Catrina Benham's Blog

This morning Simon preached a fantastic sermon about remembering - remember all that God has done- and the very act of reminding ourselves will give us faith for what He will do. If you were there you'll now know that when I have a favourite worship song, then 20 times on repeat just isn't enough for me!!!  Whilst I've been resting and my broken ankle's been healing, I've spent a lot of time listening to worship songs and podcasts, and reading the Bible - I also stared out of the window a bit and watched the changing sky - a new slower-paced activity for sure!  Most mornings in those first couple of weeks, I'd wake up with a line from a worship song in my head. I thank God for that, as He then set the tone for the rest of the day. Plenty of times I then listened to the whole song (on repeat of course) looked up Bible passages, studied word meanings and journalled what I felt God was saying to me.  One of the songs that spoke to me so powerfully was "

Well last week had some highs and lows. Highs included Simon's birthday and my cast coming off - hoorah! I'm now officially walking - although it often looks like shuffling! Great to have 2 feet back in use - if only for planting firmly into the ground so that I can make the bed or get something out of a cupboard. It's a huge help to have my hands free when I go up and down stairs too. I'm of course being a good girl with the exercises. No idea what people mean when they say "don't do too much" - I join in if I feel ok and work out afterwards if it was really ok and good to stretch myself, or "Too Much"! Anyhow, it's good to be feeling more like myself again. Apparently It's still a slow process of building up strength and flexibility, so I need to keep on being patient! The low was that our 12 year old labrador died - Nemo was a big character, and a huge presence in our home - he really was one of the family. We all said goodbye, w

Six weeks in a cast and on crutches was non-negotiable.  What was optional was how I was going to navigate those six weeks. One way or the other, I was going to live through six weeks. I could do it kicking and screaming in frustration; wearing an "I'm fine" mask and trying to keep up with my old pace (and no doubt at all, that would have been very frustrating and false!)  As soon as I fell and realised the implications, Jesus seemed to say to me very clearly that I could instead choose to do this in an open way - open to the possibilities, to the changes, to what He would teach me. So with the Holy Spirit's help, that's what I've tried to do - to journey these six weeks honestly and openly.  Through it all I know He's met me and taught me so much. Lots of people say "oh there's a preach in this for you" and I reckon yes, there are observations, experiences and plenty of funny stories I'm going to enjoy sharing. But more than anything,

"Life's detours means  God wants you to run right into His arms  so He can reconstruct your heart"  Ann Voskamp Well, let's just say that it's not been the summer I thought I was going to have!!!  I'm so grateful we had our relaxing holiday in the sunshine I'm so grateful it's summer time, and therefore not so many work commitments I'm so grateful for my family being around I'm so grateful for a wonderful and kind church family If I was going to have an accident ...to slip over on the back door mat....in my wedges...feeding the dogs.. and dislocate and fracture my ankle...then I'm so glad I was at home with family around and with access to swift expert medical help. The accident was so sudden and it was immediately obvious that I couldn't sort it on my own! I'm pretty squeamish so I'll save you the details, but the angle of my foot prompted me to say out loud "I've just done something really bad"