Hi everyone! It has been a couple of weeks since I last posted to blog. As with everything there are lots of reasons; I have had some ordinary days when little seemed to happen, some busy days when too much seemed to be happening and then felt a bit daunted about writing this catch up post.
We went to the Air Day at Kemble on 17th June. These shows are often on Sundays and we took the opportunity to go this year. We regularly pass the airfield at Kemble on our way to Chippenham. It used to be a large RAF base but is now decommissioned. It was for 20 years the home of The Red Arrows and they performed a vituoso display of formation flying. It really is incredible how close they fly to one another. We saw the Team Guinot wing walkers, young ladies strapped to the wings of bi-planes, who flew past right way up and upside down whilst waving- thankfully managed to persuade Bev not to join up!
Another highlight was a simulated operation to take possession of the base from "enemy fighters"; this involved AWACS, Tornado fighters and a Herculaes C130 fom nearby RAF Lyneham carrying troops and Land Rovers. Our home in Chippenham was under the flypath and the Hercules is a familar sight.
The Typhoon or Eurofighter displayed and this the newest plane in the RAF fleet performed some incredible manoeuvres seeming at times to stop and turn a corner!
The cost of war was brought home with a flypast by a VC10 from the Falklands 25 display.
Friday, 29 June 2007
Friday, 15 June 2007
Day 46
Ruth Bell Graham
Late last night I noticed in an email that Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham was close to death. This morning, when I logged on, the website was announcing her death at the age of 87. For some reason this has profoundly touched me. Maybe it awakened memories of my own mother who died three years ago. I have spent time browsing the tributes to Ruth Graham and am touched afresh. We live in a harsh and at times cynical world and to encounter such genuine goodness and spiritual vitality is humbling to say the least. I ask myself the question how vital is my spiritual life?
For information about the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association follow this link
http://www.billygraham.org/
To go direct to Ruth Bell Graham's memorial (and I encourage you to do this) follow this link
http://www.billygraham.org/RBG_Default.asp
This morning I had my third and final Human Givens session. I still have a lot of reflecting to do but am grateful for the insights and help gained. Sandie has lent me three books which I am going to get stuck into. This will help gain broader perspective I hope. What I think is that the sabbatical is giving me the opportunity to begin this process and whilst there will be some immediate things to write, share and do both in my own life and within the church it will also be something I want to continue with in the coming months.
Yesterday we had an inch of rain and more in the night but this is nothing compared to some parts of the UK which have experienced severe flooding. The Three Counties Show is on and I expect the ground will be very sticky.
This afternoon I attended John's funeral and just as the cortège left the church a storm broke with thunder, lightning and very heavy rain! It was good to see people but is still strange being there but not being there of you see what I mean.
Afterwards into town to post a card and collect Baptist Times, required reading for all ministers!
So if you want a taster follow the link!
http://www.baptisttimes.co.uk/home.htm
Late last night I noticed in an email that Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham was close to death. This morning, when I logged on, the website was announcing her death at the age of 87. For some reason this has profoundly touched me. Maybe it awakened memories of my own mother who died three years ago. I have spent time browsing the tributes to Ruth Graham and am touched afresh. We live in a harsh and at times cynical world and to encounter such genuine goodness and spiritual vitality is humbling to say the least. I ask myself the question how vital is my spiritual life?
For information about the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association follow this link
http://www.billygraham.org/
To go direct to Ruth Bell Graham's memorial (and I encourage you to do this) follow this link
http://www.billygraham.org/RBG_Default.asp
This morning I had my third and final Human Givens session. I still have a lot of reflecting to do but am grateful for the insights and help gained. Sandie has lent me three books which I am going to get stuck into. This will help gain broader perspective I hope. What I think is that the sabbatical is giving me the opportunity to begin this process and whilst there will be some immediate things to write, share and do both in my own life and within the church it will also be something I want to continue with in the coming months.
Yesterday we had an inch of rain and more in the night but this is nothing compared to some parts of the UK which have experienced severe flooding. The Three Counties Show is on and I expect the ground will be very sticky.
This afternoon I attended John's funeral and just as the cortège left the church a storm broke with thunder, lightning and very heavy rain! It was good to see people but is still strange being there but not being there of you see what I mean.
Afterwards into town to post a card and collect Baptist Times, required reading for all ministers!
So if you want a taster follow the link!
http://www.baptisttimes.co.uk/home.htm
Thursday, 14 June 2007
Day 45
Hi there. Today I attended an event in the Cathedral. A friend of mine, Christine, from our Enfield days is part of The Schools Music Association which organised a singing event for primary schools. I attended as a "special guest". It was a marvellous and uplifting occasion. Twelve schools were present for the morning session and another twelve were expected in the afternoon. It was not a concert but an opportunity to sing together songs which each school had worked on separately. We had everything from a song about Pirates sung with great gusto to Elgar's Ave Verum Corpus sung more solemnly. My favourite was a song entitled Life is a wonderful thing. Does anyone have the lyrics? In between blocks of singing there were some items from Bishop Perowne pupils including the marvellous African drums, an historical talk, and two items by an organist from the Royal College. Truly it all lifted my heart.
If you are interested in schools music you might like to look at their website.
http://www.schoolsmusic.org.uk/index.php
Back home with a little shopping a bite to eat and off to catch the bus to take me to the hospital for my appointment. I had quite a wait and almost dropped off in the hot waiting room. The Doctor told me that the nerve conduction tests had showed quite sever impairment of the median nerve and that an operation was essential if the loss of sensation was to be recovered. This was quite a shock as I had assumed everything would eventually return to normal. Anyway it is a simple op done under a local and aims to relieve pressure on the nerve. I don't have a date yet; waiting list is about four months but I could be called sooner.
