General Chat

Good morning and Happy Valentine's Day. <3 <3


Continuing on from yesterday with St. Mark…….

Then he called the crowd again and said to them, “Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.”

When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, “Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.)

And he said, “It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”


Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.
Avoid all perverse talk;
stay away from corrupt speech.
Look straight ahead,
and fix your eyes on what lies before you.
Mark out a straight path for your feet;
stay on the safe path.
Don’t get sidetracked;
keep your feet from following evil. (Proverbs 4:23-27)


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


I think this 'running a nursing home' business is a long term thing to be honest. OH will not improve and it will be a long time before daughter will settle down. Excuse me whilst I adjust my apron and cap :-D :-D


Going with Mark, and its quite a long reading so I have split it into two to cover today and tomorrow ...

The Tradition of the Elders
Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.)

So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?” He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written,

‘This people honour me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching human precepts as doctrines.’

You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.”
Then he said to them, “You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! For Moses said, ‘Honour your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die.’ But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, ‘Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban’ (that is, an offering to God)— then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.”

Forgive me, Lord, for my wandering heart. Cleanse me from all that draws me away from you. May I turn to you this day, so that I might be found by you and restored into intimate fellowship with you.

Cx :-)

I also hope your invalids recover soon Cynthia.

My husband is my carer and I am blessed. I do
feel guilty because as Vera says it does take its toll
on him at times.

A labour of love. <3

Oh dear, I hope your invalids recover very soon though I have to say that Sister Cynthia has a good ring to it :-)

Caring for someone with a long term problem really can take its toll, so, if you can, make sure you have time for you.

Thinking of carers everywhere <3

Good morning :-)


Thank you Vera.....it's quite interesting to read the various stories individually isn't it? I Helps to build up the bigger picture in a way.

I feel as though I am running a nursing home! Apart from OH, whose Parkinson's is taking its toll, we have also had our daughter with us since before Christmas. I seem to rush from one to the other........Just call me 'Matron' :-D :-D

St. Mark today...

So many wonderful stories from St Mark......

Healing the Sick in Gennesaret

When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.

Lord,
help me to be open to your presence.
Help me to slow down and recognize you in my daily life. Remind me of your steadfast commitment to search for, seek out, and find all those who are lost or in need, even me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Cx :-)

I can’t believe yet another week has gone by.

I have just been googling St Mark to learn a bit more about him as my knowledge of the saints is woefully inadequate.

Thank you for the continuing posts Cynthia; your time and trouble are appreciated <3

Good morning :-)


Continuing with St. Mark for this week and then, maybe, a change...we can always come back to this gospel. :-D

Jesus Walks on the Water
Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.
When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.


Jesus calls us to step out on to the water with him,
to leave the safety of our boats,
and to walk toward Him in faith,
joining Him in the work He is already doing in our world.
And when the wind and waves get high and threaten to overwhelm us,
we remember His words:
“Don’t be afraid. Take courage. I am here.”
So let’s go with faith,
to follow where Jesus leads,
confident that His love and presence go with us. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)



The Collect (special prayer) for today :

O God, you know us to be set in the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand upright: grant to us such strength and protection as may support us in all dangers and carry us through all temptations; 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.

The reading is taken from Peter and gives us instructions on how we should behave.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

St. Mark....one of the most familiar stories....


Feeding the Five Thousand

The apostles gathered around Jesus, and told him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.

Now many saw them going and recognized them, and they hurried there on foot from all the towns and arrived ahead of them. As he went ashore, he saw a great crowd; and he had compassion for them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

When it grew late, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is now very late send them away so that they may go into the surrounding country and villages and buy something for themselves to eat.” But he answered them, “You give them something to eat.” They said to him, “Are we to go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give it to them to eat?” And he said to them, “How many loaves have you? Go and see.” When they had found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.”

Then he ordered them to get all the people to sit down in groups on the green grass. So they sat down in groups of hundreds and of fifties. Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and he divided the two fish among them all. And all ate and were filled; and they took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the fish. Those who had eaten the loaves numbered five thousand men.


