My health has not been good the past few month so my apologies to anyone out there who follows this blog.
It was lovely today,to get out in the park and woods.There's nothing like a bit of sun and a few green shoots to make you feel better. I'm always amazed that the snowdrops survive the winter and manage to poke their little delicate heads through the soil and leaves. It makes me have hope that no matter what happens, life goes on and it is just as beautiful as it ever was.
Monday, 14 February 2011
Thursday, 22 July 2010
Monday, 19 July 2010
Oak Trees
I discovered a beautiful old oak tree on my daily walk. It must be very old as it's about 50 feet high - maybe 2 to 3 hundred years old. I couldn't help thinking about what this tree had seen in it's long life. All that history and maybe personal stories of people who had sheltered under it, or had picnics there, maybe even had a first kiss.... And then all the weather it has withstood and yet it is still there, strong and healthy.
I guess there will come a time when it dies, it can't live forever and we can't rely on it to be there always. It got me thinking about God and how He's always there and always will be. In the storms of life he will shelter us under his branches, in the good times He will rejoice with us. He never leaves us or forsakes us. His love and strength are forever.
I guess there will come a time when it dies, it can't live forever and we can't rely on it to be there always. It got me thinking about God and how He's always there and always will be. In the storms of life he will shelter us under his branches, in the good times He will rejoice with us. He never leaves us or forsakes us. His love and strength are forever.
Wednesday, 12 May 2010
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Skylarks
While walking the dog today I heard a skylark - the first in a long time. It reminded me of my Dad and the walks we used to have after mass on Sundays. We'd walk for miles, down lanes, in woods, looking for treasure. I learned a lot about nature on those walks - the names of plants and birds and other animals, and I'll never forget the feel of blackbirds eggs in a nest, all warm and smooth.
Today I was thinking about people who don't have any belief in God or the afterlife. How can you not believe in an afterlife when all of nature is self renewing? The bluebells are coming out here, yet a month ago there was no sign of them. They were in the earth just waiting for the right time to burst forth - and they do it every year without fail. When they've flowered they produce seed that falls in the earth. The seed is nothing like a bluebell, yet out of something plain and ordinary looking a beautiful flower emerges! Just think then how beautiful we will be when we are in heaven. It reminds me also of a very old hymn we sing in the Catholic church, a couple of lines are - "love is come again like wheat that springeth green"
It was lovely to remember my Dad and think of him renewed in heaven.
Today I was thinking about people who don't have any belief in God or the afterlife. How can you not believe in an afterlife when all of nature is self renewing? The bluebells are coming out here, yet a month ago there was no sign of them. They were in the earth just waiting for the right time to burst forth - and they do it every year without fail. When they've flowered they produce seed that falls in the earth. The seed is nothing like a bluebell, yet out of something plain and ordinary looking a beautiful flower emerges! Just think then how beautiful we will be when we are in heaven. It reminds me also of a very old hymn we sing in the Catholic church, a couple of lines are - "love is come again like wheat that springeth green"
It was lovely to remember my Dad and think of him renewed in heaven.
Saturday, 10 April 2010
Daffodils
I was looking around a garden centre yesterday and spotted some of my favourite daffodils. These particular ones are minature and their petals all face backwards - I call them skater daffodils because they remind me of skaters on the ice with their hands behind their backs, skating as the wind blows their petals backwards.They almost look like they should have little scarves around their slender necks!!! But more seriously, they remind me that whatever life throws at us we should skate on with our faces set as flint, in the certain knowledge that God is with us, He will never leave us, or forsake us and He will bring us through.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
New start
Who would have thought my life would change so much? As the new year unfolded we were offered a new bungalow by the local council. We are not retired and were not expecting this, but the bungalow is too good to miss and we're on the move.
Sometimes, when we are at the end of resources, God moves and takes over. This is how I see this provision of a new home
About 30 years ago when we were out driving we passed the house we are now in and I said," Wouldn't it be lovely to have that house". We were living in a tied cottage at the time and had had to do a lot of work to it to make it "home". This house was also tied but in very good condition. That year we had to move for work - no work in Thatcher's world at the time, so we got on our bikes and moved away from family and friend. For two years I prayed to return home and had faith that God would bring us back.