Just off to watch the last programme of Springwatch 2007.
If you are interested in schools music you might like to look at their website.
http://www.schoolsmusic.org.uk/index.php
Back home with a little shopping a bite to eat and off to catch the bus to take me to the hospital for my appointment. I had quite a wait and almost dropped off in the hot waiting room. The Doctor told me that the nerve conduction tests had showed quite sever impairment of the median nerve and that an operation was essential if the loss of sensation was to be recovered. This was quite a shock as I had assumed everything would eventually return to normal. Anyway it is a simple op done under a local and aims to relieve pressure on the nerve. I don't have a date yet; waiting list is about four months but I could be called sooner.
Just off to watch the last programme of Springwatch 2007.
Wednesday, 13 June 2007
Days 40, 41 and 42
June 9 to 11th
Got a free CD with the paper which included George Butterworth's lovely idyll, The Banks of Green Willow. It seems appropriate to link it here if you want to listen to few bars of this as you read about our time alongside the river.
George Butterworth was born on July 12th, 1885. On the outbreak of World War I in August, 1914, he quickly joined the Durham Light Infantry as a Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion. During his year in the trenches, he was "mentioned in dispatches" for outstanding courage, won the Military Cross for his defence of a trench that was subsequently named for him, and led a raid during the Battle of the Somme. The raid was successful but Butterworth was killed by a sniper's bullet. It was August 5th, 1916. His memorial is at Thiepval.
(From the Web http://www.calculator.net/Butterworth/Butterworth.html)
Play background music
Saturday was a lovely day. The weather was warm indeed quite hot and sunny. This brought tens of thousands of downy seeds off the willow trees; they floated in the air landing on the water blowing into the van like great clouds of fluff. In the morning we went into St Neots walking through beautiful riverside parks to the bustling little town. had a coffee in the Market Square and chatted to to a local couple who sat at our table. Looked round the market, and scouted out the baptist Church ready for Sunday. Bought some cheap CDs. Back to van for a sandwich. Listened to Gospel CD
Got a free CD with the paper which included George Butterworth's lovely idyll, The Banks of Green Willow. It seems appropriate to link it here if you want to listen to few bars of this as you read about our time alongside the river.
George Butterworth was born on July 12th, 1885. On the outbreak of World War I in August, 1914, he quickly joined the Durham Light Infantry as a Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion. During his year in the trenches, he was "mentioned in dispatches" for outstanding courage, won the Military Cross for his defence of a trench that was subsequently named for him, and led a raid during the Battle of the Somme. The raid was successful but Butterworth was killed by a sniper's bullet. It was August 5th, 1916. His memorial is at Thiepval.
(From the Web http://www.calculator.net/Butterworth/Butterworth.html)
Play background music
Saturday was a lovely day. The weather was warm indeed quite hot and sunny. This brought tens of thousands of downy seeds off the willow trees; they floated in the air landing on the water blowing into the van like great clouds of fluff. In the morning we went into St Neots walking through beautiful riverside parks to the bustling little town. had a coffee in the Market Square and chatted to to a local couple who sat at our table. Looked round the market, and scouted out the baptist Church ready for Sunday. Bought some cheap CDs. Back to van for a sandwich. Listened to Gospel CD
One day at a time, sweet Jesus
That's all I'm asking from you
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What you'd have me do
Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time
That's all I'm asking from you
Just give me the strength to do everyday
What you'd have me do
Yesterday's gone, sweet Jesus
And tomorrow may never be mine
Lord help me today, show me the way
One day at a time
Later we walked along the river in the opposite direction; lots of reeds and conscious we were surrounded by Reed Warblers but, of course, we saw nothing.
Later that night as I walked to the loo block passed a lot of vans. Their lights were on and one looked into other worlds and then looking up there were the stars, "other worlds" maybe and God sees all. Does God look at this world as I looked into a caravan? Does He see it so small and compact, so oblivious of others around, so self contained?
I wonder.
Sunday to St Neots Baptist Church. Not in the Baptist Union which was why I didnt find them when I looked in the BU Directory before we left. We were made welcome and it was a good service. The Minister was on crutches having fallen off a table and torn ligaments in his leg. The Sermon was from Matthew on not giving the dogs what was holy nor casting pearls before swine. It was part of a series. He had a sense of humour but gave us some wise words. Afterwards a good talk with Jenny and Paul Todd. They too have a van much like ours so we talked vans! Paul is an artist and retired from teaching on health grounds. Hope we will see them again sometime.
After a short walk we retired to Ye Old Sun for a roast lunch and in my case a pint of cider. This combination brought on the inevitable sleepiness! After lunch we walked to the park where a Band was playing. They were in the Big Band style and we had, Aint she Sweet, Mack the Knife, Aint Misbehavin etc. They were great. Back to van, slept, cup of tea listened to cricket and then another walk by the river as the previous day to Eaton Socon Sluice where we saw a boat in the lock. Unlike here in Worcestershire the upper lock gate is a guillotine type. Took some photos which are posted alongside. On way back met a 40 year old Pole called Greg. He was in his own words "drunk" but was coherent and lonely and aggrieved at his flat mate who seemed not to share his love of nature. He said he believed in reincarnation although he also said he was a Christian. Made me think about those in Worcester who like Greg are lonely and at a lose end on Sunday with nothing to spend their money on except drink - is there nothing we as a church can do?
