Amazed & Confused

I've moved (cyber)house... got my new address yet?

I finally doing it; I'm taking the plunge, I'm making a change... I'm looking for a new blog!

My blogging habits have changes drastically in the last eight years.  Gone are the days when I set aside 20 minutes each day to share a thought, relish and encounter or recount an adventure. Now my blogging is across several platforms, in many different media. Here my cyber home has had my infrequent attention as I've been frustrated that my tweets, instagrams, video shares and the like can be no more than widgets or feeds.  I want a cyber home where every post is front and centre, but what I want seems hard to find.

Tumblr's stopped importing RSS feeds, Wordpress is similar to typepad and all the others I rejected when starting my blogging journey in 2004.  Grrr.  Is there no-one out there able to create a dynamic, well designed, multi-media platform open multiple streams of content?  If there is please tell me about it.

While I wait on my blogging ideal I've decided to temporarily move on over to Jux.  I like the multi-media format though it is a little limited and also doesn't import tweets as posts but hey, it'll do for now!  Whilst I'm looking around I'll be posting videos, tweets, images and thoughts there.  This, the original (and forever fondly remembered) blog will become dormant.

Check out my new home here.

Learning to tell the story

"Where and how you begin the story, and where and how you end the story, shape and determine what story you're telling." Rob Bell

I'm two teachers into my new season on studying the art of preaching and teaching and both Jon Ortberg and Rob Bell have given me much to think about.  January to March has been a busy season of sharing and speaking for me as I've prepared and taught more than I have before and felt like I am embarking on another steep learning curve. 

Three or four years ago I realised that if I wanted the honour of speaking to people about Jesus then I needed to tame my gab and feed my heart and mind.  After taking a year and a half hiatus from speaking to study a bit and pray I dove back in with a new passion and a real joy in God's word.  (Wow - there was I time I never thought I'd say that!)

A few years on I feel I've made a good stab at implementing the things I've been learning and focussing on and I'm feeling a renewed season of focus and stretching is needed.  I'm seeking out resources!  Anyone got any?  

I started with Jon Ortberg's sessions on Crafting Life Changing Messages (lots of food for thought!) and now I'm working my way through Rob Bell's Poets & Preachers videos.  (Absolutely brilliant!)  I have such a long way to go, and so much to learn… but I want to be a courageous encourager to my Revs church family and others I get to hang out with. 

As I look afresh at my study life, the way I approach messages and my identity as a daughter in God I am so grateful that I get to do this.  I never want to lose sight of what an honour and joy it is. 

Stream of consciousness / update over.  If anyone has any suggestions of books or speakers who could stretch and shape me on the topic of preaching and teaching I'd love to hear about them in comments :)

Freezing my nose off to help thousands pray

Travel has been my watch-word for the last two weeks with retreats, prayer weekends, trips to Northern Ireland and now Germany taking me away from home and off into the big wide world.

It's been challenging, exciting, refreshing, tiring, inspiring, fun, thought provoking and much more to be away with lovely people in interesting places.  I'm looking forward to this little splurge of travel coming to an end tomorrow night as I fly back home to my waiting hubby and get my teeth stuck into all the work that's been awaiting my return.

The last trip in my schedule is to somewhere new.  Today I fly from Gatwick and arrive in Berlin!  Though I've been to Germany many times I have never landed in it's capitol city and though I only get to drive through it, I look forward to waving hello through a car window.  From Berlin airport Chris Stone and I will drive to Neubrandenberg for 24 packed hours with the great Ralf Neumman.  This rather brief jaunt is to film Ralf's contribution to the upcoming 24-7 Spaces podcast; a 40 day video podcast that helps anyone interested in praying through the life of Jesus in the gospel of John this lent.  So far the contributions people have made have been inspiring!  I can't wait for it to begin.

However... if passion is determined by how much you are willing to suffer for something you love then I must be passionate about Spaces.  I got a text today informing me that it's currently -16 in Neubrandenberg!!!  What!?!  We are totally going to freeze our noses off filming outside in the Datzberg.  Oh well shoud be fun.  If frost bite has spared my fingers I shall blog about it upon my return.  Here's to a new city! 

Moments captured in the aperture of the mind

Today I opened a new journal... I'd set aside the practice last summer but it's been calling to me so I return to it again.  There's a lot happening right now.  Lots on my mind.  Good things, great things, things to make decisions about.  I don't want to lose the big picture so have turned to marking pages with streams of conscious to capture every aspect of what lies ahead.  It gave me peace...

Often I marvel at where God/life/choices have taken me.  As I emailed a 24-7 Prayer Room in the Dominican Republic I stopped to wonder how on earth we became connected.  Where did they find out about 24-7 Prayer?  What made them pray?  This movement never stops moving :)

The photo above was a beautiful moment in a rather hectic week.  Chris (the camera man), Scot (taking the photo) and I found ourselves on West Witterings beach at sunset.  We were filming an episode of the 24-7 Spaces podcast for this lent.  The bleak vista and an amazing passage from John combined to make the moment beautiful.  How did I end up there?  How come I get to do this?  I am so grateful.

If I don't capture these moments in the aperture of my mind they would pass by with little appreciation of their worth.  Journalling, blogging, conversing - they make me grateful.  Looking back, around and ahead I know that there's much that's happened I need to remember and much yet to be done that I must consider.  

Here's to today, a fresh page and a poised pen...

Look Mum I'm in a music video... sort of...

24-7 Prayer peep by day, covers band signer by night; it may be cheesy and but I love it. Since 2007 Steve and I have gotten together with Nathan, Steve C, Jimmy E and a few lovely extras to have some fun and be a part of making people's celebrations rock a little harder.  The DeLoreans, as our band is called, has been growing over the years and 2012 seems to be no exception.  The summer is looking rather full already (gulp!)

As we don't play many public gigs we decided it was high time we put a little promo video together.  The talented and lovely Tom Deane joined us for a (long) day at the Revs Venue before Christmas and the result is above.  What do you think?

I foolishly thought that making a music /promo video would be a glamorous affair.  How wrong could I be.  To make the above 3 minutes and 35 seconds of footage in this video we spent 10 hours playing the same songs and busting out the same moves over and over again. By the end I couldn't remember my name let alone the words to Crazy in Love!  Hehe - it was a blast though and I think the result was well worth the exertion! 

Youtube is made to haunt you with 16yr old versions of yourself...

via www.youtube.com

I had hoped that the featured video above was lost forever in dusty libraries along with cassette tapes and tydy shirts, but YouTube has once again proved that if anyone, anywhere caught you on camera it may one day come back to haunt you. This afternoon my Brother in law emailed me with one simple, fear inducing question... is that you?

Above is a video of Delirious performing on Littlehampton beach in 1997, (it's worth a watch for the fashion alone) but at 1.21 and 1.41, I groaned at seeing my younger self looking way to keen during the Happy Song. When this programme was aired on telly I was embarrassed enough but here it is in all it's glory to tease me 14 years later.

Why don't I have a fringe? Why was I do enthusiastic? Who said chokers were a good idea?! Oh well, at least watching this about once a week will keep me humble... If I ever get to big for my boots just a few bars of the Happy Song should put my right back in my place.

