Ever had an idea that exceeded your expectations. In the search for funding of various types to upgrade my new music department I stumbled upon Musical Futures and some fantastic ideas for personalised learning in relation to the extended curriculum. So I decided to persue the idea in my new school having had moderate success with it in my former post. Basically students get the opportunity to develop group performance skills and the potential of performing to a large audience at a county based event. During the eight week programme students will gain basic knowledge of a new instrument to them and meet industry professionals from time to time to assist in their development.
So having broadcast the information to students who I thought would benefit from the experience the first week was a disaster. Two students attended and I ended up leading them in a workshop about playing the blues, they were both capable guitarists. As a result I decided to advertise the program to the whole school on two seperate occassions and to my astonishment the second session happened and I had 24 students attending whch created a whole new problem. That equates to 6-7% of the school population.
I now had a new set of opportunities to play with and have unwittingly created sustainabilit to the course by making two maybe three cohorts rather than one cohort of two bands that would eventually potentially lose interest. It just goes to show that we never fully appreciate the enthusiasm of our students until you stick your neck out and run an activity like this. As a foot note the program successfully won a bid of £2000 for tuition fees, instruments and transport costs to the events.
Wednesday, 21 November 2007
Saturday, 8 September 2007
End of week one
Even though it's officially only been a three day week I'm exhausted. It's been a great start. I'm beginning to find my way around. William Lovell has such a feeling of peace about it. The year 7 students were great fun yesterday when we learnt two classic worship songs for assembly (How Wonderful and I want to serve the purpose of God). They sang their little hearts out.
Today I met the percussion teacher, Barry Kerr, who was inspirational with some excellent suggestions that will benefit a lrage group of students. There may be a Samba group starting soon.
I still seem to spend most of my time sorting out old files and filing new stuff, but I'm sure it will all end (by the time I retire )
I'm looking forward to next week now for two reasons. Mostly because it's Jack's first day at school (that feels weird). He's so excited. He said he more excited about his first day at school than he was for his birthday on 15th Sept. He's such an adorable little man.
The second reason because I'll finally get to meet all of the students of William Lovell.
Today I met the percussion teacher, Barry Kerr, who was inspirational with some excellent suggestions that will benefit a lrage group of students. There may be a Samba group starting soon.
I still seem to spend most of my time sorting out old files and filing new stuff, but I'm sure it will all end (by the time I retire )
I'm looking forward to next week now for two reasons. Mostly because it's Jack's first day at school (that feels weird). He's so excited. He said he more excited about his first day at school than he was for his birthday on 15th Sept. He's such an adorable little man.
The second reason because I'll finally get to meet all of the students of William Lovell.
Sunday, 26 August 2007
New Demo - Out Of My Dreams
It's been a while since I've written a song even though I've been working on two or three songs for some time now. (Hopefully they'll get recorded soon). It was while I sat at the piano wainting for Pro Tools to wake up in preparation to record one of these said songs when Out of my dreams dropped into my life. Strangely enough that's how I used to always write my songs. Await inspiration then go with the flow allowing the song to write itself. Aftr some useful and constructive comments on some of those songs I've recently spent more time 'perfecting' lyrics and honing melodic ideas. So this trip back to this old style took me by surprise, BUT .... I didn't allow the song to direct in the same way and spent some time on the lyrics after the initial melody appeared. I even collaborated on the lyrics with my good friend J. Brian Hill.
The result is this demo which needs virtually every track recording again, but I'm so excited about the song I wanted to share it with you all. I intend to record the piano, voice and bass again and add strings and possibly acoustic guitar. Some slight modifications to the arrangement as well nd if I feel inspired maybe a guitar solo So watch this space and expect an update in the next decade. I hope you enjoy this love song which I dedicate to my beautiful wife Tamara.
Listen to it by clicking here.
The result is this demo which needs virtually every track recording again, but I'm so excited about the song I wanted to share it with you all. I intend to record the piano, voice and bass again and add strings and possibly acoustic guitar. Some slight modifications to the arrangement as well nd if I feel inspired maybe a guitar solo So watch this space and expect an update in the next decade. I hope you enjoy this love song which I dedicate to my beautiful wife Tamara.
