Beach and Prayer: Overcoming worry in Corfu!

 

 Hello and Welcome! 

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you are keeping well. In my post: Springtime: Praising God's Creations in Corfu! I shared that 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. 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 here is the second of those articles. I hope  you find a little inspiration in it... 

Friendship, Seaside, and Christ for Strength: Be the best you can be! (Matt. 5:48)

I awoke feeling vaguely uneasy though the day was bright and sunny and I was happy to still be on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu. The feeling grew though until I acknowledged that I was fearful of the next stage in my life; of going back to Britain after living abroad for almost two decades. Gilly, a dear friend, texted me at that point asking how I was. I replied positively then asked: But am I in the eye of the storm?

I knew that it was time for me to walk, pray and think.

As I strolled along the deserted sandy beach I remembered Christ’s instructions in the Sermon on the Mount on the futility of worrying: “…do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings.” (Matt. 6:34) I looked around and tried to savour the splendour of the moment. Paddling along the water’s edge in my wellingtons I watched a lone seagull gliding in tall blue skies. Its graceful motion was soothing.  

As I neared the end of the long beach - punctuated by a high sandstone cliff, which I noticed for the first time was shaped just like a cowboy boot - I was feeling better. Straight ahead over a few kilometres of calm petrol-blue sea, the snow-capped mountains of Albania showed faintly through a haze formed by the warm sun kissing the icy water. 

I turned back and retraced my steps. A light wind was now blowing on my face and forming white lace at the sea’s edge. It put me in mind of when Elijah, hiding in a cave in fear for his life was visited by God in a gentle breeze to strengthen and guide him. (1 Kings 19:11&12) I took comfort from that. 

 Approaching the end of my walk I suddenly thought, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Ph. 4:13) I resolved to enjoy the day and work diligently at my projects knowing that God was with me always, helping and guiding me. And that through Jesus I would be able to adapt and cope with everything in my life, including repatriation.

When I arrived home Gilly sent me another text, beginning with: “Philippians 4:13J…” How cool is that! Symfonia (one accord) as the Greeks say. God bless Gilly for her friendship in Christ! Godly friends give good advice. (Pr 12:26)

It is wonderful having Christian friends who know just what to say when you need a spiritual lift. If you've any stories to share on this topic please do get in touch.   

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: So often, people tell me they have no idea how to connect with God through prayer, and finding simple resources for them is difficult. Pray Then Listen can be just such a resource, particularly for new Christians or those seeking a change in their approach to prayer.

John Backman, writer and spiritual director, Why Can’t We Talk? Christian Wisdom on Dialogue as a Habit of the Heart

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 

Remembering Queen Elizabeth Through Faith

 

Hello and Welcome!

Tomorrow, 8th September, it will be a whole year since the passing of our lovely monarch, Queen Elizabeth. It hardly seems that long since the awful news was announced. We miss her. The country still misses her. Long live King Charles, though!

I was going through a folder belonging to my late mother, Charlotte, and found this poem. Since Mum loved the Queen it felt fitting to share it with you. And meant I could remember Mum too in the same post - which feels right and fitting. (The photo above is of the card the queen sent to my parents on their Platinum wedding anniversary. You can read about that on my post "Mum and the Queen").

The Queen's Christian faith was obvious in all she said and did. My Mum's faith, too, was strong and active all her life. This leads me to say that I am confident that they have both reached their heavenly home.

I hope and pray that if you too are missing a loved one this poem will bring a little comfort.

"When we are sad and all alone

And tears fall thick and fast

We bow our heads and fate bemoan,

We think our grief will last.

But if we chance to raise our eyes

And look towards the light

We find our help comes from the skies

And hope grows clear and bright.

Someone up there knows all our fears,

He watches from above,

Our Father up in Heav'n Who sees

Will comfort us with love.

If humbly from our hearts we pray

With pure and simple tongue,

Despair and sadness fade away,

We do not wait for long

For smiles to take the place of tears,

For joy instead of pain;

When faith has banished all our fears

We tread the path again." ANON

I hope that when you are going through a bad or sad time you, too, turn your eyes to God...

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!

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 

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.  

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

  

You’re more successful than you think!

 

Hello dear friend,

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

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

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

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

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

SUCCESS

Success is speaking words of praise,

in cheering other people's ways,

in doing just the best you can,

with every task and every plan.

It's silence when your speech would hurt,

politeness when your neighbour's curt.

It's deafness when the scandal flows,

and sympathy with others' woes.

It's loyalty when duty calls.

It's courage when disaster falls.

It's found in laughter and in song.

It's in the silent time of prayer,

in happiness and in despair.

In all of life and nothing less,

we find the thing we all success.

                                          Anon

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

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

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

I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Wishing you a good day. Keep safe.

God bless

Teresa 

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

 PPS Don't forget to check out my book: 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life - which is a practical guide to joyful living!   You can see the book trailer by clicking on this link:  9 Days to Heaven

Buy the book from any good bookshop or online bookstore. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

News  News News!

I now have two new books published!

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

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

Inspiration to lift your day!

Hello dear friend,

So good of you to take a minute out of your busy day to drop by for a little inspiration.

In the UK we are now starting to experience the second wave of Covid-19 and probably it’s the same where you are.

That being the case, I feel it is important to remember that, as Christians, we know God’s Holy Spirit lives within us. This means that no matter what happens to us we can rely on God and His loving strength to help us through – so we can relax!

For a little spiritual elevation try this prayer, or one of your own: 

Dear Lord, I thank You for the gift of this day.

Thank You too for the reminder that Your Holy Spirit dwells within me.

Please help me employ all the talents you have blessed me with in order to bless others, especially in these most testing of times.

 I ask this in the name of Jesus Your Son. Amen.

For further inspiration 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. Here is the link for the book trailer:9 Days to Heaven

Buy the book from any good bookshop or online bookstore. Click here to buy the e-book on Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Days-Heaven-Make-Everlasting-Meaning-ebook/dp/B00AIR8CSC

With every blessing 

Teresa

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

News News News!

I have two new books in print.

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.  

God Loves You - Yes, You!!!!

God Loves YOU.
 And He is the Father you have been looking for all your life.
This is His love Letter to you. 

My Child,

You may not know me, but I know everything about you Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways Psalm 139:3 Even the hairs on your head are numbered Matthew 10:29-31 For you were made in my image Genesis 1:27 In me you live and move and have your being Acts 17:28 For you  are my offspring Acts 17:28 I knew you even before you were conceived Jeremiah 1:4-5 I chose you when I planned creation Ephesians 1:11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book Psalm 139:15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live Acts 17:26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made Psalm 139:14 I knit you together in your mother’s womb Psalm 139:13 And brought you forth on the day you were born Psalm 71:6 I have been misrepresented by those who don’t know me John 8:41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love 1 John 4:16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you 1 John 3:1 Simply because you are my child and I am your father 1 John 3:1 I offer you more than your earthly father ever could Matthew 7:11 For I am the perfect father Matthew 5:48 Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand James 1:17 For I am your provider and I meet all your needs Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope Jeremiah 29:11 Because |I love you with an everlasting love Jeremiah 31:3 My thoughts towards you are countless as the sand on the seashore Psalm 39:17-18 And I rejoice over you with singing Zephaniah 3-17 I will never stop doing good to you Jeremiah 32:40 For you are my treasured possession Exodus 19:5 I desire you establish you with all my heart and soul Jeremiah  32:41 And I want to show you great and marvellous things Jeremiah 33:3 If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me Deuteronomy 4:29 Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart Psalms 37:4 For it is I who gave you those desires Philippians 2:13 I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine Ephesians  3:20 For I am your greatest encourager 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 When you are broken-hearted, I am close to you Psalm 34:18 As  shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart Isaiah 40:11 One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes Revelation 21:3-4 And I’ll take away the pain you have suffered on this earth Revelation 21:3-4 I am your father and I love you even as I love my son Jesus John 17:23 For in Jesus my love for you is revealed John 17:26 He is the exact representation of my being Hebrews 1:3 And He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you Romans 8:31 And to tell you that I am not counting your sins 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled 2 Corinthians 5:18-19 His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you 1 John 4:10 I gave up everything I love that I might gain your love Romans 8:31 If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me 1 John 2:23 And nothing will ever separate you from my love again Romans 8:38-39 Come home and I’ll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen Luke 15:7 I have always been Father and will always be Father Ephesians 3:14-15 My question is…Will you be my child? John 1:12-13 I am waiting for you Luke 15:11-32

…Love, Your Dad

  Almighty God

PERMISSION TO COPY: Father's Love Letter used by permission Father Heart Communications © 1999 www.FathersLoveLetter.comwww.FathersLoveLetter.com

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)

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