Thursday 22 February 2024

Feeling overwhelmed? Pray!

"All Praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon
and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, bright, and precious, and fair."

St. Francis of Assisi, from The Canticle of Brother Sun 

Hello, and welcome!  

I just went into the back garden, as night was falling, to fill the birdfeeders and was stopped in my tracks by a beautiful sight. A small, almost full moon, shone like a bright silver button in a clear, dark blue sky. Praise the Lord for His wonders! I've just checked and the full moon, known this month as the “Snow Moon” will rise on Saturday. It will be the farthest distance away from Earth, and the smallest full moon of the year.

I hope you are having a good week and a good Lent. I have been having so very many ideas for articles, workshops, and so on this month, that I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. After prayer I realized that a different and more encouraging way to look at this was to acknowledge that I am having a very creative month. That Divine inspiration turned the way I was looking at this on its head. I began to get very enthusiastic about the next step: putting these ideas into action. Thank You Lord. 

Fortunately, as the ideas have been flooding in, I have been writing them down. This is something I highly recommend to you. Over the years I have learnt that original ideas arrive through a unique sequence of  thoughts, comments, events, discussions, and so on.  In the past I have thought that I would remember such ideas, but often I didn't. I learnt my lesson. I jot the ideas down for later. 

Yesterday, I wrote two articles and began looking over a workshop. Today, I have been firming up the first module of the workshop. I got as far as I could before I went out to feed the birds. When I saw that moon, though, I just wanted to share it with you. I had been wanting to say "Hello" to you, so this is another thing off my To Do list.

When you are feeling overwhelmed, which happens to us all, do you pray about it? Ask God for help and guidance as I do?  It brought me such relief this week that I hope that passing on this reminder, giving you a gentle nudge, makes you feel great too! Try the following meditation to think that over.

1 minute meditation

1.     Ponder on this Bible quote:

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be open to you." Mt 7:7

  2.    Sit up straight and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply through the nose. Hold a few seconds. Breathe out through the mouth and as you do so feel the whole of your body relax.

             3.     Now meditate for a few moments on how you cope with pressure.  

            4.     Now say this prayer, or one of your own, ‘‘Dear Lord, please remind me to turn to You whenever I need help. I ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen." 

            5.    When you are ready breathe in and out deeply as before. Then open your eyes and have a big stretch. 

 May you find inspiration in all of God's creations as you move closer to Him each day. I would love your feedback on this topic. 

God bless,

Teresa x


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

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS! 

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 books below. All three 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 SingaporeIn 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!

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.  

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 


Wednesday 7 February 2024

Secret of happiness by centenarian Mary!

 

Hello, and welcome!   

My dear friend Mary Taylor, pictured above, from Pontypridd, Wales, but living in Athens, Greece for many years, who passed away peacefully a year ago today, only weeks from her 102nd birthday, was a shining example of a life well lived. 

As you may imagine, to reach that great age Mary had to have something exceptional about her. First and foremost was her passionate love of Christ! Her advice to people in trouble was, “Get on your knees and pray!” Though previously fiercely independent, as her eyesight and hearing faded and she became frail, though her mind remained sharp, when she moved into her daughter’s home she was happy and contented. If you find yourself chaffing against life’s challenges perhaps you could follow Mary’s advice, as I do, to kneel and pray for God’s help. Use the following meditation to consider that. 

1 minute meditation

1.     Ponder on this Bible quote:

“…for I have learned in every state I am, to be content.” St Paul to the Colossians 4:11

  2.    Sit up straight and close your eyes. Breathe in deeply through the nose. Hold a few seconds. Breathe out through the mouth and as you do so feel the whole of your body relax.

             3.     Now meditate for a few moments on your attitude to daily tests of life. 

            4.     Now say this prayer, or one of your own, ‘‘Dear Heavenly Father, please help me, no matter what is happening in my life, to find contentment inspired by Your Holy Spirit. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." 

            5.    When you are ready breathe in and out deeply as before. Then open your eyes and have a big stretch. 

 As your contentment increases may you be blessed with happiness. 

God bless,

Teresa x

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

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS! 

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 books below. All three 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 SingaporeIn 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!

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.  

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 








Monday 1 January 2024

New Year? Spiritual Fresh Start!

 


3-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome! 

