He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”
I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.”
– Ezekiel 37:3
“Yahweh, you are my soul’s celebration.
How could I ever forget the miracles of kindness
you’ve done for me?
You kissed my heart with forgiveness, in spite of all I’ve done.
You’ve healed me inside and out from every disease.
You’ve rescued me from hell and saved my life.
You’ve crowned me with love and mercy.
You satisfy my every desire with good things.
You’ve supercharged my life so that I soar again
like a flying eagle in the sky!”
– Psalm 103:2-5
Yesterday was one of those days that start with such promise, then quickly devolve…
Due to illness, we haven’t used the car for a few weeks. Yesterday was meant to start with a lovely morning out, back in time for breakfast, then the rest of the day for other things. Unfortunately, our car protested… strange sounds rising from the depths, with no indication (at least to us!) of what they were or where they came from. It’s been looked at now, and hopefully will be OK, but yesterday’s schedule ground to a halt fairly quickly.
You know when you build yourself up for something good, then problems get in the way to derail the plans? It can be hard to get back into the “happy” headspace. We did eventually get a lift to sort out our needs ( a few things to restock in the house) – a kind neighbour who took time out of her day for us.
This was a sign at one of the shops – seemed apropos…
We finished our “morning” (it was past noon by then) by getting some coffee and a muffin, so at least I got my anticipated breakfast!
Some snapshots of my wait for coffee…
Hidden birdhouses and disintegrating lanterns…
…and the guardian of the door.
It turned out all right in the end.
Much like life, really…
This week I watched a Songs of Praise that was filmed for Easter, in Jerusalem. Most of the songs were ones I’ve sung (or heard) many times, but there was also a hymn that I’ve not come across (this is from an earlier show – couldn’t find the one from Jerusalem).
Christ’s death and resurrection is the centrepiece of Easter, and we sing a variety of hymns telling the story. This one reminded me of the wonder of resurrection – the world right now is weary, and it feels like any new life might be tired and colourless, straining to break clear of the dirt…
And yet, every year, new growth shoots from the ground, green and vibrant, ready to become mature and fulfill what it was made for.
Love has come again.
And Love has brought new, green, growing life – every day, whenever we need it!
I referenced Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood in a post recently, and I’ve just been watching a full episode on YouTube. It’s quite soothing. His voice is gentle and kind, and there’s no flashing lights and CGI. There is imagination, and kindness. Also interesting lessons to learn!
I can’t think of a kids’ program today that is so simple, but with different layers. Admittedly, it’s been a long time since I watched shows for small children 🙂
I didn’t grow up watching this, as American kids seem to have, so I probably don’t have such a deep appreciation as I’ve seen in comments and articles online. What I have seen shows a kind, gentle man, who spoke to children with respect and helped them to navigate a sometimes scary and difficult world. I’m well past childhood and I felt soothed as I watched…
He spoke to children about real world problems, but in a way that they could understand, and speaking to the fears that a small child might have. Some of these are just as applicable today, whether about death,
divorce,
the violence on TV (with a little word to the adults),
or just the importance of recognising your own feelings, and apologising where necessary.
There’s also this clip, showing mothers breastfeeding, which I can’t see being filmed today… It’s a wonderful way to show children what breasts are for, though, without making it strange or uncomfortable.
Could there be a TV show made today that helps children in a similar way?
…or – how about we as adults decide to be that kind of neighbour?
A while back I posted about “The Blessing”, sung by churches across the UK. I’ve just been listening to other versions from around the world, for a bit of an international morning! 🙂
From the Arab world
to Nigeria and South Africa…
…a change of pace in Ireland
then back to the blessing in Australia!
And finally – be blessed in Hebrew…
Lots of different languages and cultures, but all family ❤
I may never meet these people in this life, but I'll see them in the next!
All the more reason to sing with them now…
I’ve been enjoying watching Songs of Praise on Sunday mornings – hymns and choruses to sing along to, and inspiring stories as well. My memories of old episodes seem to be of dreary, slow hymns sung by choirs that were trained to achieve near perfection… I have no idea if that’s what they used to be, or if that’s just my flawed recollection. The episodes I’ve been watching are more recent, and the songs are sung by various congregations in the area of filming for that week. I love that! Ordinary people, of all ages and situations, belting out praises joyfully and without too much in the way of professionalism. There may be an organ playing, or a full (or partial) band. Some stand still, some raise their hands with abandon, some just do that weird shuffle thing that’s sort of in between… I don’t care. I just love seeing people share joy in praise – it feels a bit like I think heaven will be.
Recently, the show was filmed in Coventry, centring around the cathedral. Coventry was badly damaged by bombing during the Second World War, and the cathedral was nearly destroyed in 1940. The decision to rebuild was taken straight away, as a sign of faith, hope and trust for the future. The ruins of the old church remain, with the new building at right angles to the old, built from the same type of sandstone. The cathedral’s Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation provides support in areas of conflict around the world.
From the beginning of time there has been conflict, between cities and countries, and between individuals. As Christians, we are called to peace, and to a ministry of reconciliation. We each get to choose how we respond to conflict/hatred/injustice…
I just came across this clip, and thought it succinctly explained some concepts of inherent prejudice – the beliefs ingrained in us that we don’t realise we’ve learned. It’s only short, so of course can’t go in depth into it all. It would be easy to start to distance myself from the protests across the world right now – I live in a complex that has a locked gate at the entrance and I don’t go out much – but I have to continue to look at where I’ve learned prejudice, and to talk to my boys about what we see and understand. It’s uncomfortable, but necessary, to keep assessing and questioning what I believe to be true…
At time of posting, there are two other videos in this series. Click on the “YouTube” button at the bottom of this video to find the channel and watch them (and any others that come after these).
If you want a more in depth look at inherent racism in the US, and how it plays out now, watch this (free to watch on YouTube right now, but I don’t know how long it will be available).
It’s just past midnight – that time when the silence crowds in and the winter cold creeps just a bit closer to the bone. Thoughts and memories tumble, with a little sadness mixed in.
I wasn’t looking for this song, but it came up, so I listened. It felt like a warm blanket, the chill receding into the darkness…
a bit of creativity, a bit of eco consciousness, a bit of inspiration.... hopefully not a lot of pompousness and blathering :D
i'm not entirely sure what's going on here... let's travel along and see...
1000 Fields of Roses 