A quoi je pense??

Indeedy Nessa!! 13th of October Alice in Wonderland styleee! Let us remember that special day
I bet you two never suspected the 13th October 1995 would go down in my history as a great story that still occasionally gets told with all the giggles and joy required
Truly wondrous!

I’m shattered and haven’t yet managed to really stop. Mom’s been looking after Guy and it was nice to have someone around the last few shifts I’ve done. Guy’s up and down and I’m struggling at the mo. My tether is short in this heat and with my lack of sleep… Grace needed desperately!!

I’m tired enough to think of nothing clearly enough to commit it to writing.

Lil’ Man’s gained a good amount of weight. He’s now a bona fide rock!! 1 Stone 9oz. Great stuff Daniel!! Keep chomping. Solids are obviouly a good things in his books.

Rang my sister briefly Friday lunchtime and found a frazzled mom of 2… Tristan is a busy bee but is going through a very jealous and demandind stage by the sounds of it and it’s usually at those times when Iliana is needing a feed or other care that he gets fractious. I do hope he settles out of that rapidly. He’s lovely with her a lot of the time though. Claire must be run ragged at meal times and all the crucial sorting baby out moments and I suppose if Iliana is demanding at times that’s extra pressure. I wish I could get TOIL from work and afford the flights out. It’s frustrating to know I have to wait until September at least.

Mom’s staying here a bit longer which is nice. We hope to go to Bangor together before she heads to see Danny and we go on to Ynys Mon! Camping for 1 night at least. I keep forgetting to put into action some1s awesome suggestion of putting my tent up in the garden as a way of sleeping somewhere cooler than my bed… Camping! Excellent. Mom will head back to Claire’s soon after her trip here is done. Dad’ll be going over end of August with K and kids. That’s ace as the kids have never been to Claire’s.

I still mourn the daybed! I can’t sit on the couch properly as it’s not deep enough. I hope every1 appreciates the sacrifice when they visit and enjoy the couch. I will have to learnt to cope. That or I’ll be back to using the beanbag when watching films.

See, I knew I had too much to say even in my tired state. It’s amazing what stream of consciousness does for being able to talk drivel on and on forevermore
I learnt my lesson well.

I may one day figure out how to put up pictures.
I will type up some more bits of writing I’ve got in diaries and note or sketch-books…
I will of course keep on blessing you with my random blogging.

I have no doubt also that I will keep on finding I feel better after I’ve blogged some of what is in my head.

Bonne Nuit a tous xxx

It seems I’ve not stopped over the past 2-3 weeks, not properly anyhow. Apart from Tuesday night when I got home from work so frazzled and tired that I asked Guy to cook something and collapsed (well, lay down really) onto the couch.
Couch: read "New fixture as of last Friday"
I mourn the DayBed which is now Guy’s proper bed. It was so much more comfy for collapsing than the couch is…
I remained there for about 2 or so hours in a somewhat dehydrated and slightly out of it slumber. Had lunch at 5 after drinking about 2 litres of liquid. That’s in addition to 1litre at work… I was lots better by 7 but ended up staying and watching King Arthur (again).

Mom got here on Tuesday night. Marvellous stuff. And she’s hired a car. Oh the joy!! So when I got back from work last night to a home with no bread or milk, I initiated her to 1 of our favourite late-night hangouts: ASDA Q! Got home the right side of midnight, made yogurt and put it in my stupendous CoolEgg on the hot setting to turn. OH YAY!!

I’m bit worried about Guy’s up & down-ness. He was pretty crap after I went away the weekend and he seems generally better but has had moments of oddnes. They still unsettle me.

Just spoken to dad and got the go-ahead to invite people to invade and stay at the Farm for my birthday… How cool. Invite shout will happen some point soon.
Dominique a 30 ans le 13 Aout!!!

