Springtime: Praising God's Creations in Corfu!

 

Bluebells in my Welsh garden

Hello, and welcome! 

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you are keeping well and enjoying the Easter season. This morning I remembered that this time some years ago, after living in Athens, I was in Corfu waiting to bring my cat Charlie back to Wales. (See blog: Blogger: Posts) I was staying in the resort of San Stefanos NW - the place I set my novel Angel at the Paradise Hotel - see my post for more info about this.  

During that time I started writing for a great site World-wide Bible studies.org founded by a wonderful Christian preacher, Teresa Ortiz. The site had thousands of readers each day and I loved writing for them. (The site unfortunately disappeared and I never knew why.) My posts were based on my day-to-day life at that time, in San Stefanos, and as such give a tour and a flavour of the backdrop of Angel at the Paradise Hotel.

As a trip down memory I decided to post a few of the articles on this blog. So, here is the first one, which is apt as I wrote it in springtime. I hope it makes you smile... 

Wildflowers, Blueprints, and the Glory of God: Be the best you can be! (Matt. 5:48)

Currently wintering on the Greek island of Corfu I have delighted in the profusion of wild flowers. These have brightened my walks since my arrival in January. Beside pathways the grass is dotted with delicate pinks, tall buttercups, snowy daisies, and iris-like sea orchids - to name but a few. I cannot resist making posies of them and the tables in my apartment are strewn with confetti-like fallen petals.  

The island is very green due to copious winter rains. These are sometimes swept in on strong winds which beat down the weakest of the flora. But in a day or two, against all odds, they rise up again. This puts me in mind of Christ’s Resurrection; especially apt at this time of Lent. (Matt. 28) 

During my walks I am constantly praising God for His creations. Recognizing Him in this way has been an increasing part of my spiritual development, and one that I use in my work. As St Paul said, “Ever since God created the world, His invisible qualities, both His eternal power and His divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made.” (Rm.1:20) I find that this way of praise also helps me towards the – admittedly tough – goal of praying without ceasing (1Th.5:16-18)

When I look at the various species of plants, flowers, trees and bushes I cannot help but wonder afresh at Creation. I remember the Book of Exodus, where God instructed Moses on how to build Him a sanctuary; a dwelling place to live with His chosen people. “You will make it all according to the design… which I will now give you.” (25:9) Then we glimpse the mind of the Master Creator at work! “You must make me an ark of acacia wood, two and a half cubits long, one and a half cubits wide, and one and a half cubits high. You will overlay it, inside and out, with pure gold and make a gold moulding all round it.” (25:10) And so, as I look at nature, marvelling at the variety of shapes and sizes and colours, I find myself thinking about the blueprints that God might have made in order to bring them into being.

All around us there are golden opportunities to “Praise the name of the Lord”. (Ps. 148:13)

If you wondered what Corfu is like in springtime I hope you enjoyed that taster. 

God bless,

Teresa x

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

Find more inspiration through my 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.

A great review: I am being blessed by Pray Then Listen. It has become a valued part of my prayer time.

Pauline Lewis, author of Freya’s Fragrance and the Dark Stranger

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!

A great endorsement: 

Take this book down to the beach in the morning, and I guarantee when you return sunburnt to your room at the end of the day you will see no one around you, from waiters to fellow holidaymakers, in the same way. The characters seeking escape amidst the idyllic beauty of Corfu never manage to shake off the problems they have run from, while O’Driscoll beautifully captures the intrigues of a tightly knit traditional Greek community.

Donald Finnaeus Mayo, author of The Insider’s Guide to Betrayal and Francesca

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.  

Here's a great review: I was ill for a couple of years and had a great loss in my life. This book brought so much peace to me and even though I had been angry with God and blamed him for all my troubles, I found my way back to my relationship with him.

Rose Barrett Wilkinson

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 

Poem by Pauline Lewis inspired by Pray Then Listen!

 A favourite riverbank close to my home in Wales

Hello dear friend,

Thanks so much for dropping by today. I do hope that what you read inspires you in some way, and makes your day a little brighter. I am writing this post on 1^st September and I do love this month. It goes back to childhood, I think, and the new autumn school term. I used to love school. Later in my life, I often signed up for evening classes starting this month. I fondly remember Spanish lessons and art classes. Great fun! Today, I am eager to share a lovely poem with you.

