General Chat

Hello all

Yesterday the sun was shining and this is always a good tonic Cynthia, hence
the happy clappy sing song. Today is a dark morning with heavy rain.... hey ho.

This poem might interest someone.

When I Whine by Reg Foley.

Today on a bus, I saw a girl with lovely golden hair;
I envied her - she seemed without a care,
And Oh, I wished that I was so fair
When suddenly she rose to leave,
I saw her hobble down the aisle .
She had one foot and wore a crutch
But as she passed she gave a smile!
Oh God, forgive me when I whine;
I have two feet - the world is mine.

And when I stopped to buy some sweets,
The lad who served me had such charm;
He seemed to radiate good cheer,
His manner was so kind and warm.
I said, "It's nice to deal with you
Such courtesy I seldom find"
He turned and said, "Oh thank you sir"
And then I saw that he was blind.
Oh God forgive me when I whine
I have two eyes - the world is mine.

Then walking down the street
I saw a child with eyes so blue,
He stood and watched the others play;
It seemed he knew not what to do,
I stood a moment, then I said
"Why don't you join the others dear?"
He looked ahead without a word
And then I knew he could not hear.
Oh God, forgive me when I whine
I have two ears - the world is mine.

With feet to take me where I'd go
With eyes to see the sunset glow
With ears to hear what I should know
I'm blessed indeed, the world is mine
Oh God, forgive me when I whine.

I found this poem in an old church magazine and I thought it
was worth sharing. Sadly, this particular church is now no longer
used. The Vicar moved on to a parish where she was born because she was approaching retirement and the opportunity came to Minister miles away.

Thinking of all in need of prayerful support today. xxx

Good morning :-)

My goodness......you sound in fine form kandj :-D


Hope this makes you smile....

A vicar, apparently fed up with all the excuses given over the years as to why people don't go to church, included this list in the Sunday bulletin:

TEN REASONS WHY I NEVER WASH

1. I was forced to wash as a child.
2. People who wash are hypocrites -- they think they are cleaner than everybody else.
3. There are so many different kinds of soap, I can't decide which is best.
4. I used to wash, but I got bored and stopped.
5. I wash only on special occasions, like Christmas and Easter.
6. None of my friends wash.
7. I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier.
8. I can't spare the time.
9. The bathroom is never warm enough in winter or cool enough in summer.
10. People who make soap are only after your money.




Three things in life that are never certain...

1. Fortune

2. Success

3. Dreams


Carry on singing everyone... Cx :-)

Hello all

Hope everyone is happy and will join in with this one.

If You're Happy and You Know It.

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands (clap, clap)
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands (clap clap)
If you're happy and you know it and you really want to show
If you're happy and you know it clap your hands (clap clap).

If you're happy and you know it stamp your feet (stamp stamp)
If you're happy and you know it stamp your feet (stamp stamp)
If you're happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you're happy and you know it stamp your feet (stamp stamp).

If you're happy and you know it shout "Amen", Amen!
If you're happy and you know it shout "Amen", Amen!
If you're happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you're happy and you know it shout "Amen", Amen!

If your happy and you know it
do all three clap clap, stamp stamp, Amen!
If you're happy and you know it
do all three clap clap, stamp stamp, Amen!
If you're happy and you know it and you really want to show it
If you're happy and you know it
do all three clap clap, stamp stamp, Amen!

Phew.... time for a cuppa now. Sending hugs to those who need them. xxx

Good morning :-)

Very wet and windy here today..............more smiles for you....


An elderly woman walked into the local country church. The friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. "Where would you like to sit?" he asked politely.
"The front row please." she answered.
"You really don't want to do that", the usher said. "The vicar is really boring."
"Do you happen to know who I am?" the woman inquired.
"No." he said.
"I'm the vicar’s mother," she replied indignantly.
"Do you know who I am?" he asked.
"No." she said.
"Good", he answered. :-D



Three things in life that are most valuable.....

1. Love

2. Family and friends

3. Kindness



Thinking of all who need a little kindness in their lives just now. Cx :-)

Hello all

Today's post made me smile Cynthia. Thank you.

Thank you God for all your blessings to me and my family,
for the strength you give me each day and for all the
people around me who make life more meaningful. Amen.

Happy Wednesday wishes to everyone. xxx

Good morning :-)


Bringing back some special memories Vera.......thank you. <3

To make you smile.......


To make it possible for everyone to attend church this Sunday, we are going to have a special "No Excuse Sunday":

Beds will be placed in the porch for those who say, "Sunday is my only day to sleep in." There will be a special section with lounge chairs for those who feel that our pews are too hard.

Eye drops will be available for those with tired eyes from watching TV late Saturday night. We will have steel helmets for those who say, "The roof would cave in if I ever came to church."

