Sunday 23 January 2022

This Little Light Of Mine #2

After Christmas, this bowl of candle stubs was on the side in the kitchen. Bob mistook them for 'nibbles' and nearly popped one in his mouth! "Please do something with them" he said. I pointed out that Mr Fortnum [or was it Mr Mason?] began his business by collecting discarded candle stubs from Buckingham Palace, and melting them to make new ones. 

Here they are, remade into a new candle**. It looks very pretty on the table when we have supper [and also dispels odours when I'm cooking]

One or two blogging friends lately have been posting about their advancing years - and some have seemed quite sad that they are 'near the end'. Obviously, as a Christian, my faith gives me the hope of heaven, and I believe death is not the The End. 

But whatever one believes, I do feel that everyone's life has worth, and use - even when we cannot do the things we did at 20, 40 or 60. Other bloggers - reaching the age of retirement, as I have - are taking the opportunity to look again at their lifestyle, and re-order their priorities

We can still love and be loved, we can still smile and say a kind word, we can encourage others, and pray for them. We can still let our light shine. And if we work together on this, then together we can be a stronger, brighter light. 

** top tips for making a jar candle
  • find a suitable glass jar about 4" high
  • trim a candle to 3" long, and melt its base over a flame
  • fix that candle in the centre of the jar
  • put all other candle stubs in pyrex jug
  • stand in a saucepan ½ filled with boiling water
  • heat till wax melts
  • pour gently into the jar [straining out bits of wicks]
  • leave to cool completely

23 comments:

  1. Another lovely post, Angela. Thank you for the encouragement to continue to focus on what we can do. I melted candle ends and made teacup candles using some old teacups that I was given/had. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is so true Ang. Try not to mourn what what we now CAN'T do and instead look again for what we CAN do and what IS impossible for every little action, every little thought or feeling or word can do something for someone somewhere. Many drops make an ocean as Jesus said.xx

    ReplyDelete
  3. I’m surprised by how many people in their 50’s and 60’s feel they are old! I’m well into my 70’s and so busy I barely have time to do any housework at all, we can still socialise outside, go for long walks and volunteer so we don’t end up lonely. Just keep on keeping on and be ourselves, don’t be influenced by others, keep caring and smiling. Sarah Browne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sarah, for your positive attitude - you are an inspiration

      Delete
    2. You really are an inspiration Sarah, but never take what you have for granted or criticise others. Until last May I was a very young 61 year old, here there and everywhere and doing exactly what I wanted. Then I found out I had four breaks in my spine due to osteoporosis and now I live in constant pain and feel older than than I ever have before.

      Enjoy everything you have because it sounds amazing.

      Delete
    3. I'm sorry your health issues have brought pain and problems. Sarah is fortunate to be in good health. We should all try and live life as fully as we can, while we can. I think Sarah was speaking of people who seem to give up too easily - I know that you achieve a lot, despite the difficulties because you too have a positive attitude

      Delete
  4. Thanks for the tips. I have never thought to use the last few inches of a candle to form the 'wick' in the centre of a jar of recycled wax, what a brilliant idea.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 👍 It's much easier than trying to fix a new wobbly string wick into the molten wax

      Delete
  5. Brilliant. The candle and the outlook.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Bonjour Angela,
    Vous avez toujours les mots qu'il faut pour me réconforter. Vos propos sont très souvent en accord avec les évènements qui se produisent dans la vie.
    Merci pour tout ce que vous faites.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Merci Véro. C'est un commentaire très gentil. Que Dieu vous bénisse et vous garde en sécurité 🙏🧡

    ReplyDelete
  8. How funny that Bob almost snacked on a candle stub! What is it with men and the need for "goodies"?
    I discovered in November that 80 sounded so much older than 79 that it was a shock at first, but also something of a triumph to have reached this milestone and still be mobile (except when I do something daft and temporarily have to hobble around). I think thankfulness has to be the key when we start to let go of our livelier years, focussing on whatever blessings we still have. Like you I look upon death as a gateway into a new and amazing life which we cannot even start to imagine!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Merci Angela.
    En ce moment pour ma famille, l'aide de Dieu n 'est pas de trop.




    ReplyDelete
  10. The candle idea looks great, though it's mainly jars here and few stubs. I think I can scrape out the jars and get at least a little more light. (also going away to think about attitude and goals)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Even the small stubs add up to produce light

      Delete
  11. Aha, a use for those glass containers left from when we treat ourselves to a Gu desert! Thank you.
    I learned from my grandmother and a vicar years ago that even when housebound or unable to do things you still had important 'work' as someone who has time to pray. Back then it was good to know people were doing this when I was so busy, now it is good to do this when I have the time and space.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh those GU puddings are delicious - I had LOADS of their glass ramekins when we moved, and conscientiously recycled all but 4 of them.

      Delete
    2. And yes to your point about prayer too 🙏

      Delete

Always glad to hear from you - thanks for stopping by!
I am blocking anonymous comments now, due to excessive spam!