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Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Closer than a Brother
"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. : Proverbs 18: 24
And of course the remedy and beautiful conclusion to the thoughts of my post last Friday, is found in the Lord Jesus Christ.
For all of us who trust in him as our saviour, we have placed our trust in him and he is faithful. If you have walked with the Lord a long time, you will know and lean on this with confidence. It took me many years to embrace this, I regret to admit. I spent many hours wallowing in the slough of despond when troubles came. But gradually, I came to recognize that each and every time, the Lord upheld me, comforted me and lifted me up. He brought true friends along side as well to help bear my burdens. He showed me how to be a good friend to others.
As one commenter said, we learn not to cling to these earthly friendships, but to appreciate them and be thankful for them, even when they come into our lives only for a short season.
Wrong friendships.
"Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." James 4:4
As his bride, we must keep faithful to our spouse, our closest friend, and avoid the alluring friendships of this world. Be wise in your choices for many there be that walk the broad road which leads to destruction.
We sang this Psalm yesterday morning and it again reminded me where my only hope and confidence lie.
He only my salvation is,
and my strong rock is he;
He only is my sure defence:
I shall not moved be.
Psalm 62:6
(Scottish Metrical Version)
Friday, March 26, 2010
Friendships ~ the Joys & Sorrows
I've been thinking a lot about friendship and about trust this week.
I am blessed with many good friends and many relatives who are also good friends. I thank God for that.
The scripture tells us that "Faithful are the wounds of a friend.", so it is an especially precious friendship in which one can give and receive criticism and know that the truth is being spoken in love.
Why the serious note this week?
I have one good friend moving on, in a physical sense, to a new job, new home, new adventures. That is in some ways sad but also exciting for her and her family. We know we will keep in touch and enjoy meeting again from time to time.
I have another precious, long standing friend who I have realised I've drifted apart from in an emotional, spiritual sense. These waning friendships can be much more difficult to accept. The distance happens without even knowing it. A natural parting of ways. Time heals. The friendship doesn't die but it changes gear. I guess we are both moving on but in different directions.
Friendships are like roses,
The petals die,
but the perfume never fades away.
But another situation has consumed my thoughts even more. Sometimes we grow to love and trust a friend and then they show themselves to be un-trustworthy. This can be heartbreaking. Relationships are the glue of life. They take a lot of effort, time, energy, commitment. When we discover that a person is in fact dishonest, perhaps shallow, it can be very difficult to accept. A part of you has been invested in that relationship.
Sometimes others only want our friendship when we toe the line...their line. Controlling people do not put up with us for too long if we chaff and exert our own opinions. Ah, perhaps I am just too downright stubborn and opinionated!
Again, I thank God for so many precious loved ones in my life. People who love, support and understand me regardless of my differences. I hope I am a good friend in return.
While I feel sad at the changes in some friendships, I also feel liberated to move on from others which are stifling and can be very emotionally draining to keep alive.
Apologies for the little moan.
May God bless you with true and lasting friendships.
The verse below from Philippians 4 reminds me to focus my life, thoughts and conversations on whatever is good and pleasing to the Lord. I need to concentrate more on these things.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things. "
I am blessed with many good friends and many relatives who are also good friends. I thank God for that.
The scripture tells us that "Faithful are the wounds of a friend.", so it is an especially precious friendship in which one can give and receive criticism and know that the truth is being spoken in love.
Why the serious note this week?
I have one good friend moving on, in a physical sense, to a new job, new home, new adventures. That is in some ways sad but also exciting for her and her family. We know we will keep in touch and enjoy meeting again from time to time.
I have another precious, long standing friend who I have realised I've drifted apart from in an emotional, spiritual sense. These waning friendships can be much more difficult to accept. The distance happens without even knowing it. A natural parting of ways. Time heals. The friendship doesn't die but it changes gear. I guess we are both moving on but in different directions.
Friendships are like roses,
The petals die,
but the perfume never fades away.
But another situation has consumed my thoughts even more. Sometimes we grow to love and trust a friend and then they show themselves to be un-trustworthy. This can be heartbreaking. Relationships are the glue of life. They take a lot of effort, time, energy, commitment. When we discover that a person is in fact dishonest, perhaps shallow, it can be very difficult to accept. A part of you has been invested in that relationship.
