Wishing you a Happy and Holy Christmas

 

Hello dear friend,

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you are keeping well. 

Today, I simply want to wish you great blessings for the Birthday of Jesus!

Whatever you do, wherever you are, whomsoever you are with I hope that you will remember that the magic of the Christmas Day centres on the fact that God became Man. In doing that He showed us through His life and works how He wants us the live. Simply put He asks us to love one another...

It is the awe of that act - which was for our redemption - that makes this event, His birth, Christmas, so powerful and important. 

And so, while I hope that you enjoy Christmas Day with all its traditions and trappings, I do pray that first you go to church and taste the real Joy of the Day. Making that effort will enhance the whole experience. 

God bless and keep you today and always,

Teresa  

For more inspiration please check out my new prayer guide:

https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Then-Listen-Heart-Heart/dp/1789043697

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pray-Then-Listen-heart-heart/dp/1789043697

Please visit my  website for more info on my work and more articles: https://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk/

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details and Backstory here.       

Look inside in UK   Look inside in US  Look inside in Singapore

Also, for more info about me please visit my website.  

Blessings, Teresa x

Do your bit for COP27: Use less energy!

 

Sharm el Sheik

                                                                                                                                 Tea with the Bedouins

Hello dear friend,

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you are doing well!

As I write, COP27 is taking place in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el Sheik - a place I visited for a travel feature. Swimming in the clear, warm Red Sea, spying, through the glass bottom of a small boat, shoals of colourful fish darting amid off-shore coral reefs, and taking tea with the Bedouins in their camp in the hills. Highly memorable and fun! But COP 27 is a very serious business and we pray for a good outcome. A real commitment to reducing the rise in global temperature.

As a journalist in Athens I interviewed a number of environmental activists. They had a common message: Don't expect THEM (whoever you consider Them to be) to do something about IT (whatever It is annoying you at the time) but instead take personal responsibility for whatever environmental issue you come up against. For instance, in Greece there were lots of complaints about the rubbish on the beaches. Some of this came from high winds and waves bringing in jetsam from boats - including lots of plastic bottles that had been dropped overboard by tourists and locals. The rest was left behind by visitors to the beaches. The message from the interviewees was: Take responsibility for your rubbish and either put it in a bin or take it home. You get the idea!

This winter, with Putin trying to senselessly annihilate Ukraine, the cost of fuel is eye-watering! Industry, businesses, and even schools are struggling. Then, we are worrying about heating our homes. But unless you are frail, for whatever reason, or have very young children, there are things you can do to keep yourself warm at home. Actually, central heating only became widespread in the UK in the 1980s, so I, for one, grew up without it. (See history of heating link below.) That meant that in the winter we dressed warmly - both inside and outside the home. I recommend it - both for comfort and doing your bit for saving fuel; saving the planet!

Of course, like everyone else, I became dependent on central heating to keep warm in winter. But when I began living in Athens the first winter was a shock. Yes, it does get cold there. But the apartments are set up for a warm climate so my flooring was marble one side and wooden the other = very cold in winter. Traditionally the Greeks lay rugs in winter (which are then collected by small companies in spring to clean and store until next winter). In many apartments the central heating is oil-fired, and centrally controlled. This meant that, in mine (and commonly), it was timed to come on for an hour each morning and evening. It was a shock to my system. I bought a fan heater as soon as possible and hung over it shivering. This is what many people are facing now in the UK. 

But let me tell you what happened next. I soon found ways to be warm again. I dressed warmly - both inside and outside the home. On top of that I bought a big fluffy dressing gown and a couple of hot water bottles. And if, for example, working at my desk in a draughty hallway, I felt chilled, I pulled on the dressing gown with a hot water bottle tucked inside it and drank a mug of steaming tea. And I was soon feeling toasty! Or, I simply got active. And the fan heater? It was consigned to a cupboard and I discovered it when I was packing up to leave, years later. Back in Wales I do the same thing: dress for the weather. I don't like my home too warm, it doesn't feel healthy. So I use my central heating with care. This way, I am also doing my bit for the planet...