Recently my dear friend, and fellow Christian author, Pauline Lewis, was kind enough to review my prayer guide, Pray Then Listen. She said, “I am being blessed by Pray Then Listen. It has become a valued part of my prayer time.” Since Pauline has dedicated so much of her life to working for Christ, even becoming a missionary in what was then called Papua New Guinee, I felt humbled by her feedback.

One section of Pray Then Listen leads you into ways to help to bring the Bible alive. One of the Bible passages I use is based on John 9:1-41, the man born blind. After carrying out the exercise using my methods Pauline was inspired to write this poem.

MEDITATION

To use Pauline's poem as a meditation, start by breathing in deeply, holding that breath for a few seconds, then, as you breathe out feel the whole of your body relax.

 

Now read the poem slowly, ideally aloud, using your whole focus.

 

BORN BLIND – by Pauline Lewis

Newborn babe, sound in mind,

Heart and limb, just blind,

Born blind.

No gentle dog to guide his way

Art or skill to help each day,

He’s blind, born blind, blind he will stay.

He’s blind.

 

God’s curse is on him, men may say.

‘Who sinned? Who sinned,’ he hears each day.

But Jesus comes, he is the Way

To help this man born blind.

 

With mud and spittle making clay

‘Now go and wash’ he hears him say.

How gladly, gladly he’ll obey.

Now he’s no longer blind!

 

And men may grumble and complain.

‘Do not believe in Christ’, they say

But he’s seen the rainbow in the rain

And looked on the face of God.

 

Born blind, born blind is what men say,

But now he knows another way.

Born blind indeed he may have been,

Yet born for the glory of God.

 

When you have finished reading the poem close your eyes for a few moments and think over the words. Finish the meditation by breathing in, holding that breath for a few moments, and after you breath out slowly, have a big stretch.

Whenever I learn that my books and other writings have encouraged and inspired a reader, I thank the Lord for that blessing. I am in awe of such a response. I think you will agree that Pauline’s poem is brilliant! Visit Pauline’s blog to check out her other works using this link: plreadywriter.blogspot.co.uk

For more inspiration through my work please see below:

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

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

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

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

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy!

Click on the following links to check out my novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel In UK /  In US / In Singapore

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  

Check out 9 Days to Heaven In UK / In US / In Singapore 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

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

I'd love to hear your thought on Pauline's poem, or any other feedback on this post today.

God bless,

Teresa 

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

Getting to Know Him - Part Three

        The Light of the World painted by Holman Hunt

Behold I stand at the door and knock, says the Lord. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door to me, I will enter his house and dine with him, and he with me.  From the New Testament, Book of Revelation chapter 3 verse 20

Hello dear friend in Christ,
I hope you are keeping well! It is a happy day for churches in England as they are allowed to open for Holy Mass. The fact that Covid-19 secure rules apply is a good thing as it keeps people as safe as possible from the virus. From next Sunday in Wales churches will also be able to conduct services.

Today, in the liturgical calendar of the Church, it is the Sixteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time. The Communion Antiphon today is the above Bible quotation: Rev 3:20. Remember that it is a quote dear to my heart. So much so that I wrote a book based on its foundation. (See details below.)

I want to draw your attention to a publication called the Catholic People. It is the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of Cardiff and is edited by Dr James Campbell. I am blessed to have a regular column in it. This month my column concerns remembering the constant presence of the Holy Spirit Who will see you through every aspect of your life - the good times and the bad times. Among other features in this issue you will see how churches and the Church have been coping in lockdown. Please click on this link to read the paper.  https://rcadc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Cardiff-July-2020.pdf

If you want to join other Christians on our journey towards getting to know God better you could say this prayer, or one of your own:

“Dear Heavenly Father, I want so much to know You better. Please help me to understand that you are always with me, waiting patiently for me to welcome You into my daily challenges and choices. I ask this in the name of Your Son Jesus Christ. Amen.”

I wrote a book showing clearly how to come close to God. It is called 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life. 

This is a practical guide to Joyful Living!  

Here is a great review: We live in an age that experiences a crisis of meaning. 9 Days to Heaven is a wonderful blessing at times when it is essential that we are able to rediscover our purpose in a practical way. Each chapter is a powerful lesson for connecting with the precious gift of God. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for spiritual nourishment.