Sometimes others only want our friendship when we toe the line...their line. Controlling people do not put up with us for too long if we chaff and exert our own opinions. Ah, perhaps I am just too downright stubborn and opinionated!
Again, I thank God for so many precious loved ones in my life. People who love, support and understand me regardless of my differences. I hope I am a good friend in return.
While I feel sad at the changes in some friendships, I also feel liberated to move on from others which are stifling and can be very emotionally draining to keep alive.
Apologies for the little moan.
May God bless you with true and lasting friendships.
The verse below from Philippians 4 reminds me to focus my life, thoughts and conversations on whatever is good and pleasing to the Lord. I need to concentrate more on these things.
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true,
whatsoever things are honest,
whatsoever things are just,
whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely,
whatsoever things are of good report;
if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise,
think on these things. "
Thursday, March 25, 2010
A Treasured Book
One of my most treasured poetry anthologies. Given as a birthday gift by a friend almost 30 years ago.
Poems of BANJO PATERSON
Illustrated by Pro Hart
Front Cover
Back Cover I intend to post one of Banjo's poems and Pro's interesting paintings from time to time.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
Of B & S Balls and God's Good Hand
Last week in my post on How Aussie are You? one of the questions was whether I had attended a B & S Ball. Bachelor's and Spinster's Balls were very much the rage in the 80s, when I was a young unsaved woman in my late teens and early 20s. Usually they were held in out of the way locations, remote sheep and cattle stations, shearing sheds or the hall of a one horse town. The girls dressed to the nines and men wore penguin suits. They were entire weekends of dancing, drinking and partying. Drunkeness and immorality were common and accepted . Sunday was "Recovery" held at a nearby country pub, the Lord's Day being totally desecrated.
How amazing is God's grace!
I rarely reminisce over those days because I see little/ no virtue in them. Though I was considered conservative even then among my friends, it was a lifestyle far from the Lord or even the good moral upbringing I had received.
Any of you who have known the gracious salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ, will be thankful also. Praise God! We can look back over every event of our lives and know that all that happened to us was in the providence of God. Except I had lived enjoying the fleeting pleasures of this world and experienced their emptiness, I might not now appreciate so great salvation. His mercy and loving kindness in preserving me through every stage of my life until now are such a comfort and assurance to think on and remember in difficult times.
I had many great friends in those days, some of whom I am still in contact with. It is a marvel to ponder why God chose me out of that group of people, called me, justified me and now by his grace is sanctifying me
All things work together for good to them that love God!
Ephesians 2
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: "
How amazing is God's grace!
I rarely reminisce over those days because I see little/ no virtue in them. Though I was considered conservative even then among my friends, it was a lifestyle far from the Lord or even the good moral upbringing I had received.
Any of you who have known the gracious salvation found in the Lord Jesus Christ, will be thankful also. Praise God! We can look back over every event of our lives and know that all that happened to us was in the providence of God. Except I had lived enjoying the fleeting pleasures of this world and experienced their emptiness, I might not now appreciate so great salvation. His mercy and loving kindness in preserving me through every stage of my life until now are such a comfort and assurance to think on and remember in difficult times.
I had many great friends in those days, some of whom I am still in contact with. It is a marvel to ponder why God chose me out of that group of people, called me, justified me and now by his grace is sanctifying me
All things work together for good to them that love God!
Ephesians 2
"And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
4 ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: "
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Parting is....
Such Sweet Sorrow
We've just had news that a family which is very dear to us are leaving town.
We knew it was coming as they waited on the Lord to open the door. For my boys, it is as though they are in shock. These boys have been there friends for ever..... At least as long as any of them can remember. Though they know lots of kids, these boys have been their best mates and they can't imagine life without them.
It's different for us adults. We've had lots of trials and changes in our comparitively long lives, We have lots of other friends. But for my fellows this is one of the biggest emotional hurdles they have faced. I am aching for them just now. I know it will pass. They will move on and that will be a character building phase for them. Just now all they can think about is spending as much time as possilbe with them and how they can get to visit them in upcoming holiday breaks.,
It's different for us adults. We've had lots of trials and changes in our comparitively long lives, We have lots of other friends. But for my fellows this is one of the biggest emotional hurdles they have faced. I am aching for them just now. I know it will pass. They will move on and that will be a character building phase for them. Just now all they can think about is spending as much time as possilbe with them and how they can get to visit them in upcoming holiday breaks.,
It is a precious gift from God to be given friends who love and support you through all of life's journey.
