Sunny days in St.Charles

Wow, it is really hot here, somewhere around 28 celcius. We're in St.Charles, which is just down the road from Elgin, about 45 minutes drive from Chicago. We've not been downtown Chicago yet, will go on Thursday.

Arrived safely, really good flight, personal TV screen and some good movies made it go quick. Hanging out lots with Dan & Fi where we're staying, and seeing lots of Eva Mari also. Last night we spoke to the cell group at Dan & Fi's - had a wonderful time, God spoke clearly to a number of people through prophetic words, word of knowledge etc. Knew we were here for more than just a holiday! We're with another cell group tonight.

Daytimes have been quite lazy, reading in the sunshine, walks into the town (only 5 mins) and visiting some rather large shops!

We'll be at Eva Mari's graduation on Sunday, we have a class reunion on Friday with friends who were at Covenant College with Silje last year all coming down so that will be quality. I'm yet to see Andy Koske & Chris Negron who i was at College with a couple of years ago. Hopefully we'll catch up before we leave on Monday up to St.Louis.

That's all for now. We'll keep you posted!

Going on holiday!

Sorry to all you who've gotta be at work next week, but we don't cos we're on holiday!

We'll be leaving on Saturday and flying to Chicago to spend a week with Eva Mari in Elgin and then being there at her high school graduation on 1st June. From there we're heading up to St Louis for a week - we're expecting some nice weather and a good time with some old friends we've know. St Louis does seem to be a bit of a hang-out for ex-Loughborough people!

We'll still be able to pick up emails, and hopefully do some Howes-House updates while we're away.
So for now, from Mum, Dad & our (very, very) little sproglet....

See ya!

Little Howes on the way
Hey everybody...not just has God answered our prayers when it comes to a bigger house, He has rewarded us with a child too. We must have done something right!!!

How big is the house?!? Well, since in God's house there's many rooms, we thought that we had to have at least 5 bedrooms. And the house we now have an offer excepted on has 5 + the possibilities of a 6th if we put a staircase in... hehehe... God is good. Our house is going to be a meeting place for people all over Potters Green, and we will have room for them too... I am very excited indeed...

How big is the baby?!? Well, only the size of a rice grain...couple of millimeters... but with a heartbeat!!! I am seven weeks into the pregnancy and very excited about the fact that me and the man I love are going to be parents to either the most gorgeous baby boy or girl. In a way 9 months is good to get used to the changes in life and so on, but in another way I am not very patient...as if that is a surprise for those that know me!!!

To live for Christ is to live in Blessing....Thank you Jesus!

Inspired for great things

I'm writing today, one week after hearing the news that Bryn Jones had died whilst on a ministry trip in the United States. Bryn has, as far as I understand it, been one of the most influential figures in the church in the UK, and many other countries as well, over the last 40 years or so. Whilst he may not have been the most known 'household name', his influence and fathering of so many leaders around the world has been awesome. I can hardly even begin to imagine the eternal significance of this man's life.

I have served God in relationship to people serving under Bryn's apostolic ministry for the last 8 years and have had the great honour and privilege of getting to know him a little. At this time of his passing on to greater things - to be with God, face to face, for eternity - I'm am deeply challenged about the impact that my own life will have upon history.

I know that the really important things for me have already been settled - I know that Jesus has saved me from death and given me the free gift of eternal life. I know my eternal destiny and enjoy the fantastic life that is walking with Christ every day. The big issue now is "What will the rest of my life count for?". I knew Bryn to be someone, perhaps more than anyone I've ever known, who was not just a talker but a doer. I will remember him not simply for what he said, or the theology he held (though this has changed my life forever), but for what he did and the way he lived. 100% for Christ and his kingdom, always full of faith and ready to take on the world and achieve great things for God.

Yesterday as I was driving, I listened to a tape of Bryn teaching on Restoration - that God will bring all things to the fulness of everything he intends them to be, and will fulfill every promise that has been spoken by his prophets. My heart is so excited that God is doing this - but now, more than ever, I know the challenge is to practically live out the faith and the vision that I have, in terms of passionately serving God and serving people every single day.

I join with all those across the world who fondly remember this servant of the Most High God and who have been inspired by him to live a life worthy of the One we know as Lord of All.

As Winston Churchill once said, "This is not the end. This is not even the beginning of the end. This is simply the end of the beginning."