Audaciter - Blessing for Voyage

Gordon's yachtmaster companion Gareth has finally begun his ocean odyssey ~ Audaciter slipped her moorings early this morning.

Audaciter had been 'up the valley' in Mylor for the last week alongside 'Salmo Salar' the wooden prototype to my father's Moody 40 Delfin Salar . You can just see Salmo at the edge of the photo. It is curious how weavings of history seem to happen - this sailing history which is a strong part of our family DNA.

Audaciter's rudder was being renewed. The tradewind 39, also, has a new mast, rigging and sails after dismasting at the beginning of her trip last year. She has been delayed by 12 months.


But this has given us an opportunity to become acquainted with her and to get to know her new owners and crew - Gareth, Phil and Dicken.

While awaiting launching it was possible to pray blessings for her and her crew - for a safe voyage and pilgrimage. May the Lord bless them all ~

Deep peace of the running wave to you
Deep peace of the flowing air to you
Deep peace of the quiet earth to you
Deep peace of the shining stars to you
Deep peace of the gentle night to you
Moon and stars pour their healing light on you
Deep peace of Christ
The light of the world to you
Deep peace of Christ to you.

We will be following her blog with interest.

Snow Time

Happy New Year - Belatedly

Really didn't expect to be away from the internet for quite so long. We became snow bound, like so many across Britain, and repeatedly took refuge away from the cold and ice, by the fire.

The wintry weather created all kinds of chaos, while at the same time there were some terrific sights. Flocks of garden visitors arrived, each busy trying to find food. The snow allows us to see the marks of all kinds of the wildlife we rarely see. I was particularly taken by the tiny footprints of one foraging bird who had taken refuge in the lee of a wall away from the wind. Wizzy loved pushing her nose in the snow exploring the curious white fluff, and then went charging around in her 'nutty-dog' manner.

Life has to be lived slowly but surely in icy conditions and the blanket of snow muffles all sounds. Thoroughly enjoyed the snow-time, away from the frenetic activities that mark our 21st century culture, it was accompanied by many little epiphanies as well as great connections with family and friends.

In the waiting

Loving God
We place in your gentle hands
those who are sick.
Ease their pain and
heal the damage
done to them
in body, mind or spirit.

Be present to them
through the support
of family and friends,
and medical staff.
Fill them with the
warmth of your love
Now and always
AMEN

Held in prayer

Today my dear cousin is undergoing surgery for cancer.

Holding her and those who minister to her before God. Holding, too, her husband, all her family and all friends near or far who await news.

Psalm Calm

Many will know how pieces of scripture, although well known, somehow seem highlighted when we come to them in our place of need.

Years ago I found myself returning again and again to the Psalms ... time after time one would spring to mind and within it I would find the encouragement that fitted the situation.

A great favourite is Psalm 139 ... He knows our journeys and our resting places. I have a great friend, with whom and for whom I pray, who is at a distinct cross road and there are two directions which are fighting for attention. Sometimes the signposts are obscured and stepping out is an act of faith. Hindsight will indicate it was the right direction.

Divine Remedy

As I was having breakfast this morning, my mind wandered to the many, many different friends I have known across the years. Each one, utterly unique, each with different gifts and qualities. Some I don't see very much at all anymore for all kinds of reasons, yet being able to pick up where we left off is a precious part of friendship. Distance in time and geography doesn't affect those friendships.

While recovering from a recent arthritic flare, I've been thankful for all kinds of help from different friends. Some time ago one particular group of friends helped out by providing a main meal each day. This relieved the pressure on all the family. From my sick bed I asked one friend how I could repay all her generosity. Her reply was wise: each time you find someone who needs help, help them in whatever way you can.

Making a difference. This is a vocation in itself. So often the little things we do for others can make the greatest difference. Sometimes something as simple as cuppa and a chat is an unfathomable divine remedy.

I give thanks for all who consciously and unconsciously live this vocation.

Hotair

A couple of researchers into household carbon footprints have concluded that keeping a medium sized dog will leave a carbon footprint equal to a gas guzzling vehicle. Their recommend you kill your dog, eat it and then keep a fish or budgie instead.

It seems a curious conclusion considering just how much pleasure and companionship they offer. Owning a dog, we are told, reduces stress, which is a brilliant reason to have one. Wizzy makes a huge difference to our home and family. When we came here we knew very few people. Thanks to Wiz this is not the case.

Let's keep perspective and remember we are all part of something immeasurable.

Here she is on her favourite bed looking through the scaffolding.