General Chat

I remember being on duty many times in our church during the baptism services and the bonus was to have a hold and cuddle of the little ones. A truly special event for all.

One Lord, one faith one baptism.
One God and Father of all,
who is over all and through all
and in all. Ephesians 4 :5

Thinking of all awaiting hospital investigation results. xx

Good morning :-)

Oh my word! We had some lively youngsters in church yesterday so much so, that they began to run a bit wild :-( I don't blame the little ones, but sometimes wish that parents had more control over their offspring. Up and down the aisles, into the sanctuary, round the altar, alongside the choir... into the vestry........at that point, I decided that enough was enough and quietly went up to the altar and asked the mum if she could please make sure the child didn't go into the sanctuary as it is a very special place. Apart from the respect we offer to the area, there are also lit candles which could be pulled off and hurt the child. I was worn out :-D



Today marks the centenary of the death of Nurse Edith Cavell the World War I British nurse who is celebrated for saving the lives of soldiers in Brussels from all sides without distinction. She and Belgian and French colleagues helped over 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium.

She was arrested, tried with 33 others by a German military court, found guilty of ‘assisting men to the enemy’ and shot by a German firing squad on October 12 1915.

The day before her death, she is quoted as saying....

"Standing as I do in view of God and eternity, I realise that patriotism is not enough.
I must have no hatred or bitterness towards anyone."


We remember this remarkably brave woman with thanksgiving.



Cx :-)

Good Morning All

Cynthia, I remember a time when a Pram Club was held in our church. Mums and toddlers used to come along for stories of Jesus and sing-songs. Each Tuesday was absolute chaos for the 2 hour sessions. Mums chattered to themselves, totally ignoring their little ones whilst we "helpers" were never still, making sure the tiny tots were not in danger or the church wrecked!!

We encouraged Mums to bring the children along to our regular Sunday family services and a few did make the effort and join us but the children ran amok during the whole service, which spoiled it for others. I never blamed the children as they saw church as a place to run around and shout in, but I do understand exactly how you were feeling though.... been there.... done that..... many, many times in the past.

I can remember reading books in school (very many years ago) of the life of Nurse Edith Cavell and the brave work she carried out, each and every day of her life.

"Nothing but physical impossibility, lack of space and money would make me close my doors to Allied refugees" Edith Cavell.

We could all learn from this amazing lady, even now.

Good morning :-)


I do wonder why this happens with some people in church I mean, they wouldn't be very popular if they allowed their children to run amok in the theatre or at the pictures..

:-S

For today:

A Friend is a Gift From God

Among the great and glorious
gifts our heavenly Father sends
Is the gift of understanding that
we find in loving friends...
For somehow in the generous
heart of loving, faithful friends,
The good God in His charity
and wisdom always sends
A sense of understanding
and the power of perception
And mixes these fine qualities
with kindness and affection...
So when we need some sympathy
or a friendly hand to touch
Or one who listens tenderly and
speaks words that mean so much,
We seek a true and trusted friend
in the knowledge that we'll find
A heart that's sympathetic
and an understanding mind...
And often just without a word
there seems to be a union
Of thoughts and kindred feelings,
for God gives true friends communion.


Love to all Cx :-)

Meaningful words Cynthia, thank you

A true friend warms you with their presence,
trusts you with their secrets and remembers you in their prayers.

Remembering those who feel that they have no one to share worries with. xxx

Good morning :-)


Hoping everyone is well.........


Appreciating what we have in common with others

Lord, we ask you to open our eyes
that we may value and appreciate all people,
recognising what we have in common
rather than focusing
on what our differences might be.
Inspire us to distinguish
between what is important
and what is not,
and open our minds and hearts
that we may always be people of good will
who bring life and joy to others.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Amen Cynthia.

God gives different people different talents and we all walk a different journey in faith

Being different isn't a bad thing. It means that your brave enough to be yourself.

Remembering all hospital staff who help reassure/support patients each day. xxx

Good morning :-)


HUGS

There is no such thing as a bad hug ...
only good ones and great ones.

They're not fattening
and they don't cause
cancer or cavities.

They're all natural ...
with no preservatives,
artificial ingredients,
or pesticide residue.

They're cholesterol-free,
naturally sweet,
100 percent wholesome.
And they're a completely
renewable natural resource.

They don't require batteries,
tune-ups,
or x-rays.

They're non-taxable,
fully returnable,
and energy efficient.

They're safe in all kinds of weather;
In fact, they're especially good
for cold or rainy days.

They're exceptionally effective
in treating problems
Like bad dreams
or the Monday blahs.

Hugs are free to give
and free to get.
There is no minimum
age requirement.

You can never get hurt
by giving a hug.
You can give someone a hug
at anytime ...
day or night!

There are also
many different types of hugs:
Hugs of sadness,
and hugs of joy,
Loose hugs with a kiss on the cheek,
big bear hugs,
And a pat on the back hug.


Thinking of all those who could do with a hug right now.......Cx :-)

This is the day the Lord has made
I will rejoice and be glad in it.

Remembering all in need of prayer x

Thanks to Cynthia and Emma for interesting posts today.

Today is the feast day of Saint Teresa of Avila
Born March 1515 in Gotterendura in Spain and
Died October 1852 in Alba de Tormes in Spain
A founder of the Carmelite order of Nuns.
Saint Teresa was beatified in 1614 and
Canonized in 1662 by Gregory XV, who
fixed her Feast Day in 15th October.
There is much written about Theresa, who is the Patron Saint of Headaches.

"I do not fear Satan half as much as I fear those who fear him"
(St Teresa of Avila).

Thinking now of the people who live in our road. xxx

Good morning :-)

I always find that St. Theresa has some wonderful sayings attributed to her - thanks kandj.

