Such strange times
Pandemic- a time of being home, homeschooling, essential outings, people dying, fear,
Staying home to stay safe, such unknown times -TO US.
This isn’t a surprise to the Father.
We didn’t know 2020 would be this way. He did.
We didn’t know those who would come home- He did.
We don’t know what’s next- He does. Fear, worry, uncertainty are my feelings, Hs word says wait ( Ps 27:14 "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
Lovely to have a cuppa with you & to share your days - it’s nice to spend the time xx
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Thursday, October 15, 2015
Thursday- Thankful Thursday
Thursday- thankful Thursday
This is my tradition and this is what I am today- Thankful.
My mummy heart went from worry to terror in a few hours and now I am taking time to breathe -& be thankful.
My mind ran away with me last night and it took me to the scary parts of my mummy brain that looks forward and worries- you know that part of the mummy brain that goes "what if" and oh my could I think of some ultimately terrifying "what ifs"! But then I actively had to take those thoughts and STOP!- stop the runaway train of fear and bring it back to now- right now! ... and I struggled so hard to know how to do that- I looked about and started at the simple- the thankful.
It hurt.
It Hurt because each "thank you" also had a "please", It was like the waves on the beach and so I paddled on. Allowing the waves of please and thanks to wash on and soon I was able to lay down a small bit of the burden that has been busy on my brain since the surgery and the fear began.
Ultimately it was good -out of my sad, scary and dark reality came something good- & for that I am thankful.
I have another please and thank you to add to Thursday- thank you for visiting here today & please feel free to comment or message me if you are struggling and need a buddy if you are doing it tough- we can paddle together xx
This is my tradition and this is what I am today- Thankful.
It has been a tough week for my big girl to start her final high school leaving exams (HSC) as My baby girl had her LP and has had quite significant complications (she developed a blood clot on her spine & couldn't walk & was in extreme pain requiring almost a week of opiate analgesia)
My mummy heart went from worry to terror in a few hours and now I am taking time to breathe -& be thankful.
My mind ran away with me last night and it took me to the scary parts of my mummy brain that looks forward and worries- you know that part of the mummy brain that goes "what if" and oh my could I think of some ultimately terrifying "what ifs"! But then I actively had to take those thoughts and STOP!- stop the runaway train of fear and bring it back to now- right now! ... and I struggled so hard to know how to do that- I looked about and started at the simple- the thankful.
It hurt.
It Hurt because each "thank you" also had a "please", It was like the waves on the beach and so I paddled on. Allowing the waves of please and thanks to wash on and soon I was able to lay down a small bit of the burden that has been busy on my brain since the surgery and the fear began.
Ultimately it was good -out of my sad, scary and dark reality came something good- & for that I am thankful.
I have another please and thank you to add to Thursday- thank you for visiting here today & please feel free to comment or message me if you are struggling and need a buddy if you are doing it tough- we can paddle together xx
Monday, October 5, 2015
The journey continues- one tiny step at a time
My lil girl is now 8, she survived encephalitis at 3 yo and since has really struggled.
Despite many beautiful patient wonderful people who have come to help her over these last few years in the last year she lost so many milestones.
Recently she has gone back in an alarming rate and the Drs have scheduled her for an emergency MRI/EEG &bloods this coming Thursday
My mumma heart is aching, the drs suspect something autoimmune ( her own body attacking her) & will do tests that the Drs need to find it. It could also be infection - the encephalitis holding on and if infection is hiding and continuing to damage her lil brain then also the Drs need a different plan.
Over the last year my sweet child has been hurting and slipping away. I am sad and scared. I need your prayers, my lil girl needs your prayers.
There IS a bigger plan than what my eyes and circumstances see.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Hanging on!
After reading a lovely post over at Just 18 Summers called "going green" & the beauty of house plants.
Since "E" came to visit our home anything that is not bulletproof has steadily slipped away- we used to have African violets but their leaves are irresistibly wonderfully soft and delicate and they really don't do well having their leaves rubbed by the handful on your face & chin...... needless to say they are a memory that I hadn't really noticed was now missing from our home.
I have to confess my only "houseplant" that I have is a TINY piece of bamboo on my kitchen windowsill in a small glass with a few rocks in the bottom & water that has been there for a year & is still under 3″ tall!
It came to our home from a trip to bunnings where it snapped off and lil miss amongst tears & noise just couldnt “leave it there to die” imagine the scene with all the drama and emphasis added, you know the one that motivates a mumma to grab that lil tip of plant, ask the garden lady if we can have it & then leave!
