Day 3: Brave

You want to run away, but will you stand up and hold out your hands?

Will you be brave?

Be brave to say who you are.
Be brave to break away from the fear of darkness.
Be brave to reach out for love.

It seems to me that the darkness, borrowing the voice of sinners, says mockingly to me: "You are dreaming about the light."

Day 2: Not a memory

So Christmas Day has been and gone... It doesn't feel like Christmas at all.
But those Christmas lights remind us that all our troubles are a distant memory and the love is still here.

This was his real day of triumph.

Day 1: Looking to Chirst

Shout it from the rooftops!

His love is something to shout about and be proud of.

This love is given freely to us through a gift, the birth of a child.

I will teach you how to travel... with the surrender and the love of a child who knows his Father loves him and cannot leave him alone in the hour of danger.

Christmas Day: God is with Us

"God is in Us, God is for Us, God is with Us here and now!"

Peace and Goodwill to you all

Merry Christmas

Christmas Eve

O Come, O Come Emmanuel, is a hymn that incorporates all of the previous seven days worth of chants, commonly referred to as the 'O Antiphons'.

When listed in reverse order, in Latin, the initial letters of each antiphon spells the Latin phrase Ero Cras.

Emmanuel
Rex Gentium
Oriens
Clavis David ERO CRAS translated means "Tomorrow I will come"
Radix Jesse
Adonai
Sapientia

Fourth Sunday of Advent: Children

It is all about children... the celebration of a new birth. A time to party and celebrate.
How many celebrations / parties have you been too, or held in honour of this great occasion?
They do not have to be raucous affairs, a simple gathering can still be a celebration.

Elizabeth and Zechariah were over the moon with their son, who they named John, in front of all the family. Causing a stir by using a different name. It was a simple gathering, but nevertheless a celebration.

And what of the birth that is about to happen, how will that be celebrated?

How will you encourage your children to celebrate this occasion?
How will you encourage them to remember what this occasion is all about?

O Emmanuel, king and lawgiver, desire of the nations, Saviour of all people, come and set us free, Lord our God.

Third Saturday of Advent: Sing!

In the early stages of pregnancy, there is only the news of being pregnant that is something to shout about. But as the pregnancy develops, so too does the glow of the mother-to-be and they too start to SING of their joy.

They feather the nest... redecorate a room for the nursery... buy clothes... prepare for the birth. But all the time they SING of their joy.

Mary sang of her joy in what is now known as The Magnificat:

My soul magnifies the Lord
And my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour;
Because he has regarded the lowliness of his handmaid;
For behold, henceforth all generations shall call me blessed;
Because he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name;
And his mercy is from generation to generation
on those who fear him.
He has shown might with his arm,
He has scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.
He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich he has sent away empty.
He has given help to Israel, his servant, mindful of his mercy
Even as he spoke to out fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity forever.

O King of all the Nations, the only joy of every human heart; O keystone of the mighty arch of man, come and save the creature you fashioned from the dust.

Third Friday of Advent: Motherhood

Elizabeth, the mother-to-be of John the Baptist, is delighted at the news that Mary is pregnant too.

Similarly, the news that the Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine, too is pregnant, became news that the world needed to shout about. The joy of something miraculous, the creation of new life.

New life becomes new beginnings, a new journey.

Give thanks to all mothers who have given us all new beginnings and set us on our journey.

O Radiant Dawn, splendour of eternal light, sun of justice: come, shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death.

Third Thursday of Advent: Chosen One

Mary was stunned by the angel Gabriel greeting her as the “favoured one”.
Yet, she understood the duty that was bestowed upon her.

We have all been chosen to be favoured by Him.

In what we say and do, on a daily basis. No matter if we are right or wrong, we are still favoured by Him.

So what does He favour us with? His gift of love.

O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel controlling at your will the gate of heaven: Come, break down the prison walls of death for those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and lead your captive people into freedom.

Third Wednesday of Advent: Praise

How often do you hear the words: 'Thank you'?

More importantly, how often do you say 'Thank you?

How do these simple words make us feel? Warm, trusted, loved.

This simple act of praise gives across a simple act of love.

