Photo was taken at Crookhaven, West Cork (Irl)

Recent winter storms have created big sea swells and look set to continue for the foreseeable future.

Today is Ash Wednesday and a question that is often asked: Why do we put dirty ashes on our foreheads today? It’s not a good luck charm but an outward sign that we’re mortal, fragile and merely pilgrims passing through this world. We take them to remind us that we are part of the creation of God and that we’re also equal in God’s eyes. They are also ashes of hope reminding others that we’re willing to do something positive in our spiritual lives.

Thought on Wednesday – February – 10/02/2016

‘Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy’ ~Pope Francis

Ash Wednesday begins today and marks the beginning of our journey through Lent. The start of Lent is always set by whatever date Easter Sunday is. Easter falls on the first Sunday following the first full moon after March 21st. Easter Sunday this year is March 27th and this explains our early start to Lent this year. Interestingly the earliest Easter can be is on March 22nd and the last time this happened was back in 1818 and won’t happen again until 2285. The latest date Easter can be is April 25th. It happened back in 1943 and this won’t happen again until 2038. Hopefully your Lent this year will be good for you and a time for quiet reflection and a time for one manageable positive change in your life. The following little reflection is a good starting point for our journey through Lent.


Remember that your presence is a present to the world.

Remember that you are a unique and unrepeatable creation.

Remember that your life can be what you want it to be.

Remember to take the days just one at a time.

Remember to count your blessings, not your troubles.

Remember that you will make it through whatever comes along.

Remember that most of the answers you need are within you.

Remember those dreams waiting to be realized.

Remember that decisions are too important to leave to chance.

Remember to always reach for the best that is within you.

Remember that nothing wastes more energy than worry.

Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

Remember that the longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.

Remember not to take things too seriously.

Remember to laugh.

Remember that a little love goes a long way.

Remember that a lot of it goes forever!

Remember that happiness is more often found in giving than getting.

Remember that life’s treasures are people, not things.

Remember that miracles can still happen.

Remember you are you and always celebrate you!