Melissa Marr: Wicked Lovely
Finished - started strong but found it disappointing in the end. (***)
Stephanie Perkins: Lola and the Boy Next Door
Finished - enjoyable but didn't capture my heart like her first book (***)
Heidi E. Murkoff: What to Expect When You're Expecting
Current
Monday morning the first of a new season of the 24-7 Podcast begins for Easter. I always find the words of my friends around the world inspiring, challenging and a walk of greater depth. If you fancy joining me on this walk through the last days of Jesus' life, His death and the day that changed all others then subscribe!
The first episode is by yours truly and a bit of a personal one. More info in the trailer below...
I love being part of the Push Community. I get to be with my hubby, worship with my friends and be a small part of seeing talented people get their new music out there.
Today is a good day for that! Today the Push Community has released it's debut album 'Everybody'... and you don't even have to pay for it if you really don't want to.
One of the core values of the community is to produce music that serves the Church so if you want to listen to some fresh congregational songs, intimate balads and kooky folk tunes written by worship leaders for worshippers, then go to our bandcamp page, download and make a donation if you're able :)
Once you've had a listen tell me what you think in the comments below. My particular favourites are tracks 1, 4 and 11 :)
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
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.
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.
I died of embarrassment when my church leader was the first to spot this autocorrect fail this morning. I have a sneaking suspicion though that this has been one of my most reacted to tweets. What should I learn from this?
Yesterday was a pretty typical day in the 24-7 Prayer hub in Guildford. Brian Heasley was dressed up like a Christmas tree, Rebecca Swarbrick has posed like a super hero, Sheena has sung, Theresa has inflated balloons and I drew on my face. Why? Well these were just a few ways the 24-7 Prayer team said a big video thank you to everyone who has supported the movement in the last year. I'm looking forward to seeing it all edited together. It should make for rather amusing viewing.
Days like yesterday make think about 2013. I've had the privilege and joy of giving all my time to the 24-7 Prayer movement since I graduated a decade ago. It is incredibly close to my heart, influencial to my faith and contains many great friends. Next year, I take a break...
I can't imagine taking a break.
I can't imagine not being in the office for such highjinks every Wednesday. I can't imagine not being part of team lunch, or midday prayer, or dreaming up the latest prayer, mission and justice scheme. It'll be a strange experience to pause on such a big part of my life for maternity leave.
Don't get me wrong - I can't wait to be a Mum! I keep wondering what the little one's going to look like and sound like and I've hoped and prayed for this gift for years. Steve assures me (and rationally I know) that I will be plently busy and challenged when the newest Harding arrives. I'm sure it won't really feel like a break, more of a change of direction.
Today - I guess I feel fortunate to love my work so much. It seems like a gift to want to be here. To want to be a part of it...
It had to be done! Boy or Girl, baby Harding will be sporting a 'tache next year. If you want to join us get yours from I Want One Of Those.
After two and a half years of trying for a baby, every step of my pregnancy feels like a little miracle. I've never been more thankful. Just ten months ago I was struggling with a deep sadness and fear that children weren't in our future, now, as Christmas approaches I'm into my second trimester and can't believe our life is about to be turned upside down in the best possible way.
Baby Harding will be joining us, ready or not, around the 22nd April. We've started collecting second-hand cots, bouncers, blankets etc. and a little list of names for the newest member of our family.
Yesterday I had my second appointment with our brilliant midwife Jo. As she navigated my tummy with her goo assisted Doppler device, Steve and I got our second and clearest hearing of our little one's heartbeat. It was so fast and strong. A bold declaration of the life growing inside. I cried... of course... What a beautiful sound.
The whole experience is causing me to marvel anew at the power and creativity of God. A lot of prayer went into the arrival of this little one but the more I learn about how it's growing the more I think that every life is an amazing and miraculous gift...
I've been hoping for a reason to visit Hong Kong for many years and today that reason has arrived. I'm typing this from Heathrow Terminal 3 waiting to make my way into the air to touch down in a new city and country. This is my second week of travel; I had a one day turn around from my trip to Germany - our washing machine was working hard yesterday! I can't wait to make new friends and take in the sights, sounds, smells and flavours of HK. I've been told it's the food Capitol of Asia!? I'll be taking photos and will post a few along with my thoughts when I return. In the mean time, where ever you are in the world, have a lovely week...
