General Chat

Cynthia :-D :-D Many thanks for those thoughts this morning. How often in the rush of life do we forget to pause and look at all the wonders of nature.

I shall try to pause a couple of times today - even if only a humble thornbush :-)

Emma :-)



Most of us have so much to be grateful for..............


Thanksgiving Blessing

O God,
We thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass.


We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendour of fields of golden wheat, and taste autumn's fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers.


Grant us a heart opened wide to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thornbush is aflame with your glory.


For each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings and new discoveries. Life is constantly changing and renewing itself. In this new day of new beginnings with God, all things are possible. We are restored and renewed in a joyous awakening to the wonder that our lives are and, yet, can be.


Amen.

- Walter Rauschenbusch



Hope everyone has a day in which they are both happy and thankful.


Cx :-)

Cynthia that is so beautiful and it brought a
lump to the throat and tear to the eye.

Silly old fool that I am :-) Some verses just touch you.

Emma :-)

Good morning..... :-)

Another lovely, inspirational verse from Helen Steiner Rice.


It's true that the great, generous Saviour
forgives our transgressions each day
And patiently waits for lost sheep
who constantly seem to stray.

But moments of prayer once omitted
in the busy rush of the day,
Can never again be recaptured
for they silently slip away.

Strength is gained in the morning
to endure the trials of the day
When we visit with God in person
in a quiet unhurried way.

For only through prayer that's unhurried
can the needs of the day be met
And only in prayer said at evening
can we sleep without fears or regret.

For all of our errors and failures,
that we made through the course of the day,
Are freely forgiven at night time
when we kneel down and earnestly pray.

So seek the Lord in the morning
and never forget him at night
For prayer is an unfailing blessing
that makes every burden seem light.



Cx :-)

Thank you for that Susan......it always brings back childhood memories :-)


Famous words indeed John and very popular at funerals.


As so many people will be thinking of Sandie and her family today, I thought I would use the following - hope it is helpful.


She Is Gone

You can shed tears that she is gone
Or you can smile because she has lived

You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left

Your heart can be empty because you can’t see her
Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday

You can remember her and only that she is gone
Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.


- David Harkins.



Cx <3

Good Morning

Cynthia, Perry Como Sang it....Vera Lynn sang it.....it was written by an Englishwoman named Helen Taylor.....music by an Australian......I googled :-D

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bless_This_House_(song)

It is the funeral of Sandie today and noticed these words called "An Indian Prayer" which seem to suit this day:

Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle Autumn's rain.

When you waken in the morning's hush;
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight;
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there, I did not die.

Ah the lovely Perry Como, another wonderful singer :-)

I googled it because I wondered what on earth the name was..........

I was imagining all sorts of first names.......Beer? Vodka? Whisky? Nah.....


It was Perry Como..........


This is not a tee total thread John :-)

I would tell. But his first name is an alcoholic drink, and not suitable for this thread ;-) Second name is a lake in Europe, if that helps.

Morning Cynthia and all,

I remember Harry singing this so well but can't
think of who else did, no doubt someone will know.

Emma :-)

Well, I sang Bless this House this morning. Quite a good rendition in the shower, actually. :-)

Beautiful morning down here in the valleys. One prayer in my old chapel in Northants used to be "thankyou for placing us in this special acre of your beautiful vineyard".

And I rather think most of us feel very fortunate in that respect. Gone are the coal mines, the dark satanic mills, the grinding poverty of 80 years ago. Most live in comfortable and warm houses or flats (or cool if in Oz) and can easily access the most beautiful scenery on their doorstep :-D

Praise God - from whom all blessings flow.

Thank you John and good morning to those who visit this thread :-)


Browsing through some prayers, I spotted this one and it brought back memories of my childhood. I'm pretty sure I remember Harry Secombe singing it, and someone before him.....just can't think who it was....... :-S


Bless This House
Bless this house, o Lord, we pray.
Make it safe by night and day.

Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out.

Bless the roof and chimney tall,
Let thy peace lie over all.

Bless the doors that they may prove
Ever open to joy and love.

Bless the windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heavenly light.

Bless the hearth a-blazing there,
With smoke ascending like a prayer.

Bless the people here within...
Keep them pure and free from sin.

Bless us all, that one day, we
May be fit, O lord, to dwell with Thee



Go on.......who sang it .....???? :-D



Cx :-)

Thanks for details of service, Cynthia. Hope Vicar gets well soon. Sounds like lady is good fun.

Was out and about this morning and it was a lovely congregation on the fringes of Brecon Beacons. Old mining community. I did feel the presence of the Holy Spirit and am really being blessed at present time. It puts any minor problems I have away from church into perspective. They seem to love my visits, and I love being with them. A really good service- didn't even need notes in about 20 minutes of sermon.

In my own chapel, it was a local preacher who is such a character. He started his sermon with "Have you ever seen a sheep? (ripple of laughter, choke from me). They are not as dwl (stupid) as you think". He then went on to praise sheep, discussed how they behaved.

Then he said we were all sheep and that brought him to his text - we are all sheep who have gone astray. Very enjoyable service - one of very favourite preachers :-) :-) I left 20 minutes after service ended and there were still loads there chatting to him. Might still be there now :-)

A very pleasant Sunday morning, although there are now gaps where folk are coming and going on holiday - which is to be expected :-)


We had the lady vicar again because our Vicar is still off sick and, during her sermon, which was based on St. Peter - it was his saints day yesterday - she mentioned that it was the 10th anniversary of her ordination to the priesthood. She is very clear and easy to listen to and usually makes us laugh somewhere along the line :-)


I think our vicar is back with us in a couple of weeks........then the fun starts!!!!

Thank you John. :-) :-)


Another Sunday has come round..............just a short morning prayer before I sort myself out........



Lord,
as daylight fills the sky,
fill us with your holy light.
May our lives mirror our love for you
whose wisdom has brought us into being,
and whose care guides us on our way.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.



Cx :-)

Sorry I am a little bit late to post. But I hope you had a wonderful sapphire anniversary, Cynthia :-) :-)

Yes

thank you,

it is just what I wanted for her


<3

Thank you for the continuing good wishes........xxx


Does this help Renes?



Strength for a Friend

Lord, I come before you today knowing that all power is in Your hand. I know that you are the Lord and that you care for your people.

Right now, my friend is struggling with a difficult trial. I can see her strength is faltering, Lord, and know that you have all of the strength that she needs.

I pray that you will reach down and touch her right now wherever she is at this moment.

Let your presence fill the room where she is and let her feel an extra portion of your strength that can help her to get through this day.

She needs you now, Lord, and I thank you in advance for meeting her where she is and shoring up her strength during this difficult time.

In Jesus name. Amen.

Congratulations Cynthia and OH ...

Cyns ... Do you know of a prayer that is suitable for a friend, whose sister is terminally ill , and is possibly nearing the end of her fight , please

I would like to think of it when I think of my friend ...