Repent and be Saved

For the second part of our busy Sunday, we headed through to Edinburgh to meet up with good friends, and officers at Edinburgh Gorgie Corps, Iain & Alison Hudson, with their 2 children Amy and William. They were at Perth before and have known C-A a long time. Iain and I are from the same division but a slight age gap meant we never really met in the same groups back in the glories of London South East (or Canterbury as it used to be) Division!

Anyway, they have been a great support to us over the past 6 years and really mean a lot to us. We shared a lovely lunch with them and just relaxed as 2 families should. Their 2 are really great with our 2 so we left them to it! We even went back to the house after the meeting so that William could beat me at tennis on the Wii. I think I gave him a run for his money in the second game but, really, it would have been cruel for me to win!!!!

So, back to the reason for being at Gorgie, and we had kind of been dreading the invite over recent times, as Gorgie is a big Corps with a lot of retired officers and is totally different to what we are used to. However, what we were invited to on this occasion was special. I think on a monthly basis, they have a family evening worship and try some different things. For this one, I was preaching and worship was being led by a guy called Garry Brotherston. Garry has an amazing story and is doing his best to share it too. He also has an amazing musical gift and has written some beautiful and challenging songs - some of which he shared with us on the night too.
Garry and I had a good chat beforehand and really gelled. It seems like we are both 'singing from the same hymnbook' so to speak in terms of our ministry style and our desire to preach the word in an unashamed way.

I'd been quite worried about the preach, because God had laid a heavy message on my heart to share, but I had been asked to keep to 5-10 minutes. I read through the notes during the afternoon and knew i'd got, with random add-ins, about 15 mins (actually did 16 1/2 mins!) so i set about removing bits here and there. One bit i removed was about the Prodigal son - its still in the document available below. In a testimony time, Garry said a few things then opened his Bible and read from ... you guessed it ... the Prodigal Son! So, in the middle of preaching, I was peering through my scribbling out to read some of what i'd previously typed as it was clear God wanted this to be said. Also, as a result of knowing I had a lot to say in a short time, i am aware that I am speaking very fast. Sorry! I've slowed the playback down a bit but couldn't go too much without making me sound like i'm on 33rpm when I should be on 45! (Just realised that some readers won't know what that means! Its to do with the old fashioned big black CD type things that you played both sides of!)

Anyway, sorry, I'm digressing. After the meeting, Garry and I spoke again and he told me how encouraged he was to hear my message preached. That in itself was an encouragement to me as it was a heavy message and I sometimes wonder if I am qualified to preach such a message. But, considering someone else said later on that they wish i'd had more time to unpack the subject, I obviously was qualified - at least on this occasion. Garry and I went on to talk about worship and I've invited him through to Glenrothes for something. More on that another time.

So, the original text and live audio are available for you through the links below. The recording is not great as Gorgie is a big hall and the iPod hasn't picked up the PA well - done my best to enhance it for you. Looking back, I actually enjoyed preaching this message and will certainly go back to it to prepare more material for it and look forward to the chance to preach it in full on a future date.

Repent and be Saved text
Repent and be Saved audio

Fishers of Men

On Sunday, our first 'specialling' engagement of the day was back at Cowdenbeath Salvation Army. It was a pleasure to join with this small yet faithful group of Gods people to share in worship with them. It was Carol-Anne's turn this time and she preached on the calling of the first disciples as recorded in Matthew 4:18-20. As Kathryn needed the toilet just at the wrong moment (!!!), I got to bring the Bible Reading then C-A returned after a song to share Gods word. The text (pdf) and audio (mp3) are available for you through the links below.

Fishers of Men text
Fishers of Men audio

Be Strong

Here's the text and MP3 audio from our worship last Sunday at Cowdenbeath Salvation Army. The theme was "Be Strong" and was based mainly on the song "Be Strong in the grace of the Lord" (SA Song Book 679) but also used Luke 12:35-40; Titus 3:1-8 and Jeremiah 16:19-21.

The recording starts with our Call to Worship in the first few verses of Psalm 149. It then moves to a drama featuring a person praying the Lords Prayer and being interrupted by God. Then we hear the readings from Titus and Luke, before the Bible Message itself.

