He's Been

It's nearly Christmas! The tree was up pretty early this year. (For our house anyway!)
I find myself being my normal grumpy self around this time of year. I am making a concerted effort to not be as grumpy or judgemental...

My frustrations are that I don't really know how to celebrate Christmas properly or Biblically! I get frustrated when Christmas is hijacked and Jesus is blatantly ignored.
I have tried to be more open minded this year and have made an attempt to focus our family on the true meaning of Christmas.

Harry enjoyed singing and acting in the School nativity performance... although he chose to be grumpy for the Church one a few days earlier!

Poppy has had her usual string of appointments in hospital and in our home. She has been feeding better than she did in November.
Grandma and Grandad Woolpit gave Poppy an early Christmas present - a GoTo seat made by Leckey.

I enjoyed a boys night out with my brothers in-law, Adam and Neil - a little trip to the Cinema.
We all had a Christmas Eve trip to the Cinema with the Richards' family - I was tricked into seeing the film 'Frozen'. The trailers suggested that it would be a comedy animation about a Reindeer and a Snowman... but OH NO - it was a romantic musical. The theme and story were great though!

He's been! Christmas Day we celebrated His birth. The Son of God came down from heaven, was born as a man and was named Jesus. We remember His purpose for coming and look forward to Him coming again. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners".
We started the morning with the 4 of us in our bed with prayers and a rendition of Happy Birthday. We then opened a few gifts before going to Church.
We headed to Amy's parents for Christmas dinner and stayed over night. We travelled to my parents on the 26th. While we were in Suffolk we were very busy... 2 family gatherings and meeting up with the Slezaceks.


Jumpers and Onesies were the fashion statement of this Christmas.

When we had eventually returned home and vowed to NOT TRAVEL around the country next year, but to stay at home, we found that the Christmas Elves had been in our house... one of the cheeky chaps had hidden itself in the Throne room!

This is our 2013 Christmas Card picture.

This Christmas I have been reminded of the Grace and Mercy of God through Jesus and want to make that more evident in my day to day living...

The Power of Prayer

Harry had to look after the class teddy bear for the weekend and insisted that we had a photo pool side! It was all going well until 20 mins into our swim I realised that my phone was still in my pocket!! A bowl of rice, the airing cupboard and two days later... the phone worked - kind of!!

Harry teaches Huggie Bear to brush his teeth.

Harry takes Huggie swimming.

Harry and I had a boys night out at the Fireworks in St. Helens. We even found time to have a walk through the Crazy House at the fun fair! 

Remembrance Sunday, lest we forget.

Poppy has been up to her usual tricks of refusing to eat food. She went for 25 days without having any lunch or dinner! She would occasionally have some of her porridge in the morning and might accept some milk in her tube. On the 12th her feeding tube became blocked by some of her medicine... this resulted in a day at Alder Hey, followed by a few other appointments in the weeks ahead.
Amy and I were extremely frustrated and desperate. We sent out an emergency text message and email to a few of our praying friends to ask them to pray for Poppy and us.
The next day Poppy started to feed again!
We learnt a lesson that day!

On the 16th Amy and I managed to get out for a date at a Chinese restaurant. It was a good evening - until we returned home that is! Amy immediately had the effects of food poisoning. I followed her lead 24 hours later!

This is not her new chair btw!

On the 21st we went to a Disability Living Exhibition in Manchester called 'Kidz up North'. This was an amazing opportunity to see many of the facilities and equipment available to people with disabilities. We were also able to meet some people from a company called 'R82' who would be supplying Poppy with a new wheelchair/pram the following day.

The next day we went to Knowsley Wheelchair services to have Poppy fitted and checked for her R82 Stingray chair.

Poppy and I were all given the Flu Jab while Harry got away with having a nasal spray, Amy already had her jab at work.

We have learnt the power of prayer this month... I think it is too easy to say that we believe in prayer. It is too easy to say "I'll pray for you" but we don't!
Do I really truly believe that prayer changes things? If I do, then I will pray about everything, pray believing and pray without ceasing.

Perspective

That was an emotional Summer and a difficult September.
My highlight was being able to spend time with Amy, Harry and Poppy in Center Parcs and to have a free night away at Chester Crowne Plaza with Amy, care of the Cri Du Chat Family weekend Raffle prize that we won in June 2013.

