Tuesday, 27 August 2019

Reading, reading....and writing...

I have missed blogging.  I know it might be a bit random for me to suddenly show up again.  But I found a way that I can serve two purposes.  One is to actually have a topic to share.  The other to introduce you to other authors I found and want to encourage and support.  So, I'm going to try to be faithful to adding a book review to my blog.  

As a way of building a readership, I joined GoodReads.com.  When I finish reading a book, I will write my review and then post the link to here on my blog.  

And I will also keep you posted about the progress of Angelee's Dilemma.  I am well into the second edit.  Starting out with about 50 chapters to re-write, I have about seventeen to go.  Learning to write a book-length story, I've discovered that in the re-write I drop some chapters (that may or may not be included in following books), I have to write fresh chapters to bridge the action.  But I am determined and hopeful--although not as disciplined as I should be.  

Okay, so, my first Goodreads link is a book review by my new friend, Joanna May Chee.  I met her in early August...another story for another time.  She has written a lovely book entitled Forever Loved:  Eve's Story: A Creative Retelling

The link to Joanna's websites are:


The link to the book review is:

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

Lady Helene

Tuesday, 19 December 2017

An Advent Reflection



The following was posted in the weekly news sheet I produce for our parish. 
              
Saturday, 16th December, 10.00 am to 12.00 pm at St. Francis—Advent Prayer Morning.  Take some time out to reflect on the Christmas story in a range of ways. Please pop in and spend a few minutes, or a lot if you wish, in quiet. There will be prayer stations for you to visit or you can just sit and have some space. Refreshments will be provided.”

               When I read the above invitation, I was more than interested in attending; I told myself that I was going to participate.  It took a determined decision, as it was going to be a busy day. “Jame-O”, our second-oldest grandson, had come to spend the weekend with us.  I was still trying to get my Christmas cards completed.

               When I mentioned to “Maverick” that I wanted to go, he said that he too wanted to take time to participate.  Since “Jame-O” was with us, he had no choice but to go with us.  But he seemed glad enough to do so.

               When I arrived at St. Francis, I found that the organiser had put up five stations around the walls and three/four large tables in the middle of the room.   At each station there were craft supplies by way of using one’s imagination to meditate, and interact with the reflection.
 
               The temptation to walk around and survey each of the prayer stations and accompanying activity challenged me.  But I’d been instantly drawn to the table with a wooden nativity set and knew that a wonder around the room would simple be procrastination.  The tableaux were carved from light wood, lightly polished.  The Baby Jesus was lying with it’s arms outstretched, indicating His adult purpose. 

               The instruction sheet read: “Spend some time looking at the Nativity Scene.  Although this event occurred over 2000 years ago, we play a major role in this story.  And although we were not physically present, we can still connect to this scene. 
               “Think about which character in this scene you identify most with at this point in your life:  the new mother, the worried father, the lowly shepherds, the travelling Magi, the animals wondering at the spectacle happening in their stable…
               “Use the paper people to make your likeness, or simply write your name on it.  Then place it in the Nativity scene as a way of symbolically connecting to the story and entering into the mystery of the Advent Season.”

               After removing my coat, taking my notebook from the backpack, I sat down.  As I settled in the chair, I purposed to engage with the Holy Spirit.  I took a deep breath, trying to shift from the busyness of the morning into a slower frame of mind.  I’d felt restless, distracted, harried by the interruptions of the morning.  When I stopped, opened my mind and heart to the leading of the Holy Spirit, I felt the Presence of Jesus draw near.  My heart welled up with peace, and my eyes filled with tears. 

I re-read the instructions.  With whom do I most identify?

               The central person in the story is Mary.  The day before I’d finally had a chance to hold my newest baby grandson, “Billy”.  He wasn’t yet a month old.  Truly, holding an infant is a “Mommy-Nanna” moment.  The humble obedience of the young woman, Mary, has often made me marvel.  Yet, I felt no connection with her.   
               I’m an animal lover.  A person only has to watch me with Maisy to know how soft-hearted (soft-in-the head?) I am when it comes to interacting with her and other animals.  I find them entertaining, and believe we don’t give them credit for just how cleaver they are.  But for this task of meditating, identifying, and attempting to find wonder, I feel no connection. 

               The shepherds…I wait…but no, I have no sense of any emotions they might have felt that touch me in these quiet moments.
 
               Momentarily my heart is tempted to be discouraged, to despair even.  There seems to be no affinity with this holy scene or the people in it.
 
               But wait!  The Magi!  What about the Wise Men, seeking, travelling?  They travel to find their heart’s desire, a new king, a new kingdom.  They purpose to deliver their specific gifts to the Child of Salvation.   
               In that moment it happens—the divine spark that captures my heart, my imagination.

               In the Autumn of this year I took a journey.  Like Mary and Joseph, I travelled to the place of my roots.  Instead of bearing gifts, I had gone looking for information, inspiration and hospitality.  During that pilgrimage to Indiana, the Holy Spirit led me to all which I sought.  I was able to connect deeply with my calling, my passion and my purpose.  Like the Wise Men, I was developing my talent to present to Jesus.
 
               I turned to the task given in the instructions—creating the cardboard image of myself.  I selected a white paper figure to represent my likeness, for God had created me with fair skin.  I found a yellow dress in the paper clothing.  Two reasons for the yellow dress: (1) yellow is my favourite colour;

 (2) as a response to a word given to me by a dear friend.  On 25th September 2017 our friend, “Parkie” took “Maverick” and me to Wisley Gardens, in the County of Surrey.  It was a wonderful day, because the autumn colours were just beginning to come on.  We had gone to the café for lunch, and the menfolk had gone to get use drinks, while I sat outside at the table.  As I was sitting there a little gold finch flew so near I wanted to reach out and touch it.  “Parkie” noticed and remarked about how close they were to me.  As we sat talking, “Parkie” suddenly said “You said that yellow is your favourite colour.  Well, for you, things are no longer going to be all black and white.  They’re going to be black and yellow.”  I am still pondering those words, and how they apply to me. 
 
               To the wee form I added a scarf, also with yellow flowers.  Because the colours choices for hair did not include grey cut-outs, I chose brown hair.  My hair had been brown in my youth. 

               Like the wise men, I am on a journey to deliver my gift back to God.  My gift of gold—worship, frankincense—prayers and intercessions, and myrrh —the sacrifice of praise in the midst of trials, tribulation and temptations. 

               God reaffirmed to me that He did not want me to identify with poverty, failure, shame and condemnation.  I am not a pauper, an orphan with stains on my dress, my hands, my face.  I am to own the identity of a new creation.  I know my God appointed purpose, my calling.  I am a Princess of the Most High God, dressed in acceptance, clothed in beauty, representing the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

“Lady Helene”

Monday, 27 November 2017

Cloudy communication...


The Heart is near the middle of the sky, to the right of the 2nd tree from the left.

               Prayer is about speaking and listening.  Church services include moments of designated time to speak to God.  We give thanks.  In Catholic and Anglican meetings, we acknowledge our sins and ask forgiveness.  As Christians we pray for others during our intercessions.  We are taught, and believe God listens.  
               I don’t know about other people, but I am constantly asking myself, “Am I really listening to You, Heavenly Father?  Did I miss hearing you Jesus?”  
               However, I believe God communicates with us visually—if we are looking for it.  Today as I was in the village, I took a few seconds to look up.  Something in the sky caught my attention, and I immediately opened my yellow handbag and pulled out my mobile phone.  I quickly took a few snaps before the message in the sky was wiped away by the wind.
               The photo is here.  Do you see the love message in the clouds—the heart?  When I saw it, I immediately smiled, and there was joy in my heart.  And I wanted to share it—because I like sharing God’s love.  
               I also decided that I would post the intercession I wrote for yesterday’s church service.  It was the last Sunday of the Anglican Church year…Christ the King.  Next Sunday Advent begins. 
____________


Reader:  May Your will be done, on earth
Reply:  As in heaven.

The Church of Christ:  Gracious and kind Heavenly Father, thank You for all your benefits and promises.  We pray for our Arch Bishops, Justin Welby and John Sentamu.  We lift up to you Area De, Rod Cosh—touch His body with healing.  We pray for his family to be comforted in their recent bereavement. We pray for our Parish Ministry Team, Robin and Juliet, Shola, Bill and Sue.  

Reader:  May Your will be done, on earth
Reply:  As in heaven

Creation, Human Society, the Sovereign and Those in Authority:   We pray for our Queen, Elizabeth and her husband, Philip.  We give you praise for their example of committed marriage, as they celebrate 70 years of marriage.  Please continue to bless their marriage and keep them in good health.  We pray for Theresa May as she represents Great Britain at the European Council and leads the country in Brexit negotiations. 

We pray for the family and friends of those affected by Argentina’s lost submarine.  Comfort them during this time of confusion and mystery.  

We pray for areas of continued conflict—Syria, Israel, Palestine, North Korea, Egypt.  Father, only You know the answers to these complex political situations.  Please reveal Your answers to world leaders.

Reader:  May Your will be done, on earth
Reply:  As in heaven

The Local Community:  Father of Light, abounding in lovingkindness, we pray for our community. As we prepare for Advent Season and Christmas, provide us with opportunities to share the message of Jesus.   Bless those sharing “Christmas Unwrapped” in local schools.  Use the message to help children learn how to become friends with Jesus.  Let all who are seeking truth find the Way, The Truth and the Life.

Reader:  May Your will be done, on earth
Reply:  As in heaven

Those Who Suffer:  Who pardons all our iniquities; heals all our diseases?   Who redeems our lives from the pit, and crowns us with compassion?  (Psalm 103) Only You, Precious Lord.  You earnestly remember that we are formed of dust.  Be near to who are suffering in body, mind and spirit.  Whether they are at home, in hospital, rehabilitation facility or with friends, we ask that they will experience Your healing Presence with them.

The Communion of Saints:  King David wrote “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Paul encouraged us “Those who have gone before us are a great cloud of witnesses; let us lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith…”  We think of Amy Clifford, at this time.  

Merciful Father, Accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
 ____________ 

Serving Jesus, Author of our faith,

"Lady Helene"


 


 

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