Lent - 19

We have now arrived at Dornie and take our Sabbath rest at Eilean Donan Castle. Dornie is a small former fishing village in the Kintail district in western Ross-shire Highlands of Scotland, with a population of 360 at the time of the last census. It is near the meeting point of Loch Duich, Loch Alsh and Loch Long.

The A87, the main road to Skye, passes just outside the village. Before the construction of the bridge, the main road passed through the centre of the village and crossed Loch Long via a short ferry ride. Amongst bagpipers, the tune Dornie Ferry is very popular.

Eilean Donan is a famous castle on a nearby island. The village itself runs alongside the water hosting a variety of village homes, one tiny shop, a hotel and two bars.



Then the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness will spread over Egypt—darkness that can be felt." So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days. No one could see anyone else or leave his place for three days. Yet all the Israelites had light in the places where they lived. Then Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, "Go, worship the LORD. Even your women and children may go with you; only leave your flocks and herds behind."

But Moses said, "You must allow us to have sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the LORD our God. Our livestock too must go with us; not a hoof is to be left behind. We have to use some of them in worshiping the LORD our God, and until we get there we will not know what we are to use to worship the LORD."

But the LORD hardened Pharaoh's heart, and he was not willing to let them go. Pharaoh said to Moses, "Get out of my sight! Make sure you do not appear before me again! The day you see my face you will die."

"Just as you say," Moses replied, "I will never appear before you again." (Exodus 10.21-29)

Father, hear the prayer we offer:
not for ease that prayer shall be,
but for strength, that we may ever
live our lives courageously.

Not for ever in green pastures
do we ask our way to be ;
but the steep and rugged pathway
may we tread rejoicingly.

Not forever by still waters
would we idly rest and stay;
but would smite the living fountains
from the rocks along our way.

Be our strength in hours of weakness,
in our wanderings be our Guide;
through endeavour, failure, danger,
Father, be thou at our side.

Words: L Maria Willis, 1864

Happy Sunday!