My message to you is this: If you are fit and healthy it is amazing how quickly you can adapt to a cooler home, and even prefer it. Oh, and I popped into Primark and bought, what I now know is a Snuddie (see BBC news link below) and it is fantastically warm and snuggly!! And the savings in my energy bills as well as my contribution towards reducing the impact on the environment make me feel better all-round - including mentally! 

Try the following prayer to think this over;

Dear Heavenly Father, I don't like being cold but I do want to only use my fair share of the world's energy. So please will you help me to be creative about this, finding ways to be warm and contented this winter as the world faces many problems. And then, as I also save money doing this, please help me to help others in need. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Here's hoping you try this out for yourself. Let me know how you get on!

God bless

Teresa x 

PS When I read the Nehemiah Factors I learned that in South Africa it is the custom to wear coats at home in the winter. And nobody moans about it. (Sharon Nobuhle Williams's The Nehemiah Factors - see my blog "Up your leadership skills through Nehemiah" published February 22)

For more information on loving your neighbour check out my new prayer guide: 

https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Then-Listen-Heart-Heart/dp/1789043697

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pray-Then-Listen-heart-heart/dp/1789043697

Please visit my  website for more info and inspiration https://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk/

https://www.myuniquehome.co.uk/the-history-of-heating-a-home/

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-63553057

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details and Backstory here.       

Look inside in UK   Look inside in US  Look inside in Singapore

Also, for more info about me please visit my website.  

Blessings, Teresa x

Keep-Fit with God!

 

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are having a good day! Thanks for stopping by. Today I'm wondering what you think about when you are doing mundane things. These could be anything that don't require your full attention. 

Today, I went for a quick, 30 minutes, fitness swim at my local pool. When I lived in Athens, with a gorgeous sandy beach at the end of my road, this was a regular pastime. I miss it! But now I've started visiting the pool I feel more balanced.

I have a routine: Once I've got into a swimming rhythm I begin to talk to God. I may say formal prayers, or chat to Him in my own words from my heart; whatever feels best at the time. If I have a problem I'll ask Him what He wants me to do about it. 

You could try out the following 3 Steps when you are, say, doing a part of your fitness routine that doesn't need your full focus. 

Step 1. Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of health and strength that is enabling me to exercise today. While I do this please will you help me with [Tell God your problem / concern about something]. I ask this in Jesus' name Amen.

Step 2. Carry on with your exercise routine for a while. 

Step 3. When it feels right put your whole focus back onto God, open your heart and listen for His guidance. If He has nothing immediate to tell you go on with your exercise, and then with your day, while keeping vigilant for His, often very gentle, answers. 

I find that inviting God's input into my daily life elevates everything. I hope you feel that way too. Let me know how you get on...

God bless

Teresa 

For more information on looking out for God's will check out my new prayer guide:

NEWS NEWS NEWS!

My prayer guide, Pray Then Listen launched. Please see here for all info. 

About the book

This was a book I never would have written had God not asked me to! “Write a book and show people how to speak to Me,” He told me. This, then, is my work of obedience.

I wonder if you, like me, speak to God from your heart, listen for His reply, and do what He asks? If not, I hope that by sharing experiences of Christ and Bible-based private prayers I can show how you too can have enlightening conversations with God.

Through simple meditations, confide your troubles, listen expectantly for answers and overcome fear and doubt by allowing Christ to guide you through the tests of daily life, boosting self-confidence and resilience.

What people are saying about Pray Then Listen

Teresa’s book on how to talk to God flows from her experience of prayer as a two way conversation. Mixed with everyday examples, she practically shares how to live a life seasoned with prayer. Providing foundational frameworks for prayer in the different seasons of life, this book will help us all move deeper in our relationship with God. 

Andy Frost, Director of Share Jesus International

2nd May 23 

Update: I want to share some more good news with you:

My debut novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel,  Christian fiction - Holidays-romance-suspense - recently launched which is set in Corfu and features characters from Wales, America and Ireland - I think you will love it! Find all the details and Backstory here.       

