Assist to live not die! Disabled and Terminally ill beg MPs

 
Hello and Welcome! 

Well, not long  to go now before the UK government RUSHES Parliament into voting on whether or not to legalise suicide. Well, as another side of the debate here is a statement by Not Dead Yet: a network of Disabled and terminally ill people who are asking you to email your MP to ask them to Vote Against the Bill.

Not Dead Yet believe that, if the Bill is passed, some people's lives will be ended prematurely, due to mistakes and abuse. Vulnerable lives will be at risk. No "safeguards" can guarantee protection from coercion.

They say that evidence from the small number of places around the world that have legalised assisted suicide is deeply concerning. For example, in Oregon - a model often sited by UK assisted suicide campaigners - the latest official data* shows that 47% of people who had an assisted suicide said they were doing so because the were concerned that they were a "burden on  family, friends / caregivers". [See my previous post "Assisted suicide: the slippery slope! about Van Gogh on this.]

Hospice UK has identified that over 100,000* people dying each year without access to the palliative care they need and the Government has said that our NHS is "going through the biggest crisis in its history"*. Against this backdrop, now is not the time to legalise assisted suicide. 

Not one organisation of disabled people has called for this Bill nor supports it. 

For more info on the organisation click this link: Not Dead Yet UK

*Oregon Health Authority -Oregon Death with Dignity Act - 2023 data summary

*UK Parliament POST note - Palliative and end of life care

The NHS is broken: Health and Social Care Secretary statement 

I am well aware that this is an emotive subject. It should be. We are talking about life and death situations!! And let's be clear that if this law is passed it will change our culture completely. An industry of death will spring up almost immediately. 

Right to Life UK say this:

SUICIDE PODS TO BE LAUNCHED IN THE UK IF BILL PASSES

You may have read in The Telegraph that the inventor of the Sarco gas chamber assisted suicide pod, the founder of assisted suicide lobby group ‘Exit International’, Dr Philip Nitschke (who the media nickname “Dr Death”) has announced that he plans to launch an assisted suicide service using the Sarco pods in the UK if the Bill becomes law.

A person can end their own life inside the 3D-printed Sarco pod by pushing a button, which injects nitrogen gas into the sealed gas chamber. The nitrogen causes them to suffocate to death. Dr Philip Nitschke has said that the machine can be “towed anywhere for the death”.

Professor of law and constitutional government at St John’s College, Oxford, Richard Ekins KC said, “If Kim Leadbeater’s Bill passes, and if the Secretary of State approves liquid nitrogen as an approved substance, then the Sarco death pod would be a lawful means to assist suicide in Britain".

TAKE ACTION

We need to make it clear right now to our MPs that it is a real possibility that these horrifing Sarco gas chamber suicide pods could be launched here if assisted suicide is legalised. We must reiterate that they must oppose this Bill.

With just over 2 days to go, it is a make-or-break moment. Even if you have emailed your MP earlier on the assisted suicide Bill, it’s very important that you contact them with this new information.

 That slippery slope, that thin edge of the wedge, that snowballing - however you want to describe the inevitability of the Bill being stretched the net of death cast ever wider will happen. If that makes your blood run cold, as it does mine, please do email and ask your MP to vote against the Bill as Not Dead Yet  Not Dead Yet UK are asking. Many thanks.  

Stay safe.  

God bless,

Teresa 

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

You may like to check out my books which are all available as paperbacks and e-books. Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

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

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

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 Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

 

Assisted suicide: the slippery slope!

 

Van Goch's bedroom

Hello and Welcome! 

Wherever you are in the world, and however you found me, I am so glad that you did! Recently I watched  a docudrama on the life of my favourite artist: Vincent van Gogh. It was a very moving tale, with the role of Vincent being played admirably by Benedict Cumberbatch. On one hand I enjoyed the wealth of colour and scenes that leapt from the artist's canvases. But on the other, witnessing his struggles, both financial and mental, was difficult to watch. However, in the context of the imminent vote to allow assisted suicide in the UK, it was the final scene which unsettled me the most. 

Vincent visited his brother, Theo, and his wife and met their baby son for the first time. Until then Theo had financially supported Vincent. But during the visit Theo told him that, due to the extra financial responsibilities that he now had with his new family, he would be unable to support to him as much. In the docudrama Vincent went home, wrote Theo a letter saying that he did not want to be a burden to him, went into a field, and he shot himself. 