Wishing you a very Happy New Year! May 2024 bring you and your loved ones, peace, hope and joy! Today, traditionally, we think up New Year's Resolutions, often related to improving our physical health, which is, admittedly, very important. Do you ever, though, consider your spiritual health? If the answer is No, you may reconsider in the light of the great wisdom of Saint Augustine of Hippo who said:

“Take care of your body as if you were going to live forever; and take care of your soul as if you were going to die tomorrow.”

If you are open to drawing closer to God, do you know where and how to begin to achieve that goal? I have a suggestion…

We have just closed a whole year and human relationships and circumstances can get rather messy over a stretch of time. We can easily forget how very much God loves us, and instead, by focussing on our faults and failings, we put up an artificial barrier between us and Him. Enter: The Spiritual Fresh Start!

I cover this in my book Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God (see details below). Fresh Starts are so powerful and freeing. In this case, deliberately acknowledging that, though you may have lingering regrets about some aspects of your past that you feel come between you and God, it is impossible to change past deeds. 

Facing that squarely we can choose today to do things differently.

You could try the short meditation below to, firstly, think that over, and secondly, to speak to God about it all, because:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

Meditation

1. Sit up straight. Breathe in deeply through the nose. Hold a few seconds. Breathe out through the mouth and as you do so feel the whole of your body relax.

2. Briefly acknowledge any regrets that stand between you and Christ.

3. Read the above Bible quote of St John’s and ponder on it for a few moments.

4. Now say this prayer – or one of your own – “Dear Heavenly Father, I am very sorry for all my sins and ask Your forgiveness. Although I am not worthy, please fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I may follow You more closely, from this day forward. I ask this in confidence in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.”

5. When you are ready breathe in and out deeply as before. Then have a big stretch.

 May we feel the burden of past mistakes lift from our shoulders as we walk in the presence of the Holy Spirit in 2024, and always.    

God bless,

Teresa x

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

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS! 

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 books below. All three 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 SingaporeIn 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!

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.  

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 








Thursday 28 December 2023

Feeling blue? Keep Christmas always in your heart!

 

2-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome! 

Today, 28th December, is the 4th Day of Christmas, yet so very many people, Christians included, seem to think that after Christmas Day, the whole celebration is over. Not me, though! Firstly, the Christmas season lasts for 12 days. It ends on 6th January, when we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. Yet, the rejoicing will never cease as long as we remember that the relevance of Christmas is eternal! 

“What does Christmas mean to you?” is the big question posed on the postage stamp of a Christmas card from a dear friend in Jersey. It’s a good one. 

My answer to the question is that, first and foremost, it is the celebration of the birthday of Christ, the Messiah, God-made-man.  If that is your answer too, yet you still feel a bit down, you can improve your mood by switching your focus back onto the Light of the World.

Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

If you know Christ, or even if you don’t yet know Him, you could try this short meditation to think that over.

Meditation

1. Sit up straight. Breathe in deeply through the nose. Hold a few seconds. Breathe out through the mouth and as you do so feel the whole of your body relax.

2. Now consider Jesus’ words and their meaning.  

3. Read the above Bible quote of St John’s and ponder on it for a few moments.

4. Now say this prayer – or one of your own – “Dear Lord Jesus, only a few short days ago I celebrated Your birthday, but today I feel gloomy. So please will You fill me with Your love and light, and help me to share that with everyone I meet. Amen.”

5. When you are ready breathe in and out deeply as before. Then have a big stretch.

 

May the light and love of Christ's birth fill your heart today and always.    

God bless,

Teresa x

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

BOOKS! BOOKS! 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.

Check out Pray Then Listen In UK / In US  / In SingaporeIn 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!

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.  

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 








Monday 18 December 2023

Advent Week Three: Give Thanks Always!


3-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome! 

Did you succeed in becoming more Forgiving through prayer last week? Forgiveness is a test that crops up repeatedly, but let’s keep, through God’s help, doing our best to carry it out. Already we have come to the third week in Advent. Christmas is fast approaching. But though surrounded by festivities, perhaps you don’t feel at all cheered by them. 

You could be in a financial crisis and unable to buy many presents or rich food. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, living in a new place and feeling lonely, or in physical or mental pain. The list of potential woes is endless, so I know, in advance, that this topic too may be very challenging to you. Enter: Give Thanks Always!

 St Paul encourages us to do this. 

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”   1 Thess 5:17-18

Though St Paul suffered greatly as he spread the Good News about Christ, his brave example must have had a huge strengthening impact on the new Christians. 