Back to the van for tea; heard Lewis Hamilton had won the Canadian Grand Prix!
Monday was pack up day. On leaving the site we drove the short distance to Paxton Pits Nature Reserve. This was based around some old gravel pits and in fact alongside working pits also. We went bird spotting. We think we may have heard a Nightingale; we certainly heard the cuckoo, our first this year! Most amazing were the Cormorants, a very large inland colony. We saw lots of young and adults flying over the lakes and perching in the trees. Sadly we did NOT see a Kingfisher.
Eventually we reached home safely, Bev having driven home. All was well. Very tired but a most enjoyable few days.
If you are interested in the Baptist Church here is their entry on Find a Church with a link to other web pages
http://www.findachurch.co.uk/churches/tl/tl16/nsbc/
Later that night as I walked to the loo block passed a lot of vans. Their lights were on and one looked into other worlds and then looking up there were the stars, "other worlds" maybe and God sees all. Does God look at this world as I looked into a caravan? Does He see it so small and compact, so oblivious of others around, so self contained?
I wonder.
Sunday to St Neots Baptist Church. Not in the Baptist Union which was why I didnt find them when I looked in the BU Directory before we left. We were made welcome and it was a good service. The Minister was on crutches having fallen off a table and torn ligaments in his leg. The Sermon was from Matthew on not giving the dogs what was holy nor casting pearls before swine. It was part of a series. He had a sense of humour but gave us some wise words. Afterwards a good talk with Jenny and Paul Todd. They too have a van much like ours so we talked vans! Paul is an artist and retired from teaching on health grounds. Hope we will see them again sometime.
After a short walk we retired to Ye Old Sun for a roast lunch and in my case a pint of cider. This combination brought on the inevitable sleepiness! After lunch we walked to the park where a Band was playing. They were in the Big Band style and we had, Aint she Sweet, Mack the Knife, Aint Misbehavin etc. They were great. Back to van, slept, cup of tea listened to cricket and then another walk by the river as the previous day to Eaton Socon Sluice where we saw a boat in the lock. Unlike here in Worcestershire the upper lock gate is a guillotine type. Took some photos which are posted alongside. On way back met a 40 year old Pole called Greg. He was in his own words "drunk" but was coherent and lonely and aggrieved at his flat mate who seemed not to share his love of nature. He said he believed in reincarnation although he also said he was a Christian. Made me think about those in Worcester who like Greg are lonely and at a lose end on Sunday with nothing to spend their money on except drink - is there nothing we as a church can do?
Back to the van for tea; heard Lewis Hamilton had won the Canadian Grand Prix!
Monday was pack up day. On leaving the site we drove the short distance to Paxton Pits Nature Reserve. This was based around some old gravel pits and in fact alongside working pits also. We went bird spotting. We think we may have heard a Nightingale; we certainly heard the cuckoo, our first this year! Most amazing were the Cormorants, a very large inland colony. We saw lots of young and adults flying over the lakes and perching in the trees. Sadly we did NOT see a Kingfisher.
Eventually we reached home safely, Bev having driven home. All was well. Very tired but a most enjoyable few days.
If you are interested in the Baptist Church here is their entry on Find a Church with a link to other web pages
http://www.findachurch.co.uk/churches/tl/tl16/nsbc/
Day 39
Friday June 8th turned out quite busy. On my way to my Human Givens session I called at a caravan accessories store in Halesowen and bought some essentials. After my HG session I hurried home and cooked myself lunch before a short nap and then started loading the van. This always takes longer than one thinks! Bev home at 4.20 and next two hours a nightmare caused mainly by the recurrence of a drip from the water heater and my need to examine the inside of parts of the bench seat to check water was not coming into the van. This developed into a major faff on my part and left me exhausted and ringing with sweat! Any way we set off eventually at 6.35. Journey to St Neots took just over 2 hours. Site was welcoming and sunny, none of the forecast thunderstorms had materialised
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
Days 34 to 37
June 3rd to 6th
Hello again!
On Sunday we visited St Peters - not the one in Rome but the one in Worcester! The new building housing what was Redhill Baptist. We were made welcome and enjoyed the service. As part of the sermon we were invited to think of things that chain us and I jotted down
After church we nipped home and picked up our picnic and travelled to the County Ground to watch Worcestershire take on Warwickshire. It was a remarkable match. The visitors made 303 a large total which should by all rights have been beyond Worcester who have had a miserable start to the season. They reached them for the loss of two wickets with overs to spare!
The Birmingham Mail noted:
Vikram Solanki led Worcestershire to only their second victory in any competition since April 22. Indeed Solanki, with the 12th List A century of his career, batted with such supreme skill that his side cantered to an eight-wicket victory with 24 balls remaining. Easy.
Hello again!
On Sunday we visited St Peters - not the one in Rome but the one in Worcester! The new building housing what was Redhill Baptist. We were made welcome and enjoyed the service. As part of the sermon we were invited to think of things that chain us and I jotted down
- TRADITION
- FEAR
- LAISSEX FAIRE ( Non-interference in the affairs of others)
After church we nipped home and picked up our picnic and travelled to the County Ground to watch Worcestershire take on Warwickshire. It was a remarkable match. The visitors made 303 a large total which should by all rights have been beyond Worcester who have had a miserable start to the season. They reached them for the loss of two wickets with overs to spare!
The Birmingham Mail noted:
Vikram Solanki led Worcestershire to only their second victory in any competition since April 22. Indeed Solanki, with the 12th List A century of his career, batted with such supreme skill that his side cantered to an eight-wicket victory with 24 balls remaining. Easy.
