Weekend Review

          Monday is a good day to do laundry. A load of laundry is tumbling in a warm dryer, and another load is in the midst of a three-hour cycle which includes a pre-wash stage and then the regular wash.  Another load is on my bed ready to be folded and put away.  I must confess, laundry is not my favorite thing.  But I am so thankful for an electric washing machine and dryer.  I just want to get it caught up, because I want to spend more time writing this week.

          Sometimes this flat is so quiet is feels lonesome; especially when The Maverick is working double shifts.   

          But this past weekend was not one of those times.  On Saturday The Maverick worked an early shift; he arrived home about 2.30 pm.  I was delighted to know I wasn’t going to be alone.  But he was not to be my only company for the evening.  About 4.00 pm, the buzzer twiddled annoyingly, announcing that “Mr. Biz,” “Chantilly” and family had arrived.  Since we hadn’t been able to get together over Christmas, we were having a late exchange of gifts. 

        Their gifts were the result of the Gingerbread Village that appeared in my kitchen mid-December.  I was surprised that I was able to cut out enough pieces to put together seven houses—although I made only six.  My step-children are always please to get the gingerbread house.

          At the time of their arrival, I had just finished cleaning up the kitchen  and was about to start cooking dinner.  I heard “Cookie” ask, “Where’s Nana?” 

          “I’m right here!”  I said and cheerfully received a hug and kiss. 

          As I was getting a cuddle from “Lolly” I looked up to see “Chantilly” standing next to her dad, just inside the door.  In her right hand was a seven-week-old Cocker spaniel puppy.  “Chantilly” had told me on Friday that little Lexie was coming.  Okay—tiny puppy—cute to be expected.  Only I hadn’t been prepared for just how sweet and pleasant Lexie’s personality is. 

"Lolly" on the floor, ""Beau", "Jam-o", "Cookie" & "Man Cub"

          “Bell Man” stayed with a friend for the weekend, so “Jam-o” was able to make this trip up.  Because “Jam-O” likes cooking, I conscripted him into Kitchen duty.  I chopped celery, onion, garlic, and courgette (zucchini) while he opened tins of chopped tomatoes and kidney beans.  After which, he stirred the mince (hamburger) while I finished the vegetables.  Once the soup was on, “Jam-o” followed orders and did the washing up whilst I got a big pan ready for making cornbread.  He followed the recipe, making a batch-and-a-half.  Dinner was completed with pasta, which I knew would be a good option for the youngest, in case the chilli was too spicy.

          “Man-Cub” is about 17 months old—and he really liked the chilli.  Not too spicy for him! 

          We sat around chatting until bed time.  The Maverick finally managed to get into bed about 11.00 pm—and was hoping for some solid sleep as he had to be up by 3.00 a.m. Sunday to be at work by 5.00 a.m. 

          Sunday morning “Chantilly” went over to “Floss and Harry’s” flat to meet the youngest addition to our family; grandson, ”Enzo”.  On 16^th December, our 18^th (yes, I wrote eighteenth) grandchild was born.  “The Maverick” and I met him on 27^th December.  Since “Chantilly” and company live of the southern coast of England, this was her first opportunity to go and meet the little boy who was born exactly on his due date.  “Mr. Biz” stayed here with the children and puppy. 

          A visit to “Chantilly’s” uncle was next on the agenda for them.  However, “Lolly” and I got to spend some quality time bonding in the kitchen.  We made a “Black Magic” cake .  (for the recipe click here:  http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Black-Magic-Cake/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Thumb&e11=black%20magic%20cake&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=%2fmy%2frecipebox%2fdefault.aspx) 

         Now the cake making was interrupted by the whining of Lexie, as she too was left behind.  I tried leaving her in her carrier, but she cried so much I was too distracted to concentrate on the recipe.  So, I blocked her into the kitchen with us and found my toy dog.  After a few minutes, she finally settled down and fell asleep.

  

        As I said, I was distracted by the dog, and giving “Lolly” instruction.  And I poured the cake batter into the pans.  At which point “Lolly” asks:  “Can I lick the spoon?”  (Who would say no to that face?)

          “Yes, of course.  Is it good?”

          Looking chagrined, “Lolly” shook her head “No.”

          So, I had to taste it. 

          “Lolly!  I left out the sugar!”  We got the sugar out, measured out the right amount and divided it between the two cake tins. 

          I’m happy to report that although the cake did not look pretty, it does taste really nice.  J

          Our friend, “Astrid” arrived about 2.30 pm.  I’d made arrangements for her to come for dinner with The Maverick and myself.  “Astrid” was kind enough to simply go with the flow and enjoyed cuddling Lexie, chatting with “Lolly” and drinking tea.

          “Mr. Biz rang the buzzer about 4.00 pm to pick up “Lolly” and Lexie. At that point I could quickly cook dinner.

          “Astrid” left about 6.00 pm.  And the quiet returned to the flat. 

But I just loved having family with us—a treasure. 