We should be saying Thank You to everyone we encounter.

THANK YOU for allowing me to share this message with you.

O Flower of Jesse's stem, you have been raised up as a sign for all people; kings stand silent in your presence; the nations bow down in worship before you. Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.

Third Tuesday of Advent: Angelic

Angels

Listen to the voices.

Could you be so trusting of a voice that you are strongly inspired to be a 'stand-in' father, knowing that your fiancée is pregnant by another.

Many men do become 'step' fathers and they only need to look at Joseph as a great example.

So listen to the voices, what are they asking of you?

O Sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the holy law on Sinai mountain: Come, stretch out your strong hand to set us free.

Third Monday of Advent: Family

Family bonds.

When you think of all your ancestors, you normally follow the line of your last name. So ignoring all the ancestors on your maternal and paternal grandmothers side.

Think of ALL your relatives past and present.
Think about where you have come from.
Think about all the wisdom that has been passed on to you.

It has been a long journey, a journey through time.

O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come and show your people the way to salvation.

Third Sunday of Advent: Rejoice!

Rejoice - Excitement as it is almost here!

Yet we have to wait for what we desire.

Whether it is the safe arrival of loved ones from afar or a recovery from cancer, we wait in prayer and patience, hope and trust.

Be patient but rejoice.

Second Saturday of Advent: Living Simply

During the countdown to Christmas, we are bombarded by glittering commercials urging us to spend freely.

But how many people are not able to spend freely?
How many people do not feel safe?
How many teenagers are left to fend for themselves?

Before you spend freely, give something so that someone who is not able, can.

Then you will truly create the true spirit of Christmas.

I support the charity Centrepoint and urge you to give a unique gift.

Go to Centrepoint Gifts now.

Second Friday of Advent: A Thing Called Love

WE are sent various people to guide our direction. They may be a teacher, priest, repairman, politician, policeman...

When we see them they do not always fit our image (the wrong colour, gender, ethnic group) we criticise and belittle them, refusing to accept their point of view.

So which person do you listen to?

Is it a celebrity?
Is it a specific person you know?
Is it someone on the radio?

Is it someone that has done something wonderful for others?
Is it someone that has done something wonderful for you?

Listen to what they have to say...
....there is a message for you... somewhere...
....it is a thing called Love!

Second Thursday of Advent: Creation

Open up your eyes.....

... to the love around you...
... to the way the buildings have been crafted...
... to the gardens delicately tendered near you...
... to the trees branching tall...

How much do you care for the world around you...?
How much effort do you put in to protecting the environment...?
How will you put your praise of creation into environmental action?

Second Wednesday of Advent: Poor, Meek and Humble

To those who are burdened and oppressed by the doctrine of stipulation and dictated laws:

We are all liberated by the law of love.
Love is not formal.
Love is on the inside.
Love is a trusting relationship.
Love is based on our own poverty.
Love is a recognition of salvation.

We are invited to substitute the troubles and desires that enslave us, with the love and faith that will liberate us.

Second Tuesday of Advent: Lost

Just because you are lost, doesn't mean you are lost.

You will always be shown the way, just ask and He will show you the way.

Second Monday of Advent: Be forgiving

By forgiving you have the power to restore a human being.

Second Sunday of Advent: Living in harmony

Hold on to the night, there will be no shame.

Always I want to be with you and make believe in you and want to be with you and live in harmony.

We long for the peaceable kingdom in which predator and prey live side by side, never threatening or harming one another.

This seems so far away when you listen to the news, especially when people live side by side yet cannot find common ground.

How can you live in harmony?
How well do you know your neighbours?
What about the neighbours a few doors down?

Invite them round for a drink and some food. Invite them all round.
Watch a neighbourhood start living in harmony.

I did a few years ago.
Now, most of the street will get together or stop and speak in the street.

First Saturday of Advent: Walk this way

If Jesus was around now, I am sure that he would be singing this song.

When we are feeling low, we know that He is always near.
We are always listening out for Him.

What about those who are unable to hear Him?
Do we spend time with them so that we can listen out on His behalf?
Do we spend time with those who are in any kind of need?
Do we act as His voice to guide all who are afflicted?

