Reflecting

I am currently away from my home and not on the computer as often.
So much has been happening, trials which have had me pressing strongly into Gods Word.

I love the book of Isaiah. Opening my bible this morning I read the following.

The spirit of the Lord is upon me, for the Lord has anointed me

To bring the Good News to the poor.......

He will give beauty for ashes,

A joyous blessing instead of mourning.

Festive praise instead of despair.

Chap:61:1
(Such encouragement)

I had just dreamed a distressing dream.
And jumped out of bed wanting to cry out!
But I recognise... Satan is at it again, trying to upset the day.

So instead I wish to share some happy times with you from my memory of the U.S.A.

When I first went to live in Rogersville Tennessee, I thought I was in Heaven.
People were so kind.
I walked into Wal Mart wanting to purchase underwear.
The sizes were different to back in Oz, and in my confusion I stood and stared.
A sweet sales lady by the name of Cathy came beaming kindness, asking if she could help?
Well, she looked at me and picked out my size. All was resolved.
Months later, the tables turned as I nursed Cathy's mother, and helped Cathy with her care.
Both of us were given, Beauty for Ashes.

These may be small incidences, yet when we are open to see Gods love and kindness,
we will find much to be thankful for.

Our home was situated on the side of a hill, in the woods...

Each day I had the joy of watching the squirrels and birds.
Ray had numerous bird feeders to entice cardinals and gold finch..
And those cheeky squirrels helped themselves also...
I had a special prayer room where I could sit and watch the antics.

There is so much good in our lives, yet sometimes we allow the clouds to get in the way.
We allow the storms of life to take over.
Yes, we allow...we choose to let....
Bad, hurtful, or past memories to take away the gift of the day.

I adore a song I learned as a child.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
NAME THEM ONE BY ONE
AND IT WILL SURPRISE YOU.

WHAT THE LORD HAS DONE.

So if something in your life is hurting and taking away your joy.
Sit down with a piece of paper and begin to list all the good things.
Someones kind word to you.
A smile from a stranger.
The sunshine peeking through your window.
Having the eyes, to read these words..

What a joy life is, just open your eyes and see.

 

My amazed grandson Izaiah, looking at Jesus with Peter the fisherman. 

BE AS A LITTLE CHILD.

 

*SHIARN IS A STAR* Happy Birthday Today

We are still flooding...BUT....

Happy Birthday 11th Jan 2011.
To Shiarn...
You and Mummy didn't make it it home due to the floods.
BUT, you are safe and sound. 
Here are some memories from Nanni to you. 

You were a very tiny baby, born six weeks before your time.
You have kept on growing ever since.

Here you are with your big cousin Kirra.
When you were smaller.

Soon you grew big enough to go to school.

                     You have fun running with the chooks.

And holding them.

You like to find out about nature.

Even a green tree snake.

Just love the Pirate train with Mummy.

AND..... RAT...(oh no)

You still like to be picked up and held by Benj, Kirra's new husband.

But in the end,

Your greatest happiness is...

 taking little cousin Izaiah 

on a walk of discovery.

 "The word of the LORD came to me, saying,

                'Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
                  before you were born I set you apart;' " 
                 Jeremiah 1:4-5

H A pp y  B i r t h d a y

From 2 little birds who live at your home...

Who know you and love you.

Together with us they send you hugs and kisses today.

Hope to see you soon. x x

We Love You. * ~ *

 

Give Thanks to God

1 John 2:27 (New International Version)

"As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you,
and you do not need anyone to teach you.
But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit—
just as it has taught you, remain in him (God)."

Wow, what a message! and completely from God's Word.
This doesn't mean don't go to church.
But rather I believe it means....
Let God be your teacher as you read his Word for yourself.
Don't take as gospel everything you hear.

Many of us who profess to be Christian (a Christ Follower), are too lazy to read for ourselves.
Instead we sit in church week after week and listen like robots.
We believe what we hear without looking at the evidence out of a seeking to know Him more heart.
What kind of love is that? 
Lets give thanks, for all God has done for us..
Lets draw closer to Him, by reading His Word.

As a child I attended a small town Sunday School...
One of the songs I learnt was:
Wide wide is the ocean,
High as the Heavens above,
Deep deep as the deepest sea,
Is my Saviours Love.....
We did actions to demonstrate and understand that HUGE love.

Gods love for us is bigger than all the oceans!
How BIG is that...................

Bless the Lord

Psalm 103

"Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."
I love you Lord, and I thank and praise you for all our many blessings.

White cheeked honey eater on a eucalyptus tree

I am reminded how God gives us everything and much of that, we take for granted.

Galah

The wide variety of birds and their different coloured plumage.

Are a joy to the eye and ear.

King parrot.

They help keep the insects under control.

Blue winged kookaburra

Known as the bush clock, you can reply on them to awaken you with their laughter at the same time every morning.

They are one bird welcome in the garden as they eat the snakes.

If they laugh in the middle of the day it means a change in the weather. 

 Ring neck parrot

A Sweet intruder, and a joy to behold. 

Water hen

Walks daintily across the lillypads seeking a feed.

The wedged tail eagle.

Stands three feet tall and has a wing span of up to eight feet wide.

This all seeing majestic wonder reminds me of our God.

He defends his territory by soaring high above the earth.

And keeps an ever vigilant watch. 

"But those who wait upon the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 40:31

Bless the Lord, oh my soul for thou art mighty in all the earth.