I pray your weekend was as enjoyable.  

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"

Walking to work

                Wednesdays and Fridays I walk to the Parish Office to work.  Although I’m scheduled to be there from 9.00 am to 11.00 am,  I am often there much longer—sometimes till almost 5.00 pm.  But I am thankful that I can serve the parish, the church, in this way. 

          On average, it takes me about 20 minutes to walk to the office.  That’s if I have no interruptions.  Let me tell you about the interruptions that bring a smile to my face.  These are in no particular order.

·         Ms. Sally, the librarian.  When I volunteered at the Tuesday morning coffee shop, which meets in the library, I met Ms. Sally.  Although I haven’t continued to volunteer for the coffee shop, I still like to stop for a wee chat.  We don’t stop for long, usually just “Good Morning—the weather is…”  I also see Ms. Sally on the days I take craft-making items to the library.  I realized that toilet paper/loo rolls, empty yogurt cartons and the occasionally cereal box could be used for children’s projects run by the library.  I asked if they would like us to save these items for them.  And they are glad to have them.  

·         Mrs. Nicola—a young mother.  We met on “The drive”.  I noticed that each day she carried two child-sized scooters on her shoulders.  One day I smiled at her and said, “On the way home from the school run?”  She said yes, and we chatted for a couple of minutes.  Since then we have had many conversations.  We both have “non-British” accents—mine being American and her’s being South African.  She is also a Christian, and likes to sew.  Hopefully we can meet up sometime for a coffee.

·         Mrs. Maureen—whom I met because of her dogs.  Because I’m such a dog lover, I began by asking if I could pet her lovely greyhounds.  Overtime I learned that the dogs were from a greyhound rescue  centre; that the dogs were over 10 years old, the male being older.  Then last autumn she had to have the lovely boy put down.  Mrs Maureen is a widow, and has a daughter.  I enjoy our occasional encounters.

·         Mr. Dave and his “Lovely Girls”  I smile as I write this.  I’ve seen Dave around the parish for a couple of years—always with two white and brown, wire-haired Jack Russell terriers.  One day I asked if I could pet the dogs, and they loved it.  I actually talked to the dogs more than to the man, before I even asked his, I asked the dog’s name.  That’s how I met Cassie.  Suddenly it occurred to me that I should properly introduce myself and ask him his name—which I obviously did.  Then year before last, Dave suddenly had only one dog.  After a few months of only one dog, another dog—a brown puppy—joined them.  I quickly learned she was a Jack Russell terrier and her name is Beau.  These little critters always bring a smile to my face.  I can be half-a-block away when Cassie sees me.  She runs till the lead/leash is fully extended, the begins pulling on the lead/leash to get to me.  She knows she’ll get her head scratched and a good rub.  Then Beau will push in—not wanting to be left out.  And while the dogs get attention, Dave and I chat about the weather, or other local news. 

I’ve met all of these people on Green Drive—which is a misnomer; no one drives on Green Drive.  It is a paved pedestrian and bike path.  But apparently it takes its name from having been a road between a local Lord’s home and Windsor Castle.  That was years before the local area was built up with housing estates, shops and businesses.  Encountering these people, and in some cases their pets, makes the walk to work enjoyable. 

I pray you have a great weekend.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

Experience the Breakthrough

          Plodding home this afternoon  I happened to look across the street; one of those “rolling screen” advertising  stands caught my attention.  They are quite common here in England.  They are on street corners and shopping parades, standing about seven feet tall, with back-lit adverts that roll up, then back down every minute or so. 

          Why?  Why did the advert catch my attention?  It was the caption on the rolling poster:  “Experience the Breakthrough.”  I didn’t care what the product was—didn’t even notice.  But I did feel like God was winking at me.

          So, I came home, pondered those words whilst checking e-mail and sending e-mails. 

The Maverick worked a double shift today, so that meant I was on my own for the evening.   A couple of hours later, I turned on the television.  This is a habit that comes from my single days—watching television while eating a meal.  (Eating alone is one of the things I really hate.)  Rather than do my usual channel surf through secular channels, I used the remote to change over to TBN, Trinity Broadcasting Network. 

          As I sliced cheese, plucked pickled cucumber slices from vinegar and looked over the selection of crackers, I watched television with a mix of restlessness and compelled attention. 

TBN has a signature programme, “Praise the Lord” which is aired live in the USA and then re-broadcast the following day on TBN Europe.  The host of the show, Pastor Gregory Dickow kept saying to expect God to speak to us.  He enthusiastically encouraged viewers to "tweet", "Facebook," e-mail, or phone friends and family to watch—as God had something special for them. 

To be honest, I felt like I was watching “Christianity Americana 101”.  Yet, God’s truth was being spoken.  And that is universal.  The second guest for the evening was Barbara Yoder; she is the senior pastor of Shekinah Regional Equipping and Revival Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. 

When Pastor Dickow introduced her to the audience, he said she is known for her cutting edge apostolic breakthrough anointing infused with prophetic revelation. 

