Showing posts with label christian. Show all posts
Showing posts with label christian. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Weekend away
Mrs DHG, McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble and I have just returned from a fantastic weekend away with our church family. We hadn't been away like this with the boys before, so we were a wee bit apprehensive. But we needn't have been. It was such a lovely time, being with those we love and cherish and who love and cherish us.
This 'church weekend' takes place every couple of years, with the past few being held at this beautiful place near Whitby. The weather couldn't have been better - warm September sunshine from dawn to dusk all weekend.
The food was grand (let's face it, just not having to prepare, cook, serve and wash-up for 48 hours was a blessing in itself!), and the accomodation was really quite comfy! All five of us were sleeping in the same room (another first!), but in actaul fact the room was almost split into two with the bathroom in the middle - so it felt more like having a small apartment! We all slept extremely well, and thankfully the fire alarm at 5.45 this morning didn't sound in our building, so we slept through the roll call and visiting fire engine! There is a rumour circulating that the prayer coordinator was trying to boost numbers for the 8am meeting! He strongly denies this!
The teaching was both encouraging and challenging - a timely word from God, brought to us by this man, speaking straight into many of our church situations and things we're working through as a body. The teaching was from Titus, and focussed on:
This 'church weekend' takes place every couple of years, with the past few being held at this beautiful place near Whitby. The weather couldn't have been better - warm September sunshine from dawn to dusk all weekend.
The food was grand (let's face it, just not having to prepare, cook, serve and wash-up for 48 hours was a blessing in itself!), and the accomodation was really quite comfy! All five of us were sleeping in the same room (another first!), but in actaul fact the room was almost split into two with the bathroom in the middle - so it felt more like having a small apartment! We all slept extremely well, and thankfully the fire alarm at 5.45 this morning didn't sound in our building, so we slept through the roll call and visiting fire engine! There is a rumour circulating that the prayer coordinator was trying to boost numbers for the 8am meeting! He strongly denies this!
The teaching was both encouraging and challenging - a timely word from God, brought to us by this man, speaking straight into many of our church situations and things we're working through as a body. The teaching was from Titus, and focussed on:
- authority in the church (what should we expect from our leaders / what should they expect from us as congregation?);
- believing (have we lost our impact as Christians? / do we really believe that Jesus is Lord, no matter whether others accept that or not)
- belonging (what does church community really look like / how can we nurture and encourage real community, involvement, getting stuck in when people are so busy / how does consumerism impact on how people feel about church);
- transforming (it's all about people getting to know Jesus / having grace to understand that we're all a work in progress / not expecting people to conform to our understanding of what a believer looks like, says, acts).
Yesterday afternoon we had time to relax - the DHG clan together with another family (boys aged 7 and 3) headed to nearby Grosmont where we boarded, according to Dibble, 'Percy' (this owing to the colour of the engine pulling our carriages!) 'Percy' pulled us up what I have been reliably informed is one of the steepest gradients in the world frequented by steam engines (1 in 49 by all accounts!). Dibble was enthralled by the clickety clack, the guard's whistle and green flag, the smoke and steam. And the ice cream at Goathland (aka Hogsmeade for you Harry Potter fans / aka Aidensfield for you Heartbeat fans!).
So - a really good weekend. Very different (more dipping in an out of things, running after boys, playing at the playpark and wiping noses) than previous church weekends.
But a real blessing none-the-less.
It really is a privilige to spend quality time with family.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
X:Sited
X:Site North East is coming soon...
"X:Site is a fantastic new regional event for children in school years 3-6 run by Scripture Union. The events are packed full of fun and excitement, a great place for young people to bring their friends and learn about Jesus at the same time.
The events take place once every 2 months on a Saturday from 6-8pm at All Saints College Newcastle.
The first event is on 3 October 2009."
"X:Site is a fantastic new regional event for children in school years 3-6 run by Scripture Union. The events are packed full of fun and excitement, a great place for young people to bring their friends and learn about Jesus at the same time.
The events take place once every 2 months on a Saturday from 6-8pm at All Saints College Newcastle.
The first event is on 3 October 2009."
