St Padre Pio

 

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for stopping by. 

Today I am remembering a cold, dark November evening, two years ago, that was warmed and enriched by an event surrounding St Padre Pio. Our parish priest, Canon William Isaac had invited an Irish prayer group (see below) - who made their journey to Wales especially for us. They brought with them a glove worn by the saint to cover his stigmata wounds. A woman in the group shared a very moving personal experience of healing which she believed was brought about through the intercession of St Pio.

Often, I feel that time passes quickly. But it seems much longer than two years ago since that memorable event. We had no inkling then of the horrendous pandemic that was just around the corner. Also, our dear Canon William has gone to his heavenly home, and oh, how we miss him…

In my childhood I remember my late-father speaking about the holiness of Padre Pio, his stigmata, and the crowds that came to meet him. A friend confided more recently that she had, in her youth, received Holy Communion from Padre Pio. She didn’t remember many details except that the queue was very long. Just imagine being so blessed as to receive Holy Communion from a living saint. Now, that is a reason to say “Wow” I think you will agree.

About St. Padre Pio of Pietrecina 1887-1968 

Born in Pietrecina, Italy he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars aged 16, ordained at 20. Praying before a crucifix on 20th September 1918, he received the stigmata - the five wounds of Christ - and was the first priest ever to have been thus blessed. News of this holy priest spread and he became the centre of pilgrimage for both the powerful and curious. He founded a hospital that cares for over 60,000 people a year.

 Prayer to St. Pio

Oh Jesus, full of grace and charity, victim for sinners, so impelled by Your love of us that You willed to die on the cross, I humbly entreat Thee to glorify in heaven and on earth St. Pio of Pietrelcina, who generously participated in Your sufferings, who loved Thee so much and laboured so faithfully for the glory of Your heavenly Father and for the good of souls. With confidence I beseech Thee to grant me, through his intercession, the grace of [tell what you need here] which I ardently desire.

Wishing you love and blessings.

Teresa  

For further info on St Pio see: https://saintpiofoundation.org

For more info on the Irish prayer group see: https://www.facebook.com/cappaghparishpadrepiogroup/posts

For more info on my work please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For more inspiration check out my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link:  9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback 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

A book for writers and readers

 

Hello dear friend,

The title of this blog is Christocentric Choices and in this case this post is aimed at fellow Christian authors as well as fellow Christian readers. I can recommend this book to both.

Newly belonging to my local library (I lived in Greece for many years and am thrilled to be part again of this wonderful institution!) I am settling in by randomly picking books from the shelves of authors I have never read before. I chose The Memory Collector as the theme resonated with an idea of mine, from some years ago, to use as the premise for a novel of my own. (This premise was, in fact, entirely different to my own idea though - so, who knows, I may still use it one day.)

The book's story line is intriguing and centres on extreme hoarding and the damage it can do to those around you. It brings in family dynamics around this subject and the lasting impact it can have on lives. It is also a romance.

Though I enjoyed the book I do read avidly yet don't usually blog about it. What has inspired me to do so this time is that I see in it a blueprint for Christian authors like me to study how to write for mainstream readership while retaining our Christian integrity. It is peppered with whispers of God which form part of the characters and are underlined by Christian values. This includes the fact that the romance is refreshingly wholesome, and it is that aspect which, for me, makes it a good Christian read. 

As a Christian writer who always has the antennae out for a like-minded writer I did suspect that #Fiona Harper was one from those little clues: a word here, a reaction there, and so on. Then, as I read the Acknowledgements I came across this: "And, finally, all honour to my God and Saviour for being the master storyteller. I would not be where I am today without your strength, love and inspiration." Nice one Fiona!

If you want to bring your faith into your own work try the following quick meditation to help you.

1 minute meditation

* Close your eyes and take a deep in-breath. As you breathe out feel the whole of your body relax. 

* Now say this prayer, or one of your own:

* Dear Lord, I want to bring You into my whole life so please will You show me how to include You in my work. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

* When you are ready open your eyes and have a big stretch.

Wishing you all the best with that challenge. 

Love and blessings

Teresa 

For more info please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link: 9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback 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

Follow your dreams!

 Dr. David Jeremiah

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are well! Thank you for stopping by.

I wonder if you ever feel too old / too young / too busy / too poor / too ill / too.... you fill in the gaps, to be who you really want to be. 

Well, I just love to Encourage Everyone regardless of their so-called limitations, to follow their dreams. 

