TweenieWorld

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2009-01-25T18:49:00.001Z

Blooming Gardens

2008-11-06T14:11:00.004Z

Here we are happy and smiling after 2 years of alot of stress, Simon is now in a fantastic job and very happy.

I have learnt so much, the biggest thing that sticks with me is the amazing kindness shown to us in the most amazing ways, the anonymous gifts posted through the door, a kind word, an encouraging text, a beautiful handmade card, a hug, a coffee with a friend all these things are just precious to me and will forever stay with me.

I have felt at times very low and struggled with the overwhelming emotion at Church mostly because people care so much! I have learnt that it is important to be true to yourself and honest, its these times where friends can support and pray for you and this helps you to be strong.

I read recently about God planting Blessings at different stages in our lives, I felt that the last 2 years were an empty barren garden but God had stooped down and planted amazing Blessings that were just not ready at that moment to bloom and enrich, so to give up and walk away would have meant missing out on all that was destined in Gods plan for my life - we just had to walk a bit further!

Faith and patience has perhaps been made stronger and a huge appreciation for the good things in life, for every moment that I breathe and see the beautiful Blessings shown through people,

So don't ever give up, hold on and when you don't believe in yourself remember God believes in you and is with you all the time,

See you around,

Helen xxx

2008-07-30T07:50:00.012+01:00

Hi everyone! thought you might want to see the photos we had done of Lorna age 12 and Jonny age 7, Jonny looks very cheeky and Lorna is now quite a little lady!

We had these done with my sister and her children (the men were at work!)

I love the one of me and my sister laughing her name is Tracey and the picture sums us up, we are always laughing!!

Honesty

2008-04-28T18:10:00.003+01:00

I came across this in Rick Warrens book.

I think there are two great confessions in the Bible. One of them is Peter’s great confession in Mark 8:29: “You are the Christ.” Our faith is built on that great confession. Then there’s what I call Paul’s great confession in Acts 14:15 at Iconium: “We too are only men, human like you.” (NIV) I know a lot of people who are quick to agree with the first confession, but they’re more cautious to proclaim Paul’s confession. A lot of us are more interested in proclaiming our spirituality than admitting our humanity. We want to deny that we are mere mortals and appear super human.But to deny your humanity is not only untruthful, it’s a disservice to both yourself and those you serve. The fact is that God likes to take weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

I think its ok to be honest about how we are feeling.

Happy new year!

2008-01-05T11:51:00.000Z

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas, I was nearly responsible for killing Santa!! my goodness can you imagine the headlines 'hassled mother runs over Father Christmas, thousands of Children devastated!'

Thats right I nearly ran him over! he was giving out sweets up our road and just stepped out in front of me, suppose it was the huge beard that did it, he could hardly see! Lorna and Jonny were in the back of the car "mum watch out!" well I wound down the window and wanted to tell him that he ought to get his huge gigantic oversized beard cut a bit, but that wasn't very festive, so I said "ooh Santa that was close , please be careful" he smiled and wished me a happy Christmas and threw some sweets in the car for the children,

Silly Santa!

We are facing times of uncertainty again with Simons Job, ok at the moment but could be tricky in the next few months, trying to trust in Gods plan, but still, I dont want to harp on about that, so lets think of happy thoughts and good news!

Lorna is fab and her leg is just brilliant, the x ray on Monday looked fantastic well healed and can now participate in swimming at school she is good at this so is pleased to be able to join in, no crutches are needed now (bit tricky in the pool!) She has been sooo brave and loves senior school and has some wonderful supportive friends.

Tony (my father in law) is doing well and has now been 2 years free from bowel cancer with regular check ups that show all is well, phew! check out his blog here

My dad is also doing well after back surgery for a slipped disc 13 months ago and managing to go about daily life.

My lovely niece Emily is doing well at the moment having Epilepsy, the seizures have been minimal and has settled in nicely back to school.

Jonny makes me smile his endless energy and although sometimes a little tough nut has a real sensitive side that sees in others needs, he cares deeply about others and often suggest that we send all our money to Africa!

This year Simon and I have known the love and support of a lovely family, and wonderful friends at Church and at work who even when I'm grumpy (not Simon!) still don't stop ringing and appearing on the doorstop! I am so thankful to you and hope I can one day repay the favours!

I hope this year is a good one, I thank God for His presence in my life even when I'm hanging on by my fingertips!

Count your Blessings, name them one by one, then you will discover what the Lord has done.........

See ya around,
Helen xx.

Happy Christmas!

2007-12-12T12:38:00.000Z

Hope you have a lovely Christmas!

Yippee!

2007-11-12T21:20:00.000Z

Just to let you know today Lorna had the cast removed from her leg after 14 weeks! the bones have knitted back together nicely, she has spent a long time in the bath and as you can imagine we are all relieved (that she has finally got out!) and that no further stay in hospital is required.

Thankyou so much for your kindness shown to us, a kind word,a text, phonecall or card all of this has meant so much.

Lorna is very dissapointed that she cannot do P.E for at least 3 months - NOT!

So a good day but I know that the coming days will be a challenge for her, but she has been so determined and brave and I hope and pray this will continue,

Take Care!
Helen x.

Lornas x ray!

2007-10-25T20:58:00.000+01:00

Thought you may like to see Lornas Xray of her leg, we went to fracture clinic this week and the cast is still not ready to come off, it has been 12 weeks she has been in cast for! we go back in 3 weeks and hopefully the bones will by then have fused together a bit more.

The first picture is the day she did it, the second one was this Monday as you can see there is new bone growth forming around the break, aren't bones amazing, the smaller bone is the problem and the fact that the bones overlap isn't a problem as new growth will develop around it.

Lorna has been amazing through all of this and we have seen the kindness shown from so many
people, her friends and teachers have been great also.

It is God who is ultimately the Bone expert as He created Lorna and fused those bones together in the first place, we pray and trust that God will indeed bring restoration to her leg.

Hope you are ok, not sure if anyone actually reads this as I haven't updated for a while, let me know if you are!

A bit of a blogging break!

2007-09-26T21:26:00.000+01:00

Well I'm going to have a bit of a blogging break, I'll still check all yours out but I can't think of much to write that's particularly funny etc....... so we are all ok, just not much to say at the mo, it's all a bit boring really,

When things get interesting then I'll let you know!

Take care!

Helen x.

2007-09-24T15:42:00.000+01:00

She did so well!

2007-09-05T10:40:00.000+01:00

Lorna in her new school uniform ready for her first day at senior school with full leg cast and crutches!

Thanks to all who prayed for her and showed such concern for her, she is amazed that so many people care.

We arrived at school and had to walk quite a long way to the lower school playground, up a hill, down some steps, she was so speedy on her crutches and once there she was mobbed by squealing 11 year olds all hugging her so pleased to see her (I thought they were going to knock her over!)

She is in a form group with her friends they all helped her with her bags and off she went with a huge smile........

(uh oh I can't see the keyboard, risk of dehydration, tears alert!!)

She was fantastic, the biggest challenge in her life so far, I believe that lifes experiences make us the people we are, situations we wouldn't hope for but I hope and pray that she will look back on this and see that she did it, she overcame her fears and difficulties and held her head up high, she has been carried by the wonderfull people around us, she knew so many were praying for her today.

As for me, I feel kind of strange, for the last month I have been with her everyday and night able to protect and encourage, battling through the challenge of crutches and getting from A to B!

Today I had to let go and leave her in a new environment hoping that somehow all my imput, how I have tried to give her courage will help her.
I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to see a smile on her face as I went, I felt a huge weight had been lifted from my shoulders.
I have to now trust that God will be with her and keep her upright!!

I am so very proud of her and don't you agree, she does look rather grown up!

Thank God for each new start that every precious day brings to us all.

Helen xxx.

2007-08-26T14:20:00.000+01:00

Safe in His hands

2007-08-22T09:24:00.000+01:00

Had a lovely chat with my friend Carolyn, I was having a moan about all that has gone on recently and commented on the new song we have sung recently at Church it says 'I am a friend of God, He calls me friend'

I went on to say how at Church last week I stood there thinking "Hmp, I'm obviously not His friend, I don't think we're best mates at this moment, I'm not in His gang!"
Carolyn pointed out that it's not always in the physical sense that all goes well but that He does keep us safe and even though we don't feel particularly loved or friends with God it doesn't change the fact that we are and always will be.

Well ok, yes when I think about all the Blessings and the fact that Lorna is doing so well, friends/ family have been amazing, we are all still breathing, she could have had a brace fitted around the cast, but didn't, she can manage stairs now, Jonathan is amazingly still in one piece despite doing triple twists and flips on his skateboaard, creating great slopes to slide down - backwards and jumping from the top of bouncy castles, Simon has a job, Lorna is smiling and not in much pain anymore, Cadburys chocolate are bringing back the 'wispa bar' I am still upright, my brain is a bit frazzled but we are STILL STANDING - all be it for Lorna on one leg!

All I can say is that we have truly been given strength for each day. PHEW!

I am a bit concerned about my toe though, Lorna keeps leaning on it with her crutches!!!

I might need it x rayed.........

'and my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus' (Phil. 4:19)

Summer holidays ..........and a broken leg!

2007-08-10T10:16:00.000+01:00

Well we have had an eventful time this week, Lorna broke her leg last Sunday - the tibia and fibula whilst jumping on a trampoline, it had a safety net she just landed awkwardly, we had to call for an ambulance they came and were fantastic in fact everyone we met at the hospital were just so good and kind.

Lorna had to have a general anesthetic to manipulate the bones back into place and has a full leg cast for 6 weeks and a half leg cast for 6 weeks just think when that comes off it will nearly be Christmas! We have to have weekly Xrays to make sure the bones have not moved, she has been so brave and determined but she is not able to go upstairs just yet so the porch is now her bathroom, it's amazing how you can adapt!

My previous work with the elderly on a ward has helped as I am used to moving people with broken bits and remembered how to wash hair whilst patient is in a hospital bed just by taking off the back off the bed and a few buckets and towels!! although Lorna was worried she'd end up with a blue rinse and a tight perm!!!!

So we face this next challenge in our lives and take each day at a time, Lorna is anxious about starting senior school in September with a full leg cast but I'm sure she will get loads of attention and help.

So will try to blog but life is rather busy at the moment - all part of lifes rich tapestry (the underside!)

Hope you are all ok, try to catch up with you all at some point,

Helen xxx.

Oh I wish those hairstyles were back!

2007-07-28T21:28:00.000+01:00

I took Lorna and her friend to see 'Hairspray' at the cinema, what a fabulous film, we just loved it, the music was fantastic and all those wonderful clothes , I'd have loved to been part of all that fab dancing and the hair what wonderful creations the hair must have been solid with hairspay!

John Travolta was so funny as the mother with the gorgeous Zac Efron as 'Link' we loved it!

What a great film!

Smile!

2007-07-25T21:09:00.000+01:00

I wanted a picture of me and my sister Tracey, Simon kindly took the photo and commented on how nice it would be............................

Thats my brother in law, Bless him.............

Goodbyes everywhere

2007-07-23T20:32:00.000+01:00

Well I just don't want to do another goodbye just yet, I'm all goodbyed out!
The last week of school term for L and J my children always want to buy a present for the entire world, when I was little it was just the class teacher to buy for now there's millions of them, but knowing Jonathan as I do probably those I brought for weren't teachers at all, just other mums or something!

Lorna had her leavers assembly, I went armed with plenty of tissues, it was lovely they did a beautful choir piece and drama and really I was doing quite well, no tears.

Until..........

The end of the assembly they showed a photo of each child with a piece they had written about what they had acheived over the years at school, they started at surnames beginning with 'A'.

Well by 'B' I was in a terrible state and these weren't even my children! and to make matters worse really emotional music was played, do you know that song 'the best days of our lives' that one. I was in danger of dehydrating!

The lady sitting next to me was crying so much and trying to video, well under normal circumstances I would offer to help but as I couldn't see decided not to!

Picked Jonny up, he was just keen to get on the field with football, phew happy child!

I wondered if I should pick Lorna up with rowing boat, so many tears, they were all hugging and kissing.

Jonathan just rolls his eyes,

"humph, girls" he says and patiently waits with hands on hips like a true lad.

The girls exchange tear jerking compliments and oh the wailing, but no noone had actually died had they?

no.

"I will miss you forever, you will always be in my thoughts, thanks for the good times, I'll never forget you"

I then decide to point out that they will all see each other in September.

More big hugs with stringy snotty cheeks connecting - ugh!

But times have to change and people have to move on, we have said goodbye to many of our Church members, really special people who have made an impact on my life, but God places us where He can Bless us and others.

I am reading a book about Ivor gurney a poet and composer during the first world war, in one poem he quotes the following;

The songs I had are withered
Or maybe vanished clean
Yet there are bright tracks
where I have been.

And there grow flowers
For others delight
Think well of me oh singer;
For soon it will be night.

You never know the impact of your life on others around you.

So a new start for many and God goes before us on lifes journey wherever we go.

But oh the tears of 11 year old girls, I should have taken a rowing boat!

Star of the week

2007-07-12T21:09:00.000+01:00

Lorna came home from school and proudly presented me with a laminated A4 card, with a smile beaming from ear to ear she watched as I read out loud all that was written on it.

