A Celebration of Dad’s Life – Week 26 (October 2010)

The week was a very ‘odd’ one as mum and I kept feeling dad was on holiday, I suppose in some way he is but he is now with Our Lord and Saviour in his new body. While he is physically away from us on earth he is spiritually with us, we can always see him and feel him and have a great peace, the peace that surpasses all understanding, that he is safe.

Lots of things to get done this week in preparation for dad’s service, it would be a celebration of his life though. God was directing every path and made all our paths straight and all that needed to be accomplished was. The day of dad’s service was very emotional, there were over 80 people at the Hampden Chapel, it’s a true testimony of all the lives that dad touched.

One at Rest

Think of me as one at rest, for me you should not weep.
I have no pain, no troubled thoughts for I am just asleep.
The living thinking me that was is now forever still,
And life goes on without me now, as time forever will.

If your heart is heavy now because I've gone away,
Dwell not long upon it friend for none of us can stay.
Those of you who liked me, I sincerely thank you all
And those of you who loved me, I thank you most of all.

And in my fleeting lifespan, as time went rushing by
I found some time to hesitate, to laugh, to love, to cry.
Matters it now if time began if time will ever cease?
I was here, I used it all, and now I am at peace.

God called dad home – Week 25 (September 2010)

Dad’s chest infection had suddenly turned into double pneumonia but he was in the right place and where God had intended for him to be. During the next few days we had many ups and downs with dad’s health and one day the doctor’s prepared us for the worst – but it wasn’t Gods timing then. God gave us 4 more days with dad where we got the see the dad we all knew and loved, full of smiles and finally not in pain.

At just gone 8am on Wednesday 22nd September God called dad home into His loving arms of protection and perfect peace.

God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quiet sea, The generous soul of nature, The comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle's flight, The joy of a morning in spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity,
The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it ... "DAD”

Mum and I got to experience such special moments with dad just as he passed, they are moments we will never forget – WE LOVE YOU DAD ‘For you have a very special place in my heart’ Philippians 1:7

Back in the UK and then off to Dorset – Week 24 (September 2010)

Touched down late on Thursday evening from Malta but so nice to give dad a massive hug and kiss once we got through the doors home. He looked well and happy to have his girls back home with him :)

Mum dropped Michelle off at the train station on Friday morning and then we all spent time together talking about the holiday – oh yes; of course, I was working a bit too! Friday night dad didn’t seem 100% right so I stayed home that night and set off to Dorset early on Saturday morning for James and Lucy’s wedding. What a beautiful day it was – so wonderful to see God bringing together another husband and wife. All aspects of the service and reception were lovely, truly a day to remember, and yes there was a lot of dancing going on too – my feet were hurting afterwards! Sunday and time for a nice relaxing lunch with people at my Aunt’s house before making my way back to Stoke Green, thankfully I didn’t miss the stop on the train bearing in mind I fell asleep!

Round to another work week, Monday and Tuesday were ‘normal’ as it were but poor dad was not well by Tuesday evening, turns out he has a chest infection. By the time Wednesday came round we had doctors and paramedics out, he ended up needing to go into hospital. It certainly was an emotional time but we knew God was in control and He would protect dad.

Malta and holiday time – Week 23 (September 2010)

No sooner had I got back from Paris it was off to Malta where mum and I would be going for a week holiday. Dad has a lovely nurse called Michelle looking after him so we knew he was in safe hands.

Once we touched down in Malta (www.visitmalta.com) we could sure tell it was hot! So lovely to see the sunshine! Malta has sooooo much history to it; it’s like stepping back in time thousands of years. We were staying at the North of the Island where we also had a view of Gozo and Comino.

Mum and I got to relax a bit and enjoy the sun as well go an tour the island. We saw so much during our time there the list is endless: Valetta, Silema, Mdina, Gozo, Blue Lagoon, all the stunning bays – experienced the local food and so much more. Yes there are plenty of pictures but as yet I haven’t had a chance to upload them – they will follow!

One thing that shall truly stay with us was the stunning sunsets which we were privileged to see – God’s beauty is stunning. Week went quickly and time to head back to the UK.

Bank Holiday Weekend in Paris – Week 22 (August/September 2010)

So here we are at the end of August moving into September. This weekend is the UK Bank Holiday and I was off and away to Paris for the extended time – hard to think I had never been to Paris up till now. So here we are at the end of August moving into September. This weekend is the UK Bank Holiday and I was off and away to Paris for the extended time – hard to think I had never been to Paris up till now.
Pretty early start had to catch the ferry from Dover to Calais, now I remember how I don’t do too well on boats………… thankfully the Channel Crossing wasn’t too bad and my sea legs didn’t take too long to get rid of. The second we arrived in France it was switching over to driving on the other side of the road then a long ish drive to hotel in Paris. Gradually my French came back to me but I sure could tell it was rusty!

Sunday morning and after a Continental Breakfast it was off to see all the sites of Paris. So many to name they would take up too much room! One of the major highlights was making it up to the top of the Eiffel Tower, the views were amazing. Of course I had to eat crepes, lots of cheese and bread oh and ice cream! The tour of Paris was breathe taking, check out the pictures by clicking the link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=494695&id=898345077&l=1aa107b3fa

In the evening it was a cruise up and down the Seine River before finally crashing back to bed in the hotel early on Monday morning. On route back to Calais we stopped at Mont-Martre and got to see the stunning Sacre-Couer and was blessed enough to be part of worship service then made our way back to Calais. Time had gone very quickly and the icing on the cake (as it were) for the weekend away was a picture perfect sunset over the Channel.

West End, Sister Act and horses – Week 21 (August 2010)

Have I said before how much I love having Skype?!!! Makes so much difference being able to see everyone I miss so dearly. Would prove to be a VERY wet and rainy week – roll on the sunshine in Paris and Malta soon! But the rain is a sign of God’s love too and He truly was shining down on me all week.

Got to meet up with Allyson and Archie in London, went shopping but I was pretty well behaved – well ok I only got 1 item. Then we headed to the West End to go and watch Whoopi Goldberg in Sister Act. I truly enjoy the West End, Sister Act was great, a lot of messages in the lyrics and overall storyline. One line that really stays with me is “It’s the Lord’s word, why are we whispering it?” Its true with all God has done and continues to do for us why are we not bolder for Him?

Sunday was a great day spent in some sunshine (finally!) and up with the horses. Simone and Ryan bought little Megan up for her first EVER ride on a pony – totally adorable when she got on Tanner, she is only 18 months and took it all in her stride – watch out Megan’s mum and dad she might want a pony when she is older!

Able to witness God calling another person to bring His word and become ordained as a Minister – its been a great week.

Fellowship and family time - Week 20 (August 2010)

After my travels last week this week was spent closer to home. Got to spend some lovely quality time with friends and shared in some wonderful fellowship too.

Even though we are nearly 5 months into my time, I am finding it harder right now being away from NC, however God is providing me the strength and comfort I need. Got to worship with my Mt Zion family, certainly miss not being there in person but God is with us wherever we go. Truly enjoyed seeing my NC family and I know I will see them again soon.

Week was one of running errands and trying to keep dry as the weather was yuck! Managed to spend sometime with the horses in between dodging the rain showers, being in the fresh air was much needed.

We got to pick our family portrait pictures up as well – all we could say is wow, they came out really well! Mum, dad and I all spent time together; you can never replace family time and memories. Next few weeks sure are going to be busy so it was nice to have a quieter weekend.