How do I describe the last five days spent with hundreds of friends in Frankfurt, Germany? It seems too much to condense into one post, but I'm going to give it a go. 'Aufstehen', the eurogathering of the 24-7 Prayer tribes, was a flurry of salty food, warm weather, many hugs, lots of singing, praying, smiling, laughing, re-familiarising myself with the German language, outrageous generosity and more.
I love Frankfurt. On this my third trip, I took time to explore the old city, take in the padlock adorned footbridge and sample some local ice cream - yum! It was great sharing both the city and the gathering with Steve. He makes me see things in a different way and helps me make sense of cluttered thoughts. (It was also lovely to be together when most people discovered our news, but I'll leave that for another post!)
The gathering itself was pretty fantastic! There were over 200 people connected to the 24-7 Prayer, Mission and Justice movement across the continent of Europe, each loving God and changing lives in their own way. There was a lot of hope and much laughter in the room as we worshipped, prayed, listened to teaching, sought God and shared together. There were so many old friends to catch up with and lovely new ones to make. Each meal table was full of conversation.
The message that will stay with me the most: remember the story behind the stories...
It's a call to encounter Jesus and then go and share that encounter with others. (The vision always has been and always will be Him!)
The moment that will stay with me the most: the auction...
Each year people bring something they've made to donate to a special auction to raise money for projects around Europe. The greatest contestant is the legendary Peggy from the Boiler Room community in Stanford. Each year she dazzles with some truly amazing knitting and this year (though sadly she wasn't with us in person) her knitting shone again. As the bidding for her 24-7 Prayer laptop sleeve tipped over the €1000 mark I was flabbergasted when the winning consortium walked up and gave me their hard won prize. I had been not-so-secretly coveting it and was speechless at their gift. My Macbook has never been encased so beautifully. I am still overwhelmed by everyone's generosity - especially as Steve pointed out that the laptop sleeve was purchased for more than our car cost us!
Mind boggling, beautiful, inspiriing... I guess that's just another 24-7 Prayer gatheirng.
Thursday night Steve and I put our glad rags on and made our way to BAFTA's headquarters in London. In these rather plush and prestigious surroundings we were gathering with some of the 24-7 Prayer team and other hopeful nominees for the Jerusalem Trust Awards.
Each year the Jerusalem Trust sifts through thousands of entries to find the best audio and video content in the Christian arena that year. Around the room were independant film makers, organisations like ours, independant radio broadcasters and lots of lovely people from the BBC. 24-7 was nominated in three categories and to our total astonishment we actually won one!
24-7 Prayer was awarded the 2012 prize for Social Networking. Well we are rather friendly :) The award was specifically given for our work around our lent season of the 24-7 Spaces podcast and the interaction and feedback it provoked on our website, as well as on YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. It was very humbling to win, especially in the presence of so many amazing groups. We celebrated with a glass of wine / cranberry juice and some rather impressive canapes (a wafer cone of cornation chicken anyone?) It made for a brilliant night out and I wanted to say thanks to the two teams that considered and chose little old us for the award. Lady Sainsbury was a particular highlight as she shared her passion for sharing Jesus and encouraged everyone in the room. She was very lovely when I bumped into her on the way to the loo too!
***This photo has nothing to do with this post but when I was scanning my images I burst out laughing when I saw this amazing memory. Mud sliding with friends - there are few things more exillerating! Now, on with the post!***
Is 'evangelism' a dirty word?
This was the question that kick started my talk preparation last week. I think Christian evangelism is highly unpopular in today's culture, and though we are free in this nation to do so, it can seem like a kind of a cringeworthy duty at times. (Maybe it's just me!)
I find it a great personal challenge therefor that sharing our faith in Jesus is one of the last things said man told us to do before returning to His Father in heaven...
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefor go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you." Matthew 28:18-20
So how to we go? How do we grow in confidence in what we have to share? What's the heart behind the great commission? These were the questions that inspired me as I pieced together my talk for my Revelation Church community last Sunday. It was an interesting journey. I realised that something I thought I wasn't very big on, is actually closely tied to one of my core passions in life...
