It's a Date!

Looking across our park

        Relationship experts tell people, that to keep their relationship fresh, an important activity for couples to do is schedule regular date nights.  For people with nine-to-five, Monday-to-Friday schedules, it is a much easier task to accomplish.  But My Maverick works shifts; seven days on, four days off, seven days on, three days off—with a mixture of early and late starts.  So achieving a “fixed/regular” date night for My Maverick and me is difficult.  Basically, this Woman has to grab any opportunity for a date when she can!

        Thursday, 2^nd May, The Maverick was on one of his three-days off.  I had planned to spend the afternoon at home, sewing, making progress on the quilt top I’ve started for the soft-furnishing class I’m currently taking.  My Maverick found me in my office/studio.  “Do you want to go shopping with me when I get back?”  Now it had probably been months since I’d done any grocery shopping.  Our usual method is for My Maverick to do the shopping and bring it home and I put it all away. 
 

        “Yes, I’d like that!”  I was actually thinking that we might have a cuppa at the Tesco cafe—something we’d not done for a while.

        When My Maverick returned from his errand-running, he found me changing my blouse and putting on my shoes.  There was no time for lunch—but I didn’t ask what he was thinking. 

        Sun blazed, white clouds traipsed across the blue sky; but the wind has a slight chill to it.  A cardigan would have been appreciated by me.  My Maverick, still hot from his bike ride, thought the temperature was perfect. 

        Holding hands, we walked across the park then crossed the London Road to the bus stop.  I was getting hungry, but didn’t mention it.  Within five minutes the bus came, and on we climbed.  The bus takes about 10 minutes to get into town. 

        While My Maverick went down to get a trolley, I took the escalator to the top floor and dug out the shopping list.  Were we going to have tea before shopping or after?  I was hoping before; I get nasty when my blood sugar drops.  Wearing a big grin, My Maverick pushed the trolley off the lift and joined me by the service desk. 

        Finally he asked: “Tea now,or after?”

        “Now please.”

        I had expected My Maverick to draw money from the auto-teller when he went for the cart.  But no—we were at the entrance of the cafe.  “Do you want to wait ten minutes?”  he asked, pointing to the sign.  “Special cake £1.50 with a cup of tea after 2.30 pm.” 

        “Is it really 2:20 pm?”  I was shocked.

        It was at this point he asked if I had any cash on me.  I rarely do, unless I’ve made a withdrawal for a specific purpose. 

         
     "I'd prefer lunch, say a sandwich."  

     With that, he went off once again.  So, I sat at a booth, waiting for him to return and deliberated about which sandwich I wanted.  In the end, I had a chicken club on wheat bread and shared a plate of hot chips (fries) with my husband. 

        It was worth coming shopping, as My Maverick found a great “I love you” gift—an electric toothbrush.  Isn’t that just romantic?  Truly I was pleased though, because I’ve wanted an electric toothbrush since I was a child. 

        And to top this wonderful date off, we took a taxi home.  Having to walk or depend on the bus, taking a taxi is a luxury. 

        Now some people wouldn’t call grocery shopping a date.  But as I said at the top, I take advantage any opportunities I get.  The Tesco Coffee Shop now serves Costa Coffee, so it’s a touch of special without being financially extravagant.  We had a nice chat, sitting by the floor-length windows, the sun shining on us.  And the chips—excellent! 

        I believe that it isn’t how much a person spends, but rather the person with whom you spend time that is important.  We still enjoy talking to each other—chatting about our dreams, challenging each other. 

        I am a very blessed woman. 

        Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

Whose Identity?

        “The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy, I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows.”  John 10:10

This morning I actually got up about 7.30 am, instead of giving in to my habit of going back to bed until 8.30 am or 9.00 am.  I thought about how I could use the time wisely—writing, sewing, praying.  So, with a mug of hot coffee, I sat down and turned on the computer. 

Wouldn’t you know it, I looked up and it was 11.30 am!  What happened?  The temptation to play an on-line match-three game was too strong; I allowed “The Thief” to steal over two hours of precious time.  To say the least, I was disappointed with myself. 

Each year, New Wine Ministries hosts a Women’s Day.  (http://www.new-wine.org). This year it was held Saturday, 27^th April 2013 at Jesus House for all the Nations near Brent Cross in London.  (http://jesushouse.org.uk).  

