As 2014 ticks away and we are gathered up into the embrace of
2015 … so often we are thinking of our goals, our ambitions for the year ahead
…
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| Happy New Year to 2015 |
… this year I’ve been struck by messages from the Queen, the
Pope, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa’s
new book …
We agreed the Queen’s Christmas Day speech was a good one –
yes it reflected British things, but importantly as head of the Commonwealth
she reached out beyond our shores to her people, and then there was the wider
audience of those who respect Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, as one of the
great leaders of this era in history.
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| The United Nations encompassing logo |
The Queen touched on Reconciliation, Truces, Sport as a way to
bring peoples of different nations together … the form of Reconciliation was
thought about … Ireland, Scotland, war zones, Ebola …
Then she mentioned “Christ’s
example has taught me to seek respect and value of all people of whatever faith
or none” …
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| The rainbow peoples of this world |
… with finally to the haunting sounds of “Silent Night” a
reminder to us all that “even in the
unlikeliest of places hope can still be found” as in World War One when the
Christmas Day football game in the trenches in 1914 took place, when the War
was meant to be over.
The Pope has not been frightened to take the bull by the horns
(I wonder if that’s where the term ‘Papal Bull’ comes from? – I doubt it!!) …
and to quote from Kathleen Kelley Reardon’s Big Think article “What ManagersCan Learn From Pope Francis’ Christmas Missive”:
“It takes
courage to stand up to powerful others who can make our life miserable. That does not appear to be Pope Francis’
concern. He knows the mission of his
church and has every intention of saving it from the hands of those who have
lost sight of why they’re there.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury was recently out in Sierra Leone
supporting the Ebola health workers … disease does not have any truce, nor does
persecution of Christians …
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| We can do more, when we are healthy |
This down-to-earth man, our Archbishop, who was a business
man, knows about leadership and reaching out to one and all … to lead by
example the peoples of this world, who are or who will be inspired by his faith
…
… sadly he has pneumonia and was unable to give his Christmas
Day sermon – a lesson to us all that our health and balance of all things needs
to be remembered too – in the daily fulfilment of our duties and life.
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| I just liked these phrases/ ideas / steps ... |
I will hold notes on Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s new book until
our Ubuntu post in February, which I am led to believe Michelle Wallace, Writerin Transit, will once again instigate next year.
Taking time out to reflect, to think, to read in different
areas will enlighten us the more as 2015 starts its journey … may you all have
joyful, successful and blessed 2015s …
Her Majesty The Queen's Christmas Day broadcast
The Archbishop's Christmas Day Sermon
Happy New Year to you all - may we have healthy lives, an easier time ... give more, need less ... see you in 2015!
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
63 comments:
A good thought to use for 2015, help all the best we can. I offer that smile to everyone I see. I think for many it can enrich their day and perhaps spread love to others. Have a great New Year!
Wonderful words from the Queen! We should all follow Christ's example.
Happy New Year, Hilary.
Happy New Year to you Hilary :-)
Thanks, Hilary.... Same to you! ALL the best for 2015....
And you are so right... never take your health for granted. I over did and now I am miserable for this coming new year. BOO..... But I hope to be well soon. LIKE TOMORROW.... I am having ten people over for a NYE party in my new place.......
Merry Christmas Hilary and a Happy New Year!
Such an enlightening and share worthy post, Hilary. Thank-you for your insights and positive outlook on the year to come. Happy New Year!
Sue at CollectInTexas Gal
We were talking about the Queen here at Bucerias while we waited for the shuttle to town on Saturday. I am happy to announce that everyone (Americans included) present reiterated how much they respect her. I'm off to listen to her broadcast. Hope you have a fabulous New Year's Eve, Hilary. Hope all your dreams come true in 2015, and I hope the new year ends with you having new dreams.
I thought the Queen's Christmas address was quite nice. I should call to tell her so.
Love,
Janie
All good Christmas messages....Happy New Year Hilary!
Hello Hilary, Wishing you a very Happy New Year.
I just wrote a lengthy message and it went up in smoke and disappeared. Blogger is misbehaving.
Looking forward to your thoughts and writing in 2015
Helen xx
@ OOTP – yes I know you help much around your community and that smile, the extra little help – all brings others to happier places and as you say so eloquently enrich their day.
@ Alex – yes those words of the Queen ring very true .. thank you ..
@ Annalisa – many thanks, you too
@ Michael – yes I hope an easier year ahead for many. Oh no – I hope a good night’s sleep in your new home will have eased you back into feeling better … but having friends and family over to celebrate the New Year in your new home I expect will see you through .. rest up for those early days … enjoy: that’s the main thing!!
