View Point

Isaiah 26:1-9
Psalms 46, 48
2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2
John 8:12-19

2 Corinthians 5:16-6:2

There are many miles in Texas that are bereft of gas stations. This is a scarry thought for those of us who live in the city where there is a gas station on almost every corner or for Brits who live in a postage stamp sized environment. We had friends visiting from England. They were driving on 59 near King Ranch. No gas stations. They spied one on the other side of the divided highway and in the distance was a link between the two parts of the road. Great, gas before the long nothingness. In the distnce was a little white speck. That was all for this is one of those seemingly barren areas inhabited by lonely cattle. The white speck grew and became a police car. Did they know that only 'official' vehicles (the latter word spoken in at least two separate words) were allowed to use that handy link from southbound to northbound?
Viewpoints - speck to menacing police car
- deliberate offender to visiting alien.
I am biased. All the experiences of my life have had an influence on how I view the world and those whom I meet. I need to be ware of this and if I have to judge use the correct terms of reference, ie Jesus.

Courage

Isaiah 25:1-9
Psalm 20, 21
Revelation 1:9-20
John 7:53-8:11

John 7:53-8:11

Doesn't it take two to perform an act of adultery? What was Jesus teaching? Was the lady in a state of dishabille? What did he write? Where did the accusers go? Did she love the guy? Which one of them married? Did the man alter his ways? Did the woman have the courage change her lifestyle?
This passage is full of questions. Did Jesus look at the ground in order not to embarrass the lady any further in her state of undress?
Jesus shows no sign of irritation with the teachers of the law and the Pharisees even though they acting like petulant five year olds.
The oldest accusers left first. The idealistic young hung on to their ideals as long as possible- until their conscience was shamed by the courage of their elders.
Were Nicodemus and Joseph of Aramathea, the men who had the courage to ask for the body of Christ after his crucifixion in this group?
Whose courage do I need to emmulate?

Isaiah 49:13-23
Psalm 2, 26
Matthew 18:1-14

Matthew 18:1-14

Worms

This passage makes me feel very uncomfortable. It is one of the passages that I would like to cut out of the Bible and pretend that it never existed.

I am sure that some of my children’s bad behavior has been as a reaction to something that I have done or said, something which I could have phrased differently if I had taken a few minutes to think before I spoke.

So now I am in the ocean with a millstone for a necklace.

Next comes my left hand, have I ever not written a letter that I should have written or with my right hand steered the car so that another driver was caused to lose his cool.

Now no hands.

Feet, probably both of these get amputated in one go. Have I shopped when I should have worked, have I shopped when I should have saved, have I shopped and bought things for which I have no need or use. How many pairs of shoes do I have? They will be no use now, and the head in a millstone cannot wear a hat. Anyway the ocean would wash the hat away.

Heath Ledger died last week. My daughters and I intend having a Heath Ledger memorial viewing. Maybe we are just enjoying the beauty of manhood. Or how about some diamond earrings or a designer dress? Or an empire black granite countertop when the 15 year old Corian^® one is quite fine. I could cause some rock to be dug out of a mountain and transported halfway round the world just to please my eyes, and maybe the profit margin on my house. No eyes left to see where I am being tossed.

If I keep lopping off the offensive bits what is left of me will be little more than a worm because of course the first part of me to go should probably have been my brain, that instigator of all words and actions.

What a relief that Jesus gave his whole body for my sins. He took on all my hurt and pain so that I can live and hopefully live for Him as his hands, feet, eyes and head. Can I live for him with as much life as he died for me?

I wrote this for the Lent meditation book earlier this year. Life has not changed. Do we ever heed warnings?

December 27 St John

Proverbs 8:22-30
Psalms 97, 98
John 13: 20-35

John 13: 20-35

Have you ever said that you would do something but on reflection decided that it would be immoral, unethical or generally not the sort of thing that a person with any sense of good would do? But because you said you would do the dastardly act and not wanting to loose face you did it anyway?

Fortunately Jesus as well as Judas carried on with his plan and we can join with the angels in the chorus
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."

December 26 -St Stephen

2Chronicles 24:17-22
Psalms 28, 30
Acts 6:1-7

Acts 6:1-7

Stephen is best know as the first Christian martyr. I prefer to remember him for his life rather than his death.
"They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit;"
We named one of our sons Stephen. I pray that he in particular will become a "man full of faith and the Holy Spirit" but it is a state to which we can all aspire.

During Advent the meditations will be the Holy Spirit Advent Meditation Booklet

Holy Spirit Advent Meditation Booklet
I might of course sometimes add my own little bit and the odd recipe or two. We made a few new dishes over Thanksgiving.

Praise

Zechariah 11:4-17
Psalms 120, 121, 122, 123
1 Corinthians 3:10-23
Luke 18:31-43

What has God given me? For what can I be thankful and praise him. Plenty.

Macaroons and do not be pompous.

Malachi 3:13-4:6
Psalms 107:33-43, 108
James 5:13-20
Luke 18:9-14

Luke 18:9-14

After this reading it is difficult to say anything except help me Lord.

Today I made some macaroons. Here is my variation of the recipe.

5ozs ground almonds (almond meal)
1 cup powdered sugar
1 egg white
about 1/4 cup buttermilk

Mix the almonds and powdered sugar until well blended. I used a wooden spoon. add the egg white and gradually add the buttermilk. Do not let the mixture get soon soggy.
Grease a baking tray and spoon the mixture into dessert spoon piles. Bake at 425 deg F for about 15minutes but check frequently to make sure that they do not burn. Take off the tray immediately.

Soap Powder

Malachi 3:1-12
Psalm 102
James 5:7-12
Luke 18:1-8

Malachi 3:1-12

Laundry powder or liquid, what is your preference? I am a liquid person, preferably eco-friendly. My socks get bundled into the washing machine swished around with in a wet and soapy environment, pressed by centrifugal forces against the side of the drum, rinsed and squeezed again and then hopefully emerge in a cleaner and less smelly state than they entered the washing machine. Forget the soap and the outcome is not so pleasant, not half so acceptable to garb a freshly showered foot.
So I suppose the moral of this is to want God to work on us as soap on a sock.