Share your love.
Visit, talk or just say hello with your neighbours.

First Friday of Advent: Be healed

We sometimes doubt our ability to make a crucial difference in the lives of those who are sick, addicted, misguided.

Show your love towards them all and believe that the power of prayer has healing properties.

First Thursday of Advent: Build on the rock

Advent is a good time to do a house inspection.
Is the house of your life resting on a rock foundation of hearing and doing?
Or is it slipping onto the sand of good intentions that get washed away with the tide of events?

It isn’t about saying We Will, but by doing His Will that prepares our hearts to be his dwelling place.

Open your heart to everyone you meet and share your love.

First Wednesday of Advent: Feed the hungry

Hunger is not just about food.... it is also about love.

The hunger for love is just as important.

Love can heal.

Love costs nothing.

Love each other.

Love can be shared with just a simple smile.

First Tuesday of Advent: Follow Me

How will you follow Jesus by making your faith life a priority during Advent?

First Monday of Advent: Believe

I believe in Love...it has no boundaries. It incorporates anyone and everyone

Love is inclusive

Love has no boundaries.

First Sunday of Advent: Love is Coming...

...So Carry On

Advent is a time of joy, thanksgiving and prayer. More importantly it is a time of Love.

Love is sharing...
Love is giving...
Love is togetherness...
Love is coming...

Remembering.... and not forgotten!

How many men and women have done their ultimate duty?

How many wars have there been?

How many times do you thank those who have returned?

How many times do you thank those who return but will never be seen again?

How many times do you remember, once a year, once a week or every day?

WE remember not just for our today but for all our tomorrows!

We WILL remember them.

This is a cause worth your support.

No matter what has happened, a family would like answers,
but more importantly they want Timmy home.

We remember him and he will not be forgotten.

Hear our prayers and thanksgivings

for all whom we remember this day;

fulfil in them the purpose of your love;

and bring us all, with them, to your eternal joy.

Have faith...

Be not afraid!
Have faith and trust!
Do not worry about shedding things aside, especially those things that are a hindrance to us!
Don't be silent when we think that we should shout to get attention!

Susan Boyle was someone who threw caution to the wind and proved to many people that you can do it.
She had faith and trust and was able to shed peoples' thoughts.

Another who was able to use confidence to beat the hurtful comments that he had grown up with was Jonathan Antoine from 'Jonathan and Charlotte'.

Remember, we can all throw off our cloak to reveal our true self and show faith and trust in the one that calls us by name daily

We hunger for true love

We hunger for true love. Yet, we fill our our hearts with money, power, name, recognition, appreciation, sex, success, etc, but we forget the beauty around us. The closer we draw ourselves to Him, the more clearly we are able to see the signs of His love.

I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Eph 4:1-6 (NRSV)

Division

A passion for an opinion or to correct a great wrong will only divide you.

It will tear you apart, it will test your true character and commitment.
It will divide you among your peers.
It will make you appear angry.

But there are times when we need to have the demand of a challenge to make us stronger.
We need the demand of a challenge to give us purpose and reason.
We need the demand of a challenge to show our true self.

At what cost is division?

It is a decision.

Communication

Who ever said communication has to be verbal and out loud.

Listen from within.

Only then will you be closer, faithful and committed.

Olympic Dreams

Click here to go to the London 2012 torch website

As the world seeks power for selfish gain.... a small glimmer of an Olympic dream visits this corner of the world and with it comes the community spirit that was given to us hundreds of years ago. The simplest of values that of love and hope is being inspired by the visit of the London 2012 Olympic flame. It visits Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth today on Day 58 of its journey.

I encourage everyone to find a spot on its journey and be inspired by it. Be inspired to share in something with others. Go to the London 2012 website and be inspired to do something.

We were all taught to love each other as we each would wish to be loved. Not in a flesh sense but as a kindness.

So with this travelling light of hope and love make sure we witness its power and rekindle its purpose in this small community.

We are the same - just different!

Celebrating over 40 years of marching for rights!

The first London Pride was in 1972 when the LGBT community still had very few rights.

