Amazed & Confused

Grown men playing with sock puppets... life's little pleasures

I will never fully understand the innovative / comedy mind of my husband.  There is an aspect of the surreal and absurd that tickles him and often takes me by surprise.  I love it.  He, Tom and Jim were set the challenge of coming up with a way to let people know that the Push Community album 'Everybody' was out and after a little arts and craft and a lot of laughter this was the result... 3 men, 2 sock puppets and 1 album...

I kind of love it.  There's a nostalgia and honesty to the humble sock puppet :)  Find out more about the Push Community worship and creative collective and get their first album on iTunes or Bandcamp.

Social Media Challenge: Tweet your thanks on International Women’s Day

Take part in a global event and bless the women who’ve shaped your faith and life the most!  



Today is International Women’s Day. It began in the early 20th Century when women rose up to protest gender inequality in voting rights, education and pay.  Though some issues still exist a century later, International Women’s Day is now also a celebration of the progress achieved globally, and a chance to honour the women in our life. (In many nations it shares a similar status to Mother’s Day!)  



To celebrate this day, 24-7 Prayer has social media challenge to you…



Choose one woman

• She can be famous or familiar, but choose someone who has had a big impact on your faith 
• Thank God and pray for her today  
• Tweet, blog or Facebook a photo of them and tell the world why you’re grateful for this person on #womensday 

My choice is above!  Bernie Trundle, my Mum.  She has taught me about selfless love, faithfulness to God and a good sense of humour.  Thank you Mum!



Who will you choose?  Pray, post a photo and spread the word about the #247challenge on #womensday. 

This thought was originally posted here.

Why we don't celebrate Valentine's Day

The 12th February makes me nostalgic.  Eight years ago today I took the rather scary decision to change my relationship status.  At a little 24-7 Prayer gathering called IAM5 Sven Hardini and I went from being friends who made chess boards together, to girlfriend and boyfriend.  The above photo was taken a week or so later... gosh look how young we are!

I remember being really afraid it wouldn't work.  What if we were better as friends?  What if we ruined something great by the awkwardness of breaking up?  Turns out it was the best risk I've ever taken.  He's still my best friend only better.  

Sooo... this week, each February we tend to ignore the card-company-created-holiday and celebrate instead the day our relationship changed; it means more to us.  This year seems all the more precious as it's the last time we will celebrate sans children!  So it may be Shrove Tuesday / Pancake Day, but tonight I'm not excited about lemons, sugar, maple syrup or bacon; tonight I'm most excited about the time I'm sharing with my favourite person. 

Ok slushy stuff over.

'Tis the season: Christmas starts here

 

Holidays are coming, holidays are coming... I can't wait for Christmas!  Two things are amping up my seasonal excitement today:

1. The aftermath of our annual Proxy Christmas celebrations - Turkey, tree and tonnes of friends celebrating Christmas on the 25th November.  It's almost a decade since we started this little tradition and now it marks the beginning of the season in the Harding household.
2. 24-7 Podcasts are back for Christmas - Yay!  The second tailer which features yours truly is above. 

How will you encounter Jesus this Christmas?  Subscribe to the 24-7 Podcast and pray each weekday with amazing people from around the world :)

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!

Sticky people: why I would find it hard to leave

I never thought I could have friends like these. Last night I sat around a table eating burgers with five great friends celebrating the birthday one in particular. Beautiful Helen Monkton embarked on another year yesterday, and marked the occasion with meat, chips and massive ice cream sundays! An excellent choice. As we laughed, joked, questioned and regaled each other with stories of yester year, I realised that I have known each of them for over a decade.

A decade… wow… time flies.

It doesn't seem like twelve and a half years since I moved down from the midlands to this gorgeous city. I have albums full of photos of hanging out with these same friends, just ten years younger (and with *cough* interesting haircuts). As i shared my reflection we began to get nostalgic about the many adventures and dreams we've shared together. The girls present (Charlotte, Ellie, Helen and I) realised our friendships really got going during the first season of 24-7 Prayer and mission on the island of Ibiza. The prayer room, the 24-7 movement and community we used to call Warehouse has shaped us all, brought us together, deepened our bond. We've shared many laughs, tears, lessons learned and lots in between. I even ended up marrying one of them (er... not Helen, Ellie or Lottie but one of the blokey sundea eaters below.)

This is what makes Chichester a difficult place to leave. I don't have any plans to right now, but when I think about the possibility it isn't just a beauty of the city, the coast or downs that make me reluctant; it's the people. We share life, not as a sentimental statement, but in daily truth. These are the people I'm stuck too.  I hope we remain stuck together even if life takes us further apart.

The DeLoreans get a face lift

via www.thedeloreansband.com

The lovely Mr Elliot, famed for his furious fingers (er... he plays guitar) has been working his magic on the DeLoreans website. The facelift / spruce up / funkifying affect is quite pleasing. Bravo young man, bravo. My favourite aditions include the juke box of our repertoire, the TV that plays videos of us and the testimonials laid out like a Back to the Future style newspaper. Nice.

