I am

the candle of the Lord, says the Joy Webb classic.

We live in a world that is increasingly dark, a world where millions of pounds will have been spent this past week on decorations and costumes to celebrate darkness. A world that is filled with fear, with hate, with wars, a world where many go hungry and have no place to sleep. A world that can at times appear to have no hope. But the darkness shall not prevail. We are not alone, we need not fear the darkness.

In a completely dark room even the smallest of light can make a big difference. As the words of this song remind us we are called to be light in a dark world, we are called to make a difference, to be a candle of the Lord, to shine together to dispel the darkness.

May we be candles of the Lord this weekend and always.

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5

Eagle Lodge

After 2 1/2 years of planning, blood, sweat and tears, maybe some fire and certainly lots of prayer a new sensory garden has been opened at Eagle Lodge Care Home. This will prove beneficial to all, but especially to those residents with dementia.

Eagle Lodge provides care to 33 older people, some with dementia, who can no longer live independently. All  our staff play a central role in creating a positive culture where residents’ rights are promoted, ensuring they are active participants in care decisions. Families also work with staff to ensure care is best tailored to the needs of their loved ones.

Daily, residents can take part in meaningful activities with the purpose of enhancing quality of life and maintaining physical and mental well-being. Activities are designed to be creative and to stimulate thinking or memory, such as music, art, flower-arranging, chair exercise and walking. Other tasks support everyday living – folding washing and setting tables. Residents can also participate in organised activities from watching films to singing or enjoying shopping trips.

The care offered engages the whole person and addresses their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Residents and families are encouraged to make choices which enhance and enrich their life, to participate in activities which bring them fulfilment and to share socially which eases possible isolation

It is Well with My Soul

A song for the weekend.




A reinterpretation of an old classic - It is Well with My Soul by Stuart Townend.

What are your thoughts on worship music - do you like modern adaptations of old classics or do you prefer the originals?

Autumn

I was on holiday last week and driving home through the Lake District was struck by the lovely colours of the trees. Autumn - a time of change, a time when God's glory is displayed in the wondrous colours of the trees around us. Autumn - a time when the clocks go back and the nights get longer. A time for reflecting back over the last year and a time for starting to look forward to the coming new year. A time for change and for new starts.

The blog has been rather quiet over the past year - but that does not mean that The Salvation Army has been quiet over the past year, nor has the work of Mission in Scotland. There has been lots happening over the past months and we are aiming to start posting again on a regular basis.

So what would you like to see on this blog, post any suggestions you may have in the comments section below please.