Earth is crammed with heaven

I hadn't realised it myself. I'm not very good with dates, and years, and anniversaries. But yesterday my Facebook Timeline was full of it. It's 20 years since we were commissioned and ordained. 28th May 1993 at The Royal Albert Hall, London. As I listened to 'Our Songs' The ones written for us, and for the occasion I became a bit nostalgic. As I looked at the video And saw my friends and colleagues I almost felt a pang of grief For the people we were The things we shared. But this is a letter to the 25 yr old girl I was then From the woman I am now "You made it! By the skin of your teeth at times but you got there in the end. And this ending Full of brass, and drums, and singing and laughter and drama and dance is just the beginning. In the years ahead you will know joy Real joy Laughing so hard no sound comes out. Friendships that are only in their infancy here Will become your anchor in the days ahead. And people that

Five Minute Friday. Write for 5 minutes, just for the pure love of it. No editing. Just write. Today's prompt is View GO Nathan is getting really good on the trampoline. Front drops Back drops Somersaults Forward ones anyway. The backwards ones are a different matter. After falling off the trampoline the other day in the attempt, he's been a bit nervous. Yesterday I stood at the edge of the trampoline. Watching him closely as he tried. He improved but he wasn't quite there. As he came close to the edge I opened my arms. He saw me Came towards me And gave me a kiss. I'd opened my arms to catch him quicker. He'd come for a kiss because he loved me. I spend too much time messing about Doing my thing Facing danger at times Knowing God is on the sidelines waiting to catch when I fall. Instead I should be running into the arms of Jesus. In that place I am Loved Secure Safe. Knowing who I am I can go out into the world

The pebbles filled the beach As far as my eyes could see. Different shapes and colours and sizes. Ever since the children were small they've brought them to me. Some I keep, and some I leave behind. But look closely around our house and you'll see them.  Nathan brought me the pink one from a school trip. The small, beautiful smooth ones are broken bits from a bigger shell. Interesting....  Stones speak to me of Reality Truth Certainties. There's something about the fact that they've been Weathered Shaped Formed over millions of years that connects with my soul. There aren't many certainties in life but stones represent a steadfastness. A faithfulness. Recently I've started decorating them. I told a friend I was looking for stones to put scripture verses on, so he proceeded to try and lift a massive rock "That's for Psalm 119..." Scripture for me provides comfort And solace And strength. S

It's our Silver Wedding Anniversary on Tuesday. 25 years. I told someone the other day and she gasped, and said, "You don't look old enough" Which is absolutely the right response. We're having a few friends over next Friday night to celebrate. There will be food And dancing And fun And song. 'Our song' to be precise. As we met in the 80's, Our song is 'Solid' (Ashford and Simpson). It's the song we used to dance to at parties. It's the song that made us laugh. It's the song we always talk about when reminiscing. Our 25 years together hasn't been perfect You won't be surprised to hear that. There has been much joyful song. But sometimes the notes have turned dischordant. Sometimes we've sung in a minor key. More recently we have sung songs of lament. But to mis-quote Gloria Gaynor We have survived. We're still standing (Elton John) And we're still singing from the same hymn

Comfort. Even the word is somehow.... Comforting. I envision soft blankets A cushion or two Or six or seven. The sound of waves pounding on the beach... A river... or at the very least a stream. Family, or very close friends. At least one little one who doesn't mind snuggling up. My boys don't mind at home But draw the line in public. Back to the little one Who cuddles in close Tight hold Cheek to cheek as I breathe in their scent. The sun Present, but not too fierce. Warming, but not stifling. Music Familiar but not overwhelming. What have I forgotten? My very old calendar has this verse for my birthday. (Yesterday) I read it today and smiled. The Lord will guide you always; He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land And will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, Like a spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 Comfort. Oh and don't forget the chocolate!

I don't know if I should admit to liking Alan Carr 'Chatty Man' He's a bit near the knuckle at times, but is also very funny and has great guests. He makes me smile as he comes down the stairs at the start of the show and says "What a week it's been!" That's a bit how I feel at the moment. "What's new?" I hear you cry.... The last few weeks have been quite eventful with Revision (Not me, Joel) Illness Running (Yes me. I know!) Important, exciting but confidential news. Sleeplessness (Not me, Ryan) Friends Barbecues Scoring goals (Not me, Nathan) Sunshine Dodgy knees (Me again.) Hail Wind and Rain New things Old things revisited Teeth knocked out, again (Not me, Joel) And so it goes on... In the middle of it I had a bout of labyrinthitis. It's nothing to do with David Bowie, But everything to do with your inner ear. So if I turned over in bed, Or turned my head too quickly, Or at a certain angle, My