2016? - Already????????????!!!

Not exactly 'musing from under my duvet' but, as I've managed to access my blog (won't bore you with the details but suffice to say have been continually frustrated with my IT!) I decided it was high time I posted on here.
I'm actually in my kitchen watching a programme on keeping healthy as we get older.  Who knew toasted pumpkin seeds make a tasty snack?

Anyway, I digress.....

When I first started this blog I mainly wanted to use it as an encouragement to others. To encourage them in their daily lives, maybe give a few words of comfort when people are struggling with life, give my opinion on some topics which people like to discuss and maybe make a few people giggle along the way. 

I still want to do that, and hopefully this year will draw breath long enough to get some posts on here...............but I also want to share my love and trust in Jesus Christ.

Why?  

Because I believe more than ever, in a world which offers us so much stimulus, bombards us with so many differing opinions, so much which is 'guarantteed to make us happy' and yet is a world in which so many people are suffering - trusting in Jesus Christ and accepting his gift of love which brings us back into relationship with creator God (as we're meant to live) is the only option which gives us deep, long lasting peace. 

Whether you're a multi millionaire, or a permanent resident of 'Benefits street', or fleeing for your life from one of the many war torn places in this world.........

Jesus says 'I am the way, the truth and the life.........'
A very simple, straightforward, no nonsense statement.

I'm sure like many of you out there I find myself feeling frustrated by much of the terrible news from around the world. 

I don't know enough about the conflict in Syria to understand why so many people are risking their lives to flee the country, but it's obvious there are thousands who feel it is their only option. 

I find it hard to accept so many lovely people I know are struggling with physical, emotional and mental illness. 

I feel guilty knowing I have a warm bed to sleep in when there are so many people who will be sleeping in doorways and cardboard boxes this winter, right here in my own country. 

I find myself asking 'What can I do?' In reality,in practical terms, not a great deal as an individual person.  I can of course send a monetary contribution to one of the many aid agencies and add my small contribution to the many others who give generously. I can tut tut and send sympathetic thoughts to those suffering. But it seems such a small drop in a very large ocean of despair. It would be so easy to just think "What's the point? - nothing is really going to change."

But then I thought to myself 'Hey, you're a Christian.  You believe in the power of prayer, you believe in the sovereignty of Jesus Christ and that God is ultimately in control.  Why are you feeling so helpless? At the very least you can devote some of your time to prayer. Pray for an end to conflict. Pray for God to intervene in peoples lives and situations. Pray for other Christians to add their prayers to yours.
There are so many stories of answered prayers, when Christians come together in this act of communication with the living God, a the modern saying goes 'Why wouldn't you?.'

Once I started to think in this way I began to feel less helpless, less able to make a difference, more determined to follow Jesus example and 'love my neighbour as myself'. In other words put others at the forefront of my thoughts, and keep their needs, hopes and desires in my heart, interceding for them before God in prayer. 

I don't want to be a comfortable, go to church once a week Christian.  I want to feel for people, laugh with them, cry with them, rejoice with them but above all introduce them to Jesus. 

I have called him friend, confidante, shepherd, Lord and saviour for over 40 years. There have been times also during the past 40 years when I've been disobedient, wilful, stubborn and just determined to 'do it my way'. 

But you know?  - He's never forsaken me.
Never let go of my hand, even though at times, like an angry toddler, I've fought to pull my hand out of his. And, as I look back over the years, I am so grateful he has, because I wouldn't be the person I am today without knowing Him. 

I try not to be too 'preachy' in these posts but I just sense, as we are rapidly getting through yet another year, I needed to be a little more direct. 

I am a daughter of the living Christ.

I love the Lord with all my heart, mind and spirit.

I ask Him daily to give me love for everyone I come in contact with, and for those He knows, but I will never meet. 

I thank Him for showering on me so many blessings and for welcoming me into His family of believers. 

I am indeed rich beyond measure.

As I said at the beginning of this post, I seem to have sorted out the gremlins in the system so hopefully you'll start to see a few more of my 'musings' in the coming weeks and months.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be upon you and your loved ones, today and always

Amen. 

  

Hi everyone - yep, still alive and kicking!

You know that feeling when you've been meaning to do something for what you think has been a few weeks and then you realise it's been months!
Well, that's how its been with this blog.

