Fiftysomething

Geraints Birthday

2012-01-29T11:07:00.000Z

Happy Birthday

Caritas in Veritate: Faithful Helpers of God's Precious Infants at Maid...

2012-01-29T09:55:00.000Z

Caritas in Veritate: Faithful Helpers of God's Precious Infants at Maid...: My friend Carole Smith who co-ordinates the prayer vigils outside the Marie Stopes abortion provider in Maidstone Kent sent me these phot...

Big Garden Birdwatch 2012

2012-01-29T09:32:00.000Z

Ive just finished my hour 8-9 am 29-01-12 and only saw 4 species in my garden this year, 2 Robins, 3 Blackbirds 2 male 1 female a pair of collared doves and a wren.

Last year I recall a lot more and larger numbers, mind you my seed and nut feeders haven't been out this week as I've run out and being housebound not able to get any .I have asked family members to get them for me but they forgot! At least its not been snowing and I've been putting out bread and other odds and ends.Lots of glimpses of other types outside my garden though magpies, feral pigeon's and crows plus of course that ubiquitous grey squirrel
http://www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch/

The garden seemed quite empty and bleak at first as I sat by the window mug of coffee in hand and the radio on for company.At that time of the morning on Radio 4 they broadcast a Church service, elim pentecostal flavour this morning and with respect for the varied audience it was a fairly quiet service and a short sermon! Very inspiring to hear prayers and praises and Bible readings while looking out at creation, or at least my little bit of it. The tiny bouncy, little wren busily hopping about in the trellis against the wall was a wonderful lesson in Gods providence.

That's not a carrot! Video of a huge bunny eating a banana while cradled in owner's arms | Mail Online

2012-01-27T09:58:00.000Z

That's not a carrot! Video of a huge bunny eating a banana while cradled in owner's arms Mail Online

hes enjoying it!

St Dwynwens Day

2012-01-25T10:37:00.000Z

St. Dwynwen's Day is celebrated on the 25th of January in Wales. Similar to what happens on Valentine's Day, Lovers often give each other cards and gifts on St. Dwynwen's Day.

Dwynwen is the patron saint of Welsh lovers and lived during the 5th century. She was said to be one of 24 children fathered by the then King of Wales, Brychan Brycheiniog. She was renowned to be both very lovely and very devout .

As the legend goes, Dwynwen fell in love with Maelon Dafodrill, and they wanted to marry, but her father refused consent due to arranging for Dwynwen to wed another suitor. In his anger about the rejection, Maelon raped and left Dwynwen.

Dwynwen's sadness impels her to console herself in the woods nearby. There she prays to God to rid her of her feelings for Maelon. Answering her prayers, an angel comes to Dwynwen in a dream, and gives her a potion to help her forget Maelon, and turn him into ice.

God then grants Dwynwen three requests. The first was to have Maelon thawed, the second was that God would look kindly on the hopes and dreams of true lovers, and her final request was that she was never to marry. Her wishes became true, and as thanks she devoted the remainder of her life to God.

Dwynwen then became a nun and she settled on Llanddwyn Island, which rests off the west coast of Anglesey. She died of natural causes around 460AD. The remains of the16th century Tudor church in Llanddwyn can be seen today although the site is attributed to that of the church founded by Dwynwen. The church and the nearby well has attracted pilgrimages by people over the centuries, particularly from young lovers seeking assurances of their future lives together.

The water of the well was said to be the home for a magical and sacred fish (or eel) whose behaviour and movement predicted the future for young lovers. Questions were asked of the fish and the answers were determined by the direction in which it moved. Women would test the faithfulness of their husbands by sprinkling breadcrumbs into the water and then placing a handkerchief on the surface. The husband would be deemed faithful if the fish disturbed the surface.

Recent years have seen an increase amongst Welsh people in the celebrating of St. Dwynwen's Day by exchanging cards and gifts such as lovespoons. Special events such as parties and concerts are also held on the 25th of January to signify a greater popularity of celebrating St. Dwynwen's Day amongst the Welsh

Charles Lewis, 24, tells of life with his TWELVE sisters | Mail Online

2012-01-24T18:56:00.000Z

Charles Lewis, 24, tells of life with his TWELVE sisters Mail Online

joys of the large family :)

Eight puppies left for dead inside a bale of hay near mother who had been tied up and abandoned are rehomed | Mail Online

2012-01-22T11:21:00.000Z

Eight puppies left for dead inside a bale of hay near mother who had been tied up and abandoned are rehomed Mail Online

gratutitous puppy article :)

Happy Birthday to our son Huw

2012-01-21T11:56:00.000Z

Huw has made a really good Daddy.

The Leader - News from Wrexham & Flintshire - Flintshire tabby has more reasons to catnap at Morrisons

2012-01-18T15:29:00.000Z

The Leader - News from Wrexham & Flintshire - Flintshire tabby has more reasons to catnap at Morrisons

how very British!

Rubbish about re-cycling

2012-01-18T10:21:00.000Z

Has anyone else found these words showing up recently..

Checking out at the supermarket recently, the young cashier suggested I should bring my own bags because plastic bags weren’t good for the environment. I apologised and explained, “We didn’t have this green thing back in my earlier days“.