Films to see before you die

From a young age I've been enthralled by the glamour, magic and adventure of the silver screen.  Weeks, maybe months of my life have been spent watching, analysing and day dreaming about films and the world they open up to us.  Provoking dramas, heart warming romances, side splitting comedies, nail biting thrillers, other worldly fantasies, mind bending SciFis, nightmare inducing Zombie flicks and edge of your seat action; I love them all.  I even have a penchant for a really bad / good movie.  You know the kind; they have horrendous scripts, preposterous plots but there's delight in their on screen disaster.

A passion for film is something I am very grateful that Steve enjoys too.  Before we were married we made the strategic purchase of a Cineworld Card so that we could pay an amount every month and be able to go on movie dates even if we ran out of money waiting for the next pay slip to arrive.  Our little plastic cinema IDs have been put to good use as we've taken in dozens of films a year.  We've been more open to taking risks as the only limit to the number we see is the time we have.  New Actors, Directors and Screenwriters have become must see contributors and though, I'll be honest, we've seen a lot of rubbish, our passion for film remains.

Tonight Steve and I embark on a new chapter in our film following... a little informal film club. We have many friends who share our passion and a few of us have decided to stop reminiscing about film club of yester-year and planning a future one and to just get on and do it.  The idea is we'll take one Monday night a month and watch one film together we can enjoy and maybe chat about.  The big question is... how do we go about picking them!

We don't want to go too heavy every time we gather but I'd love to broaden my film pallet and maybe see some of those must see titles.  Today I started googling "Films to see before you die" and some interesting links showed up.  Most of them referenced this offering of 50 must sees by film critics and the good people at Film4.  (The list is presented a little easier to scan through by the BBC here.)  There were other lists online but this was the one to grab my attention.

Of the 50 recommended I have seen only 18.  There were some that surprised me (Erin Brockovich?  Good but top 50!?) and others that made me smile (Terminator 2 - classic!)  It made me start to wonder if I were compiling a list from my limited viewing thus far what would I include?  Missing from this list and definitely included on mine are:  the original Star Wars Trilogy, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (I'm assuming they were missed off because they weren't one film), Amelie, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless mind, The original Superman movie and recent films like Children of Men, Super 8 and Iron Man (it's an excellent example from the recent Marvel cannon).  There are others not on this list that I have yet to see and am surprised aren't included: Seven Samurai, Casablanca, Gone with the Wind etc. but this list has definitely got me started with film club suggestions.

What do you think?  

What are the films you feel you should have seen but haven't?  

Which films would you beg others to see before they die? Answers in comments please!

Lazy days, winter walks & sleep deprivation

Christmas was bliss.  Two weeks of family, friends, good food, short walks, gifts given and received, lazy days with my man and the launch of particularly exciting sleep deprivation project (aka a 24-7 Prayer Room).  It couldn't have been better.  This morning as I cleared my inbox I found this photo sent from my sister in law Sarah of myself, Steve's Nana and my other lovely sister in law Emma on a Christmas day walk.  I am so blessed to have such a lovely family to compliment the Trundle tribe.

Today I launch back into my regular rhythm of 6.30am alarms and chilly commutes.  Despite pulling the 2-3am prayer room shift I actually feel refreshed and ready for work.  In the coming week I'll post about my thoughts on 2011 (events, travels, books, words that have stayed with me) but today I'm feeling the 'new' in New Year.  The Revs prayer space has been the perfect way to begin; a reawakening of my heart and mind as I step back into the rush of emails, meetings and dreaming for 2012.

An Unassuming Sacred Space

There are sacred spaces in this world, some are marked with signs and heralds, others with great art and paths well trod by pilgrims, but there are many that can be passed by unnoticed; unnassuming places that have nothing visible to point to the encounters that have happened there.  The conference room in the Revelation Church Warehouse is one such sacred space.  

Teenagers gather in it, businesses and groups meet there, performers have used it as a green room and club nights as an entrance.  I wonder if anyone of them knew that the carpet tiles they were standing on are holy ground?  

It was in this rather boring looking room that I learned how to pray.  There were words, thoughts, movements, paintings, tears, music and many other expressions involved in my search for a language...  but this was the space in which my 18 year old heart learned to connect to God's.  In a smelly, beautiful, messy and glorious place later named a 24-7 Prayer Room. My life's direction has been set by my solitary lessons in God's love and conversation over a few short months in 1999.  Now I pour myself into helping others do the same.  

Today as I stood in that conference room, surrounded by my Revs family, tears slid down my cheeks and my heart was moved.  We gathered to welcome 2012, a new day a New Year with the launch of our first 24-7 Prayer Room in a few years.  As I worshipped I realised that if I'd had some stones to hand, I'd have been piling them there.  This room is my Gilgal.  The place God brought me, a watershed between one part of my life and the next.  Today I remembered the time I had spent there, the prayers God had responded to and the way we were changed.  As I remembered I longed.  Revelation is striding into a new adventure; we're looking forward.  We don't want the glory days gone by, we want the presence of God and His mission for us now.  This sacred space is a key.  

I have numerous hours alone and with Cymbrogi set aside in this room in the week ahead.  Lord I'm coming to meet with you.  Could this be a new watershed for me, for all of us?  Speak Lord, your servants are listening...

Don't know what 24-7 Prayer is?  Check out the website and this nifty little vid below...

Snapshots from Kuala Lumpur

 

Christmas is a coming...

I cannot wait!  I love the twinkly lights in the shop windows, the slight panic when I think about gift shopping, the food, the drink, the parties and the prayer... oh yes... the prayer. Here are just three ways I'm finding that Christmas feeling in the coming month.

This Friday the Harding household plays host to our annual Proxy Christmas celebration.  The month early celebration of Jesus birth where we share Christmas dinner with over a dozen of our friends.  For over five years this rather barmy (and very early) Christmas party has launched our holiday season with our Chichester family helping us decorate the house, put up our tree and have our own near-thanksgiving celebration.  

The following Monday before I jet off to Malaysia (can't wait!) I'll be joining thousands of others in praying through the advent season with the 24-7 Spaces podcast.  I loved our wee podcast that took us through lent earlier this year and as I prayed with my mates I felt connected to them despite the distance.  Find out more about the podcast in the preview vid below and pray along with subscription info here.

Coming up for air

Where have I been this last week?  Well let me tell you.

I've been lunching with lovely Australians caught up in this movement of prayer.
Planning the advent season of 24-7 Spaces podcast 
Dreaming and scheming over a cup of tea with my lovely mate Pete Greig
Breakfasting with a good friend and catching up on her love life
Experimenting with my wardrobe
Writing articles, resources, emails, briefs and much more
Learning to use a Canon 5D camera
Turning my living room into a salon for several hair cuts and colours
Finishing the Old Testament (at last!) and embarking on the excitement of the new
Sighing in relief at the last episode in this season of Dr Who and trying to find time to watch Downton Abbey and Merlin!
Coming up with an amazing and super cheesy new medley with the DeLoreans - themes from 80s dance films - oh yeah it's special
Planning not 1, not 2, but three talks for this week!
Driving to the midlands and back singing Christmas Carols with my gorgeous hubby
Responding to around a thousand emails (if I'm exagerating it's not by much!)
Saying sorry for being a muppet
Hugging friends old and new and giving out shoulder rubs
Thinking about mentoring others and what that means!?
Spending the day with the amazing UK team from World Vision
Editing a job description for an exciting new role in 24-7 Prayer!
Meeting with the 24-7 International Leadership Team
Trying to sleep

It's a little busy at the moment and it doesn't stop here.  Tomorrow I head to Frankfurt for the 24-7 Prayer Eurogathering - eek I can't wait!  Who's coming?  Anyone up for a tequilla/whiskey/wine/what ever beverage of your choice and a chin wag?

