Living in Fear? Take heart!

 

St Columban

Hello, and welcome!  

I hope you are keeping well! Thank you so much for stopping by today!

I think you may agree that Fear is something that can come upon us at any time. It could be triggered by something 'minor' like when I found a huge spider at home. I own up to touch of arachnophobia (good Greek word that). I  said a quick prayer (Please Lord help me to get it safely outside and without dropping it! I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.) then I trapped it (in a tumbler covered by postcard) and put it safely outside (tossed it, while shuddering, into a nearby tree). 

I hope reading that made you smile, I am chuckling now as I write, but at the time I was fearful. I use the example of how this unexpected, and in the grand scheme of things so petty, created fear in me. I'm sure you have your own triggers for this kind of transitory fear. 

In life, there are, though, very many serious challenges that can trigger Fear including problems with health, finances, relationships, to name but a few. When facing these, I recommend you speak to God about it as quickly as possible. I did this with the minor fear outlined above as I do take Everything to God.  

I decided to write this post because, while sorting through some papers at home, I came across the following prayer. I hope the prayer resonates with you in some way and is helpful.   

Lord Take Away My Fear

"For the Spirit given us is one not of fear, but of strength." 2 Tim 1:7

Lord, I am fearful of so many things. I'm fearful of other people. And the way they can hurt me. And what they say about me. Fearful of crime and mugging, sickness, disease, fearful of life itself.

I'm afraid of myself, too. Afraid of my own reactions to things, my own emotions, my future. I feel so insecure at times. And sometimes I'm fearful of You, Lord. Because my sins weigh me down, and I wonder how I can face You. And wonder about the consequences of my actions in life, their harm, their effects on others, and on my relationship with You. 

Lord please send Your Spirit to take my fears away so I may rest peaceful and calm, like a sort summer's morn. 

Amen.

The above prayer was written on a card from The Missionary Society of St Columban  

May the presence of the Holy Spirit calm your fear in a testing time - big or small!. I would love to hear your stories on this topic.  

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 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 

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 

Feeling overwhelmed? Pray!

"All Praise be yours, my Lord, through Sister Moon
and the stars; in the heavens you have made them, bright, and precious, and fair."

St. Francis of Assisi, from The Canticle of Brother Sun 

Hello, and welcome!  

I just went into the back garden, as night was falling, to fill the birdfeeders and was stopped in my tracks by a beautiful sight. A small, almost full moon, shone like a bright silver button in a clear, dark blue sky. Praise the Lord for His wonders! I've just checked and the full moon, known this month as the “Snow Moon” will rise on Saturday. It will be the farthest distance away from Earth, and the smallest full moon of the year.

I hope you are having a good week and a good Lent. I have been having so very many ideas for articles, workshops, and so on this month, that I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. After prayer I realized that a different and more encouraging way to look at this was to acknowledge that I am having a very creative month. That Divine inspiration turned the way I was looking at this on its head. I began to get very enthusiastic about the next step: putting these ideas into action. Thank You Lord. 

Fortunately, as the ideas have been flooding in, I have been writing them down. This is something I highly recommend to you. Over the years I have learnt that original ideas arrive through a unique sequence of  thoughts, comments, events, discussions, and so on.  In the past I have thought that I would remember such ideas, but often I didn't. I learnt my lesson. I jot the ideas down for later. 

Yesterday, I wrote two articles and began looking over a workshop. Today, I have been firming up the first module of the workshop. I got as far as I could before I went out to feed the birds. When I saw that moon, though, I just wanted to share it with you. I had been wanting to say "Hello" to you, so this is another thing off my To Do list.

When you are feeling overwhelmed, which happens to us all, do you pray about it? Ask God for help and guidance as I do?  It brought me such relief this week that I hope that passing on this reminder, giving you a gentle nudge, makes you feel great too! Try the following meditation to think that over.

1 minute meditation

1.     Ponder on this Bible quote:

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be open to you." Mt 7:7

  2.    Sit up straight and close your eyes. 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.

             3.     Now meditate for a few moments on how you cope with pressure.  

            4.     Now say this prayer, or one of your own, ‘‘Dear Lord, please remind me to turn to You whenever I need help. I ask this in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen." 

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

 May you find inspiration in all of God's creations as you move closer to Him each day. I would love your feedback on this topic. 

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 

Secret of happiness by centenarian Mary!

 

Hello, and welcome!   

My dear friend Mary Taylor, pictured above, from Pontypridd, Wales, but living in Athens, Greece for many years, who passed away peacefully a year ago today, only weeks from her 102^nd birthday, was a shining example of a life well lived. 

As you may imagine, to reach that great age Mary had to have something exceptional about her. First and foremost was her passionate love of Christ! Her advice to people in trouble was, “Get on your knees and pray!” Though previously fiercely independent, as her eyesight and hearing faded and she became frail, though her mind remained sharp, when she moved into her daughter’s home she was happy and contented. If you find yourself chaffing against life’s challenges perhaps you could follow Mary’s advice, as I do, to kneel and pray for God’s help. Use the following meditation to consider that. 

1 minute meditation

1.     Ponder on this Bible quote:

“…for I have learned in every state I am, to be content.” St Paul to the Colossians 4:11

  2.    Sit up straight and close your eyes. 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.

             3.     Now meditate for a few moments on your attitude to daily tests of life. 

            4.     Now say this prayer, or one of your own, ‘‘Dear Heavenly Father, please help me, no matter what is happening in my life, to find contentment inspired by Your Holy Spirit. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." 

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

 As your contentment increases may you too be blessed with happiness and a long life! 

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 

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 

Feeling blue? Keep Christmas always in your heart!

 

2-minute Bible reading and meditation

Hello, and welcome! 

Today, 28^th December, is the 4^th Day of Christmas, yet so very many people, Christians included, seem to think that after Christmas Day, the whole celebration is over. Not me, though! Firstly, the Christmas season lasts for 12 days. It ends on 6th January, when we celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. Yet, the rejoicing will never cease as long as we remember that the relevance of Christmas is eternal! 

“What does Christmas mean to you?” is the big question posed on the postage stamp of a Christmas card from a dear friend in Jersey. It’s a good one. 

My answer to the question is that, first and foremost, it is the celebration of the birthday of Christ, the Messiah, God-made-man.  If that is your answer too, yet you still feel a bit down, you can improve your mood by switching your focus back onto the Light of the World.

Jesus spoke to them saying, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

If you know Christ, or even if you don’t yet know Him, you could try this short meditation to think that over.

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 Jesus’ words and their meaning.  

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 Lord Jesus, only a few short days ago I celebrated Your birthday, but today I feel gloomy. So please will You fill me with Your love and light, and help me to share that with everyone I meet. Amen.”

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

 

May the light and love of Christ's birth fill your heart today 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! 

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