Oncology Consultations have become a part of life but no matter how many times we sit in a waiting room to be called up - always asking more questions than they can answer - you have to fight a bit of fear. I know the words can't be worse but you wonder whether this is finally the moment when the stability ends.
This time mum started up a conversation with a lady - sharing cancer/chemo journeys. It was slightly awkward when the lady, after mentioning her brain tumour and mum about Dad's, said: "don't tell me, he's no longer here?" ...hmm awkward expression.
This week I have been challenged to trust Jesus with the future and surrender my hopes and fears afresh. Standing on the top of a mountain, away from the busyness, is an awesome way to get things back into perspective. I received a fresh dose of confidence that anything that comes against us will not be more than we can handle with His presence and help.
Anyway, we had pretty positive results. Dr was suprised she was walking so well without sticks because the scan showed a curved spine. The infected bone cells have not reduced but equally it has not spread further which is so amazing considering the original prognosis and how far she has come beyond it - yay. The picture is stable and they are impressed there has been no dramatic expected increased uptake. As always we have to be aware that things could change dramatically anyday but we are really thankful to God to receive such news.
This continued stability really is testimony to a huge amount of prayer. When she went up to Ffald y Brenin she felt that God was continuing to work despite not seeing a huge physical breakthrough. The side effects, tiredness and pain continue to be very difficult for her to bare so we continue to live on prayer. We are still holding out for full healing but are so grateful to a God who is always faithful regardless of whether we understand what He is up to or not and no matter what happens.
I pray that, whatever you are facing, you will be able to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. Eph 3:18.
Thursday, 1 March 2012
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Arts Festival in Devon village will raise awareness of Paul's Place
This is something I have been helping promote and quoted in. Me and my family really benefitted from our stay at Paul's Place. Its a wonderful charity and run by truly inspiring people. If your in North Devon go along, if not tell people about this wonderful opportunity for young adults who need it to have a great break. Lucy x
7th September 2011
GEORGEHAM TO GO ARTY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PAUL’S PLACE
Arts Festival will aid new charity providing breaks for young adults facing bereavement or a life-threatening illness.
Georgeham Arts Festival will raise awareness of Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place, a charity and B&B retreat centre that opened its doors earlier this year. The festival will inspire this picturesque village just inland from Croyde, with live music and a vibrant art and photography exhibition the weekend of 16-18 September.
Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place provide a chance for young adults, who are experiencing bereavement or a life-threatening illness, to have a much needed break on the stunning North Devon coast. The death of their 19 year old son Paul, from a brain tumour in 2008, motivated David and Pippa Morton to move to Georgeham to bring comfort to others and set up a B&B which is also used as the retreat and has self-catering facilities.
The weekend of free events will kick off with an evening of live music at the Kings Arms Pub on Friday 16th. The Polarities and Rhythms exhibition, opening on Saturday evening, features North Devon artists such as published illustrator Miriam Latimer and painter Paul Kenton. It will also profile some of Paul Morton’s own photography, and submissions from recent fine art, graphics, illustration and film graduates, as well as the local Georgeham Arts Group. Visitors can browse the collection or purchase pieces and are also invited to visit Paul’s Place for a cream tea on Sunday afternoon.
The Arts Festival is organised by some of Paul’s old school friends from Bristol to support his parents in the venture and raise funds to help other young adults in difficult life circumstances.
A close friend of Paul and co-ordinator of the exhibition, Jo Stockdale,23, spoke of her motivation for being involved and the passion she has for Paul’s Place: “My father died of a brain tumour when I was a teenager, so I really understand the value of ‘time out’ from everyday life to rebuild lost strength. This is why I wanted to organise a fundraising event. The focus on 18-30 year olds is so important. Often this age bracket is neglected among respite charities. Let’s enable more young adults to stay at Paul’s Place and get the rest and recuperation they need.”