After much thought and consideration during my long Summer break I have decided to continue with my learning from Oak Hill Bible College at the North West Partnership Building in Liverpool. Lectures started on 26th September 2013 and I will be covering the following modules until December:

Word of God
Biblical Theology
Youth and Children's work
Theological Reflection
Denominational Identity

I attended my first Cri du Chat Syndrome Support Group Committee meeting on the 28th September in Milton Keynes. I look forward to many more meetings... I think?!

Poppy had her 1st Birthday on 5th October... and what a 12 months it has been!
Poppy marked her first birthday by getting her first tooth, having Chicken Pox and a perforated ear drum!

Amy attended the Northern Women's Convention on the 12th at the Armitage Centre in Manchester.

Harry enjoyed making his pumpkin for Halloween. I have struggled with Halloween over the years and never really know how to deal with it. I was pleased to read this Blog Post which helped shape my thinking.

Harry has enjoyed attending lots of birthday parties... I think that our weekends are going to be filled up with Soft Play centres and screaming kids!?

Harry likes to talk about his friend Spike. Spike is a Hedgehog and is actually a made up character that Harry blames a lot of things on!! While we were out for a walk guess who we bumped into...

 I have learnt a lot about myself this month. I have come to understand more of God's grace and mercy than ever before and am SO grateful for the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is very easy to make a judgement about someone else, the way that they live, the things that they do, the way that they speak... I have very quickly been reminded that I have been forgiven SO MUCH by God, through Jesus that I should live my life with an attitude of thankfulness rather than of judgement toward others. Who am I to pass judgement on anyone, I should simply love people and point them towards God, who has the right to make a judgement about us, but instead has loved us and forgiven us.

THE SUMMER: Breathe a sigh of relief

I finally finished my assignments and broke up from University for the summer. This academic year has been a struggle to say the least but I can breathe a sigh of relief and look back over my first academic year and take stock.

In May 2012 Amy and I made the decision that I would quit teaching and start some formal Biblical training. It was towards the end of May (at Amy's 20 week scan) that we found out that our, then unborn, baby had problems (we discovered over 6 weeks later that our baby had a rare genetic disorder called "Cri du Chat" and would have developmental delay, life long learning difficulties and may not even survive birth).
This threw up all kinds of questions and doubts but we continued with our plans for me to quit teaching and I handed in my notice at the end of May 2012.

16th September 2013

I started my foundation degree (Theology and pastoral Studies) part time by distance on October 4th 2012. Poppy Faith Rose Sparkes was born the next day, October 5th, and our journey of Intensive care, Operations, Hospital Appointments, Ambulance admissions and major health problems began.
Harry has been the most amazing big brother. Poppy has been the most wonderful little sister and Amy is the most perfect mother and wife that I and our children could ever wish for.
Looking back I cannot believe that I have survived all of the changes, traumas, trials, frustrations and especially the university work load!
We have survived this year by the love, support and prayers of our family and friends. We thank God for all that He has given to us and provided us with.
Psalm 62 sums up how I have felt this year...

"Truly He is my Rock and my Salvation, He is my Fortress, I shall not be shaken."

July 
On the 8th July we went into Harry's school to 'meet the teacher' for his Reception Class.


He finished the year on a high and seems to have developed well during his time in Nursery. We are very thankful to his teachers for all that they have done to help him.

Amy and I celebrated our twelfth Wedding Anniversary on the 14th July. We went out for a meal while Grandma and Grandad kept an eye on the kids.

We had a great time on 21st July as we celebrated God's goodness to us in giving us Poppy. We joined two other couples (our very good friends) for the Dedication service of Sophie, Poppy and Faye. After the service Poppy hosted her first lunch at Dobbies. It was during the lunch that we showed this video.

We enjoyed a welcome break at the end of July in Salcombe, Devon with Amy's family. We were able to get together with her Aunt, Uncle and cousins who live in Devon. We also had time to meet up with my former work colleagues and very good friends, Mike and Matt and their families who were also holidaying in Devon.

August
I have enjoyed some free time during August and have been able to read and consolidate what I have learnt and experienced over the last academic year.

I had some decisions to make regarding the next academic year and managed to talk with good friends, spending time praying about what to do.

