A Christmas message from my late-mum Charlotte

Hello dear friend,
Despite being crazy busy today trying to fit everyone and everything in I came across something my mother had written down and wanted to share it with you. A little research revealed it is a Carol composed by Roland E. Martin.

A Christmas message from my mum Charlotte:

"Once for a shining hour
Heaven touched earth
Hope was born anew
And peace reigned in the world."

"May you have
The Gladness of Christmas
Which is Hope
The Spirit of Christmas
Which is Peace
The Heart of Christmas
Which is Love."

"Christmas is Love
Love is Friends
Friends are Forever.

To you and to those who share it with you: Merry Christmas."


I echo the lovely message my mother left behind.

May your Christmas be filled with the Joy which comes from loving and worshiping God.

Teresa x

UPDATES!!!

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

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

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 

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)

I'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback on this post.

God bless,

Teresa 

PS. About the links to Singapore, please see my blog post Singapore and Christianity  

The Light of the World is Near!

"The Light of the World" painted by Holman Hunt

The countdown is now on. In just FIVE more days it will be Christmas! And for me, I have to confess, the screw is turning - piling on the pressure of the lack of two of the most important people in my life: My mum and dad.

Since this is the season of good will and joy it would be valid to ask me why, at the time when people are getting happy and excited, I persist in telling you that I am not happy; not excited; not filled with joy. Well, the reason is that I know there are so very many people who are feeling exactly like me. And I do hope that by me speaking out they may feel just a little bit better knowing they are not alone.

If you are not in that number I say: I am glad! Please enjoy the celebrations of the birth of Christ! But I ask you to remember in your prayers those of us who don't feel as light hearted as you.

No matter what you are going through right now though remember that Advent, this period of time before the feast of Christmas, is for spiritual preparation. Just remembering that leads me to a quieter place in my heart. And, "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour." [Luke 1:45]

So, to look at it from this perspective I am remembering that when God became man 2018 years ago He came as the Light of the World. "Behold I stand at the door and knock..." He said. [Rev 3.20] And this touched me so very much that I built a whole book on it: my 9 Days to Heaven.

And so, if you too are in a testing time right now, turn to Jesus and ask for His help to endure...

God bless

Teresa x

PS Don't forget to take a look at my other blog:  https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

Also, for further inspiration check out my website:  http://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk 

PPS Don't forget to check out my book: 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life - which is a practical guide to joyful living! Buy the book from any good bookshop or online bookstore. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

  You can see the book trailer by clicking on this link:  http://youtu.be/154luv8KMns

Let the Wonder of Nature Lift Your Spirits!

Hello dear friend!
If you are one of my regular followers (you are so many in number, and from all parts of the globe, and it would be wonderful if you, one day when you stopped by, left me a personal message!) you will know that I love to take a brisk walk in natural surroundings as often as possible. To fit this into my busy life these walks usually last about 30 minutes. If you read my last post you already know that I am dreading Christmas due to the loss of my lovely Mum and Dad. But! As a passionate Christian, my choice is to firmly keep switching the focus onto the real meaning of the season: the celebration of the birth of Jesus, Saviour of the World!

Yes, I do generally also enjoy the hoopla; the glitz and glamour of Christmas celebrations. And the family customs which develop over the years. And of course, it is the latter, which is most painful right now. But I finally worked up the steam yesterday to start my Christmas shopping. And I managed to get quite a few gifts and also lots of goodies too for the yuletide meals and refreshments. So, a good start.

So, today I went for my walk. Since I moved house I take this walk around a nearby lake. This is such a blessing as it is home to numerous swans, ducks, geese, gulls, kingfishers and so on. And today I saw three squirrels too. This all lifted my spirit. Wonderful. And made me want to share it with you which, as a writer who has not been writing, lifted me still higher.

I hope that you get some spiritual food today too. Whether in a crowded city, by the sea, or inland, try looking up at a bird in flight and marvel at what you see. Marvel too that you Can SEE. That is such a blessing and a gift. And if you are also going through a bad time I recommend you to try to help someone else today. Even by making, say, a quick call to a person you know could do with knowing that you 'care'!

Hope to speak to you again soon...

Love and God bless
Teresa x

UPDATES!!!

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

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

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 

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)

God bless,

Teresa 

PS. About the links to Singapore, please see my blog post Singapore and Christianity  

Bereaved at Christmas? Make it all About Jesus!

Christmas card - Bethlehem and Nativity, from Cancer Research

Hello dear friend,

Are you joyful about the coming season of Christmas? Or are you, like me, for whatever reason, dreading it?

Now that we  are in the month of December I am ready to face the fact that Christmas will soon be here. From a religious point of view - celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour of the world - I am glad about that. But for me, still struggling to come to terms with the death of both my parents within 17 months of each other, I am approaching the feastday with trepidation. It was bad enough to lose my mum just before Christmas 2016. But to now picture The Day without my dad too is almost unbelievable...

But, as a firm believer in the afterlife, I do know that they are both fine. And one day soon I plan to tell you about all the metaphysical experiences I have had since my dad passed away. They are definitely for sharing when I feel ready. I want to do this so that you can have hope and belief too.

In the meantime, if you, like me, feel apprehensive about the coming of Christmas, try to keep things in perspective. A good friend said to me recently, "It's only one day!" And she's right. 