No pain, no gain

It seems my blog posts are either bubbling over with excitement, a glimpse into my messy head or thoroughly shallow splurges at the moment.  I'm embracing it!  This morning I have clothing on my mind.  Yesterday I had one of those thoroughly girly moments that if I didn't have scrupples would have sent me flying credit card in hand to my local high street - I am sooo bored of my wardrobe!

Oh yeah - I just typed that cliche!

I am bored of my TShirts, my lack of trend, my not quite fitting right trousers... I have lamented the departure (into the bin) of beloved tops and tights that have fallen foul of washing machine holes.  I want to shop.  Here's the thing though... it's like there are two voices in my head.  The tempestuous two year old who likes shiny, new things and the rather more creative 30 something who wants to live like I believe beauty comes from within, it's best not to consume for the sake of it and that it's good to use things until they truly wear out.  

Thankfully I had a brain wave.  

I decided to make one small purchase and then play dress up with clothes I already own.  I bought tights - I opened my wardrobe and I put things together I'd never thought of before.   Fun!  I decided I have more than I think I do and all it takes is a little reshuffle, a smidgen of creativity and perhaps the willingness to wear more heals to spice up my daily wardrobe.  I began today by breaking out shorts and my new tights with a newish pair of heals.  As I walked to the Guildford office from the train station I remembered why they were still newish - I keep chickening out of breaking them in properly.  Ouch!  Oh well, has to happen sometime - no pain, no gain.  Everytime I longed for my slobby, comfy stuff I looked down and thought, "Oooo pretty."  

Wow - I really am shallow :)

What's all the fuss about?

 

Friday night was the culmination of weeks, nay months, of prayer and preparation.  The Push Community, our recent labour of love, said a big hello to the world as the website went live and we worshipped with friends.  I spent a lot of my free time last week collaborating with Steve in editing the above video for the launch.  Check it out.  (No serious - stop reading and press play; my limited video editing ability meant hours of work!)

The first song from this worship and song-writing collective is available to stream for free on the site and will be available to download from iTunes this week.  It's called "God you are good" and I've had it pretty much on repeat all weekend.  Sophia who wrote it has been leading me in worship through my iPhone headphones.  It's gorgeous and only beaten in my estimation by her most recently finished song 'Jesus you're more'. It gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it.  I think it'll be released some time in the near future.  

I'm always proud of my lovely husband, but Friday I was particularly glowing.  The Push Community is about everything Steve was made for - worship, developing/investing in/loving people and pushing creativity in music.  He's already given so much in time, skill and energy into this community, it's amazing to start to see the fruit.  

Let's push things forward...

Two days and counting until the Push Community says a big hello to the world. The worship and song writing collective that Steve is at the hub of, has been preparing for this week for months.  My free time has been spent editting videos, writing blog posts and generally helping out as Steve works on website content and rehearses for Friday night's gig.  It's all looking pretty good and the first track they're releasing at the weekend sounds great.  I have little energy for any other writing so this blog may be a bit quiet for a few days.  I'll be back soon though.  

Meeting Mr Milo

Good news everyone (don't worry this isn't a Dr Farnsworth moment), my gorgeous little french born nephew has been repatriated into the UK!  Huzzah!  Yesterday Steve and I sped to West Hoathly to see Nick, Sarah and the lovely (and very little) Milo George Harding.  Our little soldier is doing very well though it's going to be a few months before all the new born clothes we bought for him will fit properly.  Despite being 9/10 weeks premature he's doing superbly - quite the little miracle.  

Sarah is a marvel - despite a rather frightening birth she is happy, relaxed and a very natural mother.  Milo is one lucky boy.  He is incredibly loved.  Looking at him I was amazed by how much he looked like a miniature version of his Father.  A great way to end the weekend and start the week. Thank you God for looking after Milo and bringing him to us safely (if a little early!)

A Passion for Pioneering - birthing the Push Community

 

I'm incredibly proud of my handsome husband at the moment.  At the end of this month the worship/songwriting collective he's been part of pulling together, will say a big hello to the world.  For years now Steve has longed to try something a little different in the sphere of music development.  In 2010 he found two friends who felt the same way and together they began Push. 

The Push Community is not terribly easy to describe because it doesn't fit neatly into previous industry categories.  At it's heart it's a community of Jesus followers who are particularly passionate about worship and creativity in song writing.  They're from different churches, different towns across the UK but they come together to create together and share what's working with the world.

Steve, Tom and Doug are committed to seeing each one be able to stay in their local community whilst being developed spiritually and musically.  They've already begun recording the songs that could be used nationwide and aim to help each song writer get their song out there without having to sign a record contract that locks them in beyond that song (often it can be for a number of albums or years.)

This very open approach to development and publishing could backfire I guess, but I love that there's only community and the value of growing together, rather than a piece of paper, that's going to keep everyone in this.

The first larger gathering of song writers was Sunday night. As they worship, prayed and shared the songs they were working on I was moved by the depth and passion in the room.  There will be some amazing sounds to fill our churches coming out in the next few months.

I've been supporting Steve and helping out where ever I can with writing (er blogs not songs... my songs would suck), editing a cool little video, and generally taking notes, offering social media advice, praying and making tea.  There's a real energy to this stage in their development.  Reminds of what it's like every time the 24-7 community takes a plunge off the deep end following God somewhere new.  There's something in me that lives for these times.

The boys are working on a website as a hub for those interested in connecting with the community and I'll let you know when their cyber home and their Twitter account, Facebook page and YouTube channel is up and running.  If you're in the south of England they're launching with a live event in Bognor Regis, in the church of the first worship leader they're publishing.  The lovely Sophia Jenkins is just 17 years old and has a beautiful heart and voice.  I'll be there, let me know if you will be too :)

Prepare yourself for a very shallow blog post...

This year I honestly thought my curly hair was a thing of the past... but good hair times have come again :)  

Oh yes.  I'm blogging about hair.  

I'll never forget the fateful swimming trip at university when to my horror I realised I couldn't dry my unruly sort of wavy hair and had to scrunch and hope for the best.  What emerged were curls.  CURLS!  Who knew.  I was 18 or 19 before I discovered my hair was curly.  From that moment on I never looked back.  

Most of the time I have what is known as an S curl.  My hair is so hyper wavy that as it grows longer is forms S curls and large loose cork screws (oh yes there are catagories of curls - google it).  For a few short, sun damaged years I had full on corkscrews (left) and had to go looking for a hair dresser who knew how to cut curly hair - it's not as straight forward as you think.  My curls are generally loose and can revert to my teenage triangle head, nightmare if cut bluntly, but never fear, Tracy was here and for the last decade my hair has been in her hands.   

2011 however, the year I turned 30, I thought my curls were going bye bye. Before Christmas I cut my hair super short and started using curling irons (I call them my magic curling wand).  Maybe it was the length, maybe it was the heat damage but the natural curl started to fall out of my hair.  I think I was more sad about that than leaving my 20s.  

