Peace On Earth

It was a hard weekend.
Being reminded of the darkness (again)…
The hatred bubbling over into terrible action.
Choices – actions – that are hard to understand –
and some reactions that inflamed rather than soothed.

I don’t know what to say, really.
This is a season that heralds peace. Joy. Hope.
But it has always been in the context of a darkened world.

And so, I will pray.
Because I believe that to be a powerful place to start.
But I will also pay attention to the marginalised, and oppressed. The ones who don’t live in the same level of ease and safety as I do.
I will question the tendency to blame a whole community for the actions of one.
Look for what is true, and challenge unthinking reaction – whether mine, or others’.
And remember the words of One who came as a baby, to bring reconciliation.

This is what Jesus said (quoting Isaiah) –

“The Spirit of the Lord is on Me,
because He has anointed Me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.”

****

There is still light.
Hope.
And peace for us.

Published in: on December 16, 2025 at 9:49 pm  Leave a Comment  
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In The Garden (Again)

My roses are blooming again!
Yay! 😀

This is one from the back garden – it really took me by surprise. The big rosebush in the back garden had to be cut right back, and we’re still not sure if it will be ok. This one is from the smaller bush behind the big one.

Yes, that is a grasshopper peeking out.
Not sure if I need to do something about that…

More frangipanis!

The rain has obviously been good for my flowers.
It’s also been wonderful for the weeds.
I look out at them and think I should pull them out.
…and then I go and do something else 😆

At least the roses at the front are thriving.
And taller than the weeds.

❤

I’ve been doing some more lino block cutting today, so my fingers/hands are aching.
At least I feel like I’m pretty much up to date 🙂
We went to the shops yesterday, got some stuff we needed, then tried to get home ahead of the storm that was racing in. We didn’t get soaked, but got home to find the water had leaked into the back sunroom (again) – and the power was off.
I was looking forward to the air conditioner and a cup of coffee 😦

Thankfully it wasn’t too hot.
We got the candles sorted, then sat down to wait.
Had a lovely time with Biggest Boy, who decided to ask us trivia questions until the power came back. We thought it wouldn’t be too long, and it came on again for a bit, but then was off again.
We ended up asking/answering trivia questions for a few hours or so.
It was so much fun!
❤

We’re well on our way to Christmas Day.
There are presents under the tree. Food in the fridge.
I’ve even been listening to Christmas CDs.
I’ve also been reading the Gospel of Luke. There are 24 chapters, so you can read one chapter each day up until Christmas Eve, and you have the whole story.

I feel happy, and things seem to be up to date, more or less.
Looking at my garden, though, reminds me that there are things I still need to take time to tend to, and a new year to keep in mind and prepare for.
Bring it on!
😀

Published in: on December 19, 2024 at 9:01 pm  Leave a Comment  
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