David and Pippa Morton said: “It is a delight to host such a positive event which enables us to let people know about our facilities and the vision”
David added: “Paul was an unassuming young man, but he was musical, and had a gift for painting and photography. He loved the outdoors, whether biking, hill walking, kayaking or surfing. In our location visitors can lose themselves in peace and solitude, or enjoy the buzz of activity along the coast, it is all very fitting. We are passionate that Paul’s Place is more than just accommodation for a holiday but somewhere special that will be a source of strength, hope and positive memories for all who come, whatever their circumstances.”
Since the opening in April, Paul’s Place has seen a number of people benefit from the respite. Lucy Cooper, 28, stayed for three nights with her mum and sister: “Our Dad died last September and months before this Mum had been diagnosed with secondary bone cancer. While at Paul’s Place we celebrated her 56th birthday, which doctors had said she would not reach. The break was exactly what we needed – a chance to spend time together in a relaxed and beautiful place.”
Polarities and Rhythms will open at 7pm on the 17th September at Georgeham Baptist Chapel, EX33 1JJ, with refreshments provided. It continues on the Sunday 18th from 12-5pm with cream teas available at the Old Bakery (aka Paul’s Place). All art sales and donations will go directly to the charity. For more information about Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place, visit www.pauls-fund.co.uk
7th September 2011
GEORGEHAM TO GO ARTY TO RAISE AWARENESS OF PAUL’S PLACE
Arts Festival will aid new charity providing breaks for young adults facing bereavement or a life-threatening illness.
Georgeham Arts Festival will raise awareness of Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place, a charity and B&B retreat centre that opened its doors earlier this year. The festival will inspire this picturesque village just inland from Croyde, with live music and a vibrant art and photography exhibition the weekend of 16-18 September.
Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place provide a chance for young adults, who are experiencing bereavement or a life-threatening illness, to have a much needed break on the stunning North Devon coast. The death of their 19 year old son Paul, from a brain tumour in 2008, motivated David and Pippa Morton to move to Georgeham to bring comfort to others and set up a B&B which is also used as the retreat and has self-catering facilities.
The weekend of free events will kick off with an evening of live music at the Kings Arms Pub on Friday 16th. The Polarities and Rhythms exhibition, opening on Saturday evening, features North Devon artists such as published illustrator Miriam Latimer and painter Paul Kenton. It will also profile some of Paul Morton’s own photography, and submissions from recent fine art, graphics, illustration and film graduates, as well as the local Georgeham Arts Group. Visitors can browse the collection or purchase pieces and are also invited to visit Paul’s Place for a cream tea on Sunday afternoon.
The Arts Festival is organised by some of Paul’s old school friends from Bristol to support his parents in the venture and raise funds to help other young adults in difficult life circumstances.
A close friend of Paul and co-ordinator of the exhibition, Jo Stockdale,23, spoke of her motivation for being involved and the passion she has for Paul’s Place: “My father died of a brain tumour when I was a teenager, so I really understand the value of ‘time out’ from everyday life to rebuild lost strength. This is why I wanted to organise a fundraising event. The focus on 18-30 year olds is so important. Often this age bracket is neglected among respite charities. Let’s enable more young adults to stay at Paul’s Place and get the rest and recuperation they need.”
David and Pippa Morton said: “It is a delight to host such a positive event which enables us to let people know about our facilities and the vision”
David added: “Paul was an unassuming young man, but he was musical, and had a gift for painting and photography. He loved the outdoors, whether biking, hill walking, kayaking or surfing. In our location visitors can lose themselves in peace and solitude, or enjoy the buzz of activity along the coast, it is all very fitting. We are passionate that Paul’s Place is more than just accommodation for a holiday but somewhere special that will be a source of strength, hope and positive memories for all who come, whatever their circumstances.”
Since the opening in April, Paul’s Place has seen a number of people benefit from the respite. Lucy Cooper, 28, stayed for three nights with her mum and sister: “Our Dad died last September and months before this Mum had been diagnosed with secondary bone cancer. While at Paul’s Place we celebrated her 56th birthday, which doctors had said she would not reach. The break was exactly what we needed – a chance to spend time together in a relaxed and beautiful place.”
