Good evening my friends,

I’m cold! I think I’ve mentioned to you before that I don’t know how the heating works in this house. I knew how to not be quite warm enough in Newport – that house was so hard to heat – but this house should be easier. I’ve yet to master this house though and I’m feeling sorry for myself. it’s a really silly problem to have – we have heat and light and can afford to use them. I really should just get on with it!

How are you this week? Have you been busy or is life quiet? Ministry is a funny old thing – sometimes my diary is so full it scares me. On those occasions I pray and just keep my mind on the next thing, and it always works out. Then there are weeks like this one – much quieter at first glance, a chance to crack on with some of the “to do list”. And then things crop up – important, often pastoral things, that cannot wait, and I have space to be able to give good time to them without compromise. Everything always works out. I’ve often said that I give my diary to God and I really mean it – what I have just described to you is how I know I am doing it and that it works. It’s pretty awesome isn’t it? 

What do you give to God to make life work? I think we should be giving him everything of course, but it’s rather nice to reflect for a moment and recognise where God is working, and what we are actually doing. 

And that leads very nicely to a prayer request! Please can you add to your prayers, some for all those who are approaching the winter with dread or fear. I am aware that the colder and shorter days mean that some people are not so sociable, and that simple tasks can seem harder. Fuel poverty is felt by some in our communities and bereavement and illness seem to be harder to reconcile in the winter. I don’t mean any of this to be gloomy, but I know that if I pray about something that ensures I am aware of it. When I am more aware of things then I am better placed to act or be generous and mindful. It’s that simple. I think it’s amazing that week by week hundreds of us are praying with real intention about various things. Thank you so much.

And with that I’m going to close – I am off out for dinner with Will and then have a quiet day planned for tomorrow – recharging.

With my love and prayers,

Sally xxx

Please note that Friday is usually my rest day. Emails received on Friday may not be responded to until after the weekend. Thank you for your understanding.