Ok here goes. I have been having many an argument with WordPress recently in my attempts to update but unfortunately WordPress has much more time and patience than me and has prevented me from posting anything. So umpteenth attempt and feeling very stubborn I shall definitely get something up!
The main event before Christmas was More Than A Story, the event that Andy, Rich, Sam and Myself had been busy putting together for the previous few months. Unfortunately we only ended up with one booking, at my home church in Braintree on the 18th December. If anyone was in the area that day they’ll remember that a ridiculous amount of snow fell in a very short time! The consequences of this were that Den couldn’t physically get to Braintree from South Woodam Ferrers so Rich had to step in to his role as main speaker and I took over from Rich as one of the quiz hosts. The snow also stopped many people from coming so we only had about 25 in the audience but it was still brilliant. My Dad did his best to embarrass me at every turn but this just added to the fun and relaxed atmosphere. We were really happy with how the event went and hope that it made an impact on those who were there. I was very happy with my newly purchased fairy lights to decorate!
Christmas break was spent with various combinations of mine and Andy’s family. I stayed at my sister’s on Christmas Eve and helped Maddie and Emi get ready for Father Christmas…when they woke up in the morning (surprisingly not til 7.30am) he had left footprints on the floor which made them so excited!! Then he came back while they were eating breakfast with more presents! It was very surreal and for a small moment I felt like it really was Father Christmas and not Matt’s Dad in a very good hire suit! My parents and Matt’s parents came for dinner and we had a really lovely day of present opening and fun together. I travelled up to Andy’s in Selby on Boxing Day and we spent a few days relaxing there with his family and then came back to Braintree to see my brother and co who were staying at my parents. It was a really nice time and made me rethink the things that were important to me. I think my 2 favourite moments over Christmas were when Maddie almost fell asleep on me on Christmas Day – the feeling that she felt perfectly safe in my arms (plus she never normally sits still long enough for cuddles!); the other was taking Chloe and Sam to the park and Chloe saying ‘This is so much fun, I love my Auntie Laura’. Knowing that you can make someone happy, knowing that they want to be with you is the nicest feeling in the world!
Now it’s back in the swing of things – preparations, planning, events etc! Andy and I went to Holland with Taste 14th-24th January which was great. We did a few church services, gigs, a children’s club and a day of workshops with youth leaders from the area. Our hosts Sieb and Douwe were incredible – so welcoming and constantly feeding us amazing food!! It’s great to meet people who speak a different language, do things differently but know we’re worshipping the same God. It’s difficult to know the impact of what we have done, we just have to trust God used us!
Now back and refreshed after a couple of days off I’m concentating on the next few things. Have a look at my calendar for more details on what I’m up to but here’s a rough idea:
Sunday 30th Jan: Helping Ed with a Family Service in Sandy
Fri 4th- Sun 6th Feb: Going to Children’s Ministry Conference in Eastbourne to help with the Arise Exhibition Stand.
Fri 11th Feb: Solid Remix at Chelmsford Cathedral
Please pray for all the preparations and safe travel as well as good health for everyone involved!
I would also really appreciate your prayers for my finances. Currently my monthly incoming matches my immediate bills (rent, phone, contact lenses and travel), so that doesn’t give me anything left over for food, leisure, and buying birthday presents!! Please pray whether you might be able to support me with either a one off gift or more regularly.
Thank you!
Tags: Arise, Braintree, Chelmsford Cathedral, Children's Ministry Conference, Christmas, Finance, Holland, More Than A Story, Prayer, Sandy, Selby, Solid Remix