Anniversary 43

 

Around the start of each year we remember our wedding, right back in 1978. That's a lot of water under the bridge. We note any special things that happen on the day. This year, we received a late Christmas card and newsletter from Glenda who played the organ at our wedding. Great timing. When we returned home from a cuppa and a walk through the local wetland, we found a yellow rose blooming in our garden. These are nice reminders of the occasion, dare we say reminders of God's attention to detail.

Hilkiah House

This might seem like a post by 'House and Garden' magazine and maybe one day it's going to be that. Peter had the pleasure of visiting Hilkiah House at Kinglake on New Year's Day 2021 and to explore its amazing garden growth. In twenty years this bare grassy two acre property has been transformed into a massive 'secret' garden. The fires of Black Saturday licked its edges eleven years ago, as one of the pictures (tree with a face) will show, nearly destroyed it. But the family were committed to keeping it safe if at all possible, and they did. It is a place of healing and renewal. Peter's friends offer this little piece of God's healing touch through their hospitality vision. It was a lovely way to 'book end' the change of the years, first with Gembrook Retreat the day before and then with Hilkiah House to step into the year with. Enjoy, and imagine being there. 

Last Day of 2020

 

We went to Gembrook Retreat to join others on a 'meditative and contemplative' walk to four places on the ground. Our first station was Maggie's Garden where we focused on Gratitude. The picture above shows that part of the property. Our second station was the Quaker peace garden where we honoured our pain in what ever form that took. At our third station, the Indigenous garden, we were invited to see with new/ancient eyes. At the last station, around the fire, we contemplated going forth into 2021 and beyond. These stations originated from the book "Active Hope" by Joanna Macy, with a focus on how to offer our gift of active hope into a troubled and broken world. In going forth, we take steps to be actively involved in the 'Great Turning'. What's our first step? What is our intent?

Moon rising that evening

Family Book of Ruth

 

This is a wonderful rendition of the Book of Ruth cut into four segments through a single church service which shows just how much eight families plus a whole lot more children can have fun and learn about an important book of the Bible. It is about time we released this story. The children are all adult now and not easily recoginsed. The videoed performance can be seen HERE. Enjoy. 

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Well done to all involved!