Star of the week was writtten in bright letters in the middle and round the edge were many comments from her class mates, loyal friend, honest, funny, happy, helpful, caring and many more lovely compliments written in bright colours,

"well done Lorna, that's just lovely it's all that your friends think of you, you must be a good friend!" I was so proud of her.

We put this on the mantle piece in pride of position and every time Lorna looked at it, she smiled, it's now on the side of our fridge.

This is what her teacher does, she makes sure that every child gets one, she asks the class to write down the good things about that person, then it is given to the child at the end of the week to take home.

I think her teacher has got it right and it made me think about the impact of our words in someones life, the tongue has the power to build or destroy, a good word can make all the difference to someones day.

I often think when someone retires suddenly many kind words are said and an appreciation of their work is shown, what a shame they have to wait till they are 60/65 to hear it!

I also feel sad when I see flowers at the funeral of an elderly person, how much more would they have enjoyed them when they were alive!

Recently a man at the hospital I work at won an award for commitment to his job, he always had a positive attitude, gave 100%, he faithfully cleaned the floors for years and was overwhelmed that the staff and public had nominated him, fantastic stuff, I love that sort of thing!

So star of the week, used in Lornas school to motivate and build up, what a fantastic principle and really so simple.

Words can make the difference to someones day, so why not write that letter, pick up the phone or just say hi, you never know it might be just what that person needs.

Busy busy.........

2007-07-03T21:11:00.000+01:00

Well the Tween family has resumed to normality (what ever normal is!) Simon is enjoying his new job and thriving on the daily challenge, which is great, he is however developing a serious addiction to his laptop, would it be funny if I hid it or swapped it for Jonathans toy one! no probably not!

I am back to boring lunchboxes in the morning and rushing around to and from various kids clubs I have to take Lorna to her keyboard lesson and take Jonathan with me so I am stuck in my car for a full half an hour in a confined space, well as long as we take his spy kit he is happy with head popped out of sun roof spying on the world, I'm sure it wont be long before a concerned neighbour phones the police!

Back to juggling my job and trying to be organised before nanny and grandads arrive to do school run (thank you for your help!) my job is fantastic, I love it!

The mornings are never straightforward, I feel like such a nag bag "brush your teeth, eat your breakfast, get dressed, pack your bags"

and that's to Simon!

And where do all the socks go in our house?

Life is very different for us now adjusting to Simon back at work doing a day job and not shift work, the children see more of him now.

I am so thankful to God for all He has done for us, He is my rock on which I stand no matter what happens, I have known a deeper Faith and a greater understanding of the precious leading ways of God, that when we don't understand He sees the bigger picture.

That's all from me for the moment!
So have a good week whatever you do and take care!

Happy 60th birthday dad!!!

2007-06-27T21:17:00.001+01:00

This is my wonderful dad Steve Parfrey, on July the 1st he will be 60!

So Happy Birthday dad, enjoy your day and thankyou for all you do for us!

We love ya lots!

Makes sense???!!!

2007-06-23T21:19:00.000+01:00

Lorna has been going on for ages about a 'Jane Norman' bag for school, well in Lakeside I spotted a 'Jane Noman' shop so being a good mum I went in to enquire if they had any.

The helpful sales assistant pointed me in the direction of many bags of all colours hanging from the rack, me and Simon agonized for hours (well it felt like it!) on which style she might like, no too pink , too flowery, too bright, too sparkly, in the end we settled for a black one with the name on.

The cost wasn't too bad and I thought it would do as her school bag for senior school in September. The helpful lady packed it in a blue carrier bag, lovely, she will be pleased.

I was so excited to give it to her when she got home from school and made her put her hands out and told her to close her eyes, I placed the carrier bag in her hands.............

Her face lit up,

"Fantastic mum, I love it, thankyou so much!"

"but you haven't looked inside" I said baffled.

Lorna then took out the black bag, put it on the chair and started filling up the blue carrier bag with all her school stuff,

"Fab mum, I can't wait to show my friends!"

Now hang on a minute, it was the free bag , the carrier bag that she was using, I could have just brought a pair of socks! this is crazy!

"I like the black one as well and I will use it at senior school, so thanks!"

Oh that's alright then, how strange is the mind of an 11 year old.

So if your thinking of buying your child a new school bag, then take a 'top tip' from me - they may just settle for a plasic carrier bag,

although somehow I don't think a Tescos one will have quite the same effect...........................

Crazy!

Whatever!

Beautifully Kind

2007-06-17T21:49:00.000+01:00

The generosity of a Secret Santa who has spent over half a century buying and distributing Christmas presents to underprivileged children in Northern Ireland was recognised by the Queen today.

Pensioner Edward Joseph Cooper, from east Belfast, was made an MBE in the Birthday Honours List for services to the community.Mr Cooper has shunned the limelight as he has gone about helping those less fortunate than himself.

For the past 54 years he has bought and distributed toys and gifts to underprivileged children at Christmas.Since starting work at the age of 14 he has bought toys every week and stored them up to give to the children over the festive season. Since his retirement he has continued the practice.

His generosity extends to Easter - when he donates Easter eggs to orphaned children.He is a one man charity who works independently of any organisation and hasn`t made it known publicly that he was doing what he did.As Mr Cooper maintained his silence, one person who knows about his activities said: "He doesn`t talk about what he does. Many of the organisations who receive his gifts don`t know they are from him - they will now."The pensioner was one of 67 people from Northern Ireland honoured in the Birthday Honours List, 38 men and 29 women.

I just love stories like this a little old man who since the age of 14 has given selflessly to underprivileged children, not wanting any recognition but knowing that he has truly made a difference, his beautiful acts of kindness have resulted in an MBE from the Queen, not through him shouting about all he has done but rather from someone elses acknowledgement.

Mother Theresa once said;

"Kindness is in everyone, some hide it, some neglect it, but it is there"

I'm not going to become Father Christmas or one of his elves, but it just makes me think and it is just lovely.

Fabulous stuff!

I love it when a plan comes together!

2007-06-12T20:17:00.000+01:00

In the words of Hannibal Smith from the A Team, "I love it when a plan comes together" I am so excited to tell you that today Simon got a new job - a fantastic job, a job that Simon has always wanted to do in Colchester as Production Manager, he starts on Monday! we are just so amazed and as you can imagine so relieved.

The past three months have been hugely challenging I would love to be able to say that as a Christian I have not worried, Praised the Lord in all circumstances and rejoiced in our difficulties, no actually I have felt sick with worry, not slept and vented my frustrations in my daily prayer to God!

I came across this extract from Rick Warrens daily Bible readings-

I think there are two great confessions in the Bible. One of them is Peter’s great confession in Mark 8:29: “You are the Christ.” Our faith is built on that great confession. Then there’s what I call Paul’s great confession in Acts 14:15 at Iconium: “We too are only men, human like you.” (NIV) I know a lot of pastors who are quick to agree with the first confession, but they’re more cautious to proclaim Paul’s confession. A lot of us are more interested in proclaiming our spirituality than admitting our humanity. We want to deny that we are mere mortals and appear super human.
But to deny your humanity is not only untruthful, it’s a disservice to both yourself and those you serve. The fact is that God likes to take weaknesses and turn them into strengths.

I think its ok to be honest about how we are feeling.

There have been amazing Blessings in all of this though as I listed in my previous post, also someone had ordered us a complete shop with Tesco.com, I cried my eyes out and told the delivery man about our situation, he was quite surprised!

We are overwhelmed by the kindness shown to us both, this is true evidence of God dwelling in the hearts of those around us, thankyou so much.

To whoever gave the anonymous gift - thankyou, it came on a day where Simon and I were so down and meant so much.

I am just so pleased for Simon, he's done so well, the interview for this job took 2 hours!

Our house has been like the 'big brother house' we have never seen so much of each other and we have survived!!

Simon is just really glad to have a job before July 20th - the children break up for 6 weeks summer holiday!!!!

God is good and we have seen His hand in our lives, we thank Him for His provision,

I just love it when a plan comes together.............................

Interesting.........

2007-06-07T10:15:00.000+01:00

Pearls of great price

2007-05-27T11:38:00.000+01:00

A tiny bit of sand lodges itself in the flesh of an oyster and becomes an irritating intrusion. Unable to expel it, the oyster covers the particle with layer after layer of a milky secretion until the irritation has become smooth, round and acceptable. it also inadvertently becomes a precious gem, a pearl.

The thing that struck me is that pearl a born out of something that's alive, that has overcome affliction and suffering. The analogy of this and our lives is quite apparent, it like that verse in the bible that says about us being finely honed and coming through it like Gold, although I was quite happy being a bit of old metal, but at the end of it I suppose I'll have grown in Faith and all that!

Life has been somewhat challenging, Simon is still unemployed unfortunately many jobs he has been for have said he is to overqualified!

We are trying to trust in God but it has been hard, its not always easy to remain positive when the future seems so uncertain, yes we have Faith, but we also have Bills!!!

I wanted to just share the little treasures in all of this and when I think about it we would not know these beautiful moments if life was as it was. I have never prayed and read my Bible so much as I have recently, interesting......

I have however found Church quite difficult as I'm me, I like to be honest about how I feel and usually end up blubbing, I can't pretend to be anything else.

There are some truly amazing people, they are Gods Crown Jewels in the Kingdom, these people have reached out to us in heartfelt ways, the phone calls and kind words spoken to us, the text messages, the cards sent with such genuine words written, one beautiful card was hand made, the anonymous gifts given to us with little notes of concern, the man who fixed our toilet! the lawnmower brought for us when the other one blew up, the barbecue given to us as a gift, school uniform brought for Lorna for September, the credit on our gas bill, mum painting my lounge with leftover paint! we laughed so much, we put dust sheets down, trod in the spilt paint then tromped the paint round the house!! it did come off!
The invite to friends for tea and fellowship, a smile, a hug, a listening ear, sharing of Gods word, Judith gave me Psalm 20 and this we hang on to;

In times of trouble, may the Lord respond to your cry.
May the God of Israel keep you safe from all harm.
2 May he send you help from his sanctuary
and strengthen you from Jerusalem.
3 May he remember all your gifts
and look favorably on your burnt offerings.
Interlude
4 May he grant your heart’s desire
and fulfill all your plans.
5 May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory,
flying banners to honor our God.
May the Lord answer all your prayers.
6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed king.
He will answer him from his holy heaven
and rescue him by his great power.
7 Some nations boast of their armies and weapons,£
but we boast in the Lord our God.
8 Those nations will fall down and collapse,
but we will rise up and stand firm.
9 Give victory to our king, O Lord!
Respond to our cry for help.

We look to God and thank Him for His provision in our lives, there are things to be thankful for.
There is a testimony already in 'going through it and we try to daily trust God for the 'getting there!'

Pearls..........

That'll teach me for fiddling!

2007-05-08T15:11:00.000+01:00

Oh what a wally, I thought I would have a little play and change the blog template, only I didn't save the old one so have lost all my links, I will try to remember all of them but am worried about forgetting some, if you don't appear then please leave me a comment so I can add you on!

I just need a few days to do this!!!

Simon said "you should have saved it!"

I know, I know!

and I don't like the green!

Best not fiddle in future, till I have consulted an expert!

Hello!

2007-05-04T20:17:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, hope you are all well, Simon has a couple of interviews lined up so that's good, he is very helpful at home and when cooking the children's dinner he manages to create some spectacular sight such as sausages in a potato boat with gravy sea and various shapes etc... the children love it but they'll get a shock when its back to me cooking casserole on a plate! I keep telling Simon the novelty will soon wear off!

I sat on the toilet today and was suddenly aware that the window cleaner was cleaning the window, what does one do, I sat really still hoping he wouldn't notice, I do wish he'd knock first!

Ok TMI alert (Too much information!)

I have been walking to work all set up with my ipod, had a bit off trouble the other day though when I got my earphones tangled on the back door handle resulting in nearly pulling my ears off, I got a terrible fit of the giggles Simon also found this very amusing and laughed alot,

Well if I can make a difference in one persons life then it's all worth it!!!

I love walking, music blearing ,sun is shining the only danger being that I have to sing along, who can listen to 'Oh happy day' and not join in??? I started with a little humming noise then found myself going full pelt and jigging along, fabulous!! tee hee!

Then I caught sight of important looking business man,

He smiles as he walks past, I don't know what I sounded like, but hey I was having a good time!
That's the trouble with an ipod you kind of forget where you are, but seriously I have really been blessed on my way to work, I have been reminded of many Blessings all around me, when things are tough - they are still tough but having Faith does make a difference.

Simon really laughed at me the other evening, I had a pile of Daily Bible readings from various books, I went through them all and put aside the ones I liked - only one!

The others I didn't like, they got chucked over my shoulder stuff like persevering, smiling in our disappointment, giving to the poor and being positive walking in Faith, huh - of course not relevant to me! ??

I sometimes think that we treat the Bible like Lego - we make it what we want it to be, but its relevance is always true we just don't always want to hear it!

So get your music on and have a little jig, you should see me when I'm doing the housework!!

"Oh Happy Day" La la la la la..........

