Where in the World?

 

It is amazing where one can find themselves!  If you had told me 12 months ago that in 2012 I would have toured most of Europe, including living in France for  months, I would have politely asked you what you had been sniffing.

  

However if you had a look at my goal setting (wish list) you would have clearly seen that in the next 3 to 5 years I wanted to spend time in Europe.    How did this come about?  One email, one response, several back and forward exchanges I am excepted to teach in the UK, which is were our adventure began.

A Desire + Response to an Invitation = Dream Come True.

While the first 5 months of this adventure took place in and around London, and having spent time in a camper van following Google Maps to get as far north as the Isle of Iona in Scotland and as far west as Wales, we now find ourselves in a house-sit, minding a cat and a home in the south of France.

The next 4 months will be filed with writing, reflecting and preparing for what may emerge once I am back home again (followed by a 16 day European city bus tour, before going back to UK, Ireland and then home).

I am truly excited about what is happening.  I've been taking on-line courses, studying French (Ca si bon!), flute and meditation. 

I'd love to hear about things that you've dreamed about that have magically manifested!

So grateful to my Creator as I take time to be still and contemplate.

Walking in His Footsteps: A reflective journey into the words of Jesus

Linda Young will facilitate this opportunity to spend a day in the beautiful surrounds of Campion, to walk in the steps of Jesus through meditation on His words and deeds. The day will consist of reflection on Scripture, silent meditation and an opportunity to prayerfully walk the labyrinth (weather permitting), providing space for hearts to be open to what God may desire to speak back into your lives.

When: Wednesday 26 October, 9.30 am – 4.00 pm

Where: Campion Centre, 99 Studley Park Road, Kew

Cost: $50

RSVP: To Maxine Lamont, mlamont@churchesofchrist.org.au or 03 9488 8800 by 20 October.
(See registration form attached)

I hope to see you there!

Love and blessings,

Janet Woodlock

A Reignited Passion

Many moons ago, maybe in a previous lifetime, when I was at high school, I learned the clarinet. I loved the melodic tones that can only resonate through a woodwind instrument and I endeavored to learn. Well after a time, and the introduction of braces to my teeth, I let go the desire to learn and there that desire lay, somewhere in the back of my consciousness, until the other day.

It was a Sunday afternoon and after the dedication of my amazing twin nephews, the extended family decided to go to a near by Sunday market. It was great We wandered around row by row, marveling at this, laughing at that - that's when I saw it. Well actually I just saw the case and my heart jumped. I went over to the attendant of the stall and he said in his lyrical accent, "Ah it belonga to mya son, but he no want it anymore. I pay good money for ita buta now he noa play...too busy doinga his studies." He purposefully and intentionally opened the case, which felt like it was in slow-motion, to reveal a pristine alto clarinet. "May I?" I asked, and I began to assemble it, placing each piece lovingly together. After holding it, and fingering notes for some time I ask, "How much?" The question that had to be asked and in my head I am thinking $500 - $600. "Cost me alota money, my sona, you know...ummm....$150 negotiable." That was a bargain I nonchalantly disassembled it, put it back in the box and said I would think about it.

The next step was convincing hubby, the other partner of my financial estate, whether I should get it. We talked pro's and con's and to my surprise, after picking my heart back up off the pathway, he said, "Go for it"

I meandered back over to the stall, again looking at the box, which was now open and on display to the world, and I said, "I'll take it" I know I could of haggled on the 'negotiable' bit, but I knew I was getting a bargain and I was happy.

Tune in to my next blog on "Why does my Clarinet Sound Like a Goose On Heart?"

LINDA HANNAH YOUNG


For further thoughts go to www.deeplyimplicit.com


Permalink: http://www.clarinet-accessories.net

An Achidna - Blissfully Intentional

Learning to live in bliss is something that becomes easier, with time. I am finding that by purposefully and intentionally deciding to be happy and see the goodness in the situation, such feelings are coming more naturally.

Instead of being stressed by being late for an appointment, I remind myself that all is well and to be grateful for the ability to travel and make plans. I contemplate how being held up may suit a higher purpose and my purpose is not to question or to beat myself up - mine is to lovingly accept and trust that all is well.

Is it better to be anxious or to trust? Am I saying to the my God, I am angry and annoyed with this situation or am I saying I trust that all things are working together for good and that Your way is higher than my way? I am choosing the later.

It is amazing how, with this type of thinking, the world has seemed to slow down for me. I feel less rushed and compelled to meet any deadline, yet in doing so I am meeting deadlines easily and in a more relaxed way.

I choose life and I allow life's occurrences to gently steer me in ways of love and life. I don't need to push against or push my way through life. Life always chooses for my best. I just need to trust it! In doing so I feel a deep sense of being on purpose in my life and living in bliss.

It's heating up

In the aftermath of black Saturday, where almost 200 precious Victorians died through a horrific bushfire, the weather once again begins to warm up.

It is an interesting space to be in. You grieve for those who passed, you reflect on the people who lost everything, home, clothes, precious memories gained over a life time. Then you start to wonder, "What would I grab if I only had 10 minutes to get out before an impending fire?" Interestingly enough most things are replaceable, as special as they might be.

What would you grab? Some precious photos, a few keepsakes, a special gift?

The most precious things that we truly have are each other and we are not replaceable. Be grateful for all you have, but especially, be grateful for each other.

xx

And So This Is Christmas...

It has been a very amazing, yet different year for me, 2009.

Moving back to Woodend has enriched my soul, being so close to nature and to wildlife. Taking time to rest and recoup has been an important part of this year's journey.

Christmas is a time to stop and give thanks for the year that has been and take hope that new things are around the corner. In Jesus' birth there eminates hope for the world; new life and new beginnings. We can take on that promise for 'a new start' any time of the year, any moment of the day, but especially at the celebration of the birth of the Christ-child.

May this year's end and the new year's beginning bring forth into your lives hope and joy and the knowledge that love can make all the difference to this world we live in. "Love"

New Adventures

A Note for Children was presented to Woodend Primary School today as a way of saying thank you for their support over many years. It was the first place were I truly discovered my love for teaching and because of that experience I enrolled at teachers' college...and the rest is history.

The children love my book. Each time I read it to a new grade I watched their reaction and their level of engagement. They did not know that I was the author, not until the very end of the story, when I showed them my picture on the back cover. The engagement was real, not just to please me, and they often clapped at the end of the story...sweet!

I long for the day when a big publishing firm recognises what this book can do for children and takes it on board and distributes it all over the country. Until then, thank you for your support...

LGHY