General Chat

Thank you for the poem Cynthia. For reasons I won’t bore you with, it has not been a good day for me and the poem gave me a much needed smile.

Strangely enough I came across kandj’s bookmark quote only a day or two ago.

Sylvia, I am so pleased that you have your Christmas trip to look forward to now. It’s a positive step back to some sort of normality and I have everything crossed that it will go ahead as planned.

My granddaughter has completed her first week at the care home for dementia patients. She tells me she is enjoying it though some of the lady residents can be quite sharp with her. She is apparently fast learning patience :-). I was thinking how hard it must be for many people with dementia to grasp what is happening at the moment and how worrying it is for their families, so they and their carers and families are in my thoughts tonight.

That poem made me smile, Cynthia. Thank you.

Well, I've got the travel all booked for Christmas, so life feels a bit more normal for me as this is usually the time when I make my train bookings :-D

so it is now "keep all toes and fingers crossed'!

Hello all

I agree that most of us are a little fed up but things are challenging but it is what it is and we all need to stick to the rules and keep safe and stay well.

Your poem gave me a smile Cynthia. Thank you.

I came across a book mark which I'm using now and I'd really forgotten this inspirational quote, and so I'd like to share it with all who look in here.

"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift from God, which is why we call it the present."
(Bill Kean.)

Good morning :-)


To be honest Sylvia, I'm totally confused with what is happening in the church in this country. Many seem to be at cross purposes about re-opening but, I think it will be a case of one step at a time. Church circles on Twitter have been awash with debates and arguments about who should do what and when. sigh. The R factor is quite high in our area still, so there is no sign of our church springing to life just yet. Fortunately, we have a reasonably good online presence, but it's not the same as meeting together.



I’ve seen several posts of how the lockdown is beginning to affect people and many are totally fed up….but…..we have to be sensible and stay as safe as we can for a while longer. To try and lift some spirits, I will endeavour to make this week a humorous one and if not humorous, then at least uplifting and inspiring. We are in this together and it’s good to laugh. Take heart everyone and stay alert :-


I found this poem which is bit long but it made me smile…..I hope it makes you smile too.


Now MONDAY is my usual day for cleaning round the house,
I try to do this cheerfully, but more often I just grouse.
The dust piles up in corners where the Dyson does not fit.
And much of all the clutter should be ear-marked for the tip.
But with my yellow duster and disinfectant jar
I whisk around the various rooms in crannies near & far,
And soon the house looks civilised, (if you don’t bend down and peer,)
Now it’s time to put the kettle on, or even have a beer!

TUESDAY is the food shop day, but all routine is broken,
For Britain is in lockdown, and the Government has spoken,
They say we must stay far apart when going round a shop,
Else we’ll be fined for flouting rules by the vigilant nearby Cop.
So in we go, just one by one, with many wearing masks,
Scooting all around each other as we go about our tasks.
We need baked beans, but tins are short, so only two per person,
But they’re not made by Heinz I see, so I shun the other version.

WEDNESDAY is another day when I usually sit and paint,
Or sketch a new design but keep it really faint,
For the design may be off centre and some rubbing out required
To make the pretty picture in the way that I aspired.
But this year is so different with events all shelved or shut
No place to show my paintings which has put me in a rut.
Why go on painting pictures which none will ever see?
It seems a waste of effort to behave like a busy bee.

THURSDAY is the fourth weekday, though some will say day five,
Whatever you might call it, at least we’re still alive!
The virus rages round the world, and it really is quite scary
With deaths reported everywhere, though the numbers often vary.
So people just stay home each day, and pray we might stay healthy,
For this is what all humans want; the young, the poor, and wealthy.
In this time of isolation, our computers are the king!
We can see and talk to family, and no longer need to ring.

FRIDAY comes around again and it’s really nice and sunny,
The garden looks quite sparkling, and the bees are making honey.
But out the window I can see, the weeds are taking over
With lots of chicory and grass each intermixed with clover.
It tells me I should be out there, digging up offenders,
But other things indoors distract, and they are strong contenders
Like read a book or write to friends, or actuate TV
All these things will better protect my permanent gammy knee.