It was a victory that defied logic. Warwickshire had already set the biggest total in List A matches between these sides. Unbeaten in all competitions, they must have fancied their chances against a team that had won only one of their first six matches at home this season. No side had ever successfully chased 300 to win here.
It was a great day and the locals left the ground in good spirits.
Tuesday we visited Dad and found him well and in good spirits. He needed a new bulb for his uplighter and I walked through John Coles Park to a local shop to buy a replacement. The walk through the park was a trip down memory lane. As a child from the age of 5 to 11 years old I walked through that park on my way to school. I remember 1962 when three feet of snow covered everything for months. I remember hurrying to school as a storm came rushing in. I remember running a race and looking round and thus missing out on first place (now there's a spiritual lesson!) I remember going down to see Highland Soldiers beating the retreat. I remember watching a military display. There used to be old air raid shelters by the entrance but these have long gone. The Tennis courts and bowling green are still there. The shrubberies used to be more overgrown and as children we used to run home "through the bushes" much to the annoyance of "the parky". The bandstand is still in place and I remember hearing concerts as a child and being impressed as people stood for the National Anthem, a practice I now uphold. I also recall reading a prayer from that bandstand as a child on what was called The Sunday School Demonstration; someone waiting for a train on Chippenham Station told me they heard every word! (Surely not!) The park played a big part in my childhood, we played on its grass, walked its paths, and watched it develop. Mum took us for walks when we were little. I passed the place where a flowering cherry used to blossom and I have a photo somewhere of Mum in her older years standing looking up at the sky through the pink blossoms. In time we took our own children there and they played on the swings and the slide as we had done. Yesterday it looked magnificent. Office workers were eating their sandwiches and a new generation of children were playing football during their lunch hour. Just walking through the park was a great blessing. We all have special places and John Coles Park is one of mine. (John Coles was a Chippenham business man who kept a shop in the Causeway. When he died he left money for the purchase of the park which is named after him. It was a wonderful gift and will serve the residents of Chippenham in perpetuity.)
Today I had a visit from Alan. Alan has accompanied me over many years now on my spiritual journey. We talked a lot about things I have been reflecting on. We also enjoyed a good lunch at Eden Coffee Shop, St Peters Baptist Church!
For info on St Peters follow this link http://www.stpetersbaptist.org.uk/spbc/index.php
For info on St Peters follow this link http://www.stpetersbaptist.org.uk/spbc/index.php
Saturday, 2 June 2007
June 1st and 2nd
Day 33 June 2nd
On the 2nd May I heard news of Maisie's death, today I heard the news that John had died. Went to see I.
A pottering sort of day. Wrote up my prayer diary for June and worked on the Blog. Topped up bird feeders in my own garden. Did a bit of shopping including two weeks of Baptist Times and a Telegraph with a free Elgar CD.
Bev and I did some food shopping.
Earlier we had watched The Derby and were taken with the Trainer's response one moment leaping for joy and the next overcome with emotion and in tears.
Didn't the Lord say something about joy in heaven? How restrained we are as Christians!
Day 32 June 1st
This day I died and went to heaven! Not actually - Bev, who is much improved, and I attended a concert in Symphony Hall Birmingham. It was a performance of The Dream of Gerontius to mark the 150 anniversary of the birth of the composer Sir Edward Elgar. It was a remarkably moving experience. A vast choir and orchestra transported us on a journey into the presence of God. For me the pinnacle was the choir singing Praise to the Holiest. (This is not the traditional hymn tune but the words as written by Newman but set by Elgar to his music). I found the work very reassuring spiritually. One almost looks forward to death if it is accompanied by such glorious music. This link will take you to a site which explains a little about the work http://www.elgar.org/3geront.htm
Earlier in the day I had my first visit with a Human Givens Therapist in Birmingham. If you want to know more about the scientific basis for HG Therapy I suggest you follow the link to the website. http://www.hgi.org.uk/index.htm
So one month completed!
On the 2nd May I heard news of Maisie's death, today I heard the news that John had died. Went to see I.
A pottering sort of day. Wrote up my prayer diary for June and worked on the Blog. Topped up bird feeders in my own garden. Did a bit of shopping including two weeks of Baptist Times and a Telegraph with a free Elgar CD.
Bev and I did some food shopping.
Earlier we had watched The Derby and were taken with the Trainer's response one moment leaping for joy and the next overcome with emotion and in tears.
Didn't the Lord say something about joy in heaven? How restrained we are as Christians!
Day 32 June 1st
This day I died and went to heaven! Not actually - Bev, who is much improved, and I attended a concert in Symphony Hall Birmingham. It was a performance of The Dream of Gerontius to mark the 150 anniversary of the birth of the composer Sir Edward Elgar. It was a remarkably moving experience. A vast choir and orchestra transported us on a journey into the presence of God. For me the pinnacle was the choir singing Praise to the Holiest. (This is not the traditional hymn tune but the words as written by Newman but set by Elgar to his music). I found the work very reassuring spiritually. One almost looks forward to death if it is accompanied by such glorious music. This link will take you to a site which explains a little about the work http://www.elgar.org/3geront.htm
Earlier in the day I had my first visit with a Human Givens Therapist in Birmingham. If you want to know more about the scientific basis for HG Therapy I suggest you follow the link to the website. http://www.hgi.org.uk/index.htm
So one month completed!
