Ropner Park is a lovely park in Stockton-on-Tees, about three miles from our home in Norton. It’s where we had our wedding photos taken in 2014, and one that we visit often with our three children.
One area of the park is a conservation area, and it was here that the above photo was taken. There’s more information in the photo below (clickable).
I’ve posted before about the Northumbria Community, a dispersed, worldwide, network Christian Community, committed to a new way for living. Source
Over the years, I’ve found their Daily Prayer books and website helpful, especially in troubled times when they provide much needed grounding and routine.
The Daily Office – Morning, Midday and Evening Prayer – is at the core of the life of the Northumbria Community. A regular cycle of daily prayers constitutes the essential rhythm of life around which other activities can take their proper place. Source
In this simple Sunday devotional I would like to point you to their Evening Prayer, which can be used by individuals or groups.
Why not take some time to thoughtfully pray this today and in the coming days?
This grounding exercise is really helpful if you’re anxious or feeling overwhelmed by life. It can be used to keep you alert, to return to the present after some fantasy or imaging, or as a way of dealing with negative experiences.
Sit upright in a supportive chair, and take a few deep breaths.
Now, move your focus to what is happening in your body. Remain aware of your feet on the ground, and remind yourself that you are safe.
Finally, move your awareness to the most relaxed place in your body and remain in your chair for as long as you need. You then might like to move into a more comfortable place and listen to some relaxing music.
Note: Breathing apps can also be helpful, see here.
I’ve posted before about the Northumbria Community, a dispersed, worldwide, network Christian Community, committed to a new way for living. Source
Over the years, I’ve found their Daily Prayer books and website helpful, especially in troubled times when they provide much needed grounding and routine.
The Daily Office – Morning, Midday and Evening Prayer – is at the core of the life of the Northumbria Community. A regular cycle of daily prayers constitutes the essential rhythm of life around which other activities can take their proper place. Source
In this simple weekday devotional I would like to point you to their Midday Prayer, which can be used by individuals or groups.
Why not take some time to thoughtfully pray this today and in the coming days?
It is not growing like a tree
In bulk, doth make man better be;
Or standing long an oak, three hundred year,
To fall a log at last, dry, bald, and sere:
A lily of a day
Is fairer far in May,
Although it fall and die that night;
It was the plant and flower of light.
In small proportions we just beauties see;
And in short measures, life may perfect be.
Ben Jonson (1572-1637)
As an observer (and sometimes participant) in discussions between Christians about LGBTQ+ issues, it’s clear that they need to be seasoned with grace in a way that is often (sadly) not the case.
These are not the clear-cut black and white issues some people seem to assume. There are many Christians who have thoughtfully and prayerfully considered all the issues in scripture, and have come to other than the traditional view of love and marriage.
Love and grace needs to be shown by all Christians, along with humility towards LGBTQ+ people; many of whom have been deeply hurt, or have even taken their own lives, in part because of the attitudes of some Christians and the Church.
See also: Undivided (Vicky Beeching)
…by cowards hiding behind anonymous profiles on Twitter:
Alternative ending…
This, ladies and gentlemen, is the problem!
This classic album by Emerson, Lake & Palmer was released on 14 June 1971, and I still don’t fully understand what it’s all about. But Tarkus is prog rock, and so it doesn’t really matter. Overblown, pretentious, and glorious. I probably drove my parents mad playing this vinyl LP.
The first side (yes, this is before CDs) comprises a long, seven part piece that is open to interpretation. Towards the end there’s a contrapuntal section, when the two parts are separated by the left and right channels so you can switch between the two using the balance control.
There’s a variety of tracks on the second side, including an obligatory church organ, de rigueur for any self-respecting prog rock keyboard player of the 70s.
The album ends with a wonderfully exuberant rock and roll tribute to engineer Eddy Offord, Are You Ready Eddy?
Are you ready, Eddy, to turn out rock-and-roll?
Are you ready, Eddy, ready to rock-and-roll?
Are you ready, Eddy, to give me some of your soul?
Are you ready, Eddy, to pull those faders down?
Are you ready, Eddy, to pull those faders down?
Are you ready, Eddy, to turn your scully round?
Not the greatest prog rock album ever, but worth a revisit nevertheless.
A rather late in the day (I nearly didn’t make it) Sunday devotional based on a Lectionary reading for today – Mark 4:26-34 (click to read).
A new shop opened up in the village. A woman went in and found God behind the counter.
‘What are you selling here?’
‘Everything you could possibly wish for.’
‘Oh good. I’ll have happiness, wisdom, love, freedom from fear, and peace, please. Oh, and for everyone.’
‘Sorry, you got it wrong. I’m not selling any fruits. Only seeds.’
Anon.
She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes;
Thus mellowed to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express,
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Lord Byron (1788-1824)
