From Marta's Vineyard...

I Love The Google Doodle! - Olympics - Diving

2008-08-11T11:31:00.003+01:00

o Diving o

I Love The Google Doodle! - Olympics - Weightlifting

2008-08-10T14:01:00.007+01:00

o Weightlifting o

I Love The Google Doodle! - Olympics - Cycling

2008-08-09T09:25:00.008+01:00

o Cycling o

I Love The Google Doodle! - Olympics - Opening Ceremony

2008-08-08T09:44:00.006+01:00

o Opening Ceremony o

I Love The Google Doodle! - Beatrix Potter's Birthday

2008-07-28T14:59:00.005+01:00

Have you ever read one of Beatrix Potter's books?

Saturdays...are good!

2008-07-12T00:33:00.006+01:00

Saturdays remind me of ham salad with salad cream,
bread and butter and tea!
My husband was brought up on Sausages and Mash...
always on Saturdays!
My daughter says Saturdays mean sleeping, cooked breakfast,
Jonathan Ross on the radio and Dr. Who on the TV.

Click on the picture to see why the boy looks forward to Saturdays...
What do Saturdays mean to You?

Fridays are... good!

2008-07-11T12:40:00.008+01:00

FRIDAYS!

How do You take Fridays?
Are there any changes You need to make?

Thursdays...are good!

2008-07-10T16:53:00.002+01:00

How can you have fun on...
THURSDAYS!
Think carefully!

Wednesdays...are good!

2008-07-09T10:37:00.008+01:00

What happens on Wednesdays in Your life?

What will you achieve today?
Go on... have a go!

Tuesdays...are good!

2008-07-08T20:25:00.007+01:00

Thankfully God's Grace is not only for tuesdays's child
With God you too can have a Lifetime of Grace!

I have not read this book.
If you have let me know what you think!

Mondays...are good!

2008-07-07T19:43:00.001+01:00

What does the thought of a

MONDAY
coming up mean to you?

What would improve your Mondays?
Can You..do anything about it?

Sundays...are good!

2008-07-06T22:57:00.006+01:00

What are you doing today?
Sunday!

Words I Like - Cosy

2008-06-30T18:25:00.000+01:00

Cosy
comfortable, secure, warm, cuddled up,
sheltered, snug, tucked up.

Cosy Corner Dining Table and Chairs
Unusual!
The seats can make the table longer!

This is Cosy!!
I cannot imagine my dog being in the same room with a cat - nevermind a bed!

Places I have lived in the UK - Gainsborough

2008-06-29T00:05:00.017+01:00

Why not visit Gainsborough?... there's plenty to see and do

I now live and minister in Gainsborough

There is major Regeneration going on in the town

The town is busy on Tuesdays and Saturdays (Market Days)

I like the congregation, the town and the contacts we are making all over the area

The Salvation Army is in an good spot by Marshall's Yard Shopping and Leisure Complex

Places I have lived in the UK - Dorchester

2008-06-27T01:11:00.010+01:00

The house on the left with the green door is the one we lived in. It is a beautiful house with curved walls and unusual detail. Pondbury Village is different and we are not likely to ever live somewhere like it again! Prince Charles' Village! Oh Yes!

We thoroughly enjoyed living there and when the time came we were very sad to leave. Charming backgarden, pedestrianized, quiet and within walking distance of Dorchester town centre. If you look out for Poundbury online you'll soon realize what an expensive area this is. We got to know so many people there and were able to mix well with the town groups and churches.

The Salvation Army in Dorchester is small and we met in the Methodist Church for worship but its Charity Shop was amazing and raised a really fantastic amount of money.There were many volunteers working in the charity shop and we had great fun rearranging the shop, introducing a book area and lots of extra shelving. We were involved in all sorts of other things including the OverSixties and Luncheon Club.

The homelessness situation in the area was noticeable with vast numbers of men, families and women queuing up for clothing, toiletries and hot drinks among other things. We met some very interesting people that way and it was a pleasure to help them, yes, even the very smelly ones! Christians opened a centre where they could shower!

We hope and Pray the Salvation Army in Dorchester continues to expand and do well.

Places I have lived in the UK - Gosport

2008-06-25T00:18:00.013+01:00

Gosport was very different to any other place where I had lived. It was not a seaside resort, it was not a valley, it was not inland and it was in the south coast! I loved the water, the ferry, the boats, the ships, Lee on the Solent, seeing the Isle of Wight and crossing over to the island occasionally for officers fellowship or days out.

