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RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 20:12:56 GMT

Dear All,I thought I'd drop by to let you all know what is going on.Michael graduated last week with a 2:1 is Software Development. Very Proud Mum :smooooth:Matthew has got his NVQ II is Professional Cookery and HospitalityVery Proud Mum :smooooth:We're waiting for Rachael's results....but we "hear" she has acheived her Entry Lever III in English and - wait for it - Maths!!!!Astounded Mum:w00t:Meanwhile, I am not at all well. The tumour is back and I have prolactin levels that are sky high alongside the ability to breastfeed quads. The headaches are not as frequent as before, but when they do happen, they are of the same pavement cracking intensity. I'm due to see the neurosurgeon on 10th August.As a result, in part, I am now only working two days a week. This is fine, as I have plenty of other things to be getting on with.The Ph.D. is at the point of "intention to submit" notice, but I have a "chunk" of Chapter 6 I want to rewrite. It's merely a question of finding some unused time to do it in.I've just completed a Level VI Respiratory Course and am partway through a Level VI Contraception and Sexual Health Course (finishes end September).I'm preaching every week (sometimes twice) and I'm midway through writing a series of eight fairly in-depth Bible Studies on the Pslams.So - the Ph.D. is not likely to get touched until October - BUTOn 30th September I'm going into hospital for pretty major abdominal surgery.........It's a good job I've learned the meaning of "God being our help and refuge"!!Actually, the wonder of it all is that God is so close that I don't have to worry about anything. He is so close that sometimes I think I can turn round and see Him! It's been wonderful up here lately - I've enjoyed sitting on the seafront in my little Smart Car, watching the sea, and enjoying the Creator. There are so many different colours and shades - no two days are the same. God is just so clever!! Even the rain has been warm....Apropos nothing - the day after the hosepipe ban was introduced hereabouts, it rained solidly for a week. Some places had a month's worth of rain in one day: Do you think the hosepipe ban has been lifted?God blessWith love as ever,Lesley xx (and Desmond - who is rather looking forward to going on holiday in three weeks time)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tedi Worrier — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 14:16:24 GMT

One church that I sing at once a month has a regular occurance that whenever the "Breakfast on the Beach" comes up in the church calendar they have a barbecue and greet the faithful with a BACON sandwich to take into church.Nice idea .... but the choice of filling raises questions

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 14:03:05 GMT

Dear all,Ah yes - St Deiniol's is water to the thirsty spirit and rest to the weary soul. It is a place of peace and wonder. Actually, it is probably one of my favourite places in the world.Now - my scan results show that there is little change from the scan of July 2009 (so no massive tumour growth), but my blood results are not "normal".I'm not sure what will happen from here at the moment - except it will probably mean more pills - I already take five in the morning and ten at night - with eight extra on chemo day and one extra (for the bones) on a Saturday.I have to suppress a wry smile when patients moan to me about having to take tablets ;)Anyway I have a cutting edge sermon to write......Breakfast on the beach, anyone?God bless,With love as ever,Lesley xx (and Desmond, who has gone all misty eyed at talk of St. D's)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tedi Worrier — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 11:02:37 GMT

Whilst I continue to pray for you, Lesley, if God hasn't got the idea yet then He's pretty slow to take a hintI'm off to sing Chichester Psalms this afternoon .... I,ve been reading about St Deiniol and the library ... it sounds a rather nice place