Loving God,
You are our Creator and Sustainer.
When You open Your hand,
You satisfy the hunger and thirst of every living thing.
You once fed the hungry crowds with five loaves and two small fish,
And so we look to You whenever we are in need,
trusting in Your love and Your abundant goodness. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A bit of a long read from St. Mark today, but an interesting story!

The Death of John the Baptist
King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some were saying, “John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.” But others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.” But when Herod heard of it, he said, “John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.”

For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him. But she could not for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed and yet he liked to listen to him.

But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and of-ficers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.” And he solemnly swore to her, “Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What should I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the baptizer.” Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with or-ders to bring John’s head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb.


God our Father,
you called John the Baptist
to be the herald of your Son’s birth and death.
As he gave his life in witness to truth and justice,
so may we strive to profess our faith in your gospel.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Another wonderful prayer Cynthia thank you x

Lovely to see you posting kandj x

Hello all

Amen to your prayer for today Cynthia.

Sending gentle ((hugs)) to everyone who need them today. xx

Good morning :-)

Carpets cleaned and sweet smelling..... :-)


Moving on with St. Mark

The Mission of the Twelve
Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.

He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”

So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them.

Good and Gracious God,
Your Son, Jesus Christ,
invites all people to follow him
and become his disciples.
Touch our hearts, enlighten our minds,
and stir our spirit.
Help us daily to take up our cross
and follow him;
by living his Word
and proclaiming his Good News
to those around us.
May our faith in you increase,
may our hunger for the Gospel intensify,
and may our parish be strengthened
as we learn to love one another
as he has loved us.
For this we pray, Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Having the carpets cleaned today so must get some stuff shifted!! :-0


Continuation of St. Mark's gospel....

The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.

Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honour, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Lord our God,
help us to love You with all our hearts
and to love all people as You love them.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.



Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you Emma. I vaguely remember my mum mentioning that hymn. Not sure I have ever sung it though. xx

Continuation of the story from St. Mark

While he was still speaking, some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”

He allowed no one to follow him except Peter, James, and John, the brother of James. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly.

When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him. Then he put them all outside and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was.

He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about (she was twelve years of age). At this they were overcome with amazement.

He strictly ordered them that no one should know this and told them to give her something to eat.

Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith and give me the wisdom to ask for your help with complete trust. Amen.



Cx :-)

A beautiful verse Cynthia x

Good morning :-)

St Mark continues....

A woman healed
When Jesus had crossed again in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the leaders of the synagogue named Jairus came and, when he saw him, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” So he went with him. And a large crowd followed him and pressed in on him.

Now there was a woman who had been suffering from haemorrhages for twelve years. She had endured much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had; and she was no better, but rather grew worse.

She had heard about Jesus, and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his cloak, for she said, “If I but touch his clothes, I will be made well.” Immediately her haemorrhage stopped; and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.

Immediately aware that power had gone forth from him, Jesus turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothes?” And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing in on you; how can you say, ‘Who touched me?’” He looked all around to see who had done it. But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling, fell down before him, and told him the whole truth

He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”

A verse from an old hymn which fits in well….

If I could just touch the hem of His garment
If I could just touch some part of His clothes
I know I'd be healed, my sins are forgiven
If I could just touch Him, I know I'd be whole.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Thank you Emma xx

The Collect (special prayer) for today :

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

The gospel tells of the wonderful story of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple.
(Luke 2)


Cx :-)

So interesting Cynthia, I learnt something new today.

It is true one is never too old to learn new things.

Have enjoyed the readings from St. Mark this week, thank you. x

Good morning :-)

These weekends seem to come round very quickly!! :-0

Our next reading from St. Mark......a bit long, but worthwhile :-D


Jesus Heals the Gerasene Demoniac

They came to the other side of the sea, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him.

Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not tor-ment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.” He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country.

Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us into the swine; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea.

The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the coun-try. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighbourhood.

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, “Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.


Lord, help me to overcome the demons within! Show me how to overcome bad feelings of self-doubt and depression. Redirect my path. Help me to acknowledge what I am and what I have become. Teach me to forgive myself for the insensitive things I have done to others. Help me to respect the relationships that mean so much to me. Lead me to a better understanding of what it is you would have me to do, and then take me to the best life possible. Through Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour we pray. Amen.

Cx :-)