General Chat

I fully agree Cynthia that we all have something, however small, to be thankful for.

Thank you Vera. It is good to count our blessings and even more important I think is to remember others who are worse off than we are.

Both postings today made me think of the Count Your Blessings hymn.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS.

When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost.
Count your blessings, count them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Count your blessings name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God hath done
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their land and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold
Count your blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your Lord on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great of small.
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend
Help and comfort give you to your journeys end.

Count your blessings, name them one by one
Count your blessings, see what God hath done
Count your blessings, name them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Thinking of those who feel depressed and low in spirits tonight. xxx

Good morning :-)


Thank you for reminding us of that wonderful hymn kandj - we can use those stirring words as our thought for today. <3



Remembering our friends in prayer. Cx :-)

I woke up this morning with this tune in my head and it's still there, so I will share the words with everyone on here......(It just might go away then ha ha).

Several years ago I used to attend a monthly meeting for Christian ladies. Always a very spiritual evening with praise and worship and also speakers sharing their walk in faith with all in the room.. A young woman named Judy (who worked in local school for the deaf) used to sign to all of the hymns...... which was fascinating to watch!

LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

Light of the world
You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see.
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You.

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God.
You're altogether lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me.

King of all days
O so highly exalted
Glorious in heaven above.
Humbly You came
To the earth you created
All for love's sake became poor.

Here I am to worship etc.............

I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross.
No, I'll never know how much it cost
To see my sin upon that cross.

Here I am to worship
Here I am to bow down
Here I am to say that You're my God.
You're all together lovely
Altogether worthy
Altogether wonderful to me
Altogether wonderful to me.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.
(Desmond Tutu)

Thinking of all who are in a dark or hopeless place tonight. xxx

Good morning :-)


I don't think I know that one kandj - I will have to google to see if the tune rings any bells......thank you.


Today is Trinity Sunday - the Holy Trinity is one of the most complex parts of the Christian faith. The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit - often likened to an apple with the peel being God the Father holding it all together. The flesh being Jesus Christ and the seeds being the Holy Spirit which, when planted brings new fruit. All one, yet three in one. Like I said....complex.

The Collect for today :

Almighty and everlasting God,
you have given us your servants grace,
by the confession of a true faith,
to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity
and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity:
keep us steadfast in this faith,
that we may evermore be defended from all adversities;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever.
Amen.



Blessings to all. Cx :-)

Have a look Cynthia, it might just jog your memory but I think that Light Of The World is a modern rather than a traditional hymn. Thankfully, I have stopped humming it today!!

The Holy Trinity,is not very easy to take in even when we are reminded of the Triune God in Scripture. Your explanation is very simple but meaningful too,so Thanks for that.

A familiar hymn and one I feel may be included in many Holy Trinity Sunday services.

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY.

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee
Holy, Holy, Holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Holy, Holy, Holy
All the Saints adore Thee
Casting down their golden crowns, around the glassy sea.
Cherabim and Seraphim, falling down before Thee
Who was and is, and ever more shall be.

Holy, Holy, Holy
Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eye of sinful man, Thy glory may not see.
Only Thou art Holy, there is none beside Thee.
Perfect in power, in love and purity.

Holy Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
All Thy works shall praise Thy name, in earth and sky and sea.
Holy, Holy, Holy
Merciful and mighty
God in three Persons, blessed Trinity.

Sending a blessing of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Sending out a (((hug))) to those who feel in need of one today. xxx

My thoughts and prayers for those coming to terms
with the loss of a loved one.

There is absolutely no time limit on grief.
So don't rush yourself or let others rush you x

Emma, your posting is particularly appropriate just now. I have just had a phone call to say that my aunt died earlier today. Her end was quick and peaceful.

I had a feeling on Friday that I must write to aunty, so quickly dashed off a letter and got it in the post and my cousin said she received it yesterday. I am so glad I didn't put it off another day.

Holding in my thoughts my cousin and her two daughters as they cope with the loss of their dearly loved mother and grandmother.

Vera I'm so sorry to hear of your sad loss, may your
aunt rest in peace.

My deepest sympathy to your cousin and her daughters
at this time.

Oh dear Vera, that is such sad news. My sympathy goes to you and your Aunt's family.
At such a great age, there will be a place that no one can ever fill. What a good job that you sent your letter instead of putting it off, as it would then have arrived too late.

Emma, your kind words are sure to bring comfort to those who are bereaved just now.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5 v 4

Praying now for all who are grieving the loss of a loved one. xxx

Good morning :-)


Vera - so sorry to hear that your aunt has died bless her. How lovely that you managed to get your letter to her beforehand - I'm sure she will have been comforted to have heard from you. She is now at rest and her family will be held in prayer as they mourn her passing. <3


I think these words are very helpful at times....

Corrie ten Boom

“Life is but a Weaving” (the Tapestry Poem)

“My life is but a weaving
Between my God and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaveth steadily.

Oft’ times He weaveth sorrow;
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Not ’til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful
In the weaver’s skillful hand
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned

He knows, He loves, He cares;
Nothing this truth can dim.
He gives the very best to those
Who leave the choice to Him.”

? Corrie ten Boom


Corrie was an extremely brave woman, and she and her family helped almost 800 Jews escape the Holocaust in WWII.


Love to all Cx :-)

Cynthia, beautiful words written by Corrie ten Boom. I have read several of her books and am in awe of her compassion towards the Nazi's who took her Sister away from her, through atrocities handed out in the concentration camps!
A real Christian example, but I'm not sure that I could do the same as Corrie
did back then. An absolutely amazing woman - a real inspiration to us all.

"Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and
the handcuffs of hatred. It is a power that breaks the chains of
bitterness and shackles of selfishness". (Corrie ten Boom).

A thought for today then:

Whatever makes you upset; leave it.
Whatever makes you smile; keep it.

Vera, how is your neighbour's grandson please? I am thinking of you today. xxx

Continuing to remember all those in need of prayerful support right now. xxx

Good morning :-)


I have to admit that I hadn't thought of Corrie Ten Boom for a long time - until a friend mentioned her recently. Such an inspirational woman.


For today - words which I am sure we can all identify with.......


God made the world with a heartful of love,
Then He looked down from Heaven above,
And saw that we all need a helping hand,
Someone to share with, who’ll understand.

He made special people to see us through
The glad times and the sad times, too;
A person on whom we can always depend,
Someone we can call a friend.

God made friends so we’ll carry a part
Of His perfect love in all our hearts

—Jill Wolf


Remembering friends in prayer..........Cx :-)

Thank you Cynthia for today's posting. It brings to mind a wonderful friend we all can call upon 24 x 7. Reading from Jeremiah 33 v 3.
"Call me and I will answer you and tell you great and mighty things you do not know."

WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer.
O what peace we often forfeit
O what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our troubles share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden
Burdened with a load of care?
Precious Saviour still our refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He'll take and shield thee
Thou will find a solace there.

Mother Teresa of Calcutta wrote:

Don't expect your friend to be a perfect person.
But, help your friend to become a perfect person.
That's a true friendship........................................

Remembering people who have no friends near and feel alone today. xxx

When my little grandson has his clothing changed and lies on our big bed, he looks up at the china figure of the Virgin and Child, says 'Jesus' and makes the signing word with his hands for 'Friends'.

He's been doing it since he was about 18 months.

I received the plaque upon my First Holy Communion so it's very precious.

Too cute and gorgeous <3


Thank you to everybody that posts on the Christian Thread, I have just found it and am enjoying reading.

God bless you and a prayer for anybody that would like one this evening x

Good morning :-)


Hello Lavender - it's lovely to see you here with us. We are a small-ish group but I think there are others who pop in to read but don't often post. All are welcome. :-)

I've noticed that 'signing' is playing quite a part in the life of the children at our school - they 'sign' for all sorts of things - hymns, greetings and announcements etc. I get a bit confused at times, but do my best to follow.

Thank you for that wonderful hymn kandj......some of the old favourites really 'hit the spot'. :-)


For today:

This is another day, O Lord.
I know not what it will bring forth,
but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be.
If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely.
If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly.
If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently.
If I am to do nothing, help me to do it gallantly.
Make these words more than words,
and give me the spirit of your love.

Amen.


Cx :-)

'Today, man's world is reeling on its last legs.

Wars, violence, destruction, terrorism engulf the entire world. Half the world exists in ignorance, illiteracy, poverty, living in filth and squalor.

The developed half is sick with ill health, disease, mental stress, fear, frustration, wracked with crime, alcoholism, drug abuse, perverted and misused sex, broken homes, hopelessness in frustration. Mankind is nearing the end of his rope.

But even now, God will not intervene to save this defiant humanity from itself until man is finally brought to the point where if God delayed longer in intervention, man would annihilate himself.

God will not intervene and usher in the next world under the kingdom of God until the remnant of mankind has been brought to fully realize human inability to solve problems or bring worldwide peace in happiness and joy.

Man must be brought to realize his helplessness and futility without God‘.

#Excerpt from ‘Mystery Of The Ages’ by Herbert W Armstrong (1892-1986).

A simple prayer for children

Hold my hand, God, lead the way,
Help me be good everyday.
Let me know what's wrong and right.
Keep me safe all through the night.
Let me know what you have planned.
Lead the way, God, hold my hand.

Lavender, its good that you have come along to join us today. Your very welcome.

Dermot, your article was interesting and real food for thought. Thank you.

Cynthia and Emma, Amen indeed to both of your prayers today.

Little children are amazing and so trusting. Everything seems to be so simple and their trust is rewarded daily. Their little minds are uncluttered and they absorb knowledge like a sponge. We are privileged to witness such growth in them.
I sadly complicate matters often by wanting to do things in my own strength and sometimes choosing not to hand my worries and doubts over to God.
How much more easy life becomes when I am still and pass over my worries to God

And calling to Him a child, He put him in the midst of them and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven". Matthew 18 v 2-4.

Remembering all young children now, may You protect them from bullies and keep them from harm as You surround them with Your love. In Jesus' name. Amen

Good morning :-)


My goodness, some words for thought to greet me this morning :-)


The question of whether God is an interventionist or not, is one of the thorniest questions of the faith. I wonder when Herbert Armstrong wrote those words? I think similar sentiments have been uttered by each generation.

It is so good to read comments from others on here...thank you. <3

For today:

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as you can.
—John Wesley


Remembering our friends in prayer..... Cx :-)

Hello all. I agree that it is so good to see newcomers sharing thoughts on here.

The Wesley family lived in the Rectory at Epworth which isnt too far from us..
The building is now a museum and is open to the public and there is a very informative guided tour which is very interesting. The tea room sells a delicious choice of cakes too.

Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. It comes into us at midnight very clean.
It is perfect when it arrives and puts itself in our hands. It hopes we have learned something from yesterday. (John Wesley).

Continuing to uphold those who are in need of prayerful support right now. xxx