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 19:52:52 GMT

Dear All,Now - there is no need to squabble - I know and love you both.NL, Tedi's sense of humour is often a little "off the wall" - but, as he would say, I'm sure, he is often a bear of little brain - and much stuffing. His heart is, however, of pure gold.Tedi, NL is passionate and cares about justice. She will fight for those she loves with tooth and claw. She is also deeply creative and caring. Her heart burns with fire.As you will gather, there is so much we fail to see in one another. I was preaching the other week, and (quite inadvertantly) convinced someone she should stand as churchwarden! As I think of it now, she will be excellent in that role and will bring many blessings to the church.Of course, there is much that we fail to see in ourselves as well.... I'm not sure that any of us ever acheive a balanced view of that one person that we live with 24/7 (as they say). I'm about to preach on the restoration of Peter in John's Gospel. I always find Peter very helpful to me. I think we may be alike in a lot of ways. He's warm of heart and a bit gobby - and inclined to beat it when the chips are down - but luckily Jesus sees something in him that he certainly doesn't see in himself.... and thereby hangs a tale.I remain symtomatic for the tumour. I'm very much like I was before it was operated last time: headaches and needing to sleep a lot. I've pulled out of my PGDip for at least a year until things are sorted out, because I'm really not well enough to put in the time and attention that it needs. The Ph.D. I will finish as it is so close to the end.I've (still) not really got the results of the scan. I've tried, but I can't get an appointment with my GP until 26th April (she has them) and my next appointment with the Professor (who ordered the scan) is 17th June. (Actually I can't make that appointment - so I tried to change it today and was offered one in July!!). The hospital changed my appointment from May..... So I must phone them again tomorrow to try and speak to someone else who may be able to help! It is all starting to feel like last time.Meanwhile, keep up the prayers please.God blessWith love as everLesley xx & Desmond xx (who wants some clogs....I'll explain sometime)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tedi Worrier — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 13:29:06 GMT

dittoLesley ...aha! I see it is Deniol!!!

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

newleprechaun — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 07:47:02 GMT

I have been around along time too, and can't believe you are posting your nonsense on Lesley's thread!:w00t:

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tedi Worrier — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 22:52:01 GMT

no I am not ... you just haven't been around long enough to understand

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

newleprechaun — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:46:45 GMT

[quote][b]Tedi Worrier (18/03/2010)[/b][hr]cool bearso you are in denial again, huh?It IS an interesting word, isn't it?I used to get sent to the village shop to buy mum's stockings .... had to be something like 10 denier.... so it was a bit of a surprise when people started going on about "holocaust deniers"By the way, I am playing a hypocritical clergyman (again!!!) ... a calvinist pastor who manages to conduct a funeral without saying anything positive about the kid who shot himself whilst "thanking God, the All Merciful, for his unsearchable gift of presdestination"I looked at Friends Reunited the other day for the first time for ages and found a message from you .... Hello [/quote]One can only suppose you have posted on the wrong thread as your post is totally off topic!:crazy:

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tedi Worrier — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:03:37 GMT

cool bearso you are in denial again, huh?It IS an interesting word, isn't it?I used to get sent to the village shop to buy mum's stockings .... had to be something like 10 denier.... so it was a bit of a surprise when people started going on about "holocaust deniers"By the way, I am playing a hypocritical clergyman (again!!!) ... a calvinist pastor who manages to conduct a funeral without saying anything positive about the kid who shot himself whilst "thanking God, the All Merciful, for his unsearchable gift of presdestination"I looked at Friends Reunited the other day for the first time for ages and found a message from you .... Hello

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:10:15 GMT

Dear All,I'm having a few days at St. D's....:)It's been a funny few days - last Thursday night I spent in hospital, then I did a clinic on Friday, slept on Saturday, preached on Sunday and last night I was here......:cool:I'm enjoying the space to write and think and - oh yes - sleep. I seem to have been doing a lot of that lately.Brain scan (MRI) on the 18th - but on Monday next I'm off to Sheffield. Thank goodness I finally have a Sunday off next week - my first in ages. I was planning to stay here for a whole week, but they have a course on over the weekend, so I'm being "chucked out" on Thursday, alas :crying:This time Desmond can see over the garden - and it is sunny and bright for him - which is lovely.With love as ever.God blessLesley xx and Desmond xx (waving contented paw)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 10:22:08 GMT

Dear All,I started nursing the same year as Charlie (I think) - or that's what I tell patients when they ask!Yep- I love Holby too - so I'm always a little fed up when there's a meeting on a Tuesday. Actually more so as it's my "long day" at work (8.30am - 7.00pm with no lunch).Casualty convinced my mum that I did know my stuff! A guy was brought in some years go. Ah, I said - that looks horribly like a dissecting aortic aneurism. It'll be touch and go.Mike Barrett (remember him?) said "It's a dissecting aortic aneurism - we'll have to act fast...."Mother turns to me, impresssed, and says, "How did you know?"I think I'd been in the job 20 years at that point.......Blessings, and much loveLesley xx and Desmond xxPS: brain scan 18th March. Hospital Admission for tests (yuk!!) potentially next week - subject to bed).