When this link showed up on Facebook several of my friends and I pointed out that our Mums always used the same shopping bags and baskets and reused everything, dishcloths were old vests,notepads the back of envelopes etc you cant recycle better than someone who went through WWII in the UK like my Mum she could scrape a jar clean with a knife to get the last bit out.Here in Wales its become popular to pass this rather stupid justification around on facebook and in emails because free carrier bags have been abolished but they,ve only been around 20 years or so themselves.

The Catholic League: Solemn Evensong: for the First Anniverary of the O...

2012-01-18T10:08:00.000Z

The Catholic League: Solemn Evensong: for the First Anniverary of the O...: Fr Mark Woodruff writes: Just after the New Year, I went to the Cotswolds to visit a retired evangelical Anglican archdeacon friend of min...

a long post but very well written and a true reflection of my own feelings for my Anglican heritage, growing up as a chorister singing Matins and Evensong ,the hymns, Psalms,Canticles and Anthems he mentions were all in our repertoire,and I can still sing many of them even 40 years later.

Captain Scott¿s last pictures of harsh Antarctic revealed | Mail Online

2012-01-17T16:48:00.000Z

Captain Scott¿s last pictures of harsh Antarctic revealed Mail Online

Video: RNLI lifeboat crews rescue pony after cliff fall - Telegraph

2012-01-17T16:40:00.000Z

Video: RNLI lifeboat crews rescue pony after cliff fall - Telegraph

Our Boy

2012-01-12T18:36:00.000Z

6 years on 13-01-12

God our Father,

Your power brings us to birth,

Your providence guides our lives,

and by Your command we return to dust.

Lord, those who die still live in Your presence,

their lives change but do not end.

I pray in hope for my family,

relatives and friends,

and for all the dead known to You alone.

In company with Christ,

Who died and now lives,

may they rejoice in Your kingdom,

where all our tears are wiped away.

Unite us together again in one family,

to sing Your praise forever and ever.

Amen

This week is not one of my favorites

2012-01-11T12:02:00.002Z

I shall go to him, but he cannot come to me.

For Geraint Banks-Wilkinson
Jan 29 1985-Jan 13 2006

1,000-piece puzzle may unlock secrets to the Roman conquest of Britain - Archaeology - Science - The Independent

2012-01-11T11:46:00.000Z

1,000-piece puzzle may unlock secrets to the Roman conquest of Britain - Archaeology - Science - The Independent

Tummy on a Tuesday

2012-01-10T08:02:00.000Z

A little reminder that warm spring days will soon be here.

Paws for thought: Meet Fred and Ned, the cats with an astonishing 54 TOES between finally find a loving home together | Mail Online

2012-01-09T21:25:00.000Z

Paws for thought: Meet Fred and Ned, the cats with an astonishing 54 TOES between finally find a loving home together Mail Online

January thoughts

2012-01-09T16:34:00.000Z

We only have to take the next breath,

all else is in His Hands,

and if we ask His Blessed Mother and

Her Faithfull Spouse to embrace us

what else is needful?

Trust God.

I'm going nuts in here! Hungry squirrel gets stuck as it tries to steal lunch from rodent-proof birdfeeder | Mail Online

2012-01-08T17:27:00.000Z

I'm going nuts in here! Hungry squirrel gets stuck as it tries to steal lunch from rodent-proof birdfeeder Mail Online

2012-01-08T11:17:00.000Z

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;
with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him: the Lord is his Name!

Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness,
high on his heart he will bear it for thee,
and comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness,
guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.

Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness
of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine;
for truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness,
these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.

These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness,
he will accept for the Name that is dear;
mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness,
trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
bow down before him, his glory proclaim;
with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness,
kneel and adore him: the Lord is his Name!

Words: John Samuel Bewley Monsell, 1863

Epiphany

2012-01-06T16:50:00.000Z

"Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning"
by Reginald Heber, 1783-1826
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Cold on His cradle the dewdrops are shining;
Low lies His head with the beasts of the stall.
Angels adore Him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Savior of all.

Shall we not yield Him, In costly devotion
Odors of Edom and offerings divine,
Gems of the mountain and pearls of the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gifts would His favor secure.
Richer by far is the heart's adoration;
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
Dawn on our darkness and lend us thine aid;
Star of the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

How the Romans invented the text message | Mail Online

2012-01-06T16:35:00.000Z

How the Romans invented the text message Mail Online

Epiphany

2012-01-05T22:11:00.000Z

Epiphany

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T10:02:00.000Z

The Holy Name of Jesus

2012-01-03T16:55:00.000Z

At the name of Jesus

Every knee shall bow,

Every tongue confess him

King of glory now:

'Tis the Father's pleasure

We should call him Lord,

Who from the beginning

Was the mighty Word.

At his voice creation

Sprang at once to sight,

All the angels faces

All the hosts of light,

Thrones and Dominations,

Stars upon their way,

All the heavenly orders,

In their great array.

Humbled for a season,

To receive a name

From the lips of sinners

Unto whom he came,

Faithfully he bore it

Spotless to the last,

Brought it back victorious,

When from death he passed:

Bore it up triumphant

With its human light,

Through all ranks of creatures,

To the central height,

To the throne of Godhead,

To the Father's breast;

Filled it with the glory

Of that perfect rest.

Name him, brothers, name him,

With love as strong as death,

But with awe and wonder

And with bated breath:

He is God the Saviour,

He is Christ the Lord,

Ever to be worshipped,

Trusted, and adored.

