Amazed & Confused

Three Years...

Today is the third anniversary of the day Stephen and I made vows to one another before friends, family and God. Today we celebrate by looking back together, sifting through the memorabilia and reminding ourselves of the promises we made. One quote shared by a good friend and tucked away in our Wedding box made me pause and smile. These words are true... 

"Being in love is a good thing but it is not the best thing. Love is a deep unity, maintained by the will and deliberately strengthened by habits re-enforced by the grace which both patterns ask to receive from God... On this love the engine of marraige is run, being in love was the explosion that started it." CS Lewis

A Little Light Reading

I absolutely love to read.  There is something magical about opening a book, locating the first word and (with luck) falling immediately into a world that captivates and enthrals.  Not every tale grabs me so, I'm definitely describing my ideal.  Sadly I tend to only experience such immediate and complete immersion in a story about once a year; but with every crisp new spine, every un-touched page there is the potential for something like...

"The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed."

or

"Mr & Mrs Dursley, of number four Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."

or even

"When Mr Bilbo Baggins of Bag End announced that he would soon be celebrating his eleventy-first birthday with a party of special magnificence, there was much talk and excitement in Hobbiton..."

Each of these books has enraptured me at different points in my life.  I feel gratitude to their authors whenever I glance their spines on our bookshelf.  The Lord of the Rings was my companion after late nights on the streets of Ibiza.  The conclusion of Harry Potter's saga was read aloud on my living room sofa through an outpouring of tears.  The tail of Roland Deschain and the Dark Tower (probably still one of the richest pieces of writing I've delved into) found it's conclusion/continuation on our Honeymoon.

Memories of these books lead me to others, more first lines that took me to unexpected places...

"My suffering left me sad and gloomy."

"I'd never given much thought to how I would die..."

And the timeless...

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife."

Each book is filled with people I've learned from... others I've loathed... heros, villains, victims and bystanders who's lives have become as familiar as my neighbours.  Many have taken up residence in the culdasac of my imagination.  As I began to compile the stack of books pictured above for the holiday Steve and I are embarking on today, I started hoping that hidden within their pages may be one or two new additions to my most loved list.  Many of these titles I've been hoping to read for some time and with five days of nothing ahead of me I look forward to exploring them...

An Opulent Sensory Overload

This weekend has been an assault on the senses... light, colour, curry, bangra, dancing, tight hugs, wide smiles, exclamations of joy and moments of touching beauty.  Steve, the Trundle clan and I flew to Northern Ireland to celebrate the Wedding of our old friend Pawan to the breathtaking Naomi.  Though technically this is the second Hindu wedding I've witnessed, the first was so long ago my memory of it somewhat resembles the list above.  Our weekend in Belfast was a cornucopia of colour, symbolism and promise with a rather challenging priority and honour given to the whole family, maybe especially grandparents.  It was interesting to watch as two people made life long vows to each other in such a different way to Steve and I...

I did find it strange however that Pawan is a grown man!  In my mind he is perpetually the eight year old I used to hang out with and his Mum, Indu, is the woman who introduced me to curry and spicy chips.  The Bedi Wedding was simultaneously a trip down memory lane and an eyeopening reminder that the road goes ever on and on (in the words of a hairy footed, small bloke).  For Pawan and Naomi I pray that God blesses them even more than He has blessed us and I hope that our paths cross again without the excuse of nuptials in future.

Family Fortunate

I do not underestimate how fortunate I am to have such a wonderful, loving family.  My parents are still married and still in love (no mean feet in this day and age) after twenty nine years of marriage and most encouragingly they still have a sense of humour and seem to really enjoy each other's company.  They teach me a lot about being a wife and the kind of reward investing in each other brings.  Home has always been a place of security, rest and never in my 28 years (yes I was pretty much a honeymoon baby) doubted that I am loved.  I don't mean to sound like I'm bragging... I'm just really grateful.  The older I get, the more of the world I see, the more precious my family home seems.  

I'm pretty fortunate on the sibling front too.  I have a gorgeous brother and a wonderful sister who I would love and want as my close friends even if I wasn't blessed to share genetics with them.  They have the ability to make me laugh until I cry with an enthusiastically told story and exaggerated gesticulations.  

It's interesting... I've just finished 1Timothy and I'm thinking about contentment.  How do we master the ability to keep want and need in perspective, to live in perpetual gratitude and appreciate exactly what we have.  I think my family teaches me this.  We are very blessed to have each other but it's not been all plain sailing in our family story.  There have been difficult times, especially for my parents, but something has always given them/us strength and a way through.  God is a massive part of that... I think the faithfulness my parents have taught each of us is a big part of it too...  I don't really have a cohesive end to this thought.  Just wanted to share my thanks prompted by my visit home this weekend.  I absolutely loved seeing Mum, Dad and Adam.  I missed Lisa though I'm excited to hear how her weekend in New York went.  I hope in the decades to come that I'm able to provide the kind of home for our children that Mum and Dad did for us. xc

Greetings from Thun

I love Switzerland.  It is a very peaceful and beautiful city.  We nearly didn't make it, small hiccup of entering the wrong country at Basel, soon corrected and here we are.  Today the International Prayer Team met in Susanna's lovely community home here in this alpine city.  We talked global vision, inspiration, training and much more and all in all I'm quite worn out from an engaging, moving and surprising day.  I'll tell more soon but now I'm heading to bed to wake refreshed for one more day with my favourite Swiss person.  Guten naucht.