Then, my husband applied for a job and he got it - it was back home and in the very house that I had admired.
A few years ago when we were playing with the children at a local village park, I admired another home. And now, true to his promise, God has given us a forever home. And, guess what, it's the one I had admired and is so perfect for us. We are not retired yet, but when God moves you have to follow. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness to us and for your provision of our forever home.
Sometimes, when we are at the end of resources, God moves and takes over. This is how I see this provision of a new home
About 30 years ago when we were out driving we passed the house we are now in and I said," Wouldn't it be lovely to have that house". We were living in a tied cottage at the time and had had to do a lot of work to it to make it "home". This house was also tied but in very good condition. That year we had to move for work - no work in Thatcher's world at the time, so we got on our bikes and moved away from family and friend. For two years I prayed to return home and had faith that God would bring us back.
Then, my husband applied for a job and he got it - it was back home and in the very house that I had admired.
A few years ago when we were playing with the children at a local village park, I admired another home. And now, true to his promise, God has given us a forever home. And, guess what, it's the one I had admired and is so perfect for us. We are not retired yet, but when God moves you have to follow. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness to us and for your provision of our forever home.
Friday, 8 January 2010
Snow
Well, the snow is here once again and a New Year is upon us. I often get reflective at this time of year - what have I done or not done, my hopes and wishes for this year, and thinking of those who are no longer with us.Looking in my garden and watching the snow fall softly to the ground, I'm reminded of the carol "Oh little town of Bethlehem,one of my favourites. I know it didn't snow in Bethlehem on that first Christmas - that doesn't matter. But the silence that is all around because of the blanket of snow makes me think of the line..."how silently, how silently the wondrous gift is given.." And, indeed the wondrous gift of Jesus was given in that way. There was no newspaper headlines, no special News At
Ten announcement, nothing that alerted the world that God was indeed with us.
And yet over 2000 years later we still remember that day and celebrate. I pray that this new year we all remember that God is with us day by day. That He is available to anyone at any time - especially in those silent moments.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Auntie Connie.
I have mentioned before about my Auntie Connie being ill. The sad news is that she died on Tuesday morning. She was ready as she had left a note with funeral arrangements etc.
I feel sad for my cousin and her family, their loss is profound. I thank God for Auntie Connie and it blesses me to know she is with God and those family members who have gone to be with the Lord before her. Thank you Lord that she was part of my life and is safe with you.
I feel sad for my cousin and her family, their loss is profound. I thank God for Auntie Connie and it blesses me to know she is with God and those family members who have gone to be with the Lord before her. Thank you Lord that she was part of my life and is safe with you.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Our second home
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The cottage we have been going to for 23 years. Our children had all their holidays here and we hope one day to take our grandchildren.
Holiday
Just back from our annual holiday in Wales. We've been going there for 23 years now and mostly to the same cottage which is more beautiful and peaceful every year. It is a place that inspires me and makes me truly appreciate God's creation, His provision and His faithfulness.
This year we were robbed of our holiday money for the cottage, and though not destitute, it would have left us scrimping and scraping for every penny. But God is good and forever faithful as we recieved an anonymous £200 in the church collection, we sold our trailer tent which had been for sale for about two years and my husband got a well deserved pay rise - all in the same week before the holiday!! It all came to the amount we needed for the cottage! We thank God for His provision and for the obedience of that one person who was prompted to give us the £200 with God's blessing.
This year we were robbed of our holiday money for the cottage, and though not destitute, it would have left us scrimping and scraping for every penny. But God is good and forever faithful as we recieved an anonymous £200 in the church collection, we sold our trailer tent which had been for sale for about two years and my husband got a well deserved pay rise - all in the same week before the holiday!! It all came to the amount we needed for the cottage! We thank God for His provision and for the obedience of that one person who was prompted to give us the £200 with God's blessing.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
Monday, 17 August 2009
Grandchildren
How easy it is to give grandchildren gifts and money, or sit them in front of a DVD or game console - and they'll love you for it - but will the memory of it stay in their mind for very long?
This last weekend we took our grandchildren on an adventure up their first mountain.