In other DeLoreans related news (said in my best Veronica Corningstone voice), I saw the first cut of our recently shot promo vid. After I got over my initial yuck-I-don't-like-seeing-myself-on-film reaction I quite liked it! I never thought our musical experiment to have fun and hang out together would still be going strong six years later. The secret's in the dedication to Sausage Club/Fest.  Hurrah for the DeLoreans and here's to more Weddings, parties, bah-mitzvahs etc. in 2012.  

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.

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?

Steve Harding, Steve Harding - can people be homonyms?

Less than a month after reading a novel about a chance meeting of two guys with the same name, life is mimicing fiction in my inbox.  Today I got an email from my lovely brother in law Nick (above left) about a certain someone's upcoming birthday.  He sent it to his wife, to Steve (above right) and I, and as I finished reading it I noticed that my hubby had been very quick off the mark in responding.  This was his email...

"Hello Nick:

While I personally believe that everyone should have... [er I'm deleting this bit for present confidentiality reasons.]  I don't think I'm the Steve Harding you really wanted to reach.

I'm an American journalist, and I live in Washington D.C. That being said, does your branch of the Harding family have any ties to Loughborough in Leicestershire? My people left there in 1832 for the dubious charms of North America.

Cheers,
Steve Harding"

Amazing!  Who knew another Steve was just an email address typo away!  OK maybe that's not so unbelievable but it's very cool he took the time to email back.  As someone facinated by string theory and multiverse fiction I can't help wondering whether the two Steve's are anything alike.  I know they're not the same Steve from different dimensions but what if they'e American and British counterparts!  Facinating!  

Have you ever met someone with exactly the same name?  Were they anything like you?  Oooo now I want to have a Carla and Steve Hardings dinner party and invite our names sakes from all over the world.  All in the name of science of course... xc

Lunching with the lovely Togwells

There are few things more glorious than eating sherbert out of a vintage tea cup in a quirky cafe with great friends.  Yesterday afternoon the 24-7 team decamped to Drink, Shop, Do near Kings Cross to do just that (though technically I'm the only one who turned her tongue pink eating sherbert).

Our lunchtime celebrations were in honour of an amazing couple: Phil and Emma Togwell.  For the last five years Phil has led the 24-7 Prayer UK team.  He's done a splendid job sharing his time, wisdom and home with many.  However, this September heralds a change as Phil leaves behind his UK role to focus on a rather exciting new venture: Prayer Spaces in Schools.   

Yesterday we lunched, gave gifts and honoured Phil and Emma for all they've invested up this point. Even though we weren't saying goodbye, it seemed important to recognise the journey and sacrifice of the last decade.  Prayer Spaces in UK Schools are taking off and they couldn't be in safer hands.  I am particularly chuffed as this move in role means I get to work even more closely with Mr Togwell and look forward to benefitting from a lot of laughter, musing and book recommendations in the years to come... xc

When I grow up I want to be like Alana

One of the greatest blessings I have experienced being a part of the 24-7 family are the people I've met.  I have laughed, learned and walked through a lot with some incredible people from all over the world.  One such person, has just flown away from the UK, crossing that great atlantic pond to move back to the US...

I miss her already.

Alana - come back!

The title of this post is a bit of a jokey compliment... technically I am a grown up (apparently) and Alana and I are peers, but I guess I can't help but look up to this amazing woman.  She has challenged me to think, taught me a lot, recommended many amazing books, been very kind, and given me something to aspire to in my life long persuit in getting to know God.  I know I'm not alone.  For the last few years, Alana's been doing this as a friend and mentor to many young men and women.  The UK is a poorer place without her in it.  

Alana I pray good things as you re-settle in your near-Boston home.  I know our friendship will not end here (skype call with mango smoothies soon!)  Our paths will cross in one nation or another but in the mean time I've lost my coffee break philosopher... and I'm sad... I guess I'll have to settle with new conversations and adventures via blogs, twitter and the like, but Alana, please hurry up and write your books!  I'm still expecting you to challenge me no matter what country you're living in xxx

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.

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!

Amazing women

I am very fortunate.  I am very blessed.  I have an abundance of inspiring and compassionate women who make my life a joy.  As I end my evening in silence and thought I've realised how grateful I am for each and every one of them.  The beautiful Kimberley Maurice (very, very soon to be Newey!) has just left after an evening of Wedding preparations and conversation.  I enjoy how we comfortably segway from the deeply personal and intimate, to the superficial and shallow :)  She is a new and beautiful friend in my life that I wasn't expecting to find.  Thank you Craigus for finding such an amazing girl to marry and bringing her into our world.  

Yesterday, I caught up with my beautiful and ever blossoming friend (friend seems so weak a word) Helen.  We've walked together for over ten years now and I trust her implicitly.  She teaches me so much :)  Tomorrow, Helen and I meet our cymbrogi Charlotte for a special trip, just the three of us. It's been a while since we've had time just the three of us I cannot wait... 

Helen, Charlotte and Kimberley... Mum and Lisa... Susanna, Daria, Wendy, Sheena and Lyndall... Alana and Theresa... so many amazing women.  Each uniquely beautiful.  Each one teaches me something different :)  I love being a lass.

The Power of Speech & Cyber-stalking friends :)

I was going to blog today about the recording of the talk I gave last Sunday in Revs when it occurred to me… I wonder who else from 24-7 is speaking regularly to a community that get's podcasted or posted.  I did a little investigating, subscribed to a few podcasts and finished with a smile on my face as I anticipate some interesting listening in the weeks ahead.  If you're part of 24-7 Prayer and interested in what I found; then read on...