A Birthday Treat!

 

My lovely husband treats me to one of my favourite facial hair styles on this my 28th Birthday :)

Things that make me happy #3

Declaring Stilleto Sunday and wearing foxy heals to church :)

Food, friends & 24-7: A month of Tweets

Carla is back to normal: no transatlantic travel, road tripping for hours to sing or MCing at exciting events. Emails can be exciting right?

Carla just had the most wonderful lunch catching up with Charlotte and Helen. I have missed my girls in all my crazy adventures lately.

Carla is packing up her stuff in the current 24-7 London office. I'll be really sad to leave this place.

Carla has officially transitioned to summer skirts

Carla loves @petegreig video podcast - pray for Europe! Eye of the Tiger! http://www.24-7prayer.com/b...

Carla is amazed how fast word is spreading! If your of the praying to Jesus persuasion the 24-7 PrayerCast just went live on iTunes!

The 24-7 PrayerCast has only been live on iTunes for seven hours(ish) and it's #1 on the Religion and Spirituality chart! That's mental!

Carla loves Freeman's 24-7 Video PrayerCast! Man of wisdom and passion leading us in prayer for Euro Government: http://tinyurl.com/mq46t5

Carla loved filming the 24-7 PrayerCast from inside an MP's office yesterday! Amazing to be there at such a crazy time http://tinyurl.com/ku5aej

Carla knows watching herself on camera is never easy... but why hasn't anyone told me about my overactive facial expressions?

Carla leads the Amen on the 24-7 PrayerCast this morning http://tinyurl.com/lexbd7 It's amazing to be part of this fantastic movement.

Carla may have potentially eaten too many cherries

Carla was really shocked by be reality of people trafficking when editing this morning's PrayerCast http://tinyurl.com/kq5pd9

Carla is trying not to be jealous of the weather in Ibiza as she prays with Brian on the 24-7PrayerCast this morning http://tinyurl.com/lz85pl

Carla broke into a cold sweat when she realised she hasn't backed up her MacBook in a few months! Go BackUp Go!

Carla is editing a study guide for The Vision & The Vow on her way to London

Carla is going for lunch with 24-7ers in Covent Garden wearing a Tanzanian necklace in my hair... http://yfrog.com/0tpm2uj

Carla is re-visiting the Lord's Prayer afresh...

Carla is planning a delicious lunch... freshly baked rolls, thick bacon, brie and avocado... I think I'm drooling.

Today's 24-7PrayerCast given by my all time favourite Swiss person! Susanna on a passionate call to discipleship http://tinyurl.com/nkslfv

Carla is supping on hot Ribena and trying to ignore her permanently twitching eye

Carla is thinks she has truly mastered taking pleasure in small things when she is do ridiculously pleased with her shiny new fridge :)

Carla is catching 40 winks before slapping on the war paint for tonight’s gig

Carla thinks cheese and crackers are the perfect post-gig come down nosh

Carla is blank

Carla’s 1st thought when asked, "What one thing would u ask God for?" was "To be able to fly!" 2nd thought "But not if it would give me big calves."

Carla is Ultra Magnus

Carla is watching a captivating performance of Oklahoma. Tempts me back to musical theatre...

Carla is on fire... eat dirt to-do list!

Carla has found a fatal flaw in her to-do list plan. The biggest jobs aren't on it so I'm making headway but the red alerts are still taunting me...

Wow... judging by this I am one shallow person... :)

Diet House of Sven

It's been a busy few weeks and though I slept like a baby last night I woke up with larger bags under my eyes than yesterday... why?  It's the summer season so the DeLoreans are booked pretty solid with grand birthday parties and beautiful Weddings and though I'm becoming a better roadie (I may actually be developing arm muscles) my body hasn't quite adjusted to being up til 3am each Saturday night.  I used to do that all the time, it was nothing... back in the Uni days we'd be out at Shieks and eating Marmite on Toast til the wee hours and then up and out for an 8.30 Ballet class.  I am officially getting old cause now I'm tired for a few days!  

Our lovely Korean housemate Sun has left us for the summer to explore the wilds of Brighton and take a further English course.  Actually the house is quite quiet cause Steve's also away in Bristol this week so it's just Itzi and I.  I really miss Steve when he's away... I am officially pathetic... so I fill the house with all the things Steve's allergic to so I have something to enjoy in his absence: pasta, lillies, filing...  Small pleasures :)

The Beach at Sunset

We live in an incredible beautiful place.  Sunday night Steve and I were escaping for some time together wondering what to do.  Repelled by a long queue at the cinema we decided to take a spontaneous trip to the beach.  West Witterings was almost deserted and as we walked to the shore and paddled in the big blue moist the sun threw pinks and oranges across the sky.  The sea air and the natural beauty of this particular beach practically drain anxiety from my body and mind.  I cannot help leaving there feeling a great deal more peaceful and closer to God than when I arrived... it's doesn't hurt that it's one of the places I started to fall for my lovely hubby... but then that's a private story for my non-cyber story telling... xc

Latest Vlog: Silence is Golden

Hunger, Borrowed CDs and Lovely People

My first Vlog

Sooo this may be my one and only (embarrassing) attempt at a vlogging.  I have some ideas for 24-7 campaigns later in the year and thought I'd try out how easy this is... answer: the practicalities are easy, the delivery er... xc

BBQs, Housemates and Copious Amounts of Chocolate

Summer has arrived at the House of Sven!  Itzi’s home, Sun Young is settling in and we’ve just had our first BBQ of the summer!  It was fabulous J  Copious amounts of lime and mango marinated Chicken, Tesco finest Sausages and the obligatory burgers; Cous Cous, Potato and Tomato and Mozzarella salads.  Yum yum.  Craigus and Stephen were all manly with the fire pit and I went to town on the chocolate stuffed bananas that we have now dubbed Banocolattie Hotties!  It was a special evening, relaxed, full of laughter and my whole household is finally home.  Bliss.

