You have turned my sorrows to Joy

 

You have turned my sorrows into joy,

My mourning into dancing.

 

You said 'My yolk is easy and my burden light'.

Anything carried in love is no longer a burden.

St Joseph and Jesus Icon

St Joseph and Jesus by Sue Orchison

This precious religious icon is a reflection on the relationship Jesus has with his earthly father and his Heavenly Father. Jesus and St. Joseph are returning from the Temple in Jerusalem, still dressed in their white robes. Jesus leaps out of the arms of Joseph and looks up both to heaven and to the Temple, the Heavenly Father's House.
The original icon was written by Brother Claude Lane, O.S.B., of Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon.

This icon points to the Resurrection of Christ - his white robes are reminiscent of the shroud - which is being unravelled.

The shoe recalls the passage when the Lord tells Moses to take off his shoes for he standing on Holy Ground.

The mountains in this image bow down to the Lord.

The image of Joseph is strong, confident and protective.

Spend a moment reflecting on this Icon of St Joseph and discover other gems held within.

Thank you Brother Claude for writing this image.  

Sydney Harbour and the Q Station

SuperCat Class Ferry - St Mary MacKillop

 Mother's Day was wonderful. Phone calls from each of the children and breakfast at the Bella Vista Café, North Head National Park Sydney. Bliss.
It was a truly magnificent spot. The views were breath taking.
Manly is a nightmare for parking - but once you find the Parking Garage the rest is easy and very entertaining. The beach is beautiful. And even in May the water is a very pleasant temperature. There were many Surfers riding the waves.

Q Station

 We spent the evening at the Q Station. A fascinating spot for a touch of history, mystery and very good food at the restaurant.

It is in the heart of Sydney, but sufficiently secluded to think you are out in the bush. It is surrounded by a beautiful national park.

Do put it on your 'to do list'.

Sydney Harbour - Magnificient

North Heads - Sydney Harbour



Panorama - Sydney Harbour Views

Bogong Moth

Bogong Moth



Bogong Moth Camouflaged

The Bogong moth arrived at the farm, at Murrumburrah, early April 2014 one evening and stayed for about two weeks before there were no more to be seen.
One evening there was much commotion on the back veranda and when I looked out the dog was having much fun playing with a number of huge moths flying above his head. They were the size of small birds. There were about 20 moths flying around the night light.
The following day I found a moth camouflaged at the base of a small tree trunk - very clever.

Wikipedia's reference to the Bogong moth is as follows -
The Bogong moth (Agrotis infusa) is a temperate species of night-flying moth notable for appearing in large numbers around major public buildings in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, during spring (late September to November) as it migrates to the High Plains. The moth's name 'Bogong' is the same as the mountain ranges on the High Plains i.e. the Bogongs, and may mean 'Big Fella' hence the name for the mountains, or it may have been the name for the Moth which has been accorded to the mountains as their locale.

Harden Gold Trail Festival 2014

At the Bushranger’s Dinner

The town of Harden/Murrumburrah was deck out in wonderful period costumes made by several talented ladies of the village. Margaret (centre) made the beautiful red outfit she is wearing and the other two outfits also. A Bushranger’s Dinner was held at the Mechanics Hall on Saturday Evening with a very lively Bush Band from Canberra which encouraged guests to take to the dance floor and enjoy the fun of old time dancing.

The Gold Trail Festival celebrates the history of the area - from the finding of gold, re-enactment of the attacks by bushranger Ben Hall and his gang in the 1860's, Cobb & Co coach rides, bush dancing and fellowship and fun.

Harden/Murrumburrah is on Burley Griffin Way and boasts of cafes which will happily cater for all your travelling needs.

St Joseph and Child Jesus Icon

Icon St Joseph

I have just completed this Icon of St Joseph and the Child Jesus, March 2014.

Tomorrow is the feast day of  St Joseph - 19 March.

He is our most wonderful advocate.

I can recommend his protection and help in any situation.

Just ask him and he will assist what ever the need.

I always give thanks and praise to the Lord the patronage and help of St Joseph.

Jesus Mary and Joseph I give you my heart and my soul.

New Icon of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

St Mary of the Cross MacKillop

This is a new Icon of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop which I have completed in March 2014.
The image bears the wattle to symbolize the oneness of St Mary with the people and land of Australia.
The wagon wheel represents the vast amount of travel she did in Australia, New Zealand and the world.
The movement in her veil reveals her energy in educating and caring for the poor.
Her right hand is outstretched in service and love. Her left hand is folded in prayer in honour of the most Holy Cross of Jesus Christ - Redeemer and Saviour.
The Cathedral symbolizes the love for the Church which Mary had always in her heart.
The Icon is in tempera paints and gold leaf.