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A Haven of Peace, a Piece of Heaven
The Bield at Blackruthven
Retreat and Conference Centre
The Bield Blog
The Bield we have started a new practice of writing a fortnightly blog for the website.
It is written by the Pastoral Team members in turn and each blog reflects on various experiences at the Bield and their spiritual significance.
Everything is possible!
Whenever I see a plant growing in an unexpected place, one where the conditions don’t appear to support life let alone nurture it, I am...
Bield at Blackruthven
Aug 16, 20232 min read
180 views
The Bield - An Incarnational Space
After completing my week’s work at The Bield, I often reflect back on the different groups of guests who have been with us and on how the...
Bield at Blackruthven
Jul 4, 20233 min read
187 views
Transformative Grief
For many years this tree stood in the meadow, dead and lifeless. If a tree dies in a forest, apparently those around it move and spread...
Bield at Blackruthven
Jun 1, 20232 min read
265 views
Signs of New Life, Signs of Resurrection
At this time of year, when I come back to the Bield after my week working elsewhere, there are huge transformations to be seen. A lot...
Bield at Blackruthven
May 9, 20232 min read
176 views
The Greening of the Chapel
Easter Saturday This Easter Saturday afternoon, Liz, our art facilitator, invited a few of our Easter Retreat guests and myself to assist...
Bield at Blackruthven
Apr 14, 20233 min read
175 views
Hidden Corners
By the bins at the back of the boiler is perhaps an area of the garden less often visited by our guests, and yet in this often-overlooked...
Bield at Blackruthven
Mar 15, 20232 min read
160 views
Winter’s Grip
The Bield re-opened to guests this week on a clear, bright, deep-frosted Tuesday morning. My car temperature gauge read -4.5 degrees as I...
Bield at Blackruthven
Jan 19, 20232 min read
196 views
A Special Delivery
At this time of year, when the sun is low in the sky, our stork stands tall and proud amidst the bare trees, illuminated by a lovely warm...
Bield at Blackruthven
Dec 27, 20222 min read
186 views
Joy!
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come!” “O come all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant.” “Hark the herald angels sing – joyful all ye...
Bield at Blackruthven
Dec 13, 20222 min read
136 views
The Season of Coming
Today at The Bield, we welcomed a group from Queensferry who go out and visit the elderly and the housebound in their community. This is...
Bield at Blackruthven
Nov 29, 20222 min read
175 views
Promises
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”...
Bield at Blackruthven
Nov 15, 20222 min read
187 views
Remembering
“Hmm, hmm, I want to sit, Hmm, hmm, a little longer, Hmm, hmm, a little longer here with you. Hmm, hmm, and come September, Hmm, hmm, we...
Bield at Blackruthven
Nov 1, 20222 min read
183 views
A God for the storms of life
I have just returned home from a walk with our two wet but happy dogs . In less than an hour I have experienced a range of weathers...
Bield at Blackruthven
Oct 18, 20222 min read
196 views
Celebrating the Sacrament of Letting Go
Under the canopy of the trees to the right of the swimming pool, the ground is soft and yielding; layer upon layer of autumn leaves,...
Bield at Blackruthven
Oct 4, 20223 min read
500 views
Sitting Amongst the Shadows
When we stand in the light, we cast a shadow. Light and shade are to each other as breathing in and breathing out. Some aspects of...
Bield at Blackruthven
Sep 20, 20222 min read
175 views
A New Season
The orchard labyrinth is one of my favourite spots in The Bield and I particularly love this wild space at this time of year when the...
Bield at Blackruthven
Sep 6, 20223 min read
215 views
Do Not Walk By Without Pausing
This past week at the Bield we had our first walking retreat. Jesus walked with his disciples, teaching and confiding in them; pilgrims...
Bield at Blackruthven
Aug 23, 20222 min read
252 views
Thresholds
I ’ve been thinking a lot about thresholds recently. These crossover points, places of transition, entranceways into something new, can...
Bield at Blackruthven
Jul 12, 20222 min read
296 views
The Bield - A Slam Doggerel
Today, 30 June, I step back from The Pastoral Team at The Bield. What follows is my reflection on The Bield after 25 years. It’s been a...
Bield at Blackruthven
Jun 30, 20223 min read
372 views
Noticing Colour
At our May HerSpace gathering we tried a contemplative photography practice called “Noticing Colour”. The women took went outside with...
Bield at Blackruthven
Jun 14, 20221 min read
153 views
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