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The Lounge / Re: Book recommendations please?
« Last post by Pip on Today at 09:21:47 AM »I've got a Kindle as well so I'll do a bit of research for you 
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2
The Lounge / Re: Members birthdays
« Last post by Amanda_George on Today at 06:36:20 AM »Time to blow out the candles on your 
today, mat!
today, mat!3
The Lounge / Book recommendations please?
« Last post by Amanda_George on May 09, 2024, 03:26:12 PM »I'm after some book recommendations that are either self-contained chapters (like the "confessions of..." series) or short stories on a similar theme. If they're on Kindle Unlimited then that would be ideal. No horror or thrillers or ghost stories or anything like that though or I'll never be able to sleep and when I collapse through sheer exhaustion I'll wake up screaming!
Humour would be ideal, but I've yet to find a book that hits the spot 100% as I've needed a sense of humour transplant.
I don't mind whether it's fiction or non-fiction, child, teen or adult... I just want something to get my teeth into and forget my life for a while.
I've got some on my Amazon wishlist but I'm going through those at a rate of knotts so rapidly need more ideas to replace them.
Psychology or philosophy would be grand as long as they are easy reads... basically hit me with the title and author so that I can go and have a look on Amazon.
Got a busy day tomorrow, but I'm aiming to read a book about the marshmallow test that Fergus recommended on Saturday.
So come on, give me some ideas please!
Humour would be ideal, but I've yet to find a book that hits the spot 100% as I've needed a sense of humour transplant.
I don't mind whether it's fiction or non-fiction, child, teen or adult... I just want something to get my teeth into and forget my life for a while.
I've got some on my Amazon wishlist but I'm going through those at a rate of knotts so rapidly need more ideas to replace them.
Psychology or philosophy would be grand as long as they are easy reads... basically hit me with the title and author so that I can go and have a look on Amazon.
Got a busy day tomorrow, but I'm aiming to read a book about the marshmallow test that Fergus recommended on Saturday.
So come on, give me some ideas please!
4
Christian / Re: Devotions
« Last post by Pip on May 09, 2024, 11:48:28 AM »https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2023/07/07/when-satan-tempts-you-to-despair?utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotions&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9j7yUxQWsPy89VbLhyNhh6MNFLQA08mC2iLeimdI8aoWW8Cb2HWcbnlHNfs_gB08WJAGpqs018NSygcWzOhF-OOTjQZQ&_hsmi=263211576&utm_content=263211576&utm_source=hs_email#disqus_thread
When Satan Tempts You To Despair
July 7, 2023
by Asheritah Ciuciu
“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34 (NIV)
For years, most of my prayer journal entries started with confessing the same sin struggle over and over again. Few things are as humbling as facing a long record of your own shortcomings in black and white. For some of us, that record is physically written in our own handwriting. For others, it’s evoked by mental flashbacks to past behaviors we’d rather forget. For still others, it’s whispered by the enemy, who tells us all the ways we fall short. I’m reminded of the old hymn “Before the Throne of God Above”: “When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look and see Him there Who made an end of all my sin.”
There really is an accuser who hurls allegations against God’s people before God (Zechariah 3:1-2; Revelation 12:10). And let’s be honest: We all sin. Most of those allegations are probably deserved. But do you know who now stands before God's throne, interceding on our behalf?
Jesus. Thanks be to God that Jesus is standing right there defending us before the Father. Not because our good deeds outweigh our bad ones. We have no hope of that. But because Jesus offers His own perfect righteousness to cover all our sins: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).
We will still struggle against sin as long as we live in these earthly bodies. And it’s healthy to keep short accounts by regularly confessing our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. But we do not have to struggle alone. In the fight against our own flesh and the forces of evil, God equips us with the breastplate of righteousness to stand against the enemy's schemes: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place …” (Ephesians 6:14, NIV).
The wonder of the breastplate of righteousness is that it is not our own righteousness that protects us: It's the perfect righteousness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). What shields your core the very center of your being, the most vulnerable place an enemy would try to attack you is not your own ability to do the right thing. In that case, our breastplates would be full of holes where sin struggles have eaten through like rust. Rather, the protection that covers our front and back is the titanium-strength, sin-proof, perfect, spotless righteousness of Jesus. Like Adam and Eve trying to cover themselves with fig leaves in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:7), we could never cover ourselves with our own righteousness. It’s only the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God that covers us from head to toe.
