I am contentedly happy for 5 main reasons:
1. I have ordered my wedding dress - although I am nervous that it might be the wrong one even though I feel that it is the right one. It's a big decision!
2. I have just had a very enlightening Old Testament Class and like the fact that Abraham put his hand in the hand of God and stepped out in faith (I knew that before but it blessed me again today!)
3. My Beautiful now watches CSI and enjoys it - apart from the gory bits. He's a bit of a wuss! (is that how you spell it?)
4. I am able to get emails on my Salvation Army address again after a 3 week drought!
5. My Beautiful took the plunge and gave me my favourite snack - toast with tomato sauce on it. That shows a lot of love. My cousin Caroline and I started having tomato sauce on our toast when we were about 5yrs old and I have continued to have that since then. It's so lovely! My mum and dad will put it on for me without too much grumbling. My brother makes a big song and dance about it if he ever does it. My Beautiful just put it on - and what's more - he even tried a bit and quite liked it! There you go! RESULT!!! See we are meant to be together! That's for anyone who may have had any doubts!
laters
cx
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Saturday, 20 October 2007
Sweet Chariots and Fairy Tales
So My Beautiful and I are supporting England in the world cup:
Well actually the truth of the matter is that I was supporting them until I finished eating my tea which was about 10 minutes into the game and then decided I'd had enough and so am now on the puter writing this and checking out some wedding stuff. Thing is, I can't be seen to support England too much as I do have some Scottish allegiance
We did sing "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" at the beginning and recorded it on my phone for prosperity and so I could send it to Suz and her Rugby party - apparently it brought tears to their eyes!
Can you remember what you were doing last time England won the Rugby World Cup? I was staying in a hotel in Bournemouth because I was on a course: Understanding Sex Offender Behaviour. It was November and I had only been doing my job as Divisional Children's Officer for only a couple of weeks at the most I reckon. Funny the things you remember eh?
Anyway, I now have a few study days at college. I found out on Friday that I am going to Dublin (to Lefroy House) to do my week long Social Placement in November which I am excited about. When I told mum she started spouting off all these tourist attractions I needed to see to which you just hear my dad shouting the background "Jean she's going there to work!" So I must get my need for a Jolly in all situations from my mum - she's always ducking and diving!
Anyway, it's been a strange old couple of weeks really. I think this college is going to turn upside down all that I have believed - in particular about the bible and then place it back round in the right place. It was revealed to me the other day that The Bible might actually be made up of fairy stories! I mean apparently all these stories I've have longed believed in and loved may not be even true but the authors using poetic licence! And all these books probably weren't written in the order we find them in the bible. The Gospels were written after all the letters for instance! And you think one person wrote one book but actually it could have been a whole load of different writers for each book! Do you want me to go on???? Was Luke a Doctor? possibly. Was Luke a disciple? Apparently not!!! That was news to me and Alison who has now placed the 12 disciples up with Santa's Reindeer's and the Seven Dwarfs - names you think you know all of but actually you realise you don't. I've come to the conclusion that these writers were like journalists who like to write their interpretation of things which is not always the truth - but it's a good old story and makes someone look bad and someone look good.
But anyway, after chatting it through with My Saviour from Numptiness I've come to the conclusion that the Bible - the word of God - is meant to be a living word. If God is a living God and if the word is a living word then He's going to look after it and ensure that it reflects the truth about Him and His greatness. I still believe in it even though I've found out this crazy stuff. I believe it because it's words are true in the way we live it out in today's world. The words are true in so much as they have been a living reality for me, a source of comfort, a source of guidance, a source of joy and a source of challenge to me in my life as I try to do be all and do all that God wants of me.
Plus I've been shopping today with My Beautiful and that always makes me feel better and view life and things more logically!
Well, I might go back and see how England are doing - My Beautiful is clicking his finger which means he's getting excited/frustrated about it all. "Swing Low Sweet Chariot ....."
laters
Cx
Well actually the truth of the matter is that I was supporting them until I finished eating my tea which was about 10 minutes into the game and then decided I'd had enough and so am now on the puter writing this and checking out some wedding stuff. Thing is, I can't be seen to support England too much as I do have some Scottish allegiance
We did sing "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" at the beginning and recorded it on my phone for prosperity and so I could send it to Suz and her Rugby party - apparently it brought tears to their eyes!