Listen to it by clicking here.
Sunday, 29 July 2007
stevelowndes.com Site Upgrade
I've been planning a shift in focus to my site so you may see some changes happening over the next few weeks. I've made a decision that this site should reflect what I do more than what I'd like to do. I still have the heart of a performer but recent events have nailed home the fact that my current role is a teacher of music. There are so many exciting opportunities at William Lovell CE school and I intend to embrace them with all my energy.
So what's going to be new.
First you will notice that my school website sccmusic.com will be integrated into this website . Two reasons really: one I can't get rid of the domain name sccmusic until December and I no longer work at St Clement's College anymore. The other remains that I wish to make my role as a teacher a more prominent aspect of my ministry. Something that has taken me a a long time to realise.
Secondly, my own music will take a lower profile on the website as the focus becomes my role as an educator who serves the Lord.
I intend to make the site as interactive as possible and will encourage feedback from my readers and pupils alike.
So that's what to expect so - watch this space!
So what's going to be new.
First you will notice that my school website sccmusic.com will be integrated into this website . Two reasons really: one I can't get rid of the domain name sccmusic until December and I no longer work at St Clement's College anymore. The other remains that I wish to make my role as a teacher a more prominent aspect of my ministry. Something that has taken me a a long time to realise.
Secondly, my own music will take a lower profile on the website as the focus becomes my role as an educator who serves the Lord.
I intend to make the site as interactive as possible and will encourage feedback from my readers and pupils alike.
So that's what to expect so - watch this space!
Sunday, 6 May 2007
Pastures New
I've been sitting on this news for a couple of weeks now and I couldn't keep quiet any longer. From September 2007 I will no longer be the leader of music at St. Clement's College, instead I will become leader of music at the William Lovell Church of England School, Stickney also in Linconshire. Naturally I'm very excited at the prospect of starting afresh after a period of five and a half years at Earl of Scarbrough/St. Clement's College. It's been a privilege to work with so many dedicated and hard-working colleagues, I feel now is the time for a change. I prayed and petitioned God over this application lie never before and I firmly believe this move is not only a positive answer to prayer, but also, it is where God wants me to be at this time, for me, for my new students and, who knows, in a new capacity for my present students.
William Lovell is a school that is run with a firm grounding in the christian faith and September 2007 marks the beginning of a new era for the school as well as me. There will be a new head and a new deputy head who have great aspirations for a school with an outstanding reputation. I'll be trading in a brand new state of the art music suite for a porta cabin, but I relish this new challenge more than I can begin to put into words. There is so much potential to continue to explore. Part of my new job will be to organise quarterly Praise Evenings at the school. There is a fine school orchestra and potential for a school choir. William is a small school which means I'll be able to get to know every student there, something that is virtually impossible at St. Clement's.
There's much to do until September so I will probably producing very little music for a few months, but who knows which direction God will lead my new music. So farewell St. Clement's, hello William Lovell.
William Lovell is a school that is run with a firm grounding in the christian faith and September 2007 marks the beginning of a new era for the school as well as me. There will be a new head and a new deputy head who have great aspirations for a school with an outstanding reputation. I'll be trading in a brand new state of the art music suite for a porta cabin, but I relish this new challenge more than I can begin to put into words. There is so much potential to continue to explore. Part of my new job will be to organise quarterly Praise Evenings at the school. There is a fine school orchestra and potential for a school choir. William is a small school which means I'll be able to get to know every student there, something that is virtually impossible at St. Clement's.
There's much to do until September so I will probably producing very little music for a few months, but who knows which direction God will lead my new music. So farewell St. Clement's, hello William Lovell.
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
From the mouths of babes
I've been busy sorting out my office following a flying shelf that emptied my books all over the room and part of that sorting involved temporarily boxing some stuff. Old photos naturally surfaced and Jack wandered whilst I was looking at some pictures of my late friend Pete Barker. I told Jack that Pete was my best friend and that he was now a star in the sky like mummy. He said to me don't worry you'll see him again. I found myself choked at this simple but true statement.
Later I was reading him his bedtime story when he asked if he could sleep on my knee. I sit on a bean bag while I read him his story so I didn't want to encourage him falling asleep on me because I'd struggle putting him into bed without waking him, but Jack being Jack pestered me, and me being me, relented and he curled up on my knee. I was soon to find out why he made this unusual request.
He started asking questions about his mummy. We began to talk about why mummy died. He asked why do people die when they go into hospital (we took Jack this week after he fell off his bike). I said not everybody dies in hospital. He said but mummy died in that hospital. Then with a quivering lip he told me he missed his mummy. He told me how seeing Peggy (my mum who has Parkinson's and is wheelchair bound) reminded him of mummy. He asked when she would die. He also said that he knew I wanted to see my mum but that he didn't because of how she reminded him of his mummy. He then told me he was looking forward to seeing his mummy again. He has such a clear concept of death and the separation that results from losing a loved one. He also seems to be aware that we will meet again in the sky when we go to meet Jesus. My heart bleeds for our little man who so clearly told me that he would always be with me. I pray God will give him peace and allow him to grieve in the best way he knows how.
Later I was reading him his bedtime story when he asked if he could sleep on my knee. I sit on a bean bag while I read him his story so I didn't want to encourage him falling asleep on me because I'd struggle putting him into bed without waking him, but Jack being Jack pestered me, and me being me, relented and he curled up on my knee. I was soon to find out why he made this unusual request.
He started asking questions about his mummy. We began to talk about why mummy died. He asked why do people die when they go into hospital (we took Jack this week after he fell off his bike). I said not everybody dies in hospital. He said but mummy died in that hospital. Then with a quivering lip he told me he missed his mummy. He told me how seeing Peggy (my mum who has Parkinson's and is wheelchair bound) reminded him of mummy. He asked when she would die. He also said that he knew I wanted to see my mum but that he didn't because of how she reminded him of his mummy. He then told me he was looking forward to seeing his mummy again. He has such a clear concept of death and the separation that results from losing a loved one. He also seems to be aware that we will meet again in the sky when we go to meet Jesus. My heart bleeds for our little man who so clearly told me that he would always be with me. I pray God will give him peace and allow him to grieve in the best way he knows how.
Monday, 16 April 2007
Wanna see my forum?
I'm fascinated to see that when I look at site stats that this post published origiannly on 16 April 2007 continues to get many hits, so I've decided to edit it and introduce the forum that I've started with Silver Poet. This forum came about as a response to the Michael Card forum being removed from his site. Silver Poet and I were both moderators there and we felt it would be good to have a non-threatening forum that allowed people to share their experiences with God or maybe share an opinion. So here's the link Closer with God we hope you enjoy it.
Wednesday, 11 April 2007
Teaching or Preaching
I was sat in the local Anglican church on Easter Sunday watching the proceedings with interest when a thought struck me. I probably aren't the first to think this and more than likely won't be the last, but as a teacher I found myself analysing the service for it's content and structure, paying particular interest to the rituals and religious practices. I found a few things out.
Firstly I realised why the pomp and circumstance with various features of the service were being used. I could see the history in them. For example when the Gospel reading was read the whole congregation stood and the Vicar had three attendants. One holding a very large bible and two others holding candles either side of the vicar. It was obvious that this was designed to draw special attention to the Gospel reading, which I suppose hails back to when the scriptures were read in Latin, so that the 'peasants' would know that the Holy Scriptures were being read.
Secondly I became more aware of the responses and chants used throughout the service. Then came the revelation - it suddenly dawned on me that this was an attempt at interactive learning. But looking at the faces in the congregation it struck me that this very attempt to involve the congregation had somehow turned into a ritual of it's own and appeared to be so ingrained that the congregation merely repeated at just the right times. I remembered how I memorised parts of the Methodist Service book as a child. When I read those words I imagine the thought processes behind them as I'm sure many of the congregation too. But this idea of interactive learning stuck with me.
I wondered if the ideas in education have been explored or not in church worship. I wondered how many times a congregation has been offered to help plan a service that would help them to understand a scripture or issue of christian life. Then I wondered how could this tye of service be implemented. At school I am currently exploring personalised learning skills where students are encouraged to take ownership of their education to help teachers facilitate their learning in a manner that aids learning rather than provides mental blocks. But not only for individuals but personalised learning for a whole class. There certainly is a lot to think about and I'll be exploring this idea over the coming weeks. Watch this space!!!