Now we are stronger and as the London Gay Men's Chorus sang - One Voice it reminded me that we do still need to keep singing with One Voice to show to those in the World who still discriminate against those are LGBT or who are just different!

And it is not just outside the UK where people discriminate but a few organisations, some who call themselves Christians, within the UK still do. But as it was pointed out, they too have a right to voice their opinions, just as the LGBT community did en mass.

However we celebrate our differences, let's also celebrate those who have made a difference!

World Pride Power List 2012Welcome to the World Pride Power List 2012 - the 100 most influential LGBT people of the year in the worlds of business, politics, arts and entertainment

Article from The Guardian

Each of us are all the same and each of us are all a little different. That is how God intended us to be!

Laws

WE are all governed by laws. Laws for civil obedience. Laws for purchasing goods. Laws for travelling. Laws for registering births, deaths and marriages. But what of religious laws?

We have the 10 commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai. They play a fundamental role in Judaism, provide an influence to Christianity and form part of the ethics in Islam. The commandments give us clear guidelines on ethics and worship.

I am the LORD your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me.
You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
Remember to keep holy the LORD'S Day.
Honour your father and your mother.
You shall not kill.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbour.
You shall not covet your neighbour's wife.
You shall not covet your neighbour's goods.

(Exodus20:1-17 & Deuteronomy 5:4-21)

Catechism of the Catholic Church

[Covet = wrongful desire or wish for]

Worship only God
Be kind, honourable and humble to one's parents
Be neither miserly nor wasteful in one's expenditure
Do not engage in 'mercy killings' for fear of starvation
Do not commit adultery
Do not kill unjustly
Care for orphaned children
Keep one's promises
Be honest and fair in one's interactions
Do not be arrogant in one's claims or beliefs

(Qu'ran: Chapter 17)

Then there are the law's Jesus provided:

The Lord our God is the one, only Lord and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.
You must love your neighbour as yourself.

(Mark 12:28-34)

Above all, LOVE is more powerful and richer than any other law.

So with these in mind why do Churches send out words of HATE towards others?
It is simply that they have forgotten the simplest of laws given to us: Love God and Love thy neighbour.

Surely, these should then be the basis of all teaching and all decisions made.

So to the decisions over women bishops, gay clergy and gay marriage: I see nothing in these laws that prohibit them; infact I would say they promote them.

So let's promote the laws in an inclusive Church as we have been commanded by our God.

Lord make me know your ways

Jubilee

There is nothing prouder than the bunting, the music, the pageantry and the flag waving.

Equal Civil Marriage Consultation

The consultation sets out the government's proposals to enable same-sex couples to have a civil marriage.

The key proposals of the consultation are:

to enable same-sex couples to have a civil marriage i.e. only civil ceremonies in a register office or approved premises (like a hotel)
to make no changes to religious marriages. No religious organisation will be forced to conduct same-sex religious marriages as a result of these proposals
to retain civil partnerships for same-sex couples and allow couples already in a civil partnership to convert this into a marriage
civil partnership registrations on religious premises will continue as is currently possible i.e. on a voluntary basis for faith groups and with no religious content
individuals will, for the first time, be able legally to change their gender without having to end their marriage

Current legislation allows same-sex couples to enter into a civil partnership, but not civil marriage.

What is the difference?

Whilst civil partnerships were designed to provide equivalent rights and responsibilities to marriage there are some differences, for example:

Civil partnership and marriage are two entirely separate legal regimes with different pieces of legislation covering each of them.

Civil partners cannot call themselves married for legal purposes and married couples cannot call themselves civil partners for legal purposes. This means that when making a declaration of marital status to an employer, public authority or other organisation, an individual who is either married or in a civil partnership will often be effectively declaring their sexual orientation at the same time;

Civil marriages are solemnized by saying a prescribed form of words whereas civil partnerships are formed simply by signing the register – no words are required to be spoken;

Married couples and civil partners are entitled to similar rights and responsibilities but there are some differences around eligibility for some pension rights and laws around adultery and non-consummation and courtesy titles;

Marriage can currently be conducted either through a religious ceremony or through a civil ceremony.
Civil partnerships can only be conducted through a civil ceremony, although from December 2011 it has been possible for couples to have their civil partnership registration take place on religious premises, (although the registration itself must remain secular). This is an entirely voluntary provision for faith groups who want to host civil partnership registrations and does not lift the ban on any religious elements forming part of the civil partnership registration itself. The Government is committed to retaining this provision to enable same-sex couples to continue having a civil partnership registration on religious premises if that religious organisation has agreed.