This past year I’ve been feeling tired, lethargic—even bereft.  I recognised this empty condition, as it seems each time I have booked to go to a retreat or ministry day, the Lord makes sure that my emotional condition feels desperate and my spiritual condition is hungry, thirsty, and empty.  This means I am in a perfect position of openness before Him. 

Christy Wimber, (daughter-in-law of the late John Wimber) from Yorba Linda Vineyard Church in California spoke in the main meeting.  Christy spoke on trusting God in the midst of transition.  Transition times can be and often are difficult times, painful, uncomfortable and sometimes desperate.  Facing change is a perfect opportunity to fear, because of the unknown.  We wrongly believe if we can control our situations, we will be secure.  In truth, living in fear comes from not believing and trusting God to give us everything we need. 

Carrying what we are not meant to carry can keep us from prospering in God’s will for our lives.  The burdens we unnecessarily carry become like an overloaded rucksack, chaffing painfully as it rubs against us.  The amazing thing about the human body is that during pain, it will shift in an attempt to alleviate the pain.  Our walk can become impaired, our progress slowed down.  If we can, we take medication to quiet the pain.  If we ignore the problem, and just keep taking the medicine, the numbing agent becomes less effective, and we need to take more.  We get to the point we exist, but don’t truly live. 

For me, the New Wine Women’s Day was a day for me to stop, take off the rucksack and ask God what was in it that I needed to lay aside. 

Christine sensed that many ladies were numbing themselves—with alcohol, or food, or other avoidance behaviours.  She invited the women who had been numbing their emotions and minds to come to the front for prayer.  Suddenly I knew that wasting hours playing on-line games was a mind-numbing behaviour.  So, up I went forward—ignoring Satan’s jibe; “What will the ladies with you think?”.  “They love me—shut up and go away.” I told him. 

What was I trying to carry?  My heart was breaking—thinking about my Mom and sister.   Before I was married, Mom was “The Person to Whom I Belonged.”  I am grieving that I can no longer just ring her up and chat.  I am sad that the full responsibility of caring for Mom falls on my sister, who has her own set of medical problems.  As I was being prayed for, the Lord spoke; “Your Mom is not suffering, she isn’t uncomfortable.  Her times are in My hands.” 

Since I was about thirteen years old, I have aspired to be a writer.  On Saturday, 27^th April I realised the bereft feeling in my heart was tied to my desire for Mom to know I had succeeded.  But now that I couldn’t show her and share with her any accomplished goals, I was subconsciously questioning why I should continue to pursue the goal.  Therefore motivation to write was being hindered. 

Equally, I was tying my sense of identity to my Mom.  It hurts to not have her available mentally, physically, and spiritually.  To watch endless hours of television, play games on-line or on my desk-top, over-eat and not take care of myself was trying to avoid the pain of not being able to control my Mom’s and Sister’s situation.  Satan loves to taunt me with wicked thoughts—“You should be able to do more;” “What’s going to happen to Sissy when Mom is gone?”; “Just give up—it’s took late for you to make your Mom proud.” 

The prayer (on the 27^th) was soothing—the Father pulling me close, letting me know that Mom and Sissy are in His loving care.  The truth is, my identity needs to be solely and solidly established as being His child; His Beloved, the Apple of His eye.  My motivation to write is not out of love for my mom, not out of love for writing, not out of trying to prove my worth.  My motivation to write needs to be based on obedience in response to His great love for me. 

So what was this morning’s episode all about?  It was a tactic of Satan to distract me.  Maybe, if I panicked after realising just how much time was gone, I would give up the idea of spending time in prayer, decide to simply sew instead of writing a blog entry.  Maybe I would just give up the idea of working on any other projects and just watch television all day— waste time, just exist. 

Instead, I asked the Father to forgive me.  I determined to write a blog entry.  And I promised myself no more games today.  I want to make that transition from “Mommy’s Girl” to “Abba’s Girl”. 

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

 

Re-emerging Spring

The third day of sun, the temperatures are warming up significantly and the trees are showing tiny emerging buds.  And just like Spring is making herself known again, so am I reappearing on my blog.

 I wish I could say that I fell through a looking glass, or into a rabbit hole.  The truth is, I simply haven't made it a priority to take the time to sit down and write a blog entry. 

From January to the end of March I was busy with sewing classes.  During that time, I took two one-day workshops:  An “Improvers Sewing Techniques” class; and a “Design a Bag in a Day” class. 

