Springtime: Praising God's Creations in Corfu!

 

Bluebells in my Welsh garden

Hello, and welcome! 

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you are keeping well and enjoying the Easter season. This morning I remembered that this time some years ago, after living in Athens, I was in Corfu waiting to bring my cat Charlie back to Wales. (See blog: Blogger: Posts) 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. (The site unfortunately disappeared and I never knew why.)

As a trip down memory I decided to post a few of the articles on this blog. So, here is the first one, which is apt as I wrote it in springtime. I hope it makes you smile... 

Wildflowers, Blueprints, and the Glory of God: Be the best you can be! (Matt. 5:48)

Currently wintering on the Greek island of Corfu I have delighted in the profusion of wild flowers. These have brightened my walks since my arrival in January. Beside pathways the grass is dotted with delicate pinks, tall buttercups, snowy daisies, and iris-like sea orchids - to name but a few. I cannot resist making posies of them and the tables in my apartment are strewn with confetti-like fallen petals.  

The island is very green due to copious winter rains. These are sometimes swept in on strong winds which beat down the weakest of the flora. But in a day or two, against all odds, they rise up again. This puts me in mind of Christ’s Resurrection; especially apt at this time of Lent. (Matt. 28) 

During my walks I am constantly praising God for His creations. Recognizing Him in this way has been an increasing part of my spiritual development, and one that I use in my work. As St Paul said, “Ever since God created the world, His invisible qualities, both His eternal power and His divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made.” (Rm.1:20) I find that this way of praise also helps me towards the – admittedly tough – goal of praying without ceasing (1Th.5:16-18)

When I look at the various species of plants, flowers, trees and bushes I cannot help but wonder afresh at Creation. I remember the Book of Exodus, where God instructed Moses on how to build Him a sanctuary; a dwelling place to live with His chosen people. “You will make it all according to the design… which I will now give you.” (25:9) Then we glimpse the mind of the Master Creator at work! “You must make me an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. You will overlay it, inside and out, with pure gold and make a gold moulding all round it.” (25:10) And so, as I look at nature, marvelling at the variety of shapes and sizes and colours, I find myself thinking about the blueprints that God might have made in order to bring them into being.

All around us there are golden opportunities to “Praise the name of the Lord”. (Ps. 148:13)

If you wondered what Corfu is like in springtime I hope you enjoyed that taster. 

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: Teresa O’Driscoll has produced a magnificent book on prayer. She nurtures us in to sampling the sheer texture and pace of prayer by trying out different approaches, actions, words and thoughts.

Kate Green, Artist. Writer and Spiritual Director

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 

Balance problems? Try this move to prevent falls!

 

Hello, and welcome! 

I hope you are keeping well! Thank you for stopping by. I've been having balance problems since I first had Covid 19 in January 2020. If you have balance issues too, whatever the cause, I hope that by my sharing a little info and a simple exercise this will help prevent you from falling. 

I am thankfully quite fit. I eat a healthy vegetarian diet. I walk, use an exercise bike, swim, take a weekly exercise class, and dance when the mood takes me. In other words, I'm no slouch or couch potato. But. Before I started using the exercise below, often, at home, when walking slowly and changing direction, I would end up spinning around and almost falling instead. Really weird!

Anyway, about your balance problems, the first thing to say is: do consult a doctor to try to find out the cause. Viruses seem to be a common culprit. Cue... Covid 19: a completely new strain of virus. This has meant that scientists have needed time and research to come up with answers and solutions. (From personal experience, not many solutions…) Over the years I have researched this Covid phenomenon but only quite recently came across an article that mentioned my main issues:

- Poor balance when standing or changing positions (The *exercise below helps remedy this.)

- Problems walking in a straight line or in busy areas such as a shopping mall (I can keep in a straightish line when I walk fast - which is fortunately my preferred speed. But manoeuvring slowly through crowds is tough. It was though, a bit of a relief to read these stated problems as I had begun to wonder what on earth was happening to me!) 

If you have long-Covid balance problems too, please click this link for the full article. See this link for lots more info

There are many exercises to be found online to help overcome balance problems. The one I want to share with you was recommended by friend Gill, who also suffers with my kind of long-Covid balance problem. I needed little encouragement to try out this *Clock-Turn technique. I've been using it for about 9 months and it works. Basically, I was advised not to turn around quickly and thoughtlessly. But instead to think of a clockface and move my feet to, say, ten past, twenty past, then half past the hour. 

