General Chat

Dear All

Hello

Thank you Wendy for your kind comments.


Now, a few words about our Cynthia.

For the last week, she has carefully guided us through the often
confusing and emotional events of Palm Sunday to Easter Day.

Not an easy task.


THANK YOU, dear Cynthia for your hard work and your posts.

Hope you have had a contented day and look forward to Spring with its beauty.


Take gentle care
With best wishes
Love Elizabeth, EOS
xx

Good morning :-)



Thank you Elizabeth - no easy task as you can image, but I hope it has helped those who joined me on the journey through Holy Week. I'm very grateful for your input and for your support. <3


As you can imagine, church was slightly 'manic' yesterday and it was lovely to see so many people of all ages joining in the worship. As we do not have flowers in church during Lent, it was wonderful to see the amazing arrangements which adorned the whole building. The whole place was simply vibrant with life :-)

In the evening, we were invited to our son's for a meal and our two young step-grandchildren were there, aged 5 and 6. I was mightily impressed as they told me what Easter is all about - they do not go to church but they attend a church school.

I had bought them Easter Eggs from the Meaningful Chocolate Company which contained a colourful Easter story booklet and the oldest one was able to read it very well indeed bless him.

I come home with a collection of Easter eggs which are not going to do my waistline any good whatsoever! :-)

For today:

God, give us eyes to see
the beauty of the Spring,
And to behold Your majesty
in every living thing -

And may we see in lacy leaves
and every budding flower
The Hand that rules the universe
with gentleness and power -

And may this Easter grandeur
that Spring lavishly imparts
Awaken faded flowers of faith
lying dormant in our hearts,

And give us ears to hear, dear God,
the Springtime song of birds
With messages more meaningful
than man's often empty words

Telling harried human beings
who are lost in dark despair -
'Be like us and do not worry
for God has you in His care'.

- Helen Steiner Rice

Remembering kandj and her husband and all those in need of prayer at this special time.

Cx :-)

Thank you as always Cynthia, a big task indeed
but you never fail to give words of comfort and prayer
to all who look in everyday to this thread.x

Good morning :-)


Thank you Emma - I do my best <3


I had a message from our friend JackBunion yesterday. He is, as ever, busy with one thing and another and especially during the Easter period. His little granddaughter is now 11 months old and a constant source of delight. How time flies - I guess it must be almost 12 months since his departure from these boards.


For today - Prayer for peace at work


Lord,

Be with me at work.

When I feel stressed, help me to lift my eyes heavenwards and breathe in your peace.

When I feel tried, help me to allow you to be strength to me.

When I feel irritable, help me to draw near to you and fill up my heart with love.

When I feel inadequate, help me to live in your grace and rest in the knowledge that you are with me.

When I fell down, help me to hear your voice bringing new inspiration and insight into my life.

Be with me at work Lord.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


How about a little bit of humour to start the day off? :-D



KIDS SAY THE FUNNIEST THINGS



HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?

You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
- Alan, age 10

No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
- Kirsten, age 10


WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
- Camille, age 10

No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.
- Freddie, age 6


HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
- Derrick, age 8


WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?

Both don't want any more kids.
- Lori, age 8


WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
- Lynnette, age 8

On the first date, they just tell each other lies, and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
- Martin, age 10


WHAT WOULD YOU DO ON A FIRST DATE THAT WAS TURNING SOUR?

I'd run home and play dead. The next day I would call all the newspapers and make sure they wrote about me in all the dead columns.
- Craig, age 9


WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

When they're rich.
- Pam, age 7

The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
- Curt, age 7

The rule goes like this: if you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
- Howard, age 8


IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
- Anita, age 9


HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there?
- Kevin, age 8


HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

Tell your wife that she looks pretty even if she looks like a truck.
- Ricky, age 10


Out of the mouths of babes........................................ :-D


Continuing in prayer for kandj and her husband and any known to us.

Love

Cx :-)

Remembering all in need of support and prayer x

Good morning :-)

For today:

Dear Child,


I heard you cry last night. I was there in the darkness when the tears slipped down your face and your heart broke within you. Did you think I didn’t see and didn’t care? Do you really think I don’t know how tired and weary you really are?

Child, I’ve been with you when life has dealt its bitterest blows. I’ve watched you handle all the sorrow and all the pain. But you are weary now, and I can see the broken spirit and the faded hopes and dreams.

Please don’t forget that I care. My touch and caress can restore and mend your broken heart and kindle the flame of hope once more within you. Let Me love you. Take down the barricades around your heart and lean on Me.

I am not tired and I am not weary and I have the strength enough to carry you if you will let Me.

You are not alone, and you never have been, for I am your friend and I will never, ever leave your side. Trust Me!


Your Friend,
Jesus



“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


When I was a young child, I remember hearing this hymn being sung by choirs and it has stayed with me ever since. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.



ALL in the April evening,
April airs were abroad;
The sheep with their little lambs
Passed me by on the road.

The sheep with their little lambs
Passed me by on the road;
All in the April evening,
I thought on the Lamb of God.

The lambs were weary, and crying
With a weak, human cry.
I thought on the Lamb of God
Going meekly to die.

Up in the blue, blue mountains
Dewy pastures are sweet;
Rest for the little bodies,
Rest for the little feet.

But for the Lamb of God,
Up on the hill-top green,
Only a Cross of shame
Two stark crosses between.

All in the April evening.
April airs were abroad;
I saw the sheep with their lambs
And thought on the Lamb of God.

- Katharine Tynan Hinkson



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHpYFZwVz6s


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Some more words of wisdom for today:


Exercise daily. Walk with the Lord.

He who kneels before God can stand before anyone!

The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.

The ten commandments aren't prefaced with "if you're in the mood."

