002:'My grace is sufficient for you'

2 Corinthians 12:1-10 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

The way we were

As the new year approaches, it is a good time to re-evaluate our lives and look positively upon the year which is to come. For many of us, the natural ageing process causes us challenges which we have not encountered before and possibly question whether we can maintain the same pace of life and work to which we have become accustomed. Arthritic joints, diminishing hearing and eyesight, slower reactions, unease with change, all make life more challenging. Do we start to get dissatisfied with ourselves and look enviously upon the earlier days of our life? Paul prayed earnestly for relief from his 'thorn in the flesh', no doubt wishing he still had all his faculties. We will never know what his 'thorn in the flesh' was - it might be an eye impediment received during his conversion on the road to Damascus, or it could have been something totally different. Whatever it was, it caused Paul to plead with God three times to take it from him.

But God seemed to be saying to him 'be content with what you've got' because 'my grace is sufficient for you'.

Accepting who we are

Rather than nostalgically brooding over the past we need to get real with the person we now are. The human body has decay built into it and no amount of prayer is going to change that. What prayer can do is change the way we deal with it.

One of the most important moments in the story of the Prodigal Son is when he is sat in the pig sty, realising what a mess he had made of his life by squandering his father's money and perhaps disqualifying himself from his sonship. No doubt he looked mournfully upon what he had lost. He had received blessings which he had taken for granted and had now turned his back on. I love the way Luke records this moment. He doesn’t dwell on the thoughtlessness and greed of the lad but simply says, ‘when he came to himself’ (v17). Accepting our situation for what it is can reconnect us with our true self. How often do we look back at our earlier life and say things like 'if only I'd spent more time learning the piano' or 'if only I had spent more time with my family and friends instead of working long hours at the office to earn a living'? Past regrets may be a good teacher but not a good companion. It is important to recognise that you are not the person you once were but you are still 'fearfully and wonderfully made' and deep down inside you still have the same spirit which yielded so much fruit in the past.

I recently took up squash again after a gap of many years. I impressed myself with the way I got back to my original standard and even surpassed it on occasions. However, it wasn't long before I had a problem with my left knee. The physio did his best and the doctor prescribed his pain-killers but when all was said and done, my body was sending me a message - 'at your age it will do more harm than good'. For all the boyhood ambitions of climbing up the leagues once more at my ripe old age, it was time to be realistic. My competitive squash days are over - make do with badminton, hillwalking and sports which don't wreak havoc with the joints. And through it all, God says to us, 'my grace is sufficient for you'.

Handing over

As the new year approaches make a list of all the things which seem to be barring you from achieving what you would like. Split them into three groups 1) physical 2) relationships 3) spiritual. Be brutally honest and don't hide anything under the carpet. Being 'in denial' won't help. Having compiled your list, pray over each one and ask God to speak to you about it. You may be surprised how God's perception differs from yours. You may have written yourself off whereas God may say 'have you thought of doing it this way instead'. To do this properly, take a day out. Go into the hillside as Jesus did; take a trusted companion with you to talk them through; don't rush it. Make this a time of taking stock over who you now are and what you can now achieve.

Remember how Jesus took his disciples to Caesarea Philippi and asked 'who do people say I am'. I see this as a similar exercise of assessing what he had achieved and what lies ahead of him. It was a turning point in his ministry when he determined to bring his ministry to a climax and face death at Jerusalem. It may not be so morbid for you but being prepared to 'die to self', or in this case to 'die to the person you once were' may lead to a new resurrection and new life. Remember also that you are still called by God to ministry. He doesn't revoke the calling just because your joints are aching or your eyesight has got worse. Remember also the words of Psalm 139 - 'I am fearfully and wonderfully made'.

Having made your list, reviewed it with God and with a trusted friend, now is the time to hand it over to God. Remember he can make of you far more than you could possibly imagine. Hand your list over to God, perhaps with tears of regret and longing but let him deal with it in his way. Don't strive in your own strength to compensate for what you have lost, simply wait upon God to provide answers and the strength you need for the next phase of 'being you'. Striving to overcome your problems is a natural human reaction but will only lead to greater disappointment and even burnout. Take time to re-read Jeremiah 18 which tells of the potter and the clay. Brittle clay never makes good pots.

And through it all, God says to us, 'my grace is sufficient for you'.

