Graduand to Graduate!

Alison Joyce Taylor BA Hons

Yesterday Andy and I headed through the snow, though thankfully only a smattering, to Redcliffe to meet up with other gradutating students for coffee and cake. We then headed for Cheltenham racecourse where the University of Gloucester ceremony was being held. Although I graduated with my year at the end of the Redcliffe year, this was the official graduation ceremony! I got to wear the graduation outfit again (I could get used to it!!) including the hood - we're not allowed the hood at the Redcliffe celebration because we haven't officially been awarded our final marks. But today I passed from being a graduand to a graduate. I have my degree - and I have the photo to prove it!! Mind you, the 'certificate' is actually a piece of plastic pipe with a ribbon tied on it :)

The ceremony didn't take as long as I'd anticipated (they'd predicted 2 hours....yawn...but thankfully was only just over 1 hour) but the highlight, apart from walking up to shake the hand of the Bishop of Gloucester as a mark of me being granted my degree, was Reverend Canon Andrew White - the vicar of Baghdad. He was bestowed with an honoray doctorate - which he said was the best kind because he didn't have to do any work for it! He spoke for a few moments and he said that too many times people tell him to 'take care'. But he said 'don't take care' - 'TAKE RISKS' I was blown away by the simplicity, yet complexity of such a statement.

Surely all my life, lived for God should epitomise this statement. We live such 'safe' lives - rarely stepping outside of our comfort zones...rarely allowing ourselves to be pushed to our limits, at which point, when we think all is lost, God inevitably takes over and amazing things happen!! I want to live a life that doesn't take care - I want to take risks for Him, to live a life that walks on the edge - a life that challenges, a life that creates, a life that calls others to the one that gives me life. This is my call - this is what makes my heart beat faster...

So what is it that does the same for you? Are you stuck in a rut? Afraid to step out and live for Him - totally, completely, with absolute reckless abandon? Surely the One who gave His life with such grace deserves our all? Will you live a life that takes care - that stays safe? Or will you stop taking care and start taking risks?

Don't take care - take risks!!!

Finally...............

I heard today that I've secured a part-time Christmas job! While it may be temporary and not pay the best wages in the world - it is a job!! And it's the first job I've had in 5 and 1/2 years...YAY!!! I'm a little bit excited :)

Not a happy bunny...

So...there I am, having spent several days preparing for the telephone interview...waiting at 4pm for the phone to ring...and I wait and wait and wait, until finally at 4.15 I call the recruiting office...to find out that the job I was to be interviewed for has already been filled?????!!!!!!??????? To say I was cross would be a serious understatement...not only to find out that the bank's policy is to fill a position as soon as a suitable candidate is interviewed (makes a mockery of the process...application, phone interview, and then being called to a face-to-face interview) which I knew nothing about, but also that they couldn't even be bothered to call me to let me know or indeed even to interview me. Not sure this is a very professional way to operate...am still cross :( but if this is the way the company works I wouldn't want to work for them!

The chap I spoke to suggested I kept an eye on the website for other positions and that they would look forward to my application. I said that I hoped that if I did apply then I'd have to hope that any future position wouldn't be filled before I got to be interviewed!!!

on...and off...

So I get a letter today saying I can't actually sign on for job seekers allowance because I have not paid the relevant NI contributions - bother...so I am now an invisible statistic!! I am still jobless, but no longer registered as unemployed. On the brighter side I have applied for a job with a chemists covering Christmas shifts and a job with a bank...I heard straight away that I had made it overnight to a telephone interview for the banking job - yay! And heard the same day that I had made it through to the next stage for the other job. Telephone interview on Thursday...chemist interview next Monday.

Nope...again

No job :( I was up against 6 others and apparently didn't answer 2 questions "correctly"...oh well...back to applications...

I am a statistic...

After much deliberation I decided enough was enough and I made a phone call to sign on for unemployment benefit yesterday...but after over an hour on the phone I wish I hadn't!! I know it's not meant to be an 'easy' option, but honestly... So now I'm officially a statistic - one of the great unemployed... National statistics state that at the end of August 1.47 million people were claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, with 2.47 million people out of work. Nice to know I'm not on alone...I think...

But then late yesterday afternoon I got an e-mail offering me an interview for a job!!! OK - not a job...yet...but at least it's an interview.

Next week then will have me going to two interviews - 0ne to sign on for benefit, the other to hopefully secure a job to get me off benefit!

