General Chat

Hello all

I have an unopened jigsaw gathering dust but might be tempted to open this at some point. For now, I keep myself busy crocheting blankets for the homeless and have just passed two over last week.
I enjoy gardening and reading and have recently had a book delivered from Amazon as the library's closed

Thinking of people from the Jewish faith as they aren't allowed to get together with their families to begin the Passover Festival week of celebrations.

Has anyone else noticed the brightness of the
Full Moon at night? Totally awesome in my view.

Snap Cynthia me too, a jigsaw every day for me, I cannot
contain myself :-D

Good morning :-)

And what excitement has everyone got planned for today? I may do a jigsaw :-D


Today is Holy Wednesday, also known as ‘Spy Wednesday’. It is remembered as the day Judas Iscariot planned to betray Jesus.

Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was one of the twelve; he went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers of the temple police about how he might betray him to them. They were greatly pleased and agreed to give him money. So he consented and began to look for an opportunity to betray him to them when no crowd was present. (Luke 22:3-6)



The Lent Course :

Isaiah 11.6-9
6 The wolf shall live with the lamb,
the leopard shall lie down with the kid,
the calf and the lion and the fatling together,
and a little child shall lead them.
7 The cow and the bear shall graze,
their young shall lie down together;
and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.
8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the asp,
and the weaned child shall put its hand on the adder’s den.
9 They will not hurt or destroy
on all my holy mountain;
for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord
as the waters cover the sea.

When the crowds cheered as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, they were hoping for a king, the Messiah, whose reign would reflect Isaiah’s vision of a peaceable kingdom, with people and animals living together in harmony.

This vision contrasts sharply with our own age when one in four mammals now face extinction. Underlying current unprecedented levels of loss of biodiversity is consumerism. Humans are causing the problems, but humans, as well as other animals, are suffering the consequences.

We need to buy and use less to take better care of the natural world and free up resources for those who need them. Ask yourself: do I need this?

Cx :-)

My thoughts and prayers to all affected by this virus. x

Hello all

A beautiful sunny day for Holy Tuesday, let's enjoy it.

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day,
I don't borrow from it's sunshine,
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what lies ahead.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand,
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Amazing words by Alison Krauss which inspire me and I hope that they may help to inspire you too.

Keep well, stay safe today everyone.

Hello all

A beautiful sunny day for Holy Tuesday, let's enjoy it.

I don't know about tomorrow,
I just live from day to day,
I don't borrow from it's sunshine,
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future,
For I know what Jesus said
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what lies ahead.
Many things about tomorrow,
I don't seem to understand,
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Amazing words by Alison Krauss which inspire me and I hope that they may help to inspire you too.

Keep well, stay safe today everyone.

Good morning :-)

Lovely to hear from people on here....... <3

We remember in prayer our Prime Minister as he battles this awful illness.....


Today is known as Holy Tuesday. There are various thoughts on what happened on that day - this is one of them. Jesus curses the fig tree.

Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, “May you never bear fruit again!” Immediately the tree withered.
When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. “How did the fig tree wither so quickly?” they asked.
Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Continuing towards the end of the Lent course.....

Genesis 1.26-31
26 Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness; and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the wild animals of the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth.’

27 So God created humankind in his image,
in the image of God he created them;
male and female he created them.

28 God blessed them, and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.’ 29 God said, ‘See, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has the breath of life, I have given every green plant for food.’ And it was so. 31 God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day.


While the other animals created on the sixth day are made “according to their kind”, humans are made “in God’s image”.

Humans are chosen by God to bear his image and be his representatives. Being God’s image-bearers equips us for the job of being God’s caretakers and gardeners, caring for the land and our fellow creatures. That gives humans a particular place before God. But the whole created order is caught up in God’s plans for redemption, not humans alone.

Reflect today on these words of Pope Francis: “Human beings, endowed with intelligence and love, and drawn by the fullness of Christ, are called to lead all creatures back to their Creator.”


Cx :-)

Hello all

Thank you Emma and Tabitha, I'm pleased you liked the HSR poem, her words seem appropriate now.