A recording of my talk has just gone live on this new Revelation Church podcast stream. If you have any thoughts on the topic have a listen and let me know what you think in the comments.
I am well and truly in my early 30s. How do I know? Well I'm getting really excited about my Slow Cooker. Oh how the party animal has fallen.
When did I go from being out 'til 4am dancing and doing my best impersonation of a social butterfly, to being in bed by midnight and wishing my favourite DJs would play earlier evening slots?! I feel like it's snuck up on me. I still have fun but I've lost the ability to brush off a string of late nights and have gained a genuine interest in things like renovating the house, nights in with friends and the aforementioned Slow Cooker.
I ponder this today as I try to conquer said cooker. It's been sitting on our work top for a few years now, and aside from a few successful attempts by Steve, it's remained an aspiration, a good intention, gathering dust. Today I decided to turn that around.
My barrier to using it is the amount of prep the cook book I have instructs you to do. I thought the beauty of a slow cooker was you chuck everything in at the beginning of the day and hey presto! That night you have a delicious meal. Have I been sold a lie?
So, today I am asking a solidly early 30s question. Anyone got any good, low maintenance/prep slow cooker recipes our household can try? Today I made up my own and we have a pot of meatballs simmering away but I am open to being taught by the blogosphere. Links, recipes and cook book suggestions would be much appreciated in the comments.
I've been thinking about openers today...
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife."
This has got to be one of the best first lines ever. The opening words of Jane Austin's beloved novel 'Pride & Prejudice are imbued with all the intent and humour the story holds. It makes me want to re-read it rolling those words around in my mind.
A good beginning must be compelling; like this one from Stephen King's 'The Gunslinger',
"The man in black fled across the desert, and the gunslinger followed..."
(I think that would be Steve's favourite...) and this gem from Ann Patchett's 'Bell Canto',
"When the lights went off the accompanist kissed her."
The pictures these words paint draw me in immediately. I must know whom is being kissed / pursued / married off and I will trust the weaver of this tale, the crafter of these sentences, to take me on that journey of discovery.
What's your favourite opening line? Are there any that have stayed with you? I know there are the famous ones (It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, etc.) but what words have moved you, stayed with you, evoke a memory of feeling you long to regain? Love your thoughts in the comments - hoping for some new recommendations for my book list :)
I am unwell. I feel rotten. The issue is I have lots of work to do and two talks to prepare for on Sunday and Monday. Trying to psych myself out of illness. Mind and spirit over matter. Come on - eye of the tiger! You can do it girl. Make that brain focus.
Anyone got any top tips for how to get yourself going when you feeling like crawling into bed?
I just read a fascinating email exchange between a good friend and a fellow smart person. The topic of conversation was "Are some people predisposed to being good at prayer?" An interesting question. As I considered the thought that some people are just good about being regular and disciplined - and one's suggestions on how materialism, technology, self control and more affect our psyche, I was brought back to a brilliant book I read over the summer that gave me real hope for prayer amateurs.
Prayer and Temperament by Chester P. Michael and Marie C. Norrisey won't be everyone's cup of tea. Based on the four core Myers Briggs personalities it explores how our strengths, weaknesses and methods of perception and process affect not only how we interact with God but which Gospel writer's account of Jesus' life we're most likely to connect with.
I am a firm believer that prayer is for amateurs, that God excludes no-one from conversation, relationship and the chance to be changed and change the world around us. If people find prayer hard - they simply haven't found their language yet. This book took by intuition (oh yes - I'm an 'N') and gave me some solid reasoning as to why some personalities find prayer easy and others struggle.
Most fascinating was the exploration about how different streams of the church teach prayer in ways tailored to only one personality type. (It goes into detail on this looking at different monastic traditions.) If you find prayer hard maybe the way you've been taught isn't for you?
What do you think? Read, experienced or discussed anything around this topic? As our conversations amidst friends evolve I may blog again about where we're heading with it. Until then - conversation in the comments.
