tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39019670410359657462024-02-19T23:06:10.461+00:00Spirituality and Hilarity: The world of JoAn exploration of Christian spirituality with a touch of hilarity along the way. Well hopefully it will be entertaining. This is a blog of the female variety but written for all. Welcome to anyone searching for God, entertainment... or... who just likes reading blogs. Just so you know this is not an academic blog but an exploration of spirituality. This is the world of Jo.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.comBlogger217125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-2160846389179000102024-02-18T23:30:00.001+00:002024-02-18T23:31:40.484+00:00Dizzy!<img id="id_72d4_6c3f_75ea_8273" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1fPKKv85T00TRHwDmqaQrsxwNP2aAtwbw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br>Sometimes, life can get rather out of focus. It ends in a blur and leaves us feeling dizzy. Maybe that’s you? <div>I’m reminded of the song by Tommy Row and Freddy Weller called Dizzy. The lyrics of the chorus are: </div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.839999px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(40, 40, 40);"><br></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.839999px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">I'm so dizzy my head is spinning </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.839999px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.839999px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">Like a whirlpool, it never ends </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.839999px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.839999px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">And it's you, girl, making it spin </span><br style="caret-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.839999px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-family: DDG_ProximaNova, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_0, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_1, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_2, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_3, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_4, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_5, DDG_ProximaNova_UI_6, "Proxima Nova", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, "Segoe UI", "Nimbus Sans L", "Liberation Sans", "Open Sans", FreeSans, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.839999px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgb(40, 40, 40);">You're making me dizzy</span></div><div><br></div><div>The song is about a girl making someone’s head dizzy. Romantic love can be a bit like that. It’s not always easy. Life can also get us in a spin. It doesn’t take much for us to loose our equilibrium and sense of balance. </div><div><br></div><div>The Bible tells us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Whatever storm you may find yourself in I would encourage you to look to God and keep your eyes on a Jesus. The more grounded we are in our faith, the more our feet are planted on the rock the easier it will be to survive those curve balls of life. </div><div><br></div><div>If you don’t know Jesus I would encourage you to get to know him. How? You will find him in the pages of the New Testament of the Bible. Maybe try reading through one of the gospels? The book of Mark is a good one to start with, but just choose one and give it a read. As you read try speaking to him, pray. Prayer is really just a conversation. If you want to address your prayers to God that’s also fine but it is Jesus who helps to bridge the gap between God and us. That’s his commission, his job if you will. If you start opening yourselves up and asking Jesus or God to make them selves real to you they will. You just have to invite them. </div><div><br></div><div>If you are going through a hard time right now I pray that you may know the peace of God that passes all understanding and that you may know his love to overflowing. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>You can find the full song here: </div><div><br><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sbdtQ99yIUo?si=L79yXG1gmO6RLjU4" width="500" height="281" id="y_id_a277_ce28_9f4c_c8c1" frameborder="0"></iframe><br></div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/sbdtQ99yIUo?si=L79yXG1gmO6RLjU4" id="id_6a8d_6e24_b39a_861c">https://youtu.be/sbdtQ99yIUo?si=L79yXG1gmO6RLjU4</a><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-79372346544107203042024-02-16T21:13:00.001+00:002024-02-16T21:13:32.913+00:00Gifts and Acorns<img id="id_c105_639d_a4d2_3246" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1kuSnrdmtVNRaJujdxZWQodObScsXK-F3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>All of us have been given gifts and talents. Some of us use them well. Some of us just shove them in a draw or a pocket and forget them. Some of us are a mixture of the two. There are of course seasons where perhaps we don’t use all that we have been given, for whatever reason. </div><div><br></div><div>I took this photo at the local Sculpture Park. It intrigues me. The image seems to be of a child handing an adult something. Maybe an acorn? To me there is trust in the interaction. Trust that what is given will be honoured, treasured, and handled well. Not screwed up and thrown in the bin. But treasured as much as the giver treasures it. </div><div><br></div><div>It is half-term week here, in other places half term is just starting. Our children, and grandchildren, are a gift in themselves. Enjoy the gift. Treasure the moments. Place your hand in theirs and embrace the moment. </div><div> </div><div>Acorns become mighty oak trees. Little ideas become successful ventures. Our young people become leaders. But these things don’t happen overnight they need nurturing and time and good soil in which to grow. </div><div><br></div><div>I consider myself a life long learner. I’m always learning something. I like to try new things and am currently enjoying a creative streak. It’s good to push our comfort zones occasionally. We never know what we can achieve until we try. </div><div><br></div><div>Sometimes God gives us gifts and we reject them. They can’t really be for us can they? It’s not until we unwrap the gift that we realise how beautiful and precious and truly perfect it is for us. </div><div><br></div><div>So what has God placed into your hand? What are your gifts and talents? Is God wanting to give you another gift? Have you any gifts that you are yet to unwrap? I encourage you to peel back the paper and take a peep. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8c09_dcaa_a310_212" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1pYWBxg7_WiV_D5iQunOafXtf0ZpRyFtJ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 322px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-25852979533604136412024-02-14T22:03:00.001+00:002024-02-14T22:03:01.540+00:00Reflections on Lent<img id="id_9947_fae9_7cf3_14b0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/1FhHmWXw4fHGFLUiFQN9LrgpLLX3I-Sm3" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Today marks the first day of Lent, Ash Wednesday to be precise. Many from the Anglican and Catholic traditions, amongst others, will have taken part in an Ashing service today. Ashes from the burning of last year’s Palm crosses are used to make the sign of the cross on a believers forehead. So if you have seen someone walking around with a black smudge on their forehead today you now know why! </div><div><br></div><div>Lent traditionally means a period of 40 days of fasting ending at Easter. Sundays aren’t counted as they are considered feast days however, many people choose not to break their fast. Fasting can be from anything from meat to chocolate to social-media to abstaining from alcohol. It promotes self-control and self-discipline. </div><div><br></div><div>Lent is also a time of reflection, often self-reflection. There is certainly no point in fasting if you don’t reflect and at least think about why you are doing so. </div><div><br></div><div>As well as fasting people can also choose to take things up. It maybe gratitude and being purposely thankful for something everyday, or to do a good deed every day. The list is endless really. </div><div><br></div><div>This year I have decided to abstain from alcohol and to blog more regularly. The aim is to blog every day but I don’t want to be legalistic about it as you never know what curve balls life will throw at you that will need their attention. I’ve done both of these things in the past so nothing knew for me. The reflections however will be different some of which I will blog others perhaps will be more private. </div><div><br></div><div>Well not much hilarity going on in today’s post so far! So, what can I say to make you at least smile? I will leave you with a joke that I was told last week….</div><div><br></div><div>How many tickles does it take to make an octopus laugh? </div><div><br></div><div>Ten. Ten tickles! (tentacels)</div><div><br></div><div>So tell me a joke. Squid Pro Quo and all that! </div><div><br></div><div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-91175230770707460122024-02-02T20:35:00.001+00:002024-02-02T20:35:09.517+00:00Here am I send me. <img id="id_9f2f_6bf3_2acb_f9c3" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/17PTvJK96zIBLuVvzFLEg_jMaYKecFryN" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>God calls and we follow. Easy right? Sometimes God gives us choices. We get up in the morning and look in the wardrobe for something to wear. We don’t have to pray about it just make a choice. God has given us the ability to choose. We always have free will to do what we want but in the bigger decisions in life I want to clearly hear what God has to say about it. What is his will? </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9605_49fd_ed5e_c94c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/16SGQltNnubusITCa6NsWzZyHeCIaMahu" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br>When there is a fork in the road which way do we travel? When the river forks which way do we sail our boat? Every decision in life has consequences good and bad. Sometimes we make wrong choices and suffer the consequences. Sometimes the decisions are the right ones but still there are fall outs and repercussions. </div><div><br></div><div>I was 16 when I was called to ministry. Sat in church on a Sunday morning listening to a sermon on Isaiah 6. Isaiah had an encounter with God that he couldn’t deny. He was faced with his own sinfulness and inadequacies. God said to him, ‘Whom shall I send and who will go for us?’</div><div><br></div><div>If God asked you that question what would you say? My response and that of Isaiah was, ‘Here am I send me.’</div><div><br></div><div>It’s not always easy. But if we don’t follow God then who are we? Before the term Christian was used we were ‘Followers of the Way.’ That’s what I want to be, a ‘Follower of the Way!’ Look out for the sign posts as you travel and journey with God. May our answer always be, ‘Here I am send me.’</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-85317054380174236692023-10-10T12:02:00.001+01:002023-10-10T12:12:40.794+01:00 The Reckoning <div><br><img id="id_ca05_23d8_83c1_f9da" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/drive-viewer/AK7aPaBFZMVP6o1g5vfqAkJe9epXFpnC4m2TtgTxNFlfrrjsiPXD0fBbwKuEXxMGkKd_bbntD5Z6g7WA7ZNjrfj0RkgirXJT" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br></div><div><br><br></div><div><div>The Reckoning staring Steve Coogan as the infamous Jimmy Savile is for some not an easy watch. Whilst it is triggering for those who have been victims of sexual crimes (so please don’t watch if that’s you) I would recommend you watch it. </div><div><br></div><div>Coogan’s portrayal of Savile is superb capturing his mannerisms, voice, and subtle manipulative ways. It focuses our attention on the way that we the public and his victims were groomed. Chilling in many ways it helps to bring what is in the darkness into the light. It is so easy so sweep these things under the carpet, something the BBC did for years despite warnings by some, such as John Lyndon aka Johnny Rotten of The Sex Pistols fame. </div><div><br></div><div>The Church has sadly failed to address its own calling in protecting those who are vulnerable and have fallen victim to those of a predatory nature. Maybe we do not want to admit these things, or people, exist? But if we are to live out Micah 6:8 ‘He has told you o mortal what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.’ then we cannot turn a blind eye to injustice, the needs of the voiceless, and those who have been abused. </div><div><br></div><div>Do perpetrators of sexual crimes also need to know the love of God? Yes. God is merciful and his love and forgiveness are available to all. Maybe you want such people to be put in jail and the key thrown away? Maybe that would be easier but occasionally people do show remorse and try to change. For me, God is the judge and only he knows if individuals are truly repentant or not. I believe in the hope of the gospel that is Jesus. I hope that sex offenders do change and live in that hope. Having worked in the prison system I am also a realist. For many they don’t change and continue to be manipulative seeking out unsuspecting victims, even in prison. </div><div><br></div><div>What we can’t do is ignore someone’s past behaviour and put them in the middle of the sweetie jar without a contract of behaviour in place. Saville seemed to have lots of different sweetie jars to choose from: hospitals, Top of the Pops, Jim’ll Fix it, parties, anywhere where people knew of his fame. The world must have seemed one big sweetie jar to him and that saddens me. We, society, let him. We are all culpable in that regard. Some of course more culpable than others. This is a world problem. This sadly, is a problem in all our communities.</div><div><br></div><div>Coogan is a master of the detail. Comics live on the detail and finding the funny side of life. Word play, idiosyncrasies, and visual humour are all part of the comedians tool box. Here Coogan uses his skills to show us the nature of grooming. How one minute Savile plays the crowd charming those around him picking out his victim and then we see the turn and how he is behind closed doors. Then we see that his victims are people just like me and you. Not enough is said about grooming and the controlling natures of those who commit sexual offences. I hope that this program continues to flag this type of behaviour. If you are a church leader or work in an area where safeguarding is important do give this a watch but actually I would say everyone should watch it because after all if we all looked after one another the world would be a much safer place and people like Savile would no longer be able to operate. We can only live in hope.</div><div> </div></div><div><br></div><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/oct/09/the-reckoning-review-steve-coogan-is-chillingly-brilliant-as-jimmy-savile-bbc?fbclid=IwAR0lAfp_xcI3uu_X1QJ46Gy4QzACiyq2RmyA6HzGE_mzeNOrTT1Wfdm-R2k_aem_ARqlLeI6tfIIL85OAU2YCTJQRkgBw7-zD_AYGT9i2Lvr6KyDcNQHZm6CfnoKE4SSY-M">https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2023/oct/09/the-reckoning-review-steve-coogan-is-chillingly-brilliant-as-jimmy-savile-bbc?fbclid=IwAR0lAfp_xcI3uu_X1QJ46Gy4QzACiyq2RmyA6HzGE_mzeNOrTT1Wfdm-R2k_aem_ARqlLeI6tfIIL85OAU2YCTJQRkgBw7-zD_AYGT9i2Lvr6KyDcNQHZm6CfnoKE4SSY-M</a> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-48251379488621003882023-02-23T00:16:00.001+00:002023-02-23T00:20:53.308+00:00An Adventure through Lent: joy!