Sermon Text
MP3

Kathryn Kwote

first of an ad-hoc series: What fab quote has Kathryn come out with recently. Well, here's her latest one which is quite logical really but funny when you hear it:

I was a baby when I was little

...more another time

My girls Fathers Day pic 2008

Daddys little princesses! How lucky am I.

Hannah on swing

Following on from yesterdays post, here's a wee video taken by C-A while she was on the big swing thing with Hannah. It was H's first swing experience.

Meant to add we finished our day together with a lovely tea of minted lamb escalopes with wedges and green beans with homemade mintsauce. Then, once the kids were in bed, C-A and I tucked into some Strawberries from Cairnie Farm with dips of melted chocolate and whipped double cream - nice! (We'll let the kids have some Strawberries today - honest!)
Perfect end to a perfect day.

Off the radar for a day

For the first time in ages, I was off on a Saturday and had a clear diary, as did Carol-Anne and the girls. So,"Family Rous" decided that we would just spend the day together as a family. We do spend as much time together as a family as we possibly can, but a whole day just for ourselves is a rare thing. So we vowed to keep promises to each other and have a special day.

We had a lazy-ish morning (as much as a nearly 4 month and nearly 3 year old will let you!) and just pottered - relaxing with one another. I even got to enjoy Saturday Kitchen for the first time in ages! Then, Kathryn and I planted some seeds together that I've been trying to get done for ages. C-A tried to dodge the flying compost and Hannah was just amused by it all! So, we added to the existing planting of sweetcorn, strawberries, peppers, sunflowers, and random flowers. Today saw more sweetcorn, some tomatoes, more peppers, basil, oregano and some more random flowers. I really love spending time with Kathryn in this way and she really loves helping and watching the plants grow - its some special father-daughter time.

It was getting close to lunchtime and after realising we didn't have a lot in to eat, I suggested we'd head out. We'd decided on Cairnie Fruit Farm and Mega Maze which is not far from us. We'd heard lots about the place but never made it before. Sadly, the maze part, which is grown new each year in a different design using sweetcorn plants, is not open until 17 July, but we got to see it taking place. The place, as the name suggests, is a fruit farm and they also have a great "fun-farm" section that is available even when the maze isn't operational.

Anyway, we headed straight to the restaurant and have a lovely lunch with some fresh locally grown produce even down to the jam in Kathryn's sandwich that was unmistakably homemade. I was also struck by the amazing scenery around:









Anyway, we headed through to the fun bit and Kathryn didn't know what to do first - so much choice!! Here's a little selection:

Pedal go-karts (with parental help!):



















Huge hay bale castle thing with a slide:












a big swing:










And lots of ride on toys too which both girls enjoyed!












There were also trampolines at ground level, a barrel train (that sadly costs extra) and plenty of picnic space.

We had a great playtime together before heading back in for a cuppa and some homemade produce.

We'll certainly be heading back to this place when the maze is up and running - handily its just after Kathryn's birthday!! If you get over to Fife, check this place out. Its worth it for the food!!

Give without cost

Came across this site just now: thehungersite.com -

Basically, if you click on the button shown, a unit of food is given to a starving child somewhere in the world and it's paid for by corporate sponsers. There are also links to help with Breast Cancer treatment; Child Health; Literacy; Rainforest; Animal Health. You can help even more by shopping through any of the corporate sponsers and a further percentage is given to those who can help where it matters. You can even sign up for a daily reminder so that you can help somebody, somewhere, every day. As usual, I'm not on commission, but go on, have a look - help somebody today simply by exercising your clicking finger.

The road to WBC ... continued

photo credit:U02CDH

Last Tuesday (was it really over a week ago?!), we headed to The Salvation Army's East Scotland Divisional headquarters in Edinburgh for our latest Candidates Interview in our process to return to training for full time service (officership) in TSA. This interview was being chaired by the man what knows - the Territorial Candidates Officer(TCO) for the UK Salvation Army.