"True friends are like diamonds precious and rare,
false ones like autumn leaves found everywhere."
"True friends are like diamonds precious and rare,
false ones like autumn leaves found everywhere."
Breaky with mates!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
How Aussie are You?
Many moons ago, November last year actually, Mum-me at Our Aussie Half Dozen, posted this Australiana Meme. I copied it then but have taken a long time to fill it out. It has a lot of questions but here at last are my responses. Mum-me is also the clever creator of this Aussie collage!
How Aussie are YOU?
(compiled by Dee from Downunder)
1. Been dive bombed by a magpie Yes, on many occasions!
2. Have seen a crocodile. Yes, but I never smiled so we didn't get friendly.
3. Have seen a snake in the wild. Too many, Snakes are my phobia. I freeze when I see one, even on TV.
4. Been bitten by a snake or other Aussie wildlife, Not by a snake. (Thank God, as I said, seeing one causes paralysis) I have been bitten by numerous mozzies, sandflies, horse flies, ants and other pests, though.
5. Patted a koala - YEP. (I've seen them in the wild too) Koalas are not always as cute and cuddly as they are famed to be. They can be vicious. We are fortunate to be able to view them at the local zoo but not touch.
6. Seen a kangaroo in the wild. Millions! In western Queensland I have seen whole paddocks moving ~ bounding! Around here they are less prolific.
7. Climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. No. and as magnificent as she is I have no desire to.
8. Climbed the Story Bridge in Brisbane. No. Same as above. However, I have visited our state capital.
9. Visited the Sydney Opera House. No. Uncultured country bumpkin.
10. Swum at the beach . Lots and lots of times. Love the beach but not a real sea water girl.
11. Had fish and chips on the beach Absolutely. One of life's special pleasures.
12. Been stung by a jellyfish. No. Have seen plenty and been with people who have been stung but thankfully not stung myself.
13. Had sunburn that peeled Yes, as a silly teenager this happened fairly regularly. We sat out in the sun to get a tan. Yikes. Blessed with fairly good skin but cover up now days.
14. Camped under the stars Yes, again as a silly teen and early twenties. Followed the polocrosse circuit and camped under the stars everywhere from St George to Clermont. Sometimes in freezing conditions. Madness. Do not do camping these days.
15. Visited Uluru . No but I'd love to.
16. Driven the Great Ocean Road in Victoria . Same as above.
17. Seen the penguins on Phillip Island Victoria. Agaim no but would love to.
18. Had an outdoor BBQ with Friends . Often, love a barbie! along with a zillion mozzies!
19. Played backyard/beach Cricket . Yes, both but backyard cricket a lot both as a child and with my own children. Never managed a hundred in the back yard at Mum's and alas, can only peg not bowl.
20. Watched a live cricket match. Not any big ones just the local eleven when one of the boys played. Watched a local side play some golden oldies last year with the boys.
21. Betted on the Melbourne Cup. Once or twice in my pre christian days . Again, young and silly. Loved a picnic race meeting which are popular up here in bush towns. Still love horses and think they are meant to run, but not into the whole social event any more.
22. Attended the Melbourne Cup Live from Flemington. no,
23. Attended a live Aussie Rules or rugby football game. Yes, again only when relatives were playing. Much better watching on TV. Not really into football but my family are all mad on Rugby league.
24. Ridden a Melbourne Tram. No. Haven't ever been to Melbourne.
25. Snow Skied in the “high country” of NSW/Vic . No/ Love to go there, maybe I would leave the skiing to the younger/ fitter/ more co ordinated people.
26. Visited the Great Barrier Reef. Yes, the bottom end of it is right at our back door. I have only been to Keppel Island though. Would love to visit others and Cairns, where my husband grew up.
