WHERE TO RETREAT?

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotswold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

WHERE TO RETREAT?

I am often asked for recommendations of places to go in order to spend time alone with the Lord – places for retreat, where there is peace and quiet, beauty and solace.  Time to be, uninterrupted; maybe with a comfortable bed and a large bath. Not too expensive. Nearby.

And so on.  We each have our list of requirements.

Mostly, I am asked for places in Great Britain.

So I began to make a list.  It's below if you want to read it.

But I would love more input on this.

Where have you been on retreat?

Would you recommend it? Why?

What was good – or not-sot-good – about it?

What person might it suit?

What type of retreat might it be best for?

Was it relatively affordable?

What else can you tell us about it?

Here’s some suggestions of what I have already gathered;

for beauty and peace and quiet, I love and highly recommend Launde, Harnhill or St Beuno’s! And you? What's your favourite Retreat Centre?

Good resources:

http://www.eden.co.uk/directory/christian_retreats_10.html

http://www.retreats.org.uk/

LONDON

CITY

St Katherine, Limehouse, London

http://www.rfsk.org.uk/

Retreats and Quiet Days in the centre of London between the City and Canary Wharf with easy access to the West End. Residential/day

NORTH LONDON

The Guy Chester Centre, Muswell Hill

http://www.chestercentre.org.uk

Day/residential   Courses, retreats, workshops

EAST of ENGLAND

The Chelmsford Diocesan House of Retreat, Pleshey, Essex.

Near Stansted/Chelmsford

http://www.retreathousepleshey.com/

Retreats, courses.  Day/residential

Mulberry House, High Ongar

http://pastoralcentre.nationwidechristiantrust.com/pages/3.htm

Retreats, courses, healing prayer. Day/residential

CENTRAL

Pelagos

Latimer, Bucks

http://pelagos.co.uk/

good day centre for retreats, Spiritual Direction, Courses

Turvey Abbey, Beds

www.turveyabbey.org.uk

day /residential, for retreats, for prayer, for rest and relaxation

Buckend Towers, St Neots, Cambs

http://www.buckden-towers.org.uk/

Day/residential. Spiritual guidance available

LAUNDE ABBEY, Oakham, Rutland

http://www.laundeabbey.org.uk/

Day/residential. Courses, retreats

WEST

HARNHILL,  Cirencester, Glos

http://www.harnhillcentre.org.uk/centre.htm

Residential/day. Emphasis on Healing prayer

SOUTH

The Emmaus Centre, West Wickham, Kent

http://www.emmauscentre.org.uk

day/residential  Retreats

The Peshurst Retreat Centre, Nr Battle, E Sussex

http://www.penhurst-retreat-centre.org.uk/

day/residential  Retreats,prayer,counselling

WALES

NORTH WALES

St Beuno’s nr St Asaph, Snowdonia

http://www.beunos.com/

Residential Ignatian centre: retreats, Direction, prayer

PEMBROKESHIRE

Ffald-y-brenin, Fishguard

http://www.ffald-y-brenin.org/

Residential/day. Retreats,prayer

SO: your comments and suggestions please!

CLUSTERS OF GRAPES

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotswold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

WEEK FIVE DAY TWO

God gave me grapes, great

clusters of them

then He picked them and took them away

naturally I sulked

it hardly pays to be a branch

I muttered

and wouldn’t you know it my next grapes

were bitter

God said you can keep them

so they went to the birds

Pruning time

and the  sweetness of the Lord came

pouring in from the Vine

and I said

Father take this branch it’s all yours

He said back to work son

give me the grapes

I don’t know where that came from: I wrote the words in my prayer journal when I was at university nearly 40 years ago.  It’s unattributed.

But the words come back to me every so often.

This morning.

I am running late, lots to do – mostly phone calls which I dislike intensely as I prefer to write, to ponder, choose the right words.  Shopping. Looking after a husband with pleurisy. Walking. The gym. Someone to see, coming for Spiritual Direction. Writing. This.

Stuff.

So the bitterness came creeping.

And I knew I needed the sweetness of the Lord to come pouring in.

* * * *

Our curate was priested on Sunday evening. The Bishop came.

I wore my beautiful white silk stole, made and embroidered for me by a dear friend, now no longer with us.

On it she sewed a pattern of vine branches and grapes; of the Spirit descending like a dove; and these words:

And the sweetness of the Lord poured in from the Vine.

Father take this branch it is all yours.

My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

That’s my prayer for today:

Pour in your sweetness Lord

             in to me

            and out to others

Take my branch Lord – and keep it firmly attached to the Vine.

Here are the grapes

            you gave me in the first place

They are yours

            to use as and when You will

In the name of the Father

            and of the Son

            and of the Holy Spirit

Top of embroidery just  visible on my stole!

WHO NEEDS A GOAL?