During the “Improvers Sewing Techniques” class, I learned about continuous zip, how to use it in soft furnishing projects.  I ordered some from the internet and am looking forward to using it on some sewing projects for Christmas.  The thing about continuous zip is that you measure the zipper to the length you need—with an inch to inch-and-a-half added.  Then you have to thread the zip pull/tab onto the zip; a skill that takes patience and perseverance, concentration and a gentle but firm touch. 

 Another neat technique I learned involves a thumb-tack, duck tape and the sewing machine.  (A flat-headed push-pin, thumb tack and a drawing pin are all the same thing.   I’m sure you’ll figure it out from the photo.)  Place the tack/pin into a piece of duck tape and place it near the needle on the sewing machine.  Place your material onto the pin and make it smooth on the feed-dogs.  Now sew your circle onto the material.  You can use a decorative stitch to make it even more interesting. 

We used this technique to make a pattern on a small hand-bag we produced. 

The other one-day workshop was in March.  I wanted to make a   I’ve made small hand-bags for my step-daughters.  But, I wanted to find something appropriate for the boys.  Sally Beer, (yes, that’s really her name), the class instructor, had a pattern that I drew off and used.   I got a good start on the bag during the one-day workshop, but because of the size and complexity, I had to bring it home to finish.   

heavy-duty bag, for one of my grandsons.

If I were to make this bag again, I would probably approach it differently, as the instructions are peculiar.  Not only were they not written clearly, but the instructions had what seemed like a back-ward approach.  Therefore I am thinking of finding a different bag pattern for the next bag. 

In addition to the workshops, I took two courses over a series of weeks:  Beginning “Dressmaking” and “Making Soft Furnishings”  I chose to take the beginning class, because I thought I might learn some techniques I had never done before—like sewing with elasticised thread for creating shirring, and gathering.  However, a different instructor taught the class, so it was less about techniques and more about learning to measure and make a top pattern.  It was a good review class.  I did end up making a cute top.  Now I want to find some purple material to make some matching trousers.

Pillow Cover

The “Soft Furnishings” class included learning how to use a self-healing mat and rotary cutter.  I learned how to make bias tape, and why one uses bias tape.  Sally Beer also taught this class.  She had us make notes and put together a booklet of instructions of the techniques she taught us.  Besides all the techniques I learned, I brought away a pillow as well. 

The next series of classes begin the week of 29^th April.  I am thinking I will take only one—the soft furnishing class.  I hope to learn more about quilting. 

So, what else besides sewing has been occupying me?  I’ve created a new role for myself in the Parish.        Since I was a small child, I’ve been passionately interested in mission work and missionaries

        Not being a life-long Anglican, I found I had to adapt to different ways of operation.  While other churches dedicate one service a month to focus on international missions, the Anglican church seems to be less obvious or conspicuous.  The parish invites guest speakers—Fair Trade, Street Angels, Deng David Maker.  And of course, fund raising events in support of Save the Children, Open Doors, Macmillan Cancer etc.  Yet, somehow, I had no idea that the Parish financially supports twelve core charities.  I wondered how many other people in the parish knew only about missions or missionaries they supported personally—but had no idea about the other organisations they contributed to by way of the annual gifts given by the parish as a whole. 

        At the 2012 Parish Away Day, I found myself wondering what I, personally, was supposed to take away from the day—how I could serve the Parish in a way that allowed me to use my talents, share my passions and make a difference.  From conversations with different people, it occurred to me that perhaps I could edit a magazine or booklet that brought the core Charities into clearer focus.  By co-ordinating information and providing it in a “hands-on” format, it would be a resource people could use to discover even more on their own and pray.  Over the next few months, I hope to produce a bi-monthly booklet that will give a basic introduction to each of the core charities—which can be found listed on the parish website.  And, I will also include information about other individuals and organisations that we have taken up offerings for, or have come to speak to us.

          My prayer is that this booklet will be informative, interesting and a practical tool in helping people pray more effectively. 

     

   On Wednesday, 27^th March, I climbed on a National Express bus and went to Anglesey, Wales.  I was privileged to spend two weeks with my step-son and his family.  When The Maverick and I married, “Noddy” and his family lived in Finland.  Last autumn they came back to the United Kingdom.  I’d so wanted to get to know them, and this was a special time. 

        While I was there, I did a bit of sewing—making a dress from two pillow cases.  I had started a 2^nd dress, but the sewing machine stopped working properly.  No amount of fiddling or adjusting the tension was able to repair it.  So, I’ve brought the dress—which has been cut out—home to put together. 