Apple Mist (Snow)

An almost healthy dessert.
About 1 lb of apples
1 egg white
sugar to taste

Core and slice the apples. If you like you can peel them before you slice them.
Cook the apples gently with a little water until they are soft. Mash them.
Whip the egg white until it is firm. Fold it into the apples whilst they are still warm and return to the stove of a minute or two to slightly cook the egg white. Taste and add sugar if necessary.

This is another of Auntie Clem's recipes.

Mists

Malachi 2:10-16
Psalm 105:1-22
James 4:13-5:6
Luke 17:20-37

James 4:13-5:6

The road from Katy to crosses the Colorado River many times. Early in the morning the mist lingers over the river hovering in wisps above the watery bed wistfully lingering for a few more moments before rising for the day. The river wends its way through the sandy banks and caressing the diminishing treasure until it is released to the morning sun.
We are the mist lingering on earth as long as we can before being dried up and absorbed by the warmth of God's love.
Let us share God's love whilst we can.


Image source
Easton Maudit in the early morning mist. Picture by R Neil Marshman (c)
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/99/MauditIn_Mist.JPG
Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1.2 or any later version published by the Free Software Foundation; with no Invariant Sections, no Front-Cover Texts, and no Back-Cover Texts. A copy of the license is included in the section entitled "GNU Free Documentation License".

Come and Give the Best

Malachi 1:1, 6-14
Psalm 101, 109
James 3:13-4:12
Luke 17:11-19

Today two thoughts, perhaps making up for the time when I have been otherwise occupied with my substituting.

James 3:13-4:12

Come, Come near to God.
The sun is shinning, the dew is drying, the weather is not oppressively hot. I worked for 23 days and can spend time catching up on the rest of my life. God is indeed good. He gave us money to fix our house in the aftermath of Ike and we are fairly sure he is providing us with a rental car to drive to Illinois for Thanksgiving. But here I am mentioning material comforts again. The greatest gift that God has given me is the example and companionship of Jesus. This is what I should be shouting about. The peace of knowing that whatever happens, when the neighbors sue because they do not like the yard and the hurricane hits and the cars get old and so does the job he is there, just there. Not necessarily with a material benefit but with his presence and comfort which is beyond description.

Malachi 1:1, 6-14
Give God the best.
I have left the Advent book to the last few days. It cannot be compiled and printed by Thanksgiving in time for Advent Sunday. I might have excuses but I have also had time that I could have spent working on the book.
In all things give one's best to God for it is a gift from Him to be used wisely.

Psalm 70, 71
Revelation 16:12-21
Luke 13:18-31


Luke 13:18-31

Do I know Jesus? Is he my friend?

144 000

Psalm 56, 57, 58
Revelation 14:1-13
Luke 12:49-59

Revelation 14:1-13

Perhaps this appeals to me because I am a numbers person. The irony or Godinstance is that I was talking to another member of our Sunday School class yesterday and he mentioned this passage, the numbers in particular. Our conclusion was that we cannot get our brains around the number, how that many people will be chosen to live on earth, or a special place in heaven, or indeed comprehend what is going to happen to us on that day that Jesus returns to earth or we day- whichever comes first. Our conclusion was that all we can do is live our life guided by God, sharing his love to all whom we meet.

Ravens

Psalm 40, 54
Revelation 13:1-10
Luke 12:13-31


Luke 12:13-31

Ravens are scavengers, eating what they can find, competing with gulls for garbage. As such they were considered unclean yet Jesus makes the point that God looks after and feeds the ravens. He tends the untouchables. And so should I.


Photograph source

http://www.nps.gov/brca/images/raven300.jpg

Unmarked Graves & Clean Hands

Psalm 119:49-72
Revelation 12:1-6
Luke 11:37-52


Luke 11:37-52

s was a physician in a Viennese hospital in the 19th century. He developed a theory that outraged the medical profession. Washing hands might prevent the spread of disease. His colleagues and his wife thought he was nuts and had him incarcerated in a lunatic asylum where he died, frustrated and disillusioned.
Nowadays thankfully doctors wash their hands between patiens and even visitors to hospitals are requested to wash their hands before and after visiting a sick room. Chefs wash their hands before they prepare our food and we all wash our hands before we eat. Hopefully this results in transmission of those little unseen germs which invade a body and make a person sick.

But what about those unseen things which contaminate a soul or spirit? What am I doing that is preventing my friend or neighbor from coming closer to God? What am I doing to alienate my children from God? Or conversely how am I drawing those I meet closer to God and his kingdom?

In the Spotlight

Psalm 45
Revelation 11:14-19
Luke 11:27-36

Luke 11:27-36

To keep up with the Jones in our subdivision one needs landscape lighting. Our next door neighbor had his installed last year. His little island bed with its trees and shrubs are highlighted amidst the darkened lawn. Most of the yards are similar to the next. I am still working on illumination for this craze. I think most of the birds who have to endure these extra hours of almost daytime light intensity are also in the dark about the reason.
Wow, we are thrilled by the performance, applause fills the theater. We go home chatting excited, invigorated critiquing the evening.
What is seen as the light shines on us?

Armour

Psalms 41, 52
Revelation 11:1-14
Luke 11:14-26


21"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe. 22But when someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils.

I am a fairly weak person. I can carry a few bags of flour home from the store but I am not into weight lifting and body building. I have to rely on others for my strength. Brawn is not all that is necessary in life, There are other tough situations around. For those I know that God is with me to be my strength.

Partake

Psalm 63:1-8, 98
1 Corinthians 10:15-24
Matthew 18:15-20

Yes I go to church every Sunday and worship God with other Christians. We partake in the Lord's Supper, we sing songs or worship and pray together. But what do I do in the time between Sundays? Do I partake in avarice and greed? Is my main focus on gaining wealth? Do I protect the world that God has created? Do I care for myself or my neighbor?

Busyness

Psalm 31
Revelation 9:13-21
Luke 10: 38-42


Luke 10: 38-42

Following on from yesterday Martha was not still and patient in her service. She was banging down those pots and pans on the stove top and the dishes were fairly flying onto the talbe. Chop chop chopping the of the herbs, she nearly caught her fingers with the parsley. She was focusing on what she was doing and on what she wanted done yet Jesus was with her in the house. Yes she wanted to put on a spread fit for a king but he wanted her to concentrate on him rather than providing for him. Anxious thoughts fill up the space where he could be.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;

Psalm 37:1-18
Revelation 9:1-12
Luke 10:25-37


Psalm 37:1-18

Stillness, without agitation. I was trying to think if there are written records of Jesus sitting and meditating. He took time out to pray and he dealt with most situations in with a calm manner even when he was being harrassed by malicious questioners. Thus will I endeavor to wait for him.

