Sha.Coburn

Lost

2009-05-20T08:59:00.002+01:00

Today is a day off and I am sat here lost at what to do! I think that my work is so important to me and the fact that others sponsor me to do it makes me think that I owe it to them and myself to give it my all. However, this can burn me out.

I was looking at my husbands facebook account and watched a video that he left there. He was playing his guitar singing a song 'Falling Out of Reach' by the Guillemots (is that how you spell it?) The words reminded me that we can get burnt out if we don't slow down. So, despite wanting so badly to work and get that proposal finished off that I am working on, I am going to slow down today and have a day off. Well, at least until I have to go to college tonight! Life...

2009-02-14T14:02:00.003Z

On February 25th I will have known Dennis for 20 years. We me in a telephone box on 25th Feb 1989! I was just sixteen and Dennis was 18 (and a half!). I thought he was gorgeous and was far too old for me. I was spotty, not very nice looking and not very trendy.

I am pleased that Dennis saw something that others failed to. This year we will have been married for 18 years. We will be holding our valentine's celebration and celebrating our 20th anniversary of meeting instead.

Bluewater Ice Skating trip

2008-12-06T20:54:00.003Z

Today I took a group from Staplehurst Free Church ice skating to Bluewater. We had a great time and was well worth every penny. The young people who are part of my Mettle Group called Buzz are a credit to their church and their parents. Thank you guys for being so great with each other and looking after me!

The picture above shows how I can skate in style and the one below is just four of the guys from Staplehurst.

upside down Christmas tree!

2008-11-30T16:54:00.002Z

I was in John Lewis yesterday and guess what I saw?!..

Yes, an upside down (or reversible) Christmas tree. WHY?

Why would anyone want one? It's complete madness! Has the world gone crazy or is it just another item that states how individualistic we all are?

I'm not having a tree this year to make my point. What that point is, I'm yet to decide.

Sophia Network

2008-11-25T18:57:00.002Z

I have just joined the Sophia Network (which I should have done a year ago!) it has already proved thought provoking and helpful to my ministry as a woman in youthwork. Have a look.... www.sophianetwork.org.uk

5 people who have influenced my Spiritual Path

2008-10-30T22:21:00.002Z

I have just been named by dennis as someone who has influenced his spiritual path and what he wrote made me shed a tear or two. he went on to challenge the 5 people to name their own 5 people so here goes:

Dennis Coburn
Dennis and I met on 25th February 1989 when I was just 16 years old (in a telephone box!). Dennis was a Christian and saw something in me that I didn't see myself....not for a long time. Dennis introduced me to church, to the possibility of knowing God personally and to long snogs. Dennis spent endless hours reassuring me that I was worth something, that I was lovable and that the future could be better than the past. I truly believe God guided me to Dennis and He knew what he was doing when He provided me with my soul mate.

Sandra Jowett
Is a great woman of hospitality and love and showed me how you could serve others in love, joy and humility. Sandra always had great passion in seeing the best in people and was a real inspiration to me in the early days. She invested in me. Sandra and her husband Geoff even went so far as to pay for us to go to Harvest in the NE so that we could grow in our faith. Thank you for the impact that you made on my life Sandra.

Bill Chapman
When I first learnt that Bill was a minister an Elim church, I thought he was joking. Not because he was lacking in anything but because he was so approachable, real and honest. He was funny and not distant if you know what I mean?? I hadn't come across anyone like him before. His love for young people was infectious and his attempt at discipline hilarious. Bill helped me to see what a minister could look like.

Rob Ryan
Who spent countless hours driving back and forth to Birmingham with me. Listening to my ramblings in a non judgemental way, sometimes offering advice, never pressing his own view but opening up possible solutions. Ideal qualities for the ministry that God has placed him in now. I miss our chats and will have to make more trips to Rochester to hear some more wise words.

Jake Coburn
Jake is my son and friend. From a tiny child, Jake has seen God's plan for people and never held back in telling them what it is. His boldness, truthfulness and courage are wonderful aspects of his young life that I admire and wish I had more of. When all else seems to be lost, it is Jake who gets us to pray and to seek God in our desperation with an open heart and a trust that helps us all to see impossibilities. I pray that he will cling onto God and not allow what he sees in the establishment of the church to shake his faith, that he will stay safe and focus on what God's plan might be for his life.

Well, there you go. I hope that I have done these 5 amazing people justice.