Ben Renshaw, author of Successful But Something Missing

Check out 9 Days to Heaven In UK / In US / In Singapore 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

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

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

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

God bless,

Teresa 

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

UPDATES!!!

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

Here is a great review: This book is a delight. I’ve never seen anything like what’s featured in this simple book. Teresa’s writing style is as if she was talking right to me. As an American, I loved her Welsh phrases. They added to the overall sweetness of this book. All in all, reading this book brought me closer to the God I love so much.

Dennis Higgins, author of Pennies From Across the Veil 

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!

What a lovely endorsement: With Teresa’s artistic skill in painting the exotic island of Corfu, its beautiful setting seems ideal for a gentle story of romance with a happy ever after ending. But there are forces of light and darkness at work and the arrival of angel Gabriella is key to a great adventure which challenges the reader to choose sides.

Pauline Lewis, author of Freya’s Fragrance and The Dark Stranger

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!

St David will be turning in his grave today!

Hello and Welcome,

1^st March, St David’s Day, is the day on which we Welsh fondly remember our Patron Saint. When I was at school we used to hold an Eisteddfod on that day – with singing competitions, and so on, which ended in four choirs vying for first place. In my last year my house choir of St Joan won the prize. Ah, happy days! And I have worn a daffodil on my lapel with pride on this day for as many years as I can remember. But St David must be turning in his grave as young Welsh people steadily turn their backs on God.  

According to new Census figures South Wales Valleys are among the most non-religious in Wales. The highest proportion of non-believers live in the area of Rhondda Cynon Taff, where 50% say they have no religion. In the decade since the last census the numbers of unbelievers there (here, it is where I live!) fell by 28%. In this area there are many young people who, along with so many others of their generation around Britain, have fallen prey to amongst other things: lack of good example by parents who eschewed regular church attendance, coupled with the influence of a steady drip-dripping of poisonous anti-God propaganda. As it is said that around the world 90% of people believe in God these youngsters are absolute outsiders, who, often through no fault of their own, are being led into darkness…

And so, as today I sing the hymn to St David, remembered (doubtless imperfectly) from childhood onwards I say: St David, thy help we now implore…

“Oh great St David still we hear thee call us,

Unto a life that knows no fear of death;

Yea, down the ages still we hear thee call us,

Strong happy words, be joyful keep the Faith.

Oh Cambrian’s son stretch out thy hand in blessing,

On our dear land thy help we now implore,

Lead us to God with humble hearts confessing:

Jesus Lord and King forever more.

Jesus Lord and King forever more.

Happy St David’s Day

Love and blessings

Teresa x

Guest Blog

Guest Blogger is Pauline Lewis, author and teacher who lives in Porthcawl, South Wales

Bible Explorer – a school course for youngsters

By Pauline Lewis

Asked to write something about Bible Explorer, I thought I should first tell you how it was the doors are open for me to teach in our local schools.

I thought I had gone into teaching because I didn’t have confidence to do anything else. Surely it would be less daunting to deal with children? But children too can be scary, especially on mass.

Teaching in London’s tough East End, God asked me to love these needy children for him. I wasn’t a very good disciplinarian, but God did love them through me and lives were changed. Somehow along the line I realised it was God who had called met to teach.  In a remote village on a mountain in Papua New Guinea, I read the verse in Hebrews, ‘the children God has given me,’ and knew that, though spoken of Jesus, it was also God’s word to me.

After my adventures abroad and five years in UK as a pastor’s wife, we retired to Porthcawl. There were a few young families in our close and I felt I had a responsibility to these children. Our plans to rent a hall for a children’s club fell through, but then God put a key in my hands. My first book, the High Hill, had been published. Advised to promote our own books, I sent a copy into each of our four primary schools, offering to speak to the children about it.  I went on from there to taking assemblies, always using the Bible, the ‘world’s best seller’ as my source.

When I heard of ‘Bible Explorer,’ a course for 10 & 11 years olds, which traces through the Bible stories, beginning with the story of creation, and leading on to the death and resurrection of Jesus and the spread of the Gospel to all the world, I felt all my previous years of experience had qualified me to teach this. I wasn’t free to go away to train at that time, but a few months later, not only had my husband died, leaving me with more time on my hands, but Chris Thomas had taken over responsibility for the work in Wales.

