King of Kings: Brings Bible alive!

 

The King of Kings2025 Film

Hello and Welcome! 

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to view trailer: 

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

God bless,

Teresa 

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

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

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

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

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

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

Samantha Kay, Premier Christianity magazine

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

 

You too can take part in Lent!

Hello and Welcome! 

Thank you for stopping by today. have you done anything spiritual for lent this year? perhaps you don't even know how to. in that case, please read on to find out...

I came across an article I wrote for the Athens News, "Whether a hymn or an OM Greece  spells spirituality" some time ago . And, looking for a way to encourage everyone to join in with Lent, I decided to share part of it. 

Article extract

If you want to begin today, right this very moment, to nourish your spirit you can do nothing better than sending out a prayer for someone else. It is not a prerequisite to prayer that you have knowledge of God, it's fine to send your petition to Him anyway, even if you think it's on the 'off chance' that SOMEONE UP THERE is listening. You don't need fancy words, just state what you want with a sincerity of heart. 

    Norman Vincent Peale in his best selling book The Power of Positive Thinking says of prayer, "Personally, I believe that prayer is a sending out of vibrations from one person to another and to God. All of the universe is in vibration. There are vibrations is the molecules of a table. The air is filled with vibrations. The reaction between human beings is also a vibration. When you send out a prayer for another person, you employ the force inherent in a spiritual universe. You transport from yourself to the other person a sense of love, helpfulness, support - a sympathetic, powerful understanding - and in this process you awaken vibrations in the universe through which God brings to pass the good objectives prayed for. Experiment with this principle and you will know its amazing results."

We are now embarking on the fifth week of Lent. When I say WE I mean Christians. Perhaps, though you were baptised, maybe as a child, you do not attend church services. Maybe you don't even pray much anymore. If you have forgotten about God you can be sure that He has not, and never will, forget you. You remain His beloved child. Or. You may not have been baptised but no matter. God loves you! Either way, you can still join join us, me, in our preparation for the holiest time of the year. Next week is Holy Week, when we will remember Christ's Passion, Death and Resurrection, culminating in the glorious feast of Easter. 

Try saying the following prayer from your heart: 

"Dear Lord, I am sorry that I have not made space for You in my life. Please help me to do that from this moment on.  And please will you please help [name the person and ask for what they need] Thank you Jesus very much.” 

To read the full article " Whether with a hymn or an OM, Greece spells spirituality" please click on the link

I would love to hear your feedback on this method. 

May God bless your efforts now and always.

Teresa 

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

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

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

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Coping with Dementia? Pray for strength!

 

Hello and Welcome! 

I wonder if you, like me, have seen a loved one slowly transform into someone else who doesn't even remember who you are. I am talking of the effects of dementia. My mother, God rest her soul, suffered from this. I relived a bit of this journey today 23rd January 25 reading Our Daily Bread, in a piece penned by Karen Huang who had witnessed this in her father. 

The writer found encouragement from the Bible and other gifts from God. Watching my mother struggling I tried, through prayer, to make sense of what was happening. Mum had been a very strong and capable woman before her illness. I believe that everything happens for a reason. And also acknowledge that God's ways are not ours. While in that testing time I just kept trusting Him and seeking His help and guidance on a day-to-day basis, as I always do. 

The Alzheimer's Society website says: The word 'dementia' describes a set of symptoms that over time can affect memory, problem-solving, language and behaviour. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia. Dementia is a group of symptoms. It’s caused by different diseases that damage the brain. The symptoms get worse over time and include: memory loss, confusion and needing help with daily tasks, problems with language and understanding, and changes in behaviour. For more info take a look at their site: 

I pray that if you are going through this situation either personally, or watching a loved one deteriorating in front of your eyes, or indeed coping with any problem at all right now try saying this short prayer - or one of your own - as often as needed:

"Dear Heavenly Father, please help and guide us through this very testing time. Please help us to keep our eyes firmly fixed on You, and to feel Your love  surrounding and upholding us. I ask this in Jesus's name. Amen." 

Looking through a number of Bible quotes about suffering this one struck a chord: "And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

I would love to hear how you are coping with this problem.    

God bless,

Teresa

Visit Our Daily Bread

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

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

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

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Wishing you contentment in 2025!

                                       Burry Port, Wales          
 Hello and Welcome! 