Firstly I realised why the pomp and circumstance with various features of the service were being used. I could see the history in them. For example when the Gospel reading was read the whole congregation stood and the Vicar had three attendants. One holding a very large bible and two others holding candles either side of the vicar. It was obvious that this was designed to draw special attention to the Gospel reading, which I suppose hails back to when the scriptures were read in Latin, so that the 'peasants' would know that the Holy Scriptures were being read.
Secondly I became more aware of the responses and chants used throughout the service. Then came the revelation - it suddenly dawned on me that this was an attempt at interactive learning. But looking at the faces in the congregation it struck me that this very attempt to involve the congregation had somehow turned into a ritual of it's own and appeared to be so ingrained that the congregation merely repeated at just the right times. I remembered how I memorised parts of the Methodist Service book as a child. When I read those words I imagine the thought processes behind them as I'm sure many of the congregation too. But this idea of interactive learning stuck with me.
I wondered if the ideas in education have been explored or not in church worship. I wondered how many times a congregation has been offered to help plan a service that would help them to understand a scripture or issue of christian life. Then I wondered how could this tye of service be implemented. At school I am currently exploring personalised learning skills where students are encouraged to take ownership of their education to help teachers facilitate their learning in a manner that aids learning rather than provides mental blocks. But not only for individuals but personalised learning for a whole class. There certainly is a lot to think about and I'll be exploring this idea over the coming weeks. Watch this space!!!
Thursday, 8 March 2007
Developing Song
The song 'Written on my heart' is one of the few songs that I have grafted on. Maybe too many of my songs have lacked that extra attention to detail and clarity in the past. Voice of Calm is the first of this new breed of songs amidst much consultation and soul searching it bears very little resemblance to the original song. Even the melody and feel is completely different.
So now to Written on my Heart. The song was conceived as a response to a need for a special item in a morning service, but received criticsm for the lack of lyrical melody and expressionate feel. And rightly so. The words were ok but needed tweaking. On review I chose to do a hefty edit of the lyrics and attempt a totally different feel to the song. The first verse is virtually written and the chorus is in a fairly complete state too. I'm not planning on posting the recording until the lyrics are complete, but I will divulge the creative process including the various versions of the lyrics as the evolve.
Here's the third edit: I decided to make the focus much clearer going through a process of Admission of need -> Grief/guilt -> Acceptance
Verse 1
Step inside and feel my mind,
No more secrets left to find,
Nothing hidden see the scars
Verse 2
Why dyou think I bow my head?
Weeping at the words you said,
Weeping 'cause of all I've done
Pre chorus
My tears aren't enough
And sorry's just a word to hide my shame
Chorus
You lead me on and I follow
You show me things I've never seen,
Melt my heart to feel compassion
Calm the fears that haunt my dreams
You lead me on my special journey
Written on this heart of stone.
(c)2007 Steve Lowndes
As you can see I've opted for the song title Heart of Stone as a new working title.
Please feel free to comment on these lyrics as you feel called. I am incredibly open to suggestions.
So now to Written on my Heart. The song was conceived as a response to a need for a special item in a morning service, but received criticsm for the lack of lyrical melody and expressionate feel. And rightly so. The words were ok but needed tweaking. On review I chose to do a hefty edit of the lyrics and attempt a totally different feel to the song. The first verse is virtually written and the chorus is in a fairly complete state too. I'm not planning on posting the recording until the lyrics are complete, but I will divulge the creative process including the various versions of the lyrics as the evolve.
Here's the third edit: I decided to make the focus much clearer going through a process of Admission of need -> Grief/guilt -> Acceptance
Verse 1
Step inside and feel my mind,
No more secrets left to find,
Nothing hidden see the scars
Verse 2
Why dyou think I bow my head?
Weeping at the words you said,
Weeping 'cause of all I've done
Pre chorus
My tears aren't enough
And sorry's just a word to hide my shame
Chorus
You lead me on and I follow
You show me things I've never seen,
Melt my heart to feel compassion
Calm the fears that haunt my dreams
You lead me on my special journey
Written on this heart of stone.