@ A Lady’s Life – many thanks, same to you …
@ Sue – glad you appreciated the post and thoughts … I’m sure much won’t change but 2015 heralds a few new things a-happening ..
@ Joylene – it’s interesting how the Queen gets about!! Even in the shuttle queues into town in Mexico!! She is an amazing lady with impeccable credentials … she stands out, that is for sure … I’m glad you’ll listen to her broadcast …
@ Janie – you could ring her up – she’d have fun chatting to you and hearing about Franklin!
@ Paula – many thanks … and I hope 2015 eases for you …
@ Helen – that’s so frustrating – it happens to me sometimes and I go grhhh nooooo!!!! Thanks for coming by … and I appreciate your comment.
Today’s the last day – and here’s to a happy evening seeing 2014 out and 2015 in … a very happy year ahead to one and all ... cheers Hilary
What a nice year's end post ! I wish you a very happy New Year !
I also thought the Queen gave a very moving speech. The fact that the German and British soldiers had an unofficial "cease fire" on Christmas Day during WWI was astounding. Looking forward to more of your enlightening stories in 2015! Have a happy & healthy New Year, Hilary!
Julie
Happy New Year's Eve!
Wonderful post to end this year with, thank you, Hilary.
I wish you a wonderful and blessed 2015 ... cheers ...
Happy New Year, Hilary. I hope lots of interesting and entertaining things come your way in 2015.
A very happy new year to you too. ...even in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found...absolutely. Hope the new year takes you those exact places where you want to be. :-)
There is so much bad news out there, thank you for reminding us that we can look to our world leaders for change and hope!
Happy New Year, Hilary. Take care.
You have eloquently reminded us of what is important in life-love and respect for each other and of course, good health. Happy New Year Hilary.
A lovely post, Hilary. I am so glad to know these leaders who carry so much influence are speaking and working for what is simply right. Happy New Year to you and yours! I hope 2015 brings you only good things. x
It is wonderful to be inspired by strong leaders who empower people to be better towards each other. A message that if followed, will really help make the world a better place. We can each do our part by showing extra kindness to those around us. :)
Wishing you a very Happy New Year! May you feel sunshine on your face, be blessed with good health, and enjoy lots of laughs with loved ones.
~Jess
i like the breath of fresh air pope francis has brought in. i hope we have more freely thinking leaders in the future. happy new year, hilary!
Happy New Year!
I do like that list of 7. I have seen it recently on Tumblr, I think. I definitely have been taking them all to heart, complain less appreciate more is just a little thing but adds up to good feelings all around. Also great for feeling, not thinking and over-thinking. And acceptance -- can bring a real peace of mind. All good.
Papal Bull, I wonder about that too.
Was just thinking about Ebola today, hope they are getting to research a cure, as it's a real concern.
Love and light to you, my dear.
xooxoxoxo
Happy New Year to you, Hilary. The Pope seems to really be doing the work of God and not just seeing the world through the lens of his church. Looking back on the year, the world has had so many chances to come together and find disease, terror and poverty. I hope we all do better in 2015.
@ Gattina - many thanks …
@ Julie – I’m glad you were able to listen to the Queen .. and that unofficial “cease fire” in WW1 is a wonderful story isn’t it … and thank you re my postings …
@ Vanessa – you too .. have fun
@ Margie – thanks so much .. glad the thoughts were appreciated …
@ Patsy – thanks for your wishes .. and I too hope the same as you suggest in the year ahead!!
@ Nila – yes, even in the unlikeliest of places hope can still be found .. I hope more can be found in 2015 … and yes let’s go to those happy places …
@ Dianne – the news about life going on in the world is dreadful .. I hope more leaders step up to the plate … encouraging peace, hope and giving charity …
@ Bob – many thanks .. good to see you …
@ Beste – thanks so much … I covered some bases and let’s hope 2015 is an improvement …
@ Val – glad the post resonated – and yes I enjoyed the thoughtful Christmas messages from our Queen, the Pope and our Archbishop …
@ Jess – you’re right we need everyone to follow those messages don’t we – not just forget them after a few days. Glad you picked up the theme and will show that extra kindness to others ..
@ TWG – I agree Pope Francis has been a breath of fresh air, as too Justin Welby, our Archbishop of Canterbury … freedom of thought with care and preservation of others …
@ Jannie – how lovely to see you here … and I too had to put that list of 7 in … and I’ll keep checking in here to remind myself about them …
Papal Bull – I must check it out … tomorrow (now!) … sadly we seem to have Ebola here .. it crept in, but I don’t think it will spread …
@ Susan - good to see you ... and yes the Pope does seem to be working for humanity and not just his Church ... I sincerely hope, that like you, we all do better in 2015
Cheers everyone – Happy New Year, Happy and successful 2015s ahead .. and as Jannie says … Love and Light to us all … Hilary
Thanks for the link to the Queen's Speech, I missed it this year. Meant to look for it but never got around to it. I do so wish the things she and the other world leaders talk about would come to pass. However, I wish you a very Happy New Year Hilary and a wonderful 2015.
