General Chat

Good morning :-)

I agree with both kandj and Vera Pat, in that your friend has done her best in a very difficult situation. Many would have given up before now, but your friend persevered. I hope she has no regrets and that she finds peace within herself.

We continue to look at famous people whose lives have been blessed by their Christian faith.


Fern Britton

Former This Morning presenter, Fern Britton describes herself as ‘an average Church of England Christian’. Britton recently revealed she struggled with her faith following three failed IVF attempts. In an interview with the Press Association, she explained that her previously strong faith was shaken, adding ‘my faith's always sustained me through tough times like divorce and some of my bouts of black depression.’

There are those in the public eye who prefer to keep quiet about having a religious faith, but part of Britton’s appeal is her honesty about every aspect of her life, whether it be the rape she suffered as a 21-year-old, her struggle with depression during her first marriage, her suicide attempt, or her decision, aged 40, to be confirmed in the Church of England.

“I’ve never had any fear of coming clean about my faith. I am not a very good Christian, but I am one nonetheless.”


Cx :-)

Attending a funeral is always sad. Pat, I hope your friend can take comfort from knowing that she did the right thing in keeping close contact with her mother.

Thoughts for everyone dealing with a loss at the moment <3

Thank you for your kind thoughts Kandj. My friend did her best, that's all you can do. <3

Hello all

What a sad tale Pat. Sadly, all Mothers don't have a loving nature. Your friend is to be commended for her long time support though. She will be sorry at her Mum's funeral, but have no regrets that she could have done more. My thoughts are with her today.

Sending ((hugs)) to all who will attend a funeral service for family or friends today xx

Thinking of a dear friend today. Have known her for 50 years, today is the funeral of her mother.

Her relationship with her mother has been fraught over many years. Her mother slowly distanced herself from her 4 children after her second marriage. My friend clung in there and even after the mother became a widow she was still offensive at times to my friend. The last 2 years my friend has regularly been making a round trip of over 400 miles to spend a few days with her mother even though she'd get abusive. She succumbed to a chest infection a few days ago. My friend is now glad she made the effort to keep contact with her.

Thinking of you and proud of what you did. Sending my love and thoughts to you. <3

Good morning :-)


Still remembering the Transfiguration of Jesus, we continue to look at famous people who have had their lives transformed by Him.

David Suchet

The actor best known for his portrayal of Poirot came to Christ after reading Romans 8 in a hotel Bible.

In an interview he said, ‘I'm a Christian by faith. I like to think it sees me through a great deal of my life. I very much believe in the principles of Christianity and the principles of most religions, actually—that one has to abandon oneself to a higher good.’

The star is also vice president of The Bible Society. In 2014 he released the first full-length audio version of the NIV Bible spoken by a single British actor.


Love to anyone looking in. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Mary Berry is not just a woman of flans and fairy cakes, but also a woman of faith. She has made no secret of the fact that her Christianity has helped her through life's toughest moments.

Berry said her Christian faith was tested when her 19 year old son William died in a car accident. “William’s death changed me. Little things simply do not bother me anymore. You have to count your blessings instead, and my life has been immensely blessed.”

Mary is a healthy eating and exercise advocate and her faith makes her mindful of others. “You have certainly got to keep active and the best way is walking if you possibly can and getting out in the fresh air and helping people – being part of your village or area and looking after your neighbours.”

Most Sundays she attends the early morning service at her village church with her husband, returning for breakfast and to check the slow roast lunch. Away, on holi-day, the couple find alternative churches to continue their Sunday attendance.

Thank you Lord for faithful Christians.


Cx :-)

Hello all

I have this lovely old hymn in my head this morning, so I will pass it on to you.

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer............... tra la la la la la

Happy Monday blessings and (((hugs))) to all in need today. xxx

Good morning :-)


Yesterday, we celebrated the Transfiguration of Jesus – an amazing story. It made me think about people who have had their lives transformed by putting Jesus at the centre of everything they do. We’ll take a look at some famous names who have done just that.

Denzel Washington is one of Hollywood's most successful and respected actors and is also one of Hollywood's highest profile Christians.

The son of a Pentecostal preacher from Mount Vernon, New York, Washington, 55, has been an active member of West Angeles Church of God in Christ for nearly 30 years, reads his Bible every morning, and always chooses roles that he can "bend" in the direction of a positive message or a reflection of his deep personal faith.

He urges a creative approach to a spiritual discipline: “Put your slippers way under your bed so when you get up in the morning, you have to get on your knees to find them. And while you’re down there, start your day with prayer. Ask for wisdom. Ask for understanding.”

Lord, help us to put you at the centre of our lives. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


The Collect (special prayer) for today:


Father in heaven,
whose Son Jesus Christ was wonderfully transfigured
before chosen witnesses upon the holy mountain,
and spoke of the exodus he would accomplish at Jerusalem:
give us strength, listening to his voice,
to bear our cross steadfastly in this world,
that we may see him as he is in the world that is to come;
where he is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

The gospel for today tells the story of the Transfiguration of Jesus.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Losing a loved one is always a hard and difficult time to cope with. When small I remember being told to look up and see the brightest star and that would be my
Grandma waving to me....... it is something that has stayed with me for ever.

Perhaps there are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones
shine down to let us know that they are safe and happy..... who knows???

Remembering those who have lost a love one recently and feel lost and alone. xxx

Good morning :-)

The biggest milestone that we all face, other than birth, is death and losing a loved one.

This poem was recently read at a memorial service at local hospice.

MY MEMORY LIBRARY

Imagine if I was given just one moment,
Just a single slice of my past.
I could hold it close forever,
And that moment would always last.

