A Half Century

Yes, I've made it!

Tomorrow is my fiftieth birthday!

Thank you, Lord, for a wonderful life. 

For an extraordinarily fantastic family. 

For the blessing of faithful, prayerful and supportive friends.

For healthy, beautiful children

For thriving, inquisitive grandchildren. 

And most amazing of all I am thankful that  ~

You have called me and redeemed me.

Amen

Grounded

"Friendships are like roses, the petals die but the perfume never fades away."

I was privileged this week to meet with a couple of old school friends.  It seems that as we age and our children leave home, there is more time and inclination to renew and build on some of these old friendships.  As I've mentioned before my high school years were spent in a boarding school.. Life long friendships are often planted when our formative years are spent in such close contact.

My old buddies seem to accept that I am a christian and sometimes make exceptions or apologies when I am there and something is said or done which I might not think funny/ appropriate.  This is without my saying so, they just do.

I am  very fortunate in this whole friend department with sisters, relatives and many christian women who have become my mentors, confidantes and sounding boards. I treasure these who are mostly women of faith and share so many views and commitments with me. Our friendships are based either around family ties or faith.  I always know I will get good solid advise and realistic comfort and I thank God for that.

It's different with these old school mates! What a motley crew we are! But after this meeting, I was struck by the wisdom and maturity of these ladies.  True, that wisdom is not from God and His Word but rather a worldly type, but solid non the less. These girls are grounded.  Because of our very long friendship we are able to discuss many and varied topics and share our joys, heartaches and goals openly.  Particularly on a matter that had been troubling me with one of my children, I experienced real connection and a light toward resolution on hearing one of my friends story of a child in a similar situation (Of course, I thought no one else had every had this problem :-).  Also one of these ladies who has had some very tough life experiences helped me to see things a little better concerning my daughter who is left as a single mother.

I love the Godly wisdom of my "usual" friends but I know that some of these situations are out of their sphere of experience.  I hope that I can be a realistic listener and advisor when it's needed. I suppose it is something to ponder as we deal with all who come across our path ~ sympathy, empathy, patience, shared experiences.  Of course we know that Our Jesus is the ultimate answer and we want to share it, but to the unsaved it is impossible to fathom that what ever is happening is God's will. We need to tread thoughtfully.

My cousin, my friend

"You can choose your friends but not your relatives."

One of my special friendships is with my cousin who lost her husband twelve months ago.  It is hard to believe it is a year.  So much has transpired.  I have come to love and admire her all the more for the strength and courage she has shown during this period of mourning. Again, I hope I have been the patient listening support I have wanted to be.

Do you sometimes feel, as I do, that our lives become so busy and fraught with drama that it is easy to forget the ones that need to be comforted, that are lonely, that are ill?

I hope that each one reading will forgive yet another one of my little waffles.  Also that you, like me do have a wonderful circle of family and friends in which you feel loved and are able to contribute to as well.

A big weekend

We have a busy weekend ahead with the Homeschooler's concert tomorrow and the "Utopia" reunion on Sunday.  I am still unable to load my photos on here which is annoying as I have a couple of beauties of the kids! 

Have a good weekend.

On turning 50....

It is some months until the big '50' birthday for me but celebrations have already begun.  A couple of years ago when my Senior class held our last reunion it was decided to meet again this year.  The year most of our class mates would turn fifty.  As it turned out it was just a small group but we had such a great catch up I think we will try for more regular reunions, even when not so many can come.  As I live in the city where I attended high school I have the advantage that so far, they have always been held here.

We were boarders, about twenty of us in a Senior class of ninety.  Some of the girls who boarded during our years also attend. There are strong bonds made between girls who have lived, laughed and studied together during their formative years.  We did laugh about some of our childish escapades!

Some of the girls hated boarding school and remember dreadful things which I do not.  I was very homesick and life was strict and very regimented in a Roman Catholic boarding school in the 1970's, but I have mostly good memories of those years.  I go to that same place every time I visit my parents and I have none of the bad dreams and unresolved issues that some of the girls expressed.