Since "E" came to visit our home anything that is not bulletproof has steadily slipped away- we used to have African violets but their leaves are irresistibly wonderfully soft and delicate and they really don't do well having their leaves rubbed by the handful on your face & chin...... needless to say they are a memory that I hadn't really noticed was now missing from our home.
I have to confess my only "houseplant" that I have is a TINY piece of bamboo on my kitchen windowsill in a small glass with a few rocks in the bottom & water that has been there for a year & is still under 3″ tall!
It came to our home from a trip to bunnings where it snapped off and lil miss amongst tears & noise just couldnt “leave it there to die” imagine the scene with all the drama and emphasis added, you know the one that motivates a mumma to grab that lil tip of plant, ask the garden lady if we can have it & then leave!
This is our house plant, it has been there in a permanent state of shock but is still hanging on- lol I guess that about describes my year too!!
What will move this lil green waif from shock to growth and to thriving?
1) meet the basics first- water, food and shelter (or safety from lil fingers!!)
2) access to Light (for my bamboo it is filter through the cobwebs & splotches of my non- immaculate kitchen windowsill- be kind and overlook that!!)
3) love and nurture (not being left on the floor to be swept away as rubbish in the hardware store)
These are pretty much items of my all purpose survival list!
Meet the basics- mumma needs coffee +/- food at the beginning of everyday, if its 2pm and I haven't had anything I have not meet the basics and can't expect to flourish- ye I will get by, experience says so but I have not set myself up to thrive
Access the Light- Read -Pray -Nourish in The Word everyday. I know my desperate need for fellowship with the Father in my day and my life and everything is better when I spend my time with The Lord yet still this is the first thing I allow to be stolen when life gets out of control- then life really is out of control. I think Paul's verse of "the things I know I should do I don't do ".... comes to mind....
3) love & nurture- from the deep parts of my heart, not super mum style with display home & chore- perfectionist medals pinned to my chest but out the overflow of my soul- you know the snuggle on the lounge and read golden books or under a blanket fort in the middle of the lounge room with Lego & princess jewelry!
I'm not saying that things don't need added to this list on "non survival mode" days but it is a BASE list- a place to start and survive from. Add things yes, but do not take away these basics and soon flourishing will come ... now let's put the kettle on!
Bless you today :)
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Permission for the Lady in the mirror
In a recent email a Mum asked for actual strategies as she feels she does 90% of the chores in the house and the school concerns & her DH is doing less.
Do you struggle with this???
Reading through an email from another struggling mum with small kiddies I realised the words I replied were much more for me than her. God gave me words then gently said now go stand in front of the mirror there is a mumma who needs to hear this in there!
I'm giving myself permission to
1. Accept help & imperfection- even a 3yo can make their bed- don't straighten it after them either- as a friend once said, someday you will miss those crinkles,
2: don't iron (except business shirts!) not EVERYTHING has to be perfect- 50% of our to do list is minor & realistically not essential
3: ask specifically for the help you want / need- get a cleaner, ask girlfriends, pay a trusted teen, better still ask hubby: ( be real specific !!) "please make 5 vegemite sandwiches & 5 drink bottles" again don't sweat the small minor but annoying stuff- who cares if its not cut or wrapped perfect- the lunches are made and the jobs off your list!! ... & remember a thank u..... (Yep I know I don't get a thank you for making lunches ...ever.... but hey you would thank the neighbour for throwing together a sambo, snack & a bottle for your kids if you were running late- so extend your hubby the same & throw a thank you out to him- they are free but worth a lot!!)
4: life, marriage & family is about relationship- love your hubby & your kids- let go of the chores balance act- you do more, a wife & mumma always will- we are wired that way. Don't let yourself get into resentment about it - stop doing non essentials, so that you can have time to enjoy the husband & kids you are working so hard for & don't let "you" get stolen by doing- in 20 years they won't remember chores as much as they will remember laughter & time with mumma. Give yourself permission to ease up & not be super mum- we all need to give ourself this- me too!!
Also Grab a copy of "Five love languages"- chances are you feel loved by works/acts of service : guaranteed your hubby has a completely different "language" he isn't being lazy or hateful or manipulating he just gives & receives love completely differently & probably is completely clueless as to why it bothers you so!!!
Fight for your marriage, you need it, your kiddos need it, don't be tricked into throwing it away over vacuuming and packing lunches.