I loved the Queen's speech and was also struck by her reference to Christ's example of respect and value for all irrespective of religion race etc ...
Thank you for providing the links to your Archbishop's Christmas Day message Hilary and for the link to the Pope's Missive - I will check them out.
And a very happy New Year to you Hilary!
Dear Hilary, I wish you a Happy New Year filled with joy. Thank you for being such a wonderful blogging friend, and for writing amazingly beautiful and positive posts, such as this one. Of the people you mentioned above, the pope made the biggest impression on me. It's nice to see, however, that the British people love their queen, as it should be the case.
Hugs to you. Wishing you and yours the best as we ring in the new year.
Love,
Silvia.
Hilary, Happy New Year my friend. Wishing you a joy and happiness.
Happy New Year to you and your family, Hilary!
Happy New Year Hilary!!! Best wishes to you and your family!!! May 2015 make all your wishes and dreams come true :)
Happy New Year Hilary!!!
Happy New Year and wishing you all the best for 2015!
Dear Hilary - Happy New Year.
Thank you for your unstinted support over at Pearson Report. You are a very special blogger and I'm sincerely appreciative of your kind comments and regular visits.
I hope 2015 if brings good health and much happiness to your life. You deserve it.
With warmest wishes, tight hugs, and big smiles, Jenny xo
@ Jo – I know if we could achieve some of the leaders’ really ‘simple’ ideas the world would be an easier place …
@ Susan – good to know you checked out the Queen’s speech and that you’ll look in at the others … yes the ‘respect and value for all irrespective of religion, race etc’ that the Queen referred to is such an important message …
@ Silvia – pleasure … the Pope’s words and thoughts have been humbly impressive … and many do love our Queen. Good to see you …
@ Mason – many thanks ..
@ Michelle – good to see you and yes a very happy New Year
@ Charan – good to see you .. and let’s fulfil our dreams – good idea for 2015
@ Lynn – thank you ..
@ Nas – good to see you …
@ Jenny – it’s good to read your news and see what’s happening a la Pearson household.
Thanks to you all .. as you all would wish .. all the very best for 2015 in all aspects of your lives … cheers Hilary
What a nice and positive new year post. We need more leaders speaking like this. There's so much negativity from leaders, especially in the US.
Happy New Year, Hilary.
A wonderfully inspired post as always, Hilary. Happy New Year.
Very thought provoking, Hilary.
Happy New Year. I also hope you have a wonderful 2015 which gives many moments of joy, peace and love.
So pleased you 'knew' me from the voice, thought it would be more personal to add in this way. I shall read some of my poetry and stories, anything to increase visibility, but fun too.
Happy New Year! May 2015 be a wonderful year for you.
Happy New Year!!!
Happy new year to you too! May 2015 be a fabulous year for all of us.
Hilary, Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year, Hilary! I hope you thoroughly enjoy each month of 2015!
@ Theresa – thanks, all their messages resonated and I agree there’s so much negativity spoken and given out by the media … reported actual or contorted to suit … there's something positive to think by each of these leaders ...
@ Carole – we need some inspiration around us .. with all the challenges others are facing. Yes … your video voice sort of made sense and it definitely makes it more personal .. good luck with your story and poetry telling … and as you say changes up the options for us all …
@ Madeleine – I’m glad you were able to relate to my thoughts put across …
@ Murees, Tyrean, Christine, Susanne and Betsy .. you all have brilliant years ahead … and as Betsy – each month at a time …
Happy New Year to you all – here’s to much happiness from me to you .. cheers Hilary
I agree with you, Hilary. There were some inspiring Christmas messages this year. It's a pity that the world doesn't seem to want to listen. Maybe this year will be a peaceful one. Well we can all hope, can't we! Happy new year, Hilary x
I too hope to give more and need less this year. An inspiring message full of inspiring messages from those who "lead" us. What a great post to end one year and begin another...!
Happy New Year, Hilary! Noting your comment about the Christmas day football game in the trenches, I thought you might enjoy this: http://www.josieholford.com/a-day-of-perfect-peace/ I am sorry to be such a poor correspondent. I've been trying to cut back on internet time, so I just don't get over here the way I once did. But I'm very glad you're out there, with your inspirations and stories, which so many enjoy!