Its fair to say we were a bit apprehensive in the run up to the interview. The TCO was new in post since our last interview of this type, and we didn't know whether he would want to cover old ground again or take the word of the previous TCO that things could move on. Would we once again have to trawl through all the stuff that has been dealt with on human and Spiritual levels.

Well, fears were unfounded. Whilst the TCO did ask some background questions to put a few things in perspective, we mainly focused on moving forwards. There are still a few things to get through including another procedural change in the road to Training College and an assessment conference, but compared to what we have gone through so far, these do not pose a problem to us.

We were told that we have the support of the Candidates Unit. That was so good to hear. This goes on top of the Divisional support we have long experienced, and the support and friendship of our Corps and especially our Corps Officers. All this is a real blessing to us.

So what's next? Well we continue to work through a document called "Towards Officership" which involves various practical and essay work, and we continue to lead meetings around various Corps. Also, we wait to hear when our assessment conference is and what else we have to do in order to work towards the latest estimate of entering college in 2009.

We know there are people out there, possibly even reading this blog, who struggle with the fact we are reapplying for Officership. We also know that we cannot say anything that will change these peoples minds. But we just want to say one thing - please do not judge us on the past - judge us on the fruit of our ministry. Thank you.

The Greatest Adventure

This is one of the many posts I've been trying to get round to for ages!

A little while ago, I mentioned the forthcoming CD from Commissioners Keith & Pauline Banks. Well, I've had it a few weeks now and want to take a little while to review it here. Members of TSA who read this blog may have seen formal reviews in "The Salvationist" which were great reviews - what i have to say is very similar but personal too. I'd like to say that i planned to delay this review so that the initial publicity bubble could be extended but that would be untrue - i've just had so much on lately! But, this later review will hopefully bring renewed interest in the CD!

I am pleased to be able to call Keith and Pauline friends and they have supported my family in prayer and encouragement over recent years. They have also supported my work and officiated at the opening ceremony. So, i'm pleased to be able to return some of their support in this review.

Both Keith and Pauline have a long musical background and have served for over 40 years as Salvation Army Officers. And its this background that comes through in this CD. Keith writes:

"CDs can take days, weeks, even months to produce. But not this one. This took a lifetime".

This is indeed a "Spiritual Journey" as Pauline sings some of Keiths songs and he reads some of his poems and prayers, we hear more than words and music - we hear a life testimony - a passion for the God they have faithfully served. If this wasn't enough, Keith also takes some time to explain the background behind some of the tracks - the reasoning for writing them in the first place - information that only strengthens the depth of message contained within.

Now, if you want a CD that is totally pleasing on the ear musically, then don't buy this. Okay, not the comment you'd expect to read in a positive review. Let me explain. Pauline's voice does crack on occasions and the recording quality of the piano is not always spot on.
...BUT...
it was recorded in a small box room in their Largs home with techy equipment set up in the kitchen. This is a small budget production so that maximum money can be passed to TSA in Papua New Guinea and the Ayrshire Hospice. And its this last bit that gives the main reason for my capital letter "BUT". I'll let Keith tell you:

"This is not a perfect performance. Pauline is chronically fatigued due to the effects of an abdominal cancer, two brain tumours and resultant surgery, endless months of treatment, and the sudden total loss of her sight. She had to sing relying on her memory. She was sitting down throughout and experienced considerable discomfort. This project made demands on her that were far beyond the strength she had to give. ...... This CD ... is not about perfect tuning. But it is about the determination of one quite remarkable woman and the enabling grace of God."

What more can I say. Knowing all that is said here and more, this is a perfect CD. Perfect because it is honest. It hasn't been dressed up to be something it isn't. This is a personal passion of Keith and Pauline - it is a huge thankyou to the God who has brought them through so much. As Keith so rightly says, "Its strength lies in in its weakness". It is honest - it is humble.

I have to say, Keith says in the inlay card that he part in the project was small. Sorry Keith, I have to disagree. Not only did you play the piano and read your poems, but you supported and encouraged Pauline in her discomfort to ensure that her dream was fulfilled. That is no small part.

