General Chat

Good morning :-)


The excellent sermon I heard yesterday has provoked a thought.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus told us that He is the Bread of Life and that those whoever comes to him will never be hungry. We then thought about the word hunger. What do we ‘hunger’ for?

The first thought is probably to associate the word ‘food’ with hunger, and we often hear the words “I’m starving”, but are we really starving, in the proper sense of the word? The word ‘hunger’ can also mean a craving/strong wish/desire. We’ll take a look at some other ‘hungers’ this week.

Lord God, we pray for everyone who is hungry today – whether they live thousands of miles away or in our local communities.

We pray urgently for food prices around the world to stabilise and fall, so that more countries do not fall into extreme hunger.

God we ask for wisdom for leaders and experts working to tackle hunger, and that they would be willing and able to make progress in identifying ways to combat food security and help communities adapt to changing weather patterns.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

The Collect (special prayer) for today :

Let your merciful ears, O Lord,
be open to the prayers of your humble servants;
and that they may obtain their petitions
make them to ask such things as shall please you;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen


The Gospel reminds us that Jesus is the Bread of Life and we thank God for the Eucharist.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Such weather we are having...………………………..


Loving God, Creator of all times and places,
we thank you for the gift of summertime,
the days of light, warmth and leisure.
Thank you for the beauty that surrounds us everywhere we look:
the multi-coloured flowers,
the deep blue of the sky,
the tranquil surface of lakes,
the laughter of children at play,
people strolling in park,
families gathered around picnic tables and
the increased time to spend with family and friends. Thank you Lord.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


To complete yesterday's poem.....

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God’s name

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you Gwyn - yes life is a touch tough at times but we plod on. The visit went well, lovely ladies, very flexible to our needs and we hope to start in a fortnight. We can cancel at any time if it doesn't work.

We are having uncertain times in church circles in my area....lots of changes which are found to be rather strange and a touch of arrogance on the part of the hierarchy.

This poem - which I think we have used before - fits the bill quite well. I will conclude it tomorrow.

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not shouting, “I’ve been saved!”
I’m whispering, “I get lost sometimes
That’s why I chose this way”

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble –
needing God to be my guide

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, “I am a Christian”
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

Cx :-)

Dear Cynthia,
Life must be so busy for you and no wonder you needed to catch up on your sleep.

I hope today's visit goes well and a suitable input of help is arranged. It's often having time to do quite ordinary things in life, which really helps. It takes courage to 'let go' and allow that help to be given, so that one can better cope and find a balance before returning to full caring duties.

That is not a hymn I know, but seems just right for these sunny days.
I will have a listen......................

Oh heaven's above! I forgot to pop in here yesterday. I remember that I had had a bad night with OH and grabbed a bit of sleep after breakfast. Apologies.


Good morning :-)

Vera, that is so, so sad. It always hurts to hear of the death of a young person in whatever circumstances. That poor lad, we pray that God will be close to his family and friends as they come to terms with his death.

I have someone coming this morning who is going to arrange some help for me and give me a couple of hours respite a week. OH's condition is gradually deteriorating and it can be hard work at times. Hopefully, this will help me to recharge my batteries a little.



Its summer and the sun shines! Does anyone remember this old hymn?


1 Summer suns are glowing
over land and sea;
happy light is flowing
bountiful and free.
Everything rejoices
in the mellow rays;
all earth's thousand voices
swell the psalm of praise.

2 See God's mercy streaming
over all the world,
and his banner gleaming
everywhere unfurled.
Broad and deep and glorious
as the heaven above,
shines in might victorious
his eternal love.

3 Lord, upon our blindness
your pure radiance pour;
for your loving-kindness
make us love you more.
And, when clouds are drifting
dark across the sky,
then, the veil uplifting,
Father, still be nigh.

4 We will never doubt you,
though you veil your light;
life is dark without you,
death with you is bright.
Light of light, shine o'er us
on our pilgrim way;
still go on before us
to the endless day.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK0ToFWDr8M


Once you start singing it - the tune sticks...… :-D

Cx :-)

Hello all

Hubby being housebound for so many years meant holidays were not for us, but we made the best of things and remembered lovely special holidays over past years.

Vera, that is so very sad, tragic even having to come to terms with the loss of a 15 year old son/grandson and pupil at your daughter's school. My thoughts and prayers are with all the family and his friends at such a hard time.

Now the schools are closed for Summer there will be great excitement as families go away for a break. Happy holidays and safe travelling to them all.

Good morning

Thank you for the reminder of the Serenity Prayer Kandj. I regularly fail to live up to it as I very often lack serenity, courage or wisdom, but it is something to aspire to.

Cynthia your mention of holidays seemed very appropriate as I have had in mind this weekend those families for whom the holidays have only brought tragedy. There have been a number of children injured and killed on the roads and, especially in this hot weather, there have been a number of water related deaths.

This includes a 15 year old pupil at the school where my daughter teaches. The school is open today and my daughter and other staff will be there to offer support and comfort to the lad’s fellow pupils.

I cannot begin to imagine how the parents and families of these young people must feel but my heart goes out to them. I pray that they find the strength to cope with their loss and that the professional helpers and the families’ friends have the wisdom and compassion to offer the support that is needed.