I'm finding it interesting walking around the streets to see different posters and drawings in people's windows. All done to encourage us at a difficult time.

Prayers now for Prime Minister Boris Johnson whose condition has worsened and he has been moved into the Intensive Care Unit.

Sending ((hugs)) out to those in need today.

Thank you for the poem Kandj. Just what i needed today.

This thread always comes up with something appropriate at the times its needed.

Keep safe

Thank you kandj,
One of my favourites from her and am hoping
that the bend in the road is coming into view
for us all. <3

We can use the lockdown to “rediscover that life is of no use if not used to serve others”, Pope Francis said on Palm Sunday.

Good afternoon :-)

Sorry to be a bit late, but got side-tracked with one thing and another.

Today is Holy Monday when we remember how Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple with the words "It is written, 'my house shall be called a house of prayer', but you have made it a den of thieves!"


The last week of the Lent Course.

Genesis 1.24-25
24 And God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures of every kind: cattle and creeping things and wild animals of the earth of every kind.’ And it was so. 25 God made the wild animals of the earth of every kind, and the cattle of every kind, and everything that creeps upon the ground of every kind. And God saw that it was good.

The Bible shows us a God deeply concerned for creation, not least for animals.

Genesis 1 depicts God creating all land animals – including humans – on the sixth day. We will see later this week that humans are given particular qualities and responsibilities by God. But we also share so much with other creatures. God declares animals to be “good” and gives to them (as well as to us) the earth and the plants it contains for food.

Give thanks to God today for the animals with whom we share a common home, and for making such an abundance of life.

Cx :-)

Hello all
Cynthia, I also have a Palm Sunday Cross which I drew, coloured and then cut out to put into my front window. Just soooo very different to how it normally is, but we all recognize our lives are no longer "normal" any more.

The Bend in the Road
Sometimes we come to life's crossroads
And we view is what we think is the end.
But God has a much wider vision
And He knows that it's only a bend........
The road will go an and get smoother
And after we've stopped for a rest.
The path that lies hidden beyond us,
Is often the path that is best.
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load
And have faith in a brighter tomorrow
You've come to the bend in the road.
Helen Steiner Rice.

The above is especially for lovely Emma X

Good morning :-)


Today is Palm Sunday - the day we celebrate the arrival of Jesus into Jerusalem.
My little homemade palm cross is gently sellotaped onto my front window. It reminds me of when the early Christians left secret symbols.....a Christian was here, sort of thing.

The Collect (special prayer) for Palm Sunday

Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.


Love to all

Cx :-)

Hello all

I'm exercising by walking around the streets for twenty minutes a day and quietly praying as I pass the homes. Some neighbours I know and others I don't, but the Lord knows the concerns of us all.

It's meant to be a warm day tomorrow. More gardening for me. Stay at home and enjoy the sunshine, and take care everyone.

Good morning :-)


Emma, thanks for the HSR - once Lent is over, I'll get rooting around for some from her as I know you love those poems. <3

kandj, I know how this crisis is making some people behave really badly, but isn't it lovely when people do good things? On Thursday evenings, when it is time to go out and applaud those on the front line, I find myself waving to people I don't even know - I live on a busy main road. We will be bosom buddies when this is over :-D

Tabitha - gosh, how lovely for you to have all those sparrows around. Whilst the front of the house is on a busy road, we back onto a large field and countryside. We get lots of birds too but I am always happy to see a sparrow :-D

Nearly at the end of the Lent course

Matthew 23.37-39
37 ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 38 See, your house is left to you, desolate. 39 For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.”’

This weekend we mark
Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Jesus can see the trouble that is brewing for the city and longs to be able to comfort the people like a mother hen gathering her brood.

Within a few days, Peter will hear a cockerel crow three times and realize he has betrayed Jesus. Later on, after a breakfast of fish on the shore, Peter will receive the risen Jesus’ grace and forgiveness.

Eggs are closely associated with Easter celebrations and decorations. How happy are the hens that lay the eggs you will buy? Look for free-range in the shops, sourced locally if possible.