May 30 and 31st
Day 30
Still at Sheldon but rang home to discover Bev had hurt her back. So decided to leave for home after lunch a day early. I felt that my time there was complete and that the extra hours would not have added anything significant. I also wanted to be home to give Bev help.
Journey was uneventful. Stopped at Sedgemoor for a drink and a nap. Arrived home about 7.00 to find Bev walking very gingerly. She had done a lot in the garden and around the house and had just flipped the lid of the kitchen bin when her back went into a spasm. This is not the first time it has happened.
Day 31
Took Bev to doctor who prescribed anti inflammatory drugs and painkillers. We had a good day and got washing done and things sorted. As the day went on Bev's back improved and she had a much better night, PTL.
Still at Sheldon but rang home to discover Bev had hurt her back. So decided to leave for home after lunch a day early. I felt that my time there was complete and that the extra hours would not have added anything significant. I also wanted to be home to give Bev help.
Journey was uneventful. Stopped at Sedgemoor for a drink and a nap. Arrived home about 7.00 to find Bev walking very gingerly. She had done a lot in the garden and around the house and had just flipped the lid of the kitchen bin when her back went into a spasm. This is not the first time it has happened.
Day 31
Took Bev to doctor who prescribed anti inflammatory drugs and painkillers. We had a good day and got washing done and things sorted. As the day went on Bev's back improved and she had a much better night, PTL.
May 26 to 29
Day 26
“ One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can only collect a few; and they are more beautiful if they are few. My life at home, I begin to realise, lacks this quality of significance, and therefore of beauty, because there is so little empty space. The space is scribbled on; the time has been filled. There are so few empty pages in my engagement pad, or empty hours in the day, or empty rooms in my life in which to stand alone and find myself. Too many activities, and people and things.” from Gift from the sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh.
Day 27
Psalm 131 “My heart is not proud” “I have calmed myself and quietened my ambitions”
1 Sam 16:7 “The Lord looks at the heart”
Matt:23:26 – 28 “Whitewashed tombs”
Today has been very wet. Heard rain in the night and it has rained on and off all day, at times very heavy. The birds on the feeder are so bedraggled! A Great Spotted Woodpecker has been to the feeder several times and appears to be taking food away, presumably to feed its young. The Nuthatch is a regular as are Sparrows, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Coal Tits, Green Finches and Chaffinches which feed under the feeder catching the fallen bits.
Day 28
Psalm 143:8 Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.
Isaiah 55: 2,3 Why...labour on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, that you may live.
John 16:32 each to your own home....
After lunch listened to cricket and had a doze.
Straight back to radio and Test over,
Day 29
Wanted to buy a paper to read about the cricket and reckoned that Christow was the best place to get one locally. Decided on the spur of the moment to get the bus in and walk back. Bus from Teign House pub at 9.16 so suddenly busy. Shave, wash and quick breakfast before heading down drive; took the long way rather than cut across railway. Just got to pub as bus came along. Caught it and we then travelled to Bridford and back past Teign House again so maybe I could have caught it then! Anyway on to Christow and got out at village car park. Walked into village and looked around the Church. It was unlocked and very quaint. It soon became apparent that the Pellew family had played a great part in the church's history. There was a memorial to Admiral Sir Edward Pellew who had “served with Nelson and later successfully bombarded
On leaving the church after prayer I walked through the village stopping at the Post Office to buy a card and a stamp. The young Post Master does not know whether the Office will remain open under Government plans or not. The loss of the
Then walked back to Sheldon along the lanes. Quite a few cars about but a lovely day. Saw a large brown hairy caterpillar.
Read the paper and had a cup of coffee. Skies clouding over a bit but this afternoon I intend to walk around the reservoir.
Psalm 23: 1 – 3 Green pastures, quiet waters, he leads me
Micah 7: 14 – 15 Shepherd your people...which lives by itself in a forest in fertile pasture-lands
John 12: 43 they loved human glory more than the glory of God
This afternoon drove to the Reservoirs high in the hills above Christow. Walked around Trenchford Reservoir. Parked in Tottiford Reservoir car park although this was just by Trenchford. Walked about 2 miles probably. Not as far as it looked on the map. It was a lovely walk and reminded me of
Friday, 1 June 2007
Day 25
Left home a little later than intended – about 10.45 so travelled straight to Exeter rather than having the luxury of a coffee stop along the way. Being a Bank Holiday weekend there was a lot of traffic on the M5 despite the poor weather forecast; lots of caravans and motor homes and quite few VW vans probably going to Newquay. A few short slow sections mostly by junctions but nothing to hold us up for long.
Made a cup of tea, unloaded the car and just sat reading the paper and watching TV for a bit before getting supper and unpacking. Spoke to Bev on the phone and watched a film on DVD “Sahara”. It passed the time and was quite enjoyable if completely ridiculous involving the discovery of an American Civil War Battleship in a dried up river bed in Nigeria, this story woven alongside a pollution story involving a recycling factory harnessing sun power but polluting the watercourses at the same time. This was going to lead to rapid death to the world's oceans and an “end to life as we know it”! So you get the general drift; wont tell you the end as it will spoil it for you!!
This link takes you to the Sheldon website.
Thursday, 24 May 2007
The Quiet Garden Day 24
Today I have been to The Quiet Garden at Ashton under Hill. David and Jane are friends of mine whom I met first when they lived in Birlingham and opened a Quiet Garden there. It was for me a place of sanctuary and spiritual rest and refreshment during my years at Fernhill Heath and as Missioner within Worcestershire. David and Jane moved a couple of years ago to Ashton and are now opening a quiet garden there.