Smell the world, and be thankful 

In your striving and disappointment have you forgotten how to 'smell the world'? Do interesting and exciting moments pass you by? Do words of comfort and encouragement go in one ear and out the other? We can have our noses so close to the grindstone that we fail to appreciate the many blessings and offers of help which are on our doorstep. We can also become too proud to ask for help from people who are only too keen to lend a helping hand. Remember 'the graveyards are full of indispensable people', or to be more accurate, those who thought they were indispensable. Now is the time to rejoice once more in who you are and look ahead with optimism to a future fashioned by the Master Craftsman. Rejoice in who you are - give thanks for who you are - accept who you are. And give thanks also for the many people around you who are on your side, wanting you to succeed.

And through it all, God says to us, 'my grace is sufficient for you'.

'My grace is sufficient for you'.

It is good to ponder the deep meaning of these words from God to his trusted ambassador, Paul. Firstly, what is grace? The meaning is, in simple terms, undeserved love. To put it slightly differently, God may be saying to Paul, 'I know you don't deserve my many blessings, but they are there for you and they will get you through your hardships'. Looking back on Paul's ministry we can see how true that was.

However, I think it goes even deeper than that. I can hear God saying to Paul 'what more do you need than what I supply for you?' Was Paul falling into the trap of trying to work harder than he should to earn God's favour? I can remember Corrie Ten Boom, the Dutch Christian who faced immense hardship during the second world war saying to Canon David Watson, the prominent Anglican, as she departed on a train from York station, 'nestle, don't wrestle'. Detecting the struggle going on the David's ministry she offered these words of wisdom and comfort. I can also hear God saying something like this - 'Paul, I know your limitation just as much as you do but I can use you just as you are'. The temptation for us to feel we are a spent force can impose subtle pressure. However, God does not write us off once we start to decompose. We are still people made in his image and have a purpose to fulfill, even if we can't perform in the way we did in the past. So it's time to rejoice in the fact that we serve a God who does not act like Ofsted. Yes he wants us to strive for the highest possible standards and give ourselves utterly to his ministry but at the end of the day we need to be content with the knowledge that we are imperfect and will inevitably feel we could have done better. So now is the time to rejoice in God's grace and let the meaning of the word grace permeate deep within our soul.

And through it all, God says to us, 'my grace is sufficient for you'.

Budapest Christmas 2013

Day 1 - Sunday December 22nd

This year, Christmas will be spent in Budapest with Becky's family and friends. We are staying in a downtown apartment which we have yet to see. As usual, we are flying Easyjet from Luton having driven down to Airparks.

At the bag drop we had our Christmas crackers confiscated. It turns out that you can only take a maximum of 6 crackers in an unopened packet or box. We had a box of 8. Good job they were a special offer. Margaret bought a Christmas pudding at the airport.

The journey went well, however we did have a delay before setting off as I misplaced my car keys and spent the next 20 minutes trying to find them. Eventually I discovered they were in my hand luggage. Having unloaded all the cases and hunted under the seats and carpet, in vain, we were able to depart and pick up Esther. We arrived on time in Budapest and I enquired about transport to the city. It turns out that the shuttle bus is cheaper (but less regular) than the taxi if there are less than 2 people because they charge around 3,000 HuF per person. The taxi cost around 7,000 HuF. We arrived at the apartment to be met by Gergo who was extremely helpful and refunded us 60 euros because Esther is leaving early. He's a very nice man who works for Ryanair as cabin crew. He's training to be a pilot too. He gave us a thorough tour of the two-bedroomed apartment. In the dark it was difficult to see the location and setting within Budapest but the apartment, which is on the second floor, looks adequate for our needs - and there's wifi! Gergo also told us about places to visit in Budapest. Then Andrew and Becky arrived to welcome us. They will join us tomorrow when Matthew has been fed and take us out to lunch. Both Gergo and Andrew stressed that we must be cautious when walking around Budapest because of thieves. It has painted a rather negative picture in our minds and we need to take care over our cameras and iPads and phones. Still, is suppose it's no different in any capital city.

Day 2 - Monday December 23rd

I woke around 7am local time. The apartment was quiet and I made a coffee. Not the best of night's sleep but what do you expect in a new place. We went for a guided tour of Budapest under Becky's guidance. It was a cool and cloudy / misty day. We went around the Jewish quarter and saw the synagogue which is the largest in Europe. We did not go inside partly because we were too late to do justice to the expensive admission price. We had some food in Vorosmarty Square, including these enormous doughnut-style cylinders. In the evening we went to Indigo Indian restaurant with Andrew. The curries were really hot.

