I can definitely relate with the saying "time flies when you are having fun!"... these last few weeks have definitely flown and I have definitely had fun during my 2 plus weeks in fair Manchester!

I had the joy of spending time in Ivy Cottage church and am so delighted in the friendships I enjoy there - it's true...the north west of England is fantastic!!!

One thing that really inspired me was not only hearing the dreams and visions of people but seeing then in action - it certainly challenged me that just talking about stuff is not enough... being a co-labourer with Holy Spirit is what counts.

The cry I heard so often from the folk up there was "COME ON!!!"... a real cheer from earth to heaven and then from heaven back to earth.

A while back I was given some prose adapted from Soul Shaping by Douglas J. Rumford; Tyndale House Publishing; 1996 page 60-61

VISION

Picture a life in which
Joy carries you through the day,
And Laughter comes as naturally as breathing
You are not lured by that which destroys you
But are drawn to that which builds you up

You can trust yourself
Having control over your thoughts and words
Over your responses and reactions

You live above the distractions and deceptions of the world
Being a non-anxious, very real presence to others around you

You have no need to hide
You can look others in the eye, valuing them for themselves alone
Not for what they can give you

You can find courage to face every conflict honourably
And strength to fulfil every responsibility faithfully

You endure suffering with courage
Able to live with questions

You can admit when you are wrong
You can say "I'm sorry" and begin again
And are gentle with yourself
Renouncing the chains of shame and self-condemnation

You are connected to God, who created you as you
And are increasingly becoming all that God created you to be
Knowing your roles and responsibilities are God given
Uniquely expressing God in ways that nurture and inspire those around you

You are at peace in all circumstances
Celebrating Gods' faithful provision in times of abundance
Trusting in quiet contentment in times of want

You are free to serve others willingly
Without thought of or need of thanks

You have freedom to live for an audience of ONE
Picture such a life...
FOR IT IS MEANT TO BE YOURS!!!


Let's together shout”¦
"COME ON!!!"