out and hope I sleep right through to my 5.30am alarm, unlike I have done in the run up. I've been having all sorts of strange dreams about losing people and shoes on various rides!!

I remembered...

what I was going to say yesterday and I've got more to add!

Facebook is a strange phenomenon. There is now a group for The Billericay School Studio Orchestra, which I used to be a part of. I've still got my choir and orchestra t-shirts, floating around somewhere, which proves I don't let go of the past so quickly! It's another strange re-living of an experience I'd almost forgotten - it's at least 7 years since I played in an orchestra or sung in a choir.

Now the school is technology and maths minded, rather than music, which is sad, and again proves that I don't let go of the past...

The other thing is a little bit of a rant. I hate Satnav, well actually young drivers who can't read maps.I'd love to drop them all in the middle of the wilderness and ask them to get home using a map and a compass.

And finally...call centers that aren't in England, need I say more?

Cassocks and kegs...

I was going to blog, but I can't really remember what I was going to say. I guess it couldn't have been of huge importance!

I've just helped my Dad measure up for his cassock and surplice for his Reader Licencing in October. Very funny that he's going to have to wear the outfit for the day! Looking forward to it though.

Tonight I'm going to play some pool and drink lots with 3 very good friends! I do love being at home!

Simpsons

Look at me! I'm a Simpsons character and I still haven't seen the movie!!

Party in the park

I spent a whole afternoon in the park, sat cleverly in the shade, so I didn't get burnt! And I bought a hat, which looks amazing. I've never been so excited about a picnic before, and this one was just tops. The group that used to be my youth have now grown up and I'm really glad to call them my friends. They've each got a brilliant sense of humour and can entertain each other. We do work well as a group and I will be sad to see some of them disappear to uni at the end of summer. (I already know that and I've only been back a week.)

There are other pressing matters in life right now so I really shouldn't be blogging. I have clean clothes to put away, and outfit to sort out for my interview tomorrow and I also have to find my last CRB form! Not quite sure where its vanished to in all of the moving around.

I'm going into London tomorrow, so I think an afternoon in the Tate will do me the world of wonders. I can stare at art for ages and not have to worry about what anyone else thinks!

Heroes

Seen as Facebook isn't working...I'm going to blog again.

If you haven't been watching Heroes (either on NBC or BBC 2) then you won't want to read this post.

It's absolutely amazing! I've really enjoyed watching it. I've seen three episodes now and I have really fallen for it. People with super powers, some who want them, some who don't, some who aren't quite sure what they are capable of just yet, some who think they have a power and are trying to convince others. I could describe every character, but I won't!

Naturally there are people who have popped up from previous shows/movies. And as always, this has bugged me incredibly, thankfully the good people at IMDB.com have done all the research for me! So now I know that Clea DuVall who plays Audrey Hanson in the show is also Stokes in the movie The Faculty, and Hayden Panettiere (who is very hot, I must say) who plays Claire Bennet was also in Law and Order:SVU and Ally McBeal.

Thank you IMDB.com, I would go insane without you!

Right, I'm off to sit in the sun!

NIghts out, nights in

I've had my fair share of both since I've been back. A whole week! I feel like I should be packing my bag and moving again, but I know that it wouldn't be right, so I'm staying put. So far, so good...sooo good.

I've caught up with pretty much all of my friends and rekindled some old relationships...drank in pubs with people who have grown up spectacularly while I've been away and seen that the influence of a youth worker can still have impact four years down the line. (Yes that youth worker was me!) I've also heard some hilarious stories and realised that some things never actually change, as much as you might want them to, you can just count on some people to be as steady as always.

Whilst Googling Bas Vegas (go on do it!) I came across a Wiki site for Big Brother - really how far does this stuff reach? I have spent this year totally avoiding the whole thing, I can't even tell you the names of the contestants, or even what the house looks like.

Anyway, almost back to normality, except Facebook is down for maintenance this morning! People! Give us some warning! I've got important things to do!

Back and moved in!

Almost everything I own in back in Billericay and I've done one major thing since I got back on thursday. I've removed the top bunk bed from the room. Which has totally changed the look of the room. There's now quite a lot of wall space, and my bed is in the center.

This is not where the transformation ends, I'm going to do some painting and some furniture moving. I'm hopefully going to purchase some new stuff so there's room for people to stay! I'm also going to put up some shelves and create some art to hang. And its all going to be pink and purple!

So being back at home is good, I've got things to keep me occupied while I'm unemployed. There's going to church, the cinema, and the pub!!

I've been in contact with a few volunteer services and youth work agencies, so I'm happy for mow!

For the very last time...

I'm blogging from Stoke Gifford, because as of tomorrow I will be back in Essex, I am trying so hard not to cry. I've said a lot of my goodbyes today and yet none of it seems real.

But still I have to go and I do so with a smile on my face. It's been a brilliant year!

Thank you...

"For I know the plans I have for you"

declares the Lord,

"plans to prosper you and not to harm,

plans to give you a hope and a future"

Words that I know are true, words that have constantly reminded me that what is going on in my life is right and for a purpose greater than I could ever imagine.

Today would've been the best day of my life, I was meant to be getting married.

Instead I'm sat in the church office, listening to the rain and sorting out plans for our Big Day Out tomorrow. As the school year comes to an end, I've been thinking about the last couple of months. Stoke Gifford feels a lot like home, St Michael's church have welcomed me and blessed me in so many ways.

There's so much to be said about this year - all the highs and all the lows, but there aren't enough words. I guess one big word is THANK YOU. To all the people who have helped me and have been looking out for me. To all of the teenagers who have made my year so much fun!

Seeing how God works in this world always amazes me!

Today's the day...

...I turn 23!

And I feel like a fanatical kid - I got season 4 of CSI:Crime Scene Investigation and a book all about it! So exciting!

I'm also going to see Harry Potter and we're doing the pub quiz this evening. Woot!!

Standing up in church...

I did a lot of it yesterday, and I've not finished just yet!

Yesterday was the first time in 4 years that I'd done a talk. The first time was on ascension day in 2003, to a very small congregation, in a small-ish church. Yesterday was a slightly bigger occasion and with a different message. I spoke on the baptism of Jesus and being a follower, because one of the young people was getting baptised.

