Wednesday 1 July 2009

Moved

Hi Folks - I haven't been on much lately not because I haven't had anything to say but I have been in between computers, holiday, assignments etc.

I have now joined up with Windows Live Messenger and will be blogging from there from now on.. my new url link is:-

www.judithschultz.spaces.live.com/blog/

Look forward to hearing from you - take care, much love Judith

Monday 1 June 2009

Prayer and a thought

Karl with his cousins yesterday afternoon. left to right - Karl, Edward, Jodie, Daniel and Edward.

Prayer for The Family Circle (from More Everyday Prayers)

Father, from whom every family receives its true name,
I pray for all the members of my family:
for those who are growing up,
that they may increase in wisdom and love;
for those facing changes,
that they may meet them with hope;
for those who are weak,
that they may find strength;
for those with heavy burdens,
that they may carry them lightly;
for those who are old an frail,
that they may grow in faith.
Amen.
My first poppy to open yesterday morning.

Oscar Romero (a Bishop in El Salvador)

"Help us remember what we really are about: we plant seeds that will one day grow. We water seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need future development. We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities. We cannot do everything. Knowing this frees us, for it enables us to do something. It may seem incomplete, but it is really a beginning, a step along the way. Our efforts provide an opportunity for your grace to enter and do the rest."

Thursday 21 May 2009

Germany

Thank you to everyone for your wonderful comments over the last few days. Nigel & I are now leaving in about half an hour to catch the plane to Germany. We are travelling with the Barking Rotary club and visiting our 'twin' rotary club in Germany. We shall be returning on Sunday sometime!! Leaving Karmen to look after Karl in our absense :)

To everyone - many thanks and God bless each and every one of you.

Judithxx

Wednesday 20 May 2009

Mum and Dad

Happy Wedding Anniversary to my Mum and Dad. This photo was taken in 1958 when my mother was 18 and my dad 20. Today they are celebrating their 48th wedding anniversary by holidaying on the Isle of Wight.

This photo was taken last Christmas (2008) with their eldest grandchild - my son Karl.

Monday 18 May 2009

Unexpected Gift

I've just been put to shame by my niece, Cat, who has just started blogging at The View from the Watchtower and I realized that my last post was on the 5th May!! where have the days in between disappeared too?

I just wanted to share with you an unexpected gift I received last Sunday from Mary. Mary is the wife of Revd David Pearson, the minister I work alongside with; when Mary gets in from work she loves to mess around on her computer - mainly doing family history stuff and photography and is also now a proud grandmother.

However, getting back to last Sunday - Mary come alongside me and said 'Judy I made this for you' and presented with a collage of photos made into one photo which depicted my life and ministry within Christ Church over the last five years. To say I was gobsmacked (this is a UK term meaning - it left me speechless) is an understatement. This is the photo...

It is probably one of the best gifts I have received because Mary has taken the time to collate photos and put them together to make a memorable display. Nigel wants to have it enlarged and framed so that I can hang it up in my office. Thank you Mary for your thoughtfulness.

Monday 4 May 2009

Bank Holiday Monday

Nigel (hubby) and Karl (son) left just after lunch for one of their walking holidays. Earlier in the year they went walking on the moors and this time it's off to Wales to visit Snowdonia and their favourite location Caldir Idris. I asked for a photo before they left just in case they got lost and I had to report it to the Police!! at least I would have an up-to-date photo to give them!! LOL

This leaves Karmen and I home alone until Thursday. Karmen, as you will see from the following photos, is not at least bothered as long as Prince (next door's cat) comes to visit.
Prince has discovered that he can now climb the apple tree in our garden.
However, Karmen is not too happy about this and tries to encourage him back down.
Then it's time for a bite to eat. As you can see from the bowls they demolished the food I put out for them.

Then after running up and down the stairs, round and round the garden and in and out of the kitchen - it's time for chat .....

then a doze...

Last photo of the day - Karl holding Prince

Sunday 3 May 2009

Sunflowers

I have planted seven sunflowers this afternoon, which I have grown from seed and in a few months time they will look like this picture ;)

I can dream!! can't I?

Friday 1 May 2009

Being thoughtful

On a Thursday evening I prepare and lead a service within a Sheltered Housing Complex - about 25-30 residents attend - for many the last time they set foot within a church regularly was in attending Sunday school in their childhood. Over the last year some residents have started attending The Salvation Army on a Sunday morning and others have revisited churches from their childhood.


When I arrived to take the very 1st service (Feb 08) one of the residents had set up a small table with a beautiful tablecloth and a candle placed in the middle and when one candle burns itself away - another candle is present by another resident. Last night I was presented with this candle from Ratna, a delightful quiet Indian gentleman.

The simplicity of the candle and the added fact that Ratna has painted the cross on it makes the gift truly appreciated. It is in such simple moments that I feel the presence and the love of God in the midst of us all.

Saturday 25 April 2009

Pink Saturday - I'm OK :)







Click here for more Pink Saturday contributions





Karmen loves it when I make the bed as she ducks in and out and up and over the sheets and duvet cover. As I didn't get home until late last night it was about 11pm before I was able to remake the bed and what fun Karmen and I had!!!!

My bedding is pink - being a young lady I do believe it is the pinkness of the sheets and pillowslips that Karmen appreciates :) Well, I had just put the pillowslips on the pillows turned around to pick up the top sheet and there she was ..as snug as a bug in a rug.. inbetween two of pillows. Thankfully I had my mobile phone by the side of bed and took these photos.


for my photo hunt entry click here

Friday 24 April 2009

Today's post

Today's post is at http://www.judithcommunitychaplain.blogspot.com/


plus a photo of my mum, dad and two brothers visiting my grandparents grave in North Walsham - I asked for a group photo and this is what I got!!! Not one I can really put out on the sideboard :)

Thursday 23 April 2009

Karmen this morning




Karmen adores climbing the apple tree in the garden and now that it is covered in leaves it is also a good hiding place :)

Monday 13 April 2009


Hi folk - I'm off to Spring Harvest, Minehead tomorrow until Sunday with 30 other folk from The Salvation Army, Barking. If you click here you will be transported to the Spring Harvest site.
Take care, Judith

Saturday 11 April 2009

Pink Saturday - church




please visit Beverly by clicking here and visit other other delightful Pink Saturday contributions.








My contribution today is a gift a received a few years ago by a friend who stayed with us and it is a cute wooden pink church with an enclosed pink slip of paper with a Bible verse Psalm 20:4-5




May he give you the desire of your heart and make all your plans succeed. We will shout for joy when you are victorious and will lift up our banners in the name of our God. May the Lord grant all your requests. Psalm 20:4-5 (NIV)

Thursday 9 April 2009

Thames View Lodge - The Old Rugged Cross

my post today can be located http://www.judithcommunitychaplain.blogspot.com/

Wednesday 8 April 2009

When all else fails!! pray and garden

Yesterday my father went into hospital for surgery to remove a growth from behind his prostate gland. The surgery went extremely well and by the evening Dad was back on his ward recovering. I know that his recovery was aided by all the prayers being uttered and expressed on his behalf from family, friends and even by my 'twitter' friends.


Karl with my Mum and Dad - taken Christmas 2008
But even so when it came to 2.30pm, the time for his surgery, I really didn't know what to do with myself so decided to partake in my father's favourite past time - gardening. So off into the garden I went - digging, weeding and re-planting some of my plants.

a blurred ladybird
a white Dicentra Spectabilis - Alba
a red Dicentra Spectabilis -Bleeding Heart ready to be planted in one of the beds.

Before I knew it an hour or so had past by and when I phoned my mother she informed me that all was well and that they were waiting to transfer Dad back to his ward.

Thank you, Lord.

And, oh yes, Karmen was a great comfort to me!!! she slept the whole day :)

Tuesday 7 April 2009

I know it's nature BUT

One of my favourite birds is the Sparrow - I love watching them bathe in the soil that I have just turned over in the garden - watching them chase each other and then feed from the bird feeder on the apple tree. My neighbour, William, has all sorts of goodies in his garden to attract them plus a variety of nesting boxes which they do use. However, over the last few years we have sadly noticed their demise as less and less sparrows visit and nest in our gardens.


a pair of china sparrows Nigel & I received as a wedding present 28 years ago.

I know one of the reasons why and it's because we must have nesting sparrowhawks in the area - last year they visited my garden a few times to capture sparrows and this morning my theory was proved right when I heard twittering in the garden and rush to the patio door only to see a sparrowhawk swoop down into the hedges and swoop out with a little sparrow in its clutches (the sparrow was still alive) then the sparrowhawk landed on the path in my garden with the intention of killing its prey. I thought (foolishly) if I banged on the window it would drop the sparrow and fly off but no it just flew off with the sparrow and the sparrows family and friends twittering in the background.

Sparrowhawk - picture taken from the internet.

Now I know that it's all part of nature BUT it still churned my stomach to witness the catch.

Saturday 4 April 2009

Pink Saturday



Pink Saturday fun - click here to visit Beverly and other Pink Saturday participants.









This week my Pink Saturday post is a photo I took Thursday evening of two of my delightful ladies who attend the Thursday evening service at Thames View Lodge. I took their photo on my mobile and, unfortunately, the quality is not at all brilliant and does not depict their beautiful pink blouses at all.


Eve (left) is coming up to 91 and Daisy (right) is her late 70's both ladies were singers and dancers performing in shows. Both ladies are absolute gems and Thursday evenings wouldn't be the same without them.

