Laughter...

Often the mistakes we make in life can cause us laughter later on.

We realise that life is not meant to be taken seriously.  

We can be serious about commitment in our lives and applying ourselves to our daily duties, yet  without a morbid or serious attitude.

No wonder God prompts us to be childlike and happy in our endeavours.

Mistakes and failures can be a great source of learning and also shared-laughter when we are free to laugh at ourselves.

This is wisdom, to be open and willing to have a good laugh!

TIME OUT...

When this wonderful world that we live in appears to become too much to handle, take a break.

Time out in reflection / time out with God in prayer / time out in creative endeavours will help to bring back a sense of peace and comfort.

Community and family and friends lend an atmosphere of peace and contentment and yet often we need to step out on our own and discover the mystery of God's love for us.

This is often called going on  RETREAT.  

In our community we have organised a Retreat Get-a-way to west Cork which is special for me.

I will be joining with Michaela who is brilliant at guiding people in Positive Psychology.

My part will be in facilitating Creative Writing sessions.

It's great to get the opportunity to share with others what is a passion for oneself.

Of course the huge bonus is the location, an organic farm in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. 

And an extra bonus will be the Sound Therapy sessions run by Harry Parkinson.

Yes, it's such a gift to avail of  Time Out!

A Child of God...

I watched a programme on TV about a person who was united with her birth-mother after a lapse of so many years.  The person had suffered for so many years believing they were not wanted.... 

Great happiness followed when they were united and realised they were always loved.

This story made me realise the power of love and what it is like for each one of us to be united to our heavenly Parent.

We can have an idea of the power of a parent's love, yet to be able to fathom the love God has for each one of us...

We are a Child of God and loved beyond our wildest imagination.

Love without limits!

PROGRESS...

It's a very human requirement to make progress in life; to believe we are developing ourselves and becoming a better and more able person.

When we are sound in mind and body, then this will happen.

When we are weak, perhaps unwell or troubled, then a different course of action is required.

We are being invited to go deeper within and examine our motives for all our actions etc. 

This is where our spiritual life is a great blessing.

We come to realise that God is ever present with us.  We have the hosts of heaven on call!

Christ said, ' I am with you always...'

Life is both a challenge and a wonderful invitation to become more at one with God.

Perhaps it's when we are weakest that in truth we are strongest.

St. Paul reminds us, 'In my weakness, I found my strength.'

FRIENDS

It's important to have friends, good friends. people who encourage us to be the best we can be.

When it comes to the spiritual life, it's important to embrace the company of those who will help us to love God and grow in awareness of His love for us.

This can be a challenge as we may have good friends and yet they may not be enlightened or have awareness of God's Presence in our lives.

If this is so, then we have to let go of all and everyone who would distract or make less of our desire to love God.

It's sounds harsh and yet if we hold on to friends for friendship sake, even though they cannot help us in our spiritual need, then we do them and ourselves a dis-service.

Perhaps Shakesphere knew it all when he said,

 'To thy ownself be true and thou wilt not be false to anyone.' 

St. Julian of Norich is quoted as saying, ' All is well, all is LOVE.'

The Gentle Art of Loving...

The Gentle Art of Loving teaches us how to be happy and content with who we are.
We live in an exciting and complex world where we are invited to love above all else.
The challenge is always there to choose to be a lover / a giver / a carer.
We may not always succeed and yet we can always try.
Mistakes will be made as we are human and prone to fail at times. No worries.
There is no greater strength in this world than LOVE.
Apply the gentle art of loving to all we do and say and are.
We will transform this wonderful world of ours and ourselves too.

Bantry Bay...

My friends and I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Bantry Bay.

We stayed in a camper at Eagle Point, Ballylicky, one of the best camping sites in west Cork with excellent facilities and enjoyed every minute of our short break.  

Ignoring the weather, we went swimming most mornings, encouraged by the fact that we had a hot shower waiting for us and a hot cuppa too!

.We opted for fun rather than waiting around for sunshine, which comes and goes at leisure.

Camping is a way of life for a lot of people with a love for being outdoors.  Sometimes a little hardship offers us a sense of freedom to step away from the normal way of life where clocks dictate what we ought to do and be etc.

A trip to Bantry town is like going to meet new friends and have a ball!

The town is tourist friendly and so there is always a willingness to provide information and opportunities to relax and enjoy oneself.

St. Finbar's Church is a delight to visit and admire the wonderful stained-glass windows of our Celtic saints. Church services are available daily.

Bantry House is a trip into the past, revealing the history of life when once a residence of nobility.

The gardens are wonderfully maintained and a trip through the rose garden fills the senses with delicate perfume.

We enjoyed having a cuppa in the Tea room, filled with thoughts of Agatha Christie stories as our  imagination filled in the mysteries.

Another special treat was morning coffee and scones in Seaview Manor House where we were received like royalty.
Ah, Bantry is a great place, blessed with wonderful scenery and people.

ple.