With respect - April 30th

2007-04-29T21:57:00.000+01:00

Prayer for Meg

2007-04-23T07:32:00.000+01:00

Could I ask all my blog buddies wherever you are in the world to pray for a lovely Christian friend of mine Meg, she has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

We come to a Faithfull loving God and together we join in prayer asking for Gods hand on this dear friend and her family,

May He heal and strengthen her and give her peace,
May He grant sleep and rest,
Everywhere she turns may she know His Presence in her life,

'Our God is a great big God and He holds us in our hands'
Thankyou.

Ring Ring

2007-04-16T21:19:00.000+01:00

Ring ring went the phone earlier today, first challenge is to find the phone, well it's not in the paper rack, or down the side of the chair, bewildered I glance around the room and bearing in mind that Simon has applied for various agencies it could be that crucial phone call, a very important man........

Everthing goes in slow motion as Lorna reaches for the phone (the old fashioned one that is stuck to the wall) not only is Lorna standing by phone but also her two 10 year old friends, Jonathan and his remote controlled car whizzzing and my neighbour is sitting in my lounge having a coffee,

It's like a film as I run to beat her to answer the call, she gets there first......

My heart is pounding, boom boom booom.........

"Put the phone down.........and back away!!!"

Realising there is no place to run or hide into a place of quiet, she takes control,

"no my dad's not here at the moment" OH NO important man, scary children, whizzing car aaaaaahhhhhhhh!

"give me the phone Lorna" I whisper in a kind of scary way that's not actually very scary at all.

then Jonathan shouts,

"dad will be about 5 hours!!!!!" and promptly demonstrates a noisy Karate chop,

I take the phone and with my posh voice I explain who I am and can I take a message, I cannot hear coz Jonathans car is whizzing and Lorna says,

"Mum I'm just going out with Lilly, love you!" I love her too, but come on, there is potentially a life changing man on the other end of the phone!

I nervously laugh and explain they are my children, he seems to understand not sure I do!

So the end result being that Simon is off to Birmingham for an interview, not for a job in birmingham only the interview is there, it meant waiting a few weeks to see the guy locally or going to him on Thursday, the job is in Harlow, so that's good.

So we'll see, I have told the children that they are not to answer the phone, can you imagine if Jonathan answered, now that's too scary!!!! They are not to move a muscle or speak in case it's another very important man........

Can't see it myself, well if they were quiet.............

Then I'd be really nervous!!!!

A rocky road

2007-04-05T17:45:00.000+01:00

Bit of a tricky time at the moment, I don't want to be a misery guts, but as some of you are aware Simons job has been a bit dodgy for a while and yesterday he was made redundant, well it kind of feels like something has been pulled from under our feet, I have to bring in our Faith and well we either believe God has a perfect plan or we don't, but tis still hard for Simon particularly.

We cannot think 'why us' well why not us, what makes us exempt from difficulties in life? it certainly puts a new angle on some worship songs we sing at Church like 'I'm empty handed but alive in your hands' (it's alright things aren't quite that bad!) but you know what I mean, and 'my life is safe with Christ on high' so do we believe it or not!

But we still feel like pants!

I can't help but ponder on what I am secure in and this certainly is a huge learning process, and even through our frustration and insecurity God is there and He speaks in ways that encourage us and bring us back on our feet again.

We recieved a beautiful card this week it said;

For God has said "I will never leave you nor forsake you"

That is why we can say without a doubt or fear.....

"The Lord is my helper"

and I am not afraid of anything that mere man can do to me.

Hebrews 13 v 5,6.

In these times our eyes are opened to the kindness in those around us, we are encouraged when we hear of Gods provision in many testimonies.

So that's all from us for the moment, next post will try to be a funny one but my blog is about my life and that includes the parts that are not always straightforward, but God is there in it with us - thankfully!

2007-03-29T19:20:00.000+01:00

Have a nice Easter break!

Doors

2007-03-25T12:30:00.000+01:00

You know that expression 'where one door closes another one opens....' this is something said to us alot at the moment, with the situation we find ourselves in, its meaning is very true that God places us in the right place, as Christians we have to believe that our lives are in Gods hands that He does have a perfect plan for us, if only we could see the end now because we are still human ( I think) and it's not always easy in the process.

Wouldn't it be just fantastic if suddenly the way to go was lit up in neon letters saying;

Simon and Helen go this way.......!!

and on we toddle, easy as pie!

But life just isn't like that!

But then isn't that where Faith has to come in, we don't always feel it and our Faith doesn't rely on how we feel but rather because Gods word is truth and always will be.

I was thinking of doors and being my dramatic self thought about mishaps with doors they don't just always open right before our eyes, sometimes it feels like a revolving door that's going too fast and we keep missing the exit!

or like one of those doors that you think is open and you walk straight into it - ouch!! (i've done that before!)

or it feels like your walking to the door and on the way you trip over shoes and toys doing yourself an injury! ( a normal morning in the Tween household!)

or how about those doors where you stand waiting for it to open - then realise you have to press a button! (I've stood there like a right wally before doing just that!)

or a door that is locked and you can't find your keys anywhere, how frustrating is that!

or a false door, ha ha great joke!

or a door that's not open and you have to walk miles!

or a door that opens outwards and hits you on the nose!

or one of those fire doors that swing back really fast, when I was at school I caught my little finger in one of those doors - and my nail fell off, I stuck it in my diary!

In my life at different times experiences have sometimes felt like all the doors described, I take courage in my Faith and was encouraged this week when I read this verse ;

We throw open our doors to God and discover at the same moment that He has already thrown open His door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand out in the wide open spaces of God's Grace and Glory, standing tall and shouting our Praise.

Romans 5 v 2 The Message.

That's where I wanna be, what a fabulous verse!

Euro Disney!

2007-03-14T09:20:00.000Z

Here are some photos from our holiday, there is quite a few, if you get bored then just click on another blog!!!!

We had a fantastic holiday at Euro Disney Paris, us, nanny and grandad Tween and aunty Jo all went going by Euro star was so quick just 2 hours from Ashford staight to Disney land

Once in the park the sight of the Cinderella castle is so magical, I was so excited!

When we got there, the rain was absoloutly chucking it down so me and Brenda had to invest in some rather groovy rain macs!

The sight of such brightly coloured rain macs were just too much for our eyes, protective glasses were needed!

YEEEHAAA! Howdy partner, those rooting tooting Tweenie cowboys!

To infinity and beyond!!!

Lorna and Jonathan were well impressed that nanny and grandad would join forces to defeat the evil emporer Zurg!

Tony put the laser gun down and back away!

Me and Jo with Mickey!

I'm sorry but that would have given me nightmares, apparently he's friendly, I wouldn't trust him!

(The monster, not Jonathan!)

Quick capture the moment of my two cheeky monkeys standing nicely without digging each other in ribs or something!

Apparently my eyes go like this when I'm cross, surely not!

This ride had me and Jo in an absoloute fit of laughter, well my horse was so high I just could not get on it and the more I laughed, the worse it got, Jo helped by pushing me up on to it, I nearly slipped off the other side!

The funniest thing was that Simon decided to get on what resmbled a Shetland Pony the smallest horse ever! and Brenda took the safe option - and got in a chariot!

I was a bit worried about my nose standing next to Pinochio, as that morning I'd said I was not eating anymore chocolate!

Lorna and her aunty Jo, I like this photo.

One day all this will be mine!!!!

The photographic evidence - Jonathan is officially in a headlock!

Helen prepare to meet your maker, Space mountain, I thought I was going to die, I have never been so scared in my life!

When I got off the ride a man asked me a question, my reply was something like "buur burr bbbbbbbbb!" I couldn't put 2 words together which is most unusual!
So scary!

This Photo has me in terrible fits of the giggles, can you see me in the background on my own just laughing to myself like some Weirdo!

Tony, do they do hands free cameras, who's steering aaaagh!!!

What is he laughing at??!!!!

You know when you just get really tired........!

The evidence that Brenda is on a roller coaster!

Jo's face makes me laugh and Lorna wasn't impressed at all!

So what a lovely time we had, it was great, we laughed alot, thanks aunty Jo for such wonderful memories, Fabulous!

Just amazing!

2007-03-04T19:53:00.000Z

Wow! did anyone see the eclipse of the moon last night, it was just incredible we watched as the moons brightness on such a clear night slowly became hidden by the shadow of the earth between it and the sun, then turning spetacular shades of red and orange.

The night sky has always amazed me and as a child I always had many questions, I think that these searching thoughts were a factor to my belief in God, something so amazing so beautiful just could not have just 'happened' it had to be created, for all these years, centuries the moon, earth and stars are held in place by one so powerful, we cannot fathom the complexity of this amazing world and its wonders, if the sun were any closer to us we would not be able to withstand it, its position so accurate.

A major purpose of the moon is to light up the night. The moon reflects the sun’s light on to us even when the sun is on the other side of the earth, the moon controls the tides and each tiny star a giver of light set in place as Gods illustration to us of His beauty, and each night He does it again and again.

Psalm 19
A psalm of David. 1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

In the Bible David so beautifully descibes the skies, I like this I wonder if he sat on a hill with his sheep just pondering on all around him!

We read in the book of Genesis;

Genesis 1:14-19 (New International Version)
New International Version (NIV)
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society
14 And God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years, 15 and let them be lights in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth." And it was so. 16 God made two great lights—the greater light to govern the day and the lesser light to govern the night. He also made the stars. 17 God set them in the expanse of the sky to give light on the earth, 18 to govern the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And there was evening, and there was morning—the fourth day.

Wow what an amazing creation we live in, I am thankful for each new day and each moment, for each breath for each possiblity, for every beauty in the day and night , God is all around us and every now and then He allows us to see a new wonder...............

It's just amazing!

Smile!

2007-02-22T09:16:00.000Z

If you see someone without a smile today then why not give them one of yours!!

Squelch, squelch, squelch

2007-02-18T20:12:00.000Z

Saturday morning I had the joy of taking Jonathan football training, Simon normally does this but as we had a carpet to lay in Lornas room it was either me do the carpet and Simon go or face the devastation and possible trip to casualty with me fitting a carpet, so I chose football (I don't think I had an option!)

I got everything ready and was about to go out the door when Simon dissaprovingly looks at my shoes,

"your not going out wearing those are you?" suddenly I was transported back to my teenage years, was this my dad in front of me??!!

"why whats wrong with these shoes?" said with attitude.

"Helen it's so muddy you need wellies, you'll see"

well rather than actually seem as if I'd taken on board Simons wise words I kept on the shoes, Simon shook his head in despair and off we went.

We got out of the car and walked across the park to the pitch, I had a bit of trouble - kept sinking in mud, all the dads are standing together, it's the 'lads gang' mums obviously don't do this, Jonathan says-

"mums brought me today, dads doing the carpet" I say hi and promptly leave my unsensible shoe behind me - in the mud, cue nervous laugh, muddy sock, the Christian Bridget Jones!

The dads all were very nice and showed me where I could get a coffee, great idea - big slope lots of mud, I hang on to tree to stop bottom going in mud, my feet are so muddy, my pride is in the mud and I NEED A COFFEE AND A HUGE BAR OF CHOCOLATE!!

Jonathan scores a goal, I miss it because I'm hanging on tree, then I hear one of the dads shouting at the boys, hes shouting at Jonathan, I wanted to go over and squeeze his cheeks, that's my son, the anger in the dads so competitive humph!

Then my heart sank as Jonathan took his place in goal, don't do it, I thought, the ball came towards him smack right in the face, he ran towards me injured, broken obviously needing his mum, I threw my arms round him and kissed his head,

"MUM I just need a drink!!!" of course hugs are definately not required on the football pitch!

His shoelace is undone and oozing with mud as I tie it the mud squelches through my fingers, I have no tissue so I wipe them on my jeans- yuck!

It seems like forever then time up we go to the car Jonathan is covered, I mean covered, he gets in the car like a giant mudball, we get home, where do I start, we are the perfect candidate for a washing powder advert!

Simon has laid the carpet,

"So how were the shoes?" he asks as I'm hosing off my mud covered shoes in the garden,

"Fine" I say as I catch a little smirk across his face,

Humph!

Simon has to lay Jonathans carpet next saturday,

and I'm praying for rain!!!!!!

Check this out!

2007-02-17T17:45:00.000Z

Check out Richards blog as he has done a beautiful piece of artwork about 'stepping out' he is very talented and I believe 'God inspired',

I was Blessed and hope you are too!

Thanks Richard!

Jonathans Reptile Party!!

2007-02-04T18:31:00.000Z

Hi everyone!

Jonathan turned 6 this week, he came running in our room at 6.00 am shouting "is it tomorrow today??!!" the previous evening he kept asking when it would be his birthday I kept saying tomorrow, not long now!

We had a wonderful day with family and friends and had a reptile party, it was fabulous, the children just loved all the differnt reptiles and the hightlight being that each child (and me!) could hold a snake - around their neck!
Jonathan was the birthday boy he had the joy of having three around his, which he thought was amazing!
As you can see in the photo, I'm kind of smiling through gritted teeth, I mean come on it took me ages to hold Lornas hamster! Just look at my red cheeks!

The only problem now being that he desperately wants a pet snake, oh I don't think so and anyway that would definately put Harriet the hamster's life in danger!