Well, though in the U.K. things are rather chilly today the sun has shone brightly and people are cheery! I wonder if you, like me, enjoy all sorts of weather. I love to walk so for that today I wrapped up warmly and donned hat and gloves too. And when it rains I get out the waterproofs and wellies and feel like a kid again splashing through puddles.

I think that one of the one of the secrets of happiness is being contented with how things are. It could well be a secret of longevity too as my dear friend Mary, who passed a while back just before her 102nd birthday, was a shining example of contentment. (See my post headed Secret of happiness by centenarian Mary!) 

And so, in this year 2025 I wish you contentment. It is a choice... 

This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Has embracing contentment sweetened your life? I'd love to hear your story...  

God bless,

Teresa 

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

You may like to check out my books. 

Pray Then Listen Prayer guide 

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

Angel at the Paradise Hotel Christian fiction romance / suspense

Set on the green and beautiful Greek island of Corfu in this novel I show the ever-present backstory of life, as I interpret the supernatural elements of our dilemmas and choices. 

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy Angel at the Paradise Hotel! You may like to see my blog on the Backstory of this novel

9 Days to Heaven Christian inspiration

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  Check out 9 Days to Heaven  See YouTube book trailer:  9 Days to Heaven 

Was Easter spiritual for you?

Hello, and welcome!  

I hope you enjoyed your Easter and while it is still in your memory (and maybe you, like me, still have an Easter egg or two to enjoy - I like mine with a cup of tea!) I'd like to ask you a question if you don't mind. 

Did Easter used to mean something spiritual to you, but now it's mainly just chocolate and a bank holiday break from routine?  

If that strikes a chord, either with you (or a loved one, you could pass this message onto!) I want to tell you this:

Though you may have given up on God, He has not given up on you!

I remember reading a C.S. Lewis book where he said that most people who stop believing in God don't do so after carefully considered reasoning. They usually just stop giving Him any time and thought and simply drift into that state of mind.

I am one of a team of readers at my church and at the service of the Resurrection last Saturday my reading was from the Prophet Isaiah. The words that jumped out at me to pass onto you were:

"Seek the Lord while He is still to be found, call to Him while He is still near."  Isaiah 55:6

As I say in my book 9 Days to Heaven (see below for details) if you feel that something is missing in your life and you are not close to Him, that something is God. It is impossible to feel fulfilled if He is not a part of your life. When I say God I am speaking of the Holy Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 

If you want to turn back here is a quick prayer to make the first step:

"Dear Heavenly Father, I am sorry that I've been so caught up in my life that I have ignored You. Please forgive me and help me to move closer to You again. I ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen."

Finally, I want to tell you that God loves you and He wants you to love Him. 

Wishing you a belated but heartfelt, Happy Easter. Let me know how you get on with this prayer. 

God bless,

Teresa x

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 there on the Goodness of God

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 

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 

Advent Week One: Learn to Love Well!

 

 3-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome!

Do you, like me, sometimes get to Christmas Eve and suddenly realize that, despite the best of intentions for a prayerful Advent, you have organized a feast, glitz, glamour and gifts, but feel spiritually depleted?

If the answer is ‘Yes’ join the club! Happily, as a Fan of the Fresh Start, I gratefully acknowledge that, though I cannot change yesterday, I can choose a new beginning today. I hope that you will join me in making this Advent a holy one!    

As Christmas is all about Love – celebrating Christ’s birth and looking forward to His Second Coming – it seems logical to make that the focus this week. Enter: Learn to Love Well!

St Paul reminds us in his letter to the Philippians, that there is no greater example of how to love than Christ’s example. He says: “If there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love… complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love.” Philippians 2:1-2 

As Christians we are challenged to show Christ’s love to everyone we cross paths with. We can do this by being helpful, forgiving, generous, kind, and so on. Sometimes being loving is easy. But at other times it can prove extremely difficult. Yet we are bound to try. To think that over for a few moments use the following short, yet spiritually powerful, meditation.

Meditation

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

2. Now consider that God wants us to follow His example of love.

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

4. Now say this prayer – or one of your own – “Dear Lord, I want to learn to love well so will you please help and inspire my efforts? I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

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

From today onwards, may we be open to God’s support and guidance as we strive to become ever more loving to all.

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! 

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