Cx :-)

Hello all

I have a young couple across the road (Faye is a Christian lady), they have 5 children and 3 dogs (yes) more than a handful and yet she rang the doorbell and left me a small loaf and some milk..... how kind!

Pegging out the washing this morning the couple at the bottom of the garden shouted and waved to me from their bedroom window.... I waved back and put my thumbs up, which made them wave even harder.

It's good in difficult times to have people to help us.

My favourite hymn that captures the Christian message of supporting one another in troubled time is ........

Brother, sister let me serve you;
Let me be as Christ to you;
Pray that I may have the grace to
Let you be my servant too.

We are pilgrims on a journey,
and companions on the road;
We are here to help each other
Walk the mile and bear the load.

I will hold the Christ-light for you
In the night time of your fear,
I will hold my hand out to you
Speak the peace you long to hear.

I will weep when you are weeping;
When you laugh I'll laugh with you.
I will share your joy and sorrow;
Till we've seen this journey through.

Take care and keep safe everyone.

Thought I’d put up something from Helen Steiner Rice.

Good Wishes.

Here are a million good wishes
and more for the things
you can never buy in a store.
A joy-filled heart and a happy smile,
Faith to sustain you in times of trial.
Contentment, inner peace and love,
All priceless gifts from God above!

Thank you Kandj for the lovely welcome.

I am sure your uncle meant it kindly and just wanted you to remember him when you saw the words.

I find all sorts of things pop up every now and then to remind me of times I had forgotten. Occasionally i see a film on "Talking Pictures" and think gosh mum would love that. So I watch it for her. Its coming up to her anniversary, even after all these years it gets to me sometimes. .

Talking of Sparrows - Several of the neighbours have the same hedges in their front gardens including us. I have no idea what they are, my mum was the gardener not us. We just keep it tidy. They are green all year and some mornings there are more sparrows than hedge. When washing up my husband counted 24 in our small hedge, our neighbours large hedge is over 8 foot tall. If I go out the front a whole swarm of little birds fly up to the roof, wait till danger (Me) has gone & swarm back into the hedge. The bushes are full of bird song every morning & evening.

The little sparrows fly in and out all day. We have what's called our cats favourite bush (and the 4 before him) . Again no idea what it is but its not a hedge and loses its leaves each autumn, occasionally has lovely little white flowers in the spring. All year even when its bare we have loads of little birds climbing and flying around it.

The cat is fascinated by it and spends hours sitting in the lounge window just watching the birds. When its warmer he sits under the bush with the little birds up above him, he just sits and watches, which I am very grateful of. We have even had a visit from our Robin who seems to sit and watch my husband at his desk doing family tree updates.

I saw a couple of blackbirds taking advantage of a lack of people and cars in our cul de sac to do their courtin. We of course have a couple of families of seagulls on the roofs opposite. The roof of the house behind us seems to be the best place in the area for several pigeons..

I am always up early and the back garden is very often full of bird song morning and evening when the neighbourhood cats and foxes are away.

I love this very peaceful and thought provoking thread. Hope your keeping yourselves busy in this stressful time.

Cynthia hope things are ok with you and your family.

Take care everyone and keep safe. .

Good morning :-)

How much more housework can you do today then? :-D


Today's Lent Course



Psalm 84.1-4
To the leader: according to The Gittith. Of the Korahites. A Psalm.
1 How lovely is your dwelling place,
O Lord of hosts!
2 My soul longs, indeed it faints
for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh sing for joy
to the living God.
3 Even the sparrow finds a home,
and the swallow a nest for herself,
where she may lay her young,
at your altars, O Lord of hosts,
my King and my God.
4 Happy are those who live in your house,
ever singing your praise. Selah

The tree sparrow population in the UK has declined by 95% since 1970, in large part because of the loss of habitats due to urban development. As we have increased our building of homes for people, we have reduced habitats for birds.

The psalmist describes sparrows nesting in the Temple, much as bats live in many churches today. Jesus taught that God notices and cares when a sparrow falls to the ground, despite them being small, common and “two a penny” (Luke 12.6-7).

Can you create or restore a habitat for birds in your garden – or in your local churchyard or other community space?


Cx :-) Stay safe all. xx