I would have put Jessica Coburn here but felt that her input into my life is more about how to be a girl rather than being spiritual. She is the girl I never was and loves bags and shoes and make-up and hair. I don't understand it all or how I parented such a child but she is teaching me how to appreciate such things. Thank you Jess. x

Bored`

2008-10-06T15:53:00.003+01:00

At the moment I am not very well. I have caught this horrible cold which is going around and it's left me feeling awful.

I don't do 'ill' very well (excuse the pun). I dislike sitting around doing nothing. I can't keep my mind from working, hence this blog. Something to do as I'm sat here recovering!

Why is it that the mind doesn't stop even when the body does?

Park and Ride

2008-09-18T22:30:00.003+01:00

Today was a rare opportunity to have a day off!

I had a meeting in the morning in Sandwich (which wasn't work) and then Den and I went into Canterbury for the day. It was lovely. We went into the Cathedral to take pictures, sat and drank coffee as we listened to young buskers and walked up and down the high street.

On thing I have noticed about Canterbury is the diversity of shopping. At one end you have all the high street 'normal' shops and then at the other end are all the individual retailers with weird and wonderful little shops worth exploring.

Anyway, the reason for this blog is to promote the park and ride! Brilliant! no messing about, looking for a space. Nice easy journey in and cheaper parking. It makes the whole experience much more relaxed. I like park and ride and after using it a few times in Maidstone, I think I will use it more. Well done Mr & Mrs bus driver.

Tired

2008-09-08T22:17:00.002+01:00

Today has had it's ups and downs.

Do you ever start off the day feeling tired? The day doesn't seem to get better as it goes along does it? You just get more tired.

Well I started the day having to meet a deadline with the edits I am working on. I then left my computer with a headache and went off to enjoy a leaders meeting (which was the up!) Being with like minded people seems to give you a little boost. But as I was driving away, I suddenly felt tired again and it was back to editing.

I wonder why tiredness seems to leave you when you are enjoying yourself?

It must be something to do with how the body works....

A great evening

2008-05-24T09:33:00.001+01:00

Den and I went to see Lou Fellingham last night as she released her new album in Brighton.

The evening went well and Lou has an amazing voice. I recommend the album and going to see her live. I think she is better live! Not something that you can say about most artists.

Well done Lou and the band, a great evening.

New car or not a new car?

2008-05-01T15:17:00.002+01:00

My car is well out of it's warranty now and because of all the driving I do back and forth to HQ in Birmingham, I am considering a newer car (with warranty).

It's just that my car at the moment has everything I need but any other car within my price range would mean me giving up some aspects!

I know that I am fortunate to have a car at all and I thank God for it so don't get me wrong!

If I do get another car, it will be a smaller engine so it will be better for the environment.

Decisions, decisions!

Distictive at Spring Harvest

2008-04-21T09:03:00.003+01:00

I have just returned from Spring Harvest. I was Pastoral Coordinator for Distinctive (11 - 14's Minehead week 3). I had an amazing week with lots of challenges. It was a real privilege to work with the team and the young people and my legs are still sore from jumping!

This picture was the fund raising day, we raised over £1500 for The Bible Society to translate bibles for the Solomon Islands.

I am still buzzing from Distinctive and have worship songs going around my head constantly. I don't want to come down from this high but pray that the young people that went won't come crashing back to earth with a bang but will be able to remain close to God. Amen

Angelfest

2008-04-07T19:49:00.004+01:00

Angelfest is a festival that will take place on Saturday 6th June 2009 at Aylesford Priory. It will be for ages 5 - 18 and is taking shape nicely.

Today the Angelfest team had a meeting at Rochester and some amazing ideas came out of it. I am really excited at providing this day for our young people and their leaders.

Watch out for more info!

Can you help?

2008-04-02T11:31:00.003+01:00

Today the whole of British Youth for Christ that work from head office in Halesowen are seeking to meet the need of Personal Support. Me included!

Personal Support is part of our ministry and it means that we find individuals to give monthly to YFC to support us in the work that we do.

I have to raise 50% of my own salary as part of my ministry and it is probably the hardest thing that I do with YFC. I do this as my commitment to the vision of YFC and YFC commits itself to finding the other 50% plus expenses. This enables the Charity to have more staff to take good news relevantly to every young person in britain. find out more at http://www.yfc.co.uk/

I have individuals and churches who give between £5 and £200 per month, quarter or year. If you would like to help out by giving a donation to the work that I do, please contact me and I will guide you through this simple process. Please consider this prayerfully.

