Today I share again this stunning photo which was taken by Eileen Kelleher from Ballingeary. It was taken at Gougane Barra in West Cork on Thursday with the lake completely frozen over. You had the added bonus of a very light dusting of snow. When you add in the shadows from the trees and the blue sky it all adds to a most beautiful photograph

The new video for the week has been uploaded and it is called ‘Let God’s love melt you’ (More below)

On This Day

On January 20th 1961 U.S. President John F. Kennedy said the famous words in his inaugral address: “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”

On January 20th 2021 On January 20th 2021 Joe Biden is inaugurated as the 46th President of the United States of America and Kamala Harris as the 49th Vice President, the first female, Asian Vice President. Amanda Gorman recited “The Hill We Climb”.

On January 20th 2022 19-year-old aviator Zara Rutherford became the youngest woman to fly solo around the world landing at Kortrijk-Wevelgem Airport, Belgium

Birthdays Today

Gary Barlow (Pop Singer) is 52

Saint For Today

The Saint for today Jan 20th is Saint Sebastian.  He is the patron saint of soldiers and archers and who was also commonly invoked as a protector against the plague.

Significance Of Today

Today January 20th is International Day of Acceptance promoting equality, respect and understanding

Interesting Quote For Today

“The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.” ~Brian Tracy

Did You Know Fact

Did you know there are parts of Africa in all four hemispheres

Video For The Week🎥

The video for this week is called called ‘Let God’s love melt you’ (The video for the week is updated every Wednesday)

Thought For The Week

We all know in talking about climate change, how important a tree is, in its ability to give out oxygen and pull in carbon dioxide. But there is also something beautiful and graceful having a tree growing in your garden, in a local park, in a wood or wherever.

There is a fable told about a beautiful tree that was tall, graceful and mature. Everyone who saw it could only admire it. During the spring it would burst into life, in the summer its leaves were a sight to behold, in the autumn it shone brighter than gold and in winter it stood solid and firm withstanding the cold and wind. And the tree chirped “I am so graceful and beautiful.” But its roots burst into conversation: “Although no one sees us we give you strength to be as tall as you are. Although we seem barren and hidden, we pull up water and nutrients. You as a tree are only as good as your roots.”

At this the soil interrupted: “My dear tree and dear roots, do you not realise that it is the soil which is so often taken for granted and the least praised, which gives you all you have and makes you what you are. Without me, you would not exist. I give you nourishment, security and strength. I am the one who holds you firm. Without me the soil you are nothing.”

And so the story goes on to say that all three of them argued it out. Eventually all of them realised that to find the balance, all three of them had to work together with each one as important as the next. The same can be said of life. Are we sometimes like the tree forgetting about the soil and roots? Do we sometimes feel off balance, without depth or meaning? Or do we strive for balance? For us this might be drawing strength and nourishment from what we believe in, from our family and friends, from love filled moments, from accepting each day as God’s precious gift to us, from enjoying the simple moments and treasuring the good news to be found in our daily lives. 2024 will provide lots of opportunities to help us find the balance.

The Thought For The Week is updated each Monday