<img id="id_bdd5_5286_42c5_382e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/6qDlNQ6WJCdOm9fnarM8F4e9kT1UNJrDJjCVvmd78IZL3ljVSootZSkxXY1RtPe-fBs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><div>Today is the start of Lent. The start of an adventure! Would you like an adventure or shall we have tea first? Tea is a good thing as it makes us pause and rest for a while. It’s always good to take stock, to look back, and to reflect. It’s also good to laugh at the absurdity of it all. There is lots to laugh about in life but we seem to become much too serious if we are not careful, or is that just me? I’ve been known to dress up as a white rabbit and invite people to church for a Mad Hatter’s teas party before now. It was an induction service where I officially became minister of the church, often a solemn occasion. I wasn’t not taking it seriously I just wanted the community to come and to have fun. Start as you mean to go on as they say!</div><div><br></div><div>Last night my comedy writing course classmates and I put on a show. It was a theatric reading of the scripts we had written. I got to play the parts of an estate agent who liked dressing up as a bear, a psychiatrist with some very strange clients, a patient who was advised to make and eat shepherds pie to help with their alcohol addiction, and Henry VIII! Today I found out Henry VIII was crowned at Gloucester cathedral. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8f4f_b60e_dc82_c1f5" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DHhTTpoasiwm9QXAK9UU2VFrLLe4QQfRBeN_3IMlg0C2x7_Ct7d0xKaON6ws_UeFME" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 228px; height: auto;"><br><br>I’ve been reflecting recently about why church has got so serious. There has to be more room for laughter in our services. It’s not about entertainment it’s about being fully human. Jesus laughed. God laughs. I like to laugh a lot! My happy place is fooling around. It’s how I like to connect with people. We are created to experience joy. Philippians 4:4 says, ‘rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, rejoice!’ Galatian’s 5:22 reminds us that joy is one of the fruit of the spirit. So where’s our joy? What are the things that bring a smile to your face and make you laugh? So often Lent is about giving up things but what about taking something up? What about taking up something that brings you joy and makes you laugh? </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-65980461796962447022023-01-14T00:48:00.001+00:002023-01-14T00:48:50.522+00:00The battlefield of the mind<img id="id_c7_d3a_4ac9_b700" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/hzL_wCefqqByzS6WWoz24Phjvyz_Tpg_zI_a4hykBr8trdPn6aDNLe6QpBaW3gl_UF0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 395px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div><br></div><div>Some people just leave impressions on your life, even when you don’t know them on a deep level. Today my husband and I attended a military funeral for Lieutenant Colonel (Retd.) Richard ‘Skid’ Dorney MBE at Salisbury Cathedral. Skid came up through the ranks of the Grenadier Guards. A true leader who was compassionate and always had time for people. On retirement from the guards he continued his work in supporting those with mental health issues, particularly those effected by trauma and PTSD. Setting up a company called Strong Mind Resilience <a href="https://strongmindresilience.co.uk/">https://strongmindresilience.co.uk/</a> delivering courses on mental health first aid, suicide awareness, and much more. </div><div><br></div><div>In the eulogy we were reminded that Skid would say, ‘there are no atheists on the battlefield.’ When we are facing death in the face then you have to be a brave man or woman to deny God’s existence. </div><div><br></div><div>So are you strong minded? Do you know what you want and are clear in what you believe in? How is your resilience to life? Are you battling alone and failing miserably? We all need help once in a while and there is no shame in asking for that help, quite the opposite. Courses and training can help in overcome and living with many things. Talking and therapy can help to but so can prayer. Whatever you are feeling or thinking or worrying about right now why not talk to God about it? Prayers don’t need to be elegant and you don’t have to hold anything back. If you are angry, even angry at God tell him. Get it out your system. If you are confused and don’t know where to start God even listens to and understands our groans. Actually, he already knows how we feel and is aware of all that goes on in our lives but we still have to do our bit and come to him. We have free choice. God honours that. So what do you choose? </div><div><br></div><div>Look up, instead of inward. Know that God loves you. Yes, even you. No matter what you have done, or how long you have denied him and pushed him away. He awaits you on that battlefield and when that last post sounds. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9549_f403_b96c_23c8" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/qJ4vDkaDp3xEp1jp8PtAVaI4r2l2LCgj8VYaFeP8iGTLZk4EKM77zQYCrmSPajzIeuE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-57614739419316463882023-01-13T00:25:00.001+00:002023-01-13T00:28:25.632+00:00Are you a JOMO?<div><img id="id_7a39_3062_ceb5_3b52" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Rrr5l5vTprwqumhhCVqM5W4_FPsVvF-dRV0fNIm3LBLjkzYZs-Bi4GWGbcu8iOZ6eTY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><font face="Arial" size="4"><br></font></div><font face="Arial" size="4">I learnt a new word today, well acronym, JOMO ‘the joy of missing out’. It’s a good thing. It means being happy with what you are doing. It’s opposite being FOMO, ‘the fear of missing out’. I’m definitely more a JOMO. Being a Jo it seems very apt. I’m quite happy with my own company and have been known to miss the odd party in favour of time home alone watching well, <i>Home Alone. </i>OK<i>, </i>well maybe not that particular film. Actually, I watch most types of films except horror. </font><div><font face="Arial" size="4"><br></font></div><div><font face="Arial" size="4">I was asked my favourate film once at an interview. My response was <i>Predator, </i>the original 1987 version with Arnie Schwarzenegger, who along with his team of commandos, is tracking down an Alien who is not easily seen. Do watch the film if you haven’t seen it. It’s one of those films I have to watch if it comes up on TV. I passed the interview despite my dodgy choice. I made them laugh anyway. I should point out here that the interview was part of the selection and discernment process for Baptist Ministry. God moves in mysterious ways! The best part comes at the very end when the alien starts laughing. I’m sure the film prepared me well for ministry. Laughter and the ability to blend in are probably more useful than being able to fire a M134 mini gun. Although there are times….. </font></div><div><font face="Arial" size="4"><br></font></div><div><font face="Arial" size="4">I love to laugh! Singing, laughing, and walking are my stress busters. I have been known to do all three at the same time but more commonly not. So what makes you happy? </font></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-39224522908877836952023-01-11T00:28:00.001+00:002023-01-11T00:29:56.671+00:00Travelling slowly<img id="id_f953_5bf6_ec63_32f5" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/D3QHGOFhksyYXFEMXxAltMUYViVNf9dgK3lO4lfOrBm5lQRiw_BTRALtIWSkYFdq8c8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 403px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Well the last couple of months I’ve travelled very slowly, or at least life has had to slow up, having had some major surgery. ‘The slower you travel the more you learn’ is a quote by Alice Morrison. Morrison once cycled across Africa, well raced to be precise. She’s an interesting character. Check out her website: <a href="https://alicemorrison.co.uk/about-alice-morrison/">https://alicemorrison.co.uk/about-alice-morrison/</a> if you want to know more. </div><div><br></div><div>This particular quote is printed across my t-shirt, my walking t-shirt. Well, the t-shirt itself doesn’t actually have legs so doesn’t walk by it’s self but I occasionally take it out for a walk. I now have visions of my t-shirt on a lead being taken for a stroll around the park as you would a dog. </div><div><br></div><div>I digress… back to the walking whilst wearing said t-shirt and the quote….