Today I think is SATURDAY, though it’s difficult keeping track
In this endless time of lockdown; I feel I’ve lost the knack
Of knowing which each day is which; my routines’ out of view,
No meetings, dates, or anything which would normally give a clue.
But our family are a godsend, and all now work from home,
So they set up general “meetings”, using an app. to me unknown.
We see and hear and talk non-stop on this app. whose name is Zoom,
There is no better way I think, of relieving all our gloom.

SUNDAY is day one or seven depending on your diary,
Some people get uptight by this, and really get quite fiery.
But believe me it’s a special day, the Lord said “Keep it free”,
So off we go to church each time, and get home in time for tea!
But not in 2020, all churches had to close,
Our vicars go on-line these days, which keeps us on our toes,
They remind us of the wonder of the countryside around,
And all the gifts from God we have; these surely do abound.

Lorna Minton, Twyford


Cx :-)

Cynthia ............

The Anglican Diocesan of New Westminster, which includes Vancouver, seems to be setting up plans, but leaving the actual opening of individual churches to each church committee as long as they use at least the plans set up by the Diocesan Office or exceed them.

The Archbishop Melissa Skelton said the other week that each church committee and priest knew their own congregations better than anyone else. Some had a lot of high risk members who had to be protected.

The last I heard was that our local church that OH goes to was looking at around July 15. They have a new priest who has only been officially in office just before the pandemic began but she did have some contact with the parish for a couple of months before that. I would assume that she is taking a lot of advice from the long-term church members on the current church committee. It is an older congregation, with not many young people under the age of 40 (or maybe 50!).

I have no idea what the plan is for the Anglicans in the rest of Canada.


The local Catholic church had its first service about 3 weeks ago, causing a little disturbance in the neighbourhood around it. I've heard nothing since, either as to whether the services are being held or if the neighbours are still upset!

Hello all

That link was interesting Cynthia, so thank you for sharing it on here.

Lots to think about and organise with talk of opening churches for private prayer next week.

Have a Happy Monday and stay safe everyone x

Good morning :-)


Thanks for your lovely words Tabitha - much appreciated.

Sylvia, let me know how things go with the church. There is so much dissent in churches over here about whether or not to return - some clergy are getting quite ratty - on both sides of the debate. :-(

I had something else planned for today but a friend sent me this link last night and I thought I would share it.

Yesterday was Trinity Sunday and, over the years, many of us will have heard clergy trying to explain the concept of what Trinity means. They have used illustrations such as apples (peel, flesh seeds), clover leaves (3 leaves from one stem) and the water/ice/steam thought. This cleric has put it over rather differently.....enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/stjamessussexgardens/videos/906804163078124/

Cx :-)

Signs of life today at the Canadian Baptist Church across the street.

The Filipino congregation that shares the church with the original congregation were out in force, cleaning inside and outside. A couple of younger men have been 3 or 4 times over the last 3½ months to cut the grass, they have a very large area to look after, with the last time on Friday. But the grass has been cut again and really tidied up.

There is now a huge sign on the door advising that one keep to spatial distancing, with diagrams to indicate what that means.

I guess at least one of the congregations will be meeting next Sunday ..... allowed as long as no more than 50 people are in the church, and distancing is kept..

Hello all

Very worrying scenes on tv showing the masses gathering in London and Bristol following the death of George Floyd. I pray for his family and his friends.

I pray for the whole situation in USA - for wisdom and compassion, and that those who are protesting will have a voice that will be heard. Let's pray for the wider issue of racism which also affects us here in this country too.

Cynthia - I love your posts - first time i have seen that one and i have been in a lot of different churches/Sunday schools/missionary huddles/evening groups & classes as well as theology sessions over the years.

Had a lot of thought and decided - depending on the subject I am the following an awful lot of the time - is that why I often get called on to prepare or research "Sermons/Classes" for others and get asked for ideas.