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Dibble takes the mic
At church this morning, little Dibble was beside himself. He desperately wanted to go up to the front to tell the person leading the service something very important, but he wouldn't go himself. And Mrs DHG wasn't for accompanying him!
For 10 minutes he ran up the centre aisle, and then back again to get Mrs DHG's hand to try to drag her up to the front, but to no avail... but Mrs DHG eventually relented.
So little Dibble dragged Mrs DHG to the front. He then climbed the steps onto the stage (mid children's talk) and poked the leader's leg to get her attention, before speaking something into her ear. She then stopped the talk, picked him up and said, 'OK, you say it into the microphone!' Which he did, clear as day....
'Our God is a great big God!'
So, what can you do? Only one thing for it... the worship team struck up a few chords, and we all launched into an impromptu rendition of the chorus of that song - Dibble's favourite, in case you didn't know!
Not sure if this now sets a precedent for requests during the service? Perhaps not unless you're 2!
For 10 minutes he ran up the centre aisle, and then back again to get Mrs DHG's hand to try to drag her up to the front, but to no avail... but Mrs DHG eventually relented.
So little Dibble dragged Mrs DHG to the front. He then climbed the steps onto the stage (mid children's talk) and poked the leader's leg to get her attention, before speaking something into her ear. She then stopped the talk, picked him up and said, 'OK, you say it into the microphone!' Which he did, clear as day....
'Our God is a great big God!'
So, what can you do? Only one thing for it... the worship team struck up a few chords, and we all launched into an impromptu rendition of the chorus of that song - Dibble's favourite, in case you didn't know!
Not sure if this now sets a precedent for requests during the service? Perhaps not unless you're 2!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Giving thanks
We've had a lovely day today.
It's been the boys' dedication at church - where we've said thank you to God for bringing the boys into our lives, we've asked God to use them for his purposes, and we've promised to be the best parents we can be, bringing them up to know Jesus. With the help of a multitude of god-parents!!
We were joined in church by our immediate family (though my lil sis couldn't make it because of work), good friends, McGrew and Cuthbert's head teacher and class teachers, our social worker for the past 18 months, and our fantastic church family. It really was a celebration!
The boys had asked if we could sing their favourite song during the service - all five of us were therefore made to stand on the stage to do the actions of 'Our God is a Great Big God' - Cuthbert had a fantastic time with the actions, and by all accounts his face was a picture!
We had lunch at home for family and god-parents, and thankfully the sun shone, so boys could play in the garden, expertly looked after by multitude of god-parents, while Mrs DHG and I had some grown-up conversation!!
A great day of thanksgiving and celebration!
It's been the boys' dedication at church - where we've said thank you to God for bringing the boys into our lives, we've asked God to use them for his purposes, and we've promised to be the best parents we can be, bringing them up to know Jesus. With the help of a multitude of god-parents!!
We were joined in church by our immediate family (though my lil sis couldn't make it because of work), good friends, McGrew and Cuthbert's head teacher and class teachers, our social worker for the past 18 months, and our fantastic church family. It really was a celebration!
The boys had asked if we could sing their favourite song during the service - all five of us were therefore made to stand on the stage to do the actions of 'Our God is a Great Big God' - Cuthbert had a fantastic time with the actions, and by all accounts his face was a picture!
We had lunch at home for family and god-parents, and thankfully the sun shone, so boys could play in the garden, expertly looked after by multitude of god-parents, while Mrs DHG and I had some grown-up conversation!!
A great day of thanksgiving and celebration!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Where is God?
After praying with Cuthbert this evening, the conversation went something like this...
Cuthbert: If God can see what we're doing now, where is he?
Me: Well, God is special because he is everywhere at the same time.
Cuthbert: Is he in my bedroom?
Me: Yes, he is - but you can't see him.
Cuthbert: Is mummy God?
Me: No, mummy isn't God.
Cuthbert: Are you God, daddy?
Me: No, I'm not God.
Cuthbert (looking behind the curtains): Is God behind here? I can't see him. Is he outside the window?
Me: Well, he's everywhere all at once. And he loves you very much. And so do I. Night Night!
I'm sure there's a better explanation for a 4 year old...