Can you remember what you were doing last time England won the Rugby World Cup? I was staying in a hotel in Bournemouth because I was on a course: Understanding Sex Offender Behaviour. It was November and I had only been doing my job as Divisional Children's Officer for only a couple of weeks at the most I reckon. Funny the things you remember eh?
Anyway, I now have a few study days at college. I found out on Friday that I am going to Dublin (to Lefroy House) to do my week long Social Placement in November which I am excited about. When I told mum she started spouting off all these tourist attractions I needed to see to which you just hear my dad shouting the background "Jean she's going there to work!" So I must get my need for a Jolly in all situations from my mum - she's always ducking and diving!
Anyway, it's been a strange old couple of weeks really. I think this college is going to turn upside down all that I have believed - in particular about the bible and then place it back round in the right place. It was revealed to me the other day that The Bible might actually be made up of fairy stories! I mean apparently all these stories I've have longed believed in and loved may not be even true but the authors using poetic licence! And all these books probably weren't written in the order we find them in the bible. The Gospels were written after all the letters for instance! And you think one person wrote one book but actually it could have been a whole load of different writers for each book! Do you want me to go on???? Was Luke a Doctor? possibly. Was Luke a disciple? Apparently not!!! That was news to me and Alison who has now placed the 12 disciples up with Santa's Reindeer's and the Seven Dwarfs - names you think you know all of but actually you realise you don't. I've come to the conclusion that these writers were like journalists who like to write their interpretation of things which is not always the truth - but it's a good old story and makes someone look bad and someone look good.
But anyway, after chatting it through with My Saviour from Numptiness I've come to the conclusion that the Bible - the word of God - is meant to be a living word. If God is a living God and if the word is a living word then He's going to look after it and ensure that it reflects the truth about Him and His greatness. I still believe in it even though I've found out this crazy stuff. I believe it because it's words are true in the way we live it out in today's world. The words are true in so much as they have been a living reality for me, a source of comfort, a source of guidance, a source of joy and a source of challenge to me in my life as I try to do be all and do all that God wants of me.
Plus I've been shopping today with My Beautiful and that always makes me feel better and view life and things more logically!
Well, I might go back and see how England are doing - My Beautiful is clicking his finger which means he's getting excited/frustrated about it all. "Swing Low Sweet Chariot ....."
laters
Cx
Thursday, 4 October 2007
Here's an interesting question ....
So today my classes were:
-Salvationist Doctrine
-New Testament
-Old Testament
Do you think this was an interesting day for me?
Am going to learn some self defence tonight so watch out!
laters
cx
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
Just in case you missed it ....
... my beautiful new nephew!
He's so gorgeous! I love him. I am eagerly waiting for a picture with him wearing the tee-shirt I bought in the summer which says "If you think I'm cute you should see my auntie"!
However, I would like to point out that I am feeling somewhat missed out in this whole situation. I would like you all to know that being an auntie is no less an joy and an privilege than being a grandparent - so why is it that my parents have received many "congratulations on becoming grandparents" cards and I have received diddly squat cards which say "congratulations on becoming an auntie". Why? Because they don't make them! Now in this day and age when they even have cards for Happy Divorce and Happy Birthday to my pet - why don't they have a card for me! I feel neglected and undervalued! I am very very very very very happy about Luke and his birth and very very very very very happy to be an auntie!
So the welcome weekend is over. It was fine. I marched ok. I saluted ok. I remembered most of my words to the sessional song and I managed to just get my uniform skirt on although it was very tight! It was good to see Rita who was the YPSM at Gainsborough Corps when mum and dad were the officers there about 30 years ago and remembers me when I was in the primary - and quite grizzly! It was also nice to see Dawn and Jim on the Sunday and of course, it was lovely to see mum and dad and my beautiful! I'm sad Richard, Heidie and Luke weren't there but they will be back soon and I am excited about that.
Now we have started our classes in earnest. We have had Understanding People the past couple of mornings which has been quite challenging. We have been dropped into the deep end a bit in terms of asking us how we would deal with some pretty heavy pastoral issues but I guess that's life. I feel quite affirmed in that some of the things we've discussed I've already encountered and dealt with.
It's all been interesting and at the moment I am feeling very motivated and determined. These feelings I am going to nurture and cling onto for dear life.