Nerdfighters Unite!

It will come as little surprise to anyone who has known me for any length of time in either my cyber or real incarnation that I am a geek.  'No!' I hear you cry - 'say it isn't true'.  Sadly it is.  I am a card carrying, fan forum checking, encyclopedia reading, podcast listening, fanfic writing geek (actually I lie about the card but I'd be open to gaining one)...  and I am ashamed no more.  Through a fan Podcast that shall remain nameless I came across two American brothers with a unique voice and following in the Blogosphere.  Ladies and Gentlemen - meet the Vlog Brothers aka the Nerdfighters aka Hank and John Green.  After a You Tube experiment within which the brothers only communicated via video for a year (or something like that) a phenomena was born... and I love it.  Today's video made me chuckle so I thought I'd share... xc

Rees & Julie's Wedding

I love Weddings.  Good job really because it wasn't that long ago that Steve and I were invited to thirteen in one year.  It was a Wedding endemic and though each and every one was lovely, it's hard to get enthusiastic when you're going to so many.  This year however is quite different.  Probably because most of our friends are married.  This year we have a very conservative three Weddings - so each one is a delight!  Monday was our first and long anticipated.  Steve 'Rees' Cowley of Steve-Oversol-DeLoreans fame married the very beautiful Juli Fox... and boy did she look like a fox.  It was a simple beautiful ceremony and a lovely celebration.  After a weekend of rain the sun came out with gusto and shone upon ridiculously good looking guests.... Hurrah for Mr & Mrs Cowley.  

Glossing over the detail...

This morning I keep catching a view of different parts of my body and sporting daubs of gloss paint I hadn't realized I'd knelt in/ stepped in/ elbowed / ???? While Steve and all our lodgers are away I have been attacking our tired looking home armed with brushes, rollers, paint and audio books. I am absolutely loving giving the place a face lift. I was only supposed to do a few jobs but as my obsessive OCD kicked in I've been up until midnight most nights learning the art of a steady hand. I thought I might be going too far when I found myself climbing out our bathroom window (I am not as flexible as I used to be) and standing on extention's roof to attack the outside. Will post photos but right now I'm looking forward to showing Steve first :) xc

Judgement, TV and Obsessive Painting

Yesterday, after literally months of thought and preparation, I finally spoke to my lovely Church about 1 Corinthians 5 & 6:1-11.  I have never found a subject more challenging to prepare for or deliver, and though it was a great growing experience I am so relieved it's all over.  If you'd like to hear my talk on the hot potato of judgement you can stream it from the Revs site or download it as a wma here: Download Different to the World   (Sorry mac users, the recording guys seem to be anti mp3).  It was an interesting topic to explore as it's very unpopular within our culture and as I started to expand what we were going to be looking at together you could literally hear a pin drop.  I have never seen my Church so quiet or attentive.  Thankfully no one stoned me and though it wasn't perfect I think I managed to get my point across. 

Today the wonderful world of fiction has opened back up to me.  My spare time is my own again and I'm looking forward to being deliberately shallow with episodes or Ally McBeal, 24, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and Lost tempting me away from all the painting and chores I've set myself for the coming week.  I'm getting a little obsessive about how the house looks.  I started painting one wall and one set of skirting boards and then a frenzy took me and I was painting until midnight.  The house is looking smarter... very satisfying.

The Art of Procrastination

Saturday morning I perfected the art of procrastinating.  Not only did I do all my chores (even the ones I had previously been avoiding) but I suddenly got the urge to bake.  A slightly ill judged and frustrating hour later I emerged triumphant (and covered in flour) with Millionaires Shortcake and Oat Crunchies.  I had successfully managed to fill my whole morning up to the moment where I had to leave for Julie Fox's Hen Day :)  An afternoon of games, challenges and dressing the bride in toilet paper and bin liners ensued (I think she looks quite fetching) and was rounded off by a delicious meal out with all her lovely lady friends.  I love Hen Days.  People are so generous and it's such a special moment in life...

I returned home to a different kind of celebration and found Steve and the lovely Craig Newey tasting our entire Whisky collection.  I fell about laughing when I saw how seriously they were taking it with a little jug of water on stand by and a piece of paper each on which they were describing and ranking the whiskies.  Actually I was a little envious, it looked like fun :)

Sunday, after an excellent gathering of the Revs community (more on that later) I put all procrastination aside and knuckled down to the task that will be occupying my thoughts for the majority of this week... preparing my talk for next Sunday.  Thankfully I already feel I know what I want to communicate so I'm entering the refining and structuring phase of the preperations.  I don't know why I get so nervous about it.  I've really enjoyed studying for this one and the topics quite a challenge (more on that even later) and I'm speaking a home crowd so really it should be ok.  I've been studying Paul (my talk is from 1 Corinthians) and I love what he said about purposefully keeping his presentation of the gospel simple so the power of the Holy Spirit could do his thing and Paul could take no credit for the results.  I'd love to be able to do that... keep it simple and trust God will give it strength... xc

Images from a sunny weekend...

This weekend was simultaneously wonderful and weird.  Full of lovely people, romantic meals and walks in the sunshine.  It was only slightly sullied but a poorly tummy.  Steve and I particularly enjoyed dinner with the Harding siblings and a morning walk with our Nephew Judah :)

I officially acknowledged the sun with enthusiastic toenails. I am now prepared for any summer foot related eventuality: open toed shoes, a bare foot walk on the beach or having my foot run over by a bus...

I've also banished my winter boots in favour of my colourful trainers, slip ons and flip flops.  I love the little burst of colour by my front door :)

We ended the weekend leading worship at the Revs evening meeting.  Steve did a super job (I was totally rubbish running out of energy just as the meeting started) and Maggie Ellis gave a superb talk about sex.  Check out the Revs website in the next few days to listen to it for yourself - highly recommended! xc

Today is a sad day...

Our lovely house mate Fumino Kimura has just pulled away in a taxi, beginning her long journey back to Japan.  A year ago, when we were preparing for Fumino's arrival, we were hoping to learn something about Japanese culture, to have a nice new house mate and maybe even a friend.  What we didn't expect was someone who feels so much a part of our family.  We love Fumino and sharing our home with her for the last 300 and something days has been a real joy.  I embarrassed myself (and maybe her) by crying as she left but I don't care, I am grateful that we got to share our lives with someone so lovely, who was on such a large, important and formative adventure in her life.  Fumino we pray God keeps you safe and happy as you continue your studies back in Japan.  In the mean time back here at the House of Sven it's weird to think that another young woman, Sun Young Park from Korea, will be arriving in a few short weeks.  Steve, Itzi (our other lovely Spanish house mate who joined me in crying in the street) and I will welcome them warmly and will hopefully make a new friend, but between now and then the three of us will be missing Fumino's presence every time we sit down to share dinner together... xc

Sunshine & Blossoms

Today is a glorious day here in the sunny city of Chichester.  The sun is shining, the blossoms are adorning the trees and freshly washed dogs are lying lazily in the sun.  The quality of the light in Spring has an incredible effect on the inhabitants of England.  Nobly knees and pasty legs are being proudly displayed, sunglasses are giving everyone that hint of mystery and there are smiles curving the corners of even the most serious faces.  It makes me grateful to live in such a beautiful place... xc

Visitors

The last two days have brought as many welcome visitors into my working week.  Yesterday in the London 24-7 office Miss Angel Togwell put me through my paces with tickles, rocking and questions.  She was particularly helpful in cheering up the office with lovely drawings that I've now stuck into my journal and at helping me finish my special fizzy lemonade (pelle-pelle-grino-time).  Sorry Toggers I think she's hooked and it aint cheap... Today the lovely Sheena Littlehale is sitting at my dining room table volunteering for 24-7 Prayer.  I haven't seen Sheena in three years and though I have kept up now and again via cyber-means there is no substitute for a cup of tea and conversation. Hmmmm lovely. xc

Four Years

On the 12th of February 2005, Stephen Harding kissed me after the 24-7 Birthday celebration IAM5.  After months of chess, adventures and conversations my friend Sven became my Boyfriend Steve.  It's really weird, I loved his nickname but I've not felt right calling him Sven ever since...

Ten months later, on the 14th of December, Steve asked me to be his wife in the beautiful and uber romantic Venice, Italy...

On the 4th November 2006 we were joined in Holy Matrimony by our beloved friends Pete and Samie Greig and then I embarked on a new chapter of my life with a different name and funny fuzzy companion...

I was looking back through the photos of the last four years and I had to grin at the number of costume parties we feature in: Mexicans with Mustaches (above), Tonks & Lupin, Leia & Vader, Pavarotti & the Queen.  Is it normal to dress up this much?

Even though we're now old marries I'm getting to live out my teen fantasy of singing in a band with my best friend... and Steve... only joking.  I feel very blessed that we've had such a fun and colourful four years.  Here's to the next four... xc  

The Beauty of Snow Days

Snow is magical.  Tiny crystals of ice fluttering down from above making even the most industrial of landscapes beautiful.  Snow has brought excitement, adventure and an unexpected holiday to the city of Chi.  Simple pleasures... xc

Food Glorious Food

I love it. I miss it. Yesterday I started to feel ill, that stomach churning, throat contracting nausea that makes you curl up on the sofa wishing you could throw up 'cause you'd probably feel better.  Sadly my stomach of iron was enjoying the fight.  I can't work out if I've given myself food poisoning from frozen soup or have a normal tummy bug... surely food poisoning wouldn't last into the next day??  I'm wrapped in a blanket sitting on my sofa feeling hungry and sick in turns.  So far I have resisted food in the hope of starving it out but I'm rubbish at this.  I love food.  I really enjoy eating.  It's really annoying when it's involuntarily taken away from you. Fasting to show God you love him more than your own comfort is one thing, but feeling like your gonna puke and not being able to cheer yourself up with a some crisps dipped in caramelized onion humous is quite another... oh well at least it gives me the time to finish The Shack. 