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Lorna seemed comfortable with the snake, I wonder if the snake was tempted by the lolly that grandad is holding?!
So a great party, and Jonathans favourite present? 2 pretend snakes that now have their own cages and food their names are Roony and Beckham, we'll stick to that!!

Oh don't you agree that nanny P looks so amazed with herself for holding a snake, well done nanny!!

Have a great week and hope you are all ok!

Helen x.

So wasteful!

2007-01-16T16:49:00.000Z

Lorna had to do a project on rationing in World War 2, she did an excellent presentation from alot of research.

I found this quite interesting, she interviewed my nan about how it was during the war, one thing that stood out was how nothing went to waste, I've always found it amusing that my nan would always seperate kitchen towel and make it go twice as far and would flip if me or Tracey would reel off sheets of it - to blow our nose!!

My nans fridge would be full of leftovers that could be made use of the following day - half a tomato, a bit of mash, a few bake beans, she always freaks at the amount I throw away - if the cheese is blue it goes in the bin and if I use half a tomato the other bit goes in the bin as well!

Nan always has small dinners "Just what I need and no more" she says, why is is that we eat till we feel full! and still she eats at a set time - and not before!

Nan talked about how they would 'dig for victory' and lovingly grow yummy fruit and veg to be baked for tea, the whole family got involved and worked really hard, her lunch was sometimes bread with hot milk and a sprinkle of sugar - yuck!

So after years of rationing I suppose these ways of living stay with you, that is why she doesn't waste a thing, during these war years hardly anyone was overweight, families worked together and children just couldn't be fussy, dinner was eaten as a family and everything was homemade - no convienience foods, but then women didn't work just managing the house was enough! so I'm trying not to be wasteful but not sure about all that baking!

So the children have mouldy bread, blue cheese and half a tomato in their lunchboxes tommorrow!

I'd love a vegetable plot, imagine me and Simon in our dungerees, children helping covered in mud mmmmmmmmmmmm.... perhaps not, sadly I just don't have a big enough garden so I'll stick to growing cress on my windowsill!

My nan's great I think from her I can learn a thing or two!

Finally, thank God for bananas, imagine no bananas!

I'm glad things have moved on!

I'm sure Simons snoring did this!

2007-01-12T22:45:00.000Z

Hee hee!
(I did ask him if I could put this on!!)

Back to normal - whatever that is!!

2007-01-08T11:51:00.000Z

So back to normal - whatever that is, the tree is down and my lounge suddenly seems huge, all the lovely presents away in places and kids back to school.

I took them to school today, Lorna suddenly looks like a little lady all grown up and very beautiful, I can't believe she will be 11 in April and Jonathan went in to his class all independant now wanting to do all things himself, the trouble is I was horrified to see him taking off his jumper only to reveal Lornas school top - down to his knees!

"Put your jumper back on!" I said

"No I'm hot!"

"but you have Lornas top on, it's massive, put your jumper on!" at that He went around the class curtsying to all the girls to squeals of laughter.

Oh well, we try our best............

Dad went back to work today after a year off sick with 2 slipped discs to which he had surgery that was a success, Praise God!

Lorna had some false nails for Christmas, well I sat on one on the toilet seat and keep finding them everywhere, she said she couldn't do anything with them on - now some things I draw the line at!!!

I think Simon ran over them the other day - the nails not her fingers!!!

So this is the Tween family back to normal????!!!!

Church was great, a Year of Abundance is our theme and I'm just an ordainary me with struggles and challenges before me each day and really trying to seek God and trust Him with all of them, even when I don't feel like it.

Some people when facing difficulties turn to prayer immediatly, I find often it's the last thing I do or feel like doing, good job Gods truth doesn't depend on how I feel - it would be all over the place!

Gods truth is solid and always will be, Phew!

Have a good week, I love blogging in an a few minutes I've popped to Belgium, nipped over to america, dashed to New Zealand, popped round the corner here in Chelmsford, and called in at the beautiful hills of Scotland and done some sightseeing at other countries all over the world - fabulous!

I must get ready for work, see ya!

Happy new year!!!

2007-01-01T21:29:00.000Z

Time for New Beginnings. . . . . . . . . . . Taylor Addison, Blue Mountain Arts, 1989

"This is a time for reflection as well as celebration.

As you look back on the past year and all that has taken place in your life,

Remember each experience for the good that has come of it
and for the knowledge you have gained.

Remember the efforts you have made and the goals you have reached.

Remember the love you have shared and the happiness you have brought.

Remember the laughter, the joy, the hard work, and the tears.

And as you reflect on the past year, also be thinking of the new one to come.

Because most importantly, this is a time of new beginnings, a time to thank God our Creator who makes all things new,

To live well, laugh often and love much as we celebrate this precious gift of life."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Honesty really is the best policy!

2006-12-27T18:15:00.000Z

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, we had a lovely time although I wouldn't know if my house had been ransacked! Presents and boxes everywhere!

Well Boxing day night Jonathan could not stop crying, he was in such a state, when asked why he went on to tell us that he felt bad about something that happened 2 weeks ago in the garden centre.

Jonathan had accidentally knocked off a plastic bauble decoration from a display causing it to break along with many others that had also fallen off, the shop was packed with long queues so I did what any good citizen would do - I kicked it under the tree it fell off!

I know, I know bad Christian mother, but well you know.....

Simon and I tried desperately to calm him saying that the man probably wouldn't notice anyway and that it was an accident etc......

Have you ever had a child make you feel so guilty?

We felt bad.

"We should have told the man and paid for it, can we go and say sorry?" said Jonathan.

Oh how humiliating.

Ok.

I was sadly at work this morning, you can understand how disappointed I was at not being able to confess our crime and pay the price??!!

So Simon did the deed, he explained to the man at the garden centre that it was an accident and Jonathan wanted to pay for the damage, the man was very sweet and said that 20 pence would be fine, Jonathan handed over the money and now with a clear conscience he was free to go when the man called him back and placed in his hand a packet of sweets for being so honest.

Jonathan was so excited at his reward of a packet of sweets and now free from guilt he could move on with his day, we felt quite embarrased but proud at the same time for I hope he did learn a lesson from it,

Well we certainly did!!!

Honesty really is the best policy.

Well,from the mouths of babes..........

Happy Christmas everyone!

2006-12-14T11:50:00.000Z

All the best for 2007, it's been great sharing this year with you! have a lovely time!

Always in a queue!

2006-12-12T21:27:00.000Z

Hi everyone, it's been a while since I blogged, have I really run out of things to say, am I suddenly shy and withdrawn, is life suddenly uneventful? Surely not!!!

Getting ready for Christmas, tree is up, lounge is in darkness.... The tree is sooooo big!

Chocolates were on the tree...........

Well I was standing in a queue at the bank this week just minding my own business when I noticed further back in the line was my mate from Church (she didn't want to be named, but said I could share it!) I waved to her and continued to wait for my turn,

Standing between us were two women chatting very loudly, The whole of Chelmsford could hear their conversation, suddenly my ears pricked up when the conversation went like this,

"I always tell my kids if they are going to mess about at school, always do it in an RE lesson, it is History and so irrelevant, they are to listen to all the others, but that one they can do what they like, it's so boring anyway"

Well I started to snigger and glanced at my friend........Whose husband happens to be a Christian RE teacher!!
She was fit to burst and giggling, I had to turn around as I was going to really laugh.

"yes, I agree I tell my kids the same - do what you like in that lesson, it's not important!" replied the other lady.

I would love to tell you that together we joined forces and they both dropped to their knees in repentance and became Christians,

No we both could not stop laughing!

But the cashier wanted to know what we were laughing at and my friend was able to tell her about the conversation and all about what her husband did, she had an opportunity to tell her, so sometimes it's not always appropriate to launch in at people and at the end of the day others are entitled to their opinion, but God does take these opportunities, who knows perhaps the cashier went home and thought about it all!

As for my friends husband, a committed Christian whose passion is for the things of God, well his lessons are hardly boring, he has a way of communicating that is so easy to listen to and fun!

This really made me think about remembering to pray for Christian schools workers as they take Gods word into schools often without the support of parents, quite a challenge.

May God Bless that cashier anyway and all those that take Gods word into schools!

Well, what ever next!

I'm so excited!

2006-11-26T21:06:00.000Z

Just got back from Church and wow what an evening, the youth did the service and we were so Blessed, such enthusiasm their Faith in God shining in their lives, they did a brilliant dance, which was so well put together, the worship was led by very talented musicians and singers with such a heart for the things of God, just to watch their faces as they sang their hearts out to God was a Blessing. They should definately make a DVD!

They did a drama that was really good it was so lovely to see each one take part, we heard a testimony of how God had changed a life, now this guy was funny, what a lovely sense of humour!

I was challenged by Gareths sermon about the power of the Ressurection in our lives every day, giving each day to Him and living in His power, he spoke from his heart, fabulous!

The excitement in the lives of our young people about their Faith in God is just brilliant, we are Blessed to have fantastic youth leaders who encourage this, as they journey on in Him may God always be the centre of all they do, as they make big descisions may God guide them always.

Penny please pass these comments on and thank your truly wonderful talented youth group for a brilliant evening, we even grooved a little, Fabulous!

Do you know what was also very exciting this evening?

I just got home and treated myself to a 'kit-kat' - no wafer in the middle - just thick chocolate all the way through!

So well done guys, keep praising and thanks for your imput this evening!
Thank God for changing lives and making a difference!

Amen!

Fireplaces and wibbly wobbly days

2006-11-23T10:15:00.000Z

Hi everyone, hope you are all well we had our heating done last week, why oh why did we choose cold November to do it! anyway we now have lovely warm house and a lovely cosy fireplace and gas fire, I had it roaring with the windows open ,absoloutely boiling, sweating buckets! it just looked so nice you see, it had to be done!! (it's a bit like the one in the picture) The only worrying thing is that it's made of limestone and in it are tiny fossills, I just hope I don't come down to Jonathan 'excavating' for them!!

I had my monthly weigh in with the nurse and was pleased that I have now lost 11lbs, so only 3 or 4 stone to go!!

So I celebrated my weight loss with a huge cream cake and a galaxy!

Things are quite tricky at the moment, I won't go in to much details but would value your prayers for Lorna a bit of a tough time, growing up is not always easy and home is sometimes more appealing than school!
My Faith in God is the most important thing in my life, but of course I still feel miffed when things are tough, but I come to a God that knows me and loves me, a God that I can be honest with (he knows anyway!)

1 Peter 5 v 7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.
I love this verse, He does care about every detail in our lives.

Oh by the way, Jonathan started Karate last week...........

See ya soon!

I used this new shampoo, and look what happened!

2006-11-17T09:18:00.000Z

Olympics 2012!

2006-11-10T16:46:00.000Z

Hi!

I went to the gym to what I thought was an Aqua aerobics class, well you know me by now and know that often things aren't as they seem! when I got in the pool I noticed some rather sporty super swimmers, the pool looked different in that at both ends of the pool were 2 goal looking objects and a scoreboard..........mmmmmmm what's going on!

Well as I'd arrived just on time, there was no escape.

"This is Aqua aerobics isn't it?" I whispered to a lady near to me, she chuckled and went on to explain that every 5 weeks they play Water Polo, aaaaaaghhhhhhh!
I looked for a way out, one lane open for swimming, that's no good they are all really fast and it would be like domino swimming as they all pile up on slow swimmer Helen!

MMMMmmm now the jacuzzi looks inviting, but that would be lazy wouldn't it?

So I was handed a white headband and as a true professional I put it on Rambo style and thought well why not, it's good to have a challenge, that was my team, do you know what I found myself becoming very competitive, I scratched one lady in my enthusiasm to get the ball and apologized, I dived for the ball, leapt in the air caught the ball and the highlight for me was I scored and everyone cheered, I was so pleased with myself, I had scored, yes!!!

Everyone looked such a wally with their headbands on in red or white, I then reminded myself that if they looked daft, then what must I look like!

Then I caught sight of myself in the reflection of the window..........My ears were sticking out as my groovy headband had slipped down! Great fun!

Today I did a class, the description on the website said 'suitable for the over 55's' I thought that would do me, perhaps I could keep up! it was great and I made great conversation with mostly 70 year olds, in fact I felt positively fit!

They kept reminding me that it was for the more mature person I did make it clear that I was 32 (just felt older!) but it was good, I have done other classes and just kind of felt so self conscious, this was great! My new mates! Fabulous!

So why not try something new, I always pray that God would place me where He wants me to be but the places I end up somehow resemble Bridget Jones! or Mr Ben, do you remember the program? I watched it when I was little, everytime he walked out of the shop he had a new adventure!
But may He use me wherever I go, I'll have a go at anything! (within reason!)

Olympics 2012 water Polo team, tee hee!
Bungee jumping?

So another day tomorrow, what next?!
Have a great weekend!

Stamps!

2006-10-31T12:14:00.000Z

The other day I was desperately trying to find a stamp for an important letter, looking in every part of my handbag,

"There must be one here somewhere!" I said to Jonathan, he then disappeared for a while and returned beaming with a huge smile,

"mum I knew just where to find you a stamp!"
"That's great Jonathan!" then I looked and there crumpled up in his little hand was part of Simons precious collection of 'first day issues' he has been collecting these since he was about 5 years old! A stamp lovingly ripped off it's commemorative envelope to celebrate the Queens 80th birthday! The queens head now in half!