The hall was (and still is) unfortunately in extremely poor condition yet it did not stop the people from organizing activities and getting on with things enthusiastically. The community work was extensive specially at Christmas thanks to the Community Care Leaders, and the toddlers which they also led, a joy to visit. The War Cry rounds undertaken were excellent making regular, faithful contacts.

The Alpha course was and I think still is a yearly event bringing lots of new people in. The monthly Jumble Sale brings some memories. I will never forget the electric buggy that went out of control during a sale, no one was hurt!

The people there were interested in us and our family, and that felt very good. People attended Roots and Butlins regularly, and the weekly prayer group which was often eventful, usually disturbed by sirens, meant we never had to raise our voices as the Lord could hear our prayers!

The Friday Club for children was a most interesting night. People took it in turns to help and the children though noisy and troublesome! were miraculously well behaved when with us and a joy to be with. So many children came that they had two sessions a night. Kids Alive were given as they went out. I helped with crafts or tuck shop - my favourite - specially when they wanted 50p worth of assorted penny sweets. Great Singing Company and Young People leading meetings. Though some have now moved on I hear that they are very involved in other Corps.

I could go on but I will get into trouble mentioning some things and not others, understandably!
Weddings, Funerals, Retirements and Enrolments, Transfers and Farewells, Parties, Celebrations, big New Years' Eve Parties... so many things happened whilst there but then that's the circle of life!

I recently heard that Gosport Corps is doing well so I am very pleased and Pray God's blessing over everyone there.

God is Good!

Places I have lived in the UK - Cwmbran

2008-06-24T23:48:00.008+01:00

I lived in Cwmbran for two wonderful years. Unfortunately time there was cut short and the congregation did not want us to go. While we were there the Spirit of the Lord ministered to us all in amazing ways. Although having to get to grips with what God was saying and doing amongst us was difficult for many people, in time their faith deepened and in fact were then held through some very tragic situations which they would (unknowingly) soon face and experience.

We found the people very loving and helpful, people of the Word, people of Prayer, people who wanted to learn about Holiness and mission to the 'whosoever'. It is good to know Corps life is good there today. The Over Sixties and Choir was a very, very large group and their weekly programme was amazing. We have been asked to lead their OverSixty Weekend next year and we can't wait to see them all again!

God is Gracious

Places I have lived in the UK - Pentre - Rhondda

2008-06-23T21:56:00.003+01:00

Aerial view of Gelli, Ton Pentre, Pentre, Cwmparc, and Treorchy

We thoroughly loved living and working in the Rhondda Valley. We first lived in Pentre for five years. We adopted our dog Zoe there and she helped us win many friends as we walked the mountains.

The Corps had gone through some difficulties prior to our arrival but they soon got going again and the time seemed to pass too quickly. The Outposts at Gelli (OverSixties) and Porth (selling War Cry's) were also enjoyable situations.

Alpha was introduced, Sunday School had always been very well organized, the Singing Company at that time made some CDs, the whole corps kept performing musicals and plays and still do! If you can you must get to one of the many yearly performances. Their singing! It was great to see how the congregation began to see the advantage of putting these musicals on for mission and fellowship. God worked in many of their hearts, and so many people were brought in to help in all sorts of ways who then went on to join the fellowship and find a place of worship at the Army!
Some, I noticed in the Salvationist have recently been made Soldiers. I have heard through the grapevine that their Singing Company is large again because all the little ones are now much older! Some are in the Songsters -which has many faces I don't recognize and it is always good when that happens!

God Bless Pentre

So many good memories. The bandmaster was a driving instructior and he was very brave teaching me to drive. He is such a good instructior that I have still kept the many good habits he taught me. In all these years I have only crossed my arms a couple of times, Cyril! Philip drives a car now and he is also a very good driver! Cyril is getting a big head now!

People were so nice there, so caring and friendly. They apparently still talk about the Agers...in a good way...thank goodness!!

Places I have lived in the UK - Bradford

2008-06-22T19:25:00.002+01:00

I liked living in Bradford although it was only for two years. I liked the look of terraced housing, the smell coming from the chimneys, the washing hanging across the streets, people standing outside their doors and the accent in particular. The people were blunt - to the point - but I liked that as then I knew where things stood. The curry bars were great (no knife or fork just chapatis). The Salvation Army in Great Horton was a very old building (now in Wibsey) but we had wonderful times of worship and fellowship and very good attendance. The damp, wet walls, rats, etc...did not put these people off their focus for mission.

Two Corps were amalgamated at that time to form the new Bradford Citadel.

They are now going from strentgh to strentgh as they say and it is not surprising!