The 24-7 shop offers downloadable talks from all our major 24-7 Prayer gatherings. I'm usually present to hear them all but it's handy to get my hands on the ones that have really impacted me. They only get updated as we gather though (usually once a year) so more up to date teaching is best found on iTunes.

Pete Greig at Spring Harvest and Holy Trinity Brompton

Pete is one of my favourite teachers and communicators.  I find him constantly inspiring whether he's preaching or writing.  Last month Pete spoke at the largest Christian conference in Europe.  An Easter event called Spring Harvest that attracts 35,000 people of all ages over a number of weeks and locations.  Today I found Pete's talk on "A God Breathed World" available here.  Download and have a listen.
If you're interested in hearing more from Pete he also preaches ever few months at Holy Trinity Brompton in London.  You can subscribe to their podcast of weekly teaching here.

Adam Cox and the Kansas City Boiler Room Crew

If you were at Magnify in Scotland last year you will have had the pleasure of hearing Adam Cox, one of the leaders of the Kansas City Boiler Room.  Adam has such a passion for God's word and an amazing way of making it come alive to his listeners.  You can hear Adam and other leaders like Wendy Adams and David Blackwell teach through several different podcasts put out by the Boiler Room.  Listen to their weekly gatherings here and check out the wealth of teaching available through their website.

Little old me

Finally, I also teach from time to time and shared on Sunday with my home community of Revelation Church in Chichester, England.  The Red Moon Rising readers among you will recognise that name as one of the birth places of the 24-7 Prayer movement.  I am still a part of this community and spoke on Sunday about the power of speech from the book of Proverbs.  If you're interested in hearing more you can download it for free here.

That's all for now but I'll post a little update with more suggestions for downloads in the coming months, so if you've found these helpful, keep your eyes open for more.

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...

My Town... Justice is Local...

 

I have a super wise friend, she's Canadian, and her name is Alana.  If you watch the above video, you'll get to sort of meet her.  This week, 24-7Prayer.com features an idea, a prayer, a challenge from my beautiful friend to you and me.  Check out her article, "My Town..." all about Guildford and the simple way she's praying for justice and equality there...

Ok, from this point on in the post I'm making the assumption you've all read it!  

I find praying for justice and equality pretty intimidating... I mean where do you start?  There are macro issues, cultures of permission, apathy, greed, indifference... and then there's the individual people literally living out the consequences of other people's greed, intolerance etc. What I love about Alana's idea as it gives me a place to start.  A place to say, "hello God, I really need to talk to you about this... Can you do something please?"  Sooo what to choose? I'm gonna take a walk around Chichester today and decide on my one thing, for my town.  What's your thing for where you live?  Let me know in comments and if you make a video to post as a response to Alana's give me the link! 

Who am I made to be?

Many years ago I was reading a book.  (Wow - not a very inspiring first sentence.  I read  a lot of books, but go with me on this one...)  In this book the author encouraged his readers to cultivate joy mentors - people in your life who give you energy, who make you... more you.  The phrase stuck with me. It stuck with me and it grew.  It grew and the idea got mashed together with another word, another idea...

Who are my cymbrogis... my companions of the heart?

Yesterday I was trying to slog through a whole, terrifying list of administrative tasks, but every few hours I received a welcome interruption from not one but four of the people who fall into the mashed together category of joy mentoring and heart companionship.  Some calls were practical, others philosophical, but one in particular left me with a unique feeling that only these people bring out in me.

A desire to be more myself.

That call came from my beautiful friend Charlotte.  Charlotte is unique.  There is no-one quite like her and no way to fully capture her in words.  She is a force of nature, a catalyst, a friend.  There is no holding this woman down.  Recent months have not been the easiest in her life but as we chat about our days, weeks, months and thoughts we naturally fall into encouragement, honesty and reflection.  She calls me out.  She pieces together puzzles. She reminds me of what's gone and hints at what there could be to come.  She states how God made me, the things He's put inside me and she prompts my tired mind to think in the context of eternity, hope and possibility.  Charlotte makes me more Carla.  And I think, in my own way, I make her more Charlotte.  This is a precious friendship.

At the turn of the year I was reading another book, and as I thought about the beautiful Charlotte the words of that book came to mind.  I went back through my journal until I found the place were I'd noted them down...

"In holiness we become the persons we were created to be..." Richard Foster

I love that idea - holiness is not something imposed from the outside in, not a set of rules, regulations or appearances; but a blossoming from within of the best that we are.  All I need to do is present myself to God, (just as I am, warts and all) and allow him to nurture the buds and blossoms of my heart... to call me out.  

Ah!  Another book I've read just sprang to mind... 

"Know that the Lord is God, It's He who made us, we are His..." Psalm 100:3

Oh dear... now I have Alan Partridge in my head... "Knowing me, knowing you... aha!" (This is a new low.)  The closer I get to knowing more of Jesus, the closer I get to knowing more of who I am made to be, why I'm on this earth and what I have to give.  Seems like God will use the Bible, and people, and the things I read, and the mistakes I make, all to transform me more fully into me.  What a good me to be.

