For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
                                            John 3:17 

OK, settle down, this one is a bit serious.  I spent the last 10 days thinking that there might be something seriously wrong with my health.  If you read yesterday's post then you will know it was a false alarm.  I found a lump.  There was a perfectly healthy explanation for it.
Most of those 10 days I didn't actually think that much about it but having, not long before, had a long conversation with someone who has only been given months to live, I did wonder how I would react if the news was bad.  The first blessing from all this is that I do think one feels God very close at times like these.  (The picture is the Town Steps in Aldeburgh, put through a FotoSketcher program but I chose it for the light and dark sides of the way)  If you have a faith then problems and troubles can make you feel closer to Him.  He never goes away, of course, but your connection to Him can become stronger.  That's certainly how it was for me.  And I even started thinking about how, having cancer, might give me some really good opportunities for witness.  And then, when I knew I hadn't got it, I realised that the opportunities were still there, just different ones.

I experienced a somewhat surprising and wonderful few minutes of mutual sharing of faith and the love of God with a Muslim and a Hindu yesterday.  At the same time.

And the vote.....
Bishops. For. 37.
 Against. 2. 
 Abstain. 1

Clergy. For. 162. Against. 25. 
 Abstain. 4

Laity. For. 152. 
 Against. 45. 
 Abstain. 5

Passed by two-thirds in all three houses
Subject to parliamentary approval and Royal Assent the Church of England may put forward the names of women to The Crown Nominations Commission for their election as bishops.
Laus Deo

Nice quiet service this morning

I was in the right place at the right time yesterday, to give some help to someone in distress.

It was my privilege to take the morning service at Alan Road Methodist Church yesterday.  I was more worried about it than usual as I had been really struggling with the sermon preparation but it turned out a lot better than I thought it would.  I should be more trusting. Thank you Lord.

Being timid like a little mouse is not an option when it comes to talking about my faith, but it isn't easy.  I had and took an opportunity yesterday and thank God for giving me the right words.  Maybe a seed was sewn.

While singing hymns and eating strawberries in church yesterday afternoon I met two ladies who are involved with Suffolk Family Carers. I do already belong but they gave me a lot to think about and it was very kind of them to talk to me about things for quite a long time afterwards too.

I like this poem.  I know that not everyone who reads these posts shares my faith, and I hope I never try to force it on people, but I will talk about it.  Some of you know that the last few weeks have been quite difficult and, while I don't exactly feel that I have been carried, I certainly have felt God very close to me and known that he was ready to pick me up if I needed it.  It is a blessing that comes with troubles, feeling His presence.  It has been there in quiet times on my own and there in the huge support I get from some very special friends.

My hubby had a letter from the GP asking him to come in for some checks.  This, of course, is because he is very, very old (LOL) Now, at church on Sunday we saw a video about a charity called Mercy Ships.  They take a huge ship which has been fitted out as a floating hospital to ports around Africa and offer treatment to people who would otherwise have no access to decent medical help at all.  They really do help the blind to see and the lame to walk.  We complain about waiting lists but imagine what it must be like waiting and just hoping that the ship might come your way.

It was only through God's grace and kindness that I stayed calm yesterday. That included providing me with a good friend who I knew wouldn't mind me letting off steam to her and a very pleasant walk in the sunshine in the afternoon.  Otherwise the day was, well, let's just say " a little trying"

I managed to get my sermon finished by mid morning yesterday so was able to get on with other stuff with a clear conscience 

Christ is alive, let Christians sing His cross stands empty to the sky

The greatest blessing in my life:-

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

When a small expression of kindness or affection turns out to mean much more than you could have guessed

 Lord, I have given up my pride, and turned away from my arrogance.  I am not concerned with great matters or with subjects too difficult for me.  Instead, I am content and at peace.  As a child lies quietly in its mother's arms, so my heart is quiet within me.  Israel, trust in the Lord now and for ever. ( Psalm 131 GNB)

This is my favourite Psalm.  I'm getting there!

Found on Facebook

Someone posted a link on FB this evening which has made me question what I am trying to do here.  I shall have to think very carefully, but all comments welcome
THIS is the link
P.S. By this morning I had decided that the purpose of this blog was to suggest something new each day for which I can thank God so I shall continue but I have changed the header to make it clear.

I go to two churches, theoretically alternate weeks although it doesn't always quite work out like that.  It's too complicated to explain, but there was something that happened today at the local church here that made me feel blessed, accepted, known and acknowledged as being included