"Oh Jonathan, that's daddy's special collection, but you didn't realize did you, thankyou anyway"

Simon's gonna flip!

Well who could tell off a boy with such big brown eyes who acted in all innocence?

Thankfully Simon found it funny, I now have a book of 12 first class stamps in my purse, it could have been worse, we have first day issues in a frame on the wall!

Bob the builder...........

2006-10-28T20:36:00.000+01:00

The Tween family had new boots today, the trend started with Simon, then Jonathan wanted some and then Lorna.
I decided not to join in the Tween boot gang and brought myself some extremely comfortable 'crocs' shoes, I would recommend them, they are so comfy, but unlike Rhiannes rather groovy bright pink ones, mine are black.
We spent most of the day in town, Simon met a long lost cousin, I've always said thet everywhere I go I meet another relative, this was not a 'Tween' but rather Brendas side of the family, I thought Cilla BLack was going to appear!! thankfully not!

Lorna brought the whole of 'Lush' so my house smells of all sorts of soaps and lotions etc.. a good day, I'm now off to watch the highlight of my weekend - the X factor, I love it!

Oh and very well done to Alan who successfully climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, raising money for Oxfam, a fascinating journey for him, bet he's tired! Well done! I'll stick to climbing Longstomps! (a steep hill in Chelmsford) in fact I'll drive it!

See ya soon!

God, The Scientists and Me!!

2006-10-22T21:42:00.000+01:00

Well what an interesting evening! At Church we had three scientists - two doctors in something very clever and one professor in something also very clever, all Christians standing up for and putting forward their evidence for Creation.

Wow all that information and intelligence all stored up in one little head, I can't say I understood all that was being said but took bits of it and liked one description of DNA being Gods signature on this world, I liked their testimonies of how God came into their lives, one talked how he set out to prove Darwins theory of evolution and ended up loving God and found compelling evidence for creation.

Well I decided to go and introduce myself to these clever people during the break and welcome them to our Church,

"Hi I'm Helen, I wish my science lessons were interesting, I used to be so bored!"
Probably not the best introduction to one so passionate about his cause! others were discussing the complexity of DNA and mutant cells, this is all I could come up with!

I was suddenly aware that there I was standing talking to one so clever holding Jonathans fisher price lap top that he'd left at his Nan and grandads house,

Well now I knew what I was talking about, I'd got a laptop in my hands! Little did he know that it played tunes! DR Helen Tween, I decided to join in a discussion on fossilized fish, until I found myself getting redder and redder - not a clue!!! but still I knowingly nodded my head holding my laptop.

The man was very nice and talked about His love for Jesus - now that I could relate to!

So two people worlds apart but with the same purpose to love and serve God and for me the evidence for Gods creation is all around me, it's in the flower that knows when to bloom, it's in the tide that rolls back and forth, it's in the beauty of mountains, it's in the wonder of the stars, moon and sun, it's in the eyes of those whom I love, the evidence lives in my heart, the reality of my Faith in God.

So me and my laptop, I keep laughing about it, but seriously may God Bless these men and the work they set out to do as they talk in schools and universities all over the world.

Just Fabulous!

Fun for all!

2006-10-17T21:35:00.000+01:00

Just wanted to encourage you Chelmsford people - 31st October, our Church puts on a fabulous alternative to Halloween with games, entertainment and lots of fun, we have been for the past couple of years and as a family we have had a brill time, so check out Rhiannes blog for details on how to get tickets (they are free!)

You can read my account of last years Fun for all evening here.
See you there!!

A Good day!

2006-10-15T21:38:00.000+01:00

Well God is good, dad came home today - 2 days earlier than planned, he has done so well, he is not able to sit so has to either stand or lie down, so a single bed is now in their lounge! so glad he is doing so well hopefully back to driving in 4 weeks then work and a bit of normality (whatever normal is!) just want him to be well as he is the best dad ever in the whole wide world!

Church was great this morning I felt challenged and Blessed, check out Pats blog, she has written in her blog that which she shared this morning at Church, her thoughts about crowns are just beautiful.

Praise God for His faithfulness to us each day.

Thank God!

2006-10-14T17:41:00.000+01:00

Dad had his surgery on his 2 slipped discs, he is doing really well and already he is feeling releif from pain, he has walked short distances apparently the operation was done with him on his knees!

They wanted me to express their thanks for all the prayers that have gone up for them, God is good and they are amazed at how God provided all the money for dad to have this done privately, being on Morphine for the pain the wait on the NHS was so long, dad needed this done and God made a way for this to happen, just incredible.

So I thank God for His hand on everything and thanks for the care you have shown to my family,

Helen x.

Here we go again!

2006-10-10T19:49:00.000+01:00

I know it's just mind numbingly boring but I have rejoined the gym in my quest for weight loss and health, my little health scare was a wake up call for me and thankfully nothing was wrong but it made me value all I have .....and don't have!

For those that know me will be aware that this is a constant struggle in my life, so here I go again! My nurse at the surgery told me to 'never give up giving up' and I am thankful for my friends and family that constantly encourage me......and my make up artist and my director and my hamsters style advisor.....sorry got carried away there!!

I started today with a class called 'V - Core' it involves huge plastic balls that you balance on - yes I was scared too! I was a little concerned when I asked the instructor if it would burst and her reply was "Oh no, if you grab that green one.....and we'll see what happens!"

"What do you mean 'we'll see what happens!" was my reply, she went on to explain that she wasn't sure which ball was the best for my height.

Well that's ok then and actually I did enjoy it and do rather ache, so I have booked more classes and as I sit here I feel rather good isn't it strange, we know how good we feel but why is it so hard to get motivated?

So that's where I am at the moment.

Dad goes in on Friday for back surgery so that's good but obviously a bit scary and also spare a thought for Alan who climbs a rather high mountain, mout Kilimanjaro next week in aid of Oxfam apparently 7 days uphill and 2 coming down, do you think they slide down on their bottoms?
He must be so fit, I'm worn out going up the stairs! so all the best to you Alan!
So have a good week what ever you do, Thank God for every good thing.

Thought provoking

2006-10-07T08:36:00.000+01:00

I found this on a blog of someone who had dealt with grief in their life, also her blog honoured someone who died on Sep 11 in the world trade centre, her words are so challenging,

Section 1- during the month or so immediately following the death

1. If you are grocery shopping, please pick up an extra gallon of milk or some fresh fruit and drop it off with a friendly word or note. It is unlikely that the survivors have had the time or the presence of mind to go grocery shopping. If you live out of town, check their area for a grocery store that delivers.

2. If you are at the post office, please pick up an extra book of stamps. Writing thank you notes is hard work. Realizing you're out of stamps halfway thru this project is worse. You can even enclose a book of stamps when you send the family a card or letter!

3. If you are cooking, make a double batch of whatever it is. It is unlikely that the survivors have the energy to cook right now, and the hot meal you deliver will probably be the only one they get this week.

4. If you are taking your children to the movies, please pick up the survivors children and take them along. Believe me, these children could use a couple of hours escape.

5. If you don't want to see the survivors because you don't know what to do or say, please send a note or a card. You don't want them to think they are forgotten, DO YOU?

Section 2 - in the year following the death (Yes, you have returned to your normal life. The survivors have completely and permanently lost "normal".)

1. Make a note on your calendar to call the survivors once a month and offer a coffee/lunch/dinner/whatever invitation. "I'm going to the flower show tomorrow, would you like to come along?" is more appreciated than you can ever imagine.

2. Don't always expect your invitation to be accepted. The survivors are being buried by the weight of a giant grief monster. They sometimes cannot join you. Do not take offense.

3. Please offer to include the survivors children in your carpools. It is often impossible for the survivor to drive the children everywhere they need to go.

4. Look and see ... and do. If the grass is getting long, mow it. If the child is outside trying unsuccessfully to learn to ride a 2-wheeler, take a few moments to help. If you notice the flowers on the porch need water, water them. If you notice that there are no flowers on the porch this year, bring a few extras from your garden.

5. Please ask "how are you doing?", and "how are the children doing" But only if you really want to listen. And talk. And share. If not, it's ok - just don't ask.

Check out Kate and Jonathans blog thanks Kate for the thoughts.

All is fine!

2006-10-06T13:21:00.000+01:00

I am so relieved as the scan showed all is well, he thinks there was a small clot caused by an infection in a vein which is why the blood test came back positive, apparently the test picks up a clot and as my symptoms were similar to a DVT, this is why I had a scan, The injections cleared it and antibiotics shifted the infection so praise God my leg looks fine and I have no inflammation or pain at all!

Thankyou for the prayers and phone calls etc...

This has made me value my health it is truly precious.

My dad who has been off work since Feb this year goes into hospital next Friday for surgery for 2 slipped discs, it has been a difficult year for them so hopefully things are looking up!

Have a good weekend!

An ..........interesting day..

2006-10-03T21:17:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone I've had an interesting day, I went to the doctors yesterday as I've had a pain in my left calf for a while, I kept thinking I'd just knocked it, the doctor sent me for a blood test to check for a dvt which came back positive this morning, so I have a scan booked for Friday morning and untill then I have to inject myself with blood thinning drug everyday, which is shall we say interesting!

The blood test is very sensitve but not very specific hence the scan which will determine exactly what is going on and how best dealt with.

I got the appointment quickly so in haste shaved just one leg and guess what.... he wanted to compare legs, aaagh how embarrasing!

I met Leila and Derek on the way into the surgery who were so kind and stayed with me, thanks guys!

So if you could pray that all will be well and the result will be ok, that would be great, I'll let you know how I get on.

I thought this was caused by long haul flights, perhaps more like 'long haul blogging!' My life is very active but it has been a 'wake up call on looking after myself more and how precious health is, I'm glad I went today and of course I look forward to tomorrows injection??!!!

Thanks x.

Just like........?

2006-10-01T20:43:00.000+01:00

A wife was making a breakfast of fried eggs for her husband.

Suddenly, her husband burst into the kitchen.

"Careful," he said, "CAREFUL! Put in some more butter! Oh no!

You're cooking too many at once. TOO MANY! Turn them! TURN

THEM NOW! We need more butter. Oh no! WHERE are

we going to get MORE BUTTER? They're going to STICK!

Careful . CAREFUL! I said be CAREFUL! You NEVER listen

to me when you're cooking! Never! Turn them! Hurry up!

Are you CRAZY? Have you LOST your mind? Don't forget to salt them.

You know you always forget to salt them. Use the salt.

USE THE SALT! THE SALT!"

The wife stared at him. "What in the world is wrong with you?

You think I don't know how to fry a couple of eggs?"

The husband calmly replied, "I just wanted to show you

what it feels like when I'm driving."

Tee Hee!

Great verses and elastic bands

2006-09-26T20:08:00.000+01:00

'To this end I labor, struggling with all His energy, which so powerfully works in me'

Colossians 1 v 29

What a great verse! it jumped out at me on Sunday, I don't have much knowledge of the writings of Paul but I know that he didn't deny that he 'labored and struggled' he recognised that it was through Gods energy that he got through, I don't know about you but sometimes I feel tired and struggle with life but like Paul we need to come to God and be filled with His spirit to have that energy that Paul describes, just fabulous!

Oh elastic bands, well a typical 'Helen' moment for you, a top Consultant at the hospital asked me if I could help him with a pile of patients notes, I got 2 rubber bands to hold them all together, he held the pile steady and I.........pinged his fingers!

I nervously apologized and endevoured to proceed with the remaining band....which promptly pinged in half!

Third attempt at getting more bands, Consultant is now rubbing his fingers, well I was all in a fluster muster, would it go round? no!

"This isn't very succesful!" I said nervously and let out a loud high pitched squeal of laughter, DOH!

I then managed to complete the task set before me, to which the consultant found quite amusing - thankfully!

Only I could get stressed by an elastic band!!

Hey ho such is life! Have a great week!

Hope

2006-09-22T09:57:00.000+01:00

In heavenly love abiding,
No change my heart shall fear;
And safe is such confiding,
For nothing changes here.
The storm may roar without me,
My heart may low be laid,
But God is round about me,
And can I be dismayed?
Whatever He may guide me,
No fear shall turn me back;
My Shepherd is beside me,
And nothing shall I lack.
His wisdom ever waketh,
His sight is never dim;
He knows the way He taketh,
And I will walk with Him.
Green pastures are before me,
Which yet I have not seen;
Bright skies will soon be o'er me,
Where darkest clouds have been.
My hope I cannot measure,
My path to life is free;
My Savior is my treasure,
And he will walk with me.

- Anna L. Waring

I don't do paintball!

2006-09-19T13:30:00.000+01:00

Well I ventured into town this morning to buy Jonathan new school shoes as he had managed to cover his other ones in dog mess, and I'm sorry but they went in the bin I just couldn't bring myself to clean them yuck yuck! I have dealt with most things but not that!

So I'm walking through town first I'm approached by a cheerful man, very animated in fact I thought he was at some point my long lost best friend, his arms seemed to stretch the entire width of High Chelmer,

"Hi! good to see you, now you look like you could do with a game of.......paintball!"