In your hearts enthrone him;

There let him subdue

All that is not holy,

All that is not true:

Crown him as your captain

In temptation's hour;

Let his will enfold you

In its light and power.

Brothers, this Lord Jesus

Shall return again,

With his Father's glory,

With his angel train;

For all wreaths of empire

Meet upon his brow,

And our hearts confess him

King of glory now.

I really love Hymns and Holy pictures so today an excuse to combine them!

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year

2012-01-01T12:31:00.000Z

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'

And he replied,

'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God

That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'

So I went forth and finding the Hand of God

Trod gladly into the night
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.

So heart be still!

What need our human life to know
If God hath comprehension?

In all the dizzy strife of things

Both high and low,

God hideth his intention."

by Minnie Louise Harkins 1875-1957

Included by King George V1 in his Christmas broadcast 1939

Good words for every new year.

St. Sylvester I, pope

2011-12-31T14:04:00.000Z

St. Sylvester I, pope

a link to a very interesting post on a wonderful Blogg

Joys Seven (King's Coll. Choir, Cambridge)

2011-12-31T13:58:00.000Z

I don't remember this Carol, but I really like it!

Feast of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

2011-12-30T19:17:00.000Z

Feast of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, Joseph

Remains of medieval synagogue uncovered under Northampton kebab shop - Local - Northampton Chronicle & Echo

2011-12-29T10:09:00.000Z

Remains of medieval synagogue uncovered under Northampton kebab shop - Local - Northampton Chronicle & Echo

St Thomas a Becket

2011-12-29T09:57:00.001Z

The great martyr of the 12th century most often associated with Canterbury, scene of his martyrdom and seat of his see, also has a connection with my old home town of Northampton.
There he was called to renounce his stand against the Kings power and from there he fled to France to escape .
There is still a Holy Well at which he is said to have drunk as he hurried away and it became a minor place of pilgrimage in the aftermath of his martyrdom.

http://www.duston.org.uk/nptnwalk.htm

Feast of the Holy Innocents

2011-12-28T11:27:00.001Z

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Lullay, Thou little tiny Child.

By, by, lully, lullay.

O sisters, too, how may we do,

For to preserve this day;

This poor Youngling for whom we sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Herod the King, in his raging,

Charged he hath this day;

His men of might, in his own sight,

All children young, to slay.

Then woe is me, poor Child, for Thee,

And ever mourn and say;

For Thy parting, nor say nor sing,

By, by, lully, lullay.

Coventry Carol

http://www.carols.org.uk/ba11-coventry-carol.htm for a simple play through of the haunting melody of this ancient English carol from the Medieval Mystery Play cycle of Coventry

A Happy Christmas

2011-12-27T12:50:00.000Z

Yes I have had a very happy Christmas, for this time of year must be joyful and full of hope. The Light has come into the world and that Light gives me hope and joy, I have in my mind ,many loved and missed family members some whom I knew well and others whom I have only heard of in stories from older family members, but I pass those stories on, with a Prayer said ,or unsaid that One day in Heaven we shall embrace with Love at the throne of God and enjoy the Great Birthday Celebration singing with the Angels.
The happy events here below are invisibly observed by those who have gone before and if we believe in Jesus and His Redemptive Love we betray that Love by refusing to believe in our hearts the Everlasting Life.The dead are just gone before us and we will follow them one day.
So I have had a very happy Christmas watching my grandchildren open their gifts, seeing the joy on the faces of my family and sharing love and fellowship with heaven and earth.
God Bless us ,Everyone!

BC-AD

2011-12-24T21:52:00.000Z

BC–AD

This was the moment when Before

Turned into After, and the future's

Uninvented timekeepers presented arms.

This was the moment when nothing

Happened. Only dull peace

Sprawled boringly over the earth.

This was the moment when even energetic Romans

Could find nothing better to do

Than counting heads in remote provinces.

And this was the moment

When a few farm workers and three

Members of an obscure Persian sect

Walked haphazard by starlight straight

Into the kingdom of heaven.

by UA Fanthorpe

Cat In The Manger by U A Fanthorpe

2011-12-24T09:04:00.000Z

In the story, I'm not there.

Ox and Ass, arranged in prayer:

But me? Nowhere.

Anti-cat evangelists

How on earth could you have missed

Such an obvious and able

Occupant of any stable?

Who excluded mouse and rat?

The harmless necessary cat.

Who snuggled in with the holy pair?

Me. And my purr

Matthew, Mark, and Luke and John,

(Who got it wrong,

Who left out the cat)

Remember that,

Wherever He went in this great affair

I was there.

What the Donkey Saw by U A Fanthorpe

2011-12-23T18:20:00.000Z

No room in the inn, of course,

And not that much in the stable

What with the shepherds, Magi, Mary,

Joseph, the heavenly host –

Not to mention the baby

Using our manger as a cot.

You couldn’t have squeezed another cherub in

For love or money.

Still, in spite of the overcrowding,

I did my best to make them feel wanted.

I could see the baby and I

Would be going places together.

BBC News - Conservationists' delight as dormice return to Conwy wood

2011-12-23T17:33:00.000Z

BBC News - Conservationists' delight as dormice return to Conwy wood

2011-12-23T08:25:00.000Z

Reindeer Report by UA Fanthorpe

2011-12-23T08:21:00.000Z

Chimneys: colder.

Flightpaths: busier.