People against assisted suicide state that this 'not wanting to be a burden' - to, say, relatives, the NHS, and so on -  is precisely the kind of reaction that the elderly, the dependent, the sick, the disabled, the depressed, the poor, the homeless, the jobless, and so on, may push them into feeling obliged to voluntarily opt to die. 

But why, you may ask, am I mentioning these kinds of scenarios when, the Assisted Dying Bill, now before the UK Parliament, sets out clear parameters in law to protect people from the unscrupulous, and so on. Hmm. Well. The problem is that assisted dying laws, actually, they are assisted suicide laws, allowed in countries including Belgium, Canada and the Netherlands, have quickly got out of hand. So, the scenarios I mention, are becoming commonplace in these countries, Even vulnerable children are now opting to die

I  say none of this lightly, and everything can be backed up as fact. Here are just a few links for you to check the facts out for yourself.

Euthanasia of children in the Netherlands 

Netherlands backs euthanasia for children under 12

Euthanasia of children in Belgium

The homeless choose euthanasia in Canada

More horror stories of euthanasia from Canada

Once you have done a little research by clicking on any of the above links it will be easier for you to know what, if anything, you can do about this upcoming bill. For instance, if you live in the UK please write to your MP about this. You could use this link: 

You could try the short meditation below to think this subject over. 

1 minute meditation

Breathe in deeply and as you exhale feel the whole of your body relax.

Now  say this prayer, or one of your own.

"Dear Heavenly Father, Your 6th Commandment is 'thou shalt not kill' but there are -  often well-meaning - people who hold a different view. Many of these are very persuasive and powerful.  But please let them be swayed, instead, by the awful broadening of assisted suicide already happening in other countries so that they block this proposed bill. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen."  

In conclusion I want to highlight that some people think that to allow assisted suicide is a compassionate act to guarantee a painless death, however, according to experts, a range of adverse affects may occur during this process  - which can take up to 47 hours!! Anaesthesiologist Dr Joel Zivot says, "I am quite certain that assisted suicide is not painless or peaceful or dignified... in the majority of cases it is a very painful death." Click this link for more info on this reality check:   

Stay safe. 

God bless,

Teresa 

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

You may like to check out my books which are all available as paperbacks and e-books. Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

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

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

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 Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

 

Anticyclonic gloomy? Choose joy instead!

                                                          Roath Park in the sunshine
 Hello and Welcome! 

have you ever considered that you can choose your mood? students of personal development will be aware of this fundamental principle. 

If the concept sounds strange let me give you an example. A week ago the sun shone the whole day long, and though I had plenty of work to do I couldn't resist a walk around my local lake. I was snapping photos of the glorious autumn colours as I went. And the wildlife looked super-happy too so I took some pics of them as well. 

                                                    Happy swans lakeside
After the walk I met up with a friend for coffee and cake. All lovely! My mood was happy and joyful.

The very next day, though, and until now, most of the UK has been blanketed in thick grey cloud. Yes, we are experiencing Anticyclonic Gloom - apparently caused by high pressure trapping the clouds. It is enough to bring anybody's mood down! But I determinedly chose joy instead. Actually, ha ha, I really didn't want to feel bad as well as being surrounded by that greyness. And so, I find myself saying often, Dear God, I am happy just to be alive! (One of the affirmations from my book 9 Days to Heaven -  see below.)

It could be, though, that wherever you are living in the world, it is maybe not a literal cloud that is making you feel low but rather a testing time. But still, I want to reiterate that you do have a choice over how it affects your mood. 

So, your choices are: will you choose to feel gloomy V will you choose to feel joyful? 

If you are wavering towards gloomy here are 3 suggestions to help you choose joyful:

1. Look at your surroundings, stamp your feet, then thank the Lord that you can see and move, and for all your other senses and faculties. 

2. Think of one person in your life who loves you, then thank your Heavenly Father for their love and ask Him to bless them.

3. If you are going through a testing time remember that the Holy Spirit lives with you and loves you.

Then say this prayer, or one of your own,

"Dear Lord Jesus, when life is gloomy please keep reminding me that You are the Light of the World, and as I bask in Your Light help me to choose joy. Amen."

"May the God of joy fill you with hope and peace..." Romans 15:13

Do you have any tips on choosing Joy to share? If you have I'd love to hear them. 

God bless,

Teresa 

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

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

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

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

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 Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Want to improve your day? Help someone else!