Day 3 - Tuesday December 24th

We walked to Oktagon to meet Andrew and Becky. Matthew had stayed at home. Then we went to Alexandra book shop and coffee house. It is an amazing building with a painted ceiling and an amazing selection of coffee and cake. After this we went to the Market Hall but found it closed already. We walked over Elizabeth bridge and visited the Cave Church. After this we took the tram to Vorosmarty Square and sat outside in the Christmas market eating lunch from the stalls. Then Andrew and Becky left and we walked home via St. Stephen's basilica. We went inside and watched the nativity play featuring many children dressed appropriately. Back at the apartment we rested and had a drink before preparing the stir fry.

Day 4 - Wednesday December 25th

Today we all went to Becky's family home. We got the tube to Hero's Square then the number 30 bus to their vicinity - no trouble at all especially as it's Christmas Day. We spent the day getting to know each other, eating lots of food and sharing lots of presents. My tummy was off - possibly because of something I ate or perhaps because I picked up a chill. However, it meant that eating was a struggle. Agnes had devised a game and I ran a Christmas quiz with Becky. We sang Silent Night in both English and Hungarian. I played Marci's guitar. Matthew enjoyed his first ever Christmas and joined in the joy of the day.

Day 5 - Thursday December 26th

We travelled up to Hero's Square to meet Andrew, Becky and Matthew. We straightaway went into the pizza place where we fed Matthew and had a coffee. It was not a very welcoming place with no high chair or coat stand. After that we went back to our apartment so that Matthew could have a crawl and play chess. In the afternoon I stayed home while the others went to the Szechenyl health spa near Hero's Square. I slept off my tummy bug. They really enjoyed it and used the many pools available. Andrew went too but Becky took Matthew back home to sleep. The evening was spent relaxing at the apartment.

Day 6 - Friday December 27th

Today we went to visit Mihaly, Monika and Vicki. We had a lovely lunch and afternoon and listened to Mihaly's favourite music - the Beatles. We had to leave around 4pm so that Esther could catch the shuttle bus back to the airport. It arrived promptly. In the evening we went with Andrew and Becky to cafe Vian near to the Oktagon for a drink and light snack.

Day 7 - Saturday December 28th

We met Andrew, Becky and Matthew at the Oktagon. Also we went to get a birthday card for Vera. Then we went to Deák square where we met Vera. We walked around the Jewish quarter trying to find the Ruin Pub. When we found it it was closed so we went to another one which was quite dark and deserted. We drank wine for a while. Vera had a bad cold. We then went to the Market Hall where we wandered around for a while. Vera then went home and we walked along Vaci Utca to a pancake place. We then split up. Margaret and I went back to the apartment to pack.

In the evening we went with Andrew, Becky and Agnes to the dance theatre. We took the tram and bus to the Hilton hotel and strode in as if we owned the place, only to use the loo. We then walked around the Fishermen's Bastion while waiting for the others. It brought back fond memories of last year's wedding. The dance theatre was excellent with amazing Hungarian costumes, excellent dancing and a small group of violins, clarinet and a kind of zither. We then walked back to the Hilton area and ended up in a small cafe for hot chocolate. We talked about our stay and planned what we would do on the next visit.

Day 8 - Sunday December 29th

This is departure day we tidied the apartment and Gergo arrived with Suszy promptly at 10am as he said he would. We thanked him for his excellent apartment and he not only carried our cases down the two flights of stairs, but he arranged for his father to drive us to Agnes' house where we spent the last morning with the family. We looked with amazement at the craftwork which Agnes has done over the years and watched the video footage which Lajos has taken of Matthew. A tearful goodbye and Andrew, Margaret and I left in a taxi for the airport.

At the airport we killed time with Andrew talking about the UN, Becky's future and their likely move to a new house in Geneva. We are looking forward to an extended stay in Geneva when the new baby arrives. We are hoping to take in some of the more glamourous parts of the country as well as helping out with Chucky Egg 2. Once we had dropped Andrew off at departures, we had a 3 hour span to kill and so we sat in the cafe chatting and writing up our diaries. The weather here is dry and clear with the temperature around 5 deg.

We arrived at Luton on time, picked up the car and drove home with one stop, arriving at around 1:15am. We flopped into bed and that was that.