If that sounds complex this 41 second YouTube video shows exactly what I mean. As falls can be so very dangerous, and it so simple to do this move, I humbly suggest it could be a lifesaver! 

Using this movement has now become habitual for me, and has made me more thoughtful and careful when changing direction while walking at any time; at home or out in the world. Thankfully, I  don't spin around anymore! 

In conclusion, I recently came across an article written by a doctor who says that we can minimize falls by doing a few simple movements regularly to strengthen the muscles that, basically, keep us upright. Here's the link which gives info and shows the simple moves.  I've started doing some of these such as raising onto my toes while waiting for the kettle to boil. 

I hope that you find the above helpful. And if you know of anyone else having balance problems I do hope that you will pass this info on. Because, as St Paul said to the Philippians: 

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

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: Teresa O’Driscoll has produced a magnificent book on prayer. She nurtures us in to sampling the sheer texture and pace of prayer by trying out different approaches, actions, words and thoughts.

Kate Green, Artist. Writer and Spiritual Director

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 

Let the Christmas Spirit of Love reverberate!

 

2-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome! 

Yesterday, 4th January, at church we sang lots of Christmas carols. If you find that strange you probably don't realise that we are still in Christmastide. And so yesterday was the 10th day of Christmas. Remember that Christmas song: 

[Verse 10]

On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me

Ten lords a-leaping

Nine ladies dancing

Eight maids a-milking

Seven swans a-swimming

Six geese a-laying

Five golden rings

Four calling birds

Three french hens

Two turtle doves and

A partridge in a pear tree

Twelfth Night is tomorrow. Before that though, in the daytime, we will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany - when we remember the three wise men visiting the baby Jesus and bringing Him gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. 

But even as we pack our trimmings away tomorrow evening (if you haven't already done so) let's try to remember the Love that is encapsulated in the Feast of Christmas: when God became Man... 

We are living in difficult times which is perhaps one of the reasons why church attendance this Christmas went up substantially as was predicted. 

The Church of England estimate an increase of 20% 

I can vouch for that: my church was packed to the gills over the Christmas period. 

Wonderful!

If you were one of those 'visitors' who swelled the usual numbers I do encourage you to choose to make a habit of worshipping God at church. I can tell you that putting in that small amount of effort will help you cope with anything that life subsequently throws at you.

When people confide their troubles to me I tell them to stick as close as they can to Christ at all times and they will be okay. 

It makes sense to start to forge a close relationship with God when you are enjoying your life; when things are going well. That will mean that when something testing crops up you will automatically turn to Him to help you through. And He will. From my heart assure you that He will be there for you; always. For as St Paul said, “I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Thing is: God loves you and He wants you to love Him.

If this is all new to you, or if you have become a bit cavalier about worship, try the following short meditation to think this 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 this:

“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:8

3. Then, especially in the context of the season of Christmas, let's move on to the next verse:

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.” 1 John 4:9

 Ponder on those oh so powerful words for a few moments.

4. Now say this prayer – or one of your own – “Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your love, please help me to grow in love for You as I attend worship services regularly in this new year 2026. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.”

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

 May the Spirit of Christmas Love reverberate through the whole of your 2026 and for always...    

God bless,

Teresa x

P.S. Not such a happy new year for Christians in China...

China ‘weaponises legislation’ to tighten crackdown on religion, new report warns

China detains six underground church members in latest crackdown, church tells members

Let's keep them in our prayers... 

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.

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!

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 

Beach read anyone? Angel at the Paradise Hotel!

 Hello and Welcome! 

Wherever you are in the world thanks so much for stopping by! I'm in the UK where we are enjoying summer. If you are too, and looking for a 'summer read with soul' why not grab my novel Angel at the Paradise Hotel. It's perfect to read either on the beach, or if you wish you were on a beach! If though, you live in other time zones, like my friends in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, and your weather is a bit cool and cloudy why not curl up with Angel at the Paradise Hotel for a touch of sunshine, and, a sprinkle of hope! 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel is Christian fiction - (wholesome!) romance / suspense. In it I conjure up the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. I chose to make the book entertaining yet thought-provoking. 

What's the novel about?

When tourism transforms a fishing village on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu, old hatred, envy and greed threaten to tear the community apart. Behind the scenes, personal demons fuel division while guardian angels battle to neutralize their influence.