I've got a very techie friend who set me up a website (more Time 4 Life), twitter accounts (MT4Life & JB) in addition to the FB page I already had and this blog. When I get stuck in and start writing I love it but life just has this funny way of eating up my time and I struggle to keep all the balls in the air, as the saying goes!

He told me I needed to make sure I was blogging at regular intervals (at least once a month), the same with tweeting and my other social media sights. Something to do with the way Google rates you. (Er, not sure I'm doing too well on that one). Sound fairly simple doesn't it?
But the reality is when you're living life to the full, you have a lot less time to tell everyone about it!
So, rather than worry about the months I've missed I've decided to just jump straight back in and pick up from now.

This isn't going to be a long post as I don't want to start by boring any potential new readers (or old ones for that matter). I just thought it might be good to catch up and then I promise to try and be a bit more disciplined and get something on here regularly (well, fairly regularly.........)

Sufficient to say I've been involved in lots of different projects the last few months including preaching, fundraising, putting on a variety show (we expected and audience of about 60 and had over 200 people turn up!), performing and of course lots of crocheting.  The variety show was a fantastic success, with all the performers local to Bedford and we're already gearing up for next year.

I've become an expert at laying on Afternoon tea for up to 150 people and can bake a batch of 100 scones in just over an hour!
I'm currently using my 'down time' to get my stock of hand crocheted poppies up as these sold really well last year and I raised £90 for the British Legion.  I'm hoping to exceed that this year.

I'm still at Bible college (love the classes, still struggling a bit with the discipline of writing assignments), but hey, can't be good at everything, right?
So, as promised, not a lot of words but as they say - a picture is worth a thousand words so here's a few pics to give you flavour of what I've been up to recently.

81 hand crocheted flowers, all different to make up the blanket
for my daughter and son-in-laws 5th wedding anniversary.
A real labour of love for my wonderful family

I cross stitched this cougar years ago but had
never created anything with it. Combined it with  my love of crochet and now have him proudly displayed in the lounge. 

Customised a handbag for a good friend for her birthday.  A girl can never have too  many handbags.......

My daughter, Amy, is currently in South Africa for a week, as a volunteer with the NSPCC.  She's gone complete with tool belt and hard hat to help build a school and having the time of her life. So many wonderful friends have donated and we had a number of fundraising events to help. Below are some pictures from two garden parties held. One was in the beautiful garden of some friends of mine and the other in Norfolk when my Mum and Dad opened their garden to their friends in the village. Between the two events we raised over £800 towards the min target of £2000. A fantastic effort by many wonderful friend's and family. 

Clive Rudd entertaining the guests as they enjoyed their afternoon tea.

  

Three lovely ladies deciding if they can manage just one more cream meringue! 

Beautiful setting in my friends garden.  God blessed us with wonderful weather as well.

Mum and Dad's garden in Norfolk. 
Friends came, enjoyed cream scones and tea and didn't want to go home!



Mum and Dad just about ready for a well earned sit down.
They'd worked really hard for a number of days - not bad for a combined age of 160! (oops....going to be in trouble for this one :-)



Well, I need to get on and do a bit more living, so am going to sign off now. It's my son-in-laws birthday today and I know my company is poor substitute for his wife but as she's away the other side of the world, I'm cooking his dinner tonight, so need to get a few bits.

 

I've lots more pictures and bits to share with you so ,as I said, I promise to keep a better eye on the time and make sure it's not so long before I hit the keyboard again.

 

Blessings to you and your family and those you love.

 

Be back soon

Jules xx 

 

 

 

The New Year begins

I can't believe the first month of 2014 is nearly over.  It seems like only yesterday I was thinking about Christmas and here we are at the end of January.

This is the start of quite an academic time for me. I'm now booked on a modular course at Spurgeons Bible College in London for the next 2 years.  I did do a couple of modules last year but have to admit I didn't actually manage to submit any assignments.  I'm easing myself in to the whole concept of learning seeing as it's about 40 years since I had to do any sort of studying or write an essay!  But I'm loving the whole process of attending lectures, mixing with people from very different backgrounds, theological traditions and of all ages.  There's lots of reading but it's a great opportunity and I'm grateful to the people who are supporting me and encouraging me in this.

I've got a variety of projects on at the moment, one of the major ones being organising a wedding for the end of April.  It's a great opportunity for 'church family' to come together and help two people who want to get married but aren't in a position to spend a lot of money.  Having been involved in events like this before I know that people can be very generous with their time and willingness to come together to ensure a memorable day for the happy couple.  I'm sure it won't be all plain sailing but I'm confident we can give them a day to remember.

I really want to try and ensure I get into the habit of writing every few weeks this year so am going to make my posts a bit shorter, but hopefully more regular.

I've got another first on Sunday evening - I'm leading and preaching at the evening service in my home church. This is a bit of a breakthrough in our church tradition so I feel certain responsibility to be well prepared.
So that's where I need to put my energies for the next couple of days so I'm off to polish my sermon....  

Hope you've all had a great start to 2014
Be back soon
Blessings
Jules xx

Another year passes

Well, here we are at the end of yet another year. The old saying 'time flies when you're having fun' was right to a point, but I think it's more accurate to just say 'time flies!' - certainly in my case.

It may not surprise you to hear I've been having some technical difficulties with my PC, iPad and other 'teccy' stuff.  You know what it's like when you keep trying to sort something out and failing miserably. The periods between trying to tackle it get longer and longer until you eventually give up.  But I was determined to get something written and on this blog - eventually.

This is going to be very short and sweet.

Life is good.  Busy, frustrating at times, occasionally stressful (if I let things get to me) but on the whole good.
I have no regrets about resigning from my '5 days a week in the office' job  and trusting God for what I need each and every day. 
I love my life.
By a lot of peoples standards I may not have much but I consider myself rich in so many ways.  Rich in love, friends, time, peace and a myriad of other ways.

So I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has encouraged me over the past 12 months through their prayers, words of wisdom, shoulders to cry on and being prepared to just listen when I've needed a friend. Also a huge thank you to those people who have given me such practical help as well, including feeding me, often on a regular basis and the amazing (usually anonymous) gifts of money, supporting me in my on-going ministry.

Having attended Spurgeons Bible College for a couple of modules last year I am now registered for the next 2 years and on completing the course will receive a Certificate of Achievement, 'Equipped for Ministry'. Just need to get the brain working to produce essays and exegesis (now admit it, you're impressed with such a posh word.......).  Having left school at 16 it's been a few decades since I've had to do anything even remotely akin to study. But I'm really looking forward to getting stuck in.  I'll keep you posted.

Apologies for those of you who have been wondering if I'll get back to blogging but thank you for hanging on in there with me. 

I pray you've had a joyful Christmas and are looking forward to 2014.

Blessings to you and all your loved ones in the coming year
luv Jules xx

Long, hot summer......

Hi everyone
What a wonderful summer we're having! We're gearing up for a family fun day on Sunday with free bar-b-q so praying the lovely weather holds out.

Since my last blog post life has just got busier and busier. But as always I'm loving the freedom not being tied to an office 5 days a week brings. It does mean I have to exercise some discipline over my time, which isn't one of my fortes I readily admit.

I find it very easy to get side tracked.  I often write a list in the mornings of all I want to achieve by the end of the day, but invariably end up having been busy all day, only managing about half the things I'd set out to do! I quite envy people who are able to stay completely focused on one task until it is finished. I remember going on those 'time management' courses at work.  You know, the ones which teach you to 'only handle a piece of paper once across your desk'.  A psychologist would have a field day with my desk at home - each piece of paper must occupy every part of my desk at some point before it finally gets posted/filed/shredded. I'm sure there are some bits still on there from when I first moved in over 6 years ago!

Hey ho, as my Mum says it wouldn't do for us all to be the same.  The world would be a very boring place if that were the case. 

As usual I'm rushing around and I'm conscious I haven't uploaded many photos recently so I thought I'd add some to this post.

My friends cat, helping us pack the boxes,
 ready for moving house

I had a wonderful day out with some girlfriends to Buckingham Palace last week. There is a special exhibition on for the 60th anniversary of the Queens coronation.  In addition to the breathtaking interior of the Queens London residence the exhibition gave wonderful insights into what went on behind the scenes in that historic year.

I was particularly impressed with the skill of the dress designers, makers and embroiderers of all the gowns for the Queen and Royal family.

