Update 10 April 2021:
We hope you have enjoyed the Uplifting Moments page on the website.
With lockdown restrictions now easing and having celebrated the joy of Easter Day, we feel it is a good time to stop posting daily. All contributions are still available below, to explore and discover!
Many thanks to everyone who contributed. What more wonderful words can we say than: Our Lord is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Sunday 28 March
The Gift of the Holy Spirit
What more of an uplifting thought can we have than this … whenever we feel down, miserable, frightened or alone, God’s Holy Spirit is there to strengthen, guide and uphold us.
And the fruits of his Holy Spirit (Galatians 5 22-23) are these : love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Like a basket of fruit, they are rich in colour, fragrant and there to be shared.
Listen to ‘Breath on me, Breath of God’ and ask God to fill you with his Holy Spirit:
Monday 29 March
God’s Holy Spirit gives us: Peace
When we let the Holy Spirit into our lives we are flooded with an overwhelming sense of peace. As Paul says in Philippians 4v4-7, “Never worry about anything, but tell God all your desires of every kind in prayer……and the peace of God which is beyond our understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
Listen to this clip, relax as you watch the video and feel God’s deep, inner peace.
Tuesday 30 March
God’s Holy Spirit gives us: Goodness
In his life’s ministry, Jesus went around doing good. He is known as the good shepherd, guiding and caring for all people. God’s Holy Spirit in us gives us the, “fruit of goodness” letting us mirror Jesus in the way in which we live our lives. Overflowing goodness allows us to reach out to others with genuine love and compassion in their difficulties and pain. This past year has been incredibly hard and painful but take a moment to think of all the random acts of goodness you have seen or experienced and be uplifted.
Wednesday 31 March
God’s Holy Spirit gives us: Gentleness & Kindness
Throughout this pandemic we have witnessed the extraordinary kindness and gentleness of those on the frontline not only caring for those critically ill but also standing in for husbands, wives, sons and daughters, unable to be at their loved ones’ bedsides. The care they have given has reached far beyond their call of duty. We have seen as a society how the people who are often valued the least, in terms of their renumeration, are so often the very people we depend upon and need.
At the Last Supper, Jesus tenderly washed his disciples’ feet (a job normally done by a servant) and in so doing showed us that we too must serve each other; that we must wash each other’s dirty feet with equal love and tenderness!
Listen to ‘The Servant King’:
Thursday 1 April
God’s Holy Spirit gives us: Faithfulness & Self-control
Here, in the Garden of Gethsemane we witness Jesus’ pain of knowing what is to come. Despite this inner turmoil, (“In great anguish he prayed … his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground”, Luke 22v44) he didn’t shirk what he knew he had to go through. Instead, he remained faithful to his Father’s will, “If this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
How faithful were his disciples? Jesus asks them to stand by him, to stay awake and pray. Yet three times he returns to the to find them sleeping.
How faithful are we? Are we like the disciples, “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak?” (Matthew 26v41) or are we like Jesus, ready to do our fathers’ will?
One thing is sure, God’s faithfulness is never ending.
Listen to ‘Great is Thy faithfulness’ – and sing along!
Friday 2 April
God’s Holy Spirit gives us: Love
People do extraordinary things for friends and loved ones; sometimes for complete strangers. I’m sure we all know of people who have donated a kidney, blood or bone marrow to save the life of someone else. Total, unselfish giving; putting themselves through pain and suffering in the process. But they do it to bring life and to give a new beginning. And today, Good Friday, Jesus gives his life for us so that we too may be healed, cleansed, restored, forgiven.
John 15 v 13: “There is no greater love than this that a man should lay down his life for his friends.”
When I survey the wondrous cross
Were you there when they crucified my Lord?
Is He Worthy?
There is a green hill far away
My, Lord, what love is this?
Saturday 3 April
God’s Holy Spirit gives us: Patience
Between Good Friday and Easter Day, it’s a long, difficult day of waiting.
The disciples were eager to go to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with special spices. And we too are coming through a long period of waiting; a period of longing. We are impatient to see family and friends; we are looking forward to being able to gather together again and hug each other.
God’s Holy Spirit helps us endure things with patience, in the knowledge that even if times are dark and uncertain, we can wait expectantly and in the sure knowledge of the light of a new dawn.
Sunday 4 April
God’s Holy Spirit gives us: Joy
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
After a day of waiting and anguish, we can barely imagine the feelings of Mary, Salome and Mary, as they make their way to Jesus’ tomb very early in the morning. It was before sunrise. Mark tells us that “the first streaks of light were beginning to be seen in the sky” but their hearts were still clouded in darkness, overwhelmed by grief, fear, despair and hopelessness. How had everything come to this? How had all that Jesus had promised end like this?
And yet this is just what he had promised.
Imagine their surprise and utter amazement to find the huge stone rolled away; to find the tomb empty; to be told to go and tell the disciples that Jesus was alive ………. that he had risen!
We too know that JOY of the risen Lord today.
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Hallelujah!
