Comfort

Posted on December 11, 2007 by freda

Went to an excellent church exhibition over the weekend. It was on the theme of Comfort. Interprations included all kinds of arts and crafts, including paintings, collages, interactive themes and so forth – many inspired by Biblical texts offering people the comfort of God. Others invited viewers to think of things in which they found comfort, giving visual suggestions like a pair of cosy slippers or a hot water bottle. The church was one where the pews had been removed and the whole area was visually stunning and warm. For me, the most magnificent piece was a carving around three feet tall; it was a depiction that showed that everyone is included in the love of God. And that is true comfort.

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God the Artist

Posted on December 9, 2007 by freda

You take the pen
and the lines dance.
You take the flute,
and the notes shimmer.
You take the brush,
and the colours sing.
So all things have meaning and beauty
in that space beyond time where you are.
How then, can I hold back anything from you?

Dag Hammarskjold

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And not one bird stopped singing

Posted on December 8, 2007 by freda

That is the title of the Doris Jones book I have just finished reading – all about aging and a gentle view of Christian spirituality. So it is onto the next one on the pile. Lots of interesting books to read and think about over the next weeks. I want to add – If I am spared and well  – one of my Granny’s favourite sayings. I wonder if my own grandchildren will have a mental list of things I am wont to say? Come to think of it, they will probably be the same ones.

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Getting up

Posted on December 7, 2007 by freda

I do not like getting up in the dark. I don’t mind the early evening dark, because there is something cosy about pulling the curtains and battening down the hatches. But getting up even in the gloom of early morning in December……not a favourite thing.

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Surround sound

Posted on December 6, 2007 by freda

Home cinema, surround sound has come to Dalamory. Five speakers and a large sub-woofer. Every time the sub-woofer emits a low-pitched growling sound (more often than you might think,) the dog jumps and looks all round the room to see where it has come from. Wonderful technology, good for watching films and excellent for listening to music.

Now where is the 1812 overture? Time for a bit of cannon I think……

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Explanation

Posted on December 5, 2007 by freda

Perhaps I should have explained that yesterday’s picture of the opportunist mouse at the birdnuts, was actually taken by friends. I was speaking with them on skype and delighted by their description of the interloper, so suggested they take a photo. The picture was the result. Makes one ponder on the technical logistics of all of that – and how with their permission, the blogging world or even the whole of the online world can share in one magic moment.

It is worth looking out for the magic moment in each day. It improves the disposition – especially in darkest December.

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Mouse opportunist

Posted on December 4, 2007 by freda

Sweet to look at – but only if outside the house!

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Yesterday morning

Posted on December 3, 2007 by freda

Picture the scene: yesterday morning, me just out of the shower, dripping everywhere and the telephone rings. It is the Interim Moderator (minister in charge during a vacancy) for our parish church. It turned out that the preacher for the day had suddenly taken ill – would I fill in? I found myself saying very calmly No problem……. Then proceeded to have breakfast, check the Bible readings, jot down a rough running order, look out clerical collar, dry hair, get dressed and leave the house – all within forty minutes. I have to admit that when I saw what the New Testament reading was (Matthew 24:36-44 for anyone keen) – there was a sharp intake of breath. Not the most preacher-friendly text in the world.

Arriving at church – relatively early for once – I had to impart the bad news to the people on duty. In the end, thanks to a friendly congregation, all went well. I found myself musing on situations where there is really no alternative but to carry on and do one’s best. Rather like the whole of life. We can only do our best, but we can make the effort to remember always to do it with care, consideration and yes – even love.

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Advent

Posted on December 2, 2007 by freda

In this the darkest season of the year begins the Christian time of Advent. It is all about waiting and watching, hoping and trying to have faith. When I worked in the parish it was one of my favourite times; there was always a sense of great anticipation, such a good antidote to all the down-side of Christmas – all the busy things we give ourselves to do. This year I shall be following the meditations on this website. Maybe you might feel like joining in.

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December

Posted on December 1, 2007 by freda

December again – time to think about Christmas shopping and festive cheer. But sometimes it is hard to do that in the face of suffering. Today we are asked to think about all the millions suffering from HIV and Aids. (World Aids Day.) And the British woman, Gillian Gibbons, faces fifteen days in jail with a baying mob of fanatical Muslem men outside her prison. Just two items from the world stage of horror that is fed into our homes on an hourly basis.

How to deal with all the troubles? Prayer is all very well but usually action is also needed. I feel better if I support charities as and when I can, and that is good as far as it goes. I tried to get onto the Sudanese Embassy in London via their website, only to discover their site is not working. Either convenient or else there are many people like myself who want to register a protest.

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