27. Been to Kakadu . Sigh, also on my wish list.
28. Crossed the Nullabour by road . No, haven;t done it any other way either.
29. Gone down the Murray River on a paddle steamer . Another big sigh. But I have seen "All the Rivers Run"
30. Survived a cyclone Yes, close but never right in the eye of it.
31. Survived a bushfire NO, the bushfires last year came close to town but not near to us.
32. Experienced a big flood. Yes, several, but again we are far enough from the river not to be inundated.
33. Know who the Wiggles are. Of course!!!!! It's a long time since I owned a skivvy.
34. Know who Humphrey the Bear is. Yep
35. Watched Play School as a kid or mum of a kid . Remember my younger brothers watching it and sometimes watched with my own kids
36. Watched Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. Oh yes, happy childhood memories with Sonny and Skip.
37. Own an Australia Flag .Yes, one in the school room and a couple of little ones around. No pole but would like that one day.
38. Know the words to Advance Australia Fair. Yes, at least all the first verse.
39. Eat Vegemite . Yes , I was and am a happy little Vegemite kid.
40. Drink Milo . Loved it as a child. Only very occasionally now. Too sugary!
41. Know what lamingtons are . Absolutely. Mum used to make them especially for Dad's birthday each year. My hubby loves them too but I don't do sponges.
42. Know what Pavlova is . Yes, not something I make though.
43. Know what Tim Tams are. Yes again but alas, most of these aussie treats I cannot eat.
44. Eaten a meat pie. Nothing like a pie with peas.
45. Gave or received a “dead arm” . Never. But my brothers and kids at school had a lot of tortures which I do not remember the name of. Perhaps dead arm was one of them?
46. Have owned an Akubra hat. Yes! Wore one for years.
47. Own/owned an Australia Cattle dog, Yes, Bella was part cattle dog.
48. Been to a B& S ball . I hate to admit this on my mature age blog but yes, many. Again in my wild and woolly youth.
49. Drive a ute. Not currently. I have driven lots and we've owned a couple over the years. Not family cars though. We do of course own a Holden!
50. Say G'day. What else does one say when you meet a mate?
51. Can cook damper . Have done, both for fun and out of necessity.
52. Can make billy tea . Mustering on the property and camping out have done the billy tea thing. That's a long while ago. If I don't have access to a kettle now I take the thermos.
53. Supported a sausage sizzle . Yes, often grab a sausage outside the shops on a Saturday morning when groups are fund raising. Attended lots of sizzles as well.
54. Own John Williamson CD/Music. In the past. Don't think we have any now though some of his songs are on CDs here.
55. Owned backyard chooks or know what chooks are. Yes, none at this house but in other homes. Our next doors have two gorgeous specimens, and we sometimes benefit from the eggs.
56. Call the toilet "the dunny" . I'm sure I did in the "good old days" but not lately.
57 . Wear thongs (on your feet...). Definately, and only on my feet!
58. Support Aussie Music. Yes and no. I love bush ballads and Australiana type music. I am not much impressed with current Australian music, even country.
59. Enjoy a beer. Nah, don't even like the smell of it actually! Don't mind Ginger beer.
60. Swallowed a fly. I know an old lady who swallowed a fly! Yes, done this, it is ghastly!.
(compiled by Dee from Downunder)
1. Been dive bombed by a magpie Yes, on many occasions!
2. Have seen a crocodile. Yes, but I never smiled so we didn't get friendly.
3. Have seen a snake in the wild. Too many, Snakes are my phobia. I freeze when I see one, even on TV.
4. Been bitten by a snake or other Aussie wildlife, Not by a snake. (Thank God, as I said, seeing one causes paralysis) I have been bitten by numerous mozzies, sandflies, horse flies, ants and other pests, though.
5. Patted a koala - YEP. (I've seen them in the wild too) Koalas are not always as cute and cuddly as they are famed to be. They can be vicious. We are fortunate to be able to view them at the local zoo but not touch.
6. Seen a kangaroo in the wild. Millions! In western Queensland I have seen whole paddocks moving ~ bounding! Around here they are less prolific.
7. Climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge. No. and as magnificent as she is I have no desire to.
8. Climbed the Story Bridge in Brisbane. No. Same as above. However, I have visited our state capital.
9. Visited the Sydney Opera House. No. Uncultured country bumpkin.
10. Swum at the beach . Lots and lots of times. Love the beach but not a real sea water girl.
11. Had fish and chips on the beach Absolutely. One of life's special pleasures.
12. Been stung by a jellyfish. No. Have seen plenty and been with people who have been stung but thankfully not stung myself.