Newsletter Sharron Coburn April 2008

Family News

We are all recovering from an extremely busy period and are feeling the consequences of this at the moment. We intend to take a week off to do nothing in May and it can’t come soon enough!

Dennis’ health remains good and we thank God for this. Jake got every question right in his Science GCSE exam which is reward for the hours of revision that he put in and Jessica has secured a role in her school performance of The Wizard of Oz.

We are all planning for a busy summer and are looking forward to the new challenges ahead. We remain reliant upon God for all our needs including our salaries and know that He always provides, sometimes in the most unexpected way. I sometimes despair at this but see His greatness through the tough times.

Being busy can sometimes get in the way of seeing old friends but we hope to catch up with some of you soon. Please stay in touch.

Give thanks

For the many opportunities to meet and share with young people about the Gospel.
For my family and the past provision that God has blessed us with.
For the good health of Dennis and may it continue.
For the support given by many through prayer, finance and help.
For an encouraging start to 2008 with Hope and vision to see young peoples lives changed.

The Gift of Giving

God has blessed both myself and Dennis with ten years of provision for our salaries and we thank Him for this. It is also because of this length of time that it becomes increasingly harder to find individuals who are prepared to support us.

I am looking for some people to ‘personally support’ the work that I do with British YFC. To be a Personal Supporter involves you filling out a standing order form to give as little or as much as you can each month, quarter or year to British YFC which will be allocated to my 50% of salary that I need to raise.

You may think that your small amount won’t make a difference but every person who gives are equally valued by me, regardless of the amount given (£5 to £200). It not only indicates that you believe in the work of British YFC but I take it as a sign that you have faith in me to put your gift to good use. Please consider this now before you move on to your next task. Thank you.

If you would like to consider this, I would love to hear from you.

Summer Rock Fun Day

The fun day will take place at Marlborough House School in Hawkhurst on Saturday 14th June and I am not only looking for groups to book in to this great day but people who are willing to help.

Could you give up one Saturday to see 100s of young people come together to hear about God and have a great day. Please let me know. Details of this event are on http://www.wealdyfc.co.uk/

Detling Summer Conference and Summer camp

Plans are now well underway for the youth side of Detling. We have managed to get three bands to come (My Spoon, DoXology an Thebandwithnoname) and are establishing a team of volunteers. Some have been to Detling many times and are prepared to come and work alongside myself and Dennis, some are new and some are yet to discover they are coming!

Dennis will be heading up the worship and some teaching while I will be miss organised, making sure that everything and everyone works and rests at the right time.

We are looking for people aged 16+ who have a servant heart and want to join us both at providing for the young people at Detling this year. (2nd—7th Aug).

We have also space for campers and staff at our own Summer camp held in Northiam (11th—15th Aug). If you are interested or you know someone who will be, please let me know.

You can find out more information about Detling at www.detling.com or contact me direct and Summer Camp at www.wealdyfc.co.uk

Please Pray

For individual givers to this work who want to join in the vision of YFC. For more income as gift aid goes down from 28% to 25% effecting both our ministries.

For my family that we will all have time to rest and become refreshed in our ministry and for good health and provision.

For Spring Harvest and my role in praying with and for young people. For the evening of giving the message to the young people that they will have understanding of what God may be saying to each of them.

For the Summer Rock Fun Day that young people will hear from God and will be changed for life. For volunteers who are willing to give their time.

For Detling that plans will go smoothly and the team will grow. For the young people that they will experience God like never before. For the team to be blessed as well as the young people.

For my new role in YFC with the 14-18s. For time management to be effective and for me to rest when I can. For the vision of the church to expand so that we can see more of this age group coming to know God and staying with Him for a life of faith.
Amen

New Role

My new title is the 14-18s Co-ordinator for British YFC. This means that I have to look after resources, residentials, teaching and equipping of this age range. Some of you may have heard of Mettle the resource and Mettle Bible Reading Notes, these are now my responsibility and I have to commission writers, write myself and edit the material.

There are hundreds of groups around the country who use this weekly material and thousands of young people who read the daily bible reading notes so my aim is to make this resource as good and accessible as it can be.

This is the age group that churches find it really hard to connect with and keep so my challenge is difficult and the added pressure of deadlines etc has took its toll on me. As I get into the new rhythm of the publishing world, I will have to work my socks off at certain points in the year and learn to rest at others. I will still be the regional person for Kent so have lost the South East but gained the country! The work continues….