What a lovely and uplifting post to usher in the new year. Thank you. I think Pope Francis is a breath of fresh air, and his brand of humility and compassion is a much-needed commodity in this world, regardless of one's beliefs.
Happy New Year! May 2015 lead you to even more wonderful adventures, discoveries, and surprises. (Which you, of course, will share with US...)
Happy New Year, Hil. What a much needed post for the world as we enter a new and fresh year. I wish the world could read it. It would cure a lot of ills. The persecuted church represents one of my everyday prayers and chats with God. BLESS them. They give their all for Him. I hope 2015 takes you on more travels. I have lots more to learn from you. xoxoxo
Hi Hilary,
Once again, I'm beyond fashionably late. My latest excuse is that my computer has just about given up. It's heartening to know that I could actually get your site to load in less than ten minutes.
In a year of extreme variety, tragedy and hope, the messages noted by you were a glowing reminder that we can make this new year a year of determined resilience and compassion within the wondrous diversity.
Thank you, dear Hilary. A peaceful, positive 2015.
Gary
I love the saying you have here with the penguins, those are words to live by. :)
Happy New Year to you!! I wish you a great 2015, and look forward to reading your upcoming posts.
@ Ros – yes the Christmas messages resonated through – and let’s hope the world will start to listen … but so many are just desperate for a life, let alone thoughts --- it is so tragic. We can as you say certainly hope …
@ Lisa – thanks .. giving more, even in time and a happy space – smiling through, will help so many others … glad the post inspired you ..
@ Susan – how lovely to see you .. and yes thank you for the link across – interesting notings that Josie made on the various diary entries for WW1 … seems strange seeing the date entered as 25.12.14 – but meaning 1914. It must have an horrendous time for one and all.
No worries re getting here … blogging is like that and I can quite understand you wanting to cut back and to spend more time with your music, art and poetry/literature – and I enjoy my visits over and my learning …
@ Susan – that’s great … it’s certainly a post I can come back to re-read and remember the three Christmas messages of hope and compassion, springing from their humility … as you say a much-needed commodity for all humanity in this world. I am sure I’ll be around and will be sharing other thoughts and posts!
@ Robyn – thanks … I appreciate your thoughts here … and the world needs all the freedom of thought, and care of all peoples we can spread … we are in a tough place right now for bringing peace to many in this world. I’m not sure I’ll be travelling much .. but I will be around and posting – so pleased you enjoy your visits …
@ Gary – you’ve had such a lot going on and if the dreaded machine is conking out – that’s a pain I know about. I hope you can find your way to getting a newer machine, that doesn’t give you so many problems.
The world is in a mess … which seems to get messier everyday – I do feel for so many and exactly as you mention this is a glowing reminder that we can make the year ahead one of determined resilience and compassion within the wondrous diversity of our peoples.
@ Rosey – other people are so clever with their words and images .. but I’m delighted to find them, put them up on the blog and to inspire others … they are words to live by, aren’t they …
Thanks to you all .. so good to read your comments and know you enjoy your visits – Happy New Year .. as the year really does begin … each day is a gift … Hilary
Have a good 2015 Hilary!
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Happy New Year, Hilary!! Wishing you all the best.
What a lovely and thoughtful post. Happy New Year Hilary!
Hilary, Give more and need less, I like that. Happy New year to you and yours and may 2015 be the best year so far.
Your queen always impresses me and the Pope is a refreshing wind in that Catholic church. I'm rooting for both of them. Hope your new year is another wonderful one, Hilary. Any fun in store for us like last year? I want another Pond Pudding moment to enjoy.
Happy 2015 to you, Hilary. I've always loved that World War 1 Christmas story, so touching. And the hope quote is such a perfect fit for it.
@ Bazza - many thanks ...
@ Nicola - thank you and you too ...
@ Sarah - good for you ... for thinking about the messages given by these leaders ...
@ Stephen - Give more and need less ... I definitely need less ... and thank you - I too hope your 2015 will be fruitful and happy ...
@ Lee - we are lucky with these leaders and thought provokers ... Yes we should have another Pond Pudding Moment shouldn't we .. I'll check into it ...
@ Julie ... the WW1 Christmas story is amazing isn't it .. but it seemed to happen along the trenches - just dreadful no-one had the sense to get it to last ... and thank you re the hope quote ... it does fit doesn't it ..
Happy 2015 to you all .. nearly a week in already! Where does the time go? Cheers Hilary
These are all good messages to start the new year, Hilary.
Happy 2015!
Happy blogging!
Thanks Julia .. it's good to have references to thoughts that trigger us to think about life and how we need to be in it ... good to see you - Have a very good year too - cheers Hilary
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