Change
Life is really busy, with just loads of ministry. I am not complaining. Much of what is happening is a result of asking God to open doors of opportunity and a lot of stuff is with the unchurched, which I love.
I am just conscious of carving out time to spend in prayer. Living away from Pill at the moment and at the same time extra responsbilities coming our way has meant that the prayer routines that we had in place have gone out of the window.
However change also brings new experiences and new blessings. The flat we are staying in overlooks a pond and garden. I have to admit I'm not a wildlife fan really but I have become quite fascinated by the antics of the resident duck population, the squirrels and by the badgers that visit in the evening. I think the only time I have seen badgers this close is when they have been dead in the road. It's great to seem them alive. Anyway the contrast of the scene outside of my window to the mayhem of my days, seems to still my spirit and ushers me into the presence of God.
In addition most days we now have an hour's journey from Bath to Pill each morning and I am redeeming the time by reading, praying and listening to worship CD's. The return journey is usually less busy and quicker but another opportunity to pray and read the word. I leave the driving to Alan and he is having to work out his own new prayer routines. More time at the hall means opportunity to use the prayer room.
So, although at first I felt a bit robbed of a comfortable way of enjoying my devotional life, I am now finding the changes a blessing.
God is good
Love and prayers
Carol
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Prayer Cover
Last Saturday was what is known in our village as Pill Rag,which is I suppose a small scale carnival. Sadly although this is really meant to be a family event, in recent years binge and under age drinking have been an unwelcome feature. Also visiting groups of young people from other areas intent on causing trouble has led to fights with our village youth.
Concerned about this we decided to prayer walk the route of the carnival, pray outside the local pubs and pray around the site of the main activities prior to the event. On the Saturday evening from 8pm -10pm we went out and "prayer patrolled" the village, talking with the organiser, local people, the police and watching out for some of the young people we know. It felt right to be visible and available but also we rejoice because we believe our prayers and our presence contributed to the fact that this years Rag, apart from a few minor scuffles was peaceful.
God bless
Carol
Ps I apologise for the lack of blogs but I only have easy access to the internet when I am at the hall. We are at present out of our quarters whilst it undergoes major refurbishment.
The fact that we are living at a Salvation Army Care Home has nothing to do with the fact that Alan will be 50 this year!!!!!!! I also hasten to add that we are staying a very nice staff flat and that our friend Ena, who is the manager has been great in making us feel welcome.
Last Saturday was what is known in our village as Pill Rag,which is I suppose a small scale carnival. Sadly although this is really meant to be a family event, in recent years binge and under age drinking have been an unwelcome feature. Also visiting groups of young people from other areas intent on causing trouble has led to fights with our village youth.
Concerned about this we decided to prayer walk the route of the carnival, pray outside the local pubs and pray around the site of the main activities prior to the event. On the Saturday evening from 8pm -10pm we went out and "prayer patrolled" the village, talking with the organiser, local people, the police and watching out for some of the young people we know. It felt right to be visible and available but also we rejoice because we believe our prayers and our presence contributed to the fact that this years Rag, apart from a few minor scuffles was peaceful.
God bless
Carol
Ps I apologise for the lack of blogs but I only have easy access to the internet when I am at the hall. We are at present out of our quarters whilst it undergoes major refurbishment.
The fact that we are living at a Salvation Army Care Home has nothing to do with the fact that Alan will be 50 this year!!!!!!! I also hasten to add that we are staying a very nice staff flat and that our friend Ena, who is the manager has been great in making us feel welcome.
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
New Things
This blog is really an update on the new things that I blogged were about to happen at Pill and which have now begun.
On Friday I went on my first night-time prayer patrol in Bristol. As on the day-time patrol people were only to willing to be prayed for. We had what I can only describe as some interesting "spiritual warfare" encounters. However the team were not phased by this and actually the strange events confirmed the rightness of what we were doing. We also met some really lost souls, with whom it was a privilege to share the love of God. I am praising God because I know there was a time in my life when I would not have dared to go out on the streets in this way. Now it is such a joy.
This morning we held our first session of Alpha. There were 7 of us in the group and I get the feeling that this is going to be a good one. We are from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience but there is a hunger to know more about what being a Christian means.
From this Alan and I went immediately to the Secondary School for our first Open Door session. Given that this must be one of the hottest days of the year so far, we did not really expect that any young person would want to spend their lunch hour indoors but we had 8 kids turn up. Afterwards their teacher said they were some of the most vulnerable kids in the school. Even at the first session they are beginning to open up to us so we are excited about the future of this venture.
I just want to add that the new things do not mean that the day to day things that we always do week in week out are overlooked or are unimportant.
"Whatever you do, whether in word or indeed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him." Col 3:17
This blog is really an update on the new things that I blogged were about to happen at Pill and which have now begun.
On Friday I went on my first night-time prayer patrol in Bristol. As on the day-time patrol people were only to willing to be prayed for. We had what I can only describe as some interesting "spiritual warfare" encounters. However the team were not phased by this and actually the strange events confirmed the rightness of what we were doing. We also met some really lost souls, with whom it was a privilege to share the love of God. I am praising God because I know there was a time in my life when I would not have dared to go out on the streets in this way. Now it is such a joy.
This morning we held our first session of Alpha. There were 7 of us in the group and I get the feeling that this is going to be a good one. We are from a wide variety of backgrounds and experience but there is a hunger to know more about what being a Christian means.
From this Alan and I went immediately to the Secondary School for our first Open Door session. Given that this must be one of the hottest days of the year so far, we did not really expect that any young person would want to spend their lunch hour indoors but we had 8 kids turn up. Afterwards their teacher said they were some of the most vulnerable kids in the school. Even at the first session they are beginning to open up to us so we are excited about the future of this venture.
I just want to add that the new things do not mean that the day to day things that we always do week in week out are overlooked or are unimportant.
"Whatever you do, whether in word or indeed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through him." Col 3:17
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