Forest Fire

Psalm 38
Revelation 8:1-13
Luke 10:17-24

Revelation 8:1-13

They used to think that forest fires were bad and had to be prevented at all costs. Then it was discovered that some trees such as the Lodge Pole Pine tree need the heat of a fire to open the cones for the seeds to fall out and grow. Fire is essential for growth and new life. We are looking forward to new heavenly life. Fire is essential.

Harvest- again

Psalms 26, 28
Revelation 7:9-17
Luke 10:1-16


Luke 10:1-16

One of the things that I miss about England is Harvest Festivals. Decorating the church with apples and oranges, sheaves of wheat and barley. Michlemas daisies and chrysanthemums. The smell of the fruits and flowers overpowering the normal musty smell of an ancient English church.
It is harvest time now.
Denton church will be having its Harvest Festival and then all the goods donated by young and old will be taken to the parish hall for the Harvest supper of cottage pie and mushy pies and gravy, nice and brown followed by apple pie and auction of the produce.

I know Jesus is talking about a harvest of people. I am glad that I was harvested and brought into his family and give thanks for all our wonderful gifts.

Click here to experience what I am talking about

We plough the fields, and scatter
The good seed on the land,
But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand:
He sends the snow in winter,
The warmth to swell the grain,
The breezes and the sunshine,
And soft refreshing rain:

All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above;
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord,
For all his love.


Apple Pie
1 +1/2 cup + 1/3 cup flour
1/2 stick margarine
1/3 cup shortening "Crisco" type
cold water

1 lb apples- sliced

Since we are in America it is difficult to buy real cooking apples so granny smith or cameo or gala will do and then no sugar added. With a real cooking apple it is necessary to add sugar. I used to love eating a slice of cooking apple with sugar sprinkled on it.

Rub the fats and flour together until they resemble breadcrumbs.
Add cold water to mix to a dough - add slowly as you do not want the dough to be wet and sticky.
Flour a board
divide the pastry into two
roll one lot of pastry into a round about the size of the plate.

line an oven proof plate (8inch) with the pastry
place the sliced apples in the center of the plate
dampen the edge of the pastry with water
roll the other piece of pastry and place on top of the apples
seal the edge of the pastry circles by pressing with a clean finger and knock the edges together with the back of a knife.
brush the top of the pastry with eithera little milk or egg
Make a few slits in the center to apple the pie to breath
Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes until the apples are soft and the pie golden.

Nests

Psalm 25
Revelation 7:1-8
Luke 9:51-62



Luke 9:51-62

We have a wren's nest outside our back door. it is in a plant stand. I hope to take a photograph of it. It is the second nest in exactly the same place. I did not realize about leaving nests and during the winter cleared up the one that was built last year.
Yes birds have their set place. I little place to go that is theirs. Jesus had nowhere he was too busy looking forward to his meeting with God and proclaiming the good news about it. That is what he wants us to do too. Move on and spread the word.

Praise

Psalms 148, 149, 150
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Matthew 16:13-20


Psalms 148, 149, 150

A day for Praise. Today our church celebrated its 50th anniversary. A very young church by European standards but as churches go in Texas it is middle aged.
I thank God for the brothers and sisters I have made here and for the love that they have shown me in time and kindnesses. I especially thanked Him for Pat, she would have loved dressing up in those 1950's clothes.

Always working for the Lord

Psalm 16, 17
Acts 28:1-16
Luke 9:37-50


Acts 28:1-16

Only one meal in two weeks and that of uncooked grain whilst being buffeted by an angry sea on a boat that was breaking up. A swim through a tempestuous ocean and then a bite by a snake, albeit benign. I would have to sit and have a rest by the fire and recover under the tender care of my new-found friends. Not Paul. He heals the aged and contagious, then the crowds arrive and he heals them too.

Student?

Jonah 1:17-2:10
Psalm 119:1-24
Acts 27:9-26
Luke 9:1-17

Psalm 119:1-24

This week I am attempting to teach the mysteries of basic algebra to 40 unwilling learners. How to help them to understand that 12 and 4x cannot be combined to make 16 or even 16x is almost beyond their comprehension. The concept is almost as elusive as the Holy Grail. These students lack two of the basic ingredients for teaching to be effective. The first I might be able to do something about. I might be able to fill in some of the gaps in their algebraic knowledge and complete the ramparts of their understanding. The other lack is the inclination to want to learn. Their thirst for knowledge has not been awakened. They talk and grouch and sleep.
What sort of a learner am I for God? Do I have my mind on my own plans? Am I too busy talking to listen? Do I keep my eyes open to see the nudges that God might be giving me?

Too busy

Jonah 1:1-17
Psalms 5, 6
Acts 26:24-27:8
Luke 8:40-56


Luke 8:40-56
Ever had one of those days when nthing seems to get done. Rather like the story of the Dutch farmer (I don't know why he was Dutch) who went to plough his field. On the way there he found that the tractor needed gas and went to get gas. He passed the cow with a full udder waiting to be milked to relieve her discomfort. Going to the dairy he passed the pig grunting noisily in anticipation of breakfast... you get the idea. Did the field ever get ploughted? I always grough at Jesus saying how can an itinerent preacher like you know busyness like a woman in our modern culture. The answer is that he did have those days and one is recorded in this story. Jesus has been there and with the strength of his Spirit get through it too.

Alien Pancakes

Coming later in the day. Aliens and pancakes based on the Psalm 137 :1-6.

Seeds with a Second Chance

Micah 3:9-4:5
Psalms 140, 142
Acts 24:24-25:12
Luke 8:1-15

Birds are a known way of spreading seeds. Being gobbled up by a little sparrow might not be a problem though it is worse for a grain of wheat than a berry seed. The seeds that fell over the edge of the field might be alright. It is amazing the number of times I have been weeding what I thought a bed of thorns and discovered a precious plant underneath the upstart briar. I weed and tend my foundling.
The seeds I feel sorry for are the ones that fall on the path and got trampled on or the ones on the rock.
Now the seed is not responsible for where it lands. When I am walking and see an earthworm struggling across the sidewalk I stoop down and help it to a grassy place. Perhaps in my daily walk I ought also to be mindful of seeds that might need some tender care and help from the rocky place to the fertile land.