1. Wheelbarrows – need to be pushed.
4. Footballs – you never know where they will bounce next.
8. Puppies - happy when patted on the back.
Many are like the North Star - there when you need them, dependable, and loyal.

Too loyal in some cases as per something I was told by a very wise Chinese man once - Your Chinese Horoscope sign is a Pig - Very loyal to people but in the wrong hands can become a doormat for people to walk on and be used. Do not allow yourself to become a mug, do not believe all people have the same morals and loyalty as you.

I fall into that trap so many times - I never seem to learn - only recently it happened again & I was deeply hurt by 3 people I thought were friends and I was very let down.

< <3 <3 <3 Thank you all once again for being my virtual friends and keeping me going I value your beautiful thoughts and try and pop in daily keep up the good work <3 <3 <3

Good morning :-)

I think I've hopped about on each one over time kandju :-D


I overslept today.......just catching up.......doh

TODAY IS KNOWN AS TRINITY SUNDAY

The Collect (special prayer) for today

Almighty and everlasting God,
you have given us your servants grace,
by the confession of a true faith,
to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity
and in the power of the divine majesty to worship the Unity:
keep us steadfast in this faith,
that we may evermore be defended from all adversities;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The gospel reading for today:

Matthew 28:16-20
Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.


Cx :-)

Cynthia, just to let you know I am not ignoring you, this is my 3rd post on here tonight and they keep disappearing into the ether so I am now giving up for today.

I hope you all have a peaceful night and a blessed day tomorrow

Hello all

Dull and wet here again so no gardening for me.

Not sure where I fit in with your list Cynthia?

A short prayer for Holy Trinity weekend.

Our Father, help me to live this day being true to you.
Lord Jesus, help me to be kind to all I speak to today.
Holy Spirit, help me to support others, always.
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Amen.

Good morning :-)

Thanks for those interesting reads......and its so sad how nothing much seems to have changed :-(



With thoughts of the Holy Spirit in mind, this caught my eye and reminded me that we are all different personalities and are all at different stages, but we are united in Christ.

Some Christians are like:

1. Wheelbarrows – need to be pushed.
2. Canoes – need to be paddled.
3. Kites – need to be kept on a string
4. Footballs – you never know where they will bounce next.
5. Balloons – full of hot air.
6. Trailers - have to be pulled along.
7. Lights – can go on and off
8. Puppies - happy when patted on the back.
Many are like the North Star - there when you need them, dependable, and loyal. We thank God for everyone.


Cx :-)

Tabitha ..............

Riding the bus was exactly the same in Austin in 1967/68. OH had done it for several months before buying a car a couple of months before I arrived, and said he hadn't noticed anything.

But I was very well aware of the looks when I did it the few times that he was out of town. I had to take 2 buses, one from our apartment into town and another out to the university .......... you'd think pretty normal routes.

But I was better dressed than the other riders, mainly coloured or poor white going to domestic jobs.

Those looks could almost stab you in the back! Fortunately, our close friend would drive me home after work, the last bus from downtown to our apartment was at 5 pm, finishing time for me! Downtown became a no-go area after that.

It was intriguing going back to Austin in 2007 for a meeting and staying in a hotel right downtown .............. the fancy hotel was in what had been a no-go area 40 years before! Our apartment block was still there, right opposite one of the most favoured parks in the city, but never really noticed or visited bath "then".


kandj ....... that is the really sad thing. That nothing has really changed!

Hello all

Sylvia/Tabitha your stories have brought back memories of when hubby and I were on holiday in New York and we strayed off the beaten track and were like "innocents abroad", very naive and totally unaware that we could have been in real danger, our guardian angels were definitely by our side back then
That was back in 1994...sadly not a lot has changed.

Something a bit like Sylvia's message - Hope its appropriate.

I spent some time in Texas (Dallas & Fort Worth ) in 1986 - things were not too bad. There were still places you didnt go if you were a different colour to the people there. There was still some segregation & I was very young and naive.

