Eurgh!!!! Been too long!

Its been too long since my last update to do a proper what's been happening, so instead going to inflict a reflection on you!

Today I went to the Funeral of a local man, George, who until 3 months ago was the Session Clerk at my Church. This last year has seen us mourn the loss of not just George but several key members of our congregation - a former Minister, another former Session Clerk and a lady who did so many jobs around the Church. My friend and I were chatting on the way home and commenting on how things seem to come round in cycles. Sometimes it is a time for renewal, time to move on and go in a different direction. And maybe that is what is meant to happen.

A week on Sunday I am leading the service on Mothering Sunday. The service includes a time for all to renew baptismal and confirmation vows and also for couples to renew their marriage vows. I am very much looking forward to having the priviledge of leading this service. And I pray that people will listen to their vows and take a fresh look at them. I pray that they will leave the service feeling renewed and refreshed in their faith.

Every so often we all need to take time, to take stock and find refreshment. I had that moment last week. I have been doing a lot of parish visiting, and sometimes with a bit of a heavy heart. But last week I went to visit a couple of houses where I left feeling uplifted. After the second visit I had a real moment of "yes - this is what God has called me to do, I AM doing the right thing." God really does equip you with what you need, I know that. A quote I often refer to is this:

"What he brings you to, he will bring you through."

How true!

God Bless

Shuna x

This is the Jewish Holocaust Memorial in Budapest - each leaf on this metal tree represents a family from Hungary who perished in the Concentration camps. The memorial garden also has a monument in memoriam of the Catholics who also perished. These memorials are in the garden of the Great Synagogue. There is also a segment of the wall that was build when the Jewish ghetto was created. All in all a very affecting place.

Prayer Request Week Beginning 27th February

This week can we pray for all those in the world who have so little? One of the things I noticed in Budapest last weekend was the stark contrast between the haves and have nots. As we sped to the airport from our 5 * hotel we passed a forrest where there were encampments set up - I found that very humbling.

Also for the environment - we have just had our recycling boxes delivered by the council. I would like to pray that people take this seriously and that it works. I aslo would like to pray that ways can be found to actually recycle what is put in the boxes - much of what we currently assume is recycled is in fact being shipped to the other side of the world and dumped on landfills there.

Finally pray for peace - the world is so full of fear and terror for some, lets pray for the end of fear and terror.

God Bless
Shuna x

Its my birthday.............

Its my birthday and I seem to have reached the age where I am glad not to be celebrating it in any big way. It was Church as usual this morning then home to open my pressies and have lunch made for me by the kids. My pressies are lovely - everyone doing really well with getting things I like! Even my mum and mum-inlaw!!!

Neil has just headed off to Islay and wont be home til friday! Will miss him - he does a much better job at getting the kids up in the morning! But at least they are now at an age and stage they can get themselves organisied as long as I get them up and remember to leave out the dinner money - LOL

Never did an update on Budapest - sorry. It really was fantastic and would def recommend it - although a long weekend was just not enough. Out hotel was out of this world - very luxurious. And did you know that Hungary has some very very good homegrown champange? I didnt but they do!!!! And so cheap!!!!!!!

Well anyway thats enough for now - promised the kids a chippy for tea before I go to band practice.

Shuna x

Exams!!!!!

Hey I passed all my exams!!!!!!!!!!! And I did quite well!!!!!!!!!! Despite having ditched my Greek - it was one of my best results lol. But I am enjoying the extra time not doing Greek is giving me so no regrets!

Also this week I got flowers from Neil for St Valentines - not cut ones (I know he doesnt do them - a waste of money apparently!!!!!!) but a lovely mini red rose bush! Very sweet!!!

Off to Budapest 1st thing Friday - so looking forward to that. Should be fun and I will have loads to report next week I hope!

Cheers for now

Shuna x

Prayers for week beginning 13th February 2006

Hi there

better late than never but this weeks prayer is a prayer of thanks!

Thanks to God for getting me and most of my classmates through the exams succesfully. (see seperate post for details!)

Thanks to God for my lovely hubby and his lovely valentines gift. (see seperate post!)

And thanks to God for the weekend coming up - we are off to Budapest and I feel so lucky to be going.

Shuna x

Prayer Request Week Beginning 6th Feb 2006

Hi there

this weeks request may seem a little off the wall but could we pray for my class at Uni. Seems since we got back from the Xmas break that we are being a lot more open with each other - not necessarily a bad things but I am sensing some tension. Some of this is coming from the reaction to one of our new classes. I would just ask that we pray for tolerance - that we can accept and respect each others opinions. We are all different and there is no right or wrong answer to many of the issues we have started to look at.

Thanks

Blessings

Shuna x

The Greek is gone!

Well - big decision made! The first class confirmed my fears - Greek was going to be just as tough this term. I dont need the credits - have enough courses as it is. Tutor did of course try to persuade me otherwise but stuck to my guns. He did say that I had done better than I though I had and far from being the bottom of the class I was right in the middle - so that was nice to know!

Now I have three courses to do this term and every afternoon except a Thursday free from lectures - so sensing a lot less stress!

Have just watched Scotland beat France at the Rugby - they were fantastic!!!! The ruck was amazing.

will be back tomorrow with this weeks prayer requests..........

Shuna x

Prayer requests week beginning 30th Jan 2006

Being less selfish this week and dont want to dwell on exams - its too late now!

Anyway this week could we please pray for Rich and his family. They are going through a tough time at the moment because of illness. I know how hard it is when someone you love is going through a tough illness. So please pray for some strength and comfort for them.

Also Marion and her family - her daughter is also having health problems - not life threatening but embarrasing and uncomfortable. So again strength and comfort for them all.

Too often we worry about the person who is ill or dying and that is fair enough but those who love them best also go through a tough time (sometimes tougher) so maybe we can pray for everyone who is a carer, relative, friend of someone ill - let the Lord God sustain and support them in order that they can help the one who is ill.

God Bless
Shuna x