To begin with, some good news! My books are now more widely available as they can now be purchased not only from myself, Christian bookshops and retreat houses, but also through eBay. Please do share this information. If anyone has any bright ideas as to how to get the 2000+ books in my garage listed on Amazon, I'd love to hear from you.
Well, after a safe return home to friends and family and a rather whirlwind time of sharing stories, I am now well settled again following the New Zealand scholarship experience. One of the greatest gifts of that time has been that contemplative rhythms have embedded themselves naturally into my life now, four months being a sufficient length of time for patterns of praying to establish themselves as a norm. I know this to be a great gift and something that is both life-giving for me and the place from which my creativity is birthed. Please pray that I will be enabled to maintain these rhythms amidst the hurly-burly of life.
I am beginning to work again on various writing projects. I continue to seek publishers for two existing manuscripts of poetry, a book to help individuals settle into silence and stillness & an Advent book, and I've recently submitted these to a new publisher for consideration. Please pray for the success of these submissions.
And picking up the threads of the Vaughan Park project, I am starting by doing further research on my study of why and how imaginative contemplation can lead to healing. I gained some fascinating insights into this in New Zealand and feel drawn to continue the study and, in time, to write a book on this topic. Please pray for me as I prayerfully develop this work.
At the end of October, I'm looking forward to participating in a Father's Heart Ministry School, something I have long wanted to do, and in the new year I will be returning to retreat leading with (hopefully) renewed passion. My 2011 diary is filling up fast, so if you want to make a booking please contact me soon.
For now though, it's back to the prayer and the research.
Thank you all for your prayerful and practical support, which is so important to me.
May you all be blessed as the seasons move into autumn.
.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Thursday, 24 June 2010
The Transition Home
It's almost exactly a year now since I first considered applying for a scholarship to New Zealand. And, now home again, I can hardly believe that the experience is behind me and that less than a month ago I was still at Vaughan Park, with winter beginning!
Give thanks for a profound experience; for new friendships, important learning, safe travelling, adequate financial provision, creative inspiration, deep healing, Christ-like hospitality and a renewed sense of God's calling.
The transition back into life in the UK, though lovely, is not without its challenges. I feel the loss of the prayerful rhythms and close fellowship that shaped my time in New Zealand and now need to work out new ways of 'being'. I also need to have some important reflective conversations with a variety of people and to discern appropriate priorities and the 'next step' in my journey. I shall be taking some 'time out' at the end of July to pray through the latter; holding the questions before God in a 5 day silent guided retreat.
My work will continue to be shaped around retreat leading and writing, though possibly with rather more of a contemplative focus than before. I hope to take a serious chunk of 'writing time' in August / September to do further work on the project begun at Vaughan Park.
Please pray for me during this period of discernment, and please pray that a suitable writing space will become available for later in the year, and that I will be able to meet any costs involved in that.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt personal thanks to all who made my New Zealand experience possible: to Vaughan Park for offering and facilitating it and to all who have supported me in various prayerful, financial and practical ways over the last twelve months. Thank you to you all: may the Lord bless you richly.
Do read on to the post below for a summary of the Vaughan Park time and do remember that I regularly publish some of my writing online here.
Aronahui [with very great love], Pat
.
Give thanks for a profound experience; for new friendships, important learning, safe travelling, adequate financial provision, creative inspiration, deep healing, Christ-like hospitality and a renewed sense of God's calling.
The transition back into life in the UK, though lovely, is not without its challenges. I feel the loss of the prayerful rhythms and close fellowship that shaped my time in New Zealand and now need to work out new ways of 'being'. I also need to have some important reflective conversations with a variety of people and to discern appropriate priorities and the 'next step' in my journey. I shall be taking some 'time out' at the end of July to pray through the latter; holding the questions before God in a 5 day silent guided retreat.
My work will continue to be shaped around retreat leading and writing, though possibly with rather more of a contemplative focus than before. I hope to take a serious chunk of 'writing time' in August / September to do further work on the project begun at Vaughan Park.
Please pray for me during this period of discernment, and please pray that a suitable writing space will become available for later in the year, and that I will be able to meet any costs involved in that.
Finally, I extend my heartfelt personal thanks to all who made my New Zealand experience possible: to Vaughan Park for offering and facilitating it and to all who have supported me in various prayerful, financial and practical ways over the last twelve months. Thank you to you all: may the Lord bless you richly.
Do read on to the post below for a summary of the Vaughan Park time and do remember that I regularly publish some of my writing online here.