I’m not in the mood for pressure at the mo. Tired I know, out of battery for sure, feeling like doing nothing around the house so it’s a state in spite of the tidying I’ve done. Hmmm. Work was a release this afternoon, mostly because I rarely get a second to think about anything else but the task at hand while I’m there. Turns out Guy’s skipped some of his tablets the past week or 2. No idea which since I’v not insisted on checking the blister pack since he got his second prescription and had taken the last 1 so well. About 3 not taken. No wonder he was weirding me out late morning. We were back to the "I’m scared & confused" scenario. He seems ok now. Mom hasn’t answered her phone apparently. He didn’t try dad.
My keychild is moving on soon from work. I’m kind of sad. I get to meet one of the workers from where he’ll be going though so that’s a bit reassuring.

Spring Harvest form filled in and ready to send. Must double check it and put in postbox… Back to week1 this year regardless of what friends may say about when they’re free. I ended up going alone this year so I’m not planning around others. I’ll happily allow anyone to plan around me if anyone wants to join me for an amazing week!!

Still thinking about how nice it was to meet up with the SH01/02 crew… Solid friendships we may have, but I know it’s because we’ve been woven together by hard work and hard play and God.

I’ll be up again too soon from now so my bed is calling loudly. Night night. Do hold me in your prayers please.

I’ve just enjoyed a lovely couple of days away at a friend’s wedding. A grand occasion to tell you the truth. Ceremony in their home church. Nice. Reception in a marquee in a park… Grand. Nothing over the top really but truly gorgeous food, served beautifully by lovely waiters. We were so well looked after, I know they were praised over and again by people. The happy couple seem to have thoroughly enjoyed their day. Myself and the rest of the crew who know the groom from stewarding at Spring Harvest had lots of fun catching up and heckling from the back (we have a fair idea why we were right in the back corner, though we were actually told it was a coincidence…) After that was a girlie sleepover round 1 girl’s house followed by tea and toast in bed served by our charming hostess. We had Boo’s special chicken and prawn noodles for lunch before the drive home.
One can’t ask for too much more now…

I had a bit of a kick from a very random sermon about noon today. Things between me and Mister God are a bit ropey at the mo and it’s a matter of lack of discipline. God knows how very crap I’ve been at spending time with Him recently and how I run. I esm to have forgotten the meaning of the word stop. If I remember well, I’ve said this all before. Haven’t cracked it. Haven’t really tried. I’m pointlessly waiting for someone else to do it for me, to force me to it, to order me about and hold me to account. I should know by now that that is not going to happen. It hasn’t since I left uni and First Base… Hmmm, that’d be 4 years and a half then! It accounts for a lot in my life. I’ve grown in spite of it but not enough and there are areas where I know I’ve not only stagnated but regressed… Not kidding. I have a list of a few daft things that I’ve done and that have happened as a direct consequence of not looking my Way in the face and there are no attenuating circumstances. Don’t get me wrong, I’m white a snow and I know it. Nevertheless, a flailing and floundering saint I remain and the dangers of that were put under my nose anew this morning.

I’ve missed the leaving do of a best mate and her family because I was too tired to go back out or even try and get a lift to go there. I don’t know if I ever wanted to go though. I don’t really want to say bye. I’m going to miss them a bit too much. Girl’s crying now. …

Oh!! Iliana and her Mommy are home. Her Dad picked them up yesterday at 2 and I spoke to Claire just before yesterday’s marvellous meal. I heard her gurgle and cough in the background as she was guzzling her milk a bit fast. Lots of
I am more than earger to visit the little princess. Claire is very taken by her and sounds smitten and happy.

My dinner is ready. Mr ‘masterchef’ Guy has cooked up a storm in a teacup (pizza). Yippee!

I can’t remember how I learnt this or who crystallized the lesson in my mind. I ‘knew’ this. I had the fact filed in my head, a technical note, until one day, as I walked down the street, it dawned on me, all that being Daughter for the King actually entailed.

