General Chat

Thoughts and prayers to all in need of comfort. <3

Good morning ... :-)


Forgive me if I have posted this before, but I know there will be those who appreciate it.


Thank you, God, for everything,
The big things and the small.
For "every good gift comes from God"...
The giver of them all.

And all too often we accept, without any thanks or praise,
The gifts God sends as blessings, each day in many ways.
And so at this Thanksgiving Time, we offer up a prayer...
To thank you, God, for giving us a lot more than our share.

First, thank you for the little things
That often come our way,
The things we take for granted
But don't mention when we pray,
The unexpected courtesy, the thoughtful, kindly deed,
A hand reached out to help us in the time of sudden need.

Oh, make us more aware, dear God, of little daily graces
That come to us with "sweet surprise"
From never-dreamed-of places.

Then, thank you for the "Miracles"
We are much too blind to see,
And give us new awareness of our many gifts from Thee,
And help us to remember that the Key of Life and Living
Is to make each prayer a Prayer of Thanks
And every day Thanksgiving


--Helen Steiner Rice


Remembering kandj and her husband, Emma's young friend and her family and Vera's recently widowed friend.

Cx :-)

Good morning... :-)


I had a very hectic evening last Wednesday. It was our monthly baptism preparation class and we had nine families present - it may have been ten thinking about it. I just know it was very noisy but in a nice way.

It's lovely to think that so many young folk still want their babies to be baptised, but they are usually reluctant to say as to why they want this Christian initiation service for their child.

We press on however and I do my best to explain just the basics of the faith that they want their child baptised into.

When it comes to looking at the promises and vow they are to make on behalf of their child, I think the meaning must be quite difficult for those who have not grown up within the faith, especially when they are to declare that they believe in God and that they will be bringing their child up to follow Jesus.

We can but do our best to help them.



Unclutter our lives, Lord
we have too much,
consume too much,
expect too much.

Grant us perspective;
to see this world
through others’ eyes
than just our own.

Grant us compassion;
where there is need
to play our part
not turn aside.

Grant us gratitude
for what we have,
our daily bread
the gift of life.

Unclutter our lives, Lord,
give us space,
simplicity
thankful hearts.




Cx :-)

Good evening :-)


Free on Amazon

Living the Lords Prayer



http://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Lords-Prayer-David-Timms-ebook/dp/B00B853VB6/?_bbid=13580&_bbtype=email

Good morning :-)


Thank you for the link Susan. It has reminded me of an interesting version of the Lord's Prayer which I will try and remember to post tomorrow. (Try and remember being the operative words!) :-)



It's pouring with rain here - looks as though we are going to have some rather soggy Baptism guests turning up. Never mind, we will welcome them in out of the wet.


The Collect for today:

The Collect

Almighty Lord and everlasting God,
we beseech you to direct, sanctify and govern
both our hearts and bodies in the ways of your laws
and the works of your commandments;
that through your most mighty protection,
both here and ever,
we may be preserved in body and soul;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and for ever.
Amen.


Remembering all those who have asked for prayer.....Cx :-)

My condolences to family and friends of BC.

A lovely lady who will be truly missed on GR.

RIP dear Maureen (Mo) <3

Good morning.. :-)

So sorry to hear that there has been yet another death of a long time member of these boards. I don't think I was ever in touch with BC but I had seen her name around for a long time. Thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.


I found the prayer I was thinking of yesterday; its 'doing the rounds' on FB and is stated to be written by a 15 year old school girl in America. Whatever it's origins, it is very cleverly put together.

The Lord's Prayer is, apparently, not allowed in most public schools in America anymore because the word 'God' is mentioned.....


New School prayer:


Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene..
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all..
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the United States.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks...
Guns are allowed, but Not the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the 'unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's 'inappropriate' to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such 'judgments' do not belong..
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles...
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!

Amen


Something to ponder on this blustery Monday morning. Cx :-)

That is truly shocking Cynthia, and so very sad.

Emma x

Good morning... :-)


What sort of day are you going to have? :-)


Attitude Determines Altitude


I woke up early today, excited over all that I
get to do before the clock strikes midnight.
I have responsibilities to fulfill today.

I am important.
My job is to choose what kind of day
I am going to have.


Today I can complain
because the weather is rainy
or I can be thankful that the grass
is getting watered for free.


Today I can feel sad
because I don't have more money or
I can be more grateful
for the many things that I already have.


Today I can grumble about my health
or I can rejoice that I am alive.


Today I can lament over all that my parents
didn't give me when I was growing up
or I can feel grateful
that they allowed me to be born.


Today I can cry because roses have thorns
or I can celebrate
that thorns have roses.


Today I can mourn for my lack of friends
or I can excitedly embark upon a quest
to discover new relationships.


Today I can whine
because I have to go to work
or I can shout for joy
because I have a job to do.


Today I can complain
because I have to go to school
or I can eagerly open my mind and fill it
with rich new titbits of knowledge.


Today I can murmur dejectedly
because I have to do housework
or I can feel honoured
because the Lord has provided
shelter for my mind, body and soul.


Today stretches ahead of me,
waiting to be shaped.
And here I am, the sculptor
who gets to do the shaping.


What today will be like is up to me.
I'm the one who gets to choose
what kind of day I will have!

~ Author Unknown ~



Still remembering in prayer, kandj and her husband, Emma's young friend, Vera's widowed friend and all those who mourn. Cx :-)

Thoughts and prayers to all in need.

