Windows, Mirrors and Doors

On occasion, reading the Bible can be challenging, not just understanding the era and context of what is written; but also, considering what a particular passage might mean for me, in my current life circumstances.

I therefore really enjoy finding tools that help me consider scripture in different ways.  At our Sacred Space meeting last weekend, we used an exercise simply entitled: Windows, Mirrors and Doors.  It was very helpful.

WINDOWS 

Looking out … What do we see of God here? What are the key truths? What is the challenge to me, personally? What inspires me?

MIRRORS 

Looking in … How does what I have read make me feel? What do I think? What can I learn here? Does this scripture challenge my worldview? Does it challenge my self-esteem?

DOORS 

‘Go and do likewise’ … What have I learned, what will I take away from this Word? How should I respond? In what ways can I “go and do likewise”? Am I challenged to ask more or discover more through this?

Thought for the week ...

On a personal note ...

Last week, when the sun was shining and I was stuck in the office, I was super jealous of my sister-in-law sending photos of Tony & her having a pub lunch 😣

However yesterday, one of my besties, Pauline, was helping me practice for retirement 😍  We had the most wonderful girls day out, starting with a leisurely train ride down to Canterbury. 

We pottered around a few shops in the sunshine, then headed to this wonderful little mediterranean restaurant that Pauline had discovered.

We sat outside and people-watched, whilst enjoying the meal below ... hummus, olives and pita to start, lamb moussaka and salad to follow.  The food and the service were top-notch. Highly recommended.

Lunch was followed by coffee elsewhere, as we listened to a wonderful accordion player. If you closed your eyes, with the sunshine and the music, it could've been Paris.

Finally, the main purpose of our trip was a matinee performance of Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake, at the Marlowe Theatre; something I've wanted to see since watching the film Billy Elliot, 25 years ago.  Oh my word, it was phenomenal!!!  I was completely enthralled from start to finish. 

What a truly marvellous day out 😍

Celebrating Basim & Fatima's marriage

Basim & Fatima, thank you for inviting me to be part of this very special event, to celebrate your marriage union.  It was such a lovely evening. For me it was also great to catch up with some folk I've not seen for a looooooonngg time.

Millie, Pesila, Acsha, Fatima, Areti, Me, Sonali

This amazing cake was made 
by Pesila, even the flowers
were edible 💖

All of the food was truly scrumptious. Thank you Pesila and team for organising this whole event.

Fatima, welcome to the UK. It was so lovely
to meet you and enjoy this evening with you. 
I hope that we will meet up again soon 💖

On a personal note ...

I have just had the most wonderful week off.  My brother, Tony, and his wife, Sarah, came to visit. Our time together was busy, but also relaxing and fun 💖💖💖

On Tuesday, we visited Sissinghurst Castle, one of Sarah's happy places 😀

On our walk around the beautiful grounds, our challenge was to find something and preach a one minute sermon. Sarah, chose the whole amazing vista of nature and talked about God as Creator. Tony picked three very different leaves, some quite intricate, some a little plain but like human beings God has created each one unique and beautiful.  My sermon was the right hand image above, if we put our root deep in Jesus and His Word, even if the ground gives way beneath us, He will hold us firm.

Wednesday was rainy, so we had breakfast out and a mellow day around the house.  This was our yummy dessert on Wednesday evening ...

Thursday, we got the train the Lesnes Abbey Woods, where we met up with my dear friend & colleague, Kirsten.

On the left above, I found a piece of flint shaped like a tooth. I think it's still in my coat pocket 😄  Many of the students who have been to Lesnes with us, will recognise the tree above right. It's always good for a photo stop.  

On Friday, we drove to Scotney Castle, a place none of us had ever been.  We enjoyed walking around the grounds there, plus a latte and a cheese scone ...

After Scotney, we drove on to Hastings, as Tony had never been there. It was a  bit of a long drive home, but we indulged in a much appreciate Chinese take away 😊