So, with the emphasis that I am not on commission, please buy this CD. This will enhance your prayer times. You can order it direct from Keith by emailing him at kandp@uwclub.net. The cost, including UK P&P, is £10 and its well worth it for this resource and also to support these two worthy causes. Order now!! (please!)

Officership application update

Just a quick update to tell you we have our next Candidates Interview tomorrow (Tuesday) at 2pm. In addition to the DHQ team, the Territorial Candidates Officer will be in attendance. The officer in this role has come into post in the last year and is therefore different to the person we met last year who was keen to move things onwards and put the past behind us now. We hope and pray for some continuity in this respect and look forward to the opportunity to share what God is doing in our lives, and the options we believe are ahead for us as "trainees" and ultimately as Salvation Army Officers.

We'd really value your prayers on this and will update you as soon as possible later in the week. Thank you in advance for all your support.

What drives you?

Yesterday, Carol-Anne, Kathryn, Hannah and I headed off to the picturesque village of Meigle which is kind of between Perth and Dundee. Our destination - the Belmont Centre. Our mission - to take up the invitation kindly offered by Captains Matthew & Debbie Bennett (Peterhead SA) to lead worship at their Youth Group retreat. The group - "Driven" - meets every Sunday after the evening meeting for a time of Praise, Worship and Teaching. To be invited to share with them was a great privilege and one we took up without question. The Belmont Centre is an outdoor residential centre that, for those who know, looks very much like the Youth bit of Sunbury Court with its wooden huts and beautiful surroundings. I have to say that the surroundings were much nicer in Meigle as its so remote, it only just gets a mobile signal - a bit different to just off the M3!

So, in glorious sunshine, we shared in worship with this great group of teenagers and leaders. It was a bit like a "Catch the Fire" event in that we didn't have a formal plan - just a list of possible songs, some Bible Readings, thoughts, talks and some multimedia. There was about 15 of us there and we had a fantastic time - the privilege of the invitation became a privilege of situation, as God really blessed us all as we praised His name and heard from His Word. During one quiet moment, we unexpectedly shared an Elijah-type moment when the only sound we could here was a gentle breeze blowing through the trees - a real blessing.

We enjoyed ourselves so much, we have provisionally accepted an invitation to go to Peterhead to lead a whole weekend there. We also thought it would be nice to share the resources with you in a Catch the Fire style way! Some of the videos used are already available over in the resources box on the Catch the Fire blog and others will appear there later in the week as we're using them this Thursday! But below are links for the talk notes, and an audio recording of a couple of bits from the worship time. This includes a talk from Carol-Anne on our value to God; a Bible Reading from Isaiah 26:1-4, then a two part talk by me on "What drives You". Its an ambient recording so is not really clear but is there none the less. Please feel free to download, listen and use the resources as you see fit. I'll let you know when the new videos are over on the CtF blog.

Sermon Notes : What drives You (word doc)
Recording of talks and readings (MP3 file)

Ministry Cartoons

Like many of you, I've been following The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus for some time and am loving the cartoons coming from the pen of Jon Birch. Its great too that he allows free usage of them - something that has been put to great use for Catch the Fire! But i've also been picking up on the cartoons from Dave Walker, who writes and draws for the Church Times. Unfortunately, he does charge for the usage of most of his cartoons, but they are well worth a look and the cost is minimal. He does also have a section of free cartoons for bloggers. This is limited but still has some good stuff. Check out his work at Cartoon Church which contains full details of how to use his work.

...so which is it...?

Rick Warren says:

It is impossible to do everything people want you to do. You have just enough time to do God's will. If you can't get it all done, it means you're trying to do more than God intended for you to do or, possibly that you're watching too much television. Purpose-driven living leads to a simpler lifestyle and a saner schedule.

So, we've got 4 big things in an 8 day period coming up and are trying to get all the necessary prep done. Leading worship for Peterhead SA Youth Group Retreat in Meigle on Jun 1. Our next Candidates Interview (with the Territorial Candidates Officer) on Jun 3 - homework to do. Catch the Fire on Jun 5. Leading Sunday morning worship at Cowdenbeath SA on Jun 8. Is it too much? Is it just a lot of the good stuff all come in at once? And if it is too much, how do you know which of the God stuff bits you're doing is the bit you need to drop? But then: I'm sat here with copies from Rick Warren's book in my hand and am making notes on them trying to do some prep; the PC is on while I do some techy updates; the TV is on; the laptop has been on with emails/Facebook/Reader open; and now i'm blogging about it all.

Am I too easily distracted?!!?

Love you Daddy

Love you Daddy
Originally uploaded by caldjr

Please excuse the self indulgence, but how lucky am I to have such a cute daughter. (rhetorical question - no answer required!!!)

Catch the Fire - advance notice

Check the CtF blog for news of the next meeting on June 5th.

Roots Review

Slightly belatedly, here's my thoughts on the Roots conference last weekend.

In the week prior to going, we had to ask a question of the Roots team. We'd been browsing the event guide on the website, and noticed that the evening celebrations would finish at 9:30, but the creche finished at 9. Now, we're not the type of parents who want our kids looked after all the time and its great to share in worship as a family, but for the evening session, its nice to get some time as a couple to worship, reflect and respond without having to worry about the kids. This timing looked like parents wouldn't be able to respond so that they weren't late for picking the kids up. So we simply asked the question ... why? We had an almost immediate response telling us that following 2007 feedback, it was decided to give the Big Top (main venue) evening celebration an extra half hour but that they couldn't give more time to the kids programmes so they compromised with the plan that the final half hour would be additional time if needed and that appeals etc would be concluded by 9. An interesting plan open to problems, but, if you are going to allow the Holy Spirit to be free in the worship, then any plan is open to problems so we accepted the answer and settled back to enjoy the weekend again. So, here's the weekend summary from my point of view.

Friday
We were picked up in the Corps minibus soon after 10 and got loaded up. The 10 of us from Glenrothes (inc 3 children!) were travelling down together to cut costs and to have fun from the moment we left to the moment we returned. We had a great journey down and the kids were great - we'd expected to stop loads but got away with 2 stops so that helped. We arrived at our B&B of 4 years and panicked the owners mum who helps out. She's great and we'll admit to taking the mickey a tad, but she does have her funny ways!!! Anyway, I think all of us, taking 4 rooms, arriving at once, was a bit much especially as there were 3 children and associated luggage to cope with! It all ended with me getting a bit stressed - something thats been happening a bit much lately - but Carol-Anne kept me right! We abandoned stuff in our rooms and headed off to check in, have a quick look around, get a bit of food, then before too long it was time to find the creche, which due to problems in Southport, had to be moved quite late and ended up on the third floor of a hotel with a small lift! We all joined up again in the Big Top for the first session. I took this session to chill out so didn't really get into the worship straight away - that was down to me not the worship leader - but I did appreciate what was going on... it really helped. The speaker was Lyndall Bywater, the prayer co-ordinator for TSA. I've known Lyndall for a long time and its always a pleasure to hear her preach - tonight was no different. She spoke with great authority, timely humour, and strong challenge. She was slightly upstaged at one point by Hugo, her guide dog, but that just added to the greatness of the message. Left the big top feeling happier and relaxed. (Incidentally, the additional half hour wasn't used tonight so there was no issue with having to leave early). We all headed back to the B&B via the Kebab/Pizza place.

Saturday
Woke in enough time to get ready for one of the highlights of the Roots experience - the full breakfast in our B&B! They did us proud again! Duly filled up, we headed off to the Big Top for the morning Bible Study to be led by Jeff Lucas. I love listening to Jeff as he presents the message in a lighthearted way but still manages to press home key points and leave strong challenges. This morning was no exception. The studies were looking at Elijah in 1 Kings 17-18 and many words were speaking straight to my heart.

After lunch, C-A and Kathryn headed back to the B&B for a sleep and I took Hannah for a walk and to have a chill out. Headed round the resource zone and picked up Jeff Lucas's book "Going Public - The life and times of Elijah" (will blog on this at a later date). Also got a free Study book on Philippians. Headed out into the sunshine having grabbed a Chai Tea latte from the organic drinks stand and settled back to read my new book. Really lifted by the book which was talking straight to me. The wind got up a bit so headed back into the resource zone for Hannah's sake, got another drink (well they were only £1!), and read some more. Eventually met up with the girls for an ice cream then later, with all the Glenrothes gang, headed to Nandos.