Claire's testimony was heart-felt, we were all amazed by her ability to stand up and tell people about her life in such great detail. A true star, I know she was incredibly nervous and very worried about the reaction she was going to get. All she got was reassurance from everyone and a huge pat on the back.

As with all of these things, I don't remember very much of it, and it felt like someone else had done it once the whole thing was over. I was told before the beginning of the service that I was going to be doing power point, which added to the pressure, something which I'd never done in St Michael's from the back of church. I quickly learnt!

Everyone was full of praise afterwards, only one person had a question about what I'd said.

I'm comforted by the comment from my boss this morning as he came into the office 'That was a bit good last night Liz, and surprising, in a good way'. Funny, but I've got a smile on my face.

You can listen to me from the link on the church website - I'm the one that's dated 15 July - Youth service.

On with the week, 2 days to go...

5 days to go!!

You're lucky I haven't started to tell you about my count down before now! If you don't know whats going on, I'm balatantly going to tell you in the next sentence! It's my birthday on wednesday and I've got lots of things planned, so that I don't have to think about turning 23!

I'm definitely going home and getting a job somewhere, I quite like working in the coffee shop, so I migh give that a go. If not I'm already signed up to an agency, so I'll see if I can get some work from them. It's full steam ahead, and I've also been given the go ahead to move my room around and get a new bed! Just got to pack everything up...

Leaving somewhere is always a difficult thing to do, I haven't really given it much thought. I'm still really getting over the other two major things in my life - leaving uni and leaving Henry. Still two weeks and I will be taking my last trip from Bristol to Essex, hopefully with a friend or two to keep me company!

Back to work...it's been an interesting day. I've got a talk to finish.

Football!!

The winning team!! St Mikes Youth FC thrashed St Michaels Church FC, 3-1 on Friday evening. It was part of our RE:fresh 'Night With A Difference'. A brilliant game, and of course, bragging rights are ours until the next match!

The rest of the weekend has been good fun, I spent Saturday wandering around Cheltenham, looking at what had changed and spending money, for various birthdays. I watched a young Harry make his way towards his first meeting with you-know-who (and if you don't know, where have you been?) and then watch the making of the new Potter movie.

Sunday was a regular day. I've started to say goodbye to people now, and preparations are being made for my leaving tea in a few weeks.

Today I have seen my parents, before they jet off to Scilly for two weeks!! They dropped off a couple of books and a present for me. It's nine days til my 23rd birthday. Yeay! (Also nine days til I see Harry potter with some of the girls.) I've been working on the sng books for most of the day and they are almost finished!!

Bloggers back log...

It doesn't seem to be loading properly...but when has blogging ever been easy?

I also haven't blogged for a week, I'm almost certain the lack of posts has everything to do with having only one computer in the office that connects the internet, and even then it doesn't do it very well!

So what's happened... I finished the song books and realised two glaringly obvious mistakes during the weekend, which are going to be fixed before I forget what was wrong. The weekend itself went very well, other than Saturday morning, which was spent in tears - lack of sleep plus harsh reality often equates to me crying. The rest of the time in the Shephard's buildings was really good, it went without a hitch. We got home on Sunday and headed to The Mix shortly after. The Mix is ok at the moment, the worship was good, time to chill, feeling absolutely at peace, with all this noise going on around me is awesome.

Since then the rest of the week has gone well, I'm trying to write my talk for the Youth Service in a week and a half. Despite having a theology degree I still struggle with doing talks. I've not been to vicar college, just regular university.

I'm slowly starting to realise the enormity of how things have changed for me since September, the date for the wedding is fast approaching, and where I should be up to my eye balls in preparation, I've replaced it with application forms and song books. For those of you who know me, you'll know that I haven't talked about it a lot. Truth is I'm still trying to get my head around it all. I know I've done the right thing, that I'm not supposed to be getting married, but 7 months on from splitting up with Henry, I'm still thinking about it all.

Umm... moving on, otherwise I'll cry (again), I've filled out two application forms for jobs in Essex. They are both for youth work jobs, both with training, but in two different areas of the profession. Continue to pray.

Once again...

I'm going to moan, about Radio 1. They are still going on about Glastonbury! Argh!

Though having said all of that, the tennis has started (yeay!), but on Monday, John MacEnroe (yes, I had to check how his name was spelt!) was talking about the Concert for Diana, which happens this Sunday, for absolutely ages! (boo!) There's a right time and place to discuss such things, during a tennis match is not one!!

The other thing was the coverage of Paris Hilton emerging out of prison earlier this week. I thought I'd escape it if I watched BBC news - but no - there she was, strutting out of prison! As you can tell I don't enjoy the obsession with celebrities who think breaking the law is the best way of getting some publicity. I'd hate to ask 'what's next?'...

Today, I almost finished the songbooks (both music and words) for St Mike's Youth. Looking forward to taking them on the SAP weekend away. They look really good, and I hope they'll last for a while. Just have to put one more page in the words edition and it will be done - but as with all these things it will continue to grow!

We get our t-shirts for the weekend this evening. They're black and orange! I'm really getting excited about the whole thing now...

Making a tough decision...

Some thoughts while I''ve got some time to myself.

I've decided, with encouragement, to stop searching for jobs that don't suit me. Namely youth ministry jobs. It's been a tough decision to make, as it means leaving what I know and heading home to take time out. I say 'with encouragement' because everyone I have spoken to recognises that God doesn't always speak clearly or loudly in words. The people around me right now understand that a job maybe the end of me, rather than the beginning of God's work in me.

So for those of you who live in the east of the country, be aware, I'm moving home. Another decision that wasn't taken lightly. I'm almost 23 (18 July - I expect gifts!) so it's going to be interesting to be living at home again, after being away for what feels like forever. Thankfully again, I have a great family, who will support me, and friends who will be encouraging.

And finally, what next? There are so many doors to test, and see which one God wants me to walk through. I know I have people praying for me and I'm praying myself, trying not to shut out what God is saying.