A few weeks ago however I decided I was growing my hair longer after a fake hair/dress up day and Tracy came round to trim and shape it ready to let it grow.  From that moment on it's like her skill and my hair follicles have rewarded me!  I'm curly again!  

I know it's shallow to have written over 300 words about this but if gratitude in the small is the secret to contentment then I am a happy girl. (Er woman.  I'm 30 I guess I'm not a girl anymore.)

If you're a curly one I know you'll understand this splurge, if you're not consider it a glimpse into another world.   If anyone needs a good hair dresser Tracy is amazing - oh and I have discount vouchers for anyone who wants to give her a try.  Superficial moment over.  Must get down to serious stuff now :)

Great Scot it's Saturday!

Another Saturday, another DeLoreans gig. The crazy summer season starts to wind up through September, Steve and I will begin to reclaim a few Saturdays a month; but, that's not today, today is a performance day!  This morning has been full of song words, set lists, and costumes.  We've just finished wolfing down lunch watching Back to the Future 3 (the perfect DeLorean warm up!) and soon we'll be packing lugging gear and packing our van.  I'm not sure whether tonight I'm going to wear my hawaiian halterneck (above) or a sparkly little mini dress.  Guess I'll see how high the stage is.  

I have to say that being the lead singer of The Deloreans (Chichester's premiere covers band according to The Observer - check us out) is a pleasure.  The boys are lovely, singing is a blast and I get paid to have fun at parties... got to be one of the best jobs ever.  Definitely in my top two.  Better stop typing and start warming up.  Whatever you're up to this fine Saturday I hope you're having fun :)

I believe that children aren't our future...

I've had children on my mind today for two reasons...

(Noooo... neither reason is that I'm pregnant.  Just thought I'd get that in there before I start squeals and victory dances across the UK...)

The first reason for my thought theme is that Steve and I have a gorgeous and miraculous new nephew called Milo George Harding (pictured above)!  Rushing into the world a little early (32 weeks while Mummy and Daddy were in France on Holiday!) Milo made his debut at around 3lb and is putting on weight and strength an impressive speed.  The nurses at the French hospital that Milo is currently chilling at call him their little champion as they can't believe how well he's doing.  Dad (Nick), Mum (Sarah) and Milo hope to be back in the UK in early September and I can't wait to meet him.  He looks so cuddly.   Must get him a present; hmmm... a toy frog? A stripy top? Do they make baby berets? (Ok I'm going to stop as I'm wading into the realms of light racism :)

The second reason for dwelling on children is the title of this blog.  I've had that classic song,

"I believe the children are our future..."

on mental repeat and I've decided I totally disagree with it.  Children aren't our future. They're our present.  Present is all we have.  I was thinking on this and the rising worldwide phenomena of children in prayer.  My musings led to this little post on the 24-7 Prayer Blog.  I mean every word...

"The most powerful intercessor I think I've ever seen pray, was 13 years old."  

Food for thought.

Suggestions please: things to do before I'm 30!

OK, I may have left this one a little late but today, with just 3 days left before I turn 30, I began to wonder if there are things I should do before I'm no longer 20something. 30 doesn't freak me out (feel like I'm catching up with most of my mates) but I have loved my 20s and fancy doing something to commemorate such a brilliant ten years.  My only challenge is I've lived a rather full decade... I have travelled extensively, fallen in love, eaten well, had many adventures and become the lead singer of a band!  What's left? I'm struggling to come up with anything achievable.

So, your suggestions are very welcome.  I have 3 days and I want a few new things to commemorate the end of one decade and the beginning of the next.  I have a three criteria:

1. They must be legal
2. They must be achievable (flights abroad are out)
3. They must be affordable

I promise to provide photographic eveidence if I take on your suggestion/challenge.  Let the fun begin!

Never too old for fancy dress or fake hair

Yes, that is me dressed not as a goth, or an 80s pop star but as the infamous Bellatrix Lestrange from the Harry Potter series. To mark the last instalment of this epic series in film Adam, Lisa and I (aka the Trundle siblings) dressed as Harry, Luna and Bellatrix respectively to watch the film that ends many years of reading, watching and geeking out...

Is it healthly for an almost 30 year old to dress up as a character in a (sort of) kids book and trapes around in public?  I think so.  Why should the fun stop just because you have to also be responsible and do things like pay a mortgage?

Sunday's fancy dress expedition was actually my second viewing of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 and I must say it didn't disappoint.  I am long passed hoping that they capture every little nuance of the books and have accepted that film is simply a different genre.  What makes a successful book and a successful film are two quite different things.  Having said that I think they made a really good stab at capturing the complexity of the final book.  Though I know virtually by heart every twist and turn of the story I found myself surprised, thrilled, tearful and caught up in the suspence.  Kudos Mr Yates.

I've now seen it in 2D and 3D and my ambivalence to the bespectacled and expensive medium grows.  It is to the credit of the film makers that my stinking funny glasses induced headache didn't ruin the film... Sigh... I guess 3D won't be leaving us any time soon... I'm becoming less inclined by the viewing to fork out for it though.  Hmm... better sign off before I start ranting!

A new day

Today is a new day.  I'm sitting on my own at the Guildford Boiler Room , cup of tea and chocolate bar to hand.  This morning is the first in a new rhythm of working; goodbye regular days in London, hello three days a week in Guildford.  The sun just broke through the clouds and illuminated my fingers flying across the keyboard.  I think this will be a nice place to work.  

This morning I have an inbox full of emails, some new stories from a brilliant group who've caught the 24-7 bug in Whyalla, Australia, a great video of 24-7 Prayer Room that I'll pop up below and a few blog posts to write of 24-7prayer.com.  Better get to it.

24-7 Prayer Room @ AIW 2011 fd from Bill Cahusac on Vimeo.

 

Guess what I did yesterday...

Oh yes!  That's a real DeLorean.  It IS kitted out like Back to the Future car.  No, sadly, I didn't get to drive it at 88mph.  Shame.  

The DeLoreans took a step toward updating our band photos yesterday with the very lovely Mr Peter Ward and our friend Brian's DeLorean.  It was a lot of fun.  You cannot stand next to that car and not feel like a kid.

The above photo was taken in 2007 shortly after the band began - look how young we are!  Everyone seems to have more hair for some bizarre reason.  We're awfully shaggy.  We realised that apart from one or two gigs where a great photographer shared snaps with us we were seriously lacking on the decent, recent photos of the band front.  In a weekend with two gigs we squeezed in a wee shoot.  I'll make sure a selection of what was taken makes it way onto the blog :)

Celebrating my new specs...

I love my new specs.  It's such a relief to find a pair that I actually like wearing (and not because they make me look like one of the two Ronnies).  I got excited about them I thought I'd  buy them a friend...

Ah world, seeing your many colours and facets in crisp focus is a beautiful thing.  Gone are the headaches, the squinting and the gaffa holding my old broken pair together.  Here is the ease of glasses that don't fall off when I lean forward.  Such luxury!  So... do they make me look smart? Er the specs not the sunglasses... 

Find the truth...

It's been the best part of a decade since I stopped dancing.  Not since my degree ended have I pushed myself in movement, stretched my limbs, strengthened my frame and sought to conquer not just the technicality of a movement but it's impetus.  Since I graduated the closest I come to those enjoyable years is dancing in the dark (no pun intended) across the laminated floor of my living room on a quiet night.  There's a sense/a kind of peace and connection I find in movement that I don't think I've found anywhere else.  I am not a great dancer, I once aspired to be... not for long though.  When I danced, I did not dance for prowess, I danced for sensation; expression.  It was more than enough. It didn't matter that I would never be technically good enough to pursue it professionally.

