Author Archives: Prayingangela

Writing does Indeed Help my Health.

Posted in Cancer, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations, Nature by

Thank you for this article about the benefits of blogging. I totally agree. Since I have started to write, thanks to WordPress, I have a sense of well being, satisfaction and enjoyment. I get encouraged from the response of other readers. I hear from friends in America and Canada that I would not hear from otherwise. There in power in words. When I get an idea the words flow.

In the past if I was troubled about some situation I would awake in the night. I got up and tried to express how I was feeling by sending an e mail to myself. That was safer than sending an e mail to the someone who annoyed me. After finishing the e mail I would feel more at peace and able to get back to sleep.

It is true that writing improves my mood and sense of well-being. I am less stressed, and sleep better. If I do awake early in the morning I get up and write as I am inspired. Since I moved to the country I enjoy nature and it has become a topic for my blogs.

Writing has helped my restoration after having cancer. Instead of pouring out all my bitterness and anger I now enjoy writing about the beauty all around me. My eyes are opened. I am looking up instead of down. God has delivered me from all the bitterness.

I have learned to cast my care upon The Lord and leave it with him. As I do this Jesus heals my pain. I now chose to forgive and not dwell on any hurt from the past. If I hold onto any resentment or unforgiveness it only harms me. I loose sleep and get depressed.

The internet access has been limited in the last months. If it was not on in the morning I would go into the local town where there is free access. I sit in my car and post a blog I had written the night before. Another time the internet came on at twelve o’clock at night. I posted a blog and immediately I got a response from a friend in America. I replyed. I had such joy that I could not settle to sleep. I had to write another blog.

Now instead of writing sad e mails I am inspired to write about many good experiences from the past. Another topic that has developed for me is my experience growing up on the farm. Memories come flooding back. Writing is indeed bringing restoration to me. Thank God through WordPress I am able to reach out to the nations!

I quote John Paul Jackson who says that something happens in the time between the mind and taking up a pen or the computer to write. A flow of creativity comes. Peace comes. We just need the discipline of being available to put the words down.

Through hearing from other bloggers I am revitalised by the experiences from young and old across the world. My neighbours are not just over the fence, they are across the oceans and mountains.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/what-do-exercise-veggies-and-writing-have-in-common/

My Oncologist Friend is Perplexed at my Healing from Cancer

Posted in Cancer, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer by

While on our visit to Slovakia I had dinner with a friend who is an Oncologist.  She has many year’s experience.  I met her before in November 2010 after I believed I was healed of Bowel cancer.  It was early days then after my treatment.  I knew when I was telling people I was healed, many of them had an attitude,  “We will see.” 

When one has fourth stage cancer, which I had, the doctor gives treatment to extend one’s life whether surgery and/or treatment.  The cancer usually continues to grow and cause death.  The doctors will admit they do not have a cure for cancer.  They treat the condition. I know the seriousness of my diagnosis but I give Glory to God who has healed me. 

My daughter was helping me pack last weekend.  She found some notes I had from a doctor, the Consultant Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgeon who was writing to a colleague.  I will quote some of the letter.

“I explained to Mrs Mc Cauley that pre operative chemo radiotherapy was used as an adjunct to surgery rather than an alternative to surgery.  The current evidence would suggest less than 5% chance of healing from chemo and radiotherapy only.  It is unknown for such a good response to chemo radiotherapy.  Even if the tumour has fully responded to the chemo radiotherapy there may be viable cells within the lymph nodes.  If there is lymph node metastases then chemotherapy would be warrented to reduce the risk of disease.  I explained that surgery to remove the rectum was a major operation but there could still be groups of cancer cells.  Therefore a non operative approach could not be recommended.”

I explained to the doctor at the time, that I believe that God has healed me and he does not do part jobs.  He has done a complete healing for me with no matastases. 

Another consultant  wrote,”In my opinion, Mrs Mc Cauley should be strongly urged to proceed with the next stage of her treatment.”( surgery). Leaving the treatment at the chemo radiotheraphy
stage is not sufficient for her long term survival.”
“There is significant risk of damage to the bowel after chemo radiotherapy, colitis, discharge, inflammation and bleeding.”  

Praise God I had non of these side effects from the chemo radiotherapy.