The Joys of a Curry/Admin Hurricane

So Steve's Birthday celebrations have drawn to a close with smiles on our faces and slightly queasy tummies.  Last night we had a bunch of good friends round for a Massala Gate curry before meeting even more friends at the Nags Head for some Birthday drinks.  My queasy tummy comes not from alcohol but from eyes bigger than my belly.  Passanda, Rogan Josh, Madras, Rezela and Tikka Massala sauces, though individually yummy, don't blend well in the stomach.  So my lovely husband is another year older and another step closer to the amp he wants (my valiant attempt at buying a £500 Chesterfield armchair for him at a tenth of the price was dashed at the last second - the frustration of E-Bay! There were tears).  

Anyway - now I look ahead at a week of hard work.  Well by hard work I mean copious amounts of administration.  There's no getting away from it.  The DeLoreans band is becoming even more popular with more booking forms to chase, songs to be learnt and dates to be co-ordinated.  We have a worship team meeting tonight for Revelation Church so there'll be minutes to write, rotas to re-arrange and actions to... well action.  All squeezed around my days executing all the lovely decisions and actions from last week's fantastic 24-7 Prayer international team meetings.  We had such a great and important time together and and exciting changes are afoot... thinking about it, exciting changes are always afoot but I guess that's the nature of a movement... it moves a lot.  I love my life, I love everything I'm involved in but sometimes I am amazed and slightly baffled at the amount of admin it takes to make the world go round... xc

Happy Birthday Steve!

Isn't this the most hideous Birthday Cake you've ever seen?  In my mind it was gonna look awesome... a sumptuous edible masterpiece!  Oh well, thank goodness my Birthday-Boy husband has a decent sense of humour.  Steve-Sleeve-Sven Hardini is 31 today!  Hurrah!  Another year closer to his ultimate dream - all the advantages of old age.  I'm very proud of my man and we will celebrate today with family, friends and great food (Birthday Cake not withstanding)... xc

The International House of Sven Pt. 2

Let me introduce you to the latest addition to the House of Sven: Miss Itziar Lanpreabe Martinez!  Itzi is 23 from Bilboa, Spain and is a breath of fresh air.  Confident, positive and friendly she is a lovely mediterranean addition to our home.  With her arrival we are now four: Steve and I, Itzi and our Japanese housemate Fumino.  It has been a real pleasure to have them in our home, to share life with them and to talk about the differences and similarities between our cultures, languages and beliefs.  It also makes me a little less lonely when Steve takes off on tour as he did this morning *sigh*.  Mr Tim Hughes has kidnapped/invited Steve to join the leg of the Worship Central tour through Holland, Germany and Sweden... I think...  Er maybe I need to listen more carefully to where my hubby's flying off to somewhere... xc

Happy New Year!

The first day of 2009 has been a very social one.  Beginning with a brunch with two old friends, an energetic walk with thirty of my favourite people in the south downs and ending with tea and crumpets with fellow DeLoreans band member Rees and his lovely fiance Julie.  It's been brilliant.

I've always been a bigger fan of New Year's Day than New Year's Eve.  There's something about the fresh start, fresh opportunity and hope that January brings... 

I've made a few frivolous resolutions (read more, listen more, pray more, be kinder) but who knows what will come... I hope good things.

Twas the night before Christmas...

OK it's not night yet, it's actually early afternoon but I am loving the Christmas season. My spirits were nearly brought low by a nasty cough (not very useful when Steve and I have been singing at four Carol/Churchy things in as many days) but I have overcome and am now full of festive cheer.

I said Merry Christmas and goodbye to my two loveliest friends Melon (Helen) and Lottie (Charlotte) yesterday morning over croissants and as Melon (my standard of self control) suggested we open our presents there and then rather than tomorrow morning I am now the proud owner of a mini kitchen compost bin to compliment the new big one the Stewarts gave us a week ago and a lovely matching, hand made hat and pair of gloves in the photo above.  I am spoilt rotten not just by thoughtful eco-friendly gifts but by such wonderful friends with whom I've walked through so much.  For my gift to them I had two canvas prints made of our adventures together in the Czech Republic and Norway for 24-7 Prayer.  They are two very different and wonderful companions for my literal and metaphoric journies in life.

Steve is upstairs as I type wrapping my presents.  I'm such a big kid.  I can't wait to open them!  All his presents and the remaining gifts for our family and friends are now spilling out from beneath our tree and starting to encroach on the rest of the lounge.  The 'Monica' in me is starting to get itchy but it's only one more day until we have the delight of giving it all away :D

Later this afternoon the Revs Choir is leading our community in a candle lit Carol service with mulled wine and mince pies and later tonight, by the magic of video Skype, I'll be waving at my family and reading along with them 'The Night Before Christmas'.  It's traditional that I would be there with them, sitting on my younger brothers bed, passing our slightly fraying copy from person to person (how many years have we been doing this now?) but with the expansion of my family and the changing of my name I'm no longer there each year.  Tonight though we will have the next best thing.  Last year Lisa (incredibly thoughtfully) hunted down an immaculate copy of the out of print edition of the poem we've been reading since childhood.  So now we can read along with Mum, Dad, Lisa and Adam in the midlands :)  Depending on how late that is and how over excited I am we may then make our way, bundled up nice and warm, to Chichester Cathedral for Midnight mass. Carols, gifts, family and Jesus... I can't think of a better way to welcome Christmas. xc  

Invigorating

I love being near the Thames.  It's invigorating to walk in the crisp winter sun and breath in the estuary air (it's not as bad as you'd think).  Today I made the conscious decision to walk an extra 500 metres in order to cross the bridge and get my takeaway tea somewhere sunnier.  I wonder if anyone's thought of sun as a marketing strategy?  If there were some way you could control the weather I bet it would make a huge impact on where people would go...