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

newleprechaun — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:01:45 GMT

I am a big fan of 'Casualty', I have watched it since it started, goodness knows how many years ago. I also enjoy its sister programme 'Holby City' on Tuesday evenings.

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tony B — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:41:04 GMT

""Casualty" is about to start "Yay - glad to see you've got your priorities right! Saturday night wouldn't be Saturday night without "Casualty". Even if the plot lines do get a bit stretched sometimes... :D

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:15:38 GMT

Dear all,I've been referred for another brain scan "as soon as possible" following my appointment with Endocrinology last week. My blood results are getting more abnormal and it's not just me who thinks it's back..... Meanwhile, I've decided to ignore it as much as I can and simply get on with things. Trouble is that this time, there is no element of interest about what is going to happen - I already know exactly what it will feel like etc. etc. so I'm not even slightly intruiged by it all (as I was last time at one level). I'm merely fed up to a degree that I cannot really begin to put into words.My motivation levels have actually taken a bit of a nose dive since Thursday (when I had the appointment) but one or two looming deadlines will have to put an end to that little bit of self-indulgence! I've got everything ready for tomorrow morning - but I have two sermons to write for next Sunday and some maths (aaahhh....) to do for my PGDip - so that's tomorrow taken care of.The other thing is that I really do not want to tell anyone yet that it's back. Graham knows, but the children do not. Nobody at work knows, nor do my colleagues at Church, nor does my Supervisor at UTU or my Tutor at Cumbria. Last time it was such a long drawn out process that it seems silly to make them jump up and down over something that will probably take months to sort out again.I don't want them panicking over me and making arbitary decisions about what I can and can't do. I'm not a changed person because the lump is back! Anyway - "Casualty" is about to start - and anyone who knows me knows that I always stop to watch Casualty. If "it" is not done by then - it's too late :)God blessWith love as ever,Lesley xx and Desmond xx

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tony B — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:44:46 GMT

With any luck, the January blues will move over for the February "getting a bit brighter"! (Although, I've just looked out of my window, and seen wet sloppy snow dripping down all around us - hibernation sounds so inviting! But I have church councils all over the place for these next weeks...)I have a number of friends who are battling cancer at the moment. At least one is fighting a losing battle, because it wasn't discovered until it was too late. Others have found that it makes them take the time they have, rather than the time they might have. You are such an inspiration, even when you probably don't feel like one! You are achieving so much, professionally as well as academically Keep on plugging on - you still have things to achieve, and I'm sure you will achieve them.

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 20:20:26 GMT

Dear all,Maybe it's just the January blues - but things are not so good. I'm trying to ignore the symptoms that tell me the tumour is back...but, in no particular order, my blood results suggest it, the headaches are recurring, I'm gaining weight, and the tiredness is back (with a vengeance).Meanwhile - life goes on. My Ph.D supervisor has just come up with the "brilliant" idea that a complete rewrite of Chapter Six is in order before I submit (not that he hasn't read it before - [i]several times[i][/i][/i]:w00t:) I have managed to fail an assignment for Cumbria - probably because I didn't have enough time to write it in in the first place - and the preaching rota continues as normal.Swine flu continues to blight my life - only this time it is injections for children (which is SOOOOOO much more taxing).I have decided that I need a holiday - but I have no time to take one - although there will be an enforced break coming up when I go into hospital for surgery in a few weeks time for a quite unrelated problem. Three days in hospital and six weeks off work (so I am told).Luckily (or not) it isn't something that will stop me writing - so I may have a bit more time to catch up....Michael and Rachel (his fiancee) have put in an offer on a house - and are planning to get married in October. Her mum is about to start Radiotherapy - but it all seems to be going very slowly compared to what I remember. I have a feeling that she is putting it off. I did mention this to Rachel, who told me that her mum put off seeing the doctor about the original "mole" for 12 months, which allowed the cancer to spread. I'm really worried about her and would appreciate your prayers for the whole family.On the positive side, I'm now out and about every now and again teaching nurses and pharmaceutical reps about asthma management. I really enjoy doing it - and they seem to enjoy hearing me. Pays well too!!The new Ministry Team seems to be bonding well - and there are very positive developments coming out of both that and out of both churches. We have a real sense of God's presence and it is an exciting time to be in New Brighton at the moment. It is great too how the churches in the area are working together for the first time.I pray for you all regularly.With love as ever,Lesley xx and Desmond xx)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:53:46 GMT