Polarities and Rhythms will open at 7pm on the 17th September at Georgeham Baptist Chapel, EX33 1JJ, with refreshments provided. It continues on the Sunday 18th from 12-5pm with cream teas available at the Old Bakery (aka Paul’s Place). All art sales and donations will go directly to the charity. For more information about Paul’s Fund and Paul’s Place, visit www.pauls-fund.co.uk
Saturday, 25 June 2011
A Birthday rest
On the North Devon coast in the beautiful village of Georgeham, is Paul’s Place, a B&B retreat to enable young adults who have been bereaved, face diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, or are carers, to enjoy a respite holiday and a break from everyday life. Myself, mum, my sister and brother-in-law spent 3 nights in this wonderful place and it was all as it is aimed to be - a place of beauty and a chance to rest and relax. Best holiday in ages in a really caring evironment where you are really looked after.
While we were there we celebrated Mum's birthday, a birthday doctors said she would not reach. She has been doing remarkably well and the medical profession are quite seriously suprised that she is not much worse. We are grateful for this stability and she felt so happy to be alive and with us. I believe that all the prayers are helping. She said she felt special again by being cared for so well.
 |
| David, Mum and Pippa |
Paul’s Place is run by an inspiring couple who have beome our friends, David and Pippa Morton. Since their 19 year old son Paul’s death in 2008, David and Pippa have dedicated their lives to helping others, particularly young adults like Paul, who are facing diagnosis of a life-threatening illness or who are processing grief after losing a loved one. Their vision was became reality in April this year when they opened Paul’s Place, in memory of their son.
David said: “Throughout his illness, Paul demonstrated a quiet determination to get on with life, sustained by his Christian faith. His sense of fun and concern for others has encouraged us to care for those in similar circumstances. Pippa and I understand the importance of a break from life’s pressure and we strive to provide somewhere special and hopeful for all who come, whatever their situation.”
 |
| Sister and Mum |
The desire to channel their grief in a positive way began with the creation of a charitable trust called Paul’s Fund in 2009 and led to the couple leaving Bristol to set up the new venture earlier this year. Young adults under 30 can apply to Paul's Fund for a grant to cover costs of a week’s stay at Paul's place, alleviating any financial concerns. Please pass on this information to anyone who it could benefit - I intend to. http://www.pauls-fund.co.uk/
We had a fab time on the beach, in the sea and doing walks. This trip gave us a chance to create new and positive memories together as a family.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Isn't that just too morbid?
It was Dying Matters Awareness week last week. They produced these findings:
"Although the majority of us think talking about death is less of a taboo than it was 20 years ago, two-thirds of us say we are not at ease discussing it, according to the survey.Only 16% of us have discussed with loved ones where we would like to die, only 18% of us have talked about the type of care and support we want at the end of our lives, and very few of us have discussed whether we have made a will or the type of funeral we want. It also revealed that most of us have used euphemisms as a way of avoiding using the words “death” and “dying”. The most commonly used being 'passed away' and 'deceased'."
A spokeswoman from Dying Matters said: "Although someone in Britain dies every minute, our research has found that many people do all they can to avoid talking about dying. Unless we talk openly about dying and death we won’t be able to get the care and support we want, where we want it at the end of our lives.”
I have to say I agree there seems to still be a taboo about death and some people talk about it as little as they possibly can - or are constantly treading on egg shells. However, the healing and grieving process and acceptance often start through talking about these deep experiences and feeling free to cry a lot. Why would there be so many bereavement counsellors if this were not the case? I know everyone is different but certainly for me talking about it at the appropriate times really helps.
As I grew up our family seemed more open about death than others and there was even a list on the notice board for each of them - requests for their funerals. Occasionally people express shock and I think some think it morbid for morbidity's sake. But we know there are important reasons for this - so that those surviving would be confident, informed and peaceful about the decisions for the funeral and to be truthful and open about our own mortality. Knowing what matters most to them and the legacy they would like to leave is really helpful.