LIfe in reverse

Just over 5 years ago I spent a lot of time at home while I was raising the girls, I helped out at the toddler group at church and did a bit of DIY at home in my spare time.

Today I spend a lot of time at home, help out at the toddler group at church and do DIY in my spare time.

Hmm...did I really go to college and get a degree? ...I'm not absolutely sure...maybe I imagined it...

Silent screams of frustration...

Another week gone and nothing suitable has come up to apply for and I haven't heard anything from my applications so far. The closing date for the last applications is Monday - maybe I'll hear something, but the likelihood is that I won't - I'm not being fatalistic - just realistic.

So...what next? With nothing coming up to even apply for, do I consider signing on? And then will I become a pawn in the government scheme for getting people back into work - in any job, just to reduce the statistics? And then I have to consider if I am willing to consider taking any job so that I'm bringing money in and making life just that little bit less stressful when the bills come in at the end of the month?

You see, I've realised that there's an interesting issue going on here - at Bex's school prizegiving this week the speaker suggested that we pursue those things that 'make your heart beat faster' which really struck a cord with me - but at the moment I can't do that in the way that I would like to. I do know it's right to wait and allow us to settle as a couple and a family, to allow me to be mum for a while and not a stressed-out student with essays and assignments with impending deadlines, but I've gone from the high pressure of student life to what feels like no pressure at all and it feels weird. However bizarre it sounds, I'm missing the people - the staff and fellow students at college, and I'm missing the mental challenge of lectures and the assignments - they've been so much a part of my life for the past five years, and I would so loved to have carried on to a post-graduate degree - but this is not to be...for now... And locating the self-motivation for study at home isn't easy, especially with the house needing so much work still...

The thing is, that I will continue to look for opportunities to exercise my gifts and this is training for ministry (now and in the future), but despite knowing it's right to put my ministry training in terms of college on hold, I don't feel comfortable in the meantime just looking for any old job just to bring money in. I want a job where I feel a sense of fulfilment, a sense of giving, a sense of enjoyment...so what should I do?

I'm feeling just a little bit frustrated this morning...

Into the bottomless pit....

It's been quiet on the job front over the summer holidays, but I've sent off another 7 applications for various positions. When a possible job has appeared I've duly filled it in and sent it off into the wide blue yonder and that's the problem - I don't hear back, not even to say that I haven't been successful - it's very frustrating...

So, in the meantime, between getting arm ache from writing my own life story out on an intermittent basis, I'm carrying on with getting the house sorted. But I wish I could get a job...

Conundrum...

Ok - so three jobs applications with one interview so far, and the reason for not getting the job or even an interview has been the same each time - "not enough experience." Now, I know I've only applied for three jobs, but I'm already puzzled - how do I get the experience if I can't get a job? It's a mystery! Maybe solved by doing some volunteering - but therein also lies a problem - I can volunteer to get experience, that will hopefully result in my getting a job, but volunteering doesn't bring money in and anyway, how much volunteering would constitute enough "experience"?!

And then I got thinking and realised that I am just so grateful that God doesn't say to us "not enough experience" when we offer ourselves into His service. In fact, we are called to offer ourselves, as we are - with all our inadequacies and insecurities and inabilities - because His experience is enough. We don't have to have experience, we simply have to rely on Him.

2 Corinthians 12:9 '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. "My grace is sufficient for you"'

How great to be supremely qualified for the ultimate job because of our inadequacy! God is able to achieve His purposes through our willingness to be vulnerable and to step beyond what we think we are capable of so that He can work through us.

I have no idea how many job applications I will have to fill in, how many interviews I will be called for or how much voluntary work will constitute experience - but I do know this...

I don't think I'll ever feel adequately qualified to do all that God is calling me to, so I'm grateful that it's not a requirement of the post. Who I am is qualification enough - and if God is calling me, who am I to argue? My place in His family has never been a condition of experience - so while I wait to see what happens next, I will continue to serve Him - totally reliant on His experience - His love - His grace...

Application, application, application

Despite being on a shortlist of three, I didn't get the job at Redcliffe so I'm on the hunt for a job! I've applied for one already this week and have another application form to fill in by Monday. Ah, it's a fun life :)

What I'm finding the most difficult is all this handwriting - in capitals no less - it's such a pain (literally!) I don't think I've done as much writing since my leadership exam a couple of years ago and it makes my hand ache!