We met for morning tea and lunch, lingering through the after noon and having dinner together in a nice Asian place on the river.

I thank God, that as a believer I seem to have a capacity to forgive which others perhaps struggle with.  Still, there seems little to forgive in my memories.  I have been asked whether bad school experiences are the reason for my choosing to home school but I can truly say that both my country primary school and city boarding school experiences were good and wholesome ones.


Some say that your school days are the best days of your life, but I reckon that the best is yet to come!  I have five more months to enjoy the roaring forties!

Where does the time go?

The deafening silence coming from this blog is an indication of how busy life has been for the last couple of weeks.  So some dot points to keep everyone up to speed ;-)

#  We have moved my dear mum and dad from their unit in the retirement village in the hostel (low care) facility on the same complex.

It is very difficult to see your loved ones lives reduced to one room.  When they moved from the property (where Dad had lived for 74 years and Mum 49 year) to town it was a huge life change and a massive culling of goods and chattels.  Then from the town house, where they had hoped to see out their days,  to the Retirement Village, another scale down.  They have had five very happy years in the village, made friends and coped with the challenges of growing old.  They've been so blessed to be together and have muddled along helping one another.  Dad went blind about eighteen months ago and this has also been difficult for Mum in that she had to become his carer even though she is quite frail herself.  Recently when Mum was ill and had a couple of falls I think we all realised that the move, which they had applied for six months ago, was just in time.
This afternoon when asked how the first day in the new apartment had gone, Dad answered that it felt pretty much like the old place.  We hope they will be happy here and God willing see out their days there with out the need for high care or hospital.  It is in the Lord's hand.

Middle Hall at the Range College.
Once my High School (Boarding )
Now an Aged Care Facility where my parents live!

# Preparations for the Centenary Celebrations of farm and family are coming along swimmingly!

Our little committee is very pleased with the response from family and friends far and wide.  As often happens, the event will probably end up being bigger than Ben Hur!  When you are organising for a large number on a rural property there are all sorts of things to consider.  THE WEATHER!  Marques, tables, chairs, portaloos, occupying the dozens of children, displaying memorabilia.  Also we have put a lot of thought into the  "official" side of it, planting of trees, launching of Uncle's Book.  Then there are farm tours, tours of town, church, cemetery. Phew!  It is going to be grand!

# Beef Australia

Every three years Rockhampton hosts the Beef Australia Exhibition.  The town is decorated with (more than usual number) of bulls and lots of corny captions such as Valu-bull, Irrisista-bull you get the picture.  The streets are teeming with blue jeans and Akubras and the show grounds are humming with cattle , horses and all things pertaining to the land.  Coming from a farming family, it has been great to catch up with many of them this week.  It also meant we had lots of hands for the move on Tuesday.  I didn't venture out to the exhibits feeling rather too weary from all the other goings on.  We did however attend the local production of  "The Man from Snowy River".  I really enjoyed all the humour and the kids dancing, the beautiful horses re-enacting the poem.  Oh, I do love a good recitation of "The Man"!

# One hour on Friday
My friend Petunia and I agreed to meet for one hour or so on a Friday this term.  Just the two of us.  We are both in this very busy season of life tugged between teen agers still being home schooled, married adult children and grand children, our parents growing old and finding time to spend with our husbands!  We used to spend a lot of time together when our children were small.  We used to read and pray together as well as generally socialise and help one another.  Now there doesn't seem to be a moment to catch up so we decided to make the time. This has become a special high light of each week.

You've got a friend...

One of the ironies of blogging is that when you have a lot going on and plenty of  fodder for blogging, you just don't have the time to sit and write it all down.  Then when things quieten down your head is devoid of anything interesting to say. Such is life!

