Happy Monday, how are you all doing?

We have had a normal kind of week, with the addition of the heritage open day at St Giles and Aidan’s birthday party. Nathan and I went out for our anniversary on Friday night which was very nice, especially as we didn’t see much of each other the rest of the week.

Ministry life involved surprisingly few appointments. This gave me some head space to do some planning and get creative with the prayers on Sunday morning.

Mum life was wrapped up in party week. We chose to have Aidan’s party later in September because I wanted to be free to go and meet the new arrival in our family the first two weekends! But because we went to a play place, there wasn’t much to do beside the party bags and the cake. Sophia helped at every turn. It wasn’t all smooth sailing but it was memorable, and the final result was pretty cool!

Aidan’s little face when he realised that everyone was singing to him was delightful!

Sophia coped brilliantly. It’s not easy being a big sibling sometimes, especially when the party and presents are all for somebody else. But she was enthusiastic and loving, and only helped Aidan with a few presents.

Nathan’s week in three (ish) words: it never ends…

What I’ve been praying for: one easy prayer has been for our church children. One part of my prayer strategy is to pray for the each child who came to church on Sunday throughout the week. I watched our 6 under 18s (!!!) getting on so well yesterday and I was full of joy.

We also heard that two people we’ve been praying for have been given the all clear from cancer, and we clapped, whooped and cheered as the good news was shared in the service yesterday!

Of course, not all prayers are answered as we want them to be. It’s also been a tough week prayer wise, especially with little Noah and his family, who have been on my heart so often.

Grateful: this week I am especially grateful for Nathan. St Giles is 70 this year and they’ve had a tea dance, wedding dress display, 14 couples renew their wedding vows, a big patronal service and this heritage open day. And there’s still a St Giles festival to come in October! I’m grateful for, and inspired by, Nathan’s hard work and dedication.

Coming up: one of my favourite times of year, harvest!

More next time x