Latest news
14/06/06
Hi there folks,
Well it’s been a while since I’ve done any real updating to this page so I thought I’d fill you in on the latest!
Since my last entry on this page life hasn’t exactly been easy, but God has been looking after me. My move away from the Northeast, which was a possibility in September 05, never happened – but that’s ok. It was a disappointment at the time, but I am convinced that it was right for me to stay put... at least for now.
I have been working hard since September in various schools and colleges (mainly F.E Colleges though) teaching Singing to individuals/groups/choirs etc. It’s fun and keeps me busy... I love the wide variety of people I get to work with, aged from 6 – 60 (ish). Some very well behaved, some very moody, and full of attitude teenagers. I love them all, especially the teens with attitude – you see, you can channel that into their performances and singing. The results can be so rewarding, only problem is that they hardly ever appreciate the lengths you go to - to ensure that they do well.
My house is slowly starting to get completely sorted out, I moved in 14 months ago and I still haven’t decorated!! Things are beginning to be fully unpacked now though... It’s amazing how much rubbish you cart about with you isn’t it? My friend and I took two car loads of absolute rubbish to the skip yesterday. It felt good to de-clutter just a little bit!!
In terms of Faith, I have to say life has been difficult for a good 6 months or so. It’s been hard. It’s weird how you can stand up against huge adversities and still be strong in your faith, yet one very small simple doubt can creep in and create havoc. Unfair circumstances, and observing the way people are capable of mistreating each other has not helped my peace of mind either. That, small doubts which grow, and temptations coming along at the worst possible time have made life a bit hard.
However... Like the songs says He is, ‘with me all of the time!’ Whether I feel it or not - I know that I know that I know He is God and my life belongs to him. There is comfort in that, although it’s hard to know it all of the time. Although I don’t feel strong - I know he is, and he’s the one carrying me whether life is going well or whether I’m struggling to persevere. As the song Stacie Orrico sings says, ‘Is he not Strong Enough?’ Oh yes he is!
In terms of Music and another album... I know it’s coming up to two years (in June) since Orange Sky was released, and I’m hoping another album will be on it’s way at some point this year. It’s frustrating not knowing exactly what’s happening with this... especially when people keep asking me ‘when’s album two coming out Jayne!’ all I can say is watch this space and keep an eye on my blog for further info on that - and for any gigs I may be doing. As soon as I know, I’ll post the details!!
Well in a nutshell that’s my news really, work is interesting, faith has been hard, But God is good and I’m blessed to have some great friends who are awesome!
Well I’ll stop there for now. Take care and book me to come and do a concert at your Church!!
God Bless
Jayne
15/08/05
Well, so much has changed since this web page was uploaded just over a year ago!! Not only in the 'Orange Sky' part of my life but in many other areas too. Apologies to those people who have been checking the website regularly for updated information, only to find that the website had not been changed. This is down to the fact that life has been so fast paced that I have had no time to get updates sent through to be uploaded onto the site. Life has not really calmed down much but I have managed to find some time to get some words down to keep you up to date!
Firstly a word of thanks to those of you who have taken the time to email me and encourage me... it means a lot - thank you! And those of you who have taken the time and effort to come and support me at gigs - thank you too.
I have had a few emails and questions at gigs about the next album, the honest answer is that I don't really know when it will be released. I feel that most of the material is written (which some of you have heard at my gigs) and it's just a matter of discussing it with the record company and agreeing a release date. Hopefully it wont be too far in the future... keep watching this space!
Unfortunately I have not really had the time to do as much writing as I would've liked to, but regardless of my intense busyness the songs still manage to find their way out of me and onto paper (or the nearest thing I can find to write on)!
As far as everything else non 'Orange Sky' goes, it's all change in the world of Jayne!! As well as doing other things, I have been mainly working at Darlington College for the past two years, teaching BTEC Music performance (Rock and Pop). Unfortunately this has recently come to an end. Sadly, cuts to funding has meant that the college has had to cut down on its provision. Despite a very good Ofsted inspection, the college decided that our department should be axed, much to student and staff confusion and disappointment. I could go on and on about that so I will stop myself right now!! I loved being there, the staff team was awesome and the students... well what can I say - I loved them. It was very difficult having to say goodbye to these young people, and to know that I will no longer be working with a group of staff who were more like family than work colleagues.
However, this has come to an end and this means that I am really looking to God to guide me regarding my future. I have options, but it's so difficult to know which is the right one to take!! Also, now that I have my own house, I can't really afford to take it slow and easy with the decision making process! I know that God will look after me though so I am not too worried; the disappearance of this job could be just the kick I have needed to go full steam ahead with other things... and that is what I intend to do! Onwards and upwards, people!!!
Personally, life has been hard... it's been a difficult six months or so. There have been lots of pressures at work (Ofsted - all you teachers know what I’m saying!). Also I've been working hard to complete my teaching qualification (yes!! It's done Wohooo!! - I’m now Jayne Lewis BA, PGCE). This has been stressful too, and buying a house on top of this has been such a worry - not to mention other personal pressures.
But, God is good at all times, so at all times I have a reason to be positive and thankful to him. Which I am. He has brought me to a place where I can re-evaluate my life and it's purpose, and move on to the next exciting chapter he has in store for me - who knows what could unfold!! I'll keep you posted!!
So, in a nutshell, that's what's being going on in the life of Jayne, and who knows what the future holds?!!
Hopefully I'll be touring the UK towards the end of the summer doing concerts anywhere and everywhere - if you think your church would be interested in hosting a concert then why notcontact me and I can give you more details.
Also, check out my blog. This is where I write about whatever I feel like writing about. I'll put details of concerts etc on this page too... check it out, and post a comment to me if you like.
Thanks for visiting my site!
20/04/04
I am so thankful to God for his love for me and for the amazing blessings he has poured out on my life. He has done so much for me, in me and with me... I am nothing at all without him.
I've never been what you could call outstandingly special- you know, one of those people who everyone notices. I'm just your average girl with big dreams and God on my side! The only way I have been able to live some of my dreams is because of God. He has provided me with opportunities to serve, to grow, to learn (and to make some mistakes along the way!). I'm so grateful to God for providing me with those opportunities and for giving me supportive family (cheers Mam!), friends (you know who you are!!) and a very encouraging church family too.
If you have a dream that God has planted in your heart, hold on to it, pray, and believe that he will bring it on at the right time... His time. The wait might be frustrating and painful, but I've discovered it's at these times when God is building your character, and that is so important. Someone said to me once, 'don't let your talent take you somewhere that your character can't handle.' Wise words I think. We all need to stay close to God and allow him to be constantly working on us, in us and through us.
I think I'll sum it up and leave you with these words:
It started with a dream;
the fragile dream of a scared young girl.
She was determined not to believe
in the lies that told her it could never be.Then someone told her,
'you can be whatever he meant you to be
and do whatever he says you can do.
Don't settle for mediocrity,
don't sell out on your dreams.
Give it your all.'
So she did and she discovered that...Fragile dreams can be made into reality.
Just hand your hopes and dreams to him.It starts with a dream,
A fragile dream you dare to envision.
Don't give in and believe in the lies
that will tell you it could never be.Let me tell you:
You can be whatever he meant you to be
and do whatever he says you can do.
Don't settle for mediocrity,
don't sell out on your dreams.
Give it your all,
and you will discover that...Fragile dreams can be made into reality.
Just hand your hopes and dreams to him.For He can and He will do immeasurably more than all you could ask or imagine.
Yes, He can and He will do immeasurably more than all you could ask or imagine.