Bereaved at Christmas? Make it all About Jesus!

Christmas card - Bethlehem and Nativity, from Cancer Research

Hello dear friend,

Are you joyful about the coming season of Christmas? Or are you, like me, for whatever reason, dreading it?

Now that we  are in the month of December I am ready to face the fact that Christmas will soon be here. From a religious point of view - celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour of the world - I am glad about that. But for me, still struggling to come to terms with the death of both my parents within 17 months of each other, I am approaching the feastday with trepidation. It was bad enough to lose my mum just before Christmas 2016. But to now picture The Day without my dad too is almost unbelievable...

But, as a firm believer in the afterlife, I do know that they are both fine. And one day soon I plan to tell you about all the metaphysical experiences I have had since my dad passed away. They are definitely for sharing when I feel ready. I want to do this so that you can have hope and belief too.

In the meantime, if you, like me, feel apprehensive about the coming of Christmas, try to keep things in perspective. A good friend said to me recently, "It's only one day!" And she's right. 

So, to turn towards to real meaning of Christmas, remembering that many friends and colleagues and so on, may not be of our faith it's a good opportunity to share by... sending only Christmas cards which relate to the birth of Jesus. I made the decision to do this many years ago. I do know that many of my Christian friends do not. It is quite a small choice to make. But it is a defining one.

We are taught that as Christians we have a duty to evangelize, to spread our love of God with others. Many people feel unable to do so. But a Christmas card depicting the true meaning of Christmas is a good start. I hope you will agree.


Sending you light in the darkness

God bless

Teresa x

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.

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  

To everything there is a season: Claim yours now!

Hello dear friend,

I wrote the post below some years ago, but I think you will agree that it is as relevant today as then. Today as I walked around my neighbourhood I saw many butterflies of the cabbage white variety, and they are flitting in good numbers around my garden too. So, summer 2025 is clearly their season! 

What about you? Is it your season to flourish? Please read on... 

Hello there,

Today, on my walk up the narrow path, between the field of sheep and a paddock and along to the gate about fifteen minutes on, I saw that the foxgloves, nodding like marker flags along a slalom, were putting out the last of their bells. And that other tall pink flowers were taking over their watch amid bracken which is now shoulder height. 'To everything there is a season,' I muttered, and it set me thinking.

I have noticed over the seven years of walking this track that each year a different species flourishes more than the others. This year, for instance, the blackberry bushes are more abundant and tenacious than usual. So if you enjoy jam making or a slice of homemade blackberry tart - in Wales usually baked on a deep oven-proof plate - expect a bumper harvest when the fruit arrives. Now though, the bees and butterflies are feasting on the fragrant pink and white blossom.

Speaking of butterflies, they too take it in turns to outdo each other. Last year the cabbage white was the most plentiful. This year though, a pale tiny butterfly, no bigger than my thumbnail, is the species I see most. This little creature is having its day. And I don't even know what it's called. 

Life ebbs and flows. Do you feel like your life been on the ebb for ages? If the answer is Yes: step up to the plate and claim your flow, your success now!

Try this prayer, or one of your own, to bring that before our Heavenly Father:

Dear Lord, you know my heart and everything about me.

I surrender my life to You trusting that with Your help

I will be able to use the talents You have blessed me with.

In this way I will be carrying Your Your will on earth. 

Yes, to everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven. (Ecclesiastes 3)

God bless

Teresa x

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.

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  

Blessed Are They Who Mourn: Expect Comfort!

Good evening dear reader,
As I write there is an almost full moon rising over the hill opposite my home in this little Welsh valley. It is shining and beautiful in a summer sky that is not quite dark. The day has been hot, hot, hot. Yes, here in Britain we are enjoying a heatwave. As I glance at the bright pearl I want to phone my father and tell to go and have a look at it. And he would have too. With great enthusiasm. But I can't phone him as... he died eight weeks ago. And I miss him. Terribly. And there is not a thing I can do about it except to get on with my life and try to do my best and be thankful for each new day.


My day has been a good one though. My publisher has shown great interest in my new book, I am happy to report. It is a book on prayer which will guide the reader into their own way of praying and open up real communication between them and God. I hope that it will soon be out there in the world and that you will enjoy reading it. I will keep you posted on that one.

Earlier this evening I interviewed my dear friend and fellow Christian author, Pauline Lewis, who told me about some wonderful experiences she has had over the years with God. This is for my next book. Yes. I am determined to push along now and finish all the books that are in my in-tray. 

Pauline and I agreed that it is so wonderful to keep pushing forwards and doing our work for the Lord.