Tonight I feel elated and sad.  I've been cast back, remembering when dance absorbed my days; the satisfaction I felt at doing my best, the  challenge of pushing myself.  The joy.  This surprising introspection has been provoked by a woman, a company, a film and a pair of 3D glasses...

Tonight I saw Pina.

Pina Baucsh was a German choreographer and in my limited foray into the world of contemporary dance, she was one of my favourites.  Bausch had an incredible ability to move people, her work was amazingly truthful and surprisingly humourous (just when you least expected it).  Her company, Wuppertal Tanztheatre, are one of the most breathtaking I've seen live.  Though her work would probably be confusing and very strange to someone who wasn't familiar with the world of physical theatre, I doubt anyone could help but be mesmerised.  I myself was so taken I based my dissertation around her creative process and performance style.  I am not the first, and will certainly not be the last...

Wim Wenders film will see to that.

Pina, is a documentary.  It is a piece of art.  It is some of the most exquisite dance film I have seen.  It is a record of work.  It is a remembrance of a friend, choreographer, seeker of truth.  Quite simply, it's stunning.  Here in Chichester there was just one showing, on one night of this unique film, and I can't believe I considered not going!  Thank God I didn't go with that impulse.  Though it would probably be good on DVD, I think it was greatly enhanced on the large screen and in 3D.  (A thing I've been scornful of recently)  The 3D was so intelligently used it enhanced the experience to give you feel of an almost live experience.  In some ways it was better than live.  I feel like I just saw The Rite of Spring and Cafe Muller in an entirely new way. 

If you are at all interested in art or film or dance, I highly recommend this film.  I'll finish now and go back to my thoughts...

And that's a wrap...

As I emerge from a week of travel I realise I have neglected my blog for the first time in 2011.  It's not good for me.  My head gets overly full with things I want to write about... Books I've finished... People I've hung out with... The chicks hatched in our lean too... My trip to the USA... An amazing Easter weekend... and so much more.  I know it's inevitable that I will fail to capture it all retrospectively but this week I'll blog daily to try and capture at least those moments freshest in my mind.

Today I want to chat about the end of an amazing journey through lent.  The podcast you're probably all sick of me mentioning called 24-7 Prayer Spaces.

This idea was born over a year ago.  For ages many of us involved in the prayer, mission and justice movement have wanted to repeat the podcast put out a few years back to unite us in prayer across the globe.  The challenge was finding the time and resource to make it happen.  The series has been dreamed about in many different guises until just after Christmas we finally realised we were able to make it happen.  Alana, Scot and I holed up in our little London office with tea and chocolate, prayed together and then covered the walls in paper as we started brain storming the possible topics and verses we could pray through.  It's been an amazing journey to see those scrawls become a reality.

I thought that the podcast would be an encouragement and tool for maybe a couple of hundred people around the globe.  The response however on our first week of release was overwhelming.  People have participated in their THOUSANDS!! 

That was a little scary at first... 

Our simple, scruffy little videos have been used by individuals, churches, networks, young people, old people, youth groups, families around the dinner table and many more.  The feedback we received moved me to tears (er... not cause it was mean) because it was amazing to see that God had used them to really speak to and meet with people.  What more could you ask for?

Scot and I are starting to plan our next Prayer Spaces season (probably for Advent this year!) and ways in which we could involve more 24-7ers from across the globe.  Watch this space and the 24-7 Blog for more.

To finish off the season Scot and I recorded the video below for Easter Monday.  Our closing thoughts and prayers are wrapped up beautifully by a little special something that the lovely Georgina and fabulous Ella put together.  

Oh yes... it's the outtakes!

 

I highly recommend watching them, it's laugh out loud material. (Skip to middle to get to the good stuff.) Someone commented on twitter and I have to agree that there's a lot of me in there.  What, did no-one else try to read their bible upside down, or nearly fall down a bank, or say "Mary went to the kill country"? Ok maybe that last one was unique.  Anyway, enjoy! If you watched any of the Prayer Spaces season I'd love to hear from you.  What did you think?  Got any feedback?

How to get a Guinness Moustache - A Picture Story

The last morning I spent in Dublin last week, Mum and Dad took us to the Guinness factory.  Despite most of my Grandfather's family having worked in this famous brewery I had never actually been.  As we walked through presentations and exhibitions debating the best Guinness advert (got to be the 'tick follows tock' horses in the wave one!) it was a peaceful way to end a difficult trip.  We were all together, laughing, talking and walking in the heart of the city of our birth.  (Well my brother's a little Brit but we don't talk about that ;)

As we made our way up to the Gravity Bar that looks out over the city the iPhones were whipped out and the photo addicted Trundle family snapped away.  At the end of my working day I realised I'd yet to got through my snaps and as I played with my new iPhoto update I laughed my way through the following series of photos...

Mum explains that the best photo to be taken with a pint of Guinness is the classic creamy tache!

So we sip...

Mum wins, I fail...

So I give it a good dunk... You can't say I don't commit...

oh dear...

I guess there is still much my Mother can teach me :)

Saying goodbye...

During my commute back from work on Monday afternoon I received a call from my Dad to tell me that Aunty Marie had left us... Pictured above with my Mum, Marie was an amazing woman loved very much by me and all our family.  Though her passing was not unexpected (she's had a long battle with cancer) I guess no one really believed she would ever leave us. She was so incredibly strong, full of life and love.  I am very grateful for her... for the years she had... this week I flew to Dublin with the rest of my family and  together we said goodbye... It was good.  It was deeply sad.  That's about all I'm gonna say about it here...

Today I'm back in Chi, pretty exhausted and starting to get my head around all the things I dropped or postponed when I took off.  As I started downloading emails I took a look at today's PrayerSpaces podcast for lent and was surprised to see myself.  Though I only filmed these thoughts and prayers a few weeks ago, I never seem to recall exactly what I said.  As I hit play to remind myself I was moved afresh by the passage I was given; Jesus calling out to the Father in intense sorrow... there is something beautiful about the Bible... some days it'll hit you on one level the next it moves you in a completely different way...

Will you pray through Lent?

I love this time of year.  The sun is breaking through the winter grey, the daffs are popping the optimistic heads out of the ground and tomorrow is pancake day!  (I am planning a savoury and sweet extravaganza!)  As a child this week was also marked by a trip to Mass on Ash Wednesday so a priest could put a smudgy cross on my forehead to symbolise the start of lent.  Though this Wednesday my forehead will be staying clean, I will be launching into this season of the year with gusto.  I have big plans for this years journey from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday.

I will be fasting something specific this year.  I was praying about it and it turned out God had a suggestion for me.  Exactly what it is will stay between He and I but I'm curious about the impact it'll have on the coming months.  On a more exciting note, I've been hinting at it for a few weeks but the day is finally here to tell you all about the new prayer podcast that begins Wednesday!

Through the season of lent the 24-7 Prayer community are inviting you to join in prayer.  The podcast is written to walk us through the life of Jesus with daily inspiration from people like Pete Greig, Etienne Piek, Alana Wiens and others.  (I'll even be making a few appearances myself.) Monday to Friday, from Ash Wednesday (9th Mar) to Easter Sunday (24th Apr), 24-7 Prayer will release five-minute devotional films to help you pray.