What! I'm 32 laden with loads of shopping bags, my face is red, sweating buckets,

"oh I don't think so, but thankyou anyway, I'm boring these days!" I said being polite,
"Is your husband boring as well" he said looking at my wedding ring,
"well yes, we both are, paintball isn't our thing, but thanks!" I tried to walk off and he followed me!
"you don't have to be boring,now's the time to change, you and your husband can play!" well by now I'm losing patience,
"look I don't do paintball!!!!!" I'm now really irritated and walk off to be approached by a lady in very high heels,
"do you have children?" she says
"sorry I can't stop" I say and try to walk off............I hear the heels clattering behind me, surely not! she's following me!

"10 by 8 photo free with each sitting at our studios, capture the moment of your children to keep forever"

well all I can think of is what was on the bottom of Jonathans
shoe!- capture that!!!

Then the direction I went in to escape the high heel lady I was approached by a man,
"Hi, just 10 seconds of your time and you can win a holiday!!!"

AAAAAGGGHHH!!!!

"No thanks!" I dive into a shop to take cover from sales attacks and get what I need, I go to pay handing over my libray card instead of visa,
"2o percent off today of you get a gold card store card"
"no I have too many cards, hence the library card!" she rattles on about something I wearily say thankyou and off I go.

Everywhere I go pressure to buy something, I am a Christian and may God forgive me but at this point I'm thinking very un Christian thoughts!!

I then walk to my car oh no I have to walk past paintball man,
"Hi!" he says,
"Hi, look I'm still boring!"
The man laughs and we exchange a friendly chuckle, I walk back to the car feeling like I've just been on a hidden camera gameshow and exhausted.

Paintball, what a ridiculous thought, me do I look like I'd enjoy such a thing??

Tempting............

Thinking of Sep 11th

2006-09-12T13:24:00.000+01:00

Hope you are all well, I have been really busy with work, kids back to school, sorting out the garden, watching Fern and phil in the mornings with a nice cup of coffee, lovely!

I spent most of the week crying buckets at the programs about the people that died in the terrible event of the Twin towers on Sep 11, listening to the many stories of tremendous bravery and sacrifice, the incredible strength of those relatives who lost their precious loved ones, their determination to make something of their lives despite the pain felt so desperately each day, its hard to explain to my children such an atrocity, I want to shield them from such pain and evil, but the truth is that not all of life is easy and not everyone is nice, I think it's important to be honest with my children and yes there is pain and suffering, good and evil, we don't understand why and never will, I question why such an atrocity happened but I have to come back to the reality of my Faith in Jesus, He holds this world in His unfailing hands, may that assurance always go with my children even in times of such uncertainty. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those that died.

Check out this blog, I felt very moved by this beautiful thought from a wife and son who lost their husband and dad Robert Levine on 11 Sep in the world Trade centre, she gives her answer to the question 'where was God on Sep 11th?' what tremendous Faith, I pray that God would be their comfort always.

I am challenged by Mikes sermons recently about living our Faith in everything, God is not dead but alive and giving life and hope to us each day, I heard Mother Theresa once say that The Christian path is a simple one, but the journey's not always easy, how true is that!

So we press on trying the make each day count and thankful for all we have, I hope you are all ok, I'm sure by my next post ther'll be some eventfull moment to share with you from the Tween household!

Take care!

See Ya soon!!

It's oh so quiet.......

2006-09-03T17:29:00.000+01:00

It's very quiet in the blogsphere at the moment, I hope you are all well, I spent the day ironing ( you know how much I love it???!) as a consequence of sorting out my wardrobe, you would think many different women live in my house as there are clothes of all sizes! an ongoing saga!!

last night we had to take Jonathans bed apart as he managed to get his leg stuck between the bars, (it sounds like he sleeps in a cage doesn't it!) I mean the pine slats that run alongside his bed, never a dull moment in our house!!)

I was blessed at Church this morning, I felt a peace during the worship, was challenged by the sermon and loved chatting to some very nice people!!

Anyway hope you are all ok, catch up with you all soon!

Helen x.

Take it to The Lord in prayer...........

2006-08-28T08:07:00.000+01:00

What a Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge, take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you; you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship will be our sweet portion there.

This is my favourite hymn, the words are fabulous and are written by Joseph Scriven who in his own life knew Gods hand upon him, sadly the day before his wedding his darling fiance drowned, his mother also very unwell he wrote this at that time, what Faith he had and it was Prayer that obviously helped him through a very traumatic time.

I believe we come to a living God who hears our prayers, I see desperate situations with those whom I care about all around me, I try to offer practical help but often feel at a loss to find the answers, in tragic situations I don't know why God doesn't answer in the way we would want,and as A Christian this I sometimes struggle with, only He knows the plan for our lives, we sometimes don't understand, I am deeply touched by the many testimonies of those who can say how Prayer has made a difference.

Some say the 'power of prayer' has helped them through and when not able to pray themselves have felt support by those around them who pray on their behalf.
For me Prayer gives me strength for each day, I come to God as I am with all my imperfections and bring my thanks for all I have, I can pray for the many situations around me,

How has prayer helped you in your walk with God, or what's your favourite Hymn and why, I would love to hear your thoughts,

What Friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!

Is anything in my house safe!!!!

2006-08-24T19:04:00.000+01:00

Jonathan pleased with himself for demonstrating his ability to use Simons screwdriver, first the bathroom door handle - now that was funny, but he has also removed the airing cupboard handle, any other handle, the door bell that was on the back door is now gone, (sigh)

He then asked for an allen key to take his bed apart, err no Jonathan!
I'm a bit worried to sit on my dining chairs, I'd best check them!
Lets hope he comes in handy when he's older.................

Another ordinary day brought to you from the Tween household!

(sigh!)

Something new!

2006-08-24T08:45:00.000+01:00

I love my job as nursery nurse, I love the contact with children of all ages, I have enjoyed working with teenagers and there is something lovely about getting alongside parents, especially new mums and dads, I am now challenged by something very new to me - clerical! Those of you that know me will know that I am a very practical person, I do not think logically as Simon will tell you and in my house I can tell you where every document is - by that I mean which drawer it's in!

We are such a small team so we do a bit of everything, this week I have been covering reception, booking appointments, making phone calls, booking in patients, finding notes and filing, this is so new to me and filing each document has taken me through my ABC!
My job has so much variety which is great.

I have my computer training in a couple of weeks so I'm quite looking forward to that, I never thought I would ever enjoy clerical work, something new for me,

I'd better sort those drawers out and get filing at home, mmm perhaps not I'll save those new found skills for work, well that just wouldn't be me would it!!!!

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz!

Didn't we have a lovely time.....

2006-08-18T21:41:00.000+01:00

Hi we got back today from our weeks holiday at Center parcs in Suffolk, it is just such a wonderful place to go, right in the middle of the forest where there is so much wildlife to see, wonderful swimming pools and things to do, it rained at night so Jonathan enjoyed shaking the tree when we stepped out of our Villa in the morning causing us to get a soaking!

We stopped on the way for a little chef breakfast and then drove past a rather funny named town called 'six mile bottom' I commented to Simon that's how I felt after devouring such a big breakfast!

We spent the week mostly swimming, Lorna and Jonathan are good swimmers and perhaps a little too confident by coming down flumes head first, upside down, cross legged, that concerned me a little to begin with so told them I would go down first to check its suitability, well I thought I was gonna die, I was spinning round and round and thought I was concussed when I hit the water, never again!! They loved it though and were laughing hysterically at the way I appeared from the bottom of the flume - not very graceful at all!

"did you really go down those flumes upside down??!"

Lorna had a hair braid which could be classed as an offensive weapon if you are standing nearby when she turns her head, ouch! and Jonathan wanted a temporary tattoo, well out of 50 designs he wants the one of a devil,

"no Jonathan not that one" I said
"Why?"
"because you have to be 15....."
What????!!!! oh Helen what sort of an answer was that, pathetic!!!!! a queue of people, I should have taken the oportunity to say that we are Christians etc......
well he settled for an England emblem insted!

Jonathan you can come down if you promise to tidy your room, do as your told.......!

No, lemonade for you young man!
A lovely week and good fun, I love the animals and the trees, Gods creation is truly amazing, off to do the washing and a thought is going around my head.......
That town that we went past.....................

Happy holidays!!

Shopping, oh what an opportunity!!??

2006-08-08T19:39:00.000+01:00

Oh I just love these summer holidays, lazy days, reading my favourite book in the garden, the sound of the birds, sipping a cool drink, relax, unwind, let the cares of the day just slip away.....

AAAAAghhhhh! ITS THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS more like cleaning bird pooh off my window, noise, cleaaning up spilt drnks and.....take the children shopping!!

The deed had to be done, we were having a social at our house for our Church home group, I needed to stock up on bits for the evening, we wizzed around the supermarket, I had given the children a lecture how I wanted them to be on their best behaviour, all the way around,

"mum can I have......"
"no!"

My children seemed to want the contents of the entire shop and of course I never did that to my parents?!

All was going well, L & J were very good, I felt that something was missing......like a headache??!

We got to the till, the cashier scanned the items,

"are you having a party?" she said, I thought this would be a small opportunity to say something about Church so I went on to explain about our Home bible study group and smiled.

THEN,

Jonathan swore...........

I stopped packing, cashier stopped scanning, Lorna started laughing, Big Ben stopped chiming, House of Commons stopped debating,the stock exchange stopped dealing,traffic screeched to a halt in picadilly square, the whole world was looking at me, (ok perhaps a bit dramatic) what should I do? well other than laugh nervously with the cashier of course I told him off and said I never want to hear it again, they then start fighting, I calmly try to tell them off whilst balancing beans and bread, this is awful, when I get them in the car.........!

My cheeks are red, I'm sweating buckets, I then apologize to the lady for the ordeal and suddenly feel such a bad Christian Mother,
"don't worry at all" says the kind cashier
"believe me you are just a normal family!"

I thought about that on the way home, I'm glad God loves normal families, where life isn't always perfect and children react and say things that make us sometimes cringe, I think that the most important thing is being real, we can't walk around with masks on, we're just a real family taking the rough with the smooth and yes we love Jesus, I wanted for that to be a small opporunity to mention Church and at first all I could think of was 'why did I mention about Church, hardly a perfect example!' but that's just it, God doesn't wait for us to become perfect in order for us to be loved by HIm, as we are, who we are, just us.

Just a normal family................ and I love my kids to bits, but oh he was in big trouble!!!!!

Bless!!

Please could you send up a little prayer.

2006-08-05T21:20:00.000+01:00

If you are reading this please would you mind sending up a prayer for my dad Steve as he is still waiting for surgery for 2 slipped discs, he has now been off work for 6 months and unable to do much except watch Star Trek and 'Only fools and Horses!' so frustrating for him,just a date for surgery would help as then there is something to aim for, he is very uncomfortable and on lots of painkillers.

Also my niece Emily age 7 is having a really tough time with Epilepsy, she is having about 20 seizures during the school day (peti mal where she goes vacant for about 10 seconds) so is missing out on learning, yesterday she became very unwell, the seizures increased and was admitted to Hospital,she had emergency MRI scan to rule out anything more sinister but Praise God that was clear,it was a worrying day, they are now back home and have been referred to Great Ormand Street Hospital for further treatment.

I love them both and want for them to be OK.
We know that God hears our prayers,
Thanks,
Helen x.

La La La!

2006-07-29T18:21:00.000+01:00

Whilst having tea with my family this week, I started singing a song that Lorna had mentioned,

"mum, how comes you know the words to every song!?" I then went on to proudly mention that when I was working on the ward my colleague called me 'the human Juke box' as I sang along to any song that came on the radio, I seem to know the words to most songs.

"so how comes you couldn't remember any maths?" says Simon,

well you can imagine the glare that came his way........

"well I've managed quite nicely thankyou Simon, I've got a good job, and what was the point of Pythagoras theory anyway, and with algebra why not put numbers in the first place, one day X = 3 and the next it = 2, what was all that about!!"

Simon then reeled off the whole of Pythagoras theory, oh do I look like I'm bothered!!
Helen goes to sleep.......

I then started chuckling to myself when I remember those awful maths lessons, when God made me He missed a bit in my brain, I could not grasp it at all, I once got the board rubber thrown at me for talking, it hit me on the head!!! I was always getting sent out for talking (now there's a surprise!), my school reports always said,

'Helen could do better, needs to try harder, NEEDS TO STOP TALKING IN CLASS!!!'

But give me a drama class or English and I tried my hardest, I loved writing stories and entered competitions,

I have thought about doing my GCSE maths again as the grade I got was probably a Z! But as I said my brain wasn't made for maths, it's just too hard and frustrating, I just don't get it, Simon would help me but we may end up having to go to marriage counseling with Pat!

So I'll just stay as I am, singing along and doing just fine, maths is just so scary, I think I have a phobia of it, in fact tonight I will probably have dreams of algebra coming to get me aaaagh!

Maths lessons should be part of community service for offenders, they would never re offend!
So.........

"La La la la la la la la! Sing a happy song!!"

