General Chat

Thank you Cynthia, still here looking in and reading
all contributions from everyone.

Emma :-)

Good morning everyone. :-)


Poor John, I do hope that the toothache is soon sorted out for you - pain of any sort is unpleasant.

The doctor was pleased with the results of the eye operation and we go back in 10 days for a further appointment.

What with all this talk of eyes and teeth, I thought it would be appropriate to mention St. Luke today. His Saints Day was celebrated last week - 18th October and, as so many of use are grateful for the skills of all medical staff in whatever sphere, it's an opportunity to remember and be glad.


A special prayer for St. Luke's Day.



Almighty God,
you called Luke the physician,
whose praise is in the gospel,
to be an evangelist and physician of the soul:
by the grace of the Spirit
and through the wholesome medicine of the gospel,
give your Church the same love and power to heal;
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.


Cx :-)

Cynthia, I hope you and OH had a good appointment today and that his eye operation was successful

John, glad that you liked the Gratitude prayer and I hope you toothache has calmed down. I broke my tooth a month ago and our wonderful village dentist reconstructed the tooth and saved it which is very much appreciated.

Big elephant/elegant hugs to everyone today.

Am rushing back to bed now, so will look in later.

I have raging tothache (dentures to be fitted next week and not so apprehensive now - just be glad to get rid of teeth, to be honest. Not serious, I know. But I am a man :-( And we suffer pain more than most.;-)

Did see kandj's post before turning in last night (or not turning in as it transpired) and did feel plenty of gratitude reading the prayer. Many thanks kandj.:-) :-)

Elephant hugs to all this morning. Hope operation at St Pauls is a success when you go back today, Cynthia (assume eye hospital is still St Pauls). Prayers for OH's swift recovery. How wonderful they can do so much for eyes these days when it would have been blindness or nearly only a few years ago.

When I consider how my light is spent
Ere half my days in this dark world, and wide.
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodgd with me useless though my soul more bent
To serve my Maker and repent.

from John Milton's sonnet about going blind when still quite a young man.

Will close this with a hymn by Milton (my favourite poet in English*):

"He, with all-commanding might
Filled the new-made world with light
For his mercies aye endure
Ever faithful, ever sure":-)

by John Milton (1608-1674), based on Psalm 136.

*Celtic poets and hymnwriters have an immediate advantage over writers in the English language, imo. Celtic languages all flow poetically. My favourite poet of all is T Gwynn Jones ( 1871 - 1949), a native of the Colwyn Bay area, who wrote his best works in Welsh (surprise, surprise ;-))

Good morning all. A very quick visit. OH ended up having emergency eye surgery in Liverpool yesterday and we have to go back this morning to check that all is well. I thank God for the skill and expertise of the surgeons who carried out this delicate operation.


"He Lifted Me"....I haven't heard those words for a long time but can remember them being sung by my mum from her days in the Salvation Army. Wonderful words. Thank you.


A smile for today:

AN ELEGANT HUG!

When God created elephants,
He thought, "Now, let me see ...
They must be big and loveable,
And as huggable as can be."

He experimented first with ants,
Then moved up, in size, to bugs ...
"They won't do at all," He said,
"They give such tiny hugs."

Next He worked on cats and dogs,
Then walruses and whales;
He even went as far,
As dinosaurs with tails.

He finally worked up to elephants,
Then, smiled and said with glee ...
"Elephant hugs are the greatest,
And not only that, they are free!"

"So, kids and folks can copy them,
And learn to hug their way ...
An elephant hug is an "elegant" hug,
Have you had yours today?


~ Virginia Ellis ~


Take care all Cx

Cynthia, hope all went well for your OH today.

John,....He Lifted Me.... is a good old fashioned hymn and I don't recall that we have sung this for quite a while, but I am now singing along myself just now.

It is good to be reminded of all God's good gifts that surround us daily and which we can often take for granted. Might I share A Gratitude Prayer with everyone :-

Dear God
I give thanks for all the amazing gifts you have blessed me with in this lifetime.
Thank you for the clouds in the sky and the grass beneath my feet.
Thank you for the roof over my head that shelters me from the cold,
and the food in my stomach that nourishes my body.
Thank you for the clothes on my back and the knowledge in my head.
Most of all God
Thank you for your everlasting love, guidance and understanding.
Thank you dear God,
Thank you.

I must admit that, despite I now really look forward to being lifted from this earth soon, it is good to think of all the benefits we have enjoyed living below.

Most of us live in beautiful places, or near to beautiful places. Most of us have freedom to worship what we want and when we want. Most of us have good friends and family that we can rely on to a high degree. We have enough food, enough clothes, enough warmth. Yes, a lot to bless God for if we accept everything we have is His and simply lent to us for the short time we inhabit this earth.

