Earth is crammed with heaven

We popped to see my Mum today. We’re so fortunate to have her close enough to form part of our support bubble. Daisy asked to come too as she hadn’t seen Nanny for a little while. Today should be our day off, but I decided it would be worth doing some work that was weighing heavy on my mind. I’ve faced facts, and enlisted the help of my friend tomorrow. She’s furloughed until Thursday so is glad to help. I haven’t told her yet that I’m appointing her as project manager. I’m hoping she’ll keep me focused. Last night I was thrilled to receive some messages from people who had watched our Facebook live. They thanked us for ‘bringing church to them.’ Never underestimate the power of an encouraging word.  Especially at the moment.  Especially when the recipient is having a bit of a wobble. “I will bless you... and you will be a blessing” Genesis 12:2 Lots of love xx 11 years ago today, after my graduation. Sorry boys x

Today is the first Sunday in Advent and it was a joy to share worship from home on Facebook Live. We’ve decided to make it a feature, once a week through Advent, and maybe beyond. We’re so aware of those who are sharing with us, who can’t attend church. We can’t just stop, once we are back worshiping in the hall on a Sunday. So hopefully we’ll stream live from the church, and from home in the week. It’s quite exciting. It’s quite gloomy out today, so I’m appreciating the Christmas lights. We’re getting our Christmas things out gradually this year, so it’s lovely to have our two main Nativities out. I’m enjoying our Advent theme: ‘How far is it to Bethlehem?’ and looking forward to journeying together. Today I’m reflecting on the ‘excess baggage’ we carry. For me, I get easily distracted by things that don’t concern me. Then the spiral begins of resentment, and anger, if I let it. When this familiar pattern starts, I’m trying to stop it in it’s tracks, by throwing it back to Jesus. ...

I had a text from the NHS this morning. I was asked to take a COVID test, which came back negative thankfully. I didn’t seriously think I had it, but isolated just in case. I had the results in less than 24 hours. I was very impressed. I still felt a bit off it this morning. We’re still unsure about what the new restrictions mean for churches. I had a chat with my boy; (Chris, not Jesus as my friend asked earlier. Though I’m sure he was involved in the conversation.) and felt a bit better. The river is definitely dropping in temperature, but it was incredible, just the same.  It never fails. Pizza has just arrived. Happy Saturday! Lots of love xx

I’m not feeling great today, so this is just a short post. I don’t think it’s anything to worry about, but I’m going to stay home and rest. Just in case. I hope you have a good day. Lots of love xx

What have you done today to make you feel proud? Well, today I ate a jam doughnut without getting it down my jumper. Small victories are so important at the moment. I’ve been getting stuff ready for our visits over the next few weeks. It’s quite time consuming, but I’m enjoying it, and it doesn’t take too much brain power.  Always a bonus. We’re hoping to doorstep-visit everyone, and deliver some Advent gifts. That’s the plan anyway. I’ll keep you posted. I hope you’ve had a good day. Small victories are the way forward. Lots of love xx

 After an early-morning swim in the river, today seems to have been non-stop so far. I'm at home now, with a cup of coffee and a chocolate biscuit. If you haven't tried McVities VIB's orange flavour, you must. Other biscuits are available. (But not as nice...) I have spent part of the day at the church.  If I felt so inclined, I could give you a snapshot of my 'have-done list.' But instead, I have decided to share some thoughts with you about our current stress levels. These weeks are always full to the brim with plans and preparations, for services, for ways we are helping struggling families, Christmas plays, Carol Services, Carolling, shopping, family stuff, and a whole host of things I can't think of at the moment. This is my 28th Christmas as a Salvation Army Officer, and this time of the year is always, always busy. With no exceptions.  Ever. Until now... Now before you shout me down, and tell me to speak for myself, I am.  I would class myself as steadily...

Hands up if you were anxiously awaiting Boris’s announcement last night? Hands up if you were still confused at the end? Hands up if you went to bed with more questions than answers? It’s hard not to be overwhelmed as a leader at the moment. I  had my usual panic, and now I seem to have settled down a bit, while we wait to discover what the new, guidelines actually mean for churches.  I’ll keep you posted. Life at the moment seems to be a case of putting my head down, and getting on with the things that are possible. All the while, trying not to think too far ahead. Thankfully I believe in a God who makes all things beautiful in his time. This was clear as the day drew to a close. I hope you’ve had a good day. Lots of love xx