Lent 2014 - 1st April: Music

As I write I am listening and half watching a George Michael concert on TV. George's music has featured in one of my earlier blogs. You can find in here if you want to have a look. I seem to like his music more as I have got older. Maybe I am just re-living my youth, who knows. Today's simple pleasure isn't George Michael, although I am sure he is to some, but music. I love music. I like to sing, not that I am a brilliant singer, I just like singing. It brings me joy and puts a smile on my face. Car journeys are the best when the music is turned up and you can sing to your hearts content at the top of your voice. Life is so much better with music. I love good guitars, strong vocals and a good beat. Translated that means the likes of Queen, The Police, The Eurythmics/Annie Lennox, Texas, and many more. I prefer rock, indie, or alternative genres. I like 80's music more now than I did at the time. Generally I think 90's music was much better with the likes of R.E.M. Alanis Morrisette, Pulp, Blur, Manic Street preachers, Supergrass, Oasis, etc, etc.

There isn't much I dislike but drum and base and boy bands would be amongst them. I can't image a world without music. I can't imagine a world without being able to praise God. Music is about expressing how we are feeling or wanting to feel. If we are feeling sad then we may want to play something soulful and relaxing, perhaps some Dusty Springfield, Simply Red, or Adel, or Leona Lewis. If we are feeling happy and full of beans then we would crank up the volume for a bit of Robbie Williams (sorry very Girlie choice), some Bryan Adams. or Dire Straights, or Guns n' Roses. If we wanted cruising music then some Beach Boys, or The Eagles, or well depends what you are into I guess. For me praising God through song is about expressing how I am feeling and also about getting in tune with God. I may not always feel like worshiping God through singing when I start to sing but my mood and my whole being starts to change as I engage with the music and as I engage with God. Singing in church on a Sunday, or around the house, or in the car is the way in which I connect with God. This may be through worship songs or it may be in a secular song. Music is a powerful thing. It is my simple pleasure. Thank you God for music. 

Lent 2014 - 31st March: swimming

I have always loved to swim. I wouldn't say I'm a particularly strong swimmer but I enjoy swimming up and down the pool. Today's simple pleasure is swimming. Sometimes we can feel that we are swimming against the tide. Sometimes we perceive the waves to be massive and much bigger than they actually are. Sometimes we can feel like we are drowning in life. Life can be hard and demanding. Following Jesus doesn't mean we will never face trials. Being a Christian isn't easy. Life isn't easy. Trusting Jesus is not always easy but yet he asks us to put out faith in him during these difficult times. 

When I am in the swimming pool I feel close to God. It has become a time of centering prayer for me. No need to speak words but just to be with God. As I swim I sense God around me. He is to my right and to my left keeping me safe, he is below me keeping me afloat, he is above me keeping a watchful eye, and he is before me guiding my way. Spending time in the water cleanses and refreshes me in a spiritual way. I leave my troubles on the side of the pool and I try not to take them home with me.

A simple pleasure to give thanks for - swimming. Jump in, the water is warm!

Lent 2014 - 30th March: mothers

The simple pleasure of spending time with your mum. You never know how long or short your life is so spend time with those you treasure. John and I spent time with his mum today. I saw mine on Friday. Both are not in the best of health. Both are treasured. Not all mums are purfect. Not all love us as they should. Maybe there is someone else you call 'mum' who cares for you? Mothering Sunday or Mother's Day, call it what you will, can be a difficult time for many. If you don't know the love of a real mum, or have lost yours, here is a big hug. Remember you are loved and special; yes you!

My Mother-inlaw is the one in the middle.

Lent 2014 - 29th March: Time

Sorry there was no blog yesterday. I did write one but it's slightly differnt from those I have been posting during Lent and I want to give myself a little more time to ponder before posting. 

Time is our simple pleasure to reflect upon today. In the UK the clocks spring forward one hour tomorrow marking the beginning of British summer-time. Summer-time what happened to Spring? We can become very complacent with time. We scurry along at such a pace we miss the moment. We fail to enjoying the here and now. (This is some of what I was writing about yesterday.) When we are young we want to be older. When we are older we hanker after our youth. 

Time is precious. Life is precious. You are precious. Hmmm maybe I am sounding a bit like Gollum from Lord of the Rings talking about 'my precious' as he rubs his hands and stares at his beloved gold ring. I mislaid my wedding ring yesterday and felt a little bit like Gollum when I put it back on my finger where it belongs. Time is more precious than gold. Whilst a gold band can symbolize our love for each other it is the time spent together that really matters. So what are you going to do with your time this week? Revel in the moment and give thanks for the here and now. If you have a special someone tell them you love them whilst there is still time to do so.

The Efficiency Express

Faster and faster we hurtled along. The landscape blurs from the window. Faster and faster we travel. The beauty of where we were lost quickly to the past. Faster and faster the efficiency train ran head first along the track that had been laid down. Faster and faster we rocked in our carriages coupled together; resistance was futile. Where were we going? How long would it take?

Brakes slamming we ground to a hault. Wondering what was wrong we looked at our watches. Anxiety clamoured for attention as schedules were lost. Phone calls and texts and emails rang out. Sat on the tracks our journey before us wondering why you and I should be waiting this way? A voice from heaven declared an emergency. Hearts skipped a beat as we waited to hear. What happened? Who was it? What casualties were taken? Anxiety and panic an alarm call of pain and distress. First Aid is needed an ambulance called. We sat and waited some answered the call.

No longer faster and faster but ground to a stop we sat and we pondered and reflected some more. How long must we wait? How long will it take? How long will it take on this journey of faith? Anxiety subdues and peace starts to reign. No point in worrying about the schedule delayed. Acceptance and reassurance enter the carriage, sanity breaks. We see for the first time the beauty outside.

The train begins to shudder and we start moving once more. Tracks laid down a lifetime ago dictate the direction. Faster and faster the train flows once more. But who laid the tracks? Do they still show the way? Do we journey together or each our own way? Does the voice in the sky make any sense? Do we ignore the tanoy instead? So many questions to ask on the way. The conductor just smiles and says, 'Have a nice day.'

Lent 2014 - 27th March: phone chats

Phone chats are one of life's simple pleasures. I often phone a friend who lives in France just for a natter. It amazes me how easy it is to stay in touch with people and yet we don't. Is there someone you need to ring? They say, 'a problem shared is a problem halved.' Maybe there is something that is worrying you that is better shared with a trusted friend? Maybe a phone call isn't a simple pleasure for you but, maybe, it would make someone else's day? Spread a little happiness and pick up the phone.