I had the privilege of preaching from Isaiah 40 at my Church and know that I learnt more and was challenged more than I was able to communicate in the time I had! August has given me the time to apply what I have learnt this year to my own heart, mind and life and as a result I had some changes to make!

I had persuaded myself that I can take control of my own life and that I know better than God. The root of my inward struggle was that I feared what other people thought more than I feared disobeying God. I thought I knew what was best to do rather than obeying the creator of the universe.

I guess it all boils down to Idolatry. What is on the throne of my heart, mind and life? Anything other than God did not satisfy me. Only God can bring true satisfaction and happiness because God IS truth, happiness and satisfaction. (After all - He created all life, emotion, feeling and thought!)

God's timing is perfect. At just the right time we were able to spend some time with our very good friends Carl and Chrissie (with Sam and Joe) back in Suffolk. Godly Christian friends like these are a true blessing and we thank God that they are willing to serve God in and through their lives. 

Suffolk Christian Camps celebrated their 60th anniversary at the end of the month. We enjoyed being back at camp and being reminded of how good God has been through these camps.

September

We left Suffolk and went to Center Parcs in Nottingham from 2nd to 6th. I had Tonsillitis and Labyrinthitis while we were there but it didn't stop us having fun and enjoying the time together as a family.
I met up with my University friends from 1997, on Sat 7th in Liverpool. It was an eventful night and full of great conversations. Some things never change!!

Harry started school on the 12th and was his normal confident self, full of energy and life. He has settled in really well and enjoys being a big boy with a tie!

Harry turned 5 years old on the 16th and had a weekend of birthday fun. My parents came up to stay. They surprised him at school on the 13th. He went to the cinema with 3 friends on the 14th. Amy's family joined us on the 15th for a meal at home. We went out on the 16th for a meal after school to celebrate on his birthday.

I start lectures again on Thursday 26th September and look forward to discovering more from God as He teaches me, guides me and directs my life.

At the Cri Du Chat support group conference that we attended in June Amy's Dad won a prize in the Raffle. He gave it to Amy and I - A night in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Chester! We will be staying there over night on the 20th and look forward to some child free time to talk, pray and relax together in our Executive Suite, the Pool, Executive lounge and Spa! Perfect timing after a busy and emotional month and before the start of a new academic term.

Prayer Requests

- Please pray that I will continue to let God be King of my heart and mind. That I would give Him the pen and paper to make plans for my life and that I would not try to take control and do things the way that I think they should happen. The King of the universe knows best!

- Please pray that I will be disciplined to work hard as University restarts.

- I am considering a few options and opportunities for serving God in a different way. Please pray that I would listen to God and that He would direct my thinking as I explore these new opportunities.

- Thank God for Amy and the way that she demonstrates His Love and Grace towards me, Harry and Poppy. She is a gift from God that I love and cherish.

- Please pray for some changes that will occur in Amy's work over the next month or so as Amy considers being a Partner and deals with the changes that this will bring.

- Thank God for Harry. 5 years of pleasure and joy. Starting School with ease and excitement. The best big brother Poppy could have ever wanted.

- Thank God for Poppy. Several months of good health and development. We have had a bad few weeks of teething but this has not been any different to the problems that we had with Harry. Thank God for his provision and protection in this area.

- Please pray that I will lead my family well and demonstrate Christ like love to them.

I have resisted from making comments on other social media sites about Harry being 5 and the standard "I can't believe how he has grown" and "Where have the last 5 years gone?" comments that are usually made!!!

Here are a few pictures to contrast 5 years ago to this year!

Harry, just born. 16/9/2008

Harry, first day at home. 17/9/2008

Harry at Silver Blades Ice Rink 2013

Harry, the Power Ranger. 16/9/2013

Hasn't he grown!!!

God has been very good to us. We thank God for the little man that He has made Harry to be.

Doesn't time fly!?

Suffolk

We travelled to Woolpit on the 30th May to celebrate my parents 60th birthdays. We travelled via my good friends home.
James and Beccy recently had a baby boy who was in hospital with suspected Meningitis. This is the latest update that I have:

Harry's Christmas present from the Seymour family!

