Some of the "kids" too have been battered and it doesn't matter how old they are it is always difficult seeing your loved ones suffer, life at times can certainly be a challenge! I have to admit that for the first time this year I have experienced a few "down days" but as a result of all my self care plans organised in January the blackness has been short lived and I have still been able to write some gratitudes in my journal, Praise God! There is nothing like a Psalm to speak volumes and this one was gifted to me as part of my 18th birthday present from my cousin and his wife; little did either of us know then, that it would literally be an anthem to my life thus far!
" God is our refuge and strength,
A very present help in times of trouble.
Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
and the mountains be carried into the sea;
Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though its mountains shake with its swelling,
There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High,
God is in the midst of her ,she shall not be moved,
God shall help her ...
The Lord of hosts is with us
The God of Jacob is our refuge"
As this passage came back to me I remembered my art session with Benedict on Friday of last week. In an effort to encourage him with his writing, we chose the word "stability" from the Rule of St Benedict as our guide. The session worked out in that I hoped Benedict would be inspired to put pen to paper but not in the way that I had imagined! He loved the calligraphy work but not the art whereas the drawing and colouring was just what I needed, LOL:
Loving the calligraphy pen.
Hmm, he doesn't look too happy here ... a minute later bloods were checked and he was having a hypo!
God our rock ... and the parable of where to build your house and that isn't on the sand!
"Gratitude isn't only a celebration when good things happen. It's a declaration that God is good no matter what happens"
Not wishing to miss a week of gratitudes, here is my list albeit a little late:
Celtic Spirituality talk on you tube.
Dave and I managing to smile about our current health difficulties.
For rabbit trails in the learning zone ~ keeping us entertained, interested and educated.
Pip's first school trip ~ a forest school day and a Gruffalo hunt.
Benedict's infectious smile and giggle.
" Christ is your iron, He doesn't make you strong, He is your strength"
Cooked meal for after football lunch, Benedict's favourite, Roast Chicken!
Mass, Love It, Thank You God!
A Gift sour,sweet, just right ~ I really did not want to get up and teach today. My mood was sour and Benedict's bloods were too sweet! He had forgotten to give himself insulin at breakfast :-( Time to climb the ladder, lie down in poverty before the Lord ~ a resting just right!
The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.
All dressed for the forest school trip.
" Look mummy my tooth came out on the trip! and the second tooth is through right behind it!"
Dave taking a picture of me taking a picture of him!
Monday skyline before the rains came ... again!
A caramel treat on a windy day.
An after school snack at the end of a very trying day.
Be blessed x