(c)2007 Steve Lowndes
As you can see I've opted for the song title Heart of Stone as a new working title.
Please feel free to comment on these lyrics as you feel called. I am incredibly open to suggestions.
Sunday, 21 January 2007
New Song - Written on my heart
Having recently joined a different church due to various family committments I had decided to lay low for a while. The minister supported the idea. Then came the shock! Thursday I received an email from him asking if I'd like to sing a song and talk about my work at this Sunday's meeting. A flood of thoughts and emotions came all at once. Aren't I supposed to be laying low? Wow I feel honoured. Are things on the move again? Am I ready for this? What should I sing? Should I sing?
Eventually I decided after everything Ian (my minister) had said I ought to try it and trust his judgement. Then came the readings and theme of the service. Now I realised I had a new problem. I neither had any of my own songs, or knew any other songs that complimented the theme. So as usual God intervened. It took about an hour this time but the original idea came in seconds. I applied a little song-craft and wrote every note down to make sure it stuck in my head. So here's the finished result.
Written on my heart
Steve Lowndes 20th July 2007
Here I stand with arms held wide
Nothing left for me to hide
Nothing hidden in my heart
You know my name
Here I stand and bow my head
Weeping at the words you’ve said
Weeping ‘cause of all I’ve done
You know my pain.
And you called me by name
To be a shining light in the dark
Lead me on and I will follow
Show me things I’ve never seen
Melt my heart to feel compassion
For a world of broken dreams
Lead me on and I will follow
By your Spirit make me shine
Showing Jesus’ love is written on my heart.
Prophets said the time would come
God would send a chosen one
Born to heal the broken hearts
And set them free.
Here You stand with arms held wide
Nail pierced hands and bleeding side
Washing all my sin away
Renewing me
And you called me by name
To be a shining light in the dark
Lead me on and I will follow
Show me things I’ve never seen
Melt my heart to feel compassion
For a world of broken dreams
Lead me on and I will follow
By your Spirit make me shine
Showing Jesus’ love is written on my heart.
Lead me on and I will follow
To a world of broken dreams
Who need Jesus’ love is written on their hearts.
Inspired by Nehemiah 8:1-12
and Luke 4:14-21
This mornings service was a blessing in so many ways. Apart from feeling useful, I felt God was able to use everyone in the service ina very real way. The reader read so well I thought he was an actor. The pianist was annointed. The minister spoke with authority guiding the congregation to Jesus. The congregation were receptive and open to hear God speak. I'm not saying it was a perfect service but it certainly was a blessing to everyone. I thank God for his grace in providing us mere mortals with the words that draw people to Himself.
Eventually I decided after everything Ian (my minister) had said I ought to try it and trust his judgement. Then came the readings and theme of the service. Now I realised I had a new problem. I neither had any of my own songs, or knew any other songs that complimented the theme. So as usual God intervened. It took about an hour this time but the original idea came in seconds. I applied a little song-craft and wrote every note down to make sure it stuck in my head. So here's the finished result.
Written on my heart
Steve Lowndes 20th July 2007
Here I stand with arms held wide
Nothing left for me to hide
Nothing hidden in my heart
You know my name
Here I stand and bow my head
Weeping at the words you’ve said
Weeping ‘cause of all I’ve done
You know my pain.
And you called me by name
To be a shining light in the dark
Lead me on and I will follow
Show me things I’ve never seen
Melt my heart to feel compassion
For a world of broken dreams
Lead me on and I will follow
By your Spirit make me shine
Showing Jesus’ love is written on my heart.
Prophets said the time would come
God would send a chosen one
Born to heal the broken hearts
And set them free.
Here You stand with arms held wide
Nail pierced hands and bleeding side
Washing all my sin away
Renewing me
And you called me by name
To be a shining light in the dark
Lead me on and I will follow
Show me things I’ve never seen
Melt my heart to feel compassion
For a world of broken dreams
Lead me on and I will follow
By your Spirit make me shine
Showing Jesus’ love is written on my heart.
Lead me on and I will follow
To a world of broken dreams
Who need Jesus’ love is written on their hearts.