Blankets will be given to those who think the church is too cold, and fans for those who say it is too hot. Scorecards will be available for those who wish to list the hypocrites present.

Relatives and friends will be in attendance for those who can't go to church and cook dinner, too. We will distribute "Stamp Out Stewardship" buttons for those that feel the church is always asking for money.

One section will be devoted to trees and grass for those who like to seek God in nature. Doctors and nurses will be in attendance for those who plan to be sick on Sunday.

The sanctuary will be decorated with both Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies for those who never have seen the church without them. We will provide hearing aids for those who can't hear the preacher and cotton wool for those who think he's too loud!


Three things in life that you should never lose....

1. Hope

2. Peace

3. Honesty.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Aww, loving your post Vera. Thank you.

Wide, wide as the ocean is very special to me.

I taught this at Sunday school when my special friend Margaret was in charge.
Sadly, Margaret lost her fight against the dreaded big C, all those years ago and she has left so many lovely memories for all who knew this special Christian lady

Thoughts now for all who taught in Sunday schools very many years ago. xxxx.

I have been looking back over the last few days' postings and came across Kandj's post with the words of the Fishers of Men chorus which brought back some memories. When we were in Sunday School my friends and I used to think it was hilarious to sing "I will make you vicious old men". Although we were a bit naughty with the words of some of the songs, we did enjoy it when our leader said it was time for choruses. A particular favourite, with all the actions, was:

Wide, wide as the ocean
High as the heaven above
Deep, deep as the deepest sea
Is my Saviour's love.
I, though so unworthy,
Still am a child of his care
For his word teaches me
That his love reaches me
Everywhere.

Thinking of those in need of support today.

Good morning :-)


The humour continues........ :-D


Three vicars were discussing the best positions for prayer while a telephone repairman worked nearby.

"Kneeling is definitely best," claimed one. "No," another contended. "I get the best results standing with my hands outstretched to Heaven."

"You're both wrong," the third insisted. "The most effective prayer position is lying prostrate, face down on the floor."

The repairman could contain himself no longer. "Hey, fellas, " he interrupted, "the best prayin' I ever did was hangin' upside down from a telephone pole!



Three things in life that can destroy a person:

1. Anger

2. Pride

3. Unforgiveness



Keep smiling. Cx :-)

Hello all

Amusing Cynthia, thank you. Just what is needed on a Monday morning.

With this new day, comes new strengths and new thoughts.
(Eleanor Roosevelt)

Wishing a Happy Monday to everyone who reads this. xxx

Good morning :-)

I'm up early enough to do a paper round kandj......maybe something I should consider :-D


After the solemnity of Lent and the joy of Easter, maybe it is time for some humour...........plus 3 things each day to think about.


The temporary Sunday School teacher was struggling to open a combination lock on the supply cabinet. She had been told the combination, but couldn't quite remember it. Finally she went to the parish office and asked for help. The vicar came into the room and began to turn the dial.

After the first two numbers he paused and stared blankly for a moment. Finally he looked serenely heavenward and his lips moved silently. Then he looked back at the lock, and quickly turned to the final number, and opened the lock.

The teacher was amazed. "I'm in awe at your faith, vicar" she said.

"It's really nothing," he answered. "The number is on a piece of tape on the ceiling."
:-D


Three things to think about :

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back :

1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity.



Love to all Cx :-)

Hello all

Not thinking of taking up a paper round are you Cynthia?? Amen to Collect today.

A Sunday well spent, brings a week of content.
(A Chinese Proverb)

It is a beautiful God given day here today. Blue sky, white fluffy clouds and sunshine. Another day, another blessing.

Thinking of young children who will enjoy playing outside today. xxx

Good morning :-)


Funny you should say about whistling kandj - I have taken to whistling around the house these days - no idea why and it's rather tuneless at times :-D


This Sunday is traditionally known as both 'Low' Sunday and 'Quasimodo' Sunday.
'Low' possibly referring to the contrast from the 'High' festival of Easter last week, and 'Quasimodo' from the Latin text of the traditional Introit for this day, which begins "Quasi modo geniti infantes..." roughly translated as "As newborn babes desire the rational milk without guile...".

It is also the day on which a newborn infant was found on the steps of Notre Dame cathedral and named Quasimodo - in the famous book by Victor Hugo.

The Collect (special prayer) for today.....

Almighty Father,
you have given your only Son to die for our sins
and to rise again for our justification:
grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness
that we may always serve you
in pureness of living and truth;
through the merits of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen

Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, I was brought up in a home with lots of singing. It is second nature to me.
The postman/milkman used to whistle in the mornings too. I never hear anyone whistling now. How times change (and not always for the better, imho.)

