Super Sunday,Rainy Monday

Yesterday was a fantastic day at church, with Baptisms both morning and evening.We observed the minute's silence in memory of those who fought for us in both past and present wars. Then Simon talked about "Remembering". The pile of stones was a visual memorial for the Israelites after Joshua led them to cross the Jordan . In the same way, Baptsim is a memorial for us - remembering our own salvation. It was so exciting to hear people's stories of how they have become Christians, and how that ongoing relationship is changing and growing them. I know that as I listen to their journeys, my faith grows and my expectation of what God can do in us increases. There's nothing quite like seeing changed lives; and serving a God who is actively working today. It's brilliant to have these people in our Church community - even more brilliant that we are having new people join us all the time. Last night Ben Oliver took us to the story in Luke of the Prodigal Son Luke 15 v 20 .."But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him." - such a beautiful picture that our Father runs towards us who are unworthy. Sarina drew a picture of the father and son whilst Ben spoke (powerful stuff) - it was later given as a gift to one of the guys who was baptised, but here's a similar image, by Charlie Mackesy (his images are used by Alpha too)

So yesterday we celebrated and worshipped together...and today it's raining!

I have a day at home today, so I'm in my kitchen, there's work to do and lessons to plan in preparation for the rest of the week; calls to make, emails and letters to write and Tea to plan, plus the children's activities to negotiate. The boy-bunny's at the vet (having his "calming down" operation!); I'm having my hair cut later, which I quite enjoy - apart from having to look at myself in the mirror, and thinking of interesting things to say to the hairdresser (not great too if it gets rained on immediately:( )

So to help me enjoy today as much as I enjoyed yesterday, I've just put another jumper on (I'm having a competition with myself about how long I can go without putting the heating on!); I've got a coffee in my favourite pretty mug; the latest Hillsong CD is blaring out and all that is helping me to cope - and to find God in everything, in every part of my life , in every day -whether its' a super-Sunday or a rainy-Monday!
"God is the same, yesterday, today and forever"
Praying you know that today for your life,
Catrina x

Guest Blog: Esther in Indonesia

I'm delighted to welcome Esther Ross-Watson to my Blog today! She is a dearly loved member of our Kerith family. She and her late husband Michael served as missionaries for many years. Esther bravely made the decision to travel again, and she has recently returned from Indonesia. Here's her story: Whilst Michael was on his last days on earth in August 2017 he received a request from the Island of Madura, Indonesia asking us to return to the town of Pamekasen, Madura, Indonesia where we had begun our Missions work in July 1973 exactly one year after we were married. They were keen to have us see what God had been doing in the years since we’d moved on and we excitedly said ‘Yes’ we will come! Obviously that had to go on hold for a while because I didn’t feel I could, or even wanted to go alone! Anyway around March/April time 2018, I begun to feel a gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit urging me to think some more about it! It was like a feeling of wanting to know

Our Living Hope

Not sure what happens with my blog...or me writing my blog! Can't believe I've been away from it for almost two months. Oh well, no condemnation! Let's pick it up and start again :) Yesterday was a great day in Church! I was so challenged and encouraged - I love Sundays and all the different ways God shows His love and who he is to us. Natalie Jones preached at both our morning meetings in Bracknell , she gave such a good message on generosity, be sure to catch it when the podcast comes on our website, but for now, watch a summary of Natalie's preach At the 6pm meeting, we had Paul Manwaring sharing about culture : the 4 Gamechangers - again, a really challenging message to check out if you didn't get to hear it live. I wore my HOPE earrings yesterday - sometimes I deliberately choose to wear them as a practical symbol that I am choosing HOPE - that I choose Jesus, I choose trust, I choose hope. I'm so glad I did, as throughout the day I felt God speak

3 Little Bottles

Thought I'd mix it up today and do something lighthearted here. I popped into town this morning (as an aside, anyone else still incredulous that "new Bracknell / The Lexicon is so great and that it's really here to stay?!) Anyhow, I popped into town for a quick wander and bought 3 "essentials" I'd run out of, so I thought I'd share them with you - and of course I'd love to hear about your 3 recent essential purchases. 1 Contact lense solution I've worn glasses since Secondary school, and contact lenses since I left Uni. Gas permeables - great for me - slightly perilous in swimming pools / the sea / other people's sinks (£80 to replace). They work for me - and so a couple of bottles of solution each month keep me going.I ran out a couple of days ago, so it was £4.70 well spent for clean lenses and clear eyesight. 2. "Buffet" by The Ordinary This was a new one for me, a present I received last Christmas. I LOVE it and can

Catrina Benham's Blog

Search This Blog