Still, here it is:

Daughter of the King

The Dawn Pixie holds a crown in her hands. Often it is battered, tarnished, even missing some jewels, but always it is made of true, pure and eternal love.

The Dawn Pixie is Daughter of the King.

The Bible tells her she is adopted into the family of God because of the work of the Pixie Prince of Light.

She has the Pixie Prince of Light as her Brother, and the King, Ruler of the nations, as her Daddy, her Father on whose knee she would sit. Because of His royal blood flowing through her veins, she has an inheritance which no one can take away from her, some responsibilities which she doesn’t always like, and authority like that of an embassador carrying the King’s signet ring as token of his delegation on the King’s behalf.

Because of the Dawn Pixie’s royal blood, the enemy of the King is also her enemy, the King’s army will fight at her side and on her behalf against the enemy, and the King has set a guard around her to keep her safe and bring her home.
Because she has the King’s royal blood, her home is a large, luxurious, sumptuous and beautiful palace which she can look forward to roaming whilst home from her travels.

Other Children of the King are Dawn Pixie’s beloved siblings and also benefit from all these things and more.

She can walk with her head held high because her Daddy loves her perfectly.

Dawn Pixie grows in her service to the King because of the royal blood flowing through her veins. Her service of the King needs to be free, true and exemplary, showing off the glory of the King. The Pixie Prince of Life makes these things become reality. Her soiled clothes, from when she gets down in the mud or when she breaks and spills, tears at the seams and hurts, are replaced, cleaned, repaired, made new because the King likes her soul and body, her heart and mind to be adorned suitably, in royal robes, fit for a queen.

When Dawn Pixie sits on the King’s knee and they talk, laugh, cry and be, she is fully His child, fully herself, simply the Child He made her to be.

Through the Pixie Prince of Life, she is with Him, seated on the throne which is above and beyond, which denotes greater power than any other throne, the throne of the Alpha and the Omega, the First and Last, the Living One, the throne of the Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel.

The Dawn Pixie, child of Light, glints with the sunrise, rises on the wings of the dawn, she shines with the noonday sun, reaches to the highest heights, she rests in the arms of Love and trusts Him beyond the setting sun, twinkling in a velvet sky.

Because of Jesus I am heir of God, a child of the greatest monarch.

Because of Him I am of royal blood, dressed in royal robes, marked out for a royal destiny.

I am beloved of God.

I am Consecrated unto Him.

I am Daughter of the King

Iliana was born 1603 (GMT+1) yesterday.
I’m now aunty to two little ones.
Mom and baby are well and all the us are over the moon and very very pleased.
Yet another girl born in the summer…

My cousin and family stayed overnight and we had a lovely evening down the park last night. The kids played for ages and we had a picnic down there. It was lovely to chat and catch up. Their plane will have taken off for France by now.

I’ve been up since 0620…

Iliana… Such a beautiful name.

Mom says she’s alert and moves quite a bit and that she stretches and also that when she wants to feed she opens her mouth wide as though she’s yawning. So cute!! This may mean Mom’s trip to visit is postponed. We will see. Claire’s partner is starting up his own business so Claire will be needing all the help she can get. Oh for some annual leave and enough money to fly out there!!