Go to the 24-7 prayer page for more info.  Subscribe through iTunes, YouTube, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to receive links or downloads each day.  It's a bit of an experiment for us but I'm pretty excited.  Let me know what you think and if it helps you to pray.  If it's useful and inspiring to people we may have another go at it for advent later this year :)  

How are you praying this lent?  Know of any other good resources out there? Have some traditions that give you life?  I'd love to hear about them in comments.

PS - eek  the podcast is already number 1 on the UK iTunes Religion & Spirituality podcast chart.  It hasn't even started yet... now I'm scared...

It's the little things that are cheering me up today...

...like wearing this new tshirt Steve got me as a spontaneous gift... and the sun warming my arm as it streams in our bay window from the early spring sky outside...

...and my wonder woman shorts drying amidst my laundry... (I don't think I'll show you a photo of those!)  I need a little cheering today so each little thing or moment feels like a little gift, just for me, just for my smile.  Thanks God.

P.S. looking at that photo makes me feel guilty... I need time... or a window cleaner...

Fake Christmas AKA Turning 22

This weekend the Trundle tribe made their way from London and the south coast, to converge in the sleepy little village of Grendon. Once more, every bedroom was full in my parents home as siblings, spouses and friends gathered to celebrate the birthday of my little bro, the son and heir, Mr Adam Trundle.

It was a particularly enthusiastic celebration as little Trund' (as he's affectionately known) has just recovered from a particularly horrible bout of pneumonia.  The put-you-in-the-hospital-miss-Christmas-kind.  It was horrible to see him so ill, so this weekend was all the sweeter for having his energy, health and sarcasm back among us.  As he missed his favourite time of year we decided to turn his Birthday weekend into a mini Christmas break resplendent with tree, crackers, hats and all.

We bowled, we took a trip to the flicks, we ate, we watched classic Trundle movies/TV, we ate, we laughed, we ate... It was awesome.  I am super proud of my gorgeous little brother.  He is a fine young man and now able to grow a fine beard :)  Happy Birthday Abi.  May this year be full of adventure and no more trips to the hospital xx

Overdubbing & Outtakes: Best Rewind Ever!

 

This was even more fun to make than it was to watch.  Our attempt at a joint rewind video for 24-7 Prayer goes rather wrong when the batteries for the mic go bye bye.   Thankfully Scot's fabulous kids Mimi and Evan save the day with some fabulous overdubbing.  Scot also, quite mercilessly includes some rather embarrassing outtakes from Friday's filming.  I am supposed to be leading people in prayer but I keep stumbling over words and tripping over.  Oh well.  Maybe I have a future in comedy.  Check it out and subscribe to 24-7's YouTube channel here.

Freezing my fingers off

Today has been fantastic!  I've been chilled to the bone, stared at by passers by and generally made a wee fool of myself all for a good cause. 24-7 Prayer is putting out a series of videos, a podcast in fact, to help lead people in prayer through the season of lent.  I'm one of the hosts/pray-ers for the season and today Georgina, Scot and I tried out our ideas around various spots in Chichester.

There are many, rather embarrassing, outtakes in the possession of Miss Micklewright.  My reputation is in her hands.  Everything from the moment I read "Mary went to the hill country..." as "Mary went to the kill country..." to many explosive laughs and funny faces.  I loved praying through passages about Jesus washing his friends' feet and Mary's song of praise and vines and branches and more.  I think the podcast is going to be brilliant.  

We also filmed a rather amusing little trailer for it that Scot is editing together.  As soon as it's live I'll post it here for everyone to check out.  That's all for me - I think I may need a nap.  Having a camera pointed at you all day is surprisingly tiring!

Sunny days...

Working within the 24-7 Prayer movement, I’m never sure where each month will take me. Will I be abroad? Who am I going to meet? How often will I be commuting? What nations am I going to learn more about? There’s never a dull moment when you’re a small part of a viral, international, groundswell of prayer, mission and justice in the Christian tribes. The variety definitely spices up my working life!

Today I woke up to a beautiful clear sky and bright sunshine – the perfect day to take a trip east, along the coast to Brighton. Archie Coates, the leader of St Peter’s church, invited me over for lunch to chat about their upcoming 24-7 Prayer Room. As we discussed motivating, envisioning, praying creatively and much more, I was reminded again how much I love what I do. Archie and the guys in his community are in a really exciting place. They have such a love for the city they’re in and he’s so passionate about the need to pray for it. We shared our stories, and talked about the challenges we’d faced and the lessons we’d learned.  It was good to chat it all through because in the last few months I've started investing time in the prayer life and rhythms of Revelation Church.  Always good to hear how others do it.

As I wandered back through the north lanes on my way to the station, a cute faux vintage dress was the perfect topping to a satisfying trip... I love my job.  Someone buys me lunch, we chat, I shop, then travel home to a beautiful Chichester. Ok, so, most of my days aren't this chilled but that just makes me savour this one all the more.

Hair today, gone tomorrow…

Saturday marked the sixth anniversary of the day Stephen and I started dating. It was a blissful day! We slept in, ate a late brunch in town, strolled in the sun, bought flowers, read, talked, had a curry and watched a film together… In the midst of this relaxed day we also lost about a stone in hair…

We’ve needed haircuts for some time so it was with great excitement that we invited the lovely Tracy into our home with her scissors and clippers. I went a little shorter that originally anticipated – and though I think I have a similar hair cut to the one I sported at 3 years old – I like it! Stephen looks rather handsome with his lego hair gone and freshly trimmed beard. It may be six years on but I definitely still fancy him!

From Guatemala to South Korea

I'm barely keeping my head above water at work at the moment. I have so many meetings I'm struggling to find the time to sit in front of my computer and plough through my to-do list.  Sadly, there isn't an imediate end in sight as the next couple of days I'm at a leadership training conference at Holy Trinity Brompton in London.  Oh well... maybe I'll find time to get ahead of the curve at the weekend! 

The problem with my time management is that everything I'm doing is so interesting.  It would be easier to prioritise if there were dull or less important tasks - but when my time is filled with chatting with amazing people all over the world, training new members of staff (Dana and Theresa are lovely!), creating a prayer podcast for lent, organising a meeting of some of my favourite 24-7 peeps next month, checking the manuscript for a new edition of 24-7 book and much more... there's not a lot I'd immediately bump off the list.  Oh well - I'd rather be too busy and love what I do than have time and be thoroughly bored... Having said that, God's been talking to me about Sabbath a lot... but I won't get into that now... it'll take too long and this post is about something else.

Anyway - back on track - I'm typing this at 10pm at night because I've just finished uploading two articles to the 24-7 website: "Guatemalan Youth Pray Peace in Violent City" and "Prayer Journey Through South Korean 24-7 House".  Two excellent stories I've heard in the last month.  Ah - I love getting to chat to amazing people all over the world :)

Eeek! I'm on iTunes!

I was singing in a choir tonight for a recording of the upcoming Ishmael album (legend), when I was suddenly reminded of a late night recording session I'd done last year.  Steve, with his good friend Mr Paul Burton, has produced a series of Christian worship compilations called Encounter Worship. They choose some old classics you love belting out on a Sunday - ah that warm glow of a good chorus - and some of the most engaging modern songs, then re-record them with flare.  The aim is a decent resource for churches around the world.

