Friday, March 16, 2012

Sharing - Caring.

I feel a strong affiliation with the United States of America.
Then seeing this picture seemed to draw me even closer.
We are surely, sister countries..
The red map drawn over the U.S. is Australia.
Our land mass is almost the same size.

Our soldiers fought together in wars, and we enjoy one another's company.

I have toured almost all of the U.S.A. and have read much of its history.

While working there as a Home Health practitioner, I met many wonderful folk.
Some stood out more than others.

I'm call the woman in my true story, 'Deeply troubled.'

On entering my workplace one Monday morning I was told I had a new patient.
"Now I hope you'll be alright with this Crystal," my boss searched my face as she spoke.
"The lady in question lost her husband a few weeks ago and isn't coping."
"Yes," added my work partner, Jane from across the room. "And I ain't going out there again," she spoke indignantly.
 "She pulled a shot gun on me!"

Well this sounded good? I felt like I was being thrown into the lions den.

It was a long drive to her home, way up in the Tennessee mountains. 
The house stood alone and lonely in a wide valley.

Getting out of my jeep I took my time gathering my bag and patient folder from the front seat.
A curtain moved in the glass panel of the front door and I knew I was being watched.

Slowly I walked to the porch, calling and talking to the numerous cats taking flight, or sitting watching me in huge eyed silence.
It seemed a long walk up those steps, across the planked timber floor, to knock at that door.

My patient warily opened it, and after I told her who I was, she invited me reluctantly inside.
A small radio, sitting on her kitchen bench was playing a beautiful old hymn.
As I placed my things onto her table I remarked, "Don't you just love that song," and began to sing along with the words..
I had gained her trust.

After concluding my assessment, I asked her if there was anything she would like to ask or tell me.
She began to cry and talk about her husbands passing.
"He never told me he loved me, you know." her head bowed. 
"He was always hateful to me. For the first years of our marriage, he'd take off for weeks without telling me he was going, or when he'd be back... I was left with no money, not a word."

I sat and listened in silence, moving closer to take her hand.

"He'd been sick with diabetes the last few years, and lost both of his legs. Yet he could chase me around the house in his wheel chair and hit me with his stick.
I don't know why I stayed? He never loved me," she repeated mournfully again.

It was my turn...and this poor tortured woman deserved some peace.
"He did love you you know, and that's why he stayed!
When he got sick and could no longer do for himself, he had you.
Yet pride stood in his way.
He grieved his loss and he piled all the pain he felt onto you.
Yes, he loved you, but instead of telling you that, he hit out at you in anger, about his life."

We sat quietly for a time, by now I was holding both of her hands in mine.

"Did you,  ever tell him you loved him?" I asked quietly.
She shook her head, "No!"
"Well then," I told her gently, "it seems like neither of you could say the words...
So for him, I am going to tell you right now.
Deeply troubled, you were always my hearts desire.
You are the only mother of my children.
I am so sorry for my pride and for hurting you.
I love you and I ask for your forgiveness."

"I love you too".: she murmured.

I prayed with her and as I left she asked me when I'd be back.

Every week she watched for my return.
With her door open, she eagerly waited.


"Help carry each other's burdens. 
In this way you will follow Christ's teachings."
Galatians 6:2

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Australia

I was born at Paddington Royal Hospital for Women, in view of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney is the capitol of New South Wales, the state I grew up in.
I have always had a strong love for Sydney harbour and that wonderful iconic bridge that spans its waters.  


The Sydney Harbour Bridge crosses the harbour at its narrowest point between Dawes Point and Milsons Point.
It is a double-hinged, riveted steel arch bridge.
It has a reinforced concrete deck and reinforced concrete pylons.
On its completion in 1932, it was considered the essence of modern bridge design and engineering
creativity.


At different times of day, the bridge becomes almost magical.



Many enjoy to take the three and a half hour climb of the bridge for a great view of the harbour and city.


My daughter Femia and her husband David enjoyed their climb a few years ago. 
    "The earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it -- 
      the world and all its people."
     Psalm 24:1

Friday, March 9, 2012

Share the Love and Pass it on.

I have been feeling dried out of late..
Why? I don't know, just aging I suppose..
I can't seem to think or concentrate for long..
Maybe I need a Sabbatical from life?

THEN... I received TWO blessings on Facebook and both stirred my spirit.
The first one was from a man who I don't know personally but who loves the Lord and continually rejoices in His love.
This man, Murriel sent me (and others) the loveliest surprise.
THEN...
I discovered a lovely message sent from my TN Crossroads Church.
It featured Pastor Stephen, his wife Latonia, son Corey and daughters Cara and Kaylen.
They shared from the church and from their hearts.

How my heart thrilled to hear this, and see those joyous faces..


God is so good.

NEXT,  I saw this photo on a friend Facebook page.. and I know I am so much more fortunate that this.

Or am I?

Love shared and Love given... that's what life is all about.
"I love you, God— you make me strong.
   God is bedrock under my feet,
      the castle in which I live,
      my rescuing knight."
Psalm 18:1

Monday, March 5, 2012

The Valley Rattler Steam Train Gympie Queensland



The Valley Rattler won't be running while its flooding.

Old Photos of days gone-by:
  
When the sunshines again..
There will be the thrill of the journey...





Friday, March 2, 2012

Colour Your World With Happiness

What do you do when you spoil  something?

When you feel it can't be fixed and should be thrown away.





I paint flowers over the problem....


This makes a change, it produces a new creation.

 Here's another problem.


All fixed and made ready to use again.
I used to love to paint... and what a difference some colour and effort can make.


Isn't this the same with life?
When things go wrong often we want to give up and hide away?
Yet there is nothing that can't be fixed...with a little love.

So many times I feel like throwing in the towel..
I have loads of excuses..
I'm getting too old.
I'm tired.
I can't be bothered.
Who cares anyway..
BUT...
Someone does, and His name is JESUS.

Jesus says to me: "Crystal I forgive you and I love you."
Place your name here, and read it again.
"................, I forgive you and I love you."
Doesn't that make you feel good!


Colour your world with happiness: 
Photo by my daughter Femia Shirtliff.


 LORD! 
Praise, O servants of the LORD, 
Praise the name of the LORD! 
Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore! 
From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD's name is to be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Australian Son. John Farnham - Burn For You


Going to live in the USA from my own country, Australia I was home sick.
Some of the things I missed besides my family were:

1. Vegemite, a spread you eat on bread.




2. The eucalyptus trees and smell.




3. Meat pies.






4. Our wild beaches.


5. AND.....Hearing John Farnham on the radio.
So I am sharing him here with you now...

Johnny began singing at fifteen years old.
He is sixty two and still going strong..