</div><div><br></div><div>I’ve always found solace whilst I walk. It’s one of those thin places for me where I feel closest to God. I have felt frustrated post-op that I have not been able to go out for my normal yomp around the hills instead I’ve had to build up slowly. Walking a couple of hundred yards took all my effort. Slowly I increased my walk by 5 minutes a week. It was a major milestone being able to finally complete the walk around the block that I did so much of during lockdown when, in the UK, we were not allowed to drive unnecessarily, including driving anywhere to go for a walk.</div><div><br></div><div>Sometimes God slows us down particularly if we have been hurtling around too quickly to connect with him. Lots of people were poorly over Christmas with coughs, colds, and covid. If we don’t slow down our body gets sick anyway and there is enforced rest. So, in the slowing down what do we see? What do we hear? What do we smell? What do we sense? What have we learnt? If we can’t answer those questions perhaps we need to slow down even more? </div><div><br></div><div>I’m still not up to speed on the walking. Well, the pace is there but not the distance. It’s quite frustrating really I will be glad when I can get out more, but in the waiting and recuperating I’m learning. Learning to be more reliant on God and drawing closer to him. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-68794804152643129612022-09-09T11:54:00.001+01:002022-09-09T11:54:17.079+01:00Grief is the price we pay for love<font face="Arial" size="4">Yesterday afternoon Queen Elizabeth II died. Whilst we all knew it would happen the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and beyond and have gone into shock. Grief does that to you. Even when you know it’s going to happen it is still a shock when it does. It was the Queen herself who said, ‘Grief is the price we pay for love.’ If we didn’t love it wouldn’t hurt. I’m sure there are mixed emotions today from lots of people. Even if you aren’t a royalist the Queen has been so much a part of our country you cannot help but be saddened. Today is the first day of ten days of official morning. </font><div><font face="Arial" size="4"><br></font></div><div><font face="Arial" size="4">Yesterday Before the news was announced I completed a new jigsaw puzzle. Unfortunately it didn’t fit in my jigsaw board so I had to improvise a little. The puzzle was if the London skyline including the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. We use our eyes to see, they cast vision. Parliament is where the countries big decisions and laws are made. Our new Prime Minister Elizabeth Truss has on Monday taken up her new post. </font><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Big Ben is part of the iconic landscape and calls the time. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Big Ben chimes the changes of our nation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">From it the watchmen see and pray. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Parliament takes up its mantle </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">and the country grieves the passing of the Queen. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">The new season is upon us </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">we wait with urgency </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">as the roaring of the lion </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">seeks to devour its prey.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">Changes are afoot </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">the lamb is at the door </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">the two will lie together </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;">will you welcome them once more? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div><img id="id_c56b_393d_46d9_3cb9" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/HIJ-5V1cbujuwHM1OICEwJPOjb6hI_nKXbh4z66o88xJk-adlTU80mQ-8UJ_C_RTvno" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: large;"><br></span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-81721036686717626812022-06-15T11:32:00.001+01:002022-06-15T11:32:02.353+01:00The place I grew up<div><br><br><img id="id_d604_2e63_766f_2b2a" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/dHoEAu5Cp2ZBDux_eBP1NcAI0Z1ucM3dOyU0JQN7UNu0kT235Ky6FzyI8591P9lCGvY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div>The hills and the valleys majestic they stand</div><div>The streets and the alleys echoing still</div><div>The patter of feet and songs of the sheep</div><div>The mills turn their hands as the streams rush on by. </div><div>The lock gates are raised, joy is released.</div><div>Creation speaks and artists paint</div><div>pictures with canvas and words. </div><div>The sun bows it’s head</div><div>The wind blows the trees </div><div>History is woven</div><div>and made in </div><div>Stroud town.</div><div><br></div><div>©Revdjo 16/6/22</div><div><img id="id_e2b1_eb3d_24aa_fc2b" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fXPqTEABDojGBUn0RlMmmv0lj0EGE_qabiOG5aYTX1CjPyG9Bqz-e7ynIpd6-aM1Vvc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><img id="id_fe7e_a95d_8e99_9627" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/bs7waF54S0WVz1Zzv6-KtDCg8H19En7E4DT5hAvfbQ9sN2GY0XhsCcSwVDy9viWXUss" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><img id="id_d9f4_e7bd_eed9_88cf" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/nzwbpY4aPt_wDhLzg4zU_EVOjXOYOZ4Kv9FkUmZcz99knrPiZN6baFmDKMbcebxj_Zc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><div><br><br><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-32679816519806967432022-01-03T23:16:00.001+00:002022-01-03T23:16:43.104+00:00Lost<img id="id_8cb1_f646_31a_2df4" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HtjQKFzctqVD88soYG-1YbvSTjlfrFSYRz2UmtrT9OxKpk7cFU87vQ7HEy9F-jubK3o" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>‘I think we’re lost!’ ‘Well if you’re lost I’m lost to!’ I love to go out walking and finding new footpaths. I like the sense of adventure it gives to just be following a map or a set of directions. As a child I was always out playing in the fields or ridding my bike. I’m happier outside than in if truth be told. I’ve walked more since the pandemic than I ever have as an adult and I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s a chance to stop and stare and feel close to God through creation. It’s become more of a part of my own spirituality than ever before. </div><div><br></div><div>There have been occasions when my husband has looked at me a little worried as to where we are going and more to the point wondering if we are lost. My sense of direction is pretty good, unless I’m in a shopping centre but that’s another matter! Maps and sat. navs. help us to find the way but you still need to know where you are for them to work, or at least the very least you need a grid reference or a satellite signal! </div><div><br></div><div>We can of course all feel lost at times, even when we know where we are. There that feeling of not quite being comfortable in ourselves, or that something is missing, or not quite right. The pandemic has made us all on high alert, to greater or lesser degrees, and our fight or flight response has been switched to overdrive. I’m normally quite a laid back kind of person and good in a crisis but at times I’ve felt stressed, and anxious and not known what to do with myself. In that event there has only been one way for me to deal with it and that was/is to get out and walk. Walking helps me feel more grounded, more at peace with myself. Yes, because I’m out in creation, but I feel it to with a walk around the block near to where I live. I feel grounded in main because I give God the chance to break into my thoughts and anxieties and stress. There is something about looking out, rather than at looking in on ourselves and our own problems. Look out at this beautiful land of ours and notice the small things. Notice the incidentals that we have missed when we have been racing around with work or our racing brain has overlooked them. </div><div><br></div><div>The pandemic has given us all a new view of the world and made us take stock of ourselves. Most of us have reprioritised our lives, or at least thought about it. We have realised the importance of family and friends and being there for one another. We have realised who are friends are, and unfortunately taken note of those who haven’t seemed to care, or at least have been too rapped up in their own problems to notice we are struggling. So do you still feel a little lost? Or maybe you feel totally lost? Or like you want to throw in the towel? - please don’t. There is only one person who can fill that void, that lost feeling. There is only one person who can calm our soul. There is only one answer to the muddle and confusion of the pandemic. That person’s name is Jesus. Do you know him? Would you like to know him more? Trust me he is the answer. Try talking to him he will respond if you give him a chance. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1c60_3064_d24e_1a18" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PD5QQhxUpwIkZ1hxdNolshk-jU4NJwZcgcUUFywi5VQMUPOfPoOu-KTzNLSnMvjn8qg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-42542562639190352752022-01-03T00:44:00.001+00:002022-01-03T00:44:08.026+00:00Life in a Roundabout way<img id="id_2d93_a0eb_e834_75b7" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KYl4PyYtMDHPDt-vHFYlwW3X0xvpWtDOYqE-rUupNw2kRFRSoGOx4SiT2u1sZLIyB4Y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Life can be a bit like a roundabout sometimes. It can spin so fast you want to get off but most of the time it’s a lot of fun. Ever feel you are going around in circles? Or perhaps stuck on the same loop? It’s easy to get into bad habits, less easy to break them. How easy has it been to put on weight during the lockdowns we have had? How easy was it too loose those extra pounds? If we want to do it properly we have to track those calories, and macros, and make sure we exercise regularly. If we put the effort in and track our steps we eventually get there. </div><div><br></div><div>Moses took the Israelites through on what but have seemed like a never ending journey. Were they ever going to reach that promised land? God has a habit of leading us the long way round. There are lessons he wants us to learn along the way. Without the wilderness experiences we don’t grow, in-fact we just become complacent and comfortable. There is more to life than sitting in our cosy armchair in our PJs and fluffy slippers. This journey that God invites us on with him is one of joy and excitement. Embrace it! </div><div><br></div><div>Lead me to the helter-skelter Lord! Bring on the laughter!</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f1ae_a86c_b015_dd9a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PQk4se5J3HXS2Ut6UGj-c88kWoicFtQP02YOki5s08fB-8JFRs_Vu0aaG1rL9Zo0LzE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-15972992499148175872022-01-02T00:20:00.001+00:002022-01-02T00:20:47.521+00:00Look<img id="id_c723_e7aa_c1aa_e582" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/bbewBoLAjeN8OKsRm6j4TXdUwkplEJmguG-R4ywgQIdvpAgUXNuWlkZVw-S1Id4IkwE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>As I reflect back on 2021 I can not help but be a little saddened. It’s a year all of us would have found difficult with the threat of Covid-19 hanging over us, like the proverbial bad penny. Life was not as it used to be. In many ways it is a distortion of what it should be, and yet this is life. Life to be lived and embraced, well maybe not so much of the embracing! As a hugger I’ve missed being able to hug my friends and those in need of comfort. Boris Johnson cry to ‘keep safe’ and ‘to keep the two meter rule’ has, in the main, been heeded. Then we could get closer as long as we were wearing a protective mask, but not too close! Then have been so many restriction and rule changes it’s been hard to keep up at times. </div><div><br></div><div>‘This far the Lord has helped us’ (1Samuel 7:12) but with all journeys there has been tears along the way, but there has also been joy. For me the birth of a grandson, and the news of another little one on the way. There’s been breaks away and exploring along the Devon and Cornwall coast. There’s been many a walk in the woods or across the fields, down tracks I’ve never ventured before. There has been time to sit, and to gaze, and to wonder. There has been more time to simply be, and more time to hang out with the<span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"> C</span>reator and hear his voice through the wings of a butterfly, or the bleating of a sheep, or the bubbling sound of streams and rivers, and the roar of the ocean. </div><div><br></div><div>In many ways my senses have been heightened and fine tuned. It has its advantages when it comes to listening to and sensing God. The disadvantage comes when I’m left on ‘high alert’ and the constantly covid risk assessments are left dancing in my head. We have all needed to keep grounded and I’m sure we are all that little bit more resilient for ploughing on through such difficult times. </div><div><br></div><div>As I look forward to the journey ahead and what 2022 has in store for me I wonder who will come on that journey with me? Where will we go? What will we find along the way? Will it all be an uphill struggle? Will there be fun along the way? The good thing about climbing hills and mountains is the view from the top. Psalm 24 asks, ‘Who may ascend the hill of the Lord?’ The invite is to all of us. There may be things that have to be worked out along the way, but that’s OK. Grace and mercy are offered in abundance. (Have a look at the Psalm if you wonder what I’m talking about.) </div><div><br></div><div>Will you come and join me in my journey through 2022? The territory is unknown, we have not been that way before, but ‘Thus far the Lord has helped us’ and I have no doubt he will continue to do so. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1703_a077_acdc_a036" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YEWVbI5fKKe7PP50OmHAuBUGF6HvpnBRoRGlKzDCQk-rdhqsxl5YmH_4buRv_mggfi4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-74253075120373051682021-09-14T00:47:00.001+01:002021-09-14T00:49:47.758+01:00 Just Be<img id="id_6f06_f985_b0ec_c915" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/2WUzKGV_5V1HXiagjh5sJVcZt570eFRPQFcCztjRKnrUr5V6ZZOdhU4h9ipxIMz6YbM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br>Gloucester Cathedral is such a beautiful place to just be. I could loose myself for hours here. These beautiful windows by Thomas Denny were made to mark the 900th anniversary of the Cathedral which was originally built as an abbey (Saint Peter’s) in 1089. The middle window depicts Thomas and the windows either side are based on Psalm 148 and the praise of God’s creation. The windows seem to bathe you in their warm blue light as you stop and gaze upwards at them. <div><br></div><div>There is so much rushing around in this world the pace of life really isn’t healthy for our physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The Covid-19 pandemic has been so difficult but one of the good things is that it has caused many of us to slow down and to reconsider our priorities in life. So what’s important to you? </div><div><br></div><div>Thomas, known as ‘doubting Thomas’ had to put his hand in Jesus’ side to prove Jesus’ resurrection. He wanted to see those nail marks and where the spear pierced Jesus’ side, he had to be sure! Perhaps you to doubt God’s existence? Look around you and see his creation. The spectacular views from the hills and mountain tops, the flowers in the meadows, the streams meandering through the valleys, the ocean as it hits the rocks - can you really look at that and say for sure there is no God? </div><div><br></div><div>Perhaps the pandemic has made you angry with God? I can understand that, God does to. It’s Ok to be angry with God, he’s big enough to take it. Life has been hard for so many of us. We don’t have to face those tough times on our own God is there with us. Take time to just be - to be with God with no agenda, just you and him. Try it. Invite him to talk to you through the wonders of his creation. And if you know him already then take a moment anyway and let his peace fill your soul. Just be. </div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-75348918673961277102021-09-01T04:29:00.001+01:002021-09-01T04:29:34.330+01:00Time<img id="id_9b08_c30e_5398_c05a" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/I9TKfSeIf0RWQGjEDwxSrtkjcffGGQy2cDu2z4mtMvj-BLEijBdDRAYU3LW6lRtmT7w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>The summer sun was drawing in </div><div>Casting shadows and patterns upon the land.</div><div>Reflecting and dancing along streams and rivers</div><div>As it bounced under bridges and into a distant land.</div><div><br></div><div>As the swifts got ready to leave echoes of their song</div><div>Hung in the air along the banks of the Severn.</div><div>Blackberry bushes laden with their fruits ripe for picking</div><div>Enticed the walkers to taste of their wares. </div><div><br></div><div>Summer turned into autumn as the nights drew in</div><div>Cosy nights by the fire beckoned once more. </div><div>In the blink of an eye time moved on</div><div>Marching to the beat of its own delight. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Copyright Revdjo 1/9/2021</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_87aa_9bda_1f8a_a73e" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/UiEBQ96ZBKuQ17zzB-ExNUMzfONxh42A_8jna4rMjPbf8HqWeCh1BdtD2-c6upu9rO4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-58177767697246702152021-03-26T16:49:00.001+00:002021-03-26T16:49:52.648+00:00Movers and shakers <p class="p1" style="margin: 0px 0px 3px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 35px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><img id="id_17eb_d125_bcce_c3b" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2HHtTQe0L4gyhs6ZNoqMu45KkD0eXAbSMVJyr3ZLyDyYAHy7Clr4pcWPqctStPl-CV0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The movers, the shakers,</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">the people of peace, </span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Where are they Lord </span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">and who do they seek? </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; min-height: 25.1px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The poets, the artists, </span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">the creatives who see,</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">What do they notice</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">and do they see me?</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; min-height: 25.1px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The streetwise, the hive minds,</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The melody makers, </span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Why do they stand by</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">And watch all these fakers?</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; min-height: 25.1px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The vloggers, and bloggers,</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The tweeters, and bleaters,</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Who are these people </span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">And why all the cries?</span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; min-height: 25.1px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The meek, and the lonely,</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The downtrodden wives, </span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The humble, the thirsty,</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The victims of lies. </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; min-height: 25.1px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">These are the voiceless, </span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">The broken, the lost,</span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">Who will suport them </span></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2">And what will that cost? </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; min-height: 25.1px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; min-height: 25.1px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p><p class="p3" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s3">©️</span><span class="s2">Revdjo 25/3/2021 </span></p><p class="p2" style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; font-size: 21px; line-height: normal; min-height: 25.1px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="s2"></span><br></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-65569996234876244842021-03-23T23:47:00.001+00:002021-03-23T23:48:06.252+00:00One year since the UK went into Lockdown <img id="id_912d_6b6f_9348_5663" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aZ36FGcGF4vGE0_TmPjwXYwjav2nU7G3VdzsCrrsxls7bbXK0wbxsPoOdX5K79XffJE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>It has been a year since England first went into lockdown due to to covid-19. What a year it has been!</div><div><br></div><div>It has become very apparent that we all need each other. Isolation has done nothing for our mental health and has particularly effected children and young people, and those who were already in danger of toppling over the edge. We have all needed a helping hand but reaching out is never easy, especially if you are struggling. That’s why community is important.