General Chat

Good morning :-)

SHORT STORY WEEK

The Power of Forgiveness

Thomas harboured a profound resentment toward his brother, a wound from the past that had festered for years. This bitterness gnawed at his soul, casting a shadow over his happiness and stealing his peace.

One Sunday morning, the minister spoke passionately about the importance of forgiveness. Thomas felt a stirring within him, a deep sense of conviction that he could no longer ignore. In that moment, he turned inward, praying fervently for the courage to let go of his anger.

With a newfound determination, he reached out to his brother, whose face he had not seen in years. When they finally met, their conversation was filled with a complicated mix of emotions—hurt, regret, and ultimately, understanding. As they reconciled, the heavy burden on Thomas's heart began to lift, replaced by a sense of lightness and relief.

This powerful experience illustrated the transformative nature of forgiveness and the profound freedom it can bring to the spirit.

Lord, may we learn to forgive.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SHORT STORY WEEK.

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law and four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered.

The family ate together at the table, but the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilt on the tablecloth. The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilt milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor."

So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, he sometimes had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilt food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.

The father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor one evening before supper. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Momma to eat your food from when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.

The words struck the parents so hard that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no words were spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening, the husband took his father's hand and gently led him back to the family table.

For the remainder of his days, he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilt, or the tablecloth soiled.

This story needs no explanation.


Cx :-)

Hello all

A cold and frosty start to today.

"God meets daily needs daily. Not weekly or annually. He will give you what you need when it is needed." (Max Lucado).

Wrap up and keep warm everyone.

Good morning :-)

The Faithful Farmer
John, a humble farmer, faced a severe drought that threatened his crops and livelihood. Despite the bleak outlook, he remained steadfast in his faith, praying daily for rain. His neighbours, who had lost hope, mocked him for his unwavering belief.
One day, dark clouds gathered, and a heavy rain fell, saving his crops. John’s faith restored his farm and inspired his community to trust in God’s timing.

Learning to trust in God’s timing is an essential part of our Christian journey. It’s a test of our patience, faith, and willingness to surrender our own desires for the greater plans God has in store for us.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

SHORT STORY WEEK.

The Kindness of a Stranger
In a small town, a young woman named Emily struggled to make ends meet. One cold winter day, as she walked home from her job, she found a £50 note on the ground. Unsure whether to keep it or find its owner, she prayed for guidance.

She decided to ask around and soon discovered an elderly man who had lost his money. When she returned it to him, he was so grateful that he offered her a job in his small business, changing her life for the better.

This story reminds us that God wants us to always show kindness and honesty.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

REMEMBRANCE DAY.

A prayer for Remembrance Sunday with young people in mind.

God, it's difficult to see the point of wearing a poppy,
or what difference two minutes' silence will make
when we could be shouting protests.
But we can recognise a broken life being valued,
a gift being given,
and taking two minutes to reflect on how much we have.
We look to the future, not to the past.
We cannot change what has been
but do not need to repeat its mistakes.
So as old and young come together before you,
take the very best of our lives;
bind us into one people of faith
and help us to share our common values,
love of Jesus and care for each other;
to build dreams,
and, with your Holy Spirit,
turn them into reality.
Amen.

Cx :-)

Hello all

Many thanks Cynthia for this week's postings.
Each one has made me feel very humbled.

I'm settling down to watch the Royal British Legion's Festival of Remembrance, with the tissues nearby.

"We will remember them."

Good morning :-)



A Candle Of Peace

Light a candle of peace for all nations
And watch as it steadily burns.
Remember the brave fallen heroes –
Those who will never return.
In the quietness, pray for all families,
Wherever they are in the world,
Whose lives have been scarred by violence and pain,
As the banners of battle unfurled.
Light a candle of peace for all races,
All cultures and creeds of mankind,
Ask God to touch every heart with his love
So, in days to come, we will find
Peace for the whole world over,
No longer a dream or a prayer,
But something to last to the end of all time,
For the great heart of God will be there.
— Marian Cleworth


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

WHY WEAR A POPPY?
“Please wear a poppy”, the lady said
and held one forth but I shook my head.
Then I stopped and watched to see how she’d fare
her face was old and lined with care.
But beneath the scars the years had made
There remained a smile that refused to fade

A boy came whistling down the street
bouncing along on carefree feet
his smile was full of joy and fun
“lady” he said, “may I have one”?
As she pinned it on I heard him say
“why do we wear a poppy today”?

The lady smiled in her wistful way
and answered “This is remembrance day,
the poppy there is a symbol for
the gallant men who died in war
and because they did, you and I are free
that’s why we wear a poppy you see”

“I had a boy about your size
with golden hair and big blue eyes
he loved to play and jump and shout
free as a bird he would race about.
As years went on he learned, and grew
and became a man, as you will too.

He was fine and strong with a boyish smile
but he seemed with us such a little while.
When war broke out he went away,
I still remember his face that day,
when he smiled at me an said ‘goodbye,
I’ll be back soon so please don’t cry’.

But the war went on and he had to stay
all I could do was wait and pray.
His letters told of the awful fight
I can see it still in my dreams at night.
With tanks and guns and cruel barbed wire
and mines and bullets, the bombs and fire.

‘Till at last the war was won
And that’s why we wear a poppy son”.
The small boy turned as if to go
then said “thanks lady, I’m glad I know.
That sure did sound like an awful fight
but your son, did he come home alright?”

A tear rolled down each faded cheek
She shook her head but didn’t speak
I slunk away, head bowed in shame
and if you were me you’d have done the same
for our thanks in giving is oft delayed
though our freedom was bought and thousands paid

And so when you see a poppy worn
let us reflect on the burden borne
by those who gave their very all
when asked to answer their country’s call
that we at home in peace may live.
Then wear a poppy – remember, and give.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Just a simple poppy.............


