Happy *PEACE filled New Year

With the torrential non stop rain comes the frogs....
And their continuous song. 

The children love them especially these green tree ones.

Happiness is, caring and sharing.
Grandchildren, Shiarn to Izaiah.

This Mr Froggy is displaying the Sign of PEACE..

The world does not have peace, although it's what EVERY person desires.

But knowing Jesus can give peace to the heart in troubled times as we place our faith and trust in Him.


Jesus tells us in His Word:
"Peace I leave with you;
My peace I give you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled
and do not be afraid." (John 14:27)

To keep immersed in Gods Word, feeds and water's the parched soul.

There should be no divisions between different Christian faiths.
No Hostility...
There should be Peace!!


"For Christ himself has brought peace to us.
He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when,
In his own body on the cross,
He broke down the wall of hostility that separated us."
Ephesians 2:14
 
PEACE... what a beautiful word...
 
Jesus died to unite us in Himself...
And yet He still knew the wicked heart of man..
 
Jesus Said....
“Brother will betray brother to death,
and a father his child;
children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 
You will be hated by everyone because of me,
but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." 
Matthew 10:21-22
 
Peace, keep the Peace!!
Don't argue,.. Pray!
Forgive and Love.
 
PEACE BE STILL....

Who AM I ?

God tells me and you..

Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart."

Some of where I come from was Wales, UK.

(Left) great grandmother Charles (maternal) with her daughter and new husband, plus other family members.

I was the fourth child of five born to my Australian mother and English father.

My mother with her five children. I am in front on the right.

Looking at this photo today I realised all of our body language is tilted towards our mother. We were all very close to her.

Mum taught us a faith by example.

Our life revolved around God.

The country home we grew up in south western New South Wales.

My sister stands outside and I took this photo with her brownie camera.

This sister has always been my best encourager in my faith, she has never wavered.

 Our background can form us for better or worse.

I came from a strong Christian background and for this I am thankful.

However, ultimately it is up to us and our choices as to where we go in life.

Today it is popular to pass the blame for doing the wrong thing onto someone else.

When I grew up we made the best of our lives and if  it went wrong we shouldered our own responsibility.

There was no passing the buck.

I have made good choices and bad ones, the same as you.

Learning lessons is what has been important.

Growing in wisdom and maturity, knowing when you are wrong and admitting it, and asking and accepting forgiveness, makes for a healthy life. 

No one is perfect.. I certainly am not!!!

I get distressed sometimes when people judge.

They think I have the perfect life and it is all together,

 just because I laugh much of the time. 

Not So....!!

What I do have is a strong unwavering faith.

A faith instilled in me from a child.

Some children choose to turn away. I choose to stay.

Genesis 8:1, And God Remembered.................(Us)!!

From eight to eighteen years of age. I grew up without a father.

This was no excuse for me to do the wrong thing.

I was not forgotten. Because God remembered.

You are not forgotten either.

God Always Remembers!!!

Shining * STARS *

You are all shining STARS glowing and twinkling out love.
I take nothing in life for granted and am praising God for all of you.
Know you are special, unique and beloved of the Lord.
It's not what happens to us in life, but how we react in times of adversity.

My Miracle:

*For my son Lee-Joel, that he and  his beautiful wife and son re-unite.

                             Grandson Izaiah and Lee-Joel (works in construction).

1 Corinthians 13:7-8
"LOVE bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails."




*For my son Peter, to gain a beautiful Christian wife.

Peter

(Coach driver to the mines, far north Queensland.)

Proverbs 18:22 

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing,

And obtains favor from the LORD."

Both son's know the Lord. Both are believers in the Word. 

                                                  My Sons                                       
                                          

The power of Gods Love

We can never underestimate the power of Gods love and protection.
How many times do you want to go somewhere only to have your plans cancelled at the last moment?
How often do you feel sad about missing out on an occasion not realising there may be a very good reason for it?

Next time you miss out, praise God. You are in His care and His love surrounds and protects.

I have seen into the supernatural realm on occasion.
I am very aware that life is not always as we see it in the natural.

"If you say, “The LORD is my refuge,”

and you make the Most High your dwelling,
no harm will overtake you,
no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you
to guard you in all your ways." Psalm 91: 9-11

   

Peter Anthony ... Blessings.

My little car struggled up the steep incline only to be stopped on the crest by red signal light's. Glancing downwards for a moment my eyes then averted once more towards the road.
Transfixed I stared as a huge coach, maneuvering around the tight corner looming towards me and almost hitting my car by mere inches.

My mind wandered to think of my eldest son Peter.
He drives monster's such as this for a living.
It's his birthday on Saturday (30th) and he is hundreds of miles from family.
Now residing in north west Queensland, he drives a variety of different coaches, catering for the mines.
I pray his day is bright and that the coming year is full of the goodness of the Lord shining with Joy upon him.
I commemorate my son and all he means to those of us who love him.