13. Had sunburn that peeled Yes, as a silly teenager this happened fairly regularly. We sat out in the sun to get a tan. Yikes. Blessed with fairly good skin but cover up now days.
14. Camped under the stars Yes, again as a silly teen and early twenties. Followed the polocrosse circuit and camped under the stars everywhere from St George to Clermont. Sometimes in freezing conditions. Madness. Do not do camping these days.
15. Visited Uluru . No but I'd love to.
16. Driven the Great Ocean Road in Victoria . Same as above.
17. Seen the penguins on Phillip Island Victoria. Agaim no but would love to.
18. Had an outdoor BBQ with Friends . Often, love a barbie! along with a zillion mozzies!
19. Played backyard/beach Cricket . Yes, both but backyard cricket a lot both as a child and with my own children. Never managed a hundred in the back yard at Mum's and alas, can only peg not bowl.
20. Watched a live cricket match. Not any big ones just the local eleven when one of the boys played. Watched a local side play some golden oldies last year with the boys.
21. Betted on the Melbourne Cup. Once or twice in my pre christian days . Again, young and silly. Loved a picnic race meeting which are popular up here in bush towns. Still love horses and think they are meant to run, but not into the whole social event any more.
22. Attended the Melbourne Cup Live from Flemington. no,
23. Attended a live Aussie Rules or rugby football game. Yes, again only when relatives were playing. Much better watching on TV. Not really into football but my family are all mad on Rugby league.
24. Ridden a Melbourne Tram. No. Haven't ever been to Melbourne.
25. Snow Skied in the “high country” of NSW/Vic . No/ Love to go there, maybe I would leave the skiing to the younger/ fitter/ more co ordinated people.
26. Visited the Great Barrier Reef. Yes, the bottom end of it is right at our back door. I have only been to Keppel Island though. Would love to visit others and Cairns, where my husband grew up.
27. Been to Kakadu . Sigh, also on my wish list.
28. Crossed the Nullabour by road . No, haven;t done it any other way either.
29. Gone down the Murray River on a paddle steamer . Another big sigh. But I have seen "All the Rivers Run"
30. Survived a cyclone Yes, close but never right in the eye of it.
31. Survived a bushfire NO, the bushfires last year came close to town but not near to us.
32. Experienced a big flood. Yes, several, but again we are far enough from the river not to be inundated.
33. Know who the Wiggles are. Of course!!!!! It's a long time since I owned a skivvy.
34. Know who Humphrey the Bear is. Yep
35. Watched Play School as a kid or mum of a kid . Remember my younger brothers watching it and sometimes watched with my own kids
36. Watched Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. Oh yes, happy childhood memories with Sonny and Skip.
37. Own an Australia Flag .Yes, one in the school room and a couple of little ones around. No pole but would like that one day.
38. Know the words to Advance Australia Fair. Yes, at least all the first verse.
39. Eat Vegemite . Yes , I was and am a happy little Vegemite kid.
40. Drink Milo . Loved it as a child. Only very occasionally now. Too sugary!
41. Know what lamingtons are . Absolutely. Mum used to make them especially for Dad's birthday each year. My hubby loves them too but I don't do sponges.
42. Know what Pavlova is . Yes, not something I make though.
43. Know what Tim Tams are. Yes again but alas, most of these aussie treats I cannot eat.
44. Eaten a meat pie. Nothing like a pie with peas.
45. Gave or received a “dead arm” . Never. But my brothers and kids at school had a lot of tortures which I do not remember the name of. Perhaps dead arm was one of them?
46. Have owned an Akubra hat. Yes! Wore one for years.
47. Own/owned an Australia Cattle dog, Yes, Bella was part cattle dog.
48. Been to a B& S ball . I hate to admit this on my mature age blog but yes, many. Again in my wild and woolly youth.
49. Drive a ute. Not currently. I have driven lots and we've owned a couple over the years. Not family cars though. We do of course own a Holden!
50. Say G'day. What else does one say when you meet a mate?
51. Can cook damper . Have done, both for fun and out of necessity.
52. Can make billy tea . Mustering on the property and camping out have done the billy tea thing. That's a long while ago. If I don't have access to a kettle now I take the thermos.
53. Supported a sausage sizzle . Yes, often grab a sausage outside the shops on a Saturday morning when groups are fund raising. Attended lots of sizzles as well.
54. Own John Williamson CD/Music. In the past. Don't think we have any now though some of his songs are on CDs here.
55. Owned backyard chooks or know what chooks are. Yes, none at this house but in other homes. Our next doors have two gorgeous specimens, and we sometimes benefit from the eggs.
56. Call the toilet "the dunny" . I'm sure I did in the "good old days" but not lately.
57 . Wear thongs (on your feet...). Definately, and only on my feet!
58. Support Aussie Music. Yes and no. I love bush ballads and Australiana type music. I am not much impressed with current Australian music, even country.
59. Enjoy a beer. Nah, don't even like the smell of it actually! Don't mind Ginger beer.
60. Swallowed a fly. I know an old lady who swallowed a fly! Yes, done this, it is ghastly!.
I have never travelled far from home. Still, Australia is where my ♥ is!
.
Warning: I found this little post very time consuming. I would love to see the answers other give, but it's okay if you haven't got the time.
.
Pics: my oldest child at 12mths meets a koala.
A bushman's wedding. Akubra and all!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
Weary and heavy laden?
Come unto me
all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
all ye who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest"
Matthew 11:28
.
Disappointment:
.
Disappointment:
Disappointments are a fact of life. People let us down. Isn't it a precious thing to know the Lord Jesus Christ. What he has promised, he will do! Often we are the ones who let others down. We are weak and do not, sometimes cannot, follow through with our commitments. But God.....
Discouragement
Our weaknesses, and those of the people around us, can become discouraging. If only..... When will they?...... How can I?...... Doubt, fear, anxiety.
Jesus, our Saviour and Lord, will never leave or forsake his people. When we are feeling low and unable, is when we realize that the Lord is only refuge and strength . That he has and is carrying us through each trial.
Distress
How often do we allow all of our disappointemnts and discouragemants cause us distress and depression? Fill your mind with the words and promises of Christ!
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7
Delight
Having "joy" is not some constant emotional high for the believer. It is knowing with certainty and confidence that the Lord is ruling in every situation. The joy of the Lord is your strength, if we are relying on him in all our difficult and our routine situation.
Delight thyself always in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4
Whatever disappointments, discouragements and failures we are facing, if we seek to do the will of the Lord, to make our desires those which are according to his will, then he will hear us. However disappointing our friends and family are He is always trustworthy. However weak we are He is strong and sure.
May our God go with you this week!
In quietness and confidence shall be your strength. Isaiah 30:15
Friday, March 12, 2010
ELEVEN and aiming high!
My darling youngest child turns eleven on Sunday!! Time flies. I wrote a little about his birth last year here
..
This young man is a very typical boy. He loves basketball, football, cricket, basketball, PS2 games, especially NBA basketball. He has always had very good ball skills and practices his hoops and dribbling endlessly.
l
He also loves his friends. He and my S1 have a couple of great mates who they look forward to having time with most weeks. On the whole he gets on well with most kids but sure, he has plenty of disagreements with his brother.....'
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He was still 9 when he became an uncle and takes the role very seriously. He loves his little nephews. Sometimes he tires of entertaining them but mostly he just loves to play with them and tease them. He is a great comedian and has lots of one liners to keep us entertained. He can also be extremely stubborn and if he locks on to something he is like a bull terrier with a bone!
He was still 9 when he became an uncle and takes the role very seriously. He loves his little nephews. Sometimes he tires of entertaining them but mostly he just loves to play with them and tease them. He is a great comedian and has lots of one liners to keep us entertained. He can also be extremely stubborn and if he locks on to something he is like a bull terrier with a bone!
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Now this basketball fanatic plays in a local under 12's team. He is quite skillful and is the top scorer for his team this season. I also like that he is a team player and really encourages new guys and ones who are struggling to master the skills.
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He has a dream! He thinks it would be cool to play in the NBA, He spends a lot of time looking up players stats and knows an amazing amount about US cities, teams and competitions.
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He has one major disappointment in life. He is short for his age..... He is the shortest guy in his under 12 team..... He is going to get taller but genetically, it is unlikely he will be a tall man. Not NBA basketball tall.
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He tells me that point guards are short. Okay, but you're talking well over 6 ft still. {sigh}
Aim high, my precious little man. Reach for the sky!