Does this go far enough?

Equal should mean equal in all sense of the word and certainly not second class, as in the civil partnership.
Having to declare your relationship as a partnership, should be a breach of our human rights in declaring who we are. The only question should be - 'Are we in a civil-relationship, such as a marriage or partnership?'
Most civil partnerships are between committed people - just as opposite-sex marriages.
Some opposite-sex couples may prefer a civil-partnership as their sexual lives are varied, just as in the case of some same-sex couples. Thus the option of not having adultery as a term for dissolution, would benefit them.
Pension rights should be available for all, irrespective of civil relationship
If strict Roman-Catholic countries can recognise same-sex marriages why can't we?

Should we be asking that religious organisations who do wish to solemnise same-sex marriages should be allowed to do so?

Just because some religious organisations choose to legally discriminate against LGBT why should other religious organisations be forced to discriminate by law.

Should we be going further and seeking the Equalities Minister and the Home Secretary to change the current legislation to incorporate all religious organisations?

Wouldn't this then stop the homophobic comments from so-called christian people and christian organisations who are supposed to 'love thy neighbour'. Where is the love in their behaviour?
Discrimination should be abolished. No organisation should be allowed to discriminate.
The bible clearly states: “God does not have favourites, but that anybody... who fears God and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34-35). So why are they rejecting all LGBT people?

I'm so glad to be part of a religious organisation that recognises all people!

God has no favourites so why should we?

Have you had your say yet?

Remember we cannot complain about it if we don’t take the opportunity to speak about it.

Follow this link: www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/consultations/equal-civil-marriage/ and find the online link to complete the consultation.

Ensure you complete the consultation by June 14th.

Generation Less

"Generation Less: Cuts are hitting young people hardest

Charities that provide a safety net to the nation's poorest are suffering badly in austerity Britain, according to a new report launched tomorrow"

Independent on Sunday, UK 29th April 2012

Well, we all saw this coming!

A government cutting services for the young and defenceless amongst local authorities and then cutting funding for charities. Now the effects are becoming apparent.

One of the most powerful people in the country and its an attitude of lets forget the young, they are not important - they are not voters - YET! ... you know - the people who are the next generation. So what will they think when they become the leaders of our country.... lets forget the old! Look what they did for us! Contempt will only breed contempt. At the moment, that is this Government's legacy!

But as a leader of the country, they should be protecting everyone and anyone. Everyone has a right to be protected. No one should be excluded!

I would prefer them to protect the young rather than spend £millions deciding how to reform the House of Lords and reduce the number of MPs.

"The good shepherd knows all our needs, even before we ask him."

It should be a human expectation that all our needs are met, irrespective of who we are and where we live, provided by the leaders of this country. They talk about a lack of values in society... perhaps they should look closer to home, redress the balance and lead by example.

Baroness Warsi and Religious Identity

David Cameron told us in his King James speech last December that he was a “vaguely practising” sort of Christian but that even if he didn’t go to church very often he knew that Christianity had been awfully important in our country’s background and therefore we shouldn’t give up on it now.
David Cameron set the tone for this type of speech by talking of the need for Britain to have confidence in “its Christian identity”. That identity, he argued, is a “crucial” aspect of Britishness. He knows that Christianity in Britain is undergoing a long term decline and that less that 50% of the population has any sort of significant commitment to Christianity. How to get round this problem? The trick is to declare, as he did, that values such as responsibility, hard work, charity, compassion, humility, self-sacrifice, pride in working for the common good and honouring the social obligations we have to one another, to our families and our communities “are the values we treasure” and “Yes, they are Christian values”.

Humanist Life Feb 2012

They still need to lead by example, by promoting responsibility, hard work, charity, compassion, humility, self-sacrifice, pride.... Then perhaps the young will follow and install this in future generations.

