The waters of this world...

...I'm not much of a swimmer -

But I know not who could have resisted these waters..?

Certainly not, me.

I have been washed in clear river waters of late.

I even rode the rapids! (tentatively, once!)

Spent time praying by the shore...

Eating gourmet picnic delights.

Escaping the intensive heat.

Playing with my children/niece/nephews.

The world I am in, is in tosses and turns at the moment.

No doubt in a wonderful way!

For I am embarking on several new adventures...

And look forward to recounting them here with you soon.

Until then, I hope you feel the cool, the clarity, and the pleasure I have taken in these waters of late.

I hope you take pleasure in them too.

And also in a phrase, I heard mentioned by a wise soul the other day -

which has been swirling round my head - cooling, and clearing my fear and my thoughts:

"It's only a short trip through life,

and the idea is to leave it better, than you found it."

Amen to such wisdom!

Which inspires me to embark on betterment with a clear, collected view, of my walk through the waters of this world.

Shell xx

Looking Up...

...with headphones on.

Holding on through difficult days,

Like a soldier knowing when to lay low,

And when to fight.

The war is spiritual,

The path is narrow,

and I am looking up,

with mellow tunes in my ears:

{Image courtesy of BigPond Music}

Shell xx

My little piece...

It's been an amazing time -

in and around my little piece of Earth,

I have been amazed by the people

I am privileged to share this life with,

and I've wept for this life,

Shuddered at the realness of it's death

I've put my heart and my patience to the test

I've talked, at length about real things - with myself...

And thus I see a new chapter is dawning -

in and around my little piece of Earth

Time to put to rest some,

And time to awaken some others...

I know you're there

and will wish me,

all the good that there is to wish,

As I too,

Wish it for you.

Shell xx

Crabapples, Camellias and other Springy Tales...

Well...

Since I posted to you last it has been a week of crazy movement, and motion...

• I had a haircut;
• Screen tested another little musical video (!) with my amazingly arty and talented sisters-in-law;
• Planned a little visit to my abode with a little long distance friend of mine...
• Spent almost an entire day helping to clean my other sister-in-law's house {which they've just finished renovating.}
• Cut half of my finger nail off, with a knife!
• Played Scattegories - and lost...
• Entered a songwriting competition - & will probable loose that too!

And then all of a sudden it seems to be rolling back around to Friday, the weekend, and the first of many a Tullys gig for the Spring/Summer season!

But Please Note:

{In between such busyness - usually while dinner is boiling over on the stove {and because I cannot play piano at the moment with one finger out of order!} - I tend to take little prances around my garden wearing a floral maxi dress, armed with a camera, cup of tea and an eye to swoon at Crabapple trees, and Camellias...}

And {ps} I need to say a special thank you for every loving comment, and virtual pat on the back from all of you beautiful people who have taken the time to look at the Can't Seem To Sleep video; whether on The Tullys Facebook page, or here.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your words come to my inbox when I least expect it, when I most need it, and I bow my hear in gratitude for a gift from the Lord which I am graciously permitted in this ole' world, to call my own.

Shell xx

Only the Grace...

When fine Spring weather allows for tea and toast in the sun...

When an office is also my studio, is my creative realm, is my Sunroom, is my home...

What more can be wanted for? Than only the grace to appreciate our blessings every peaceful minute.

Shell xx

Timeless art

I've had the most fabulous week!  You know when your senses are particularly heightened?  When your eyes see art in everything?

When silence is a song.  When you remember to pray/talk to your Lord (and hear Him answer) all day long...

I'm sort of floating particularly today, inspired on a cloud after coming home from the Degas exhibition.

I took my very enthusiastic children along with me and we had a wonderful time.  It has also renewed their love for, and interest in learning French, which I just think is cool! 

I have had that artistic boost needed to finish several songs which were patiently waiting for me at the piano.  And generally, I am inspired with the confidence to enter into photography and oil painting more seriously...  And by seriously, I mean, to just do it because it's fun, and enjoy it!  Which is what art is for.  I hope you will stay with me to see what these new endeavors yield!  

I believe art, like love is an endlessly renewable resource! 

It was an amazing feeling in the gallery today.  All of us people shuffling from picture to picture to see, and drink up the feelings portrayed by such an amazing artist.  

This is what excites me, this art is timeless!  (And without one strict medium).  That's why I don't ever try to write about what is cool.  Just what is heartfelt, and real, and encompassed in passion.  Here's hoping, for timeless art.

Shell xx

The Blessing

I am tonight struck by something I have seen of a BBC television program called 'The Monastery".  A reality TV experiment whereby a Monastery in Sussex, England opened it's doors to a BBC camera crew and five modern men (who are mostly not Christians), but who are interested to understand what has drawn it's inhabitants to the monastic life.