        Since I returned from Wales, (10^th April) a virus created a cough and headaches.  In addition, I also developed a kidney infection.  So I’ve been on antibiotics for a week.  My energy levels have been at the level of a cooked noodle. 

As you can see, not only did I escape the rabbit hole, and stay on this side of the mirror, I was not hi-jacked by pirates either.  The sun is once again out today and it’s warm as well.  So, all-in-all, things are improving. 

God bless you,

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

 

A parallel

            The whole Bible is about Jesus.  I don’t remember when I heard the saying: “The Old Testament is Jesus concealed; the New Testament is Jesus revealed. “ 
            As a young Christian I decided to read the Bible all the way through—as it seemed that it would be a forgone conclusion that someone who professed to be a Christian (a) would want to and (b) should know what was in the Bible.  So my eyes ate up the stories, trudged through the statistics, related to the Psalms, puzzled about the prophets and personalised the letters to the churches. 
            As with any instructional book, sometimes you have to read through something several times; one has to become familiar with it before one begins to understand its meaning.  But over the years I’ve begun to discover interesting parallels and corresponding instances between the Old Testament and Jesus. 
            Here is an example.

Numbers 11
⁸ So Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, one of his choice men, answered and said, “Moses my lord, forbid them!”
²⁹ Then Moses said to him, “Are you zealous for my sake? Oh, that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them!” ³⁰ And Moses returned to the camp, he and the elders of Israel.

Luke 9

⁴⁹ Now John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow with us.”

⁵⁰ But Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us^[a] is on our side.”^[b]

            In both instances young leaders, in the training programme, are “tattling” to the leaders (Moses and Jesus) about people “outside the clique” experiencing the Holy Spirit.  And in both cases, the reply is:  “God is at work—let the Spirit flow.” 

            Paul wrote to Timothy “¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16). God made sure all the indicators were in the scripture, so that when Jesus comes, we cannot fail to recognise Him. 

            Like a parent who plays “peek-a-boo” or “hide-and-seek” with his/her child; The Father rejoices in our delight when we recognise His Son—as revealed through the Bible, which is brought alive by the Holy Spirit. 

            Yes, there are times I struggle as I wade through reading Numbers and the census reports of the twelve tribes.  But, then I come across one of these “moments of reveal” and I’m so glad I’ve persevered.  I hope your reading time is just as fruitful.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

Lady Helene

Sharing A Prayer

Isaiah 65:24:  ²⁴ And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Church:  Most Marvellous God, we are both amazed and humbled to call you Abba, Father.  As Paul wrote, our citizenship is in heaven; we live in a hidden kingdom whilst on this earth.  We pray that all of your children follow in Jesus’ foot steps—making seen the unseen Kingdom.  In countries where Your church is persecuted, fill them with supernatural joy.  You are their light and salvation; enable them to be fearless during trials by ordeal. 

We pray for church leadership worldwide.  We remember the Catholic Church as they go through the process of selecting a new Pope.  May he be strong in vision, purpose and direction. 

We pray for our new Arch Bishop, Justin Welby.  Thank you for his courage to speak into the life of our political leaders.  We ask for your continued blessing on his work.

We thank you for our new Area Dean, Rev’d Roderick Cosh.  Inspired and filled with the Holy Spirit, may he have wisdom, insight, compassion and humour to serve in his new post. 

For our local vicars—Robin, Colin and Bruce—we give you thanks; for their commitment to our community; to teaching and equipping us to effectively make a positive difference in Langley and Slough.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

World:  May we, Your Children, reflect Your light and salvation in a world of brokenness, strife, selfishness and greed.  We often feel overwhelmed, inept, frustrated at our limited ability to make a difference in such a big world.  Give us eyes to see the opportunities we do have.

          We pray for government leaders—that you would use them to make righteous laws. 

The world has come to us, here in Langley and Slough—having been listed as the most culturally and ethnically diverse community in the country.  Let us take advantage of each situation where we can share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those we meet in our daily life—through actions and words.  Touching one person here can mean touching another life far away. 

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Community:  We give thanks for libraries, learning centres, and volunteer groups that provide places for people to gain new skills, make friends and give opportunities to serve in the neighbourhood.  Help us in the church to continue to enable and facilitate the work they do.  Let us be motivated by compassion and a desire to use our abilities and talents to participate with them, whilst also being a witness to your love.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Those who are ill/suffering:  Jesus, You were wounded for our wrong doing, you were beaten for our wickedness; you suffered our punishment so that we can be healed.  Speak Your word and send your healing to those you are suffering in spirit, soul and body.