What are you thinking?

Micah 3:1-8
Psalms 131,132
Acts 24:1-23
Luke 7:36-50

Luke 7:36-50

It never ceases to amaze me how Jesus reads thoughts of the Pharisees and responds to their innermost being- as opposed to their public face. That is what he responds to in us too. He knows what is the genuine organic part and which is the plastic exterior even when we have difficulty distinguishing between the two ourselves.

Prepare

Micah 2:1-13
Psalm 119:145-176
Acts 23:23-35
Luke 7:18-35

Luke 7:18-35

I am a list maker. So much so that one of my friends once asked me if I ever made a list of my lists. We all have different ways of making our preparations but whatever the means or the outcome usually preparations make the job easier and outcome better. Everyday, well almost every day I make a list of things to do during the day, sometimes I actually look at the list and complete some of the items. Checking them off is a great feeling and good preparation for the morrow.
How do I prepare to meet Christ? Part of my preparation for the day is reading my Bible and praying for my family and friends but preparation for meeting Jesus that is another matter. I am one of those who assume that he is always there waiting for my call.

Dwelling Place/Recipe Toad in the hole and Yorkshire Pudding

Micah 1:1-9
Psalms 121, 122, 123
Acts 23:12-24
Luke 7:1-17

Micah 1:1-9

My house, my home, the building in which my possessions rest. Really it is little more than that unless it is a place where I can withdraw from contact with humanity.
The desert fathers spent time communicating with God in their remote and minimal housing but even the desert fathers had visitors and ventured out occasionally because they knew that in order to be true to their calling it was imperative to communicate God's love to a loveless world. Julian of Norwich shared her Showings and thus God's love in a new way to her generation even though she did not leave her dwelling place.
Perhaps my dwelling place is nothing to do with where I lay my head or keep my 'stuff' or write my blog. It is wherever I can meet with God and go forth strengthened to share his love.

And the toad lives in his hole.
Yorkshire Pudding Batter
4ozs flour - about 2/3 cup but some recipes use a whole cup which gives a slightly heavier mixture
1 egg
10 fl oz milk and water mixed (about half of each)
Put the flour in a bowl, make a well in the center and add the egg and about 1/4 of the liquid. Using a wooden spoon gradually incorporate the flour with the liquid. Beat until smooth then gradually add the rest of the liquid beating well as you go. This is how I was taught to make it. Actually I put all the ingredients into a bowl and mix with an electric mixer. Place the bowl in a refrigerator for about an hour before you want to use it. (Of course I do not usually do this either)
Heat some oil in a baking tin. When the oil is hot rotate it so that the sides are coated with hot oil then pour in the batter. Bake for about 35minutes at 425 deg F.
For Toad in the Hole you will also need a pound of sausages.
Do as before but lay the sausages in the batter or you can put the sausages in and add the batter. Either way works.

Fruit

Hosea 14:1-9
Psalm 106:1-18
Acts 22:30-23:11
Luke 6:39-49


Luke 6:39-49

We had a tree grow in our compost heap. Rather like Jack's beanstalk it grew and it grew and it grew. Twenty or thirty feet tall it grew. It had large leaves. It had no noticeable flowers or fruit. I would go out and stand underneath it staring into the leafy canopy wondering what if it would ever reveal its identity to me. All I could see were leaves. That is until this year when there were avocados. When I the first one it was small and lonesome then I found some more, unfortunately hanging over the neighbors yard. But we found some more and by September they had matured into the biggest and sweetest avocados I have ever tasted. My neighbor agrees with that too!
Compost heaps are great places for discoveries. I have another little tree growing there. I think the leaves are peach or apricot. We shall have to wait and see!

Of course the real question is how long does anyone have to wait and see what sort of tree I am?

And yes you cannot see the tree in all its glory as it came down in hurricane Ike. We had a glut of avocados so there are quite a few recipes. I used avocados in stir fry, souffle, baked with vegetables and olive oil. Here is the most simple one for my quick and easy lazy way to make guacamole.

1 avocado
1 tomato
1 teaspoon Tony Chacheres Creole Seasoning

Scoop the flesh out of the avocado and smash it in a bowl
chop the tomato into small pieces, add to the avocado, mash some more add enough seasoning for your taste. You can also add lime juice if you like.

They went and told Jesus

They went and told Jesus

Hosea 13:4-14
Psalm 118
1Corinthians 2:6-16
Matthew 14:1-12

Matthew 14:1-12

Their leader was dead. Killed as a party favor for a teenage girl who could not think for herself. He was buried. Their life was empty, bereft of direction. They went to Jesus, the healer, the one to whom their leader had said "He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie."
Where do I turn when all is lost? Do I turn to Jesus or a stiff drink or go for a walk or music or sleep or call a friend or find somebody to pick on or bake a cake or go to the mall or try harder or...
I know I used to turn to Jesus in the crises of life but do I still do that or am I clinging to the thought of passed habits.

Green

Hosea 11:1-9
Psalm 107:33-43
Acts 22:17-29
Luke 6:27-38


Psalm 107:33-43


We do not seem to need God's help in transforming a fruitful land into a barren waste. We kill the pollinators with insecticides, divert rivers from their courses, we create dust bowls out of fertile soil. We pick up leaves and twigs and bag them to use for landfill, then cause other trees to be felled to be ground into mulch to cover our yards. We emit toxic waste into clean air.


43 Whoever is wise, let him heed these things
and consider the great love of the LORD.

Sacred Stones

Hosea 10:1-15
Psalm 102
Acts 21:37-22:16
Luke 6:12-26

Hosea 10:1-15

I was watching the BBC News. I like to hear the news as it is told in my homeland. The story was that new research has shown that Stonehenge may not only have been a place of worship but may also have been viewed as a place of healing its Neolithic or Bronze Age builders. A recent dig there found evidence that it was an ancient Lourdes for both and European people from 2300BC through Roman to Medieval times. Amulets were chipped off the bluestones at the center and found in the graves of diseased and sick people in the neighborhood. These bluestones are very special. The only place where they are found in Britain is Pembrokeshire, many miles from Stonehenge. They were rolled on logs and shipped along the the Bristol Channel as the amp in the link shows. Special stones and a special place required special effort.