Holy, Holy, Holy sings the Revelation Church Choir

I have had so much fun the last few months as part of the Revelation Church Choir.  A bunch of 25 people from 16 to 50something have been gathering to sing four part harmonies and have a laugh.  There was such a range of backgrounds and experience from old time singers who've been Christians all their lives to first time choir members who've barely ever stepped into a church.  As we belted out our carols and gospel songs there was such a sense of joy and hope.  What a brilliant way to worship.  

The choir had it's debut last Sunday as part of our Christmas Extravaganza.  The Warehouse was packed with people coming to partake in the mulled wine and the seasonal celebration.  Everything was done so beautifully: from the trees, to the readings, to the funny/important/poignant prayers of our young people.  Dan didn't flinch from the reason for the season and invited two recent members of our Alpha course to come and share their testimonies... I shed a tear.  In the last year both have been a part of the homeless population of Chichester and with the help of Big Love (a recent Revs initiative) and the Alpha course they're off the streets and building new lives for themselves.  There was supposed to be a third guy giving his testimony but he couldn't be there because he'd just been invited by his family to come meet them for the first time in years. How beautiful is that!  Jesus has brought such hope and reconciliation to their lives...

As a little taster of the praise and worship from the meeting the lovely Dan Armstrong commandeered my camera and took a little snap shot for us all to enjoy.  Take a look at Steve's fabulous Christmas jumper! Download Holy Holy Holy, Revelation Choir, Christmas08

Elf Yourself

This is the funniest/disturbing thing I have ever seen... are you ready to dance with the christmas elves?

Ok now I might be getting a little carried away but I couldn't resist making one of the 24-7 International Team.  Pete Greig makes a great elf!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

From A Princess to a Queen

Last week's foray into the shoes of Princess Leia was so enjoyable I thought I'd move up the Royal food chain this weekend and try my hand at a younger Queen Elizabeth II.  Our gorgeous friend (and fabulous Church leader) Miss Eloise Armstrong through a party to celebrate a decade lived in our beautiful city.  Guests were encouraged to arrived dressed as anything related to the number ten sending imaginations running wild.  We had ten commandments, ten year old boys and girls, News at Ten anchors, Tennis stars, Ten Green Bottles and many more tenuous connections (see what I did there).  Steve and I arrived dressed as a rather rotund Tenor and our fair Queen on a Ten Pound Note. You can always rely on Ellie to throw the best bash in town and tonight was no exception (the mini burgers were awesome!).  I eagerly anticipate her most epic party of the year - her annual Christmas bash... xc 

Five Reasons Why I'm An Impostor

I realised to my terror this morning that someone has put this blog in a list of Top Ten UK Female Christian bloggers.  Thank you Andrew 'Tall Skinny Kiwi' Jones for letting me know.  This news strikes terror into my heart and I'm not totally sure why.  I'm bemused.  How does someone I don't know know where to find me in cyber-space?  OK I guess with 24-7 that's not so hard - it's awfully kind of him to hunt me down... I took a look at all the other very noble, intelligent and impressive ladies on the list (including one of my regular reads Miss Jude Smith)and couldn't help wondering 'How on earth did this make it on???'  Compared to the other entrants I am a total impostor.  Here are my reasons why:

1.  My Blog is not pink (ref - TSK's post hehe). 

2.  I happen to be a woman (I am pleased about that) but it's not a particular consideration of my blog just a tacit part

3.  I am a Christian and my faith and growing relationship with Jesus is central to my life but not necessarily or overtly my blog.  I talk about God because I talk about my life, He's in every part.  But I don't (often) ponder doctrine, my theology or even the state of the church.  These conversations are more effective for me with my hubby or with my two best friends who chew over these things over tea and biscuits each week.  

4.  I don't know very much so say very little.

5.  Sometimes I am happily shallow.

Part of me wonders how many UK Female Christian Bloggers there are out there?  When I thought about it most of the chic blogs I read hail from other nations.  Oh well.  It's all a laugh anyway... xc

A Few Days Ago In A Pub Not So Far Away...

Friday night was absolutely fantastic!  They Vestry pub in Chichester was packed with heroes like Shera Princess of Power, Julius Ceaser, Batman and Robin, Wolverine and Jean Grey, Desperate House Wives, Starsky and Hutch and even Captain Kirk beamed in from Birmingham.  The costumes people adorned themselves with for Charlotte’s 30^th Birthday celebration were outlandish and gorgeous.  The DeLoreans played to a packed room full of colour, noise and dancing.  The Vestry is often our best crowd.