(Photograph)The birthday boy at five ~ lappping up the attention in hospital!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Gossip
What is required in the ninth commandment?
The ninth commandment requireth the maintaining and promoting of truth between man and man,and of our own and our neighbour's good name especially in witness bearing.
(Westminster Confession of Faith Shorter Catechism Q77)
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I don't often watch the News in the evening and the so called current affairs shows which follow. Tonight the boys were at basketball and as hubby and I ate tea we thought to go casual and sit in front of the TV with our dinner. Bad move
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A well know Australian celebrity couple are apparently breaking up. I still don't know the details, nor wish to but it is hard to get the images out of my head.
Current Affairs?? It used to mean political comment and general interest stories.
This was cheap, nasty, grotty journalism at it's worst.
It is bad enough that the immoral life styles of the rich and famous are splashed all over the TV and magazines, but the total invasion of their privacy and their homes is revolting and uncalled for.
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It is very easy for us to become interested in this gossip under the guise of being a public interest story but hey, I had to check myself. Yes, I was curious..
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We are called to promote the good name of others, I wonder how some of those journos sleep at night. I have no doubt some celebs love the media attention but no one wants that sort of invasion at a crisis time. Give people a little space and dignity.
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Shades of the hounding of Princess Diana
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Gossip.
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"Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour."
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Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Workshop
Groves Christian College, School of Distance Education, with whom we are registered, runs a great workshop for the children each year. This year four teachers came and conducted Science , Maths and English sessions with the children divided into three age groups.
Science in my boys group involved experiments with water.Filtering, measuring, siphoning.
Kids and water always go well! Especially on a hot day in Rocky.
Concentration..
Maths:Here the middle group are doing some probability activities which ended in each child having a bag of M & M's. Probability is so much more fun if the items used are edible ~ and yummy! The English activities were basic letter writing skills and done in a group setting.
It is always a challenge for homeschooled children to sit still, listen carefully, put their hand up etc and we can usually pick the kids who have at some stage actually been to school.
Despite that it was a terrific day and I really appreciate the preparation and dedication of the DE teachers. They spend the week away from home visiting us and other outlying centres and they really make a big effort to get to know the children and parents as well as running the workshop.
Mums (and a few Dads) come home exhausted...but my boys said they enjoyed the day. Their only complaint? Not enough play time with their friends!
Monday, March 8, 2010
According to Thy Word
Mary, the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ, was a young Jewish girl of lowly estate. We meet her when the angel Gabriel tells her that she will bare a son. Mary responds in a very ordinary way. "How can this be seeing I know not a man?" (Luke 1 34) Well, that makes sense! But when Gabrielle explains that the power of the Holy Spirit will overshadow her, she responds in a most extraordinary way. She answers with complete trust in God, from whom the message came. " "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." (Luke 1:38)
On what did Mary base her implicit trust in God ? She was obviously a godly young woman of the lineage of King David. No doubt she had heard the scriptures read and had sung the Psalms which rehearse over and over the faithfulness of the covenant keeping God. Mary would have longed for Messiah like every other believing Jew. When she visits Elizabeth, she is greeted with joy as the mother of the Savior.
Listen to Mary's beautiful and humble response:
"And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, 1:47 And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. 1:48 For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. 1:49 For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. 1:50 And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation. 1:51 He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. 1:52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree. 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 1:54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy; 1:55 As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever."
Mary extols and magnifies the Lord, she gives praise for all he has done for his people and she trusts in him to do his will! What faith! Did Mary earn the right to be the mother of the promised Messiah. No ~ God chose her from among all woman and all generation shall and have, called her blessed.
We cannot have this great privilege but how marvellous are these words the Lord spoke in his earthly ministry when others called his attention to Mary, his mother and to his family.
"My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it." Luke 8:21
"But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." Luke 11:28
Our God is absolutely trustworthy. He keeps his promises to his people and he says that we will be blessed if we hear his Word and do it! We too should have the heart of Mary and of our Lord Jesus, and say, thy will be done Let us be hearers and also doers of the Word.
My soul magnifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour. For he has done great things for me. Blessed be his name!
Saturday, March 6, 2010
The Sword of the Lord
Here is great little historical snippet at
Virginia is for Huguenots.
