....have a peaceful time....

...at this special time of the year.

My prayer ....

May we balance our laughter with some moments of quietness...
May we talk to our Lord as much as we talk to our friends...
May we attend to ourselves as much as we attend to others...
May we think of those who are hungry when we ourselves feel full...
May we think of the lonely when we are surrounded by loved ones...
May the Lord of Light help you see the sunshine through the showers...
God bless
xmojo

Happy Monday!

...yes, you've guessed it...I'm in a good mood today!! I guess a lot has got to do with the weekend past. Actually it was lovely because it ended up not being a silent retreat for me after all! My friend who organises it was able to include me in the team of 'workers'. So I got a chance to see the 'behind the scenes' action. Lots of meal preparations, serving those on the retreat, clearing up, taking part in the times of reflection when we get to speak but they don't! It was a privilege and joy to do it. I did get to have some time in quiet...to read...and write and walk in THE most beautiful unspoilt countryside....ahhh...

This week in work will be clearing up all the yucky admin jobs I've left from the beginning of the month...you know the sort I mean...don't you!?

Hope all is well in blogland....keep in touch - bye for now...a happy little person....x

....Silence is golden...

....I'll be off to rural Ireland tomorrow (half day off work...yeah!) for my third silent retreat of the year. After a hectic few months - I am soooo looking forward to the solitude. Will catch up again next week...have a great weekend everyone!

....something about a meal....

...there's just something about sitting around a table of friends that really for me comes close to heaven! We gathered together last night before a friend travels to Canada for Christmas and we had a rare old time! Lots of lovely dishes...savoury and sweet...a lot of laughing....shining eyes as we all opened our 'secret santa' presents (where we pick a name out and buy for that person - of course - by the end of the evening everyone knew who had purchased what for whom!!). I was delighted with my lovely present - wrapped beautifully - containing candles...the most gorgeous Celtic style stone angel...a hand knitted autumny coloured scarf and a little book...Loved it all! We all looked about 6 years old as we were opening (I know it's a little early for Christmas!) our presents. It was a delight.

We then decided to have our 'Top 5' lists for the year - Top 5 books....cds....movies etc. I find it pretty hard to come up with my favourites....so much to choose from. I did love 'The Cloister Walk' a book by Kathleen Norris...really enjoy the music of Sufjan Stevens...local Belfast artist Duke Special...was challenged by 'The Constant Gardener' movie. How would your favourites of the year look I wonder...let me know!

Well...for now - blessings!

'appreciate your comments

...I know I shouldn't really need reassurance to continue my blogging now and then - but thanks to those who have encouraged me to keep going - despite my silly notions (I'm a girly deep down!). So onward and upward...here goes Thursday...

My boss is away to a meeting most of the day which leaves me free to get caught up with some stuff before Christmas break. But a few highlights of the week so far...

Got together with a group of friends the other night and we were discussing the issue of money and how we use it...think about it...how influenced people are to 'keep up with the guy next door'. A very frank and open sharing of those who have money...those who have less money...those who have none to speak of - looking at what that means within our little community. It's a subject that people keep private most the time...but it's been refreshing to chat about the possibilities.

Tonight I'm going to my little neice's school for a talent show...should be fun.

Met up with a lovely lady I used to work with for a cuppa - it's great to be able to pick up just where we left off over a year ago. Some people are so easy to talk to and you know that they listen intently and just know the right things to say.

Hope all is well with my blogger friends...do take care of you wee selves...and once again thanks for reading and responding...

bye for now.....Mojo

Mojo's Place

I'm holding back...

I feel that I'm holding back in this blog...and I guess deep down I know why. I started off thinking that I could be totally myself - reflecting on various subjects...perhaps using quotes I've found challenging...writing down my wandering thoughts... But more and more I feel that I edit what I type...maybe I shouldn't worry what people think of my blog...but I seem to. Maybe I find criticism difficult or when I am questioned about what I put on the screen. I don't want to justify what I write...I just want to write. Is it just me...am I being over sensitive (I know I can be!!). So maybe the challenge in this blog is to work through my 'writer's block' (or perhaps writer's blog!) and get back to being real to myself. MMMmmmm....I will return...I promise!

sorry so short!

...but just catching up with a lot of work stuff right now - a busy time of the year! Hope all is going well for you ... let me know!

Bye for now....Mojo

Things to say....

I have been quite alert this week...for some strange reason...mmm....let's hope it lasts. I've started lots of jobs I've been putting off for weeks and actually finished them which makes me feel a certain glow inside! But for those of you who - for reasons known only to yourselves - have felt a little tired at your desk...here are...


Things to say if Caught Sleeping in the Office!

" Why did you interrupt me? I had almost figured out a solution to our biggest problem."

"I wasn't sleeping! I was meditating on the mission statement “

"I was testing my keyboard for drool resistance."