Would anybody like to suggest one?
Cuthbert: If God can see what we're doing now, where is he?
Me: Well, God is special because he is everywhere at the same time.
Cuthbert: Is he in my bedroom?
Me: Yes, he is - but you can't see him.
Cuthbert: Is mummy God?
Me: No, mummy isn't God.
Cuthbert: Are you God, daddy?
Me: No, I'm not God.
Cuthbert (looking behind the curtains): Is God behind here? I can't see him. Is he outside the window?
Me: Well, he's everywhere all at once. And he loves you very much. And so do I. Night Night!
I'm sure there's a better explanation for a 4 year old...
Would anybody like to suggest one?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Just10 - week 5
One of our Kidz Klub mums made the front page of the Just10 news sheet this week.
Click on the image to read Karin's story...
Click on the image to read Karin's story...
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Walk the path I've paved for you
My good friend, TheWeeScottie, has penned a poem...
‘Walk the path’, my saviour said,
‘The one I’ve paved for you
And you will see the wonderous things
I’ve laid in store for you’
You can read the rest here.
Inspired words, I feel, in these uncertain times.
‘Walk the path’, my saviour said,
‘The one I’ve paved for you
And you will see the wonderous things
I’ve laid in store for you’
You can read the rest here.
Inspired words, I feel, in these uncertain times.
Garry's coming to Just10
Garry Brotherston is coming to tell his story next week at Just10 in Gateshead and Stockton......a journey from imprisonment and condemnation to grace and freedom in Christ!
It should be another fantastic night - with J John explaining the 5th commandment - and talking about controlling our anger.
Let's pray that the many thousands attending would hear God speak to them in a new and powerful way through Garry's and J John's words...
Here's one of Garry's songs - powerful words.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
I'm still here!
Apologies to all of you who thought I'd perhaps dropped off the face of the planet...
No, I'm still very much here, alive and well - there just doesn't seem to be enough time in each day for everything that needs to be done!
We had a fantastic week away in Derbyshire in the middle of April with a great friend of old, and his new wife (great friend of not-so-old!). The sun shone and then the hailstones came and then the sunshine again, followed by snow, then sun, then rain... you get the picture! But lots of good walks with the doglet, and lots of fun by the fire in the evenings with a glass of wine and some silly games!
Just10 has started now -taking up another of our evenings each week - but so worthwhile - J John is such an inspirational speaker - presenting the 10 commandments in such relevant ways for today... Along with the 5000 other people in the canvas cathedral each week, two of our KidzKlub mums have been coming along and both have made commitments - and we're only 3 weeks in!
Along with all of that, we've been meeting with our social worker once or twice a week to complete our home assessment...
I hope that things will calm down a bit for the next few weeks, so a more normal blogging service should be restored!
No, I'm still very much here, alive and well - there just doesn't seem to be enough time in each day for everything that needs to be done!
We had a fantastic week away in Derbyshire in the middle of April with a great friend of old, and his new wife (great friend of not-so-old!). The sun shone and then the hailstones came and then the sunshine again, followed by snow, then sun, then rain... you get the picture! But lots of good walks with the doglet, and lots of fun by the fire in the evenings with a glass of wine and some silly games!
Just10 has started now -taking up another of our evenings each week - but so worthwhile - J John is such an inspirational speaker - presenting the 10 commandments in such relevant ways for today... Along with the 5000 other people in the canvas cathedral each week, two of our KidzKlub mums have been coming along and both have made commitments - and we're only 3 weeks in!
Along with all of that, we've been meeting with our social worker once or twice a week to complete our home assessment...
I hope that things will calm down a bit for the next few weeks, so a more normal blogging service should be restored!
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Yea, Lord - we greet thee!
Christ is born in Bethlehem!
Hurry now to see him lying in the manger...
Merry Christmas!
Hurry now to see him lying in the manger...
Merry Christmas!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Mary, did you know?
Words to make you think...
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has come to make you new?
This Child that you delivered will soon deliver you.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will calm the storm with His hand?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little Baby you kissed the face of God?
Mary did you know?
The blind will see.
The deaf will hear.
The dead will live again.
The lame will leap.
