General Chat

Good morning :-)

This and that....



Many people know that they sing ‘Abide With Me’ at every cup FA cup final at Wembley, before the teams appear on the pitch. But why do they do this? And when did it start?

This hymn was written by Henry Francis Lyte, (1793-1847) an Anglican vicar who once visited an old priest who was on the point of death. The dying man kept repeating the words ‘Abide with me’ and this made a deep impression on Lyte.

Unfortunately, Lyte suffered from TB and was hoping that some Mediterranean air would help. Before he left England, he preached his farewell sermon to his congregation and, that afternoon, wrote ‘Abide With Me’ and gave it to his daughter. Sadly the Mediterranean air could not cure him, and he died two weeks later. He was just 54 years old.

The words of ‘Abide With Me’ were paired with various hymn tunes. But in 1861 William Henry Monk was asked to write a new melody. Monk was in deep mourning as his young daughter had recently died and he wrote the tune ‘Eventide’. It has become the inseparable companion of Lyte’s words ever since.

The new hymn soon proved popular and Nurse Edith Cavell sang it on the evening before her execution on 10 October 1915.

As for the FA Cup Final, Sir Alfred Wall, the Secretary of the Football Association, introduced ‘Abide With Me’ in 1927 to replace Alexander’s Ragtime Band, which had been the opening tune for the Cup Final until that time. The initiative was fervently supported by King George V and Queen Mary, who both loved the hymn. So nobody was inclined to disagree. Two years later, the Rugby League followed suit at their Challenge Cup Final. ‘Abide With Me’ is still sung at both matches every year, an annual moment of faith for a people who are not always religious.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

A 'this and that' week



A single guy decided life would be more fun if he had a pet. So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet.

After some discussion, he finally bought a talking centipede, (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house. He took the box back home, found a good spot for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him.

So he asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go to church with me today? We will have a good time."

But there was no answer from his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked again, "How about going to church with me and receive blessings?"

But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a
few minutes more, thinking about the situation. The guy decided to invite the centipede one last time.

This time he put his face up against the centipede's house and shouted,
"Hey, in there! Would you like to go to church with me and learn about God?"

This time, a little voice came out of the box, "I heard you the first time! I'm putting my shoes on!"


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Flowers are beautiful I agree kandj - but I am a hopeless flower arranger!! :-D


The Collect (special prayer) for today:
Almighty God,
who called your Church to bear witness
that you were in Christ reconciling the world to yourself:
help us to proclaim the good news of your love,
that all who hear it may be drawn to you;
through him who was lifted up on the cross,
and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Thanks as always for your daily posts Cynthia.

I love seeing flowers in my garden and in my home.
I've planted Cosmos, Pansy, Foxgloves, Petunia and Poppies all from last years seeds and have been rewarded with pretty colourful flowers that have cheer me up daily.

"Life is like a flower when we don't take care of it, it can wither and die." (Davene Taylor).

Gentle hugs for all who feel sad today.

Good morning :-)

Song of Songs 2:12
“Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come, the cooing of doves is heard in our land.”

It talks about when the flowers bloom in Spring, and the smell of life can be felt throughout the land. We can include this in our prayer whenever we have experienced extreme challenges or natural calamities. This verse means that there is life and light after every storm.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


What a dreadful situation in Afghanistan.....we send our love and prayers to all involved. <3


Job 14:2
“Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain.”

The flower described in this verse is a similarity to a man’s lifespan. It is a comparison to an individual who was born, grows, and eventually dies.

Life is indeed fleeting. So, we should spend it by helping others and following the Word of God. Maybe we should spend a time of our day by reflecting on this verse. We could reflect on the actions we have made in the past, and ask ourselves if it is according to God’s teaching. Are we being good followers of Christ?


Cx :-)

Thoughts and prayers tonight for everyone involved in the desperate situation in Afghanistan <3

Good morning :-)

James 1:10-11
“But the rich should take pride in their humiliation–since they will pass away like a wildflower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.”

Humans are just like flowers. Flowers need sunlight, and a proper amount of water and care to grow. But just like humans, they fade and die. Everything in this world will soon fade and wither away. Whether it is money, beauty, luxury, or any other materialistic things. However, unlike these wild flowers, God and His Word will remain the same. His endless love will shine forever.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Thank you for all your postings Cynthia. I'm now thinking of John 15 v 5 in the King James bible:
" I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me, you can do nothing."

You are the vine,
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in you.

You are the vine
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in you.

Then we'll grow in your love
and we'll go in your name.
That the world will surely know
that you have power to heal
and to save.

You are the vine,
We are the branches
Keep us abiding in you.

I'll probably have this lovely old hymn in my mind for most of today now.

Wednesday hugs to all in need today.

Good morning :-)

Song of Solomon 2:13
“The fig tree has ripened its figs, and the vines in blossom have given forth their fragrance. Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come along!”

The vines in blossom in this verse is part of a love story. It uses the vines in bloom to add description and sensuality to the love poem. It wants to romanticize and beautify the text by adding these images. More than that, it describes the beauty of God’s kingdom and our loving relationship with Him.

Cx :-)

Hello all

After watching the news I'm praying daily for the people in Afgahinstan who are fearful for their lives and are desperate to leave this country now that the Taliban have taken control.

Remembering also our government and other leaders who are making plans to take in the refugees who are making their way to our country.

Sending blessings and hugs to all in need today.

Good morning :-)



Isaiah 35:1-2
“Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses. Yes, there will be an abundance of flowers and singing and joy! “

The flowers in the verse signify the joy and fulfilment of God’s kingdom. When we follow the Lord, spread His Word and apply it in our lives we will see His kingdom. This verse is also about how the Lord will guide us as we seek Him in times of hardships and challenges.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

For those of you on Facebook, you may have noticed how many people are posting pictures of their gardens in all their summer glory! Flowers are mentioned in the bible too.

Luke 12:27-28
“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?”


The flowers represent the people of God. The Bible likens them to lilies - their beauty comes from their faithfulness to God because He cares for them. The people are being compared to flowers, in a way that they grow and bloom due to the God’s love and care.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Lovely to see Tabitha and Vera popping on to say hello. Don't worry about posting - I just hope that people find this thread helpful <3

I spent yesterday morning at hospital having a BCC removed from my face. I swear the doctor only left primary school this year!!! We have so much to thank the NHS for. I'm fine, just a bit of a swollen lip - a mask will come in handy!! :-D


The Collect (special prayer) for today :
Almighty and everlasting God,
you are always more ready to hear than we to pray
and to give more than either we desire or deserve:
pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy,
forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid
and giving us those good things
which we are not worthy to ask
but through the merits and mediation
of 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.

Gospel – John 6.56-69 - Jesus continues to speak about Living Bread.


Cx :-)

Thank you for all the verses, sayings etc. this week Cynthia (and others who post). I don't post much now as I seldom have anything useful to add but I do look in nearly every day and appreciate the effort it takes to keep the thread going.

Good morning :-)

Trust in the Lord

The wind's not always at our back,
The sky is not always blue.
Sometimes we crave the things we lack,
And don't know what to do.

Sometimes life's an uphill ride,
With mountains we must climb.
At times the river's deep and wide,
And crossing takes some time.

No one said that life is easy,
There are no guarantees.
So Trust in the Lord continually,
On calm or stormy seas.

The challenges we face today,
Prepares us for tomorrow.
For faith takes our fears away,
And peace replaces sorrow.


Cx :-)

How i love all these sayings, thoughts and messages - i always know where to cme if i need uplifting.

Stay safe and well everyone and have a lovely weekend.

Take care

;-) <3 ;-) <3 ;-) <3

Good morning :-)

A few ‘It’s funny' - thoughts for the day.

It’s funny how people want the front of the bus, middle of the road, and the back of the church.

It’s funny how a lot of church members who are singing 'Standing on the Promises' are just sitting on the premises.

It’s funny that, outside of traffic, there is nothing that has holds this country back as much as committees.

It’s funny how we call God our Father and Jesus our brother, but find it hard to introduce them to our family.

It’s funny how we demand justice for others, but expect mercy from God

It’s funny how people want God to answer their prayers, but refuse to listen to His counsel

It’s funny how people think they are going to Heaven but don't think there is a Hell.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

If you have a cold
Or even worse the flu
Then just tell me and…
I will pray for you

If you have done a sin
And it is stuck like glue
Then just give me a call and…
I will pray for you

If someone close has died
Or another family issue
As soon as I find out…
I will pray for you

If you got into trouble
That you can’t undo
Then with all my heart…
I will pray for you

I hope one day when I am down
Or simply feeling blue
You will pray for me…
Just like I prayed for you


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Hidden In My Heart

I keep the Word of God
hidden in my heart
And each day when I rise
with prayer my day I start.

I try to fill my mind
with His undying truth
so that throughout the day
I'm careful how I choose.

I need discernment to apply
His word to all I do
And when I'm going thru a trial
I know His word holds true.

The nature of temptation
makes sin look heavenly
Sometimes it's hard to recognize
when it's the enemy.

That's when I reach into that hiding place
where Satan has no part
Deep in my soul where God's true Word
is hidden in my heart.

by Norma Calderon

Cx :-)