There are three episodes which have inspired and got a hold of my heart.  It thrills and excites me to see God using these beautiful Monks to wake up the hearts and spirits of the five visitors, and through them, the collective audience of the show.  

At one amazing moment in the last episode one of the monks gave a blessing to one of the visiting men.  I have commandeered a computer tonight in order to share it with you; as it has touched something in my heart which I know gives me strength and courage to face my days closer to the Lord.  May it do the same for you.

May your soul calm, console and renew you,

May the light of your soul guide you,

May the light of your soul bless the work you do,

With the secret love and warmth of your heart.

May the day never burden you,

May dawn find you awake, alert, 

approaching your new day with dreams,

possibilities and promices.

May you go into the night blessed, sheltered and protected.

Goodnight.

Shell xx

Stop. Look. Listen!

For some reason it's been an insanely busy for several days...  I have been gardening, grocery shopping, cooking, changing nappies, getting my little 12 inch G4 Mac computer ready to give to the newlyweds, making controversial status updates on my Facebook page(!), preparing for our road trip in less than a week, and countless other tasks and projects.  

The point of this listing my activities is not because I think anybody cares to read about my busyness, but only to make the point that I try to remember to stop.  

And look out the window.

And listen to a world outside of me.

And read a little of my Bible....

This was read on Sunday at family home church.  From James 3.  It is pointed and true, and wonderful, and right.  I wanted so to share it here with you.

Controlling the Tongue -

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church for we who teach will be judged more strictly.  Indeed, we all make many mistakes.  For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could control ourselves in every other way.

We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in it's mouth.  And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong.  In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire.  And the tongue is a flame of fire.  It is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body.  It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.

People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and fish, but no one can tame the tongue.  It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.  Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth.  Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!  Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh and bitter water?  Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs?  No, you can't draw fresh water from a salty spring.

Shell xx

Encouragement...

...comes in all sorts of ways when you're trying to serve, in what is right-

* a warm smile from a stranger walking by...

* an older couple stopping you, to say how well behaved your children are...

* a friend request from someone who loves your music...

* a comment on this here wee little blog...

I thank you;

These things I take into my heart, they make me strong.  I cherish them, and credit them to God.  The inventor of love, and Lord of encouragement.

Shell xx

Bringing nature in...

I like to rescue flowers that have been put on the "specials table" in supermarkets because they are slightly wilted, or just past their bloom.  I find if you take them home and give them some love, by way of watering and pruning, then they always thank you by flowering well and long.

I love to have flowers inside the house.  Bringing a little nature in, will always serve to remind you what a wonderful, beautiful world we are in.  And to have designed all this, we know God is truly an artist!

Shell xx

Cool, quiet air

Sometimes, the moon is shines so brightly at night,

I want to go for a walk in the cool, quiet air...

Breathe in the last little bit of  today,

Prepare my mind for tomorrow...

Thank the Lord for this day, 

And remember to thank Him tomorrow.

Remembering that life is a 'mental game'

Governed therefore by our thoughts,

Lived out through what is in our hearts;

And what is in your heart?

The answer is, what ever you put there-

Whatever you love is there.

So walk with me,

In the cool quiet air,

And I hope you will love the Lord,

Thank Him for this day,

And remember to thank Him tomorrow.

Shell xx

Thinking on...

Preface: I always think better with a cup of tea in hand!

Where was I?

Thinking.

Thoughts of life and love.

And how to live and love you better.

Wider; deeper, stronger;

Bigger, further, longer;

I want to be a constant thing.

Like ship at sea-

No matter how harsh; storms around me,

I sail strong, and constant for the.

And if I am this ship, and life is the sea-

Then surely my thoughts-

Are the captain!

In order to sail safely home,

I must steady my mind,

And sail strong, and brave,

And far, and long.

No matter how harsh; storms around me,

I sail faithfully home, to the.

Shell xx

Sometimes I feel guilty....

...If I don't exersise heavily everyday,

If I don't get all the washing done,

If I have six pieces of chocolate,

instead of one;

But then I look at my heart, the way Jesus would,

And know that in all, my intentions are good.

And guilt is an institution

Of slavery!

Intended to keep good folk, in fear...

Of not having made the bed,

Of not having swept the floor...

When all that really matters,

Is loving with our whole hearts-

and thinking with our whole minds-

Living our whole lives, 

with the assurance that we are loved,

By a whole,

and loving God.

; )

Shell xx

Some wise words...

...From Proverbs chapter 11

Give freely, and become more wealthy;

be stingy, and loose everything...

The generous will prosper;

those who refresh others,

will themselves be refreshed.

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;

A wise person wins friends.

