©2009-
Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. Music Makers sessions are normally so loud and busy that it’s hard to chat for too long and get to know each other well. Strange as it may seem to those who’ve been coming to Music Makers for years, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself properly to you. It’s odd that we can encounter each other often – yet still not really KNOW each others’ stories.
I come from London. I grew up with a sort of Christian background. I lived with my Mum and brother and though I now support Chelsea Football Club from an armchair, when I was younger I worked at the football ground and run some ‘away’ coaches. I was also very involved in our local Baptist Church. At 12, I accepted Jesus into my life – an important turning point. Since then I’ve known highs – and lows – in my Christian life.
After Simon and I married we moved to the New Forest where we lived for seven years. We arrived in Portsmouth in February 2000 and Jonah was born a month later. (We already had twin girls - Gemma and Megan – aged three). People who know me say I’m always on the go. I look forward to the times it quietens down – but I then normally arrange something else to project manage. (For example, over the last couple of weeks I have been ‘transforming’ my house (!) as well as organising the Pink evening.) I don’t often get time to stop and sit still. That’s not always a good thing as it’s then God can speak into our lives - and be heard. Just recently, I have been looking at a book called ‘ How to become the woman God wants me to be’, which has been challenging and fairly life-changing. This book again raises the issue of spending time alone with God to listen. But me? I’m not very good at stopping!
Last Sunday - 16 th November - we looked at the Bible 
passage from the book of Romans chapter 10 verses 8-17 in church. It talks about having confidence in Jesus Christ. Verse 9 says, “For if you confess with your mouth and believe in your heart – you will be saved". I felt challenged - and passionately believe God was emphasising to me the need to pass onto others my trust and love for Him. (As I’m a firm believer in friendship, and always want to be friends with everyone, I don’t lack people to share this good news with!) In nine years of running Music Makers with Mandy, I feel privileged that I can be so much a part of children’s formative years. It’s a fantastic joy to see those children - some now taller than me - at school and clubs and still have the opportunity to chat to them.
passage from the book of Romans chapter 10 verses 8-
My brain doesn’t retain extensive knowledge – such as Bible facts – which can be frustrating. BUT - God has blessed me with a fabulous memory for faces and names. I ‘know’ God in my heart and spirit and believe it’s through His presence in my life that I have got through all kinds of experiences. I have an understanding that to me surpasses any book that I could read: I know that I am loved completely – whole-heartedly - and accepted just as I am. What more could anybody want?
I don’t imagine for one minute that, after reading this, you’ll rush up to me to find out more about my God. But – I would encourage you to ponder: Do you know that there is someone who loves you completely? Warts and all? (Please believe me, there are many warts on me!). I want my life to be one that affects others. Not in a high-profile way. But just in a way that may have made people think. I am really working on that time alone with God - having realised I need to meet with God if I really want to affect the lives of others.
Thanks again for your time. Vanessa xx