I’ve just been trying to renew our car insurance, it’s slightly complicated (and expensive compared to the UK). Because we’ve only had insurance in Ireland for a year and we’ve full Irish licenses, but they were again only issued again about a year ago, we don’t fit into the right categories and I can’t answer the questions properly on the online application forms. I’m waiting for somebody to get back to me to check, because we have been given 75% no claims, whatever that means, for accrued driving experience etc but it isn’t given in years. The prices are also approximately double the UK prices. It’s swings and roundabouts in a way, because our property tax is very cheap. But the motoring costs over here are unreal! Tax on the Jimny for the year is about 500 euros and the insurance is about double what it is in the UK. Just some bits of info there, in case you’re thinking of moving here!
J is currently outside, he asked if he could go out and I readily said yes. I’m realising at the moment how good it is to have the garden and land we have and the freedom for the kids to be outside.
Feeling slightly removed from the majority of people who don’t have this. It’s weird, because 5/6 years ago, I’d have been on the frontline with the nurses and doctors and was living in a terrace, right up close to people (I miss you though) and now we’re out in the Irish Countryside. I’m praying this morning for the workers obviously, but also for people with addictions who may be facing isolation and temptation due to this. It’s so easy when you’re worried and alone to just get drunk or whatever your particular struggle is… I’m also thinking, I’m so glad about all this technology at this time! Aren’t you? I’m presuming the apps like zoom mean that AA meetings and support work can still go on in a way and it is definitely better than nothing. Personally, I am also loving that you can see and potentially take part in loads of different church services and meetings because of this technology. I’ve found it very interesting, to watch different meetings and worship times online as well. Rend Collective did one the other night and it was lovely. All accessible to everyone, as well! you don’t even have to venture forth into the scary world of church buildings and people. Brilliant. (It isn’t scary really, but I certainly thought it was when I first went).
Lastly, for now, if you’re creatively inclined and like writing, start a blog or at least journal! It is awesome. You can let out all your thoughts and feelings and it can cause you to examine them as well and see what you really do think and feel and believe! Even if no one reads it, it is a good thing to do. For me, it’s a real outlet and also helps with my tendency to worry about what people think. It focuses me on God and what is important. Think of it as a sort of psalm, let it all go and out and then come back to God and his goodness, majesty and sovereignty. If you don’t know Him, seek him. The bible says if you turn your face towards him, he will lift the veil. In other words, you will see Him. He’s there and He loves you with an unfailing love, real love. The love we all seek and don’t find without Him.
Now go be creative. Write letters, write blogs, draw, play drawing games with the kids, paint, get messy, cuddle up, cut things out, make crowns and masks, act out stories, do silly voices and silly dances, go outside if you can, sit in stillness and listen. Just enjoy the time together. And let them play, without interference too. We don’t have to be involved in every minute of each other’s days. Amen! Right, hope that wasn’t lecturey, don’t want to lecture, but I’ve been on a huge learning curve over the past year or two, so I do have something to add.
Also, I do feel there is really something in learning to be still, to listen, to just be, to seek and see God, to talk to Him and this is the ideal opportunity really.
(Ooh. Ooh, one more thing to add. Play music, learn to play that instrument you’ve got hanging around (in my case a mouth organ and potentially a key board) or just play anyway. It is so much fun. Christians – worship 😊. )
God bless you one and all.
Cathy.
The Shepherds Adventure 