Now what are my sacred stones? What are reminders of God, his grace and love to me and those I meet and what do I really think is going to give me strength for my going on?

Photograph
Frédéric Vincent
This file is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.0 License (cc-by-sa-2.0)

Seek

Hosea 5:8-6:6
Psalm 105:1-22
Acts 21:27-36
Luke 6:1-11

Hosea 5:8-6:6

We have all lost things. The car keys that went missing when you were already running ten minutes late, the back of an earring, the nail that you had laid out ready to use, all the rings that you inherited from your grandmother. Sometimes the searching has results and the key turns up in the cuff of your pants and the earring rolled under the bed. Sometimes you learn to live without the precious item and other times you just have to get a replacement.
The time of searching is a time of emotional stress and diligent and possibly frenzied activitey tinged with feelings of anger towards oneself for getting into the situation.
Do I use this much energy in looking for God?

Everyday life, everyday recipe, jam tarts

Hosea 4:11-19
Psalms 101, 109:1-4, 20-30
Acts 21:15-26
Luke 5:27-39


Luke 5:27-39

Levi was sitting at his tax booth just doing his job, just as he did every working day. He was not looking for Jesus. He was not up a tree trying to see over the crowd nor was he standing with masses on the roadside trying to get a glimpse of Jesus. When Jesus passed by he stayed in his booth doing his job. Jesus was not relevant to his life.

Will I notice Jesus when he passes by? Will I respond when he calls?

Jam Tarts
1 +1/2 cup + 1/3 cup flour
1/2 stick margarine
1/3 cup shortening "Crisco" type
cold water

Rub the fats and flour together until they resemble breadcrumbs.
Add cold water to mix to a dough - add slowly as you do not want the dough to be wet and sticky.
Flour a board roll the pastry to about 1/8 inch thick.
Cut using a cookie cutter into 3inch rounds and place in greased tray
Put about 1 teaspoon of jam strawberry is good into each tart. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes until the pastry is golden.
Makes about 15 tarts

Your Mat

Luke 5:12-26

Your Mat

Jesus told the guy who had been let down through the roof that his sins had been forgiven, then he told him to take up his mat and walk. How did the man know that he could walk?

The story takes place in Capernaum, (Mark 2:1-12), one of the places where Jesus is reputed to have lived (Matt 4:14). The carpenter said “Get up and walk”. Yes, we know that he had healed many people and that he preached a very good sermon. How could this man walk? The evidence was all against it. Presumably he had been lying paralyzed on his mat for years.

What would his life be like if he did get up and walk? What if he fell over after a few steps, or tomorrow, and was back on his mat? What if he could not find a job, he could no longer beg? What would be his wife’s reaction to her husband walking in through the door through which four friends had carried him out? She would be delighted. Her breadwinner was fully operational again. But would she begin to doubt? Perhaps she might think that his sickness had all been in his mind and that he had been malingering all those years. It might just be safer to stay on the mat. The whatifs can be very powerful. Fear of the unknown can be more unpalatable than very unpleasant but familiar circumstances.

How did this particular paralytic have the confidence to know that he could walk? He only had Jesus’ word for it yet he got up, rolled up his mat and he walked home.

Jesus means what he says. If he says ‘walk’ then it is alright to walk. There need be no fear of not being able to do as he says.

Jesus knew that the man would be able to walk. He knew that it might be safer to stay on the mat. Perhaps that was why he said ‘Your sins are forgiven’ before he told the man to get up and walk. He was giving the man confidence to get up and go. Jesus knew how loud the whispering whatifs can shout, their voices like the compelling sirens of the Greek gods. The sin of listening to fear was overcome.

He does not ask us to do anything that we are incapable of doing, given that he is with us and helping us to bear the load (Matt 11:30). Walking had very extreme consequences for the man. Not only would he be capable of getting himself home but tomorrow he would either go to work or look for a job. No more lying around whilst others served him. He could get his own food and take himself to the bathroom. Listening to Jesus and obeying him opened up a whole knew existence for the guy.

What is your mat? What is keeping you from fulfilling the role God has for you? What command are you are pretending not to hear? What is it that you cannot do because you don’t feel equipped, either physically or mentally?

Following

Hosea 2:14-23
Psalm 89:1-18
Acts 20:17-38
Luke 5:1-11


Luke 5:1-11
Today we went for a walk in the dog park. Sometimes I called and the intrepid duo followed. Sometimes I called and they did not. Sometimes they were just too busy occupied with sniffing the latest message or deciding which blade of grass to grace with their own personal odor. In some of those obedient moments they came bounding over to me straight away others they ambled as if they were intent on going in that direction anyway and they would follow the path that they were on and also the timetable that had previously been decided.
Now, how am I responding to Jesus' call and how am I following him?

Spread- Salmon Pate recipe

Esther 8:1-8, 15-17
Psalm 88
Acts 19:21-41
Luke 4:31-37

Luke 4:31-37

37And the news about him spread throughout the surrounding area.

"Spread?"
This question is a foreign language to a Brit ordering a lunch at a sandwich joint manned by Southerners. Habitually and without a word a butter goes on our bread. Thereafter other items may be "spread" on the bread, maybe mayonnaise, or jam or honey or Marmite or Nutella. The spread will probably constitute the whole filling of the sandwich though a nice roast beef sandwich might well be enhanced with mustard - on top of the butter of course.
Spread covers the surface and gets to the edges, all parts of the bread experiencing the joy of flavor. Smoked salmon pate on fresh toast though it is passable on crackers, honey joining butter to drip through the holes of a hot toasted crumpet. Toast, or crackers or crumpet are ok by themselves but add that spread and you are transported to an epicurean world.
Thus it was with Jesus. He healed the sick and provided wine for the party and food for the crowd, even money for taxes and fish for nets. The news spread, low level and thinly but it went all over the place and the people came to Jesus to experience his bounty.

Smoked Salmon (Fish Pate)
1 stick of butter or margarine - you may not use it all
1 lemon
6 ozs smoked fish
2 tablespooons cream


I have also made this with cooked salmon, both the Nova and wood smoked salmon, smoked trout, smoked whitefish and canned salmon.

Melt the butter
put the fish in a bowl
add about half the butter and beat with a mixer to mush up the fish and blend.
Keep adding butter slowly until the mixture forms a clump.
Add some lemon juice to taste
Add a tablespoon of cream and taste to see if you want to add more
Refridgerate.

Death and Chocolate not Brandy Cake

Esther 7:1-10
Psalms 116, 117
Acts 19:11-20
Luke 4:14-30

Psalms 116, 117

3 The cords of death entangled me,
the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.

Death binds the mind, it freezes the thinking. Even thoughts of the dead whose death is the overwhelming force in your life do not exist. One just is, trouble and sorrow are the all. Thus it was when our son died. I have heard of a mother who even had to be reminded to go to the bathroom in those days immediately after the death of her baby. Yesterday I heard of an fellow British lady whose son was killed in a car wreck, the memorial service is on Saturday.

Whenever I hear of the death of a child, be it young or old it the memories of Matthew's death flood my mind as I empathize with the parents new to the Lost Child Club. Reading Psalm 116 today reinforced the feelings of loss and emptiness. However much we believe and follow Christ or know about eternal life it does not occupy the same place in our hearts as our child.

There is always the question "How many children do you have?" I hate that one. The muscles of my abdomen and pelvis know how many though I always answer one less because to explain that one child died seems to make the hearer uncomfortable. Why, I do not know. Death is as much a fact of life as birth. So is living with death. And that we do. Eventually the chords of death loosen, the anguish becomes dim and the emotions heal from the cut as a scar changes color and heals; but I can show you the scar where my trunk lid fell on my hand 38 years ago, it is dim but it is there.

6 The LORD protects the simplehearted;
when I was in great need, he saved me.

Yes, simplehearted because that is all that there is, nothing else is in life when death overcomes it. All else dims in comparision.

7 Be at rest once more, O my soul,
for the LORD has been good to you.

My friends, the members of our church family ministered to us. They brought us food and organized the funeral service. They just sat with us. They were God's love to us.

8 For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling, 9 that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living.

And so we do.

The living eat so here is the Chocolate brandy cake with no brandy recipe!

8 ounces (2 sticks) margarine or butter

8 ounces chocolate chips or good baking chocolate

8 ounces 'digestive bicuits' or graham crackers

2 eggs

3 ounces sugar ( 1/2 cup?)

3 ounces red cherries or drained marachino cherries

3 ounces walnut bits

Melt the chocolate and maragine together in a saucepan. I suppose it could be done in a microwave.

crush the biscuits into big chunks -not so that they are in crumbs

beat the eggs and sugar until they are pale and creamy

stir in the melted chocolate mixture and then the cherries and walnuts.

Put into a greased loaf pan or suitable dish or pan.

Store in refridgerator until set. If you need to speed this up you can put it in the freezer for a while.

Note this contains raw eggs

A Light for my Path

Esther 6:1-14
Psalm 119:97-120
Acts 19:1-10
Luke 4:1-13

Psalm 119:97-120

We went for our walk as the sun was rising. No sooner were we outside than a shadow loomed out of the darkness, a neighbor out to pick up his newspaper. The dogs were terrified of this person whom they would normally greet as a friend. They let the whole subdivision hear of their fear. Soon I was stumbling over the tilted blocks of the sidewalk, tilted by the roots of the trees that were shielded me from what light that was available. A light to illumine my path would have been useful.
Your word as a light for the path of my life. Do I take it with me to reveal the way I should go, to prevent me from stumbling? I do not think carrying a bible is the way to go but have some of God's words in our mind and heart to recall in times of trouble. Even so I think it is just as important to remember God's presence and use his guidance in normal day to day living as it is when we acknowledge that we are in a quandary. Reading the bible regulary helps one to absorb the contents for easy recall when necessary.
About 1991 The youth of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas produced a tape of music in memory of one of their number who had died. The Amy grant and Michael Smith song "Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path"* was the song on the tape which spoke most to my heart. This was during our time back in Britain. A Texan sent us the recording. I played it was much that the tape wore out. It reminded me so much of the ones I knew who were singing, the church family which we had left and the walks through the trees at Camp Allen. Lin who sent it to us could be a pain but when there was a crisis she was there dispensing God's love whether she was your friend or foe at the time God's helping hand was paramount.

*©1984 Meadowgreen Music
Words and Music by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith
For a softer recording click here.I could only find instrumental recordings

Apollos -an example

Esther 5:1-14
Psalm 78:1-39
Acts 18:12-28
Luke 3:15-22


Acts 18:12-28

Apollos is one of my biblical heroes.

• he was able to prove from the Old testament that Jesus was Lord
• he was open to being corrected
• he spoke with fervor and accuracy
• he was a great help

One of my soap boxes is 'that it should be possible to know and love Jesus with only the Old Testament as scripture.'
Apollos spoke publicly did not mind admitting that his knowledge was incomplete.
Do I need to say more about fervor and accuracy? Or helpfulness?

Straight Paths

Esther 4:4-17
Psalm 80
Acts 18:1-11
Luke 1:1-4, 3:1-14


Luke 1:1-4, 3:1-14

To start with this path was all ups, then of course coming back it was all downs. Sometimes it was through a sparsely wooded valley and then we were in the a shady glade amongst dense trees. We did not know what to expect from the next twist to left or right or brow of hill; sometimes a broad open valley with sweeping views to the not so distant Tetons, sometimes a moose on the path, sometimes a steep incline for us to defeat with our puffing panting aging bodies. Those kinks in the incline certainly slowed us down. Thus we slowly progressed up the canyon.

What progress we would have made on a straight and paved footpath with no obstacles to prevent us from seeing Jesus coming down the road towards us.

loose tongue, tight ears

Esther 3:1-4:3
Psalms 93, 96
James 1:19-27
Matthew 1:1-6, 16-18


James 1:19-27

quick to listen, slow to speak

How I wish I could remember this when my tongue is loose and my ears are tight.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
What else really counts? Yes my own spirituality is important to me but what relevance can it have to my neighbor's eternal life, or even the life of the person who lost their livelihood in the hurricane?

