Photo was taken at Altamount, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)
There are many signs of spring around us, mainly flowers like the snowdrop, the crocus and the daffodil. Every year when I see frog spawn, I know that spring is here for sure. It is also good to know that where there is frog spawn there are frogs close by. They are a protected species and their numbers have declined with modern intensive agriculture. So it is great to see pockets of frog spawn and they are invariably found in places of least disturbance.
I have just put together a video called ‘A spring prayer’ If you copy and paste this link it will take you to the video on YouTube https://youtu.be/L_eF48zK3dg
Thought on Thursday – February – 22/02/2018
Thought For The Week
‘The following is a modern take on the Beatitudes. The author is unknown.’
Blessed are they who love the value of family and friends over everything else – the brother or sister who is always there for the family, the devoted volunteer – for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they who grieve for the lost and who struggle to cope and continue – the single parent trying to raise a family alone, the mother or father who keep an open heart and an outreached hand to a wayward son or daughter – for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are they who find their joy in the happiness of others – the devoted parent, the dedicated teacher – for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who manage to see beyond their own interests and needs to the greater common good and their responsibility to others – for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are they who treat classmates, co-workers and employees with respect and dignity, who remember that they have been forgiven by a compassionate God and readily extend that forgiveness and compassion to others – for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are they who dedicate their lives in seeking God’s justice and forgiveness in all things and who put themselves at the service of others to help them discover the joy of God’s presence in their lives – for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, those who possess that rare gift for bringing people together when anger and selfishness threaten to drive them apart, who readily take the first step in forgiving and being reconciled with others, who bring healing to those who have been hurt, forgotten or marginalised – for they are sons and daughters of God.
Blessed are they who are persecuted and ridiculed for what is right and just, parents, teachers and dedicated individuals who stand in opposition to false perceptions, destructive stereotypes and an ever more alienated and cynical society, who speak for the needs of children and for justice for the poor, compassion for the fallen and lost and loving support for the abused – for the reign of God is theirs.
Be glad and rejoice in the gift that is today, for your reward will be great in heaven.
Thought For The Week is updated each Monday with a new photograph each day
