Streams of Living Water part 1

I went to the recent Fresh Streams Conference and wrote this when I was there...

Lent 2014 - 12th March: Films

Today's simple pleasure is a bit late owing to said pleasure distracting me. It is films. I love a good movie, don't you? I watch most things unless it is gory, for the sake of being gory, or it's supernatural. I generally don't like to be scared, although I like a good thriller and a bit of suspense. I don't mind army movies, John likes those. I like to loose myself in the storyline and forget about reality for a couple of hours. I guess it's my escapism. Some folk like to theologically reflect on movies but for me it spoils the enjoyment and makes it more work than fun.

My favourite movie of all time is... wait for it.... Predator. I do love science fiction and a bit of Arnie. I always have to watch it if it comes on the TV. Other favourites would be 'What Women Want' with Mel Gibson; funny film. In fact I love most of his films. Also The English Patient with Ralph Fiends, and Silence of the Lambs with Jodie Foster and  Anthony Hopkins, Favorate actors, other than the ones already mentioned, Meryl Street, Sandra Bullock, Renee Zellweger, Colin Frith, Al Pacino, Robin Williams, Clint Eastwood, Kevin Spacey, Liam Neeson Jack Nicholson, Tom Hanks, Kevin Costner and Harrison Ford.

So what's your favorite film and actors?

Lent 2014 - 11th March: Art

I use to spend many an hour looking at pictures of paintings. I have enjoyed Joseph Wright's work but never really noted his name until I wandered around Derby's museum and art gallery recently and realized he was a local artist. I still have the children's encyclopedia set I had as a youngst. This picture is in the book on science I think. On either end of the set are a book of art and an illustrated book of Bible stories. 

Here are a couple more of his paintings, sorry the quality isn't as good. Today's simple pleasure is the appreciation of art. I would post a photo of my recent panting by numbers but you may laugh so I will refrain... Beauty, as they say, is in the eye of the beholder. 

 The Hermit

 The Blacksmith's Shop 

Lent 2014 - 10 March: Poetry

Today's simply pleasure to thank God for is poetry. I can't say I know that much about poetry only that I enjoy writing it and occasionally reading it. I really ought to read more. It seems of late every time I have gone to blog a poem transpires. It is a great way in which to express emotions. Sometimes my poetry express my own emotions, other times I try and place myself in other peoples' shoes. I can't say I have a favourite poem but here is one I learnt as a child. 

Here am I with my four daughters

Dead from drinking Cheltenham waters.

If I'd have stuck to Epsom Salts

I wouldn't have been in these here vaults.

Anon

I like it because it is local (Cheltenham is not far from Stroud where I grew up) and because it amuses me. The voice from beyond the grave has a certain sarcastic tone that always makes me smile. Growing up I spent many a happy hour in the local grave yards looking at the graves. Destined to be a vicar don't you think!

What is your favourite poem or poet?

Lent 2014: March 9th - Cows

Today's simple pleasure is...

Can you guess what it is yet? ....

Maybe another hint? ...

Yes, it really is...

Cows. I love gazing at cows. I'm not sure why I love them so much but I do. Maybe love is the wrong word? We use it so flippantly these days. Cows remind me of the countryside. In particularl they remind me of my home town of Stroud where they freely wander around the local commons and have free grazing rights. I have a few cows adorning my study walls, not real ones you understand (far too messy). I like the way in which they stare at you and seem to weigh you up. I wonder what they think, if anything, beyond where the best bit of juicy grass is to be found? 

Today's simple pleasure is cows - for their beauty, for their part in making the countryside so complete, for the milk and cheese they produce, for the lovely filet stake I enjoyed eating for lunch! ;-)

Lent 2014 - 8th March: Sleep

 

Today's simple pleasure is sleep. This is Holly who loves to make herself a den under the covers of the spare bed when I am working in my study. I work, she sleeps. It's been a long day so night, night... Zzzzzzzz...