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

She who must be obeyed

Today I was reminded again of how blessed I am to have my family. My Dad is a man who doesn’t know the meaning of half measures – he works, worships and loves with everything he’s got. My beautiful little sister Lisa is a force to be reckoned with – her loyalty, love, adaptability and exuberance constantly inspire me. She’s also getting rather wise in her old age. My youngest sibling Adam (the only son and heir as he likes to remind us) is growing into a man of conviction, integrity, and intelligence. He also has the most annoying/amusing dry sense of humour. (To be fair it’s only annoying when it’s in perfect harmony with my husband and focused upon me!) It wasn’t Dad, Lisa or Adam however who prompted my gratitude today. It was the matriarch or our particular clan, most commonly known on this blog as “She Who Must Be Obeyed.”

Yesterday was my Mum’s birthday. I won’t say how old she is because truthfully I always get it wrong. For many years she got stuck at 36 in my mind and since then I have been totally lost on how old she actually is. Not something Mum’s particularly fussed about I’m sure.

My Mum is a woman who greatly inspires me. She (unlike most of the rest of us) doesn’t need to be the centre of attention, she’s wise (very wise!), discrete, generous, excellent to shop with and has taught me a lot about the woman I want to be. Looking back at my teenage years I’ve realised there were some important foundations Mum instilled in me then, that I’m not sure I’ve ever thanked her for. For example from a young age she taught us to think for ourselves, she emphasised that honesty and trust are fundamental and she assured us that we were worth being treated with respect.

She constantly inspires me in her faith too.  As a teenager I would plod downstairs and emerge bleary eyed into our kitchen for a little caffeine assistance before school.  Each time I arrived Mum would move her Bible and notes off the worktop to make room for the various cereals, etc. we raided.  While I was still trying to string a sentence together my Mum had been praying and studying.  She never bragged about it.  She just got on with it.  She's awesome.

So happy birthday Mum.  I love you very much... and not just because you make me food :) Though I love your food too!

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 :)

Miss Helen Monkton: Steadfast & True

I am fortunate to have many amazing people in my life that I count as friends. Some I share life with through Church, on my street, at work or through a common history. I walk with some for months, with others for years. Yesterday we celebrated the life of a woman who falls in the later group and has greatly impacted the last decade of my life.

The beautiful, faithful, creative, thoughtful, mischievous, multi-talented and steadfast Miss Helen Monkton.

I first got to know Helen on an intense and challenging trip to Ibiza with 24-7 Prayer. From the first morning we sat together on the dusty ground outside our villa I knew there was more to this woman than met the eye. I had no idea then how important to me she would become. There are few people with her capacity to love, to be kind, to grow and develop as a person and to stay utterly faithful to her God, life of faith and the people around her.

Yesterday I watched her chatting happily with the motley crew pictured above and walking through enchanting English countryside. I was so grateful to be there (not just a lovely walk with good friends heading to an excellent pub!) but with her, almost ten years on from our time in the White isle. My husband taught me that I can have as many friends as I want but I'd be wise to invest the few I want to spend my life with. Miss Monkton is most certainly one of the few. She constantly teaches me about kindness, love and the pursuit of God. I look forward to the decades and the lessons I can learn with her to come...

Architect... Redeemer...

 

Suffering...  It's one thing to intellectually theorise and grapple with how suffering co-exists with a loving and good God (something not to be sniffed at and very much engaged in)... but it's quite a different thing to make sense of the heart when unjustified, unexpected, undeserved pain is your reality.  Honestly, I can at times feel distant from suffering, from grief.  I've experienced some... but nothing like the dark hours I've seen others live through.  When I think about God and pain and injustice and illness and death, it hits hard on one level but skims the surface on many others.  I know that for people I love, concepts that are abstractions to me, feel very tangible and personal to them.

This week a few friends are going through an unimaginably painful time and my heart breaks when I contemplate the path they've found themselves on.  (Reading back what I've just written I realise that it applies to more than more than one situation, more than one set of friends!)  I am but a companion, a pray-er, a member of their community... but as they face loss, the ripples of their suffering are touching our little church.

I find it frustrating that there's nothing I can do.  There's no practical help I can give.  I can only pray. I know that's no small thing, but it's tough to face my powerlessness.

On Sunday Ben took us through the next chapter in our series on the Old Testament book of Esther.  As he set the scene for all he was about to share he humbly said (and I paraphrase)... "If you remember or understand nothing else of what I say this morning remember this, 'God is not the architect of our suffering, but He is the redeemer of it.'"  That one little sentence has sparked many conversations throughout this week and it's brought hope to my heart when I've spoken to God about four dear friends.  I don't know the answer to 'Why?', there is no practical response to, 'What can I do?' but I know I can ask God, 'How will you redeem?'.  I trust that somehow... even in ways I don't see... He will...  Please God. xc

Wardy bought a rock!

Commiserations ladies... Mr Pete Ward is off the market and heading down the aisle.  Yes that's right the world renowned Wardy - the rock on which the organisational side of 24-7 Prayer stands - is getting hitched to a rather beautiful lady called Andrea.  As is fitting to such an occasion he's bought her quite the stunning rock.  Check it out and read more on his blog. I couldn't be happier for my lovely friend and colleague and it's quite fun talking Weddings with a guy!  As I would have guessed they are already crazily prepared. I predict that this Wedding will be planned down to the finest detail and executed with military precision.

