Flying the Coop

When your children fly the coop you're left with the empty nest, bewildered and wondering? Was that only a dream? Yes, they grow up and leave too quickly. Suddenly gone are the dashes to soccer and athletics training with games and competitions to attend on weekends.
Racing a child to school in the car because they missed the bus. Hoping it doesn't breakdown because you are still dressed in your nightie. You'll die with embarrassment if anyone sees you and realises. Then a policeman gets you for speeding and you are asked to produce your licence. Fumbling apologetically you tell him it's at home in your purse, while your child looks on intently noting every word for "Show and tell" in class.

Yes, I was a busy mum. I kept a huge house clean and cared for four children while also working in a family business.
Life was hectic yet so rewarding.
Then suddenly one day, they began to leave.
The hardest was the first one, and I cried on and off for six months. Of course she visited, but that's never the same.
Then joy of joys, suddenly I was a grandmother. I had to contain myself not to take over, reminding myself I wasn't the mother. The precious bundle was mine only to cherish for a short while and then I had to give her back.

Now what has caused me to reminisce today? I know, I can hear new life chirping in the trees around our house.
Parent birds are busy gathering food, sheltering from the weather and meeting the demands of their young. Tender wings will slowly strengthen as the parents protectively watch the first feeble attempts to fly. All to soon the fledgling will be ready for flight. Then without a backward glance and uncaring of their watchful nurturer, gleefully they will soar.....and begin their own saga.

 "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."
Psalm 24:1 

The birds are the Jabiru.

Photo taken outback by Ray.

To learn more about them click below.

http://www.wiresnr.org/Jabiru1.html

Birthday Boy

Izaiah (zai) turned three...

The older they get the older we feel.
I believe children are much more intelligent today and much more grown up.

So it is up to us as parents and grandparent to preserve their childhood.
And to encourage outdoor fun activities.
They had a wonderful time playing in the back yard.
Climbing the Mango tree, playing chasing's with Mille in hot pursuit and swinging.

And you are never too old to play and take pic's.

My poinsettia bush is blooming.

Finally a memory photo with Mummy and Papa.

Two parents together, add to a child's security.

Look how those little hands hold on to both.

God Says.....
"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my loving eye on you."
Psalm 32:8
 
My blessing to my grandson:
 
May the Lord Bless Thee and Keep thee....
May His light and Glory shine in thee...
May good health, a generous spirit and the gift of discernment be yours.
And may you always, acknowledge Him who created you. Amen.
 
 
 

A Fathers Blessings

 My blessed daughter with her husband David.

My daughter Femia Hope phoned me with an important revelation.
"You know mum, father's need to place a blessing on their son today, as they did in Bible days.
I think the Jewish still do this.?"

(My son Lee-Joel with his son Izaiah. Photo by Femia.)

She continued to inform me that her church was teaching what it meant to receive this age old Approval.


"Older men in our church are standing in the gap and praying for those younger." 
She explained her own husband David,  51yrs, had just received his blessing.

Now in turn, David will bestow a blessings on his own two sons, and on other younger men without Christian fathers.

Many men go through life feeling rejected, unworthy or with low self esteem, because they have never been vindicated by their father.

Men are lost in a system where not much understanding is given to their emotions, desires, frustrations and needs. 

Let's remember to lift up and encourage our men from little boys, through adolescance and on to manhood.
(never forgetting the girls)

 Why am I writing this here??

I am hoping and praying that you readers may carry it with you into your Church's and families.

"Your father's blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains, than the bounty of the age-old hills."
Genesis 49:26

"Jesus,  took the children in his arms,
Placed his hands on them
And blessed them."
Mark 10:16 

Blessed are the meek,

for they shall inherit the earth.