"Hunter update - we're home! Discharged today with the all clear. Hunter has some weight to put on as he lost some whilst in hospital and he'll be reviewed regularly to check developmental milestones. But other than that the future looks bright. Thank you to everyone for your support and kind words."

Hunter is putting on weight and we will continue to pray for Hunter, his big sister Willow and their parents. (I saw a picture of him the other day and he has a massive, cheeky smile!)
Before we left Harry was given his belated Christmas present from James... (p.s. our friendship is on rocky ground!)

One of Mum and Dad's gifts
for their 60th birthday

On Friday I met +Tim for a Coffee in Bury St. Edmunds during his lunch break... it's always good to catch up with my Big Bro!
Friday night we had a meal at Tim and Lisa's home in Haughley. We presented Mum and Dad with a few gifts at the end of the meal.
Saturday morning I was up early to allow my Dad to beat me at Tennis!
There was plenty to do at home, so we headed back to help Mum tick everything off her list!

Harry having a master
class from Josh

Mum and Dad invited over 100 people to join them in celebrating their 60th. (Dad on 21st May and Mum on 5th June)
The party was in Woolpit Village Hall. We spent hours getting the room just right!!! The band arrived for their sound check, we went home to get showered and dressed - and we were ready to P.A.R.T.Y!

It was good to be back at West Road Church on Sunday. Harry made good use of his time there and took in some tuition from the resident Drummer!

Back to work

Amy, returned to work on the 4th June, 3 days a week, after an extended Maternity leave. Although we were prepared practically for this change in circumstances I was not prepared for (and was shocked by) the significant decrease in time that I have been able to commit to university work.
The reason for my loss of time is because I have sole responsibility for our children each Wednesday (and get no work done due to the level of care that Poppy requires). On the 2 days (when I am in Liverpool watching lectures) that my Mother-in-law cares for the children I ‘take over’ at 5pm until 7pm, when my Amy returns.
This change came at the busiest time of the term and my failure to recognise the extra time restraints that would be upon me, despite an attempt to plan ahead, has overwhelmed me.

Fathers Day... 

What a blessing kids are! The best present I could have on that day was to hold both of my kids. There are plenty of people who would love to have the opportunity to be a parent or to have their Father with them on this day (and indeed every day). I do not take for granted what God has given to me and am very thankful.


Here are 2 helpful resources for parents:
7 ways fathers provoke their children

and a free online book:
Pastor Dad

Take a look at this video... Dad's are rubbish!!

Doesn't Time Fly

June 27th is the last date for handing in an assessment for the first year of my Foundation Degree in Theology and Pastoral studies. I am mentally shattered and physically drained.

June 2013

December 2012

Since May of last year we have discovered that our baby has a rare genetic disorder, I have quit my job, started a degree, started working for Grace Church, Amy has been on Maternity leave (for longer than anticipated), Harry has become a Big Brother, Poppy has had 2 operations and several Ambulance rides, We have had endless medical appointments, we are on first name terms with the Chemist staff, Amy has returned to work, I have become Daddy daycare on a Wednesday, we have attended a 'Cri Du Chat' support group weekend and I have finished my first year! (All of that in 13 months!) Doesn't time fly!?

The Future

I have submitted my module choice form for next year and am leaning towards completing year 1 (which is spread over 2 years). I will then review things after that. However, I now have a few months to think and pray... talking to trusted friends and those involved in my course to gain some perspective, wisdom and accountability.

I will use July - October to reflect and re-evaluate the plans that I had made for the future. [Metaphorically speaking] I have ripped up the piece of paper that I wrote all my plans on and have given God the pen and blank paper and am excited about the future.

Harry at Yew Tree Coffee Barn

I want to invest my time off well rather than just wasting it. I have several books to read - "One-To-One" (Sophie De Witt), "Getting things Done" (David Allen), The Explicit Gospel (Matt Chandler). Reviews to follow in my September Blog (or maybe before!?)

Harry likes the new 'Yew Tree Coffee Barn' which opened at the end of May in our Village. From this seat he can eat, drink and watch the trains zoom past the window.

'Marjorie Fair' Rose

The Rose Bush that I got in memory of my Granny is flowering again! It looks like we have had some Summer Sun, but will it last?