When God the Father looks at you and me, He sees Jesus’ perfect righteousness, not our own repeated failures. Hallelujah! What a wonderful and merciful Savior! So let’s come boldly before the throne of God to receive mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Let’s put on Jesus’ righteousness by confessing our sin struggles and receiving His forgiveness and grace. We can ask Him to prepare us for battle as we put to death the sins of the flesh and walk in obedience to His Spirit. And we can rest in the victory of Christ Jesus as we continue walking in His righteousness day by day.
When Satan Tempts You To Despair
July 7, 2023
by Asheritah Ciuciu
“Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8:34 (NIV)
For years, most of my prayer journal entries started with confessing the same sin struggle over and over again. Few things are as humbling as facing a long record of your own shortcomings in black and white. For some of us, that record is physically written in our own handwriting. For others, it’s evoked by mental flashbacks to past behaviors we’d rather forget. For still others, it’s whispered by the enemy, who tells us all the ways we fall short. I’m reminded of the old hymn “Before the Throne of God Above”: “When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look and see Him there Who made an end of all my sin.”
There really is an accuser who hurls allegations against God’s people before God (Zechariah 3:1-2; Revelation 12:10). And let’s be honest: We all sin. Most of those allegations are probably deserved. But do you know who now stands before God's throne, interceding on our behalf?
Jesus. Thanks be to God that Jesus is standing right there defending us before the Father. Not because our good deeds outweigh our bad ones. We have no hope of that. But because Jesus offers His own perfect righteousness to cover all our sins: “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died more than that, who was raised to life is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34).
We will still struggle against sin as long as we live in these earthly bodies. And it’s healthy to keep short accounts by regularly confessing our sin and receiving God’s forgiveness. But we do not have to struggle alone. In the fight against our own flesh and the forces of evil, God equips us with the breastplate of righteousness to stand against the enemy's schemes: “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place …” (Ephesians 6:14, NIV).
The wonder of the breastplate of righteousness is that it is not our own righteousness that protects us: It's the perfect righteousness of Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21). What shields your core the very center of your being, the most vulnerable place an enemy would try to attack you is not your own ability to do the right thing. In that case, our breastplates would be full of holes where sin struggles have eaten through like rust. Rather, the protection that covers our front and back is the titanium-strength, sin-proof, perfect, spotless righteousness of Jesus. Like Adam and Eve trying to cover themselves with fig leaves in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:7), we could never cover ourselves with our own righteousness. It’s only the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God that covers us from head to toe.
When God the Father looks at you and me, He sees Jesus’ perfect righteousness, not our own repeated failures. Hallelujah! What a wonderful and merciful Savior! So let’s come boldly before the throne of God to receive mercy and grace in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). Let’s put on Jesus’ righteousness by confessing our sin struggles and receiving His forgiveness and grace. We can ask Him to prepare us for battle as we put to death the sins of the flesh and walk in obedience to His Spirit. And we can rest in the victory of Christ Jesus as we continue walking in His righteousness day by day.
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Fun Stuff / Free holiday
« Last post by Pip on May 09, 2024, 11:40:06 AM »A travel agent looked up from his desk to see an older lady and an older gentleman peering in the shop window at the posters showing the glamorous destinations around the world. The agent had had a good week and the dejected couple looking in the window gave him a feeling of generosity. He called them into his shop and said, "I have a surprise for you. I am sending you off to a fabulous resort at my expense, and I won't take no for an answer."
He took them inside and asked his secretary to write two flight tickets and book a room in a five star hotel. They, as can be expected, gladly accepted, and were on their way. About a month later the little lady came in to his shop. "And how did you like your holiday?" he asked eagerly.
"The flight was exciting and the room was lovely," she said. "I've come to thank you. But, one thing puzzled me. Who was that old guy I had to share the room with?"
