We didn’t get much of a spring, it feels like. Or maybe I just missed it. But in recent times I have been trying to notice again, with lists of gratitude. People say they feel different when they begin to notice. When those details become magnified, bringing joy and thanks. I love remembering the birds … Continue reading A Slow Return
It is time again to reset. Classical music played while I cleaned the house this morning, setting things back in order. Dusting, vacuuming, washing. It is a cloudy day, which means I have loads of laundry hanging up to dry inside. While this can make the house feel a bit more cluttered, I would still … Continue reading Stepping into the Clearing
This past week, I have intentionally chosen silence over noise. To be alone with God instead of filling every pause with something to watch or something to listen to. I have been convicted to fast from watching tv, at least during the week. I’m not sure how long I will do this for, but I’m … Continue reading On Fasting and Finding Silence
When I was younger, my aspirations for a book fair were quite simple; I would buy books about animals (mostly horses) and a variety of novels. My love of reading matched my love of having a lot of “stuff”, and I happily spent what pocket money I had, and then some. Over the years, I … Continue reading To the Book Fair (and Simplifying Life)
I asked God to search me, To reveal the state of my soul. What I saw inside made me want to run, But God kept me close. He showed me two colours; The outer shell being deep blue. This layer was how much I loved Jesus Christ; It was me, renewed. The centre was bright … Continue reading Sanctified / Poem
I have been wanting to read slow stories that feel real. That hold truth and explore small joys and small triumphs. After finishing A Year in Provence, I turned to Mrs Harris Goes to Paris, and there I am still, making my way through. Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi The fourth in Kawaguchi’s … Continue reading May and June 2024 Reads
Some time has passed since I last wrote. I turned twenty seven. I made pumpkin soup. I like winter because it is quiet. While it is in a sense a grand death, it is also subtle. It doesn’t draw attention to itself but slowly falls over the land. It reminds me that to grow is … Continue reading The Losses of Winter
Jordan Peterson says that if you want to change the world, you need to start by cleaning your room. Elisabeth Elliot tells us we just need to do the next thing. If we’re asking ourselves how to serve God, how to live our lives, she makes it very simple; if you are a student, you … Continue reading Start Small, Start Today
About six weeks ago I bought myself three new A5 notebooks. Two thin ones, and one thicker, but all with soft covers. I didn’t know exactly what I would use them for, but I had the vague notion of a commonplace notebook. I have a current A6 notebook I use for Bible verses, Christian quotes, … Continue reading The Commonplace Notebook
I have been reading before going to bed, like I used to. It’s a much nicer way of ending the day rather than watching something, and reminds me how much I love reading! I can complain that I don’t have enough time, but in reality I have at least half an hour at night. I’m … Continue reading April 2024 Reads
the softest words 