Photos of people I love

I love when  technology serves a good purpose... I particularly love my iPhone.  Don't worry I have not given my smart phone a name and am about wax lyrical about my great affection for it.  Rather, I love that it gives me a chance to capture moments in my day when I am truly happy and with people I love and trust.  Like this coastal lunchtime walk with Lottie.  I've so missed her since she moved on from her role in 24-7 for an exciting new job.  It was amazing to walk and talk and share what's been going on with us.  Or like this photo Di took for me at Tim and Becky's Wedding last weekend.  I am blessed to have my Steve.

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 

The Padawan becomes a Jedi

 

When I left home for Chichester in 1999, embarking on my degree and the life I've pursued beyond education, I left at home my younger teenage sister Lisa and my ten year old brother Adam.  I distinctly remember, shortly before I made the epic move, that Adam realised that I was not going to be coming home every weekend.  I sat next to him in his room and he was really annoyed with me.  It was during this conversation that he uttered the immortal words, 'you're breaking up the family'.  I guess I hadn't really thought of it that way but in a sense I was.  I was the first and oldest to fly the coup though I was soon followed by Lisa who took off for university in London and some years later by Adam himself who has just completed three years of hard work in Birmingham.  As Steve and I made the trek up to the midlands last night for Adam's graduation it hit how much has changed in this decade of moving and study. Yep, all three siblings left home and somewhat dispersed our family, but it's far from broken because of it :)  No matter the work, church or personal commitments the Trundles unite (and eat) when there's a milestone to be celebrated.  I felt quite emotional as I saw my not so little brother go through this right of passage and graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and International Studies.  The world is his oyster.  All he has to work out now is how to crack it open.  It goes without saying that I am ridiculously proud and despite being more than a little tired after a rather late night, the journey to Birmingham was more than worth it... xc

Charlotte's Leaving Lunch

 

Today was bittersweet.  My beautiful best friend Charlotte is embarking on a new adventure in her life as she ends her six years working within 24-7 Prayer.  Many of the friends she's worked alongside made their way to London today to celebrate all she's brought to our community.

Charlotte is unique. All who have met her will agree that God went to town when making this vivacious, compassionate, creative force of nature.  Technically she's been looking after the resources and merchandise of 24-7 Prayer but what she's brought to the community is so much more.  She may be best known for her impacting fashion, fiery personality and passion, but she will be most missed for the hundreds of unseen conversations Charlotte has with anyone who looked like they needed someone to lean on, for her (seemingly) endless energy when all around are flagging and her willingness to go more than the extra mile to help.  I am so proud of her but feel quite torn.  On the one hand I know that what she's moving into will be fantastic for her but on the other hand Lottie and I have been partners in crime for so long it feels a little lonely to be a part of 24-7 Prayer without her.  It's silly because I more than anyone else will see her all the time and we will walk through life together whether we work in the same place or not, but this is truly the end of an era.  I will greatly miss her and only as she leaving do I realise the extent to which I have leaned on her in the last few years.  xc

Picnicking in Priory Park

Forget football, the joy bringing experience of today for me was undoubtably the picnic I shared with many friends (and many babies!) in Priory Park.  In anticipation of this week's prayer zone at Bishop Luffa school I broke out my Olympus SLR to give it a trial run.   Check out my facebook profile if you'd like to see the album in full but the cliff notes would summarise it as sunshine, laughter, foxy ladies and lots of babies.  Ooo, that's hard to say ten times fast, "foxy ladies, lots of babies", "foxy ladies, lots of babies", "foxy ladies, lots of babies"... I am very blessed to have such lovely friends and live in a very beautiful country... even if we can't seem to play football as well as we theoretically should do. xc 

Home to see Dad

 

This morning I woke up in the house I spent most of the 90s in.  My parents home in Grendon, Northamptonshire is one of the most restful places on planet earth for me.  I sleep fantastically every time  I visit (there's probably something subconscious about being home, safe and sound, coupled with black out blinds in bedrooms and the reality that their sleepy little village offers little in the way of noise pollution).  It's a wonderful blessing when you're crashing after a rather long and hot day of driving the M25 and playing at a wedding with The DeLoreans.  However it wasn't the peace and quiet or even the shorter journey to my parents place than to Chi that brought us to Grendon last night... as I woke up this morning I wasn't just grateful for rest but for my Dad...

Today is my father's 57th Birthday and all of his children made it home with presents in hand to sample the masterpiece that is Mum's fry up and to celebrate.  Lisa, Adam and I are very blessed to have parents who love each other and love us deeply.  I know I owe them a great deal.  My Dad is an inspiration to me.  In the years to come I hope I can be half the parent to my children that he has been to us.  I have never doubted his love, I am often in awe of the strength of his conviction and integrity, and I am very proud of him.  As we talked and laughed and ate around the dining table this brunch-time I wished I could have stayed much, much longer.  (No-one told me that age and responsibility brings busyness.)  I need to get better at making time when there's no occasion or agenda to go and hang out.  There's little better than a bear hug from Dad or a good natter with Mum over a cup of tea.  As Dad enters his 58th year I shall have to make an effort... xc

Snapshots From Adam's Birthday Weekend

We came, we saw, we ate copious amounts of Mum's cooking.  Adam's 21st family celebrations were a fantastic day of laughter, love and Mediterranean Beef. 