Floods

Esther 1:1-4, 10-19
Psalm 69:1-23, 31-38
Acts 17:1-15
John 12:36-43

Psalm 69:1-23, 31-38

Some people drowned last week as Hurricane Ike flowed through their house. A thirteen foot tall wall of water came over the seawall and came crashing down on Galveston and the Bolivar Peninsula. People in the vulnerable areas had to been told to evacuate and many did. Most who stayed survived but a few did not. They drowned in a hotel, in a truck, in their house. The brown and muddy Gulf rose up and swallowed them.
Sometimes it is plain old everyday circumstances that rise up and engulf us. The pressure of life is overwhelming. The pressure to work and provide for our family; God does not seem to be there giving us the basic necessities. We call to Him for help and tire looking for the way He wants us to go. There seems to be no way out of the situation.
Grope in the darkness, one step at a time knowing that God sees the big picture.

"you who seek God, may your hearts live!"

(We may not have suffered flooding but we did lose part of the fence and hence were able to see this small flood where we have not seen water before).

Ike thundered?

Job 28:1-28
Psalm 70, 71
Acts 16:25-40
John 12:27-36


John 12:27-36

I thought that hurricanes were large storms filled with terrifying thunder and lightening but if there was any thunder associated with Hurricane Ike it was not loud or noisy. There were almost continuous flashes of lightening but no cracking thunder. I kept waiting and listening for the deafening cracks thunder as the enormous storm passed us by. There were none, not that I heard.

God spoke. "Some said that it thundered". We impose our own terms of reference on the unfamiliar. We interpret the supernatural by the mundane. We impose our earth- bound thinking on the greatness of God. Vice versa might be better.

Acorns

Job 42:1-17
Psalm 72
Acts 16:16-24
John 12:20-26


John 12:20-26

It is not grains of wheat but acorns that I almost see in my sleep this week. Hurricane Ike 'harvested' acorns. Our front yard is covered in oak twigs still with leaves and acorns attached. I do not want that many baby oak trees. Our three oak threes have done their part and produced many embryonic trees. Most of these fallen acorns will remain acorns, maybe slightly dried for many years to come. They are being raked and bagged, destined to the landfill where they will be squeezed so tight that air, microbes and any other natural elements necessary for the process of decay or development is almost excluded; one could say that there will be no place to breathe, hence live and emerge into another form be it compost or young oak.

Do I want the pressures of life keep me just as I am, to stifle my growth and potential?

Taskers School for Girls

Job 29:1, Job 31:24-40
Psalms 40, 54
Acts 15:12-21
John 11:30-44

John 11:30-44

I have 'spoken' before about Mrs Llewellyn who nurtured my liking for mathematics. Today it is the scripture teacher who I had in my first two years at the school. Her name eludes me except that I think her Christian name was Marjorie though why I should know that I do not know- perhaps that was just our name for her. I think her surname was Lewis or Davies, some fairly common Welsh surname. It is however irrelevant to the story.
Like most schools Tasker's had outgrown its home. It spread into some of the neighboring mansions. Haverfordwest being a County Seat and home to Assizes was historical an influential and important town. There were therefore quite a few odd mansions, almost derelict that the county could acquire for educational purposes. The first that tasker's spread into was just up Tower Hill from the school, they even blended the back yards. Just before I went to the school there was a problem, the fear of many old houses, dry rot. The mansion had a hole in its floor, not too safe for vivascious teenage girls. The lower school was relocated to Foley House on Goat Street. This is where we had most of our lessons. The garden was the ancient garden of the house with spreading trees and grass, far more elegant than most school yards. we had our PE lessons in the old school, in the hall that is in the picture, after PE we were marched in crocodile fashion through the streets and up the hill to Foley House, rain or shine, usually rain. The people who had th e pleasure of accompanying us were either school prefects or a teacher who was moving at the same time as us between the two sites. Miss Scripture had to walk us on Tuesdays.
We had two scripture lessons a week. One week we had to right an essay on just this passage. Icannot remember the title of the essay but I do remember being very pleased with mine, especially the way I described Lazarus coming out of the tomb. I wrote that "Lazarus jump-walked out of the tomb". This was ridiculed to the whole class. I was indignant. How else could a guy who has his ankles tied together make his way out of a tomb?
Whatever.
Different people see the same circumstance through different eyes. We are all part of the patchwork of creation.

Honest Scales

Job 29:1, Job 31:1-23
Psalm 50
Acts 15:1-11
John 11:30-44

Equations are algebraic scales. Everything has to balance or you get the wrong answer; what happens to one side of the equation must happen to the other side too or you upset the balance. Turn the scales and see life from the other direction, the balance is still true.
It is easy to use dishonest scales, just turn the screw a little. For spring scales this moves the pointer slightly off zero, in balance scales the is a large nut in the center, move that and the equilibrium may exist but it is not true. You do not have to turn the screw much to get off center. A cent or penny under the bowl would be dishonest too, just a little but over time littles add up to bigs.
Seemingly we can be balanced but actually unbalanced by either not being centered on God or by carrying unnecessary baggage. Fortunately Jesus is the counterbalance for both. He has saved the day for us by adjusting the scales in our favor.
...and that favorite cake recipe, which can use scales, will follow today!

A crumb of cake or a loaf of bread?

Job 29:1, Job 30:1-2, 16-31
Psalm 119:49-72
Acts 14:19-28
John 11:1-16

Acts 14:19-28

Whatever happens to Paul and Barnabas they just get up and carry on telling the Gentiles about Jesus and God's love. They might leave where they received a beating but wherever they go to they start again. Their joy on reporting how the Gentile's responded to the message was greater than the news of their 'discomforts' and rejections.
Half empty or half full? With God it is always half full, a crumb of good news is far more of an excuse for a party than a loaf of complaining.
Maybe this afternoon I will add a cake recipe!

Drenched with Cream

Job 29:1-20
Psalm 45
Acts 14:1-18
John 10:31-42


Job 29:1-20

Freshly baked golden scones, a layer of strawberry jam and a generous spoonful of Devonshire clotted cream, though whipped cream will substitute very well. Lemon meringue pie with thick cream attempting to run over the slice, the cream slightly cracking the light and airy topping; caramel ice cream, an sensation for the tastebuds that is too exquisite to describe; cream on cake, any cake blending with decadent chocolate or rich almond; cream as an enhancing sauce on chicken or pasta. A Brit will pour cream or drop a dollop of whipped cream onto anything. And so it it was for Job all those thousands of years ago.

I was amazed when my American friend told me that the first time she had cream on a cake was in Wales when she was visiting with her husband. Imagine attaining adulthood before experiencing such a blend of flavors.