© Roger G Johnson 2013

001:Don't myth out this Christmas

The vicar of an evangelical Anglican Church I know wrote his Christmas message to the parish in the magazine which is delivered to every house in the area. He was writing about the Christmas stories in the Bible and mentioned the story of the wise men who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to Jesus. He said, and I quote, 'it's a nice story, but a myth'. I was a little surprised to read these words because in England, evangelical churches are renowned for their belief that the Bible never lies - every word is true even if we don't understand it or it seems not to make sense. Some go even further and believe that every full stop and comma is divinely inspired. A few go further still and believe that everything in the Bible must be taken literally and they can tell you the exact month and year on which the world was created and that Adam and Eve were real people. Needless to say, not all Christians take this extreme view of the Bible.

But it was the word 'myth' that caught my eye. You see, there are two meanings to the word 'myth'. One meaning is that which is used by Bible scholars to explain passages like the creation of the world, Adam and Eve, Noah's Ark and other similar stories in the early part of the Bible. The second meaning is the one we use today where we consider a 'myth' to be a pack of lies. Now I know that the vicar concerned was using the first interpretation of the word, not the second, but what I was wondering was how his parishioners would understand the word.

Going back to stories like the creation of he world and Adam and Eve, most Bible scholars today would not look upon these stories as a scientific explanation of the origins of the world and mankind but as a theological insight into the 'why' rather than the 'how' of how the world and humankind came to be here. The disobedience of Adam and Eve is seen as a situation which blights all of humanity today. You only need to look at your TV screen day by day to see how bad choices and disobedience to the common rules of how people should treat one another have inflicted untold suffering on millions. A man who was struggling with his faith asked God one day, 'why do you allow so much suffering and starvation to happen in the world?' In reply God said to the man 'I was about to ask you the same question'.

Try reading the first 12 chapters of Genesis and you will see how the style of writing changes in chapter 11. The opening chapters are mythological but then it starts to merge myth with history as it recounts the story of Abram.

So let's go back to the story of the wise men. Why did he vicar consider this a myth? Well, one reason is that it is only told in one of the four gospels which indicates it was from an obscure source. In fact the Christmas story only appears in Matthew and Luke and they originate from different sources. We don't know how many wise men there were - tradition tells us there were three because they brought three gifts. Where did they come from? We don't know. Were they kings or astrologers? We don't know but we are told that they were directed first to Jerusalem and then Bethlehem by the appearance of a star in the night sky. And it stretches our imagination too far to believe that a star could come to rest over the house where Jesus was born. Stars don't do that because they are millions of miles from the earth. But we can believe that people of great importance used their astrological know-how to perceive that something of great significance was happening in the land of Israel and that they should go in search of it.

But let's be honest about myth. Some people really struggle with anything that can't be proven scientifically or is classified as non-fiction. And yet the world in which we live is totally comfortable with myth. The epic film The Sound of Music tells the story of the Von Trapp family who escaped the Nazis at the start of the Second World War because of their opposition to Hitler. Of course Maria didn't waltz her way through the Austrian hillside singing 'Doe a deer a female deer' or 'Edelweiss'. These were the inventions of Rodgers and Hammerstein, and excellent ones too. But we do know that Maria came to be part of a military-minded family where discipline and obedience were paramount. She injected a new spirit of love, joy and happiness into this family and later married the father of the household, Captain Georg Von Trapp. It reminds me of the teaching of St. Paul who argues tirelessly with the Jews of his time that the Old Testament Law is incapable of transforming peoples' lives. All the law can do is expose peoples' faults, not correct them. Only love can do that and only love can set people free to be themselves. In the same way, the strict regime of the Captain may have made his seven children obedient and submissive but it didn't allow them to express their real personalities. That only happened when Maria turned up on the scene - and the Captain was won over and the two got married.

And do you remember the song 'My love is like a red red rose'? Do you think the singer rushes to the garden centre to buy fertilizer, a watering can and some well rotted manure to keep his love healthy? No, this is the language of love.

And so, just as with The Sound of Music, the story is not literally true, but is based upon real facts and contains timeless truths, so it is with the wise men, and for that matter the creation of the world and Adam Eve. We shouldn't be too surprised that in ancient writings, myth was used regularly to convey truth. After all they didn't have our scientific knowledge and couldn't express things as we can today. But also, it was their way of passing on truth. Jesus is renowned for his teaching. But if you look at the main technique he used, it was myth - we call it parable. He told many stories which have penetrated and transformed the lives of people throughout the generations - parables like the Prodigal Son or The Good Samaritan. No one would ask the name of the Samaritan or how much money he gave to the Inn Keeper to look after the man who had been mugged. These are forensic facts which don't matter. What matters is how we respond to people who have fallen victim to crime or injustice. That matters today just as much as it did in Jesus' time. We can either be like the priest or levite and walk past on the other side of the road, too busy with our work to show compassion, or we can go out of our way to help those in need.