I hope when you & I look in the mirror you will tell the Lady you see in there to be kind to herself.
Blessings xx
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Right here
I can't write for tears.
The criticism, fears & struggles have sapped my belief in any hope I had of being a good enough wife, mum, anything.
The list of "to-do" is insurmountable when even the most mundane task takes the skill of a hostage negotiator & renders every judging eye piercing you.
Am I "good enough?"
Will everyone laugh out loud when all those plates I'm spinning come crashing down into a million pieces breaking my heart, my family & tearing my soul with them?
Then the whispered promise "I've got you"
1But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you.
O Israel, the one who formed you says,
“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
I have called you by name; you are mine.
2When you go through deep waters,
I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
you will not be burned up;
the flames will not consume you.
3For I am the LORD, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
Isaiah 43 (NLT)
Do I hear that voice- Do I listen and believe the words are for me?
Do you?
I want to grab hold so tight to the One who whispered these precious words to me tonight & next time when that ache comes - you know the one that dwells deep in a failing mumma's heart which jumps up and condemns her when she is struggling & exhausted - I want to replace the fear with My Saviour:
- I'm called by name,
- I am His,
- I will NOT be consumed ,
- I will NOT drown.
Thank you Jesus for loving me, right where I am.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Milestones
Tomorrow is a milestone for our family.
Tonight, I tucked my lil Miss C into her bed for the last time as a preschooler- tomorrow my baby goes to school to start kinder!
It has almost been three years since encephalitis came to our home & forever changed my world. Lessons have been learned, strength has been found & tears, many tears have been shed.
Tomorrow marks a day that I did not think possible 3 years ago, I thought unlikely 2 years ago & I thought would be a nightmare 1 year ago.
We have all changed and grown. Miss C has learned the big things- to walk & talk again, the little things are sometimes tough- her wee mind is busy and sometimes very disorganised- words like post encephalitis ADHD & Autism jump about on pages of Drs reports.
Words, tags, labels that describe but don't define.
My baby girl could better be described as unique, delightful, energetic, honest (a little much so somedays.... ;) happy & blessed.
I couldn't see this day as a reality, I could only see what my eyes saw & feel lost, hopeless & worried. The Father saw differently.
He sees all our tomorrows- He has a great plan & abundant provision & grace.
Mumma might need some tissues, He knows that too!
I'd better put the kettle on early!
Tonight, I tucked my lil Miss C into her bed for the last time as a preschooler- tomorrow my baby goes to school to start kinder!
It has almost been three years since encephalitis came to our home & forever changed my world. Lessons have been learned, strength has been found & tears, many tears have been shed.
Tomorrow marks a day that I did not think possible 3 years ago, I thought unlikely 2 years ago & I thought would be a nightmare 1 year ago.
We have all changed and grown. Miss C has learned the big things- to walk & talk again, the little things are sometimes tough- her wee mind is busy and sometimes very disorganised- words like post encephalitis ADHD & Autism jump about on pages of Drs reports.
Words, tags, labels that describe but don't define.
My baby girl could better be described as unique, delightful, energetic, honest (a little much so somedays.... ;) happy & blessed.
I couldn't see this day as a reality, I could only see what my eyes saw & feel lost, hopeless & worried. The Father saw differently.
He sees all our tomorrows- He has a great plan & abundant provision & grace.
Mumma might need some tissues, He knows that too!
I'd better put the kettle on early!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Sorry for the silence
I haven't disappeared from blogdom- life has become a huge appointment shedule- with our beautiful girl back & forward into hospital & having anesthetics, tests, MRI's, lumbar punctures, seizures & general hardships from this awful encephalitis.
We have had celebrations that have bought joy too: we have all had birthdays- lil C turned FOUR in march!! (yay & we celebrated at home- her 2nd birthday ever that she actually was not in a hospital for!!) our other sweet DD turned 14 & Dh & I also had birthdays in April- so we have over indulged in cake & worked a few long overdue smiles & lighthearted fun in too!
Another milestone was DH & I celebrated 18 years of marriage last week, I have been really challenged to look at my family relationships as special- to celebrate the everyday & not underestimate the value of the ordinary.
Life is tough, it hurts, it is time to bring happiness & laughter to our home -on purpose! -especially when inside I want to weep.
