Introducing Mrs Williams

As of last Saturday afternoon my bestest friend is now Mrs Williams. It was a wonderful weekend from start to finish. I don't think I have enough words to describe how much I enjoyed it, and how priviledged I felt to be a part of it all.
It was fun, and nerve wracking and stressful and hysterical. We laughed lots and we were a bit stressed - especially when I dropped about 40 glass tealight holders onto the pavement outside Milla's house reducing them to just 16!
We got exhausted, we got our nails painted, we drank more wine than we had intended to on Friday night.
We went for a head clearing nerve calming walk on Saturday morning and smoothly got ready. Minor disaster with a missing eyeshadow - small things suddenly matter in times of stress. Then I laced her into her dress, she put her veil and hair jewels on and we were ready.
Had a few wobbly bottom lip moments leading to a crescendo of nerves seconds before walking into the ceremony room and then we were off!
It was lovely to see two people so in love and so ready to deal with the ups and downs of life pledge themselves to each other forever. I think everyone got watery eyed as the groom's voice broke during his vows.
The party afterwards was great fun, the food was yummy, the wine flowed easily, the dancing was crazy and the cake was fab and all too soon it was over. James said it was the best wedding he's been to, and if ours is even half as fun filled and joyous I will be happy.
Here's to you Mr and Mrs Christopher and Camilla Williams, The Bride and Groom xx

Unexpected

I met God again this morning. On platform three of East Croydon station. It was unexpected. I was on my way to work as usual.
I am reading Taming the Tiger by Tony Anthony (see left.) It is a good book about a Kung Fu champion, and his path to Christ and beyond. I have not finished it. It was one of the book available to read at the Living Room in Tenerife where I was last year. I picked it up in a charity shop a few weeks ago.
Anyway I was sitting on the platform waiting for my usual 08.28 First Capital Connect train to Herne Hill. I have about ten minutes so it is always a good opportunity to get stuck into whatever I'm reading. The bit I read this morning is an account of the words of Michael Wright to Tony. Michael had been visiting Tony for a while by this point, literally being Christ to him and letting him know about Jesus' love. Michael began telling Tony about the God shaped hole in his heart, and how nothing would fill it except Christ. There were several quotes from scripture including Romans 8 verse 1: 'Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Jesus Christ the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death." Wow! I was shocked by those words, and suddenly it hit me that I have been so far away from His truth and how bad I feel without Him. Silently God joined me and filled my heart with His spirit once again.
Tears welled up as I continued to read on the train about Tony's hearfelt cries to God, and once again I felt the need to ask God to come into my life again. And He did. I feel strangely peaceful, and prepared. I feel like I am walking God's way again. I've missed it, let's see where it takes me this time! H x

Finishing

Yesterday was the last session of my counselling course. For thirteen weeks and ten sessions (Easter and half term in the middle) I have shared not only a introduction to Counselling for Christians course but a journey. The people on the course were great, men and women from a wide variety of social, cultural, geographical and denominational backgrounds. Inspite of, or perhaps because of, our differences we bonded quickly and grew as helpers over the time we were together. I feel like I have really shared in these people's lives, and quite deeply in some cases. I have also grown, I have learnt how to share some of my stuff, some stuff that I keep buried and hidden and trodden down. I have learnt to set goals, without which I wouldn't have joined WW, I have learnt to listen, and really listen, and not talk about myself.
Most of all I have discovered that Counselling is something I do want to pursue in the future. It is something that makes me tick inside, it is something that makes me feel alive. I also know that now is not the time for me to pursue this.
I feel good, like I've achieved something. H x

Weighing In

Well it's two weeks since I joined WeightWatchers. I have to say my first meeting was a bit like an out of body experience. But so far it has made me focus on food and my eating in a really positive way. I don't feel like I am 'on a diet'. I do feel like I am starting to understand my eating, my picking etc. I have even managed to eat out twice and for the first time in a LONG time I only had two courses!
It's actually quite fun, although the drive to meeting fills me with a bizarre nervousness.
And the results - well in the first two weeks I have lost 6.5 lb. Chuffed? I'd say so! H x

How to encourage prayer?