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud,
and as the garden causes the things that grow in it
to spring forth, so the Lord God will cause
righteousness and praise to spring forth
before all the nations.
(Isaiah 61:11)

Goodbye Winter..... Hello Spring. Wishing you all the Joys of Spring. xxx

Good morning :-)


My word kandj, you have been doing lots of singing lately........and such lovely song too :-D

As we come to the end of our thoughts on Easter for this week, we end with this lovely poem...


God, give us eyes to see
the beauty of the Spring,
And to behold Your majesty
in every living thing -

And may we see in lacy leaves
and every budding flower
The Hand that rules the universe
with gentleness and power -

And may this Easter grandeur
that Spring lavishly imparts
Awaken faded flowers of faith
lying dormant in our hearts,

And give us ears to hear, dear God,
the Springtime song of birds
With messages more meaningful
than man's often empty words

Telling harried human beings
who are lost in dark despair -
'Be like us and do not worry
for God has you in His care'.

- Helen Steiner Rice.


God bless all those who feel lost and lonely this weekend. Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia after reading your post I am now singing this old hymn, tra la la la la

LOVING SHEPHERD OF THY SHEEP.

Loving shepherd of Thy sheep
Keep Thy lamb in safety keep;
Nothing can Thy power withstand
None can pluck me from Thy hand.

We would praise Thee everyday
Gladly all Thy will obey
Like Thy blessed ones above
Happy in Thy precious love.

Loving Shepherd, ever near
Teach Thy lambs Thy voice to hear;
Suffer not our steps to stray
From the strait and narrow way.

Where Thou leadest we would go
Walking in Thy steps below,
Till before our Father's throne
We shall know as we are known.

I can't think of more appropriate words to follow today's thread.

Thinking of all who will work throughout this night. xxx

Good morning :-)


I can remember sing that kandj.........rarely hear it now though :(


Shortly after yesterday’s story of another resurrection appearance by Jesus, is the moving story of Peter’s re-instatement. Peter, who had denied knowing Jesus three times during his master’s trial, is questioned by Jesus… three times. It is during this questioning that Jesus gives Peter the famous charge to “Feed my sheep.” It goes like this...........


When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?”
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
Jesus said, “Feed my sheep."


Lord, we are your people, the sheep of your flock.
Heal the sheep who are wounded.
Touch the sheep who are in pain.
Clean the sheep who are soiled.
Warm the lambs who are cold.
Help us to know the Father's love through Jesus the shepherd, and through the Spirit. Amen.


Cx :-)

Hello all

Reading today's posting I recall there are several places in the bible where Jesus
spoke to the fishermen......He said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men". (Matthew 4;19 NIV).

I am also reminded of the song (with actions) we taught the little ones to sing in church. It was a favourite of the young and the young at heart!

FISHERS OF MEN

I will make you fishers of men,
Fishers of men, fishers of men
I will make you fishers of men if you follow me.

If you follow me, if you follow me
I will make you fishers of men if you follow me.

Awww, that was very many years ago and we all had such a lot of fun back then.

Thinking of all the people who feel weighted down by worries today. xxx

Good morning :-)


Yes kandj, I am busy recalling the occasions where Jesus was seen after the resurrection.

This is the third occasion....and it went like this...........




It was soon after His death that several of the disciples returned to their old profession as market fisherman. Seven of them had been out all night with no success, when far away on the shore a man told them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat.


"Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realise that it was Jesus. He called out to them, "Friends, haven't you any fish?" "No," they answered. He said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish. Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It is the Lord!"

As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, "It is the Lord," he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed him in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from the shore, about a hundred yards. When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you have just caught." Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.

Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." None of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish. This was now the third time Jesus appeared to his disciples after he was raised from the dead."


Praying for those who live in fear of losing their job. Cx :-)

Hello all

Cynthia, you are kept busy sharing Scripture with us. Thank you, it is very much appreciated.

Looking around the garden I can see the tulips are almost in bloom and we have some shaded Daffodils that are about to bloom too. Spring is here!

I have been sorting some books and I came across a copy of a book that I bought when our Grandson was in Primary school (He is now at Uni). It has a great many poems all written by the children and published as a fund-raising effort for the school. This one won't be included in those marked for charity!

The poem written by our Grandson Jack is entitled: SPRING.

S is for the singing of all the birds
P is for the plants that are re-growing
R is for roses, for pretty girls
I is for the insects that eat the pollen
N is for No, because there is no noise
G is for the grass, all the daisies come out.

Aww, I'm sure Jack has forgotten all about this poem. I need to ring and remind him. He will probably be a little embarrassed, but I'm his Nana and it's my job lol

Remembering all families affected by the Port Talbot steel crises right now. xxx