Beach and Prayer: Overcoming worry in Corfu!

 

 Hello and Welcome! 

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you are keeping well. In my post: Springtime: Praising God's Creations in Corfu! I shared that after living in Athens, I was in Corfu waiting to bring my cat Charlie back to Wales. (See blog: Blogger: Posts)  And that during that time I started writing for a great site World-wide Bible studies.org founded by a wonderful Christian preacher, Teresa Ortiz. The site had thousands of readers each day and I loved writing for them. 

As a trip down memory here is the second of those articles. I hope  you find a little inspiration in it... 

Friendship, Seaside, and Christ for Strength: Be the best you can be! (Matt. 5:48)

I awoke feeling vaguely uneasy though the day was bright and sunny and I was happy to still be on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. The feeling grew though until I acknowledged that I was fearful of the next stage in my life; of going back to Britain after living abroad for almost two decades. Gilly, a dear friend, texted me at that point asking how I was. I replied positively then asked: But am I in the eye of the storm?

I knew that it was time for me to walk, pray and think.

As I strolled along the deserted sandy beach I remembered Christ’s instructions in the Sermon on the Mount on the futility of worrying: “…do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.” (Matt. 6:34) I looked around and tried to savour the splendour of the moment. Paddling along the water’s edge in my wellingtons I watched a lone seagull gliding in tall blue skies. Its graceful motion was soothing.  

As I neared the end of the long beach - punctuated by a high sandstone cliff, which I noticed for the first time was shaped just like a cowboy boot - I was feeling better. Straight ahead over a few kilometres of calm petrol-blue sea, the snow-capped mountains of Albania showed faintly through a haze formed by the warm sun kissing the icy water. 

I turned back and retraced my steps. A light wind was now blowing on my face and forming white lace at the sea’s edge. It put me in mind of when Elijah, hiding in a cave in fear for his life was visited by God in a gentle breeze to strengthen and guide him. (1 Kings 19:11&12) I took comfort from that. 

 Approaching the end of my walk I suddenly thought, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Ph. 4:13) I resolved to enjoy the day and work diligently at my projects knowing that God was with me always, helping and guiding me. And that through Jesus I would be able to adapt and cope with everything in my life, including repatriation.

When I arrived home Gilly sent me another text, beginning with: “Philippians 4:13J…” How cool is that! Symfonia (one accord) as the Greeks say. God bless Gilly for her friendship in Christ! Godly friends give good advice. (Pr 12:26)

It is wonderful having Christian friends who know just what to say when you need a spiritual lift. If you've any stories to share on this topic please do get in touch.   

God bless,

Teresa x

For articles, plus more info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk)

Find more inspiration through my books:  

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God.

A great review: So often, people tell me they have no idea how to connect with God through prayer, and finding simple resources for them is difficult. Pray Then Listen can be just such a resource, particularly for new Christians or those seeking a change in their approach to prayer.

John Backman, writer and spiritual director, Why Can’t We Talk? Christian Wisdom on Dialogue as a Habit of the Heart

Check out Pray Then Listen In UK / In US  / In Singapore/ In New Zealand / In Australia

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy!

A great endorsement: 

Take this book down to the beach in the morning, and I guarantee when you return sunburnt to your room at the end of the day you will see no one around you, from waiters to fellow holidaymakers, in the same way. The characters seeking escape amidst the idyllic beauty of Corfu never manage to shake off the problems they have run from, while O’Driscoll beautifully captures the intrigues of a tightly knit traditional Greek community.

Donald Finnaeus Mayo, author of The Insider’s Guide to Betrayal and Francesca

Click on the following links to check out my novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel In UK /  In US / In Singapore / In Australia / In New Zealand

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  

Here's a great review: I was ill for a couple of years and had a great loss in my life. This book brought so much peace to me and even though I had been angry with God and blamed him for all my troubles, I found my way back to my relationship with him.

Rose Barrett Wilkinson

Check out 9 Days to Heaven In UK / In US / In Singapore / In Australia / 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

Here is the link for the YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven