How’s your week been?
Need a smile?
I’ve watched this twice, and cried (while grinning like an idiot) both times..
Have a blessed weekend!
Kindness Forward
Finding The Thin Places
Today, we looked at prayer..
This was the clip used to illustrate it..
It’s funny to watch.. a bit sad too. I think I’ve heard each of these, and probably prayed most. Possibly not in the lotus position, though 😉
As the final bit shows, prayer is as simple (and as difficult) as being open and authentic with God. It’s something we can all do, but which requires us to look at who we really are.. which means we can often tend to shy away..
On a (slightly) related note, I’ve just downloaded an album of instrumental music (which can be found here) It’s rambling, folksy type stuff, and was specifically recorded to use while praying. I’m enjoying what I’ve heard so far.
The title “The Thin Place” is likely a reference to a phrase used in Celtic spirituality, referring to places where it was believed that heaven came close to earth, and there was only a thin curtain between the two. There are many of these places in the world – a large number in the British Isles, but the concept seems to be fairly global.
I’m not sure that there are physical places that are “closer to God” than others, in the same way that I don’t think you have to listen to “prayer music” to be able to pray. I have come across places that do seem to be full of God’s glory, but those have invariably been places with a history of constant and fervent prayer.. which suggests to me that we don’t need to go to a church or other spiritual place to find a thin place.. we just need to keep praying – whether that’s in a large church or a lounge chair 🙂
Warriors And Ice-cream
Went to a women’s event last night… Warrior Chicks. After a wonderful morning, it was an amazing evening… a mixture of competition, beauty and challenge..
The competition was in the form of an inflatable “warrior ring” – I wasn’t planning to go in, but I did in the end..
Lots of fun – and a reminder that I’m not as fit as I once was!
The challenge came in the form of a reminder, as well – that we are women of God, called to shine His light into the world. That we can all go out into that world in some capacity, whether it’s big or small, and make a difference. That we are not alone – we have a Father to follow and trust in, and brothers and sisters to walk with on the journey. It’s a world filled with injustice and pain… but all things are possible!
A challenge, and a thought to mull and pray over… and sweetened with ice-cream and a variety of sweets to sprinkle over 🙂
I had planned to take a photo before I ate it, but I forgot in the excitement of ice-cream and chocolate…
Mini M&Ms and mini-musks! 🙂
Spent time with lovely people, and caught up with some I haven’t had a chance to talk with for a while…
..and finished up with some craft, most of which I haven’t finished..
I have done the bookmark… and I made the necklace with a “warrior ring”…unfortunately it was too small to get over my head..
Fortunately, I worked out another use for it 😀
Into The Open Air
I’ve been wending my way round YouTube, listening to whatever song catches my fancy.
Here’s one…..
The song is lovely… but the background images just make it better.
This world is a beautiful place.
A Letter From Fred
A competition for songwriters received a letter from Fred, with the words that he’d written for his late wife. They’d been together for 75 years.
The holders of the competition decided to set the words to music, in honour of Fred, and his sweet Lorraine.
This is their song.
You can find it on iTunes, at this link
Smile! (And Dance!)
Enjoy this slice of sunshine 😀
A heartwarming story, and a beautiful family dynamic…
And the dancing!
(I have to admit, there were moments when I thought, “Morrissey on speed”)…
..but – catch the happiness! 😀
Dickinson And Yeats
Sounds a bit like a 70s cop show 😀
I’ve been browsing a bit of poetry… there are many over the years that have meant something to me, either for specific reasons, or just because they seem timeless… Here’s a couple that I still enjoy..
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
– Emily Dickinson
When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;
How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;
And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.
– W. B. Yeats
Who’s your favourite poet? 😀
I Am Weary, And Need Beauty
I’ve had a long day finishing off an assignment, and I have no brainspace left to think of a post…
It’s been a long time since I did a Pinterest post – ever since they changed the site, I haven’t been able to figure it out. Hopefully this works. 😀
Not sure of the artistic legitimacy of repinning stuff… but I’m tired. I recharge by finding beauty. This is what I found to be beautiful this time round…
Good Cheer And The Day’s Eye
I’m not feeling too well today.. there’s a fever sort of hovering..
I won’t write too much, but – here’s a bouquet of daisies, to cheer us all up 😉
The name “Daisy” is said to come from “Day’s Eye”, apparently a reference to the petals opening and closing with the sun.
In the language of flowers, daisies stand for innocence, loyal love, purity, faith, cheer and simplicity. I’ll take the cheer today, thanks! 😀
Many years ago, I did a short course in speaking Irish. I can say “Hello, how are you?” (but I can’t spell it..), and I remember that daisies are called “noonini”. I’ve always thought that was pretty..
Hope you’re feeling well today 😀 Either way, share my bouquet, and be of good cheer!
1000 Fields of Roses 