Counting our blessings

Thank you for being part of this ‘daily reflection’ community, which has been a blessing in itself through our weeks of restricted living. Judy Williams (from St. Mary’s Caerhun) helps us to count our blessings today, especially resonant with those of us who are fortunate enough to live in such a beautiful place. But wherever you are reading this, know that if you are able to take a moment of reflection, then God will bring to mind the things that he has given us, and the kind of peace that only his blessing can give.

Many of you will remember our previous curate Martin, Vicky and their family. We continue to pray for them in this great extended Bro Celynnin family!

A blessing indeed.

 

Thank you for the daily reflections,
here is a greeting from the Pritchard household!

Much love to you all at this tough time.
It was two years ago since we were with you,
which was a most precious year indeed and we thank you and wish everybody well! 
Martin and Vicky Pritchard

 

 

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Bellach, gyfeillion, beth bynnag sydd yn wir, beth bynnag sydd yn anrhydeddus, beth bynnag sydd yn gyfiawn a phur, beth bynnag sydd yn hawddgar a chanmoladwy, pob rhinwedd a phopeth yn haeddu clod, myfyriwch ar y pethau hyn. Y pethau yr ydych wedi eu dysgu a’u derbyn, eu clywed a’u gweled, ynof fi, gwnewch y rhain; a bydd Duw’r tangnefedd gyda chwi.

Philipiad 4: 8-9

Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4: 8-9

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Judy Williams writes:

I awoke one morning with a feeling of heaviness and foreboding. The news the night before had been particularly negative. The number of deaths due to the virus had increased dramatically, there was difficulty in obtaining the PPE for the frontline NHS staff and the economy had plummeted. No end to the enforced lockdown in sight. 
 
I felt it was going to be a bad day, but after breakfast I opened the front door and looked. There were the hills bathed in sunshine and I felt truly chastened. The words of that lovely old hymn that the saints of old sang came to mind:-
 

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
 
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your blessings, see what God hath done;
Count your blessings, name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
 
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
 
So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

And so, I actually did count my blessings. Yes, we are isolating and cannot see friends, family or grandchildren, but we have phones, FaceTime and Messenger. No, we cannot go out but we are isolating in a beautiful part of the country, with gardens and views around us. No, we cannot go shopping, but food is being brought by family and milk now comes in bottles! And the good news is: now we have time to tend the garden, do those chores that have been collecting, read those books lying on the shelves.
 
And it’s Easter. The tomb is empty, He is risen, He is alive. He has overcome sin, death, the world and the devil, and one day He will return in glory. We can always remember that, however bleak things might appear, God is in charge – our God reigns!

And so we pray for that ability to keep looking upwards. It is then when we recognise and feel God’s blessing. 

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Gweddi
Annwyl Iesu Grist,
helpa ni i dynnu ein llygaid oddi wrth ein gilydd ac edrych arnat ti
am dy fod ti ydyw ein cymorth a nerth mewn amser drwg. Amen

Prayer
Lord Jesus,
help us to take our eyes off ourselves and focus on you
for you are our help and strength in times of trouble. Amen

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Click here for previous daily reflections from our Ministry Team.

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