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Those who have died:  Father, we bring to you those who are recently bereaved.  Comfort those who are feeling the recent sting of death.  Let those walking through this time of shadows and sorrow sense Your Presence with them. 

We remember others who have been a part of the fabric of our lives; for some of us they live forever in our hearts only;  for others of us, they reside in our DNA as well. 

Give us the courage and ability to move through our grief, not to be stymied by it. 

Response:  As we pray, You promise to hear.

Most Merciful Father,

Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ,--Amen

Boots and a Bag

     After five days off, The Maverick returned to work--and worked a double shift.  What a way to spend his Valentine's Day.  

     But I'm not complaining.  On Monday The Maverick met me in town and we had a lunch date.  It was a cold, overcast, day with snow falling until about 2.00 pm.  

     On Tuesday, The Maverick prepared eggy-bread/french toast with bacon for breakfast.  Yummmm...  Then we made plans to meet up in town again.  Only this time it was to be about 3.00 pm, as my sewing class is from 12.00 pm to 2.30 pm.  

     Since I've been bitten by the sewing bug, and been taking classes, the kind of tools I need and want are becoming more apparent.  So, I ordered a rotary cutter, a self-healing cutting mat, and 25 yeards of continuous zipper.  Amazon is a great place to buy items from several different merchants.  The Fiskars Rotary cutter arrived on Monday.  Also on Monday, a card was delivered from the post office saying a parcel for me was waiting at the sorting station, as it was too big to deliver.  Believing it was the A1 sized (33" by 23") in a flat box, I thought I'd have to pick it up after class.  But, The Maverick offered to pick-up the parcel from the post office while I was in class.  He had time to get it, take it home and then come back into town to meet me.  

     After my class, I was heading out the door from the Learning Centre when my mobile rang.  It was The Maverick.  We confirmed where  in the bus station we would meet.  Walking at a moderate pace, I was at the station in about 10 minutes.  

     Smiling as we approached each other, I noticed the crooked grin on The Maverick's face.  He'd done a little shopping--because a green bag hung from his hand.
     "Hold our your hand."  he instructs.  He then produces from the green bag a bunch of green grapes.  That's perfect!
      "I am so hungry.  I didn't even leave class for a cup of water today."

     "Oh, and here's this! 
     "What is it?"
     Into my hand he puts a parcel that is about 9 inches long and twelve inches around.  Obviously this is NOT a cutting board.  Instead, it was the continuous zip kit I ordered.  :-)  

     We both laughted as we walked toward the coffee shop.  The Maverick saw a bargin of a cup of tea and a piece of cake for £2.50.  That is a good deal.  I nibbled grapes as well and felt my energy levels rise for our shopping trip to Windsor.

My new boots--A Valentines's Gift? 

     Since the weather has been snowy, cold and wet, he decided that I might like to have a pair of solid hiking boots; with a firm traction and waterproof, (gortex if possible.)  Millets is a camping store, and it was only after we got to Windsor that we learned that they were closing.  We went down Peascot Street, and found that Millets was decorated with "Closing Down" posters in the window.  We went in, but found nothing that we liked.  

     However, we meadered over to Cotswold, another outdoor gear store.  A friendly, informative and attentive Scottish lad waited on us, giving us good information as well as finding shoes for us to try on.  This time, my feet were fitted nicely and The Maverick asked it I wanted them.  After a few minutes of mulling, I decided yes.  
     
     The clocks were indicating it was getting onto 5.00 pm. and I still wanted to go to C&H Haberdasher/craft shop.  It was just around the corner and I left The Maverick to try on shoes himself.  

     I had a bit of a look about, and spent at least 10 minutes trying to decided on a pair of shears--how long did I want them, which make was the best quality, how much did I feel I wanted to pay for them?  Once I decided on a pair of Fiskars, I picked out a few other bits and bobs.  As I was browsing over the remnants, the lights flickered.  That blatant hint that it was closing time.  Okay...no material this time.  I still have lots at home to use up!  

     The Maverick was outside the shop waiting for me.  He decided not to buy himself any boots.  

     We rode the bus home and enjoyed the rest of our evening in front to the television.  And that's why I'm not complaining about The Maverick working on Valentines' Day.  We just had it early. 

     Today, I finished a hand-bag for my friend and prayer partner.  It matches an outfit that I previously made and gave to her.  I'm truly looking forward to giving it to her.  

     I hope my cutting mat comes tomorrow.

     Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,
     "Lady Helene"