For the evening, we had had thoughts of not going but glad we did. Nims Obunge from the Peace Alliance was the speaker and wow, what a passionate speaker he was. Really uplifted and challenged through him. Tonight though, the extra half hour was taken and parents had to leave before the end. It was my turn and felt like a naughty school boy being asked to leave the room. Tried not to let it spoil the message that was still ringing in my ears from Pastor Obunge. Headed back to the B&B.

Sunday
Woke more reluctantly today! Still enjoyed breakfast, then headed off via creche to another good Bible Study. Chilled out back at the B&B over lunchtime then went back to see what was going on with a public festival/fun time. The SA area was being opened up to the Southport public and it was good to see so many people come in despite the showery weather. Kathryn had some fun on a bouncy castle then I headed off with the other Glenrothes guys to meet with some Aberdeen guys for a go-karting session. It was really great to chill out and have some real fun on the track. Ate at Frankie & Bennies tonight - Chiquitos (offering 15% discount to Roots delegates) was way too busy - shame.

Kathryn wasn't 100% so we kept her with us for the evening rather than run the risk of getting called out to fetch her from creche early. The speaker tonight was the highly rated Shane Claiborne but I never made it to him - at least not mentally and certainly not spiritually. Kathryn just wasn't for settling and C-A was already walking around with Hannah! Will have to get the recording of Shanes message as apparently it was spot on. I think I got even more frustrated as it was looking clearer that I wasn't going to get to the after hours praise party which is always a highlight for me. Watched as again parents were invited to leave, then headed off for a slow trudge back to the B&B with Kathryn. Not a good end to my day.

Monday
Woke still feeling grumpy. We packed up the minibus then I headed off on my own to the Bible Study as the others were having a chill out morning. Felt I needed to go and was right. Took loads of notes as I found myself in one of those meetings where you feel the speaker is speaking just to you. Felt real peace in my heart - and not before time!!!! Finished up and headed over to Starbucks to meet with the girls and the rest of the Glenrothes gang before returning to the big top for the final celebration where finally, I really connected with the worship and also enjoyed the final challenge delivered by Phil Wall.

So, over all, a mixed bag of a weekend but the positives do outweigh the negatives. I have come away feeling stronger, more at peace and, as challenged by Jeff Lucas, I left my guilt and shame in the Big Top and will carry them no longer - why should I? - God's has taken them away ... they are no longer mine to deal with - its done, forgotten - I am a new creation in Christ. In some respects it did feel like the Roots team had kind of given up as they're not there next year, but I think part of that came as the result of location problems due to a wave of construction work in Southport. It is good to reflect and I pray God's blessing on the Roots team as they do just that, and prepare for something different in 2010.

As always, it was good to meet up with friends from around the Salvation Army world, to renew acquaintances, and build new ones. I do feel better for it and have continued to carry this new peace in my heart through into my work in this last week. All I can say is that its working so far!

Bible Basics Words - Pronunciation

Bible Basics Words - Pronunciation

Ever wondered if you've pronounced that awkward word right when reading the Bible. Check this site out for phonetic versions of the words and an audio version too - its great. Doesn't have all awkward words but its a great help nevertheless.

(not on commission and not responsible for the site in any way.)

Catch the Fire

Check out the Catch the Fire blog for some resources that we used last Thursday. They're grrrreat! and free!! :)

what a week

Had a bit of a week of it last week - so much so that I haven't had proper time to write about it. Probably not a bad thing as I can write now in a reflective mode rather than in the state I was in!!!

Monday ... not a bad day. met our Health Visitor - did a few jobs in the house - had some good family time.

Tuesday ... family time mixed with decorating - Kathryn played up a bit - by tea time realised perhaps she wasn't 100% well - sent my apologies to Youth Club where I had been hoping to return but with Kathryn not well, Hannah having a growth spurt day and feeding all the time, felt Carol-Anne needed me more than the Youth Club did. Eventually got Kathryn to bed and chilled for what was left of the night.

Wednesday ... Woke slowly - then woken quicker by C-A who had 'passed' a large blood clot. Won't go into details to secure privacy and protect the squeamish but after a quick phone call to the midwife, we were told not to worry but just to keep an eye on proceedings - went to the Corps where I was helping with the Community Cafe and Carol-Anne was doing her usual parent networking. Half way through the morning, got a shout from C-A to say she was bleeding a lot more than she should be. Got a very quick doctors appointment and abandoned out posts not to mention our children and went to the docs and after waiting half an hour past our allotted time, the doc sent us to Forth Park Hospital (the local maternity hosp where Hannah was born). We went back via the hall to get Hannah who was due a feed and made arrangement for Kathryn to be looked after then raced off ... just as Dawn was getting back to the hall with a sterilized bottle and some SMA just in case! - Cut a long story short (who said "too late"), the doctor did a bit of prodding poking and pulling then sent C-A for a scan which revealed more clots where they shouldn't be. It was decided she would have to have another procedure which wouldn't happen til Thursday - came home to get a few bits for C-A and collect Kathryn who had gone home with the Playgroup leader as she is good friends with her daughter (they're about the same age) and to be honest, I think she'd rather stayed there!! Took K to see her mummy then came home leaving wife and daughter no2 at the hospital and settled K for bed.

Thursday ... woke slowly! Heard from Carol-Anne that her procedure would take place sometime after 2pm so took Kathryn up to Playgroup and returned to chill for a while. Actually didn't get much time to chill as had to cancel something I was meant to have been doing in the afternoon and make contingency plans for other things - including Catch the Fire which it was now clear I wouldn't be around for. Thankfully, God was obviously in control as this time round there was no sung worship planned so it was easier to pass on to someone else who would just have to lead discussion, prayer and play times. Chris graciously took on the task and as it turned out, i think he quite enjoyed it! - Returned to get Kathryn who was being absolutely fantastic and we then headed through to Forth Park. Carol-Anne was taken off to theatre and would be away for a short while so sat with the girls in the entrance lobby for a bit then we all went for a walk before C-A came round from the anesthetic. She was back pretty sharpish so we went back up to await her discharge which, we were led to believe by the anesthetist and three midwives, would be that evening. Things were dragging so I took Kathryn off for some tea and returned to find there was still no definitive word so we waited. Still the midwives were saying C-A would get out because as far as they could see, she was fine now, but they had to wait for the doctor. Visiting finished at 8 and still we waited. At 9, the doctor popped his head in and simply said, "we'll keep you in tonight yeah?". I confess I hit the roof. I was tired yes, but staff had raised Kathryn's hopes that mummy was coming home, C-A's hopes that she was getting out, and my hopes that my family would get back in the same place again. I was furious. The sister did apologise but said there was nothing she could do - Kathryn and I left. Was so wound up I couldn't sleep so started painting my dining room!

Friday ... had calmed down a bit but was now even more tired having been painting til late! C-A had a good night and was being treated very well - must have put in the notes not to upset us again!!!! She got out mid morning and we returned home to rest - I did some more decorating! Decided that I wouldn't go to work on Saturday ... was supposed to be back but was a spare person so I could catch up with paperwork ... felt i'd be more use at home.

Saturday ... woke very slowly! All was getting back to normal again - Kathryn got invited to a play area with the playgroup leaders daughter and back to their house for tea - Got the dining room finished!

Sunday ... church was great and very refreshing. Much needed after that week. Spent the afternoon and early evening with Chris and Dawn sharing pizza and chatting over our application for officership seeing as we had an interview today (Monday!) - oh yeah, and playing Guitar Hero!!

Today ... back to work - then off to DHQ tonight for our candidates interview - will blog about that in a later post.

So all in all, a weird week that I don't really want to repeat. Thanks to those who knew who supported us so well. You know, we are really blessed with some good friends both here in Glenrothes and beyond. We knew the children would be safely looked after while we ran to hospital. We knew we were being upheld in prayer. We knew nothing would get in the way of Gods plan. We knew all was well. Thanks God.