The Quiet Garden movement is just 15 years old and defines its vision as
To initiate and resource
a network of local opportunities,
mainly in private homes and gardens
for prayer, silence, reflection
and the appreciation of beauty;
for learning about Christian life and spirituality;
and for experiencing creativity and healing
in the context of God's love.
a network of local opportunities,
mainly in private homes and gardens
for prayer, silence, reflection
and the appreciation of beauty;
for learning about Christian life and spirituality;
and for experiencing creativity and healing
in the context of God's love.
Today's afternoon meditation focussed on busyness and the fact that busyness is a choice rather than an adjunct of modern life. This is a challenging thought and I feel deep down is so true. Yet how often do I equate busyness with achievement - if I havent been busy then I must have been wasting time! Even on this sabbatical someone warned me - "Dont waste it!" So I am trying to be busy sabbaticaling and consequently becoming frustrated.
Tomorrow I am off to the Society of Mary and Martha in Devon and am NOT going to be busy.
Will let you know how I get on! In the meantime if you are interested in the Quiet Garden movement here is a link to the UK site and an American site with lots of meditations etc.
http://www.quietgarden.co.uk/
http://www.restandbethankful.org/index.php?page=home
The next day at Ashton under Hill (which unfortunately I shall miss) is on 28th June if you are interested make a comment and I will email details on my return.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
When I dance on rainbows... Days 22 and 23
I continue to read around the Human Givens and have nearly finished Dreaming Reality: How dreaming keeps us sane or can drive us mad; the authors are Joe Griffin and Ivan Tyrell. I cannot explain it all here but one interesting thing I came across a few days ago was about metaphor; I quote:-
I bought a laptop at the CRE and yesterday was installing software including a PDF writer. I had to create a document and put some words down. Usually I would type gobbledegook but for some reason unknown to me I wrote the phrase
Metaphorical communication is an intrinsic part of the way we understand and share our experiences and the metaphorical expression we find in dreams is actually more widespread in waking life than is generally realised. A sudden burst of song, for example, is often a metaphorical expression of how a person is feeling about a certain matter.
Now a few days ago I was feeling a bit low for a particular reason which I don't want to go into here. We had recently bought a CD with Ella Fitzgerald and The Inkspots singing:-Into each life some rain must fall
But too much is falling in mine
Into each heart some tears must fall
But some day the sun will shine
But too much is falling in mine
Into each heart some tears must fall
But some day the sun will shine
I found myself singing this song frequently. This could be simply a habit I have of focussing on a piece of music which is special at the time and singing it or perhaps it was a metaphor for how I was feeling and gave me a chance to express that and discharge it harmlessly. It did feel like too much rain was falling on me and yet I do have hope that some day the sun will shine which makes what happens next remarkable!
I bought a laptop at the CRE and yesterday was installing software including a PDF writer. I had to create a document and put some words down. Usually I would type gobbledegook but for some reason unknown to me I wrote the phrase
When I dance on rainbows
The more I think about it the more significant it seems, the sun shining through the rain produces the rainbow. But dancing on the rainbow is incredible because the rainbow is just refracted light. Yet I am encouraged and sense within this God is speaking to me.
I am now just past the three week mark; today I took the van for a leak to be fixed, did some reading, bought one or two things online, went shopping with Bev and did a little bit of lawn edging. Tomorrow I am going to a Quiet Garden at Ashton under Hill and calling to see how the van is on the way.
Bless you all.
Oh and if you are interested in The Inkspots follow this link where you can listen to a snippit of Into each life
http://www.emusic.com/samples/m3u/song/10861194/13349188.m3u
I am now just past the three week mark; today I took the van for a leak to be fixed, did some reading, bought one or two things online, went shopping with Bev and did a little bit of lawn edging. Tomorrow I am going to a Quiet Garden at Ashton under Hill and calling to see how the van is on the way.
Bless you all.
Oh and if you are interested in The Inkspots follow this link where you can listen to a snippit of Into each life
http://www.emusic.com/samples/m3u/song/10861194/13349188.m3u
Monday, 21 May 2007
Days 19 - 21
We attended a wedding on Saturday. When we were first married we spent a lot of Saturdays attending our friends' weddings. That was nearly thirty years ago. Now we are attending the weddings of their children! These little ones who played with our children, whose photos we have in our albums alongside our own children, who we remember putting to bed in our spare room now they are marrying! How time flies! Being Baptists we dont do Christenings and although we do have services of Dedication they are not the big family event that Christenings often are so in my heart I wonder what the next occasion will be when we meet up?
And what is the role of the "friends of Mum and Dad" at the wedding? At every wedding breakfast along the back wall is a selection of greying men accompanied by their wives. They dont know the music at the disco, cant quite sort out who is who, and spend a lot of time either in reminiscence or in silent contemplation. We usually have to bend close to hear what we are saying to one another and cultivate an expression of benign blessing, a sort of grin, which seems to be saying "bless you all"!
I reckon our role is crucial. We represent wider society which respects the institution of marriage but understands that marriage has to be worked at and that it will survive all sorts of pressures and failings if there is a will to succeed. Without us there doing the grumpy old man bit, or making slight fools of ourselves on the dance floor the young would be left alone and that would not be right. Along that back wall is an accumulated wisdom which only decades of experience will bring.
And yes the weddings of friends' children are special. I love to see the young enjoying themselves and recall a line from a poem I read at school:
Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive,
But to be young was very heaven!
God bless you Jo and Andy and give you a long and happy life, a brace of children and in thirty years time many invitations to the weddings of their friends!