Being from the UK and living in an area not use to that sort of thing it was very alien, everyone used the same transport, went to the same places together and so on..

Having no car i used the bus a lot. When the friend i was staying with heard that she was so shocked she looked like a ghost. She said to me "In future if you want to go to the cities i will take you by car or one of the family will, Only hired help, maids and B****s use the bus not well brought up W**** people" Which really shocked me. I had noticed a few reactions on the bus but just put i down to me being English with a funny accent and no suntan yet.

I was wandering around Fort Worth one day on my own looking for small book shops. I saw several book shops on the other side of a wide road, so just wandered across on the crossing and into the alleyways. Spent at least an hour going in and out the bookshops. Didn't notice anything in particular.

Unknown to me I managed to just stroll into a part of town I should not have been in. When i emerged from this lovely little bookshop, when i manged to find a few out of print books i wanted. I was met by 4 very large B**** men who didnt really look that friendly.

"What you doing down here, you looking for trouble"
I said no, sorry i was just looking for some books.
They huddled together muttering - one came even closer, I neraly stepped back in the shop.
"You foreign" "Yes i am here on holiday staying with some friends "
Back into the huddle They all came towards me again "dont you knwo you shouldnt be down her - No Whites allowed here, you come to poke fun at us"

I said no certainly not i jsut wanted some books. "We going to take you back to your own area" Your sort dont come thsi side unless to make trouble"

They sort of escorted me back to the road - then he said "we cant cross thats not our area -

They stood watching me as i walked across the road.

A shopkeeper came out of a clothes shop and asked me if i need the police as he was going to report trouble. I said no its ok - they were only sending me back. He then gave me a map of the safe areas & told me where not to go.

I certainly learnt a lesson that day. I hope its changed now and everyone can walk where they want. One day I will go back there, I loved it so much..

Good afternoon.... :-)

Sorry, I got carried away...................... :-D


The work of the Holy Spirit...

Think of a glove. The glove cannot do anything by itself, but when we put our hand in it, the glove can do many things. Actually though, it is not the glove, it is our hand in the glove that makes it work. The Christian is like a glove. It is the Holy Spirit (the hand) who does the work. We need to make room in our lives for the Holy Spirit so that we can do God’s work.

Lord, help us to be open to your Holy Spirit.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


No problem Sylvia - it's a dire situation whichever way we look at it. When will we ever learn? :-(



The Walk of the Christian

A father and son arrived in a small western town looking for an uncle whom they had never seen. Suddenly, the father, pointing across the square to a man who was walking away from them, exclaimed, “There goes my uncle!”
His son asked, “How do you know when you have not seen him before?”
“Son, I know him because he walks exactly like my father.”

So, may we walk in the Spirit in the steps of the Father. Amen.


Cx :-)

I have only one thing to say about what is happening below the line at the moment .............

no-one has done anything for far too long.

Personal experience ................... we were warned to keep out of certain areas in Austin back in July 1968 because the Black community would (not COULD but WOULD) explode if the temperatures reached 100F. Rioting would be rampant against the living conditions, and "whities" would be in harm's way. The Greyhound Station just happened to be in the centre of one of those areas, and we had young relations arriving in town by Greyhound. We would not be safe even though we were close friends with a Black couple who were well-known in the community.

Luckily things didn't explode, the relatives arrived safely, and we very gladly left town shortly after. But that was 52 years ago.

Things have gone from bad to worse, with only slight improvements from time to time, and many black people have been killed.

Hopefully, this time MIGHT be different as "whities" are seen front and centre in protests. Unfortunately there is someone in charge who should never have been put in that position, and who is desperate to get re-eleced in November.

Unfortunately his voting base is likely to be cheering current events, and applauding him.

Don't just say how bad it is, try to think of ways that it can be stopped .............. in the US, in Canada, in your own countries, and your towns. It does happen everywhere, and many of us are to blame by basically turning a blind eye to it all, until "next time".

In Canada, it is Blacks and First Nations.



sorry, Cynthia. Rant over!