We started back to school today.  I felt ready but I think my boys still have some sleep deprivation after their week long holiday.  They were not so enthusiastic!  My hubby and the boys had the second week in Brisbane visiting family and friends.  It made the house a little quieter, less cooking, less washing, but we still had a busy time here.

The twins are walking!! clapping, and generally into everything!  My youngest little grandson is crawling as well.  All three babies cut their first teeth last week. Oh!  they are just so clever!  The littlest man is quite sick at the moment and had an emergency run to the hospital yesterday with a seriously high temp.  He gave my daughter quiet a scare as his breathing suddenly became so shallow and he was going blue.  He is still miserable and hot, but it seems to be under control.  That daughter, his mother, gave us a few big frights when she was little.  She would spike a high temp from nowhere and then start convulsing.  They were very scary days!

Precious cargo!
It's not often the three of them travel together.
Aren't they the cutest??!!


Yesterday, Monday, we took a Student Free Day :-)  to get a little more organised before starting the term.  I mentioned to a friend that we were going to do this and she very kindly offered to come and help.  I've mentioned before how I really don't see a lot of my real life friends at the moment.  Most of them are either in the same position as me, homeschooling and with grandchildren or they still have little ones of their own at home.  It is special to have a coffee date or lunch with one of them or one of my sisters..  Anyhow Petunia is of Dutch decent and if you know any Dutch ladies you know that they are not only know to be stubborn but they are meticulous house keepers!  This I am not.  So we had a delightful morning, Petunia tackling a few of the bigger jobs that I find hard these days, and me puttering around with bits and pieces that needed doing.   It was a lovely morning.  Now, Tuesday night, you can hardly tell where we have been but I know that at least part of the house was tidy ~  for just a little while :-)

Everyone should have a terrific friend like mine!

Have a wonderful week, bloggy friends, especially those starting a new term of school.

A Time to Mourn

Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts posted after my last blog.

Of course we are sad at the loss of this loved one, but not so heartbroken as his wife and children.  Such a shock.  So unexpected.  We are trying to support them in every way possible knowing that only time will really heal.  My cousin is a strong woman and her adult children will be a wonderful support for her over the long haul.

That same night, Thursday, our Uncle passed away.  He was ninety and it was not unexpected but still it is painful when loved ones pass.  This Uncle was a very special gentleman, loved as the patriach on my mother's side of the family. I have written a little about him and his family in The Other Relies and the Boxing Day Bash and he is pictured here at our family reunion  (in 2009)  with my mother, now the only remaining member of their family.

To add to the sadness, my cousin who lost her husband, and her three brothers, lost their own father when they were small children.  She was four.  This uncle was a father figure to them, his brother's children.  It will be a draining week of funerals for us all but also a time to share precious memories and family legends will be born and retold.

The cycle of life, birth to death, is but a fleeting one.  It reminds me to redeem each day and use it profitably for the Lord, never knowing when our own time may come.  To love and teach my children and their children.  To search my heart and keep my eyes on the Lord and to use each day for his glory.

A Time to Laugh

Amidst all that has been happening, we enjoyed the much anticipated visit of our friends from the Gold Coast.  These are the good friends who left town about eighteen months ago.  Their boys and ours have kept up weekly phone contact, Facebook, emails and they have been fortunate enough to visit them on two occasions down there.
What a delight to see old friends reunited.  It has been fantastic for my boys!  We are all a little melancholy tonight on parting but a whole day swimming and sliding at the local water park has contributed to that!

Having these special friends around as well as the very active and entertaining youngsters of our household has been a balm to soothe our troubled thoughts.

Have a good week, one and all.

Looking and Longing

It is always sad when someone passes away.  Sad for their families and those of us who are left. But when a believer dies there is joy in knowing they have gone to the Lord.

Psalm 116
15 "Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints."

Recently a friend of ours passed over to Glory!