Driver: Christmas (F)

Still baffled by postcodes.

Children: more

And stay up later.

Presents: heavier.

Pay: frozen.

Mission in spite

Of all this

Accomplished –

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

The Promise by Alan Williams

2011-12-22T21:49:00.000Z

I will never forget that morning,

A cold inconsequential day,

Before the pale reluctant sun

Had peered across the frosted land.

The weary early morning rise

Another day of pointless toil

Another journey, another time

Bearing the burden on my back

Until the calm of blessed evening.

For then the time had come to rest,

Close by an inn known to my master.

A place of noise and open arms

And he led safely to the parlour

And me led roughly to a shed.

No other thought was in my mind

But food and drink and time to sleep.

I made no note of fellow travellers,

I gave no heed to smells or sounds,

Contented in the warmth and shelter.

A time to rest a time to breathe.

But soon the gloom around me faded

To show a soft and gentle light

And two road weary fellow travellers,

One with a baby in her arms.

A father and adoring mother

Afraid, bewildered and amazed.

And such a child beyond my knowledge

With gentle eyes that knew my mind,

Describing worlds of endless wisdom

In ways I did not understand,

Save for a wonderful prediction

That etched itself upon my heart.

But then the sound of other travellers,

Muffled voices at the door,

Took away my precious moment

Returned me to my pleasant stall,

To rest before the coming morrow

Another harsh and dreary day.

But I held close that precious memory

Until the sweet and palm strewn day

When he fulfilled his holy promise.

That someday we would meet again.

Pitter Pats of Baby Cats: Well Then.

2011-12-21T18:02:00.000Z

Pitter Pats of Baby Cats: Well Then.

a cute funny cat story!

BBC News - The 'Iranian Schindler' who saved Jews from the Nazis

2011-12-21T14:07:00.000Z

BBC News - The 'Iranian Schindler' who saved Jews from the Nazis

an amazing story and a truly heroic man.
The true spirit of religion, love one another, be merciful.

Bird Psalm by U A Fanthorpe

2011-12-21T08:15:00.000Z

The Swallow said,

He comes like me,

Longed for; unexpectedly.

The superficial eye

Will pass him by,

Said the Wren.

The best singer ever heard.

No one will take much notice,

Said the Blackbird.

The Owl said,

He is who, who is he

Who enters the heart as soft

As my soundless wings, as me.

Happy Hanukka!

2011-12-21T08:13:00.000Z

Just listened to an inspiring and thoughtfull talk by Chief Rabbi Lord Sachs on Radio4, drawing a comparison between Hanukka and the present world, the careers of Kim-jong Il and the mad greek Emperor and Judas the Macabee and Waclav Haval.

laurie cinotto art + craft

2011-12-20T16:45:00.000Z

laurie cinotto art + craft

follow the link to see the MOST amazing Christmas table decorations you may ever see. Just stunning!

I am Joseph by U A Fanthorpe

2011-12-20T15:27:00.000Z

I am Joseph, carpenter,

Of David’s kingly line,

I wanted an heir, discovered

My wife’s son wasn’t mine.
I am an obstinate lover,

Loved Mary for better or worse.

Wouldn’t stop loving when I found

Someone Else came first.

Mine was the likeness I hoped for

When the first-born man-child came

But nothing of him was me, I couldn’t

Even choose his name.

I am Joseph who wanted

To teach my own boy how to live.

My lesson for my foster son:

Endure. Love. Give.

Christmas envelopes

2011-12-19T13:50:00.000Z

Monks are at it again, quaffing, carousing;

And stage-coaches, cantering straight out of Merrie England,

In a flurry of whips and fetlocks sacks and Santas.

Raphael has been roped in, and Botticelli;

Experts predict a vintage year for Virgins.

From the Theologically challenged, Richmond Bridge,

Giverny, a lugger by moonlight, doves. Ours

Costs less than these in money, more in time;

Like them, is hopelessly irrelevant,

But brings, like them, the essential message .....love.

U A Fanthorpe

From Christmas Poems by U A Fanthorpe

2011-12-18T16:53:00.000Z

The Wicked Fairy at the Manger

My gift for the child:

No wife, kids, home;

No money sense. Unemployable.

Friends, yes. But the wrong sort –

The workshy, women, wogs,

Petty infringers of the law, persons

With notifiable diseases,

Poll tax collectors, tarts;

The bottom rung.

His end?

I think we'll make it

Public, prolonged, painful.

Right, said the baby. That was roughly

What we had in mind.

taken from :Chris Bryant: A tribute to the fallen is one of the few things that will bring order to the House

2011-12-17T11:44:00.000Z

It has become our very modern tradition that PMQs start with a tribute to any member of our Armed Forces who has died in action since the last time the PM was on his feet. Since the election, tributes have been paid to 91 servicemen at 36 out of 50 PMQs.
It is always the most sobering of moments. Even the wildest heckling banshees on the whips' bench know to listen in silence, largely because we take a special responsibility for every British serviceman or woman who dies. We send them to war; we provision and equip them; we direct how long they stay. We know, in the words of Shakespeare's Private Williams to the incognito Henry V on the eve of Agincourt, that "if the cause be not good, the king himself hath a heavy reckoning to make, when all those legs and arms and heads, chopped off in battle, shall join together at the latter day and cry all 'We died at such a place'".

Chris Bryant: A tribute to the fallen is one of the few things that will bring order to the House

A Political Life -in the Independant

The Catholic priest with nine children | Life and style | The Guardian

2011-12-17T07:13:00.000Z

The Catholic priest with nine children Life and style The Guardian

a wonderful piece about a Priest and his family.

Advent's extra day

2011-12-17T07:04:00.000Z

Advent's extra day

a nice little thought for the day,

Puppies found abandoned in freezing snow last Christmas Eve are reunited after surviving against the odds | Mail Online

2011-12-16T17:36:00.000Z

Puppies found abandoned in freezing snow last Christmas Eve are reunited after surviving against the odds Mail Online

I like a happy ending

Gaudete Sunday

2011-12-11T16:57:00.000Z

Today at morning Parish Mass at St Marys Bridgend we welcomed His Grace the Archbishop of Cardiff, George Stack who was chief celebrant assisted by our Parish Priest Father William Issacs, Father Tim and the deacon, MC's and Altar Servers. The Brownies and Guides held Church Parade and the whole service was a blessing and joy.
The Mass was celebrated in reverence and prayerfullness, our Archbishop has not just a good speaking voice but a lovely tone when chanting!

Our Parish Orchestra played beautifully and the church was full .
At the end of the service 3 children from the primary school read out some lines they had written describing in their own words My Parish, it was touching, simple and so nice I hope to get the words from somewhere and share them, but to sum up to them the Parish was Family.
and that's exactly what it was like today one big ,mixed age, mixed type ,and colour ,size and shape, but One Family, we came together joined by Our Faith and we shared our sorrows, our hopes and our joy.

and after, in the church hall? mince pies,coffee biscuits and mulled wine..delicious.

Italian cat inherits ¿10m fortune after owner Maria Assunta dies aged 94 | Mail Online

2011-12-10T16:31:00.000Z

Italian cat inherits ¿10m fortune after owner Maria Assunta dies aged 94 Mail Online

Let it glow: Paul Toole's Christmas lights - Telegraph

2011-12-09T18:56:00.000Z

Let it glow: Paul Toole's Christmas lights - Telegraph

BBC News - The road sign as design classic

2011-12-09T16:09:00.000Z

BBC News - The road sign as design classic

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady.

2011-12-07T11:00:00.000Z

Our Lady and her parents.

Immaculate conception and redemption

Another misunderstanding is that, by her immaculate conception, Mary did not need a saviour. When defining the dogma in Ineffabilis Deus, Pope Pius IX explicitly affirmed that Mary was redeemed in a manner more sublime. He stated that Mary, rather than being cleansed after sin, was completely prevented from contracting Original Sin in view of the foreseen merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race. In Luke 1:47, Mary proclaims: "My spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour." This is referred to as Mary's pre-redemption by Christ. Since the Council of Orange II against semi-pelagianism, the Catholic Church has taught that even had man never sinned in the Garden of Eden and was sinless, he would still require God's grace to remain sinless

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Immaculate_Conception

from the national Gallery London
The Immaculate Conception by Velazquez

BBC News - Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition artefacts on show

2011-12-06T17:44:00.000Z

BBC News - Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition artefacts on show

Id really like to see this..but I know I wont get to it.

A favourite Advent Hymn-the traditional words

2011-12-06T13:21:00.000Z

Hills of the North, rejoice

Author: Charles E. Oakley

Hills of the North, rejoice;
River and mountain spring,
Hark to the advent voice;
Valley and lowland, sing;
Though absent long, your Lord is nigh;
He judgment brings and victory.

Isles of the southern seas,
Deep in your coral caves
Pent be each warring breeze,
Lulled be your restless waves:
He comes to reign with boundless sway,
And makes your wastes His great highway.

Lands of the East, awake,
Soon shall your sons be free;
The sleep of ages break,
And rise to liberty.
On your far hills, long cold and gray,
Has dawned the everlasting day.

Shores of the utmost West,
Ye that have waited long,
Unvisited, unblest,
Break forth to swelling song;
High raise the note, that Jesus died,
Yet lives and reigns, the Crucified.

Shout, while ye journey home;
Songs be in every mouth;
Lo, from the North we come,
From East, and West, and South.
City of God, the bond are free,
We come to live and reign in thee!

The new politically correct version is just a dreadful pastiche.

Happy St Nicholas Day

2011-12-06T09:17:00.000Z

God of joy and cheer,

we thank you for your servant,

the good bishop Nicholas.

In loving the poor,

he showed us your kindness;

in caring for your children,

he revealed your love.

Make us thoughtful

without need of reward

so that we, too, may be good

followers of Jesus.

Advent 2

2011-12-05T17:26:00.000Z

Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;

From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.

Israel’s Strength and Consolation,

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear Desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,

Born a child and yet a King,

Born to reign in us forever,

Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.

By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all sufficient merit,

Raise us to Thy glorious throne

A Sunday reflection

2011-12-04T18:57:00.001Z

Altar servers come in all sizes ,but not the right ones for the cassocks that are available!

The Corona of St Genesius

2011-12-03T15:36:00.000Z

Pray for the conversion of all actors and media workers and that they may work for peace and truth.

In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

On the Cross:

The Apostles’ Creed

On the first bead:

Our Father

On each of the ten beads:

V. Through the intercession of St Genesius

and the blood of the Holy Martyrs,

R. strengthen us with your grace, O Lord,

and save us by the Blood of the Lamb.

V. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit,

R. as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

On the single bead at the end:

Hail Mary

V. Immaculate Heart of Mary, Queen of Martyrs, pray for us:

R. that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

On the medal:

All: Holy St Genesius, martyr for Christ, by the grace of the Holy Spirit through your acting you came to discover the truth of the Christian faith. In your first profession of that faith you were baptized through the shedding of your blood, offering your life for the praise and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray for those who dedicate their lives to the theatrical and cinematic arts. Like you may they find the presence of the Lord in their work and generously open their hearts to his teaching, living it in the midst of the challenges and demands of their calling.

In this prayer, I remember most especially …., commending him/her /them to your care.

Let us pray

Eternal Father, in your love you call all men and women to come to know you and to share in your divine life. Through the intercession of your martyr, Genesius, who responded so generously to the grace of conversion, grant that the same grace may be given to those who as yet do not know you, and may be renewed in those who do. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Imprimatur: + Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath. 27th May 2008

http://www.stgenesius.com/index.html

Santas little helper

2011-12-03T15:24:00.000Z

Cute!

PFA's booklet to help players deal with stress - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

2011-11-30T15:10:00.000Z

PFA's booklet to help players deal with stress - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

not just footballers but men generally, and I know what im talking about.

Rescuers spend 12 hours trying to save pregnant miaowing cat from locked bin¿ only to discover it was a TOY | Mail Online

2011-11-30T14:37:00.000Z

Rescuers spend 12 hours trying to save pregnant miaowing cat from locked bin¿ only to discover it was a TOY Mail Online

The Five First Saturdays for the Blessed Mother

2011-11-30T13:17:00.000Z

The Five First Saturdays for the Blessed Mother

Dec 3rd ,First Saturday

London 2012 Festival Top 10 guide: 3. The World Shakespeare Festival - Telegraph

2011-11-29T17:07:00.000Z

London 2012 Festival Top 10 guide: <br/>3. The World Shakespeare Festival - Telegraph

Amazing pictures show the moment pedestrians lift car off trapped cyclist | Mail Online

2011-11-29T15:43:00.000Z

Amazing pictures show the moment pedestrians lift car off trapped cyclist Mail Online

Advent begins

2011-11-28T06:54:00.000Z

Lots of Christmas lights and decorations already showing in and on peoples houses, but its only just Advent.
We should be quietly preparing for the coming of Jesus , not throwing ourselves into hedonistic consumption.
O God help me to humbly prepare a place for you in my life.Let me give, rather than receive, for the greatest gift is Jesus Christ, born in the stable.

The Hurley Bird Catches the Worm: Gary Speed, Welsh Football Manager, RIP

2011-11-27T19:43:00.000Z

The Hurley Bird Catches the Worm: Gary Speed, Welsh Football Manager, RIP: Sad, sad news today at the sudden death of Welsh football manager Gary Speed. Only last week I was chatting to a friend who's a Swansea fa...

Esme'

2011-11-24T18:35:00.000Z

in the little outfit I knitted her.

The British Military Tournament: A pageant on Anglo-US relations - Telegraph

2011-11-24T09:45:00.000Z

The British Military Tournament: A pageant on Anglo-US relations - Telegraph

Think I'm good at frisbee? Watch Maty the mid-air mutt run the three-legged race | Mail Online

2011-11-21T07:15:00.000Z

Think I'm good at frisbee? Watch Maty the mid-air mutt run the three-legged race Mail Online

Catholicseeking: Pope explains to children in Benin, how he prays

2011-11-20T08:57:00.000Z

Catholicseeking: Pope explains to children in Benin, how he prays: The pope visited a shelter that welcomes dozens of abandoned children, some of whom are sick or malnourished. It's called “Peace and J...

Christ The King

2011-11-20T08:48:00.000Z

Alleluia! sing to Jesus!

His the scepter, his the throne.

Alleluia! His the triumph,

his the victory alone.

Hark! the songs of peaceful Zion

thunder like a mighty flood.

Jesus out of every nation

hath redeemed us by his blood.

Alleluia! not as orphans

are we left in sorrow now;

Alleluia! He is near us,

faith believes, nor questions how;

Though the cloud from sight received him

when the forty days were o'er

shall our hearts forget his promise,

'I am with you evermore'?

Alleluia! bread of heaven,

here on earth our food and stay!

Alleluia! here the sinful

flee to thee from day to day.

Intercessor, Friend of sinners,

earth's Redeemer, plead for me.

Where the songs of all the sinless

sweep across the crystal sea.

Alleluia! King eternal,

thee the Lord of lords we own;

Alleluia! born of Mary,

earth thy footstool,

heaven thy throne.

Thou within the veil hast entered,

robed in flesh, our great High Priest.

Thou on earth both Priest and Victim

in the Eucharistic Feast.

BBC News - Ducklings hatch at London Wetland Centre

2011-11-20T08:27:00.000Z

BBC News - Ducklings hatch at London Wetland Centre

The Fraternity of St Genesius - Actor and Martyr

2011-11-19T08:44:00.000Z

The Fraternity of St Genesius - Actor and Martyr

at the sugestion of ACWB I have joined as a co-operator as my Advent work.

Say cheese! Purr-fect pictures show the sweeter side of the animal kingdom | Mail Online

2011-11-17T09:41:00.000Z

Say cheese! Purr-fect pictures show the sweeter side of the animal kingdom Mail Online

Just HAVE to share these pics.