Dear All,Stepping aside from PG.Dip and Ph.D. work and (endless) sermons and Swine flu clinics......To wish you allA VERY HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!!!Graham had an oesophageal ulcer, which has now healed with treatment.I am still symptomatic - but determined to not worry. Today has enough problems....Church is still wonderful - I took the Christingle service on Christmas Eve (300 present) and you could hear a pin drop! God was so present.Midnight rang the rafters.Michael's girlfriend's Mum (Carol) has cancer (malignant melanoma with spread) so please pray for her. Rachel is staying with us right now. Remember they are both autistic. Carol will start radiotherapy shortly. Sorry to have been away so long, but have been writing like something gone daft - assignments for Cumbria, Ph.D for Sheffield and I forgot about preaching at Christmas (did 7 sermons between Advent 3 & Epiphany).Just got one assignment left to finish now. 1500 words to write before deadline of Monday - but will get there!God blessWith love as ever,Lesley xx (and Desmond - who has callouses on his pawses from the keyboard)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:09:07 GMT

Dear all,I'm writing from St. D's - where I'm enjoying a weekend away in the peace and quiet and the opportunity to catch up on some writing (alas, it's medicine and not theology).The news from here is very much in fits and starts.Michael finally lost the flat he was planning to buy after endless "hold ups" with the mortgage. We're not sorry to be honest, but he's a bit fed up. I'm pleased he's seen the light and is now planning to finish his degree and get a job before committing himself to a house. I think the mortgage will probably be easier to get as well...Rachael may have problems similar to Matthew's in staying on at College next year. Her College has merged with another one - and it doesn't seem as if Deeside are quite as keen on youngsters with learning disabilities....Still acheiving an NVQI or its equivalent is the entry criteria for NVQII regardless of anything else including disability - so here we go again...Graham has got to go for an endscopy because he is anaemic. A fun day for the entire family. Sort of knocks man flu into a cocked hat. Actually, knowing a bit more than he does (and his medical and social history) I'm fretting a fair amount about it (more than he is).My latest blood test results were not good - more or less the same as when the tumour started - and I'm starting to gain weight again. These are memorable symptoms. While the headaches are not back in their fullness, I've had the odd one. So, I'm not a happy bunny right now. I've only got three months respite from the Consultant and the brain scan and the blood tests instead of twelve - so they aren't happy either.Meanwhile, life goes on. The Ph.D heads for submission early in the New Year. The external reader was John Vincent and I'm hoping Stephen Pattinson will agree to be the external examiner.The PGDip in Advanced Nursing Practice is actually quite fun at the moment - which is more than can be said for work itself: at the same time as the Swine Flu vaccines are out we also decide to change computer systems. My joy knows no bounds!!As an aside - I'm going to Manchester on Thursday to talk to a bunch of drug reps for an hour about management of asthma in primary care. I can't quite beleive I was asked (I still think it could be a wind up) - and they are paying me a monumental amount of money to do it!! I'd have to work for a week to earn that amount!!!Church is good. We're into something called "Growth Action Planning" which is a lot less dire than it sounds. Well, somewhat, for a diocesan initiative. The process is stimulating and involve everyone in the whole church - which questionnaires, meetings, away days (here at St. D's - I'm so blessed to live near here :)) and much prayer....There are some good things coming out of it. It's really encouraging to be part of a real Ministry Team at last - and to feel that I belong. At church today here, the Reader said that church was about grace and muck. Too right. I liked that.II must stop avoiding work.....God blessWith love as ever,Lesley xx (and Desmond, who has been watching the birds ona cloudless day today)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Rainbird — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:20:18 GMT

Keep forgetting my login details but managed to get on today!!! Leslie - so delighted the Ph. D is complete!!! Excellent work ;) Sheila - Owen is back at school and doing very well but still tiring easily. He has managed to make it along to Boys' Brigade a few nights too which is great for his peers. Thanks for the prayers!Teddy - another baptism? How fabulous!!! Enjoy the wee trip away!I really have missed so much here! Will try to visit more regularly ;)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tedi Worrier — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:48:17 GMT

Desmond's fan club are off to Brittany tomorrow ... for granddaughter, Sarah, 's baptism on Sunday ... behave yourselves while we are gone... especially YOU, you hear, Bear!

