General Chat

Good morning :-)


I forgot to say that, yesterday was our 3rd birthday! Golly, where have those three years gone since John began this thread? I occasionally hear from him and he is always busy. We thank God for John's initiative in thinking of having such a thread and pray that those who read it may find it source of help and comfort.

For today:

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of many people have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that there may be an epidemic. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

• An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.
• A loss of interest in judging other people.
• A loss of interest in conflict.
• A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)
• Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.
• Frequent attacks of smiling.
• An increased susceptibility to accept the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to pass it on.
• This last symptom is the most dangerous of all and comes in the form of inviting people to church or performing acts of service in Christ’s name.
• Be warned, this virus is highly contagious. Once someone has been exposed to God’s love, full recovery is seldom possible.
• If this virus takes hold, we could be in danger of having peace on earth.
.

God our Father, we thank you for this time of joyful waiting. May the hope and joy of this season fill our hearts and make us living signs of your love for a world that hungers for your peace. We make this prayer to you through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I only need to look around and see others who are in need of food/shelter/warmth/.

It is good to feel gratitude and humility each day and feel joyful for many blessings.

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God has done!
Count your blessings, count them one by one
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.
(Written by Johnson Oatman Jnr in 1897).

Heavenly Father
We pause now to consider all that we have in You. Open our eyes to see Your
provision and help us to remember every blessing that we have received from You.
Amen.

Thinking of all volunteers who work alongside the homeless today. xxx

Good morning :-)


We were encouraged to support our local food bank on Sunday and a request was made for donations of warm coats etc. Its just so sad that there are still so many folk in need these days :-(


As we have heard, for the Third week of Advent, the theme is Joy.

The bible teaches that there is a difference between happiness and joy.

Happiness is fleeting because it often depends on things outside of ourselves, but true joy is eternal because it is based on our relationship Jesus Christ. Depending on the translation, the bible uses the words ‘happy’ and ‘happiness’ about 30 times, whilst ‘joy’ and ‘rejoice’ appear over 300 times.


Lord Jesus Christ, light of the world,
be with us on our journey through Advent,
that we may know you better.
Amen.



Love to all, Cx :-)

Hello all

Sounds like a busy but happy day yesterday Cynthia. It's good your church has a young section to entertain the church family. How wonderful to have a packed church as the young and the young in heart share worship and fellowship together.

Amen to your morning prayer Cynthia, as we begin our 3rd week of Advent and reflect upon the Hope and Peace of the last two weeks and the Joy of this week.
Matthew 3 v 1-12 gives a good account of John the Baptist as he Prepares the Way

During this Advent season, as we reflect on hope and anticipation, we remember now all pregnant women and their unborn babies and pray for good care for all. xxx

Good morning :-)


That's probably one of my favourite carols.........love it. :-D


A busy day yesterday indeed. My husband made it to the morning service and the two babies were duly baptised, but the congregation numbers were quite sparse.

However

The church was packed for the Carol Service. Chairs were being brought in and some people stood. It was lovely to see the church so full with folk of all ages, from a tiny two week old to those in their 80's.

We have a young music group who played and sang 'Feed the World' and the whole congregation seemed to sway in time with the music :-D

As we heard about John the Baptist yesterday, it may be interesting to learn a little more about this charismatic figure.

John the Baptist is one of the most distinctive characters in the New Testament. He had an unusual flair for fashion, wearing wild-looking clothing made of camel's hair and a leather belt around his waist. He lived in the desert wilderness, ate locust and wild honey and preached a strange message. Unlike so many people, John the Baptist knew his mission in life.

Through God's direction, John the Baptist challenged the people to prepare for the coming of the Messiah by turning away from sin and being baptized as a symbol of repentance.

People could not resist the overpowering truth of his words, as they flocked by the hundreds to hear him and be baptized. And even as he attracted the attention of the crowds, he never lost sight of his mission—to point people to Christ.

The remarkable ministry of John the Baptist included the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River. John did not lack boldness as he challenged even Herod to repent of his sins. In approximately 29 AD, Herod Antipas had John the Baptist arrested and put in prison. Later John was beheaded through a plot devised by Herodias, the illegal wife of Herod and ex-wife of his brother, Philip.

In Luke 7:28, Jesus declared John the Baptist to be the greatest man to have ever lived: "I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John."

Lord, help us to follow the example of John by always telling the truth and being sorry for what we have done wrong. May we always speak against evil and stand firm in our faith. Amen.