A coincidence is when God performs a miracle and decides to remain anonymous.

To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world.

Laughter is life's shock absorber.

Live your life in the manner that you would like your kids to live theirs.

You don't have to attend every argument you're invited to.

The Bible contains the vitamins of soul health.

Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps if you are not willing to move your feet.



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

Just a quick "Hello" to all who are thinking of us and upholding us in prayer right now.
Our very grateful thanks to you all. It is helping us to travel a long and difficult road.

Special thanks to you Cynthia for your daily postings. Always so welcoming and spiritually uplifting too.

All in the April Evening brought back very many memories as this was sung in morning assembly in junior school during Lent and also this beautiful hymn was a favourite with my parents and the 78 vinyl record was often played on the wind-up HMV record player at home........ that was a lot of years ago, but I remember this tune very clearly and can recall all the happy memories from back then.

Good morning :-)


Lovely to see you kandj. You are still being upheld in daily prayer... <3


The Collect for today



Almighty Father,
you have given your only Son to die for our sins
and to rise again for our justification:
grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness
that we may always serve you in pureness of living and truth;
through the merits of 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 :-)

Remembering family and friends in prayer x

Dear All

Hello

A prayer for our sick and in need friends on GR:



"Dear Father, thank you for being with me in my time of need.

More than ever before, I need you to be beside me, your love all about me.

May your goodness, fill all the coming days with hope and help"

Amen.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Dear Lord, be with me through the hours of the night.

Let all my questions, problems and decisions be enveloped in sleep.

Be with me Lord as I enter the new day, knowing that you are with me always".

Amen.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sincere wishes
With love Elizabeth, EOS
xx

Good morning :-)

Thank you for our prayer for today Elizabeth <3


The Sunday after Easter is traditionally known variously as 'Low Sunday'; 'Quasimodo' Sunday; 'Divine Mercy Sunday and 'St.Thomas' Sunday.
Yesterday, we heard the story of the man known as 'Doubting Thomas', the disciple who was reluctant to believe without proof. He was shown the proof in the wound marks of the risen Lord, uttering the words "My Lord, and my God".



Four babies for baptism yesterday- four proud families, including one from Lithuania, crowded into church for this special service. One toddler led his father a merry dance as he went round 'exploring' the building. The dad managed to catch up with him eventually :-D


Love to all Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

For today:

Monday - Wash Day

Lord, help me wash away all my selfishness and vanity so I may serve you with perfect humility through the week ahead.


Tuesday - Ironing Day

Dear Lord, help me iron out all the wrinkles of prejudice I have collected through the years so that I may see the beauty in others.


Wednesday - Mending Day

O God, help me mend my ways so I will not set a bad example
for others.


Thursday - Cleaning Day

Lord Jesus, help me to dust out all the many faults I have been hiding in the secret corners of my heart.


Friday - Shopping Day

O God, give me the grace to shop wisely so I may purchase eternal happiness for myself and all others in need of love.


Saturday - Cooking Day

Help me, my Saviour, to brew a big kettle of brotherly love and serve it with the clean, sweet bread of human kindness.


Sunday - The Lord's Day

O God, I have prepared my house for you. Please come into my heart as my honoured guest so I may spend the day and the rest of my life in your presence.

-Anon


Remembering those in need of a loving touch, a peaceful word or a sympathetic ear.

Cx :-)

Thank you Cynthia......such an interesting, as always.

Let the Resurrection joy lift us from loneliness, weakness and despair to strength, beauty and happiness. ( Floyd W Tomkins).

Remembering all who are in need of prayerful support today. xx

Good morning :-)


It's lovely to see friends popping in and out of this page.......sometimes I feel as though I am talking to myself......(not an uncommon occurrence!) :-)

For today:

Dear Father in heaven, we turn to you.
Hear our longing, hear our hopes, hear our faith!
Our future lies in your hands.
Free each heart from discouragement and sadness over the many evils of the world.
Make us free from earthly things, free yet bound in spirit with you, O God.
Help us on our pilgrimage toward eternity.
As we walk with you, fill us with hope that the whole world will see the light, for in your light alone can we find fullness of life.
Protect us and bless us through your Spirit.
Amen.


Remembering those who are sick and in need of support and comfort at this time.

Cx :-)

I do sometimes talk to myself Cynthia, at least I get the correct reply lol.

I have just read a quote by Billy Graham which I feel is worthy of sharing here.

"We do not understand the intricate pattern of the stars in their courses, but we know that He who created them does, and that just as surely as He guides them, He is charting a safe course for us".

You are not really talking to yourself Cynthia. We poppers-in are listening, even if we don't reply very often.

Lovely to see you posting kandj. You and your OH remain in my thoughts. <3

Good morning :-)


Nice to see you both Vera and kandj... <3

It was the AGM at church last night....zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz :-D

Today, we remember St. Bernadette of Lourdes.

Hers is a remarkable story and one of which a film was made in 1943 starring Jennifer Jones and Vincent Price.


As a young 14 year old girl, Bernadette Soubirous had 18 visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in a grotto in the outskirts of Lourdes. Although, her visions were widely doubted at the time, her humility, truthfulness and modesty encouraged many to believe.
A few years after her reported visions, she became a nun and took the name Sister Marie Bernarde. She was later canonised by the Catholic Church. Lourdes has become one of the most popular locations of religious pilgrimage.


There is much to be found about her online and Lourdes remains a very busy and popular pilgrimage.

A prayer attributed to this remarkable woman.....


"Let the crucifix be not only in my eyes and on my breast, but in my heart.
O Jesus! Release all my affections and draw them upwards.
Let my crucified heart sink forever into Thine and bury itself in the mysterious
wound made by the entry of the lance."


Cx :-)