He took them inside and asked his secretary to write two flight tickets and book a room in a five star hotel. They, as can be expected, gladly accepted, and were on their way. About a month later the little lady came in to his shop. "And how did you like your holiday?" he asked eagerly.
"The flight was exciting and the room was lovely," she said. "I've come to thank you. But, one thing puzzled me. Who was that old guy I had to share the room with?"
6
Fun Stuff / Memo from company's Director General to Manager
« Last post by Pip on May 09, 2024, 11:37:22 AM »Memo from company's Director General to Manager:
Today at 11 o'clock there will be a total eclipse of the sun. This is when the sun disappears behind the moon for two minutes. As this is something that cannot be seen every day, time will be allowed for employees to view the eclipse in the car park. Staff should meet in the car park at ten to eleven, when I will deliver a short speech introducing the eclipse, and giving some background information. Safety goggles will be made available at a small cost.
Memo from Manager to Department Head:
Today at ten to eleven, all staff should meet in the car park. This will be followed by a total eclipse of the sun, which will disappear for two minutes. For a moderate cost, this will be made safe with goggles. The Director General will deliver a short speech beforehand to give us all some background information. This is not something that can be seen every day.
Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:
The Director General will today deliver a short speech to make the sun disappear for two minutes in the eclipse. This is something that can not be seen every day, so staff will meet in the car park at ten or eleven. This will be safe, if you pay a moderate cost.
Memo From Floor Manager to Supervisor:
Ten or eleven staff are to go to the car park, where the Director General will eclipse the sun for two minutes. This doesn't happen every day. It will be safe, but it will cost you.
Memo from Supervisor to staff:
Some staff will go to the car park today to see the Director General disappear. It is a pity this doesn't happen every day.
Today at 11 o'clock there will be a total eclipse of the sun. This is when the sun disappears behind the moon for two minutes. As this is something that cannot be seen every day, time will be allowed for employees to view the eclipse in the car park. Staff should meet in the car park at ten to eleven, when I will deliver a short speech introducing the eclipse, and giving some background information. Safety goggles will be made available at a small cost.
Memo from Manager to Department Head:
Today at ten to eleven, all staff should meet in the car park. This will be followed by a total eclipse of the sun, which will disappear for two minutes. For a moderate cost, this will be made safe with goggles. The Director General will deliver a short speech beforehand to give us all some background information. This is not something that can be seen every day.
Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:
The Director General will today deliver a short speech to make the sun disappear for two minutes in the eclipse. This is something that can not be seen every day, so staff will meet in the car park at ten or eleven. This will be safe, if you pay a moderate cost.
Memo From Floor Manager to Supervisor:
Ten or eleven staff are to go to the car park, where the Director General will eclipse the sun for two minutes. This doesn't happen every day. It will be safe, but it will cost you.
Memo from Supervisor to staff:
Some staff will go to the car park today to see the Director General disappear. It is a pity this doesn't happen every day.
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The Lounge / Re: Members birthdays
« Last post by Amanda_George on May 08, 2024, 08:18:37 AM »It's your turn today, niz!
9
Because I couldn't unplug the toilet with a plunger, I had to dismantle the entire fixture, no small feat for a non-plumber. Jammed inside the drain was a purple rubber dinosaur, which belonged to my five-year-old son. I painstakingly got all the toilet parts together again, the tank filled, and I flushed it. However, it didn't work much better than before! As I pondered what to do next, my son walked into the bathroom. I pointed to the purple dinosaur I had just dislodged and told him that the toilet still wasn't working. "Did you get the green one, too?" he asked.
10
Christian / Re: Devotions
« Last post by Pip on May 07, 2024, 07:27:59 PM »https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2023/07/06/slip-away-and-pray?utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotions&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_2J1KPjcIO_xRwQJHgGNY6XMvfHOUqQD3VChB4kTvxlYrDU-eHDIuK3yUbbQiV4LW3zImlClFUSY-W8rHoslpbA6TePQ&_hsmi=263210111&utm_content=263210111&utm_source=hs_email#disqus_thread
Slip Away and Pray
July 6, 2023
by Anitha Abraham
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 (NIV)
After months of planning, my sister, Binu, and I finally had a chance to grab dinner with a particular group of friends. The Thai food was delicious plus, the conversation was fun and meaningful. Before we could even start thinking about what sugary item we should end our evening with, Binu spoke up: “Hey, ladies, when we’re done, maybe we could all get in my van and pray!”