 

Hello and Welcome! 

Wherever you are in the world thanks so much for stopping by! 

I wonder what sort of day you are having. Today I needed to check my tyre pressures so I popped into my local Tesco's garage. What happened next set me thinking about how good it is to help someone when you can. A woman was using the air machine, and with another car waiting I joined the queue. The woman got back into her car but when minutes passed and she didn't move her car I went to see what was happening. The woman looked flustered. The computer in her car was showing that her tyre pressures were low. "I think I've taken the air out," she muttered, fiddling with the computer. Clearly she'd felt she'd made a silly mistake. "I don't like driving this car," she said. "But it's my husband's and he's got dementia so I have to."

My car doesn't have a computer so I couldn't help. I spoke to the other waiting driver who, instead of being impatient, hopped out of his car and went to her aid. Then he volunteered to pump the tyres back up. He did the job cheerfully and his passenger was also patient and understanding. Driving home I reflected that the woman's mistake had given the man a chance to do a good deed. He rose to the occasion. Marvellous. Living with a husband suffering from dementia the woman had a lot on her plate and I think that the man's little act of kindness will have been much appreciated. I know it touched me.   

You are probably living a very busy life but I have a strong feeling that as you have chose to read this far you are open to the idea of helping others, as and when you can. It could be as simple as say, holding the door open for someone pushing a pram, saying a big thank you with a smile to the supermarket checkout person, phoning a friend who is ill, and so on. We often don't know how much just a little kindness could be a huge blessing on someone's day. The bonus is that when we do this we often feel a little glow of happiness ourselves. 

You could try the short meditation below to think that over. 

1 minute meditation

Breathe in deeply and as you exhale feel the whole of your body relax.

Now read these words of St Paul and see how they apply to your life.

"God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus He has created us for a life of good deeds, which He has already prepared for us to do." Ephesians 2:10

Then say this prayer, or one of your own, "Dear Heavenly Father, I want to show my love for You by demonstrating love to others, so please will You help me to keep alert for ways to do this as I go about my day. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen." 

I'd love to hear about Your good deeds or how a stranger helped you and how it made you feel.  

God bless,

Teresa 

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

You may like to check out my books which are all available as paperbacks and e-books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

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

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

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 Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

 

Let your heart be filled with hope!

 

Hello and Welcome! 

Wherever you are in the world thanks so much for stopping by for a little inspiration! No matter what sort of day you are having take a moment to take a deep breath, breathe out slowly and read the following Bible quote.

Now say this prayer, or one of your own.

"Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to remember that You are with me always.  Thank You so much for helping me through this day."

REMEMBER The Bible is packed with hope and love so try to read it as often as you  can. As well as the Bible I like to read books by other Christians for a fresh perspective. I recommend this habit. 

You may like to check out my books. 

                            Pray Then Listen  

                                      Prayer guide 

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

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

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!                               

                Angel at the Paradise Hotel 

                     Christian fiction romance / suspense

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!

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

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

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

                        9 Days to Heaven 

                        Christian inspiration

Living alongside Greeks for many years, their openness about living their religion really rubbed off on me. While living in Athens I wrote my book 9 Days to Heaven. The book shows very simple methods of opening out to the love of God, and welcoming Him into your everyday life. 

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

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 

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

If you are going through a bad time and want me to put you on my prayer list please let me know. 

God bless,

Teresa 

Appreciate life like Princess of Wales!

 

Hello, and welcome!  

Thank you for dropping in. I like to think that you are keeping well, even as I acknowledge that life is not always filled with roses! Today I was very touched by the video message from the Princess of Wales giving us an update on her health. It is great news that she has now finished her chemotherapy treatments, though the journey to full recovery continues. The short film, with voiceover by the princess, is a beautiful seamless collage of home-shot clips and professional photography giving a rare glimpse into this close-knit, loving and affectionate family. 

The video followed, the princess and her husband, the Prince of Wales, and their three children, as they walked in the woods, paddled in the sea, and played together during their August holiday in Norfolk. Facing her own mortality the princess has a fresh perspective on life.

It is common for a survivor of a potentially life-threatening illness, or various other close-brushes with death, to feel a new and deeper appreciation of life. I mention this in my book Pray Then Listen (see details below) where I share that many years ago, after hearing of yet another case of that, I decided to follow their example of renewed appreciation, thankfully without the trauma.