A few days ago I was flicking TV channels and stopped on TBNuk Praise. There I encountered an American Christian author, Dr. David Jeremiah, whom I discovered was encouraging everyone, regardless of age or circumstances, to move forward in their life and discover their God-given purpose on earth. As this has been my personal mantra for my own work for many years I watched the whole programme with great interest. And, yes, with renewed purpose. 

I have not read his book but from what I heard I have no reservation in recommending it to you. "Forward: Discovering God's Presence and Purpose in Your Tomorrow" published October 2020 by Thomas Nelson. 

To renew your own purpose try saying the following prayer, or one of your own.

Dear Lord, please show me the next right step to take so that I can do Your will and find Your purpose in my life. I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Wishing you every success in following your dreams.

God bless

Teresa 

For more info on my work please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk and my other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration check out my books on how to put your hand into God’s and follow your dreams. It is called 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life. Here is the link for the book trailer: 9 Days to Heaven

You can buy the book on lots of sites the web or an good bookshop. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

Autumn: Let it renew you!

 

It was You who set all the boundaries of the earth; You made both summer and winter. Psalm 74:17 

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for stopping by. I hope you are having a great day!

Out walking around my neighbourhood yesterday I came across this scarlet ivy festooning a garden wall. It was a vivid reminder that autumn is marching onwards in the UK. 

Wherever you are in the world I wonder if you, like me, are experiencing autumn and wondering what the coming months will bring. No need for me to spell out the rumours of what we may experience.

No matter what crops up the most important thing to remember is that if you stay close to God at all times there is really nothing to fear...

Try this 1 minute meditation  for instant calm

 Close your eyes and take a deep in-breath. As you breathe out feel the whole of your body relax.

Remember that it was God Who created the earth. God Who is moving on the seasons. 

Then, remember that the Holy Spirit is with you at all times. Relax into that empowering thought.

When you are ready, open your eyes and have a big stretch.

Wishing you a wonderful and productive rest of your day 

Love and blessings

Teresa

For more info please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk or other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For further inspiration take a look at my book 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life, is a practical guide to joyful living which has already helped many through a crisis in their life.  To see the book trailer click on this link:  9 Days to Heaven

The book is available as a paperback 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

Please pray for Athens as wildfires rage...

 

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for stopping by. The photograph above was taken from my balcony when I lived in Athens. Today, I am in Wales on a rainy day, clearing out my freezers and listening to news reports of my beloved Athens, surrounded by raging wildfires - fanned by hot, strong winds. And I am praying for those winds to drop - which will assist the firefighters in their heroic efforts.

I have witnessed this kind of situation in Greece. I have stood on my balcony and seen the blue sky, showing above, filled with helicopter after helicopter making its way to the sea at the bottom of the road to fill its gigantic bucket and then fly back, blades thwacking at the acrid air, to try to douse the flames. 

Thankfully for me, the actual fires were not close enough to be of danger to me. But there is always a chance that that may change. And it is a scary situation, even if the fires are at a little distance from you.

I had to stay indoors and close all windows to prevent breathing in the ash floating in the air. This, instead, liberally coated my white outdoor furniture with black smut, not my lungs. All the while I was praying for the poor people who were in danger of losing their life. And for all the poor animals and creatures that were losing theirs. Then, of course, there is the loss of property: homes, and contents, often garnered over a lifetime. And so much more. 

I am sharing this with you so that you can, perhaps, put yourself into the shoes of those in the line of fire and be encouraged to pray fervently for those in danger. Though I am a writer, I can scarcely imagine being caught up in the horror of this situation currently unfolding in Greece. There are reports of over 150 wildfires tearing mercilessly through the country, with two people dead already. 

This evening, over the sea of my former home in Palio Falro, the sunset will be a spectacular, surrealistic show.  With dark-purple horizontal banners streaming out from the dense black clouds of burnt matter, highlighted by a deep orange glow. A terrible, yet awe-inspiring beautiful sight to behold, which is seared into my memory and bound up with fear and sadness.

And so I ask again that you pray for all involved in this nightmare. You could say the following prayer, of one of your own:

Dear Lord Jesus, please have mercy on the people in Athens caught up in the wildfires, and on every one of Your living creatures. And as You calmed the wind that day on the boat with Your disciples, please do the same now for Greece, and Turkey, and everywhere else under threat of such fires. I ask this in Your name Lord. And I thank You for Your great mercy. Amen.

With every blessing.

Teresa

For more info on my work please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk or other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

For inspiration check out my books on how to put your hand into God’s and follow your dreams. It is called 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life. Here is the link for the book trailer: 9 Days to Heaven

You can buy the book on lots of sites the web or an good bookshop. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

Captain Sir Tom Moore and Christian Sacrifice

 

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What Sir Tom Moore taught me about Christian service, sacrifice and obedience

3rd February 2021

Major General Roddy Porter reflects on the lessons Christians can take from the inspirational life of Captain Sir Tom Moore, who passed away yesterday at the age of 100

Every crisis breeds its heroes, and this Coronavirus pandemic is no exception.