This afternoon we had our first sessional meeting - it's Ronseal (does what it says on the tin!). At this meeting over the next 3 weeks we will get the chance to hear every one's story. Already it's been really interesting and challenging to hear the diversity in people's experiences of life and of God but yet how he has had the same call on all of our lives - for such a time as this. The overwhelming thing that has already come out is that God is faithful! He's also very very very persistent! But actually, how when we give in to his persistent calling and signs things seem to fall so much into place. It's not brain surgery! So if you know God is telling you to do something, beware, he'll not rest until you've done it and then you'll rest so you might as well do it and save the hassle and time!
laters
cx
He's so gorgeous! I love him. I am eagerly waiting for a picture with him wearing the tee-shirt I bought in the summer which says "If you think I'm cute you should see my auntie"!
However, I would like to point out that I am feeling somewhat missed out in this whole situation. I would like you all to know that being an auntie is no less an joy and an privilege than being a grandparent - so why is it that my parents have received many "congratulations on becoming grandparents" cards and I have received diddly squat cards which say "congratulations on becoming an auntie". Why? Because they don't make them! Now in this day and age when they even have cards for Happy Divorce and Happy Birthday to my pet - why don't they have a card for me! I feel neglected and undervalued! I am very very very very very happy about Luke and his birth and very very very very very happy to be an auntie!
So the welcome weekend is over. It was fine. I marched ok. I saluted ok. I remembered most of my words to the sessional song and I managed to just get my uniform skirt on although it was very tight! It was good to see Rita who was the YPSM at Gainsborough Corps when mum and dad were the officers there about 30 years ago and remembers me when I was in the primary - and quite grizzly! It was also nice to see Dawn and Jim on the Sunday and of course, it was lovely to see mum and dad and my beautiful! I'm sad Richard, Heidie and Luke weren't there but they will be back soon and I am excited about that.
Now we have started our classes in earnest. We have had Understanding People the past couple of mornings which has been quite challenging. We have been dropped into the deep end a bit in terms of asking us how we would deal with some pretty heavy pastoral issues but I guess that's life. I feel quite affirmed in that some of the things we've discussed I've already encountered and dealt with.
It's all been interesting and at the moment I am feeling very motivated and determined. These feelings I am going to nurture and cling onto for dear life.
This afternoon we had our first sessional meeting - it's Ronseal (does what it says on the tin!). At this meeting over the next 3 weeks we will get the chance to hear every one's story. Already it's been really interesting and challenging to hear the diversity in people's experiences of life and of God but yet how he has had the same call on all of our lives - for such a time as this. The overwhelming thing that has already come out is that God is faithful! He's also very very very persistent! But actually, how when we give in to his persistent calling and signs things seem to fall so much into place. It's not brain surgery! So if you know God is telling you to do something, beware, he'll not rest until you've done it and then you'll rest so you might as well do it and save the hassle and time!
laters
cx
Friday, 28 September 2007
The Big Change
Well it’s been a couple of weeks of change in the lives of the Bradbury family.
Last week I moved to London to the training college to start my 2 years diploma in Salvation Army Officer Training. I have a nice little flat although it is on the third floor so I have to climb many steps to get to it. I don’t mind – I have a uniform skirt to fit into and ultimately a wedding dress so the exercise will do me good! Thankfully, when I arrived at the college the other Monday most people had moved in and some helped carry my stuff up the stairs so Adrian, mum and I didn’t have to do it on our own (I was dreading the thought of that). I’ve managed to unpack most things and it’s weird but nice to see all my familiar things around the place. Every time Adrian comes to see me he either brings something I have forgotten or takes away something I don’t need.
Here are some pictures of my flat.
Life here at the college is ok. We have had a week and a bit of inductions and study skills classes; plus we have been given our first essay, which has to be handed in today. It was only an 800 word practice assignment to get us into the habit of writing essays but the essay title was mammoth and it was really difficult to fit it all into 800 words. I experienced something in writing this essay I don’t think I have ever experience when writing an essay – having too many words! I had to spend a good hour editing it to get the word count down! Classes start in earnest on Monday after the welcome weekend. Today we have Marching practice and our final chance to practice our sessional song (which I’m liking a lot) for Saturday night’s welcome. It’s all a bit surreal really. The Witnesses for Christ are a nice bunch of people – I think we’re going to have a nice time together.
And secondly…. Please say a warm welcome to my beautiful new nephew: Luke Jonathan!!!!! (da daa! – that’s a fanfare by the way!)
Isn’t he just so beautiful? He was born last Thursday (20 September 2007) at 20:50 in Chikankata hospital (for a fuller account of the birth see my big bro’s blog on the link list). It was a bit traumatic last Thursday because we received word from Rich that the baby’s heartbeat had weakened and so they decided to do a C-section. When they did the section they found the cord wrapped tightly around Luke’s neck and he had stopped breathing so they had to resuscitate him. The placenta was also in a bad state and bleeding. They told Richard that had they waited for Luke to be born naturally he would have most likely died and Heidie would have had permanent damage so I say thank you to a great big mahoosive God who I believe worked in that whole situation and produced this miracle. Thank you also to a brilliant load of friends who I texted to pray that night.
I got a chance to speak to Luke that night on the phone – I told him that it was he Auntie Clare speaking and he cried! He better not be giving me that cheek when he’s older!
And finally, I say congratulations to my friend Jane who married Ross last weekend. It was a lovely day and nice to see some familiar faces.
Adrian and I travelled up to Scotland by car on the Friday afternoon; went to the wedding on Saturday afternoon; stayed for the meal and the speeches (which were some of the best I have heard at a wedding) and then drove back down to London just as the evening reception was starting so that I could be back for the Spiritual Day at the college the next day! I arrived back home at 3am! When saying goodbye to Jane she told me to text her when I got home. I looked at Adrian and commented that I did not think my welfare would be utmost on her mind that night and I didn’t want to be part of that night - even in text - at all. So I feel it’s safe now to say to Jane that I got home!
Laters
cx
Last week I moved to London to the training college to start my 2 years diploma in Salvation Army Officer Training. I have a nice little flat although it is on the third floor so I have to climb many steps to get to it. I don’t mind – I have a uniform skirt to fit into and ultimately a wedding dress so the exercise will do me good! Thankfully, when I arrived at the college the other Monday most people had moved in and some helped carry my stuff up the stairs so Adrian, mum and I didn’t have to do it on our own (I was dreading the thought of that). I’ve managed to unpack most things and it’s weird but nice to see all my familiar things around the place. Every time Adrian comes to see me he either brings something I have forgotten or takes away something I don’t need.
Here are some pictures of my flat.
Life here at the college is ok. We have had a week and a bit of inductions and study skills classes; plus we have been given our first essay, which has to be handed in today. It was only an 800 word practice assignment to get us into the habit of writing essays but the essay title was mammoth and it was really difficult to fit it all into 800 words. I experienced something in writing this essay I don’t think I have ever experience when writing an essay – having too many words! I had to spend a good hour editing it to get the word count down! Classes start in earnest on Monday after the welcome weekend. Today we have Marching practice and our final chance to practice our sessional song (which I’m liking a lot) for Saturday night’s welcome. It’s all a bit surreal really. The Witnesses for Christ are a nice bunch of people – I think we’re going to have a nice time together.
And secondly…. Please say a warm welcome to my beautiful new nephew: Luke Jonathan!!!!! (da daa! – that’s a fanfare by the way!)
Isn’t he just so beautiful? He was born last Thursday (20 September 2007) at 20:50 in Chikankata hospital (for a fuller account of the birth see my big bro’s blog on the link list). It was a bit traumatic last Thursday because we received word from Rich that the baby’s heartbeat had weakened and so they decided to do a C-section. When they did the section they found the cord wrapped tightly around Luke’s neck and he had stopped breathing so they had to resuscitate him. The placenta was also in a bad state and bleeding. They told Richard that had they waited for Luke to be born naturally he would have most likely died and Heidie would have had permanent damage so I say thank you to a great big mahoosive God who I believe worked in that whole situation and produced this miracle. Thank you also to a brilliant load of friends who I texted to pray that night.
I got a chance to speak to Luke that night on the phone – I told him that it was he Auntie Clare speaking and he cried! He better not be giving me that cheek when he’s older!
And finally, I say congratulations to my friend Jane who married Ross last weekend. It was a lovely day and nice to see some familiar faces.
