General Chat

Good morning :-)


David, I think compromise tends to come under the wording of courtesy, consideration and encouragement. A touch of blindness to each other's faults can help too :-D


What an interesting version of the 23rd Psalm kandj..... love it. What a lovely thing for the family to find.

For today:

In a marriage ceremony, it’s interesting how important hands are.

The bride enters the church on her father’s arm – sometimes clutching at his hand – probably because of nervousness.

Although there are options these days, the traditional service asks “Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” and whoever is giving the bride away, passes the bride’s right hand to the bridegroom.

During the ceremony, the couple hold hands as the wedding rings are slipped on.

Possibly the most meaningful hand action is when the priest wraps the end of his stole around the couples hands, holds them tightly and says “Those whom God has joined together, let no man put asunder”.

Lord, we lift our hands to you in prayer as we think about marriage. Bless those who are contemplating marriage and those who are happily married. Comfort and strengthen those whose marriage is in difficulties and those who mourn marriage. May we and they commit ourselves and our loved ones into your loving hands. For Christ’s sake. Amen.


Cx :-)

Today has been the funeral service of our 85 years old church family friend.
who had been happily married for 58 years. This was read out by the vicar
at the families request. The girls had found it hidden in Dad's bible.

PSALM 23 - A version by the Japanese poet Toki Myashina.

The Lord is my Pacemaker. I shall not rush.
He makes me stop and rest for quiet intervals.
He provides me with images of stillness
which restore my serenity.
He leads me in ways of efficiency, through calmness
of mind, and His guidance is peace.
Even though I have a great many things to accomplish
this day, I will not fret for His Presence is here.
His timelessness, His all-importance will keep me in balance.
He prepares refreshment and renewal in the midst of my
activity by anointing my head with the oil of tranquility.
My cup of joyous energy overflows.
Surely harmony and effectiveness
shall be the fruits of my hours,
for I shall walk in the place of my Lord,
and dwell in His house forever.

Add to your recipe ongoing compromise....
Took me a long time to notice the need of that :)

Good morning :-)

Dreadful news of the Italian earthquake......praying for those who are still buried and for those who have lost everything.


Continuing with Christian marriage........

RECIPE FOR A HAPPY MARRIAGE
1 cup of consideration
2 cupfuls of praise
1 reasonable budget
2 cupfuls of flattery carefully concealed
2 cupfuls of milk of human kindness
1 gallon of faith in God and each other
A generous dash of cooperation
3 teaspoons of pure extract of “I am sorry”
1 cup of confidence and encouragement
1 large or several small hobbies
1 cup of blindness to each other’s faults
1 cup of courtesy
1 small pinch of in-laws
1 cup of contentment

Flavour with frequent portions of recreation and a dash of happy memories. Stir well and remove any specks of jealousy, temper, or criticism. Sweeten well with generous portions of love and keep warm with a steady flame of devotion. Serve with a smile on a plate of selflessness. Never serve with a cold shoulder or a hot tongue.


Cx :-)

Hello all

I do love a wedding but much prefer the spiritual service to the bun fight afterwards.

What a tragic event with the earthquake in Italy. Such an horrific experience.
Thoughts and prayers go to the families and friends of the 38 who have died.

Good morning :-)


You sound as though you are going from strength to strength kandj......so pleased. <3


For today ..... some words which will bring back memories for many.


Looking at Christian marriage………the vows

The vows that are made are at the heart of the wedding day and have been spoken by millions of couples over the centuries. They cannot be re-written or changed in any way for legal reasons – they are the words of commitment to a shared life that define you as ‘married’.

The marriage vows are spoken before God and in front of family and friends. Along with the vows, ‘Declarations’, are made which confirm that the couple will always love and care for each other in a way that will please God.

At the point when the vows are said, the couple take each other’s right hand and say:

‘I, (name), take you, (name)
to be my wife/husband,
to have and to hold
from this day forward;
for better, for worse,
for richer, for poorer,
in sickness and in health,
to love and to cherish,
till death us do part,
according to God’s holy law.
In the presence of God I make this vow.’
(From The Marriage Service, Common Worship)

These vows are unique to church weddings. By making these promises in church, the couple are inviting a loving and profoundly caring God to help them keep them.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Feeling better again and this sunny day is a real tonic too.

Thanks Cynthia, for all your interesting postings. One hymn is going around
in my head after reading the post for today. It is Bind Us Together Lord.

Bind us together Lord
Bind us together
With cords that cannot be broken
Bind us together Lord
Bind us together
Bind us together in love.

I think this one verse says so much and needs no explanation.

Good morning :-)

So glad that you are feeling better again kandj. <3

Continuing with this week’s theme of Christian marriage, we hear, in the marriage service the following words….

“Heavenly Father, by your blessing let these rings be to N and N a symbol of unending love and faithfulness, to remind them of the vow and covenant which they have made this day through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen”

Christian marriage is more than a contract; it's a covenant relationship. We live in a contract orientated society but we don’t often hear the word ‘covenant’. So what’s the difference?

A contract is an agreement between two or more parties, especially one that is written and enforceable by law. Contracts are based on protection and mistrust. They allow the parties involved to look for loop holes and exist clauses, and are centred on your rights and protection. In fact, the Bible doesn’t say anything about “contracts” anywhere!

