Are we really at the 5th Sunday in Lent already? and next week will be Palm Sunday. How the year is flying by. Delia's little book beside my bed continues to give me food for thought. So many of the Lent studies I have worked through in recent years have been very practical - give to a food back, pay-it-forward in a coffee shop, donate coats to charity, help a neighbour...don't give something up, give something away.
All good in their way - but this study, published over 40 years ago [written pre-internet and mobile phones] is much simpler, and concentrates on encouraging the reader to use Lent as a time to first deepen their relationship with God and then listen and see where He leads.
I have very much appreciated Delia's writings - they are simple, and not preachy. She doesn't write as a theologian, but as a fellow believer - honest and humble about her own struggles in faith, and positive about the way God has led her and blessed her. Looking back over the last few weeks, I can see how there have been moments when, having reflected on the passage in the book, I have found myself better prepared for the situations I have faced as I go about my day.
Do check out their website and see the amazing work they are doing - giving new life to old tools, and providing life-transforming opportunities for people in poverty across the world.
I watched my friends carrying rakes and spades and other things into the chapel, and thought how wonderful it was that these old, unused items can be redeemed and refurbished and repurposed TWAM grew out of a small group of men praying together about how to use what they no longer needed in order to benefit other people - and now it is a large, efficient charity.
Delia's reflection yesterday, about the connection between praying and loving ended with these words "God's power will give us the capacity to do more than we ever imagined, and the fruits of prayer will flow out to bless others"
Aha, old tools; my husband is planning to sort through the tool boxes, tool cupboards and tool sheds in due course. He is rather dreading parting with 'old friends' that he has no further use for. Good to know about TWAM.
ReplyDeleteI agree that prayer and relationship with God is where it all starts from. It's all too easy for me to try and find short cuts along the road, and go straight to the action part of life.
The TWAM website has a postcode page to help you find your nearest donation point. ♥️🙏😊
DeleteYou are one of the most giving people I know. You are always giving of yourself and your time and sometimes, that's even more important that giving things, I think.
ReplyDeleteGiving people your time shows that you care about them
ReplyDeleteCould you give some information on Delia? Smith, the cookbook author? What is this book? I must have missed something! The tool charity sounds very generous and excellent to provide reuse. Tools are so expensive.
ReplyDeleteDelia Smith (now aged80+) is a "National Treasure" in the UK. Somewhere between Julia Child's and Martha Stewart. But much kinder. Find her recipes etc at Delia Online. She converted to Catholicism aged 22 and wrote "feast for lent" and "feast for advent" about 40 years ago. In 2022 she wrote another book about faith"YouMatter" she says her first two were for Christians, but she hopes that people of all faith and none will read this one. She has no children of her own, but with her husband has set up a charity working to help and educate children in the 3rd world. Y
DeleteThank you. I'd googled her but didn't realize she was so involved in her charities. I don't remember her from when I lived in the UK in the 1980s, but then I wasn't interested in cooking and mostly didn't have a television. Plus my memory is poor! She sounds like a very kind person (certainly Not at all like Martha Stewart!).
DeleteIn the late 80s/ 90s there was a thing called "the Delia effect" here. If she used an unusual ingredient in a recipe, it sold out immediately (cranberries, "brick" pastry etc)although she's no longer making tv shows, her books remain really popular, abd her website is excellent. And she's apparently a really pleasant and thoughtful woman, with a great sense of humour, and genuine humility.
DeleteTWAM what a wonderful charity. We have quite a few old but useful tools that had belonged to my father-in-law and my husband didn't have the heart to just discard them. They still have lots of use in them. We will look up the TWAM website so we can donate. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteThe website is great, and gives lots of information about their work, and how people can be involved. And it is good to know tools will be refurbished, and re-lovex
DeleteIs that an old Singer machine under the wooden case? Must have been hard to part with it? I'm on the decluttering route too. Shredded 20 years worth of bank statements this week!Now that was cathartic!
ReplyDeleteYes a Singer. But the lady who gave it to me cannot use it and wanted to save it from a skip. In places where there's no reliable electricity, hand operated machines are really useful
DeleteWhat a worthy charity as most tools take more than a lifetime to wear out! DH still uses some of my father's tools but he has also ammassed more than he needs to keep at this stage of life. Wonder if TWAM is here in the States?
ReplyDeleteHugs!
It's run by British Baptists. I don't know if there's a USA equivalent
DeleteI read this with interest as I'm struggling a little with the Lent book I'm reading.........its excellent in so many ways but just a smidge preachy in places.........but that is probably my interpretation.......I'm sure the authors would disagree........There is something about reading others descriptions of their own struggles that helps us in ours isn't there. Not quite sure I'm getting my thoughts down correctly so will sign off for now 😀
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
I do understand what you are saying. This came up in this morning's sermon. Our last hymn was "For this I have Jesus" by Graham Kendrick. Do you know it? Google it. I find the words really encouraging (and will admit to weeping a little as we sung it) 😊♥️👍🙏
ReplyDeleteI have a copy of Delia's book and used it more than once, I like to have a guide for Readings, it keeps me focused. Looked up a previous commentator Graham Kendrick's song and it is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI agree about a book keeping ones focus for Lenten readings. Yes the GK song is lovely, I'm glad you took the trouble to check it out
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ReplyDeleteI love the idea of donating tools for others to use. I looked up Graham Kendrick's song, which is very moving.
🎶♥️👍
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