Dear Friends,
The world is an awful place just now – I lose my family for what? – What is our world coming
to? This world is a mess – What is the purpose, what has it achieved? – In all my life, I do not
think I have ever been so concerned as now. The above have all been expressed by different
individuals, in despair about the uncertain times we are living in. Indeed, watching or
listening to the news, or reading about current affairs, these are troubling times: The
dysfunctional political landscapes, deliberate misinformation, climate change, wars, and so
many tragic events and circumstances beyond comprehension, conspire together to arouse
feelings of anxiety, and despair. It is pointless singling out any situation, as by the time you
read this, something else would have overtaken it. Yet even though it is almost impossible to
digest and keep up with, all that is unfolding in our world, as Christians we can keep hope
alive as God is still in control; He can and does pour out his blessings in unlikely places and
from unlikely sources.
In Psalm 23, a well-known and inspirational psalm, hope is what the psalmist experienced
even in the most extreme of situations causing him to conclude that even if he goes through
the deepest darkness, he would not be afraid. Why? Because he puts his trust in God, the
good Shepherd and he is never disappointed. He goes on to say: I know that your goodness
and love will be with me all the days of my life Psalm 23:6. Like the psalmist we too can
always hope in God the good Shepherd who walks with us and alongside us in all the
changing scenes of life.
Friends as we journey through the highs and lows of this world let us be intentional in
practicing spiritual, emotional, and physical, self-care. Some useful tips to help: For spiritual
self-care read scripture and pray at sets times and as you go about your daily activities, have
fellowship with other believers and stay connected with God who knows more than us what
is best for us and what is best for the world.
To help with emotional self-care seek ways of easing loneliness and anxiety. Research has
shown that on average 1in 6 people worldwide is affected by loneliness and social isolation
(WHO June 2025). In the UK 1 in 14, aged 65+, is affected, with significant impacts on
health and wellbeing (Age UK, December 2024). To combat loneliness and enhance the sense
of belonging please stay connected with friends and family –As you connect let them know
how much you appreciate them.
Physically get involve with activities you can do and find enjoyable doing, for instance
walking, dancing, gardening, and joining a community group. Also be available to help
others, and enjoy the beauty and richness of nature
Whatever you do, please take care of yourself and each other.
Every blessing
Irene
Some jokes to lighten your mood:
Jane (age 5) asked her granny how she was. Granny replied: I am so old, I do not remember
anymore. Jane said: ‘if you do not remember look in the back of your panty. Mine says five to
six.’
Freddie (age 4) was listening to a Bible Story. His dad read: The man named Lot was warned
to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned to salt.
Concerned Freddie asked: ‘What happened to the flea?’
In a school at lunch time the pupils lined up for their lunch. On the counter were some apples
in a bowl with a note in front of saying: ‘Take only one because God is watching. So, one
child put this notice on the other bowl with sweets: ‘Take all you can, God is watching the
apples.’
I saw a youth stealing my neighbour’s clothes from his washing line. I asked: ‘what do you
think you are doing? He replied: ‘I am shopping online.’
One Sunday a lady fell asleep in church, the pastor said to the man sitting next to her: ‘please
wake that lady up.’ The man replied: ‘Sorry pastor you put her to sleep – you wake her up.’
Photo taken by Alison Hale in her garden-enjoy!