She was a friend through being in-law to some of our good friends, but we had known and spent time with her over the last 26 years.   A godly woman, very hospitable, open, outspoken.  She was a woman  who joyed to go to His house  (Psalm 122) and she beheld how good and pleasant it was to meet with the brethren (Psalm 133). Her chief end was to glorify God. *"Maria" had suffered chronic illness all that time with Lupus and associated problems but was finally taken by cancer.  She was in her early fifties and left a husband, four children and several grandchildren.

*"Maria's" funeral service was a beautiful simple worship service and her Pastor, a friend since childhood, conducted it.  His own wife had been brought to Christ through "Maria's" witness  and friendship.  He preached from Joshua chapter 3 - the beautiful picture of the Israelites passing through the river Jordan on dry land  as the priests stood holding the Ark of the Covenant, and into the Promised Land..    Sign.....how touching, encouraging and attention getting that picture is.  It was a beautiful gospel message of hope in Christ for the unbelievers there and brought a sense of longing for our Promised Land  to all believers.

Psalm 130
 ⁵I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.
 ⁶My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.
 ⁷Let Israel hope in the LORD: for with the LORD there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption.

One of the things which both moved and convicted me about "Maria" was the wonderful testimony she left.  In her final weeks of life I was also in hospital in Brisbane and her Pastor, whom I know, came to visit me.  He was able to share the beautiful way in which "Maria" was clinging to Christ through pain and fear.  She knew that even now, Christ could heal her and restore her earthly body, but she trusted that He would do all things well for her, his child, even if it was to receive her into glory and leave her earthly ties. 

Psalm 48
14 "For this God is our God, for ever and ever.  He will be our guide, even unto death."

1 Samuel 3
18 "It is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good."

Also, her children and everyone close to her - family, christian friends, unsaved co-workers - all spoke highly of her love of the Lord, her family and her concern for lost souls.  Her children, all adults now, were able to tell of the many years which she had endured pain, fatigue and stresses and yet never complained or over burdened them either physically or emotionally.  This spoke a lot to me in my own circumstances. Often we put on a brave face to the outside but what impression are we leaving with our families?

1 Timothy 6:6
 "But Godliness with contentment is great gain."

 Seeking help, accepting offers are all good and neccessary. I know that we need to let people know where we need the help, but "Maria" seems to have managed to do all that and yet not whinge and complain.     A marvellous work of Grace in her life. Would that we could all die with such a testimony to the abundant blessings of God on us, who once were lost.

Proverbs 31

¹⁰Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
 ¹¹The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
 ¹²She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

 ²⁷She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
 ²⁸Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
 ²⁹Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
 ³⁰Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.
 ³¹Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q. 37. What benefits do believers receive from Christ at death?
A. The souls of believers are at their death made perfect in holiness, and do immediately pass into glory; and their bodies, being still united to Christ, do rest in their graves till the resurrection

"Maria" ........
Resting in the grave till the Resurrection



* Not her real name.

Of Marriage, Milestones and Many Waters!....

The last week of every year is very special and usually very busy in our house.  This year was no different except we have had the rain and flooding to contend with :-)   This has been the biggest rain event in these parts for many years.  It is very widespread and the Fitzroy River is the catchment river for all the surrounding water ways...all of which are experiencing record flood levels!  So we sit here in Rockhampton, waiting, watching, wondering!

Previous record 1918
The Old Fitzroy River Bridge

There are predictions as to how high the river will rise but realistically no one knows for sure as the levels coming in from the north and west are higher than ever previously recorded.  Needless to say the Big Wet of 2010/11 will go down in history as one of the biggest.

My older daughter and her family live in the flood inundated area of town and have evacuated to us for the duration.  It looks as though their place (a high set house) will get water through the upper living area. We have a house full but we are enjoying it and will make the most of the precious family time despite the stress of the situation and the knowledge that when it recedes the big clean up will begin.

This is what the Depot Hill area looked like over the last couple of days.
If the river rises to expected heights this area will be under 2m plus of water.
This is where my daughter lives!