During the production of Encounter Worship 5 last year Steve called me into his vocal booth and asked if I'd sing something for him.  A little while later I stumbled out and pretty much forgot all about it.  As I was adding my 'aaaa's to tonight's recording I wondered whether that forgotten singing session had turned into a track... it totally has!  Oh my gosh - I know this is normal for some people but this is my first lead vocal on a track available on iTunes, Amazon, etc.  Eeek!  You can have a listen to a sample here.  I love to sing and though I'm nothing spectacular it is very gratifying to get to sing such a great song on an album like this.  :)

Phew it's Friday!

What a crazy week!  I've spent more time in meetings than I have in front of my computer able to do work for or from said meetings. Yikes!  It's been fun :)  I've talked about books, films, 24-7 Prayer Rooms, resources, databases, making the most of your time (oh the irony), the USA, Asia and much more.  I've responded to emails from Australia, Guatemala, Switzerland, Austria and a bunch of other places and right now I am happy to be finishing up for the weekend.  It's been productive, it's been fun and it's most certainly been tiring.  I love the new London office.  It's great to be working around the team again and it gives me a chance to film lovely things like the below.  So as I sign off for the weekend I thought I'd post the video so you can all meet Theresa.  Theresa is my newest friend/colleague and does my job for the UK (I look abroad :)  Love to you all and good night...

Fasting & Feasting, Celebration & Control

After a holiday week of feasting I'm making a concerted effort to eat well and avoid snacking.  Unfortunately not all of me has gotten the memo.  My tummy's acting like a petulant toddler throwing noisy fits when it doesn't get it's way.  "Feed me!" it gurgles... "With lovely carbohydraty goodness!"  When you're sitting in front of a laptop in your living room, with the fridge in eye shot, it takes some concentration to remind it who's boss.  

Being hungry does make me think about the journey I've been on in the last year...  Before I explain indulge me as I give you some context...

I am blessed to say that aside from the odd pang of envy or sigh of longing I'm generally happy with my body and how I look.  I believe women should be healthy, fit and celebrate what God has given them with confidence, modesty and creativity.  I despise dieting culture.  Why should everyone be a size zero?  If that is how God made you, and how your metabolism works, and you're happy and healthy - more power to ya sister.  But, if you have to starve yourself to get there I have to ask, 'Why?"  Popular concepts of the perfect womanly shape change with surprising speed throughout history (even throughout the last century).  Why try to fit a mould?  Why not embrace what you have and make it the best it can be?  In addition to such thoughts I love food: the many flavours, textures and combinations we can explore.  I love that it is an excellent catalyst for social situations and (yes) a comfort when the world seems bleak.  Sadly that last part tips me to the other side of the coin... 

I love food a little too much.  I have turned to chocolate, crisps, chips and much more when I've felt down.  It's familiar, comforting and triggers these little chemicals in my brain that make me feel good.  I love that God made food enjoyable.  It could just be fuel but instead it can be sensational.  I gradually realised over the last year or so that my love of that gift had tipped into something unhealthy... unhealthy for my body and my mind.  

Just over a year ago I reached the day when I had to buy a size up in jeans.  I decided to check how much I weigh.  As numbers appeared on our electronic scales I was shocked.  I was a good 2 stone heavier than I was when I considered myself healthy and fit.  I was a stone and a half heavier than my BMI range recommends.  It was a bit of a wake up call, "maybe I should reign it in?"  

That turned out to be harder than I expected.  In truth, what I eat isn't particularly unhealthy, it's more the quantity and frequency that was the problem. The more I started to try and change my habits the more I realised how moody I got when I was hungry and how much of my thought was taken up by food.  I made slow, half hearted progress for about ten months.  It took a change in the way I thought to make a real difference...

'“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial." 1 Cor 10:23

The teaching of Paul on self control to the church in Corinth, was a passage that came back to mind again and again in the last year.  Is my motive to love God before myself, to treat His gift of my body and life with respect and care?  The words of Richard Foster in "The Celebration of Discipline" started to take on new meaning.  Fasting, he explains is not primarily about depriving yourself or even prayer, it is about worship and descipleship.  Is pursuing God really my first concern?

"More than any other discipline, fasting reveals the things that control us." Richard Foster

Put like that it all sounds quite serious. Yikes!  Best way for me to prove myself food wasn't in control was to get healthy.  Healthy in my weight, and healthy in my mind.  I joined weightwatchers last autumn (hang on didn't I say I hated diet culture - well honestly I don't think ww is about dieting - it's about self control and healthy balance!).  I set a goal weight somewhere in the middle of my BMI range and I set to work re-educating my body.  By Christmas I reached my goal and felt so much better.  It wasn't just that I'm fitter and my old jeans fit again, it's the knowledge that what and when I can eat isn't one of the determining factors of how good my day will be.  

I still love food.  I still feast!  Only now I can choose to feast and enjoy it rather than living in a pretty much constant state of special eating.  I've found new things I love and still eat chocolate, cake, crisps, chips and many other scrummy things... I actually think I enjoy them more now.  As my tummy grumbles reminding me that I still haven't made lunch, I think I'll probably have to be aware of this tendency throughout my life.  I always want food to be something I enjoy.  As I enjoy it, I'll thank God for it.... Right... I think I'll have some roasted butternut squash for lunch :)

Good friends, good food, great conversation

Steve and I have returned to a quiet home and bulging inboxes after a week in the sleepy seaside town of Frinton-on-Sea.

It was blissful.  

For many years, over many meals, the Hardings and the Hawkins have dreamed about the day we retreat from our regular lives to take more than an evening in each other's company.  Last week, those wistful conversations became a reality... in a secluded little place on the English coast we made the time to walk and talk, eat and talk, laugh and talk, to nap, watch some 30 Rock, and then do it all again.  

Ed, Jenny and Freddie made wonderful companions to our hermit like holiday style and are, quite frankly, two very entertaining and interesting people to spend a week with.  I whipped through a few more books, discovered a whole new comedy series and generally revelled an agenda-less life.  I also thoroughly enjoyed long conversations with Jenny by the sea shore, realising the Ed and I are food buddies and time to get to know the little person that is Freddie - oh yes ladies, he may yet be one year old but he's already a charmer!  

Mid-week my handsome husband turned the grand age of 33 (or as he liked to refer to it - the Jesus age).  We had a lovely day in Bury St Edmonds buying a second hand guitar, browsing book shops (we have no willpower when it comes to second hand books - especially classics!) and generally enjoying each other's company.  It was a very peaceful way to mark the year and I hope it will carry forward into 2011.  

Actually his birthday got me thinking... I turn 30 this year!  I'm already cooking up some party ideas (currently they're all down the Pixar/fancy dress route - eek!)  Anyway before I get side tracked I should finish up... Really should tackle my inbox before Sunday turns to Monday and meetings take my week away... Ah, to go back to Frinton and do it all again :)

The Harding's are on Holiday!

Today Steve and I embark on a much anticipated holiday.  We're packing up the car and taking off with Ed, Jenny and Freddie Hawkins to Frinton, a sweet little English seaside town on the Essex coast.  I will probably embrace the life of a luddite for the week and unplug from the cyber-world, but I may briefly pop in here to say 'hi', you never know.  So, until next week I bid you adue. (Er... how do you spell that?)