I've only got a month left in Bristol and it's starting to dawn on me that my time here (in this beautiful place, full of God's love) is coming to an end.

Pray for those who have a busy week, for those who are heading to Telford for the Student Age Pastorate Weekend away (all 20 of us!), for those who are coping with difficult situations and for all who are seeking God in life, every day.

Second time lucky...

Whay! It's taken me ages, but I finally got it sorted!

In the search of...

...a free computer with a good internet connection!

I was going to blog yesterday, but the connection in our office is having some serious doubts about existing at the moment.

I was also going to show you my posters that I keep harping on about, but that doesn't want to work either!!

Back to song books and emails...

Life is moving on....

Now I think I'm free to say what I like about jobs and job interviews. I've mainly been going for jobs that are ministry based, with young people. Needless to say I am not jumping up and down with excitement about it all. I want to do youth or student work, but I'm not sure I should be doing ministry any more. I'm having a lot of very searching conversations asked of me right now, all of which I think are incredibly valid.

So keep praying for me, it's not that I lack direction, its something else...doors are closing, but I don't feel any are opening.

As for the rest of the week, my brain has been plodding along, getting things done. The posters for the Big Day Out are done and will shortly be put up, in time for everyone to go 'what's this then?' I'm also busy sorting out the St Mike's Youth Song Books for future use! It's exciting to tax my brain with problems to do with putting something together that's going to be used for a long time (hopefully) to come!! I think I may have reached new levels of geekness with my knowledge of photocopiers!!

Advertising!

I have spent the day doing posters and flyers for various events happening in July. It's very exciting to see everything we've planned in words and pictures, and the good news is that we get to have A3 posters very soon.

I'm not going to say too much about yesterday, you can ask if you want. I enjoyed it. I really like Herne Bay and the surrounding area, its great if you want a bit of beach and some sun (except for when it rains and you're eating ice cream!). So now I'm back in Bristol, waiting for a phone call...

Back to those flyers...

Interviews!

I'm in that kind of place again. It's 2 days until my interview at Herne Bay and once again, I'm not quite sure how I feel about it all. That's all really... I'm trusting that God knows what he's doing! I lack confidence with these things, I have done for a while, well since I was 16 really.

I got quite upset about the stabbing in Luton, I don't know why I did, I guess I was a little scared for Karen. Still, she doesn't live in the town centre anymore, so I guess, like she says, she feels safe. Still its a shock to hear bad news from a place you're connected to.

That Friday feeling...

Yes...it's the weekend, almost...

I have now exhausted my options for getting my laptop back. So now I can start to panic a bit.

Twice this week I have been into St Michael's pre-school to read a story about Jesus helping people and I have totally enjoyed it. I'd forgotten all about the joys of under-fives! They are just constantly asking questions - who are you? What do you do? Are you going to Disneyland this summer? (seriously!)

Anyway...on to the weekend...no RE:fresh tonight :( because the boys are on the Youth Alpha weekend away. I'm praying for them...

So it's been a while!

Sorry for the lack of posts recently...there have been a number of things keeping my away from the internet. Namely not having a laptop to just switch on and browse. Yes the stupid thing that has upset me, which is entirely my own fault, was me leaving my laptop on the train last Sunday. I couldn't believe what I'd done, and i'm still waiting for ten days to roll around so I can phone the train company that might have it.

Strangely I feel at peace about the whole thing. I think its probably because I haven't exhausted all of my options just yet, so I'm not as panicky as I could be, and I have most of it backed up...so I've not lost a huge amount of files.

Still keep praying for everything. From job interviews - one on the 14th and another on 25th, both in Kent, to everything that is going on in the final term of the year...

P.S. (a real one this time) I'm ill again, stuff keeps living in my throat and making me feel awful!

Being at home...

I've been at home since Sunday and tbh I haven't done a lot. I've slept, seen a few friends and stayed with my sister for two nights in Luton. I've met her babies too! They're simulation children, so they cry, get hungry, get cold and properly scream if you do anything to neglect or harm them. Very realistic, and once you hold one the instinct is to treat it like a real child. It's all part of teaching teenagers the responsibility of parenting when they are young. The lady Karen lent them out to was doing Romance Academy with her teenagers...

Today I have watched my brother play on an Xbox360 game called F.E.A.R. so I've spent the morning getting scared by a computer game...the less I talk about it the better. later on we're going shopping and then eating lots of food at my Nan's.

I have really enjoyed my week so far, it didn't get off to a great start, but its getting better. Tomorrow I'm going to hopefully see where I'm going for an interview in a few weeks time. Then on Saturday its back to Bristol for the last leg of the year... :(

It has been busy...

Lots going on, so just a quick one.

I went for a job interview and didn't get it. Wise words from those around me assure me that God's got better things planned for me.

I helped out on Saturday at Wiz's wedding, and thoroughly enjoyed the whole day. I was exhausted though!

I traveled home on Sunday and did something stupid...more about that at some point...

And today I cleared out my room, with the help of my sister (yes, we share)...and it feels great!

I'm off to Luton...

Radio 1

They just love it don't they - themselves I mean. I've been listening to it all of a good week now, and the music is good (keeps me up to date with pop culture) but they do have a tendency of drawing things out. The Big Weekend happened and they are still harping on about it. Now if you weren't there, or don't know anything about it, it gets a little sickening after 2 days of hearing the same live sets. Which is part of the reason why I love local radio, the music ins't just from the top ten - it spans decades usually (which leaves some people going 'eh, whats this trash?') and they don't harp on about things for days after.

Forgive me for ranting, I love music, don't get me wrong, its a great medium for getting people together, always, but do our musical achievements need to be talked about forever? (Jo Wiley on stage with the Fray (who are awesome))

How's everyone feeling about the current series of Doctor Who? Is it good, bad or just ugly?
I'm enjoying it, I've always said I'm more frightened of the 'human sized' monsters than the CGI monsters - just because the graphics are a little lacking somehow. I've also been watching confidential afterwards, which is a brilliant insight into the world of The Doctor. This weeks episode had me on the edge of my seat!

It's Monday...