Cx :-)

The third candle is lit on the Advent wreath today. This week we think of JOY.
Cynthia I am sure that you will enjoy the carol service knowing your son is keeping your husband company.

Sharing one of my favourite hymns with you for the 3rd week of Advent.

JOY TO THE WORLD (written by Isaac Watts and based on Psalm 98)

Joy to the world, the Saviour comes
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing.

Joy to the world the Saviour reigns!
Let men their songs employ
While fields and floods, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat the sounding joy
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found
Far as the curse is found
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace
And makes the nations prove.
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love.
And wonders of His love,
And wonders wonders, of His love.

Love, Peace and Joy to all today. xxx

Good morning :-)

Today we have reached the Third Sunday of Advent - the theme of Joy.

The Collect for today :

O Lord Jesus Christ,
who at your first coming sent your messenger
to prepare your way before you:
grant that the ministers and stewards of your mysteries
may likewise so prepare and make ready your way
by turning the hearts of the disobedient to the wisdom of the just,
that at your second coming to judge the world
we may be found an acceptable people in your sight;
for you are alive and reign with the Father in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
Amen.

The Gospel reading tells us how John the Baptist foretold the coming of Christ. A wonderful story.

We have two baptisms this morning and the large Carol Service tonight. Our son is coming to sit with his dad this evening which is helpful.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Very dark and wet day here today. I feel so very sorry for all the flood victims.

Cynthia, I hope that the antibiotic drops will continue to make your hubby comfortable.

Lavender, how nice to have you popping back again and what good news you are sharing with us all. Two new babies expected for next year! Prayers for everyone.

Continuing the 2nd Advent week of PEACE. We all could do with more peace in our daily lives. If we put our problems in God's hands, he is able to put PEACE into our hearts.

I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don't be troubled or afraid.
John 14 v 27. (New Living Translation).

Praying for the skills of all Consultants, Doctors, Nurses and Midwives who care for Mums-to-be and unborn babies every working day. xxx

Hopefully it will soon clear up Cynthia x

My prayers and thoughts to all who are looking
forward to the arrival of new babies into their family.

Good morning :-)


Thank you all for your kind thoughts. The eye is looking better and the pain has subsided - at least he hasn't mentioned it, so I guess it must have done! <3

How wonderful to have two new babies expected in the family Lavender, please keep us posted as to how things go. <3

As we come to the end of the Second Week of Advent with the theme of Peace, we offer this prayer ....

Prayer for family peace

Lord, bless our family
May we be a beautiful garden for you.
Help us to live in harmony, to provide support to each other when needed and at other times space for each of us to grow.
Help us to take the time to receive the warmth of your grace in our lives and to drink from the water of life daily.
Guide us as we live our lives to have the right balance of work, rest and play.
May we be healthy, contented and giving in all that we do.
Create in us an oasis of love and hope that others can rest within and enjoy.

Amen.


Remembering all families who will be welcoming a new baby during the next few months.

Love, Cx :-)

Hope your husband recovers quickly from his eye infection, Cynthia.

Thanking God for the miracle pregnancy, baby expected next year. As one of it's siblings aged 6 years said, 'God must have loved our family very much!' Long awaited and already much loved <3

edit * I already posted earlier we have two babies expected in our family next year, prayers gratefully received for their safe deliveries, thank you in anticipation :-)

I am sorry your husband is having eye problems Cynthia. I hope the antibiotics work quickly.

I am enjoying the posts on the theme of peace. Let There Be Peace On Earth has long been a favourite hymn of mine. They are big themes but the recent posts have got me thinking of what little things I can do to make my corner of the world more peaceful for those around me. I've come to the conclusion that I need to listen more, smile more and hold my tongue more!

Tonight I am asking for wisdom for our leaders who must work for peace in the wider world.

Hello all

Sorry your husband is having eye problems, hope the antibiotic will clear this soon.

In the busyness of this second Advent week, the words of Graham Kendrick are worthy of reading and then perhaps reflecting on the theme of PEACE.

I'D NEVER KNOWN A PEACE SO SWEET.

I'd never known a peace so sweet
Till I found this at my Father's feet
I'd never known such peace divine
Till Jesus said "I'll give you mine".

"Be still my child and understand
I hold your life in my two hands
Now see my hands now see my pain
And see your way to peace again".

"Be still my child, enjoy my peace
And find the place of pure release
This place is here, it is your rest
To you my child, I give the best".