I'd put the moment in a safe,
Within my hearts abode,
I could open it when I wanted,
And only I would know the code.

I could choose a time of laughing,
A time of happiness and fun,
I could choose a time that tried me,
Through everything I've done.

If I'm feeling sad and low,
If I'm struggling with what to do,
I can go and open my little safe,
And watch my moments through.

For me to only pick one moment,
To cherish, save and keep,
Is proving really difficult,
As I've gathered up a heap!

I'm building my own little library,
Embedded in my heart,
For all the moments spent with you,
Before you had to part.

I can open it whenever I like,
Pick a moment and watch it through,
My little library acts as a promise,
I'll never ever forget you.

- Sarah Blackstone.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Never any need to apologize Cynthia. A lot of us have Senior Moments too, and
thank you Vera for passing on news that Cynthia had posted elsewhere yesterday.

Friday again and the beginning of another weekend. I hope you all enjoy it, whatever you have in mind. For many who will be going away on holiday. Safe travelling to all.

Nooooooooooooo not again??? I thought I had posted yesterday. Awww shucks....sorry everyone. I get a bit hassled at breakfast time what with up and downing with my OH. Apologies.


Good morning :-D

One of the biggest milestones in life is marriage, but marriage is not for everyone. There are also those who have been married but are now on their own for whatever reason. This morning, we have two poems……..one for marriage and one for those who live alone.


As I take your hand in marriage
I want you to understand,
my love for you is unconditional -
on the Solid Rock you stand.

Let me be the one
you depend upon each day.
Trust my wisdom and my strength
as a wedded couple now you’ll pray.

Keep your eyes clear and focused
upon the finish line.
Simply look to me for guidance
and stay connected to the vine.

Live committed and unselfishly -
Give everything you can.
Live your life for others
and simply follow my commands.

I’ll take your hand in marriage
and vow to give my best
if you’ll promise to seek and trust me
I promise you’ll be blessed.

Love, God.





I live alone, dear Lord,
Stay by my side,
in all my daily needs
Be thou my guide.
Grant me good health,
For that indeed, I pray.
To carry out my work from day to day.

Keep pure my mind, my thoughts,
my every deed,
Let me be kind, unselfish in my
neighbour’s need.
Spare me from fire, from flood,
malicious tongues,
From thieves, from fear, and evil ones.

If sickness, or accident befall,
then humbly Lord, I pray,
hear Thou my call.
And when I’m feeling low,
or in despair,
Lift up my heart and help me in
my prayer.
I live alone Dear lord, yet have
no fear.
Because I feel your presence ever near.


Apologies again. Cx :-)

Hallo everyone
Pleased to see Cynthia has posted on another thread so hopefully she is OK

Hope you all have a peaceful night.

Hello all...... and coooeeeeeeeee Cynthia, hope you are alright today?

It is dry so far but we have dark rain clouds up above and the wind is so cold, the tree branches are blowing and it is like an Autumn day. Whatever has happened to our Summer?

It is so lovely to see the young children pass by now the schools term has ended.

School days have changed so much since I was there, but I can still remember two or three teachers who gave me the help and encouragement needed over the years

A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite imagination and instill a love of learning.
(Brad Henry).

Here's hoping that all teachers can relax and return to school with renewed energy.

Hello all

Good to hear that your daughter is recovering from her fall Cynthia. A nasty experience that you could all have done without I'm sure.

Vera, I am smiling to myself now over your comments regarding your OH and the dishwasher.

Love and marriage, go together like a horse and carriage was a popular song by Frank Sinatra in the 1950s era I think.

Sending Congratulations to everyone celebrating a wedding anniversary today.xx

Good morning :-)

My daughter is recovering slowly....still a bit stiff and sore but the grazes are healing. Her two black eyes are turning yellow now - it rather looks like eye make-up :-D

Lovely pavement washing rain.......ours were pounded for a brief time yesterday. :-)



It doesn’t happen to everyone, but a significant milestone in many people’s lives is when they find that ‘many splendoured’ thing called………love….


True Love is a sacred flame that burns eternally.
And none can dim its special glow or change its destiny.
True Love speaks in tender tones and hears with gentle ear.
True Love gives with open heart and True Love conquers fear.
True Love makes no harsh demands. It neither rules nor binds.
True Love holds with gentle hands the hearts that it entwines.


Cx :-)

Hallo all

I hope your daughter is recovering from her fall Cynthia. What a nasty shock for her and for you.

Enjoy your dishwasher. I have had one since 1986 since we moved to a house where the previous owners had a dishwasher. We got one to fill the space left when they removed theirs. I often think OH wouldn't even notice if I broke down but the day the dishwasher gave up he was down the electrical shop in record time to order a new one.

Interesting posts again this week. I had forgotten all about churching. I think the practice was already dying out when my children were born but I remember my mother being churched after the birth of my brother.

A new baby in the family is a precious blessing indeed. They grow so quickly and before you have time to blink they are in their last assembly in primary school and singing "One More Step Along The Road I Go". It seems no time since my children were in that position and now my youngest grandchild is 11 and about to take the next step up to senior school. It's perhaps a lesson to us to make the most of every moment before it's gone.

For everyone taking a step into an unknown future, may your God go with you.

Hello all

And it's from the old I travel to the new;
Keep me travelling along with you.

I'm sure that there are actions to do with this hymn, but I can't just bring them
to mind (Senior Moment!).... I will have this tune in my head a while now. lol.

A very trying day..... washing out then rain so brought inside. It cleared up and
washing out on the line again.... more rain and it is inside yet again...hmmmmm

Cynthia, our pavements are getting well washed today!