Good morning :-)


I agree kandj, much more pleasant over the weekend. The heat is due back at the weekend but I am making the most of the coolness.

The holiday season is upon us and family and friends are scattered around the globe. Not everyone can manage a holiday for whatever reason, so we think of them today.

Dear Heavenly Father, the holiday season can be quite a trial and even a deep sadness to many people, especially those who are alone at this time. Draw very close to them over this holiday time, that they may discover a new closeness in their relationship with You. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Heavy rain this morning but a much more comfortable temperature.

Life continues to be challenging, not just for me but for so many others too.
I share familiar words of encouragement for all who look in today.

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
Courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Good morning :-)

How lovely to see the rain once more...…………………. :-D

The Collect (special prayer) for today.

The Collect Almighty God,
who sent your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church:
open our hearts to the riches of your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit in love and joy and peace;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

Today’s gospel reading tells the story of the Five Loaves and Two Fishes.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

During the week, we have looked at famous Christian platitudes which many of us have used all of our lives. We have discovered that most of them do not have any biblical basis.

Language matters, platitudes can be destructive. Next time you feel yourself about to respond with a platitude; pause, listen to the Spirit and respond accordingly.

Lord, help us to speak the right words - at the right time. Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

I know what you mean Vera - different places of worship can feel very different but I am not sure why. It may be the design or an atmospheric thing. I have heard people say that they can 'feel' the prayerful atmosphere of a place. Like you, some places of worship really inspire me whilst others leave me cold.

Pondering Platitudes...

Goodness me, I think we have all said this at some time or another. 'Cleanliness is next to godliness' – but that isn’t in the bible. We are instructed in the Bible to draw near to God. See this example from the book of James:

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up".

Notice, James instructs us to draw near to God. “Wash your hands” is not a reference to proper hand washing techniques but to an inner cleansing that requires the blood of Jesus, not merely soap and water.

To be near God, we must do far more than tidy our living rooms and bathe regularly. We must admit our folly, fall on the sufficiency of Christ, and depend wholly on God’s ability to make us truly clean.


Love to all Cx :-)

I have a general question to ask. Are you affected in different ways by different churches and, if so, is it the building, the general atmosphere or what I can only describe as the “spirit” of the place?

I am sorry that I am not being very clear but as an example.....many years ago I visited Sacre Coeur Basilica in Paris and after a few minutes I felt so oppressed, as though there was a great weight on me, that I had to leave. Another time in Germany OH and I came across a small whitewashed and very simple church. We entered to have a look and I immediately had such a feeling of peace and calm. I found Coventry Cathedral immensely moving, partly of course because of its history, but last week I visited Truro Cathedral and didn’t feel anything very much, though I enjoyed seeing the building.

I would love to understand why these places of worship affect me differently and whether others feel the same.

An interesting ‘theme’ again this week Cynthia. Thank you. I don’t have anything to add but you have made me think a bit.

Good morning :-)

Pondering Platitudes. Some of these make for uncomfortable reading don’t they? How often have we used them when speaking to others? I know I have :(

Again, I quote. " 'Let go and let God' – What does this even mean? Can someone explain how I’m supposed to do this?

Am I supposed to somehow magically forget my problems and assume that, without any effort on my part, God will just fix it? God is not a cosmic genie. You don’t just rub a lamp and your problem is fixed. God works in and through us in the midst of a problem.

I get the idea that we’re supposed to allow God to work and not try to fix everything in our own strength. That’s true. But we’re also not simply passive recipients while God grants all of our wishes. We’re not to just sit back and do nothing.

The idea is we do things in God’s power, not God does it for us.


Love. Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Thank you Elizabeth - its lovely to know that you are popping in daily <3


Continuing to ponder those 'religious' platitudes we offer to other people, without realising that there is no Christian basis to them.


I quote. “God needed another angel in heaven – This was actually said to me after we lost Hope. It’s the closest I’ve ever come to literally punching a church member.

First, God doesn’t need anything.

Second, humans don’t become angels (more bad theology for another post).

Finally, how cruel would God have to be to say, “Looks like we’re one angel short of our quota. Let’s kill that kid there so we can have all the angels we need.”

Please, if you’ve ever said this, fall on your knees and beg God for forgiveness right now. And don’t ever say it again. I might not be able to control myself next time”. Dr Chris Perry - author of The Church Mouse.


Cx :-)

Hello Cynthia :-)

I continue to visit daily!

Your latest "quote" reminded me of my time working in the States,a shop had a poster up

"God Helps Those Who Help Themseves-We Prosecute" :-D

Good morning :-)

I wondered if folk were on holiday - its good to have you back Vera. Sounds as though it wasn't a boring break! :-D

Still thinking about those platitudes we offer without thinking...…..


I quote :
God helps those who help themselves – Okay, quick – find that verse in the Bible. Guess what? It isn’t in there.

The phrase actually goes back to ancient Greek philosophy. There’s debate about whether Ben Franklin said it, but if he did the idea didn’t originate with him.

Either way, it’s not biblical. In fact, the Bible is pretty clear that God helps the helpless. God helps those who admit their need for him. God helps those who are incapable of helping themselves.

Yes, God wants us to do what we can, but we have to learn to do things in his power, not our own. Figuring out how to do that is part of the whole Christian journey.


Cx :-)