And if we can truly in our hearts thank Him for sending a simple man dressed as a humble Jewish rabbi from a remote town in Galilee with a population of a few hundred souls to be the saviour of our souls and carry us to heaven one day, we are very blessed indeed.

In the words of my favourite hymn ever:

"In lovingkindness Jesus came
My soul in mercy to reclaim,
And from the depths of sin and shame
Through grace he lifted me.

From sinking sand he lifted me,
With tender hand he lifted me,
From shades of night to plains of light,
Oh, praise his name, he lifted me!"

Prayers for OH at St Pauls today. My sil (now retired) was Theatre Sister there 30 years ago (Sister Judith Scott). She was a nurse in the best tradition and I expect the same high standards remain :-) :-)

Good morning everyone. :-)


I remember that tragedy happening John - so very, very sad and those words are so poignant.


A bit of a rush for me today - I have to take OH to Liverpool Eye Hospital this morning. Not sure what he is having done but it probably won't be very pleasant. However, despite all setbacks.....................


,,,,,,,,,,It's a wonderful world!


In spite of the fact
We complain and lament,
And view this old world
With much discontent,
Deploring conditions
And grumbling because
There's so much injustice
And so many flaws ...
It's a wonderful world,
And it's people like you ...
Who make it that way
By the things that they do.

For a warm, ready smile,
Or a kind, thoughtful deed,
Or a hand outstretched
In an hour of need
Can change our whole outlook
And make the world bright,
Where a minute before,
Just nothing seemed right.

It's a wonderful world
And it always will be,
If we keep our eyes open
And focused to see ...
The wonderful things
Man is capable of
When he opens his heart
To God and His love.

~ Helen Steiner Rice ~




Cx :-)

A bit late in the day but thanking Cynthia for her hug and passing this on to all who need one, especially the families of the little ones who tragically died in Aberfan.

A really poignant poem John, thank you for sharing this...........so very very sad.

The weather does not help, but I am in a sombre mood today. I note that a lovely thread about Aberfan has been put up this morning. It is 47 years exactly since those children were buried in a slide of coal slurry on their little school. Well over 100 of them - a whole generation went missing in that little village near Merthyr in the peaceful little Taff valley. It polarised belief in God. Many say they "lost" their faith that day, some sought God even more and blamed man's greed for the tragedy.

Aberfan is one of the chapels where I preach occasionally and also where I have worked a couple of times. It seems to have a sombre air, even today.

I went to a funeral last year of a man who was a miner in the Rhondda nearby. He rushed over and helped. He joined the chain gang who tried to relieve the weight of the slurry off these tiny bodies so that they could be recovered. I never knew he had done that till I attended his funeral. People still don't like to talk about it

I noticed this poem on the Aberfan memorial site (not religious, but very moving):

On Visiting the Memorial Garden in Aberfan

Playing ‘Alleys’ in the
School yard
And swapping cards from
Packs of tea
And on their walk to school
That day
They were very much
Like me.

Although I never
knew them
And could not count them
Friend
Remembering that
October day
I shall carry to
My end

The News Broadcast told
The story
Of school friends
Far away
Of how their story
Ended
That grey October
Day

Oh Mother Father was it
Worth it?
Those few extra watts
Of power
Enough to put the
Kettle on
Or keep the lights on for
An hour?

Oh Mother father was it
Worth it
To pile that tip
So high
To keep the home fires
Burning
Did these children have
To die?

As I sit here and
Remember
And feel that cold
Wind’s blow
This six year old
She weeps again
And it’s forty-five years
Ago

I remember they found
The Register
I remember Bulldozers
And Lights
I remember the anguished
Waiting
Rescuers working through
The night

In school next day, our prayers
We said
Not by habit or by
Rote
But for our fallen
Comrades
Their loss so keenly
Felt

I’ve lived a life since that
Day on
Learned things they could
Have known
Oh I’d love to come and tell
Them of
All the things I’ve seen
And done.

But I can only sit here
Quietly
And weep for long
Ago
Oh mother father was it
Worth it
This grey stone plaque says
‘No!’

Good morning everyone, I hope your Sunday was peaceful and happy.

Cynthia, such lovely words, (((hugs))) to you.

Very wet here today, but the gardens will benefit from it.

Sharing a hug with everyone, ((((hugs))))

Mazal Tov xx :-) :-)

Good morning everyone......I hope you are all well. :-)

Here are some words which apply to most people - of any faith or none :-D


THE THINGS A HUG CAN DO.


It's wondrous what a hug can do,
A hug can cheer you when you're blue.
A hug can say, "I love You so,"
Or, "Gee, I hate to see you go."

A hug is "Welcome back again!"
And "Great to see you!" or
"Where've you been?"

A hug can soothe a small child's pain,
And bring a rainbow after rain.
The hug! There's just no doubt about it ...
We scarcely could survive without it!

