Wells Cathedral ~ Somerset

The sun was setting with a lovely glow on the Cathedral as we left Evensong and stepped outside.

Wells lies sheltered beneath the southern slopes of the Mendip Hills, and combines a wealth of historic interest and beautiful architecture. Wells qualifies as England’s smallest, and Somerset’s only city.

Probably the finest national example of early English architecture, Wells Cathedral was largely built between the 12th and 14th centuries. The Cathedral is famed for its magnificent West Front, featuring over 300 statues and carvings; the inverted scissor arches of the nave, and one of the oldest working mechanical clocks.

We left the cathedral on this road to find our inn for the night. We didn’t leave Wells until later on Tuesday September 17th after we visited the Bishop’s Palace and the Vicar’s Close. I still have many posts from our time in England.

Oh boy, here in the Seattle area we are still in a foggy pattern. We were waiting for the sun to break through and dry up the lawn but that was not to happen yet so I had to mow the foggy dewy lawn today to match up with the yard waste removal tomorrow. It actually felt good to get some exercise after sitting all weekend. I’ve got a dental appointment and a fun trip to Canada planned this week with our daughter Katie. What’s on your to do list this week?

Inside Wells Cathedral

We were hoping we’d make it to Wells Cathedral in time for their Choral Evensong at 5:15 on Monday September 16th. We were so happy that we did and enjoyed a very meaningful hour…

Evensong: (Boy Choristers and Vicars Choral)

Preces and Responses: Smith

Psalms: 82, 83, 84, 85

Canticles: Byrd Fauxbourdon Service

Anthem: Byrd Justorum animae

Wells had lots to offer photo wise so there will be a few posts from this Cathedral City. Next week I’ll continue with photos of the outside views of the cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace, Vicar’s Close, and the Inn where we stayed.

“Wells is the smallest city in England with about 12,000 inhabitants. It can call itself a city because of the famous 13th century Cathedral. It remains remarkably unspoilt and has many other historic buildings including the moated Bishop’s Palace, Vicars’ Close, St Cuthbert’s Church and a good local museum. The Wells Market Place, with lively markets twice a week, the narrow streets and an eclectic mix of building styles all reflect on the continuing development of the town throughout the ages.”

We are enjoying a very leisurely Friday and plan the same for Saturday here in the Pacific Northwest. Hope all is well in your domain…

Just One…

It’s hard to just show one photo from this amazing cathedral. I’ll be showing lots more in the coming weeks when we get back Stateside.

We leave England today (Monday) at 3:00 and arrive in Seattle at 4:30…so weird. Later this week we board a plane again to go to Southern California for my mom’s funeral. We’ve had a marvelous time in England and I’m so happy that this time around I have a digital camera and a blog so I can document the trip. I already am making plans in my head to improve our next trip here…whenever that may be.

Happy Autumn everyone! I so looking forward to catching up with you all.

What September Holds…

We are aware of some things that September holds for us and we aren’t naive enough to think we know all that it holds.

My mom’s life is still in the balance.

Here are some things we are looking forward to…

A milestone birthday for Dear on September 9th.

My parents 70th wedding anniversary.

(Technically they have already been married for 70 years since their wedding in Iran was in mid summer but the official date on their U.S. papers says September 13th)

A milestone trip to England with our son Josh and DIL Laura from September 12th thru the 23rd.

We know we’ll be seeing so many wonderful sites. I’m so excited to be going again with a digital camera this time. It will be Josh and Laura’s first time there. EXCITED!

Some of the planned events are:

Going to Old Trafford Stadium in Manchester for the Manchester United ~ Crystal Palace soccer game on Saturday the 14th.

A night in the Cotswolds.

A night in Wells so we can explore the cathedral and walk around the castle moat.

3 nights in Southwest Cornwall doing whatever we decide to do which will include hikes to the beach and St. Michael’s Mount.

Ending our trip with a weekend in London where we have rented an apartment home near Portabello Road. We will try to get in as many landmark London sites as possible and hope to be able to also see a play or musical.

Other things to look forward to in September after our trip are:

Day trip adventures with our daughter Katie while she is living with us for this new season which may or may not include tea. I’m also going to take advantage of Katie’s technical skills to help me hook up our new slide and photo scanner and for her to help me learn to use it!

Starting up our weekly Small group meetings again.

Our Fall Women’s Bible Study at church.

What are you looking forward to in this month of September?

Good Friday 2007

From C. J. Mahaney’s, Living the Cross Centered Life

Knowing the hour for His death is fast approaching, Jesus has come here in need as never before of His Father’s comfort and strength. Instead, hell – utter separation from God – is thrust in His face.

We hear Him cry out: Father – is there an alternative? Is there any way to avoid this? If there’s a way this cup could pass from Me, would You please provide that to Me?

Silence. We can see it in His face – Jesus receives no answer to this desperate entreaty.

A second time He pleads for an alternative to that horror of abandonment by His Father. If such an alternative existed, the Father would most surely provide it. But the obedient Son’s plea to his loving Father is met with silence. Why?

Listen to this verse again for the very first time: For God so loved the world…that He is silent to His Son’s agonizing appeal.

This is what bearing our sin means to Him – utter distress of soul as He confronts total abandonment and absolute wrath from His Father on the cross, a distress and an abandonment and a rejection we cannot begin to grasp.

In this, our Savior’s darkest hour…do you recognize His love for you?

~~~~~~~~

The following song by Stuart Townend is so fitting in describing what God has accomplished for us through His beautiful Son, Jesus. May God fill all of us full and fresh with these truths this Easter weekend and let us “recognize His love for us”. Blessings on your thoughts of Him!

How Deep the Father’s Love for Us

by Stuart Townend

How deep the father’s love for us,
how vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son,
To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss
The Father turns his face away
As wounds which mar the chosen One
Bring many sons to glory

Behold a man upon the cross
My sin upon His shoulders
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers

It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished
His dying breath has brought me life
I know that it is finished

I will not boast in anything
No gifts, no powers, no wisdom
But I will boast in Jesus Christ
His death and resurrection

Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer
But this I know with all my heart
His wounds have paid my ransom

The Happy Wonderer ~ ellen b.

To honor and encourage

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