General Chat

'Extempore' - I came across this word today & didn't know its meaning. The Priest read a piece from the Bible & finally, he offered up an extempore prayer.

‘To speak or write on the spur of the moment; without premeditation or preparation‘. My dictionary comes in handy now & then!

Unknowingly, that expression covers much of my own putrid ill-prepared prayer life.

As you say Cynthia a wonderful organisation who do
good work.

Thoughts for those who serve in this way x

Good morning :-)


So glad you enjoyed the smiles from yesterday..... :-D



In the Church of England lectionary, we are celebrating the lives of William and Catherine Booth of the Salvation Army today.

I know that many folk on here have a soft spot for the ‘Sally Army’ and I was tempted to write a potted history of their lives but, in all honesty, there is so much to their story that it could fill a book – as they say :-D

Suffice it to say that the organisation is still continuing its good works throughout the world and we thank God for them.



“While women weep, as they do now,
I'll fight
While little children go hungry, as they do now,
I'll fight
While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now,
I'll fight
While there is a drunkard left,
While there is a poor lost girl upon the streets,
While there remains one dark soul without the light of God,
I'll fight - I'll fight to the very end!”

? William Booth


Remembering our friends in prayer. Cx :-)

Hello All

Funny Cynthia! Thank you for making me smile today.

A not so funny event that happened to me last week.

I bought some fresh flowers from the supermarket. It was my treat to myself as I love to have pretty flowers in the home, they make me feel good on not so good days
However, I left the flowers in the car boot and when I retrieved them they were not at their best, so that was a waste of money. I had to laugh though.
Silly me (senior moment)..... I won't be doing that ever again.

It's good to be able to laugh, especially at ourselves imho.

Thinking now of those who have nothing to smile at today. xx

:-D :-D :-D
Loved the boy's answer of gravy, thanks for the smiles
this morning Cynthia x
Cut down on the coffee ;-) :-)

Good morning :-)


How about something to make folk smile this morning? :-D


The Vicar at Harvest Festival had arranged all the vegetables in front of the Altar. He asked the children if they could name them. The replies were potatoes, cabbage, carrots, broccoli, and swede. So he asked if they could use one word to cover them all. A little boy held his hand up and replied " Gravy". :-D


God Phones Noah to Order a New Ark

Noah: Expecting bad weather? OK, same specs as last time?
God: Nope, this time I want 20 decks.
Noah: 20! That's huge. OK, kitted out for the animals as usual?
God: No, this time it's for fish.
Noah: FISH! OK, you're the boss. I'll get the whole selection,
cod, haddock, skate . .
God: No, just carp.
Noah: Just the one type? Carp?
God: Yep, that's right carp.
Noah: OK, but can I just ask why?

(wait for it)


God: I just fancied a multi-storey carp ark! :-D




With love to all Cx :-)

Hello All

Lovely prayerful words Emma and Cynthia ....... thank you.

I am thinking now of all who will have exam results soon after weeks of studies.

Success is not final,
Failure is not fatal:
It is the courage to continue that counts.
(Winston Churchill)

Remembering the examiners and moderators work at this important time. xx

Friends are the family
we choose for ourselves x

Remembering all my friends who accept me for who I am <3

Good morning :-)

Thank you for the prayer of gratitude for our homes kandj, here is one in gratitude for our friends........


Thank you, Father, for friends -

Friends that listen instead of talk,
Friends that have time
instead of rushing away,
Friends that really care about others more than themselves,
Friends that have the compassion of Jesus.
We thank you for them all.
Amen.


Praying for all the friends on GR who pop onto this page now and again. Cx :-)

Hello All

Almost time for bed and hopefully a peaceful night sleep. It doesn't always happen but we forever hope and pray in a positive way, and continue to count our blessings.

Thank you Lord
There is a roof above me,
I have a good place to sleep
There's food on the table
And shoes on m feet.
You gave me your love Lord,
And a fine family,
I thank you Lord
For all your blessings on me.

Thinking of all who will be forced to sleep on the streets this night. xx

Good morning :-)


We made church, came home and had some lunch, and then my daughter and I went to the Agricultural Show....................arrrrrgggghhhh.....nothing better than clomping round and round a farmer's field 3 times.........! :-D

A lot of hard work had gone into the event and there were enormous crowds there but it was quite tiring.


Dermot, both the RC and the C. of E. churches have issued statements regarding the Assisted Dying Bill. The C. of E. statement may be seen here

https://www.churchofengland.org/media-centre/news/2015/07/churchgoers-urged-to-voice-concerns-over-assisted-suicide-bill.aspx

The Roman Catholic article

http://www.catholicnews.org.uk/Home/Featured/Assisted-Dying-Bill/Q-A


For today :


Grant to us, O Lord, purity of heart and strength of purpose, that no passion may hinder us from doing your will, and no weakness from doing it; that in your light we may see light clearly, and in your service find perfect freedom; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Augustine of Hippo (354-430)


Holding all friends in prayer. Cx :-)

Hello All

Cynthia I hope you managed to get to the show after church today.

Emma, holidays are a good way to relax and unwind and to recharge energy levels.

Dermont, The Assisted Dying Bill is expected to have its second reading debate on
11 September 2015. The first reading being 24 June, there was no debate on this.

This bill is meant to enable competent adults who are terminally ill to choose to be provided with medically supervised assistance to own their own life;

A heartbreaking issue and one I doubt that would be taken without a great deal of soul searching and thought.

I believe that life is precious and each day is a gift. I might well think very differently if I was in constant pain 24x7 with a terminal illness or with a mind incapable of thinking straight, and not able to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Assisted Dying Bill - vote due on 11th September.

Our church is encouraging parishioners to write to their local MP asking him/her to vote against the Bill & to deploy more energy in providing 'assisted living' instead.

Holidays

During these special times of year,
take advantage of the opportunity
you have to spend time with loved ones,
have real conversations and enjoy authentic
moments.
xx

Good morning :-)


I missed the coverage of that anniversary but have seen snippets of the horror stories on the news. Thank you for that prayer kandj.


The Collect for today :
O God, you declare your almighty power most chiefly in showing mercy and pity: mercifully grant to us such a measure of your grace, that we,
running the way of your commandments,
may receive your gracious promises,
and be made partakers of your heavenly treasure;
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.
Amen.


A beautiful morning here..........I am hoping to visit our local agricultural show after I have been to church.


Love to all Cx :-)

Hello All

Our family are into their second weeks holiday. Our granddaughter K uses this prayer.

Dear Jesus, please stay with us and keep us safe, all the way there and all the
way back again. Amen. Short and sweet. so why don't we adults keep it simple?

Hubby and I have spent time watching the TV coverage of the VJ 70th Anniversary celebrations from London. Absolutely amazing and so very, very humbling listening to the WW2 veterans recall the memories of time spent to keep our country safe.

The Far East Prisoner of War Prayer.

We that are left to grow old with the years.

Remembering the heartache the pain and the tears.

Hoping and praying that never again.

Man will sink to such sorrow and shame.

The price that was paid we will always remember.

Every day, every month, not just in November.

Good morning :-)

Thank you for those lovely words my friends.... <3


The holiday season is still with us and many will be setting off or returning home today.

For Travelers

O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole
creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go:
Keep safe those who travel ;
surround them with your loving care;
protect them from every danger;
and bring them safely to their journey's end;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.


Remembering those who are not able to take holidays for whatever reason - that they may still be able to find time to rest and relax.

Cx :-)

Hello All
I shall pass through this world but once.
Any good therefore, that I can do or any
kindness that I can show to any fellow creature,
let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it,
for I shall not pass this way again.
Stephen Grellet, Missionary
1773 - 1855

Thinking of those who are struggling for whatever reason today. xx

Following on the same theme of those that
are struggling at this time.

When someone who is suffering
looks to you for compassion, it's
indeed a blessing; you are chosen
to be their Light in a moment of
sorrow.

Michelle Cruz-Rosado

Good morning :-)


I hope Emma and her husband have had an enjoyable time over the last few days... <3

A prayer for those who may be struggling at this time...


When you are tired and discouraged from fruitless effort, God knows how hard you have tried.

When you've cried so long your heart is in anguish, God has counted your tears.

If you feel that your life is on hold and time has passed you by, God is waiting for you.

When nothing makes sense and you are confused or frustrated, God has the answer.

If suddenly your outlook is brighter and you find traces of hope, God has whispered to you.

When things are going well and you have much to be thankful for, God has blessed you.

When something joyful happens and you are filled with awe, God has smiled on you.

Remember that wherever you are or whatever you are feeling, God knows.

--Author Unknown


With love to all who have asked for prayer :-)