And what is the role of the "friends of Mum and Dad" at the wedding? At every wedding breakfast along the back wall is a selection of greying men accompanied by their wives. They dont know the music at the disco, cant quite sort out who is who, and spend a lot of time either in reminiscence or in silent contemplation. We usually have to bend close to hear what we are saying to one another and cultivate an expression of benign blessing, a sort of grin, which seems to be saying "bless you all"!
I reckon our role is crucial. We represent wider society which respects the institution of marriage but understands that marriage has to be worked at and that it will survive all sorts of pressures and failings if there is a will to succeed. Without us there doing the grumpy old man bit, or making slight fools of ourselves on the dance floor the young would be left alone and that would not be right. Along that back wall is an accumulated wisdom which only decades of experience will bring.
And yes the weddings of friends' children are special. I love to see the young enjoying themselves and recall a line from a poem I read at school:
Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive,
But to be young was very heaven!
God bless you Jo and Andy and give you a long and happy life, a brace of children and in thirty years time many invitations to the weddings of their friends!
Friday, 18 May 2007
Days 15 to 18
Hi folks! Had a good time at the Christian Resources Exhibition, Sandown Park Racecourse, Esher. It is a great place for networking and inspiration. It is also a good place for collecting paper for the recycling bin! I tried to be very disciplined and only visit the stands I had previously identified and by and large this worked although I did succumb to the delights of those offering fairtrade coffee, willow coffins, funeral plans and Christmas lights none of which were on my list!
As you can see from the photo I am now well resourced and have also picked up a few freebies for my friends as well!
I stayed on a campsite at Chertsey next to the River Thames. It was a beautiful place with a colony of Ring Necked Parakeets in residence. Local legend says that they escaped from the movie set of The African Queen. If you are interested in parakeets then follow this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6478911.stm.
Christian Resources is a bit like going supermarket shopping. Now everything needs to be unpacked and found a home. After I took the photo I realised some stuff was missing and found two more bags of books and my briefcase with quite a few more papers!!
The sharper eyed may have noticed a laptop computer. These were being sold by a charity which recycles them employing people in the process and making available computers either free for charities or at a much reduced price.
Today we are off to Ware to attend Joanne and Andy's wedding. Jo is the younger daughter of our friends Steve and Margaret.
As you can see from the photo I am now well resourced and have also picked up a few freebies for my friends as well!
I stayed on a campsite at Chertsey next to the River Thames. It was a beautiful place with a colony of Ring Necked Parakeets in residence. Local legend says that they escaped from the movie set of The African Queen. If you are interested in parakeets then follow this link http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/6478911.stm.
Christian Resources is a bit like going supermarket shopping. Now everything needs to be unpacked and found a home. After I took the photo I realised some stuff was missing and found two more bags of books and my briefcase with quite a few more papers!!
The sharper eyed may have noticed a laptop computer. These were being sold by a charity which recycles them employing people in the process and making available computers either free for charities or at a much reduced price.
Today we are off to Ware to attend Joanne and Andy's wedding. Jo is the younger daughter of our friends Steve and Margaret.
Sunday, 13 May 2007
Days 9 to 13
On Wednesday evening I went to the Poustinia near Gloucester where I spent the day on Thursday. This is a place I go regularily for prayer and rest. A poustinia is "a small sparsely furnished cabin or room where one goes to pray and fast alone in the presence of God." I tend not to observe a total fast but eat less than I would at home. Sister Elly Maria lives in the house and has created the garden in which the poustinia can be found. I have put up some pictures to give you an idea of what it is like. This link will take to a short article about Poustinia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poustinia
Friday afternoon I attended Maisie's funeral. It was very strange being there but not taking part. I was not sure whether to stay and talk to people or not and I think people may have been unsure about whether to talk to me!
Friday evening some friends of ours came to visit and on Saturday we took the van out beyond Evesham and went for a walk around the Littleton villages.
Today we have spent quietly at home.
Tomorrow, Monday, I have a hospital appointment to test the nerves on my left hand; my fingers are still numb after breaking my wrist in December. I am hoping to leave early Tuesday for Christian Resources Exhibition so will spend time getting the van ready. I really enjoy visiting the exhibition and usually come home with lots of freebies! The link will take you to the main website then click on National CRE www.creonline.co.uk
Friday afternoon I attended Maisie's funeral. It was very strange being there but not taking part. I was not sure whether to stay and talk to people or not and I think people may have been unsure about whether to talk to me!
Friday evening some friends of ours came to visit and on Saturday we took the van out beyond Evesham and went for a walk around the Littleton villages.
Today we have spent quietly at home.
Tomorrow, Monday, I have a hospital appointment to test the nerves on my left hand; my fingers are still numb after breaking my wrist in December. I am hoping to leave early Tuesday for Christian Resources Exhibition so will spend time getting the van ready. I really enjoy visiting the exhibition and usually come home with lots of freebies! The link will take you to the main website then click on National CRE www.creonline.co.uk
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Days 4,5,6,7 and 8
Hello again. I attended Baptist Assembly in Brighton with Bev and Sarah. Hotel was VERY disappointing; I wouldnt have minded if it had been a B&B but we paid hotel prices for very average rooms.
Highlights were Toma Magda from Croatia, Alistair Brown from BMS World Mission and Jonathan Edwards, BUGB General Secretary. Check out the BUGB Website www.baptist.org.uk for details. A special anthem had been written entitled "Cry Freedom".
Cry 'Freedom!' in the name of God and let the cry resound!