</div><div><br></div><div>The world has had to slow down and rethink its steps, no bad thing. We have had to think about the things that are important to us. Priorities have changed. So, what has changed for you? When we eventually come out of this pandemic the world will be a much different place. How could we, or it, remain the same? </div><div><br></div><div>In my own spiritual walk I have become more contemplative. Please don’t give me lots of words to inwardly digest but hit me with the simplicity of one thought to ponder. Give me a camera, or a piece of paper and a pen, or some paints, and let me loose in the garden of the Almighty. Let me ‘be’ with God. The doing will come later but for now I sit at my Saviours feet and wait a while. Will you come and join me? Will you take the Father’s outstretched hand and place yours in his? </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-4783233211086446022021-01-26T18:27:00.001+00:002021-01-26T18:27:29.841+00:00Covid 19 Death toll<div><img id="id_fe02_521_fe0b_f0e4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/D8fS0vvbSDjxDCgAPWDN8q1bTYtSykGjM4gskYSVUsfKnD_47BPY2fY9jkSK9L0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div>I saw a buzzard sat in a tree earlier as I drove past. I’m always in awe of birds of prey. I’m always amazed by nature and the things that God shares with me and uses them to speak and to reassure me. I didn’t get to take a photograth of the buzzard but I did get to take this one earlier in the year when on a walk to scatter my mum’s ashes which brought me a sense of God’s peace, so I thought I would share that with you. <div><br></div><div>Seeing the buzzard made me think of these verses from Isaiah 40:30-31:<div><div><br></div><div><span id="en-NIV-18451" class="text Isa-40-30" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; position: relative;">Even youths grow tired and weary,</span><br style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-30" style="position: relative;">and young men stumble and fall;<br><span id="en-NIV-18452" class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 1.2rem; line-height: normal; position: absolute; vertical-align: text-top; top: auto; font-family: system-ui, -apple-system, "Segoe UI", Roboto, Ubuntu, Cantarell, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, Arial; font-weight: 700; display: inline; left: -4.4em;">31 </span>but those who hope in the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal;">Lord</span></span><br><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">will renew their strength.<br><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">They will soar on wings like eagles;<br><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">they will run and not grow weary,</span></span><br><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-40-31" style="position: relative;">they will walk and not be faint.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><br></div><div>Today the death toll in the UK has passed the 100,000 death count with 100,162 deaths. Prime minister, Boris Johnson in today’s Downing Street briefing has called it, ‘an appalling and tragic loss of life’ and stated, ‘I am deeply sorry for every loss of life.’</div><div><div><br></div><div>Living through the pandemic has been hard for everyone. loss of loved ones, lockdown, social distances, compulsory wearing of masks, and a distinct lack of hugs. When will this end? Will the vaccine work again the new deadly variant? When will we be able to have the vaccine? When will we get back to ‘normal’? What will our new normal look like? Where is God in all of this? So many question. </div><div><br></div><div>When tragedies happen sometimes people blame God. When natural disasters happen they are often referred to ‘acts of God’. There is no easy answers as to why bad things happen. This will remain one of life’s mysteries. Life can be good but it can also be cruel and difficult. Maybe there is a randomness as to what is thrown at us? Some of these things are because of our own stupidity or someone else’s stupidity. Sometimes it’s things we could have controlled but often it’s things that are out of our control. Certainly I know that I struggle much more with things I have no control over. Could God make it all better and stop bad things happening? Well he could but that would be more like control, and that’s something that God doesn’t want to do. He has given us free will and free choice as to what we do and indeed wether we want to put our trust in him and believe in him or not. </div><div><br></div><div>One thing that I am sure about is that I would rather continue to face this pandemic and lockdown with putting my hope and faith in God. Do I get angry at him from time to time and frustrated about the state of the world? Yes of course I do. Whatever happens, whether I continue to live through the pandemic and see the other side or wether I don’t, I will continue to draw strength by putting my hope and trust in him. What about you?</div><div> <div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-43261642693018189682020-11-30T16:14:00.001+00:002020-11-30T16:14:07.092+00:00Advent day 2, 2020<div><img id="id_6af6_6e4b_de06_fbb6" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/QRF8d2HVVVmRIlSH6QUWmsn_XqTiEvVD8ENBuKkh03CIftd0sxF3F1_tlZHyEpM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div><div><br></div>The leaves blew over a silent stoney ground <div>Bring in the change of season </div><div>A season of waiting, of unknowing </div><div>A season of trust and patience.</div><div><br></div><div>The clock ticked echoing the cry of my heart</div><div>Steady and rhythmic the dance of passage</div><div>A passage of bleakness, of rawness</div><div>A passage of pain and turmoil.</div><div><br></div><div>The smell of freshly baked bread wafted heavenward</div><div>Enticing, joyful, mystery unbounded of love</div><div>A love of insurmountable, of unconditional</div><div>A love of overflowing grace. </div><div><br></div><div>The taste of freshly brewed tea drank in good company</div><div>Soothing the soul a symbol of warm embrace</div><div>An embrace of calm, of sweet harmony</div><div>An embrace of peace.</div><div><br></div><div>©️Revdjo 30/11/2020</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-91339341564866162182020-03-26T03:49:00.001+00:002020-03-26T03:49:51.577+00:00The church and covid-19<div>These are strange times that we are living in. Covid-19 has meant all of us having to adjust to new ways of living. Many of us are fearful for loved ones and ourselves. Many of us are anxious about being able to get our every day needs, medicines, food, toilet rolls. Toilet rolls! Who could have predicted the scarcity of toilet rolls. Things we have taken for granted have had to change. No more cups of tea with our friends. No more greeting each other with a friendly hug or a kiss on the cheek. No more driving down to the coast to paddle in the sea. No more holidays abroad for the foreseeable future. For some, no more work. Life has become clinical and regimented. Washing of hands, disinfecting surfaces, the use of hand sanitizer. Keeping two meters apart from those we meet. Self-isolating, shielding ourselves from harm, living in quarantine and morning what has been.</div><div><br></div><div>But what about the positives? Time to stop and evaluate our lives. Time to do those things we have been putting off. Time to learn an instrument. Time to read. Time to write that book. Time to potter in the garden. Time to spend more time with the kids and homeschool them. Homeschooling! Who would have thought that would be such a thing for so many of us. Time to just be.</div><div><br></div><div>We are use to racing around and filling our time. Many of us are still doing that. Filling our time with social-media and Zoom or Skype conference calls. What do we feel the need to be so busy? </div><div><br></div><div>Church gathering have had to stop, no Sunday service, no weddings, no mid-week meetings. Funeral services are ever evolving and can no longer be attended by everyone. Some by no-one, some by only five, or more with mourners spaced out. The death tolls continue to rise. We await the change in tide.</div><div><br></div><div>Life ebbs and flows and the tide will change again. What will be left on the shore after all of this? What will be washed out to sea? What and where is God in all of this?</div><div><br></div><div>God is here with us. He hasn’t and won’t leave us. Has he gone quiet? No, he’s making us think. What’s important to us? Or rather, who is important to us? And what is church?</div><div><br></div><div>On Sunday 22nd March 2020 I woke up with the word ‘pivot’. A pivotal day in church history. A day that we had been asked by the UK government not to gather as church. This is the day the church realises it is much more than a building. A day that the church stopped and prayed asking for Covid-19 to be eradicated. It was a pivotal day for the UK church. She has had to wake up.</div><div><br></div><div>God is calling for our attention he is speaking. If we stop we will hear his voice. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-77946655005834087342019-04-24T16:47:00.001+01:002019-04-24T16:47:52.251+01:00Spring <img id="id_36_8860_976e_d810" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/3eSa17O0jqGfn9Ulhik_305twu5cxurZCa2_iiP0i6JLrdT0SlGgUa16uSY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 392px; height: auto;"><br><br> <div>Well spring has sprung and time rolls on. Time to think about the new season and what it will hold. I like to blog about happy stuff, things that make me laugh and things that make me think and engage with the creator. Alas, life is full of many ups and down which has meant I haven’t felt much like writing of late. As the writer of Ecclesiastes (chapter 3) tells us, ‘There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot.’ I believe it is my season to write so I will post again soon. </div><div><br></div><div>One question however remains, ‘What is it time for you to do?’</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-20726698626486523282018-10-04T23:05:00.001+01:002018-10-04T23:05:19.240+01:00Severn Bridge <img id="id_be84_24b0_a657_7e92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilBruMKQLBWwXwBRIsptXNjD64UsotdM0IDogRRFS3XzNhnJOVEpxZg4bhmGdGQTxkj0AazO0hvoTfSqzSTbl7PaLBbnhHWrUGxE0szy87eZusPFwmo4W-GuV0XYbObQ9oSYpS9ZlkDIE/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br>Photo with kind permission taken by Paul Day from Gloucestershire Camera club. <div><br></div><div>There is something very special about the Second Severn Crossing. When I go across Severn Bridge I am always led to pray. For me it is a spiritual place. I’m not sure if it is because the bridge is so majestic or whether it is because it is the gateway into Wales. Maybe it is the river that runs beneath the bridge? Certainly I always feel at home when I have the River Severn in sight. </div><div><br></div><div>Thoughts and feelings can not always be put into words. Perhaps there are some things better expressed in pictures? This photo struck my soul - to me it speaks of the promise of God. The river of God flows from the thrown room and he has made a bridge across it. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-61104506558881450492018-09-26T00:32:00.001+01:002018-09-26T00:34:38.603+01:00 Reflections<img id="id_c0a6_7_472a_f8da" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWN-Ca-8nZa8ML-2Tr15Z5HcAoInuxYggL_KDkh7p-EZxJ6f-auWeoWjmFsBbxEmABPt1IRR4aNbmol5LPTMHzoo_RfmbiJgVXbPCKYft9E9wW5r-x88yYl1ZsACkQYjrtmFEY1AAdA4/s5000/%255BUNSET%255D" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 353px; height: auto;"><br><br>God is reflected in much of what we see and yet we don’t see Him. We fail to notice because we don’t stop long enough to notice. <div><br></div><div>Someone said that God had given them a picture of me holding several tokens in my hand. I have been praying about the things that He wants me to do. The messsge seemed to be that I already had lots of things. </div><div><br></div><div>I got in my car to go to the gym the other day. (I will get fit.) and looked in my small compartment to check if I had a pound coin for the locker. There were only three copper coins. I went inside to find a pound and came back to put it in the snall compartment until I had reached the gym. When I opened it up again it was full. I’m sure God was having a laugh at me. I thought I had little but actually I have lots of coins. The coins seemed to have got stuck on a ridge inside. Sometimes we think we are so lacking but yet if only we opened our eyes we would see how truely blessed we are.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3901967041035965746.post-88676024519858368392017-12-02T18:10:00.000+00:002017-12-02T18:10:42.034+00:00Patience in Waiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So how patient are you? Does you foot start to tap as you wait at the checkout? Life seems so hurried. A full-on non-stop, multi-tasking energy sapping sort of existence seems to be the norm. When did you last sit down and do nothing? And I don't mean when did you last sit down and check your emails, or Facebook, or your Twitter account. When did you last sit down and stopped to think? And I don't mean mean stopping to think about all those things on your to-do list. When did you last sit down, with no agenda, and really thought about those important things in life. Things like friendships and family and faith. When did you last sit down with no agenda?<br />
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I must admit to enjoying sitting and reflecting but so often that time gets pushed to one side for something else. There is always so much to do! Over the last year, or so, I have made a conscious effort to re-priorities that which is important. In particular I have done some things for me. Just for me. So often in the hustle and bustle we can squeeze that all important me-time to the point where it becomes almost non-existent. Is it just me? Or do you relate to what I'm saying?<br />
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This year I took the bull by the horns and, in the same week, joined a community choir and started a course in improv. By impov I mean - improvised acting. Making it up as you go along - if you will. I like meeting new people. I will talk to anyone but put me in a largish group where I don't know anyone and I am well and truly out of my comfort zone! But I did it. I survived. I made some new friends and I have learnt some new techniques. Most of all I have smiled from ear-to-ear and I have laughed, and laughed, and laughed! I love to sing it is so good for the soul, but I will let you into a secret, I hate to sing on my own. Well, singing on my own when there is no one around bar the cats is fine but definitely not to an audience. I have done it occasionally and am fine when I don't think about it but it is really out of my zone. Performing improv can be a bit scary but the fun factor of it takes over.<br />
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Anyway, I digress... We can get even more caught up in the rushing around as we prepare for Christmas but I would encourage you to take some time out, just for you. To sit and to think about what is important. Where is God in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations? And where are you? Are you to busy rushing around to enjoy life? Have you got your priorities and life balance right? Does something need to change? Is it time to re-priorities? When was the last time you fed your own soul with things that you enjoyed? When did you last laugh out-loud big belly laughs until the tears ran down your face? <br />
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In the waiting of Advent may you find those things that bring you joy that can't be wrapped up in a box. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13701922863997557824noreply@blogger.com0