"And like a child, sleep in my arms
Where none can hurt and none can harm.
For there I give such sweet repose
To you my child, the one I chose".


Thinking now of all the family pets caught up in the flooded areas. xxx

Good morning :-)

We ended up at the doctors yesterday as OH had a painful and sore looking eye - his good one!! He has been given antibiotic drops which have lessened the pain, but he still looks as though I have smacked him in the face... :-D


Dear God,
I need your peace now.
Silence my thoughts of confusion.
Silence my thoughts of anxiety.
Silence my thoughts of grief or despair.
Silence my thoughts of hurt or anger.
When there is chaos and turmoil surrounding me, shelter and protect me with your peace and loving, powerful presence.
As I take this time to stop and pray, fill me with your peaceful presence.
With each breath I take, I breathe in your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Help me to focus on peace instead of unrest.
I surrender my unrest to you so that I may receive peace.
Help me to be a spark that ignites peace in others.
Amen


Continuing to remember those affected by the dreadful floods. Cx :-)

Hello all

"When peace, like a river, attended my way,
when sorrow like sea billows roll; whatever my lot,
Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well, with my soul".
(Horatio G. Spafford).

Heavenly Father
Keep me cheerful and always grateful for small mercies.
May each day be spent in thankfulness and encouragement.
Grant that I may be sympathetic and helpful towards others, because of
the peace that you have passed on to me,
In Jesus' name.
Amen

Good morning :-)

Thank you for your kind words Emma......it's a pleasure <3


Ever felt like this?

Down Days in December

There are ‘down days’ in December –
We don’t like to admit it, but there are.
Days when we’re tired from extra jobs and cooking.
Days when the strain of social events and meetings
Takes its toll, however much we enjoy doing it all.
Can these ‘down days’ in December
Serve to help us along our Advent road?
Perhaps they can, if we consider Mary and Joseph –
Was it easy for Mary to cope with the stigma
Of being pregnant, her story too good to be true?
What of Joseph and his dilemma?
Should he abandon his betrothed or stand by her?
Before his vision, surely doubt and depression
Dogged his days when the future seemed so uncertain?
Yes, the Advent road was hardly a romantic affair!
Thank you Lord, for December blues!
I don’t like them but you can use them!
Days when I need to spend more time with you;
Days when I need to put my trembling hand in yours.
I do trust you, Lord, but keep me looking forward to your light!

- Ruth Russell.


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

Hello all

Nice to see you in your festive hat Emma.

Cynthia your choice of hymn today has never been a favourite of mine. However, the words are very appropriate for this 2nd week in Advent and focusing on PEACE.

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.
(Albert Einstein)

Remembering all households affected by the floods in Cumbria and Lancashire. xxx

Good morning :-)


As we continue to look at the theme of Peace for this second week of Advent, we are reminded of the words of this hymn, a hymn we sing fairly regularly in church. Maybe we could use the words as a personal prayer.

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your
love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there's doubt, true faith in
you.

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there's despair in life, let me bring
hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there's sadness, ever joy.

Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we're born to eternal
life.


How strange that you thought of your hymn kandj as that was one I had considered for this morning.........great minds eh? :-D



Thinking of all those so badly affected by the atrocious weather. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


As we continue to look at the theme of Peace for this second week of Advent, we are reminded of the words of this hymn, a hymn we sing fairly regularly in church. Maybe we could use the words as a personal prayer.

Make me a channel of your peace.
Where there is hatred let me bring your
love.
Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord
And where there's doubt, true faith in
you.

Oh, Master grant that I may never seek
So much to be consoled as to console
To be understood as to understand
To be loved as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of your peace
Where there's despair in life, let me bring
hope
Where there is darkness, only light
And where there's sadness, ever joy.

Make me a channel of your peace
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we're born to eternal
life.


How strange that you thought of your hymn kandj as that was one I had considered for this morning.........great minds eh? :-D



Thinking of all those so badly affected by the atrocious weather. Cx :-)

Hello all

Such sad pictures of the homes that are flooded. I feel so very sorry for them all.

This second Advent week we are meant to concentrate on PEACE. I have these words going around in my head this morning and would like to share them today.

LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH.

Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me
Let there be peace on earth the peace that was meant to be
With God as our Father, brothers we are meant to be
Let me walk with my brother in perfect harmony.

Let peace begin with me let this be the moment now
With every step I take let this be my solemn vow
To take each moment and live each moment, with peace eternally.
Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me.

Warm thoughts, gentle hugs for all who can see no peace around them today. xxx