Inspired by Nehemiah 8:1-12
and Luke 4:14-21
This mornings service was a blessing in so many ways. Apart from feeling useful, I felt God was able to use everyone in the service ina very real way. The reader read so well I thought he was an actor. The pianist was annointed. The minister spoke with authority guiding the congregation to Jesus. The congregation were receptive and open to hear God speak. I'm not saying it was a perfect service but it certainly was a blessing to everyone. I thank God for his grace in providing us mere mortals with the words that draw people to Himself.
Monday, 15 January 2007
New Year - New Hopes and Aspirations
If I were to say good riddance to 2006 it would be a bit harsh, but the truth is there are so many painful memories to leave behind from last year. Equally there were some real high points. Radio exposure on local radio and Rimmerama leading upto my visit to Chicago amongst the highs. The loss of our dear sister Stephanie to cancer leaving her little boy Jack without a mother and my wife without her dearest friend her little sister was definitely the lowest point.
Jack now lives with us which is a true blessing and 2007 brings hope that we can continue to forge an already strong relationship with him and help him to remember his mummy in a positive and edifying manner. We will always miss her dearly but know she is now with Jesus and no longer suffering. We long for the day when we shall meet again.
Professionally 2007 holds much hope for me personally too. December 2006 marked the end of a particularly difficult period of my career as a teacher of music. That now left behind I have so much to strive towards. New buildings, renewed vigour in delivering my subject and a new supportive head.
Faith issues include a move to Skegness Methodist church. I feel drawn to concentrate on a more low key approach to ministry at the moment, considering our emotional state it's probably a good thing. My main ministry right now is that of helping my family to grieve and heal. I shall of course continue to write and record whenever I feel called, but there is no urgency to release any further projects. I can wait God's time.
So farewell 2006 and welcome 2007 and all you have to offer. I await the new challenges you bring.
Jack now lives with us which is a true blessing and 2007 brings hope that we can continue to forge an already strong relationship with him and help him to remember his mummy in a positive and edifying manner. We will always miss her dearly but know she is now with Jesus and no longer suffering. We long for the day when we shall meet again.
Professionally 2007 holds much hope for me personally too. December 2006 marked the end of a particularly difficult period of my career as a teacher of music. That now left behind I have so much to strive towards. New buildings, renewed vigour in delivering my subject and a new supportive head.
Faith issues include a move to Skegness Methodist church. I feel drawn to concentrate on a more low key approach to ministry at the moment, considering our emotional state it's probably a good thing. My main ministry right now is that of helping my family to grieve and heal. I shall of course continue to write and record whenever I feel called, but there is no urgency to release any further projects. I can wait God's time.
So farewell 2006 and welcome 2007 and all you have to offer. I await the new challenges you bring.
Sunday, 17 December 2006
Lapland Trip For Jack
My Nephew Jack was nominated through Radio Lincolnshire Station to go on there trip to Lapland. He has just turned 4 & his mummy died in June so he really deserved this treat.
We departed from East Midlands at roughly 7am on Saturday Morning.
We were entertained on the flight by the fabulous Jeremy Spake. He really was perfect celebrity & all the Children loved him. His rendition of Jingle Bells made the Children laugh. He had us all singing & some Children were brave enough to do a Solo.
After arrival at Rovaniemi Airport we were taken by Coach to the Magical Forest. There was still a fair bit of snow there.
We had the opportunity to experience activities such as- Skidoos, Snow mobiles, reindeer rides, Husky ride, Toasting Marshmallows, Rudolph Baptism ceremony.
It was fantastic. I was asked by Veronica to speak live to Radio Lincolnshire whilst there after i had sent a text saying what a Fab time we were having.
Jack was filmed singing Rudolph Red Nosed Reindeer.
We then went to a Restuarant for Lunch & tried Reindeer meat & a selection of other gorgeous food. Santa & Rudolph arrived to a Chorus of Rudolph red nose Reindeer from the excited Children where they all received a gift of a Husky Dog.
When it was Jacks turn to see Santa his face was just beaming & after receiving his gift he sang rudolph to Santa. I was so proud of him.
We then went to Arctic Circle & had oppurtunity to browse the Shops for unique gifts. I was disappointed because the Post Office was closed which a lot of the Children were looking forward to.