Look inside in UK   Look inside in US  Look inside in Singapore

Also, for more info about me please visit my website.  

Blessings, Teresa x

BBC’s First General Manager Did God’s Will

 

 

 

When Scottish-born engineer John Reith arrived in London in 1922 looking for work, he went straight to church seeking inspiration. There he heard a sermon which he felt was speaking directly to him. The minister said, “Is there someone here who will stand up for the soul of the nation?” And he thought, yes, that’s me. I will! When he subsequently got the job as General Manager of the BBC one of the first things he said was, “Book a vicar for Christmas!”

I heard this story on BBC’s Songs of Praise on 16^th October and it set me thinking. Yes, this pioneering man, who in a few years became the BBC’s Director General, first sought God’s guidance. He found it. He took up the challenge and did what God wanted. In this he was following the example of Christ when He said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work.” Do you, in your life and dilemmas, seek to know God’s will?  If that is not already the habit of your worship you can choose, right now, to adopt it. Begin with the following prayer, or one of your own.

 Dear Heavenly Father,

I’m sorry that I have not paid close attention to Your will in the details of my life.

Please help me to start to do that from this moment on. I ask this is Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let me know how you get on with this!

 God bless

Teresa 

For more information on looking out for God's will check out my new prayer guide:

https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Then-Listen-Heart-Heart/dp/1789043697

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pray-Then-Listen-heart-heart/dp/1789043697

Please visit my  website for more info and inspiration https://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk/

News News News!

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.  

Pray Then Listen - launching on 30th September!

 

https://www.amazon.com/Pray-Then-Listen-Heart-Heart/dp/1789043697

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pray-Then-Listen-heart-heart/dp/1789043697

Hello dear friend,

Thank you so much for stopping by! I am gearing up to the launch of my new prayer guide, Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God in the UK and it's a bit full on so this is a short update.

The book was released a little ahead in the US. Last night as I worked I got this message from a reader (I don't have their permission so not naming them) that really lifted me: 

"Hi, I've just been reading your book. I've not finished it yet but I wanted to message you and say how much it is blessing me. It gives me such a sense of God's Peace and Presence, and is speaking into my heart. Thank you."

And so, dear friend, if you could use that sense of God's Peace and Presence in YOUR life right now, or if you know of someone who would benefit, I do urge you to grab this book now. 

This is the book that God Himself asked me to write. It is a very humbling experience witnessing God's blessings through it already.

May God continue to bless you

Teresa x  

Please visit my  website for more info and inspiration https://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk/

News News News!

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.  

Mum and the Queen

 

When The Queen visited Wales Mum took me to see her. A small child, all I remember were crowds of people in a field and Her Majesty waving from a huge black car. Very exciting, though! And over the years there were news reports watched by the family, Mum collecting ‘Special edition’ newspapers filled with photographs of Royal occasions. And of course, Christmas Dinner revolved around The Queen’s Address. But the most poignant memory for me happened on Mum and Dad’s Platinum Wedding Anniversary.

 On the whole, it had been a happy day. There were banners, balloons, flowers and cards, and celebrating people. There was cake to be shared. There were smiles on faces. It’s not every day, we all agreed, that a couple gets to reach the milestone of a 70 year marriage.

But, it has to be said, some of the smiles were a little forced. Some of the jollity a tad brittle. The banners and floral tributes were decking a bedroom, not sitting room. And apart from close family the rest of the ‘guests’ came and went and came back later. And one half of the couple did not know, as far as I could make out, what all the razzmatazz was about.

My mother, in the seventh year of dementia, scarcely knew who I was, let alone that it was her special anniversary. And the other visitors were caring for my mother’s physical needs. They came, double-handed, and carried out their duties – though they did add cheer to the proceedings. My father, appeared to be, though, truly happy. He still had his beloved wife at this side, and that was all that mattered.