"I was doing Yoga exercises to relieve work-related stress."

"This is just a 15 minute power-nap as described in that time management course you sent me."

" and bless the boss........Amen."

....take care and thanks so much for those who leave lovely comments - much appreciated!! Mojo

....children are amazing....

...they really are! I know a 3 year old who has mastered the English language...a 5 year old who can count to ten in French and an 11 year old who is as creative as any adult! These little ones don't limit themselves the way I do...they attack life with everything they've got - where did I get left behind? The children in my life (none are mine!) give me joy...laughter...worry...hugs...all manner of funny and thought provoking one liners which make me smile. Hope the little 'uns around you do the same!

I love these quotes...

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

Little girls are cute and small only to adults. To one another they are not cute. They are life-sized. ~Margaret Atwood

Memo to me...

let's see...before the weekend I must....

- type reports for speech therapy
- complete toy order for nursery
- type up audio tape for clinic
- type up audio tape fro physio dept
- complete month's purchase order
- finish payroll check
- Open new children's files
- Update waiting list database
- Update current database
- Do mailing for coffee and chat morning
- Complete Clinic timetable
- Ring parents re. above
- Type reports for OT
- Send mailing about therapy info evening
- Get the kitchen light repaired
- Get the filing done (6 weeks worth!!)
...mmmm....we shall see!

Bye for now all

A windy weekend!

Did a little sponsored walk in aid of Children in Need (BBC) in driving rain over the weekend...it was so wet and windy but actually we enjoyed it! My little neice has raised money for the cause over the past 5 or 6 years by making keyrings, painting pictures, writing a wee story etc!

To day is crisp and clear blue sky is above me through the little window of my office...wish I was out for a long walk...roll on lunch time. I only get half an hour but I look forward to the little dander along the avenue or if I've some bread left over from lunch ...I'll walk to a local duck pond and usually also see two beautiful swans who eat everything!

I'm reading an Anthony de Mello book on Awareness and just loved the following...

Negative feelings are in you, not in reality. So stop tryin g to change reality. That's crazy! Stop trying to change the other person. We spend all our time and energy trying to change external circumstances, trying to change our spouses, our bosses, our friends, our enemies, and everyone else. We don't have to change anything. Negative feelings are in you. No person on earth has the power to make you unhappy. there is no event on earth that has the power to disturb you or hurt you. No event, condition, situation, or person.

Now...I'm not saying that I fully understand what he's getting at or how I make that paragraph work for me...I do, however, like the thought that we can somehow rise above those around us who make our days stressful (or maybe we make our days stressful!!).

My sister is going to a local historical society this week to try to find out something about our family tree...I won it in a local competition but because I work full time I can't go...so all very exciting! Who knows...I may be in some long lost relatives Will and actually own a castle or something!! HA

Well...must get on with my job...take care of yourselves until next time ....

I am working...really I am!!

I'm at another computer course (away from the office!) and really enjoying it. It's lunch time now so I'm not pretending to type just to look good!

Had a lovely evening last night - sitting around the table with lovely, lovely people! I think there's something very intimate about sharing a meal together...hearing all the biz...and later (in the soft seats...) laughing and sometimes crying and everything inbetween!

My tutor has just arrived back...so must dash and finish the course!!! Bye for now

A lovely rest!

I have had a lovely few days off and have been re-reading some of John O'Donohue's books (love that man!). I had the privilege of meeting him briefly earlier in the year at a event held in Belfast. He makes me look at things afresh...consider this (from Anam Cara...www.jodonohue.com) -

...'It is strange that two mountains
can be side by side for millions of years and yet can
never move close to each other. Whereas two strangers can come down
these mountains, meet in the valley and share the inner worlds they carry'...

Love it...love it!

Must dash and catch up on some of my work stuff!

See you next week!

As i'm gonna be away from work for the rest of the week I'll probably not get to blog much...so have a good weekend - when it comes! bye for now!

Employee of the Month!!

...yes that would be me!! I really must get stressed in work more often...I've just be 'awarded' employee of the month...which consists of a very nice card and some gift tokens - which I will gladly spend this weekend. It is very nice to get as it's the rest of the staff who vote and not just the boss who decides. I do know others appreciate the work I do - which really makes a difference in the down times!!

Our little book group meets this evening and - although quite tired - (woke up at 4.55am and couldn't get back to sleep!) ...I'm still looking forward to meeting up with the other 5 ladies and having a little chat about the book...and a longer chat about each of our little worlds!

...so with that...I am off to clear up my desk! x

This made me smile...

As we are recruiting a couple of staff at the moment...the following caught my eye and I found it very amusing...does any of the following ring a bell!!?

The Hidden Meaning of Recruitment Ads:
"Competitive salary rate" - We remain competitive by paying less than our competitors.
"Duties will vary" - Anyone in the office can boss you around.
"Join our dynamic company" - We have no time to train you.
"Casual working environment" - We don't pay enough to expect that you will dress up.
"Must be deadline oriented" - You will be 6 months behind on your first day.
"Some overtime required" - Some time each night, some time each weekend.
"Must have an eye for detail" - We have no quality control.
"Seeking wide experience" - You will need to replace three people who just left.
"Good communication skills" - Management communicates poorly, so you have to figure out what they want and do it.
"Problem solving skills needed" - You are walking into a company in continual chaos.
"Requires team leadership skills" - You will have the responsibilities of a manager without the pay or respect.

....have a good working day folks!!

Oh...had an absolutely lovely evening...lots chatted about and we are looking forward to another person joining us each week for dinner and talk...probably from next week...the more the merrier I say!

Bye for now....M

Sorry...

...I haven't been ablogging in a few days...just too too busy I'm afraid! If I have a computer at home - it would be much easier to leave a little note - but I try to do it in my lunch time at the office!

Anyhow...things are going well right now - looking forward to a couple of days off work next week....yeah! Also looking forward to my usual Tuesday evening with 8 or 9 friends around a table ...eating a lovely homemade meal...chatting about life in general...it makes me feel 'alive' to be there. I know that I'm extremely fortunate to be surrounded by such creative and compassionate humanoids! (...a term that writer/speaker John O'Donohue loves to use!)

The weather is cold, crisp and very autumny (obvious huh?!)...I never really liked this season...with it's dark evenings...but I am getting to appreciate it's beauty!

Well...folks bye for now

have always loved this quote....

...from Stanley Horowitz..

winter is an etching...
spring a watercolour...
summer an oil painting and
autumn a mosaic of them all....


Reading something like that does my heart the power of good!!!
Hope all is well with with you! Busy...busy today...so unfortunately have to get stuck in to these reports....
keep in touch....PLEASE!

Hi again!

Hello peoples!
I am trying my very best to keep my focus this week...things to get finished...things to start...focus is my word this week!! So I'm just going to start off another day with a very short blog. The weekend past was lovely (most of my weekends are!). I went to a local park on Sunday with my neice and we kicked leaves around for a while...collected horse chestnuts by the dozen (for what...I do not know!)...we played a round of mini golf...she went on the trampolines...it was good.

Go to my friends for dinner later...about 9 of us meet every week in life for a meal...a chat...and some quality time...some of us are single, some married, some separated, some with children, some without, some who have known each other for years and years and some newies, some who seem so close to the Lord, some who are further away, some who are questioning...but we love each other to bits! We put the world to rights every Tuesday night and things look much brighter on a Wednesday morning!!

So....must dash and make my living!
Bye for now chums....

Have a wonderful weekend!

...haven't had a minute all day - the office is hectic! So - all my friends in blogland...have a great weekend and I'll be in touch again next week...the Lord willing!

Pink words...

I love thinking that some words are coloured! Comforting words...encouraging words...gentle words...are always PINK words! Challenging words...words that make me sit up and take notice - they're always BLUE words in my little...my strange little mind! Relaxing words...quiet words...well of course they're GREEN! I have to apologise if I'm confusing people with colourful words...but it makes sense to me!

....
here's a poem I put on paper a few months back...based on an original poem written by a good friend called Book of Exile - I loved the title and decided to write some chapter of my own....



Book of Exile…continued


a reading from the book of exile
chapter fifteen

a distant land beckons

no needle in the compass
silently we climb to risk it all

to fall


a reading from the book of exile
chapter sixteen

our cell of solitude …. deep within
suffocation instead of sanctuary

the silence screams


a reading from the book of exile
chapter eighteen

we want to skip this chapter
but tears bookmark the page
freeze the scene
scream
turn the ragged pages
to find our place again
the story continues…


a reading from the book of exile
chapter seventeen

the landscapes changes
pink words are spoken by gentle voices

cleansing

centering


one holds the needle
one pulls the thread
one works the stitches
to patch the garment
….no longer dead


a reading from the book of exile
chapter eighteen

the leaves are still
wings of angels rustle
and the
darkness is filled
with birdsong


a reading from the book of exile
chapter nineteen

hope is born again

I know it's two months away!

Yes...I do realise that Christmas is a couple of months off...but I just found this wee article in my files...and re-read it - and loved it all over again!

She was five,sure of the facts,and recited them with slow solemnity convinced every word was revelation.She said they were so poor they had only peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to eat and they went a long way from home without getting lost. The lady rode a donkey, the man walked, and the baby was inside the lady.They had to stay in a stable with an ox and an ass (hee-hee) but the Three Rich Men found them because a star lited the roof. Shepherds came and you could pet the sheep but not feed them. Then the baby was borned. And do you know who he was? Her quarter eyes inflated to silver dollars. The baby was God. And she jumped in the air whirled around, dove into the sofa and buried her head under the cushion which is the only proper response to the Good News of the Incarnation.
– John Shea, The Hour of the Unexpected (Allan, TX: Argus Communications, 1977), 68, quoted in The Holy Longing: The Search for a Christian Spirituality by Ronald Rolheiser...


I want to respond to Jesus' birth like that again!!!! Blessings friends!

Monday again!

Had a super weekend filled with friends...poetry...art...coffee...family...more coffee!...all the things that combine to make a wonderful time! I was very emotional on Saturday evening when I heard some of my friends sing - we certainly don't get together enough to do creative things - but when we do - wow - amazing evening. I had a lovely chat with a newish friend (about a year or so) and it was so nice to connect on so many subjects. When we get around to making a coffee stop...they always arrive with a poetry book in hand for me to take away and have a read at!!

Last Friday was not a good day work-wise...I sort of 'lost it!' with a person in authority...and when I get annoyed (well angry really!)...I get emotional (which I hate...because it makes me look like a 'girly' who can't cope with stress)...but anyhow we had a reasonable productive talk and I said what I felt I needed to say...and then worried about it all weekend! But this morning things have calmed down somewhat and I feel much more settled...pray that it continues!

My life seems to go through lovely high meadows filled with buttercups and yucky low mucky ground filled with pot holes!!

Thanks to all the bloggers who leave me wee messages...these are much appreciated!!

Bye for now....

Hello from my computer course!

Hi...didn't think I'd be able to leave a message today...as I'm out of the office for two days doing a computer course. I'm only here because I work for a charity and we're getting this training for free...so happy days! The tutor has told us we can use the internet over lunch...so here I am! They do lovely lunch meals here...I've just tucked into 4 cheese pasta and salad bar...mmmm...I never usually take a lunch at the office!

Last night some friends met for a lovely dinner (at the home of my best friends)...I love those evenings ...great chat...and a glass of wine...and hugs to say goodbye...ahhh. One of my friends is holding a showing of her artwork..some poetry and guitar playing this weekend - so looking forward to it! Only about 40 guests invited...so something to look forward to.

Hopefully get the rest of the training completed this afternoon and back for the second day tomorrow! Bye for now....

I love weather...is that weird!?

I love weather!
I love hot days
I love days that are dark and dreary
I love torrential rain
I love spring showers
I love bright summer nights
I love clouds that are fluffy
I love a frosty starlit night
I love leaves blowing along the road
I love the odd rumble of thunder (but not too much!)
I love weather!

Bad grammar!

Just noticed that I typed ...
one of my friend's blog...
is that correct?..or should it be ...the blog of a friend...oh - who knows?

Grammar is not my thing on a Monday!!!

Folks...

I’ve been reading a book recently about the whole idea of inclusion and exclusion…looking at the scripture passage about the man born blind. Someone then asked the question…’who do we include or exclude in our day to day – face to face dealings with others?’

I hate the idea that I exclude anyone…but I do…a lot of the time. If they’re not playing ball with an idea I have…or if they think differently about certain subjects…do I exclude without a second thought? Yep, I do…without a second thought. But how do I feel when I’m on the excluded side…take something very simple – a bunch of friends are going out for a meal – they don’t ask me – how do I feel…rejected…excluded…on the outside…not a nice feeling.

Sometimes I think of one of my favourite quotes from…~Harper Lee, To Kill a Mockingbird …

I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.
Chapter 23, spoken by the character Scout

I've just read a lovely poem on one of my friend's blog...and it's put a smile on my face on a grey...cold...rainy Monday morning! Thank you for that!

...must dash and do some work....mmmm....maybe just one more coffee...and then I definitely have to get back to some work....HA!

have a great weekend!

Just a very quick hello today as work is extremely hectic and this is the only place I have access to a computer!

I've had some lovely autumny days recently...here in N. Ireland autumn just grabs us by the throat and shakes us into submission that the summer (and actually we did have one this year!!) is well and truly over! But there is the benefit of working here in a tree lined avenue...with a duck pond two roads away and the river lagan running around the embankment...sounds lovely and most of the time it is!

I have a busy little weekend ahead - meeting up with family and friends, some nice eating and a cinema journey with my neice...all good!

Lovely to have made some more new chums via blogging...and looking forward to hearing something about their different lives and experiences...

bye for now folks....

Join the dance!

I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite jerky. When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead, both begin to flow with the music. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other. Another word to lead…is to guide and a guide is always welcome – whether it’s for setting up a new computer or looking for a place on map.

Reading on it said....
.....Guidance. When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i". "God, "u" and "i" dance. "God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life.


Daily...I have to ask myself...am I willing to let God lead?

Mojo

Taize

Went to a lovely Taize service last night with a couple of good friends. So nice to sit - sometimes singing - sometimes just listening - to the Taize praise. The church had set up their communion table with a golden cloth over it and it was so peaceful just looking at the twinkling candles. I would really love to visit Taize sometime - I was speaking to someone after the service who had been there a couple of times and he mentioned just what an effect it had on him! Who knows...maybe I'll get a chance sometime in the future.

Had a lovely coffee stop afterwards catching up with the friends I'd went with...love those times!

Tell me what you've been doing this weekend!

till next time...

A win!

I just won a lovely digital radio from a radio station in London...it just arrived today and I am a happy little person! It's crystal clear and very handy with all it's pre-set stations. I will be listening to my favourite programmes as I type my reports up.

Could some kind soul let me know how to post a photo...I've tried looking in help...but can't figure it out. I know I was able to post one at the very beginning of my blog in June...but haven't been able to do it since!! I know it must be simple...but I would appreciate knowing! Ta!

A good place

I'm in a good place at the moment...a contented place...a place where I'm trying to give myself a space to look at the blue sky again...taking time to breath slowly...to see how green and yellow and red the leaves are. It's good to say in the moment...well it's good for me anyway! I'll be meeting up with some fab friends this evening...discussing life and what it holds for each of us...eating lovely food and lighting some comforting candles in the hearth...ahhh....I love those nights. I'm not too fond of dark nights...when when you close the curtains and look at candle-lit face - life is good!

Trying a healthy eating and exercise campaign right now...lots of water...lots of walking...swimming and generally looking after myself....feels good.

Now...I'm not saying there aren't still some dark corners...but these are few and far between...what about you?

A good place

I'm in a good place at the moment...a contented place...a place where I'm trying to give myself a space to look at the blue sky again...taking time to breath slowly...to see how green and yellow and red the leaves are. It's good to say in the moment...well it's good for me anyway! I'll be meeting up with some fab friends this evening...discussing life and what it holds for each of us...eating lovely food and lighting some comforting candles in the hearth...ahhh....I love those nights. I'm not too fond of dark nights...when when you close the curtains and look at candle-lit face - life is good!

Trying a healthy eating and exercise campaign right now...lots of water...lots of walking...swimming and generally looking after myself....feels good.

Now...I'm not saying there aren't still some dark corners...but these are few and far between...what about you?

A better day....

aaahhh..a much better day today...after all the feelings of last week. Lots of people have been giving me little looks of encouragement and hope that perhaps I am coping after all! I work in a charity and being the only secretary with a staff of 15 is extremely challenging (to say the least!). I cope most of the time – when I’m on top form – but sometimes…just sometimes…I have to draw aside and be kind to me, myself and I!!

I sometimes look around and see that everyone else seem to be just fine…but are they? Or are they acting well today? I am trying more and more to be me…good or not so good…trying not to wear that mask that hangs on the back of the office door. Very difficult…but needed.

On a brighter note…I am attending my book group tonight…yeah! I meet up with five other friends and we have read 7 books over the past 7 months (not too many…but enough in between so many other commitments. I love to discuss characters…storylines and descriptions...although in reality it may be just an excuse for a lovely coffee with dear friends!

Thanks to all my friends here at this little space for their concern and insights!

Peace…Mojo

Yeah...back on line!

Well...here I am ... out of hiding!

Now...looking below you can tell I'm under pressure!! I tried to blog four times yesterday and it came up with an error...and look at what printed this morning!!!

Sorry for all the duplicates...I'm blaming my computer...not my stress levels!!

Today is a little bit better for me...trying to keep on top of things for the moment at least. Playing soft music through my computer speakers at work to lull me in a sense of calm...mmmm....we shall see!

I will write again soon...
Sorry for the mess below HA HA

Test blog!

Hi all...my blog is not playing ball...just checking that I'm reaching you! If so..will write more later....

Stress...what stress?

Seriously stressed right now…which is very unlike me! I’m usually the person everyone else comes to when they’re stressed!

I really don’t know why I’m feeling at the end of my rope most of the time right now. I guess I’ve had a hectic kind of a summer (very enjoyable…but much too hectic!). I am trying to have some ‘me’ time…went swimming for the first time in a long time at the weekend…read a book…took a walk…but I really do need to be still and listen to the Lord whispering in my ear. I’ve been bursting into floods of tears at the slightest thing…even my boss said I should take some time off…but that’s just not me (or maybe it should be!!).

One of my blog friends - Tom – said ‘be happily creative’ – I’m loving that phrase already and will set aside some quality time to do just that! Any other ideas would be very welcome!

I pray that your little corner of the world is lovely!

Bye…until next time….MOJO

Stress..what stress?!!

Seriously stressed right now…which is very unlike me! I’m usually the person everyone else comes to when they’re stressed! Sleepless nights...aching head...aaahhhh

I really don’t know why I’m feeling at the end of my rope most of the time right now. I guess I’ve had a hectic kind of a summer (very enjoyable…but much too hectic!). I am trying to have some ‘me’ time…went swimming for the first time in a long time at the weekend…read a book…took a walk…but I really do need to be still and listen to the Lord whispering in my ear. I’ve been bursting into floods of tears at the slightest thing…even my boss said I should take some time off…but that’s just not me (or maybe it should be!!).

One of my blog friends - Tom – said ‘be happily creative’ – I’m loving that phrase already and will set aside some quality time to do just that! Any other ideas would be very welcome!

I pray that your little corner of the world is lovely!

Bye…until next time….MOJO

Stress...what stress!!?

Seriously stressed right now…which is very unlike me! I’m usually the person everyone else comes to when they’re stressed! I'm not used to headaches, sore limbs and sleeplessness...so it's like looking in at someone else's worries!!

I really don’t know why I’m feeling at the end of my rope most of the time right now. I guess I’ve had a hectic kind of a summer (very enjoyable…but much too hectic!). I am trying to have some ‘me’ time…went swimming for the first time in a long time at the weekend…read a book…took a walk…but I really do need to be still and listen to the Lord whispering in my ear. I’ve been bursting into floods of tears at the slightest thing…even my boss said I should take some time off…but that’s just not me (or maybe it should be!!).

One of my blog friends - Tom – said ‘be happily creative’ – I’m loving that phrase already and will set aside some quality time to do just that! Any other ideas would be very welcome!

I pray that your little corner of the world is lovely!

Bye…until next time….MOJO

Stress....what stress!!?

Seriously stressed right now…which is very unlike me! I’m usually the person everyone else comes to when they’re stressed! So I am a little worried by these headaches...sleeplessness...anxiety etc.

I really don’t know why I’m feeling at the end of my rope most of the time right now. I guess I’ve had a hectic kind of a summer (very enjoyable…but much too hectic!). I am trying to have some ‘me’ time…went swimming for the first time in a long time at the weekend…read a book…took a walk…but I really do need to be still and listen to the Lord whispering in my ear. I’ve been bursting into floods of tears at the slightest thing…even my boss said I should take some time off…but that’s just not me (or maybe it should be!!).

One of my blog friends - Tom – said ‘be happily creative’ – I’m loving that phrase already and will set aside some quality time to do just that! Any other ideas would be very welcome!

I pray that your little corner of the world is lovely!

Bye…until next time….MOJO

Back to reality!!

After last week's time away with lots of old friends and some lovely new ones...it's back to reality with a bump!! Although I'm excited about the coming months at work...it will be extremely busy and I always get a kind of nervous feeling in the pit of my stomach...a little like the feeling I used to get going back to a new school term (that was a LONG time ago!!). I guess everyone is a little bit like that...huh?

I had some fab talks with people who are so different from me...it is a joy for me to meet a stranger and a few days later feel like I'm leaving a new friend. I love that process! It amazes me how communicating with someone can be so powerful and fulfilling.

How are things with you? Please do tell! bye for now...Mojo

Being creative!

Hello all who blog along with me...
Well...I'm sitting in a little internet cafe at the art festival in England....wonderful to be back here! It poured with rain last night but looking a little brighter this morning. Thankfully the tent didn't leak and I had quite a long sleep...which I needed! All of the gang of friends had an early start yesterday morning as we boarded the plane to England. So...all is well with the world!

Have been to some talks...hope to do a lot of stuff today...there's an art exhibition and class later which I'm so looking forward to. Lots of music and some weird things as well - but all good!

I adore sitting outdoors...eating with close friends...makes my little world a better place. What are you all up to over this weekend...please do let me know!

Well...my time is almost up here...so must look at the festival programme and book some things in!
Bye from a soggy campsite! MOJO

When I say...

When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I am saved"
I'm whispering "I get lost" that is why I chose this way

When I say "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need someone to be my guide

When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I am weak and pray for strength to carry on.

When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and cannot ever pay the debt.

When I say "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect.
My flaws are too visible but God believes I'm worth it.

When I say "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches which is why I seek HIS name.

When I say "I am a Christian" I do not wish to judge.
I have no authority I only know I'm loved.
-Unknown

Soul friends

I love it when someone reads this blog and just get where I'm coming from...they know where I'm coming from because they have travelled that particular path as well! There's no great need to explain why I feel the way I feel...they understand. There's no need to go into detail...because they see the bigger picture. I love that! I feel as I sit here and type these words that people do understand...and that makes me feel good.

I long for authentic conversations...real feelings coming to the surface...honesty...brokenness without fear...healing hands...listening ears....wow...

I will be away from the computer for a few days...going to an arts festival and so looking forward to being creative!!

Have a wonderful time ... and I'll 'see ya' when I get back!

MOJO

Silence

There's something to be said for keeping our big mouths shut! Seriously...being silent at the moment is the most meaningful thing for me. Yes...I love to worship at church...I love to sing...I love to talk (a lot!)...but being quiet is just about the best thing I have been doing this year! There's always a moment - maybe just a split second when thing just 'click'...when - in that silence - you know you are being held in the palm of God's hand...loved and accepted for all that you are. I love that God accepts our wholeness...not just the parts we expose to the world...but all of our shadows as well.

The weekend was great...filled with people I am myself with...my family and friends and some new people as well. Had lunch with a holiday friend - just met last month and we have so much to talk about...new friends are always an adventure...but old friends are always a joy!

I so appreciated all the new comments I've received...LOVE to get them! It's amazing to me the different types of people coming to this site...mums with young 'uns...younger 'cool' folk (HA!)...people going through tough times in their personal lives..people that seem to have the same hopes and fears that I do...all are very welcome and I hope to get to know you a little more. Take off your coat...pull your chair up closer to the fire and I'll get you a wee cuppa tea!! (well....I am from Ireland after all!!).

See you soon....Mojo

Irish Eyes

Following on from my last blog...there's something about eyes that facinate me...they really are windows to the soul. There is something so intimate when someone looks directly at you...something very disturbing as well...it's as if they're reading your thoughts - good or bad. Eyes can say more than words can ever say ... they, with a moment's flicker, can convey disappointment, joy, concern, sorrow, love, acceptance....whatever. I guess that's why it's sometimes difficult to make eye contact and keep it...even for more than a few seconds. In this blog I hope we can look directly at each other and not be afraid....

honesty

honesty...

I was have a heart to heart last night with a friend of mine and although we are both quite shy people - something happened ... the guards came down and the Lord blessed us both..
Being honest and open is difficult...very difficult...but when we overcome our fears and let another person close - it's a wonderful feeling. Do you know the feeling you sometimes get when you look someone in the eye and know that they know what you mean...REALLY MEAN...wow...something clicks!

I feel a little more like myself today...a little bit more comforted by the fact that people accept me for who I am...and kinda like me too! mojo

Feeling blue!

...do you ever feel just not like yourself? That's how I feel today...kind of detached from things...like looking in on someone elses life - can't quite explain what I mean. I need a hug (back to hugs again!). I'll probably be back to myself tomorrow...mmmm...we shall see x

...is anyone there?

Sometimes when I sit here at work (break time!) typing my little blog...I just wonder if there's anyone out there? I love to check in with my favourite bloggers and see what they're up to...I wondere if anyone does this at my little site? If you do...let me know - it'll be fun to know where on earth you are! I wonder if anyone can tell me if there's a way to help others to find you (any time I've tried to search my own site...it's never found!?)...any ideas anyone out there!?

Friends

Friends
Friends are amazing to me! How we meet people...are drawn to others...can be ourselves with people who were once strangers...crying on the shoulder of a person who has seen you at your lowest....laughing until you cry at silly things that happen...happening upon a blog and finding someone who you feel is a soul friend from the start...having affection for another - all of these things are wee miracles to me. I appreciate difference ... in looks...in speech...in taste...in interests - wouldn't life be so boring if we all liked the same things!!? Sometimes I find in talking to married friends (whom I am secretly envious of!) - that I have more meaningful conversations and can talk at a deeper level with my friends...than they can with their spouses. That's sad to me...maybe I still have a romantic view of marriage (having never been!)...where two souls are brought together and can look each other in the eye and know that no matter what - the other will always been on their side. Am I just looking through rose coloured glasses!!?

Well...friends of mine - some of whom I've never met! - have a wonderful weekend .... until next time...Mojo

Being real

Being real!
I want to be real...I want to get rid of the masks (well...most of them at least!) and I want to be authentic in my love and concern for others. But I am so focussed on me...me...me...all the time - what's that all about!? I sometimes feel like I'm taking the bricks out of the wall I put up to most people and I feel good on days like that. Then something happens - out of the blue - and I begin putting the bricks back in again.

I know I ask questions in the blog that only I can answer - but why don't I want my friends and family to know the real me - am I scared they will reject me...judge me? Deep down I know I have a good heart...so why do I worry so?

All in all..I've had a good week - lots of things happening....coffees out with friends...reading great books...working hard of course! But in the back of this little mind of mine...there's always a concern. I need to open myself to my Lord and have this heart healed by Him and accept myself as a good person. What about you?

mojox

Why do I feel anxious?