The term “covenant” means “a coming together.”

Covenants are based on commitments freely offered. A covenant is built on self-less love, freely given and freely received. As strange as it may sound, a covenant marriage is one in which the “tie that binds” the couple together is a commitment freely offered with no strings attached. Paul said it well: “Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:8).


Cx :-)

Hello all

I'm back in the land of the living...... THANKS BE TO GOD.

All sickness gone and the sickky feelings gone too. Hubby is as well as
he can be and hopefully has escaped from my bug (so far, so good.)

In the last 2 months I have heard of two young married couples who have
separated. Sadly one is my lovely niece and the other is a neighbour. They both
have two young children who now are upset and facing life without Mummy
and Daddy living together at home.

Heavenly Father
Be near all couples who are coping with a rejection and broken heart. Give them
strength each new day as they feel they have failed in the sanctity of marriage
and now face dark days coping with a separation while seeing their precious small
children upset and bewildered. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Good morning everyone :-)


Hello David. I understand that Jesus is known by almost 200 names......and that the name 'Jesus' is a translation from the Jewish name of Joshua. Where there are translations, there are often variations.

It reminded me of helping someone with their family tree recently. There had a couple of ancestors named Mary and Joseph..................and they called their firstborn son......Immanuel. :-D

Glad you are feeling better kandj - and that each day you will grow stronger.

For today:

After a couple of weeks at looking at the Olympics and the symbols attached to the event including the Olympic rings……some other rings came to mind - Christian marriage rings….

We have had quite a few marriages in church over the summer months so it may be interesting to look at some of the symbols attached to this holy sacrament during the coming week.

Christians believe that marriage is a gift from God, one that should not be taken for granted. It is the right atmosphere to engage in sexual relations and to build a family life. Getting married in a church, in front of God, is very important.

A marriage is a public declaration of love and commitment. This declaration is made in front of friends and family in a church ceremony.

Marriage vows, in the form "To have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part", have been recited at UK church weddings since 1552.

So, today we pray for those who are contemplating marriage….

Lord, in a world where the sanctity of marriage is becoming so unpopular, we pray that You would renew a deeper understanding and reverence for the true meaning of marriage, to all engaged couples.  We pray that You would prepare each one for the tremendous changes and challenges that their marriage will bring and help them to overcome all the difficulties that will arise as they adapt their single status into a meaningful marriage partnership. May they grow closer together in love with each other and with You, day by day - in Jesus name we pray, Amen.


Cx :-)

Something that puzzles me is the birth of God's son was forecast in the OT.
He shall be known as Emmanuel, Mighty Counsellor, Prince of Peace.

Yet during his brief life he was known as Yeshua, Muslims know him as Isa.
Yet we call him Jesus, Spanish for John.

Hello all

Many thanks for your kind words Cynthia and Vera. I feel like something the cat
has dragged in today but the sickness has stopped and it can only get better I hope.

I can't remember when I was last ill, but thankfully hubby has no sickness too, so
that is a blessing for us both. Tomorrow is another day!

"Be thankful for what you have; You'll end up having more. If you concentrate on
what you don't have, you will never ever have enough." (Oprah Winfey)

I hope you are much better today Kandj. Being poorly is bad enough but it is an extra worry when you are a carer. Thinking of you <3

Good morning :-)


Oh poor kandj :-( How awful for you, especially when you are caring for your OH. Do hope that whatever ailed you soon passes and that you feel better very soon. Sending love and hugs <3


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 and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.
Amen.

In the Gospel from St. Luke, we hear the story of Jesus curing the woman who had been crippled for 18 years………..on a Sunday……. and the criticism he received from the leaders of the synagogue.


Cx . :-)

Oh dear, Kandj, I do hope you feel much better tomorrow. Take it very easy for a few days if you can. Thinking of you and hoping you have a peaceful and comfortable night <3

Not long since got up!! Had sickness in the night and throughout the day today.
No idea why as I was fine when we went to bed?? Here's praying for a better day
tomorrow. Banging headache and pain in my back and hips as well. Hey ho!!!

Good morning :-)


I'm not sure if choir members receive a remuneration any more - possibly in certain areas but probably not in many. Most church choirs rely heavily on committed volunteers. We have a new, young and very talented organist and are hoping that he will rejuvenate our small but exceedingly loyal choir.

For today:

The Olympic creed, which is meant to encourage the athletes to embrace the Olympic spirit and to perform to the best of their abilities ........

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

As Christians, we are reminded….

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."


Hold on to your hats and umbrellas today folks........Cx :-)

No kandj, it was a mercenary thing.

I was paid one shilling a week for being in the choir

I was paid 2/6 for delivering newspapers, extra for
selling the Football Chronicle in the street.
The latter was easy, I sold them to the crowd flocking to the shop.

Hello all

Quite a change there then David. Did you sing hymns while posting the papers?

It is exciting but emotional seeing the medal presentations and thinking of all the
hours/days/weeks/months and years of commitment and dedication from them all.

"Gold medals aren't really made of Gold. They are made of sweat, determination
and a hard-to-find alloy called Guts. (Dan Gable).

Worth a mention. As an adolescent I was a choir boy at St. Jude's Church.
Sure I had a photo. If it ever surfaces I will post it.

Gave it up and got a paper round.