Still not convinced? We let me run his past you. Some people say it's silly believing in God. You can't see him or prove his existence scientifically. Well what about love - can you prove that scientifically or see it with your eyes? Of course not, but it is the most powerful force on earth and can transform situations like nothing else. The same is true of forgiveness, wisdom, kindness and so many of the virtues which are essential to life.

So don't myth out this Christmas by being too scientific about the story. We know that at the heart of the story are real truths which come to life as we share gifts with one another and tell each other, in our different ways, that we love them. After all that is the message God gives us in his gift of a child - Jesus Christ - born as a vulnerable baby, and yet the Prince of Peace and the King of Love - again this is metaphorical language but speaks volumes.

For reflection...

• What are the stories or myths you tell each Christmas about people in your family, past and present? Does it matter if they are not absolutely accurate?
• Do you struggle with stories which cannot be verified scientifically? Why is this?
• Think of a song and a story which uses metaphorical language.

© Roger G Johnson 2013

Geneva December 2013

Frosty Morning

Starbucks in Geneva

After a rather broken night's sleep we had breakfast and then I drove Becky and Matthew into Geneva where Becky met a lady and bought a coat from her. We then went into Starbucks for a coffee. Outside of Starbucks is a small Christmas market with about half a dozen stalls selling different types of craft and clothing.

Reindeer Becky

We went back home for some lunch and relaxed. At around 5 Becky remembered that we had to do the shopping at Intermarche so we dived into the car and drove off. The broken headlight bulb didn't make driving easy. It was very cold and we had to negotiate the online shopping system for the first time. Then we went into the store for other items. At home we had some dinner and watched a DVD.

Day 2

The French Alps

I woke this morning at 4:30 and then went back to sleep for a while. I fed Matthew his breakfast and the. Put him in his play pen. He played with Spot's noisy night book but managed to get his hand trapped in it and started crying. Then it was off to bed. I spoke with Margaret and it seems all the crises have passed - the central heating is working again and the shed roof will be fixed next week. The gale force winds have subsided too.

Here we were having a lazy day, playing in the morning, eating bolognese for lunch and then a trip to Thoiry to fill up the car. We also went to the self-storage place but it was shut for lunch. In the afternoon we all slept. The sun shone from a cloudless cloud over the French Alps. In the distance we could see the occasional cloud hanging over the mountains a cool, stillness hovered over the Rhone-Alps landscape. As evening crept in Matthew had another feed and darkness descended over the distant Alaps. There was a stillness in the air and all was quiet save for the occasional passing car.

We walked to the farm to pick up provisions. It was really cold. Andrew came home just as we returned. Pizza for dinner.

Day 3

Sunrise over the Alps

Sadly my cold has taken a hold. However I pray that it will go as quickly as it came. The differencing temperature between the frosty night air and the warm lounge may account for it. Last night I had a whisky and it helped me sleep really well. I awoke this morning to a beautiful sunrise over the Alps and Juras. I played with Matthew who is a real charm. I posted several photos to FaceBook from this morning's sunrise. Andrew and Becky went to the storage place to upgrade their allowance. We aim to visit Yvoire today in the unbroken sunshine.

The afternoon was a lazy time, no visit to Yvoire. In the evening Andrew and Becky went for a meal in Geneva while I babysat.

Day 4

Yvoire

We drove to Previsson to look at a flat. It was really modern with all the amenities. It had 3 bedrooms, one with an en-suite shower. It is on the second floor and has a lift. At level -1 there are many double garages in an enclosed area. (Sadly Andrew spoke to the landlord in the evening and it had been taken)

Yvoire

After this Becky drove us to Yvoire. It was a cold but sunny day. Yvoire is a medieval city in Haute-Savoie department, in the region of Rhône-Alpes in south-eastern France

Day 5
I drove to Thoiry first thing in thick fog and frost. I tried the car wash but it didn't work. I then went to Migros and bought provisions along with a number of chocolate gifts to take home. Migros, being Swiss, are not allowed to sell alcohol in the same store. The rest of the day was a lazy day playing with Matthew. Anew came home quite early by UN standards and they spent the evening writing their Christmas cards.
Yvoire is best visited in th summer. It is a really quaint old town, similar to a Cornish fishing village. Most shops and restaurants were closed but we found a restaurant - Le Bateau Ivre - where we had pumpkin soup, bread and wine.