 If you are going through a very bad time and feel you have little to be thankful for you could bring this down to basics. For instance, you could thank God that you: Feel fit; have food to eat; a roof over your head; a loving family; and so on. In my book Pray Then Listen, I share that after hearing, once again, about someone who came through a near-death experience and decided to embrace each new day as a gift, I decided to do that too – but without the decision being a product of trauma. So, each day I say thank you to God for waking up, being able to see, hear and for my other senses. I recommend it.

Having said that, I am the first to admit that I don’t always feel as much gratitude for life as I’d like to. Then, I try to gain perspective through considering, for instance, the fact that many people did not wake up this morning, and of who did, lots will not have even their basic needs covered, nor have use of all their senses. Remembering the challenges of others can help to see our own worries in a better light. Leading us into gratitude to Christ for all His blessings. To think that over for a few moments use the following short, yet spiritually powerful, meditation.

Meditation

1. Sit up straight. Breathe in deeply through the nose. Hold a few seconds. Breathe out through the mouth and as you do so feel the whole of your body relax.

2. Now consider St Paul’s instruction on gratitude.

3. Read the above Bible quote of St Paul’s and ponder on it for a few moments.

4. Now say this prayer – or one of your own – “Dear Heavenly Father, I know that every breath and heartbeat is mine through Your gift, please help me to be thankful for all the blessings You provide, especially when I feel challenged and upset.  I ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

5. When you are ready breathe in and out deeply as before. Then have a big stretch.

 May the Holy Spirit strengthen and guide you towards Thankfulness this week and always.

Do you find it hard to be thankful when you are going through a bad time? I'd love to hear how you turn back to gratitude. 

God bless,

Teresa x 

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

BOOKS! BOOKS! 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.

Check out Pray Then Listen In UK / In US  / In SingaporeIn 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!

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.  

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 



 

Monday 11 December 2023

Advent Week Two: Forgiving Sets You Free!

 

3-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome! 

Do you feel that your soul is nourished by your spiritual activities of last week? I don’t know about you but I am already starting to feel that Advent is flying by and we’ve only completed one week! Let’s hang on in there. This week, as part of spiritual preparation for celebrating Christ’s birth and His Second Coming, I’m thinking about Forgiveness. Addressing this fundamental aspect of Christian living feels like part of my general tidying up for Christmas.

If you are carrying the burden of a grudge against someone, when you find the strength to forgive it can bring such relief.  Enter: Forgiving Sets You Free!

Holding tenaciously onto a grievance is nothing new to mankind. Remember, even the apostles brought up the matter with Christ.

Then Peter came up and said to [Jesus], “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.” Matt 18:21-22

Though Peter was willing to be forgiving, he clearly felt there must be a limit to it! But Christ put an end to that notion.  

I think you will agree that Forgiveness – by us and to us – is something that crops up regularly. Sometimes it causes us great pain. One day, talking about my book 9 Days to Heaven at a church service, I mentioned the chapter on Forgiveness. Afterwards, a woman confided she was very upset and quite desperate as she needed to forgive someone and didn’t know how. She had not planned to come to church that day and felt God had sent her there to buy my book.  

I admit that forgiving is not always easy. Occasionally I have to battle resentment and it takes deep prayer, and maybe time too, before I can find it in my heart to forgive. But I have met people over the years who will NOT forgive. You probably have met some too. Have you noticed that they are often bitter and unhappy? Even if that is not you or me, will you please join me, as a spiritual exercise in Advent, to become even more aware of those who need our forgiveness? To think that over for a few moments use the following short, yet spiritually powerful, meditation.

Meditation

1. Sit up straight. Breathe in deeply through the nose. Hold a few seconds. Breathe out through the mouth and as you do so feel the whole of your body relax.

2. Now consider that Christ has told us emphatically to forgive wrongs against us.  

3. Read the above Bible quote of St Paul’s and ponder on it for a few moments.

4. Now say this prayer – or one of your own – “Dear Lord Jesus, please help me to be forgiving to everyone who sins against me. And in doing so, please let me feel the freedom that brings. I ask this in the same name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

5. When you are ready breathe in and out deeply as before. Then have a big stretch.

For the whole of Advent, and, hopefully, beyond, may we continue to forgive those who trespass against us.

Do you find it hard to forgive sometimes? I'd love to hear your thoughts on what works for you.

God bless,

Teresa x 

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

BOOKS! BOOKS! 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.

Check out Pray Then Listen In UK / In US  / In SingaporeIn 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!

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.  

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