What would you do if I sang out of tune?

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God. Whenever I pray, I make my requests for all of you with joy. Philippians 1:3-4

Ok it’s week one of the summer holidays and I am missing you all already – please don’t go away again.

I have made so many amazing friends through Barney’s over the years and count you all as family. Remember the Barney’s motto ‘once a Barney’s member-always a Barney’s member’. I never stop thinking about you all and praying for you and your small people. I can’t thank God enough for choosing me to lead this group and be able to hang out with you all.

As it says in that wonderful song by Joe Cocker

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wG6Cgmgn5U

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends,

I get high with a little help from my friends,

I'm gonna try with a little help from my friends

God bless you all, missing you loads, have a wonderful break.

UNENDING LOVE, AMAZING GRACE

This week I know what I want to say to you, but these guys say it so much better, so I defer to the great John Newton for the great lyrics of this song and Chris Tomlin for the new arrangement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqJsBRFdrA0

Amazing grace

How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost, but now I'm found

Was blind, but now I see

'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear

And grace my fears relieved

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed

My chains are gone

I've been set free

My God, my Saviour has ransomed me

And like a flood His mercy reigns

Unending love, Amazing grace

The Lord has promised good to me

His word my hope secures

He will my shield and portion be

As long as life endures

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow

The sun forbear to shine

But God, who called me here below

Will be forever mine

Will be forever mine

You are forever mine


YOUR chains are gone, YOU’VE been set free

YOUR God, YOUR Saviour has ransomed YOU

And like a flood His mercy rains

UNENDING LOVE, AMAZING GRACE

The silliness of today is the fond memory of tomorrow.

“The game!” shouts Alice from the back of the car.

“Oh Alice, not again, I’ve lost again!” replied Molly. “Have you seen that there is someone at school with ‘the game’ printed on the back of their sweatshirt, so we are always losing?”

“Did you know that ‘the game’ is only over when the Queen says so?” asks Alice, “and that Chuck Norris has won it, so it’s no good playing it anyway, cos Chuck Norris has already won!”

“Chuck Norris, he’s such a loser” Molly adds to the conversation.

“Mum, who is Chuck Norris?” Alice asks.

Well, needless to say that I couldn’t answer that question for three good reasons. Firstly I was trying to concentrate on my driving and as much as I like to always give good solid answers to my children’s questions this was an inopportune moment; secondly, I couldn’t speak for laughing at the sheer randomness of the conversation that was going on and thirdly, and most importantly, I had absolutely no idea who Chuck Norris was!

These precious moments of total unpredictability, hold onto them, delight in them. When you find yourself crying with laughter alongside your children at either something they have said or done, remember to store it in your memory bank. The silliness of today is the fond memory of tomorrow. The gifts of being human, equal, real and vulnerable with your children are greater than anything you can purchase.”

These moments are what hold you up on the days when parental tedium takes over and on those days when you wonder how you ever thought that you would make even a ‘reasonable’ parent. Connect with your inner randomness, join in the silliness of the conversation, revel in the joy of childhood and if you don’t know who Chuck Norris is then there is always GOOGLE!

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 (TNIV)

Let them cry!

“As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you” Isaiah 66:13

Tears have many dimensions. There are tears of pain and suffering and tears of happiness and delight. There are the loud cries of a newborn signalling “I’m hungry” or “Hold me – I’m lonely.” A mother learns quickly to understand the meaning of her baby’s cry.

But it’s not just babies that cry. As they grow, of course, there will be many times when both boys and girls need to cry. Tears are a natural way of mending a broken heart and letting go of disappointment. Tears can be an overflowing of happiness and a running over of a heart full of pure joy. Although it might be disturbing to see your child cry, sometimes it is the only release that will calm them.

Even if your child’s tears make you feel helpless, please don’t ever try to stop them; this will make them feel ashamed and teach them to repress their emotions. If you want to do something when your child is crying, ask quietly, “Can I give you a hug?”. If they are willing, gently hold them and tell them it is ok to cry. Let them know that tears are a sign of a sensitive, loving person. Don’t judge or embarrass them. Let them cry until they have emptied themselves of their pain and hurt before you ask them what their tears were all about.

Don’t force them to talk, because sometimes they just don’t know for sure. Sometimes the tears themselves are the only expression needed. If you don’t interfere, tears will bring relief and soon they will feel energetic and happy again.

Let them cry...........and let yourself cry too! God, the great comforter is there for you.