I still can't believe he's a man.  When I left for Chichester and University in 1999, Adam was (what?) 12ish... now he towers above me, he's just handed in his dissertation on humanitary intervention and can legally do just about anything with an age restriction... 

 

It was lovely to hang out with Lisa and Titch. They are such a lovely match :)  The Trundle ladies have good taste...

 

21 Things I love About You...

 

Today the youngest of the Trundle siblings turns the milestone age of 21.  My little brother Adam Simon Trundle is celebrating the commencement of his third decade on planet earth. It's been quite the adventure being the eldest sister of such a creative and passionate young man and I have to say I am incredibly proud of him.  With this in mind I celebrate his 21st Birthday by sharing just 21 of the many things I like about him.  Let the gushing commence: I love...

1. His eagerness to laugh
2. His ever so expressive eyebrows (never before has so much been said with so few muscles)
3. His dedication to his family
4. His passion for good governance
5. His interest in the world we live in

 
6. His fancy dress costume prowess
7. The way he deigns to let you kiss his cheek
8. His two duvet combo at bedtime (It has to be seen to be believed)
9. The way he owns the dance floor
10. The brain capacity to memorise whole films/TV programs/life experiences for future regurgitation  

       
11. His adventures in hair (from Sonic to Edward he's carried it off in style)
12. His sense of humour (dry wit doesn't even cover it)  
13. The way he jumps to the defence of the people he loves
14. His unbelievable Veloca Raptor attacks a melon skit  
15. His unusual approach to insults (Adam - you know what I'm talking about)

   
16. His passion for good leadership
17. His SciFi drawings that have adorned my greeting cards for years
18. The ability to wiggle every part of his body at once whilst chanting "Lisa is a Pilchard..."
19. His unswerving loyalty
20. The way he wakes up to a sound track (LOTR was my favourite)
21. The quality of his friendship

A Little Too Full of Many Good Things...

 

February has been a full month.  I have officially worked every weekend and now that I'm almost through it I realise this wasn't my brightest moment in forward planning.  More time to rest (or just more time to clean the house) would have been nice, but how does one say no to so many good things?

The DeLoreans have played at the home of Mr Darcy (sadly he was a no show) and next weekend we're singing our hearts out at the birthday of our very good friend (and honourary DeLorean) Mr Doug Ross.  I have trialed a new dress (it's a one set wonder) and we've added the fantastic Video Killed the Radio Star to our set.  It went down rather well and I have to say I'm enjoying singing through a toy megaphone.

The Trundle family celebrate not two but three birthdays in this fine month and after my sister's 26th and my Mum's 36th ;) we now approach the milestone that is my brother Adam's 21st Birthday!  This weekend (after playing for Doug) Steve and I jump in our new car (dubbed Borat - it's a VW Bora) and make our way to Grendon baring gifts for the Birthday boy.  It's lovely to be together.  Now that the Trundle siblings are all adults we live in three different cities and I for one miss my sister and brother a great deal.  This Sunday can't come quickly enough.

It's been a pretty crazy month for the 24-7 Clan too!  The weekend before last Steve and I joined with a few hundred others to celebrate IAM10 - 24-7 Prayer's tenth birthday here in the UK.  It was a fantastic day of seeing some old friends, putting faces to email addresses and hearing some fantastic stories of all God's been up to in the last decade.  It was kind of a fun anniversary for Steve and I too... IAM5 (24-7's fifth Birthday party) was held in the same venue and was the day that my friend Sven Hardini became my boyfriend (and future husband).  We shared a kiss on the steps outside St Mary's church which Pete Greig enjoyed sharing with the whole room when he reflected on growth of the movement.  Thanks Pete.

That brings my quite neatly to the weekend just gone and the emotional, intellectual and spiritual roller-coaster that was the 24-7 Council.  20 odd people from three different continents gathered to look at the major opportunities and challenges facing 24-7 Prayer.  We talked about a network of Boiler Rooms, our present focus on the continent of Europe, how we can continue to foster a culture of care, how the 24-7 movement can respond to God's heart for justice and SO MUCH MORE!  During the last session when we were going round the room sharing what is most prominent in our minds from our three days together. I flicked back through the notes I'd made in my journal and counted 22 pages of them!  I have an awful lot to process including some encouragements from God and lessons to learn.  I won't say much more here as it's definitely a conversation best had over a cup of tea but in summary it was a very good and very full time with people who inspire me greatly.  

In many ways I can't wait to welcome the month of March next week and the slower (or maybe I should say more sustainable) pace of life it will bring.  I need to free up more time as I have two books to read before my next talk at Revelation Church on the 21st... but more about that another time... xc 

Happy Birthday Lisa Pizza!

Today my gorgeous little sister is 26 years old.  Lisa Pizza (centre below Granny Brennan) to my Carla Koala (right of Granny Brennan) I have been blessed to grow up not only with a sister I like but a great friend I would choose to share my life with even if we didn't share the same genetic pool.  When she turned 25 last year I wrote this post about the 25 things I loved most about her...  This year, as she embarks on the next 365 days of her life I will add just one more...

Things I love about Lisa #26: The way she teaches me what it means to serve others.

N.B My little brother turns 21 in a few weeks time, don't worry lil' Trund... I'm already compiling the 21 things I love most about Adam S Trundle Esquire :)

 

Golden Sounds

I met Jon Bilbrough almost a decade ago when a youth church he was part of connected with Revs and took up the 24-7 Prayer challenge.  Myself (and I think Kerry Strotton as she was then) had travelled to Romford, Essex to join in one of their gatherings.  Jon sang and I thoroughly enjoyed his voice and his passion. 

Many years later his Youth group leader is now the UK Director of 24-7 and Jon has tracked with the community sharing his creativity and leading us in worship at International and European gathering points.  I highly recommend his latest album to anyone who wants to listen to something evocative and with a distinctly un-western sound.  If you fancy a taster Jon has just put a free track available to download on his blog.  Click on the image above to download...

Happy Birthday Steve!

 

Today is my handsome husband’s 32nd Birthday! Getting another year older never seems to phase Steve. He didn’t freak out at thirty. He doesn’t seem to compare where he’s gotten to in life with some master plan. Instead he seems to celebrate getting older with satisfaction. It’s lovely… Birthdays are a commemoration not an occasion for regret or stress. 

This year the Trundle family have gotten together to get him a lovely new espresso machine! It was so satisfying this morning to watch him open it and genuinely love his gift. He has given me so much; it’s really nice to give him something frivolous in return on such a special occasion. He sat reading his instruction manual over a bacon and egg breakfast sandwich and our new appliance will have its maiden voyage this lunchtime. Very exciting! I love the smell of freshly ground coffee, even if I don’t care for the taste of it. 

With drinks tonight and a meal with family on Friday I think my hubby will be suitably celebrated. His 32nd year had so many joys, so many highlights… I wonder if his 33rd can top it?

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.

My Grandad the Legend

My Grandad Jack is a legend.  Growing up my Mum's father was a tall, friendly and funny man who seemed quite indestructible.  Now he's 95 years old and in my opinion a medical marvel.  My impromptu visit to Dublin last weekend was because Jack was in hospital... actually he's been in hospital for a few months now with kidney infections and related problems and it's been hard to find out exactly what's happening and how he's going to be.  Last week it looked like he took a turn for the worst so I joined my Mum, Dad, Sister and Brother in flying over to the city of my birth to see him.  I guess flying over I had prepared myself for the worst, but upon arrival I was amazed.  He was awake, he knew each of us and not only was he able to talk a little but he was savy enough to tell my brother to get a hair cut!  Saturday we returned to the hospital and he was sitting up by his bed munching away on grapes.  The man has the heart of an Ox.  Mum swears he's pickled from the inside out with Guiness, all that iron and those minerals fortifying him for later life ;)  A weekend that began in worry ended in gratitude and a smile.  I got to see my lovely Grandad and hang out with my family.  We even had an in car rendition of the Disney songs of our childhood.  Who needs a radio when the Trundle siblings are united? xc

Narnia Incarnate

I spent my teen years growing up in the beautiful, rural village of Grendon.  Small, pretty and though not terribly exciting or social, it was easy to love.  I relished in the quiet and very much associate the village with big hugs from my Dad, amazing meals cooked by Mum, being bundled by my sister and brother and generally sleeping very well.  Last week Steve and I braved the snow and drove a few hours north to return to Grendon for my sister's Birthday celebrations.  Snow was thick on the ground when we arrived and when we woke the next morning there was the closest thing I've ever seen to a blizzard happening right outside our window.  The whole village looked like Narnia had arrived as we took a walk up the Knoll, threw snow at each other and marveled at how white mush made everything look so beautiful.  What is it about snow that makes everyone so excited and happy? xc

Lovely Lili

25 things I’ve loved about my little sister’s 25 years on planet earth:

1. Her infectious laugh
2. Her fierce loyalty
3. Her honesty
4. The way she loves with everything she’s got
5. Her wisdom
6. Her commitment to friends
7. The way she dances
8. Her journey with God
9. How kids love her
10. Her excellent costume making
11. Her neck braking hugs
12. Her buoyancy and enthusiasm
13. The look on her face first thing in the morning
14. How she holds court around a table full of Trundles
15. Her sense of adventure
16. Her beauty
17. The excellent clothes advice
18. Her ‘extra-mile’ attitude
19. The hours we spent choreographing masterpieces to Janet Jackson and Aaliyah
20. Her brave adventures in hair
21. Her (nice) bossiness
22. Her follow through
23. Her ridiculous generosity
24. The music she’s accompanied by
25. The happiness that follows her every step

Happy Belated Birthday my lovely Lili xc

Snapshots of Christmas

The massive and seriously tasty untraditional Christmas lunch.  Including proxy Christmas I think we officially had five different Crimbo lunches this year... marriage has perks!

One of my greatest joys this Christmas was hanging out with our gorgeous nephew Judah, he's walking and seems super close to talking.  He's just one lovely bundle of love...