Plenty of people are uncomfortable thinking or talking about death or even spending time with a grieving person maybe because of fear, because they feel it's unnaturally morbid or it makes them feel vulnerable. Obviously this subject - more than most - touches on our vulnerability.
This weekend I spent time with my Grandad (93) who is recovering in hospital after a severe fall. Being so elderly these things are not always free from complications. We had a really special time even though we all missed my Dad. I knew it wouldnt be long before Mum asked Grandad about his favourite hymns.
I think, through my experiences so far, I have become more matter-of-fact about these things - I know my mother has! I always joke that she should set up funeral consulting - but seriously - she is great at asking people (often the elder among us) whether they have written their will or funeral requests down. Hand in hand with this is her even greater openess to discussing God with friends.
At the visit Grandad was perky and gracious just like Dad. The way he spoke about the hospital was so similar and they were concerned about similar issues. He went to great lengths to emphasise that all the good stuff in his life was "God doing it - not me at all." The whole time concerned about everyone else being ok and providing for his family - exactly the same.
In a life threatening situation or serious illness - we have a need to convey our truest and deepest feelings to them before they die - how much we love and value them. Sadly not everyone gets that opportunity - that is a reason to appreciate people in your life and not take them for granted.
We shouldnt be afraid of death- I know this isnt easy because so much is tied up with it like pain and sadness. But take an opportunity to think about what you think happens when we die. If you know Jesus and have the secure hope and confidence of new life after, death has no ultimate sting - despite very painful earthly grief.
My dream is to live my life to the full, unafraid and trusting, with open hands and pointing to Jesus all the way. This may take more than a lifetime to achieve - but I am always a work in progress.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
"Although the majority of us think talking about death is less of a taboo than it was 20 years ago, two-thirds of us say we are not at ease discussing it, according to the survey.Only 16% of us have discussed with loved ones where we would like to die, only 18% of us have talked about the type of care and support we want at the end of our lives, and very few of us have discussed whether we have made a will or the type of funeral we want. It also revealed that most of us have used euphemisms as a way of avoiding using the words “death” and “dying”. The most commonly used being 'passed away' and 'deceased'."
A spokeswoman from Dying Matters said: "Although someone in Britain dies every minute, our research has found that many people do all they can to avoid talking about dying. Unless we talk openly about dying and death we won’t be able to get the care and support we want, where we want it at the end of our lives.”
I have to say I agree there seems to still be a taboo about death and some people talk about it as little as they possibly can - or are constantly treading on egg shells. However, the healing and grieving process and acceptance often start through talking about these deep experiences and feeling free to cry a lot. Why would there be so many bereavement counsellors if this were not the case? I know everyone is different but certainly for me talking about it at the appropriate times really helps.
As I grew up our family seemed more open about death than others and there was even a list on the notice board for each of them - requests for their funerals. Occasionally people express shock and I think some think it morbid for morbidity's sake. But we know there are important reasons for this - so that those surviving would be confident, informed and peaceful about the decisions for the funeral and to be truthful and open about our own mortality. Knowing what matters most to them and the legacy they would like to leave is really helpful.
Plenty of people are uncomfortable thinking or talking about death or even spending time with a grieving person maybe because of fear, because they feel it's unnaturally morbid or it makes them feel vulnerable. Obviously this subject - more than most - touches on our vulnerability.
This weekend I spent time with my Grandad (93) who is recovering in hospital after a severe fall. Being so elderly these things are not always free from complications. We had a really special time even though we all missed my Dad. I knew it wouldnt be long before Mum asked Grandad about his favourite hymns.
I think, through my experiences so far, I have become more matter-of-fact about these things - I know my mother has! I always joke that she should set up funeral consulting - but seriously - she is great at asking people (often the elder among us) whether they have written their will or funeral requests down. Hand in hand with this is her even greater openess to discussing God with friends.
At the visit Grandad was perky and gracious just like Dad. The way he spoke about the hospital was so similar and they were concerned about similar issues. He went to great lengths to emphasise that all the good stuff in his life was "God doing it - not me at all." The whole time concerned about everyone else being ok and providing for his family - exactly the same.