I read this Psalm today.  

I love the LORD because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy.
Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! 
Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. 
I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the LORD : “Please, LORD, save me!”
The LORD protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me.
He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the LORD’s presence as I live here on earth!
I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the LORD. (‭Psalms‬ ‭116‬:‭1-4, 6, 8-9, 17‬ NLT)

I showed the Surgeon’s letter to my Oncologist friend.  Her mouth fell open.  ” I did not know that you had such a big tumour.”  It was nine centimetres.  She continued, “It is normal for there to be metastases  with such a big tumour.”  She was perplexed.  She was looking from her doctor’s point of view.  My friend had sympathy for the doctors who were treating me.  “They must have been very stressed with you, she added.  She was amazed that I did not have an operation for such a serious condition.  She  admitted,  “You look so well four years on.”  

I continue to tell people that God has done a miracle for me.  My Oncologist friend admitted this is a miracle.  

The Glory of God in Creation

Posted in Ireland, My thoughts, Nature by

imageI have been living in the country these last eight months.  I have the joy of seeing the clear night sky at times.  I can see the Milky Way, like a whisp of light across the sky.  The stars shine brightly, when there is no moon or clouds.  Last weekend the full moon rose in the east and circled high in the sky and set in the west in the morning.  It was very bright outside at night. The area where we live is called Bright.  I wonder why?

With the full moon comes high tides.  I went down to the local beach.  The water was still.  It rippled and lapped gently on the sand.  Another evening I could hear the roar of the sea as there was a strong wind blowing.  What a variety in nature all around me.  No day Is the same.   I am reading the bible of creation.

By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, and what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.  Hebrews 11 v 3

We went out for dinner with our daughter recently.  She drove along carefully as it was dark, raining and windy. We ran for cover into the restaurant.  Half and hour later I stepped outside to take a phone call.  It had stopped raining and there was no wind.  On the way home later there was a clear sky.   I was able to show my daughter the stars.  It is true what they say about Ireland, “Wait a while and the weather will change.”

I have seen a few rainbows recently.  There are dark clouds with rain in one part of the sky, and the sun shining in another part.  An ideal situation for a bright rainbow.  The rainbow is a sign in the sky of God’s presence.  He put the rainbow in the sky for Noah, as a sign of his covenant that he would not flood the earth again.

Over and over God says in his Word He is the one who made the heavens and the seas.  As I am experiencing the changes in the heavens and the seas so close at hand, my heart overflows with praise to The Lord.  I believe in the God who made the heavens and the earth.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. They have no speech, they use no words; no sound is heard from them. Yet their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (‭Psalm‬ ‭19‬:‭1-4‬ NIV)

Dare to believe in God.  It pleases God when we believe.

http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/trio-4/

I was under a Curse for not Honoring my Parents.

Posted in Family Friday, Healing, My thoughts, Prayer, Provision by

Honoring my Parents.

I thank God for my parents.  They laid down their lives to rear me and give me a good start in life.  I was not as loving and thankful for their care as I should have been when they were alive.  I realise  the work involved in raising children after rearing my own.  I did not honor them as I should have.  Being a parent is often a thankless task.  I feel honored if my children are thoughtful to me and thank me.  I understand how my parents must have felt when I did not get in touch.

My fourteenth child Angela was born.  I was faithful in looking after my husband and other children.  I was praying for more provision and space for our big family.   As my family increased, the house we lived in seemed to get smaller and smaller as my children grew.  I needed more space.  I believed God’s word where the children of Israel were given land according to the size of their tribe.  I had a big tribe and I was asking God for more room.  I applied to rent various bigger properties but no door opened.  There was no breakthrough so I became discouraged.

I had a strong desire to move to a bigger house, perhaps the country, so my children could enjoy the outdoors.  I grew up in the country side.  I used to play outside with my brothers and sisters and make up our own games.  Now in the winter time I got frustrated with everyone indoors in the bad weather.  The only space I had to myself was my own side of the bed.  I got cabin fever.  Brendan was very good.  We would go for drives to forests and beaches for long walks.  The children were able to run about and let off steam.  This eased the immediate pressure.

I believe the Holy Spirit guided me to read the Commandments in Exodus 20.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that it will be well with you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you. (‭Exodus‬ ‭20‬:‭12‬ NIV)

I left home when I was eighteen years old to go to university.  I got married when I was twenty.  I carried on with my life and did not thank or honor my parents.  I was busy looking at my own situation.  God showed me I was under a curse because I had not honored my parents.  It was not going well for me.   Yes I wanted to obey God and pray but I believe there was something wrong.  Was I to continue in hardship, feeling the frustration of limited space, because I had a big family.  I believed children were a blessing from The Lord and I needed his guidance and strength to rear them.

I needed someone to help me.  I read a book by Derek Prince called Blessings and Curses.  In it he explains how someone can be under a curse.  I read about John and Paula Sandford from America, who prayed for people in the area of family.  I rang up their offices in America to enquire if they were coming to the UK any time in the future.  Yes they had a conference in May of that year.  I booked my place at the event.  My husband came with me.

The first night of the conference John Sandford, who was an older man, spoke.  He sounded like my own father.  I broke down and cried.  I continued to cry while he spoke.  The curse was being broken and my healing started.  My parents were both dead at that time so I couldn’t go to them and apologise.  I asked Jesus to forgive me.  He forgave me and broke the curse I was under because of my disobedience to the word of God which says honor your mother and father.

The following year breakthrough came.  We moved to a bigger house with more space for all of us.   The pressure was released.  I had joy in knowing God cared for me.
This may seem strange to you.  You may not have heard of a curse before.  I share this story because this is what happened to me.  Perhaps it will help you.
Jesus breaks a curse and brings a cure.

Cartoon from Smokey Mountain Photos

From Geography Class to seeing the Niagara Falls

Posted in Canada, Family Friday, Holiday, My thoughts, Nature, Travel by

I visited the Niagara Falls on a recent trip to Canada.
When we approached to town of Niagara I could see the cloud of mist that rises up from the Horseshoe Falls. I got excited. I have heard about this feature many times. I remember first hearing about the Niagimageara Falls over fifty years ago. I attended a country school in Co Down in N Ireland. I was standing with other pupils around a map of the world with our primary school teacher. We were having a geography lesson.
Here is photograph I captured on my iPad.  I have a bird’s eye view.

I get to see the Niagara Falls when my thirteenth grandchild is born.

My son dropped my friend and I off at a viewing point. Opposite I could see the American Falls. Then upriver is the bigger Canadian Falls or Horseshoe Falls. What power and beauty in these tumbling waters.
I could not but praise The Lord, the Creator of the heavens and the earth.
http://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_assignment/photography-101-water/

 

 

Restoration of My Purse that was Lost

Posted in Canada, Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations, Nature, Prayer, Travel by

I went to the Niagara Falls in the Fall.

Often when I am having a good time or planning something that will benefit others something happens to rob my joy.  I had a fantastic day out with some of my family at the Niagara Falls in Canada.

I don’t use words like fantastic but this time, the day out merited it.  I am amazed at he beauty and magnificence of the river and waterfall.  The water cascades over the Canadian Falls into swirling pools below.  A cloud of mist rises up high from the crash and mingling waters.

imageAcross from our viewing position the American Falls tumble over the cliff face. A double portion of waterfalls.  The beautiful scene was accompanied by the music of the rushing waters.  I wanted to linger all afternoon.
We drove through the countryside to Niagara on the Lake.  The autumn leaves were is full glory with yellows, reds, and browns.  We passed neat rows of vines in the vineyards made famous in this area by Canadian Iced Wine.  We lunched, shopped and strolled in this tourist town.
We had to get back before six as our host gave Mary and I two tickets to a play in Toronto.
Back home safely and happy.  In the rush of the quick turn around I discovered my purse missing.I didn’t worry or get stressed having lost my money  and bank cards.  We prayed for the purse to be returned.  I bound Satan in Jesus name from robbing my purse and any attempt to rob our joy after a good day out.  I had my passport so I could get home.
Mary and I headed off on the train to Toronto for the evening.  David rang around to see if the purse had turned up.  A great day out.
I am back in Ireland.  David checked with contacts he made on the evening I lost my purse.  The purse was handed in to the town hall and can be picked up by David.  He called me Wednesday to tell me the good news.   Not only had I a great day out but I got back my purse.  Nothing missing, nothing stolen.

