Beautiful Day

These are the first pics I've really had of friends from church. So I thought I'd post afew so that you believe me. This past Saturday we went hiking (about 10 of us) to a place south of Brum called Malvern Hills. We took the train for the day, stopped for lunch at the top of the hill at a great pub. It was a fantastic day.


Mike and Mandy are on the right with their kids Kayla and Jason. I'm in the middle with Hyun-Mi. Nick and Jonty are in the back, and Jane and Mike are crouching.

Mike with Kayla


Nick pondering while Jason explains the ways of the world.


'British Camp'. Apparently a last resort defensive strategy for the British against the Romans.


Almost at the top. Beautiful views.


The latest addition to Wed. night homegroup. Hyun-Mi holding David and Jo's month old Gracie.

At the Foot of the Cross

At the foot of the cross

Where grace and suffering meet

You have shown me Your love

Through the judgment You received

And You've won my heart

Yes, You've won my heart

Now I can

Trade these ashes in for beauty

And wear forgiveness like a crown

Coming to kiss the feet of mercy

I lay every burden down

At the foot of the cross

At the foot of the cross

Where I am made complete

You have given me life

Through the death you bore for me

And You've won my heart

Yes, You've won my heart

Lyrics by Kathryn Scott

I am aware of the length of time still to pass before Easter, yet my heart seems to have stumbled into thoughts of contemplation and wonder even earlier than I had expected. I often find myself quite reflective and full of thought around the Easter season as I anticipate focussing on the cross. Today at church was a gut wrencher felt earlier in the season than usual. Some of the deepest parts of me have been brought to light when thinking about who I am, what I as a mere human really deserve, and the extent Christ went through to give me what I do not deserve. Although most of us have heard this before, I urge you, dare I say beg us all, as Easter draws near, to pause, no to stop and reconsider, or consider for the first time what OUR response to Jesus will be. How do we respond to the one who came not to condemn, but to rescue us from our guilt, fear, hurt, selfishness, lonliness, addiction, anger and every one of our sins.

We can be free and forgiven. Hallelujah.