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

WEEK FIVE DAY ONE

It’s difficult to do something without a focus, a goal, an end-in-sight.

Or it is if you are me.

Walking miles for no reason with no companions and nowhere in particular to aim for is not something I enjoy.

And attempting the goal is easier the nearer it becomes – there’s still eleven weeks until the Pilgrimage: plenty of time, I tell myself!

So I was looking forward to the 60^th birthday celebration for my brother-in-law on June 16:  an 8 mile circular walk in north Devon, with a pub lunch half way. Only my husband’s indefatigable brother could have persuaded family and friends to join him on such an expedition – even with the promise of a champagne tea at the end.

Alas, it was not to be part of our Saturday.

My husband has pleurisy and is confined to total rest.

As it was cold, wet and windy in Devon, his brother - who is a doctor - told him in no uncertain terms not to go. So we didn’t. I offered to go alone but the long long drive there and back by myself in foul motorway conditions did not bode well – and my husband did not need a long day alone either.

But I really did want to walk.  Our local weather was not too bad. And an hour or two of walking each side of lunch would be great practice for the Pilgrimage.

I needed a goal, a focus.

I found it in the aforesaid pub lunch – only at a different pub. An hour and a half to walk across the fields to a local  favourite pub, and an hour and a half back.

Perfect.

Especially when the husband said he felt he could drive the 15 minutes it takes by car – we could meet for a date!

And so I had not one but two purposes: a good walk to get to lunch -and a date with my beloved.

With such purposes, I found myself striding out, walking fast, aiming for the goal.

It worked: I was there early. Plenty of time for a glass of wine, petting all the resident dogs including the new 12 week old spaniel puppy (envy envy) and reading the paper.

Unhurried lunch, time to talk, to BE, to be together.

And then a brisk walk back – uphill most of the way but inspired this time by the thought of tea and finishing the excellent book I was reading.

A purpose or two, a goal, an end-in-sight.

That inspires me to do what otherwise I might not attempt.

And inevitably it reminds me of my ultimate goal, which I find so easy to forget is ahead of me:

Running toward the Goal

12 I have not yet reached my goal, and I am not perfect. But Christ has taken hold of me. So I keep on running and struggling to take hold of the prize. 13 My friends, I don’t feel that I have already arrived. But I forget what is behind, and I struggle for what is ahead. 14 I run toward the goal, so that I can win the prize of being called to heaven. This is the prize that God offers because of what Christ Jesus has done. 15 All of us who are mature should think in this same way. And if any of you think differently, God will make it clear to you. 16 But we must keep going in the direction that we are now headed.

Philippians 3 Contemporary English Version (CEV)

What do YOU need a goal for? Where are you headed? What helps to focus on it?

The insidious creepingness of all faiths and none

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

Elation and excitement.

Arriving at Highgrove, home of HRH The Prince of Wales.

Being waved through the gate, shown where to park.

And Leave your cameras and mobile phones in your car. No photos. None whatsoever

Welcomed and led into the Gardens.

Our Guide, she was all pink and purple, with a peep of bright green wellies..

-Now, d’you see? she says, pointing out this plant and that.

- And His Royal Highness has such good sense of humour: d’you see? and she waves at the duck egg blue board which proclaimed: Entering an old fashioned establishment. GMO free.

- He is such a fun gracious man, she enthuses. He plans it all, chooses the plants.

He wants a garden which delights the eye, warms the heart, feeds the soul.

- D’you see that little statue? A thank you from the Welsh children’s charity.  He has them here for a Christmas party every year.

- Oh and when he takes us round each year and points out all the new things, it’s such an honour.  D’you see?

We did see – and there’s the boss!

That IS him, isn’t it, my boss, the Bishop of London.  Beheaded and on top of the wall.

- Are you a Vicar then, she enquires wide eyed? Yes, that’s the Bishop of London. And the other heads too: all people that the Prince admires. Dr Kathleen Raine, the poet and scholar; Sir John Taverner, the composer; Dr Vandana Shiva, the environmental campaigner. D’you see?

The rain is obliging and holds off. It’s damp and windy but dry.

And there we are, standing at the front door of the house.

Right at the front door. Did you ever think you would get this close, she asks? He wants you to see it all.

We do, we are -  in awe and wonder.

Is that his bedroom window, opened a crack, curtains parted? Does he sit hereon this garden bench? And here? He must be glad when we all are gone.

- And one last thing, she promises, d’you see? D’you see this plain wall and these simple wood doors?

She throws them open. The Carpet Garden. Based on the design of a Turkish carpet in the house.

It’s so beautiful, calm, tranquil. D’you see?

Nature to heal and restore the soul.

Healing plants.

Life giving water properties.

All the best of the Islamic faith, nurturing and healing and life restoring. Not what you read of when the extremists get hold of the faith; but Islam at its best, its basis. A place for nurturing and restoration.  D’you see?