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tony B — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 13:03:34 GMT

Sounds good to me. See how it works.Cheers,Tony

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 22:40:06 GMT

Dear Tony,Could you manage a coffee while you are at St. D's??I've just got back from the Licence thing...well and then prepared service, intercessins etc. for tomorrow and looked at Cumbria stuff, in between looking at who got kicked off "Strictly" (and missing Casualty like crazy)....I've no idea what's on my diary for those dates because I've lost it -for the moment - I'll have to find it again or my life wil stop. But I'm sure I can pop over for a couple of hours at some point. I've booked a weekend in November (can't remember when).Nodding off now.I can hear Desmond shouting.Must go.God blessLove as ever,Lesley xx

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tony B — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 16:56:37 GMT

Ah, St D's - haven't been for ages! Margi and I will be there in about 3 weeks: 28th - 30th. Looking forward to it...Glad you're getting such positive feedback. Sometimes exposing our vulnerability as preachers helps people to identify with us, and makes it easier for them to take on board what we say. They can see we're walking the same path as them, not some exalted and protected elevated walkway far above the crap and clarts of everyday life.A college friend of mine died a good few years ago of cancer. He knew it was terminal, but he shared the journey with his congregations - he brought it into his sermons, called it "MUG" for "My Unwanted Guest". He had quite an impact.May you still have a long and "interesting" journey to share with us, Lesley! :kiss:

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Sun, 11 Oct 2009 21:59:14 GMT

Dear all,Life moves on - in interesting fits and starts!Last week was "flu week" - so 400 injections. You know those lovely "lucky cats" in Chinese restaurants? The smiley ones where just one arm goes up and down?And only the "Swine flu" to look forward to - ah yes...Did you know that there is Swine flu and Pig fever?With Swine flu, you are really ill, temperature, vomiting, can't get out of bed, lasts about two weeks....nasty stuffWith Pig fever, you feel a bit off colour and fancy a few days off work....i.e. you feel as sick as a pig.Trouble is, once you've had Pig fever, you're not allowed to catch Swine flu!I got to preach on marriage and divorce last week - and folk are still talking about the sermon - for all the right reasons.I was absolutely terrified because I was very open and honest about my own past and how the gospel passage (from Mark) had tormented me over the years. I was very anxious that the congregation would not accept what I had to say and would think less of me when I had told them the truth.Actually the total reverse was what happened! Folk "got" the idea that we fail but God doesn't - and that our failure can be turned into his success. My Licence gets transferred officially next week in a big ceremony at the Cathedral. It's my last link with the old place gone. I was teasing Frank (the vicar) today and said that I still had up till Friday to decide if I was going to stay (I've been there since June 2008). He said I better had do, or the building may fall down!Saw the GP on Thursday (I really must stop going) - it looks as if I'm going to have to go into hospital for surgery in the not too distant future. It's one of those things I knew would need to be done, but had been putting off talking about until I felt able to cope with it. There are some advantages to my profession. Every time I go and see her, there is something else!!Meanwhile, I'm planning a trip to St. Ds. In fact, while I was thinking of it, I've sent off an enquiry form. It will do me good to get away. I can work better there often.I'm there in December anyway for the Urban Theology Collective.Things at home are blessedly quiet at the moment. Michael has his mortgage and (autism aside) hopefully the flat will shortly be his.I'm starting to doze and I have a ton of work to do tomorrow - a case study for Cumbria and a sermon of hypocrisy for Emmanuel (that should be a belter).Then I've got a hospital appointment tomorrow afternoon (just for a change) and a pastoral visit tomorrow evening...God blessWith love as ever,Lesley (and Desmond, who has started packing for St. D's because he heard me mention it!)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

maya — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 20:55:52 GMT

I'm pleased to hear from you again Lesley. Thankyou for sharing everything. It must be difficult to come to terms with what you were told, but your faith and determination not to be discouraged must be a real inspiration to lots of people who know you, or read your posts.Bless you. May God be with you especially on the frustrating days.Ann