Fumino joined us Christmas day for lunch at the Hardings and was treated to a traditional Christmas of copious amounts of food, the Queens speech, a communal nap and a classic film.  Only the best for our housemate...

Steve's many funny faces as he enjoys two of Christmas's pleasures... sparkers in his stocking and hats in our crackers.  It's the simpler pleasures of life :)

A Year in the Life of Judah Alleway

Judah Alleway is my gorgeous little nephew who graduated to the grand old age of one yesterday.  He is an absolutely scrumptious bundle of love whom I am extremely fond of.  Steve and I in true Aunt-and-Uncle-who-have-no-kids-of-their-own style bought him the noisiest present we could find and I enjoyed the particular delight of bathing him before bed after a day full of sugar, partying and presents.  He was incredibly well behaved for quite a tired little man and a real pleasure to hang out with.  Because the Alleway branch of the family live in the far away land of Essex we seize any opportunity to see them.  At this age Judah is growing at lightening speed and is looking less and less like a baby by the day.  He's nearly walking!  I'm sure I'll look back at these photos in amazement in no time at all... xc

Weddings and Baby Showers

Last weekend was full of social gatherings, family, friends and big celebrations.  Saturday was the lovely Anna Hughes's Baby Shower.  I've never been to one before but the gifts, games and advice flying around the room were fantastic.  I have to confess it made me very broody, even when the Mums of the room starting terrifying us all with their scars and mishaps.  I'm looking forward to being a Mum so much, we're not trying imminently (i.e. the next year) but it's not too long now 'til we might start bringing another Harding into the world.  I wonder which nose they'll have?

Sunday was an early exit from Church to celebrate the Wedding of an old friend - Jel Muir.  I met Jel when I was 16 years old and became fast friends when I moved to Chi a few years later.  Jel is joining the Furlong family and has gained a beautiful wife Jo and and a gorgeous son Jack.  It was amazing to see such an old friend making an important step in his life.

There's such a sense of life moving on at the moment.  My community are getting pregnant, married, engaged (hopefully in reverse order), gaining qualifications, finding callings, getting pets, paying mortgages... It's such a change to the scruffy bunch that prayed in the first prayer room nine years ago.  Some things have changed, lots of maturing and we're nearly convincing grown ups now...  We may look a little less radical but there's a depth and commitment I see now.  Rather than changing our lives after every sermon and being an enthusiastic, chaotic, beautiful bunch people, many are finding one message, one call, one cause and literally spending themselves to see it happen.  I cannot believe how many missionaries, initiatives, social businesses, ministries, youth/social workers and charities have come out of such a small bunch of people. It makes me immensely happy to be part of such a challenging lot.  xc

Proxy Christmas Festivities

Three things made me especially happy on Tuesday: having a husband who loves Proxy Christmas (25th Nov!), managing to cook a lovely Christmas dinner for 16 people with only one oven and having 16 said people join is to celebrate.  It was a almost a whole day affair with a splendid Christmas tree going up in the lounge, cookie decoration with little Annie and Grace, Japanese writing lessons with Fumino and copious amounts of vegetable chopping with the legend that is Craigus.  We had so many people joining us that we had to move the sofas and bring in another dining table, and still I was thinking of people I would have loved to fit in.  Hmm I wonder if next year I could stretch to 20?  

I cannot think of a better reason to celebrate than the uncreated, eternal and limitless God coming to hang out with us in human form on earth.  It's so easy to forget Jesus in the midst of all the shopping so we wanted to celebrate with food (happily following His example) and friends a month before the traditional anniversary.  I've found two decorations that depict the nativity (a gorgeous German candle/windmill thing and a bronze candle holder) and I am eagerly anticipating lighting our advent candle on Monday.

So to all my American friends out there celebrating thanks giving today, for different reasons I am joining you.  Today I am thankful for: God, Steve, my friends and food - in that order :)

Why I Love Being in a Band

There's only so many things to talk about when you're waiting to play a gig.  Though Tunbridge Wells is beautiful there's only so much tea and coffee you can drink before Jim starts with his questions... "What's your most embarrassing moment ever?" This was his tamest offering.  Steve has told me none of his others are appropriate for public record.  After six hours the boys resorted to nicking my fake hair and making their eighties dreams a reality.  The above pictures are evidence of said stupidity.  Steve wants to declare a caption competition and kicks it off in the comments.  So ideas anyone?  With such excellent comedy fodder I expect great things... xc

My Feisty Fishy Friend

30 Days of Blessing - I don't know if this is a Chichester thing or widely done but right now Charlotte is about half way through 30 days of blessing to mark 30 years on this earth.  Each day someone who loves her volunteers to do something nice for her, send her a gift or spend some time with her.  She's had many wonderful surprises and has felt a little embarrassed at how much she's received.  Today was our turn to spoil our lovely friend and as we presented her with a card and a wind up toy fish she was very gallant and grateful at what seemed to be quite a let down of a treat.  What she discovered inside the card was that the fish was merely a symbol and we whisked her off to the local aquarium to buy beautiful and vibrantly colourful tropical fish for her tank at home.  They were so gorgeous I was even tempted to start my own watery family.  Steve as ever was the voice of reason and pointed to the HORRENDOUSLY expensive fish tanks.  Who new?