I talked with Dad last night for about half hour. He was pleased to hear that Guy’s doing ok and I’m glad I could tell him that and was able to tell him some of the Guy moments I’ve had over the past couple of weeks as my lovely bro re-emerges step by step from the depths. We’re a long way from the home run. I know the struggles aren’t over by any means, but Guy’s back in business and that’s all I need to know. So I cheered dad up with our little stories and small victories.
My dad’s crap day consisted mostly of a visit to the hospital to see Danny who turned up some point on Saturday and had not been allowed any visitors until dad was allowed yesterday. He chatted with Dan a bit, half hour maybe, brought him some flowers from the garden for his room and some raspberries to munch on. Well Danny didn’t seem too well but said all the right things and said goodbye and watched Dad go. Then when Dad was walking through the car park to the car, he heard this immense commotion and Danny was screaming and running out towards him. So Dad opened him arms and Dan buried himself there and bawled for ages and didn’t want to stay and Dad just held him for about 15 minutes. The nurses and meds had followed out. Eventually they went back in and Danny actually did some real talking for the 1st time Dad can remember. Dad stayed about an hour extra. The nurses just let him which is wonderfull of them.
I don’t like my daddy being in pieces. I found a missed call from him when I finished work but no 1 answered when I tried. He actually got out of bed at 2210 to ring me back. He switches off about 9-930 usually. He sounded so shocked and down when he returned my call, I found it hard being far away. He said he was extremely relieved that Guy’s not doing too badly and seems on the up and I was also very relieved I could give him such positive news. I mean what do you do… It must’ve nearly torn his heart… He’s done so much for the lads in his own way and I wonder sometimes whether he’s floundering because he has to watch them struggle like this.
He told me my youngest (half) bro and sis got their bac results. Leah got 14 or 15, flying colours basically. Sam, on the other hand, failed by 1 point. He got 9, which means that he’d have to resist the offending subject that caused his marks to drop in the same class as Leah…. Like THAT is going to happen! Leah’s working most of the summer. I think Sam’s at a loose end.
My eldest cousin will visit in a bit. They’ve been to see family over here and fly back early tomorrow from down the road. So I get to catch up with her and hubby and her eldest and also properly meet her youngest whom I briefly saw for about 2 minutes last December. Funny thing is she’s got nearly the same name as my street…

have you ever noticed that the word good is the word God with an extra ‘o’ in it? Well it’s added God-ness that makes things so cool. I’ve said little about Little Man recently, so here’s a wonderful update as emailed by his daddy. The bi-monthly updates are truly inspiring. So are Daniel’s parents. And Daniel, well, he just asks to be munched and swooned over really…

"Sunday the 9th of July was Daniel’s Dedication service, for us it exceeded anything we could have imagined. It was truly wonderful, sharing this special time with our families, our visiting friends, and our church family. Daniel was as ever a star throughout the day, especially when he grabbed hold of Pastor Mark’s nose (causing much hilarity – if anyone has any photos of that moment, please forward them!). The church also laid on a buffet for us and our visitors, and together everyone shared time celebrating Daniel’s life and the promises that he has for the future.

Thank you to all those at WCC that organised each part of Sunday’s celebration. Yet again, you have all demonstrated the love of God powerfully and potently and anyone that wasn’t touched by the Spirit on that day cannot have been in that room with us. Thank you also for everyone who sent cards, messages of greetings and for the amazing presents that Daniel has received for his Dedication. Though he’ll not be able to remember personally, throughout his life, Daniel will have mementos and markers of this remarkable day.

There were challenges of course, which we were expecting with so many people who aren’t yet Christians gathered in a church meeting. One of my relatives and his fiancée said something which at the time I didn’t respond to, but upon reflection and thought I now have the words to answer. They said with regard to church and Christianity, that ‘everyone can’t be the same’. I smiled, but when I got home and having had chance to think it occurred to me that if the result of everyone ‘being the same’ is what has happened to us these past few months: the care, the love, the help and support, then yes, I more than want everyone to be the same, yes I do want people to know the truth. All that Lyn, Daniel and I have experienced is the direct result of a group of people living and acting under the banner of Jesus.

Amongst the many reasons people cite for disbelief is that they’ll lose themselves, lose their identity, lose their way of life and the things they enjoy. Well, yes some of the things that are now ‘treasured’ will go – it’s amazing how quickly you want to get rid of stuff when you realise that it’s killing you but you will gain so much more – and a freedom that cannot be described which I know many who read this will know of and share with us. The main point is though that although we’re all sheep cared for by the Shepherd, we are not mindless, we are still individuals, coming together as that body – the body of Christ, and when that body acts in one accord, in unity, powerful things are inevitable. The individuality of us all, that God gave to each of us, is realised and released to a greater level when Jesus – the missing piece in the lives of people like my relative and his fiancée – is alive to you.

