Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Monday, February 28, 2022

Saturday, February 26, 2022

Prayers for Ukraine




 Father God, King of all nations, we cry out to you now for the people of Ukraine. We ask you to rescue those who are vulnerable from the hands of their enemies that they may live without fear before you all their days [Luke 1:74-75]. 

Kyrie eleison – Lord have mercy.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Lord of lords and Prince of peace, our politicians are predicting the biggest war in Europe since 1945, and we simply cry out to you urgently to write another story in our time. Thwart the dark machinations of evil men. Give wisdom beyond human wisdom to peacemakers seeking an equitable and less violent way. May politicians exercise the wisdom from above, which is peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, and full of mercy [James 3:17].

Kyrie eleison – Lord have mercy.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

Holy Spirit, we pray for the church in Ukraine, a nation in which 70% of the population call themselves Christian. Give our many brothers and sisters in that nation courage in this crisis that they may proclaim the good news of your kingdom, bind up broken hearts, and bring comfort to all who mourn. [Isaiah 61:1-2].

Kyrie eleison – Lord have mercy.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.

You Lord, make wars cease to the end of the earth; you break bows, shatter spears, and burn shields with fire [Psalm 46:9]. And so we ask you now to save the lives of many people in Ukraine. Make a peace that is strong and not weak. De-escalate this crisis. We hear of wars and rumours of wars (Matt. 24:6], but you Lord are our rock, our fortress and our deliverer. Our hope is in you. And so we address the nations now. In the name of Jesus we say: “Be still and know God! He is exalted among the nations; he shall be exalted in the earth [Psalm 46:10]. 

Kyrie eleison – Lord have mercy.

Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy upon us.
Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, grant us peace.
Amen
Source: 24/7 Prayers

Friday, February 25, 2022

From the Files - 2019

 Still on my hiatus while I tend to family matters.

Enjoy these photos from our Barcelona trip of 2019.


Look UP! 























Have you been to Barcelona? If not I highly recommend using unTours.


Monday, February 21, 2022

  I continue to be on a hiatus at present as I attend to family matters.

In the meantime enjoy the wisdom of Peanuts by cartoonist Charles Schulz.




Friday, February 18, 2022

From the Files - 2017

  I continue to be on a hiatus at present as I attend to family matters.

Here are some random photos from years gone by. 













The house structure is a crannog.  Read more about it here.




Monday, February 14, 2022

 I continue to be on a hiatus at present as I attend to family matters.

In the meantime enjoy the wisdom of Peanuts by cartoonist Charles Schulz.



Happy Valentine's Day!



Friday, February 11, 2022

From the Files - 2014

  I continue to be on a hiatus at present as I attend to family matters.

Here are some random photos from years gone by.

Anyone recognize the country and region?



















Answer: UK and the Cotswolds.