So what did your school report say, did you like maths, what did you find hard and who was naughty, come on own up!!!

a + b = boring!

(of course to Lorna and Jonathan it is a fantastic subject, much needed in life!)

Helen rolls her eyes........

The Return Of The Prodigal Son

2006-07-24T22:02:00.000+01:00

I love this picture by Charlie Mackesy, I have it on my Lounge wall and every time I look at it I am reminded of my Father in Heavens great love for me.

This is the story of the prodigal son, it should really be called the running father - who waited every day for his boy to return, the boy who had rejected him so badly and finally when he saw him from a long way off his father ran to him and hugged him and kissed him. Luke 15.

Nice words

2006-07-19T21:03:00.000+01:00

I spoke to my friend today who has just got a new job, she explained that today she told the staff at her existing job her news and that she would be leaving.

She spoke of her amazement at her collegues kind flattering words about her abilities and lovely personality, they all expressed sadness that she was leaving and that things wouldn't be the same without her, some even cried,

"Helen, I never knew they thought so much of me, but why didn't they tell me while I was there?"

I found this quite challenging for me, a good question indeed, why did they not express such appreciation over all those years, I then thought of funerals and flowers given, perhaps the person would have appreciated them more when they were alive!

I don't mean we should be vomit inducingly gushy with those we work with and fling our arms around them sobbing on their shoulder declaring our absoloute adoration for them! but perhaps every now and then a pat on the back,

and a 'well done you're doing great'

Is there someone you work with and if they were to leave, what would you write in their card?

Well why leave it till then?

Changing rooms

2006-07-17T10:51:00.000+01:00

Last week Jonathan was off school as he was not feeling well, but as usual by mid morning he was full of beans and driving me round the bend!

I thought that I really needed to be busy, so I had the bright idea that I would move the furniture around, I could manage it no problem, I have 2 pine wall units full of 'bits' up one end of the lounge/diner and a computer unit down the other end, hey great idea I'll swap them over!

Well you know when you wish you hadn't started something.......

My house looked as if it had been ransacked, I never knew that units held so much stuff, I had to empty everything out and yes found things I had forgotten about but oh what a bad idea, I nearly killed myself trying to drag these heavy units across the room, rucking the carpet all the way, the units were screwed to the wall which was probably why it seemed extremely heavy!

Now big holes in the wall. Nothing a few pictures can't sort out!!!

The computer unit, now what do I unplug, mmmm I'll just pull everything out and draw myself a little diagram of what goes where, no problem I won't need Simons help....

So many discs in unit and other things to be taken out, I then try to move unit, it's wobbling, it's going to collapse, I then realise the phone line for the internet is still conected and end up ripping it out the wall, can't move unit, in fact can't move any unit, bad idea, Jonathan helpfully points out that,

"mummy you can't do this, you'll have to wait for daddy!"

That is so annoying, I'll have to wait for daddy, I've nearly given myself a hernia, holes in wall, phone line ripped out, computer in pieces, I'm nearly crying, exhaustedand sweating buckets, aaaaaghhh!!!!

I hear the car door shut oh no it's Simon, the feeling took me back to when I was a teenager and had friends round, wrecked the house and heard dad coming down the path.......

"hi" I said nervously, hoping he wont notice.
"what on earth.......!"
"it's alright Simon, sit down, have a coffee, I just need a bit of help........"
"where exactly can I sit down?" Simon enquires as he scans the clutter laden lounge.

Bless him , all evening he just kept shaking his head in a kind of despairing manner, it took us till about 10.00pm to get the lounge nice again, I have to say I am really pleased with how it all looks, the holes in wall were disguised with some nice pictures,

I did offer my helpful diagram of 'how to put the computer back together' to Simon, he said he could manage fine and even if he couldn't he wouldn't resort to my 'Helen's How Too!' huh!

The units stayed in one piece, the room looks huge,

Oh what a fabulous idea of mine!

sorry simon.......(a bit!)

Fabulous, Just Fabulous!

2006-07-09T20:41:00.000+01:00

Just got home from Church, well what an evening, a wonderful Baptism service 9 people getting Baptized all ages, all with a story to tell of how their Faith has helped them along the way, I just love hearing testimony from people from all walks of life of what God has done for them, every time at a Baptism I am reminded of what Jesus did for our family in a similar service back in 1989, you can read it here.

Simon had the idea that it would be nice to take Lorna and Jonathan to watch, well I don't want to be selfish but it was my night to go to Church and said it was fine but as Simon is the Chief Steward and rarely sits with us as a family, we would all go if;
- Simon sat in the middle of a row, therefore reducing the possibility of him escaping from it to do a 'stewardy task'

-if someone needed a seat, they would be directed to one by someone else.
- if someone is coughing, they will be fine, if they are choking he can leave me L & J to get water for them, but must return.

- only if the Church is packed to the brim can Simon help to take down a wall for expansion.
- if Simon has to take the offering then he can only do it as far as his arms can reach from sitting position.

-if Jonathan burps or does some other noisy bodily function, then he must assure the Church it was his bright idea and expect a Helen speciality 'glare'

I am pleased to tell you that the Tween family were well behaved, Jonathan likes swimming but thankfully not in the Baptism Tank, Simon was jammed in the middle of a row, a bit fidgety but he managed.

So God is good and lives are made all the better for knowing Him,

Jonathan asked before he went to bed if I had been 'bacteriered!'I did laugh!!
I hope and pray that they will know a Faith thats real as they grow up, I won't pressure them and I am thankful for great childrens workers at our Church that makes Faith relavant and fun, I hope this stays with them.

Praise God for lives changed today!

Tee Hee!

2006-07-08T10:18:00.000+01:00

There were 10 men and 1 woman hanging off a rope suspended from a rescue helicopter.
They all decided that someone would have to let go, because if they didn't the rope would break and they would all die.

There were no volunteers!

Finally the woman gave a really touching speach saying how she would give up her life to save others, because generally women were used to giving up things for men.......

and all the men started clapping!!!

hee hee!

2006-07-02T22:24:00.000+01:00

I Love This Advert

This advert really spoke to me about living each moment to the full, I just love it!

Watch it you see....

First day at new job!

2006-06-29T20:14:00.000+01:00

Well today was my first shift at my new job, I loved it, I loved the variety of it seeing tiny babies right through to stroppy teenagers, at first I felt quite nervous at the prospect of measuring a human being in the form of a teenager, but was soon feeling comfortable with it, I discovered that the language is a 'grunt' and does not respond well to bubbles!! (tee hee)

My job involves alot of the skills learnt at my other job, so all the experience of adult nursing has not gone to waste but rather benefited me, I have loved meeting parents and trying to make them feel at ease.

My one big stress was making tea for the consultants! I kind of crept into their room like a nervous school girl and kind of felt like curtseying on my way out, I had visions of tripping or spilling their tea whilst introducing myself, but thankfully I remained very mature!!!! (but there's time!!)

So a good day and I decided to walk which is surely gonna do me good, I was pleased to meet Dave Barker on the way home, so we chatted all the way which was nice.

So 14 years after qualifying as a nursery nurse I never expected that it would be something I would do again (am I really that grown up??!!) but then God has a plan for us that He has laid down since before the day we were even conceived, He leads us and guides us, with uncertainty all around us I'm glad I have my Faith to help me along the way.

Thought for the day

2006-06-28T05:45:00.000+01:00

Today is a precious gift, that's why we call it 'the present'

Thankyou Jesus for this day.

Race For Life

2006-06-25T20:38:00.000+01:00

Today we did Race for life, a 5km walk in aid of Cancer research, here are some photos of the day.
Here are the gang, Joyce, pat ,Rhi, Jo, Margaret, me and little Hannah.

This is me - just after the walk from the car park to the start line!!!

The atmosphere was very moving as we stood for 2 minutes silence to remember those loved ones lost to Cancer, this was on the back of Pats T shirt.

This was on the back of mine.

What a nice photo of Marg and Hannah!

Me and sis in law Jo! (must get those roots done!)

We did it! see our little pink medals, I'm very proud of all of us, 5km may not sound alot but to me it was! Pat came first out of us lot, so brilliant, she was speedy!

Rhi kept asking Joyce if she was alright, she was great, I was the one struggling near the end - not Joyce - fabulous!

I was very unsociable as it was enough to breathe let alone talk! and I kept falling down holes in the grass - cue nervous laugh! I did it in 1 hour 5 minutes, there were 6000 women there all for the same reason to raise money for cancer research, I will do it next year and would urge any woman to join me, if I can do it, anyone can!

(I would like to point out that we actually parked about 1 km away from the start/finish line so in total I think I walked 7 km!!)

Well done girls!!

(you can still donate to Cancer research through my sponsor page - see link on right, thanks)

Making Smiles

2006-06-22T17:30:00.000+01:00

I felt very moved on Sunday talking to those from our Church that went to Romania,was just reading Rhiannes blog it is shocking how in just a couple of hours flight away lives can be so desperate, I saw some photos of families living on so little, and was reminded that I have so much.

The smiles foudation is the organisation that our folks went with, check out their website

In one of the photos I saw there on a shelf in a tiny room were the shoeboxes that we did at Christmas, every year we all donate just a shoebox filled with toys, hats, gloves, pencils, sweets and every year my children get the same lecture about how they have so much! to us this small box of a few bits it isn't alot but to the children out there this obviously is a precious treasure.

So for those that went they have many stories to tell of their very humbling time out there,

Perhaps life is seen from a different perspective for those that went having seen and been part of a very special mission trip and for the rest of us from this we too can learn alot.

I am grateful for all I have.

Wayne has been eaten

2006-06-20T12:42:00.000+01:00

Come on England, you can do it!

I am slightly concerned for the England team tonight because Wayne Rooney has, I am sad to tell you been eaten by Harriet the hamster, you can see in the picture he is badly injured.

There I was this morning on the phone to my mother when Jonathan suddenly started tapping me frantically on the arm,

"mummy, mummy quick you have to come now!!!" I do hate it when I'm on the phone and suddenly the children just have to desperately want something,

"Jonathan I am on the phone, now be quiet!" Well he kept on and on,

"you have to come now!"
"why, what's so important?"
"Harriet is eating Wayne!"
I quickly explained to mum that I had to go to investigate this urgent situation,
there was Harriet tucking in to footballer ace Wayne Rooney!

"I was just showing Harriet my football card when it fell through the bars!" explained Jonathan.

So I retrieved a nibbled Wayne and exchanged him for a piece of carrot, now how's that for a great transfer deal!
Ha beat that Sven!

Phew!

A close one there, England wouldn't have managed without him!

If his playing is a bit shaky then we'll blame Harriet.

Poor Wayne.

Hee Hee

(I know I really need to get out more!)

Tea bags and Melons

2006-06-18T19:49:00.000+01:00

I had to do the nightmare shop, having got round the supermarket I realised that I had left a trail of cherry tomatoes behind me as the packaging lid had come off, what does one do in that situation? Do I scurry round on all fours retrieving the item in question from floor laughing nervously to passers by or do I just carefully place empty packaging on side of conveyer belt and carry on as normal, well mmmmm what would you do??!!

I had rather a large load of shopping and loaded it on to conveyer belt, it was so hot, I was tired, when a man stood behind me waiting to pay with a melon in his hands, I paused for a moment thinking I really should let him go first as he has one item,

"Would you like to go first, I'll be here all day!" I said with a smile, the man made no eye contact with me and kind of grunted as he pushed past to pay for his melon, well you know me, manners are something I feel are so important ( read my fish counter experience!)

HHmmm! I thought charming, right that's it, oh why bother, I was shocked at his rudeness to me and the cashier. I had a really bad thought of the melon landing on his toe, I was so orrible!

I was suddenly aware of a man standing behind me - with a packet of tea bags, no enoughs enough, I let one go through, he wasn't grateful so that's it good deed done for the day, once you start they all try it, hhhmmm no more, he can wait like every one else, well I had to wait didn't I, Helen don't make eye contact because you'll end up letting him through, look staight ahead.

"Err excuse me, could I possibly go through before you, only I'm in a bit of a rush and I only have these teabags" said the man, well at that moment I felt like the worst Christian in the entire universe suddenly I felt a huge guilt for being so horrible,

"Oh yes of course you can, sorry I was on another planet!" I said, I let him through before me and he paid for his little box of teabags,

"thankyou, thankyou so much, you're very kind!" said the man, I wasn't kind I was a miserable old boot, if he knew about my unchristian thought about the melon he wouldn't think so!!

Well every experience for me has a kind of Helenism lesson in it, so.......

I thought it highlighted to me how easily we can be put off from doing good, this experience is just trivial but it made me think about the passion felt for a ministry, the desire to serve and do good sadly blighted by a throwaway remark or a negative response, let us not be put off from serving God because there is always someone very much blessed, you may not always see the result of your deeds, but it is God who sees, sometimes people are annoying, I'm annoying but we have to come back to our first love in our Faith, that's the real motivation, that's what really matters.

The man went through with his tea bags, then a family arrived - with a MASSIVE trolley full!

Now Lord I think you're having a laugh!

I had to chuckle!

Why?

2006-06-14T22:09:00.000+01:00

Why is it that when someone else tickles me in the ribs I can hardly breathe for uncontrollable laughing, I end up in a heap, I am so ticklish! But when I dig myself in the ribs it's not funny it doesn't tickle at all, now why is that?