*preach over!*

Today Daniel was weighed and the news is awesome – he’s put on 11 and a half ounces in 2 weeks, which is a dramatic improvement. The doctors are all very happy and have also said that he can now eat practically anything, albeit puréed or mashed, so the menu, so far restricted to a few fruit and veg, has now dramatically expanded. I wonder if he’ll like sprouts?

[... Editted are Mommy's coccyx breaking antics and Daddy's stomach ouchies and relates adventures... Please pray for them both, healing, health and peace.]

To end this email, included is a card written for Daniel by one of the family from WCC. We cried when we read it – thank you. It will be inside his first bible for him to read and think about.

Thanks again folks – you’re amazing, and if you’ve any photos or video of the Dedication, please feel free to forward them on to us Thank you for the photos we’ve already received – they’re excellent!

Blessings and love,

Colin, Lyn and Daniel.xxx"

"Daniel…

You are unique. You are special.
You are not like everyone else…
Or anyone else, for that matter.
God, your Father in heaven looks down on you and smiles, as He plans the future miracles He has for YOU. There are many. He has already made it clear your life is to be one that brings glory to Him in very visible ways. You don’t have to do anything, or be anything other than what you are…

a Miracle…

n. An event that appears inextricable by the laws of nature. Held to be supernatural in origin of an act of God. (Some) one that excites admiring awe."

I visit a long list of kids most weeks to drop off their Kids Klub worksheets and to catch up with them, their parents and whomever else may want a natter along the way.
One of the friends I’ve made along my travels is Donna. Some of you know her too. She has a lovely little lad whom I enjoy spending time with and chatting about school and games and his dog and whatever else he cares to chat about. She also has a lot of stuff going on in her family’s life. I won’t mention most of it. Her sister and kids need your prayer.
All of Donna’s family are dealing with one massive heartache at the moment though: Donna’s brother was stabbed and torched a couple of weeks ago and is in intensive care with severe burns. This is going to be one long hard slog of a walk and there is more to the situation which makes even more painful for them and specially for Ian. Please pray for Ian by name. He has been moving since saturday when our captain visited him with Donna and prayed for him. That is awesome. Not speaking yet though as he is dosed up on drugs of all sorts against pain and infections. Please pray that he will heal well and rapidly. He is stabble and so far ops and grafts have gone well. Praise God for looking after him in theatre and for keeping him free of infection. The risk of infection is very high and dangerous. Please pray against infections and that God will keep Ian free of infection and speed the healing. Please pray also for Ian’s doctors and nurses, that they will know God’s divine guidance and inspiration in caring for him and in all they do for him. Ian needs to be looked after by the nursing teams as well as at the hands of God himself. There will be a lot of emotional baggage to deal with in time, both for him and his family. Please pray for Ian, Donna and their family, that they will have Peace and Grace, that they will know freedom from bitterness and anguish, from worry and fear and that ultimately they will step into the freedom and love of Jesus and find healing there as none other can provide. I can ask for more, but these are my prayers right now. I hope many will join me and hold this family in their heart and God’s…
In Your mighty name, may those things and more be your blessings on Ian’s life, Lord Jesus. Amen.

Also, Claire’s still not given birth as far as I know. They were starting to think the babe would arrive on time for the 14th July but we’re fast running out of today. I’m quite excited. Thought of phoning today while I was out and about but haven’t had a second to stop.

Finally, Danny’s escaped from section. The hospital took him on an outing yesterday and he did a bunk. When I spoke to Dad this morning he hadn’t heard from them to say they’d found him. Please do pray for his safety and that God will guard his life with his angels. Danny needs hedging around and drawing into God on all levels, spiritually, physically and emotionally. He is so very lost and the places and people he could be hidding with don’t bear thinking on.