The sky is now dark. Tomorrow the moon will be full. The day Dad died the moon was also full. Everything at the moment reminds me of him. I know, though, that this is part of life. I have no doubt at all that you have experienced loss too. And if, like me, you are going through a bereavement, just keep putting yourself into the hands of Jesus and He will see you through. As He said in the Sermon on the Mount:

"Blessed are those who mourn: they shall be comforted." 

Wishing you a peaceful night.

Love and blessings
Teresa x

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.

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  

Healing Poetry and Psalm 124

Hello there, 
In my last post I mentioned the book of verse, #Escaped As A Bird, from patients at the #Oshima Leprosy Hospital in Japan. I quoted a poem relating to Christmas. Reading my Bible the other day I was surprised to discover the book’s unusual title in a line of a Psalm. Since the content of the book was written by members of the Christian Poetry Club at the hospital I suppose it was not surprising.

The title, in the context of the whole Psalm, is so very revealing. It gives an insight into the whole picture of the experience of the people, who, because of an illness were forced by the State, between 1907 and 1996, to leave family and home and live in isolation on a small island: Oshima. Their choice of title and Psalm clearly shows their faith in God.

Psalm 124

If it had not been the Lord who was on our side,

let Israel now say –
if it had not been the Lord who was on our side,
when men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us up alive,
when their anger was kindled against us.
Then over us would have gone the raging waters.

Blessed be the Lord,
who has not given us
as prey to their teeth!
We have escaped as a bird
from the snare of the fowlers;
the snare is broken and we have escaped!

Our help is in the name of the Lord,

who made heaven and earth.

In 2001 a Japanese court ruled that the policy of segregating suffers of leprosy – otherwise known as Hansen’s disease - was unconstitutional and should have been discontinued after effective multidrug therapies were made widely available by the end of the 1950s.

For more info and lots of photos of Oshima I recommend an article: Oshima, the Forbidden Island, by David Billa. He has documented his visit to the island – where he met some of the people still living there – with lots of photos as well as some powerful observations.

Please follow this link: https://setouchiexplorer.com/oshima-forbidden-island/

Wishing you love and blessings.

Teresa x

PS I hope you like the photo of the red kites which I took when watching feeding time from a hide at #Gigrin Farm in Wales. See: http://www.gigrin.co.uk

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.

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  

Dreading Christmas? Take heart!

Hello dear friend,
Thank you for stopping by! 

Christmas is not always an easy time of year. Perhaps you feel sad and lonely. Maybe you think that no one feels as bad as you. But that’s actually not true. There is always someone in the world going through a tough time. Fact is, life is peppered with good times and bad times. The trick is to keep going when things are at their most bleak. When I feel I cannot go on I ask God to please hold me in the palm of His hand. And He always does!

I found my diary from last Christmas Day which read, “There was a gaping Mum-shaped hole in the day. Saddest Christmas ever. One of the saddest days of my life.” It’s just over a year now since we lost her and though it is getting a little easier Christmas will just not be the same without her. But, as a Christian I am celebrating the birth of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

I have just come back from church and feel lifted up by the service. The church was packed and the line for Holy Communion a joy to see. Before Mass the priest put the figure of baby Jesus into the crib and blessed it and everyone sang carols. So I have started my Christmas celebrations with my focus on Christ and His birthday. And am now looking forward to a day with the family tomorrow.

Mum was very fond of poetry. Yesterday I came across one of her favourite books. It is an old volume called Escaped As A Bird, with verses from the Christian Poetry Club at the Oshima Leprosy Hospital in Japan. (From 1907 until 1996 those with leprosy in Japan were forced to live in such places.) Intrigued, I read the intro which includes these words, “Instead of being broken on the anvil of pain, suffering and deformity, these suffers have found faith, peace and joy under the ministry of Christian love…”

Here is a poem by a patient called Yamamoto

The wireless brings us songs of Christmas praise

From far and near;

And listening we are one with you today,

Friends, everywhere!

I take heart from those brave words. I hope you do too.

Wishing you a Happy and Holy Christmas.

Teresa x

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.

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  

God Loves You - Yes, You!!!!

God loves you.

He is the Father you have been looking for all of your life – even if you are not aware of it. And here 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  

9 Days To Heaven

Hello dear friend,
So glad you stopped by. I would love it if you took a look at my You Tube video which introduces my book: 9 Days to Heaven, How to make everlasting meaning of your life.

The book, inspirational spiritual development, draws you into a close or closer relationship with God. It does this through the use of pictures of nature, short texts, simple meditation, and the use of the senses. It is the practical guide to joyful living which, I am happy to tell you, has already helped a number of people around the world through some very trying times.

Check out the video and let me know what you think.

God bless
Teresa x

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.

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