And we know that through any dark, difficult and uncertain times there is always the promise of the light of a new dawn. God’s light will break through, banish all darkness and fill us with his joy.
Thine be the Glory!
Jesus Christ is Risen Today
How Great Thou Art
Previous Weeks’ Uplifting Moments:
Sunday 21 March
Monday 22 March
Tuesday 23 March
Wednesday 24 March
Thursday 25 March
Friday 26 March
Saturday 27 March
Sunday 14 March
When we come through this pandemic, we’ll all be doing this…..and just as excitedly!
(Click the image to reach the video)
Jesus said, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My commandment is this: love one another just as I love you.‘” John 15 v 11
Monday 15 March
There is literally light at the end of the tunnel!
This immersive light installation outside St Guy’s hospital was unveiled last Monday, representing a beacon going forward and a glowing tribute to the tireless work of NHS and frontline staff in fighting coronavirus.
Listen to “Christ, be our light” by Bernadette Farrell:
Longing for light, we wait in darkness
Longing for truth, we turn to You.
Make us Your own, Your holy people
Light for the world to see.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in Your church gathered today.
Longing for peace, our world is troubled
Longing for hope, many despair.
Your word alone has pow’r to save us.
Make us your living voice.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in Your church gathered today.
Longing for food, many are hungry
Longing for water, many still thirst.
Make us Your bread, broken for others
Shared until all are fed.Christ, be our light!
Shine in our hearts.
Shine through the darkness.
Christ, be our light!
Shine in…
Tuesday 16 March
Listen to this lovely version of, “You raise me up” by Josh Groban sung by 200 young people:
Wednesday 17 March
What a truly wonderful realisation
Thursday 18 March
Such vibrancy and splendour in God’s creation
Friday 19 March
Who do you find inspiring?
Deaf and blind at the age of 19 months, Helen Keller overcame all obstacles in her life to become a passionate campaigner for the rights of disabled people.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.”
Saturday 20 March
Sunday 7 March
Spring is finally here, and hopefully the sun will shine all day!
Monday 8 March
“Is He Worthy?” – A beautiful song sung by many, despite lockdown:
Tuesday 9 March
Bless the Lord, O my soul…
Wednesday 10 March
For the Beauty of the Earth…
Thursday 11 March
Friday 12 March
Saturday 13 March
Sunday 28 February
His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere
Isaiah 61:11
Monday 1 March
Tuesday 2 March
As every pilot knows, above the grey clouds there are blues skies and sunshine
If you like, watch this lovely Flashmob clip from Ireland in the days before social distancing – and have faith that blue skies (and being together like this) will return again.
Wednesday 3 March
The beautiful arches of the Balcombe viaduct remind this photographer of infinity and the words of Psalm 103 v17
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting“
Listen to this uplifting version of Great is Thy Faithfulness:
Thursday 4 March
There is a time to reach out with a helping hand.
There is a time to receive a helping hand.
Friday 5 March
Show me the right path, O LORD; point out the road for me to follow.
Psalm 25:4
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever.
Psalm 16:11
Saturday 6 March
Watch this Youtube video of this brave little bear cub and learn from him that no matter how difficult life is, don’t give up! Have hope, determination and keep going!
Sunday 21 February
If you’re feeling even the slightest bit down, you will have a smile on your lips and a warmth in your heart after hearing this…..
How brilliant was that!
As we hear Ryan Clark sing (with a twinkle in his eye!) “Don’t worry ‘bout a thing, ‘cos every little thing’s gonna be alright!” we remember that God tells us the same thing in Philippians 4:4-7
“Never worry about a thing; but tell God all your desires of every kind…….and the peace of God which is beyond our understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.”
How brilliant is that too!
Monday 22 February
Little Dancer
The boy’s got rhythm – so cute!
Tuesday 23 February
How reassuring for us all:
Wednesday 24 February
‘I Believe’ – sung by Jackie Evancho as a child:
Thursday 25 February
Friday 26 February
50 countries unite and sing Amazing Grace
Saturday 27 February
Sunday 14 February
An act of LOVE
What can be more beautiful than gathering together to welcome a new person into the Christian family. This is one of my favourite photographs of Michael christening a little girl .
As we move into Lent this captured moment hopefully gives you something to reflect on thinking of your own baptism and faith journey.
We are blessed in our community with the amazing love we have from our priest and for each other.
Monday 15 February
Before the Beast from the East arrived, the first signs of spring were arriving. Spring is just around the corner!
“The winter is past; the rain is over and gone.
The flowers appear on the earth, the time of singing has come………….”
Song of Solomon 2:11-12
Listen to this beautiful piece of music as you look at the flowers
Thanks to everyone who sent these photos. Keep them coming!
Tuesday 16 February
See! I will not forget you … I have carved your name on the palms of my hands … I have called you by name … You are mine … you are precious to me … I love you.
Isaiah 49:16: 43:1,4
Wednesday 17 February
Today is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Our Lent Appeal this year is for the homeless. We have all spent a lot of times in our homes this past year (maybe more than we would like to) but let’s take a moment to think about what home means to us and count our blessings for things we take for granted: warmth, safety, running water, food in the cupboard, being dry, a hot drink when we want it.
