General Chat

Good morning :-)


I hope Vera has arrived home safely and has enjoyed her holiday. Loved the description of the crowded church service :-)

My back has settled a lot but I am still having difficulties with the sciatic nerve at times.
My husband has come out in sympathy with a bad knee and my daughter fainted on Sunday. All in all...................party time!!!! :-S


For today, a short poem by a famous English Poet to help us on our Lenten journey. Christina is also famous for writing the Christmas carol...in the Bleak Midwinter.

Lent, by Christina Rossetti

It is good to be last not first,
Pending the present distress;
It is good to hunger and thirst,
So it be for righteousness.
It is good to spend and be spent,
It is good to watch and to pray:
Life and Death make a goodly Lent
So it leads us to Easter Day.



Love to all Cx :-)

Lent and Easter this year are at a different time here to UK. Easter sometimes coincide but Lent is always longer.

Clean/Green Monday or Ash Monday is 14th March. It's a public holiday, the weekend before the houses will be cleaned and a lot of cooking done. The families get together on the Monday and lots of food eaten. Kite flying is also done.

Next day Lent starts and for the religious they have weeks of very restricted eating. No animal products except molluscs. That means lots of people looking for the edible snail in the areas near us. Once caught the snails are fed on parsley for a few days before they are cooked.

We will be able to get meat at a reduced price to get rid of it. It is however noticeable that less Cypriots are keeping to the food rules during Lent.

Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Passover according to the bible. This years Passover is 22nd - 30th April so Easter here is the end of Passover with Easter Sunday being the 1st May.

On Easter Saturday there is a service which ends at midnight and then bonfires are lit and fireworks set off. This is to welcome the Light of the World returning.

Sunday is early service then eat lamb day. We don't go shopping the end of this week as the world and his wife are there with trolleys full of meat. After all the limited food during Lent the over indulgence means A and E are overwhelmed with stomach problems.

Easter out here is always tied to the Jewish Passover so it's late this year and Whit Sunday is 19th June.

Hello all

Rain, wind, snow and sun..... what a variety, and that is all in one day.
Vera is going to find it very different from sunny Madeira in England.

So sorry Cynthia, your whole family appear to be doing penance right now

An interesting look on how other Countries observe church festivals. Thanks Pat.

Chapter 22: Created to Become Like Christ.
As the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and
more like him and reflect his glory even more.
(2 Corinthians 3 :18 New Living Translation.)

Remembering those who are coping with a bereavement today. xxx

Good morning :-)


Thank you for that insight Pat - it was fascinating. I find the Greek Orthodox church rituals very interesting and usually extremely colourful whenever I see pictures or articles relating to their traditions.

I must admit the thought of eating snails doesn't really appeal and then the thought of A & E bursting at the seams after Easter is over, is unbelievable. Dear oh dear.... :-)



For today, a simple prayer in the form of an acrostic of the word LENT


Learn to lean on God in all things.

Eagerly seek God’s guidance at all times.

Never lose hope – stay strong in the faith.

Trust in God’s will – you will flourish under his care!


Cx :-)

Hello all

Nice and simple words for Lent Cynthia, just the way I like it (don't always get simple)

Carrying on with the book I have chosen to read throughout the 40 days of Lent.
The Purpose Driven Life written by Rick Warren. This is me doing something extra for Lent, rather than giving something up! Quite difficult finding the time to be honest.

Chapter 23: How We Grow.
We are not meant to remain as children. God wants us to
grow up like Christ, in everything.
(Ephesians 4: 14-15. The Message Bible)

Praying for the Calais crisis and distressed migrants today. xxx

Good morning :-)



Arrrgghhhh we have that awful white stuff this morning so that's snookered us for going out for our lunch at church...........grrr :-(

Another simple prayer for today..............


Lord God,
I pray for my prayer life to become vibrant
And strong in this season of Lent.
I pray that your voice, even though a whisper,
Would ring loud and true in my life.
I pray for the courage and boldness to follow
Wherever you lead, to love and serve whomever
And however you invite me.



Cx :-)

Did a post earlier today and stupidly immediately deleted it. My own fault for not concentrating on what I was doing.

What a shame you couldn't make the church lunch Cynthia. Hopefully you will get there next time. Are they held regularly?

Pat, that was an interesting post about the Orthodox religion and Easter.. Thank you.

