I was delighted to be part of the Carrigaline Charity Tractor Run yesterday. I got the loan of a beautiful New Holland T6 tractor from a local farmer Paddy Foot and I was able to take part. There was a mighty turnout of tractors and supporters. There was also a great team of stewards including the Gardai who did a great job on the roads stopping traffic at the major junctions. This ensured all the tractors passed through safely. Well done everyone
On This Day
On Dec 4th 2014 The United Nations warns that the world is on course for the warmest year since records began
On Dec 4th 2018 French President Emmanuel Macron dropped a controversial rise in fuel tax after three weeks of mass protests
Birthdays Today
Nafessa Williams (Actress) is 34
Saint For Today
The Saint for December 4th is Saint Barbara. She was an early Christian martyr and the daughter of a wealthy pagan. Barbara is the patron saint of architects, mathematicians, and prisoners.
Significance Of Today
Today is World Wildlife Conservation Day. There are ongoing dedicated efforts to protect our planet’s incredible creatures and their habitats, ensuring future generations get to share in the wonder of nature. A beautiful programme to watch that is currently on BBC1 every Sunday evening is Planet Earth III. I recommend it highly.
Interesting Quote For Today
“Nature is not a place to visit, it is home.” ~Gary Snyder
Did You Know
Did you know that at least 800 marine species are threatened by debris in the ocean — mostly plastic — that causes suffocation and starvation when ingested by species like sea turtles.
Video for the week🎥 (Updated every Wednesday🎥)
This weeks video is called ‘Everyone can plough a new beginning.’
Thought For The Week
Advent increases our hope, a hope which does not disappoint.’ ~Pope Francis
This weekend just gone marked the beginning of our journey through Advent. The season of Advent can be a lovely time to think and reflect about the important things in life. For me it is such a beautiful time of year. Everyone agrees that Christmas can be busy and stressful. But Advent can allow us to pause and reflect, if we can make the time for this. It can also be a time to celebrate the little and important things in life. It allows us to express our love for each other in meaningful ways.
We know the world we live in today can best be described as fragile, frantic and often seems to have no anchor. The same can sometimes be described of our own lives too. No matter how busy we are, there is an in-built need to mind ourselves, to relax, to be ourselves, to recharge and to prioritise what is important. The only way this can happen is when we slow down enough, but as we all know so well, doing this is always a challenge.
Advent 2023 has a powerful message that no matter how dark things may get there will always be light and hope. The prayers of Advent touch in on each person walking in some darkness and yet awaiting and anticipating a great light. The prayers also include prayers for peace. These prayers are not wishful thinking but genuine heartfelt prayers that can and will find results. Even if these results come in whispers we will gladly embrace them. Advent is a time for us to hear those other quiet whispers in our lives of a God gently calling us from darkness to light. I hope and pray that the coming weeks of Advent will have some meaning for you.
The Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