Very much so. Its also a day for birthdays, Dad doesn't like to be reminded of his age, so I won't be mean. Check out his blog though, and the comments, its very interesting. It's also Jess' birthday today. She was quite excited in church yesterday evening - today she's 21. So Happy Birthday to you both!

This also means that its less than 2 months til I turn 23. I certainly don't feel 23. What I had planned for the summer, way back in September, isn't happening any more, so thats a little weird, even now. It was one of the things that would propell me almost definitely into independence and adulthood, but like I said, plans have changed. I'm about to go for a job interview, one that may possibly take me further away from home than all of my previous jobs. I still don't know whether this is where I'm meant to be. I hope that it will all become clear very soon. Till then, pray with me.

Looking back, but not that far... last night was a St Mikes Youth Service...more and more of the evening is being planned and run by the young people. It's really encouraging that they are taking the responsibility for the service. Dan's talk was really encouraging. Sex and Sexuality is a difficult subject to talk about! It was great though. He's an excellent speaker...and I've got to follow him, I'm speaking in July...

P.S. (but I know you're going to read this first)

Trev and I are having a conversation about the music in the office. I think we've both come to conclusion that I probably shouldn't attach my laptop to the beast!

Job interviews

This morning I got confirmation of two interviews that I've been invited to, one happening next Thursday and the other in a couple of weeks. I want to go to both, the problem is that they are both at the end of nowhere. So a nightmare to get to. Both on the coast however, which I think I will enjoy! Watch this space for more news, even if it is a very short entry, from a very tired me.

I've still got a cold. Its all in my nose at the moment, which I hate, because it inevitably leads to an ear infection. So I could be facing days of pain and a course of antibiotics if I'm not careful...all I really want is to stop sneezing...

Ok, so two posts in a day...

Isn't it funny how some of the things we feel keep cropping up time and time again, even when situations are different, there are words or phrases, or feelings that are continuous.

For my life its been two things that I know are always going to keep me, (and make me cry in the process) one is the verse in Jeremiah -

For I know the plans I have for you, " declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

The other is a verse in Matthew

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Which also appears in a song that keeps cropping up again and again. The last time it was mentioned was here, when I had just found out that my grandad was suffering from cancer. He's been gone for over a year now, but still, God is faithful and I am trying hard to listen.

Writing prayers is hard...

Thats it, that's all I have to say today. Just thought that I'd keep you interested, after all there's no point in having a blog and not writing on it. So I'm taking a very short break from attempting to write the prayers for Sunday morning to blog.

Ok, one more thing. I have a job interview, in Herne, in June. It's ages away but I'm hoping to hear all about it shortly.

Pray for me...

The internet =

The bain of my life. This morning it has decided that it doesn't want to work on the non-admin account, despite gleefully logging into MSN first thing. I don't know why, I really don't care (because there is always a way round these things) but it makes life just that little bit more difficult.

Technical support anyone?

I'm currently sitting in a quiet office, because the boys are at a meeting, so I've got some time to sort out posters, tickets and flyers for the Live Band Night which is coming up in two weeks...

Knocked for 6...

No, I'm not talking about the beginning of the Cricket Season (Sorry Ant). It's more about my entire self giving up for a whole three days... A sore throat that escalated (and probably wasn't helped by the cheering done on Sunday night) to a full blown cold by Monday morning...yes I spent Bank Holiday in bed, grumble...lets hope the next one is a little happier and the next couple of days don't completely wipe me out again, as I'm not 100% just yet.

So I'm catching up on things...

P.S.

I know you'll read this first, but it really is an after thought.

Something's going on with the nerves in my body, my index finger on my left hand has been tingling since I got up. I know I've got a trapped nerve, but I'm a little worried that it's taking so long of the tingling to go away!

And pray for the job applications that have been sent this week, this is really important for me, as (like I said last week) I'm feeling a lack of direction.

That's all, now we all must get back to work...

The Internet...

Is now better than it was before. Chris, who is amazing, has updated all of the boxes that carry the internet around the building so hence the internet now works and can cope with having two laptops downloading web pages. Which makes my life a whole lot easier, and means it doesn't take 45 min to check emails in the morning! Thank you Chris!

I've been watching Ant dance and sing in the office - the joy of iPods!

I text my little brother this morning for an update on his friend who was involved in a car crash on Monday night. He's ok, but in pain, still in hospital, waiting for an operation. However, my brother (and Trev) is on top of the world after seeing Liverpool go to the Champions League Final last night, after beating Chelsea on penalties (yes they couldn't do it in normal time). Now we've just got to wait and see if Man U can hold their own tonight against AC Milan, which would mean an all English final! Totally going to have to watch that!!

You have got to be joking...

Having fun with the internet this morning... The only thing that is loading is my page...funny that!

When I find the person who said 'exercise is good for you if you have stomach cramps' I'm going to tell them they got it WRONG. I tried it yesterday and it didn't work, I even took prescribed (to me) drugs, and that didn't help. Absolutely ridicluous, this kind of pain stops you from sleeping as well, so after a rough night, I'm feeling very delicate. Today is not going to be a good one.

One more thing... What is with the BBC's 'opening credits' for the snooker? I've seen it a few times now, being the couch potato that I am (and probably the reason why the running didn't work). I stil haven't figured it out though. Its a white horse and a bull, surrounded by other snooker balls... Sure, I can understand that the horse is the cue ball and the bull is the black, but why those tow animals? Any ideas?

The radio is playing up too, which means listening to Tree 63 so I don't end up throwing the Beast out the very small window!!!

Warning:Do not get on the wrong side of me today!!

Searching...

For a lot of things, but mainly for direction... It must be the time of year, or the fact that I have just come back from Spring Harvest that means I'm doing a lot of thinking right now as to what I'm meant to be doing, over the summer and beyond.

I'm currently sat in the library above a busy coffee shop, which is quite nice really, and it means I get to sit on a sofa!! I'm seriously going to see how far the wireless stretches when it gets hot enough to sit outside...

Yesterday evening we held a social for Youth Alpha+ (Mettle group C) to start off the term, we ate and played Pictionary...a game I never thought could get quite as competitive as it did last night! It was really good fun though, I do love spending time with this group, they are so random and lovely at the same time...

Back to Bristol...

Back to earth with a bump...after being at Spring Harvest. I'd forgotten the 'bubble' effect that such an event has on me. For 6 days, I'm away from home, at work, but on holiday, surrounded by people who are serious about being 'One People', who are Christian in every sense of the word. People who are committed to showing God's love to each other and the world.

It's really strange. It was good fun though, I must say I learnt a lot, about the people around me and myself. The whole atmosphere of the week was brilliant, the worship in the Big Top was awesome and the bible teaching each day gave me something different to process.

But we're back in the world now, and praying for God's comfort for those who have lost relatives or were injured in Monday's shootings in Virginia. I'm quite taken by an email that was read out on BBC News 24 which said that this is not a time for a political debate about the rate of gun crime across America, nor the ease of purchasing a gun...it is a time for mourning, a time to allow people to grieve what has gone on. I agree.

What do you think?

Bank Holiday Madness

No, I am not talking about Sofa sales, kitchen price cuts or hours of discount cars - but trains. Yes, trains. Trains and platform staff, both of whom (yes I know trains can't think) don't seem to have a clue what is going on.

Today I was amongst the 100's of people travelling from Paddington station who were sent away when some kind of incident happened on the tracks just outside the station, causing first great western to cancel all trains going out of paddington, instantly. Leaving me and a few hundred others stranded.

We were told to head to Ealing Broadway where we were promised trains would be starting from to take us the rest of the way. So we finally arrived enmasse at Ealing Broadway, to find only two platforms working, and a serious crowd control problem. The staff at the station did not have a clue how to deal with big angry mobs, who kept seeing first great western trains speed by - knowing that they could be on them, getting to their destinations without a worry in the world.

I finally got to Reading and waited another 50 mins to get a train to Bristol Parkway... of all the times I have been travelling 'cross country, why did the worst journey (so far, and I am not holding my breath!) have to happen the day before Spring Harvest?

So I've filled out a form and I'm sending it off in the hope that I'll get the full price of my ticket refunded because I was delayed for a whole 2 hours 30 mins. And if the train company phone me and say they can't refund my money, I will not be happy!

Any way, Spring Harvest tomorrow, and despite my tiredness, I am looking forward to it...

Being at home...

Comes with all little bits of excitement...

The excitement of Billericay Town Football club being top of the Ryman Premier League, for 4 days in a week!

The excitement of celebrating mt cousins 16th birthday, and realising that the next 5 years are going to be spent celebrating more milestone birthdays and anniversaries.

The excitement (and wonder) of family photos that have been sent to us. Photos that as children in the current family, we've never seen before, time spent spotting various family traits, facial expressions, body language, that have been passed down to my parents and siblings.

You can see the family resemblence! I've seen my grandparents on their wedding day and seen where we get some of it from...


There is a photo of my Grandad and his brother-in-law sitting in a back garden somewhere the day before I was born. Which holds some strangeness and sadness. My parents can't understand why its so weird.


One moment, captured forever, where I existed, but I wasn't born.


My grandad in the garden, with his brother-in-law, enjoying the sun and within a few hours my Gran had passed away, and I was born, my other grandparents celebrated their wedding anniversary too...That was almost 23 years ago.

Its been a little bit of a weird day...but Sunday's a comin'. I'm looking forward to seeing the gang together tomorrow...

Good Friday

Yes, it's that time of year again...

Good Friday is far from good, I don't know where it gets the name, but I'm sure my Dad will explain it at some point on his blog...He's sat next to me, reading over my shoulder! RUDE! (But you've gotta love wireless Internet, sat watching the TV whilst blogging - bliss!)

So today I've been to church and walked through the town, as part of the Walk of Witness, which seems to be 'an Essex thing' as far as I'm aware. We wander through the town, behind three crosses with banners that say various things about what Jesus went through before the was put on the cross. Its a very public statement, and a time for reflection. It ends with a service in one of the two churches at the end of the high street.

Definitely a solemn time for the church across the world, but as my vicar said (and a guy called Tony Compolo apparently) 'Sunday is coming' - there is a time for celebration on the horizon, even when we're at our lowest, there is always a time for celebration.

Off to check whats going on at SH while I'm online (and before I fall asleep)...

Catching up

I have spent the evening with a very dear friend, catching up on whats going on in her life, and, obviously, sitting in my local (in Billericay) means that I'm going to see people I know, and talk to them too.

Ah, being back at home...I could go into a million cliches about how home is like... but I'll spare you, bacuse I'm nice like that.

I have also been catching up on the forum...lots to say and think about right now. Spring Harvest is just around the corner and I'm away from Stoke Gifford right now, so it's kind of a life line to work!! Sad but true, you've gotta love it. I have a feeling it'll go very quiet while we're on holiday...

Among other things...

Yes I know I should probably go home for a bit...or at least for a walk. But instead I'm sat listening to the radio, trying to focus, whilst getting annoyed at my jumper falling apart. Everything I pick up at the moment seems to fall apart in my hands. Not good really...The seem at the sleeve has unravelled, leaving me with a cold wrist.

Man, I'm tired....

Youth Alpha

Ah what a sad day...Youth Alpha finishes tonight. Our final session is 'How do I make the most of the rest of my life?' and it will, as with every session, be lots of fun. Ben Lillie is our guest speaker, and he's bringing one of his young people too!

I've enjoyed the whole course, I've never done Alpha, like I said, right at the very beginning, but I have learnt loads - from how to order chinese for 14 to planning a whole weekend away. Although Y(MC!)A is ending for the older ones, it is only just beginning for the 11-14's. Thursday is the launch night, Trevor has got a good team to lead the 11-14's through the course.

If you'd like to know more visit http://www.alpha.org

So what's the next thing I'm going to be harping on about for the term after Easter? I don't know, probably YA+ or RE:fresh, maybe even more interviews. Spring Harvest might crop up, there's bound to be a few funny moments - we shall see. I haven't been away with the older St Mikes Youth lot yet, but I am definately looking forward to it.

I will try to label my posts too from now on.

Sorry about the poor joke, although you probably all missed it!

Interview

Thank you for all who prayed for me over the weekend. I was at a job interview on Friday, and although I had a really good day, I didn't get the job I'd applied for. You're probably thinking I'm really disappointed, but actually I know there is a job out there that will allow my ministry to develop, I've just got to trust God.

Hence the reason for the blog being strangely quite for a few days. I was busy preparing for the interview. So now, after Palm Sunday, we are heading towards Easter and Spring Harvest.

We were at The Mix yesterday evening and as always I came away from the evening asking questions about my faith and my actions. Really challenging talk and the worship was awesome. I've never felt so calm in such a noisy place.

Keep praying for me...

Oh, and which member of the crowd are you on Palm Sunday? Are you welcoming the King with shouts of acclamation or not? At the front of the crowd, taking in everything, or at the back, not quite sure?

Filton....

...has been great so far!! More than half way through the teaching and we're all tired, but very happy with how its going. I was saying to Karen earlier that God knows my strengths better than I do right now. I'm quite glad He's got my life planned, cos I so don't want to be a secondary school teacher!

Nuff said, I'm off to eat a huge amount at S.A.P.

FILTON!

Ah ha! Just waiting for Trev to get back from Tesco and then we're off to Filton HS for a whole week of teaching.
I have a mixture of feelings about this, and all of them hit me when we were being prayed for as a team yesterday... I was really scared last night and now I'm nervous.
But trusting that God will protect us from all of the things that could go wrong!
Pray for us, pray for Helen!

Day off

Time to relax and think about what is going on next week. Being in school for a good amount of next week, probably means I should prepare myself by getting up early tomoro, or something like that, so I can get in to waking up and not feeling like death warmed up!
I know I'm going to love it, but I already have an appreciation for what its like to be a teacher when the kids don't want to learn, though having sadi that, all of the classes have been responsive and thankful, some even surprised by the fact that human traffiking is still a huge part of the crimial world. If you want to know more about this and Freedom Day (25 March) visit http://www.stopthetraffik.org It's well worth finding out how we can get involved in stopping human traffiking.
Right, I'm off to hunt for food and getting settled for the rugby.

Gospel

Some woman on GWR doesn't know what the 4th Gospel is!! Stupid!

Just blogging cos I've got a moment! Photos online of our day in London. And there are photos somewhere of the weekends activities.

I found the blog I was looking for http://www.mikeviz-a-viz.blogspot.com, have a look.

Keep praying for me, things are about to get busy and we're all a little stressed.

Weston-super-MUD

Oh yes, in a short while I will be taking the short trip down to the seaside to spend the day with our resident band - Chaos Remains. I'm not going anywhere near the sea, no way.

Chaos Remains are playing in the local final of a Battle of the Bands competition. I'm so proud of the leaps and bounds that they have made since September.

A whole day in Weston - get in! It's going to be fun!

I've been looking for a blog by the new director of evangelism at Viz-a-viz, the organisation I did my first year out with, and I am yet to come across it. I'll keep you up to date.

No YA

I am sad, YA has been cancelled tonight, due to a GCSE Drama preformance, which more than half of the gang are involved in.
Still I am off to band practice now...and then I've got the evening off.
Assembly at St Mary Redcliffe in the centre of Bristol tomorrow. Working hard!!

Youth Alpha Weekend away...

You know it!! Seriously, I post about nothing else at the moment!

The weekend away was really good, despite the rain, all the way there, and all the way back, but not on the saturday, when we were out and about terrorising the people of swadlincote and Burton!! We learnt all about the Holy Spirit, thanks to my wonderful sister, who I am sooooo proud of. Its tough to talk to a youth group who you've never met before and get on with them, but she did really well.

Spending a weekend with the Youth Alpha gang has helped everything in the relationship stakes, everyone is closer, and we got through the worst part of the weekend (Sunday mornings are when everyone is tired and bitchy) without any tears (apart from mine).

So we've got a couple of weeks left and then Easter, wherewe're off to Spring Harvest - I survived a weekend, but will I survive 5 days with even more teenagers?

YAW

Short hand for the Youth Alpha Weekend away. Its also starting today, this evening in fact. 5.30pm tonight, I, with Ant and 9 kids will be heading off to Packington Villiage hall to spend a whole weekend in the company of each other.
Not quite sure how to feel just yet, this is the first time I've done a weekend away with St Mikes, and the first time I've been in charge of such a thing.
I have done catering before and also been on a 14-18's weekend away, but nothing like this. I've never even done a Youth Alpha course before now (at least not one that I've paid attention at) so its going to be a learning curve.
I'm off to eat, before we go shopping otherwise Sainsbury's will have a shock!!

Why?

I've spent a good amount of time writing a covering letter for a job. Crazy. I hope its worth it.

Time for tea, I think.

It's Tuesday...

Which means its Youth Alpha, again. It's funny how a routine falls into place so quickly...

I have been excited by the news that Take That are touring again in November and have put the responsiblity on myself to organise the tickets for a date in December in London to see them - something me, my sister and my mum haven't done for over ten years!! Excited...I think so!! I would love to see them in Manchester, but thats a litlle far fetched.

I don't know if you've ever come across Super Size Me? Well, I have and that was disturbing...so imagine my horror when I saw Super Slim Me on the TV last night. It was shocking. A poor (or totally insane) woman subjected herself to only eating 500 calories a day...which is nothing - well a quarter of what women are meant to consume a day. Now I get hungry, quite often, but I can't imagine eating just 500 calories a day (which is about 2 coffees, 2 apples, a chicken breast and some salad). I would not recommend that anyone even thinks about extreme dieting, let alone going towards being a size zero model.

But there are people out there who do such things and promote living on no food what so ever, its stupid.

On the other scale, there is a 8 year old child who is having his future decided by social services today, because he weighs 14 stone.

What has the world come to? I'm going to ponder while I set up Alpha...

You know when...

...someone doesn't want any contact with the outside world when you can hear their music over your own, whilst sat next to them on the tube.

I'm not joking, I'm really serious, the lady I was sat next to had her music so loud in her own ears, that I could hear it over my own music from my mp3 player. Maybe I can just hear really well, but thats unusual. It's not going to be good for her either in the long run, any loud music isn't.

London, other than the above, was really good. I will always enjoy it when I can just spend a day with a friend, in no rush, we went to the Tate, which I love, and the Science Museum, which has changed a lot since I was last there, its a lot more hands on than it used to be and also feels a lot bigger than I remember it. I now want to go to the V&A and the Natural History Museum again. The last time I was there I was about 12 and with my school friends - so didn't really pay attention much. Definitely somenthing I would do on my own too, less likely to worry about who is with me and more likely to spend a lot of time on things I'm interested in.

I'm currently watching Scotland get beaten by Italy, I don't know why this has happened...I think Italy are having a good day!

I've also got a very funny photo to show you - go to my Dad's blog to see my little brother dressed as Luigi from Super Mario Brothers!! I didn't get to see him dress up, but I saw all of the others who were out yesterday evening - the theme was S. For Mike's 18th the theme is M - I will be there, but what can I go as?

P.S. Luton was awesome, getting up at 5.30 was hard, but I enjoyed all of it, I also managed to stay awake all day!! I love see what my sister is up to, her ministry is so important to her, and she's made for it. I love getting involved and helping out, its all practice and fun...

Late nights...late mornings!

People keep asking me why I'm at home. I work with school kids, who don't exist during the holidays (we wish!!)...so I can comfortably travel home and enjoy the company of my friends (who had forgotten that I was coming home) for a whole week, then comfortably travel back to Bristol refreshed and ready to lose sleep over Alpha.

I'm already in holiday mode (note the time being near 1am) and starting to feel all different types of ill, because I am not keeping a sleeping pattern. Wednesday is going to be the hardest day of this week, because I am joining my sister for breakfast in Luton, which means getting up at the unearthly hour of 5am. Joy! Looking forward to discussing youth alpha with her though.

Youth Alpha is rather dominating at the moment. I am going to miss not having dinner and a chat with everyone tomorrow, it is a good day in the week at the moment.

Also on the upside, I've spoken to Rich, who is on a disney cruise ship as a stage techie, and he seems happy, also, in almost the same breath, Steve is good in Tajikistan, thinking big as always!!

To bed, I'm traveling tomorrow and I haven't packed yet!

At home...

I don't know how many times I have posted with that as the title, and I'm not going to find out, but you can dear reader, if you want...
I am now back in good old Billericay, having a quiet night in before I tell everyone that I am in town. I know its like uber sneaky of me, but I need time to get back into life here first. Tomorrow at church is going to be interesting. Looking forward to that one.
Went out last night with Claire and Chris which was brilliant, its nice to sit in the pub and just chat to like minded people. I have promised a big night out to both of them, when I have an evening without an early start the day after... we shall see if that happens.
Thursday evening was fun...we had the Rock Solid Valentines Dance, which was a hit. Though I had totally forgotten what being 11-14 was like, I must say though it brought back some memories!! Strange children, unique even, but a good laugh and you can help but love them!

So home for a week, then back to Brizzle (thanks Kaz) and Youth Alpha!!

Lots of good news!

I'm feeling a lot better about Youth Alpha than I did 12 hours ago. We've got the transport sorted and I've got an idea of how the weekend is going to look, but still pray for me.
I'm off to Globe Cafe...

it's all going horribly wrong...

AARRRRRGGGHHHH!

Using the new blogger and Youth Alpha

Ok so the new blogger isn't that bad, the only thing different is the font and the fact that I can label posts now, though I don't think I can be bothered to label all 392 posts from the last couple of years...let me think about it...no...no I won't that would be a pointless exercise, and horribly time wasting. I have things to do, like not blogging, or hows about I tell you about Alpha?

Well last night was brilliant, I managed to scare four girls into thinking I was going to make them do something ridiculously hard, get 'Dear Lord baby Jesus' into a talk (go on I dare you) and make the end of my talk really hard by handing out teaspoons. Who ever thought that a punch of teenagers would be absolutely besotted with the idea of trying to balance a spoon on the end of their nose? Still they got the point of what, why and how to pray, and also that God doesn't always answer prayers with a clear 'yes'.

Ant said I'd done a lot better, which I agree with, so much so, that I'm going to go home in a bit and have a closer look at the talks that I'm doing after half term. Should be interesting. I think I enjoy using props with this group, giving them something to take away (if possible) is a good idea.

So there we go...I'm off home.

Valentines Day

So far has been the most uneventful day I've had in a while...but then I haven't been at home to check the post!!
I think possibly the best thing thats happened so far was meeting and chatting with Claire (with an 'i'). She's a brilliant girl, and I know she's watching, so hello!
It is also, as I'm told by a mate at UWE, Singleness Awareness Day, so that puts a smile on my face. I am slowly coming round to the idea that being single is better for me!!
More later from my twisted mind....

Youth Showcase Evening

Just before we go to f.h.c.u. I'll mention quickly about the youth showcase evening. It was top! Everyone worked really hard to help it run smoothly. I'm dead impressed with everyone who stood at the front of church, not to metion all of the people who were working in the background.
I may as well explain what it was too, it was an opportunity for the church to see the youth work in the church. To see the different elements of stmikesyouth.

I ache all over this morning, despite feeling really well, if a little dehydrated. I don't quite know why, and I pray that I'm not going to get ill on my week off next week. I have gone though, from having 2 nights out to 4 in the space of 3 hours, last night, so it could well wipe me out. We'll see. Yeay, back to Billericay in a week!

Going home

I'm going to have a couple of hours at home before coming back to work at 7. Student age pastorate this evening, looking forward to it. I have got to get more people on to the forum (which I haven't checked today) to make it all happen. We don't really see each other though, cos everyone is so busy right now. It clashes with the football though, so I've promised Trev I won't check the score or mention it if I do.

Unfortunately, Steve has had to remove his blog, so I'll remove the link. Still you all know he's out in Tajikistan, so I'll have to keep you updated now!! Keep praying for him.

Instead I'll put a link for my facebook account in its place.

I'm going to go home, with a stratch on my hand from losing a fight with the prayer board at 9.30am. Boy am I glad for online forums where I don't have to cope with pins!

