Advices and Queries 33: 1. Are you alert to practices here and throughout the world which discriminate against people on the basis of who or what they are or because of their beliefs? Bear witness to the humanity of all people, including those who break society’s conventions or its laws. Try to discern new growing points in social and economic life. Seek to understand the causes of injustice, social unrest and fear. Are you working to bring about a just and compassionate society which allows everyone to develop their capacities and fosters the desire to serve?

This advice and query is an invitation to do the inner work of reconciliation with our own emotions and attitudes that we so often refuse to acknowledge. "Bring into God’s light those emotions, attitudes and prejudices in yourself which lie at the root of destructive conflict, acknowledging your need for forgiveness and grace. In what ways are you involved in the work of reconciliation between individuals, groups and nations?"

The peace testimony is a core part of Quaker practice. How do we ensure our outer lives do not inflate war and how do we do the same in our inner lives. This Advice and Query invites and challenges us to explore how we cultivate peace.

Are you able to contemplate your death and the death of those closest to you? Accepting the fact of death, we are freed to live more fully. In bereavement, give yourself time to grieve. When others mourn, let your love embrace them.

Approach old age with courage and hope. As far as possible, make arrangements for your care in good time, so that an undue burden does not fall on others. Although old age may bring increasing disability and loneliness, it can also bring serenity, detachment and wisdom. Pray that in your final years you may be enabled to find new ways of receiving and reflecting God’s love.

Advices and Queries 28: 1. Every stage of our lives offers fresh opportunities. Responding to divine guidance, try to discern the right time to undertake or relinquish responsibilities without undue pride or guilt. Attend to what love requires of you, which may not be great busyness. Come and explore how to "attend to what love requires of you" with this gentle meditation.

1. Live adventurously. When choices arise, do you take the way that offers the fullest opportunity for the use of your gifts in the service of God and the community? Let your life speak. When decisions have to be made, are you ready to join with others in seeking clearness, asking for God’s guidance and offering counsel to one another?

Drop into the wisdom of the body with this short practice.

Do you recognise the needs and gifts of each member of your family and household, not forgetting your own? Try to make your home a place of loving friendship and enjoyment, where all who live or visit may find the peace and refreshment of God’s presence.

This beautiful advice invites to recall to mind our needs and to "try softer" to create loving friendship.

This advice and query looks so honestly at how relationships can give great joy but also be full of tensions. How do we let in the joy and allow that to nourish our lives AND explore the difficulties with discernment. Do get in touch if you would like to be a part of these podcasts on Farnham.quakermeeting.org