My second daughter and her family spent the long weekend in the south and are now (happily) stranded there until the roads reopen.  Their home is thankfully high and dry.

The town is very low on milk, bread, fruit and vegies etc.  We are fairly well stocked but with nine in the house plus their dogs we will need to be!!

oo00oo

For better, for worse,
For richer, for poorer,
In sickness and in health,
Until God shall separate us by death.

On Tuesday we celebrated our 25th Wedding Anniversary. Yes, 25 years!
 Although we did not take the above vows in our marriage service, I think it sums up well the commitment that two believers make when they stand before God, and the congregation of his people to promise and covenant themselves to one another.
My own children and my little grandchildren make every hurdle and difficulty through out the years seem trivial and very worthwhile.

Psalm 127

1Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it:
 except the LORD keep the city,  the watchman waketh but in vain.

2It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late,

 to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.

3Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD:
 and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

4As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.

5Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not
be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

oo00oo

Yesterday, Thursday was my birthday!  How quickly these seem to roll around these days. We had to postpone our usual lunch with my  little group of birthday celebrators . We regularly take the birthday girl out for a meal when each one rolls around.   When the flood dramas are past we will go out and have a nice meal together.  As mentioned, I had plenty of my family here to celebrate the day and some visiting friends from Canberra came for lunch.  This meal was cut short too with their decision to fly home before the airport is closed! Earlier, I had enjoyed a coffee and a chat with JJ and tomorrow will be lunch as usual with Dad and Mum .
I love that I get lots of phone calls and messages and I feel very spoiled in general. I am so grateful to the Lord for preserving my life thus far and giving me so many wonderful family members and friends to share it with.

Tomorrow will be the beginning of 2011.  We are having a barbecue with friends but it is most unlikely that I will actually see it in . I am sure my boys will take the opportunity to stay up late and have some goodies!

May God bless each of you in the coming year xo

And a NEWS FLASH!
The missing fuel cap was found today by my daughter, just going about her business down the back! Thank you Lord!

Melbourne and Points Beyond

Our wonderful trip to Victoria is over :-(

So many months in the planning and every bit as exciting as we had dreamed.

Too much packed into those nine days to write about so I will do the album thing.

I have selected these from 450 photographs we took.

Enjoy!

Leaving Rockhampton airport.

To the Top of the World!

88 floors in 37 seconds to see the spectacular view from the Sky walk at the Eureka Towers

Then on the the Old Melbourne Gaol.

Site of the hanging of Ned Kelly.

WANTED

and other disreputable characters!

The Melbourne Zoo

showcases the wonders of Gods animal creation!

We were delighted to watch a platypus swimming, diving and frolicking.

Jemimah's favourites ~ the butterflies.

Elephant wallowing.

The Aquarium.

Absolutely awe inspiring creatures of the deep!

We could have spent a long while just watching the antics of the nesting and playful penguins.

Up close to some very spectacular creatures!

More than a mouthful!

The Museum held many wonders including

a 3D presentation from the Hubble Telescope.

"The Heavens declare the glory of God"!

The absolute highlight!

Two days at Sovereign Hill Historical site.  Ballarat.

WOW!

This place is so well done in every detail.

The children enjoyed panning for gold, and finding a few specks.

The huge treat was dinner in one of the old pubs, the spectacular light show and re-enactment of the events leading up to and including the Eureka Rebellion, and staying the night in the on site accommodation!

The Red Coats fired some pretty impressive guns!

Every building is done up in minute detail, right down to folks in 1850s clothing doing needlework and shop assistants passing the time of day with quaint conversations.

Site of the Eureka Stockade

Bendigo

The Chinese Museum

Winging home.

Exhausted and exhilarated!

Bloggers three!

Jeanne, from  A Peaceful Day, Ruby, That's me! and Jeana, from Jeana Marie Blackert

As with all things, people are the best part of my holiday memories.