Places I have lived in the UK - Hull

2008-06-21T17:45:00.006+01:00

I lived in Hull for 4 years and worked in the Longhill estate building up a congregation. It was then a very rough estate but we felt very much welcomed and wanted. Whilst at Brownies one evening, my daughter walked for the first time. We worked very hard and was good to see a very good sized congregation emerge. The yearly Christmas Day Dinners were one of the many highlights. The people were very nice, the elderly, the families, the youngsters, the disabled and Down Syndrome group - everyone just loved to come to the various activities and worship and have fun. There was very little money, very little equipment, and very little support from anywhere yet we had four wonderful years in ministry and were sad to leave them all as we had seen such wonderful changes in people and seen them grow so much spiritually.

The Ironies of Life! Here we were in Hull, but just before arriving, everything packed, we were told there was no house for us (we are still not sure what that was all about!) but anyway we were placed in the hostel for about six months whilst a house was sorted out. No health ans safety or safe and sound all those years ago!! We were in the family section but Philip would go up and down the lift on his own and wander all over the place and talk to all sorts of strangers and we never thought anything of it. We were very careful with him but nowadays it would be a very different thing I am sure. People did think it funny that we were in the Army and homeless!! For John it meant a lot of travelling or long days away but the children (and I) loved it. Fish tanks, lots of new people to talk with, meet and and listen to. Some wonderful stories, some tragic, some odd and some very funny. And...a huge toy store across the road opened at that time. The children loved to 'play' with toys since theirs were all packed except for teddy bears, a couple of Transformers and a Barbie doll.

Sadly, the Salvation Army as it was in Longhill no longer exists but I know that a group still meets in someones home and they recently wrote to me to say that a lot of money is being raised for the Helping Hand Projects. I thank the Lord for the priviledge I had to be there at that time. I learnt so much from them and from the experiences we all went through.

Hull is still enjoying a time of change and refurbishment throughout the town. It is about time!

God Bless Hull as it recovers from the floods.

Places I have lived in the UK - Filey

2008-06-20T13:54:00.012+01:00

I lived in Filey for three years whilst working full time in the Salvation Army in Mitford Street. My daughter was born in Scarborough Hospital Maternity Unit. I knew this place very well as I had to stay there throughout my pregnancy. Sarah was 4.2lbs (Caesarean section)and came home a couple of weeks later. Again, no breasfeeding. So really it is no good asking me questions about giving birth, etc...as I did not really experience all the normal things. She was so healthy the unit let her come home before reaching the 5lbs.!

I remember feeling rather annoyed because whilst in intensive care for three scary days (for John!) I was told that the catholic priest had given me the last rites...? That was not what upset me but the fact that I was not covered up whilst he was doing this!!! Whenever I saw him after that I would try to avoid him! hehehe!

We had a lovely time in Filey and found the people hard working and passionate about witnessing which they did particularly in the summer on the beach and with holiday makers. The food at the Salvation Army was always great and the volunteers and helpers wonderful people. The Singers which still sing now were rather special. One season the wind on the Country Park was so strong that my parents caravan nearly blew away! Filey was also gorgeous in the snow, specially down the ravine. Philip enjoyed walking to the Brigg!

It is good to hear that the Salvation Army there is still doing so well and thriving!

Places I have lived in the UK - Keighley

2008-06-19T09:10:00.017+01:00

I lived in Keighley for three years, by a busy roundabout. Across the road there was a butcher who sold pork pies and people would have them hot with mushy peas...and a cup of tea! This was my second appointment with the Salvation Army. I think the town has changed a lot since then. Unfortunately I could not find good photos of the town on Google Image Search. Who will take some uptodate pictures? We used to like going to East Riddlesden Hall whenever we had an hour to spare and take the children round the corner to this National Trust Property to look around and feed the ducks, of course!

The Corps was very active and hardworking. A medium size Corps, it had a very big OverSixties Club and Ethel was a marvellous money-raiser too. The Brownies was a busy group and lots of other good things took place and are still taking place! People were very caring.

We were asked to close down the Skipton Corps which we did...and a few years later were given a choice of re-opening Skipton, starting the Army in Beverley or developing the outpost in Longhill.

Where do you think we went?

God Bless the Spiritual ministry and the community work which has developed since then. Keighley Corps

Places I have lived in the UK - Bideford, Devon

2008-06-18T16:43:00.010+01:00

I lived in Bideford for three years. This was my first appointment in the Salvation Army. It was a very small congregation of about 25 elderly people but gracious enough to accept our inexperience. They loved us as if we were their grandchildren, rather nice! My son, Philip, was born there. Unfortunately I spent most of my pregnancy in hospital but God was with me and my son was born weighing 3.8 lbs. He was very fragile at first and I could not breast feed him as he was born too early by Caesarean section. He was in an incubator for some months and was able to go home at 5lbs. He is now a very handsome junior doctor!

One winter the frost was so thick trees glistened for days. The people were very nice but it took me awhile to understand their accent. We enjoyed taking family and friends to nearby Clovelly. Members of the congregation would often bake for us specially cornish pasties which were as big as a dinner plate! The Salvation Army now meets in the Baptist Church in Mill Street and is run by local salvationists.

I pray God's Blessing on them as this is a demanding task.

I Love The Google Doodle! - Fathers' Day

2008-06-15T12:34:00.008+01:00

Todays Google image

Fathers Day Cartoon

Places I have lived in the UK - London

2008-06-14T13:12:00.009+01:00

I lived and trained here for two years and became a Salvation Army Officer in 1980
The best thing I ever did!... even if at the time I wondered what on earth I was doing there!

Please join me in Prayer for the students who will be going into training this coming autumn

Places I have lived in the UK - Northampton

2008-06-12T09:52:00.009+01:00

There are many parks in Northampton, but the best thing that ever happened to me there is that I met my gorgeous husband, John!

I attended the Salvation Army in Penistone Road, where the members took me under their wings and supported me. The Corps Officers then were Clive and Christine Price and they were a great influence on my life. I later got married there!

God Bless All Churches In Northampton

Places I have lived in the UK - Irthlingborough

2008-06-11T11:25:00.011+01:00

This is the town I lived in when I first came to England from Chile in 1976.

I have very happy memories of Irthlingborough. There was a fish and chip shop that smelt great and gave you plenty crispy bits with your fish! There was a wonderful corner shop with sweets I had never seen before and lots of ice-creams. The ice cream van had a lovely tune to call customers. I liked the smell from chimneys as you walked about. I used to help clean the library, and the staff at the Co-op were like an extension of your family! Everyone in the town seemed to know everyone and everything about everybody but it felt strangely reassuring! I used to go to The Salvation Army there and would get to it by walking across the fields and avoiding the cows! My grandma has now passed away but she was great looking after me when I first came to England and lived with her for nearly two years. We had lots of fun together but I did not like her pilchard curry - it was disgusting! Nana introduced me to Rainbow, Crossroads , and salad cream! The Salvation Army there is doing well.

God Bless Divisional Envoy John Farrar who ministers there!

Have you ever been to Irthlingborough?

I Love The Google Doodle! - Charles Rennie Mackintosh

2008-06-07T16:54:00.011+01:00

I Like this Google image very much!
I visited the house in Northampton
and have seen his work in Glasgow!
I like most of it!

Aboutbooks - The National Gallery - Illustrated Catalogue

2008-06-05T21:22:00.013+01:00

This is not only a complete illustrated catalogue but also an expanded edition! Pure heaven for someone like me who gets excited about looking at paintings and finding all about them. As I cannot go to The National Gallery on a regular basis then this book is the next best thing. I bought it the last time I visited the gallery shop and on that day I was able to buy it - half price! I soon forget the time when I sit turning this books' pages. It has more than 800 pages of good quality paper and it is very easy to follow. I totally love it. I wish I had studied History of Art but you never know ...

I Love The Google Doodle! - Hot Air Balloon

2008-06-04T22:33:00.015+01:00

When I first saw this Google image I wondered what I could possibly say but it seems we have a history!

Hot Air Balloons! My dog, Zoe barks whenever one passes overhead. We tend to see them during the summer months in Bath and Bristol area where my mum lives. I went to a Hot Air Balloon Festival in Northampton some years ago and saw an amazing variety of them. When my youngest brother married, it was a Saturday in August in Bristol and it happened to be the Festival there and guests were able to enjoy seeing them over that weekend. My husband would love to be on one, one morning, early, at dawn!

Aboutbooks - Elvi Rhodes - A Blessing In Disguise

2008-06-02T11:40:00.007+01:00

What a story!

Elvi Rhodes gets it just right!

A Blessing in Disguise is a must - read

Why? I enjoyed the unusual setting, a single parent vicar!

Awkward people, men with attitude, women with even more attitude!!

Oh Yes! I thoroughly enjoyed it and couldn't wait to see what happened, will she or won't she? Mmmm...

I Love The Google Doodle! - Mars

2008-06-01T16:53:00.004+01:00

Google celebrated Spirit on Mars by showing this image on January 15 2004. Last week Nasa celebrated activity on Mars. Oh, la,la!