So, to turn towards to real meaning of Christmas, remembering that many friends and colleagues and so on, may not be of our faith it's a good opportunity to share by... sending only Christmas cards which relate to the birth of Jesus. I made the decision to do this many years ago. I do know that many of my Christian friends do not. It is quite a small choice to make. But it is a defining one.

We are taught that as Christians we have a duty to evangelize, to spread our love of God with others. Many people feel unable to do so. But a Christmas card depicting the true meaning of Christmas is a good start. I hope you will agree.


Sending you light in the darkness

God bless

Teresa x

UPDATES!!!

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

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

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 

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)

God bless,

Teresa 

PS. About the links to Singapore, please see my blog post Singapore and Christianity  

To everything there is a season: Claim yours now!

Hello there,
Today, on my walk up the narrow path, between the field of sheep and a paddock and along to the gate about fifteen minutes on, I saw that the foxgloves, nodding like marker flags along a slalom, were putting out the last of their bells. And that other tall pink flowers were taking over their watch amid bracken which is now shoulder height. 'To everything there is a season,' I muttered, and it set me thinking.

I have noticed over the seven years of walking this track that each year a different species flourishes more than the others. This year, for instance, the blackberry bushes are more abundant and tenacious than usual. So if you enjoy jam making or a slice of homemade blackberry tart - in Wales usually baked on a deep oven-proof plate - expect a bumper harvest when the fruit arrives. Now though, the bees and butterflies are feasting on the fragrant pink and white blossom.

Speaking of butterflies, they too take it in turns to outdo each other. Last year the cabbage white was the most plentiful. This year though, a pale tiny butterfly, no bigger than my thumbnail, is the species I see most. This little creature is having its day. And I don't even know what it's called. 

Life ebbs and flows. Do you feel like your life been on the ebb for ages? If the answer is Yes: step up to the plate and claim your flow now!

Yes, to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3)

God bless

Teresa x

UPDATES!!!

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

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

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 

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)

God bless,

Teresa 

PS. About the links to Singapore, please see my blog post Singapore and Christianity  

Blessed Are They Who Mourn: Expect Comfort!

Good evening dear reader,
As I write there is an almost full moon rising over the hill opposite my home in this little Welsh valley. It is shining and beautiful in a summer sky that is not quite dark. The day has been hot, hot, hot. Yes, here in Britain we are enjoying a heatwave. As I glance at the bright pearl I want to phone my father and tell to go and have a look at it. And he would have too. With great enthusiasm. But I can't phone him as... he died eight weeks ago. And I miss him. Terribly. And there is not a thing I can do about it except to get on with my life and try to do my best and be thankful for each new day.


My day has been a good one though. My publisher has shown great interest in my new book, I am happy to report. It is a book on prayer which will guide the reader into their own way of praying and open up real communication between them and God. I hope that it will soon be out there in the world and that you will enjoy reading it. I will keep you posted on that one.

Earlier this evening I interviewed my dear friend and fellow Christian author, Pauline Lewis, who told me about some wonderful experiences she has had over the years with God. This is for my next book. Yes. I am determined to push along now and finish all the books that are in my in-tray. 

Pauline and I agreed that it is so wonderful to keep pushing forwards and doing our work for the Lord.

The sky is now dark. Tomorrow the moon will be full. The day Dad died the moon was also full. Everything at the moment reminds me of him. I know, though, that this is part of life. I have no doubt at all that you have experienced loss too. And if, like me, you are going through a bereavement, just keep putting yourself into the hands of Jesus and He will see you through. As He said in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted." 

Wishing you a peaceful night.

Love and blessings
Teresa x

UPDATES!!!

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

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

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 

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)

God bless,

Teresa 

PS. About the links to Singapore, please see my blog post Singapore and Christianity  

Healing Poetry and Psalm 124

Hello there, 
In my last post I mentioned the book of verse, #Escaped As A Bird, from patients at the #Oshima Leprosy Hospital in Japan. I quoted a poem relating to Christmas. Reading my Bible the other day I was surprised to discover the book’s unusual title in a line of a Psalm. Since the content of the book was written by members of the Christian Poetry Club at the hospital I suppose it was not surprising.

The title, in the context of the whole Psalm, is so very revealing. It gives an insight into the whole picture of the experience of the people, who, because of an illness were forced by the State, between 1907 and 1996, to leave family and home and live in isolation on a small island: Oshima. Their choice of title and Psalm clearly shows their faith in God.

Psalm 124

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,

let Israel now say –
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us.
Then over us would have gone the raging waters.

Blessed be the Lord,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped as a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken and we have escaped!

Our help is in the name of the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

In 2001 a Japanese court ruled that the policy of segregating suffers of leprosy – otherwise known as Hansen’s disease - was unconstitutional and should have been discontinued after effective multidrug therapies were made widely available by the end of the 1950s.

For more info and lots of photos of Oshima I recommend an article: Oshima, the Forbidden Island, by David Billa. He has documented his visit to the island – where he met some of the people still living there – with lots of photos as well as some powerful observations.

Please follow this link: https://setouchiexplorer.com/oshima-forbidden-island/

Wishing you love and blessings.

Teresa x

PS I hope you like the photo of the red kites which I took when watching feeding time from a hide at #Gigrin Farm in Wales. See: http://www.gigrin.co.uk

UPDATES!!!

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

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

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 

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)

I'd love to hear your thoughts or feedback on this post.

God bless,

Teresa 

PS. About the links to Singapore, please see my blog post Singapore and Christianity