I keep remembering a near-accident that I witnessed last week. I was making my way to the bus-stop, after leaving a friend's house, and was waiting to cross a very busy road. Suddenly, out of nowhere, appeared a tiny tot - who just took off over the road! A car missed her by a fraction.
I don't know why I keep remembering this - probably because it gave me such a fright! I think of the little girl and wonder if she will now always be scared of busy roads. I think of her Mum and wonder how she feels every time they have to cross roads. And I think of the driver - what a fright he must have had - and I wonder if he now drives a lot slower.
How fragile we are. In our lives there is always potential for unexpected, sudden change. I try really hard to remember this - to sieze each moment and make it count - to be thankful for all that I have..........
Thursday 30 August 2007
Monday 27 August 2007
Giggle!
If I'm feeling a bit down or troubled, I have a wee watch of this clip of our youngest grandson - it always helps!
Saturday 25 August 2007
Shocked and sad
I'm feeling shocked. Is anyone else feeling the same?
On August 12, Gerry Tobin was shot and killed on the M40. Then, on August 22, young Rhys Jones was shot and killed in Croxteth, Merseyside. Today, I read that two people were seriously injured following a street-shooting in Letchworth on the morning of 23 August and, I believe last night, two doormen were shot and injured outside a club in Liverpool. Sadly, the violence continues - today I read that, in Sunderland, a man with learning difficulties has died following a 'savage and prolonged attack by a gang of five youths'.
What is going on? Is violence on the increase - this cannot, surely, be a normal level? What can be done to halt the violence? What can be done to comfort the family and friends of those who have been killed or injured? What can be done to save those who are being influenced, by peer pressure, into the gang culture?
It is all so very sad............. Like many others, I pray for all those whose lives have been touched by the violence of the last few weeks.
On August 12, Gerry Tobin was shot and killed on the M40. Then, on August 22, young Rhys Jones was shot and killed in Croxteth, Merseyside. Today, I read that two people were seriously injured following a street-shooting in Letchworth on the morning of 23 August and, I believe last night, two doormen were shot and injured outside a club in Liverpool. Sadly, the violence continues - today I read that, in Sunderland, a man with learning difficulties has died following a 'savage and prolonged attack by a gang of five youths'.
What is going on? Is violence on the increase - this cannot, surely, be a normal level? What can be done to halt the violence? What can be done to comfort the family and friends of those who have been killed or injured? What can be done to save those who are being influenced, by peer pressure, into the gang culture?
It is all so very sad............. Like many others, I pray for all those whose lives have been touched by the violence of the last few weeks.
Tuesday 21 August 2007
People, people, people!
Some worthy bloggers (Graham and Stuart) have been discussing ‘leaders and followers’ and ‘leading and managing’. I indicated that I would post something which is close to my heart and connected to this.
Some time ago, I was reading from Exodus, and was struck by Ch.28, v.9-12 and v.29-30. These verses describe the priestly garments - how the names of the 12 tribes were to be engraved on two onyx stones, which were to be set in gold filigree and then fastened to the shoulder pieces of the ephod – “Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.” Then – “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart.” And - “Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.”
Prior to reading this I think God was (and still is) speaking to me about people – that it’s all about people, people, people – to love God first, and then to love others. Perhaps I’m over-simplifying this, however, I think that if we first love God and seek His love so that we can truly love others, then marvellous things begin to happen! For the body to function properly, each individual part requires nourishment – the nourishment of love, care, acceptance, respect, and value. When the parts of the body are fully nourished, they will be fit and able to fulfil their God-given ministries.
For this to happen I believe that all of us, especially leaders, are required to ‘bear the names of their people over their hearts when they go before the Lord’. When churches are led in this way, leaders are ‘leading’ rather than ‘managing’, and ‘followers’ feel that the part they have to play is just as essential – that they are valued, and what they do is meaningful – and that’s leading back to last Sunday’s sermon………….