God answers prayer for a purse.

Health Hazard. Danger of Cancer. Toxic Environment.

Posted in Cancer, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts by

Back in 2010 I was facing death.  I had fourth stage cancer.  I was faced with the reality that my life and influence on the earth would be over soon.  I had been offered the help of the doctors and their wisdom.  I was willing  and thankful to take their guidance.  They have dedicated their lives to relieve suffering of cancer patients and had many years experience in dealing with others who were vulnerable, like myself.

When I was suffering from Colon Cancer, I looked to the internet to give me more information about my condition and how other sufferers coped with cancer.  It is frightening the statistics quoted.   Cancer is the second killer disease in North America!  My prognosis wasn’t good.  Even with treatment from the medical profession alone I would die from the disease.

I read in the scriptures that God promises three score and ten years to live and more if we have strength.  Psalm 90 v 10
I began to research to see if there is a key to how people live long lives.  I found that people from around the world who are healthy and live long lives are happy, peaceful and thankful.  They think and speak positively.
I know from reading the Scripture,  “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” (‭Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭21‬ NIV).   Is there a key here to a long life, the use of the tongue.

I began to reflect from my own experience what I observed in the use of the tongue.
I will give you an example.  Strong, angry words hurt others but also hurts the one who speaks.  He is speaking death.  Hurting words crush the weak.  No one wants to be around someone who is angry.  Speaking kind, loving words brings life.  The first nurse whom I encountered in the oncology hospital had a kind, gentle voice.  She comforted me and made me feel at ease, even though I was going to have a procedure that would show I had a 9 cm tumour in my rectum.  She was careful with the sick patients she would meet every day. I will always remember her and thanked God for her that sad morning.  She was speaking life.

When I visit Canada I stay with people who are welcoming, positive, helpful and bless.  They speak life into me.  The homes I have stayed in are warm and peaceful and give rest to the weary traveller.   I have come to see the importance of positive words.

It is easy to grow old in an atmosphere of love and peace where people speak kindly and are upbuilding.  The power of these kind of words brings life.  During the thirty years of Trouble in Northern Ireland the atmosphere was toxic and grey.  Anger and hatred in people’s hearts manifested in killings.  Television News brought reports of bombings, shootings and destruction.  Many people were killed during that time, but I believe many others died due to broken hearts, strokes, cancers and other diseases due to the stress of the continued war.  No peace.

I did more research.  People who are vulnerable to bad health live stressful lives.  Suffering stress, fear and anxiety causes our bodies to release toxins.  This leaves our body fluids acidic or toxic.  When one is healthy his body fluids are alkaline.  The immune system in a healthy, whole person works well to fight off infections.  In a person is under stress the immune system is weakened by the toxins in the body and disease can take a hold.  Cancer takes hold in a toxic environment inside the body.  “How can one avoid a toxic environment?”, I asked myself.

I began to think.  Was I speaking or thinking words of life?  Was I allowing toxic conditions in my body because of my words and actions.  Was my body not able to fight off disease.

More research. Have people been healed of cancer? I was encouraged to find testimonies from people who were healed by Jesus.  I believe that God heals today and I have prayed for others who have recovered from diseases, even cancer.  But it was more difficult to believe for myself.

I searched the bible to see if cancer is mentioned.  I discovered the following words.
Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer.   (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭14, 16-17‬). Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭23-24‬ NLT)

These words spoke to my heart and brought truth to me.  Is my argument contributing to my condition?  Is my strife causing me to have cancer.  My words and thoughts at that time were not positive and full of life.  I was negative and hopeless.  I didn’t care any more.

There is much opportunity today to gain knowledge through education and from the media especially the internet.  From this knowledge both men and women, young and old can have an opinion about everything that comes up in conversation.  Opinions may differ, sharp exchanges occur, then comes argument and fights.

I am known as a strong character.  I have knowledge and was not a bit afraid to offer my opinion in conversations.   My forceful behaviour alienated me from others.  My proud attitude made me unpopular.  I would argue my opinion and not defer to others.  This behaviour really annoyed my husband.  I became annoyed and bitter with others when they would not listen to me.  I was hurt by how others treated me.  I internalised my feelings.  I acted in ignorance.  I didn’t think anyone would listen to me anymore so I hid my condition for three years.

I felt lonely in the midst of my family.  I nurtured the hurt I felt from the rejection of others.  I tried to justify myself, instead of forgiving those who hurt me.  Holding onto thoughts of self righteousness, thinking I was right and others were wrong, made me loose sleep and made me depressed.  I was on a spiral down to death.

When I read from the scripture what it says about argument I did not want to continue behaving like I did.  I withdrew from difficult conversations and situations.  I became quiet.  In God’s eyes a quiet spirit is precious.

You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God. (‭1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ NLT)

I believe my thoughts and words of bitterness, unforgiveness, resentment and anger from my heart contributed to my disease of cancer.  I was creating a toxic environment inside myself and outside myself.  I was not speaking life.  Life and death are in the power of my tongue.  Another scripture says do not let a root of bitterness grow up lest many become defiled.  Bitterness had taken hold.  I had a 9 cm tumour in my body.

These attitudes God calls sins.  Jesus came to forgive our sins and heal our diseases.  I accepted Jesus forgiveness and asked for his healing from the cancer in my body.

If You’re Irish Come Into The Parlour

Posted in Canada, Family Friday, Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations by

Here is a song I sang growing up.

If you’re Irish come into the parlour,
There’s a welcome there for you;
If your name is Timothy or Pat (or David)
So long as you come from Ireland,
There’s a welcome on the mat,
If You come from the Mountains of Mourne,
Or Killarney’s lakes so blue,
We’ll sing you a song and we’ll make a fuss,
Whoever you are you are one of us,
If you’re Irish, this is the place for you!

I am in Toronto to see Ava, my son David and Jacquelyn’s baby. I am staying at Jacquelyn’s parents home. I am enjoying the change of season here. I took a walk and took this picture.

image

David our son, was welcomed into the heart of Jacquelyn’s immediate and extended family. David has been fishing with Jacquelyn’s dad, brothers, uncles and and grand dad. They caught many fish and had a great time. He has been to hockey matches, plays tennis and soccer, been on a visit to Washington to see extended family, and sightseeing at the Niagara Falls.

Maureen, Jacquelyn’s mum spent all Sunday cooking dinner for friends who wanted to come over to meet me. It was Thanksgiving and Christmas all in the one day.
Maureen likes the windows open. I like a cool room too! She loves roast potatoes and Irish wheaten bread, which she bakes on the weekend. She had someone from Ireland she could share with. It was her mum’s recipe. Her mum grew up in Belfast.  We celebrated her mum. Her memory lives on.

Jacquelyn was particularly fond of her and misses her. Her baby is wearing a cardigan her granny knitted for her.

Maureen’s aunt called by the other day. She brought a beautiful Christening robe, an heirloom. Her sister had hand knitted it and gave her for her children. Now it was being given to Jacquelyn for Ava’s christening. She told us how she loves to make soda bread just like we get back in Ireland. She has here fridge full of it ready to give as a gift to anyone who calls or comes into her parlour.

I am being made to feel welcome and part of the family. I don’t have to cook, clean or shop. I am available for babysitting when Jacquelyn needs me. It’s not hard work nursing a warm, cuddly, baby girl. Oh the joy of being a grand mother. I don’t have to do the hard work of feeding, dressing and changing.
It is lovely to see my son caring, protecting and treasuring Jacquelyn and Ava. A whole new world for him.

When Brendan travelled to North America twenty years ago he was welcomed with open arms, celebrated, loved and accepted. A big shock to the system when back home in Northern Ireland there was war. The Irish were rejecting each other.

I went to England 35 years ago to have my own daughter. I was welcomed by the Irish community as a long lost relative. They were from Kerry and I was from Derry. But we were all Irish in another country.

The words of the song above are true. Brendan, David and myself have been welcomed into people’s parlours.

Facing my Own Mortality

Posted in Cancer, Healing, My thoughts, Prayer by

I was invited to dinner last evening.  I was sitting beside a great grand father.  He is eighty years old.  His son who is fifty was there, his grand daughter who is twenty three, and his great grand daughter who is a month old.  I learnt that this gentleman’s wife’s mother is still alive at ninety seven!   It isn’t often that you meet a family with five generations still alive at the one time. I felt young beside this great grand father. I am only a grand mother.