Job talks about olive oil too, another of my favorites. This brings me to Linguine Alfredo, cream and olive oil in the same recipe, what a culinary delight, quick and easy to concoct, one pot to clean up.

Linguine Alfredo
2 ounces of linguine or any pasta for each person, bowtie is another of our favorites
olive oil
cream
basil
sundried tomatoes or cherry tomatoes
pine nuts or other chopped nuts.

Boil and drain the pasta. If you train it in a colander then return the pasta to the pan. Add a little olive oil, stir and add a few tablespoons of cream until the pasta is coated leave on a low heat to get warm- a minute or two. Add chopped herbs, tomatoes, nuts. Stir and serve.

Sheep

Job 32:1-10, 19-33:1, 19-28
Psalms 41, 52
Acts 13:44-52
John 10:19-30


John 10:19-30

When the farmer came into the field behind our house he would call to the sheep and they would come running towards him. They certainly recognized his voice. He did not always bring them food. Sometimes he would take them out of the field to change their pasture or down to the farm for a bath. Like most animals they did not like this one, the noise from the farmyard at dipping time was a cacophony of bleats. I am not sure what they thought of the changing pasture routine. The sheepdog would make sure that all the sheep were near the gate, running hither and thither up and down the field nagging the stranglers. (Is this what God's workers do now for us, His sheep?) Now was not a good time to have to make the journey down the lane to Grendon, a journey that I did often ferrying my children to and from school. The sheep filled the road. All one could do was stop and wait. If you were going in the same direction as them then it was a long wait. The opposite direction was not so bad though the sheep did not think so the complaining they did as they passed the car.


Do I recognize Jesus' voice? When I think I hear it do I run to or from it?

Roast Lamb

Job 22:1-4, 21-23:7
Psalms 30, 32
Acts 13:26-43
John 10:1-18


John 10:1-18
There were sheep in the field behind our last house in England. They would frolic around the field, graze on the pasture, rest in the shade of the ash tree in our garden. Moms would nurture their lambs and lambs would play with the next sheep's lamb. A bit like us really, daily just getting on with life. When the farmer came to check on them they rushed to him as sometimes he had food.
Is this my attitude to Jesus?

Roast Lamb
some leg or shoulder of lamb
rub with a cut clove of garlic
lay meat in roasting pan
add some leaves of rosemary and sprigs of mint.
cover with foil
roast 375 for 15 mins/lb but not less than 1 1/2 hours

This can aslo be used for any cut of lamb and lamb chops

Castles and Germans

Job 19:1-7, 14-27
Psalm 31
Acts 13:13-25
John 9:18-41

Psalm 31

"Keep down the're coming." We crouch behind a ruined wall which protects us from the invading army. The Germans are upon us, rifles on shoulders, sour faces. The rhythm of the march is terrifying. They pass without a glance in our direction. Gingerly we peep around the remains of the castle wall, our French farmhouse. "All clear, come on." and we can run with safety to the next crumbling shelter. We are out on a dangerous mission, two strangling soldiers surviving, trying to get back to civilization from the barbarianism of the battlefield.
We had to hide frequently. Our Germans were meandering tourists enjoying the Castle Hill and its views over the Bristol Channel. My companion lived just two doors from the castle. What a backyard!
Of course we knew the outcome of our 'war'. We were on the good side, the winning side.
In my grown up, non play life God is my good. I am on his side and therefore I know the outcome
I can
24 Be strong and take heart,
all you who hope in the LORD.

Tenby Castle shows all the nooks and crannies of the our games.

The picture above is picture from
http://www.tenbymuseum.org.uk/index.htm

On our first Sunday in church in America we were introduced to a lady who was evacuated to Tenby during the World War II. She was taught by my fellow soldier's father. Small World, maybe- but not for God.

The Light of Dawn

Job 16:16-22, Job 17:1, 13-16
Psalm 37: 1-18
Acts 13:1-12
John 9:1-17


Psalm 37: 1-18

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Even though my body would sometimes prefer not to have the experience the light of dawn is an awakening excitement whenever I see it which is all to often. The light grows from the ground pushing away the blackness of night. Dark forms take on color and shadows become alive.

Righteousness a word mongered by William Tyndale as he translated the Bible into the vernacular from Hebrew and Greek. The Hebrew equivalent occurs more than 500 times in the Hebrew scriptures yet English had lived without 'rightways'. Perhaps this shows how pagan the Brits really were. How can my righteousness shine like the dawn? How can my ways be bright? Maybe I can just hope that I am a way that others can come nearer to God, that my way will be a light to guide them to the Father and instigator of rightness.

Flowers

Job 12:1, Job 14:1-22
Psalm 38
Acts 12:18-25
John 8:47-59

Job 12:1, Job 14:1-22


Flowers are a joy. In the yard their give color to the landscape. In the house they bring a reminder of the wonders of creation.
My rose Mrs B R Cant is seldom without a bloom. The little twig that I bought fifteen years ago is a six feet tall bush spreading out for eight feet. People stop to admire it. I cut the blossoms and share them with my friends. Their delicate fragrance can fill a room.

My life too may be fleeting. To whom am I a reminder of the joy of God's love? To whom do I bring color and life. freedom from the daily treadmill and an uplifting of the heart. Tough, but it's what Jesus does for me and therefore that is what I need to be as His body today.

Tomorrow I wll add a photograph of Mrs B R Cant!

Harbor

Job 12:1, 13:3-17, 21-27
Psalms 26, 28
Acts 12:1-17
John 8:33-47


Psalm 28

A safe place to keep one's boat. What do I keep in safety?

A place to sail from and a place to come back to. Where is my home base?

There are many harbors in Pembrokeshire.

Solva

A natural harbor favored by the Vikings. The bend hides the village from the ocean and therefore from invaders looking for easy plunder. The steep cliffs reminded the Vikings of the fjords of their homeland.


Tenby

In the days before everybody had a car and the Severn Bridge you could sail by ferry from Tenby to Ilfracombe. Great Aunt Olive had a daughter who lived in Ilfracombe. She and Uncle Hedley would go to Ilfracombe from Bolsover and then come to visit Grandma and Grandpa, who was Auntie Olive's brother.

The picture is from
http://www.virtualtenby.co.uk/media-gallery.asp?page=1&gallery=6