Spring Harvest

I have been asked to be pastoral co-ordinator for Minehead week 3 with the 11-14s. It is a privilege and an honour to do this and I am looking forward to going. I know that some of you will be there so say hi. I will be leading sessions on prayer, an alpha session on Who is the Holy Spirit and giving the evening message on the Thursday.

There could be up to 400 young people at this event and it is very humbling but also awesome to be in this job sometimes. I really do thank God for placing me in this ministry.

Montanism and essays

2008-04-01T15:52:00.002+01:00

I have this wonderful essay to write on Montanism which is great!!! uuumm.

Anyway, I was looking at facebook and was quite surprised to see how many people have wrote on their daily update that they have an essay to write and are either struggling or looking for inspiration. I think that I am doing both.

It helps to know that I am not the only one.

And yes, I do know that facebook may be getting in the way of my work!

Mother's Day

2008-03-02T21:23:00.002Z

My daughter has made me the best Mother's day gift ever. She gave me my favourite songs by downloading them and collating them onto a single cd.

She must have spent hours on the design for the cd case and hand wrote all the song details on the back of the case for me. I have been listening to it today in the car.

It's not about money and how much people spend is it? It's about the thought that has gone into something, the background researched and the time taken to develop something.

A bit like youth work really!

My kids are great, what a great day.

Ducks!

2008-02-07T16:21:00.001Z

Carrying on from the last blog, I have decided that the ducks in our village are in fact teenage ducks!

Identity Crisis

2008-02-07T08:33:00.001Z

Outside our house is a lovely village pond. On the pond live a family of adorable ducks. Each day they play around the pond and the various puddles that they have created having so much fun.

That is until midnight arrives!

These ducks then come alive, waking everyone up with their loud quacking, underneath our window. They have this mad half hour. I think that they are confused as to what they are!

The other day I found them in the middle of the road playing chicken with the cars. Yet more evidence that they are unaware that they are really ducks.

If they don't start behaving soon, I may buy some orange sauce and crispy pancakes.

Top tip of the month

2008-01-18T11:31:00.000Z

Always keep a cold can of pop in you fridge!

Last night I was cooking dinner and put the long handled pan in the oven. I brought the pan out after 30 mins and placed it on the top of the stove. While adding water I went to shake the pan using the handle but forgot to put the oven glove back on. ooops! or should I say owww.

I burnt all my fingers and tried running them under cold water for a while. I had to abandon that though because the pork was cooking too quickly and had to sort that out. Not being able to keep my hand under water and cook at the same time, I grabbed the coldest thing out of the fridge (All the ice was gone).

This can of coke cooled my hand down enabling me to continue to cook the dinner at the same time. I could invent something like an ice glove!

Wedding

2008-01-15T19:06:00.000Z

I went to the most amazing wedding on Saturday. Phil (YFC Worker) married Dani (Youth Worker) in Birmingham. There must have been 400 guests there.

These two guys unashamedly put Jesus at the centre of their day and I am sure will place him as the centre of their marriage.

The message, the prayers, the worship, the groom's speech and even the best man's speech all centred around Jesus and what he had done to change the lives of both Dani and Phil, how he had given them hope and how he guides their lives.

I thought that it was beautifully done and anyone who went was touched by the sincerity and joy of the day.

I pray that God will have his hand on both of these guys.

Q's

2007-12-23T23:23:00.000Z

I took my brother food shopping today and ended up in a queue of 16 trolleys waiting for the till. Every till was open. We joined the queue as trolley number 9.

2 minutes later, I turned around to see that a further 7 trolleys had joined the queue behind us.

What a nightmare Christmas shopping is!

study

2007-12-21T10:25:00.000Z

Christmas is a time for family, relaxing and enjoying being with your children. Oh yes, of course, how could I forget, and studying the reformation!

So my essay question is 'Was the English Reformation in England a continuation of the European Reformation or was it of an entirely different order?

Comments please!

Shopping, shopping and more shopping!

2007-12-19T18:25:00.000Z

Trying to shop and not spend too much money is an art form.

I discovered today that Next in the outlet centre Ashford has a big sale on.

I got lots of stuff for not very much!

Girls (and boys) a few of my bargains were:

A studded belt for £1
A shiny brown bag for £1
A leather belt for Den for £1
A dress for £5
A jacket for a wedding for £5
and a pair of shoes, also for the wedding, for £5

I went early at 10am and it was empty! No huge Christmas crowds, great.

If I hadn't already done most of my Christmas shopping, I would have got everyone something from Next for £1 and saved loads. Never mind.