The Snow had almost gone there & it was very icy.
Then it was back on the coach to the Airport, Homeward bound.
As we were sat waiting for take off, Jack was looking at the Stars & he said - I knew you was with me Mummy. i had a tear in my eye.
On the flight home all the Children were given a £10 gift Voucher, a Reindeer licence & a bag of oodies courtesy of Radio Lincolnshire.
We had quite a lot of turbulence on the way home & i felt unwell so was pleased when we landed at East Midlands.
A very special day but a very long one & there were lots of Happy but very tired children.
Everyone of them was a local hero & it was a truly magical day for them.
Its a day Jack & I will never forget. I know my Sister would have been really proud of her little Boy.
There are so many people to Thank - all the Presenters & crew at Radio Lincolnshire, the BBC, the Tour Guide on coaches, the Airline Stewardesses & Crew, all the listeners who donated to the Gold appeal, of whom made it possible for these Heroes to go, my friend Georgina Fox who nominated Jack, Jeremy Spake & all the special Children who went.
Last person to thank is my Nephew Jack for being such a good boy despite being really tired.
Its certainly a day Jack & I will never ever forget.
Thank you Radio Lincolnshire.
Written by Tamara
Thursday, 7 December 2006
The Little Frog
Hubert was a frog. Just a little frog, but a big dreamer. One day Hubert was sat on his lily pad, watching the flies buzz past, wondering what life had in store for him. Then he remembered the fairy story of how a frog was kissed by a beautiful princess, and 'KAPOW!!!' he became the most handsome prince ever seen. The princess fell madly in love with him and they got married. He eventually became a king and was soon the richest man in the land.
"I wish I was that prince." he thought.
That night Hubert curled up on his lily pad and dreamt of becoming a prince. Sure enough he soon saw a beautiful young lady walking up to his pond. As she bent down to look at her reflection, Hubert said hello in his own special froggy way, "Ribbet". He startled the princess so much that she screamed, "Aaaaaaaargh!!!" and ran off as quickly as she could. He woke at the sound of the scream (well you would too at a scream like that). "That dream didn't turn out too well!" he thought.
Next morning Hubert woke thinking about the dream and said to himself, "Well, I quite like who I am really, but I maybe it would be good if I could find something more interesting to eat than flies." They tickle as you swallow them you know. He imagined all sorts of dishes all day long; fly soup, deep fried flies, fly cake and, his favourite, ice-cream fly surprise.
"I wish I was a famous chef." He thought.
Curled up on his lily pad that night he begun to dream. You've guessed it, he found himself in an amazing kitchen filled with gleaming pots and pans. All around
him he saw the most fabulous feasts and marvellous morsels. The finest food you could ever dream of . Then he saw loads of chefs all looking at him with interest. Rather too much interest he thought. Then he remembered HE WAS A FROG!!!! He woke suddenly from his dream - HE WAS THE NEXT ITEM ON THE MENU!!!!
It was a moonlit night as Hubert lay there thinking about why he couldn't even dream dreams with a happy ending. He noticed a large tree on a hill. How I wish I was that tree he thought. How much it must have seen through the years. How much change, how many seasons been and gone.
As he wondered a strange thing happened. He found himself in a stable looking at a manger filled with straw. Nearby a young woman had just given birth and a man carefully laid the baby in the manger.
"I wish I was that manger," Hubert thought, "so I could cradle that baby."
Next, he was in a room staring at a big table. Friends sat around it with worried expressions, all looking towards one man. He was passing some bread and a cup of wine around the table.
"I wish I was that table," he thought "then I could hear what they were talking about."
Finally, he saw the tree once more, but this time a man was hanging from it, beaten and stripped. Yet through his agony the man's eyes seemed to burrow deep into Hubert's soul, He felt loved.
Before he realised it, it was morning and as he opened his eyes he saw the tree, empty, on the hill. And he realised that the baby in the manger, the man at the table and the dying man were all the same man. Then he wondered if the baby knew his future or had his own dreams. He wondered, if the man sharing a meal with his friends know what was going to happen to him. The he remembered him hanging on the tree and how he knew everything about him. He knew Hubert's dreams and frustrations, hopes and disappointments. And for all his faults the man chose to love him for who he was.