It is about William Wallace so if you have Scottish heritage or love that era of history check it out.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
D-ET-E-R-M-I-N-A-T-I--O-N
Any one with children knows it, and home schoolers probably more than most, that raising kids is a wonderful journey of exhilarating highs and some very desperate lows. Isn't it uplifting when you have just reached exasperation point on something and whoosh! in blows a fresh change.
I've written a lot lately about our battles with reading, our wonderfully answered prayers for help and our improved school situation. It's true that progress is so imperceptibly slow that it is hard to monitor, but it is noticeable to me.
Some times, watching our kids struggle is very heartbreaking.
I had a night this week when I dropped into bed emotionally exhausted and so sad and helpless thinking of the turmoil of my older son. He came to me and wanted to choose a book to read which I readily encouraged him to do, but he returned with a novel far above his reading level. He sat beside me and painstakingly sounded out a couple of the complicated words in the first line before setting the book down and looking at me with utterly defeated eyes. He didn't yell or fling the book or get angry. He was just in pain.
I hugged him and suggested we look for something he might be able to manage.
"I don't want to read a baby book, mum. I want to read something interesting and exciting."
He is twelve years old.
We talked and prayed, agreed to go to the library the next day and went to bed. Me restlessly, who knows what he may have been thinking. I was surprised and pleased that he was keen to visit the library. We often do school stuff there to escape the heat.
Both boys had a good browse around. The younger chose himself a pile of basketball, football type non fiction. The older was determined. He must have flicked through dozens of books and finally chose two Dr Who books and an Indiana Jones story. Though not simple books, they had larger than average print and are not too lengthy.
So, he has read about two pages of Indy. The thing is, even though he needs help on almost every line, he is doing it. He really wants to read this book! While not a literary classic I have to give credit that good old gung ho Dr Jones has enough excitement in the first pages to make him want to read on.
Will he finish it? Will it serve to kill his enthusiasm ? Will he conquer this first book and take off for the rest of his life? I don't know. I hope so!! I will certainly be there to cheer him on and I think it will be a great character builder for him.He has read many short readers before, but this is his first attempt at a novel length book. i am very proud of him ♥
My younger son is progressing much more quickly. I am encouraged by the level of reading he is attempting. He is reading incidently eg, around the house and town, much more freely now.
Is it all because we have help this year? I like to think that the past 6 plus years have laid a grounding for them and we are just hitting our stride! The assistance Rae is giving us is such a boost for us and the boys are overcoming another hurdle, in that they have to read to an outside person. It seems all things are working together.
If character building is one of the most important goals in home education ( as I beleieve) then I think this will be a very productive course! Lord willing, we will channel that determination into all other aspects of life as well.
My older son playing a phonics game with "Rae".
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
But God...
PSALM 7323 Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand.
24 Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.
26 My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
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These words from Psalm 73, especially verse 26, give me great comfort and express my own thoughts. My body and heart, my resolve and commitment are weak. But God.....
He never leaves or forsakes his people. He is constant and his promises are yeah and amen in Christ. As believers we know this, but sometimes in our cushy lives we do not cling to it. We do not desperately seek him. We do not RUN after him. We are sometimes drawn away and do not long for his appearing. We fail.
But God......
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Lately, I am facing new challenges. You know, although I have faced many challenges in my life, I find, disappointingly, that I still fear. I still get anxious, I still crumble. Yet at times others will say, "You are strong." That is when I realize the truth which says through Paul, when I am weak, then am I strong. At present I have very limited eyesight. This is my current bodily affliction which is causing me grief. I trust in a short time this will be rectified. Meanwhile, I am learning to deal with this thorn in the flesh and seeking to glorify God with a good attitude to that which his providence has dealt me.
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I have many real life friends whose lives and endurance under affliction inspire me, encourage and humble me. I thank God for them and his word which continually uplifts and upholds me.
I have just been thinking of the many blogging friends, who seemingly by random chance, yet in reality by the providence of God, have come across my path. Some of these have touched my life and thoughts more than you can imagine. I am sure you have had the same experience.
I encourage you to visit Mindy at Momma Mindy's Moments. What a testimony she is to the very words of Psalm 73 : 26. Browse through her blog and be exhilarated by the steadfastness of God in the life of one who has faced many trials and fears and found God faithful. She is an inspiration to me at present and makes my problems seem so insignificant
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May you know this comfort in your life also. Have a great week!
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