But we all agreed it was the simple, completely plain dress the Queen wore when she was anointed with oil which somehow seemed most poignant.  It was cream linen, full pleated skirt, v neck and without any adornment at all. This was not seen on the television footage because this part of the ceremony is very private and takes place under a huge canopy.  It's the moment the Queen is stripped of all her regalia of office and is anointed with holy oil before the Lord God Almighty, acknowledging Him as her Lord and Saviour.
One of my friends was explaining, it is a large quantity of oil which is used and you could see pale yellow staining all down the folds of the dress. I can't help thinking what an incredibly intimate moment that must have been for Queen Elizabeth, who has never hidden how much her faith has sustained her over the years. I have great admiration for this woman who has always taken her duties seriously and served her people so faithfully all these years.




You're not allowed to take any photos inside the palace but here are a couple of lovely images from the grounds, which were a joy to walk through.

Out for a walk with my friend and her lively dog Tommy. 
 He also enjoys chewing anything not nailed down, in a tin or low enough for him to pinch.  Doesn't necessarily have to be edible! 

At the end of a fabulous day out with my Mum and Dad and a few friends, having an ice cream in Hunstanton.  Perfect English pastime!(Mum is on the right in the sunglasses, Dad is next to her)  

Been great to share with you all again and hope you enjoyed my few little piccies.

Blessings as usual and I hope everyone is able to enjoy this lovely weather for many more weeks to come.

Luv Jules xx
 

Relationships....

Morning everyone

 

I know, I know, I've been very remiss lately in writing my blog here. Two reasons really - now doing a lot more writing for my website so time even more limited and also Google have started linking everything together! Took me ages to actually get signed into this account.  Obviously needing more technical training..............

 

I'm sitting in the sun in a lovely garden at my friends house in Southampton. I am supposed to be sorting out boxes, updating admin, checking emails etc. In other words it's gone 09:00 on a Wednesday morning and I am supposed to be working.

But that's the great thing about my new life. If I decide to do all the above at 10 in the evening - I can! As I was sitting here, listening to the waterfall beside me (just a little one into the fish pond - not Niagara falls......:-) I remembered how long it had been since I posted on my JB Blog. So I decided it was much more important to say hello to you all than to worry about some admin I can do anytime.

I'm going to keep this one short as there's been so much going on the last couple of months I'm not going to risk boring you all to tears! I have however got some pictures so I'll get another post on quickly (promise) and we can stroll through them together.

I decided enjoying the simple things in life are the most fulfilling and give me the best sense of contentment. Last week was a very busy one, working in Swanage. I don't know if any of you have ever been there but it is a lovely part of Dorset, has a gorgeous beach and surrounding coastline, with lovely friendly people.

On Friday afternoon, the sun was shining and I managed to take a couple of hours off and head up the coast a little to a place called Studland beach. I was driving my new car (9 yrs old but new to me........more about that another time), sun roof open and just enjoying some 'me' time.

I grew up in Norfolk and have so many happy memories of days at the seaside, paddling then swimming in the sea, building sandcastles with my Dad and brother, sitting on my Mums lap munching gritty sandwiches (I've decided Lord Sandwich had nothing to do with their name....just the beach!) So as I was spending more than a week in Swanage I was determined to make time to walk barefoot on the beach, paddle in the sea (yes it was freezing, but once your feet go numb you're fine!) and have an ice cream. I had the most wonderful time just walking along, lost in my thoughts but aware at the same time of others enjoying the day, taking kayaks out on the sea, even a group of teenagers on a school trip for their GCSE project. I answered a questionnaire for one of them and smiled as he left the most embarrassing question to last, sheepishly asking 'er, can you tell me which age group you come in?'. Bless him, I was pleased to say I wasn't quite in the last group - by just a few years!

But the older I'm getting the more I realise ageing has a lot to do with attitude. Yes, I am a bit slower than I was in my twenties. Yes, I have a few more aches and pains. The knees are a bit stiff in the mornings but hey, they still work and get me from A to B.

But I've discovered there are some great advantages to slowing down a little. You realise how much you miss when you're living life 'in the fast lane'. Whether I was being a single mum, wife, chef, musician, bank manager or any one of the many other incarnations of my life over the past 55 years very often, like so many people I 'missed' those opportunities to enjoy simple pleasures.....particularly sharing those moments with those you love and are precious to you.

I've often said I try not to do regrets, as there's nothing you can do to change the past. I always tried to make time for my daughter but like most young mums there were many occasions when other things took attention. My lovely daughter is now a wife and mother herself, in her mid 30's with her own busy life. But one thing I will always be grateful for is the time we did spend together in her formative years means she knows beyond doubt how much I love her. I love spending time with her and the family and that I am always there for her, day or night, whatever the reason. For that I thank God, she is my greatest blessing and I treasure every phone call, every lunch we manage to arrange, every time I get a call saying 'Hi mum, fancy coming round Saturday and stay for dinner?'

