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.