Lenten W.O.F

That's right, a Lenten Warrant of Fitness!
This is a quick check to see how our preparations for Easter are going, especially as they relate to Lent and our reflection of our life, prayer, and relationships.

The natural disasters have certainly left us with a heaviness, maybe we have thought about our life' priorities or simply moved a little closer to those we love through more time, contact, or a phone call. the other response is to withdraw in fear. or confusion, or numbness to life's trauma and challenge.

So it would be fair to say most of us have been a part of a 'Lenten' experience on a much bigger and deeper level, I know our services and prayers have been more focused, and emotional. If I was to add anything, it would be to ask if you haven't already, "How are your relationships with those closest to you? Is there anything you can do to improve them, move closer or deeper or just give some appreciation?

Know you are loved - that is the key message of Easter.
Take care -God Bless

Pa Richard

Friends

Friends are fantastic, many songs and poems, sayings, and photos reflect the importance of friendships to us.
It is important to be a good friend, and this can be hard when our friend is hurting, sad, or angry, what do we do then?

Keep talking and more importantly listening. Sometimes just being there means alot in tough times, sometimes a laugh, or an understanding look.

Some useful phrases if you are unsure of our to approach someone are:

• Not having a great day?
• You O.K?
• Sorry things are so tough at the moment, you know I'm here for you!
• Is it O.K if I sit here?
• Do you want to come for a walk?
• Use humour that is appropriate and that shifts the focus a little.

So what do we do when we are in a mess? It can be really really hard to break out can't it?

Sometimes we need our friends to help us and if we have been mean we may need to say sorry