The postman had, that morning, brought a special envelope from Buckingham Palace. A card from the Queen afforded the royal treatment (the Post Office upon receipt had to contact the Palace, and upon delivery had to convey that information to the Palace). A decade before, on my parent’s Diamond Anniversary Mum had opened the front door to the postman, as my father and I had sneakily peeped out of a room to watch. When she opened the envelope Mum was overjoyed to have the card signed Elizabeth R, by Her Majesty. That day there was a party, with buffet and dancing and real celebration.

This time my father opened the door to the postman – who presumed the card was for a Diamond anniversary. Learning the fact of the Platinum one, he was amazed. That tickled Dad.  He showed Mum the card. But she gave no sign of understanding its significance. The card bearing a photograph of a beaming Queen Elizabeth, was given pride of place beside the best bouquet. We all referred to it from time to time. But Mum had no reaction to it.

The day wore on and eventually was coming to a close. We had all done our best to make this Platinum Anniversary special. After washing up I went in to say goodnight to Mum. Then it happened… With a big beaming smile Mum made a big announcement. “The Queen came to visit me!” Taken aback I muttered, “Oh, did she Mum? How lovely.” Mum answered, blue eyes twinkling, “Yes, The Queen visited me.” Radiant with joy she added, “We had a lovely chat!” When I relayed this to Dad he was thrilled. Mum had, indeed, understood at least some of what had happened that day. And, though deep in dementia, had felt special, happy and blessed by the ‘visit’ of Queen Elizabeth II who had long had a place in her heart...  

Mum and Dad, united now in Heaven, have an opportunity to see their, our, beloved Queen Elizabeth who has gone, like them, to join the angels... May they all rest in peace until we meet in Heaven.

God bless

Teresa 

Here is the cover of my upcoming book to be published internationally on 30th September by Circle Books. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pray-Then-Listen-heart-heart/dp/1789043697/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29KKTA0E2LL2O&keywords=teresa+o%27driscoll&qid=1659363438&sprefix=%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-3

Click on the link for more info and pre-orders...

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

News News News!

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.  

 

Upcoming: Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God

 

Here is the cover of my upcoming book to be published internationally on 30th September by Circle Books. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pray-Then-Listen-heart-heart/dp/1789043697/ref=sr_1_3?crid=29KKTA0E2LL2O&keywords=teresa+o%27driscoll&qid=1659363438&sprefix=%2Caps%2C126&sr=8-3

Click on the link for more info and pre-orders...

Hello dear friend,

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you are keeping well…

Today, I am so very happy to show you the cover of my upcoming prayer guide, Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God. And to tell you a bit about its contents.

Talking to God informally and actively listening for His reply is something I have been doing for many years. Because of this I was not surprised to hear from Him when He said to me one day, + ‘Write a book and show people how to speak to Me.’ But He had never asked such a thing from me before. I did, though, obey Him. And Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God is the result.

In the book I share a variety of prayers I have formulated over the years that I use in a wide-range of everyday situations. Then, I encourage you to move from those into your own words and ways to pray. And I am very happy to report that independent reviewers are enjoying the book and finding it useful. See but one of these below. I was thrilled to see it! Especially the exclamation marks which reveal the reviewer’s enthusiasm.

Jul 28, 2022: Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Angie Williams (Reviewer) | NetGalley  

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. “Great devotional book! This book was broken down in an easy to read and understand format. The author included biblical verses as well as a personal account of how she grew stronger in her prayer life. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book!”

When I read the above it moved me to tears… And each subsequent rave review has done the same. And I will tell you why. When writing anything one does not know how it will be received by the reader. With this book I so wanted it to help to forge a strong personal relationship with Christ. To do that by bringing Him into the whole of your life with all its ups and downs. And to work through everything with Him through the Holy Spirit. And I see by the responses that is happening.  

I will, of course, be sharing more reviews with you, over the coming weeks, on my new website and I hope that you will visit and check everything out. And let me know what you think.

Meantime, I wish you a happy and fulfilling week. And please remember that the Holy Spirit is with you always. So, if you have a problem take it to God with a humble and open heart.