Emma x

Good morning :-)

I may be getting some visitors later this morning as one of my Goddaughters and her mother are hoping to pop in. I rarely see them as my Goddaughter is all grown up and living away from home, so it is nice that she wants to keep in touch.


Being a Godparent is considered to be an important role with the church family - and the C. of E. explains it thus:

What does being a Godparent involve?

As a Godparent you have a special role. It's about helping a child to come to know God, encouraging them in their spiritual life and supporting them in their membership of the local church.

You need to be at the Christening where you will make promises to help bring them up in the Christian faith. It's a role that will grow over time, as your Godchild grows up and develops their own faith.

There's a lot to live up to there........ :-)


Lord God,

I pray that you will guide and help me in being a Godparent.

Give me your wisdom and your love.

Help me to be a good example of Christian living

And help me remember my precious godchild.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning.... :-)

Sometimes, the bad news in the world seems to outweigh the good that is going on.

Leprosy is widely believed to be the world's oldest disease and has much stigma attached to it. The World Health Organisation estimates that over a quarter of a million new cases are diagnosed around the world each year. It is found in areas where there is dirty water, poor nutrition and generally poor standards of living.

The Leprosy Mission is working in 11 countries providing healthcare, education, rehabilitation, housing and clean sanitation facilities. Wonderful work done by wonderful people - good news often outweighed by bad.

The Leprosy Mission Prayer

Almighty Father,
the giver of life and health,
look mercifully on those who suffer from leprosy.
Stretch out your hand to touch and heal them
as Jesus did during his earthly life.
Grant wisdom and insight to those who are seeking
the prevention and cure of the disease;
give skill and sympathy to those who minister to the patients;
reunite the separated with their families and friends;
and inspire your people with the task
set before The Leprosy Mission,
that it may never lack either the staff
or the means to carry on its healing work,
in accordance with your will,
and to the glory of your holy name.

We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord.

Amen.



Continuing to remember our friends in prayer. Cx :-)

Good morning.. :-)


I'm a little late today. My husband is taking longer to 'come round' in the mornings and I have been a bit delayed in helping him get into his daily routine.


Our prayer for today:

Thank God for Miracles

It took a miracle from above
To create the world we see,
And it took a miracle of love
When Christ died on Calvary.
It took a miracle of God’s power
To raise Jesus from the grave,
And it takes a miracle this hour…
For a lost soul to be saved…
Thank God for Miracles.

Yes, it takes a miracle of grace
To redeem a sinful soul,
And a wondrous miracle takes place
When God warms a heart grown cold.
Our Lord is good at miracles, friend,
His love and mercy are great,
His arm is stretched out to heal and mend…
And lift to a holy state…
Thank God for Miracles.

When we humbly serve our Lord each day,
And walk on the righteous path,
We see miracles along the way…
Souls saved from judgment and wrath.
Nothing is too hard for our great God
Who gives life forevermore…
Receive Jesus Christ, the Son of God,
And you’ll enter heaven’s door...
Thank God for Miracles.



I hope you all have a good day. Remembering kandj and her husband, Vera's widowed friend and Emma's young friend and her family in our prayers.

Cx :-)

Your prayer today Cynthia is appropriate for our friend who
has come out of her coma and over the past week or two
is showing signs of emotions ie giggling, crying etc
She has been moved to another hospital to learn to speak
and walk again, from being told she was brain dead to this
wonderful news is unbelievable.

I would like to thank you all for keeping her in your thoughts
and prayers.

Emma x

Emma, that is wonderful news. She has a long way to go but hopefully she will continue to recover steadily. She will stay in my thoughts as will her family.

Thank you Vera <3

My thoughts and prayers to those in need
of comfort at this time.

Emma x

Good morning :-)



I was so pleased with that news Emma and I do so hope that she continues to gather strength and improve day by day bless her. In any situation, there is always hope.............


Lord God,

I give you all the members of our family.
You know them all so well and love them all.
I ask that you would cover us with a rainbow of hope.


Hope that draws us together to work out our differences.
Hope that helps us to celebrate together and care for one another.
Hope that rides like a banner in our lives and watches our us wherever we go.
Hope that overcomes adversity and gathers strength to overcome.
Hope that guides us and gives us vision for our future alone and together.
Hope filled with love.
Hope that fuels faith.
Hope that breathes peace.


May our family live in you
Underneath your promises.

Amen.


Remembering all those who are in need of prayer at this time. <3


Cx :-)

Thank you Cynthia, I love the idea
of being covered by a rainbow of hope :-)

Hello to you all....... the happy wanderer has returned and I give my very grateful thanks to everyone who has supported me and my husband over very many months.

We have travelled a long hard road and still have a long way to go yet, but God is good and helping hubby with healing and I am given the strength to cope as Carer.

I have returned to read of a modern miracle and what a joy and blessing this is for Emma's young friend and her family. The power of prayer is vital and powerful indeed.

Special thanks to Cynthia for such beautiful and meaningful daily prayers and words to inspire and encourage all who read them. When we pray together and think of others in need this is such a simple act but when we are burdened and worried we can feel lifted high just knowing that others care and we are not alone.

Psalm 28 v 7
The Lord protects and defends me; I trust in Him.
He gives me help and makes me glad;
I praise him with joyful songs.

Lovely to see you posting again Kandj. Welcome back <3