Aronahui [with very great love], Pat
.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
New Zealand Reflections
As I prepare to move on from Vaughan Park, this seems a good time to reflect on what the gift of this New Zealand scholarship has been to me. It's actually very hard to sum up - words are very inadequate to express experiences of the spirit - and I anticipate that it will be working itself out in my life for some time to come as I sift through and reflect on my experiences here.
It has been the most enormous gift to be free to study, reflect and write for this extended period of time. And it has taken me to places where I did not expect to go.
As so often happens when we place ourselves in God’s hands, I have been led to explore unexpected paths. The freedom to be prayerfully reflective has taken me on an unexpected journey of deeper personal healing, for which I give thanks. It has also brought me to a profound sense of, and deep clarification of, my calling for the next stage of the journey. These two outcomes, though not as tangible as words on a sheaf of paper, have been above and beyond what I hoped to achieve here and will undoubtedly shape my future ministry.
Through the people God has brought across my path, and through the study I have been able to do here, I have developed a greater understanding of how the healing process works. I have written a variety of things; prayers, meditations, poetry, some liturgy. The project that I came here with is, truthfully, still evolving, but I know that, as it continues to birth itself in me, richer writing will be born through this Vaughan Park experience.
I have been privileged to meet some very special people, from many different church traditions and walks of life, some of whom may well become lasting friends. I am particularly thankful for the opportunities I have been given to meet Maoris within their culture. Meeting such a rich variety of people and beginning to learn about, and transcend, our cultural differences, has been a huge blessing.
And all this has been set in the jewel of the most amazing and beautiful environment that New Zealand is. This scholarship time has been an unconditional gift of love, and in that sense Vaughan Park has mirrored Christ to me.
The three months has not been without its challenges, including the loss of a significant amount of writing when my laptop crashed. At that time I also lost all my email contacts from home, hence the reason I went quiet on you all.
What will I remember?
So many things ... late night prayer in the iconic chapel, sunlight shimmering on sea, laughter and love, snorkelling in crystal waters, a night spent with a nun in a remote mountain hut, the beautiful bird song of the tui, the dance of the fantail, the Paschal flame on Easter Saturday, harmonies of Maori singing, the Vaughan Park team, stunning sunsets over a beautiful beach, precious friendships, being in the presence of spiritual wisdom, the stunning native bush, the beautiful soft sound of the spoken Maori language, and their deep intuitive spirituality, the sense of being used as a catalyst, wall to wall blue sky, Kiwi friendship, morning muffins, a clarification of a calling, Anglican rhythms, spirit led study, healing insights, Godly serendipity, deep contemplation, sailing on the South Pacific, the dance of the dolphins, the curl of the ferns, special moments of solitude ... and so much more.
But also, there were deep personal struggles, and a journey into the depths of myself. Often there was a sense that I had travelled 12,000 miles to 'find myself'. God has been close. If this experience doesn't change me, then I shall be disappointed in myself.
So, once again, I value your prayers ...
Give thanks for the blessings of this scholarship time and pray for the work of the Vaughan Park team.
On April 30th I leave to travel round the South Island. Please pray for safe travelling and a good holiday before I return to the UK on June 1st.
Please also pray for peace as I prepare to leave this place that I have grown to love and discernment as I begin the transition back into home life and ministry.
I am sure that New Zealand will draw me back. Shame about the 12,000 mile commute!
.
It has been the most enormous gift to be free to study, reflect and write for this extended period of time. And it has taken me to places where I did not expect to go.
As so often happens when we place ourselves in God’s hands, I have been led to explore unexpected paths. The freedom to be prayerfully reflective has taken me on an unexpected journey of deeper personal healing, for which I give thanks. It has also brought me to a profound sense of, and deep clarification of, my calling for the next stage of the journey. These two outcomes, though not as tangible as words on a sheaf of paper, have been above and beyond what I hoped to achieve here and will undoubtedly shape my future ministry.
Through the people God has brought across my path, and through the study I have been able to do here, I have developed a greater understanding of how the healing process works. I have written a variety of things; prayers, meditations, poetry, some liturgy. The project that I came here with is, truthfully, still evolving, but I know that, as it continues to birth itself in me, richer writing will be born through this Vaughan Park experience.
I have been privileged to meet some very special people, from many different church traditions and walks of life, some of whom may well become lasting friends. I am particularly thankful for the opportunities I have been given to meet Maoris within their culture. Meeting such a rich variety of people and beginning to learn about, and transcend, our cultural differences, has been a huge blessing.
And all this has been set in the jewel of the most amazing and beautiful environment that New Zealand is. This scholarship time has been an unconditional gift of love, and in that sense Vaughan Park has mirrored Christ to me.