I'm finding it too easy to say "I cant face it- I
hurt- I won't bother" but the "thief comes to steal, kill & destroy" (Jn 10:10)
In fact, I'm letting go of an important part of Gods plan for my life in surrendering my joy- because Jesus said "He came that we may ENJOY life" & So I am choosing to LOOK for opportunities to find joy even if my heart is breaking.
Spending time quietly before the Lord I realise that I struggle with fear & trust- that not having all the answers To my lil girls illness is such a barrier that puts me into cycles of reasoning, planning , manipulating (trying to get Drs/specialists to see us & help her & to get the clinic that she needs close by with the right therapist takes every organizational, sweet talking skill I have & then some - medical practices have a " way" all of their own & when you are desperate they are VERY frustrating.! But when I stop I'm exhausted & I am saddened by how much I do in my own steam- my fear takes away my faith. I am so small & I I don't see as the Father sees & so Most of my worries that I lay at His feet I grab back again & instead of trusting -I worry.
I wrote out a statement that I have made up to remind me- my motto if you will- from that time facing my fears with the Father:
"if we could see as God sees:
our worries would turn to trust
& our fears would turn to dust"
I forget this quickly & worry again, but I am going to keep reminding myself & turn those fears to dust!!
Hugs all xx
In His Grace,
C
We have had celebrations that have bought joy too: we have all had birthdays- lil C turned FOUR in march!! (yay & we celebrated at home- her 2nd birthday ever that she actually was not in a hospital for!!) our other sweet DD turned 14 & Dh & I also had birthdays in April- so we have over indulged in cake & worked a few long overdue smiles & lighthearted fun in too!
Another milestone was DH & I celebrated 18 years of marriage last week, I have been really challenged to look at my family relationships as special- to celebrate the everyday & not underestimate the value of the ordinary.
Life is tough, it hurts, it is time to bring happiness & laughter to our home -on purpose! -especially when inside I want to weep.
I'm finding it too easy to say "I cant face it- I
hurt- I won't bother" but the "thief comes to steal, kill & destroy" (Jn 10:10)
In fact, I'm letting go of an important part of Gods plan for my life in surrendering my joy- because Jesus said "He came that we may ENJOY life" & So I am choosing to LOOK for opportunities to find joy even if my heart is breaking.
Spending time quietly before the Lord I realise that I struggle with fear & trust- that not having all the answers To my lil girls illness is such a barrier that puts me into cycles of reasoning, planning , manipulating (trying to get Drs/specialists to see us & help her & to get the clinic that she needs close by with the right therapist takes every organizational, sweet talking skill I have & then some - medical practices have a " way" all of their own & when you are desperate they are VERY frustrating.! But when I stop I'm exhausted & I am saddened by how much I do in my own steam- my fear takes away my faith. I am so small & I I don't see as the Father sees & so Most of my worries that I lay at His feet I grab back again & instead of trusting -I worry.
I wrote out a statement that I have made up to remind me- my motto if you will- from that time facing my fears with the Father:
"if we could see as God sees:
our worries would turn to trust
& our fears would turn to dust"
I forget this quickly & worry again, but I am going to keep reminding myself & turn those fears to dust!!
Hugs all xx
In His Grace,
C
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
2011, What are your plans?
Today I am sitting and praying over specific areas that I want to see grow in 2011.
Im looking at organising and being intentional about the things that are important to me.
I want to have God flood my everyday with Himself.
I am looking at areas of:
Mary Kate Warner has some very good resources that I have been using to teach my DD 3yo. Mary Kate has really good original craft ideas that become part of the children's special things not just something that sits on the backseat of the car til it is thrown away. We made a prayer heart and have put our promises in it and we are making a memory verse box and my older DD 13 is quite engaged with the craft too. I really like her ideas and the kids learn special things about God in there everyday, her ideas are not just fab for sunday school lessons but we use them as craft for visits to friends houses and our regular time with God.
Have a look around her new website and leave Mary Kate a comment to say you stopped by. I think it is great to get practical help to sow God's word into the lil hearts that fill our day be they our kiddos, grandchildren or friends and I appreciate her creative ideas!! Have a look at http://www.christianitycove.com/
What a tremendous blessing to have a brand new year to love and serve the Lord, let us make our priority Giving Glory to God where we are in 2011!
Hugs
C
Im looking at organising and being intentional about the things that are important to me.
I want to have God flood my everyday with Himself.
I am looking at areas of:
- Deepening my time with the Lord.
- Teaching my daughters to love and serve the Lord
- