This is my reflection for this year’s Remembrance which combines the Autumn season and the two acts of Remembrance that we, as Christians, commemorate together.
This is a video of the poem …
Remembrance 2020
Category: Video
Moving images …
Restore my soul
This song began life as a result of a mountain top (for want of a better word) rant at God. I had been feeling pretty low for some time and needed to vent some frustration at him which, I can imagine you thinking, was a bit arrogant and disrespectful. But I think there are enough Psalms and other parts of Scripture which show this to be something that God understands and, perhaps, even encourages if it means we are being honest with him. I believe he blesses such openness and does respond with grace and mercy. That was certainly true in my case as he put my grievances in perspective and reminded me of his unfailing and steadfast love and compassion for me, despite all my failures and inadequacies.
So, as Psalm 23 explains, he will restore our souls … if we but ask …
When there’s darkness all around,
when I walk on stony ground,
when upon my knees I fall
and I make that final call ...
Lord, restore my soul.
Lord, restore my soul.
Restore my soul.
When I feel so very tired,
when my worship’s uninspired,
when I lose my sight of you
and I doubt the things you do ...
Lord, restore my soul ...
When I long for heaven’s rest,
when I think I’ve done my best,
when there’s more you ask from me
and I cry, “O, let me be!” ...
Lord, restore my soul ...
(c) 2020 Graham Oakes
Nature’s Beauty
This started off as a music project for Charlotte who is in Lockdown with us and has to do various things for her schoolwork. It uses images from the walks we have been on and teaches her something about the way audio / video recordings are made … (not that I’m any great expert).
He draws near
I love this creative reflection on Advent … produced by King’s Church, Edinburgh.
Queen of Autumn – Jeff Hankins
A classic song from my songwriter friend Jeff Hankins … a growing presence on You Tube. Here he takes us on a lyrical journey through the Seasons hinting at their magical individuality, our absolute dependence on their timely attendance and how the whole cycle repeats – but never in exactly the same way.
All the horses
A little ditty composed and performed with Charlotte about our visits to the animals …