October 5, 2026 
Today’s Pond Photo…
Hi Friends.
Today was the first time I have tried out my latest album, Ensconced in Light, released on Thursday 1st October, playing underneath my VoiceVista blind navigation app while actually out on the trail. This was, in many ways, the real-world test I had been hoping for when I created the album. The whole idea was to make something that could sit quietly in the background while VoiceVista did its job, rather than competing with it for my attention. I am pleased to say that it worked exactly as I had planned. Because I only have an AirPod in one ear when I am walking, I could still hear the loud birdsong around me, my own footsteps, and, most importantly, other people approaching. That last part is particularly important when you are navigating a trail without sight. There is absolutely no point creating a beautiful soundtrack if it means I cannot hear what is happening around me! Thankfully, Ensconced in Light simply became another layer to the experience rather than getting in the way of it. Mission accomplished. 💪🏼
There was something rather satisfying about hearing the music I had created while walking through the very sort of environment I had imagined it for. And what is quite funny is that, whilst I was out on the trail listening to the album underneath VoiceVista, Sarah is actually at home working in her office and playing Ensconced in Light as a backing track while she works. So, at exactly the same time, my album is being used in two completely different environments and for two completely different purposes: accompanying me on a blind navigation walk through the countryside, while providing Sarah with some gentle background music as she gets on with her working day. I rather like that. It feels as though the album has already escaped from the little world in which I created it and found its own uses. For me, the journey is slightly more complicated than most. I am listening to VoiceVista calling out navigation markers, distances and information, while simultaneously keeping an ear open for birds, footsteps, voices and everything else happening around me. So if Ensconced in Light can successfully find its place in that rather convoluted arrangement, I reckon it should cope pretty well with most people’s listening situations! Hopefully you might (if you like the album (or YouTube Playlist), lol) play it in a place considerably less convoluted than mine. 😀
And perhaps that is also a useful reminder for a Monday morning. Not everything we do has to be loud, dramatic or immediately noticeable to be worthwhile. Sometimes the things that quietly accompany us are the things that help us keep going. A familiar voice, a favourite song, a walk in the fresh air, a conversation with someone we love, a moment of prayer, or simply knowing that we have made it through another difficult day. We do not always need something spectacular to move us forward. Sometimes we just need something steady beside us while we take the next step. That is certainly something I have learned through walking again after my knee injury. You do not have to see the entire journey ahead. You just have to keep moving, listen carefully, take the next step and trust that the path will reveal itself as you go.
MS Walk London…
And finally, because apparently I am only about a week (or two) late, here is a lovely photo from the MS Walk London event on Saturday 26th September! Sarah and I are proudly sporting our MS Society volunteer T-shirts, and she is giving me one of her rather lovely cuddles. I was actually stood at this very location earlier in the day doing my official volunteering duties as Security, guarding the backstage gate. Yes, you read that correctly… have you ever heard of a blind Security guard? 🤣 Apparently there is a first time for everything! Once my highly specialised security operation was complete, we headed over to the Start/Finish line where Sarah and I made it our personal mission to cheer, scream and make as much noise as humanly possible for the more than 600 finishers coming across the line. We wanted every single person to know they had been seen, heard and celebrated as they completed their walk. So,late or not, I finally have a photo from the day – and I think this one captures it rather nicely: me, my gorgeous wife, our volunteer T-shirts and a whole lot of noise in support of an amazing bunch of people!
motivational Quote…
“Whatever journey you are on today, find something that gives you peace, encouragement and space to breathe. Sometimes we don’t need to change the journey – we simply need a little something to accompany us along the way.”
Let’s ‘FitBlitz’ 2026 Together! 💪🏼
Sometimes, music becomes more than just a sound; it becomes a companion that helps us understand our emotions and find peace along life’s journey. Your post beautifully captures this feeling.
I’ve also shared my thoughts on how music connects us with our emotions and helps us understand ourselves in my article, Music Beyond Words, on Ashini. If you’re interested, I’d love for you to read it.
Thank you so much, Shalini! I love the way you’ve described music as a companion along life’s journey. That’s very much what I was hoping to achieve with Ensconced in Light, creating something that can quietly accompany us through everyday moments and give us a little space to breathe. Music really can reach places that words sometimes cannot. I’ll have to take a look at your article, Music Beyond Words, too. Thank you for stopping by iChristian and sharing your thoughts! Blessings to you. 😀
What an uplifting and delightful post, Steve! The hilarious detail about working as a ‘blind security guard’ gave me the biggest smile.
Thank you so much! I’m glad the blind Security guard made you smile. I suspect I might have to leave the high-tech surveillance and CCTV monitoring to someone else, but I certainly enjoyed my brief career guarding the backstage gate! There really is a first time for everything. Thanks for reading and for your lovely encouragement! 😀
O enjoy listening to new music as long as it makes sense
Absolutely! I’m the same. I love music that has a purpose and creates the right atmosphere without getting in the way of whatever you’re doing. That’s exactly what I was aiming for with Ensconced in Light: music that makes sense as a peaceful accompaniment to everyday life. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts! 😀
Love the site! I blog about the New York Mets, mets-madness.com feel free to check out my blog, this link is the correct one if you scroll all the way down on my blog you can subscribe, can you please follow mine too? Let’s help each other grow! -Mikayla Scotlynd Littrell, MetsMadness.
Thanks for the kind words about iChristian, Mikayla! I appreciate you stopping by and introducing me to your blog. I’ll take a look at MetsMadness when I get a chance. It’s always good to connect with fellow bloggers and discover what other people are passionate about. Many blessings with your blog! 😀
Nature.
Absolutely! There’s something very special about being out in God’s creation, listening to the birds and enjoying the peace of the woodland. Even without sight, there’s so much to experience and appreciate. Blessings to you! 😀
👍❤️🩹
Thank you so much for the lovely encouragement! Beatific blessings. 😀
Wonderful
Thank you so much! I’m really pleased you enjoyed the post. Blessings to you, my friend! 😀
Love the photo of you, Steve, with Sarah! A day well spent. Your music is refreshing and lovely. Enjoyed it, and the guitar, flute, and other instruments. A good accompaniment to whatever one is doing. Thank you for sharing. You have been given many creative talents that bless many. God is blessing you and Sarah.
Thank you so much Hazel, for such a lovely and encouraging comment! I’m delighted that you’ve been enjoying Ensconced in Light and the different instruments, especially the guitar and flute. I wanted to create something that could provide a peaceful accompaniment to everyday life, so it’s wonderful to hear that it has connected with you in that way. I truly believe our creative gifts are blessings to be shared, and I’m grateful that the music is already finding its way into people’s lives. Thank you for your kind words about Sarah and me, too. God bless you! 🙏 😀
Steve, you are welcome! Keep your music coming! 🎶
“…something (or someone?) steady beside us while we take the first step.”
Blessings always, to you and Sarah.
Hi Sue! I love that you picked up on that! Sometimes the something we need beside us is actually Someone who never leaves us. Our faith in the Lord can give us that steady reassurance, even when we cannot see the path ahead. Thank you, as always, for your lovely encouragement. Blessings to you! 🙏 😀
https://t.me/chrismitchell1342 that’s my telegram I’ll be expecting your message 🥰
I love the idea of a blind security guard! And you’re right; not everything we do or attempt has to be loud, dramatic, or obvious. Your music is so refreshingly calming. Like a cozy blanket wrapped around you when you just need comfort. Well done, my friend. And I can’t imagine a more celebratory couple than you and Sarah!
Thank you so much Dayle! I’m still rather amused by the idea of being a blind Security guard. I suspect my security career may have been somewhat shorter than most!
I’m really pleased you like the music, too. That was exactly what I hoped to achieve with Ensconced in Light: something gentle and comforting that can accompany people through their everyday lives without demanding their attention.
And as for Sarah and me, we do rather enjoy making a bit of noise and celebrating people! Thank you for your lovely words and continued encouragement. Blessings to you and your family! 🙏 😀
Excellent I remember reading your content when I was an😉 #expat living in #mainfranken @wuerzburg @germany I walked a lot back then I walked all over WUE and NBG Nuremberg that part of Europe has beautiful scenery to see I’m so sorry to have just learned you are blind I’m impressed with you brother I meant the author of this post not you the commenter I like the mapmywalk app by mapmyfitness
Thank you for sharing your memories of living and walking in Germany! Würzburg and Nuremberg sound like wonderful places to have explored on foot, and I can imagine there was plenty of beautiful scenery along the way.
Thank you, too, for your kind words about my walking. I’ve been registered blind for many years, so I’ve had to find different ways to navigate and enjoy the outdoors, but I certainly don’t intend to let that stop me exploring!
I’ve heard of MapMyWalk, and it’s always interesting to hear what other walkers use to record their journeys. Thanks again for stopping by iChristian and taking the time to comment. God bless you, my friend! 😀
Good man so you are, I live in an Assisted Living Facility in Central Florida off US Military Veterans Benefits I gave a housemate my tablet so he could enjoy the internet my telly has been hacked and I cannot access my apps anymore all I did was search “free government tablet” on YouTube and will recieve one in a few days
You are legally handicapped call or have a German call and ask HERZ IV and ARGE to see what you qualify for I make over $3,600 tax free for life and still qualified for SNAP a food card I can use online and in certain stores
Germany is annoying if you don’t understand what your allowed to have I’m certain you qualify for lots of stuff also contact the Rotary Club near you an