Proclaim for all that freedom which in Jesus Christ is found,
for none of us is truly free while anyone is bound.
Cry 'Freedom!' Cry 'Freedom!' in God's name, in God's name!
Cry 'Freedom!' Cry 'Freedom!' in God's name!
I always find myself getting really tired and this happened again. I dont like Brighton, (Sorry, Rudyard!) and was glad to leave. The journey home along the South Downs towards Winchester was amazing passing Lancing with its wonderful College Chapel and Arundel Castle.
So zonked last night that I couldnt work out what to do with anything just pile it up and leave it for today.
Today, Day 8, went to Chippenham to see Dad and Auntie. Dad seems a lot better. My Aunt has breathing problems and I am worried about her.
Please pray for me these next few days. I am due at the Poustinia tomorrow night near Gloucester for a day on Thursday, then we have friends coming Friday night.
Still not really stopped and hoping tomorrow will give me a chance to do that.
More Assembly thoughts tomorrow possibly.
Have to add one photo of us with Norman Kember.
Highlights were Toma Magda from Croatia, Alistair Brown from BMS World Mission and Jonathan Edwards, BUGB General Secretary. Check out the BUGB Website www.baptist.org.uk for details. A special anthem had been written entitled "Cry Freedom".
Cry 'Freedom!' in the name of God and let the cry resound!
Proclaim for all that freedom which in Jesus Christ is found,
for none of us is truly free while anyone is bound.
Cry 'Freedom!' Cry 'Freedom!' in God's name, in God's name!
Cry 'Freedom!' Cry 'Freedom!' in God's name!
I always find myself getting really tired and this happened again. I dont like Brighton, (Sorry, Rudyard!) and was glad to leave. The journey home along the South Downs towards Winchester was amazing passing Lancing with its wonderful College Chapel and Arundel Castle.
So zonked last night that I couldnt work out what to do with anything just pile it up and leave it for today.
Today, Day 8, went to Chippenham to see Dad and Auntie. Dad seems a lot better. My Aunt has breathing problems and I am worried about her.
Please pray for me these next few days. I am due at the Poustinia tomorrow night near Gloucester for a day on Thursday, then we have friends coming Friday night.
Still not really stopped and hoping tomorrow will give me a chance to do that.
More Assembly thoughts tomorrow possibly.
Have to add one photo of us with Norman Kember.
Thursday, 3 May 2007
Day 3
Went to Dad today. Took him out to lunch (only to Morrisons!) then did some errands.
God gives all men all earth to love,
But since man's heart is small,
Ordains for each one spot shall prove
Beloved over all.
Each to his choice, and I rejoice
The lot has fall to me
In a fair ground - in a fair ground -
Yea, Sussex by the Sea!
I am glad that he seems a little better.
Had a bit of a rant this evening about time - which seems to be being eaten up very quickly.
A Haiku
Is my time wasted?
How can I know if tis true?
Or does time waste me?
Looking forward to Baptist Assembly in Brighton so no Posting for a few days. Please pray for Bev, myself and Sarah as we head off to the sea side, with 2000 other Baptists also!
Kipling loved Sussex and wrote a memorable poem in which he declared
God gives all men all earth to love,
But since man's heart is small,
Ordains for each one spot shall prove
Beloved over all.
Each to his choice, and I rejoice
The lot has fall to me
In a fair ground - in a fair ground -
Yea, Sussex by the Sea!
Wednesday, 2 May 2007
Day 2
A very different day! Phone went at 9.55 but let answering machine take it. When I checked it I was very sad to hear of Maisie's death.
But although my plans for today didn't happen there is still a deep sense both of peace and God's purpose behind these events. In a way a sabbatical is the context in which life is lived; life does not and cannot stop for me!
I hope that nothing I do is done simply out of a sense of duty. But being able to respond anyway was a privilege.
Afterwards went to Library, did a bit of shopping. Bought a real naff hat but with spf40, neck protection and beads in the brow I can immerse in water to keep me cool!!
But although my plans for today didn't happen there is still a deep sense both of peace and God's purpose behind these events. In a way a sabbatical is the context in which life is lived; life does not and cannot stop for me!
I hope that nothing I do is done simply out of a sense of duty. But being able to respond anyway was a privilege.
Afterwards went to Library, did a bit of shopping. Bought a real naff hat but with spf40, neck protection and beads in the brow I can immerse in water to keep me cool!!
Tuesday, 1 May 2007
Day 1
Last week was introduced to Haiku, a form of Japanese Poetry. It has three lines comprising five syllables, seven syllables and another five syllables. From todays morning readings here are three Haiku
Lord I wait for you
is my prayer on this new day
also for three months
Psalm 38:15 – 17
Ask for ancient paths
Walk only in the good way
But will I walk it?
Jeremiah 6:16
Where are you staying?
He says come and you will see.
Spent that day with him.
John 1:38, 39
A good start. Already feeling rested. Set no alarm today as Bev was off. Breakfast in the garden, lunch in the Camper at Fladbury and popped into Holland House for a presentation to the Bishop and prayers.
Lord I wait for you
is my prayer on this new day
also for three months
Psalm 38:15 – 17
Ask for ancient paths
Walk only in the good way
But will I walk it?
Jeremiah 6:16
Where are you staying?
He says come and you will see.
Spent that day with him.
John 1:38, 39
A good start. Already feeling rested. Set no alarm today as Bev was off. Breakfast in the garden, lunch in the Camper at Fladbury and popped into Holland House for a presentation to the Bishop and prayers.
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