A taster of the V&A's forthcoming 'Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950' exhibition - Telegraph

2011-11-17T09:38:00.000Z

A taster of the V&A's forthcoming 'Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950' exhibition - Telegraph

everybody likes a posh frock!

Grandchildren and sisters

2011-11-14T10:36:00.000Z

A few pics my big sister took a week ago during our annual Christmas gift exchange.

Janet and Esme'

Esme' and me.

Thor-Alan and me.

T-A and Pam

Esme' and Pam

2011-11-13T11:21:00.002Z

O[2] God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.

Under the shadow of Thy throne
Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.

Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
Thy Word commands our flesh to dust,
Return, ye sons of men:
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.[3]
A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood,
And lost in following years.[3]
Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
Like flowery fields the nations stand
Pleased with the morning light;
The flowers beneath the mower’s hand
Lie withering ere ‘tis night.[3]
O God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our God while life shall last,
And our eternal home.

Our God our strength is

2011-11-13T10:38:00.002Z

Lord God and Maker of all things,
Creation is upheld by you.
While all must change and know decay,
You are unchanging, always new.

You are man’s solace and his shield
His rock secure on which to build;
You are the spirit’s tranquil home;
In you alone is hope fulfilled.

To God the Father, and the Son
And Holy Spirit render praise,
Blest Trinity, from age to age
The strength of all our living days.

2011-11-12T22:21:00.002Z

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

BBC News - Thankful villages: The places where everyone came back from the wars

2011-11-11T19:38:00.000Z

BBC News - Thankful villages: The places where everyone came back from the wars

The Beauty and the Sorrow by Peter Englund, and The Quick and the Dead by Richard van Emden: review - Telegraph

2011-11-11T12:42:00.000Z

The Beauty and the Sorrow by Peter Englund, and The Quick and the Dead by Richard van Emden: review - Telegraph

i should like to read these

Swinging cat attacker hands himself in to police - Yahoo!

2011-11-11T12:37:00.000Z

Swinging cat attacker hands himself in to police - Yahoo!

Fiftysomething: For The Fallenby Laurence BinyonWith proud than...

2011-11-11T10:34:00.000Z

Fiftysomething: For The Fallen
by Laurence Binyon

With proud than...: For The Fallen by Laurence Binyon With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children, England mourns for her dead across the sea. Flesh...

11.11.11

2011-11-11T10:27:00.002Z

http://youtu.be/K6q6Z_FonF0

O valiant Hearts

BBC Sport - Maidenhead United celebrate 140-year FA Cup landmark

2011-11-10T14:09:00.000Z

BBC Sport - Maidenhead United celebrate 140-year FA Cup landmark

Bedside test finds awareness in vegetative brains - Yahoo! News

2011-11-10T07:17:00.000Z

Bedside test finds awareness in vegetative brains - Yahoo! News

2011-11-07T20:15:00.000Z

Now fades all earthly splendor,
The shades of night descend;
The dying of the daylight
Foretells creation’s end.
Though noon gives place to sunset,
Yet dark gives place to light:
The promise of tomorrow
With dawn’s new hope is bright.

The silver notes of morning
Will greet the rising sun,
As once the Easter glory
Shone round the Risen One.
So will the night of dying
Give place to heaven’s day,
And hope of heaven’s vision
Will light our pilgrim way.

So will the new creation
Rise from the old reborn
To splendor in Christ’s glory
And everlasting morn.
All darkness will be ended
As faith gives place to sight
Of Father, Son and Spirit,
One God, in heaven’s light.

Cosy as they come: Pine martens cuddle up in a woodpecker's nest | Mail Online

2011-11-07T19:14:00.000Z

Cosy as they come: Pine martens cuddle up in a woodpecker's nest Mail Online

some cute!!

Our heroes and their legacies of love: This week's Antiques Roadshow Remembrance Special is a real tear-jerker... | Mail Online

2011-11-07T08:10:00.000Z

Our heroes and their legacies of love: This week's Antiques Roadshow Remembrance Special is a real tear-jerker... Mail Online

some amazing true stories

Libya Tornado crews return: Overjoyed Spaniel welcomes home his master | Mail Online

2011-11-05T11:17:00.000Z

Libya Tornado crews return: Overjoyed Spaniel welcomes home his master Mail Online

happy dog has a happy :)

The Five First Saturdays for the Blessed Mother

2011-11-05T09:50:00.000Z

The Five First Saturdays for the Blessed Mother

2011-11-04T16:04:00.002Z

Loving shepherd of thy sheep,
Keep thy lamb, in safety keep;
Nothing can thy power withstand,
None can pluck me from thy hand.

I would bless thee every day,
Gladly all thy will obey,
Like the blessed ones above,
Happy in thy precious love.

Loving Shepherd, ever near,
Teach thy lamb thy voice to hear;
Suffer not my steps to stray
From the straight and narrow way.

Where thou leadest I would go,
Walking in thy steps below.
Till before my Father’s throne
I shall know as I am known.

