In the March edition of Bozeat Matters I enclosed this prayer and I wrote about how God cares for us and encourages us not to worry about things that crop up in our lives.
Dear God
Help me not to fear the future, but to trust you when my emotions plunge me downwards and I am in despair.
When times are so bad that I can’t talk and don’t know what to say, help me to know that you are there.
Be my comforter, my healer and bring me peace.
Amen.
Little did I know that I would be in a position to practice what I was ‘preaching’!
In March I was diagnosed with breast cancer and knew there would be the round of appointments, biopsies, and MRI scans…which then resulted in a mastectomy.
When the diagnosis was delivered I was fearful of the outcome, I didn’t sleep that first night and I planned what I wanted at my funeral!
I shared the diagnosis with our family, and then told my TLC family, (who prayed for me each Sunday) and close friends and they all assured me of their prayers, as did so many people.
A verse from Proverbs Chapter 3 verse 5 meant such a lot to me. ‘Trust in the Lord and do not depend on your own understanding.’ I would repeat it whenever I became anxious and as time went on I felt upheld and supported and didn’t lose any more sleep! I felt God’s presence with me and when I got anxious I would remember that verse….I didn’t know….but God did…. and I could rely on Him.
I had the operation in June. I obviously wouldn’t know the outcome for some time, but I still felt at peace.
Then early in July the consultant rang me, as she was going on holiday the next day, and she wanted to let me know how it had gone. She told me it was a complete success and there was no need for chemotherapy or radiotherapy! Thank you, God.
I’ve never been to Israel but I’m told that the Sea of Galilee can be peaceful and calm one moment but suddenly a storm will come from nowhere.
The disciples experienced this one day and were in great fear of their lives as waves were washing over their boat. But Jesus was with them asleep and unaware, the disciples woke Him in great distress, afraid that they would drown. He commanded the wind and waves to stop and all was calm. The disciples were amazed and wondered what kind of man He was!
We used to sing a song with the children at Sunday School……With Jesus in the boat we can smile at the storm!
If you have God’s presence in your life He makes it more possible to ‘smile at the storm’.
Our Church, TLC, the Little Chapel with a Big Heart, is situated in Dychurch Lane, NN29 7JP.
We continue to meet on the first Sunday of every month for Bitesize@10.
Come and share some informal time with us over a bacon roll, tea, coffee and juices. We chat and catch up on each other's good news, then have a short ‘Thought for the Day’ to see us through the week!
The door is open and all are welcome. Come and bring a friend!
Every other Sunday in the month we meet at 2.30pm. We are a friendly bunch of folk, we don’t stand on ceremony, so come and share this hour with us.
You will be made most welcome.
Saturday 7thand Sunday and 8th October is our Harvest Festival weekend, when we thank God for all He provides for us and remember those who do not have some of the necessities of life that we enjoy.
On Saturday evening we are holding a Curry with Company evening at 6pm. (There will be a non spicy alternative too!)
Look out on Facebook for details nearer the time.
Our preacher on Sunday will be Rev Holly Horspole, curate of St Mary’s benefice.
Tea will be served after the service….come and join us.
Coffee Morning is held every Thursday from 10 am to 11.30.
Tea, coffee, biscuits and even toast, if you haven’t managed breakfast, are served.
Jan and her team will be delighted to welcome you. Bring a friend and make new friends!
Date for your diary….The Big Macmillan Coffee Morning will be held at TLC on Thursday 20th September at 10am. Come and support this very worthwhile charity which has helped and supported millions of cancer sufferers and their families over the years since it’s inception in 1911.