There was that word again, ”Breakthrough.” 

About a month or six weeks ago, I had a dream.  Whilst I don’t remember the particulars now, I do remember standing in a room and stating out-loud:  “Yes, I’m going to do it.  I’m going to be that successful writer.”

Last week was the beginning of our new year.  As I got dressed, I was thinking about goals for this year.  Sitting on the edge of the bed, absently looking down toward the row of shoes, I pondered what to pray and how to pray for this New Year.  What did God want me to ask for in this coming year?  The word “Breakthrough” popped into my head! 

It is no small wonder that the advert caught my eye.  And it was no  “interesting co-incident” that I should  be led to watch TBN to hear the story of Barbara Yoder. 

I need to press into this gift—writing.  Above everything else, I want to please my Heavenly Father.  I want to fulfill my destiny.  I want to use this tool to reveal the loving, redeeming, and healing power of God’s Person and Presence.  Just like Moses used the Rod of God to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, I pray that I will make progress in writing meaning full blog posts, creating believable stories. 

The thing is, I do have a lot to say.  Now I have to choose each day to practice disciple in order to see Breakthrough!

As for the sign—well, I now know it is an advert for electronic cigarettes.  But I didn’t download the photo for the product.  I downloaded the message.  A reminder of what God has for me this year!

It is my prayer that in the coming days you too will experience breakthroughs in every area you desire.

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

Lady Helene

Resolution-less

“Is not your reverence your confidence? And the integrity of your ways your hope? “Job 4:6

          I gave up making resolutions many years ago.  All too often resolutions are made out of guilt, shame, those terrible whispers; “I should do…”; “I shouldn’t do…”  “I need to…”  And when the emotional fuel we’ve pumped into our intentions turns into boredom, lethargy, disappointment, frustration and more guilt, we give up on half-made promises. 

          However, many years ago, I began asking  the Lord Jesus what character trait or what changes He wanted to work into  or out of my life.  I was beginning to understand that if it was God breathed, and God-powered, the changes would come—if I remained close to the Father and co-operated with Him.

          When I first read these verses today, my initial response to Eliphaz the Temanite’s question to Job was “Yes, practicing reverence will create confidence and we can have hope if we live a life of integrity.”  The equal thought to that is; “If I keep all the rules, then everything will always be okay.”   Is it possible that is the kind of mind-frame of which making resolutions—at New Year’s or other times—comes?

          Perhaps fear plays a role in making resolutions.  In the first chapters of the book of Job, we see a man who fears God and regularly makes sacrifices to God in the hope that pain and destruction will not touch him.  So we say things to ourselves like:  “I should lose weight and exercise so that I won’t develop diabetes; won’t have a heart attack; will be healthy in my old age.”  Okay—confession—that’s what I say.  I fear the consequences of bad choices.  After all the messengers broke the news that his riches and his family were gone, Job’s reply is “That which I feared has come upon me.” 

          Yet, by the end of the book of Job, he learns that fearing God does not protect us from suffering; neither does living the kind of life of “following the rules.”  This is what Job says to God:

 “I know that You can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted.  [You said to me] “Who is this that darkens and obscures counsel [by words] without knowledge?  Therefore {I now see} I have [rashly] uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.  [I had virtually said to You what You have said to me;]Hear I beseech You and I will speak; I will demand of You, and You declare to me, I had heard of You [only] by the hearing of the ear, but now my [spiritual] eye sees You.  Therefore I loathe [my words] and abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:2-6

          As a teenager, and even in my early 20’s I could never make sense of the book of Job.  But by the time I’d hit my 30’s and had my first back surgery, I understood that suffering makes us look beyond our limited abilities to live a valuable and worthwhile life.  Pain will either make us turn away from God = “If God is good and loving, why does he allow suffering?”; or turn us to God “Jesus, You suffered on the cross, You are suffering with me now.  I need You.” 

          Growing up in a Christian home made it possible for me to “hear of God with my ear.”  But suffering brought me to the end of myself, the end of thinking that I could be a “Good Girl” in my own strength. 

          When Job had everything stripped away, and realized that God was all he had, he also understood that God was all he needed.  Job had a revelation of God in His sovereignty.  When I got a small glimpse of the sovereignty of God, it was only the beginning of understanding that being a Christian is not me trying to live a righteous life by doing good things.  Making resolutions and trying to impress God by changing myself just doesn’t work.  Rather, my confidence and trust has to rest in God’s imparting His righteousness to me because of Jesus Christ’s finished work of the cross.  Like Job, I could say “Now my spiritual eyes are opened—and seeing Your sovereignty lets me see how trust worthy You are.” 

By placing my confidence in God’s love and sovereignty, I am led into a life of reverence.  Resting in God’s salvation, in and through Jesus Christ creates hope, and brings about integrity in my walk with God, the Church, and the world. 

Here’s to a New Year with no resolutions!

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

Lady Helene