General Chat

Thank you Cynthia. I hope everyone is keeping warm and safe in during this cold spell.

Today is the feast day of St John Bosco. He was born in 1815 and died in 1888
If you have a few moments, please Google this special man and learn about his interesting life.

His aim was to help care for young homeless boys and I have the calendar each year from the Salesian Order which is still carrying out the good work that he initiated.

Good morning... :-)


Thank you kandj - I had never heard of St. John Bosco I must admit. I found his story and life very interesting. One lives and learns... :-)


Today will be quite a long service I would imagine. There are 22 youngsters and 2 adults being confirmed at church this morning. Probably standing room only, so my OH will give it a miss for this week :-)

The Collect for today:
The Presentation of Christ in the Temple

The Collect

Almighty and ever-living God,
clothed in majesty,
whose beloved Son was this day presented in the Temple,
in substance of our flesh:
grant that we may be presented to you with pure and clean hearts,
by your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

It was a lovely service for those who were confirmed yesterday. One of the candidates was also baptised before being confirmed which added an extra boost to the proceedings. As each person is confirmed, their family stands, wherever they are in the building, to support them. It was so encouraging to see members of the congregation stand to support the young woman, who has been attending church for a couple of years, and whose family is scattered around the country. Quite a show of solidarity :-)

For today:


Pray At All Times

When we're in need of guidance
Through times we cannot see
Just where we are heading
Or where we ought to be

When we need more faith
Through times that we doubt,
For those times when we question
What life is all about

When we're in need of comfort
Through times of so much grief,
Those times when our hearts ache
And we have so many needs

When we need a friend
Through times when we're lonely,
Those times when there's no one,
Just God and us only

When we need more power
For those times we're attacked
The struggle with temptation
Is one of Satan's traps

When we have His blessings
Abundant in our lives
When things are going well
And doors open wide

Through all of these times
In life that we go through,
One thing is very certain
In what we all should do

That we should never cease
From a lifetime of prayer,
For praying opens heaven's doors
And causes us to hear

What God wants to say to us
And the things He longs to show
So we can walk in His perfect will
Wherever we shall go.

~ M.S.Lowndes


Remembering those who have asked for prayer..... Cx :-)

That would have been a really special time in church and for the families too Cynthia.

It is forecast to snow overnight and has been bitterly cold all day today. Roll on Spring.

Thinking of all who are anxious and upset right now. Sending warm thoughts to all.xx

Good morning.... :-)


It's cold here too kandj but we are not forecast to have snow - at the moment. Roll on Spring indeed!


For today:

Lord,
You have called us to love,
To love you, to love others.

You call to us now,
To gather in your name,

Just as you call to your people
All over this world

And like them we gather
To seek you

To seek your will
To seek your heart.

We are here Lord.

We are called to love God,
To love him with every part of our being,

Every part of our lives.
That same God also calls us to love our neighbour:

Friends, relations, acquaintances, strangers.
Not just love a bit, but love in abundance.

So Lord,
Help us to love and help us to change the world.


Amen.

With love and prayers to our friends and our neighours. Cx :-)

It did snow again overnight here and yet again early this morning. It does look very pretty. Just glad we won't have to go out anywhere today though.

Heavenly Father
At the start of this new month
When thoughts turn to new starts and new beginnings.
As we look now into the distance, be with us all.
Take our fears and turn them into strengths
Take our doubts in faith and empower us through the Spirit.
Take the icy chill of Winter and remind us of Summer 's warmth
Walk with us all into this New Year of hope and opportunity. Amen.

Sending comfort and reassurance in prayer to all in need today. xx

Good morning :-)

Thank you for that prayer kandj, I will leave it as the prayer for today.


Continuing to remember those who are in need of prayer. Cx :-)

Remembering all in need of prayer x

Good morning... :-)


Four families faced me last night as I undertook the explanation of Holy Baptism to them - ready for their big day on Sunday. Hopefully, they have been given something to think about before publically declaring the promises involved. :-)


For today:



Prayer for Clarity

Lord,

May your words be like a lamp that lights my way.
May your love be like a compass that gives me direction.
May your truth be like a signpost bringing clarity.
May your peace be like a measure that guides my decisions.
May your hope be like a flag that declares I walk with you.
May your words be in my mind,
Your love guide my feet,
Your truth be a sign,
Your peace be a measure,
And your hope be a flag,
As I walk close to you at this time.


Amen.


Love, Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


We have lift off! Our new stairlift was installed yesterday with the minimum of fuss. It looks neat and works a treat! :-D

Some smiles for today:

The Sunday School teacher asked, "Now, Johnny, tell me, do you say your prayers before eating?" "No sir," he replied, "We don't have to. My mom is a good cook!"


A little boy was riding the elevator at a breathtaking speed to the 20th floor of a skyscraper. With eyes as big as saucers he asked his father, "Daddy, does God know we're coming?"


CHURCH SIGN:
Count
Recount
And then hand count -- your blessings!


Question: How many wives does the Bible allow a man to have?
Answer: 16 -- 4 better, 4 worse, 4 richer and 4 poorer


I know a friend who goes to a church that is so progressive that when they do the Christmas story, the three Wise Men are bringing gift certificates.


After preparing a sermon one night Rev. Mary Brown must have looked tired and worn out. Her husband came into the den to cheer her up with this riddle:
"What do you call a woman minister when she gets older?"
Answer: "Pastor Prime."


Quiz: The man who smiles when things go wrong is either
(a) a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, or
(b) has found someone he can blame it on.


Maybe the reason children aren’t taught good manners is that there aren’t enough qualified instructors around.


If clergymen can be defrocked and lawyers debarred, doesn’t it follow that:

electricians can be delighted,
musicians denoted or decomposed,
cowboys deranged,
models deposed, dry cleaners depressed,
laundry workers could decrease (eventually becoming depressed and depleted), bed-makers will be debunked,
bulldozer operators will be degraded,
organ donors will be delivered,
software engineers will be detested,

On a more positive note though, perhaps we can hope politicians will be devoted.

:-D :-D :-D :-D


Remembering our friends in prayer. Cx :-)

:-D :-D :-D

Thank you for surrounding me with Your favours as protection, with Your glory as adornment, with Your wisdom as words for life, with Your generosity as a gift of goodness and with your many blessings as a down pouring of joy. Amen

Wonderful words by Roy Lessing...... just too amazing to keep to myself.

That is good news to share Cynthia. The stair lift is sure to be a real help in maintaining your husband's independence and keeping him safe. The bonus is that it has been fitted quickly with little fuss.

Hello Emma, I hope that you are well and keeping warm during this cold spell. I am wearing red today to support the BHF.

Sending warm thoughts and prayers to all in need today xx

Good morning :-)


Thank you for those words kandj.


One of the hymns sung at last week's Confirmation service was 'In Christ Alone'. I love this modern hymn and was interested to find out that it is the nation's No.2 favourite according to a poll carried out by Songs of Praise in 2013.

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! - who took on flesh,
Fullness of God in helpless babe.
This gift of love and righteousness,
Scorned by the ones He came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious day
Up from the grave He rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath,
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand:
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

Stuart Townend & Keith Getty


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo


With love to those in need of prayer. Cx :-)

Thank you for the link Cynthia. This is indeed a beautiful hymn with incredible words.

I used to go monthly to a Christian meeting for ladies and a member always used to interpret the words in sign language. It was fascinating to see Laura do this. I "saw" her again in my minds eye whilst I was viewing this link.

I do miss the fellowship, praise and worship sessions which were always so lively and a warm greeting was extended to one and all. Hubby still is far from well and so this is the reason I am unable to join in now, but I never say never and I'm ever hopeful to join like minded friends again when I can.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and stress free weekend.

Good morning :-)


I love the words of that hymn kandj and understand how much you must miss the love and fellowship of your church.


Today is the second Sunday before Lent.......... Easter is very early this year.

The Collect

Almighty God,
you have created the heavens and the earth
and made us in your own image:
teach us to discern your hand in all your works
and your likeness in all your children;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who with you and the Holy Spirit
reigns supreme over all things,
now and for ever.
Amen.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


A young woman came shivering into church for the baptism service yesterday morning. "I'm freezing" she complained as she shivered her way down the aisle. Yes, well.....perhaps if she had been wearing something warmer it would have helped! Backless flimsy mini dresses are not exactly known for keeping the wind chill out! :-D


For today:

Shepherd-King
As I travel the road of life,
Shepherd-King walk beside me.
As I fall into pot-holes,
Shepherd-King raise me.
As I baulk at the rough places,
Shepherd-King encourage me.
As I wander away from you,
Shepherd-King lead me.
As I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
Shepherd-King surround me.


Continuing prayers for friends. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


What dreadful news about the crash in which four people have been killed. As I heard one bystander say..."It makes you realise how precious life is". So very true.


Gracious God,
surround us and all who mourn this day
with your continuing compassion.
Do not let grief overwhelm your children,
or turn them against you.
When grief seems never-ending,
take them one step at a time
along your road of death and resurrection
in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.



With love to all. Cx :-)

Amen to that Cynthia. Such a tragic event and so sad for all concerned.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of everyone involved is such a shocking accident.

Life is indeed precious. I have a poster which says.................

"Today is a Gift. That's why it is called The Present!"

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118 v 24

Good morning :-)


Our new stair lift has the seal of approval - from our grandson! He was most impressed and insisted on a test run :-D


For today:


WASTE NOT - WANT NOT

A song is never wasted,
If it's sung into the air,
It can reach many people,
It can go anywhere.

If it's a song of praise and joy,
That comes from deep within,
Be it loudly sung or gently hummed,
It then becomes a hymn.

A poem is never wasted,
If it's written from the heart,
True, it may expose the poet,
And reveal his inner part.

But it can provide for others,
Thoughts or words they'd like to say,
Release something deep inside them,
And soothe them on their way.

A prayer is never wasted,
Though replies aren't quickly seen,
God answers when He's ready,
In manners that He deems.

Prayers may be prayed with others,
Or whispered all alone,
Their style doesn't matter,
Nor their volume nor their tone.

And love is never wasted,
Though it may not be returned,
Better to have loved and lost,
Than not give love a turn.

To love one another,
Is the greatest of God's laws,
And it is His plan for man,
Regardless of man's flaws.

Songs, poems, prayers, or love,
None are wasted - no, not one,
Not all are printed or recorded,
And some are left undone.

But of all these fine expressions,
By far, love is the best,
No way can it be wasted,
It is the basis for the rest.

~ Virginia Ellis



Cx :-)

Cynthia my great grand daughter refuses to
walk up stairs, she likes my special lift as she
calls it....she will be three in April :-)


Remembering our friends in need of prayer. x