In between filling out forms I'm still working on the house. Our bedroom is finally devoid of boxes, although the hall way is now accommodating our next donation to charity as a result of sorting through everything. It will be good to pass this stuff on and we'll find out that our hall way is actually quite spacious! I've also painted the downstairs toilet, which means that it no longer looks like the contents of a piccalilli jar. I painted it a much calmer white with a hint of jasmine and removed the lurid yellow lampshade that just made everything even more yellow (if that's possible!!).

So, what's next...more forms and more decorating. I'm going to be working on the kitchen - wallpaper stripping this time, then on with the painting of the ceiling and walls. I'll also begin the preparation in the old boiler cupboard which we're converting into a shower room.

But the summer holidays are almost upon us so I'll have to work around the girls - might try persuading them to help (?!) Hmm...let's see how that pans out :)

Prayer Letter June 2010

Dear All,

Finally I am able to sit down and let you know how things have been going. Life has been more than a little hectic over the past few months and I can only apologise that I have not keep you all more up to date, but it has been enough of a challenge to get my assignments done, organise my wedding, move house and keep the family going…! What follows are little snapshots of what’s been happening…

Late nights and long days

After a lot of hard work I was able to complete all my assignments on schedule, including my dissertation on hearing individuals who use British Sign Language during worship. If you’d like to read it then let me know and I’ll e-mail you a copy.

A smashing time…

Unfortunately, my lovely little car got squashed at the beginning of March when someone drove into the back of me when I had to stop quickly to avoid a pedestrian. I got whiplash and am still suffering from pain in my shoulder. I’m hoping to get some physiotherapy soon. We had to go searching and now have a larger car which suits us better as a family!

A wedding to remember

On May 1^st, Andy and I got married! We had a lovely day, celebrating with family and friends. We had a lovely service at a local church and the reception at Redcliffe College. The girls looked gorgeous and we were able to include them in the ceremony. We’ve had a lot of compliments on how we put the day together and we are just glad that we were able to glorify God in all that happened on our wonderful day.

A well deserved break

Andy and I got away for a week after the wedding on honeymoon to Turkey and had an amazing time. It was a real blessing to spend time together and relax after all the hectic preparations. We had fantastic weather and the food was delicious.

We were able to visit Ephesus, which was amazing, and we are so glad we made the effort to go as it really brought the Bible alive.

One of my good friends, Leah, looked after the girls while we were away and they all had a great time!

A moving experience

Having returned from honeymoon, we did some more work on our new house before finally moving in together at the end of May. We still have to finish some decorating and unpack some boxes, but it is really good to be in one place as a family and we’re beginning to feel settled now which is great. If you’d like to visit, just let us know – we’d love to see you!

A degree of success!

At the beginning of June I celebrated with my fellow students at our college awards ceremony. There was much hat throwing and delight that all the hard work is done, and we just have to wait to find out exactly what level we have achieved. I’m hoping for a 2:1 which I will be thrilled with, considering all the things I’ve had to handle over the past couple of years.

I shall miss being a student, but it will be good not to have to write long assignments and work to deadlines!

What next?

So, what now? I’m currently applying for the job of Student Service Co-ordinator at Redcliffe and would appreciate your prayers over the next couple of weeks. I am keen on the college employing the right person for the job so please pray that God will guide those who are making the appointment. If that is me, then I will be thrilled, though a little scared as I haven’t worked full-time since before Bex was born!

If this application isn’t successful then I will continue to seek out God’s next step for my life. I will be attending a ‘women in ministry’ day at South Wales Baptist College on July 3rd which will be a good opportunity to meet with other women also seeking to discern God’s call on their lives. I’m not sure exactly what the next ministry step is for me and us as a family, but I think ministerial training may well be something that happens in time.

The plan is for us to stay in Gloucester at the moment to settle as a family. Andy is a self-employed handyman and his business is based here, the girls are settled at school, though Beth will join her sisters at their school in September, and we are enjoying worshipping at our church where we have many friends.

Now I’m moving on from college I will just be sending out Christmas updates as usual, so this will be my final regular college update. Please let me know if you’d like a Christmas letter, but keep an eye on my blog (alwaysheld.blogspot.com) for intermittent updates between times.

Thank you!