Values provides us with most of our present needs, He is always present and knows our needs and is there even when we do not realise it. But we need to pass them on to those who are to follow, so they too can experience love, joy and freedom!You know to those who are young and defenceless to make them feel secure; secure in our own image!

LOVE, JOY, FREEDOM

It is I...

It is I... this reminds me of the character LeCLerc from BBC TV 'Allo 'Allo.
It is always amazing how a partially sighted and partially disguised man always causes the most hilarity.... as if you never saw what was coming up anyway.

But this is also true of many other things that we look from a distance, unsure of what is coming towards us but rather than accept the truth that is before us we shy away.

Many in this world are rejected and excluded because certain people are frightened of the simplest of things. But what are they frightened for.... ?

"It is I, do not be afraid." (John 6:20)

Easter Tuesday - Feed and Relax

So when do you truly rest?
Is it the moment you sit down after work?
Is it the moment you finish at the gym?
Is it the moment you slide into bed?
Is it the moment you share your troubles?
Is it the moment you finish a meal?
Is it whilst you are walking along a sea shore and feed from the calming sounds?

What would it be like if there were no mobile phones on this Holy Saturday?

What would it be like if there were no mobile phones?

What would you do?
How could you live?
Would we have to email from a computer?
Use a telephone box to make calls when we are in the street?
Make use of the telephone at home. Share its use.
Would we have the art of conversation back?
A silence from all those ringtones?

Today we are in a state of grief. Similar to how you would feel just after losing the use of a mobile phone.

Our servant king died yesterday.

What are we to do?
How shall we continue?
Why couldn't it have been us instead of him?

Joseph of Arimathea, as any friend would do, wrapped the body in fresh linen and laid it in a tomb.

Like so many tragedies there is a sense of loss, a quiet time before we have to pick ourselves up again. Today is that quiet time. It is a time to think about all the 'what ifs'. It is a time to think about 'how I can change'.

It is simply a time to think!

God, make us think about our actions and how we can change those that need changing.

Good Friday

If the whole realm of nature were mine to give, then it would be an offering far too small; Your Love was so amazing, so divine, it demands my soul, my life, my all.

Maundy Thursday - Life is for Sharing

This may be an advert but oh so true!

Teach us Father the meaning of sharing, all from the sharing of a simple meal.

Holy Wednesday - Accused

Without guilt you were condemned; you were sentenced to death; you were hated and mocked. May we always bless your name for the sake of ourselves.

Holy Tuesday - Immortal

Help us to watch with you, to stay with you, to learn from your anguish the lessons of love.

Holy Monday - Generosity

Think about what you would like to be - now think about what someone who is less fortunate than you would like.

Give us such love for you that our generosity overflows whenever it is needed.

Palm Sunday - Be joyful ....

Teach us to share the sorrow and pain of your journey, so that we can share the victory to come.

Trust and Believe

Give us faith to trust and believe in your power, and celebrate the world changing promises that are to come.

Hold Fast!

When rhyme and reason isn't working.

When there seems to be no other way.

When all you wait for is another stone to be thrown.

When you feel as if you are the mis-shapen piece in the puzzle.

Come to us Lord, with your word of warning, and give us ears to hear and hearts to enthrone you.

Passion

PASSIONTIDE is the last two weeks of Lent, when the readings and prayers of the liturgy focus on the Passion of Our Lord. The word "passion", in the Christian sense, does not mean an intense emotion; it refers to the historical events of Jesus' suffering and death.

It is fitting, during this season, that we remember Mary and her inexpressible grief at the suffering and death of her Son. Along with Mary we remember all mothers who grieve the loss of a child.

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and
those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying, 'I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters, in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.'

Hebrews 2.10-12

Give it Up

A story for the rich business to think about: Gandys: Our story

Perhaps we should all think more about Giving Up a small amount of our own wages to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Give us courage to see what is getting in the way of our total commitment and to give it up so that we may share your life always.

Build a House

Houses are built on strong foundations. Watching it grow makes you feel part of its growth. It provides you with an attachment. Almost in the same way as you watch your children grow, from babies to adults. What love does that inspire for all creations.