In a life threatening situation or serious illness - we have a need to convey our truest and deepest feelings to them before they die - how much we love and value them. Sadly not everyone gets that opportunity - that is a reason to appreciate people in your life and not take them for granted.
We shouldnt be afraid of death- I know this isnt easy because so much is tied up with it like pain and sadness. But take an opportunity to think about what you think happens when we die. If you know Jesus and have the secure hope and confidence of new life after, death has no ultimate sting - despite very painful earthly grief.
My dream is to live my life to the full, unafraid and trusting, with open hands and pointing to Jesus all the way. This may take more than a lifetime to achieve - but I am always a work in progress.
2 Corinthians 4:18 (New International Version)
18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
You've got the love
I am so so priviledged to have friends who are like my family. I dont think everyone can say they have that. They accept and love me as just as I am. Like the Bridget Jones quote - not less emotional or thinner or prettier? No, just as you are. Wow - I am so grateful!
I spent the weekend with people who do just that and I became a Godparent too. Then on the Monday, instead of feeling sorry for myself like I nearly did, I just arrived in a family home and just fitted in with the proceedings as if it was normal. Tea, kids, homework, games and chat - such a delight.
I just heard 'You've got the love' on the radio. I love it. It is still really popular and it has been covered more than 3 times, most recently by Florence and the Machine. Obviously it is a song with a clear Christian message but everytime I hear it - it really speaks to me too. The theme behind the song is one of uplift and empowerment.
There are times when feelings overwhelm and I do feel like giving up and cant see the point of trying to keep going . Quite recently it has seemed hard to keep going with normal everyday things - I get distracted and spaced out - finding decisions a challenge.
However, these lyrics remind us never to give up on hope. Circumstances change, friends can change or let you down but God is good always.
These words reminds me that I really do believe, with all my heart, that He has the love I need to see me through anything that I am faced with and every feeling I can possibly ever feel.
Maybe think about what these words mean to you, if anything. Go on - feel the love!
You've got the love - lyrics
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need To see me through
Sometimes it seems that the going is just too rough
And things go wrong no matter what I do
Now and then it seems that life is just too much
But you've got the love I need to see me through
When food is gone you are my daily meal
When friends are gone I know my Saviour's love is real
You know it's real
You've got the love
You've got the love
You've got the love
Time after time I think "Oh Lord what's the use?"
Time after time I think it's just no good
Sooner or later in life, the things you love you lose
But you got the love I need to see me through
You've got the love
You've got the love
You've got the love
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need to see me through
I spent the weekend with people who do just that and I became a Godparent too. Then on the Monday, instead of feeling sorry for myself like I nearly did, I just arrived in a family home and just fitted in with the proceedings as if it was normal. Tea, kids, homework, games and chat - such a delight.
I just heard 'You've got the love' on the radio. I love it. It is still really popular and it has been covered more than 3 times, most recently by Florence and the Machine. Obviously it is a song with a clear Christian message but everytime I hear it - it really speaks to me too. The theme behind the song is one of uplift and empowerment.
There are times when feelings overwhelm and I do feel like giving up and cant see the point of trying to keep going . Quite recently it has seemed hard to keep going with normal everyday things - I get distracted and spaced out - finding decisions a challenge.
However, these lyrics remind us never to give up on hope. Circumstances change, friends can change or let you down but God is good always.
These words reminds me that I really do believe, with all my heart, that He has the love I need to see me through anything that I am faced with and every feeling I can possibly ever feel.
Maybe think about what these words mean to you, if anything. Go on - feel the love!
You've got the love - lyrics
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need To see me through
Sometimes it seems that the going is just too rough
And things go wrong no matter what I do
Now and then it seems that life is just too much
But you've got the love I need to see me through
When food is gone you are my daily meal
When friends are gone I know my Saviour's love is real
You know it's real
You've got the love
You've got the love
You've got the love
Time after time I think "Oh Lord what's the use?"