Go on try it - see it's not ticklish is it,

Well it's a mystery!

Phones 4 Him!

2006-06-12T13:38:00.000+01:00

Just one of my scatty moments for you! A while ago I kept getting hassled by people trying to sell me something over the phone, one morning the phone rang,

"Hello Mrs Tween how are you today?" I knew it was someone trying to sell something you know you can just detect it in their tone,the little ear piece and mouth piece thingy not quite near enough to their mouth hence you can't hear them very well right that's it! The morning had been eventful in the Tween household, it was not a good moment!

"Well where do I start, I have had the most awful morning, my kids have argued all morning, they spilt their breakfast, tried to make sandwiches for lunch boxes - bread is mouldy, milk is off and I couldn't find any money for school dinners, so crackers it is, so really the day is clearly not going that well at all, sorry did you want something?!" I went on and on there was a stunned silence at the other end of the phone,
"were you selling something?" I said
"Err yes you have been awarded a mobile phone"
"Oh no thanks but thanks for the call!"
I don't think he will call back again!

I know I probably should have used the moment to witness to him, and graciously tell him about Faith and how it makes you calm and peaceful!!!!

But this made me think about the phone, do you know just how effective a phone call can be, I believe there is a real ministry in the simple act of just picking up the phone, (I'm not sure Simon agrees judging by our phone bill!) showing an interest in someone, seeing how they are, how their week has been just a chat can make all the difference, we were challenged recently by the 40 days of purpose finding our place in the Church and our ministry, this can be the small things done with a big heart,

Why not give someone a call, you could make their day!

Teeth.

2006-06-08T11:03:00.000+01:00

Well the last few days have been eventful, Lornas abscess on her tooth got so bad she became very unwell, I don't want to get all political but basically we ended up getting a private app to have it dealt with, both sets of grandparents to the rescue!

Simon has been away in Scotland so grandad Tween stepped in as chauffeur to do the deed in Brentwood, the day started at 4.30 am Lorna having breakfast as she was nil by mouth for 4 hours before app and as app was at 9.20 this had to be done the only problem being that Jonathan decided to join us as well, he was so lively playing football with a balloon, well I did want any spiritual loving Christian parent would do at that time in the morning...........I burst it.

Probably not a wise move, he's now crying so is Lorna because she's scared about the dentist aaaaagh I need coffee!

We make it to Brentwood I found it very hard as Poor Lorna was terrified, I've never had teeth out but can imagine the fear, she's crying and I'm trying hard not to!!

They put the needle in her hand and she just stops in mid sentence, they explain that she is now sedated and could I go in the waiting room,
"her eyes are still open" I comment, yes that's normal they say, they then try to lay her back at which she sits back up again!
I wanted to ask how long the man had been qualified for but decided to leave it with him!

I go to sit in the waiting room for what seems a very long time I'm then called Lorna is then carried through to me by two helpful people, she was so funny apparently I had 2 noses, 4 eyes and 20 toes!
2 teeth were removed as the infection had spread.

Me and grandad Tween try walking her to the car without tripping over each other, eventually we get home, Lorna rested all day, the abscess is nearly gone phew that day is over, it's nice that so many people were so kind and helpful and even Jonathan said a prayer for Lorna.......Then catapulted his pencil at her, charming.

Well another day over, we survived,I hear that tooth fairy rates are pretty high these days ! (I think this may cost us!) oh well!

My mate Harriet!

2006-06-02T21:19:00.000+01:00

Well I thought it was about time that I posted evidence that I can indeed hold Harriet without sweating buckets and trembling in fear of her!
I quite like her, in fact when I wake up in the morning I have to confess I do get her out for a little cuddle before anyone else comes down, never thought I would ever stroke her let alone feel quite attached to this little ball of fluff!

Lornas face in the background makes me laugh - anyone think of a caption to put to it?!!
So there we are after a month of making myself bond with little Harriet every night handling her I am no longer afraid.............until she yawns!

God has a perfect plan for you

2006-05-30T20:59:00.000+01:00

I was really Blessed by Sarahs words of encouragement in a recent time of uncertainty, found this picture and wanted to put the two together, I think it is a beautiful expression of how God will place us in the right place when we are ready (even if we do not realise it at the time)

The Lord has plans for you, it's hard to see in times of uncertainty,
perhaps God looks at us like flowers to see when we need cutting,
When we are at our best and ready!
Which bouquet we would look best in and how we would compliment the other
blooms in the posy.

Church weekend

2006-05-30T12:37:00.000+01:00

I really enjoyed the Church weekend, great accommodation, great food, excellent kids club, fabulous fellowship, I laughed so much, this sort of weekend enables opportunities to chat more and get to know those that we see at Church and say hi to but never get any further.

The teaching was great, Nigel and Rachel just lovely down to earth people with such a heart for God, clearly communicating the word of God with passion and humour, some people experienced a real touch from God, a physical presence and anointing, fabulous! Check out Daves blog, Praise God for such a blessing.

For me, I felt inspired to take my Faith with me to the work place, to start as I mean to go on with solid Christian principles, this was my blessing and touch from God, everyone experiences Gods touch and anointing in different ways, we measure Gods work in us often by comparing against others, God speaks to us individually, it's the working out of this touch on our lives that counts, I thank God that lives were changed and barriers were broken down the Holy spirit moving in different fabulous ways!

If you didn't make it to the weekend and you are reading this, I pray that you to will know a touch from God in your life, that you will know a strength and Holy spirit power that makes living each day for Him, be encouraged God wants to touch your life as well!

We did have to come home early on Sunday as Jonathan threw up Saturday night, amazingly we caught it in the bin, amazing how you can improvise in the middle of the night, sorry, TMI alert!! (too much information!)

Anyway have a good week, be Blessed and look for God in the small detail of life, He's all around us

My badge

2006-05-23T10:47:00.000+01:00

This is my badge that I gained when I qualified in 1992 with the NNEB Diploma in nursery nursing, I broke it some years ago and could not get it fixed as they had to solder it possibly damaging the front, when I applied for this job I tried one last jewellers, they fixed it, interesting.

The situation I was in I found little encouragements all around me, reminders of Gods Faithfullness, they are there often in the small detail of our everyday life, through the people we meet and beautiful things we see.
I felt challenged by Mikes sermon on just ask, I felt this was appropriate to me.

Just think that God knew then that I would be needing that now in 2006, the new job is as a nursery nurse in outpatients department, I am so excited 16 hours a week, no more shift work no more Christmas day, just fabulous!

As I will still be in a hospital environment I can still use skills I have recently learnt.

You know being a Christian is a funny old thing because we know that Jesus is with us and yes we have hope, the Holy Spirit empowers us, so we have strength, but we are human and sometimes the working out of Gods plan is 'pants in the process!!!'

He truly does hold us in the palm of His hand, He sees the bigger picture, we have to decide to trust, not always easy.
So thankyou for the encouragement and the lovely congratulations comments,

Ephesians 3 v 20,21 sums up how I feel;

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine; according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations forever and ever! AMEN!

I GOT THE JOB!!!!!!!

2006-05-19T16:20:00.000+01:00

I am very extremley absoloutely happy!!

Horah horah, well what a week it's been, God is good, I feel truly blessed, thanks for you prayers and kind words,

luv ya!

Will elaborate more when I get my head together!

Quick update

2006-05-18T20:56:00.000+01:00

I don't know about the job yet, it was a hard interview, we'll see.

Had to take Lorna to the emergency dentist today, she has a large abscess on her gum , an infection under her filling, she has 5 days of antibiotics then she has to have the filling dug out and the infection drained, if not successful then the tooth taken out, not nice at all, but I think this may explain the goings on of this week, dentist said Lorna would have felt so unwell with it, so that's next weeks saga!

Thanks for all the support through phone, email and chat, very much appreciated!
I do feel amazingly peaceful.

Lord Jesus, draw me close to you,
Be my souls light in the darkness, my anchor in lifes turmoil,
my serenity under stress,
my joy in celebration,
and my hope at all times.

Not so happy

2006-05-17T09:16:00.000+01:00

Well it was all going so well, late last night we had a phone call, Lorna was so homesick she had made herself unwell, the school could not do anything to console her, so we drove to get her and returned home about 1.00 am this morning, I still believe that God did answer prayer by her leaving so well on to the coach, I don't quite understand why it all then went pear shaped!

I think my brain is mashed and I'll be surprised if I even know my name when I go to this interview tomorrow!

Would appreciate prayer please!

Oh Happy Day!

2006-05-15T11:39:00.000+01:00

This is one happy girl! (but notice Jonathan sobbing in the background!)
Read my post titled Just ask, to understand this one!

I can't believe how straight forward this leaving for a weeks school holiday has been, I am now laughing to myself, thinking what Christian says "I can't believe it?!!"

When we ask God for something, why are we so surprised when He answers and blesses us!

Lornas past history of leaving me for school / playgroup / trips has been one big stress and today going away for nearly a week she was not only content but soooo excited, she slept well, God has truly blessed her, she was the one comforting others that were tearful, I told her that loads of people were praying for her, so a major milestone reached, her life experiences have made her who she is today, I pray that she will look back at this day and know God was with her.

I praise God for answered prayer!

Just off now to re-do my mascara!

Ooompa Looompas of course!

2006-05-13T21:56:00.000+01:00

Whilst walking past the school field after school this week we noticed the children playing cricket with their teacher, he was wearing a big white summer hat and had shirt and tie,

"Look mummy, they are playing cricket with one of those OOOMPA LOOMPAS helping them" said Jonathan.

Well I was baffled, what on earth is one of them apart from the little helpers in 'Charlie and the chocolate factory!'

"What do you mean Jonathan?" I enquired,
"you know, the people that decide if they are playing the right way and tell them off if they aren't" he looked at me as if I really should know exactly what he was talking about,

Then the penny dropped,

"Jonathan you mean UMPIRE!"
Priceless.

Just Ask Part 2!!

2006-05-11T13:26:00.000+01:00

If you read my previous post you will realise that I am doing alot of 'asking'
I had a meeting today, we were told the ward is shutting on the 26 May - thats only 2 weeks away, we have to find a job, it is very vague but they say they will show us where jobs are over the next couple of weeks going through the same application process as anyone else, after that we will be served with redundancy.

We weren't expecting all this so soon, but having been told a few weeks ago we were closing I had started to apply, I have an interview next Thursday going back to nursery nursing still within the hospital, I would really like it, we'll see. I have also applied for a couple at Broomfield, also jobs that interest me.

I did have a thought today, I remember when I was about 13, I wanted a paper round, all my friends had one but my dad wouldn't let me, he knew I would;
- never get up on time
- be unsteady on my bike
- and it probably wasn't safe

Although I was in a stropp and slammed many doors, he knew me the best and what was right for me, I have to see that in this my Father God also knows what's best for my life, it's not always the right thing that we desire, but then again it might be, I'll ask anyway!

Just Ask??!!

2006-05-10T20:42:00.000+01:00

I felt hugely challenged by Mikes sermon on Sunday encouraging us to 'just ask' our father in Heaven, for the things that we earnestly desire for ourselves and our families.

Monday is a big day, Lorna is going away for a week with the school to Suffolk, as most of you know Lorna and leaving has not been easy at all, much stress involved with any school trip and lots of tears along the way, nearly every day until she was 8/9 we had tears at the school gate, I have made her do things like school trips although the easy option would have been to keep her at home.

Thankfully she is now a confident happy 10 year old very popular with her peers, I have no trouble with her doing new things, but I do fear for Monday, I know I should trust God but hey I'm a mum and don't want to be parting a wailing child!

And it means I'm responsible for Harriet the hamster! (not sure what's more worrying!)

The thing that alarmed me rather was her coming home today saying "My teacher says there's always one child that cries when leaving for the trip"
Yeah thanks Mrs Teacher like giving her the green light to do that!
I said "yeah and I don't want to be the one mum of the one child that's crying thankyou very much" (I know probably not very wise, but I said it!)
This sort of thing is just hideous isn't it, Don't like it!

So I have asked my Father in Heaven that Lorna would be confident in herself and that this would indeed be a time of blessing for her, would you mind joining me in this request as I don't want to be the one mum of that one child.......
Thanks,
Helen x.

New Every Morning

2006-05-06T09:16:00.000+01:00

I was listening to a song this week that really Blessed me;

'I will wait for you Jesus, your the sun of my horizon,
All my hope's on you Jesus,
I can see you now arising,
There's a wall that stands in front of me, disappointment all around,
But Jesus you will be with me,
So I wait another day,
I will wait for you.

(Jason Upton)

I thought what a great analogy that was to liken Jesus as 'the sun of my horizon' sometimes when all we can see is the frustrations and struggle that go on like the horizon, we can't see the end in sight, always the same.

But every day the sun rises again in its glorious array, shedding light and hope in our lives, The morning always holds a promise, we don't wake up where the day ended the night before but rather with new opportunities, the sun in a new position in the sky and we have new strength and energy.

"Because of The Lords great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail, they are new every morning, Great is your faithfulness Oh Lord"

I thank God for every sunrise that brings a new day walking with Him.