The three months has not been without its challenges, including the loss of a significant amount of writing when my laptop crashed. At that time I also lost all my email contacts from home, hence the reason I went quiet on you all.
What will I remember?
So many things ... late night prayer in the iconic chapel, sunlight shimmering on sea, laughter and love, snorkelling in crystal waters, a night spent with a nun in a remote mountain hut, the beautiful bird song of the tui, the dance of the fantail, the Paschal flame on Easter Saturday, harmonies of Maori singing, the Vaughan Park team, stunning sunsets over a beautiful beach, precious friendships, being in the presence of spiritual wisdom, the stunning native bush, the beautiful soft sound of the spoken Maori language, and their deep intuitive spirituality, the sense of being used as a catalyst, wall to wall blue sky, Kiwi friendship, morning muffins, a clarification of a calling, Anglican rhythms, spirit led study, healing insights, Godly serendipity, deep contemplation, sailing on the South Pacific, the dance of the dolphins, the curl of the ferns, special moments of solitude ... and so much more.
But also, there were deep personal struggles, and a journey into the depths of myself. Often there was a sense that I had travelled 12,000 miles to 'find myself'. God has been close. If this experience doesn't change me, then I shall be disappointed in myself.
So, once again, I value your prayers ...
Give thanks for the blessings of this scholarship time and pray for the work of the Vaughan Park team.
On April 30th I leave to travel round the South Island. Please pray for safe travelling and a good holiday before I return to the UK on June 1st.
Please also pray for peace as I prepare to leave this place that I have grown to love and discernment as I begin the transition back into home life and ministry.
I am sure that New Zealand will draw me back. Shame about the 12,000 mile commute!
.
Friday, 12 February 2010
News from New Zealand
I am now well settled into Vaughan Park, and it really is the most idyllic and enabling space to be in. Through this scholarship opportunity, the Lord has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams. Give thanks for safe travelling and safe arriving.
The friendship and welcome of my hosts is outstanding and I have very quickly begun to feel at home here. It is a very relaxed, yet enabling, environment. The Vaughan Park complex overlooks a most beautiful beach and regional park, and from my studio I can both see and hear the Pacific Ocean lapping the shore. Who could fail to write well in this setting?
The chapel is a very 'thin' place and architecturally iconic, and adjacent to it is a well thought out research centre where I am spending a large proportion of my time. Slowly I am beginning to evolve rhythms that work for me. My biggest problem is the heat and humidity, which I find very strength-sapping [yes, I know it's cold at home - sorry!], but words are beginning to flow and the project is beginning to take shape in my mind.
I so appreciate the sense of being held in prayer by you all.
Please pray for continued blessings and Spirit-led inspiration.
Thank you.
.
The friendship and welcome of my hosts is outstanding and I have very quickly begun to feel at home here. It is a very relaxed, yet enabling, environment. The Vaughan Park complex overlooks a most beautiful beach and regional park, and from my studio I can both see and hear the Pacific Ocean lapping the shore. Who could fail to write well in this setting?
The chapel is a very 'thin' place and architecturally iconic, and adjacent to it is a well thought out research centre where I am spending a large proportion of my time. Slowly I am beginning to evolve rhythms that work for me. My biggest problem is the heat and humidity, which I find very strength-sapping [yes, I know it's cold at home - sorry!], but words are beginning to flow and the project is beginning to take shape in my mind.
I so appreciate the sense of being held in prayer by you all.
Please pray for continued blessings and Spirit-led inspiration.
Thank you.
.
Monday, 18 January 2010
New Zealand sunshine
A week ago, walking in crisp white snow, it was hard to imagine stepping off a plane into warm New Zealand sunshine. Today, with my suitcases packed and just over a week to go, it feels as if it's really going to happen.
On January 31st I'll be leaving behind our British winter to begin my three month writing time in Aotearoa ... land of beautiful scenery and Maori legend. I am looking forward immensely to being the guest of the Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre. It's a huge enormous privilege to have this gift of time and space in which to study, reflect and write and I'm looking forward to the challenge of writing materials to facilitate healing. It will be good too to share worship and fellowship with Christians from a different culture and continent and I look forward to learning from them.
Please pray for me. Please pray for safe travelling, good health, relaxation, inspiration and the ability to be open to God.
My own prayer is that I will be open to whatever God wants to unfold in and through me during this time.
Thank you. God bless. I'll keep you posted ...
.
On January 31st I'll be leaving behind our British winter to begin my three month writing time in Aotearoa ... land of beautiful scenery and Maori legend. I am looking forward immensely to being the guest of the Vaughan Park Anglican Retreat Centre. It's a huge enormous privilege to have this gift of time and space in which to study, reflect and write and I'm looking forward to the challenge of writing materials to facilitate healing. It will be good too to share worship and fellowship with Christians from a different culture and continent and I look forward to learning from them.
Please pray for me. Please pray for safe travelling, good health, relaxation, inspiration and the ability to be open to God.
My own prayer is that I will be open to whatever God wants to unfold in and through me during this time.
Thank you. God bless. I'll keep you posted ...
.
Wednesday, 16 December 2009
Christmas Thanks
To be effective, any ministry needs to be underpinned by prayer, and at the close of the year I am particularly aware of all who have faithly supported me in this way. Thank you to you all - your prayers have power.
I also give thanks for the growing number of donations towards the costs of my New Zealand scholarship trip. From a mix of offerings, ranging from a few coppers to cheques large and small, the Lord is putting in place the necessary provision. Again, thank you to you all - may the Lord bless each one of you, as you are blessing me.
A powerful Advent retreat, enhanced by a wonderful mix of people, has set the scene for Christmas and brought my retreat-leading to a close for now. I have led an extraordinary number of events this year and have hardly stopped to draw breath. It has been both challenging and exhausting, but at the same time hugely rewarding. I feel as if I have found the work that I was always meant to do.
But now it's time to stop and take some long overdue sabbath time ... precious space in which to write, reflect and take stock. I look forward enormously to the opportunities that lie ahead of me in New Zealand. Please pray for me as I prepare to fly out at the end of January.
And in the meantime, may you all enjoy a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
I have recently posted some new Christmas materials on my Poetry Page, and you can view them here. Enjoy ...
Have a very special Christmas!
I also give thanks for the growing number of donations towards the costs of my New Zealand scholarship trip. From a mix of offerings, ranging from a few coppers to cheques large and small, the Lord is putting in place the necessary provision. Again, thank you to you all - may the Lord bless each one of you, as you are blessing me.
A powerful Advent retreat, enhanced by a wonderful mix of people, has set the scene for Christmas and brought my retreat-leading to a close for now. I have led an extraordinary number of events this year and have hardly stopped to draw breath. It has been both challenging and exhausting, but at the same time hugely rewarding. I feel as if I have found the work that I was always meant to do.
But now it's time to stop and take some long overdue sabbath time ... precious space in which to write, reflect and take stock. I look forward enormously to the opportunities that lie ahead of me in New Zealand. Please pray for me as I prepare to fly out at the end of January.
And in the meantime, may you all enjoy a peaceful and joyous Christmas.
I have recently posted some new Christmas materials on my Poetry Page, and you can view them here. Enjoy ...
Have a very special Christmas!
Friday, 9 October 2009
Iona Restoration
With plans for my New Zealand trip moving forward in leaps and bounds I have been grateful of some deeply restorative quiet time on Iona. Give thanks for the ability of peaceful, prayer-soaked environments to restore and to heal.
I now know that I will be travelling out to New Zealand on January 31st, and returning to this country on June 1st. With Christmas in between, this feels quite close and there is much to plan. I am currently seeking support to help with the £1,000 air fare. Please pray for the provision of this financial help. If you would like to contribute, even in a small way, towards the cost of this ticket I would be pleased to hear from you.
Meanwhile, I now turn my attention to preparing to participate in the ArtServe conference at the end of this month, and then a week later I shall be delivering two Quiet Days for folks in ministry in the Barmouth area. Please pray for both of these events.
My recent Quiet Day for the John Young Foundation was a richly blessed time, and the Stewardship training that I attended was both very helpful and deeply challenging.
A busy pre-Christmas season lies ahead of me. Please pray that the demands on me will not overwhelm.
As always, thank you for your love and prayer support.
May the Lord bless you.
I now know that I will be travelling out to New Zealand on January 31st, and returning to this country on June 1st. With Christmas in between, this feels quite close and there is much to plan. I am currently seeking support to help with the £1,000 air fare. Please pray for the provision of this financial help. If you would like to contribute, even in a small way, towards the cost of this ticket I would be pleased to hear from you.
Meanwhile, I now turn my attention to preparing to participate in the ArtServe conference at the end of this month, and then a week later I shall be delivering two Quiet Days for folks in ministry in the Barmouth area. Please pray for both of these events.
My recent Quiet Day for the John Young Foundation was a richly blessed time, and the Stewardship training that I attended was both very helpful and deeply challenging.
A busy pre-Christmas season lies ahead of me. Please pray that the demands on me will not overwhelm.
As always, thank you for your love and prayer support.
May the Lord bless you.