She arranged five days of intensive training, at the end of which I had learned the 77 hand signs which enable us to trace through the significant people, places and stories we teach as we travel through the Bible. And if you think you couldn’t do that, I thought so too, but God enables me, and he will you too of you will step out in faith.

Bible Explorer is written to fit in with the school’s syllabus, and the Old Testament lessons are accepted in Jewish and even Muslim schools too, since they too accept the bible as a Holy book. 

Primarily, Bible Explorer is fun. The children vie with each other to dress up as Abraham, or one of the kings. You will even get a reluctant Boaz to stand under the canopy to marry Ruth, and of course Joshua, and the kings too, are very happy to have a plastic sword. I have two blue shiny cloths which we lift up to allow the Israelites to cross the Red Sea, letting them drop on poor old Pharaoh and his gang, while my gold cloths are not only for the kings, and Queen Esther too, but draped over a cardboard box, with long carrying sticks and a lot of imagination, becomes the Ark, carried around the walls of Jericho. I have a dear little lamb which, sadly has to be killed so that the angel of death passes over the houses of the Israelites, and a lovely rag doll who not only passes for Baby Ishmael, Isaac, and Samuel too, but only just escapes being cut in two by King Solomon’s guard. 

Oh yes, Bible Explorer is fun. And in all the fun the children are learning, not only the wonderful Bible stories, but that there is a God who is there for us too.

Pray the schools will remain open for us to teach this wonderful course; pray for those who teach it, yes, and listen; maybe God will call you to step through this open door of opportunity.

Profile

Pauline Lewis shared a little of her background with us: 

Re-tyred, though an octogenarian, I continue to teach, preach and write. Before marrying Pastor Joel Lewis, I worked in Papua New Guinea, and later in Ghana as a missionary with the Apostolic Church.

I am now an active member of Grace Community Church, Porthcawl.

My life story, Wings of the Morning, is available on Amazon, - also as an e-book

(Kindle version shortly to be available from me, free)

http://www.amazon.com/Wings-Morning-Pauline-Lewis/dp/148119961/ref=sr_1_1?

ie=UTF8&qid=1358867833&sr=8-1&keywords=wings+of+the+morning+lewis

Most months I have a poem in the Porthcawl Seaside News

Follow Pauline on her blog: plreadywriter.blogspot.co.uk

Comment from Teresa

Thank you so much Pauline for this article. I pray that your loving influence will bear much fruit and be the antidote to the Godlessness I have highlighted above. May God continue to bless your much needed work and may others join you in your endeavours.

Leek, Potato and Cannellini Bean Stew

Ingredients

3 leeks – cleaned and sliced

12 small new potatoes – scrubbed and diced

1 large onion – chopped

1 pint of vegetable stock

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Oregano – 1 tsp

Method

Heat oil in big saucepan and fry onions and leaks until soft. Add potatoes, stock, oregano, salt and pepper and mix well. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for about 45 minutes. Enjoy!

One Minute Meditation on the Gift of Faith

Take a deep breath and relax then close your eyes for a minute and flood your mind with thankfulness for the gift of your Faith.   

After that perhaps you would like to echo my words as I pray:

Dear Lord,

I thank you for the precious gift of Faith. I ask that today, as we celebrate the feast day of our patron saint in Wales, St David, you will look kindly on us all. And I beg that you will grant the gift of Faith to those people here who are still walking in darkness. Amen []

* Guest Blogger: If you have a few words of encouragement or a veggie recipe you would like to share please contact me on: teresa@teresaodriscoll.co.uk

I welcome your comments on the above.

Coming next: Guest blog: Writings from the Labyrinth by author Lisa Barrow (aka +Lisa Acor Laurel) and friend Bill Batcher.

UPDATE!!!

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

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

Available as a Kindle version or paperback! 

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

I know, that no matter what your beliefs or experiences, you will surely recognize the tussles of my characters, as tussles in your own life....  Enjoy!

Click on the following links to check out my novel, Angel at the Paradise Hotel In UK /  In US / In Singapore

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

I wrote 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life as my personal evangelization effort.  

Check out 9 Days to Heaven In UK / In US / In Singapore 

Available as a Kindle version or paperback!

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

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

God bless,

Teresa 

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