I cannot adequately express my gratitude for all your prayers and support in so many different ways over the past few years. Thank you for journeying with me on such a life-changing experience. I know God has had His hand on my life all the way, even through the hardest and most difficult moments. I know I have been truly blessed by having such amazing friends to remember us in prayer before our faithful God.

I pray that God will bless you all as you move forward with Him.

With love,

Ali, Andy, Bex, Abi and Beth

The end is nigh...

It's the final week at college this week and the graduation ceremony is this coming Saturday - I finally get to wear THE hat!

I can't believe I've done it and will be getting my degree at last! It's been a lot of hard work, but it has also been really rewarding and I've achieved more than I ever thought possible :)

But Saturday will also be a very emotional day as, at least for the next little while, I'm putting the student life behind me. It will be very hard to move on from Redcliffe - a place that has such special significance in my heart for so many different reasons.

I'm going to miss it!

Tiles?

Whoever decorated our house must have either liked a certain type of tile or come across a job-lot! So far we've found it in three rooms in four different colours!! But no more...as the chief master of destruction they have fallen foul of my hammer and chisel!!!

New House News - After...

And now for the after shots...

New House News - Before...

I guess I could have posted a lot about our new house, but just haven't had the time - but here are a few photos of the house before we started working on it.

IT IS FINISHED!!!

All done - all 9966 words of it!! Printed, bound and handed in - what a relief!

Grr...

I heard today that my car has been deemed a right-off which is sad. I'm now having to search around for a replacement - very time-consuming and frustrating :(

The house is coming on...we've nearly finished the girls' rooms already! We're also working on the bathroom - taking the tiles off has been relatively easy as some have just fallen off the wall when touched! But there's still lots to do...

College-wise - I am studying my final module of the degree (!) and my assignments are an essay and a presentation. I've begun work on both, but need to get on as I'd like one finished by the end of the Easter holidays...let's hope I can concentrate!

Nearly there...

Right - got held up with writing the dissertation over half term due to youngest daughter having a squint operation. Got on though and will be discussing the final version with my tutor this coming Friday. Hope to have it all done by Easter...but we'll see...

Moving issues

Yesterday we moved Andy into our new house. Everything was going really well until I was out fetching something from my house when my car got shunted from behind when a pedestrian stepped out in front of me. It is still driveable, but I'm now suffering from whiplash :( and I'll have to take it in for assessment re the damage - the other driver accepted liability which is great, but it's the hassle of sorting everything out...

On the plus side we're already getting on with the work in our new house - there's quite a bit to do, but we will get there...eventually!

7000 words...and counting...

After four weeks I'm a little behind my self-imposed daily word target - I should have by rights written 8000 words by the end of today, but I have submitted what I've written so far to my dissertation tutor and am waiting to discuss things next week. In the meantime I'll keep working where and when I can...family life, etc. permitting!

It's been really encouraging to have written so much in such a short time. I'd love to get the bulk of the paper written by the end of half-term which is in two weeks time, so I'm just editing rather than writing from scratch...but we shall see...

The writing begins....

Despite being in recovery from the virus and the girls still being off, the first words of the dissertation were written on Friday 8th January!!!

I've set myself a word count target - 400 words a day - and am pleased to announce that after a week I am ahead of myself! I am hoping that the motivation to write continues and that I am able to draw my thoughts together into something coherent. My next deadline is this coming Wednesday, the 20th, by which I must have written my first chapter and submitted it to my tutor for her perusal.

Here's hoping I can get it done...

A horrible virus...

...is not the best way to start the New Year :( I came down with aches, pains, high temperature, cough, cold...you name it... and only just managed to stay awake to see the New Year in. All in all I felt really rough for about 10 days. It didn't help that no sooner than the girls had gone back to school, than they were off again! They enjoyed the snow though - but we're all glad that it's over - even if it was very pretty!

Busy Christmas!

Managed to get sorted in time for our family visit to London to celebrate both my mum's birthday and Christmas the weekend before Christmas itself. We had a lovely time - and our 'Christmas before Christmas' felt extra special because of the snow!

It was nice to visit my 'old' church and introduce Andy to friends and catch up with what's been going on.

Christmas itself was lovely - but sadly no snow! It was great to celebrate as a family and to begin to get to know each others different ways to celebrate.

Then we went off to Ramsey to visit Andy's family. We stayed overnight with his mum and met up with his brother and family too.

So, all in all, quite a few miles covered - but worth it!