I Love The Google Doodle! - Mount Everest

2008-05-29T20:42:00.013+01:00

I have never climbed anything very high, but what I have climbed has been an experience money cannot buy...Pen-y-Fan in South Wales is great but you can easily get lost in the sudden fog. Among other hills I also have been in the Andes (Peru) but the journey was done mostly by car! My father drove us up to the devastated earthquake area as he went to supervise some relief work. I will never forget the sounds and the sights, the scorpions and the very narrow mountain roads. If my little experiences have been exhilarating then what it must be like to climb up some of th ese wonderful mountains. Overwhelming and mind blowing comes to mind!

The Best of British - Faggots and Peas!

2008-05-20T19:42:00.013+01:00

Faggots and peas, potatoes and gravy

Mmmmm.....at home or at a cafe in Wales!!!

Ideal with a cup of tea!!

Ager (namesake) - Anger?!

2008-05-19T22:05:00.011+01:00

Searching the web for images with my surname (Ager)

I came across grrrr as a symbol for anger,
I don't think I can be considered an angry person -
only when it matters!
Why is Jesus angry in the above Bible reading?
...by the way, he is not the only one!

I Love The Google Doodle! - Walter Gropius

2008-05-18T20:26:00.008+01:00

125th Anniversary

Walter Gropius
German Architect
1883-1969

Ager (namesake) - Birthday Cake

2008-05-17T13:01:00.008+01:00

If you know who or what is an M-ager then please let me know?

Is it something to do with age, as in Teen-ager?
Nice cake anyway, can I have one for my birthday in pink, please?

I Love The Google! - Laser

2008-05-16T15:45:00.009+01:00

You can just about read the word Google.
Were you born in 1960? so was the first laser!

Ager (namesake) - Air Conditioning

2008-05-14T17:13:00.003+01:00

We demand air conditioning in all our houses...or is it environmentally un-friendly?

Ager (namesake) - Ager House

2008-05-13T21:34:00.008+01:00

What a story!

Click on picture to find out more about
"the most interesting Norwegian who ever migrated to America"

Special Dates in Christian Calendar - Pentecost

2008-05-11T00:17:00.000+01:00

A Miracle! Yes, A Miracle!
God's Holy Spirit Came
And We Are Not The Same
For He Touched Us
And filled Us With His Love
(Iva Lou Samples)

The writer of this chorus joined The Salvation Army at the age of six. Much later, Iva (born 12 May 1946) became an officer - a full time minister - and wrote her first songs in the style of the 'Joy Strings'

The verses go like this...
I've felt a new and loving touch
Upon my heart and soul;
I've felt God's love and wondrous power
Descend and make me whole.

I now have seen his greatness,
I now can comprehend
The wonders of his matchless love,
A love that will not end.

I can't express by words alone
What he now means to me;
But O I want to shout to all
That Christ gives victory!

Through my research I noted that Iva whose song I am quoting this Pentecost, was born at this time of the year, and she tells us neatly what this special day is about. I like the words and catchy tune but would rather not shout to all! I can see what she means though!

I Love The Google! - Mother's Day

2008-05-10T13:59:00.016+01:00

Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday
is a worldwide celebration of mothers
which takes place at different times of the year.
See list of dates round the world
Most countries will be celebrating tomorrow May 11
Designers have produced a variety of logos for such an occasion!

I Love The Google! - Japan

2008-05-06T11:00:00.009+01:00

Yesterday, in Japan, it was Children's Day
According to The Canadian Press, Japan is having huge problems because of the lack of children about and will continue to have many problems into the future.

The Best of British - BBC Plays and Drama

2008-05-04T13:55:00.008+01:00

Costume dramas are one of the things, in my opinion, the BBC does best.
click on picture to find out more about The Virgin Queen

I Love The Google! - Teachers

2008-05-03T22:51:00.009+01:00

This design was used on MAY 3 2005
for National Teachers Day in USA
(see Wikipedia)

I Love The Google! - Voting

2008-05-02T12:55:00.005+01:00

Did you vote yesterday?

Many people in my town didn't because they say only one candidate delivered a leaflet, so they didn't have enough information to help them decide
What does this say about the voters and the candidates in my town?

I Love The Google! - today's design by Jeff Koons

2008-05-01T14:05:00.018+01:00

click here

for more information on Jeff Koons

you may not recognise his name but you probably know some of his controversial works!

The Best of British - Milk Delivered to Your Door!

2008-04-26T21:28:00.003+01:00

I used to like having the milk delivered to my door. Then it got expensive and supermarkets took over by making it easier and cheaper to buy it from them. Birds would sometimes break the lids with their beaks and steal the cream from the top of the creamier milk...Having milk delivered used to tell everyone if you were in, out or away! Milk is essential for the British cup of tea!