Adrian and I travelled up to Scotland by car on the Friday afternoon; went to the wedding on Saturday afternoon; stayed for the meal and the speeches (which were some of the best I have heard at a wedding) and then drove back down to London just as the evening reception was starting so that I could be back for the Spiritual Day at the college the next day! I arrived back home at 3am! When saying goodbye to Jane she told me to text her when I got home. I looked at Adrian and commented that I did not think my welfare would be utmost on her mind that night and I didn’t want to be part of that night - even in text - at all. So I feel it’s safe now to say to Jane that I got home!
Laters
cx
Sunday, 16 September 2007
Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye ....
Well here I am, Cadet Bradbury, at the Lord's service! I've said all my farewells (apart from my Beautiful's which I'm not looking forward to) and I depart tomorrow morning for the Training College.
People have been so very kind, generous and supportive. The past four years have been such a pivotal few years of my life. The decision to move down here was completely a God decision and I've never felt so much that I've been right at the centre of God's will and doing what he wants as I have done over these years. I can see now how my whole life he has taken me on a journey and each decision and move made has been a stepping stone to me getting nearer to his destination for my life. I feel now that I've reached that destination. This is precisely where God has been leading me and preparing me for my whole life. of course I didn't necessarily see that at the time but now with my degree in Hindsight I can. I'm so grateful to God for all the adventures along the way and all the beautiful people he's placed in my life to guide me when I was getting lost or just for the company.
So from tomorrow I start a new journey and I'm excited - I don't mind telling you! I'm not so excited about taking all my belongings to my flat which I found out this week has moved from the first floor of house 5 to the top floor. I am seriously worried about the inability my body will have to move the next day - but I have My Beautiful to help and my mum. However, I am excited about the possibility of all those stairs helping to make me thinner - I have a wedding dress to get into you know!?
Anyway, there are many things I am excited about but the main things is that I know I will be right at the centre of God's will for my life and I can't even begin to tell you how amazingly happy and content that makes me feel.
laters
cx
Sunday, 2 September 2007
Ring a bling bling!
You are reading the blog of a very very very very smiling person! I am smiling because my Saviour from Numptiness, my Godsend - Adrian last Wednesday, on the shore of Loch Lomond at Luss in the beautiful sunshine asked me to marry him! I said yes - hence the picture above of the beautiful bling bling ring!
He really is wonderful. You know Luss has very many happy memories for me. I'm sure for most people there is a place which is a real spiritual place for you; a place where you feel really close to God, a place which fills you with happiness, refreshment and the awesomeness of God. Luss is that place for me. I always said that my dream proposal of marriage would be there. However, because I told everyone it seemed unlikely that this would happen as it wouldn't be a surprise.
Can I just said that God is a dream maker! He has worked so many situations out this year for me to make my dreams come true. Being with Adrian is one of them; this week away was another and the proposal yet another.
In truth Adrian and I knew pretty much as soon as we got together that God had planned for us to be together. Everything just clicked nicely. I often pray that I will live in the joy and contentment of God's plan for my life and being with Adrian has just put the cherry on the cake in that way. I feel a deep contentment being with him and a great excitement about all the future holds for us.
So we went on holiday this week. I didn't know where we were going - it was a magical mystery tour! We started off in the Lake District and then he drove to Luss on Monday. You can imagine my absolute joy when I realised we were staying in the hotel just next to Luss called the Lodge on the Lomond . I had the meal to celebrate my graduation here about seven years ago and always dreamt that one day I would love to return and stay here with the love of my life (you know - like girls do!).
The hotel is right on the shore of Loch Lomond and each room has a balcony with a direct view right over the loch. Here's the view from my balcony:
Isn't it so beautiful? And what's amazing is that everyday the weather was different yet the Loch with the hills behind never lost it's beauty - every time I looked I was filled with amazing gratitude to God who created all this beauty for us to enjoy and I was so grateful that I had someone to thank for the beauty. I wonder how people who don't acknowledge God as the creator manage to channel their feelings when they see such beauty?
Anyway, We went for a lovely walk on Wednesday morning before breakfast because the sun was shining so brightly and it was such a beautiful day. We sat on the bench overlooking the loch, watched as an aqua plane landed in front of us and as a couple of boats came in and moored at the pier and I joked about us witnessing a drugs heist (it was very peculiar - especially as there was a dodgy man hanging around) and Adrian asked me to marry him right there and then. It was so beautiful and I will never forget it. You see I am just an old romantic and he made my dream come true! I love him.
laters
cx
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