And I want to cry out, to intervene.

We are being fed snippets of positive Islamic faith.  Were I to do the same with my Christian faith, I would be hounded down.

But it’s there in our culture each day.

The insidious, creeping takeover – whether it’s gay lifestyle, civil marriages, all faiths and none:

just as long as it isn’t Christian.

You can do what you like, say what you like, believe what you like – as long as it’s not Christian.

I gaze up at the The Crescent which dominates this beautiful garden.

And I don’t say a word.

My silence is my acquiessence.

What might Ann have said? http://www.aholyexperience.com/2012/06/what-in-the-world-should-christians-wear/

Why in the world don’t I say these words aloud to strangers more often? Why don’t I live them more clearly? I am ashamed of how many times, unlike the apostle Paul, I have been ashamed of the gospel, the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16)

And what are we really here to do but to live the Great Commission — not the Great Optional? 

WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE DONE?

OR SAID?

Or even thought?

Our Guide smiles.

- Your Champagne tea awaits. She points to the tea room.

And I gratefully flee.

BUBBLES AND SILENCE: a 10 day retreat

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

Yesterday's blog was full of suggestions for a Day Away with the Lord.

Today's is a longer posting - an account of a 10 day silent retreat.

SILENCE IS GOLDEN

Getting away from it all

“Ten days of total silence?” gasped my family in disbelief. “You’ll never do it. Won’t you be bored - or lonely?  What will you do all day?”

I had to do (‘make’ is perhaps the more correct term) a Silent Retreat as part of a Course, so it was not something I had specifically chosen, and I went in some fear and trepidation.  The website promised:

“Each day of an individually guided retreat (IGR) you will be meeting with your own retreat guide, who is a member of the team at 'The Centre', to share what concerns you most deeply at that point of your journey with God. The retreat provides a time for:

-       Finding a space for personal reflection, prayer and meditation

-       Exploring with your guide different ways of praying

-       Making the connection between your prayer life and daily living.

Although the retreat is lived as a group experience it will be made in silence as an aid to prayer and personal reflection. Gardening and manual work is available for those who wish.”


Gardening feels like outdoor housework, so I packed some good books (Christian spirituality and Christian biographies), a kettle to make coffee/tea in my room if I needed to, and my own duvet and pillow for comfort –just in case!  I also took my walking boots, my laptop, a beautiful new journal – and provisions as I had elected to selfcater, just wanting to have a simple, light diet.

Arriving at the Retreat centre was a little scary – but I was greeted by a warm smile and the aroma of baking: homemade cakes for tea each afternoon! My room was far better than I had feared; there was a remarkably comfortable single bed, a wardrobe, handbasin, desk and chair - and a lovely large comfy armchair.  As usual in a strange place I hastily rearranged all the furniture to suit myself – with the comfy chair positioned so that I could sit and read and pray looking out of the window towards the beautiful gardens. The laptop was plugged in and to my joy and dismay I discovered there was internet access.  What a temptation!  Did I give in?  Read on ……

A group of 16 retreatants gathered somewhat warily later that evening, for an introductory session with the 4 Spiritual Directors. Then we were into silence!  I went to bed with a sense of excitement and anticipation as to what God might have in mind for me. And so began a routine which soon seemed to be my new way of life.  It was remarkable at how soon my time was happily spent reading, praying, meditating.  I made myself a routine: it included the Divine Hours – saying the daily office with its prayers and Bible readings on waking, at midday and late afternoon, with compline at bed time. (I used Phyllis Trickle’s book which has it laid out for each day in a very easy to follow way).   That gave a structure to my days. The mornings were for Bible readings – lectio divina, or Ignatian, or even reading an entire book of the Bible in one sitting, not something one often has time to do. The walled garden of the convent was a haven of late roses in the September sunshine; or the bench looking over the valley and on to the North Downs was a therapeutic resting place. I was blessed with a week of sunshine and enjoyed meeting with God whilst sitting enjoying the beauty of his creation.

After lunch each day, I donned my walking boots and strode off to explore the Kent countryside, using the walking maps provided in the Retreat Centre.  Speaking to God is easier for me when I am walking alone and able to look at nature in all its glory. I walked several  miles after lunch each day, before meeting with my Director for 30 – 40 minutes. He listened to my descriptions of what was going on between me and God,  made suggestions of verses in the Bible which might be helpful, and then on one occasion he encouraged me to use the craft room.   I hesitated; I can’t draw and have never found it a useful exercise.  But one afternoon I went in – and found sugar paper and poster paints, reminiscent of primary school.  Instead of painting, I tried a little calligraphy, using a verse which had been especially meaningful the previous day. I tried writing it out in different versions of the Bible – the internet was very useful for looking them up!  - and found it remarkably insightful.  As I was leaving, I suddenly noticed a box full of tubs of bubbles.  BUBBLES!  Suddenly the inner child was released and I ran out into the garden and blew bubbles  - rejoicing with God, just enjoying the freedom and the fun and the enjoyment.  Later, I found the piano and appreciated having the time to play.