That began, and continues to this day, by expressing gratitude for the very fact of waking up. And you may like to do this too.

Begin by opening your eyes then rubbing your fingertips together. Then say this prayer.

“Hello Lord

Thank You for the gift of a new day. And thank You too that I can see, and hear, and for all my other senses and faculties.

Please help me to use this day wisely.

I ask this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.”

 May your choice to appreciate life more bring you ever closer to God. I would love to hear from you about this.

Teresa x

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.

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

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

"Angel at the Paradise Hotel is an inspiring, touching and moving novel for the ages, generating faith, optimism, and, above all, hope. A very enjoyable read, which I highly recommend!" Georges N. Chamchoum, Emmy and multiple award-winning film director and producer

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

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

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

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 

For articles, plus more info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) You could check out my short video on the Goodness of God

Travel in Europe: Stay safe from deadly West Nile Virus!

 

Hello, and welcome!  

I hope you are keeping well!  I'm very glad that you stopped by. A headline caught my eye today which made my blood run cold: "Fears grow over spread of deadly West Nile virus after a woman 'in perfect health' died in Spain having been bitten by a mosquito" (Daily Mail Online) Though I have no plans to go to Spain the reason for my reaction is that I have had this virus, and quite badly. And so I wanted to warn you about it. The virus first arrived in Athens, where I was living, in 2010 and I caught it in the July. 

In the Daily Mail article it says, "British holidaymakers travelling to Spain have been warned about the deadly West Nile virus for the past few years and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently raised fresh concerns, with its weekly update showing new outbreaks in Greece and Italy." 

The virus is transmitted by the West Nile mosquito, which I can tell you is larger than the regular ones you may be familiar with. Not all of these insects are infected with the virus - I was bitten countless times before I got ill - but if they feed on the blood of infected wild birds they then pass that infection onto humans when they feed on our blood. Yuck! 

There is a whole list of symptoms accompanying the West Nile Virus infection. I felt a little unwell at the start, and a bit off my food, but then felt very unwell indeed, and nauseous, with strange body pains moving around randomly, a temperature, fatigue, weakness, and so on. Actually, I was unwell for about three months. The virus can also cause encephalitis - inflammation of the brain, and this can be fatal.  

The good news, yes there is good news, most people, (about 80% statistically) don't experience any symptoms when infected. But it is far better to try to avoid infection, I think you will agree. You can do this by taking some preventative measures. 

1. Use an insect repellent before going out. Reapply as advised. 

Check out these links for the best repellents: 'Which' recommended   ; 'expert reviews' recommended

2. Be aware that mosquitos are most active at dusk, so maybe stay indoors then.

3. If you are very vulnerable / susceptible to bites consider covering up - long trousers and long-sleeved tops.

4. Be aware that mosquitos love hiding in the shrubbery. I've been bitten alive in outdoor restaurants that have surrounded their boundaries with potted greenery.

5. At night keep windows and doors closed and use your air-conditioning to keep cool.

Just a final comment on insect repellents. In 2010 when, as I said, the West Nile mosquito first arrived in Greece I tried numerous repellents and none of them worked! (I understand they have now been upgraded and do work.) In desperation I tried citronella, which the Greeks swear by, but these new mosquitos ignored it and still bit me. Finally, I found something that worked: geranium oil. So now, I never visit Greece without some. And I put it on before I exit the plane! I simply put a drop in my hand, rub my hands together to spread it, then dab it on my face, and all other areas of exposed skin, and even random bits of clothing - anything to keep the mozzies away! And it does. 

 May God bless you and keep you safe from West Nile virus and all manner of mishaps as you take a well earned break from routine.

Teresa x

P.S. If you are looking for a novel to take on holiday with you why not load up your Kindle with my Angel at the Paradise Hotel?  It is an absorbing summer read! 

"Angel at the Paradise Hotel is an inspiring, touching and moving novel for the ages, generating faith, optimism, and, above all, hope. A very enjoyable read, which I highly recommend!" Georges N. Chamchoum, Emmy and multiple award-winning film director and producer

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!

For articles, plus more info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) You could check out my short video on the Goodness of God

If you enjoy reading my posts - and thousands of you do, from all over the world, I'm thrilled to say! - I think you will enjoy getting in deeper into my work for even more effective results. That's why I've listed my other books below. All are available as e-books as well as hard copies, which makes them very affordable. I've added lots of links so you can check them out.

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.

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

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

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

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