The sacrifices of our NHS staff and volunteers, and the dedication of our teachers around the UK have inspired us every day. But the exploits of the man we pause to remember today, Captain Sir Tom Moore, outshine them all. 

Sir Tom, who died yesterday, personified in his 100-year-old frame, the nobility of the human spirit. He is a symbol of the 'never say die' attitude of those who, moulded in the furnace of past crises, rise to the surface to lead or inspire whenever danger or tribulation call.

Tom Moore's whole life was one of service and sacrifice, showing drive and motivation in his early years, a career in engineering was denied him by the advent of the second world war. Like so many of his generation, he endured privation and the heat of battle with determination and calm assurance. He was part of the forgotten 14th army fighting on in Burma after the war in Europe had ended.

After his war, he quietly got on with life in the army, then in business, marrying and indulging his adventurous spirit in his love of racing motorbikes, which he did with some success. And that might have been his postscript, until approaching his 100th birthday, April 6 2020 that sense of determination to 'do his bit' resurfaced, and he set off on his now famous garden walk, hoping to raise £1,000 for the NHS.

What happened next is well known: £32 million raised, an army guard of honour at the finish line, an RAF flypast and over 16,000 cards on his 100th birthday, not to mention a knighthood from the Queen and two entries in the Guinness Book of Records (for the most money raised in any individual fundraising walk, and for the oldest person to record a number one hit).

Captain Sir Tom Moore reminded me that we can all do our bit to help our neighbour or our nation.

Often the hardest part is simply starting off. Getting going. But Tom set off, and the rest is history.

His determination to make a difference reminds me that to take the first simple step in obedience to God's word, or his calling, is to unleash the full power of heaven in our support.

Is Jesus calling you to do something today, some act of obedience, or some decision to step out in faith? Why don't you take a leaf out of Captain Tom's book and take the first step and see what God will do?

Major General Roddy Porter served in the British Army for 31 years, and is now chief executive of Military Ministries International

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are well! 

I am sharing the above article from Premier Christian Radio online as I, along with millions, feel a great sadness at Captain Sir Tom's passing, and this piece is so informative and inspiring. I hope you enjoy it and that it lifts you up to do something for someone else today.

Love and blessings

Teresa 

For more info on my work please visit my website: www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk

For further inspiration check out my books on how to put your hand into God’s and follow your dreams. It is called 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life. Here is the link for the book trailer: 9 Days to Heaven

You can buy the book on lots of sites the web or an good bookshop. It is also available as an e-book. 

You’re more successful than you think!

 

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you are keeping well despite everything...

I am thinking about success today. Perhaps you are rich and at the top of your ladder. You may even have fame to go along with it. But. Does that mean that in the game of life you have actually been successful?

Like many things it depends on the way you look at it. 

As this is a Christian blog let’s look at it in a Christocentric way. God is love and if we don’t actively consider the need to be loving in everything we do, then… Draw your own conclusion, I’m not here to judge you!

If you take a look at the following poem and compare it to your own life, your own interactions, you may find gaps or similarities in it.

SUCCESS

Success is speaking words of praise,

in cheering other people's ways,

in doing just the best you can,

with every task and every plan.

It's silence when your speech would hurt,

politeness when your neighbour's curt.

It's deafness when the scandal flows,

and sympathy with others' woes.

It's loyalty when duty calls.

It's courage when disaster falls.

It's found in laughter and in song.

It's in the silent time of prayer,

in happiness and in despair.

In all of life and nothing less,

we find the thing we all success.

                                          Anon

I hope you found those sentiments as thought provoking as me. Time for a quick prayer I think.

Dear Lord, I am sorry for all the times I am not loving in my actions and words.

Please help me as I choose to become successful as a Christian by being as loving as possible in all situations.

I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wishing you a good day. Keep safe.

God bless

Teresa 

 PS For further inspiration check out my website:  http://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk   or other blog: https://creativelivingforthebestyou.blogspot.com/

 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!   You can see the book trailer by clicking on this link:  9 Days to Heaven

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

News  News News!

I now have two new books published!

My book Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God is a prayer guide that shows you how to listen for God's voice in order to draw closer to Him. It is for all. You may not know God yet or you may know Him well, in either case the book can be of great help in deepening Faith. Check out Pray Then Listen

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland. Find all the details here.