We had heavy snow overnight as well (I am in Yorkshire at the moment). I was just getting up at 6.45 this morning when granddaughter came in to say that she had a text from her father saying her school was closed. That was a bit confusing as he is in West Africa :-S He then phoned me to say the automatic system at the school had sent a text to his mobile. So the message came from a mile up the road to us via Africa :-D

Snow soon turned to heavy rain and that has been with us ever since so the roads are now wet and slushy and could be very icy later. I think there is still snow on the moors and higher up.

At the moment I have a few teenagers playing a noisy game in the living room and a big pot of bolognese bubbling on the stove ready to feed them. I had forgotten what it was like to have a house full of teens. But they are such a nice bunch and it is lovely to hear granddaughter laughing so much with friends as she has had a couple of traumatic years. Sadly my son's problems are ongoing.

I am thinking specially today of those with hearing and visual loss and also those whose work means they have to be on the roads whatever the conditions

Hello all

Hope the bad weather won't affect other outings with your husband Cynthia.

How lovely to be among teenagers with fun and laughter around you all Vera.

Chapter 24: Transformed By Truth.
People need more than bread for their life: they must
feed on every word of God.
(Matthew 4 :4. New Living Translation.)

Thinking today of those who are homeless and cold in this bad weather. xxx

Good morning :

Sounds like fun and games at your house Vera..........how lovely for you and it's good that you are enjoying this time with your granddaughter. Love the text message tale :-D

We missed not going to lunches - they are held every Friday - but better to be safe than sorry.


There are many legends and traditions associated with the season of Lent……and here is one such….

Legend of The Daffodil - (Lenten Lily)

Little trumpet golden hue,
Leaves upraised in praise unto,
Christ who died on Calvary's tree,
Sacrificed himself for me.
Legends say that throughout lent,
Whispers heavenward are sent.
Of good deeds done, prayers, sacrifice,
Acts of kindness, all things nice.
Guardian angles on hearing this,
Pluck golden stars and with a kiss,
Blow them down to earth below,
Where they bloom there in a row.
Little star shaped trumpet flower,
First appeared in sorrow's hour.

In Gethsemane they grew,
To comfort Christ our Saviour who,
Wept alone and prayed that night,
As He faced His sorrowful plight.
A sign of hope and new birth,
Their tender blossoms kissed the earth.
With star shaped centres, leaves upraised,
Tis' Easter's symbol, nature's praise.
Daffodils born during lent.
Are "Lenten Lily's", Heaven sent.
Their leaves upturned in praise unto,
Christ who gave Himself for you.

Dot McGinnis


Love to all Cx :-)

Hello all

Love the thought of daffodils being named as Lenten Lilies. Not heard that before.

Continuing with day 25 of journey in Lent and my daily reading of Rick Warren's book
The Purpose Driven Life. I am juggling things here to find the time to read each day.

Chapter 25 : Transformed By Trouble.
This small and temporary trouble we suffer, will bring us a
tremendous and eternal glory, much greater than the trouble.
(2 Corinthians 4 :17. Good News Translation.)

Praying for people who are coping with pain, for whatever reason today. xxx

Good morning :-)


'Transformed by Trouble' - I like that and can relate to it.


Today is Mothering Sunday.........the Sunday in mid-lent when we remember not only our mums but our mother church.

All-loving God, we give you thanks and praise for mothers young and old.

We pray for young mothers, who give life and tend to our every need; may they be blessed with patience and tender-ness to care for their families and themselves with great joy.

We pray for our own mothers who have nurtured and cared for us; may they continue to guide us in strong and gen-tle ways.

We remember mothers who are separated from their children because of war, poverty, or conflict; may they feel the loving embrace of our God who wipes every tear away.

We pray for women who are not mothers but still love and shape us with motherly care and compassion.

We remember mothers. grandmothers, and great-grandmothers who are no longer with us but who live forever in our memory and nourish us with their love.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all. Happy Mother's Day wishes to one and all.

When I attended church regularly I was a part of the ladies flower group, and we made lots of tiny posies to be handed out to every lady who came to church for this special Mothering Sunday service. Little things mean a lot. The surprised look on the women's faces more than made up for the time we spent in the cold vestry.

Amen to your posting this morning Cynthia.