A hug delights and warms and charms,
It must be why God gave us arms.
Hugs are great for fathers and mothers,
Sweet for sisters, swell for brothers.
And chances are some favorite aunts
Love them more than potted plants.

Kittens crave them, puppies love them;
Heads of states are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier,
And make the dullest day seem merrier.

No need to fret about your store of 'em ...
The more you give, the more there are of them.
So stretch those arms without delay
And give someone a hug today!!!

~ Dean Walley ~


I hope each one of you manages a hug today........(((hugs))) xxx

Yes kandj, we sang that with gusto this morning....... :-D

I remember mentioning my neighbour who was very much involved for many years with the BB and he sadly died with cancer. At the funeral service we sang his favourite hymn from BB days...... Will Your Anchor Hold..... such beautiful words which will always remind me of a special neighbour. It was our privilege to have known him.

WILL YOUR ANCHOR HOLD

Will your anchor hold in the storms of life
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift and the cable strains
Will your anchor drift or strong remain.

Chorus
W have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll
Fastened to the Rock that cannot move
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.

It is safely moored, 'twill the storm withstand
For 'tis well secured by the Saviour's hand
And the cables passed from is heart to mine
Can defy that blast from strength divine.

Definitely a busy morning!!!

There were so many in church for the second service that lots of additional chairs had to be brought from the meeting room. The recently baptised babies and parents received their baptism cards and were given a round of applause and then the BB were re-dedicated and led a presentation. It was very good too. :-) It was lovely to see the church humming with activity and friendliness again.

I had to look up Boys Brigade, Cynthia. It was forerunner of scouting and heavily influenced Baden Powell a generation later to set up his first scout camp on Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour in early 20th century.

BB was founded in 1880's in Scotland and now has 500,000 members. The original BB led to many other similar movements for boys. The Boys' Life Brigade (1899) was one of many similar movements formed as 'clones' of the Boys' Brigade. The BLB was formed by the National Sunday School Union (Pacifist). Others included the Church Lads' Brigade (1891, Anglican), the Jewish Lads' Brigade (1895) and the Catholic Boys' Brigade (1894). There were many more smaller Brigades in other denominations and even some in individual churches.

Scouting now had 41m adherents worldwide so has rather swamped BB.

I chose a third route, which was Army Cadet Force (from 13-19). So at least many youngsters learned how to march, how to read a map and how to rub sticks together. And to have fun camping, keeping your uniform smart and clean and gaining all sorts of badges and lanyards. I can also launch a 25lb shell at anyone who gets in my way :-) ;-)

My best friend is a Queens Scout and has led packs in North Wales. He is very knowledgable and dedicated and all his own children have been been through scouting.

Any leaders of scouts or Boys Brigade must find it so difficult these days. There is a great skill and patience in leading and teaching the young - much more so that a generation ago imo.

So our prayers go out to Boys Brigade, to similar associations and clubs in all local areas, and particularly for the health, strength and wisdom of those called to be leaders.

Thanks for BB prayer, Cynthia, and hope you have an excellent day today. :-D

Good morning my friends... :-)


John, sometimes I love your sense of humour.......so tongue in cheek :-D


Today is the monthly Family Service at church. Each organisation takes turn in doing a presentation about their work and, today it is the turn of the Boys Brigade as they hold their Annual Dedication and Enrolment service. I remember the BB being mentioned before on here and that it has special memories for some.

Apart from the fact that my OH was in it and made many good friends through this organisation, I know very little about it. I had a quick look at their website and love the way it is headed...."The Boys' Brigade - the adventure begins here".

The Object of The Boys' Brigade is:

"The advancement of Christ's kingdom among Boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, Self-respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness." Their motto is: 'Sure & Steadfast' - taken from the bible, the book of Hebrews, Chapter 6, Verse 19.

There are half a million members worldwide and I have the utmost admiration for those who volunteer to give up their time and energies to work with these youngsters.


So, the prayer for today is their prayer:


Bless, O God, The Boys' Brigade, and give to it greater power to advance your Kingdom throughout the world. Grant in your mercy that every member, past and present may prove Steadfast in his fight against evil, and true in his allegiance to you. Help us in times of temptation; make us strong when we are weak; give us courage in difficulty, faithfulness in duty, loyalty in friendship; and finally by your
mercy, bring us into your everlasting Kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


Hopefully, we will have a happy and fruitful morning..... :-)

kandj The more we look into these great Christians over the centuries, the more it humbles us. :-)

You assume correctly John, I did indeed mean Helen Keller and Robert Murray M'Cheyne , both very special individuals imho.

Assme you mean Helen Keller and Robert Murray M'Cheyne, kandj. Both fantastic people.

If you meant Cynthia and me, I would take issue with you. Only Cynthia is special. My ambition is to die ordinary and, like my 3 x great grandfather who died in 1853 after 47 years of Methodist preaching, be descibed as an "acceptable local preacher". Want no more :-) :-)