Just a simple poppy

Throughout history, the poppy flower has captivated human imagination and generated stories that span different civilizations and epochs.

In Roman mythology, poppies were linked to Somnus, the god of sleep. Its connection to sleep comes from its narcotic properties that induce sleep and relaxation. The image of poppies lulling people into slumber intertwined with the concept of dreams and the realm of the subconscious.

In ancient Chinese culture, the poppy was seen as a symbol of resilience and the ability to thrive under adverse conditions. The opium poppy, with its tenacious growth even in war-torn landscapes, was admired for its ability to persevere and flourish despite challenging circumstances.

In medieval Europe, poppies appeared in folklore and stories. Carrying a red poppy was believed to bring love and romance into one’s life. The poppy’s association with sleep and dreams also persisted, often representing a bridge between the waking world and the mysterious realm of dreams.


Just a simple poppy................

Cx :-)

Hello all

The Flanders Field words are so emotional.

Respect.... We Will Remember them.

Sadly, no poppy put up from GR yet??

Good morning :-)


............and the poppies

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


In our prayers, we think of the dreadful floods in Spain and for all the people who have been so badly affected. We also think of the people in the USA as they vote for their President today - a decision which will have worldwide consequences.


Round and about our various towns and cities, there is a clear message – it’s almost Remembrance Day, and poppies are on full show.
It’s a delicate little flower with an interesting history of how it came to be associated with Remembrance Day.

Scarlet corn poppies thrive in disturbed soils across Western Europe. The devastation from the early 19th-century Napoleonic wars turned lands into fields of blood-red poppies, blooming among fallen soldiers. By late 1914, World War One devastated Northern France and Flanders, leaving poppies as one of the few plants to flourish in the aftermath.

Today, the poppy symbolizes remembrance for those lost in conflicts and acts of terrorism, honouring the contributions of families and emergency services.

And it all started with a poem……………………………….to be continued.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

We had that hymn too kandj :-D One problem though - it's associated with local rugby teams and causes much rivalry when sung!! :-D :-D :-D



Interesting!
Christianity is the largest world religion, with over 2 billion followers worldwide – 1/3 of the world’s population.

There are thousands of denominations, or branches, of Christianity. The common thread is the belief in just one God who exists as three distinct persons and the belief that Jesus Christ is the Saviour. Christians believe he was sacrificed so that mankind can be forgiven for their sins.

Christianity spread rapidly because it offered the promise of salvation and eternal life, and because stories of miracles and healings made the Christian God seem more powerful than the Roman gods.


Cx :-)

Hello all

The first hymn this morning was Oh When the Saints Go Marching In ..... very catchy.

A short prayer for All Saints Day

Thank you God, for all the sacrifices made by those gone before us. Bless the memories of your Saints, may we learn how to walk wisely from their example
of faith, dedication, worship and love.
Amen.

Good morning :-)

Collect (special prayer for today)

Almighty God,
you have knit together your elect
in one communion and fellowship
in the mystical body of your Son Christ our Lord:
grant us grace so to follow your blessed saints
in all virtuous and godly living
that we may come to those inexpressible joys
that you have prepared for those who truly love you;
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. Amen.


Today we hear about Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Today is All Souls Day


O God our Maker, we give you thanks for the gift of our earthly life and the rich blessings you gave to those we remember today. Thank you for the years we shared with them and the love we received from them. For every memory of love and joy, every memory of life well lived and every sorrow shared with us, we give thanks.

May peace flow
as a gentle stream
through your soul,
love’s pure warmth
soften your heart,
and joy in the Lord
shine in your face
and all your words.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)


Today is All Saints' Day

God of holiness,

your glory is proclaimed in every age:

as we rejoice in the faith of your saints,

inspire us to follow their example

with boldness and joy;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.


Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

Halloween’s with us and, before we know
The moon will be casting its golden glow.
The air is crisp with much cooler days
The leaves full of colour to brighten the way.

The fields are all full and ready to glean,
Children laugh at the pumpkins they’ve seen!
Apples are ready to pick from the trees
Then cider will promptly be made from these.

The Lord looks down on our fun autumn days
And watches us as we go on our way.
The harvest is ripe in the fields of the soul
Make sure “to glorify Him” is our goal!

Witches and monsters we close our eyes to
But Lord, open our eyes to those who need You!
Send the workers far out in the field
Glean from their work what You’d have them yield.

Halloween is a time of trick or of treat
But do things that honour God on the street.
Hand out prayers with your goodies this year
You never know what seeds will fall near!

A seed that will sprout and soon grow to be
Lord, another ripe harvest for Thee!
Give us words and deeds on this night
That give others peace, not fear and fright.

Cx :-)

Good morning :-)

HALLOWEEN YES OR NO?

Two workers from Scripture Union try to answer some questions.
Why do some people celebrate Halloween and others don’t? What’s wrong with Halloween anyway? Why is it bad, or evil, or dark?

Some people don’t celebrate it because they don’t want their children dressing up as ghosts and walking around the streets, knocking on people’s doors. Some don’t want their children getting involved in things they think might be harmful, or at least annoying or intimidating. Some Christian families don’t get involved because they believe the celebrations have something to do with the devil, and they definitely don’t want to get involved with him. Jesus is about light and life, not darkness and death.

Most people do it for a bit of fun, though it has its origins in an old Gaelic festival about the spirits of the dead wandering around. Some children and young people love to do things on this night that they can’t on any other – like ringing people’s doorbells, asking for sweets and scaring people. These aren’t necessarily appropriate or helpful things to do!

Cx :-)