Some time ago, I was reading from Exodus, and was struck by Ch.28, v.9-12 and v.29-30. These verses describe the priestly garments - how the names of the 12 tribes were to be engraved on two onyx stones, which were to be set in gold filigree and then fastened to the shoulder pieces of the ephod – “Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the LORD.” Then – “Whenever Aaron enters the Holy Place, he will bear the names of the sons of Israel over his heart.” And - “Thus Aaron will always bear the means of making decisions for the Israelites over his heart before the Lord.”
Prior to reading this I think God was (and still is) speaking to me about people – that it’s all about people, people, people – to love God first, and then to love others. Perhaps I’m over-simplifying this, however, I think that if we first love God and seek His love so that we can truly love others, then marvellous things begin to happen! For the body to function properly, each individual part requires nourishment – the nourishment of love, care, acceptance, respect, and value. When the parts of the body are fully nourished, they will be fit and able to fulfil their God-given ministries.
For this to happen I believe that all of us, especially leaders, are required to ‘bear the names of their people over their hearts when they go before the Lord’. When churches are led in this way, leaders are ‘leading’ rather than ‘managing’, and ‘followers’ feel that the part they have to play is just as essential – that they are valued, and what they do is meaningful – and that’s leading back to last Sunday’s sermon………….
Family News
Our slightly elderly cat, Tasha, has not been herself recently. She appeared one day with a badly bleeding ear, so it was necessary to make a visit to the Vet where an expensive blood test proved that she was 100% fine! A day or so later she was off-colour - lay on the sofa all day, not eating or drinking and for the world appeared to have a terrible cold. She is almost better now - just in time to return to the Vet for her annual booster and check-up. Where's my cheque book? Groaning in a corner!
I visit our daughter and grandson one day each week. When I was there last Friday, Catriona was working upstairs while I amused Iain Joseph. At one point she flew into the room, grabbed her camera and galloped up the stairs. When she reappeared, she had a photo of a small bird of prey which had killed something on her lawn! We would love to know what this bird could be? It was quite small - much smaller than a Kestrel.
Tonight I attended my husband's graduation - he recently passed his SVQ level 3. The graduation was a nice occasion, held in a nice hotel - the weather was good, there was a very pretty garden with a pipe band playing Highland Cathedral, and everyone all dressed up! One of Joe's friends and I cheered him on as he took to the stage to receive his certificate. I'm sure it all passed really quickly for him, but I have the photos to remind him, and a framed copy will go beside the photos of our two daughters at their graduations!
I visit our daughter and grandson one day each week. When I was there last Friday, Catriona was working upstairs while I amused Iain Joseph. At one point she flew into the room, grabbed her camera and galloped up the stairs. When she reappeared, she had a photo of a small bird of prey which had killed something on her lawn! We would love to know what this bird could be? It was quite small - much smaller than a Kestrel.
Tonight I attended my husband's graduation - he recently passed his SVQ level 3. The graduation was a nice occasion, held in a nice hotel - the weather was good, there was a very pretty garden with a pipe band playing Highland Cathedral, and everyone all dressed up! One of Joe's friends and I cheered him on as he took to the stage to receive his certificate. I'm sure it all passed really quickly for him, but I have the photos to remind him, and a framed copy will go beside the photos of our two daughters at their graduations!
Friday 17 August 2007
A Poem
It has been suggested that I post some of my poems, so here is the first one.....
Home
Travelling north to where I was born
Toward summers of childhood memories
I catch the yellow fields set against blue sea
And know that this is home.
Echoes of school call from the city
Of kind eyes and easy humour
Where my faith was awakened and born
This is also my home.
Yet home is here, my heart is set
Where our children grew among castles and hills
And together we continue to make
This place that is our home.
And still to come, another place
Where I will rest amid beauty and calm
A mansion purchased by love and grace
My everlasting home.
© Sheena Conroy (July 1999)
Home
Travelling north to where I was born
Toward summers of childhood memories
I catch the yellow fields set against blue sea
And know that this is home.
Echoes of school call from the city
Of kind eyes and easy humour
Where my faith was awakened and born
This is also my home.
