Memory Walk

All over Britain on Saturday 10th of September 2016, thousands of people joined together with one common cause, to walk to raise awareness and money for the Alzheimer's society who are fighting for a world without dementia. Many people had messages pinned to their back in support of a loved one. My daughter Hannah decided she would like to do this walk, the short one, (as I have dementia) this is a milestone for my daughter who has in the past been extremely ill and still is ill you can read her story here, Hannah Blavins.

I said that I would walk with her and so the Bacon’s ramblers were formed compromising myself, my daughter Hannah and her son Stanley (15 months old). We did one or two walks over the weeks leading up to it in preparation and then the day arrived and they picked me up at half nine in the morning so that we would be on time.

Then poor Stanley was really quite sick, we had to pull into a housing estate to get him cleaned up. Phil dropped us off and took Stanley home. Neither of us have done anything like this before and we are both quite nervous in crowds as it can make us ill. We prayed before setting off and in confidence that all would be well we set off. We got wetter and wetter and the rain continued to pour down, did this dampen our spirits? It did not. It was so lovely to see people along the way cheering us on, encouraging us and wherever we were we could hear the music from the main field which lightened our steps.

Memory Walk

I decide I wouldn’t take my camera as I didn’t want the walk to take longer than necessary, I did take some photos on my phone (I just can’t help myself, you can see them on the above Memory Walk link) and of course when we came to water I had no choice but to stop and take some photos, (there was a heron) and at the old tree, and of the fungi, and of Wollaton Hall, apart from that I did very well. Hannah and I sang, danced and enjoyed the scenery. And having accomplished our goal we set off for home, first on the bus to Nottingham and then to Ripley (Hannah has never done such a journey on a bus). My daughter Sarah met us in Ripley and took us to our homes. So far our friends and family members have generously donated £360, for which we are very grateful.

When I got home I had my tea and slept for almost fourteen hours, I was absolutely fatigued but oh it was so worthwhile. :) 

I thought about the wonderful encouragement we received before and during the event, there were people willing to stand in the rain and cheer us all on. Being a Christian it made me realise again just how important it is for us to help one another, encourage one another, build one another up in the faith. No matter what we are going through ourselves, we will have storms in our life, just because you are a Christian that doesn’t mean that your life is going to be a bed of roses on the contrary, scripture tells us we will have troubles and trials. But we are to love one another, bear one another’s burdens, weep with those who weep, and comfort those with the same comfort that we have received. You may not be a preacher, teacher, singer, play an instrument, leader or any other such ministry but you can encourage. Think of someone today who you can encourage perhaps with a phone call, a letter, a visit, or just a listening ear. Or maybe they need your prayers, tell them you will pray for them and commit to do so. How blessed we are ourselves when we are a blessing to others.

Christine and Annice our dear sisters who have gone on to be with the Lord

Be Protected

Monday is the day I visit my eldest daughter and her two boys, Noah and Huey. Normally I go for tea and spend a couple of hours with them, but during the summer holidays we have had a little more time. A couple of week ago we had mama Monday with a difference. They came over to pick me up staying for a little while before going to their house for tea. It was another glorious summer day so we decided to go out after tea when it was a little cooler.

Sarah put the boy’s bikes in the car and after a tea of pasta bake (chosen by Huey) we set off for Straws Bridge in Ilkeston so that the boys could ride their bikes along part of the Nutbrook trail. As we got out of the car there right in front of us was a water vole, I just didn't have time to get out my camera though before he was gone. The usual water fowl greeted us looking for a treat. There are swans, ducks, coots etc on the small but beautiful oasis along a busy road. 

There are three ponds close to one another, it really is a beautiful place to sit, relax and enjoy the scenery. There were the usual dog walkers, walkers without dogs, bike riders, runners, and of course serious photographers.

We didn't stay around the lake, Sarah got the boys bikes out of the car and we set off, Sarah and I walking the boys riding. Along the trail I found something interesting, (or so I thought) I have no idea what it is.

But of course then I had to speed up to catch up the bike riders. Noah stopped occasionally for us to catch up. There are small ponds along the route and also a stream. 

One thing I hadn't done before coming out was to spray myself with insect repellent. 

For some reason known only to the insects I am a favourite meal. When we had covered about a mile we turned to come back when they struck, three insects I swatted away off my arm, I honesty thought I'd caught them but no the next morning there they were great red lumps, sore and itching. After applying Anthisan they disappeared after a week, without that I am in real trouble and plagued for quite a while with constant itching.

I thoroughly enjoyed my walk with the boys even though I had been bitten but it would have been better if I had had a little forethought and applied the insect repellent.

As Christians we are warned in the Bible about the fiery darts of the devil, he aims to distract us from our walk with the Lord and if possible make us ineffectual for the kingdom. This isn’t just an annoying something this is spiritual warfare, you can’t just swat it away and rub on a bit of something to make you feel better! We are to have on the whole armour of God, the shield of faith which will stop his fiery arrows doing damage to our spiritual life. There are all sorts of arrows which come our way, temptations, distractions with friends and family which he will use,  problems at work, false teachings. Doubts he will fire at you, fears he will fire at you and all manner of other things, but if we have the shield of faith we will disarm these flights of fire that he sends to discourage us and make us spiritually weak.

A Christian on His knees in communion with His Father, trusting in His divine power and sovereignty will not be put to flight on the contrary it will be the devil himself that will be put to flight. Hold that shield at all times, and do not waver for we are on the victory side.

Enjoy your walk and fellowship with the Lord but make sure you are always protected. Ephesians 6:10-20.