Downton Abbey series two: our favourite moments - Telegraph

2011-11-04T09:27:00.000Z

Downton Abbey series two: our favourite moments - Telegraph

I've been loving every minute of this series!!

doing my bit

2011-11-04T07:49:00.000Z

My health isn't the greatest, as I may have mentioned before, but I do try to do things that help keep our heads above water, one of these was to reply in a positive manner to an invitation to join Bzzagent, which is a marketing group. They have sent me some free samples of dog and cat food and vouchers giving me a free bag of the relevant food from Tescos and vouchers for a large discount.The idea is that i try the pet food on my animals and also give samples and vouchers to friends and family who also have pets and then share the experience via social media , twitter, blog, facebook in order to spread positive information and advertise the product.
I feel very strongly that I must be honest about this but I am also grateful for free stuff!
The pet foods in question were Nutricat and Lathams v-plan.
Both these pet foods are quality ranges offering Vet approved specialised nutrition for all stages of animal life and catering for delicate and or fussy feeders or aiding particular groups of cat or dog. The foods were in the dry complete ranges and were pleasant for humans to handle, being made up of clean small biscuit type foods.
My cats and dogs are neither fussy nor of a delicate disposition so I went for the most general formula in both types but some of my samples were given to people who's cats and dogs were tricky customers! All reported excellent results, ie all the pets loved the food and there were no adverse reactions.
These foodstuffs are available in Tesco and other stores but my vouchers were specifically for Tesco.
I can whole- heartidley endorse both pet foods.

Fiftysomething

Geraints Birthday

Caritas in Veritate: Faithful Helpers of God's Precious Infants at Maid...

Big Garden Birdwatch 2012

That's not a carrot! Video of a huge bunny eating a banana while cradled in owner's arms | Mail Online

St Dwynwens Day

Charles Lewis, 24, tells of life with his TWELVE sisters | Mail Online

Eight puppies left for dead inside a bale of hay near mother who had been tied up and abandoned are rehomed | Mail Online

Happy Birthday to our son Huw

The Leader - News from Wrexham & Flintshire - Flintshire tabby has more reasons to catnap at Morrisons

Rubbish about re-cycling

The Catholic League: Solemn Evensong: for the First Anniverary of the O...

Captain Scott¿s last pictures of harsh Antarctic revealed | Mail Online

Video: RNLI lifeboat crews rescue pony after cliff fall - Telegraph

Our Boy

This week is not one of my favorites

1,000-piece puzzle may unlock secrets to the Roman conquest of Britain - Archaeology - Science - The Independent

Tummy on a Tuesday

Paws for thought: Meet Fred and Ned, the cats with an astonishing 54 TOES between finally find a loving home together | Mail Online

January thoughts

I'm going nuts in here! Hungry squirrel gets stuck as it tries to steal lunch from rodent-proof birdfeeder | Mail Online

Epiphany

How the Romans invented the text message | Mail Online

Epiphany

Wordless Wednesday

The Holy Name of Jesus

﻿I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year

St. Sylvester I, pope

Joys Seven (King's Coll. Choir, Cambridge)

Feast of the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph

Remains of medieval synagogue uncovered under Northampton kebab shop - Local - Northampton Chronicle & Echo

St Thomas a Becket

Feast of the Holy Innocents

A Happy Christmas

BC-AD

Cat In The Manger by U A Fanthorpe

What the Donkey Saw by U A Fanthorpe

BBC News - Conservationists' delight as dormice return to Conwy wood

Reindeer Report by UA Fanthorpe

The Promise by Alan Williams

Pitter Pats of Baby Cats: Well Then.

BBC News - The 'Iranian Schindler' who saved Jews from the Nazis

Bird Psalm by U A Fanthorpe

Happy Hanukka!

laurie cinotto art + craft

I am Joseph by U A Fanthorpe

Christmas envelopes

From Christmas Poems by U A Fanthorpe

taken from :Chris Bryant: A tribute to the fallen is one of the few things that will bring order to the House

The Catholic priest with nine children | Life and style | The Guardian

Advent's extra day

Puppies found abandoned in freezing snow last Christmas Eve are reunited after surviving against the odds | Mail Online

Gaudete Sunday

Italian cat inherits ¿10m fortune after owner Maria Assunta dies aged 94 | Mail Online

Let it glow: Paul Toole's Christmas lights - Telegraph

BBC News - The road sign as design classic

Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady.

BBC News - Captain Scott's Antarctic expedition artefacts on show

A favourite Advent Hymn-the traditional words

Happy St Nicholas Day

Advent 2

A Sunday reflection

The Corona of St Genesius

Santas little helper

PFA's booklet to help players deal with stress - Yahoo! Eurosport UK

Rescuers spend 12 hours trying to save pregnant miaowing cat from locked bin¿ only to discover it was a TOY | Mail Online

The Five First Saturdays for the Blessed Mother

London 2012 Festival Top 10 guide: 3. The World Shakespeare Festival - Telegraph

Amazing pictures show the moment pedestrians lift car off trapped cyclist | Mail Online

Advent begins

The Hurley Bird Catches the Worm: Gary Speed, Welsh Football Manager, RIP

Esme'

The British Military Tournament: A pageant on Anglo-US relations - Telegraph

Think I'm good at frisbee? Watch Maty the mid-air mutt run the three-legged race | Mail Online

Catholicseeking: Pope explains to children in Benin, how he prays

Christ The King

BBC News - Ducklings hatch at London Wetland Centre

The Fraternity of St Genesius - Actor and Martyr

Say cheese! Purr-fect pictures show the sweeter side of the animal kingdom | Mail Online

A taster of the V&A's forthcoming 'Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950' exhibition - Telegraph

I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year