Just feel it my duty to pass on possible bargain opportunities.

Cyber city

2007-12-08T09:53:00.000Z

Why are my family all sat at their own computers? It's like cyber city here.

I think we need a good old game of monopoly to encourage interaction.

What a Bargain!

2007-12-02T22:24:00.000Z

I don't know about you but I love a bargain.

Over the next three weeks I have to travel from deepest Kent to West Birmingham once each week. That means setting off about 5.30am in the morning and getting home about 8pm at night.

I think I am getting old as I just sigh at the thought of it these days.

I wondered how much it would be to get a room for the night before I had to be at HQ. I discovered an unbelievable room at Travelodge for £15 a night!!!

I think that you usually have to book between 7 and 21 days in advance but this is for tomorrow night, amazing.

It is a relief to know that I can split the journey and keep myself safe for a reasonable amount of money. I think my family will appreciate me arriving home safe.

Amazing young people

2007-11-11T17:30:00.000Z

I have just returned from a weekend away with 9 young people and two other leaders.

I was training young leaders in youth and children's work, part of a new course that I have been involved in writing called Building Foundations - The Next Generation.

What an amazing time!

The young people that attended were brilliant and the churches that they belong to are so fortunate to have them.

It was quite humbling to be involved in training these young people who may one day leaders of our churches.

Land Rover

2007-10-30T07:54:00.000Z

I had to use Den's car today, a Land Rover. Quite an experience!

When bus drivers see each other, they wave. It is the same with motorbikes, the riders nod their head to each other as they pass. Well it's the same with Land Rover drivers.

It's like a little club that you now belong to just because you are a Land Rover owner. It's fun!

Do you think those old people in those mad scooter things let on to each other as well?

Autumn Term

2007-10-10T15:55:00.000+01:00

Autumn term always seems to be the busiest time of year for me. I don't seem to have stopped for a breath yet and it's nearly the middle of October already.

Coming us is Youthwork the conference, deadlines for writing and HOLIDAYS!

I think that I am in need of some time off work, I'm so glad I have some annual leave coming up.

Sometimes it feels like I'll just get the next thing out the way and then I will rest. Well this time I am going to rest and read and cycle and watch films. can't wait!

Coffee time

2007-10-09T20:36:00.000+01:00

How much coffee can you take in one day?

I have been in London today for a number of meetings. My first started at 11am with a coffee and the last finished at 4.30pm with another coffee.

Various teas and coffee were consumed in between.

I think that I've had too much as I am now wide awake and hyper when I should be winding down and relaxing.

It can't be good for you, can it?

Day off?

2007-10-04T15:47:00.001+01:00

Today is my day off due to working over the weekend.

I decided to make an effort on starting my essay for college. It is based on the Liturgical and charismatic Movement over the 50 years. Thrilling I hear you say!

Surprisingly, it is quiet interesting.

I have spent the whole day trying to write the 2,500 words required and managed to get 800.

At this rate I think it will take me another 11 days....or so.

Great People

2007-09-21T20:09:00.000+01:00

Today I had a meeting with the KEYCOG group (Kent Ecumenical Youth and Children's Officers Group) were amongst other things we were planning a training day for Youth and Children's workers and volunteers. It was such a good day, relaxed and creative. I came away from the meeting really encouraged.

It is exciting to work alongside your peers with one goal in mind for the benefit of others.

If you are interested in training in Kent, look up
www.keycog.co.uk
More info will be put up about the training day called Toolbox soon.

Home all day

2007-09-19T08:54:00.000+01:00

Today I don't need to go out to any meetings at all! I can spend the whole day in my office catching up with my paper work.

Sometimes being on the road all the time, going from one meeting to another can be really tiring, so when you get a day were you can just sit in your own company, it's kind of nice.

I think that everyone needs their own space from time to time.

Fort Rocky

2007-09-17T09:17:00.000+01:00

I am just recovering from a weekend away at Carroty Wood were YFC held a weekend for 11 -14 year olds called FORT ROCKY.

I had the task of feeding the 60 people who were there.

My legs hurt, my head hurts, my arms hurt but I feel quietly peaceful. This is because the young people that went had the most amazing time from climbing to high ropes, abseiling to swimming. They also had the chance to dress up as spies (James Bond Style) but the best thing was that they got to hear about God.

Phil, Bethan and their team shared their story and it made an impact. The young people that were there asked questions and were able to discover more in an exciting environment.