Jeanne is the same wonderful, warm person in real life as she is on her blog. I cannot tell you how much I appreciated the hospitality and generosity which she and  her family showed us nor the time and energy they spent ensuring that we had the holiday of a lifetime. Well, for me at least, perhaps my boys will go on to great adventures.  Life long friends have been made and many precious memories as well.

It was an added bonus to meet and spend some time with Jeana and her family.

On the Lords Day we were blessed to worship with the people of God at Jeanne's home church.

"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity!"

Wish you were here!

We  arrived safely at Avalon airport on Tuesday night and are having a wonderful time in Melbourne!!
Jeanne and "Major Nelson" are the perfect hosts and tour guides and Jemimah is delightful as only 9 year old girls can be.  What an amazing experience it has been to meet this bloggy friend and her family and share real life friendship as well as visit this marvellous city.

We have done lots of touristy type stuff, like the Old Melbourne Gaol, the Eureka Tower, Zoo and Aquarium.  We have also enjoyed some absolutely fantastic meals! ummmm....home cooking was never quite like this!  In the last few days I have sampled Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Italian and Jeannese!All amazing, l really loved the Vietnamese food which I have never tried before though my boys were not so fussed on it and ended up eating a lot of rice! Well, at least they can say they tried it.

Jeanne posed a question on her blog before I came down wondering whether a visit from me would enrich and strengthen our long distance friendship, or perhaps strain it.  Well, I cannot answer for Jeanne, but I know that I wondered the same thing.  For me, this has been an amazing experience for both myself and my boys.  We feel very at home and are enjoying the company of the residents of the Peaceful home immensely.  I know that the friendship which the the two of us began about eighteen months has now become a very close and important one for me and that all those things which we sensed we had in common are certainly there in real life.

I just hope Jeanne and her family have enjoyed having us as much as we have enjoyed being here,


Jeanne has kindly let me post on her laptop but I will post more about our adventures and some pics when I get home.

The Widow and the Fatherless

Psalm 146:9

The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.


 
There are special provisions made throughout scripture for the widow and the orphaned children. God is a husband to the widow and father to children without an earthy protector. This teaches us what our attitude should be to those who have lost their husband and no longer have the head of their household to look to.
 
I don't often blog about my friends, though I am blessed with many.  I think when I do post about them I will call them flower names as they are a beautiful, colourful and varied bunch of women!

I have been thinking about a lady who is very special.  Daisy.  A friend who lost her husband to cancer about ten years ago when the youngest of her five children was six weeks old. After the terrible weeks, months, years of grief, it has been an amazing privilege to watch this woman embrace the providences which God has placed on her and face the world, by his grace.  She home schools her beautiful children and they run a home based business.

This weekend Daisy and the family hosted their annual "home market". This is where they hold an open house and sell all the goodies which they create themselves and usually sell at the local markets. Daisy is very creative and so are all the children so they have items from bookmarks, cards and wall hangings, to beaded jewelry and leather work. Daisy is also a fantastic cook! She makes all kinds of wonderful cakes in her country kitchen and her speciality is Pumpkin Fruit Cake.

My friend Petunia and I went out quite early and by the time we had browsed, enjoyed the Lemonade (made with love♥) bought a few bits of this and that, sampled the Carrot Cake and drunk our coffee about five more carloads of "shoppers" had arrived!

As a group of friends, we have sought to uphold and encourage this sister in her very difficult journey over the past ten years. I see a vibrant and very enthusiastic woman who gives so much to others. Daisy is a stalwart in our home school group, a wonderful communicator who keeps in touch with everyone and makes sure no one is left out. She works tirelessly to raise her little family and is doing a fantastic job despite the hurdles she has had to overcome. She works VERY hard to provide for her family and not be reliant on others.

It was such a lovely relaxing morning at her beautifully situated home in the country. I thank God for this friend and pray often that he will continue to bless and encourage this widow throughout life.  She is a wonderful example and witness to the fact that God lifts up the meek and those who are cast down and protects and provides for the widow and fatherless.