Emmanuel - God with us

Timbermill, Worthing Road

Walking into Horsham today the boys and I reflected on how we tend to get caught up in the fast pace of life, especially at this time of year.  Taking the time to walk allowed us to see things we don't normally notice on our regular trips in and out of Horsham.  We really do have a creative and imaginative God, which was evident as we walked past the countryside and houses.

Whatever we face in life we can know that God is before, with and behind us.  As He commanded Joshua, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."

I pray that whatever our expectations of Christmas, we will know afresh Emmanuel, God with us.

Juliet

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.

Timbermill, Lintot Square, Worthing Road

 

As I walked this afternoon, I was amazed to see the sparkly frost had remained on the ground.  Each leaf and blade of grass was covered in a beautiful frosting that reminded me of the Christmas cards that are appearing more and more rapidly through my letterbox.

 

I thank you God for the seasons – for the Spring and Summer times of growth and fruit and for Autumn and Winter times of harvest and rest.

Cold & Frosty

Yesterday & Today – Cedar Drive, Station Road, Lakeside Drive, Pevensey Road, Worthing Road

 

Thank you God for the beauty in the frosty/snowy mornings.  Thank you for the blessing of warm clothes, sustaining food and shelter. 

 

I pray for the HCT winter shelter in Horsham, for all the volunteers and for everyone who has to endure hard winters without knowing if they will have somewhere to eat or sleep each day.  God Bless Ark those who try to meet the needs of the homeless in Southwater. 

Unexpected Treat

Thursday. 29th Nov

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Square, Station Road, Timbermill.

Unexpectedly I had a companion for part of my prayer walk on Thursday. We got chatting and ended up having a quick cup of tea together. My next stop was Lintot Sq where I stopped briefly for a meeting and another cuppa. On the way home I popped into a friend who had been unwell and enjoyed yet another cuppa.

Having thought I was going to spend much of the day on my own, I thank God for the fellowship that I shared with each person and for the gift of friends old and new.

Lord, you are a God of relationship drawing each of us to you and each other. Bless our village Lord and all who live in it. May we be a vehicle for bringing people together and growing a community sharing your love. Amen

Juliet

Wet and windy

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Lintot Sq, Worthing Rd

Today it was more of a battle with the elements than a prayer walk.  It reminded me how powerful rain and wind can be. 

I thank God that, at least for the timebeing, we are not flooded. 

I pray for those who are affected by the dreary weather and early nights.  Let us remember to keep connected with one another and bring a little of the light of Christ to each other's lives.

Good news

Cedar Drive, Lintot Sq, Timbermill, Station Rd, Worthing Rd and Country Park.

 

Not really in the mood for prayer walking today however....

 

on Dot's recommendation, I took a pit stop at the cafe and met the new people who have the temporary franchise. 

The cafe is currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday and the atmosphere was very friendly.

 

Whilst I was there they received the good news that they have been awarded the Cafe franchise for the next 5 years. 

They are very excited and have plans to refurbish and to open every day from about February. 

They have already made a few additions to make it more festive and cosy.

 

It was uplifting to share in someone else's good news and I hope we get the opportunity to use the Cafe as part of our church mission.

 

May God bless them in their new venture.

 

Juliet

 

Beauty in decay

Cedar Drive, Worthing Road, Station Road, Southwater Country Park and Lintot Square

 

 

As I walked to meet Christine to prayer walk together, it occurred to me that only God could create something so beautiful out of decay.  The variety and colour of the Autumn leaves are just beautiful.

 

It also occurred to me that when we are busy or stressed, it can be all too easy not to notice the beauty that God places around us.

 

Christine and I praised God for the beauty in creation and prayed for our church and community.

 

May we always have the time to spot God's glory and beauty each day, wherever we may be.

 

 

Surprise, surprise! Timbermill and Worthing Road

Sometimes walking leads to something unexpected.

 

Today I decided to turn left instead of right and spotted a hot air balloon in what looked like the garden of one of the houses in Cedar Drive.

Amazing how something unusual can get strangers talking.

 

It turns out the balloon was visiting the Infant and Junior School playing fields.  I'm rather jealous of those who got to have a ride in it.

 

Thank you God that you are a God of surprises. 

Thank you for the unexpected conversations. 

And thank you for the childrens smiles as they walked home from school chattering about the balloon visit.

Fill our hearts with the flame of your love and lift us high, Lord

Amen

 

 

OK so my cold meant I haven't been walking very much but in the last 7 days, I've prayed:

 

Cedar Drive, Pevensey Road, Timbermill, Worthing Road and Lintot Square.

 

Blessings on all the residents and businesses.

 

Juliet

Prayer walk

Another beautiful Autumn morning.  Praise God

 

Walked:  Cedar Drive, Castlewood, Cornflower Way, Blakes Farm Road, Charlock Way, Worthing Rd.

 

No specific prayer.  Was a little distracted by my own thoughts. 

Always have doubts after a leap of faith! (Lord, I believe, help my unbelief!)

 

I pray today that my feet were better prayers for the community than my thoughts were.

 

 

FW: Mon 29/10/12

Beautiful autumn morning to walk. Praise God

Prayed as follows:
Roundstone - healing and a warm welcome to CO
Worthing Rd - Lord's Prayer
Southwater Street - blessing on unused land
Warren Drive & Blakes Farm Road - warm welcome for CO's

And if anyone thinks the song 'the final countdown' is significant, let me know! :-)

Juliet

31 October 2012

Prayer walked Timbermill, Lintot Sq, Worthing Rd.

Prayed that Community Organisers would receive warm welcome and that all vulnerable people and children kept safe and protected, during 'trick and treating'. Let there be light for light dispels all darkness.

Juliet

Mon 29/10/12

Lovely prayer walk with the boys along Worthing rd, Lintot sq, leisure centre and cedar drive. Thanked God for creation and prayed a blessing for all who live on the roads we walked.
Juliet

Prayer Walking

Do you regularly walk around Southwater?

Do you want to bless our community as you are walking?

I'd really like to encourage you to prayer walk.

When you step out with the dog, the kids or just on your own, why not offer your feet as a means of praying.

There are no specific prayers, just pray as you feel led.

So let us know where you have walked and we can see how God is working in our community.

Juliet