The dumb will speak
The praises of The Lamb.
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
that your Baby Boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
that your Baby Boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
The sleeping Child you're holding is the Great, I Am.
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Jesus isn't Christmassy any more
Apparently so, according to one of Waterstone's staff.
I only went in for a book token.
They had some difficulty finding a suitable non-Christmassy card for the aforementioned token... flicking through the pile, the employee of Waterstones stopped and said, 'How about this one - it's Jesus... he's not Christmassy any more, is he!?'
Well, there you go.
So what is Christmassy these days?
I only went in for a book token.
They had some difficulty finding a suitable non-Christmassy card for the aforementioned token... flicking through the pile, the employee of Waterstones stopped and said, 'How about this one - it's Jesus... he's not Christmassy any more, is he!?'
Well, there you go.
So what is Christmassy these days?
- Queuing for hours at every shop from mid-October to get the essential presents?
- Massive debt?
- Turkey? Tinsel?
- The Sound of Music?
- Snowmen? Santa Claus?
These words by Chris Rice say it really well...
Tears are falling, hearts are breaking
How we need to hear from God
You’ve been promised, we’ve been waiting
Welcome Holy Child. Welcome Holy Child.
Hope that you don’t mind our manger
How I wish we would have known
But long awaited Holy Stranger
Make yourself at home. Please make yourself at home.
Bring your peace into our violence
Bid our hungry souls be filled.
World now breaking Heaven’s silence
Welcome to our world. Welcome to our world.
Fragile finger sent to heal us
Tender brow prepared for thorn
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
Unto us is born. Unto us is born.
So wrap our injured flesh around You
Breathe our air and walk our sod
Rob our sin and make us holy
Perfect Son of God. Perfect Son of God.
Welcome to our world.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Godparents to be
We're going to be godparents again!
Mrs D and I are delighted...
Alice is a beautiful little girl, and we feel honoured to have the responsibility of sharing Christ with her as she grows up... alongside her parents, helping her to know God... and supporting them as they help her grow into all that God has prepared for her.
What a privilige!
It all becomes official in October at a service of thanksgiving... Here's a photo of her looking gorgeous (as always!) You can see more photos of Alice on her website.
Mrs D and I are delighted...
Alice is a beautiful little girl, and we feel honoured to have the responsibility of sharing Christ with her as she grows up... alongside her parents, helping her to know God... and supporting them as they help her grow into all that God has prepared for her.
What a privilige!
It all becomes official in October at a service of thanksgiving... Here's a photo of her looking gorgeous (as always!) You can see more photos of Alice on her website.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
A splendid evening
Mrs D and I had a splendid evening yesterday at church...
About 50 of us had a lovely meal courtesy of Sandra and her team in the kitchen (thank you all - the food was delicious), and were entertained (and made to think) between courses by Rev Dennis Pethers and the Envizage Theatre Company, from Viz-a-viz Ministries, all the way from Essex... The theme was 'More to Life' - there must be more to life that this...
Accompanying us were Edwina and Lee - the parents of some of our KidzKlub kids - a family we have grown to know and love over the past year through our weekly visits... They had a lovely time, enjoying the food, conversation and drama... and it turned out this was the first time they had been out as a couple in 12 years...
We are so glad they enjoyed themselves and were challenged by what they heard (and weren't even put off by the Essex accent!!) - we'll just have to make sure that it isn't another 12 years till we invite them out again!
About 50 of us had a lovely meal courtesy of Sandra and her team in the kitchen (thank you all - the food was delicious), and were entertained (and made to think) between courses by Rev Dennis Pethers and the Envizage Theatre Company, from Viz-a-viz Ministries, all the way from Essex... The theme was 'More to Life' - there must be more to life that this...
Accompanying us were Edwina and Lee - the parents of some of our KidzKlub kids - a family we have grown to know and love over the past year through our weekly visits... They had a lovely time, enjoying the food, conversation and drama... and it turned out this was the first time they had been out as a couple in 12 years...
We are so glad they enjoyed themselves and were challenged by what they heard (and weren't even put off by the Essex accent!!) - we'll just have to make sure that it isn't another 12 years till we invite them out again!
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