I explained to them the reason why I wanted to take their photo - neither had heard of blogging but knew of the Internet. So I explained that they would be seen by people all over the world and they were quite happy with that thought :))

Thursday 2 April 2009

Two photos and an award :)

A photo Ali took of me with a delightful gentleman advertizing the Internet as I clutch my Ireland mug that Ali gave me as a present.


The photo is rather dark but just to prove that we did meet - Ali and I in Garfunkel's resturant.



Then many thanks to Valerie from Simply 4 God for presenting me with this award. Valerie is truly an inspirational lady and I enjoy reading her posts which always come straight from the heart. Thanks Valerie.

History of the Uber Award:
Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who; inspire you, make you smile and laugh, gives amazing information, a great read, have an amazing design and any other reasons you can think of that makes them UBER amazing!

Here are the rules:
•Copy the badge and put the logo on your blog sidebar or post.
• Nominate at least 5 blogs (can be more) that for you are Uber Amazing!
• Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
•Share the love and link to this this post and to the person you received your award from.
•Come back and comment here so that your link could be added to the master list of awardees.

The Uber Award goes to:
Elaine - A Scattering

Wednesday 1 April 2009

the wheels on the bus go round and round

Until my new car arrives I have been travelling on public transport and particularly on the 387 bus and have lost 7lbs in weight in the process!!

Us Londoners seem to have the reputation of being very insular and not at all chatty when it comes to travelling on the public transport - well, today I would like to correct that perception. Yes, OK I admit the whole bus is not buzzing with people talking and chatting to each other - a lot of the time it would appear that they are actually talking to themselves (on their mobile phones) or listening to their iPods or gazing dreamily out of the window. However, I can honestly say that every bus ride I have taken, so far, I have managed to strike up a conversation with someone who has only been too happy to tell me about their day, their lives and where they are going next!!

Today I had a chat with a lovely lady who told me how for the last five years she has been a cook within a primary school in Barking. How she was looking forward to the Easter Holidays because she was feeling tired but she does so love her job even though it's only for four hours a day.

So next time you are on a bus or any other form of public transport - don't assume that people do not want to talk. I still strongly believe that folk are just waiting for someone to listen to their story and to dialogue. Some of my pensioners travel on the bus just so that they see a face, have the opportunity to exchange greetings with someone even if it's only the bus driver - it gets them out of their flat or house. You know it's good to talk and even better to listen.

Tuesday 31 March 2009

Two old ladies meet for lunch

Ali's photo came out better than mine so the one above will have to do until I get a copy from Ali.

Well we've met!! and what a wonderful time. Thankfully Ali knows Tottenham Ct Road and Oxford Street better than me (from her previous life!!) and we were able to have lunch in Garfunkel's, followed by a stroll then tea at Costa Coffee. Actually it felt like having lunch with a friend I've known for years rather then someone I've met via blogger :)

On the train home I thought to myself - I think we've covered and talked about every area of life within four hours - do you think that's a woman thing? we can cover pregnancy, varicose veins, work, family and Obama all in one conversation :) Obama will be flying into Stanstead Airport as Ali will be flying out.

Ali also very generously presented me with these gifts - a beautiful t-towel and mug - thanks Ali. Great to meet you and hopefully Nigel & I can visit you and Graham over in Belfast.

Barking meets Belfast

Today I am meeting a blogging friend for the 1st time. We have spoken on the phone on a few occasions but Ali (http://www.chemicalsblog.blogspot.com/) has flown over from Northern Ireland and is staying in a hotel in Tottenham Ct Road in London and I shall meet her at 11.30 ready for lunch. What fun :)

Friday 27 March 2009

Pink Saturday

click here for other pink saturday participants.

A pink hand tickling the tummy of a black and white cat with a pink nose who is sleeping on her pink blanket.

Oh I deserve this :)

Since my car crash at the end of January I have been travelling by foot and on public transport because, at the moment, I don't have a car (new one arrives at the beginning of May) and today I was just tired, aching and just wanted to get home and put my feet up!! having the spent the afternoon at Dianne's farewell bash - click here for post.


I had to buy some milk and cat food so got off the bus outside the co-op and there spied 4 mars for a £1 - well I must admit I don't normally buy myself chocolate but oh they were calling out to me!! honestly :)

Did I enjoy my cuppa and mars bar when I got home? you bet I did!! Nigel & Karl enjoyed finishing off the rest :)

Horse and Carriage

I was out in Ilford yesterday buying 'farewell' presents and balloons ready for Dianne's farewell from the Thames View Advice Centre (of which I am a Trustee) and on my way back to the bus stop I had to pass the Funeral Directors and came across this wonderful sight!!


There were two lovely ladies responsible for grooming these horses and also riding behind them infront of the carriage. I asked their permission to take these photos on my mobile phone and they were only too delighted to oblige and then I had a very interesting chat with them regarding their responsibilites etc. (just to say that the carriage was empty - no coffin in it yet!!)

Horse and carriage funerals are very traditional with the really 'old east-enders of London Town' but are now becoming more popular but also very expensive.