Cri Du Chat

We travelled over to Chester on Friday 21st June to Sunday 23rd June for the annual Cri Du Chat (CdC) Syndrome Support Group conference.
I was invited in to BBC Radio Merseyside on the Friday to record an interview that would go out on the Drive Time show. I spoke about Poppy and CdC and mentioned that the conference was in the North West that weekend.
Both of our parents and all of our siblings came to the conference. We were overwhelmed by their desire to get involved and support us as we enter this new arena of life.
The families at the conference were AMAZING. We were made to feel SO welcome and didn't stop chatting to people all weekend!
The most valuable thing that I took away from the weekend was that we should take every day as it comes and provide Poppy with whatever she needs for that day.
During the raffle on the first night my Father-in-law's number got called out. He swiftly sent me up to retrieve his prize... which was a night for 2 in the hotel... and he gave it to us! (Fair swap? He gives us the prize, we give him the kids for a night's sleep over!?)

The families and CdC kids were all very different. The effects that CdC has on people is so broad. Some could walk, talk/Communicate, eat and use the toilet. Some needed wheelchairs, walking frames, nappies and needed assistance eating. We cannot tell what Poppy will be like, but we will take each day as it comes and trust that God knows best. We trust in Him.

The 'NEW' Cri du Chat website went live while we were at the weekend: "Cri du Chat Syndrome Support Group"
Click here for an older website with loads of interesting stuff on it for those interested in Poppy's syndrome. There are also other families stories on there.

Can you imagine what it was like at 5.50am when the Fire Alarm went off at the Hotel! Imagine trying to get your child down several flights of stairs without their wheelchair!! However, it was the highlight of some people's weekend! Harry, on the other hand, didn't even wake up and knows nothing of the whole ordeal!

On the 30th June my Uncle Andy cycled 50k to raise money for the Cri Du Chat Syndrome Support Group. It's not too late to sponsor him. Take a look at his JUST GIVING page. Thanks.

Church stuff

I came home promptly from the CdC conference to attend a Baptism at our Church where 5 young people publicly acknowledged that they loved God and explained how Jesus was making a difference in their lives.

Our Church meets in a Leisure Centre, so we hired the Swimming Pool for the wet bits but used our normal room for the service, singing and talky bits!

This month Sydney, +Jodi and I have been reading 2 Thessalonians each day and meeting once a week to discuss one chapter in detail.
I have loved being reminded that Jesus is coming again as I read statements like these:
"that day", "concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ", "with the brightness of His coming"
I am thankful for the hope that I have for my future because God is in control.
I am challenged to live each day with an urgency that Jesus might come soon.

July

• Lots of appointments for Poppy as usual.
• 6th July - Amy's brothers birthday.
• 7th July - My nieces birthday (Charis).
• 8th July - Meet the teacher for Harry's Reception Class.
• 14th July - Our 12th Wedding Anniversary... how will we celebrate? Not sure yet!?
• 21st July - we are joining up with our friends as we all celebrate God's goodness to us in giving us our baby girls. Sophie, Poppy and Faye will share a service of thanksgiving at Grace Church from 10.30am. If you are available on that day please come and join us, our Church meets in Halewood Leisure Centre (Click on the link, then scroll down the page). After the service, please hang around for some extra special treats and cake. Poppy will have to dash off quite soon as she will be hosting her first family lunch at 1pm!!!
• Harry's last day in his Nursery on the 24th.
• 26th - 2nd August we go to Salcombe, Devon for a week with Amy's family.

Prayer Points

I was glad to see Dave Riley at my parents party. He has been fighting Cancer for some time and has had lots of success but too many knock backs. Please pray that God would sustain him through this tough time of treatment and massive adjustment to his life.

Please pray that Hunter would continue to grow and maintain his good health.

Poppy:
Give thanks that Poppy has enjoyed good health and no emergency visits in an Ambulance to Alder Hey since the 6th May. Poppy is growing, gaining strength and making good progress towards reaching developmental milestones.
Thank God for the opportunity she had to meet with 28 other families and enjoyed being cuddled and loved by everyone.
Please pray that she will continue to benefit from her Physio and Play Therapy sessions and that her feeding would go from strength to strength.

Harry has found a tickle spot on Poppy!

