General Chat

Thank you both. The tune IS quite a calming one, I agree Kandj :-)




This is taken from the Guardian newspaper and has been running for almost a month.


Who are the Christians in Britain today? On any given Sunday, there will be at least 2.5m people in churches of various sorts, but each congregation tends to be an island with little contact with others. So, we want you to share your photographs and videos of your own congregations, everywhere from converted units on an industrial estate to magnificent medieval cathedrals.


This is the link to see the fantastic photos which have been submitted. It really does show that the church is alive and thriving in many, many, areas. By 'the church' I mean C. of E. - RC and all denominations in between. Well worth a look..... :-) :-) :-)



https://witness.guardian.co.uk/assignment/519f90a9e4b0e392888615d8



Not that there are any sceptics out there of course......... :-D

Thank you as always Cynthia, thought I would add this
for all. Have a lovely day. :-)

John 15:7

If you abide in me,
and my words abide in you,
ask whatever you wish,
and it will be done for you.

Wonderful words and so very true. I do know of the hymn you mentioned Cynthia and now find the tune going round and round in my head in a calming gentle way.
A good start to a busy morning methinks. Thank you.

Good morning....... :-)


Another Scottish Blessing today..........it reminds me very much of the words of a modern hymn......."Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me".



If there is righteousness in the heart,
there will be beauty in the character.

If there is beauty in the character,
there will be harmony in the home.

If there is harmony in the home,
there will be order in the nation.

If there is order in the nation,
there will be peace in the world.

So let it be.



I hope everyone has a peaceful day...... :-)

Thank you Cynthia. :-)

Good morning........ :-D


Ecouragement - something we all need from time to time.


There is really nothing we need to know
or even try to understand -
if we refuse to be discouraged
and trust God’s guiding hand.

So take heart and meet each minute
with faith in God’s great love -
aware that every day of life
is controlled by God above.

And never dread tomorrow
or what the future brings -
just pray for strength and courage
and trust God in all things.

And never grow discouraged
be patient and just wait -
for “God never comes too early
and He never comes too late!”


- Helen Steiner Rice



Cx :-)

Have to admit that I missed that news item Dermot........but thank you for the information.... :-D

His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria visited His Holiness Pope
Francis1st in Rome last month.

It's good to talk but no mention of a return visit yet.

:-) Thank you Cynthia as I've said before first stop
every morning.

Emma x

:-) :-)Love is a many splendoured thing

In the Bible, love is the translation of 3 Greek words - eros, philio and agape. Both the first two are always love. One is clearly to do with sexual love only translated as love a couple of times. Filio is conditional love "I will love you a lot if you show me some love also"

Agape used to be translated as "charity" but that word (like so many in English) has been devalued. But it is selfless love. The love that Jesus gave to his followers.

Now it was us (our representatives) that taunted him in life, abused him, nailed him.

Yet he forgave us, his worst enemies. That is agape, that is Christian love. Oh, that one day we may each aspire to the example of our Lord and blessed Saviour :-) :-)

Good morning Cynthia

Thank you for sharing the Helen Steiner Rice words..... so poignant and certainly true and thought provoking. Enjoy your day.

Good morning friends.............I don't know how many folk look in here on a daily basis but - a good morning to you all. :-)


Short, but sweet this morning and so very true...


~ On Wings of Love ~

The priceless gift of life is love,
For, with the help of God above -
Love can change the human race
And make this world a better place.

For love dissolves all hate and fear,
And makes our vision bright and clear -
So we can see and, rise above
Our pettiness, on wings of love.


- Helen Steiner Rice



Cx :-)

:-) :-)

I saw that John - very sad indeed. I have seen Sandie around on the boards for a long time - she will be sadly missed.


When this sort of thing happens, it always brings to mind a prayer written by a friend from long ago and which is published and widely used......


We remember, Lord, the slenderness of the thread
which separates life from death,
and the suddenness with which it can be broken.

Help us also to remember that on both sides of that division
we are surrounded by your love.
Persuade our hearts that when our dear ones die
neither we nor they are parted from you.

In you may we find peace,
and in you be united with them in the body of Christ,
who has burst the bonds of death and is alive for evermore,
our Saviour and theirs for ever and ever.

- Dick Williams.

What shocking news to come home to this evening - Sandie has passed away. We must remember her family in our prayers, and her friends (particularly those who are members of Genes chat).

LOL.....well prosper with whatever keeps you warm :-D ;-)

Hope not Emma - it's been blocked off :-D :-D :-D :-D

Once again thank you Cynthia and
lang may your lum reek. :-)

Emma x

Good morning, and how about some smiles to counteract some of the frowns ...


I have been browsing through some Celtic blessings, and these caught my eye :-



An old Wedding Blessing

May those who love us, love us.
And those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts;
And if He doesn't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we will know them by their limping.



Lang may your lum reek. (Long may your chimney smoke.)
Scottish Blessing




If God sends you down a stony path,
may he give you strong shoes.





and finally, I'm sure many of you will remember this verse set to music.



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.

Helen Mary, 1927 (set to music by May Brahe)


These blessings and more, can be found at : http://www.faithandworship.com/Celtic_Blessings_and_Prayers.htm#ixzz2X7JCbsIu


Stay happy..... Cx :-)

Do let us know what he has to say Dermot.......tell him that you are all missing out!! :-D


We have a rota for altar servers and there are 4 ladies on it if I remember rightly. Two of them are young women - one has a purple streak in her hair, and we never know what colour the other one is going to be sporting!!!


We seem to have quite a lot of female clergy locally when I come to think about it. The lady we had this morning is an ex-Headteacher and boy, do you know it ....she certainly doesn't need a mike and sailed through the announcing of about 6 lots of banns with no problems at all. :-D


Yes, we women are certainly useful to have around....... ;-)