Evenings were spent enjoying long deep bubble baths, relaxing, going to bed luxuriously early to read and to journal about the day, and then to sleep deeply in the silence and dark of the country.

There was one wet afternoon, and I withdrew to the prayer room in the Tower, a peaceful little eyrie with helpful books and pictures and objects. It served well enough for a while, but personally the beautiful grounds and countryside were preferable.  I also attended the daily service just prior to supper, and was glad to be able to worship God with others – even though we couldn’t speak afterwards!

The silence was only uncomfortable for me at meal times.  It was a strange feeling to be at a table with 3 others, eating yet unable to converse in any way.  Music was played whilst we ate, and the members of the Community withdrew to their own dining room – presumably to be able to talk!  And washing up and laying tables with others but in silence was strange at first; but then it became companionable and we got used to one another and to the silence – and learnt to communicate in other ways.

God spoke to me in ways I would never have imagined – there was time and space and silence in which to listen, unlike in normal life.  It was salutary to be reminded of how seldom I stop to listen to God, allowing him time and space instead of rushing around in my busy-ness. No, I didn’t hear a specific voice, but I sensed his Presence, had things confirmed in my subconscious, and had several ‘day dreams’ where He drew near.  Everything is gift. By the end I was sad to be leaving, and ‘normal’ life seemed strangely unalluring!

I did remember to return my room to its former state before leaving!  And the laptop? Well, yes, I did Skype with members of the family once or twice.  Perhaps it was cheating; but for me it was real, an important part of my life, and it in no way detracted from the silence and solitude of my Retreat.  Will I go again? Yes.  But I have also learnt to take smaller, regular times out to Practice the Presence of the Lord. There’s nothing quite like it.

The Revd Penelope Swithinbank attended a Retreat at the Sisters of St Andrew, Eden Hall,  Edenbridge, Kent.    Sadly the Convent has had to close this year.

Have you enjoyed an extended time away? How did you get on? What did you do? How good a time was it?

RE:FRESH RE:NEW RE:CREATE RE:TREAT

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

Physical preparation is good: Spiritual preparation is even better.

It's all to easy to concentrate on the former and forget the latter.  

It's time to put a date in my diary for a day spent with the Lord.

I was asked on Sunday how one fills a day of time with God when you don't really know where to start. She is off to Harnhill for a week; plenty of prayer but plenty of free time too.  What to do all day?

So, for her and for others, today is all about ONE DAY with the Lord.

Tomorrow will be about an EXTENDED TIME with the Lord - based on a 10 day silent retreat.

And today is to remind myself joyfully to anticipate my own upcoming day away - in the diary for the week after next!

A DAY FOR RE:FRESH, RE:NEW, RE:CREATE, RE:TREAT 

Sometimes (often, most of the time) we need rest – physical, emotional, yes, but mostly spiritual time away from normal everyday busy-ness.  I need to make time for meeting with God over a longer period, time for spiritual renewal and self-examination.

In Jesus’ time, long walks were part of everyday life – when one could presumably reflect and pray and think, although it was probably no easier than it is now.

Jesus certainly 'drew aside' from everything for quiet moments, often climbing the hillside to do so.

And so I need to build in times of quiet, times of enjoying God’s creation.  At least once a year (and three or four or five times is better) it helps if I go to a place of quiet and beauty and just BE.

If you've never done this before, it may be strange at first. Maybe start with just a few hours – a half day; or maybe only an hour for the very first time. Start small and keep adding. Don’t wait until you feel you can take on a whole day or you may never begin.

And if after a while you have had enough, don’t feel guilty.  Either push on through to see what happens; or leave it there and try again another time. Or try something entirely different.

Here are some suggestions which I have personally found work for me and for many others; feel free to add to it, experiment with it – find what works for you, what draws you closer to the Lord, refreshes and re-energises you.

PLANNING A DAY OR HALF DAY RETREAT

PLANNING: there’s the start. If I don't plan, it doesn't happen. I have to PLAN when to do this and write down the date and time, and the place, otherwise I'll procrastinate and never start. Then I begin to look forward eagerly to this special time, asking already for the Lord to meet with me and refresh and renew me.

SUGGESTIONS OF THINGS TO TAKE: Bible, journal, pen; family photos or special momentoes; praise worship (CD, iPod,etc); candles (& matches);  post card of a painting. Light, easily prepared food. Comfortable clothes and shoes for walking. Nice soap and bubbles for the bath.

-      I like to get away, head for the countryside, a retreat centre, a friend’s country cottage. If you can’t, make a special area at home with some of your favourite things, maybe a rocking chair, a large cushion, scented candles. Get it ready in advance and every time you pass, be excited in anticipation. Check if you need to remove a ticking clock or anything else distracting.

-      When going away, it's good to get there the night before.  I love to have a long relaxing bubble bath and allow the cares and stresses to begin to slip away and thenretire early to bed with a relaxing drink (Horlicks?!?!?!?! Camomile tea …) and I do love a hot water bottle at night!  Snuggling in, I read the Scriptures planned for tomorrow - but just read them, nothing else, and then put the light out early. Bliss!

MORNING: PART ONE

BEING WITH GOD

Awake whenever – no alarm clock! And I don’t DO anything, for at least half an hour. Breakfast: taking a mug of steaming coffee and sitting on a sunny rock, or under a tree, or by a log fire and just sitting and BE-ing with God.

Then it's time for an extended praise and thanksgiving toGod, focusing on all the things and times and people I'm grateful for. If Ineed a reminder or a prompt, I can look at the photos and momentoes I brought with me and praise and thank God for what they each mean to me.

And then a fun form of gratitude:  listing 10 things in my journal for which I'm grateful and thanking God for each of them, with the focus onblessings, not problems. Then another 10 and thank Him; and another …. And so on.  Sometimes I will set myself a minimum, say 30 or 50 or …. and see where I end up.   No pleases, just thanks!

A Psalm. Not a difficult one, but one of my favourites, such as a praise one; and I read it out loud.  Slowly.  Twice.  Then I put the Bible down and reflect on it, maybe recall words or phrases that stood out or leaped at me, or meant something.  Then write them down.  Read aloud again – slowly. Maybe learn by heart one of the special verses. Write it down. Ask the Lord if He is saying something to me through it.

After all of that, I turn to either my normal daily Bible reading, or to a special Bible passage; or perhaps to a whole smallbook (eg Philemon or Jude, or one of the Epistles).

I can spend at least an hour or even two on this:

read it aloud, slowly;  not something there is normally time or inclination to do. But it's revelatory.

relish the phrases;

repeat it until the meanings truly sink in.

Listening – letting God speak to me through it. Mark/write/record what happens.

What does it mean?

Is there a promise, a command?

Something I don’t understand which I need to look up another time or ask someone about later?

How will affect my life today, tomorrow …?

Reflect and pray it through.

MORNING: PART TWO

GETTING OUT

One of my favourite things is then to go for a long leisurely walk and enjoy an extended time of praise.  And when I am far away from civilisation and anyone who could possibly hear I sing praise songs aloud in the glories of creation (the psalmist recommends making a joyful NOISE to the Lord so then I don’t worry that I am not an opera singer!) Then I can envision God looking at me with love and walking beside me with His arm on my shoulder - like a friend accompanying me on the journey, in love. I either sing unaccompanied or I have some things on the iPod to sing along to.

Prayer: Then and only then, either whilst out or on my return, I pray   and probably write down my prayers -

- for my family, my friends,   my loved ones. Their situation and things they are coping with.

- And for my self,  spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially,   intellectually:

God, when you look at me, what do you see?

Lord, how am I doing?

What do you want to change in me?

I pray about my dreams, my challenges, my diary.

LUNCH TIME

I can enjoy a leisurely lunch at some point (or I may want to fast for the day) and listen to some worship music – of whatever type I prefer or happen to choose for this moment.

AFTERNOON: PART ONE

After lunch, I take a nap; rest and put my feet up. I do nothing for a while, with a cup of tea.  And if I fall asleep, that’s fine too. He gives His Beloved rest!

With the second cup of tea, I mightlook at a religious painting or a picture that speaks to me of God and meditate on it and put myself into it and allow the Lord to work in me through it.

What is it about this picture which touches something in me?

What is God saying to me in this picture?

What do I see of God?

Where is HE? Where am I?

What will I take with me from this time?

AFTERNOON: PART TWO

I enjoy reading through the late afternoon -  a helpful but probably fairly light book – maybe a Christian biography – a book which will bless, inspire, enthuse me.

Finally, almost regretfully, it's time to return home listening to my favourite Christian praise music on the car CD player.

Sometimes it's hard to return to the noise and bustle of home, family, pets, etc. But I know that often happens, and so I pray about it on my return journey, asking for grace  - and lots and lots of patience, and for the fruit of the Spirit as my loved ones crowd around and normal life resumes. And I hope I remembered to make sure supper was prepared either before I left or by someone else!

If you are returning to an empty dark flat, ask for the love of Jesus to be there to welcome you home, for His light to shine in the darkness and for His presence to surround you.

Finally, I remember to write the date in my diary for my next retreat.

I would love some of your ideas too -

What do you find helps you the most when spending time with God?

Where do you go?

What do you do? 

Pleurisy and a new resolve

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

WEEK FOUR already.

Time for a checkup.

Yesterday was decidedly a non-exercise day.

The Vicar has been feeling poorly all weekend – no energy and some chest restriction and pains.  I felt I needed to keep him company so after leading at the 8am Communion service and helping with the 9.30am Communion service, I flopped on to the next-door sofa to him – and read and read and read. Anne of Green Gables: it’s the book for my Book Club this evening. (#happinessproject Book Club reading children’s classics post: http://www.ministriesbydesign.org/2012/01/23/finding-fun/)

Not many steps on the pedometer yesterday then. We don’t even have to go out of the front door to get to church: which in such wet weather is really quite a bonus. Apart from that, living in/over the shop (ie church) does not have many advantages.

* * * *

The Vicar has been to see the doctor this morning, and was sent immediately for various tests and checkups at the hospital.  It would take the morning; I drove him there, and headed off to Brent Cross, the nearest indoor shopping centre.  And there, I paced up and down and round and about, feeling quite American in my trainers and determination to put steps on the pedometer.

A good place to walk in such Noah weather.  Not sure others appreciated the sense of pace and speed as I sped around each level.  3,000 steps clocked in a short time.  But I fear I will need to venture out into the storm that is the current British summer if I am to do another 7,000 today.

Most days last week I managed at least 8,500 which is the target set for me on my Fitbug online pedometer. And a couple of days were a minimum of 10,000 and Monday was 12,000+  having walked the hilly golf course.

I am also trying to ensure I do at least one hill, up and down – we fortunately live at the top of a steep hill; or escalators on the Underground make a good way to run up and down.

Then there’s the PowerPlates at Movers and Shapers.  I am going three times a week  - half an hour sessions each time with an instructor putting us through our paces.  They promise that if you attend twice a week for six weeks, you will be in good shape. It's definitely coming.

So, there is definite improvement.  I can walk briskly up the two flights of escalators at Highgate Station with hardly any difficulty – a huge advance in three weeks. And the powerplates sessions are beginning to have the desired effect.

BUT.

There is a big but.  All that exercise together with some other things going on right now have led to an increase in eating. The more I try to eat less and eat better, the more I crave chocolate rich tea biscuits and digestives and other unsalubrious carbohydrates.

The scales are either lying or I have actually put on weight.

Eating is such an easy way to try to cope with stress and depression.

But it’s not the best way.

Time for drastic action.

* * * *

Meanwhile, the poor Vicar has been diagnosed with viral pleurisy and told to rest.  He is looking very sorry for himself, understandably so.  Not much going out in this weather for him.

I shall be his nurse for a while, I think.

* * * *

Resolve: to continue the exercise – walking lots, powerplates, up and down hills and escalators.

Resolve: to cast my cares upon the Lord and not try to find solace in the biscuit tin.  HE alone can rescue, He alone can save. HE alone can lift me …

Nostalgia, Chocolate and Cakes

WEEK THREE DAY FIVE

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

I have to bake a rich dark fudgy chocolate cake.

Not for me, you understand.  For our annual college reunion.

When we first began to do this each June, it was a black tie affair, usually at a London restaurant.  People had left Cambridge and were working their way up various corporate ladders or into Chambers.

My husband and I were in the church, even then. Some years we just couldn’t afford to go.

Now, we are all retiring, or about to; becoming grandparents; on second or in some cases third marriages.  Life changes. Two took early retirement and were ordained into the Church of England as unpaid assistants.

So much for those heady days as Cambridge students who were going to change the world.

Tomorrow we are gathering once again.

In wellies and waterproofs.

On someone’s organic (naturally) farm. They’ve dropped out  - to make cider and live off the proceeds of former success.

And we are having a bring and share early supper. 5.30pm. Perhaps we all prefer to retire early these days, not drive too late.

Or for several of us, to be bright eyed and bushytailed at the 8am service on Sunday morning.

I have been assigned the chocolate cake. My problem is, which recipe to follow.

Nigella’s “serves 12 or 1 with a broken heart.”   I made that for the youngest daughter years ago after a particular heartbreaking end to a romance. Holidays from Durham University.

Delia’s chocolate truffle torte.  As a family, we enjoyed it for dessert on Christmas Day for years and years – remembering the first year when the shops all sold out of liquid glucose. Christmas in Stamford, Lincolnshire, for twelve years.

Mary Berry’s American Chocolate Wedding Cake.  Three layers of decadence.  I made that for the elder daughter’s wedding, cooking it in my mother-in-law’s kitchen, seven years ago near Bath, for we were living in the States.

Good Housekeeping’s White Chocolate Cake Sensation.  My son’s twenty first birthday at Lumley Castle near Durham. I learnt to temper the chocolate and carve it to make decorations.

And then further back: the Stork Chocolate Cake recipe of my teens – does any one ever use Stork margerine these days? The recipe is copied into my old recipe book, tatty and smeared with  - marg, probably.

I pick up recipe books, flick through ideas – and another recipe drops out.

Vegetable Diet, it says.  Looses 4lbs in two days.

Sublime to the ridiculous. But I remember that diet, too; sometimes it was even just grapes and water for 2 or 3 whole days.

No wonder I was so slim in those far-off days – a stone (14 lbs to the Americans!) lighter than now.  My doctor recently told me off for being so thin in my 30’s and 40’s and suggested that it was a contributing factor to the osteoporosis.

IS that an excuse to indulge?

Back to choosing a chocolate cake recipe.  Time for a change?

A NEW RECIPE.  Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake, made with Maya Gold Chocolate. “If chilled overnight it will be dense, fudgy and wicked.”

Sounds perfect.

The Lord promises,

The former things have passed away.

I make all things new   (Rev 21)

Our God is in the business of new things, of change in order to bring completion and perfection. And that includes you and me.

 I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”  And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.  (Rev.21:3-7)

PUTTING TEN THOUSAND TO FLIGHT

WEEK THREE DAY FOUR

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

We’ll just walk nine, he promised. If it rains we’ll stop.

But it’ s a Bank Holiday, I protested. A day to stop, relax, watch the Queen.

Later, he said. There’s not much happening right now. Come with me and enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

Grudgingly I laid my book aside and found garments suitable for a wet hilly golf course. Just nine holes, I told myself. And I’ll look for lost golf balls in the rough and see if I can beat my record.

He hit the ball long and sweet. I found two golf balls.  One hole down, eight to go.

Long steep hill down to the next hole; even steeper climb up to the third. I’ve done it so often with him that I know what lies ahead. Cotswold hills.

Four more balls found in the rough.

Long third hole and round the corner to the fourth. The clouds parted briefly. Fifth, sixth …. Nearly back.

Long steep drop from the tee to the eighth hole. I always forget just how pretty this is. How much I love the peace and the beauty and the trees and the stream flowing through.

We cross the tiny Giverny-like bridge. I’ve found 7 balls already.

Long haul up to the nineth – really steep.  And I realize I am going up at some speed and only a little out-of-breathness.

All those London Tube escalators, up and down, are beginning to have an effect. Three weeks into this preparation and I can FEEL a difference.

Second nine he asks. Look, the sun is coming out.

Late afternoon shadows and dappled sunlight.

Another round of eight holes; more ups and downs. More beauty. More time together.  How can I resist?

But I do. Time for a cup of tea, I wail.

His arm around me, urging me on. You’ll be glad you did it, later.

He knows me well.

And I am. The pedometer looks most encouraging. We skip the tea and go straight to something stronger.

And I acknowledge the help of another urging me on, doing it together.

Two can put ten thousand to flight.

Ten thousand is my minimum daily step count.  A golf course which is long and spread out and hilly easily accomplishes much more than that.

For once, I am grateful for a golfing husband. And for his persistence and determination.

And today – today I shall run and up down those escalators on the way to and from the grandchildren and pretend they are Cotswold hills on a beautiful golf course.

And put ten thousand to flight on my pedometer.

Olimpick tikets

WEEK THREE DAY THREE

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

 

There was great excitement amongst certain members of our household this morning.

One man to be precise.

His tickets for the Olympic Games were hand delivered at 8.15am. There was fevered anticipation as the envelope was torn apart to reveal a purple folder. Checking of dates and events and times.

And seats.

Front row for the football at Wembley, he announced gleefully. Triumphantly. Oh - tickets for the beach volley ball.  And the tennis.

The tennis.  Even I am looking forward to the tennis.

Such anticipation. Such checking already of public transport to get there.

It occurred to me that I could walk to Wembley from here – much quicker than the five changes on the buses and tubes that it takes on public transport.

But fortunately I’m not going to the football.

An image of the athletes flashed into mind as I thought of the old adage: football is 2000 people in need of exercise watching 22 people in need of a rest.

Those athletes are in training – have been for years. Determined and dedicated. Up for a challenge.

The Greeks said that humans are hard-wired for challenge.

Sculptor Henry Moore wrote

The secret of life is to have a task, something you devote your entire life to, something you bring everything to, every minute of the day for your whole life. And the most important thing is – it must be something you cannot possibly do.

I am training for a walk of a mere 100 miles. Granted it goes up and down; and I have already done it several times before and hopefully God willing shall do so again.

But it’s something I know I can do. Easily.

And athletic achievements don’t actually last.

Nor do they impact people for the Kingdom of God.

Unless you are Eric Liddell.

What am I devoting my life to? What can’t I do that I am intent on doing?

Mike Bickle wrote

We cannot function properly until we have passionately given our heart to a person and purpose beyond ourselves.  If we don't have something to die for, then we don't have anything to live for.  We don't work right half-hearted.

Amy Carmichael, one of God's extraordinary missionaries, lived in India for 35 years without a furlough. She is noted for her many writings expressing God's passion for the lost, the hurting, the poor and the ensnared.  In one of Amy's most often quoted prayers she asks, "Give me a passion that will burn like fire.”  She was passionate right up to the very last moment of consciousness.  She had a passion for missions.

She was whole-hearted in all that she did for God and His Kingdom.

She wrote:

Oh for a passionate passion for souls.

Oh for a pity that yearns!

Oh for the love that loves unto death,

Oh for the fire that burns!

Oh for the pure prayer-power that prevails,

that pours itself out for the lost.

Victorious prayer in the

Conqueror’s Name,

Oh for a Pentecost.

Am I dedicated and passionate for the work of the Kingdom?

For bringing people into a relationship with the Lord and helping them along on that journey of Life?

I can’t actually do it: but God chooses to do it through me – and you.

So what are you dedicated to?

What’s the challenge you face every day with a passion?

And will it have a lasting impact?

Focused on the Goal

 I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back. So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it. Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal.         Philippians 3: 12-19 (The Message)

Let me know what you are dedicated to and passionate about? What's your commitment?

Am I allowed to tell you that the man has some spare tickets if you are interested? Probably not!!!

2 x category B tickets for the Badminton on Friday 3 August, between 9am & 12 noon

A KNIFE TO THE THROAT

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

I’m reading Proverbs at the moment. (I’m doing George Guthrie’s Bible in a year Chronological Reading Plan). Here’s today’s eye catching, thought provoking proverb:

Put a knife to your throat if you have a big appetite.

Proverbs 23:2

It seems rather extreme.

Of course it’s in the context of dining with a ruler. Invited by the Queen to lunch? Don’t eat too much. She might not like the knife to the throat action, however. Not polite in the best of circles and could be misconstrued.

But it’s a useful thought to have in mind when sitting down to eat a meal and tempted by all that is available.

Mostly, however, the problem begins further back than that.

In the shops.

We drove west yesterday, to be in the country for the long bank holiday.

Stopped at a service station for petrol and coffee and lunch.

I queued at length to pay for the sandwiches; and my eye inevitably was drawn to the strategically placed chocolates and other goodies, temptingly within easy grasp.

Too easy to throw into the basket at the last minute – a treat for the holidays.

I needed a knife to the throat.

Yet deny myself every single treat and I long for more.

My father’s ‘diet’ worked well for him: Moderation in all things. Deny yourself nothing for then you long for more. Eat anything – but only in moderation.

Today we would call it portion control.

I think I need to take a knife to the shops.  Better still, order online where I don’t even have to look at the temptations, just order only what is needed and necessary.

Avoiding temptation is an action that works well for me – in so many different situations.

I am not strong enough by myself.  I need the continuous infilling of the Spirit’s power.

Rather more effective than a knife to the throat, don’t you think?

Lord, reign in me, reign in your power

Over every dream, in my darkest hour.

You are the Lord of all I am

So won’t you reign in me again?

ANTARTICALLY INSPIRED

I am writing a daily blog (Monday to Friday)  on preparing spiritually and physically

to lead a Pilgrimage of 100 miles in September.

for details of the Pilgrimage, click on the dropdown Cotwold Pilgrimage bar at the top of this page 

I love the way that social media can impact life in positive ways. Idly flicking through tweets and postings just now, I was attracted to two quotes. They will each affect my life today.

"The way to life - to God! - is vigorous and requires total attention."
 (Matthew 7:14, The Message)

“Trying to do the Lord's work in your own strength is the most confusing, exhausting, and tedious of all work. But when you are filled with the Holy Spirit, then the ministry of Jesus just flows out of you.”  Corrie Ten Boom

Whether preparing for a Pilgrimage

or doing the Lord’s work each day

or just being who God meant us to be

requires total attention.

But trying to do it in our own strength is draining and de-energising.

Learning to open up to the grace-filling of the Spirit leads us to a whole new level of energy and enthusiasm and in-God-ness.

* * * *

Yesterday I had a gentle, be-kind-to-yourself kind of morning.

Then I popped up to Cambridge for the afternoon. Dropped into the University Library to see the amazing Shelf Lives Exhibition. Had tea with an old friend not seen for some time. More tea with my father-in-law’s first cousin, an expert on Antartica and still dropping into the South Pole occasionally even though he’s 85.

And Charles, he talked about all the things he has done and is still doing. Even at 85.

If I am to carry on with the Lord’s work until 85 and beyond – and my mother was still practicing in-God-ness at 90 to her full capacity – then I need that daily grace filling, energizing filling of the Spirit.

A daily Pentecost.

Inspired, possessed, filled.

By, in, for,  GOD.

enthousiasmos (Gk) possessed by God, inspired

inspirare (Latin) breathe or blow into, originally used of a divine being

Breathe into me, Holy Spirit and possess me until I am inspired and enthused. For you.