This is the iMessage I received today from my cheeky husband. Utilising the Lord's voice for baked goods - how outrageous. Sadly it appears I'm a sucker because I fell for it :) Well he is working very hard at the moment... and food is practically a love language in the Trundle family!
Brownies are waiting for you at home my love xx
I finally doing it; I'm taking the plunge, I'm making a change... I'm looking for a new blog!
My blogging habits have changes drastically in the last eight years. Gone are the days when I set aside 20 minutes each day to share a thought, relish and encounter or recount an adventure. Now my blogging is across several platforms, in many different media. Here my cyber home has had my infrequent attention as I've been frustrated that my tweets, instagrams, video shares and the like can be no more than widgets or feeds. I want a cyber home where every post is front and centre, but what I want seems hard to find.
Tumblr's stopped importing RSS feeds, Wordpress is similar to typepad and all the others I rejected when starting my blogging journey in 2004. Grrr. Is there no-one out there able to create a dynamic, well designed, multi-media platform open multiple streams of content? If there is please tell me about it.
While I wait on my blogging ideal I've decided to temporarily move on over to Jux. I like the multi-media format though it is a little limited and also doesn't import tweets as posts but hey, it'll do for now! Whilst I'm looking around I'll be posting videos, tweets, images and thoughts there. This, the original (and forever fondly remembered) blog will become dormant.
"Where and how you begin the story, and where and how you end the story, shape and determine what story you're telling." Rob Bell
I'm two teachers into my new season on studying the art of preaching and teaching and both Jon Ortberg and Rob Bell have given me much to think about. January to March has been a busy season of sharing and speaking for me as I've prepared and taught more than I have before and felt like I am embarking on another steep learning curve.
Three or four years ago I realised that if I wanted the honour of speaking to people about Jesus then I needed to tame my gab and feed my heart and mind. After taking a year and a half hiatus from speaking to study a bit and pray I dove back in with a new passion and a real joy in God's word. (Wow - there was I time I never thought I'd say that!)
A few years on I feel I've made a good stab at implementing the things I've been learning and focussing on and I'm feeling a renewed season of focus and stretching is needed. I'm seeking out resources! Anyone got any?
I started with Jon Ortberg's sessions on Crafting Life Changing Messages (lots of food for thought!) and now I'm working my way through Rob Bell's Poets & Preachers videos. (Absolutely brilliant!) I have such a long way to go, and so much to learn… but I want to be a courageous encourager to my Revs church family and others I get to hang out with.
As I look afresh at my study life, the way I approach messages and my identity as a daughter in God I am so grateful that I get to do this. I never want to lose sight of what an honour and joy it is.
Stream of consciousness / update over. If anyone has any suggestions of books or speakers who could stretch and shape me on the topic of preaching and teaching I'd love to hear about them in comments :)
We are what we eat, what we buy, what we consume. That’s how it goes right? What you obtain, what you invest in, where your heart dwells and where you spend your time… these are the things that shape and disciple us. Physically, emotionally, mentally… but how do we know when the things we consume begin to consume us?
Today much of the Western Church embarks on Lent, a journey toward Easter. An annual rhythm that challenges our role as consumers at the centre of a service orientated society. A time of denial and self-control. The season to stop, breathe and ask ourselves the question: what and whom am I living for?
“Get ready the road for the Lord.” John 1:23
I have an eclectic church background; before finding my community I sampled a selection of the flavours the wider Church has to offer. My current church doesn't make a big deal of lent. We’ve not rejected it we simply don’t closely follow any traditional church calendar. However, observing lent is a habit I picked up young and has stuck with me. When I dive into the season I’ve found that God gives to me more than I ever give up for Him.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2
What do I hunger for?