On Sunday night I stood up in front of church and tried my hardest to light a flame of interest in the congregation for a project that burns passionately for me.
I have spoken to The Vicar and I am organising a week of 24-7 prayer for my church. Well nearly 24-7. Due to safety and practicality it will only run 24-7 for the last weekend but the prayer room will be open from 6am until 10pm the other days. Its running from July 9th - July 16th. That's soon.
I'm scared. I'm scared it'll fail, I'm scared I won't be able to tell people about what it is, what it's for, how it will be set up, how it can be used. I'm scared that people won't come, and people won't pray.
Being the rather anal organised person that I am I really want to control this. But I can't. It's not mine, it belongs to God. If I put too much of myself in the prayer room then how will God get in there? How will other people find space to pray. If I don't explain it clearly then how will people know that this thing changes lives, prayer is powerful and we should embrace this chance to invite God in.
The other week I asked God during the service to show me that 24-7 was what I should be doing right now. Right then Helen ended the service reading from Red Moon Rising. OK God - so that was quick - now I need Your help.
Not only will this be a challenge for our church it'll be a personal challenge for me. A lesson in how to let God lead, and a lesson in how to follow. Hmmmm. H x

I AM

Sometimes I get a bit bogged down in my life and I stress about little things like the fact that no washing up has been done since Monday, or my train is late to work. Sometimes in these moments when I'm miserable and grumpy and bored God scoops me up and reminds me that He has a plan, He is in control and He loves me.
A ray of sunshine, a smile, a hug all remind me of the bigger picture. When I find myself questioning God and where I fit and why I should listen to Him I remember what God said to Moses when he asked what he should tell the Israelites when they asked him the name of God:
'God said to Moses, "I am who I am". This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.' ' Exodus 3: 14
God is so big so awesome and so amazing that his name is simply 'I AM.' No more explanation is needed!

Jack is still battling on. His family are with him. He has been asleep a lot. The end is near and I am convinced that when God calls him home heaven will welcome him with open arms and a massive party.

H

Weight Watching

Well the diet wasn't working. I wasn't getting anywhere nearer to being a 'Little less round nice girl :-)' (thanks Mike)
I was getting miserable about it and looking at some recent photos made me grimace. It was once again my counselling course that helped me. We looked at action planning and setting goals in a helping relationship. In threes we had to tlak through an issue that we had and set goals. It was cathartic. It was good to be honest about my issues with weight and the way I can lie to myself about what I am eating. I am queen of 'one more won't hurt' as I shove another biscuit in my mouth. I have a sweet tooth and I LOVE food. E-Diets wasn't doing it. I was accountable to no-one but myself and it was easy to skip weigh in. So my group set a goal for me to join Weight Watchers before we meet again next Wednesday. Being the tight fisted Capricorn that I am the 'join free' before 28th May spurred me on and I found a local meeting the next day.
Surprisingly it was all OK. The people are normal, the leader is a real person with a sense of humour and the plan is fab. I've stuck to it so far and I even managed to have a bit of my boss' birthday cake. Now that's what I call a diet! H x

Camilla Hen and the Girls

Following Roddy's request below here are a couple of the earlier pictures from our weekend. Camilla is the one in the film staresque white trench and in the pub picture her mum is to her right. The day was a bit grey and chilly but it's amazing what a couple of glasses of good wine can do......!

Little Jack

This is a bit of a random one. I'll let the link below do most of the talking. Little Jack Wakefield is a three year old London Irish rugby fan. He has cancer. He was given twenty four hours to live on Friday and his parents took him home on Saturday morning. The rugby supporting community has drawn together in prayer and support for him and his family. Every day hundreds log on to the London Irish Message board to chack for messages and leave a note of support. At the time of writing God has not yet called him home, and through updates that get posted on the London Irish message board we found out that yesterday afternoon he was running around playing pirates. Once again I find myself asking God what's going on whilst desperately praying that His will be done in this situation.
London Irish Board

Hen Hiatus!

This weekend was Camilla's hen 'do'. I managed to organise, book and co-ordinate a trip to Oxford for ten lovely ladies with the key word being 'Classy'.
It has been a marathon weekend having driven to Worcester on Friday after work, slept for 6 hours, caught a train to Oxford somewhere gained another 6 and a half hours sleep, caught a train back to Worcester and then driven back to Croydon.
First panic of the weekend happened fifteen minutes after we were due to meet at the station: NO BRIDE, not answering mobile or land line - awful of images of hen in diabetic coma unable to be roused sprung into my mind. Actual cause was hangover and Bride made late entrance looking shame-faced in time to board train. All dressed in Yellow we bundled onto the 10.13 to London Paddington.
Brunch and Buck's (or should that be Hen's) Fizz went down a treat and passed the hour long journey brilliantly - thanks to Lil Sis for sourcing the plastic champagne glasses. Oxford Backpackers Hostel was five minutes walk, small and friendly - would recommend for short stay.
Our boat trip was just wonderful. Thanks to Giles at Oxford river cruises who even managed to accommodate our request for a place serving a cup of tea!
After a nap - yes I know sleeping is cheating - we all glammed up for an evening out in Oxford. Only one negative experience ensued with a large bouncer who had an elevated sense of his own importance. A good night was had by all with the last falling into bed at 4.30 am! oh yes we beat the boys!
The weather turned on us by Sunday but bleary eyed we trudged through the rain for a yummy brekkie, followed by a quiet and reflective train ride home.
Here's hoping the wedding goes as smoothly and the weather bucks it's ideas up.
H xx