Time after time I think it's just no good
Sooner or later in life, the things you love you lose
But you got the love I need to see me through
You've got the love
You've got the love
You've got the love
Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands up in the air
I know I can count on you
Sometimes I feel like saying "Lord I just don't care"
But you've got the love I need to see me through
Friday, 3 December 2010
Choose hope not cynicism
I acknowledge that over the years as I grow older, I have gradually let cynicism in. It is so easy for me to revert to cynicism when we are presented problems that seem impossible or a vision that seems just too unrealistic.
To stick with Jesus on this journey is far from easy. I know that some of our close friends are finding it particularly painful. I really hope that some of these words will encourage us all to move forward positively.
Jim Wallis came over to speak at a work event last week and his message was really powerful and had a personal impact. He said of the British media that they agree about all the problems of the world but were full of cynicism. “Their response to me is “you are right Jim, but there is nothing we can do. We are just hurtling towards destruction, it will never change,”
“There are two types of people – the Saints and the Cynics - who see the world realistically. The difference is that the Saints make a choice to act in hope and the Cynics give you reasons for never acting. Cynicism is a buffer against commitment.
The more I think about this the more I realise that cynicism can so easily be an excuse not to commit to making a change or believing in something. Its a get out clause. So whilst its hard to keep going on this path I believe its the only thing we can do. Hope is a choice and a decision!
When thinking about the injustices in the world such as poverty, climate change, human trafficking, malnutrition, war and disease, this applies also. We could just quote "the poor will always be with us" (which Jim says is a misquote btw) or "my tiny bit wont make a difference" but this is a true challenge to us to choose our attitude.
Jim continued: “Hope is not a feeling, or a mood, or being a cup half-full person. It is the decision you make and it comes from this thing we call faith. Hebrews says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My best paraphrase of that text is this: Hope is believing despite the evidence and watching the evidence change."
Wow that phrase grabbed me: "Hope is believing despite the evidence and watching the evidence change". But what does this mean in my personal context? It means that despite the diagnosis for my mum's bones we should not lose faith that healing can happen.
Two more things I took away: "We look around us and only see mountains that seem too big to move. But we must remember that we are in the mountain-moving business! Faith prompts hope; hope causes action; action leads to change."
-----
Hebrews 6:19 (The Message): "We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us"
Psalm 71:14 (New International Version ): "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."
To stick with Jesus on this journey is far from easy. I know that some of our close friends are finding it particularly painful. I really hope that some of these words will encourage us all to move forward positively.
Jim Wallis came over to speak at a work event last week and his message was really powerful and had a personal impact. He said of the British media that they agree about all the problems of the world but were full of cynicism. “Their response to me is “you are right Jim, but there is nothing we can do. We are just hurtling towards destruction, it will never change,”
“There are two types of people – the Saints and the Cynics - who see the world realistically. The difference is that the Saints make a choice to act in hope and the Cynics give you reasons for never acting. Cynicism is a buffer against commitment.
The more I think about this the more I realise that cynicism can so easily be an excuse not to commit to making a change or believing in something. Its a get out clause. So whilst its hard to keep going on this path I believe its the only thing we can do. Hope is a choice and a decision!
When thinking about the injustices in the world such as poverty, climate change, human trafficking, malnutrition, war and disease, this applies also. We could just quote "the poor will always be with us" (which Jim says is a misquote btw) or "my tiny bit wont make a difference" but this is a true challenge to us to choose our attitude.
Jim continued: “Hope is not a feeling, or a mood, or being a cup half-full person. It is the decision you make and it comes from this thing we call faith. Hebrews says faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. My best paraphrase of that text is this: Hope is believing despite the evidence and watching the evidence change."
Wow that phrase grabbed me: "Hope is believing despite the evidence and watching the evidence change". But what does this mean in my personal context? It means that despite the diagnosis for my mum's bones we should not lose faith that healing can happen.
Two more things I took away: "We look around us and only see mountains that seem too big to move. But we must remember that we are in the mountain-moving business! Faith prompts hope; hope causes action; action leads to change."
-----
Hebrews 6:19 (The Message): "We who have run for our very lives to God have every reason to grab the promised hope with both hands and never let go. It's an unbreakable spiritual lifeline, reaching past all appearances right to the very presence of God where Jesus, running on ahead of us, has taken up his permanent post as high priest for us"
Psalm 71:14 (New International Version ): "As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more."
Saturday, 27 November 2010
Plodding on with Grandma
Sometimes its hard to keep things in perspective. Everywhere I turn I seem to hear sad news and difficulties that my friends and family are going through. It is really hard to keep all things balanced and sometimes I wonder if I am a bit of an emotional wreck - one minute being upbeat and the next feeling desperate.
About 7 years ago all my family were gathered for a meal and my Granddad (dad's side) told us how he may not be here the next time we get together. Everyone went silent and did not know how to respond to this bombshell. Suddenly I came out with "oh well, plod on". Ever since that day I have been teased by other members of my family for saying this phrase, I guess because it sounded endearing but a little bit flipant in the context. Also Granddad's still going today at 95.
I have also been spending a lot of time with my mum and I have been living back with her for about 4/5 out of 7 nights a week. One day when a friend was with her I went to visit my Grandma (mum's side). As I went to her church with her I had a fresh revelation of what an amazing woman she is. Whilst I am used to her encouraging phrases down the phone, it was only when I heard her say them to someone completely new and young that it dawned on me how special she is, passing on her pearls of wisdom. Her three Ps are her favourite saying "Plod on, Press on and Pray on". She really lives this and is the best prayer warrior I know.
So even though I cringe occasionally when I get the little 3 P sermon, I know that this advice is exactly what I need to truly take on board at this time of my life. Despite darkness, fear and uncertainty I will try and do all 3 because I know it will be worth it in the end to say that I did not give up fighting.
These words to an oldie hymn served as my reminder to hold steadfast and keep plodding on!
Jesus, I have promised to serve you till the end;
Be always with me, my master and my friend
I will not fear the battle if you are by my side
nor wander from the pathway if you you will be my guide
Let me see your foot-marks, and in them plant my own;
My hope to follow duly is in your strength alone:
Guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end;
Then in heaven receive me, my Saviour and my friend.
Scripture that reminds me of my hope: (thanks for the prompt Creatormade):
2 Corinthians: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)
Hebrews 11.1: "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see". (NLT)
About 7 years ago all my family were gathered for a meal and my Granddad (dad's side) told us how he may not be here the next time we get together. Everyone went silent and did not know how to respond to this bombshell. Suddenly I came out with "oh well, plod on". Ever since that day I have been teased by other members of my family for saying this phrase, I guess because it sounded endearing but a little bit flipant in the context. Also Granddad's still going today at 95.
I have also been spending a lot of time with my mum and I have been living back with her for about 4/5 out of 7 nights a week. One day when a friend was with her I went to visit my Grandma (mum's side). As I went to her church with her I had a fresh revelation of what an amazing woman she is. Whilst I am used to her encouraging phrases down the phone, it was only when I heard her say them to someone completely new and young that it dawned on me how special she is, passing on her pearls of wisdom. Her three Ps are her favourite saying "Plod on, Press on and Pray on". She really lives this and is the best prayer warrior I know.
So even though I cringe occasionally when I get the little 3 P sermon, I know that this advice is exactly what I need to truly take on board at this time of my life. Despite darkness, fear and uncertainty I will try and do all 3 because I know it will be worth it in the end to say that I did not give up fighting.
These words to an oldie hymn served as my reminder to hold steadfast and keep plodding on!
Jesus, I have promised to serve you till the end;
Be always with me, my master and my friend
I will not fear the battle if you are by my side
nor wander from the pathway if you you will be my guide
Let me see your foot-marks, and in them plant my own;
My hope to follow duly is in your strength alone:
Guide me, call me, draw me, uphold me to the end;
Then in heaven receive me, my Saviour and my friend.
Scripture that reminds me of my hope: (thanks for the prompt Creatormade):
2 Corinthians: "Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." (NIV)
Hebrews 11.1: "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see". (NLT)
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