God bless

Teresa

https://www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk/

News News News!

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.  

 

Russian Evangelical Alliance: Stop Putin's war in Ukraine!

 

Kyiv, Vozdvizhenka District, September 2020

https://www.boredpanda.com/beautiful-ukraine-pics/

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for stopping by to read of the bravery of a Christian leader in Russia, who, unlike the Russian Orthodox leader, Patriarch Kirill, has spoken out against the War in Ukraine. 

Despite living in Russia, Vitaly Vlasenko, the General Secretary of the Russian Evangelical Alliance, says he felt "called by God" to speak out against the invasion of Ukraine. He has written an open letter saying he mourns what his country has done and is sharing his sorrow for the victims and those forced to flee Ukraine. He bitterly regrets the actions taken by his country's leadership.

Speaking to Premier Christian News ( https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/i-m-not-courageous-i-was-called-by-god-says-russian-church-leader-after-criticising-russia-s-invasion?_psrc=personyzeRelated  ) about his choice, as  a public figure in Russia, to risk personal safety (anyone in Russia who, for instance, calls the War against Ukraine: "The War" - Putin prefers the euphemism "Special Military Operations"- can be imprisoned for 10-15 years!) he says, "I don’t think it’s courageous." He added, "A friend of mine asked me what I would regret in five years’ time about this situation." He told them, "I would remember those people in Ukraine who several days ago were peacefully living, planning their day, planning their future and immediately their lives changed."

Most of us watching the horror unfold in Ukraine, from before the invasion when people in Ukraine said that they were brothers with the Russian people and so Russia would never invade their country, until only days later Putin did just that, are still in shock at this barbarity happening in the 21st century. Vlasenko shares that shock. "I imagined my own children, or some of my relatives in such a situation. And I was ready to write this open letter."

"I felt it deep in my heart and I believe this was the Spirit of God really calling me for hope, because hope is when the power of God is working through the hearts of men."

Vlasenko believes, as most of us do, that Church must be a place of reconciliation, peace and love. He says he wrote to President Putin 12 hours before the invasion to implore him to think again, but he hasn’t received a reply. 

He has, however, received letters of support from all over the world. "They think that I’m really courageous or something but I’m a simple pastor of the local Baptist Church."

As the majority of Christians are in Holy Week, and the Orthodox Church will be too next week, commemorating the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of our dear Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, we are praying for peace in Ukraine.

To join us please say the following prayer, or one of your own:

"Dear Lord, as we commemorate Your Son's Sacrifice for us, please pour the balm of Your heavenly love into the hearts of everyone caught up in this terrible War in Ukraine - including the hearts of Russian soldiers, and in so doing bring about peace to Ukraine. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen."

Wishing you a blessed Easter!  

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 and many websites. 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 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.  

Former Archbishop of Canterbury: Expel Russian Orthodox Church

 

https://www.boredpanda.com/beautiful-ukraine-pics/

Hello dear friend,

Thank you so much for stopping by today to learn of the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams' suggestion that the Russian Orthodox Church be expelled from the World Council of Churches. This has come about as their Patriarch, Kirill 1, has said he agrees with President Putin's War against Ukraine - referred to in Russia by the euphemism: Special Operations.  

Speaking on BBC’s Radio 4 Program on 3rd April, Mr. Williams also said that many other Orthodox churches were likely to take the same view point. "When churches are actively supporting the war of aggression, failing to condemn nakedly obvious breaches in any kind of ethical conduct in wartime then other churches do have the right to raise the question."

 He added, “I think there is a strong case for expulsion, because we have seen those signs."

Of course, patriarch Kirill is in a tricky position, given that in Russia it is a huge risk to show any opposition to its current leader. (Anyone even calling this war "The War" risks 10 to 15 years imprisonment.) However, as Mr. Willams points out, “There could just be a sense that the Orthodox leadership would press for a ceasefire, an effective and credible ceasefire, that would be something that will be the basis on which conversation could start.”

