Ponderings & Poetry: Recent Episodes
Christine Porter
Ponderings and Poetry is written and presented by Christine Porter and is a podcast dedicated to her personal thoughts on life and faith through both prose and also poetry. The podcast is suitable for individual reflection or could be used as a basis for group discussion. Series 1: In and for the time of lockdown, focusing on various aspects of emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Series 2, 'Anecdotal Basics of Christianity': snapshot viewpoints of aspects of the Christian faith. Enjoy listening - hopefully you'll find plenty of food for thought.
Anecdotal Basics of Christianity, Episode 60.
This is my last podcast for now. Thanks for listening!
If you think this poem sounds familiar, you're right! I read it in Episode 2 of my first series of podcasts.
A year round, with spring in the air and lockdown easing, I decided it deserved another airing.
Hope springs eternal!
It's Comic Relief day today and so I thought I'd give this poem an airing - I wrote it in response to one of the Comic Relief trailers a few years ago.
As with the previous poem Today this speaks of the sad season that we are all living through but this time with an injection of much needed hope.
Many people are experiencing varying levels of grief at this strange time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I often find myself a little more nostalgic than usual at this time of year. Perhaps it is the need to review the address book in order to write Christmas cards that sparks memories.
This poem was written after I heard the news about my friend's death 5 years ago - actually we were distantly related, but over and above that we were friends. Her name was Zenona, but everyone knew her as Zenka.
I wrote this after listening to an episode of All In The Mind (BBC Radio 4, 3/11/20) that discussed the benefits of taking a 'walk of awe'.
6+ months on from our initial lockdown, this poem begs the question, 'If not now, when?'
I wrote this poem a couple of months ago and categorised it as 'yellow', which is the colour that I use for poems intended to have a touch or more of humour. But now I'm having second thoughts........ Have a listen and see what you think.
In memory of my dearly loved Dad, who died over 20 years ago and would have been 100 this month.
Our youngest grandson was 2 last month and I decided that was sufficient reason for sharing this poem with you. It's just a bit of fun and I hope you enjoy it.
PS Last year Zeb and his family moved to Thrapston. As you'll understand when you hear the poem, I'm glad I wrote it before they moved!
You may have heard this poem before as I read it in A Change of Heart (Series 1, Episode 3). I decided to give it another airing now, as it is currently pinned to a tree in The Highams Park, as part of a poetry trail. If you're local, please have a wander and a read. (The poetry trail runs (or walks!) until 30th September.)
When we are in receipt of blessing and good gifts, they are usually best appreciated when given out, shared around, for the good of others too. Failure to do this results in a stagnancy within us, a lifelessness - just as the Dead Sea cannot support life because there is no outflow.
But when the time was right, God sent his Son, and a woman gave birth to him. His Son obeyed the Law, so he could set us free from the Law, and we could become God's children. Now that we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hears. And his Spirit tells us that God is our Father. You are no longer slaves. You are God's children, and you will be given what he has promised.
Galatians 4:4-7 (CEV)
Series 1, Episode 12: This final episode in Series 1 looks at the issues of resilience and contentment.
(With a fleeting visit from Rebecca Raw.)
Series 1, Episode 11: This episode looks at the choices we have in relation to the way that we respond to other people and to circumstances.
Series 1, Episode 10: This episode looks at the subjects of anger and unforgiveness.
The poems Vengeance and Consequences by Christine Porter are included.
Series 1, Episode 9: This episode offers a little help for negotiating the ups and downs of life.
The poems Love or Death and Lost Opportunity by Christine Porter are included.
Series 1, Episode 8: This episode addresses low mood and depression.
An extended, biblical meditation is included.
Series 1, Episode 7: This episode considers ways of reducing levels of anxiety.
The poem Shalom by Christine Porter is included.
Series 1, Episode 6: In this episode the subject of protecting our thought life is addressed.
The poem Windows of the Mind by Christine Porter is included.
Series 1, Episode 5: In this episode the subjects of loss and grief are addressed alongside some possibilites for moving on from the place of emotional winter.
The poem Enclosure by Christine Porter is included.
Series 1, Episode 4: This episode looks at kindness as an important aspect of healthy relationships.
The poem Greetings by Christine Porter is included.
Series 1, Episode 3: This episode focuses on the transformative power of thankfulness.
The poem An Ordinary Day by Christine Porter is included.
Series 1, Episode 2: This episode looks at the hope of personal renewal and transformation, even when circumstances are challenging.
The poem April by Christine Porter is included.
Series 1, Episode 1: This first podcast addresses the importance of seasons of rest, particularly for restoring overactive minds.
Two poems by Christine Porter are included - Bottom Line and Beside Herself.