BLOGPASTOR – Page 87 – blogging since 2004

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Relish and rest

9 October 2019 blogpastor Leave a comment

Today I felt happy taking a long leisurely morning walking by the sea front. The smell of the sea breeze and its caress is invigorating. I savored the moment. I am in Spain. Never thought of visiting Spain, but here I am because of God’s blessing and invitation to the camino.

We also walked to the old town with its charming, beautiful old buldings, churches and food streets. I saw many tapas restaurants, cafes and shops. We visited one St Vincent church but could only peep inside as I was unwilling to pay three euros to enter. However I had a reminder that I am in God’s hands.

There were many shops and restaurants but they were scattered all over

In God’s hands at St Vincent’s, San Sebastian

Another of God’s surprises was how we unkowingly stumbled into michelin tapas restaurant and enjoyed an inexpensive late lunch.

We followed this up with a hike up a steep hill to where the huge statue of Jesus of the Sacred Heart stood. There I took some time to be in silence and prayed the Jesus Prayer.

After the walk back to the apartment I was tired and had a few hours siesta. I needed this so much. More siestas please!

Beautiful apartment at San Sebastian

blogpastor Leave a comment

We landed in Barcelona in the morning and after breakfast eight of us drove in two cars for about 8 hours to San Sebastian in Spain’s northeastern shores, stopping for a tapas lunch midway through.

There we would stay for two nights before we head down to Loyola where we begin our Camino Ignaciano.

The aparment looked old from the outside, but is well renovated and spacious inside.

The airbnb apartment had four bedrooms and a gorgeous seafront. We had our breakfast the next morning to the sound of waves rushing to the shore, and the smell of the sea wafted into our breakfast experience. Very refreshing.

Lance (spiritual director), Kae, Jenny and I.

Thankful for blessings of a pleasant and safe flight and car ride and fellowship with wonderful people who love the Lord.

Backpack on Sale – Thanks, Lord!

4 October 2019 blogpastor Leave a comment

I am thankful to God for this timely sale at Decathlon. I had been eyeing this good quality backpack for my upcoming Camino Ignaciano. I was not prepared to pay the $70 original price a few months back. So I waited and occasionally peeped the website. A few days ago, I saw that it was on sale at $50! Was I seeing things? Was it only available on line?

My wife and I were going Decathlon anyway to change a hiking pants that was too tight. So what a joy it was to see the backpack on sale. Bought it immediately with joy and thanksgiving.

In todays world of consumerism, waiting is a struggle for many. Why wait when you can have it now? Enjoy now with credit card and pay later. We want what we want now. Instant gratification is the rule of the day.

To wait requires holding back gratification of our demanding desires (often as demanding as Arsenal football club fans). What I found was that patient waiting is worth it. I experienced God’s fatherly love and great timing ( I fly off this Sunday). It is so sweet and special. Whenever I carry this backpack, it will remind me of His meticulous provision and evoke thanks and praise for his kindness.