Chapter 26: Growing Through Temptation.
Blessed is the man who endureth temptation: for when he is tried
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to
them that love him.
(James 1:12 King James Version.)

Thinking now of those who feel upset or sad on this Mothering Sunday xxx

Amen to your prayer today Cynthia. I would also add a thought for those whose childhoods were made unhappy by their mothers, that they can let go of any bitterness and not repeat the mistakes with their own children.

It's lovely to see the day called Mothering Sunday, rather than Mothers' Day. I think people forget that the origin lay in the return to the 'mother' church.

Kandj, I well remember the little bunches of flowers. In our church they would be at the front of the church and all the children would go to the front and collect a posy to present to their mothers. There were always a few extra for other ladies in the congregation. Happy memories.

Good morning :-)

My word, we had a full church yesterday! All the uniformed organisations, the Rose Queen and her retinue along with the regular congregation - certainly manic and brought back memories of our late beloved vicar who would have been in his element.

As well as the usual Holy Communion service there was the procession of standards to the altar, the choosing of the new Rose Queen for 2016, the giving out of bunches of daffodils to every lady in the congregation, and a case of projectile vomiting by one small boy. A lovely morning :-D

We are now half-way through Lent......so now for something completely different..

Enjoy.....(the answers are easily found) :-D

http://www.churchyear.net/lentpuzzint.html



Love to all. Cx :-)

Hello all

How lovely to have a full church with so many events happening yesterday.
Your late Vicar is sure to be remembered for many years as he was special.

Vera, it is good to reminisce and reflect on church services in times gone by.

Chapter 27 of my chosen Lenten book written by Rick Warren.
Defeating Temptation.
Run from anything that gives you evil thoughts.......but stay close to
anything that makes you want to do right.
(2 Timothy 2 : 22. The Living Bible)

Praying for families who have sick children in hospital tonight. xxx

Good morning :-)

And so we continue our Lenten journey............

Lent is a time to take time to let the power
of our faith story take hold of us,
a time to let the events get up
and walk around in us,
a time to intensify our living unto Christ,
a time to hover over the thoughts of our hearts,
a time to place our feet in the streets of
Jerusalem or to walk along the sea and
listen to his Word,
a time to touch his robe
and feel the healing surge through us,
a time to ponder and a time to wonder….
Lent is a time to allow
a fresh new taste of God!
Perhaps we’re afraid to have time to think,
for thoughts come unbidden.
Perhaps we’re afraid to face our future
knowing our past.
Give us courage, O God,
to hear your Word
and to read our living into it.
Give us the trust to know we’re forgiven
and give us the faith
to take up our lives and walk.


Remembering those who are dealing with the appalling refugee crisis .....

Cx :-)

Hello all

Day 28 of a Lenten journey in faith.

Chapter 28 : It Takes Time.
being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you,
will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.
(Philippians 1:6 New International Version.)

Thinking of all in need of prayerful support right now. xxx

Good morning :-)


You are doing a grand job with that book kandj.....interesting thoughts from it. Thank you.

Baptism prep class again tonight. I have been told that we are fully booked for baptism until November................................................. :-0

For today's prayer, and a peaceful stat to your day, please click on the link....


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vyuQvwsQV8


Praying for all families who are suffering turmoil at the moment. Cx :-)

Hello all

A beautiful link Cynthia many thanks even though the day is almost over now.
I am finding it quite difficult finding the time to read and digest my chosen book for Lent, hence my usual lateness coming on to this thread. However, I am persevering and determined to continue with this challenge that I have set myself this year.

By coincidence........ day 29 reading is rather appropriate to me!

Chapter 29 Accepting Your Assignment
For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do
good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
(Ephesians 2 : 10. New International Version.)

Praying for those who will find it hard to sleep tonight, for whatever reason. xxx

Good morning :-)


A short but meaningful story for today.....

The young man was at the end of his rope. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer.
“Lord, I can’t go on,” he said. “I have too heavy a cross to bear.”
The Lord replied, “My son, if you can’t bear it’s weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then open another door and pick any cross you wish.”
The man was filled with relief.
“Thank you, Lord,” he sighed, and did as he was told. As he looked around the room he saw many different crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall.
“I’d like that one, Lord,” he whispered.
And the Lord replied, “My son, that’s the cross you brought in.”



Praying for all those who are carrying heavy crosses at the moment....... Cx :-)