Mimicking Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, I’ve joined many in fasting, praying and facing big questions and temptations. Each year God reveals something new in my character or faith journey. In my early twenties fasting make-up gave God room to talk with me about my worth and value. Last year when I gave up music on my daily commute He opened my eyes to the ways I shut myself off from the world around me. When I fast from food, and my stomach grumbles, “Lord, teach me to hunger for your presence” has skipped off my lips.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:1-2
This morning millions will have woken to a new fast, preparing hearts and minds to walk through death and into life and hope on resurrection Sunday. Be it a challenge to give something up or the establishment of a new holy habit, we’re examining our hearts and minds and inviting the light of Jesus shine in our darkness…
“Lent is the time for trimming the soul and scrapping the sludge off a life turned slipshod. Lent is about taking stock of time, even religious time. Lent is about exercising the control that enables us to say no to ourselves so that when life turns hard of its own accord we have the stamina to yes to its twists and turns with faith and hope… Lent is the time to make new efforts to be what we say we want to be.” Sister Joan Chittister
In an individualistic world, lent is a corporate act of humility that looks to Jesus and says; “I want to love you more than myself.” Whether you follow the Western or Eastern Church rhythms, or if like me you’re from a stream that doesn’t jump into lent, why not consider engaging in the pre-Easter journey in 2012. Lent is just an excuse… it’s unimportant when you start, end or how you calculate 40 days. The journey from now to Easter is an opportunity; an invitation and all are welcome…
As I embark on this year’s fast I find myself drawn to balance my denial with delight, my fasting with feasting. This Lent as I open one hand and let go of something for a time, I stretch out the other take hold of a new rhythm. From today to Easter Sunday I, like thousands of others, will be consuming the gospel of John in prayer.
Join the 24-7 Prayer community as we make 5 minutes, for 40 days to walk through the life of Jesus. Subscribe to the 24-7 Spaces podcast and watch short devotional videos hosted by people caught up in this movement.
This week launches with Pete Greig sharing from John chapter 1. Find out more and watch the latest videos here.
“Hear my voice when I call, O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. My heart says of you, ‘Seek his face!’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalm 27:7-8
On Sunday I tackled one of my most challenging talk briefs to date: God's love in the Old Testament. When I received the talk brief from Dan I got terribly excited; partly because of the challenge (30 minutes - 30-odd books what do you focus on!), but mostly because the OT is the part of God's word I've been on the biggest journey with.
I used to dread reading it; honestly, I thought it was something to be endured until you reached the good bit (Jesus). When I actually did read it I discovered some absolutely gorgeous bits that I would then read repeatedly: Psalms, Proverbs, adventures and amazing role models. If I'm honest I would skip past or skim read the guts, gore, law and all the stuff that bored me. It was difficult to understand, almost alien in it's worldview. It wasn't until I read the Bible using the God Story technique that I started to see the grand sweep of God's love and intention, from the moment of creation to the growth of the early church. It was from that nine months of reading and studying that my love for the Old Testament grew.
Much study, thought, prayer and discussion went into capturing some of that journey for Sunday's talk. If you're interested in the outcome then you can download it here:
Download God's Love in the Old Testament
(The sound goes a little odd two minutes in but is swiftly fixed by the wonderous Malc Garda.)
Studying and preparing for this talk has crystalised the journey of learning and teaching (and learning about teaching) I've been on for the last four years. On one hand I can see how far I've come. On the other, I am always accutely aware of how much more I have to learn.
I haven't been to Bible college, I don't have any formal training but I do love learning and have been searching for good resources to really stretch me in the area of preaching and teaching. My good friend Wendy Andrews and I were skyping recently sharing our studying and speaking journies and swapping recommendations for resources and mentoring. It was when we were listing what's really helped us that I realised:
So dear blogasphere, does anyone have any recommendations?! If you study and preach, what's helped and shaped you? Who are the people, what are the resources and rhythms you've developed that have most grown you as a speaker? Let's share the learning wealth, I for one would be most greatful :)
Travel has been my watch-word for the last two weeks with retreats, prayer weekends, trips to Northern Ireland and now Germany taking me away from home and off into the big wide world.
It's been challenging, exciting, refreshing, tiring, inspiring, fun, thought provoking and much more to be away with lovely people in interesting places. I'm looking forward to this little splurge of travel coming to an end tomorrow night as I fly back home to my waiting hubby and get my teeth stuck into all the work that's been awaiting my return.
The last trip in my schedule is to somewhere new. Today I fly from Gatwick and arrive in Berlin! Though I've been to Germany many times I have never landed in it's capitol city and though I only get to drive through it, I look forward to waving hello through a car window. From Berlin airport Chris Stone and I will drive to Neubrandenberg for 24 packed hours with the great Ralf Neumman. This rather brief jaunt is to film Ralf's contribution to the upcoming 24-7 Spaces podcast; a 40 day video podcast that helps anyone interested in praying through the life of Jesus in the gospel of John this lent. So far the contributions people have made have been inspiring! I can't wait for it to begin.
However... if passion is determined by how much you are willing to suffer for something you love then I must be passionate about Spaces. I got a text today informing me that it's currently -16 in Neubrandenberg!!! What!?! We are totally going to freeze our noses off filming outside in the Datzberg. Oh well shoud be fun. If frost bite has spared my fingers I shall blog about it upon my return. Here's to a new city!
The title of this post was a real prayer, found in a prayer space... Few things move me more than honest encounters with God. In 24-7 Prayer Rooms and Spaces in churches, workplaces, prisons, community hubs and schools, people poor out what they really think, what they really want, how they actually feel deep down where no-one else can see. Sometimes it spills out into an artistic explosion, other times a simple prayer or question... but if all I do with my life is walk with and encourage communities making space for this, I'll die a happy woman.
As this movement continues to... well... move... a new swell has emerged in the ordinary schools of our nation. Prayer Spaces in Schools began only a few years ago yet they've spread like a wild fire across the UK & Ireland. These creative, holy spaces in hosted in primary and secondary schools for a day or week, provide space for a generation to encounter a living and interested God. We ran two here in Chichester and both times I was floored by the truth, questioning and genuine response evident on the walls / cargo nets / paint spaces / crosses. It was messy, uncertain, unfinished and absolutely gorgeous.
It's also spreading...
There's been interest from a few different nations about taking prayer spaces to schools but one that has just run with it is Uganda. Yesterday I heard that a group of schools are joining together to host spaces back to back filling the academic year in 2012! A generation, praying through the academic year. Amazing!
Yesterday the teaser film for the new Prayer Spaces in Schools video was released in the UK. Take a look and let us know what you think... Could this be something for your local schools?
Prayer Spaces in Schools Teaser from Prayer Spaces In Schools on Vimeo.
Today I opened a new journal... I'd set aside the practice last summer but it's been calling to me so I return to it again. There's a lot happening right now. Lots on my mind. Good things, great things, things to make decisions about. I don't want to lose the big picture so have turned to marking pages with streams of conscious to capture every aspect of what lies ahead. It gave me peace...
Often I marvel at where God/life/choices have taken me. As I emailed a 24-7 Prayer Room in the Dominican Republic I stopped to wonder how on earth we became connected. Where did they find out about 24-7 Prayer? What made them pray? This movement never stops moving :)
The photo above was a beautiful moment in a rather hectic week. Chris (the camera man), Scot (taking the photo) and I found ourselves on West Witterings beach at sunset. We were filming an episode of the 24-7 Spaces podcast for this lent. The bleak vista and an amazing passage from John combined to make the moment beautiful. How did I end up there? How come I get to do this? I am so grateful.
If I don't capture these moments in the aperture of my mind they would pass by with little appreciation of their worth. Journalling, blogging, conversing - they make me grateful. Looking back, around and ahead I know that there's much that's happened I need to remember and much yet to be done that I must consider.
Here's to today, a fresh page and a poised pen...
From the 28th - 29th January (just a few weekends time) Theresa Stone, Emma Nicholson and I are going to eat, sleep and pray on a big beautiful boat with a whole bunch of other people :) Why? Well the CYE sailing centre have invited our little 24-7 Prayer team to come and lead a group of people through a weekend on prayer. Theresa and I worked on our sessions this morning and got rather excited by all the dreams and schemes we have planned.
It's going to be a cornacopia of teaching, experience, space and creativity. I can't wait.
If you're in the UK and fancy join in I think there are still some spaces left. If you want a chance to look at deepening your conversation with God by looking at who we are, how your personality affects your prayer life, trying prayer in ancient and modern ways and getting some inspiration and encouragement, then come and join us. More info here.
"As 2012 dawns many are speculating about what the next 12 months will bring. Some look ahead with hope, others with fear, as this year seems to be one of the most anticipated and discussed since the turn of the millennium. So what’s ahead of us: more financial turmoil, political change, spiritual transformation, the end of the world, or something else? Should we all stock up on tinned goods and start digging shelters, or could there be signs of hope and faith: God’s Kingdom on the move..."
This is the opening paragraph of a little article I've been musing on this week. I wrote for the 24-7 Prayer tribes and if you're interested you can read on here.
The inaugural gathering of the latest incarnation of Film Club could not have gotten off to a better start. In my enthusiasm I tweeted that Ellie, Paul, Steve and I had gathered to watch 'Mobsters' (a rather dated looking gangster flick). Thankfully we actually took in the splendour and subtly of 'Monsters', and what a masterpiece it was.
We went into the film knowing as little as we could (well apart from me - I'd seen it before) and took in what is sure to be one of the most unique science fiction dramas in a very long time. Monsters follows the emotional and physical journey of two unlikely companions as they make there way through dangerous, alien-infected territory. Beyond that I will say nothing about the plot. It's such an interesting idea that it's best to just take it as it comes. Remove as many preconceived ideas about what a film with Aliens should be like, in fact approach it like a travel film and you'll probably be more ready for what it has to offer.
As the film ended we immediately hit play to re-watch the beginning and piece the plot together. Once we'd oo'd, aaa'd and decided what we wanted the end to be, we watched the 'making of...' and were blown away all over again.
Did you know that each new Star Wars film is rumoured to have cost $100 million? Well, this ambitious little British film was produced for the unconfirmed amount of $15000! What is George Lucas spending his money on?! Solid gold portaloos?! Monsters is an exquisite film shot gorilla style with a small but very talented British crew and a cast that throws professional leads with non-actors. The whole spend of the film (marketing, etc.) is reported to be less than half a million dollars, yet it is one of the most creative, magical and resourceful cinema offerings to come from our great nation. Proof positive that money does not a good film make.
Anyone else seen Monsters? What did you think?
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!
Last night, I slept badly. I tossed and turned, mind half awake and waiting for my alarm to sound. It was deeply frustrating. I was wakeful because I was worried. There's a lot ahead of me this weekend, not bad things just stuff that needs juggling. Each challenge felt like another ball I must keep in the air and I was mentally limbering up for today's throwing and catching.
After a bracing pre-dawn walk, the door of the 24-7 Prayer Room closed behind a friend and I found myself alone with God. After a poor night of rest I was up early and here was my opportunity to splurge my head noise in prayer. I kneeled down to pray the entering liturgy we've written for the week and started to hand God everything in my head. One line in particular jumped out at me:
"In this hour I will give myself to the work of prayer, this is about God's concerns not mine."
It pulled me up short, I could easily fill the hour with worries and pleas (and this wouldn't necessarily be wrong), but what if God had other ideas? I walked around the room looking for how the space had changed since my last visit - it's one of my favourite things about these sacred spaces. I love seeing the prayer room fill with prayers , dreams, ideas, art work and catch a glimpse of what God's up to in our community. Each day it's different, each day another 24(ish) people have taken an hour out of life to see what happens when they say 'hi' to Jesus.
As I reach the Wailing Wall / Wailing Cargo Net I spotted a prayer I had written just yesterday. I'd scribbled it in tears and it represent the thing I've wrestled most with in the last year. On top of my little yellow plea was a green post-it note. On that green post it note someone had written a few simple words, an echoing prayer. It did my heart the world of good to see that someone else cared enough to spend part of their hour praying for me. That was it - all my plans were out the window. The next hour wouldn't be about my stress, my concerns; the next hour would be about the other prayers pinned to this slightly musty smelling net.
I worked my way along the wall reading the anonymous prayers of others and the little Green post-it notes of encouragement stuck to them. As I began to add my amen to those who'd gone before me I felt the stress I'd been carrying start to ebb away. I was moved by the single word pleas, the three different posts about struggling with cancer and the beautiful heartfelt prayers of love and hope.
To end my hour I posted a prayer on blue paper for assistance with my day. By the time I finally wrote my prayer I felt entirely different about it. I placed it among dozens of others and knew I was leaving my life in good hands. As the next person knocked on the door, my fatigue and the day ahead seemed demoted in my awareness and gratitude had taken it's place. Prayer Rooms are good for me :)
(Written Friday, posted Saturday)
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 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.
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.
There are sacred spaces in this world, some are marked with signs and heralds, others with great art and paths well trod by pilgrims, but there are many that can be passed by unnoticed; unnassuming places that have nothing visible to point to the encounters that have happened there. The conference room in the Revelation Church Warehouse is one such sacred space.
Teenagers gather in it, businesses and groups meet there, performers have used it as a green room and club nights as an entrance. I wonder if anyone of them knew that the carpet tiles they were standing on are holy ground?
It was in this rather boring looking room that I learned how to pray. There were words, thoughts, movements, paintings, tears, music and many other expressions involved in my search for a language... but this was the space in which my 18 year old heart learned to connect to God's. In a smelly, beautiful, messy and glorious place later named a 24-7 Prayer Room. My life's direction has been set by my solitary lessons in God's love and conversation over a few short months in 1999. Now I pour myself into helping others do the same.
Today as I stood in that conference room, surrounded by my Revs family, tears slid down my cheeks and my heart was moved. We gathered to welcome 2012, a new day a New Year with the launch of our first 24-7 Prayer Room in a few years. As I worshipped I realised that if I'd had some stones to hand, I'd have been piling them there. This room is my Gilgal. The place God brought me, a watershed between one part of my life and the next. Today I remembered the time I had spent there, the prayers God had responded to and the way we were changed. As I remembered I longed. Revelation is striding into a new adventure; we're looking forward. We don't want the glory days gone by, we want the presence of God and His mission for us now. This sacred space is a key.
I have numerous hours alone and with Cymbrogi set aside in this room in the week ahead. Lord I'm coming to meet with you. Could this be a new watershed for me, for all of us? Speak Lord, your servants are listening...
Don't know what 24-7 Prayer is? Check out the website and this nifty little vid below...
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.
Turkey is reeling and rescue attempts continue after the worst earthquake in decades hit the nation on Sunday afternoon. The BBC are reporting that 239 people have died and over a thousand have been injured. Sadly the death toll is expected to rise. Looking at the photos and videos of rescue and rubble online, it's hard not to be moved by such devastation.
How can we respond and pray for the people of Turkey at such a tragic time of crisis? Honestly, today I found it difficult to know where to begin. I spent a some time reading reports online and asking God how we should pray…
Here is the simple way the 24-7 team have come up with - why don't you join us?
Go and find a stone and keep it with you all day. When you see it think about the situation in Turkey and prayer for:
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?
It seems my blog posts are either bubbling over with excitement, a glimpse into my messy head or thoroughly shallow splurges at the moment. I'm embracing it! This morning I have clothing on my mind. Yesterday I had one of those thoroughly girly moments that if I didn't have scrupples would have sent me flying credit card in hand to my local high street - I am sooo bored of my wardrobe!
Oh yeah - I just typed that cliche!
I am bored of my TShirts, my lack of trend, my not quite fitting right trousers... I have lamented the departure (into the bin) of beloved tops and tights that have fallen foul of washing machine holes. I want to shop. Here's the thing though... it's like there are two voices in my head. The tempestuous two year old who likes shiny, new things and the rather more creative 30 something who wants to live like I believe beauty comes from within, it's best not to consume for the sake of it and that it's good to use things until they truly wear out.
Thankfully I had a brain wave.
I decided to make one small purchase and then play dress up with clothes I already own. I bought tights - I opened my wardrobe and I put things together I'd never thought of before. Fun! I decided I have more than I think I do and all it takes is a little reshuffle, a smidgen of creativity and perhaps the willingness to wear more heals to spice up my daily wardrobe. I began today by breaking out shorts and my new tights with a newish pair of heals. As I walked to the Guildford office from the train station I remembered why they were still newish - I keep chickening out of breaking them in properly. Ouch! Oh well, has to happen sometime - no pain, no gain. Everytime I longed for my slobby, comfy stuff I looked down and thought, "Oooo pretty."
Wow - I really am shallow :)
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