Let your heart be filled with hope!

 

Hello and Welcome! 

Wherever you are in the world thanks so much for stopping by for a little inspiration! No matter what sort of day you are having take a moment to take a deep breath, breathe out slowly and read the following Bible quote.

Now say this prayer, or one of your own.

"Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to remember that You are with me always.  Thank You so much for helping me through this day."

REMEMBER The Bible is packed with hope and love so try to read it as often as you  can. As well as the Bible I like to read books by other Christians for a fresh perspective. I recommend this habit. 

If you are going through a bad time and want me to put you on my prayer list please let me know. 

God bless,

Teresa 

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

Check out Pray Then Listen In UK / In US  / In Singapore / In New Zealand / In Australia

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!                               

                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!

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!

You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

                        9 Days to Heaven 

                        Christian inspiration

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 / 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

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

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

Travel in Europe: Stay safe from deadly West Nile Virus!

 

Hello dear friend,

Just saw an article on West Nile Virus and I see it's the season again!  I've had this illness a couple of times myself and discovered something that keeps that kind of mosquito away, so am sharing that info. Please read on: 

Hello, and welcome!  

I hope you are keeping well!  I'm very glad that you stopped by. A headline caught my eye today which made my blood run cold: "Fears grow over spread of deadly West Nile virus after a woman 'in perfect health' died in Spain having been bitten by a mosquito" (Daily Mail Online) Though I have no plans to go to Spain the reason for my reaction is that I have had this virus, and quite badly. And so I wanted to warn you about it. The virus first arrived in Athens, where I was living, in 2010 and I caught it in the July. 

In the Daily Mail article it says, "British holidaymakers travelling to Spain have been warned about the deadly West Nile virus for the past few years and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) recently raised fresh concerns, with its weekly update showing new outbreaks in Greece and Italy." 

The virus is transmitted by the West Nile mosquito, which I can tell you is larger than the regular ones you may be familiar with. Not all of these insects are infected with the virus - I was bitten countless times before I got ill - but if they feed on the blood of infected wild birds they then pass that infection onto humans when they feed on our blood. Yuck! 

There is a whole list of symptoms accompanying the West Nile Virus infection. I felt a little unwell at the start, and a bit off my food, but then felt very unwell indeed, and nauseous, with strange body pains moving around randomly, a temperature, fatigue, weakness, and so on. Actually, I was unwell for about three months. The virus can also cause encephalitis - inflammation of the brain, and this can be fatal.  

The good news, yes there is good news, most people, (about 80% statistically) don't experience any symptoms when infected. But it is far better to try to avoid infection, I think you will agree. You can do this by taking some preventative measures. 

1. Use an insect repellent before going out. Reapply as advised. 

Check out these links for the best repellents: 'Which' recommended   ; 'expert reviews' recommended

2. Be aware that mosquitos are most active at dusk, so maybe stay indoors then.

3. If you are very vulnerable / susceptible to bites consider covering up - long trousers and long-sleeved tops.

4. Be aware that mosquitos love hiding in the shrubbery. I've been bitten alive in outdoor restaurants that have surrounded their boundaries with potted greenery.

5. At night keep windows and doors closed and use your air-conditioning to keep cool.

Just a final comment on insect repellents. In 2010 when, as I said, the West Nile mosquito first arrived in Greece I tried numerous repellents and none of them worked! (I understand they have now been upgraded and do work.) In desperation I tried citronella, which the Greeks swear by, but these new mosquitos ignored it and still bit me. Finally, I found something that worked: geranium oil. So now, I never visit Greece without some. And I put it on before I exit the plane! I simply put a drop in my hand, rub my hands together to spread it, then dab it on my face, and all other areas of exposed skin, and even random bits of clothing - anything to keep the mozzies away! And it does. 

 May God bless you and keep you safe from West Nile virus and all manner of mishaps as you take a well earned break from routine.

Teresa x

P.S. If you are looking for a novel to take on holiday with you why not load up your Kindle with my Angel at the Paradise Hotel?  It is an absorbing summer read! 

"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

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!

For articles, plus more info about me and my work please visit my website.  (www.teresaodriscoll.co.uk) You could check out my short video on the Goodness of God

If you enjoy reading my posts - and thousands of you do, from all over the world, I'm thrilled to say! - I think you will enjoy getting in deeper into my work for even more effective results. That's why I've listed my other books below. All are available as e-books as well as hard copies, which makes them very affordable. I've added lots of links so you can check them out.

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God.

Check out Pray Then Listen In UK / In US  / In Singapore/ In New Zealand / In Australia

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 / In Australia / 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

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

 

New Year? Spiritual Fresh Start!

 

3-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meditation

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless,

Teresa x

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

BOOKS! BOOKS! BOOKS! 

If you enjoy reading my posts - and thousands of you do, from all over the world, I'm thrilled to say! - I think you will enjoy getting in deeper into my work for even more effective results. That's why I've listed my books below. All three are available as e-books as well as hard copies, which makes them very affordable. I've added lots of links so you can check them out.

I have been asking God for guidance and listening to His replies for many years. I share my methods in Pray Then Listen, A heart-to-heart with God.

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

Angel at the Paradise Hotel: Read in the sunshine or about it!

Hello and Welcome! 

Wherever you are in the world thanks so much for stopping by! I'm in the UK where we are really getting into autumn. The day is gloomy and wet and the temperature  is cool. If it's the same where you live you could grab a copy of my Angel at the Paradise Hotel and curl up with it for a touch of sunshine. If, though, you are moving into summer, like my friends in countries such as Australia and New Zealand, Angel the Paradise Hotel is a great summer read! 

Angel at the Paradise Hotel is Christian fiction - 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, hopefully, 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

For a beach read check out Angel at the Paradise Hotel In Australia / In New Zealand

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 new review of Angel at the Paradise Hotel

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

The writing in this book was phenomenal. I would never believe this was the author's debut novel. The writing style has such a perfect flow with a great combination of dialogue and internal monologues. I also loved the way the plot unfolded. 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

The book is available as Kindle and 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 / 

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

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

St Augustine: Sinner to saint through his mother's prayers!

 

Saint Augustine of Hippo by Philippe de Champaigne

Hello and Welcome! 

Thanks so much for dropping in to read my blog. I hope you are well and that this post blesses you. Today, after recent discussions with friends and relatives, my mind is full of thoughts of disappointed Christian parents. You see, a number of them have children, some now grown-up, who are not practising Christians, some not even believers, and some have become 'lost' to them. Of course, this is a great sadness in their life. Perhaps you too are experiencing the same sadness.

If this is blighting your life I want to give you hope. Perhaps you know about St Monica, the mother of St Augustine of Hippo theologian and philosopher. Monica, a very holy woman, was greatly concerned about her son as he was leading a hedonistic life and ignoring God. Her prayers for her son’s soul were answered in a spectacular way. Augustine, once converted, became such a paragon of virtue that the church holds him up as a shining example of sainthood. I once heard a priest comment on how this turnaround came about. He said that Monica ‘willed it’ by her constant and hopeful prayers for her son.

I have seen similar prayers of fellow-parishioners being answered by the returning of their off-spring to Christ. In my own life, for different reasons, I can assure you that God DOES answer our prayers, so please give Him a chance to answer yours - in every trial and situation you may find yourself in. If a loved one of yours has turned away from Christ, or, for example, rejects even His existence try saying this prayer, or one of your own, from your heart.

Prayer for a loved one to draw close to God

“Dear Heavenly Father,

I love You with all that is in me, and so I dare to say:

Please Lord, please bless my loved one [name them] with the gift of Faith.

I ask this, in confidence, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.”

If your prayer is not answered immediately, do not give up hope that God will answer, in His own time. Remember St Monica and her years of fervent prayer. I am praying regularly for some of my loved ones who have not yet come to Faith…

If anything in this post has piqued your interest in my work you may like to take a look at my books. I've put a few links too as maybe even just taking a 'look inside' may bring you comfort or blessings...

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 Australia / In New Zealand / In Hong Kong

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 / In Hong Kong

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, or any of my posts or work.

God bless,

Teresa 

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

Sharing your love of Christ gently!

 

Me at Llantwit Major beach, South Wales, UK. 

Hello and Welcome!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope that you and yours are keeping well! Today my mind is turning on evangelization, the sharing of our Christian faith, and how we are all, as baptized Christians, called upon to do that. But I know, from personal experience, that it's not always an easy thing to do. And it can even be a bit of a balancing act, like me on that wall in the photo above... 

Many years ago when I tried to do that it felt more like I was supposed to 'stand up for Christ' and it often led to an argument. An argument during which I felt completely out of my depth as I am not a theologian. There is a saying in the UK relating to say, a dinner party, or gathering of friends if you want to keep things harmonious: "Never argue about religion or politics." How true that is! And after one particularly bitter exchange I made the decision to never argue about religion again. 

Well, for some years I mostly kept quiet. But one day I knew I had to start speaking up again though I didn't know how to do that. I wasn't going to argue with anyone on the subject of Christianity. So, how on earth was I going to share my faith? I prayed about it. 

I began to speak my truth very gently. When people said, for instance, that they no longer believed in God as something bad had happened to someone in their family I would empathize. Tragedy has also struck my own family, and I had felt like turning my back on God. They shared their story and I shared mine. I told them I could understand their turning away. But I had, eventually, decided that as God is Love He must have a reason for letting X happen. And I had decided to trust Him. I explained that God is as real to me as them and that Jesus has been my best friend since I was about seven years old.

And if you are wondering how the conversation went on after that let me tell you. Most people looked wistful, and said they wished they had what I had. In answer to that, and following me praying I had the following advice, which you may want to try out for yourself... 

If you want to know if God exists

When you next have a few quiet minutes alone: Open your heart and say to God, "If you are there God I want to know You." If He has anything to say then, let Him speak. And if not go about your business but keep open for His reply. Then, get a Bible, and go to a church service. 

I know that sounds very simple, but St Paul tells us clearly in Acts 17:27 that God made us so that we would seek Him. And "By feeling [our] way towards Him [we]would succeed in finding Him..." 

After that, being a writer, I wrote a book based on Revelation 3:20 "Behold I stand at the door and knock..." The book is 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life. I call it a Programme, as it takes place over a 9 day period, 15 minutes a day, where you slowly get to know God better through simple prayers and meditation. I am confident that it will free you from the fear and confusion about life that fills you when you are trying to live without God. 

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 

Here are some details of my other two 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

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!

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

I'd love to hear how you got on if you tried out my method of speaking to God, or shared it with someone who didn't yet know Him. 

God bless,

Teresa 

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

PPS If you are living in Singapore I would really love to hear of your personal faith journey. Perhaps you would like to do that through my website via Contact me.