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:50:04 GMT

Dear all,Darling Tedi, I am not yet a Dr. Lesley - but please watch this space. If the day dawns, I promise I will tell you.It has been an interesting couple of weeks - spent mostly at the Walton Centre, having the extent of my brain damage assessed by the Neuropsychologists.Their report was somewhat as I expected, although having someone else tell you is always, I think, quite distressing. While you can keep it to yourself, you can always pretend that it isn't happening.Firstly the good news: although there has been a slight drop in my overall verbal IQ - it isn't a huge one and not one that anyone would notice (except me). My auditory memory remains excellent as well, both long and short term. However, my non-verbal IQ shows a considerable drop of around 20 points and my visual memory, again both short and long term is severely impaired. Of most concern is the "filter" that allows memories to pass from short term to long term memory. This is functioning at the level of someone with learning disabilities - and is severely impeding my life (which, of course, I knew). It is as if things "crowd" it and there is a short circuit.In short there is a difference of around 60 IQ points between my highest and lowest functioning areas - a clear indication of brain damage.Added to which there is a clear distractibility problem and a tendency to disinhibition also indicative of brain damage.Positively, preaching is absolutely fine, but don't ask me to take the minutes in a meeting....All of it is worse if I am under stress, of course. The viva for the Ph.D should be fun, then, eh :w00t:I will have to develop new tactics around reading (visual) and, I have known for a while that I can no longer follow a TV series properly ... even ones I have previously enjoyed, because I forget what happened week to week (visual). I'm better if I have building blocks or "pegs" in my long term memory on which to hang new information - and better still if I can touch, or hear, or talk myself through something new. But for now it's a question of trial and error while I find the best ways with the new information.Meanwhile, I am struggling with Cumbria work and the course as well as the end of the Ph.D. - so I'd better get on with it and stop prevaricating - although the Psychologist (Dr. Flynn) did say that I didn't procrastinate, it was part of the problem while I considered tactics to deal with it. I don't think she got to know me that well after all :)God blessWith love as ever,Lesley xx (and Desmond, who has acquired a notebook and writes down my ramblings.....)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tedi Worrier — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:44:18 GMT

so where is Dr Lesley?

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Sheila — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:03:07 GMT

Dear Lesley,

Did the holiday go well? Hope you are hanging in there.

With love,

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Sheila — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 16:00:24 GMT

Dear Lesley,

It`s been so long . . .

:ermm:

Love and blessings,

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Sheila — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:51:03 GMT

How are you, Lesley?

Love and blessings,

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Sheila — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:21:51 GMT

May God bless you on your uphill struggle, dear Lesley.

Yes, we will keep praying.

Love and blessings, Sheila. x

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:42:46 GMT

Dear all (especially Sheila),

I've needed those wise words over the past few days so much....

I'm going away on Saturday on our annual holiday to Porth Madoc, and to be honest, I can't wait - I'm just so exhausted now that I can't muster up energy for anything. Alas, I fear it is a little more serious than simply physical exhaustion (which I'm well used to dealing with).

Firstly, I managed to fail an academic assignment for the first time in my entire life - which has shattered my confidence in my recovery completely. It's not the hassle of redoing it - that bit is simple enough - it's dealing with the fact that I got it so completely wrong and didn't suspect a thing. And putting up with the attitude of the tutor, who varies from being helpful to being very sarcastic and changing his mind like a weather vane.

Secondly, I seem to be the target of the Practice Manager at the moment (she does seem to need one). It all resulted in an extremely personally abusive phone call ("You always...") ("All my saff think...") made to my home last week and her cutting my hours from 16.5 to 10.5. Consequently, we have lost our Child Tax Credit, and I am working barely enough hours to keep my registration - except my contract is only for 8 hours and I have to claim the additional 2.5 as overtime for which I am paid less than my normal rate...She has worked her way around all the other staff, so at least I am not alone, but I'm expecting her to have a go about my holiday tomorrow, because the other nurse is also off on annual leave. Consequently, I feel sick at the thought of going into work.

I'm just about to go back to Walton for exhastive testing for the cognitive deficits that are now apparent in my memory. They make life interesting, if highly stressful. The brain scan was as good as it can be: "residual tumour with no regrowth. No sign of progressive neurological disease, or further brain damage."