I Love The Google! - DNA

2008-04-25T13:15:00.005+01:00

This day, in 2003, was the 50th Anniversary of Understanding DNA

I Love The Google! - John Lennon and Me

2008-04-24T13:38:00.007+01:00

Any similarities are coincidental!
click here to see what I mean

I Love The Google! - St George's Day

2008-04-23T21:25:00.016+01:00

St George's Day

England National Day

Find out more about this day from Woodlands Junior School (Tonbridge in Kent)

I Love The Google! - Earth Day

2008-04-22T18:09:00.008+01:00

Earth Day - What is that all about? Google it and you'll find out!

The Best of British - HP Sauce

2008-04-21T23:17:00.002+01:00

HP Sauce is excellent when eating sausages, bacon, eggs, and black pudding. why not have it with an English breakfast! and don't forget your cup of tea. Lapsang Souchong tea (not an English tea) would go down well with anything fatty or salty!

The Best of British - Allotments!

2008-04-19T09:21:00.017+01:00

Allotments are gaining popularity once again

In parts of the UK such as London, they are
difficult to get due to lack of available land

You meet lots of other people, make new
friends, breathe fresh air, exercise your body
and enjoy a cup of tea ..
from a flask!

I recently ate leeks from a friends allotment,
they were delicious cooked with some butter!

The Best of British - Cricket!

2008-04-18T17:57:00.009+01:00

This is my friend.

Brian is passionate about cricket!

He is a cricketer in Australia! Yes, you heard right! These are great pictures and I am very happy, that Brian, a Salvation Army Officer, was willing to send me these photos.

Although Australia are, in cricket terms our rivals, don't worry Brian, we love you in the Lord!!!

Any tea?

The Best of British - Piers

2008-04-11T10:00:00.006+01:00

Memories of Sunday School outings and flasks of tea! are already flooding in ...

The Best of British - Queuing Up!

2008-04-10T21:36:00.006+01:00

Harry Potter fans in London started queuing up outside the shop three days before the book went on sale! Deathly Hallows or deathly queues? Can you spot anyone drinking tea?

The Best of British - The Royal Family

2008-04-09T15:23:00.009+01:00

Princess Diana would have been so proud of her boys!
Click here to find 'Princess Diana Tea'

The Best of British - The Beatles!

2008-04-08T15:52:00.005+01:00

Check out the world's most famous pedestrian crossing outside the Abbey Road Studios on Abbey Road in the centre of London, England...and then have a cup of tea!

The Best of British - Marmite!

2008-04-07T13:18:00.006+01:00

Marmite is great on toast. My favourite way to enjoy it is when spread onto brown bread, like irish soda or wholemeal bread. Holiday makers often take Marmite away with them. Whenever I have Marmite I also need a cup of tea!

The Best of British - Roast Beef Dinner

2008-04-06T14:31:00.010+01:00

Traditional Sunday dinner in homes and restaurants. Sauces like horseradish and mint go well with this roast and the dinner is even better when followed by a cup of tea!
John says he prefers coffee after a roast - there's always one!
Click on picture to see where this particular roast was cooked!

The Best of British - English Countryside

2008-04-05T00:04:00.004+01:00

Village Hotel - Maidstone - Kent

Charming English countryside just outside London

Plenty to do, to see, experience and enjoy

History, Culture, Gardens to stroll in
Can I get a pot of tea there?

The Best of British - Rain!

2008-04-04T10:20:00.003+01:00

You go on an outing, it starts to rain, umbrellas go up, and then you regroup...you go to a cafe for a hot cup of tea! Oh Yes!

The Best of British - Fish and Chips

2008-04-03T18:33:00.007+01:00

Nothing is tastier than fish and chips in paper and a cup of tea!

The Best of British - Cream Teas

2008-04-02T21:15:00.006+01:00

Scones, butter, jam, clotted cream
and lots of hot tea in pretty china cups!

My favourite part is pouring strong golden tea from a teapot!

Marta's Namesake - Map

2008-03-30T17:09:00.004+01:00

I am even a map...Oh, Yes!

Marta's Namesake - Fishing Village

2008-03-27T22:04:00.003Z

Click on picture for interesting information about this port in Lake Bolsena!

Marta's Namesake - Parakeet

2008-03-26T15:01:00.003Z

Find out more about this endangered Santa Marta Parakeet here!

Marta's Namesake - Auditorium

2008-03-24T12:53:00.007Z

This is the Marta Lourenço auditorium in the Museum of Science in Lisbon, Portugal.