These weekend are so much hard work but well worth it!

German Student

2007-09-13T17:36:00.000+01:00

We have a lovely German Exchange Student living with us at the moment. Bastian is 13 years old and is the boy that Jake stayed with when he went over to Germany in March.

I don't know a word of German but thankfully Bastian speaks English very well.

I think it is such a shame that we don't put as much emphasis on learning another language in this country. Bastian started learning English at a young age and speaks it well. Jake however has decided not to take German as an option.

His teacher said that he has never known someone to go over to Germany and come back speaking less German than when they went!

That's my Jake!

Jessica is now studying German in year 7 so I see a future of German students, at least for the next two years.

Email shortage

2007-09-07T17:24:00.000+01:00

I have been deprived of my emails for a week now and I'm not sure how I've survived! The server at head office decided to go on strike and after back up after back up system failed, it was decided to rebuild the thing.

I am not sure what this involves but it is obviously time consuming and a total headache for those fixing it.

The one in the picture is not the one at head office! Apparently it is Google's first server.

If you have tried to get in touch with me via email, I am sorry that it has not got through.

I can now get webmail on the same address so try re-sending your mail.

As for the news bulletin, I will send it out as soon as I am back on line fully!

Baptism

2007-09-02T21:24:00.000+01:00

Jessie was Baptised today in Cranbrook School swimming pool. It was freezing! I know this because I got in the pool with her and Martin our Vicar.

She gave a talk with power point to the church to say why she wanted to get baptised and I had one of those proud parent moments, she did really great.

Your kids grow up far too quickly!

Confirmation

2007-08-31T08:09:00.000+01:00

On Wednesday, I will be going through Confirmation with Dennis, Jake and Jessica. It feels like a new beginning in a fresh chapter of my life and a progression in my walk with God. It has really made me think quite deeply over the last couple of months to what God would have me do with my future.

I wait for God to speak in anticipation and trepidation!

Grease Lightning

2007-07-02T22:08:00.000+01:00

Jessica, now 11 has been chosen by her teacher to play the leading role in their leavers school play GREASE. Jessica is to be Sandy.

This has stirred up so many emotions. I'm bursting with a mother's pride for her daughter. I'm so overwhelmed at the fact that she had to audition singing 'Hopelessly Devoted' and got it! She is a little star.

It reminds me of my own claim to fame as Cinderella in my Primary school play. I remember the feeling of unbelief as everyone's name was read out except mine, then, after a short pause (which seemed like an eternity) the teacher said, and Cinderella is to be played by Sharron. I walked on a cloud for the next month or so as I learned the lines, rehearsed and then performed. It has obviously stayed with me as one of of the happiest times of my life.

I think that this is why I want Jessica to enjoy every moment of this opportunity because these are memories in the making, memories that will stay with her for the rest of her life. And just in case she does forget, I'll have the video camera ready (school allowing it of course) to record the memory in order to play it back to every boyfriend she dares to bring home!

I like having times where I just think about my memories.

People I miss

2007-06-10T14:03:00.000+01:00

I have a great little family with my husband Dennis, Jake and Jessie. I have a really great BIG family also. I am one of nine children (I'm somewhere in the middle) and being down in Kent, away from most of my family, who are back in Liverpool, it can be really hard. I do have a sister in London though, who I am closest to. She has met a new guy who is lovely and really good for her. They are talking about moving down to Kent to be closer to us, which I think is wonderful!

To have family close by again would be fantastic as no one can replace them, can they? No one else can be relied upon in such a way that they need nothing in return, just to know that they have been there for you is enough for them.

I miss that.

Well, I hope that it does work out and she does move closer as now she has brought up the idea, I am getting my hopes up!

My Family

2007-05-15T09:36:00.000+01:00

My Family are very precious to me and when one falls ill, we all suffer.
Unfortunately, Den seems the one to be ill the most due to an illness called Chrons disease.
It means that if he comes into contact with anyone who has a viral infection and catches it or if someone does not clean their hands thoroughly before preparing his food, he catches it! He does not have an immune system like you or me so his body cannot fight off infection.
Dennis was admitted to hospital very very early yesterday morning in serious pain. He has to have steroids and anti-biotics pumped into him to make him well again.
However hard it is to see him in pain, it is also hard to see my children in pain too. Jessie has had to cope with having her dad miss her birthday yesterday which was such a blow for an 11 year old and Jake sees that I struggle and wants to be the big man around the house at nearly 13. It is hard to have to be a grown up so quickly and the whole thing just causes so much stress.

