General Chat

Good morning :-)


To be honest Vera, what I have been reading about regarding the angels, has given me much to think about - so I can understand your hesitation. Looking through the internet, there is much interest in them but it does seem to be mostly folklore and superstition. I have found it good to be able to read something more 'grounded' but that probably isn't the right word... :-D


I've been reading again ??

In many informal folk beliefs among Christians concerning the afterlife, the souls of the virtuous dead ascend into heaven to be converted into angels. However, this belief is not supported by the Bible and theologians are quick to discount it.

So, we don’t turn into angels when we die; angels are a separate species. They care deeply about us, though, celebrating when we turn to God. Jesus said: “I tell you… there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

(The majority of this week’s thoughts, have been taken from
Church on the Net - Diocese of Ripon and Leeds).


Really hectic day yesterday......new fridge delivered and mega housework done. Am now trying to catch up with myself.

Love to all. Cx
:-)

It’s an interesting subject Cynthia but I have to admit I do have difficulty in getting my head around angels, particularly a hierarchy of angels. The older I get, the more difficulty I have with the concept. I certainly can’t accept angels in human form, whether that is as awe inspiring warriors or golden haired ladies with feathery wings.

I do think there is a spirit for good (and evil) in the world and maybe that’s what some people mean by angels guiding us.

Good morning :-)

I know what you mean Emma - I'm fascinated with the subject myself. I never used to be, but.............

As so often happens, there is a downside - Satan, the devil, has his own angels—called demons. While still in heaven they tried to mount a coup against God. It failed, of course, and they fell into hell. They’re great deceivers, whose lives' work is to turn you away from God!

A quick Google search, or a trip to a bookshop, shows how much interest there is in angels. But be careful: much of what is said in those pages is wrong, going directly against God’s teaching.

Some offer rituals for seeking out your personal angel or ‘spirit guide’ (spirit guides are not a Christian concept, and are totally unconnected with holy angels), for trying to get in touch with your angel, or even that your angel should be worshipped.

But angels are created lower than God, and only God is worthy of worship. We shouldn’t communicate directly with angels—that’s going behind God’s back, and cutting him out the loop. They work for him, not you, so don’t try giving them stuff to do! Deal direct with the boss.


Haven't heard from kandj since the funeral and I am wondering if she has maybe gone to stay with the family for a while. I haven't liked to bother her, but will send a note today

<3 <3 <3kandji <3 <3 <3


Cx :-)

Finding your reading of angels interesting Cynthia.

Thoughts and prayers to those in need of comfort <3

Good morning :-)

I find myself reading about angels when really, I should be ironing! Its quite fascinating to be honest and I am learning as I go along. The Book of Ezekiel has very vivid descriptions of angels, as does the Book of Revelation.

The Bible says there are many kinds of angels —cherubim and seraphim, for example—and there is a hierarchy, with archangels above lower orders, and the Archangel Michael over all. They are also beyond number, making up the heavenly host.

In the Bible, angels protect people, warn them, comfort them, bring good news, spring them from prison, and are a holy warring army—even spreading plague over 70,000 of God’s people. Mostly, though, they are messengers. Angels do whatever God commands (think of them as his task-force), and our prayers and testimony empower them.

Please excuse me whilst I carry on reading about these amazing beings.



<3 <3 Thinking of kandj <3 <3

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


We all learn, all of the time. I have been looking at various articles on Christianity and angels, and they all come to the same basic conclusion – that the Bible is very clear on what an angel is and isn’t, but misinformation has spread about angels that is being taken as truth.

In the Bible, they appear in a series of different situations, roles and even guises. Don’t imagine cutesy baby cherubs, though: think of immensely tall, dazzling men in glowing robes. Fierce warriors with flaming swords.

When people in the Bible saw an angel their typical response was to kneel in fear and awe, not to reach out and smile at an adorable baby.

Food for thought indeed.



Cx :-)

<3 kandj <3

<3 Kandj <3

Thinking of you, especially today as you say your goodbyes. Be strong for each other and let the love of your wonderful family carry you through and your faith sustain you. God bless you.

