So, it’s the weekend. I enjoyed my evening out yesterday evening – we weren’t particularly late – just what I needed! For some reason this morning, however, I woke up feeling really bleak – no idea why but depression just sucks … not necessarily a rhyme or reason .. I think I’m fortunate that I’m not completely debilitated by it – but the dips seriously have to be ridden out… I tried Karate (fun, I’m going to go again next week) then snuggling up under the duvet (#notbusy) before making myself eat a proper lunch 🙂 Also encouraged by checking in to see how @pamjweb getting on with Stephen Cottrell’s book – we need to be in a place of pain so we have nothing left but God…
#BigRead13 Thoughts
I remember reading The Screwtape Letters one Christmas snuggled up in front of the fire at my parents, and I thought it was an incredibly well-written book which gently brought to our attention the small dangers & stumbles that gently lead us away … so this quote sums up much of the book:
“Indeed the safest road to Hell is the gradual one–the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts,…Your affectionate uncle, Screwtape.”
Matthew 7:13-14Â does seem to fit incredibly well here … it’s so easy to rumble across the wide path, but there’s a narrow gate to be found (and Brian Draper yesterday encouraged us to find a gate, and walk through it intentionally as a reminder). A lot of the things we do in our life (e.g. getting enough sleep, eating properly – which then tend to affect the rest of our lives) are down to small changes… half-an-hour later to bed, an extra piece of food that I don’t actually want… Being aware can make a huge difference.
@40Acts
Inspiring stuff from Miriam Swaffield re providing a banquet for the homeless at 12 hours notice – no sitting and praying over whether it’s “the right thing” but getting on with it … what else can we do that’s out of our comfort zone…. I think mine’s coming up next week with my Tearfund visit to Uganda.
Brian Draper: Lent 40
More contemplation from Brian … take time to listen to birdsong (always remember this time in New Zealand, never quite experienced anything similar since), but also taking time to be creative, without worrying about being GOOD at it… that is such a good reminder, just be and let the creativity flow… (even cooking a simple meal of mince in tortillas today felt vaguely creative…)
#Do1NiceThing
Shop locally and support local farmers, local veg growers and local shops #do1nicething. Applaud this one – much of my family is involved in farming! Interestingly the news has just been on with the number of people shopping at local butchers – knowing where food is coming from – has grown hugely.
#LentPhotos
Looking for a ‘Simple Food’ … well what beats sausage & mash… and here’s the ingredients in a butchers:
Enjoying being challenged by a range of thoughts and seeing where overlaps are.