If you knew Binu, you wouldn't find this shocking. First of all, she loves her van. We have taken many a road trip in it. Secondly, she loves to pray. Her sons have often come home from school to find her praying in their room. She still does this even though they are in college and living away from home during the semester. When I call her to “vent” about troubles in my life, she listens, advises and says, “Why don’t we pray?”
Then she goes straight to God’s throne room with me on the phone. For big and small things, I will often get a text from her asking for prayer. She believes in the power of prayer and lives it out. So after dinner that night, instead of going somewhere for dessert, we all hopped in Binu’s van to pray. I’ll admit I was ready to go home and get in my pajamas, but I knew Binu had chosen the better thing time with the Lord. We took turns sharing our needs along with the needs of people around us. One by one, we prayed over those requests. The atmosphere was ripe with God's power. The Holy Spirit was truly moving among us in that van. Praying seems easy, but honestly, it can be hard for me. When I see how intentional Binu is about prayer, I am inspired. But even more so, did you know Jesus was intentional about prayer?
“… Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16, emphasis added).
“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23a, NIV).
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35, NIV).
Jesus the second Person of the Trinity, the one and only Son of God made time to pray. I am thankful for the Apostle Paul’s charge later in Scripture to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV). This invites us into an all-day conversation with God, no matter what we are doing. But the examples of Jesus' prayers in the Gospels are very telling as well. While I have no doubt He was in constant dialogue with His Father, the fact that Jesus still slipped away to pray, often in solitude, sets an example for us. If Jesus prayed in this manner, shouldn’t I?
I don’t want to miss out on time with God by not slipping away. I want what was said of my sister and my Savior to be said of me that I often withdraw to pray.
Slip Away and Pray
July 6, 2023
by Anitha Abraham
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Luke 5:16 (NIV)
After months of planning, my sister, Binu, and I finally had a chance to grab dinner with a particular group of friends. The Thai food was delicious plus, the conversation was fun and meaningful. Before we could even start thinking about what sugary item we should end our evening with, Binu spoke up: “Hey, ladies, when we’re done, maybe we could all get in my van and pray!”
If you knew Binu, you wouldn't find this shocking. First of all, she loves her van. We have taken many a road trip in it. Secondly, she loves to pray. Her sons have often come home from school to find her praying in their room. She still does this even though they are in college and living away from home during the semester. When I call her to “vent” about troubles in my life, she listens, advises and says, “Why don’t we pray?”
Then she goes straight to God’s throne room with me on the phone. For big and small things, I will often get a text from her asking for prayer. She believes in the power of prayer and lives it out. So after dinner that night, instead of going somewhere for dessert, we all hopped in Binu’s van to pray. I’ll admit I was ready to go home and get in my pajamas, but I knew Binu had chosen the better thing time with the Lord. We took turns sharing our needs along with the needs of people around us. One by one, we prayed over those requests. The atmosphere was ripe with God's power. The Holy Spirit was truly moving among us in that van. Praying seems easy, but honestly, it can be hard for me. When I see how intentional Binu is about prayer, I am inspired. But even more so, did you know Jesus was intentional about prayer?
“… Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Luke 5:16, emphasis added).
“After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray” (Matthew 14:23a, NIV).
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed” (Mark 1:35, NIV).
Jesus the second Person of the Trinity, the one and only Son of God made time to pray. I am thankful for the Apostle Paul’s charge later in Scripture to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, ESV). This invites us into an all-day conversation with God, no matter what we are doing. But the examples of Jesus' prayers in the Gospels are very telling as well. While I have no doubt He was in constant dialogue with His Father, the fact that Jesus still slipped away to pray, often in solitude, sets an example for us. If Jesus prayed in this manner, shouldn’t I?
I don’t want to miss out on time with God by not slipping away. I want what was said of my sister and my Savior to be said of me that I often withdraw to pray.