To my relief my voice held up pretty well and our new 80s-90s medley (I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Girls Just Wanna Have Fun – Heaven is a Place on Earth – Baywatch Theme Song) went down pretty well.  I absolutely LOVED dressing up as princes Leia and in fact the whole band looked pretty spiffing in our themed costume.  Charlotte Wowed the crowd with her fabulous Shera costume and then embarked on 30 days of blessing where friends and family are queueing up to spoil her in the following 30 days of her 30th year.  Happy Birthday Beautiful Lottie!  An album full of fabulous photos will follow... xc

There is Hope

I guess I shouldn't be surprised by kindness, for an optimist I'm taken aback by the hope I feel today.  Two things have brightened my mind, the first a tap on the shoulder from a stranger in a busy London train station.  I was wrestling with putting my headphones in my ears whilst simultaneously straightening my coat and fishing my ticket out of my pocket, when said stranger handed my the ten pound note I had just dropped.  I was so stunned I just looked at him and asked, 'Is that mine?'  Without a word he just put it in my hand and walked on.  This may be unfair but in Chichester I wouldn't have been surprised, but there's something about the increased numbers and anonymity of London!  Maybe I'm too hard on the place... 'one big slice of humble pie with cream on the side at table five'.  Then as I arrived to greet old friends at the UK and International Office I was filled with hope by the news of the who will become the new President of the United States of America.  I won't embarrass myself by revealing my ignorance on the politics of the US, or fool myself into thinking that I am particularly well informed but as I watched Barack Obama's victory speech on the BBC I got goose bumps.  Yes there can be change.  Change.  Change was a foot for us in 24-7 too today in quite a practical though massive way.  I don't think I can say anything more about that yet though.  So, for many reasons small and large today I toasted with Wardy and Andrea to hope and kindness.  Long may it last... xc

731 Days Later AKA Our Second Wedding Anniversary

731 days... that doesn't sound like a very long time... I feel like that number should be larger... In a good way, it's not like the time has dragged... it's just two years sounds like it should be more than 731 days...

Today is our second Wedding Anniversary.  Two years to the day since Pete and Samie Greig married me to my best friend in front of all of our family and loved ones.  It was an incredible day, an amazing celebration only bested by the reality of the two years following it.  Man, that actually sounds disgustingly saccharine, and believe me I don't write that with the impression that every moment has been perfect and blissfully happy since.  I write it because through richer and poorer (getting less poorer - score), in sickness and in health (good health though often tired) and for better or for worse (better, we've been blessed with a lot of better) we're still here making each other laugh.  Well in fairness Steve mostly makes me laugh... I'm just a blessing...  

Today we're taking the day off for a private celebration so I shall write no more and get back to it.  I will however leave you with one last thing.  If you didn't know us so weren't there to join us then this video record shows the whole of the festivities as super light speed: from the decoration of our converted factory to the exit of the Bride and Groom.  Enjoy! Download wedding_fast.m4v xc 

Some Friday Fun

In between reading through new resources, setting up new confirmations for prayer rooms, thinking up ideas for the new design of the 24-7 site and clearing my work inbox I've had many an email pinging into my personal folder from other members of the DeLoreans band.  Next Friday 7th two very fun occasions collide that are causing all this email enthusiasm: the DeLoreans are playing a rare public gig at the Vestry in Chichester and there's a Birthday costume party at the same said gig for my beautiful best friend Charlotte Terris.  Charlotte is celebrating the close of her third decade (I know doesn't she look fabulous, you'd never know) and has decided there must be a theme and costume hilarity at the celebration.  In true random Lottie style everyone has to come dressed as a character from their favourite, can't live without it, DVD box set.  The DeLoreans have chosen Star Wars!

Emails are currently flying back and forth as the boys haggle over characters and as we're going for the original and best trilogy there's really only one chick who's boots I'll be filling.  Naturally I'll be going for the more covering of her two most famous outfits but I cannot wait to dress up and am tempted to buy rather than hire my costume!  We're also preparing three new songs for Charlotte's entertainment though they will be remaining top secret 'til the night.  The only thing I will say is they will make an 80s/90s medley of gynormously cheesy and fantastic proportions.  Come join us :) xc

Tesco Cuisine

Steve embarked on the second leg of the Worship Central tour this morning but not before a little pit stop for breakfast.  One of the larger adjustments we’ve both had to make since inviting people to live with us is finding time to eat and talk together alone.  I never realised how important and intimate our dinner conversation was until it adjusted to the presence of friends.  Steve’s been home for two days since the first leg of the tour and we’ve snatched a few moments here and there to take advantage of the anonymity of a crowded eatery to catch up.  Starbucks yesterday and breakfast this morning were lovely opportunities to share our thoughts.  We’d normally frequent the delicious but expensive Hornet provisions, earthy but hearty Charlie Harpers or the Faux French Café Rouge, but this morning speed was of the essence so Tesco it was with a pit stop at the petrol station on the way.  I know English breakfasts look gross and are terribly unhealthy but there’s nothing more enjoyable than stealing away with someone and unashamedly devouring a fry up!  Long live this particular English tradition…. xc