The Lord is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

2008-03-23T23:52:00.002Z

Marta's Namesake - Anchor

2008-03-22T22:42:00.001Z

Marta Agustsdottir anchor

Marta's Namesake - Pastry Case

2008-03-21T23:36:00.001Z

Marta Pastry Case - Cherry finish wood base, gold finish aluminium profiles, forced air cooling system, sliding doors, light on all shelves. Height 860, width 1350, depth 1360
Price: £1,915.00 (Excluding: VAT at 17.5%)

Marta's Namesake - Opera

2008-03-19T22:47:00.003Z

Friedrich von Flotow (1812-1883) was a German composer. He is chiefly remembered for his opera Martha, which was popular at the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, but which is now rarely performed.

Marta's Namesake - Town

2008-03-17T17:33:00.002Z

Colombia's oldest town offers sea, sand, sun, rum and a faded colonial feel. Almost 500 years ago, Santa Marta was the first Colombian town founded by the Spaniards. Today it's a popular holiday town and jumping-off point for the superb Parque Nacional Tayrona, ancient Ciudad Perdida (Lost City), and the chilled beach hang-out and scuba diving center of Taganga.

Marta's Namesake - Cave

2008-03-15T19:45:00.004Z

Unusual House in Uruguay

2008-03-12T21:27:00.003Z

Whilst researching Uruguay I found this very unusual house which belongs to a well-known artist. I wonder what it looks like inside? Click here for more information.

Computers spreading in Uruguay!

2008-03-10T13:54:00.011Z

"Here it is!"

"This is what you do!"

"That's easy!"

"Can you do it?"

"We can do it!"

"Which button do I press?"

"Hooray!"

Born in Montevideo

2008-03-03T23:36:00.005Z

Love and Power

2008-03-02T00:23:00.002Z

And the gift of the Spirit is love,
yes, love and power, and power.

(love - great attachment to, affection for, to have passionate desire)
(power - ability or capacity to do anything)

God's love is powerful!

Hope

2008-02-26T21:18:00.005Z

And hope for the darkest hour
(a feeling of desire for something and confidence in the possibility of its fulfilment)

Could God be the source of your Hope?
Hint - click on the picture!

Healing

2008-02-25T09:52:00.002Z

And the gift of the Spirit is healing
(to be restored, repaired or treated back to health)

God's healing needs to be re-discovered!

Joy

2008-02-21T23:13:00.006Z

And a joy that will never cease

(a deep feeling or condition of happiness or contentment)

God's joy is pure bliss!

Gentleness

2008-02-18T11:07:00.006Z

And the fruit of the Spirit is gentleness
(Softness, tenderness, powerful character qualities!)

God's gentleness is great!

Peace

2008-02-18T10:45:00.004Z

And the fruit of the Spirit is peace

(state of harmony)

God's peace is unique!

Patience

2008-02-18T09:57:00.006Z

Now the fruit of the Spirit is patience

(the capacity for calmly enduring pain or trying situations)

God's patience is amazing!

Aboutbooks - Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austin

2008-02-15T18:24:00.008Z

Do you love me? Good question! I have been married for nearly 28 years so I should be well equipped to answer this question yet I don't know what to say. I love my husband very, very much, but if I start making a list it of all the things I like about him, that obviously attract me to him - is that the same as saying why I love him? I hope you are still with me!

I have actually never been able to answer this question except by saying that I don't know why I love him, I just know that I do!

When I think about it, if I said I loved him because of his DIY skills, his good looks or his money, then I might be in love with those things rather than him - and you know what people do when any of these things go, they might suddenly feel they are out of love! Perhaps like in Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, when Lucy (who had been secretly engaged to Edward for five years) suddenly switches her affections to his brother Robert who will now inherit the money! Had she actually been in love with Edward? Was she now in love with Robert?

Yesterday, today and tomorrow... Do you love me? This is a question that is always going to affect us and our families in some way or another. If you would like to think more about this subject why not watch my favourite film Sense and Sensibility, and see what you make of it.

Funnily enough, I have the same problem when trying to answer why I love God. I am a Christian who loves God passionately, but don't know why. I just know that I do. I could soon list all the reasons why I like him, why I like his company, and why I like to listen to him...

Valentine's Day 2008

2008-02-14T10:12:00.003Z

My daughter has recently left home for university, and I found it very hard to adjust to not seeing her every day. I have now been married for nearly 28 years (I married young!), but I'm realizing that, as time goes by, I can now concentrate on myself and our relationship. It's great! It's as if we're on honeymoon again! If you are in a similar situation - don't despair, there's hope!

