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

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."

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

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.

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.

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

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?

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.

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

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 :)

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 :)

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

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)

Thames View Lodge - The Old Rugged Cross

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

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 :)