General Chat

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 :-)

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

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 :-)


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

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 :-)

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 :-)

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

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.

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 :-)

Hello all

I was just so pleased that my sickness bug earlier in the week had cleared so I
could join in the packed church, with my own special thoughts for Ernest yesterday.

Cynthia I am really finding the marriage words so very interesting. Thank you.

"No relationship is all sunshine, but two people can share one umbrella and weather
the storm together." (Author Anon).

Good morning :-)

Bringing our look at Christian marriage to an end........

Almighty God, in whom we live and move and have our being,
look graciously upon the world which you have made
and for which your Son gave his life,
and especially on all whom you make to be one flesh
in holy marriage.
May their lives together be a sign of your love to this broken world,
so that unity may overcome estrangement,
forgiveness heal guilt,
and joy overcome despair;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Cx
:-)

Hello all

Sooooo much better than last Saturday. Thank You God!

I have small cakes in the oven which I will decorate tomorrow, then make a
couple of apple pies and perhaps some scones as my contribution to the cake
stall to be held in the village Community Centre on Bank Holiday Monday for
much needed church funds. I have happier memories of our own church fairs.

The very popular and familiar 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13 reading of LOVE at weddings
reminds me of the words of the last line which reads.............

"Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these
is love." from the Good News Translation Bible.

Good morning :-)

Fittingly enough, after our week of looking at Christian marriage, we find that today's gospel is about.....a wedding banquet :-)


The Collect (Special prayer) for today....
Almighty God,
whose only Son has opened for us
a new and living way into your presence:
give us pure hearts and steadfast wills
to worship you in spirit and in truth;
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.


In the Gospel reading from Luke, we hear Jesus telling the parable of the wedding banquet – ‘for those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.’ Followed by the story of when giving a luncheon – invite those who cannot repay you.

Cx :-)

Hello all

A definite coincidence..... or perhaps a God incidence there Cynthia?
I have found your daily wedding posting fascinating. Thank you.

"Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or the
last time. Then your time on earth will be filled with glory." (Betty Smith)

Happy Sunday blessings to all who read this. xxx

Good morning :-)


Good heaven's! Its a Bank Holiday and it isn't raining :-0 :-D


We live in a world full of symbols, whether it’s a logo on a car or coat, or a picture on a door telling us where to find the toilet! A symbol is something that makes us think about something else – either as a personal reminder or as a sign to others to express a particular identity.

For two thousand years Christians have used symbols to speak about what they believe – this week we will look at some of them.

The fish is a very old symbol. In the Greek language the first letters of the words "Jesus Christ, God's Son, Saviour" spell “icthus”, which means fish. Today, Christians may wear a fish badge, or have a fish sticker on their car.

Dear God,
We are glad that in this country we can make choices about so many things.
Please help those people all over the world who have to keep their beliefs secret from others.
Thank you that you see us on the inside and know what goes on in our hearts. Amen.

Hello all

Cynthia, I have just said the very same thing to my husband.... how good it will be
for everyone to enjoy a dry Bank Holiday outside without the usual rain.

Today, here in our village it is Gala Day with lots of activities and a great number of
people attend and so we both keep away and don't risk hubby being knocked over.

I have baked and passed on buns, scones and fruit pies which will be sold at the
church cake stall today for much needed church funds. Every little helps I know.

I used to have a Christian fish lapel pin....... no idea where that is now though??

Matthew chapter 4 v 18-19 from the King James Bible reads:
And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee saw two brethren, Simon called Peter and
his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea for they were fishers.
And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Young children, and the young in heart can sing these words now.

I WILL MAKE YOU FISHERS OF MEN

I will make you fishers of men,
Fishers of men, fishers of men,
I will make you fishers of men,
If you follow Me.

If you follow Me,
If you follow Me,
I will make you fishers of men,
If you follow Me.

Hear Christ calling, "Come unto Me,
Come unto Me, come unto Me."
Hear Christ calling, "Come unto Me
And I will give you rest."

"I will give you rest,
I will give you rest."
Hear Christ calling, "Come unto Me
And I will give you rest."

Have a Happy Bank Holiday Monday whatever you have in mind. xxx

Good morning :-)


Cheerful old hymn but can't remember when we last sang it......I will probably sing it all day now! :-D

Looking at another symbol of our faith, we look at the Chi-Rho which is the oldest known monogram for Christ. It's such a pity we can post images on the page but there are plenty of examples on Google.

Some call this symbol the "Christogram" and it dates back to the Roman Emperor Constantine (A.D. 306-337). Though the truth of this story is questionable, it is said that Constantine saw this symbol in the sky before an important battle, and he heard the message, "By this sign, conquer." Thus, he adopted the symbol for his army.

Chi (x = ch) and Rho (p = r) are the first three letters of "Christ" or "Chris-tos" in the Greek language.

Though there are many variations of the Chi-Rho, most commonly it consists of the overlaying of the two letters, and is often surrounded by a circle.

Thank you Lord for these signs by which we may recognise you.

Cx :-)

Hello all

There are several Christian signs and I look forward to reading about them.

Symbols are often good to focus and concentrate on God when worshipping.

Thinking of all who will be working throughout this night. xxx

Thank you for picking another interesting theme this week Cynthia.

Your mention of the hymn "I will make you fishers of men" brought back some childhood memories Kandj. It was a favourite of many of the children at Sunday School, though we were a little bit naughty and would often sing "I will make you vicious old men" ;-)

I add an Amen to Kandj's thoughts of those working through the night as a couple of nights ago we had cause to be grateful to two young lady paramedics who came to help OH when he had a "funny turn".

Good morning :-)

Oh dear Vera, I do hope that your OH is alright now. It's very frightening when that sort of thing happens. Sending love and prayers. <3

I'm glad folk are enjoying the Christian symbol theme - I'm actually finding it all very interesting myself........ :-)


A symbol of Christianity which many may not be familiar with, is the pelican.

It’s not uncommon to come across an image of a pelican—usually stabbing itself in the chest with its own beak—in ornate stained glass windows or depicted on sculptures on the sides of churches.

The avian symbol stems from a variation of a legend that circulated during medieval times that said if her chicks were starving, the mother pelican would pierce her own chest and feed the young her blood. The mother pelican would later die from the injury.

Another version says that the mother’s blood actually revived chicks that were near death.

Either way, the myths had such strong allegorical ties to the sacrifice of Christ on the cross, that they became a common symbol associated with Christianity.


Love to all Cx :-)