His name means:
Peter:  The Rock
Anthony:  Worthy of Praise
God loves Him.

He was one of those perfect babies who kept to a timed routine.

Always a sunny child, he looked at life though rose coloured glasses of love.

  Nehemiah 8: 19

                            "For the joy of the LORD is your strength."

Even as a toddler, he reached out to take his big sister's hand.
Family have always been priority to Peter.



Femia and Peter

John 3:18

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue,
but in deed and in truth."
Quick witted, he always has something funny to say
He has the ability for turning sadness into joy.

Picture here on the right of his sister Femia, with her husband David, two of his cousins, Vanessa and Brad and his younger sister Daniella. 

At ten years of age he plagued me for a little brother. 

God granted him the desire of his heart.

Pictured proudly here with Lee-Joel, brother and gift from God. 

So my son.

My prayer for you today is.

"A wife of noble character YOU can find.

                                She is worth far more than rubies.
                                You have full confidence in her
                                and lack nothing of value.
                                She brings You good, not harm,
                                 all the days of her life...
                                 (and you Bless each other)" AMEN
Proverbs 31:10-12
May the Lord Bless thee and keep thee..
safe,
happy,
and strong
in Him always

Amazing Grace

My eldest child, daughter Femia, (named after her Italian Nona) pictured here in the middle rear line of her school class.

She was a very shy child who lacked confidence. Yet with the encouragement of a wonderful teacher, Mr Maxwell, she soon realised a talent for athletics. I believe she still holds the school record for long jump, thirty three years later. She went on to become the school athletic champion, competing at state level.

On her first evening at a new church she was watched by the young man playing the piano. They went on outings with the church youth and soon became an item.

In 1985 Femia and David married in a huge Italian wedding.

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.

Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

(1 John 4:7-8)

Standing on a platform, they cut the wedding cake together.

 “Love is not self seeking, it’s not easily angered,
 it keeps no record of wrong.”  
 (1 Corinthians 13:5 )

Time Goes By and they build a Firm Foundation in Jesus Christ. 

 “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”
(Hebrews 10:24)

Next month they celebrate twenty five years of marriage

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:"
(Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)

The family that prays together stays together.

With their three children and a new son-in-law, this year.

Father's Day

My son Lee-Joel with his son Izaiah(left).                

We celebrated Fathers Day in Australia today.
I really think this name should be broadened to be.
Father, Stepfather, Grandfather's Day.

I was eight when my father left our home.
I found him again when I was eighteen.
It is lonely growing up without a father.
It is sad when you have no memories of a hug or a kiss from your father.
When he never played with you, took you on a picnic or said, "I love you."

For many, a stepfather or grandfather is the substitute.
Unfortunately, after eight, I missed out on these also.
Now I am not complaining, this is simply a fact....
And, the fact of many.

The good part was my early teaching about my beginning.
My knowing, I had a Heavenly Father who was always there.
A Father who loved me with an unconditional love,
And one who promised me, "He would never leave me nor forsake me."

He is the God who created me in His spiritual image.
My God who created the whole world and universe with His Word.
My God who is mightier than any imaginable divinity my mind could conjure.
My God who made a way of escape for me when I sin.
My God who forgives my sins when I confess with honest repentance.
My Father God, who loves me with an UNCONDITIONAL TOTAL LOVE...

His love is the Agape Love:
The Selfless Love with All Spiritual Power. Beyond Everything!!

"Our Father which art in heaven,  Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen."
Matthew 6:9-13

I believe in this prayer. I do not recite the words without thought.
My very Heart,  is in the beautiful love,
The Father has for Me.
In this prayer, that He Gave.....

 

ROGERSVILLE, TENNESSEE

There is no place like home and although I only lived and worked in Rogersville for three years, a piece of me remains there.
It is an historical town with quaint antique shops in the old section.
Established in the 1770's, it is one of the oldest towns in Tennessee.
I thought I was in Heaven when I first arrived because everyone was so sweet and kind. Driving on the opposite side of the road  was a little confusing at first, yet no-one lost their patience. They sat and waited, then with a friendly wave, saw me on my way....
It certainly was a learning process.  

This was our home in the woods.

Amid the woodpeckers and squirrels.

It was enchanting to an Ozzie.

At the first sign of snow I ran around with the camera trying to capture all the white magic..

Living in the tropics of Queensland we don't see this in winter.

My church family.

It took a while to find somewhere I felt at home.

But I discovered CROSSROADS was the place to be.

( When you come to that place in your life, and you don't know which way to go. Take the road to the CHRIST )  

Here I soon discovered, acceptance love and friendship with excellent teaching and wonderful singing and music.

About a year after I left, the precious church family came together for this photo. 

They all got together to wave me hello....but a few are missing.

Prima and Zena, where are you??