Here comes the Hen

Hen Nights are funny things.  Before the Wedding celebration of two becoming one comes the celebration of the single life a woman leaves behind. Last Saturday night Rachel Evans and I combined some traditional Hen night activities with an American Bridal shower to give our good friend Nat a Chichester send off.  Nat is marrying our long-term friend Ben ‘Benjamighty’ ‘Irish Chocolate’ Thompson, a fantastic guy that both Steve and I have shared community homes with during our single years.  It’s amazing to see how they’ve grown together and how well they compliment each other.  I’m excited for them about the marriage they’re about to embark on.  Ben is in safe hands with such a strong, intelligent, kind, faithful, fun and adventurous Fiancé.  Nat threw herself into every game we prepared, rose to every challenge and didn’t back down from a single dare.  The walk home through town in an adult size Baby grow was the funniest thing I have seen in 2008.  Bravo honey – you are one brave lady. Xc

The Cross at Dawn

When my alarm goes off at 6.15am on a Friday morning I never feel good.  The last thing I want to do is leave my warm and cosy bed, but when I wrap up in a hoodie and head out meet Charlotte and Helen to walk and pray through the streets of Chichester I know there is something more worthwhile than sleep.  Last Friday as our walking and talking drew to a close the sun rose behind the cross and it was a beautiful morning: Charlotte headed for the gym, Helen for a jog and I... well a cosy bed is hard to resist when you can cram a good hour of sleep in before you absolutely have to face the day... xc

The Luxury of Relaxation

I honestly don't think Steve and I have been this relaxed in about a year. This week and a bit on the Greek island of Rhodes has been absolutely lovely. Thank u Mum and Dad for buying such a beautiful place here and forever more blessing us with cheap holidays in the sun!

Mum, Dad, Lisa and guests left of Sunday giving Steve and I four glorious days of solitude. (Er that'd not yo infer that it wasn't lovely being here with them). We've relaxed, read, swam and just eaten the best Muscles ever! Thursday night will come too soon but this has been an oasis after what was an horribly busy summer. Lots of photos to come soon. Love c x

I love...

I love: the sun, the sound of the sea, no pressure, no work, great food, being surrounded by family, laughing with Steve, impersonating Ariel the Mermaid in the sea, jumping off rocks and the new Trundle home on the Greek island of Rhodes. Holiday is great x c

The Mr Bump Anointing

Oh my body how I hurt thee, let me count the ways... Saturday: I walk out of a darkened box at the theatre and promptly fall face first down a small flight of steps leaving you with a bruised wrist (that gallantly saved my face), bruised knees and a bruised ego. Half the box comes to see if I'm ok while my little sister collapses on the floor in laughter. Sunday: I walk around in a semiconscious state walking shins first into speakers, hips first in countertops and head first into a kitchen cupboard. I do pledge to get more sleep. Monday: I carry a mango in a bowl with a sharp knife balanced on top (I begin to see my error) late last night (the revelation just keeps coming) from the kitchen to my favourite spot on the sofa. An ominous scraping sound and a sharp pain later I realise I've dropped aforementioned knife on my foot. Fortunately it landed between two toes inflicting only a small cut - though I guess I can't take any credit for such fortunate precision. I'll make a deal with you body... I'll stop beating you up if you burn calories faster!

27 Years and Counting

Today I have lived 27 years on this earth. Wow that sounds like a long time. I am pleased to say that I have enjoyed most of it and looking at all I've been blessed with I feel very spoiled. Steve and I are still in Shepton Mallet, this week for Momentum (Soul Survivor for twenty somethings) so my Birthday started early at our B&B. Steve surprised me with a digital camera! Something I've wanted but couldn't justify buying for ages. I already have a lovely big SLR perfect for special occasions but I was lacking a little portable snapper. Now I'm armed and dangerous. The photo on my left is almost the first one I took. My hubby and I outside the team lounge on my birthday. I have many enjoyable geek hours of exploring all the different settings ahead of me. xc

Back to the grindstone

Our week off has come to an end.  Steve took off early this morning to the remaining three weeks of the Soul Survivor festival, and I follow him in a week's time.  We took last week to relax, spend time together and re-evaluate where our lives our heading.  I loved our our walks to the sea, our picnic by the duck pond, our discussions about how we slow down, our cinema trips (Dark Knight *****, Wall-E ****, Hell Boy II ***) and the chance to see our family.  It's nice to have some time to take life at a more restful place.  Ah well, back to tackling the hundreds of emails in my inbox... xc

Mark and Anna Get Hitched

The lovely Mark and Anna Oliver are now officially joined for life. It was a beautiful outdoor ceremony in a the fabulous flower garden of West Dean College. Everyone was so happy for them throwing themselves into the celebration of the day. The DeLoreans played in the evening, which was fun though I missed Steve's presence. Doug Ross ripped up the dance floor with some old skool classics, the B Boyz did their thing and Dan Armstrong wowed everyone with his 90s dancing. Sunday I was beat but had a lovely relaxing day praying at Church and sunbathing and reading with two of my best friends in the afternoon. Been thinking a lot about Sabbath. I suck at it. No surprise there... but some podcast I was listening to recently reminded me that God commanded us to keep Sabbath. Hmm lots to chew on. xc

Lovely Ladies

I've just snuggled up in bed after a lovely evening with some fabulous ladies. While Steve's away and Matt's working Charlotte and I decided to rally the troops and get out the stilettos without fear of looking like Amazonian woman next to our spouses. We met many a lovely lass from Revs out and about around Chichester of a Friday night. I get so busy doing, well I'm not really sure what, that I forget how good it is to go out without a plan with some great friends and see where the evening will take you. Tonight it took us to Mohitos in a flower garden... bliss xc