Yet home is here, my heart is set
Where our children grew among castles and hills
And together we continue to make
This place that is our home.
And still to come, another place
Where I will rest amid beauty and calm
A mansion purchased by love and grace
My everlasting home.
© Sheena Conroy (July 1999)
BIRTHDAYS!
Lots of my friends and family have birthdays in August – my own is on the 12th and I celebrated my 60th this year. I received lots of cards, gifts, flowers and messages and – I flew a helicopter! Yes I did – Joe has the photos to prove it! (Says much about my husband that he was happy to sit in the back seat while I took the controls - brave man!)
On Wednesday it was the birthday of our elder daughter, Sarah, (who is physically and mentally disabled - and totally amazing). I spent a lovely hour and a half with her, drinking tea and eating cake, while she opened our gifts and told me about the rest of her day.
Then yesterday it was the 65th birthday of one of the ladies who has been coming along to Summer Cell Group. We had a great night celebrating with her.
All the celebrations and flowers and cakes and gifts are absolutely wonderful – but it occurred to me that these things are not sufficient in themselves. The really important thing to me on my birthday was the knowledge that people actually care! A birthday with no cards or gifts, but with caring folk around you, is a good day! A birthday with mountains of cards and gifts, but no-one to share it with, is surely a sad day.
I would love to know what everyone else liked best about their last birthday?
On Wednesday it was the birthday of our elder daughter, Sarah, (who is physically and mentally disabled - and totally amazing). I spent a lovely hour and a half with her, drinking tea and eating cake, while she opened our gifts and told me about the rest of her day.Then yesterday it was the 65th birthday of one of the ladies who has been coming along to Summer Cell Group. We had a great night celebrating with her.
All the celebrations and flowers and cakes and gifts are absolutely wonderful – but it occurred to me that these things are not sufficient in themselves. The really important thing to me on my birthday was the knowledge that people actually care! A birthday with no cards or gifts, but with caring folk around you, is a good day! A birthday with mountains of cards and gifts, but no-one to share it with, is surely a sad day.
I would love to know what everyone else liked best about their last birthday?
Tuesday 14 August 2007
Is it me?
As always, caught the bus to work this morning and, as always, it was difficult to find a seat.
I used to get annoyed when I saw young, fit people continuing to sit when older people, or women with shopping or young children had to stand. Inevitably it was older, rather than younger, people who gave up their seat to those in greater need.
However, it got worse! People often sit on the aisle seat and do not bother to move over to the window seat to give someone else a seat. And this morning took the biscuit! I struggled to find a seat - folk were either sitting on the aisle seat or were using it for their bags - and you would be suprised how unwilling they are to either move over, or put their bags elsewhere.
This world is crying out for a kind touch. I feel sad when people are genuinely surprised when a stranger does them a kindness, or smiles at them. As Christians, what an opportunity we have to show love and compassion! Our light can shine brighter when it's pretty gloomy out there!
I used to get annoyed when I saw young, fit people continuing to sit when older people, or women with shopping or young children had to stand. Inevitably it was older, rather than younger, people who gave up their seat to those in greater need.
However, it got worse! People often sit on the aisle seat and do not bother to move over to the window seat to give someone else a seat. And this morning took the biscuit! I struggled to find a seat - folk were either sitting on the aisle seat or were using it for their bags - and you would be suprised how unwilling they are to either move over, or put their bags elsewhere.
This world is crying out for a kind touch. I feel sad when people are genuinely surprised when a stranger does them a kindness, or smiles at them. As Christians, what an opportunity we have to show love and compassion! Our light can shine brighter when it's pretty gloomy out there!
Muse and Whether
'Muse' for obvious reasons - 'Whether' this is a good idea or not!
Is it wise to inflict my random thoughts on the (few) who may read them? Why is that we always have so much to say, every day, on any topic - until we are given a blank page?
Anyway, here I go - an electronic adventure............
Is it wise to inflict my random thoughts on the (few) who may read them? Why is that we always have so much to say, every day, on any topic - until we are given a blank page?
Anyway, here I go - an electronic adventure............
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