 

On Roan Mountain.

It's not that far away and my hubby took me there to see it in the snow..

One word...BEAUTIFUL.!!

The staff of Amedisys Home Health.

A lovely group of girls and a pleasure to work with.

Lori our boss is seated on the bottom right with me standing on (R)behind her. 

The best part of this work was everyone belonged to the Lord. 

Much care and love is given out to the Patients. 

 

Crystal and Nancy.

Everyone needs a good friend and mine was and still is, Nancy.

Both registered nurses we attended the same church, shared with each other and prayed together.

Nancy and her hubby John are special folk.

They give out of themselves and nothing is ever too much trouble. 

True Believers.

It Is Written:

And he (JESUS) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. (Colossians 1:18-20)

Praise His Holy Name.  Amen.

Children are of the Lord. 'Sepia Saturday.'

I know this photo isn't as old as most posted on here, but it is the original colour.

This is my daughter Daniella at age 9 months.

She looks apprehensive, not sure what was going on.

 

This is her again, grown-up and married with  to little boys of her own.

                                                                              

And an old fashioned look of these two same little boys taken by my elder photographer daughter.

                                                                    

Elyshah Liam is on the left and Antonio Elijah on the right.

Both boys are almost six feet tall today and tower over their mother.

Antonio, Daniella and Elyshah.

I am a proud mother and grandmother.

(just wish the boys wouldn't straighten their hair)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proberbs 3:5-6



                                  

Sepia Saturday Sisters

It's funny looking back on old photos.

In this one I am carrying a Kodak flash camera, which was quite the thing in those days.

My sister Jan had taken me on a trip to Melbourne, the State below where we lived in New South Wales. 

My other elder sister was completing her post graduate in midwifery in a hospital in that State.

It was Easter and the three of us we had a wonderful time exploring.

I loved and looked up to both of my big sisters.

Neither of them ever made me feel I was too young to be with them.

I was fourteen in these photos. 

  

Once you marry life changes, to leave these times as cherished memories.

"I will pour out my spirit on your descendants, and my blessings on your children."
Isaiah 44:3

HAPPINESS IS: Receiving The Happiness Award......

   

Oh My Oh My !!!
What a Blessing...

Dearest Sister Ann Marie has bestowed 'The Happiness Award' on me.
Please visit this dear Sister at http://franciscanlife.blogspot.com/

This is wonderful encouragement, to laugh at life and see the bright side of everything.

A friend of mine passed away recently from cancer.
Her name was Carole.
I went to visit her husband Michael yesterday to see how he was coping.
At first the talk was serious.     
Then he opened up and told me about his 6 year old grandson sitting beside him at the funeral.
The discussion there went something like this..
"Is Grandma in the box?"
"Yes, Sammy, she's in the box."
"What's she doing in there?"
"She's resting.  God let her come down from Heaven to look at everything."
"Can she see us Grandpa?"
"She sure can, she's looking at us through her photo on top of the box."
"Is she happy Grandpa?"
"Yes Sammy, see how she is smiling, she is very happy...
When all the singing is over, she will go back to Heaven."
We rejoiced together at how he was able to convey God's love to his little grandson.

Carole had chosen all the Hymn's and songs to be sung at the funeral and again at the crematorium.
Her last choice was, "Always Look On The Bright Side of Life!"

I can almost see Carole smiling as I write this.
So, in memory of a true Lady, who even at the end wanted others to be happy..
I pass on the Happiness Award.

I had to choose 5 sunny people for this.
It is to go to Bloggers who truly have 'Happiness' in their heart and pass it around to share with others.
As per the example of my friend Carole, they always look on the brighter side of life.

The choice was not an easy one.
As...you are all winners in my eyes!!

1.  http://livinitupinky.blogspot.com/
2.  http://kleiindehandvandepottenbakker.blogspot.com/
3.  http://therantingsofachristianhousewife.blogspot.com/
4.  http://cassandra89.blogspot.com/
5.  http://chattycrone.com/

LETS KEEP ON MAKING THE WORLD, A HAPPIER PLACE.

Beautiful Carole, a true Proverbs:31,  Woman.

Can You Pass The Love Test?

A LOVE LAB?

In 1986, Dr. John Gottman joined the University of Washington Department of Psychology and started the Family Research Laboratory


This received funding from the National Institute of Mental Health throughout it’s operation. The physiology laboratory, often referred to as the “Love Lab,” was where couples were screened, interviewed, and observed.


The Lab used video, heart rate monitors, and measures of pulse amplitude, jitteriness and skin conductivity. This information was coded using the Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF) and techniques of math modelling to assess relationships and predict their pathways. The Lab combined a video data bank of hundreds of couples interacting at different time points in their relationship.

The data surveyed could evaluate whether or not couples had the love combination to sucessfully remain in a relationship together.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW TO UNDERSTAND THIS FURTHER.