Good and not so good days here......but we plod on...... :-D

At this time of year, we can't help but notice the changing scenery of nature around us and the glorious colours which surround us...........


So many shades of gold
Autumn
Another miracle we take for granted
Another expression of the artist's vision
The blending of the autumn hues
with the setting sun
Warm
Comforting
Perfect
Thank you for autumn, Lord


Thinking of those in any kind of need.........Cx :-)

Thank you to all you regular posters. You are read even if there sometimes seems little response.

I am fortunate in that my own health issues and those of my OH are minor, and my children and grandchildren are generally healthy. I am thankful for that so my thoughts today are for the sick and for those who care for them.

Hello All

Cynthia, I hope your husband will feel less weary today.

Vera, it's nice to have your thoughts and many thanks for your kind words too.

Daily life with ongoing ill-health conditions is indeed very very challenging and tiring, but also rewarding too. It's good to look around sometimes and count our blessings because you are sure to find others who are so much worse off than we are.

Thinking now of all Carers helping loved ones and all Carers who do this for a living.xx

Good morning :-)

There are an incredible number of carers it seems. Folks who are willing to care for their loved ones when health fails and yes, it is tiring at times but many will find that they have peace within as they know they have done their best.


For today:

The Grail Prayer

Lord Jesus, I give you my hands to do your work.

I give you my feet to go your way.

I give you my eyes to see as you do.

I give you my tongue to speak your words.

I give you my mind that you may think in me.

I give you my spirit that you may pray in me.

Above all, I give you my heart that you may love in me
your Father and all mankind.

I give you my whole self that you may grow in me,
so that it is you, Lord Jesus, who live and work and pray in me.

Amen.


Hugs for carers..................Cx :-)

Hello All

As my husband's Carer, I find strength and comfort in these words from scripture:
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love"
(Ephesians 4 v 2).

Cynthia, I haven't come across the Grail Prayer before, Amen to the words and many thanks for sharing them here.

It is Saturday and another God-given weekend. They come around really quickly.

Lord, thank you for a new day.
Please go before me and clear the way.
Thank you for protecting me.
Thank you for guiding me.
Thank you for loving me.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Thinking now of very many people who will be working this weekend. xxx

Beautiful words from you both, my husband is my carer
and I am blessed to have him.

My thoughts and prayers are with those who are not
as fortunate as myself. x

Good morning :-)


OH has decided not to go to church this morning.....we have the Parade Service led by the Boy's Brigade with enrolments .....and..... a baptism. He feels it would all be too much for him and I have to agree. I will make sure he is settled and watching tv whilst I go and pick my daughter up so that we can go to church.

I may need an aspirin when I get back :-D


The Collect for today :

God, the giver of life,
whose Holy Spirit wells up within your Church:
by the Spirit’s gifts equip us to live the gospel of Christ
and make us eager to do your will,
that we may share with the whole creation the joys of eternal life;
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.


Continuing to remember friends in prayer.......Cx :-)

Hello All

Today is World Mission Day of Prayer, an opportunity for global movements of various faiths to come together in prayer. On this special Sunday, Christians are asked to pray and share the gift of faith and love of the Holy Spirit with all our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Help us to live a Christian way of life and to share our faith with others.
Guide our humble efforts for unity in our church and in our world today.
Amen.

Cynthia, I hope you enjoyed the busy church with your daughter today and that your husband also was settled and relaxed watching TV when you returned home later.

Remembering all A&E departments and doctors/nurses on duty and patients who will be admitted into their care today. xxx

Good morning :-)

Certainly a busy morning.......but it was good to see so many people in church - we were full. It was also good to see the young men who belong to our Boy's Brigade, affirming their commitment to the organisation and the church.

The baptism went well also, but they had hired a photographer - even after having been told no photos because of child protection issues. He was extremely intrusive and, even though the churchwarden asked him to stop, he carried on - people were not pleased. If I had been in charge, I know exactly what I would have done!!!!

We press on......we have a visitor this morning and then we're off for our flu jabs. The excitement never ends...

I wondered about taking a look around our homes this week......so we will start with the front door................. :-)


Blessed are you, Welcoming God.
As your people come and go from this door,
be their constant companion on the way,
and welcome them upon their return,
so that coming and going
they may be sustained by your presence.
Bring to this door both friend and stranger
who come in peace,
and guard it from any who come in hostility.
May every grudge or malice be left at the door,
and may those who brought them
be so touched by grace here,
that they forget to collect them when they leave.



Love to all. Cx :-)

Hello All

Cynthia, you mentioning the Boys Brigade has brought memories of when our village had a Methodist Chapel (until it was sold and pulled down for new homes!). The Boys and Girls Brigade was always well supported and we used to go regularly to join the services where Will Your Anchor Hold was always sung so loudly.

How rude of the man videoing the baptism and being so intrusive! It must have spoiled the occasion somewhat, but he will no doubt have been oblivious to that.

I look forward to your daily posting of our homes with interest. Sr Harry Secombe
singing Bless This House came immediately to my mind..... here are the lyrics....

BLESS THIS HOUSE

Bless this house, O Lord we pray
Make it safe by night and day
Bless these,walls so firm and stout
Keeping want and trouble out.

Bless the roof and chimneys tall
Let thy peace lie over all
Bless this door that it may prove
Ever open to joy and love.

Bless these windows shining bright
Letting in God's heavenly light
Bless the hearth, a-blazing there
With smoke ascending like a prayer.

Bless the people here within
Keep them pure and free from sin.
Bless us all that we may be
Fit O Lord, to dwell with thee
Bless us all, that we, one day
May dwell O Lord, with thee.

Remembering people who feel lonely or afraid in their own homes today. xxx