Paradigm Shift

I was reading in the newspaper the other day that people sometimes have a pivotal moment that changes the course of their lives. Apparently sociologists like to call this a "paradigm shift". As I was reading the article I was racking my brains trying to think if I had ever experienced such a pivotal moment. Some profound moments came immediately to mind, the most obvious being when I became a Christian. Today I feel as though I really have experienced a "paradigm shift".

I was having an innocent chat with a friend when it became clear that she was at the exact same point that I was at several years ago. Making the same mistakes and going through the same pain. Immediately I was able to empathise, sympathise and pray in a profound way. That however wasn't the end of it. As I went away from our conversation to do some mundane work I turned on my cd player to listen to some worship songs as I folded the washing and felt God touch me in a way that I have never experienced before. The words "oh holy friend, I don't take what you give lightly; friendship instead of disgrace" came through the speakers and spoke right into the depths of my heart. Remembering some of the feelings that I felt all those years ago and realising that the shame (or perhaps feelings of failure, inadequacy) had been replaced by friendship offered by my saviour. Without realising I have come on such a long way and where there used to be despair there is now deep healing and doubtless more to come.

I'm sure that there is more to unfold in what I have experienced of God today but its hard to put down in words. All I can think about is the words that Mordecai spoke to Esther "who knows but that you have come to position for such a time as this". Who knows, perhaps I have come to where I am solely to pray for and encourage my friend. Bur in doing that, I truly feel that I have been brought to my knees in thanks for the place where I once was.

Recycle or Freecycle

My new year's resolution this year was to live more responsibly. I didn't know how that would pan out or what it would mean to be personally; but that was my desire for this year. To live responsibly in terms of our finances, our health, our children etc. With all the coverage in the news of "green issues" this month I've felt challenged about how I take care of our world. Last year my new years resolution was to recycle more. I can congratulate myself therefore on a year of composting and serious recycling. No, it isn't fun walking to the bottom of the garden in the rain/snow/sleet to put our vegetable peelings and used teabags into the compost bin, but I'm sure that our garden will enjoy the compost that we have lovingly (note the sarcasm) cultivated over the last 12 months. As for all of those plastic pots, papers, tins, glass etc. etc. that we have recycled; well I like to think that I'm on the right track. One idea I did come across last year was "freecycling". You have something you don't want or need anymore, so you advertise it and see if someone else wants it. Its a great idea. Rather than filling up our landfill spaces with items that can be reused by someone else, you simply ask the question "does anyone want it?". I've seen all sorts of things advertised on there from pushchairs, bikes & scooters to computer parts, children's clothes, furniture etc. The best thing of all is that if you do want something you see advertised, its free!! No money exchanges hands but it simply stops the landfill sites from being used up so quickly. You should try it!

What were you doing first thing this morning?

Living in the south of England means that you have to take full advantage of the snow. Even if that means getting up before sunlight and making snowmen before school.

Of course the children were delighted and somewhat surprised that Mr. Snowman had disappeared by the time school was out. Still, it was a magical 30 minutes and as any parent knows; we have to treasure these moments.

Sometimes being a parent is about abandoning all sense of what is right and dutiful (getting dressed, having breakfast, getting ready for school etc) in order to do something silly but fun and certainly memorable. I want my children to grow up and remember that we went out very early in the morning and made snowmen, and chucked snow at each other, just because we could.

What memories are you going to give your children today?

A Tooth at Last!

So Matthew finally has his first tooth. Daddy decided to look into Matthew's mouth this morning as he woke with the reddest cheeks you ever did see. Matthew (being a boy) refused to co-operate so Daddy went to work none the wiser as to wether he had ineed produced a tooth overnight. I don't know wether it was Mummy's touch or just Matthew feeling more co-operative once he'd had his breakfast, but he smiled at me and there it was, an itsy bitsy little thing that you could easily miss but it is definately there. And there you have it; Matthew has a tooth. Nothing remarkable you might think and being the 3rd child I have obviously been there and done it all before but nothing prepares you for that sense of pride when your little one produces his or her 1st tooth. Why is that so?

As a mother of 3 children I have heard the words "is he (or she) teething?" far too often. Is the baby slightly grizzly? Must be teething. Does he have red cheeks? Must be teething. Did he not finish his food? Must be teething. Did he wake in the night? Must be teething. You get the picture. Now I may be slow but despite having been through it all twice before Matthew I have to confess that I still do not even know what this "teething" thing is all about. How do I know if he is teething? He doesn't tell me!! The only thing I know is when the tooth appears. I have no idea if he is crying because of teeth or if his cheeks are red because of teeth. I can only guess and soothe him the best way I can. So there you have it. My confession for today. I have 3 children and to everyone who has said to me in the past "he must be teething" I confess that whilst I may have agreed with you, the truth is I have no idea. But now he has a tooth and no doubt more will follow.