Take a deep breath...

The calm before the storm... I type this from my sofa, my husband across the room and a good film on the TV... this feels like a precious moment, the deep breath before the plunge into what generally is one of the most demanding and rewarding weeks of my year.

Between now and Wednesday I'll be sending hundreds of emails, dealing with dozens of last minute arrangements and generally dotting every 'i' and crossing every 't' in the preparations for one of my most anticipated of 24-7 events... our International Gathering.  I cannot wait to board my flight from Heathrow, early Thursday morning and making my way to Edinburgh to see some of my favourite people around the world and (I am sure) make some friends to add to the aforementioned group in years to come.  

I am savouring tonight... a good curry, a lovely glass of wine and a cup of tea have lulled me into a most pleasing state of relaxation... so much so I no longer have the energy to type... xc

Coming up for air

Wow, things are more than a little hectic right now.  I really don't have time to blog.  My life is almost entirely focused on this little gathering thing that's happening next week.  I'm not stressed... nooo... no panicking here... actually I'm not doing to bad, just need to keep my head down and sleep well and I'll be hunky dory.  I have lots I want to write about when I get out the other side of 'Magnify' like all the amazing books I've been reading, some thoughts I've been having on prayer and just a general this is what life is like at the mo (like how cute is my niece Eden getting - above!).  For now an updated reading and film list will be all I have time for.  See you on the other side. Love xc

Happy Birthday to Me

Today I turn the grand old age if 29... and I have to say, so far so fantastic. The last few weeks have been insane (hence the blog silence) with every spare moment not spent on Magnify (24-7's Int'l gathering - less than a month away!), or The DeLoreans, or saying goodbye to the first of our two house mates has been devoted to preparing four (yes four) talks I'm giving at really cool looking mission school in Glasgow in the next two days. It's a new challenge for me as I've yet to prepare and give that many talks in such a short space of time but (now I'm prepared) I'm really looking forward to it. 

So, 29! Last year of my 20s which several people on FaceBook feel it's important to point out. Doesn't freak me out. I've had an amazing nine years, few regrets and an exciting present. I was walking across a Tesco car park last night when it struck me how much I have to be grateful for. I'll blog more about my thoughts on the last year in particular later this week. (Been interesting to finish a journal so close to a Birthday, reading through the last six months of writing I realised there's a lot that's developed) I'm writing this on my iPhone, sitting in my lounge feeling content after a pastry breakfast and a picnic lunch in the Cathedral cloisters all spent on the company of my lovely husband. Steve usually works at festivals during August, I think this is the first time we've both been at home on my B'day since we started dating! It's bliss. A chilled out Oasis in what has been a very full time.

From the Sea-shore to Shepton Mallet

 

Steve took this photos as we got ourselves stranded on a rapidly depleting spit of sand at West Witterings beach on Sunday night.  Every time I venture to this beautiful part of our southern coastline I wonder why I'm not here every day. It never fails to put the world into perspective, blow away the stress from my muscles and mind with it's salty breeze and send me home ready to sleep like baby.  Pure bliss, and only 15 minutes from our door.  I'm mad; I should live there... well... if it didn't cost the earth.

Tonight Steve and I go on another road trip (this one will be much longer than 15 minutes) to the Royal Bath and West Show-ground for the Christian festival New Wine.  I'm speaking to 12-13 year olds about persistent prayer and saying a quick hello to all the 24-7ers and my lovely sister and soon to be brother in law who are working there.  Should be fun.  I've come up with a rather random but potentially amazing modern retelling of the persistent widow in Luke 18.  It's not perfect but it will definitely get some attention.  As I go through my third draft of my talk and put together my powerpoint the words of the Bible notes I read this morning stay with me; "...my word goes out from my mouth, it will not come back empty, but will accomplish what I desire to achieve..." Isaiah 55:11.  It gives me peace. I'll do my best tonight but really it's up to God to 'increase his word' in the hearts and minds of the people listening... xc

One World, 24 Hours, 6 Billion Perspectives

I am in love with this concept... and yes I am feeling dramatic today (might be something to do with my renewed energy after a full night's sleep!)  Ridley Scot is championing an intriguing new project that will be shown at Sundance next year directed by... well anyone who wants to have a go.

Life in a Day is a film that will use the video diaries that thousands of YouTube users around the globe will make on one single day... This Saturday 24th July 2010 people will be roaming your streets recording what life is like in your corner of the world.  Anyone from a phone camera owner to an aspiring film maker can help document a single day on planet earth.  Exciting heh?

This Saturday I'm actually at a Wedding, I don't know what that means permission wise in terms of filming but as I'll be doing it on my iPhone rather than on my HD camera (it's playing hard to get with my import software) it's unlikely my footage will be used.  I may join in anyway and submit something because I just love the idea... I think it may be a moment in film history.  

If you fancy joining me and many others in this fun little project you kind find out more here.

Pete Greig Makes a Wee Video for 'Magnify'

I've just had the most amazing day with the 24-7 Prayer International Team. Jon Petersen's over from the states (ah there's something so reassuring about Jon... he reminds me of Aslan) and Etienne Piek was visiting from South Africa!  Etienne brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye with testimonies of what's happening in India (yes - I am a soft touch) and Jon wowed me with plans for training the leaders of 24-7 Boiler Rooms around the world.  At the end of much discussion, eating, drinking and prayer I grabbed Etienne and my mate Pete to make a few wee videos.  First up is the above film about why Pete's excited about 'Magnify', the international gathering that's consuming my work life at the moment.  Take a look.  Second, I made Etienne stand in front of a camera and recount the stories that made me get embarrassingly emotional.  You can see those next week on the 24-7 international site... I'll probably post them here too.  Now I find myself at a loss.  It's been all go and now my evening plans have been unexpectedly cancelled... Hmmm what now... book, film, walk?  xc

Happy Talk

I really need to carve out some time this week for prayer and study. My usual rhythm isn’t going to cut it. I’m speaking twice on behalf of 24-7 Prayer next week, first I’m in Shepton Mallet for New Wine and then at The Wave, a brilliant community week in Haslemere. I’m still at the stage where I take hours over praying, thinking and whittling down each talk I share, so I’m currently combing through my diary, making sure I’ve made allowances. Thankfully – through no forward planning on my part – this week is relatively free in the evenings. Study time booked, rough ideas of what I’ll prepare in my mind, all I need now is a companion… 

Anyone free on Tuesday or Thursday next week and fancy coming with me? My lovely partner in crime, Emma Nicholson, who usually accompanies my on speaking engagements, is jetting off to the USA so currently I’m flying solo. This is challenging for two reasons… 1. I don’t like going it alone; it’s much more fun and a lot less stressful when I’m with someone and 2. Er… I know I’m 28 but I still can’t drive. I love trains so it’s no big deal if I need to mission it but speaking on behalf of 24-7 highlights my lack of vehicular abilities and makes me think that I may need to ask for driving lessons for my Birthday next month. Oh well… 

If anyone fancies joining me, drop me a line. Love xc

Birthday BBQ with the Hardings

 

I just got sent this lovely little pic of my niece and I. It was snapped at this afternoon's Birthday BBQ for my brother in law Nick. I'm so fortunate to have married into such a generous, loving and amusing family. Happy Birthday Bro! xc