Update

sorry I have not been adding to this blog for a wee while - I have actually had to start another -as I am our in the US on a school fieldtrip - so rather than add the same stories etc here - just look across at 

http://whsgeogintheusa09.blogspot.com/

cheers

Noreen

x

What can I say other than 'I was there!!'... ( I am the one on the left - not the welsh blond lady in the middle. Martin is on the right)

more about the day tomorrow - but it was amazing.  I was very proud of wearing green and I even had a shamrock painted on my cheek! - what would Nan say!!!???

Well my welsh husband was gr acious in defeat - unlike a few others - but on the whole an amazing day.

The game was all about the team, with a few individual performances making all the difference at the end - I am sure there is an analogy somewhere there for 'life' - the team support is key - so offer it and  receive it - both are vital....

God Bless

11.51 pm x

I think too many of us let the story of Easter, and the sacrifice it depicts, wash over us as something for the masses, rather than something meant and completed for the individual.

We need to take on the Easter story personally if we are going to gain from it personally.

Put yourself there - the hussle and bussle of the big day, another day out to watch a criminal on their cross outside the city gates.  The talking of what it would be like, how long would it take until they died, the crowds swarming to see the event.

And then when you get to Golgotha, you look up and stand amazed.

The man they called Jesus of Nazareth is telling the crowd that He is doing All this for YOU! Then watch Christ be placed on the cross, with his hands and feet bound; watch as he struggles to lift his frame to allow him to take a breath.  Listen as He calls out to His Father - and remember - He did this for YOU.

Watch and say at least a word of thanks to the Creator of the World who LOVES YOU so much, that He showed it in the ultimate way - HE GAVE HIS LIFE, SO THAT WE WOULD NOT PERISH, BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE - THROUGH HIM AND IN HIM....

This is just a wee movie I made about what makes me, me!

None of us are simply the product of genetics and chromosomes - we are all changed by what we see, do and think.

Growing up in Northern Ireland made me very aware of those who were 'different' to me - and that constant suspicion of others is not healthy.  My attitude towards strangers has mellowed over the years - but I still find myself wondering what school they went to, or what sport they follow, just so I can gauge if they are 'friend' or 'foe'.  

I have found that there is good in all, be it Seamus or George.  I need to look for merit in others, and not look for the those things which might make me feel superior in my haughty, proud and self righteous way.

I have spent many years and days getting to know what makes me tick - and I know much of that is due to my being 'a wee ulster lass', from the foothills of the Mournes - where I was spoilt with the most majestic of panoramas and sunsets.  The walks along the shore at the bottom of the Manse Road with old friends has brought me much solace and joy.  The watching of sunsets out at Cranfield after a busy day working in the original Beachcomer chippy, always made me stop and consider the bigger picture.

There are many fantastic memories of living and growing up in Kilkeel - and I hope to recount them to this my digital diary over the months to come.  But as I sign off, please do not think that I stand in judgement of my upbringing, I acknowledge it has shaped and moulded me to be the person I am today.  I know the Noreen of today is far from perfect, but the landscape of Mourne, with it's wild walks, deserted stormy beaches and innocent joy, has left me with many a wee smile on my face as I fall into slumber each night.

Goodnight and God Bless

11.46 pm xx

Easter video for contemplation

A wee bit of background on Kilkeel - not my own work...

Kilkeel (from the Irish: Cill Chaoil meaning "church of the narrow place") is a small town in County Down.  It is the main fishing port on the Down coast, and the town’s harbour houses one of the largest fishing fleets in Ireland.  The town contains the ruins of a 14th century church in the centre, winding streets, terraced shops and a fort also dating from the 14th century.  It is believed that the old church was financed by a Spanish noble family after their son had been drowned and washed ashore and given a Christian burial by the locals. However there are references to Kilkeel as a Christian settlement as far back as the 11th century.  The old church was dedicated to St. Colman and was known in 1388 as 'St Colman Del Morne'. It was thought to be the principal Church in a group which included Kilmegan and Kilcoo despite the fact that Kilkeel was very sparsely populated in the Middle Ages. The cemetery attached to the church was used for burials until the early years of last century. Some of the victims of the collision between two steamer in Carlingford Lough in 1916 were the last people to be buried there.  Kilkeel is the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Mourne.

let's start at the very beginning....

I will add a few more details onto this area - but for now the basics....

Born in Newry, County Down nearly 39 years ago - I am assured by my mother that when my twin sister and I were born, it was just coincidence that the 'Troubles' in Northern Ireland were beginning.

Brought up in a gorgeous wee place called Kilkeel - pictures to follow.

I decided to give up trying to plan my life, and gave to someone who would certainly do a better job - the Big Man upstairs - The Lord Almighty!  - beat that for a boss!!!  August 11 1988, 2.30 am.

I studied in Belfast for one year 1988 - 1989; then in Coleraine University 1989 - 1992.  I studied Geography and life - many, many great memories of friends and fellowship.

My journey took me to Wales, via Brazil for a summer, to train as a Geography teacher.  My plan was to return to Northern Ireland, but God has a different idea, and I have been in Wales ever since.

After a sojourn away from God's plan for me, I joined a great bunch of people in Cosmeston Church.  They showed me love, and God showed me Grace.  I was encouraged in the true spirit of barnabas, and grew in faith and 'wisdom'.

I met my husband Martin just over 4 years ago, and after a whirlwind romance, he proposed overlooking the Atlantic Ocean in Portballintrae on march 30th 2005.  We married in Penarth, and my church life moved to the Cynon Valley.

I am now living in Caerphilly, still working in Whitchurch High - which has really become a big part of my life over the last 17 years.  I love the kids and the thrill-ride of teaching them.

My intention with this new venture is to throw my dreams, ideas, quandries and musings onto this page.  Feel free to respond or argue with, but on the whole this is to be my catharsis.

May the lord bless us all as we endeavour to work ourselves out, and in so doing, be more baffled as to why the Son of God would chose to die for us...

God Bless  x

8.02pm 17th March - 

P.S. Happy St Patrick's Day