Israel

I have some friends visiting Israel at this time.  I trust that it will be a valuable time for them, filled with many rich blessings.
Psalm 23.  The Lord is my shepherd, .....

Mountainside

Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down.  His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them ....  (Matthew 5:1-2. NIV)

It was a beautiful sunny day, that I sat on that mountainside, and recalled the teaching of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.  It has been many years, since actually sitting in that place, but to visualize the atmosphere and views of the location are a wonderful blessing.

Sydney

Just back from a few days in Sydney.  Walked the Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, and much more.  Dining was an issue until suitable places were found, but the Chefs were great and did an amazing job, of which Nick's Seafood was a stand-out.  A highlight of the Zoo, was the Birds inflight display, and, as the presenter said, "If you duck, they will fly lower".

Nice holiday!

Movie 'Inside Out'

I must admit that I really liked the movie 'Inside Out'.  It reminded me of teaching that I have received, and also given over many years.  One of the best parts of the movie, is the arrival at a balanced emotional view of life.

So, who is driving your bus?

Cricket

Just a few weeks till cricket training starts, for the 2015-2016 season.  As the oldest guy still playing at the Macleod Cricket Club, I do hope that my body will keep going.  My aim is to train and play if there is a spot, and make a few runs in the process would be nice.  So far I have just been stretching, and trying to loosen up the spine, while building strength into the anckles.  I am looking forward to this season.

Memory

Memory loss can be quite restricting, and frustrating.  It depends alot on which memories are lost.  Long-term memory is only an issue if you need to remember something, and can be highlighted when others are talking about situations from your past.  Short-term memory is another thing altogether.  It is ever present, and becomes a constant reminder of your inadequacies.

Retired

I have been in retirement for four and a half Months.  Time still goes quickly, and there are always things to do around the unit.  As a house husband, the household chores are always there, and a routine has been established for most of them.

I do enjoy cooking, and I cannot remember any disasters over the four Months.  I do recall dreaming of my own Kitchen as a teenager, that included a huge brick bakers oven that was heated by a wood fire.  The Unit has a normal domestic kitchen, with gas cook top and electric oven.  The bread maker has been given a good workout, and good crusty loaves are produced regularly.

Clay Jar

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

When I think of beautiful pieces of Lead Crystal Glass, I have an image of gleaming light reflected, and refracted, around and in a perfect glass vase. Every glimmer of light seems to draw your attention to itself displayed on a shelf, and the beauty crafted by a skilled tradesman.
When I think of a clay pot, I have an image of an everyday item which is in continual use, and even has chips around the rim. I also have an image of digging in the ground, and finding fragments of clay pots. Of these I wonder what they looked like, and what were the pots used for, and who were the people who used the original complete vessel?

I am not a fine piece of Lead Crystal Glass. I relate to a clay vessel, (even if there are chips around the rim,) and desire to be useful. Indeed a vessel, where the content is the most important aspect.