Tag Archives: U2

Far Away, So Close

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Things that appear beautiful from far away can sometimes be not so attractive when you’re close up. The cracks, blemishes, or trash around the object detracts.   Or sometimes, the closer you get, you see more intricate details and brilliant colors, and the true beauty reveals itself.  Here are two sets of pictures, far away and close, for you to consider.  Let me know…which is more beautiful to you, far away or so close?  Slainte, Lisa

Bray’s Head Tower in the distance on the far hill

 

 

 

 

 

Bray’s Head Tower up close

ring fort

Leacanabuille Ring Fort far away

ring fort

Leacanabuille Ring Fort up close

 

 

*”Stay (Faraway, So Close)” – U2, Zooropa

 

Stones Crying Out

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Stones are everywhere in Ireland.  Special ones, not so special ones.  Remnants of some great castle, and remnants of simple cottages.  Stones on the edge of a great sea cliff, and stones gathered throughout fields to contain the sheep and cattle.  The Burren is so filled with stones that you cannot walk two inches without stepping on one.

I have been listening this morning to U2’s “Gloria” and “Rejoice”.  Crying out in praise to God, making the choice to praise.  It reminds me of the passage where Jesus is talking to all those religious leaders.  The leaders are upset because His followers are praising God loudly for all His miracles that they had seen.  Jesus says, “I tell you, if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out.”  (Luke 19:40)

mizen head ireland

The stones in this picture of Mizen Head are definitely crying out to God in their stark beauty.  And I want to do the same.  Slainte, Lisa

Sweet, Beautiful Freedom

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So….I’ve been thinking alot lately about freedom.  What a precious gift from God it is.  Freedom of speech, to be able to state what you believe in, even if it may differ from someone else’s beliefs….freedom to play soccer in Sudan, to just be children while the country continues to war on…Freedom from guilt and sin, to be able to start again and make a new and better life.

Children in a refugee camp in Jaac, South Sudan, playing soccer.

Children praying for freedom from war.

Freedom is…………….you fill in the blank.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves by burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  (Galatians 5:1)

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free…if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  (John 8:32,36)

“Oh, sweet, oh, beautiful, oh sweet, oh beautiful freedom…” (Intro to Beautiful Day, U2, U2360 Live)

Contemplating, living, and always trying to love more.    Slainte, Lisa

For more information on these pictures and how to help, please visit www.savethenuba.com and www.persecutionproject.org .

My husband works for this organization, and I can vouch for their accountability and compassion for the Sudanese people.

And Past the Rocks, There Was a Meadow

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When I first look at this photo, all I see are the rocks.  Maybe a little water, but mostly sharp, uncomfortable looking stones.  As I take more time, the green comes into view, and a beautiful meadow past the rocks.  If I were there in that place right now, if I was patient and creative in my pathfinding, I could make my way to that meadow and rest and sit and think.

Life is full of rocks and sharp uncomfortable things.  But life is also full of beautiful meadows.  And it constantly amazes me that sometimes it takes the sharp rocks to make me fully appreciate the meadow.  Because God works like that.  He loves me, and He knows that I tend to take life for granted, and that I need to trust Him more and know that He’s there for me no matter what rocks I stumble on.

“And if your way should stumble along the stony pass, it’s just a moment, this too shall pass.”  (U2, Stuck in a Moment)

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.  He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.  He restores my soul.”  (Psalm 23:1-3a)

Slainte, Lisa

Singing a New Song

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I want to sing a new song.  Something different, something new, something that I haven’t sung before.  The biggest fear as a songwriter is writing something that sounds like another song.  Yet I’m surrounded by influences, music echoing through my mind all day.

So I guess you take the good, discard the bad, and try to put your own spin on the song the best you can.  And look above for the inspiration, for the creative spark which originates from God.

Here’s a clip of U2 singing “40”, based on Psalm 40, filmed at Red Rocks.  “I will sing, sing a new song.”