Listen to this piece of music written for the charity Shelter:
and this classic – Ralph McTell singing “Streets of London”:
Thursday 18 February
This poster and flag were seen in Handcross last week.
Trying to flip negative thoughts into positive ones can be tricky, but with time and practice can become a way of looking at the difficult things in life differently! The flag says, “Keep calm and carry on!” It could just as easily have said:
Friday 19 February
This man has been an inspiration to us all:
Who else do you find inspiring? What makes them inspiring to you? Maybe you would like to share your thoughts?
Saturday 20 February
He makes his sun to rise every day. We may not always see it but our day is always lit by it.
Monday 8 February
Time to do some exercise 🤣 Have a crack at this!
Tuesday 9 February
God’s beautiful creation bathed in sunlight:
There may be dark clouds about but the light cannot be stopped from shining through.
Wednesday 10 February
Do you remember this?
Make a cup of tea and enjoy.
Start planning for all the things you will somehow be involved in, in the future!
Thursday 11 February
Feeling frustrated? Ready to quit?
This lockdown seems to be so much harder this time around. But…
Friday 12 February
It’s that time of year again…
Babies galore:
Saturday 13 February
When you wake up…
Sunday 31 January
Today you can take part in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
What a lovely way to spend an hour whilst remembering just how God provides.
Monday 1 February
“Morning has broken like the first morning; blackbird has spoken like the first bird.”
In the first lockdown we all discovered the beauty of birdsong.
It seemed as if we were hearing such wonders for the first time.
Listen to the beautiful voices of 15 garden birds here:
Tuesday 2 February
50 countries affected by Coronavirus join together to sing Amazing Grace
Wednesday 3 February
“When our days become dreary with low-hovering clouds of despair, and when our nights become darker than a thousand midnights, let us remember that there is a creative force in this universe, working to pull down the gigantic mountains of evil, a power that is able to make a way out of no way and transform dark yesterdays into bright tomorrows.”
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Thursday 4 February
Unwind to beautiful landscapes and relaxing music.
Friday 5 February
Truly uplifting words from a new President:
- It’s time we begin to heal together; open our souls instead of hardening our hearts ; show tolerance and humility; be willing to stand in the other person’s shoes.
- With unity we can do great things, important things. We can right wrongs.
- We can treat each other with dignity and respect.
- Let’s lead not by the example of our power but by the power of our example.
- Together we will write a story of hope, not fear; of unity not division; of light not darkness. May this be the story that guides us.
Saturday 6 February
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”
He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”
Monday 25 January
Not Everything is Locked Down:
Lockdown getting you down? There are many things that can’t be locked down as you will see in this recording. Now is the time to sort out all those things that you get distracted from doing and of course, lockdown cannot touch your humanity!
(from Nicole)
Tuesday 26 January
Stones Cry Out:
This is a beautiful video. Imagine you too are on one of the stones! Not only do the stones cry out, they/we cry out in perfect harmony 😊. Have a lovely day.
And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him “Teacher, rebuke your disciples”. Jesus answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” (Luke 19:39-40)
Wednesday 27 January
Don’t let the cold weather get you down. There’s lots of fun to be had as this Collie demonstrates 🤣.
Thursday 28 January
Friendship
Something to make you smile. An amusing and very sweet video of friendship in the most unlikely places.
Friday 29 January
From the author Charlie Mackesy and his book ‘The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse’. Highly recommend, this book, for your children or grandchildren.
So simple but very true.
(click to enlarge)
Saturday 30 January
A beautiful poem that helps to put lockdown into perspective and reboot your faith.
(click to enlarge)
Sunday 31 January
Happy Elephants – something to make us laugh!
Sunday 17 January
Let’s renew our strength by trusting in the Lord
Monday 18 January
Last’s week’s hoar frost showed us there is beauty to be found even when skies are grey and heavy.
Tuesday 19 January
Never Forget:
Isaiah 46:4
Wednesday 20 January
At the end of a difficult day God gives us this:
In pre-pandemic days, a wise friend once said that if there were only two such beautiful sunsets like this to be witnessed every year, people would travel far and wide to see such a truly amazing sight.
Thursday 21 January
If you are in need of a little relaxation, then listen to
And why not reach for that well-worn copy of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis and re-read as you listen!
“Wrong will be right, when Aslan comes in sight,
At the sound of his roar, sorrows will be no more,
When he bares his teeth, winter meets its death
And when he shakes his mane, we shall have spring again.”
Friday 22 January
Remember…
Saturday 23 January
This is a beautiful version of this blessing where 65 Churches across the country come together to sing a blessing over the UK.
The Lord Bless you and keep you,
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
And give you peace.
May His presence go before you and behind you and beside you,
All around you and within you
He is with you; He is with you.
In the morning and the evening,
In the coming and the going
In the weeping and rejoicing
He is for you; He is for you.
Amen