Why do I feel anxious?
There's this feeling deep in the pit of my stomach probably 99% of the time that says something is going to go wrong...someone will hurt you...you'll be blamed...(why do I feel like this?)

I have so much to be thankful for and so many lovely people and family in my life and yet this lie keeps me scared to death - can I 'get over it'? How do I do that...pray more? talk more? listen more? Any ideas from anyone would be helpful!!

Ahhh...how the mind plays tricks on us...x

Needing to be held

Is it just me...or do we have a need to be held once in a while? Being unattached is difficult...because there are no hugs forthcoming! Sometimes at the end of a busy week...lying in the arms of a loved one would be fabulous...but who to turn to! I don't want to appear needy...but this is a real need I have. You certainly can't go around just demanding hugs...how strange would that be! But if the Lord could just hear and answer this small thing - I would be very appreciative. I know it's not a big demand...but it would mean the world to me!

Have a beautiful, peaceful weekend....Mojo

New Friends

I just had a lovely coffee time with a lady I met a few months ago at a talk given by the wonderful John O'Donohue (West of Ireland speaker). We seemed to know each other as soon as we spoke...do you ever get that feeling? We sat over numerous refills of coffee...under a tree...in the evening sunshine...and put the world to rights! We talked about friends...family...God....work....books....and it was just beautiful to connect with another so easily!

On the other side of the coin...my boss...oh...she wears me out! One minute...so friendly...the next an edge to her voice and manner that wounds people...it makes me sick to the stomach. What should I do...pray? Get her in a corner and tell it to her straight? The only saving grace is that the remainder of the staff are truly wonderful people. I have to admit this is the first year I've glanced at the job section in the newspaper...and I really don't want to go through all the filling in applications...interviews and getting to know a new set of people just yet...mmm...pray for me!

Have a wonderful day...and thanks to the lovely lady who sent me a comment! Mojo xx

What a week!

It has been such a busy, busy week...at home...in work...aahhhh...I need a quiet spot to calm myself. I seem to have a constant headache - I don't like feeling defeated but I'm getting to that point at work. My little fingers are ragged with all the typing.

Onto more reflective things...the Lord is faithful and good. He never ceases to amaze me with His care...what can I possibly do to let Him know I love Him? Of course ...He knows my heart...but I want to do something concrete...shout out loud...dance in the street...anything...just to show my desire to know Him more! I feel loved today...hope you do too!

A week closer to my holidays!

Well..a week closer to leaving the island and heading far away! This week has been a little strange though...with my boss (who shall remain nameless) sometimes being so friendly and obliging and other times being downright rude...mmm...how to handle her!!? Prayer and silence in between times seems to be the only way I can cope at the moment. I feel a real need to be away from people...not in a bad way...just in a simple..uncomplicated way. I do love my family and friends but so love to have my own company once in a while...how about you? Whoever you may be who may read this blog!!
Have a beautiful weekend and see you next week...Mojo

I'm excited about this!

Very excited about trying to at least blog most days...whether anyone ever reads it is another thing! The wind is blowing outside my office window...hard to believe it's June!! I was praying last night that God would take all of me...not just a part...not just the areas of my life that are 'nice' or 'respectable'..but all of me - the darkenss and the light. The sky last night before a heavy downpour of rain was amazing...half the sky was bright and beautiful and the other half was stormy and black...weird. Same sky - different moods...like me I guess! Speak soon...Mojo

The winds of change....

The wind is howling this morning in June! Just walked from the bus and I can't believe it feels like November...and I just bought a new pair of sunglasses as well! What's it like where you are today...let me know!

The winds of change....

The wind is howling this morning in June! Just walked from the bus and I can't believe it feels like November...and I just bought a new pair of sunglasses as well! What's it like where you are today...let me know!

Mojo's Place

Does anyone else think like me?
Do you ever ask yourself a question like this? Sometimes I sit at night in the quietness and think about friendship and family and ask myself does anyone really know me...really, really know me? Does my little life matter in the grand scheme of things? Does God know my name? I want to walk in a straight line...but more often than not...the path bends a little too much for my liking! Will anyone ever get to read this blog...or respond. Maybe I should write it just for me...a place of solitude...of silence...just me and the keyboard...let's see!

Mojo's Place

Still testing the Blog!
Only me again...trying out the Blog...don't read this - just me being stupid and not knowing exactly what's I'm doing!!

Mojo's Place

Mojo's Place

Let's be friends!

Hi...Mojo here! This is all new to me...but I'd like it if you'd journey with me as I try to explore what's going on behind the mask!! This will be the only place to know my thoughts - as they happen - and I pray that you will be patient and caring! Even my best friends don't know the real me...but you will. I'm excited about the prospect of letting you get to know me in my 'realness'. Perhaps putting down my hopes and fears will be a kind of therapy for me...who knows?

Let the journey begin....