Harry:
Thank God for Harry's wonderful attitude and patience towards his little sister and parents.
Please pray for him as he comes to the end of two years in his School Nursery and as he prepares to start Reception in September.
Harry's suffers with Eczema all over his body. It has been particularly bad recently and we have visited the GP to get additional cream to treat it.
Harry chatted to Amy in the car the other day and said:
"Mummy if God can do anything, He can make my Eczema go away. I'm going to pray right now that He will do that."
He proceeded to pray.
Thank God, with us, for his faith in God. Pray that we would take every opportunity to teach him and lead him.
Thank God for the challenge that Harry is to us that we should have total trust in God for everything - all the time.

Amy:
Thank God for the ease with which Amy has settled back in to work and maintained an element of routine on those days.
Thank God for our neighbours/friends who have continued to be a wonderful blessing to our family.
Please pray that Amy will be able to balance work, home, friendships and church and that she will be able to be more than just Poppy's mum who goes to work 3 days a week!!

Jamie:
Thank God that I have come to the end of the first year of my Uni course.
Thank God for all that He has taught me this year.
Please pray that I would be able to spend time reflecting on all that I have learnt.
Please pray that I will be able to meet with various people over the coming weeks and months to discuss my future.
Pray for self discipline to continue to read, pray and study even though I am not attending lectures.
Thank God for our families. Particularly for Amy's mum who is able to look after Harry and Poppy 2 days a week. Also for the very practical way that both families loved us by coming to the conference. Also for my uncle who did the sponsored cycle ride for CdC.

Thank you for reading my Blog. You can subscribe so that you receive an email of this prayer letter rather than having to search for it each month. Take a look at the box on the right where you can enter your email address.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 "Pray without ceasing"

The Sparkes family: May 2013

The Men's Convention on 4th May (International Stars Wars Day: "May the fourth be with you") was an excellent event with great teaching and a really good opportunity to see other men from around the area.

May 5th was the beginning of Cri du Chat (CdC) Awareness week.

The more we learn about Poppy and other children with CdC the more we discover that each child is unique and is affected in a variety of ways. We appreciate the support that we have been given from other families that we have met via the CDCSUK Facebook group.

A very relieved Daddy!

At about 2am on Monday 6th May Amy was woken by Poppy (who is now sleeping in her own room). Poppy was struggling to breathe, was pale, unresponsive and quite floppy. We decided to call an Ambulance.

Amy collected the pre packed hospital bags while I tried to stimulate Poppy back to her normal self.

The Ambulance arrived earlier than usual so I ran down the stairs to let the Paramedics in. To my surprise, the Paramedic at the door was our friend Mark from Church.

My first comment was: "If I'd known it was you I wouldn't have bothered getting changed!"

It was such a relief to see, not only the Ambulance arrive, but to see a friend.

Sound asleep after a busy night!

Amy tells me that Mark was very diligent in ensuring they arrived at Alder Hey promptly!!!

The Doctor that saw Poppy was also a friend of ours - Darren, who just happened to be a locum in A&E that night.

Amy and Poppy were sent to ward C2 (our usual ward!!!) and were warmly welcomed by all the staff.

Darren even popped in to see Poppy at the end of his shift... he told Amy how his consultant had commented about how impressed she was with the way that Amy was coping and the example that she was in dealing with a child like Poppy.

Poppy at Keziah's party.

We continue to pray that Poppy would bring us, and others, more and more opportunities to demonstrate how God helps us in our daily life (Matthew 5:14-16).

Our busiest week this month had 5 medical appointments two birthday celebrations as well as our regular commitments!

Poppy is holding her head up well.

We had our first CAF (Common Assessment Framework) meeting. This is a meeting with all of the medical professionals/agencies that are involved in Poppy's care. When asked, at this meeting, if we had any questions, our response was simple. "THANK YOU". We continue to be amazed at the support and provision that Poppy is given by the NHS. We also thank God for situating us in Liverpool, near to Alder Hey, in Halewood, with our Church family and in the North West close to Amy's family.

One of the Sunny days this month!

We had a post-op appointment with Poppy's ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) consultant, our next appointment is in 6 months!

Poppy had her first Physiotherapy session. Poppy impressed her Physio with her ability to hold her head up generally be cute!! Poppy's target for her next session is to be able to roll over!

Poppy has also been assigned a 'Play Specialist' who helps her to reach the next milestone (probably identified by the Physio) by showing us activities or toys to use to encourage her development.

A family lunch in Grandma and Grandad's garden.

I celebrated my 34th Birthday on the 9th May (I finally caught up with Amy!). The morning was spent in College and we shared a meal with a few friends in the evening followed by a meal out for the 4 of us on the Saturday.

Harry's school celebrated the 50th anniversary of it's 'new' building. Each class came in fancy dress depending upon the decade they had been allocated. It was amazing to see how, in my life time, trends have come, gone and come back again! Harry dressed up as Tygra from Thunder Cats (80's costume)! There is a new series from Thunder Cats currently on TV!

Sydney, Jodi and myself have been reading the book of 1 Thessalonians every day of this month.

As we have read through various books in the New Testament (mostly written by Paul) I have noticed that several of the books (Or 'letters' from Paul to a Church that he has been a part of) has a list somewhere in it.

The list in 1 Thessalonians is from Chapter 5:14-22:

"And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle,

encourage the faint-hearted,

help the weak,

be patient with them all.

See that no one repays anyone evil for evil,

but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

 Rejoice always,

pray without ceasing,

give thanks in all circumstances;

for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Do not quench the Spirit.

Do not despise prophecies,

but test everything;

hold fast what is good.

Abstain from every form of evil.

Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

Brothers, pray for us.

Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you."

My favourite two verses are 17 and 24.

5:17 Pray without ceasing

5:24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

What does June have in store?

On the 1st June we celebrate with Family and Friends as both of my parents turn Sixty. Dad was 60 on the 21st May and Mum will be 60 on 5th June.

Amy returns to work on Tuesday 4th June.

We will be attending the Cri du Chat Support group family weekend in Chester on the 21st June. We look forward to meeting and chatting to other parents who have children with CdC syndrome.

Harry returns to school on the 10th June.

I have to make my module choices for next year's Oak Hill foundation degree course by the 10th June.

30th June my Uncle is doing a Cycle ride to raise money for the Cri du Chat Syndrome support group. Take a look at his JUST GIVING page for more details. 

Prayer Requests

Friends: Please pray for baby Hunter (a new born baby to our friends James and Beccy and their 2 year old daughter Willow). He has been in hospital with suspected Meningitis.

Please also pray for Susan, our friend, who has recently been diagnosed with Breast Cancer and will begin Chemotherapy in June.

Pray also for Carl, Chrissie, Sam and Joe. Carl and Chrissie begin a new ministry and vision in Eastbourne. Read about it here: Sovereign Missional Movement.

Amy: All the physical, emotional and mental preparation for returning to work and leaving Poppy for the first time.
Thank God that Amy has been and continues to be an amazing wife and mother. Pray that she will be able to manage the addition of returning to work and that I will be able to relieve the pressure as best I can.

Harry: Coping with Amy returning to work. Grandma coming to look after him and Poppy (the first time he will have to share Grandma with Poppy in this context!)
Returning to school on the 10th after a two week break (With the additional pressure of Amy needing to be out of the house to get to work each Tue, Wed and Thurs!)
Thank God for his development, for the way his is growing into being a good big brother, for his awareness of the Bible and spiritual things and for his safety.

Poppy: Thank God for her growth and lack of emergency trips to the hospital (Since the last trip!).
Pray for our management of her MANY appointments throughout the week (at hospitals, medical centres and at home). We will now have 3 days to fit in all the appointments that we used to fit into 5!

Jamie: Spiritual strength to be a godly husband and Dad. Discipline to read and pray each morning (for my own relationship with Jesus rather than just for Uni or Church studying).
Wisdom to choose the right modules for next year. (See next point!)
Wisdom to make a decision regarding the training/studying that I will do next year. (Continue with Oak Hill or start something else?)

[This decision is based upon a shift in my thinking and understanding about myself, my spiritual gifts and the direction that God may want me to go. It also takes into account our life circumstances and the level of commitment that my current degree course demands.]

Self discipline to complete the 6 assignments and 1 exam between 4th June and 27th June.

Please pray for the whole family as we go through another change in circumstances and adapt/adjust to Amy returning to work. Especially in the light of this month being my busiest and most demanding time at Uni.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 & 24 Pray without ceasing. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.