“I have a suspicion that at least some other Orthodox churches would take the same view because I know that there are many people in the Orthodox world who feel that orthodoxy itself is compromised by this, who feel almost ashamed to be associated and I would want to listen very carefully to what other Orthodox churches have to say.”

Mr. Williams also had a stern message for Patriarch Kirill, he said: "Your own flock are being killed in Ukraine, by other members of your own flock.

"It is your responsibility to condemn the killing of your own flock, for whom you are answering to Jesus Christ."

To add your prayers to others praying for peace in Ukraine, and everywhere in the globe, say the following prayer, or one of your own.

"Dear Heavenly Father, I humbly ask You to look with pity upon the people of Ukraine (and others around the globe who also find themselves in similar situations) who are being mercilessly attacked by aggressors. Please flood all involved, in any way - including Russian soldiers, with Your divine and merciful love, so that peace reigns once more. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen." 

May God continue to bless you

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 and many websites. 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 have two new books in print which I hope you find inspiring.

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.    

Candlelit vigils for peace in Ukraine

 

Hello dear friend,

I can hardly believe that I wrote the piece below on Putin's war on Ukraine almost a year ago! And in that time-span so much senseless bloodshed, misery, and destruction has been perpetrated on Ukraine and Ukrainians - who just wanted to go about their business in peace. 

I will gather with other parishioners at my Parish church tonight for a Candlelit Vigil for Peace in Ukraine, as I wrote about below. I hope that you will still find it in your heart to do the same: to pray for the innocent either with others or joining your solo prayers with ours and the others around the world.  

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are keeping well in these difficult times! Thank you for dropping in.

With the cruel war devastating Ukraine, feeling upset and angry and powerless I went along to join with a group of people at church to pray for peace. As soon as a friend mentioned that the meeting was happening for the first time that evening I felt compelled to join in.

At 6pm on the dot I approached the church and wondered if anyone had arrived yet as all seemed to be in darkness and quiet. But as I pushed open the door and walked inside I was met by the sight of a bank of blazing candles on either side of the altar and a group of people in silent prayer.  I moved into a pew and sank to my knees and began to add my own silent petitions to God alongside the others. 

I don't mind telling you that I first apologized to God for all the times I have let Him down. For the times I have not been loving; which is what He ask us to be. Then, well, I wept for the people of Ukraine being attacked and bombed and terrified all under the instruction of one man.  And though I had already prayed for the same thing countless times since this war began, I really did feel that saying these prayers with the group made them even more potent. 

After a while there was a CD of Taize music playing gently in the background and as I gazed up at a crucifix suspended above the altar, contemplating Christ's death and resurrection - which was His triumph over death - I simply put my trust in Him. 

We have been praying as a group for over two weeks. We bring our hour of prayer to a close as we stand, holding lit candles, and say together the following prayer, which you may like to say too.

A Prayer For Ukraine

Loving God,

We pray for the people of Ukraine,

for all those suffering or afraid,

that You will be close to them and protect them.

 

We pray for world leaders,

for compassion, strength and wisdom to guide their choices.

 

We pray for the world

that in this moment of crisis,

we may reach out in solidarity

to our brothers and sisters in need.

 

May we walk in Your ways

so that peace and justice

become a reality for the people of Ukraine

and for all the world.

We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Joining in prayer to pray for peace is giving me a personal focus. Yes, I was, and am, praying for this many times throughout each day and night. But as Jesus said, "Whenever two of you on earth agree about anything you pray for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven.” (Mat. 18:19). So, mindful of His promise, praying together adds great power to our prayer. 

If you would like to join us in spirit, even for a few moments, we are meeting between 6pm and 7pm on Monday to Friday until  further notice. The times are GMT so if you are in a different time zone you could check out what time that is in your country.

Wishing you every blessing.

Teresa

For info on my work 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 and many websites. 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 have two new books published which I hope inspire you.

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.    

Christian healing event tonight

 

Hello dear friend,

I hope you are keeping well. Thank you for reading this post.

