Precious Moment

This morning Grace came to 'Cheeky Monkeys' (parent and toddler group) with her nan. She was holding out her hand to show me something as she arrived. It was covered with yellow slime. She told me she'd picked up a snail and put it back on the grass.
Now of course I was pleased for the snail but didn't really want that hand near me. Then she told me, "God made the snail". Her nan had taken the opportunity to teach her something about God. It was precious to see this little girl declaring the simple truth that God was indeed the creator of that snail.
I was reminded what a privilege I have in my job to work with families teaching these very small children about God.

The happy couple

Last Saturday Rach and Andrew got married so on Friday off I headed on the familiar route down the M6 to London. I stayed in a nice little hotel not far from the church.

I know Rach from Ashville 3 camp. For the past 3 years we've had lots of fun hosting evening entz together - good times!!!

It was nice to see some familiar faces there, Pete Matthew, Towner, Phil, Steve & Nicole, Simon & Aneaone and Lizzie, good to catch up with them. The service was good, there's always something special and a bit different when two Christians get married. Then there was an informal reception with the cutting of the cake before heading off to the hotel for a beautiful meal. I'm always a bit nervous about going to wedding receptions when I go on my own but the people on my table were nice and we had plently to talk about. Before long the speeches had finished and it was time for the dancing but unfortunately I had to head back up to Liverpool for church on Sunday morning. I got home in the early hours of Sunday but it was all worth it.

A lovely day...

Next Saturday I'm back in London for Lizzie & Nick's wedding. Staying at hotel 'Caroline & Jeff's' on Friday!

Whatever happened to Jesus?

Over Easter myself and a few others had the privilege of teaching many children from the local primary school the Easter story. We started with Palm Sunday looking at how Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, just like the old testament prophets said the King would come. Then we looked at how some people did not want Jesus as their King so killed him. But how that wasn't the end of the story as Jesus the King rose from the dead and is now alive.

The children went away seeminlgy quite clear that Jesus is alive.

Since then I've been thinking back over what we taught...yes, the children knew Jesus came back alive, but I wonder if they know where he is now? I wonder if they think that since Jesus is not walking around on earth now then he must have died again?

It really struck me how important it is to teach the next part of the story, to teach the children that Jesus was taken to heaven after he appeared to many people and one day will return in glory. That way the children will not be in any doubt that Jesus really is alive.

My mum was run over today...

...by my dad on his scooter.

She is okay. He ran over her foot, not once but twice, as he was negotiating a kerb. She was not amused. I laughed for a long time!

How Rude!!!

Now I appreciate that I often use my hands when I talk. I have hand gestures for playing the piano, taking photos, going on holiday and so on. And I don't mind the fact that sometimes I get mocked by friends for doing it.

However I do object to being mocked by total strangers! There I was in my car talking to a mate on the phone (hands free of course) and I stopped at traffic lights which always take ages to change. I carried on talking, without realising that I was using my hands. Then out of the corner of my eye I noticed the car next to me. Four blokes all mocking me! I was so embarassed! The lights changed, they waved and off they went.

How rude!

One day closer

Was struck by this verse as I was reading my Bible this morning, "The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed" (Romans 13 v 11b).

Today I am one day closer to meeting the Lord Jesus and spending eternity with him in heaven.

Today I have one day less to share with people, who are facing an eternity in hell, the good news that God has sent his son the Lord Jesus to take the punishment for sin so that people can be forgiven by God, live a new life here on earth and then live with him forever.

A wonderful hope and a challenge on this Monday morning.

Some days are just brilliant...today was one of those days. Been on a conference at Oak Hill. Fantastic, thought provoking, challenging teaching and a chance to catch up with some old mates, some whom I expected to see, some I didn't expect to be there.
Good times. Will update more soon...