As we walked we were able to talk to each one individually about their lives, hobbies experiences, and they were able to ask questions about the countryside, Wales, wildflowers and trees as well as grandad teaching them about maps and compasses. We laughed a lot - especially when I fell in the heather and got grumpy. We got wet, muddy and very tired and at the very end they voted to go the extra mile to the summit and made it. We were very proud of them and they were happy to have done it.
Time is the greatest gift you can give to anyone, not just grandchildren. I'm sure our grandchildren will remember it for many years to come.
This last weekend we took our grandchildren on an adventure up their first mountain.
As we walked we were able to talk to each one individually about their lives, hobbies experiences, and they were able to ask questions about the countryside, Wales, wildflowers and trees as well as grandad teaching them about maps and compasses. We laughed a lot - especially when I fell in the heather and got grumpy. We got wet, muddy and very tired and at the very end they voted to go the extra mile to the summit and made it. We were very proud of them and they were happy to have done it.
Time is the greatest gift you can give to anyone, not just grandchildren. I'm sure our grandchildren will remember it for many years to come.
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
My Godmother
My Godmother is 81 and in poor health. After visiting her a couple of weeks ago I started reflecting on her life and the family's lives as she is also my Auntie and now find myself longing for more time with her as there are so many questions I'd like to ask her.
Our older relatives hold so much wisdom and knowledge and stories about our family. Sometimes they're funny memories, sometimes sad, but most of all they teach us a lot about ourselves and how we came to be the way we are.
I don't think my Godmother can share so much now but it has made me realise how precious she is and how she helped during my upbringing and especially how she always encouraged me to go to Mass and have a relationship with God. She has been a constant strength to me and a bolthole in my teenage years when I needed to get away and just be.
Iwill miss her when she's gone, but I know she'll be up there praying for me and looking out for me.
Cherish your older relatives and visit them often before it's too late.
Our older relatives hold so much wisdom and knowledge and stories about our family. Sometimes they're funny memories, sometimes sad, but most of all they teach us a lot about ourselves and how we came to be the way we are.
I don't think my Godmother can share so much now but it has made me realise how precious she is and how she helped during my upbringing and especially how she always encouraged me to go to Mass and have a relationship with God. She has been a constant strength to me and a bolthole in my teenage years when I needed to get away and just be.
Iwill miss her when she's gone, but I know she'll be up there praying for me and looking out for me.
Cherish your older relatives and visit them often before it's too late.
Tuesday, 4 August 2009
A Poem
When the land lies silent,
and all around
the coldness and stillness
of a Winter's Eve
envelops us.
Then,
I think we are in God's hands.
He holds us
and warms us
in His embrace.
He thaws the cold heart
and puts life into
withered limbs.
He puts a hope
in the hearts of the lost,
and joy into those
who are despairing.
He infuses us
with the promise
of a Spring to come.
He makes our eyes eager
for the first green shoots,
the first buds of blossom
on the willow,
and our ears strain
for the sound of a skylark
and the bleat of a lamb.
It is on evenings like these
that I know we are safe.
That our worries are needless,
for He holds us in His plan
and He loves us.
Ann Baxter
and all around
the coldness and stillness
of a Winter's Eve
envelops us.
Then,
I think we are in God's hands.
He holds us
and warms us
in His embrace.
He thaws the cold heart
and puts life into
withered limbs.
He puts a hope
in the hearts of the lost,
and joy into those
who are despairing.
He infuses us
with the promise
of a Spring to come.
He makes our eyes eager
for the first green shoots,
the first buds of blossom
on the willow,
and our ears strain
for the sound of a skylark
and the bleat of a lamb.
It is on evenings like these
that I know we are safe.
That our worries are needless,
for He holds us in His plan
and He loves us.
Ann Baxter
Friday, 24 July 2009
Wednesday, 15 July 2009
Mountains
Mountains are beautiful and awesome - beautiful to look at and awesome to climb! I found out a great deal about my character when I started climbing. It really reveals to you who you really are, and sometimes that's a revelation , sometimes a disappointment.
I found I was very enthusiastic at the beginning but as the miles went on I was grouchy and whingy and not very nice at all! I made it to the summit, but I also learned a lot about myself and of ways to change.
The experience taught me that,if possible, I should pick my mountains carefully so I didn't overwhelm myself. Just as in life, we should learn to say no sometimes to situations and people who want something from us.
