My turn

Well, I have been a little disorganised of late, where the blog is concerned. After creating a deadline for everybody else, I have failed to keep my own! So, some 10 days later than planned, here is a little update from Manchester...

As the summer term gets its wheels on the tarmac, I realise that there are only a couple of months left until the end of my life as a first-year Music student. This is not altogether a bad thing as far as I am concerned. For a start, it is a hint at nicer weather as the trees blossom and Spring ensures we know that it has truly sprung -- today I left my flat at 7:40am to go for a walk in the sunshine in a local park before a percussion ensemble rehearsal at 8:30am. But more than that, it means that second year is around the corner: an opportunity for greater specialisation in the course (the first years' 'general overview' is a little bland in places) and a chance to live with friends in a real house (I have found living in halls accommodation more difficult than expected, but will spare you the details).

Nevertheless, I have been enjoying myself this year, with plenty of chance to get my teeth stuck in to various performance opportunities, joining a good local church (and playing the organ for another one -- only four miles' walk away of a Sunday morning!) and wonderful friends for whom I'm really thankful.

Those of you still in Purley -- or in touch with what's going on at church -- will know all about the ministry for people with learning disabilities which has started up since Mum's been working with Causeway Prospects (http://www.prospects.org.uk/index.php/causeway_prospects). Some of my favourite few days of the Easter break were spent at Spring Harvest in Minehead. I was there on team with Causeway Prospects, and whilst I expected to do little more than play away on my keyboard at the back, I ended up leading worship about half of the time. God turned up at the meetings -- true to his word! -- and we all had a great time and came away feeling blessed. I could write much on that, but the start of my post has already disappeared out of the top of this box in which I'm typing.

Just one more thing before I really must go and collect some laundry: to encourage those of you who are praying for friends to become Christians. One of my friends arrived at University particularly vehemently opposed to faith and religion, particularly Christianity. Last term, he was taken along to hear William Lane Craig speak (part of UCCF's Reasonable Faith tour around the UK), and has been a different man ever since! He wouldn't yet call himself a Christian, but I pray that that day is not too far away. Please pray for him.

So, in summary, and for your prayers, if you would be so kind:
GIVE THANKS
* for all God's blessings, especially friendships that he puts in our paths
* for the Reasonable Faith tour, and how God used it
* for a great time at Spring Harvest, and the chances to serve there
* for the year past

PLEASE PRAY
* that God would make it clear if and how he wants me to take worship-leading at Spring Harvest and other events forward, working with people with learning disabilities
* for Seb (the aforementioned friend) and for Linda (the other offspring of the Mackie clan in Purley)
* for wisdom with respect to accommodation for the rest of this year
* that I'll continue to be a willing channel for God and not become blocked by unhealthy obsessions about exams, recitals or anything else

Thanks so much :o)