CREATIVE SELF

Being creative is a wonderful way to explore ourselves and the world we live in.
Creativity I believe is part of every person, even if we are not aware of it.
This awareness to our creative self comes about when we are willing to open ourselves to the beauty and wonder of the world.
It may come about through Nature, when we allow ourselves to admire our surroundings and the beauty of all that is natural.
For me, my creative self comes about through my discovery of all that is spiritual, especially my belief in a loving God.
The spiritual world allows us to see without seeing / to believe without clear understanding / to love without any desire to be loved.
Let each one of us look into our hearts and discover the wonder and beauty of the 'hidden' world and all that is spiritual.
The Bible quotes so many times,  'Fear not...'
This could well be the key to unfolding our creative self!

FATIMA

I'm now home from my holiday in Portugal.
A day was spent in LISBON,  the Capital of Portugal and I was blown away by the beauty and culture of the City, especially the Exhibition...
'The Story of Portugal'  outlining the development of the Country through the years.  This is truly a great Work of Art and the artistic settings makes one part of the history as it unfolds.
Two days were spent in FATIMA and this became a Pilgrimage for me.
The Basilica is such a magnificent tribute to the honour and glory of God and in many ways is similar to the Basilica of Rome.
The added, new basilica of the Blessed Trinity is such a magnificent work of Art.
Modern in its structure and yet inviting to all who would have need of being a pilgrim, as I felt I was too.
As evening descends, a Procession of Light takes place.  I was privileged to be part of this event.  Each one of us held lighted candles and as the Rosary was recited and chanted, all raised their candles high for all to see.
The statue of our Lady of Fatima was carried in procession and we followed, our lighted candles resembling a river of light in the darkness.
So wonderful to see such a crowd of young and old taking part with reverence and joy!
I look forward to when I can come again to visit Fatima.

A JOURNEY...

I'm preparing to go on a Journey, to visit Lisbon and Fatima, two special places in Portugal.

I've never been there before so the journey will be laced with adventure, especially for me who is most comfortable living in Ireland and loving the daily surprises with weather / will today be summer or winter?

However, having taking 'flight' before to other countries, I've enjoyed myself and the knowledge of how other people manage their lives, especially in hot countries.

There is a different awareness of what one might call modesty and also a certain innocence in how well people look and live their lives.

We are created in the Image of God and yet don't really know Him.

Perhaps, the whole idea of knowing and loving God is found  in a positive and loving attitude to others.

'Love and do as you will.'  a profound statement, highlighting how important it is to become LOVE.

The JOURNEY of LIFE and our connection with God will happen, perhaps when we are unaware of just how close God is to us.

ALIVE and WELL!

Today was special in many ways. First off was the Confirmation ceremony at morning Mass.  Fr. Donal was excellent in his words of encouragement to the young boys and girls as he outlined how the Holy Spirit was inviting them to be members of the Church in a special way, and how the gifts of the Holy Spirit will guide and help them to be faithful to their renewed Baptismal promise.

Later in the day, meeting friends and enjoying the unusual June weather.

Was it lightening and thunder I heard?

The rainfall, teasing at first, became an unmerciful downpour, sending us running for shelter.  In a way it was fun too, dripping wet and so glad to get into dry clothes and have a hot cuppa!

Perhaps it's all the little pleasures of life that keep us alive and well and grateful for the good things in life. Also, able to embrace the little pinpricks that teach us to be a better and more loving person!

LIFE IS FOR LIVING...

There are times when we don't reflect and examine our actions wisely.

This happened to me on my first swim of the season in Brittas Bay.

It was a wild and windy day with sunshine and wonderful waves inviting me in.

Would I? Dare I?  I said I would and so I did.

Totally out of my comfort zone and yet with a love for the adventure of floating with the waves, I ventured in.

I would dip in, then quickly get out again.  That was my wonderful plan!

Getting in was not so easy as I was knocked off my feet twice, then eventually

I gained a spot where I could swim and ride on the waves as they came towards me. How wonderful.

Now was time to get out as I could feel the pull of the waves taking me back

out to sea.  I began to realize, this would not be easy.

I swam towards the shore as best I could, yet each time the waves pulled me back again.  It became a battle and I realized it was time to shout for help.

'Help, help...'  I swallowed a mouthful of seawater as I felt the urge to panic.

No, mustn't do that.  'Help, Oh God help me...'

What a wonderful feeling to feel the presence of another person, the Lifeguard!

'I'm putting my arm under yours and you can hold onto this.'

I held onto the orange object and with relief felt myself being pulled to shore.

Paul, my friend came and took hold of me on the other side.

I was almost out of the water, yet only felt safe when lying on dry sand.

Oh, thank God and thank all you wonderful people!