I ask for your prayers for Dennis and the family because I believe God answers when we call out to him.

Survival

2007-05-09T16:38:00.000+01:00

I have recently been on a 'Survival' residential and found it to be amazing! Myself and the others who work in the same department as me went on a retreat/residential to the deep wild countryside of Kent. We had to make our own shelters, find our own food (carefully placed by the Survival team - not fresh rabbit!) cook our food and try out some team building exercises. The best was making our own fishing rods and catching our own fish, unfortunately all the ones I caught were too small to cook but the experience was great.
I managed to locate the injured person on search and rescue, a claim to fame!
The team were all fantastic, it helped us to bond so much more, and there were no complaints at all. Even Rachael was able to put up with sharing her bivvy (shelter) with some beetles.
The scariest moment was when we were searching for our food and I found myself in the middle of a badger set. I was assured that they are nocturnal but got out of there as fast as I could ... just in case!

A brilliant time away with so much gained. I highly recommend the experience. www.wealdyfc.co.uk

A sleepy village

2007-04-07T10:42:00.000+01:00

We had some friends around for a meal the other night. It was really lovely. We were telling them how lovely it was to live in a small village were not much happens. They commented on the picturesque location with the duck pond and the sleepy feel to it all when something weird happened!
The police, the armed plain clothes police, an ambulance and two fire engines roared down our avenue.
I can safely say it was an ironic situation and our village became a hive of activity. Neighbours who never normally venture out of their homes were on the street looking to see what was happening.
The whole thing only lasted 5 minutes but I don't think I have ever seen all the services turn up at a place at once like that. It was like a film scence...perhaps it was!
I still don't know what went on, it has been mentioned it may be a local who drinks a lot and gets quite lonely and telephones the police but I couldn't imagine what he said to get the armed police there.
I shall have to go around to the shop to find out what really went on
:[)

My amazing daughter

2007-04-06T12:04:00.000+01:00

Enjoy her easter story.

Pharmacy capers

2007-04-02T12:06:00.000+01:00

I have been feeling a little run down lately, (may have something to do with a sleepover we had!) and my eye has become sore and in need of some anti-biotic help. I had a chat with a GP friend at church who told me exactly what to ask for at the Pharmacy as it won't clear up without these 'special' drops.
So, I went to the Pharmacy today, cutting out a valuable doctors appointment that someone else can have, and asked for the eye drops.
They really don't like it when you know what you want.
I spoke to two people behind the counter who said they would have to get the Pharmacist. She came out and said at the top of her voice, Who's the lady with the sty on her eye? Well it's a bit more than that and it's a good job it wasn't something a bit more personal...
Well I just looked at her and said that would be me. She then proceeded to interrogate me. She told me I couldn't have it although it is a buy over the counter type medicine. I had to argue and tell her that I would rather take the GP's advice over hers and she finally gave in and allowed the item to be sold to me.
As I was entering my pin number in to pay for my purchases, the other pharmacist came out asking where is the lady with the bad eye? I kept my head down, took my eye drops and made a run for it. What a palaver!
All I want is to get well not be stressed out!

No sleep for me

2007-03-27T11:56:00.000+01:00

Saturday night saw the start of an annual sleepover that I run. 43 young people from Rock Solid, Mettle and Summer Camp arrived, all hyper and ready to keep me awake! It was an excellent weekend even though all quiet wasn't met until 4.15am! Then they decided to wake up at 7am!!
The really noisy ones were the 14 - 16 year old GIRLS of course. I think that I shall only do this once a year as I am getting too old for this now and my back is now hurting after missing my bed :(
We looked at Stop the Traffik and had the theme amazing grace over the weekend. We took part of the Sunday morning church service with a drama, prayers and a testimony. I think it all went down well with the congregation.
Although I moan about it, I really do love providing these things for the young people.

An early start

2007-03-20T11:36:00.000Z

I got up this morning at 4.45am to travel to head office at Halesowen, Birmingham for a Personal Support day. Personal Support is the way that my salary is paid in Youth for Christ. I have to raise 50% of my salary and salary costs and head office is committed to raising the other 50%. The way that I raise my 50% is to ask individuals, churches and organisations to give a gift each month through standing order.
I have a loyal group giving anything from £5 to £70 a month to Youth for Christ and think that they are WONDERFUL. Without them this ministry would cease!
So today, I am writing to thank them all for their commitment, and seeking new people to give.
I have to raise a further £90 a month so I am praying that this will be acheived through my efforts today.
For those who are interested, I should be home by 9pm tonight if the traffic is good. Long day.