Shell xx

Today's Proverbs

I am a huge fan of poetry.  I think that verse is a way to make words to sing.  Like music, which can bypass the serious, logical part of the mind and embed itself straight into the heart, creating an understanding in the spirit that cannot be explained...  And isn't it good!

Bearing with me on this (!) - I have been thinking about a great book of meaningful poetry I know - the Bible.  Especially the Proverbs.  I love the frank, honest style of writing.  It just wakes me up!  And always inspires me creatively.  I think this is what they call, the words of the wise...

A gentle answer deflects anger,

but harsh words make tempers flare.

The Lord is watching everywhere,

Keeping his eye on both the evil and the good.

Direct your children onto the right path,

and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Shell xx

Sunday's Church Poem...

Together are we,

To eat, and laugh, and sing, and play,

And learn to love each other-

More, and better, and with grace...

And watching all that we love,

Dancing like angels around the room,

All of our hopes for the future,

Singing, and praising,

Innocent, beautiful and free.

Such glory in raising,

Little people, to love the Lord.

Shell xx

Thought for the day

Sometimes, I feel small, and insignificant to the eyes of the world,

and I suppose I am...

But that is not to say,

that all the things I do aren't noticed,

and appreciated, 

and giving delight to;

my Father, my friend, my comforter,

my Lord.

Shell xx

The Servant King

There is a famous quote by Elton John, 'If in doubt, write a hymn...' and though I did not write it, there is a wonderful hymn in my head today written by Graham Kendrick and it is not so much even the melody, but the words that explained our purpose here on earth, to my heart today...

The Servant King

From heaven you came helpless babe,

Entered our world, your glory veiled,

Not to be served, but to serve,

And give your life, that we might live...

Chorus -

This is our God, the servant king,

He calls us now, to follow him,

To bring our lives, as a daily offering

Of worship to the servant king

There in the garden of tears,

My heavy load, you chose to bear,

His heart with sorrow was torn,

'Yet not my will, but yours', he said

Come see his hands and his feet,

The scars that speak of sacrifice

Hands that flung stars into space

To cruel nails surrendered...

**Interruption!  This last verse I can never get out of my head - I think it is so instructive and beautiful**

So let us learn how to serve,

And in out lives enthrone him,

Each others needs to prefer

For it is Christ, we're serving.

By Graham Kendrick

I only just decided to google the title of the song this afternoon, therefore learning the name of the songwriter, as I'm not ordinarily a worship music listener.  I learned this song for a wedding ceremony several years ago, but, unlike so many songs I've had to perform for clients, this one has always stayed in my mind, impressed upon my heart.

Hope it speaks to you also.

Shell xx

Love is the greatest

From our wedding in 1996

Jamie's parents Maurice and Maureen (the best parents ever!)

My favourite poem about love is from the bible;

Love is the greatest

Love is patient and kind.

Love is not boastful or proud, or rude,

It does not demand it's own way.

It is not irritable, and keeps no record of being wronged.

It does not rejoice about injustice,

But rejoices whenever the truth wins out.

Love never gives up, never loses faith,

Is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Prophecy, and speaking in unknown languages,

And special knowledge will become useless.

But love will last forever!

Now, our knowledge is partial and incomplete,

And even the gift of prophesy reveals only part of the picture...

But when full understanding comes,

The partial things become useless.

When I was a child, I spoke and thought

and reasoned as a child.

But when I grew up, I put away childish things.

Now I see things imperfectly as in a cloudy mirror,

But then, will see everything with perfect clarity.

All that I know now is partial and incomplete,

But then, I will know everything completely,

Just as God knows me completely.

Three things will last forever;

Faith, hope and love.

And the greatest of these, is love.

1 Corinthians 4-13

Shell xx

Rock and a hard place

You've been breezing in and out like windy weather,

I pretend that it's okay,

And we sit there all alone, together,

Trying desperately to think of nothing to say;

Do you ever find, we only seem to hate the ones we love?

Bind them with our toughest chains...

Do you ever find, his body's here, but his heart has been caught,

Between a rock and a hard place.

He's afraid to hear the truth be spoken,

So he stays away from me,

And we rely on the curse, of plastic conversation;

Does he not want the treasures I have for him?

Do you ever find, we only seem to bother hating the ones we love?

Tear them down to save some face!

Do you ever find, we only seem to put the ones we love,

Between a rock and a hear place...

If I tell him no, will he pack his bags and go?

Will I be feeding him to the lion's den?

If I let him stay, pretend everything is okay,

Am I worthy of a mill stone..?

Do you ever find, we only seem to hate the ones we love?

Tear them down to save some face!

Do you ever find, his body's here,

But his heart has been caught

Between a rock and a hard place,

Between a rock and a hard place.

Shell xx