© Roger G Johnson 2013

Off to Geneva

The child's buggy

What a hectic morning. Firstly I spoke to TalkTalk to confirm my new broadband and phone deal of £8 per month with no line rental. Not bad for unlimited broadband and anytime calls. Although the speed is not up to cable speed, at 12 meg it will do for now. Then we called out the gas board to inspect a gas leak on the boiler. When he arrived, Margaret had to stay here instead of running me to the stations I took her car to Trent Bridge and took the bus to the station. There was some hilarity as people on the bus tried to buses what was in my package.

I waited on the platform for around 15 minutes until the train doors opened up and we could all get on board. It is a cool but sunny morning with the occasional cloud drifting slowly across the sky. The London train is quite empty. It stops at most stations on the way to the capital including (I hope) Luton Parkway where I alight for e airport. Nottingham station is till disrupted by the changes taking place. The main entrance is still simply a walk through and there are barriers on most platforms shielding the work taking place. I sat in my reserved seat and relaxed into the journey. The mobile signal is pretty pathetic so far.

The mystery unfolds

Arrived at Luton Parkway and hopped on the bus to the airport a few minutes away. I went straight into the Starbucks seating area and chilled out for a while. It wasn't long before I went through to the departure lounge and then onto the plane. We took off a few minutes early and the flight was smooth. We landed at a cold, frosty and foggy Geneva airport a few minutes ahead of schedule. Andrew met me at the airport and we drove to Challex in the fog. A few presents and a light snack later we all went to bed.

 

© Roger G Johnson 2013

Christmas Newsletter 2013

The family sharing a drink at our Ruby Wedding Celebrations in October.
From left to right - Andrew (son), Becky (daughter-in-law), Janette (niece),
Margaret (sister-in-law), Esther (daughter),
Margaret (long-suffering wife), Roger (me)

We hope you are well and that life is treating you kindly. Another eventful year is drawing to a close.

In January we greeted our first grandchild, Matthew Robert, born on January 16th in Geneva (La Tour hospital). Andrew and Becky are both delighted with their new arrival and we have paid several visits to see them and help out where we can. We have recently learnt that they are expecting their second child in May 2014. Hopefully I can assist with the search for a bigger house to accommodate the growing family. I fly off to Geneva on my own (without a grown up) on December 4th and soon after returning, we will both travel to Budapest with Esther for Christmas to join Andrew, Becky, Matthew and meet with Becky’s family.

In terms of Roger’s church work, it has been a fruitful but difficult year. I decided to stand down at the end of November in order to concentrate on family matters and pursue new interests. Having held my post for over 10 years I feel the need to explore new avenues.

Margaret is still working at Holme Lodge after 22½ years and has just learnt that she is entitled to a sabbatical which hopefully will enable us to be with Andrew and family when the new baby arrives.

Our church commitments continue although I wait to see how my involvement will pan out in the light of my standing down.

We enjoyed a short summer break in Norfolk and would like to go back for more. I nearly lost my iPad when I carelessly left it on the Wells to Walsingham narrow gauge train. Fortunately someone handed it in.

Andrew continues to work at the UN in Geneva under much pressure. Becky is trying to complete her PhD along with her motherhood duties. Esther is still working at Rangemaster in Long Eaton.

In October, we were delighted when the whole family joined us for our Ruby Wedding celebrations. Esther, in particular, made many arrangements and we celebrated at a local pavilion with a barn dance and a surprise performance of Sonny and Cher’s ‘I got you babe’ by Margaret and myself, suitably dressed for the occasion. It is a throw-back to our younger days. Thank you to all our family, friends and neighbours who came and made it such a memorable occasion.

We now look to see what delights await us in 2014.

We wish you all every blessing for Christmas and the New Year.

Roger and Margaret xxxxx

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Photos of my recent trip to Challex

Matthew at breakfast

The frost which gave such a picturesque scene

Yvoire on the southern shores of Lake Geneva.
You can see Mont Blanc in the background.

Sunrise over Challex

Challex - just over the border from Geneva.
Andrew and his family live here at the moment but are searching for a bigger place in time for the arrival of the new baby.

A short bus ride from Challex to La Plaine and then this excellent train service takes you smoothly into Geneva

© Roger G Johnson 2013