I don't know your personal circumstances, how old you are or what you do for a living. But one thing I do know - life is about relationships. We all have an inbuilt desire to be in 'relationship' with one another. Sometimes those relationships are difficult, get messy, we get hurt, we can so easily hurt others. Sometimes they are deeply committed, full of love, mutually fulfilling and caring.

But one thing I do know ......... relating to others is never a waste of time. Spending time with those we love, even a few minutes for a hug and 'have a great day' says more than we can ever imagine. Some relationships may only be fleeting - smiling at a stranger in the street takes a second, but it may just make that person feel 10 feet tall. We can all smile at one another without even breaking our stride to wherever we are hurrying to............

I was with lots of people last week and yes at times, I just needed a little time to myself. I've been here on my own now for 3 days and feel refreshed and rested. I'm still sitting in this lovely garden, listening to birds, the water, distant traffic, but in my spirit there is a stirring ........ for a little human contact. I'm not feeling lonely - far too many lovely friends and family I can call. But I fancy a walk........... so am getting my smile ready. Wonder who God will send across my path today I'll be able to share it with.......? I'll let you know next time, but in the meantime here's one for you all :-)

Blessings to you and your loved ones as always .

Jules xx

Heading back home........ (oh yes, its my birthday as well!)

I'm heading back to Northamptonshire today after an incredible week in Crewe with Anne's New Generation exhibition.  I should be putting some pictures and blog post on the website (www.mt4life.org) over the next few days so you can check out how it all went on there.

It's been fantastic but tiring so once we're packed up I'll be hitting the road to get home.  I think tomorrow may well be a 'duvet day'......... :-)

As I was laying here early this morning and just running through things in my head there was a niggle I'd forgotten something.  Then I remembered it was my birthday! You'd have thought after all these years 1 - I'd remember more readily and 2 - I'd be thinking about slowing down a bit. 
Well, failed (and failing) miserably on both counts I'm pleased to say.

For those of you who have been reading my blog for a while you may recall I was recovering from a serious illness when I turned 50 and as I realised it's now 5 years on from that I remember getting up at my birthday party and saying I had this incredible sense the 'best was yet to come'.  Well, I can honestly say I think that's starting to come to pass.

I love every day of my new life.  I get to spend so much time with amazing people. I've been staying with the most wonderful lady called Susan, Socks the dog and Jinx & Maggie the cats.  There's also a few chickens living in the back garden but I haven't been sitting on the sofa having a cuddle with them in the evenings! We've enjoyed great conversations, good food (you should taste her homemade quiche.........), few glasses of wine but more than anything we have laughed so much.  I will miss my evening ritual of coming in, getting straight into my 'jimjams' and joining Susan in front of the wood burning stove to wind down and chat about the day.  But I have a sneaky suspicion I'll be invited back and I hope to be able to reciprocate the hospitaity when she comes to visit me.

As I say, life is so good. I get to choose where I go, when, for how long and despite working harder than I think I have ever done I am so glad, and grateful, to the prompting of God to have made the decision I did last year. 
The best birthday present I could get is the assurance I'll never have to go back to that 'safe' 9-5 office job existence ever again.
With all the things that are happening I have a sneaky suspicion that's not going to happen.  As I said to my surgeon when we were discussing my knee op last year 'God has a lot of work for me to do over the next 25-30 years so these knees have got to be able to carry me around!'

Thankfully this week they've not only held up really well as I've been on my feet 7-8 hours a day but also as I've climbed ladders, lugged frames around and stacked boxes.  Today they need to keep me going as we try to figure out how to pack 34 massive silk panels, metal frames, numerous boxes of stock, 1 suitcase, 1 bag of shoes and various random bags + me into my car!  This should be interesting...........

Need to get up and get going.  It's a short few days turn around before the exhibition goes up in Bedfordshire from the Easter weekend.  Check out the website for details under Events.

Next post will have pictures, I promise.

Have an especially blessed time this Easter as we remember what Jesus did for every single one of us at Calvary. (and if you don't know what that was...........I'm always happy to share the story with you)
God bless
Jules xx