Good morning :-)

As kandj has already posted, today is the day of her husband's funeral. We send our love and prayers to her and her loving family, that they may be given strength and hope as they face this day.

<3 <3 <3

For today :

“You’re an absolute angel” – how often have we heard words similar to that? But what IS an angel – do angels actually exist? This week may be an ‘angelic’ week – I have been doing some research!


The Bible speaks of astonishing creatures who are neither God nor human, but exist alongside both. Their name comes from what they do - angel means ‘messenger’.

In the Bible, angels are experienced as bringing messages from God to people. The messages are sometimes good news, such as the birth or resurrection of Jesus.

Sometimes the message is a warning, anticipating God’s judgement.

Far from being sweet figurines, angels are powerful beings used by God to work in the world. But the focus is never on them; it's on God and his work in our lives.

We'll explore a bit further during the week :-)


Love and prayers Cx :-)

<3 kandj <3

Hello all

A very difficult day for our family tomorrow as we say our final goodbye to a precious husband, a much loved Dad and an adored Grandpa. The funeral service is to be held at 10.20am and conducted by a Christian Minister........ we are all helping one another through a heartbreaking time and sharing tears and hugs with one another.

Thank you everyone for your ongoing prayerful support..... our family are grateful xxxx

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) set for today

Almighty and everliving 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 reading set for today tells the lovely story of the Presentation of Christ in the temple – where we meet Simeon and Anna.


Cx :-)

Amen.

<3 kandj <3

Good morning :-)

You're very welcome to the smiles - I am sorry you have had such a difficult time Vera <3

I haven't heard from kandj for a few days so am hoping and praying that all is okay - as far as it can be <3


Today is National Holocaust Remembrance Day.


A Holocaust Prayer Philip Hall





Lord God and Father,

We remember before you all those who bear the inner and outer scars of the Holocaust and of subsequent acts of genocide.

Let them not be overwhelmed by the horrors that engulfed them.

Be close to them.

Help them to see that you suffer with those who suffer, and that no wickedness can ever extinguish your infinite love.

Restrain those who are filled with hatred and use violence to pursue their ends.

Change their hearts.

May remembrance make us alert to the reality of evil and its deceptive allure.

Help us to recognise our own capacity for evil and allow your Spirit to purge it from our beings.

Help us also to stand up against evil and oppression, even if that means we have to suffer ourselves.

Enable us to defend those who are not strong enough to defend themselves, and to be ready to bring the light of your truth into the dark areas of human experience.

Deepen our respect for everything you have made, and help us to share in securing the maximum good of every person who is alive in your world.

We ask this in the Name of your Son Jesus Christ, who died for our sins, carries our sorrows, heals our wounds, and is risen for our freedom.

Amen


Love to all. Cx :-)

Thank you Cynthia. You have given me a few laughs in what has been a hectic and somewhat difficult week which included a funeral in OH’s family yesterday.

Prayers and thoughts for Kandj <3 and anyone else grieving for a loved one at this time.

:-D :-D :-D :-D

Thank you for a week of laughs Cynthia x

<3 kandj <3

Good morning :-)


It's Friday.......time for a smile.

It was Palm Sunday but because of a sore throat, 5-year-old Johnny stayed home from church with grandma. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm fronds. Johnny asked them what they were for.

"People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by," his father told him.

"Wouldn't you know it," Johnny fumed, "the one Sunday I don't go and he shows up."


:-D


Cx :-)

:-D :-D :-D :-D

Bet that set the congregation off :-)

<3 kandj <3

Good morning :-)

Not that I know of Emma, but someone once asked me, when I was about 12, what I wanted to be when I grew up. I said 'an actress'. My parents nearly fainted on the spot - you would have thought I had said that I wanted to go on the streets :-D :-D


Keep smiling


For the minister's 50th birthday, the congregation decided to give him a new suit.

He was so touched by the gift that the following Sunday he stood before everyone and, with tears in his eyes, announced, "Today I am preaching to you in my birthday suit."


:-D :-D :-D


Love and prayers to all and thinking of kandj <3

Cx :-)

:-D :-D :-D :-D

Do you have any ancestors who were on the stage?