Hello again

Just to mention one blog for your interest.

Steve is a very good friend of mine and at the moment he's in Tajikistan. Don't ask me where that it follow the link to his blog here to find out where he's living an what he is doing.

Also pray for him - he's in a strange country, away from family and friends. He does have a real heart for mission and teaching though. I think he's brill.

Stick with it, it won't be updated that often, but when it is I shall let you all know.

In the quiet

Just having a moment of chill from all of the panic the Youth Alpha causes. I don't know why I get to worried about it, because in the end its been alright. Things have happened along the way, but we're alright come show time. This weeks cook has just turned up and is happy working on her own, so I'm going to leave her to it.

I'm going to also use this time to put some photos of Friday's live music online here.

I'm also taking stock of all thats around me, but you don't need to know the details of my inner thoughts...you'll be asleep before the end of the first sentence!

There's a good while before I have to get up again! Have a good evening.

Live Music Night!

Oh my goodness! It was sooo good! Seriously, the quality of music we saw on friday night is hard to find nowadays. These guys are so keen to be at the top of their game - they don't even realise how good they are. And they have all got their feet on the ground - except for when they're jumping around of course. I will post photos once I have them on my laptop.

I am so proud of both bands and George. I've said so rather publically on the st mikes forum. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Worship

Last night was The Mix worship special, which was good but had mixed reactions from the team. Seen as I'm not in a ranting mood, I will just ask one question - Is it right to practise worship? I'm not quite sure what the answer is myself. There are different types of practice i.e. doctors practicing medicine. They alreay know their stuff, but they are in the business of medicine...is it the same with worship? Do we already know how to communicate with God or do we have to actually learn how to do it.
The lady who spoke last night was going along the lines of actually learning how to communicate with God. But I think there's more to it than that. My thoughts on sung worship are the same as my thoughts on the gift of tongues - both I'm a little scared of really, but actually if I just open my mouth and start making noises God will help my along and encourage me. Maybe thats what practicing worship is. Doing it and allowing God to encourage you...After all you don't get something if you don't ask.
I don't know and I know I haven't explained it very well, probably because I haven't sorted it out in my head yet...
Pray for all the people around me, we're all tired!

Stokey G is about to ROCK!

The peace and tranquility of Stoke Gifford is about to be disturbed by the musical stylings of George Ray, Cobweb in the Corner, and Chaos Remains (formerly Pandamonium).
We are calling it the Live Music Night. We are sure that it is going to be the biggest thing the team has done since september and we are sure that we're going to do it again.
Sound checking at the moment is, while, a learning curve. The whole evening will be. From staffing this 'event' to clearing up and how the coffee shop will cope with 100+ people wanting drinks.
I was at Globe earlier and I'm starting to enjoy it.It has always been a challenge, since I started in September, but teaching students english is fun! All they want is a conversation, which I can quite easily do.

I'll leave you with a thought (and the prospect that I won't be able to hear tomoro) 'Shoes are proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy'. Thanks Helen, you are a true 'star'!

The meaning of Dumb Ass...

Is me! I've done something totally stupid.

For those of you who know anything about Easter, you'll know that it happens in April. For those for you who know about Spring Harevest, you'll know it happens during the Easter holidays, which are in April.

So what have I done that is so incredibly stupid (and I must say easy to do, and easy to miss) I've only gone and put MARCH on the letter that went out to people 2 weeks ago.

Idiot - am going to apologise to everyone now and feel incredibly small for weeks and weeks until we go away in APRIL.

Though it's some consolation that my boss hadn't even spotted it until it was mentioned to him by a member of the youth group!! (she's a very sensible girl.)

Umm...

I did post while I was in Southampton, I'm sure of it!! Oh well, if it appears you'll all know, if not - I had a brilliant time down there. Adrian Plass is awesome, he can pick at every aspect of church, in a funny way, but still have a serious message. Some of his stories had me crying tears of laughter! Which doesn't happen very often.

Work as ever has been very busy and we're under attack a bit, I think. Everything that wanted to happen yesterday before Youth Alpha did. Someone doesn't like what we're doing. Not all bad stuff, but things to throw us off course, so we're not completely focused on telling the truth of Jesus Christ.

One thing that did happen yesterday was a phone call I had just before 7:30pm. From the vicar of the church where I was going to get married. He was genuinely concerned about me, and said that he would pray for me. That made me cry, just as all of the youth alpha crew were arriving, brilliant!!

Today has been slightly more relaxing. Writing Annual reports, having lunch with Wiz and just generally updating everything. I'm now on Facebook, after Alex decided to add photos of me that are truly hideous!!

I did have a rant, but maybe for another day.

Glasses

Its been 13 months since I had a new pair of glasses and now I am going to have to replace them, seen as the arm broke clean off last night, and there is no chance of even salvaging the parts. I have a hectice lifestyle so I'm going to get some glasses that are bound to last longer than 13 months. Although when you pay £120 for something that you wear all the time, don't you expect it to do its job for a good amount of time?
Generally annoyed this morning. This week is getting worse. Lets hope the weekend is better, despite not being able to see much.

Assembly, lists and justice

Today started with an assembly at St Michaels school, lots of faces, some I recognise, most I don't. I'm not as scared of primary school aged children as Ant is, so I really enjoyed it. Though I am reminded of what one of my friends used to say about primary school assemblies - "Its like looking at a sea of maggots". Now if you have ever stood in front of a group of 4-7 year olds, you'll totally understand that comment, if not, I challenge you to take an assembly! It was about Jesus the healer and involved a lot of imagination. The first one is always harder and poorer than the second one. But it's done and makes me want to go back to telling stories for 3 year olds.

The rest of the day has been spent trying to tick off various things on the list that I wrote myself before I went to sleep last night. It was good to get all of it down, I'm starting to forget things now. But I feel more productive having things to tick off. Funny that.

I'm getting Sunday sorted too. As well as making sure I pack for Saturday and Sunday, as I am seeing Helen and her church. Yeay, just a tad excited!!

(Have just has a fight with IE7 and the pop-up blocker! Looks like I'm going to have to read my blogs carefully cos I can't spell check!)