As for those mountains that we can't avoid or say no to - we should pace ourselves, take enough liquid and food with us on the journey and persevere until the end - hopefully without whinging!
I'm also reminded of the children's story book, "We're Going On A Bear Hunt".... we can't go over it, we can't go under it .. oh no, we have to go through it!! Sometimes we do have to go through things, but if we make provision for ourselves , put one foot in front of the other and just keep going, we CAN reach the summit of whatever life throws at us.
I found I was very enthusiastic at the beginning but as the miles went on I was grouchy and whingy and not very nice at all! I made it to the summit, but I also learned a lot about myself and of ways to change.
The experience taught me that,if possible, I should pick my mountains carefully so I didn't overwhelm myself. Just as in life, we should learn to say no sometimes to situations and people who want something from us.
As for those mountains that we can't avoid or say no to - we should pace ourselves, take enough liquid and food with us on the journey and persevere until the end - hopefully without whinging!
I'm also reminded of the children's story book, "We're Going On A Bear Hunt".... we can't go over it, we can't go under it .. oh no, we have to go through it!! Sometimes we do have to go through things, but if we make provision for ourselves , put one foot in front of the other and just keep going, we CAN reach the summit of whatever life throws at us.
Saturday, 11 July 2009
Gran Torino
Just watched the movie Gran Torino starring Clint Eastwood and cried buckets! Why is it that some films do that to us? My theory is that the film taps into something in our unconcious that
we have experienced and opens up that emotion. What do you think?
I've always loved films and the cinema and my favourite films always have a message or move me in some way. I like to go out of the cinema changed for the better in some way.
Films also have the power to inform us and to encourage discussions. I recently watched The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas with my granddaughter and we were able to discuss what happened to Jewish people, among others, in Nazi Germany. It was a subject she didn't know about and one which wouldn't have naturally come up in conversation.
we have experienced and opens up that emotion. What do you think?
I've always loved films and the cinema and my favourite films always have a message or move me in some way. I like to go out of the cinema changed for the better in some way.
Films also have the power to inform us and to encourage discussions. I recently watched The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas with my granddaughter and we were able to discuss what happened to Jewish people, among others, in Nazi Germany. It was a subject she didn't know about and one which wouldn't have naturally come up in conversation.
Friday, 10 July 2009
Blossom
While I was walking the dog one day I noticed a hawthorn tree. It was unusual because the blossom was only in full flower on one side of the tree. I was praying at the time and asked God why this would be and I felt he said that, just as the tree has to turn towards the sun for the blossom to come out - so it is with me/us, we have to turn our eyes on God so we can blossom into the person He wants us to be.
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Hello!
The beginning of a journey....
I recently returned from a holiday in Scotland and thought I would share an experience I had whilst returning from Iona. I took the title picture from the boat and it has inspired me ever since. I felt that there was a lesson to be learned from this.
As I was taking the picture it struck me how beautiful the image was - the sparkling water, the wind in the sails and just the peacefulness of the whole scene. In contrast, the boat I was on had an engine, was very noisy and definitely not peaceful!!
As we go through life we are sometimes like the boat with the engine - we are noisy i.e. complaining, whinging, moaning sometimes screaming in our lives. And just as the boat churned up the water, we let life churn us up and it takes away our peace.
I felt God was saying to me/us that we should be like the sail boat - set our sails toward Him and let the breath of the Holy Spirit guide us. Do you agree?
I recently returned from a holiday in Scotland and thought I would share an experience I had whilst returning from Iona. I took the title picture from the boat and it has inspired me ever since. I felt that there was a lesson to be learned from this.
As I was taking the picture it struck me how beautiful the image was - the sparkling water, the wind in the sails and just the peacefulness of the whole scene. In contrast, the boat I was on had an engine, was very noisy and definitely not peaceful!!
As we go through life we are sometimes like the boat with the engine - we are noisy i.e. complaining, whinging, moaning sometimes screaming in our lives. And just as the boat churned up the water, we let life churn us up and it takes away our peace.
I felt God was saying to me/us that we should be like the sail boat - set our sails toward Him and let the breath of the Holy Spirit guide us. Do you agree?
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