I wonder if you are in need of healing today - either physical, mental or spiritual. If the answer is yes I have a wonderful event to tell you about that is happening later today 10th March 22 - on zoom and Facebook at 7:30 UK time. 

It is led by Spiro Sueref, who leads a Catholic prayer group at St Peter's church in Cardiff. I have been to a few of his talks and have seen him heal... He has a very powerful ministry working with the Holy Spirit. 

Please find the details below, which I am sharing in the format that he sent me. As you can see this event will be attended by people around the globe.

May God continue to bless you

Teresa

Notice from Spiro Sueref

"Yes we are very active and in full time ministry now serving the lord. 

We have a live zoom healing service tonight! [Thursday 10th March 22 at 7:30 UK time.]

Spiro is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: Spiro's LIVE Zoom Healing Service

Time: This is a recurring meeting Meet anytime

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82160127932?pwd=SHhWdGE0UVhvMWVWbmFFYzlXRDl4QT09

Meeting ID: 821 6012 7932

Passcode: 124925

One tap mobile

+16699006833,,82160127932#,,,,*124925# US (San Jose)

+19292056099,,82160127932#,,,,*124925# US (New York)

Dial by your location

        +1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)

        +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

        +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

        +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

        +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

        +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)

Meeting ID: 821 6012 7932

Passcode: 124925

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/keIM6i5DHW

You can get more about this from my website. 

https://www.jesus4usall.com/scripts/openExtra.asp?extra=245

Please feel free to share it if you can. Hoping and praying you can join us on zoom or if you can’t, we should be streaming live on Facebook. The link is in the website. 

God bless, pray for us that all goes well. 

Spiro" END OF EVENT NOTICE

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 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 and many websites. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

  

St. Michael the Archangel watching over Kyiv

 

Photo of statue of St. Michael the Archangel watching over Kyiv by Gleb Albovski from Unsplash.com

Hello dear friend,

Thank you for reading this post. I hope you are well!

No matter where you are in the world I'm sure you feel horrified by what is happening in Ukraine! And, like me, you are probably still in shock that such barbaric acts of aggression are being suffered by the citizens of this peaceful and democratic part of Europe. I am confident that my Russian friends, the ones who know the truth of the situation from independent sources, are as shocked and disgusted as us. The words "David and Goliath" keep coming into to my mind; probably yours too. And we are collectively praying for the same outcome as in the Bible story, when David, the seemingly weaker man, beat Goliath. This defeat of the big bully is a good reminder that God's ways are not ours.  

On numerous occasions in my life, when things have looked bad, God has answered my prayers in surprising ways: unexpected twists, dead ends, barriers, and so on that have caused delays in a process, which, in turn, led onto welcome reprieves. And onwards to eventual good outcomes. Perhaps you recognise this pattern from your own life; your personal answered prayers...      

Today, I read an article from the #Christian Institute site about American, Sharyn Borodina, who was a missionary in Ukraine, whose husband is still there and has joined in efforts to repel the invading Russian army. https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/it-s-a-david-and-goliath-kind-of-story-ukrainian-missonary-describes-god-s-miracles-happening-on-the-frontline?utm_source=Premier%20Christian%20Media&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=13035437_Daily%20news%202nd%20March&utm_content=1&dm_i=16DQ,7RE7H,J9EB8Q,VN8WT,1 She said, "We're hearing time and time again, that the Ukrainian army is saying 'we recognise that there's no reason that we are able to hold back the enemy forces', they know that God is helping them they're seeing miracle after miracle; bombs dropping that don't explode, Russian tanks that run out of gas for no reason, Russian soldiers who are putting down their weapons and giving themselves up as POWs because they're not passionate about this conflict."

Please God, may that Divine intervention continue, even as we pray too for the poor Russian soldiers caught up in this madness against their will and conscience. 

To focus on that you could try the following. 

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, please flood the whole world with Your Love and Peace. I ask this in Jesus' name, Amen."

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

Wishing you every blessing!

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 and many websites. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC