General Chat

For John
Children's children are a crown to the aged..... Proverbs 17 v 6.
Enjoy spreading your good news. A new birth is always so very exciting.

For Cynthia
I hope that all went well for your husband and you at the hospital appointment.

Dermot. A great question. Two examples of Christians:

1. A lovely gentle lady in Greece who sold purple. Name was Lydia and her heart "fluttered gently" when she heard St Paul preach the merits of Jesus and the Cross.
2. A very small tax collector in Israel. A Jew called Zaccheus who was widely loathed as he collected taxes for Roman overlords.

See the connection? They both saw Jesus as the only way to heaven. The way to heaven, the only truth in this deceitful world and the only life we are to try and imitate. :-) :-)

Edit. Many thanks, Vera. Would love to see a few grandchildren, and the first must be very special indeed. Daughter is having a good pregnancy so far - so it must be a girl :-) But on the scan baby was doing acrobatics, so must be a boy :-) Either way, it seems a magical gift from God.

Congratulations John and Mrs John on the good news. Grandchildren are one of life's great blessings. I hope your daughter has a comfortable pregnancy and no problems..

I hope everything goes well at the eye hospital Cynthia.

I am sorry there is a little friction in your church at the moment. It has always seemed such a happy church but it is bound to be a bit unsettled at the moment with the loss of a dearly loved vicar and not knowing exactly which way things are going to go. I am sure everything will calm down in time.

Many years ago we lived in a village where the vicar was adored by everyone regardless of whether they were believers or not. Eventually he had to retire and after a while a new vicar was appointed. He wanted things to be run his way, there was a fair amount of resentment and for a while things were rather difficult., But in time people came to accept him and he became less heavy handed and everything worked out well. I will keep your church in my thoughts and hope things turn out as well for your community.

'What is a true Christian?

More than 400 sects & denominations call themselves Christian. But they all have some basic & fundamental differences. Would Jesus Christ recognise His name today? How can I be sure what a true Christian should be?'

(Roderick C Meredith of The Living Church of God.)

Cynthia, I also can relate to the fallings out within a church family. It shouldn't happen, but it does and some times I have to wonder where the Christian....love thy neighbour as thyself....ethics come into how some people think and act even within the building!

I hope that your visit to the eye clinic with your husband is a good one for you both.

John, I am sure that you enjoyed sharing your good news with everyone in church yesterday. Hope you have a great time with your research in London.

If you get a chance today, Cynthia, ask if anyone remembers Theatre Sister Scott from 30 years ago. That is the great grandma aged nearly 68 I was mentioning yesterday :-D :-D Hope days goes well for you. m You are both in my prayers.

Had a good day yesterday. Told a few in chapel we were expecting a grandchild and word will soon get round the others. One lady had photos of her first grandchild, so that trumped my news as I only had a grainy photo of a baby that still looks smaller than a mouse. And I got some cards wishing me a happy retirement which I did not expect.

Off tomorrow for a couple of days to do some research (first time for over 10 years). Really looking forward to it. 6 hours and 3 changes on the train plus a tube round London, but no rush and I like to walk round the carriage and shake hands and have a chat with al the other passengers ;-) And I shall hang my mattress out of the hotel bedroom window to please the maid (cf Gerard Hoffnung's tips for foreign visitors when he was a guide at the Festival of Britain in 1951).

Sorry it is a bit difficult at the moment with changes in church. Hope you enjoyed your time helping old Vicar's widow. I was put in mind of this old hymn by Smuel J Stone (1839-1900):

Though with a scornful wonder
we see her sore oppressed,
by schisms rent asunder,
by heresies distressed,
yet saints their watch are keeping;
their cry goes up, "How long?"
And soon the night of weeping
shall be the morn of song.

Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
she waits the consummation
of peace forevermore;
till, with the vision glorious,
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great church victorious
shall be the church at rest.

Yet she on earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won.
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with thee.

Good morning. We almost coped yesterday. Unfortunately, there has been a 'bit of a falling out' within some of the folk at church, so the atmosphere was a bit 'edgy'. Sadly, this sort of thing easily happens when there is no strong leadership.

Some folk find it odd that Christians can fall out with each other but it really isn't that unusual - it happened in the bible. I love the saying....."Church is a hospital for sinners.....not a museum for saints". We are all human and are subject to the same feelings of hurt, anger and distress as anyone else. Hopefully, all differences can be soon resolved in love.

Some thoughts for today:

Because, dear God, you are with me,
Because I know that you care,
I can endure whatever befalls me,
Because I know you are there.

Because I know that you love me,
I can never be lonely again,
Because you do reassure me,
I cannot be unsure among men.

I can face any foe that attacks me,
With weapons, or words, or with deeds,
Because you repeatedly strengthen me,
And provide me the armour I need.

Because I know you won't leave me,
Even though I stumble and sin,
You forgive, and forgive, and forgive me,
Your patience has yet to wear thin.

I can treat others gently and kindly,
Because you have shown me how,
I can now hug my sisters and brothers,
And tell them I love them aloud.

I can be in the cleft of the rock in the storm,
Protected by you ... safe and dry,
I can feel the sweet peace you have placed in my heart,
May I keep it there 'til I die.

Because you are merciful, righteous, and just,
Teach me to be more like you,
Teach me to love unconditionally,
Because that is the way that you do.

~ Virginia Ellis ~



Off to the eye hospital now........enjoy your day everyone......Cx :-)

Many thanks kandj and Cynthia. It has been difficult for us to keep a secret. Daughter has been calling baby Poppy (size of a poppy seed when she first knew), then gradually baby became larger and larger and she keeps changing the name :-D

Daughter and son in law went up to North Wales yesterday to see granny (now 96) and an elderly aunt (nearly 68) - so all family now told and it is official.

Just a word on the elderly aunt. She looks like a 50 year old, acts like a 20 year old and is now a great grandmother of four. Granny therefore now had 4 great great grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren , 7 grandchildren and 4 children (aged between 60 and 69).

And our first grandchild will be her 8th great grandchild. And she knows everything about every one of her large brood. Even us sons in law (aged 74, 72 and 67) get away with nothing :-D :-D

Good morning and what a wonderful way to start the day.....many congratulations to you all John - you must be so thrilled. :-)


Some words which are, perhaps, pertinent to the situation......in fact, to many situations..


Through Me.


Through me
let there be kind words, a warm smile, and a caring heart.

Through me
let there be a willingness to listen and a readiness to understand.

Through me
let there be dependability, steadfastness, trust and loyalty.

Through me
let there be compassion, forgiveness, mercy and love.

Through me
let there be every quality I find, O Lord, in Thee.

-Unknown


We had our annual Memorial Service last night. Not an overly large congregation but it went well. There were many tears and it was moving to see our dear late vicar's wife and daughter in the congregation. Who would have thought it...this time last year, he was conducting the service and we still miss him terribly.



I must go now....we have 5 adults and 4 children being baptised later this morning. The vicar who is conducting is the service is the new one who now has oversight of us. We will see what we will see but I think we will cope.



Cx :-)

Congratulations to John and Mrs John. I hope all goes well for your daughter and son in law and your family will be blessed with a new little twig on your family tree in May.
Thank you for sharing such happy news. I don't think there is too much about just now

The Trinity is so difficult, yet so easy.

We all say the various creeds and prayers. But do we really understand what it means? Three leaves on a shamrock (or a clover?) is useful, so is "God has 3 distinct personalities.

But to me every true Christian understands the Trinity. We know that the 3 personalities of God are within our very soul in the personality of the Holy Spirit. The way I believe it happens is that the Holy Spirit is both the Comforter and the Pusher. He pushes us towards the Lord Jesus who can love us unreservedly and present our case for salvation. The Father accepts us as his children because the Lord Jesus presents us in his merits, not in ours. And the Father justifies us, sanctifies us sends the Holy Spirit to push us on.

And so it goes on through the rest of our lives. Push and pull, but we are now firmly in the arms of the beloved Son and indwelt by the Holy Spirit. So the process is one of continual glorification till at last we see the Throne. And this world and being encouraged to serve God to the best of our ability becomes a foretaste of what we will expect.

That is what I feel is happening. Not sure if my experience is borne out by the Scriptures or the testimonies of past saints. But it feels very real every day.

And just before I finish, guess what. This 67 year old with a 28 year old bachelor son and a 31 year old married daughter but no grandchildren is expecting. We are to be a grandfather at end of May, God willing. My daughter has just had her first scan and everything is fine. So very thrilled indeed :-D :-D Will be able to tell my church friends tomorrow.

JESUS IS THE KEY

Jesus is the key, the key for you and me....
One with the Father and the Spirit
Holy Trinity:
Jesus is the key, through all eternity
Name above all names, King of kings and
Lord of lords, come to set us free!
Jesus is the key to make Heaven our destiny,
For Jesus went to the Cross for you and for me
and bearing our sins He gave his life on Calvary'.
Then the Father raised Him from the dead
and over all creation made Him the head.
Now as we await His return in glory
we must faithfully tell the Gospel story.
That all who are here below, may come to
know the great salvation He does bestow.
And even more, His great love blesses us
far beyond what we see, for in all good things truly.
JESUS IS THE KEY.

I personally found the Holy Trinity hard to comprehend and this small poem made it easier for me to understand. Maybe it will help others too:-

Just like the three leaves on each shamrock I see
There are three parts to the Holy Trinity.
First is God the Father
Then Jesus His only Son
With the Holy Spirit together
They are Three in One.

Good morning everyone :-)


Now that we are into November, no doubt there will soon be a display of Easter eggs in the supermarkets!!!


The other evening, when I was leading the Baptism preparation class, apart from explaining the true meaning of Baptism, I mentioned the Holy Trinity. It wasn't the time or the place to go into things in depth but, I have since discovered that, for one set of very young parents who attended, the evening was a complete eye-opener to the Christian faith.

They have admitted that they know very little - except what was taught them in school. At times like these, I often wish that our classes lasted for several weeks so that we could explore the faith in a deeper and more meaningful way. However, time and pressure of life is holding us back at the moment but, hopefully, it is something we can bear in mind for the future. :-)


With thoughts of the Trinity........


The Holy Trinity

Holy Spirit,
Father, Son,
That's how God becomes as one.
Holy Spirit
Teach and guide,
Awesome Father
Plan, Provide,
Precious Son
Satisfied.

Then, according to His plan,
In His image made He, man.

Inner Spirit,
Body, Soul,
That's how God made mankind whole.
Inner spirit
God is there,
Human body
Death aware,
Fragile soul
Life
Take care.

To further know God's Trinity,
See how else was planned in three.

Time, Space,
Energy,
Heaven, Earth, Ocean sea,
Past,
Present,
Future time,
Height,
Depth,
Breadth combine.

~ Virginia Ellis ~


Enjoy your day Cx :-)

kandj :-D :-D :-D

Tesco will have already planned Christmas 2014. Even when I worked for them 20 years ago (edit, 30 years ago!!!!), most planning had taken place 12-18 months before. My owd mum used to plan her Christmas in Jan and Feb. Bought her cards and wrapping paper for following year half price, bought all her presents in the sales.

Well, I have wished you all a happy Christmas for 2013. Can I also be the first to wish you all a happy 2014 and a happy Christmas in 14 months time.
:-D :-D

John...."Christmas?"..... Bah Humbug!
Can we please at least get November out of the way before the so called
"Festive Season" is commercially thrown our way.

All Souls and All Saints Day heralds the beginning of November and in our church we also have the traditional Memorial Service to remember loved ones who are no longer with us.

The words from the C of E website makes for lovely reading Cynthia.... so simple and childlike while we adults often complicate faith..... (well I do anyway), so it is always good to go back to simple words so easily understood....... thank you.
Take care in your busy day today Cynthia.

Thankyou, Cynthia, for those words on this important day in the Christian calendar.

It reminded me of the Nicene Creed from the fourth century - the one all Catholics, Protestants and all others should memorise as it is so short and punchy. It ends:

"And we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen."

And despite all the schisms, sectarianism, rifts in the last 1600 years, the holy catholic and apostolic Church of our Lord Jesus Christ remains so strong and vibrant - with at least a third of the world's population claiming at least some merit in the story of Jesus and at least the possibility he might be our saviour when we leave this earthly scene.

I watched one of the religion channels last night and watched what I thought was a traditional Jewish service. They spoke in Hebrew, they were Jews, they sang in Hebrew. Yet they were speaking my language. It was right at the end that I noticed programme was called "The Jewish Jesus" and they were Messianic Jews.

It was so very powerful. The Jews have always come first in my mind, as the Bible says. The Kingdom will really come when God's beloved Jews get the message significantly. When they understand exactly what Isaiah prophesied in Chapter 53.

I will get more details this week if anyone wants to tape next week's programme. It was about 3am and very American :-( :-( :-( But I was dancing and singing :-) :-) :-)

Good morning. I have to admit that, as a committed Christian, I don't go for Halloween in the supermarket way at all!! Many churches actually have special 'light' parties for their children to encourage them away from all the darkness and evil which many people seem to find amusing.

We are holding Service of Remembrance for those who have died during the last year, who were connected to our church, tomorrow afternoon and each name will be read out reverently.


As today is All Saints' Day, I have taken the following from the C. of E. website:

For the gift of his Spirit:
blessed be Christ.

For the catholic Church:
blessed be Christ.

For the means of grace:
blessed be Christ.

For the hope of glory:
blessed be Christ.

For the triumphs of his gospel:
blessed be Christ.

For the lives of his saints:
blessed be Christ.

In joy and in sorrow:
blessed be Christ.

In life and in death:
blessed be Christ.

Now and to the end of the ages:
blessed be Christ.

Amen.




Another busy day ahead of me......take care everyone. Cx :-)

:-D :-D @ Cynthia. It was late last night and I was having visions about holly and ivy.

Love those verses by Virginia Ellis this morning. I have a feeling most of our Bibles were written exactly like that - someone just sitting down with something to write and musing on God.

Last day of October and tomorrow is All Saints' Day (also known as All Hallows, Solemnity of All Saints, or The Feast of All Saints)

All Saints' Day is the second day of Hallowmas, and begins at sunrise on the 1st of November and finishes at sundown on the 1st of November. It is the day before All Souls' Day.

In Western Christian theology, the day commemorates all those who have attained the beatific vision in Heaven. It is recognised by many denominations, from Roman Catholics to Methodists.

Tonight reminds me of the very night I had to stay in an hotel in Whitby a few years ago. I expected the place to be quiet and reserved like all seaside resorts at end of October. The place was packed with goths. White faces and black cloaks greeted me on every street corner as I perambulated before dinner. I confided to the friendly hotel manager that I was a committed Christian and I found it all a bit unsettling.

He told me that I had just missed a Christian convention who were staying at his hotel the previous week. He said: "I prefer these goths. They are friendlier than the Christians. And they spend more money" :-) :-)

I thought I had the wrong page when I saw your comment John........Christmas indeed! I've got quite a pressured day today, otherwise I would take some time to look up about the holly and the ivy..

Before I dash off - I am helping our Vicar's widow and daughter to sort some stuff out - I will leave these words for you :


I've asked myself quite frequently
Why does it happen so ...
That from my fingers and my pen,
So many verses flow?

At times my thoughts flood over me
Until they just pour out.
My words then freely overflow ...
What brings such surge about?

I spend time in reflection,
My head truly in a spin;
Then a multitude of notions,
Will make me grab my pen.

I never used to do such things,
I've never been this way.
Why do I get those very words
I feel compelled to say?

I used to pine in loneliness,
But now I seek to be alone.
I want to talk to God my way,
To pen for Him ... my poem.

My verse, I know, is selfish,
It's my way of reaching out;
It's my form of reassurance ...
It's my shield against self-doubt.

I like to think that through my poems
I'm learning how to pray ...
And that my Father's telling me
The words that I should say.

Thus, I dedicate this pen of mine
To Almighty God above ...
To openly declare my need,
For His forgiveness and His love.

May any future words I write,
Be for His exaltation.
May they be truly God-inspired ...
Just for His adoration.

~ Virginia Ellis ~


Cx :-)

May I be the first to wish everybody a very merry Christmas. :-D :-D

I was looking at Cynthia's post earlier today and kandj's comments and my mind turned to the carol the holly and the ivy. For some reason, I was imagining one bitter and one sweet. Perhaps not, but they are interesting plants.

In the very old days apparently, people would love to carouse in the weeks leading up to Christmas. The men would compose verses and sing their ditties to holly. The women would do the same with ivy.

Then they would get together as a village before Christmas and sing about mistletoe, which traditionally settled all their competitive composing and singing.

I am told that holly, ivy and mistletoe were the three most prominent British woodland plants during the winter.

Only one version of why we sing the holly and the ivy. Interesting if anyone has heard another story about it :-)