I spent 2 beautiful days off, 3 nights, away at Pol’s and apart from Saturday morning and a couple of brief meetings I’ve not worked since Tuesday last week. Yet I’m still run ragged. I’ve been busy at times but not excessively but I’ve not rested when the opportunity’s been at hand. I’ve had a couple of late nights but no chance to sleep late.
So I’m worn out.
And tomorrow is my 1st shift of the week.

I love being at Pol’s. She looks after me and enables me to just be, to chill and enjoy her company and her family. They go to Australia soon… Will you look after them for me Ian !
Only time will show me what life without my refuge will turn out like. Who will force me to peace?? I’m not sure who else I know that I can hide with, but I know God will provide something and someone.
The fact that the atmosphere of her house is that of godliness and of a haven of love and rest, well, it holds me up and leaves me in God’s arms. It’s a tall order. It demands refining by fire. It requires being thrown into God until there is nothing to do but remain there. I’ve not learnt those lessons yet but I want to.
Sanctuary, make me a sanctuary, pure and holy, tried and true, make me a sanctuary for You.
I must be stupid asking God for something like that when I feel like a washed out rag. He’s not daft though. He knows me well enough to lead me through.
Friday evening, music in the park. I still can’t believe no one joined us. It was fab. The first act was ok, a bit too ponderous for me but the guy had talent. I think his fast songs were best, rumba and salsa or the like, Spanish stuff. The 2nd act was a fun blues band. 4 piece with great rhythm. Last act, funk and jazz band. Absolutely brill. 3 blokes: guitar, bass and drums, and a girl who played sax, alto sax and flute. They had the place dancing and not wanting the night to finish. Good stuff.

I was busy on Saturday or I think I’d have managed to get back there for the second night. Daniel T’s dedication was a wonderful time and though I’m sad we missed about 5 or more essential people, those who were able to come enjoyed it and many of the not-Christians were deeply moved by the whole thing. The dedication and prayer time, the preaching, the food and support from every1 around L&C spoke loudly of what the family of God is like. Great witness to the love we share.

Lys’s party at mine on the afternoon somehow went off every bit as well and the kids who came had a whale of a time running about like crazed things and chasing 1 another. People came and went from 3 til gone 10. Then we tidied and cleared up a bit and she stayed over. We nearly had to have breakfast without milk the next day but 1 of my nights in shining armour dropped in very late and kindly brought some along. Excellent!

I babysat Daniel last night. Watched Sliding Doors (again) and cooed over Daniel. God knows the kid is way too cute for anyone to want to give him back to his mom and dad. He made to babe very endearing indeed!

I haven’t stopped. I had to drop something today because my day would have been too full. I missed Doc CJ even though we ended up chatting over the phone twice and resetting our date. She’s so uplifting a friend and makes me giggle. We talk about nothing much yet it’s fun

My little sister Claire’s due today, baby number 2, no idea whether it’s a boy or a girl.
Heard nothing so far so I’m assuming the titch is obeying mommy and coming tomorrow instead. I think thursday is better. 13th, like Maman and me, and exactly 1 month before my birthday. That’d be groovy.
Maman got there over the weekend and is staying to lend a hand and look after Tristan.
Tristan is still being as lovely when I speak to him on the phone. When I chatted to him over the phone on Monday, I forgot to ask what he thinks of his mommy’s bump… He’s such a busy little bee, up to something all the time, full of ideas and incomprehensible words and syllables with a few bits of French in between.
When do I get that private jet so I can get there and back between shifts to babysit??

I might turn in and get some sleep before that next door neighbour gets in and his dog begins barking like last night…. 1h30 at least the skinny little husky barked. It sounds nearly like a human cry at tiems though, a bit similar to a fox. Odd

Second batch of marshmallow: half vanilla, half ribena. Yum. Still haven’t dunked them in melted chocolate. I’ve got some though so it won’t be long.