The Ph.D. is back from the external reader - with several helpful comments. Some of them I agree with, and some I don't, but that's just the nature of the beast. The funniest thing is that I can identify who the Reader was, because he kept citing his own work in the report....See above comment!! All it means at the moment is that it is still more work, I'm afraid.

I've got to write a couple of sermons this week, because I'm away on holiday next week, then in Carlisle on a course the week after.

It just feels all very "uphill" at the moment somehow.

Keep praying....................please

God bless
With love as ever,
Lesley xx(and Desmond - who is packing xx)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Sheila — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:23:52 GMT

They say there is a hollo, safe and still,

A point of coolness and repose

~Within the centre of a flame, where life might dwell

Unharmed and unconsumed, as in a luminous shell,

Which the bright walls of fire enclose

In breachless splendouir, barrier that no foes

Could pass at will.

There is a point of rest

At the centre of the cyclone`s force,

A silence at its secret source; -

A little child might slumber undistressed,

without the ruffle of one fairy curl,

In that strange calm amid the mighty whirl.

So in the centre of these thoughts of God,

Cyclones of power, consuming glory-fire, -

As we fall o`erawed

Upon our faces, and are lifted higher

Than unredeemed angels, till we stand

Even in the hollow of His hand, -

Nay more! We lean upon His breast - There, there we find a point of perfect rest

And glorious safety. There we see

His thoughts to us-ward, thoughts of peace

That stoop to tenderest love; that still in rease

With increase of our need; that never change,

That never fail, or falter, or forget.

O pity infinite!

O royal mercy free!

O gentle climax of the depth and height

Of God`s most precious thoughts,

Most wonderful, most strange!

For I am poor and needy, yet

The Lord Himself, Jehovah, thinketh upon me!

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Sheila — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:16:41 GMT

Dear Lesley,

You can`t get rid of me now I`m back.

Wishing you peace, I`m wondering if you know the words by Francis Ridley Havergal : "They say there is a hollow" ? I`ll find it and put it up for you.

>>> to be continued! :)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Sheila — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 13:54:46 GMT

Dear Lesley,

I am glad to have just caught up with you and everything once again.

What good news about Matthew! Is he enjoying his new post?

Good news about your Mum, too - though your care of her may have contributed to your present exhaustion, don`t you think? I hope and pray you will soon have a return to your zest for life and will get all your asignments done, all your bits and pieces.

It is a lovely surprise to see your posh photo as everyone calls it. You look so happy and inspirational there!

My very best wishes for your continuing treatment.

If Rainbird still looks in here, can she give us any news of ten-year old Owen who was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, please? It has been a few months since she put up a prayer request.

My love and blessings to all,

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:57:38 GMT

Dear All,

Yes, it was a very interesting event.

The Mayor also spent the afternoon speculating on what I had on under the robes....
The answer was not a lot (underwear only). It was very hot indeed, and as the place has no vestry or chapel at the moment, I had to drive up there robed. :w00t:

The Mayoress is lovely looking and very elegant. Very Audrey Hepburn in the outfit I thought. The hat was firmly in place with a comb and pins.

My hair (as you can see) is now copious and snow white where it was "zapped". I did try colouring it, but the skin is too fragile to cope and it ulcerated :sick: - so I will have to come to terms with looking like a honey badger.

However - it's an improvement on bald :)

I'm not feeling so well today - but I think it's just tiredness. Work has been crazy. Phones ringing off the hook with people who think they've got swine flu. Mostly it's just pig fever (as in people who are a sick as pigs and want the day off work) but we have had ONE genuine case we think....Roll on the "official" helpline;)

God bless
With love as ever,
Lesley xx (and Desmond xx)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

maya — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:47:57 GMT

I like your "posh photo" Lesley.

I have heard some clergy wear very little under their robes in the summer (when we have summer):)

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Tony B — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:36:13 GMT

And the lady on the left is about to lose her hat...

Your hair looks good!

RE: New souped up Lesley prayer site

Lesley — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 16:19:38 GMT

Dear all,

Attached - now I know how to do it - posh photo (with Mayor & assorted dignitaries).

It was very hot that day - I was roasting under the robes ;)

One of the stranger things I have done.....

God bless
With love as ever,
Lesley xx