Hotelier Jason - planning to get rich - ruthlessly chases his goal, unaware of the trouble and danger he is stirring up. Three visitors from Ireland, America, and Wales bring their own problems. Clare, running from a broken relationship, is drawn into a love triangle with Jason. Aeron, battling a mid-life crisis, is closer to despair than he realizes - while Bethany, jolted by a Big Birthday into doing a Shirley Valentine, is hoping it will sort her life out.

As the sizzling summer unfolds, each faces make-or-break challenges. Extra help is at hand though, with the arrival of Gabriella, angel of Greece. When meddling demons prevail, and smouldering greed and vengeance reach flashpoint, can she avert disaster? 

"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

As this is a Christian novel set in Corfu it is threaded with Greek Orthodox practices - in a deliberately light, yet informative way.  Those of you familiar with the Greek lifestyle will recognise them, and others will learn. Greeks involve God in their whole life. For instance, when they open a new business, say, a shop, office, taverna, whatever, they invite a priest to come along and give it a blessing, and make an occasion of it. And in those places they hang icons in pride of place, which remind them to pray there. It's not that they make heavy pious weather about them, it's that God is an integral part of their lives. 

Here is a lovely review of Angel at the Paradise Hotel

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

The writing in this book was phenomenal. The writing style has such a perfect flow with a great combination of dialogue and internal monologues. Beautifully written with good characters and dialogue. It's a very detailed book with interwoven characters with good character development. The driving force behind this though is the story, it moves effortlessly and is so engaging.

Wendy Black (Reviewer) | NetGalley  

Take a look inside or order Angel at the Paradise Hotel in the UK / In the US /In Singapore / In Australia /In New Zealand/ In Mexico/In Hong Kong/In Germany and Austria/In Brazil/

Load up your Kindle or grab a paperback! 

Find out more about the novel's Backstory on my dedicated blog

I'd love to hear from you. Here's a link to check out my website:  And you could leave your comments there if you prefer.  

Blessings,

Teresa x 

PS You may like to check out my other two books.

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 / In Mexico/In Hong Kong/In Germany and Austria/

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

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

In Pray Then Listen I share more of my way of sharing my life with God. 

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/ In Mexico/In Hong Kong/In Germany and Austria/In Brazil/

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

King of Kings: Brings Bible alive!

 

The King of Kings2025 Film

Hello and Welcome! 

I hope you are keeping well! thank you for stopping by today. if you  fancy a visit to the movies this week, holy week, i recommend the newly released film: The King of Kings

I used to do film reviews for the Athenscope some years ago. I have been a cinema fan since childhood and I like to see new films on the day they are released to make my own mind up about them. So, I made a point of seeing this new film, that is causing such a buzz, on its release date, 11th April. 

I'd seen the trailer (see link below) and, discovering it was an animation, had no idea what to expect. I was blown away by it, though. I give it a 5 star rating. I'm not the only one singing its praises. It is getting great reviews. For instance, audiences polled by CinemaScore (an American market research firm based in Las Vegas) gave the film a rare average grade of A+. 

The Bible adaptation is loosely based on The Life of Our Lord by Charles Dickens, with acting giants, including Kenneth Branagh, Uma Thurman, Pierce Brosnan, and Ben Kingsley, lending their vocal skills to the characters. The film is released by Angel Studios, an independent media company and film distribution agency, that has become known for its Christian-themed films, including the television series The Chosen.

For me, this film uses a highly creative way, especially for a younger audience - it is PG rated - to show that The Greatest Story Ever Told is as relevant today as it was over 2,000 years ago when Jesus walked the earth. I predict this film will become a classic. Its very powerful images are still reverberating within me days after viewing...

Click here to view trailer: 

I'd love to hear what you think of the film. 

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 

“Write a book and show people how to speak to me.” This was the message received by Teresa O’Driscoll during lockdown in 2020. The result is a book that is designed to enhance your prayer life, penned by an author with 20 years’ experience of leading prayer groups.

Using language that is simple without being dumbed down, Pray then Listen is a succinct guide to prayer. It incorporates personal testimony alongside an encouragement to engage in regular dialogue with our heavenly Father. Urging readers to pray regularly throughout the day, O’Driscoll reminds us that nothing is too small or irrelevant for prayer. Then, once we have prayed, we should actively listen. Prayer is a two-way conversation.

Including handy example prayers that can be used in various situations, this short but helpful guide promises to bring you closer to your heavenly Father by involving him in your life, no matter what you are doing.

Samantha Kay, Premier Christianity magazine

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