Usually I have been too busy to even think about Valentine's Day! But this time I haven't! There was no need to spend a fortune, and I've been looking forward to the day. I made John a card, I bought him a gift from the coffee morning and jumble sale, a ready-meal on special offer, a sell-by lemon drizzle cake, and we're planning to watch a DVD tonight. So for under a fiver, it's cheap and cheerful, and he need never know!

He has just asked me about the possibility of him cooking dinner tonight... Hey, things are looking up!

Aboutbooks - Mountains and Molehills - Evening Primrose Oil and Starflower Oil...Why the blend?

2008-02-13T21:44:00.010Z

The doctor gave me a choice. I either take low dose aspirin or evening primrose oil. I decided on the evening primrose oil as it is a natural remedy which is believed to be very good for women. Good for hair, nails, skin, and conditions affecting womens health - and now they are saying it is good for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure.

If you research starflower oil you will find that it is considered an even better oil. But what grabbed my attention at the health store was when the assistant told me that the combination of the two oils made the evening primrose more effective than when taken on its own.

I am talking about this because I can see a similarity with my relationship with God that's worth sharing. On my own I am OK, I get by, I manage - but combined with God I know I am something else, let's say much improved!

If you would like to read more about the difference that God can make in your life - read Mountains and Molehills by Molly Dow (the Bishop of Carlisle's wife). It's a good book for £3.99 and lots of questions are answered.

Aboutbooks - Day and Hour Unknown!

2008-02-11T20:31:00.005Z

While searching for something else, I stumbled upon the titles of two books by Ronald Weinland entitled The Prophesied End-Time and 2008 - God's Final Witness. The first book intrigued me when it said that 'it had been written so that people might have some advance warning of what is coming ... not written to cause panic or frighten anyone, but as a warning so that you can be better prepared to face these things when the happen'.

These books are free and I can see why. Who would want to buy them? I laughed a lot, but you could easily cry at the rubbish this man writes. He basically ends his book by saying that unless you observe the Passover you will never make it. What could have been interesting reading quickly disintegrated into the writings of a man with a chip on his shoulder, a man on a mission to bring his own church back into observing the Sabbath, etc, etc. He rubbishes Christmas, Easter, the Trinity, and lots more. He is right on one thing though, as he prophesied at the beginning of both books - I did not like them one bit!

It's much better to read Mark 13 where Jesus puts the end times into perpective, and tells us how to live now:
Jesus said to them: Watch out that no-one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. Mark 13:5-6 NIV

Old and dying Christianity?

2008-02-07T11:41:00.000Z

I was SHOCKED today to read these quotes from The Healing Reawakening (Francis MacNutt):

Visiting London last year at Christmas time, our family had a hard time finding even a Christmas card, and the religious section of the bookstores was a tiny section mainly populated by a few books on spiritualism ... 44 percent of the British population no longer claim any religious affiliation (in 2000), and two-thirds of those 18 to 24 are nonreligious ... the general feeling you get is that Christianity is old and dying.

I already know these facts, but it was seeing them on paper - facts noticed by overseas visitors not that long ago! But I don't despair! However 'old and dying Christianity is' in the West just now, I take daily encouragement from my favourite prophet Elijah, who was often down-hearted and depressed, feeling he was one of the only ones left in the area to love and serve God. But God knew different!

Elijah was totally unaware that not far away thousands of worshippers were refusing to bow down to Baal... The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me too. 1 Kings 19:10 NIV

When shadows fall and dark the night...
Lord, grant me courage, make me strong,
however steep the way, and long. Song 719

The Rich Young Man

2008-02-04T20:00:00.000Z

The front page of this week's Salvationist (dated 2 February 2008) quotes a Bible verse from my second most favourite story. I have a love/hate relationship with it because I don't like sad endings! I love this story because a young man comes to Jesus asking questions, but I think the young man either got too complicated for his own good, or had already decided following Jesus was not for him. In the end I feel people who get the best out of their relationship with Jesus are those who keep things simple. People who were healed by Jesus generally came to him humbly and expectantly, and they were not disappointed.

Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth. Matthew 19:21-22 NIV

The young man found the pearl of greatest price, I wonder what stopped him selling up for it?

The Pearl Of Greatest Price

2008-02-01T19:07:00.000Z

My son Philip recently told me he was jealous of my simple and childlike faith. I'm currently going through my faith with a fine toothcomb to see exactly what he means. Maybe my simple and childlike faith is actually the Pearl of Greatest Price:

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46 NIV

Interestingly, these verses have been my all-time favourite parables! Food for thought, eh?

Welcome to my blog!

2008-01-31T20:31:00.000Z

I'm so pleased to join the world of bloggers! Watch this space!