"I wish I knew I knew that man," Hubert thought "then I would know why he loved me."
At Christmas time with all the glitz and glamour of Santa and Christmas trees, lights and decorations, it's all too easy to forget about Jesus. We remember the baby in a manger and feel holding that image in our minds. It's easy to love a baby. We often forget about his time on earth and how he sought to heal the spiritually and physically sick people he encountered. His teachings have hugely influenced generation after generation and still do today. But consider Jesus dying a cruel, agonising death nailed to a cross is all to much for us to bear during a carol service. The stark reality is - that's what Christmas is all about. God became a man to live with us, to die for us, to take away the sin that separates us from knowing God. In Jesus we can find forgiveness, not just at Christmas but at any other time of the year.
Hubert thought, "I wish I knew this man."
What about you?
"I wish I was that prince." he thought.
That night Hubert curled up on his lily pad and dreamt of becoming a prince. Sure enough he soon saw a beautiful young lady walking up to his pond. As she bent down to look at her reflection, Hubert said hello in his own special froggy way, "Ribbet". He startled the princess so much that she screamed, "Aaaaaaaargh!!!" and ran off as quickly as she could. He woke at the sound of the scream (well you would too at a scream like that). "That dream didn't turn out too well!" he thought.
Next morning Hubert woke thinking about the dream and said to himself, "Well, I quite like who I am really, but I maybe it would be good if I could find something more interesting to eat than flies." They tickle as you swallow them you know. He imagined all sorts of dishes all day long; fly soup, deep fried flies, fly cake and, his favourite, ice-cream fly surprise.
"I wish I was a famous chef." He thought.
Curled up on his lily pad that night he begun to dream. You've guessed it, he found himself in an amazing kitchen filled with gleaming pots and pans. All around
him he saw the most fabulous feasts and marvellous morsels. The finest food you could ever dream of . Then he saw loads of chefs all looking at him with interest. Rather too much interest he thought. Then he remembered HE WAS A FROG!!!! He woke suddenly from his dream - HE WAS THE NEXT ITEM ON THE MENU!!!!
It was a moonlit night as Hubert lay there thinking about why he couldn't even dream dreams with a happy ending. He noticed a large tree on a hill. How I wish I was that tree he thought. How much it must have seen through the years. How much change, how many seasons been and gone.
As he wondered a strange thing happened. He found himself in a stable looking at a manger filled with straw. Nearby a young woman had just given birth and a man carefully laid the baby in the manger.
"I wish I was that manger," Hubert thought, "so I could cradle that baby."
Next, he was in a room staring at a big table. Friends sat around it with worried expressions, all looking towards one man. He was passing some bread and a cup of wine around the table.
"I wish I was that table," he thought "then I could hear what they were talking about."
Finally, he saw the tree once more, but this time a man was hanging from it, beaten and stripped. Yet through his agony the man's eyes seemed to burrow deep into Hubert's soul, He felt loved.
Before he realised it, it was morning and as he opened his eyes he saw the tree, empty, on the hill. And he realised that the baby in the manger, the man at the table and the dying man were all the same man. Then he wondered if the baby knew his future or had his own dreams. He wondered, if the man sharing a meal with his friends know what was going to happen to him. The he remembered him hanging on the tree and how he knew everything about him. He knew Hubert's dreams and frustrations, hopes and disappointments. And for all his faults the man chose to love him for who he was.
"I wish I knew I knew that man," Hubert thought "then I would know why he loved me."
At Christmas time with all the glitz and glamour of Santa and Christmas trees, lights and decorations, it's all too easy to forget about Jesus. We remember the baby in a manger and feel holding that image in our minds. It's easy to love a baby. We often forget about his time on earth and how he sought to heal the spiritually and physically sick people he encountered. His teachings have hugely influenced generation after generation and still do today. But consider Jesus dying a cruel, agonising death nailed to a cross is all to much for us to bear during a carol service. The stark reality is - that's what Christmas is all about. God became a man to live with us, to die for us, to take away the sin that separates us from knowing God. In Jesus we can find forgiveness, not just at Christmas but at any other time of the year.
Hubert thought, "I wish I knew this man."
What about you?
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