What day is it today?

A few days ago it happened. I to asked myself, what day is it today?... And I couldn't remember! Wow, does this mean I'm truly relaxing or do I just have a dreadful memory? I decided not to mention this to Ruth as she was sure to conclude it was the result of the latter of my two conclusions! So I elected to engage in a little 'research' and discovered it was Wednesday. Armed with this information I was then delighted when later in the day Ruth ask me... "what day is it today"? I chuckled to myself as initially she pondered and then seemed so certain it was Tuesday! I had a temporary moment of triumph as ultimately she had to agree I was right! It was Wednesday!!!

So...our time away continues and I can honestly say we both feel very happy. However, early this week I read Psalm 4. As I worked through it and reflected V.7 jumped out... "You have filled my heart with greater joy".

Looking at the accompanying Bible notes something really resonated. We can experience an inward joy that comes from knowing and trusting God. Whereas happiness (whilst undeniably good) usually comes as a result of pleasant circumstances. Inward joy by contrast is steady as long as we trust God; happiness is unpredictable. Inward joy defeats discouragement; happiness covers it up. Inward joy is lasting; happiness is temporary.


Don't get me wrong, we're loving this time away and feel hugely blessed to be given the opportunity to do this. However, it's key Ruth and I also grow from this experience. It's more than just a long holiday. We have the chance, the space, the time to grow closer in our relationship with each other (and I'm convinced this is happening). But...what's even more important is we grow ever closer in our relationship with God. I hope and pray this break (from the sometimes mad and busy lifestyle we allow ourselves to be caught up in) will guide us by God's grace to truly experience the inward joy that He freely offers all of us.

Please forgive the rather 'heavy' start to this latest blog. I should explain writing a blog is my attempt to journal this time away and help me reflect on what is happening and where Ruth and I are going with all of this. What has God got in store for us? As Ruth said this week... "all will become clear". Nevertheless just writing stuff down really helps!

So what's been happening in sunny Cornwall? Well, it's been sunny, it's been hot and we've been discovering more and more of God's amazing creation as we slowly walk our way around this amazing coastline.

Over the years we've been fortunate to travel and experience many different countries and cultures. Much of Europe, Canada, USA, Africa, Australia, Russia (when it was still part of the USSR) and more recently Sri Lanka and Iceland.

It's been a privilege and a blessing to visit so many different places. But I remain constantly encouraged by what I discover in the good old UK and this part of Cornwall is no exception.


Wandering along from Porthleven to Praa Sands was spectacular. Yes, the glorious weather helped but it felt like we were experiencing the Mediterranean only it was much more beautiful. At one point sitting at our vantage point up high we spotted two young ladies enjoying a swim only to discover they were skinny dipping! You get to see everything in this part of the world!

We also walked from Praa Sands to Perranuthnoe and later completed another stretch of the coastal path around Hayle close to St Ives before visiting the wonderful Godrevy again. In between we had a wander round Penzance and delved into the back roads and discovered places of charm and quaintness, including a thriving tennis club with hoards of local children trying their hand dreaming of becoming the next Wimbledon star.

In search of a bargain we spotted an advert offering a cream tea for just £3.50 each at a village hall in a tiny place called St Erth. It was a charity event raising money for the local hospice. When we arrived entry to the hall meant handing over our cash at the door. Now we were trapped! Immediately we could sense this was going to feel awkward. Why...well...

...Cream Tea for us Hampshire folk means a couple of tasty scones, lashings of clotted cream, jam and butter plus a pot of hot tea severed on a table laid with a fancy cloth, bone china cups, saucers etc. with a posy of flowers. What we got was an IKEA mug of tea, a tiny dot of jam, clotted cream in a sachet, four tiny strawberries and wait for it... one bread roll! We were not impressed.

Apparently down here they call the bread roll version a 'Cornish Split'. However, to be fair this was an event trying to raise some money for a worthy cause. Whereas we were seeking a quality cream tea at a cut down price. As usual you get what you pay for! We live and learn and well done to the locals (who were clearly enjoying themselves) in their efforts to raise some cash for a worthy cause.

The following morning I glanced at my bible which was open at Philippians 4. The following popped out where the Apostle Paul says in 4:12... "I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether living in plenty or in want". God clearly has a sense of humour especially when I'm seeking a bargain cream tea!

During this last week as we've walked certain parts of the coastal path it's necessitated parking the car and then jumping on a bus or better still a train in order that we could cover more of our coastal journey without having to walk back the same way. I must say it's been really fun travelling on public transport for a change. In particular taking the train into St Ives was very scenic and quirky.

I was also delighted this week to take my Misses to a privately run cinema at Newlyn to view Chesil Beach. What a good movie. Ruth was also delighted that the management had a 'No crunching and no rustling' policy! See the poster...

We attended the local church this Sunday at Ludgvan. This meant hiking across a couple of fields in the morning mist. The church itself was rural community at its best. The congregation was surprisingly bigger than either of us anticipated. Even before we sat down Ruth was engaged with a little old lady sitting on her own. My lovely Ruth just can't help herself... her pastoral 'gene' simply kicks in automatically!

It was a family service which included an excellent all age talk from a very relaxed and informal Vicar. The people were friendly and there was a real sense of worshiping God.

Afterwards we wandered across the road to the well appointed church hall for a cup of tea and a home made biscuit before engaging in conversation with some of the locals. It's good to discover the church closest to us has some degree of vibrancy. I think we may make this our regular church while we are here.

After a spot of lunch we set off for more walking this time at Sennen Cove. As usual we experienced a spectacular coastline and glorious views. What an amazing creation we are privileged to be part of.

So there we are... almost at the end of our second week. Is this really happening?!