Losing something special

2007-03-17T13:16:00.000Z

Go now if your easily upset!

I had serious pains one month (at that time of month! sorry guys) and had decided to call nhs direct. After taking advice to get a pregnancy kit, I found out that I was indeed pregnant. Well a joyous husband was a concern as I new I had been bleeding for 11 days on and off. I called the doctors surgery who wanted me to go around straight away.
Mixed emotions followed as I tried to get my head around all the possibilities. I sat in the doctors waiting room hoping that everything would be ok. As a mum of two already, I know what a blessing a child is and wanted this so much despite not planning this one.
While I sat in the waiting room, the pain increased, I doubled over and lost my baby in the waiting room in front of the other patients. All within one hour.
I did not want to move as the doctor and receptionist tried to help me through to the back as I knew what I was leaving behind on the chair for all to see.
I think that it has to go down in the worst experience I have had in such a short space of time.
I was three months gone and in a not so pretty way. I took it really bad.
I think that people don't understand that a grieving period must follow the loss of an unborn baby, just because you haven't met the child, doesn't make it more bearable.
We called the baby Josie and still miss what she could be like now. I look forward to meeting her.

If you know someone who has had this loss, please do not say the following. 'Well at least you didn't know the baby' 'You can always try again or have another one' 'At least you have two other children' Instead try saying that you don't understand but they must be hurting so I'll cook for you, bring it to your home and look after your family while you grieve. Thank you so much Nick and Diana for doing just that. x

What's a blog for

2007-03-17T13:06:00.000Z

Last night I lay in bed and thought about my husbands blog page. He seems to get so much out of blogging (Is that the real term?) that I thought about how can I use my blog to more effect.

I then went through some of the things that have happened in my life over the years and how sometimes you need to get them off your chest. Maybe this is how? People don't always want to listen to your story when you try and tell it, they talk over you, don't hear what you are saying, change the subject... but I suppose I can tell my story here and if you want to read it great, and if not, I won't know about it so it won't hurt!

I think people need to tell their story sometimes as it is all part of understanding the way things are and getting it off your chest, healing etc. And in this busy life that I find myself in, I think this could be a good way of... well, just letting it all go.

So, I have decided that I will give it a try.

Sorry if things get heavy from here in, but you can always avoid this blog if you need to. Thanks for the push Warren.

Parent's evening

2007-01-24T17:32:00.000Z

Well parent's day! I never thought going to a parent's day could be so much fun. It's like a roller coaster. One minute you're up (your sons doing so well!) The next minute your down. Well only one down ... so well done Jake. The teachers all seem to be getting younger (no comments please) and we met up with some friends and had a mid interval coffee and cake in the side cafe. Now all the hard work starts, deciding what options to allow your son to take and making him believe it was his choice.

Under pressure

2006-12-13T20:16:00.000Z

I still haven't got the blog bug yet! I am so under pressure to do my blog by my husband, I think that he wants to drag me into the new era or something? Husbands are a pain when it comes to computers and stuff. Well, don't get me started on the STUFF issue or this blog will be BIG. Well I've done it, so make me a cuppa.

Bring on tomorrow!

2006-11-30T23:49:00.000Z

Tomorrow I have a big day! I have organised an event for our church family to get involved in and am looking forward to working along side them. It is all part of Merry Christmas Tenterden were the shops all open till about 9pm, Father Christmas comes with REAL reindeer, stall and charities raise funds and the fair comes to town.
Our part in it is to open our doors, serve and chat to people and just be a light in our town. We are planning a 'one million and one in darts' so come along and throw some darts for us! It will be a hard day but will be well worth the effort.

New beginnings?

2006-11-13T19:22:00.000Z

It's been a weird day!
Today I learnt that my minister is resigning from his post due to ill health. A bit of a blow! He's a good man and a real loss. Funny really as he was on my mind a lot last week, so much so that when I was reading my bible I read a verse which was just what I felt he needed so I rang him up and passed it to him. It all makes sense now. Is this the end of something great or the beginning of something even better? It is hard to think possitively all the time but I think that I must with this one.

Hi welcome to my Blog

2006-10-21T21:04:00.000+01:00

Hi my name is Sha and I work as a consultant for Youth Workers. Im new to blogging but it seems a good idea so look out for some new posts coming soom. mmwwhhaaaa