Renew our hearts by the power of Your love, so that we may live as part of the new creation.

Decisions

Give us the humility to follow wherever you lead, with no thought for our own status except for that of a servant.

Mothering Sunday

Typical brotherly love, all for saying Happy Mother's Day.

Our love for you, Lord, shall show no stronger bond than for the love of our own Mother.

Friendliest Day of the year!

For some it will be England v Ireland RBS Six Nations Rugby
For some it will be a pint of the black stuff (Guiness)
More importantly, for some it will be both down the pub to make it the friendliest day around!

Oh yeah - Make it a Guinness World Record attempt - pledge your support www.facebook.com/guinnessgb

Thank you Father for your boundless and lavish love.

Expect the unexpected

If we discover something with nothing unexpected, nothing to shake us from our normal existence, we would be fairly sure that it wasn't real.

Let the light of your presence shine upon us, and through us, so that your love may illuminate all the dark places of our lives and of the whole world.

Power of love

Lord Jesus, rule in our hearts, our countries and our world with the healing power of your love.

Jerk it Out!

There is a lot of discussion at the moment about marriage in the UK!

The God-given dignity to which the Cardinal is blind

Be glad you live in Britain, not the US, if you're gay or a woman

Church of England condemned as "the last refuge of prejudice"

Editor-At-Large: Marriage is dying, but let gay couples have it, all the same

Cameron and the Cardinal are both wrong. 'Gay marriage' is an oxymoron, but the Church can at least bless same-sex couples

Believe what you will.

However,

"Let the children be fed first, for it is not fair to take the children's food and throw it to the dogs."
But she answered him, "Sir, even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."

from Mark 7:24-30 (NRSV)

This quote from the Bible is about us all being equal in the eyes of God.

Make us known to your purposes and plans, so that we may become richer in love for the good things that are to come.

Food Glorious Food

Food is not unclean, it is our sustenance and not the cause of our actions.

Only our greed, pride, envy and other immoralities, are responsible for corrupting and destroying humanity. We each know our own failings and impurities that still reside in us.

Give us courage to follow the path that leads to full purity of heart.

True Faith

Minister in legal battle to STOP Christians being able to wear a cross to work

Keeping the Faith

It is not what happens in the confines of a religious setting that is important, but what happens in our daily lives.

Let my hopes and thoughts be acceptable to you.

Expectations

The video reminds of all the expectations we impart on those in school and where they should aim for. But how often do these expectations change?

You are sitting having a drink in a coffee shop. A young lad walks in with his ears full of piercings, scruffy hair and there are tattoos on his neck. How does that make you feel? Expectations!
But he sits by you and strikes up a conversation - do your expectations change?

Teach us, Lord, what is meant for you and what it means for us, to live together in this place, ready for the time when you want us to act.

Walking on Water...

... or just treading it.
Life is always full of surprises. It is always when we least expect it, when we are treading through life that we come across a surprise. Good or bad, but normally a small wake up call.

Surprise us with your unexpected power and presence and help us not to be afraid when you do new things in our lives.

Compassionate to all

The first 5 minutes of this very long debate sums up the compassion of HM Queen Elizabeth II and possibly some of the characteristics she holds should be examples to us all.

Help us to trust you to provide the things we know we need but also the things we do not know we need. Help us to be generous and compassionate to all who turn to us for help.

Leadership... fake or real?

Some leaders do things for themselves... others are puppets!

This film is from Invisible Children.

Most Governments do things for the good of themselves and not necessarily the good of the people.
So when people start making a stand then they should be listening and doing something about it.

Support the idea and concept of Kony 2012 in whatever way you can. But ensure you pass on the message.

Sign the e-petition to the UK Government - make them aware

Give us, Lord, leaders in church and state who will serve your people rather than themselves, and who will listen to the challenge of your word.

BBC News
Independent Newspaper - Stop Kony - Yes but don't stop asking questions

Pages

...So Carry On

"Generation Less: Cuts are hitting young people hardest

Minister in legal battle to STOP Christians being able to wear a cross to work