Earth is crammed with heaven

I said goodbye today. Again. Seems like my life has been full of goodbyes in the last few months. Or rather "See you soon"'s as goodbye became too painful. And now we're in a new house. New church. New job. And the boys are at new schools and colleges. Anyway, back to today. I drove quite a few miles for a final meeting with someone who has shared my journey for the last 18 months. She has heard my story. Witnessed my tears. Laughed with me. Taken me tenderly forward to a place of discovery and growth. ` And you know It felt ok. It felt right to be saying goodbye. Part of the reason, I believe, was something I read earlier this morning. I was in my favourite coffee shop. That sells amazing bread. And the most perfect flat whites I've ever tasted. But I digress.... I asked God if there was anything I needed to know before I went to say goodbye. As I opened my journal, and looked down the page. I read this: You've always given me...

Everything changes they say. The only certainty in life is that nothing stays the same. In recent weeks our family has changed Location Home Work School Ministry Stress levels are surprisingly low. But we are tired. Our brains are fried from information overload. And in the thrill of meeting new people We shed the occasional, silent tear for those we miss. We are going to a funeral today. Saying farewell to a lady who loved life. She had a beautiful smile An infectious giggle. And a rather naughty sense of humour at times. (I love that in a person.) Life will never be the same for those who loved her. A guilty relief at less responsibility, which gives more time, feels bittersweet when we lose those we love. We long to see their smile... Hear their voice... Feel their touch... Just one more time. So I'm praying for those who mourn today. My arms are ready to embrace with a hug that says a thousand words when words fail. But I'm praying for ...

I walked up Reigate Hill last week. Nothing unusual there. But since Daisy joined our family I've been exploring. Taking different paths. Places she can run. Last week I stopped at Reigate Fort. It was used during the wars. Now it's a great place for children to play. Some of the old buildings are still there. And there's a big grassy area that's perfect for dogs to run. The sign said that it was a place where the troops would stop for a while. Just long enough for them to replenish their supplies. Weapons Clothing Food. A place for restoration Albeit brief. These days are days of change for many. So much to do and so little time. But I'm reminded that Father God is our fortress. Our refuge Our place of safety. Wherever we are Wherever we go He provides a place on our road. Our fortress. A place to breathe. Take a moment now to fill your lungs with life-giving oxygen. He is here. He provides. He loves. "I pray you'll be ...

I used to be a dancer. Not professionally you understand. But in worship. Mainly before pregnancy changed my body, And the way I viewed myself. But more intensely during my training years, culminating in a performance at The Royal Albert Hall, during our ordination and commissioning. I always think you should quit while you're ahead! And now I'm just a disco diva. Play some music. Dig out my heels. And I'll be there, on the dance floor, for most of the night. A few months ago I put a new worship CD in the car. I do quite a lot of driving in a normal week, so I like to have some options. There were words of a song that kept coming to me. Over and over. "Tears will dry Your heart will mend Your scars will heal You will dance again." My journey of tears, grief and broken-heartedness is well-documented on this blog. But scars? The scars of life and ministry? Of disappointments and betrayal? Of being misunderstood and misrepresented...

Today's post is not for the faint-hearted. Or for the ever-so-slightly squeamish. However as one friend told me this week, she "Loves that I am publicly gross" Perhaps you're used to it? A few weeks ago we were given the gift of Daisy, who delights in being a 20month-old cockerpoo. She has proved to be a real blessing to our family in countless ways, Here she is in all her glory! We take the role of responsible dog-owners very seriously. The long walks, The feeding, The playing, Even the not-so-pleasant task of picking up her poo. Warning! Here comes the gross bit... The problem is if we don't catch her in time No sooner has she expelled it from her rear end, Than she gobbles it up again. Eewww! I know! And today when she did three lots in one walk. And I was walking along with one filled poo bag I didn't get to her third lot before she gobbled it up.... But you know God spoke to me in that moment. And said, "That...

"Mary" Jesus said. She turned and cried out "Master." John 20:16 Amid life With it's twists and turns Hopes and dreams Love calls my name. In times of joy Laughter Excitement Love calls my name. When I doubt Fear Despair Love calls my name In my life With it's twists and turns... hopes and dreams... Love calls my name Love True love Forgiving love Real love A love full of life Hope And possibility Calls me by my name.

Today God is silent But not absent. We rest in his love as we wait for heaven to break through. Oh love that will not let me go.... Find a quiet corner and let your heart remember. http://youtu.be/ZiZ9xXoZ1Mk