I have only seen my grand parents in family photographs.  I have been busy with bringing life into the world for twenty years, that I did not give much thought to death.

It was God’s plan that man would live for ever.  God created man and woman and gave them free will and put them in charge of the garden of Eden.  He told them not to eat of a certain tree, the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.  They could eat of every other fruit.

What happens the devil enters the picture.  He tempts Eve to eat of the tree.  Adam eats it as well.  They disobeyed God and their disobedience brought death to them and mankind after them.

I read in Genesis how Adam and Eve lived nine hundred years.  Their descendants lived hundreds of years as well.  Abraham whom God chose to speak to lived till he was 129.
In the Psalms the word of God says we can live to three score and ten and longer if we have strength.

I never gave much thought to death.  These stories from the bible encouraged me not to be afraid of death.  In fact I read about Jesus who died at thirty three on the cross to defeat death, and if I believe in him I will have life here on earth and eternal life in heaven.  The fear of death is defeated by Jesus.  The devil is defeated by Jesus dying on the cross.  I don’t need to believe the devil’s lies.  In John 10 v 10  “Satan comes to rob steal and destroy but Jesus came to give us life and life abundantly.”

In 2010 I faced death. I knew I was mortal.  I had not the power to live. I was diagnosed with fourth stage cancer.  I had a malignant tumour which means it brings death.  The doctors can treat it but the result is death.

I now know the power of Jesus to defeat death because people prayed for me and Jesus healed me from cancer and I did not die.  I will die some day but I no longer am afraid of death.  I now want to live life to the full in the years I have left.  I am alive to tell others about the power of Jesus death on the Cross.  Satan’s power is defeated in Jesus name.

Call on the the name of Jesus.

Gladioli That Point up to Heaven

Posted in Family Friday, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer by

I bought a bunch of Gladioli in the supermarket this week.  The trumpet flowers open out from the tall green stems.  The gladiolii flowers come in many shades, purple, pink, red, yellow or white.  These flowers bring back memories of attending Church as a child and the routine of Sunday morning in our home on the farm.

image

In the country where I grew up, the community gathered at the church on the hill.  It was within walking distance from our home.  Dad and two of the family would go to first mass at eight o’clock.

Seasonal flowers decorated the Church altar.   The gladioli stood out for me as the most beautiful flowers I had ever seen. Their stems reached up to the heavens and the flowers opened up into trumpets.  I imagined they were brought from some exotic place far away.  I never saw such flowers grow ing in the local gardens.

I remembered the smell of the incense and the singing of the choir at Church.  Words were sung to someone beyond my world.  My heart was lifted up above my circumstances.  People dressed in their best clothes.  Families sat together in pews.  Going to Church on Sunday for me was very special.  Those holy, innocent days going to Church as a child are long gone.  I was oblivious to the big world beyond the church and the farm.  I imagined the Gladioli came from out there somewhere?

Dad would stand and talk to neighbours after mass and get a catch up on the local news.  Mum would make fried, fresh, farm eggs and bacon with home made soda bread for dad’s return.  As we smelt the bacon we would turn up for breakfast at different times.  Sundays were restful.  No farmwork or school to go to.  No last minute rush to catch the school bus at the bottom of the lane.
The rest of the family would walk or get a ride in the car to second mass at eleven o’clock.  Whoever went to first mass would prepare the Sunday dinner for us all.  Dad would sit by the fire and read the newspaper.  It was his day off.  We usually had a stew.  I loved the smell of it as it cooked on the stove and we waited for the others to return.  After dinner we would listen to Family Favourites on the Radio.  I remember songs being played that were sung by Burl Ives, The Ugly Bug Ball, The Little White Duck or Rudolfh the Red Nose Reindeer.

I never heard about the Sabbath Day then. I now know that God intended that man should rest from his labour one day of the week.  Our family did have that day off.

Observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. (‭Exodus‬ ‭31‬:‭16-17‬ KJV)

God intended the Sabbath for man to rest.  If God needed refreshed after working all week, I think I will take his example.  He does not want to harm us, it is for our benefit to have a day off, in this world where so many other things take up our thinking, strength and money.
Have a good Sunday.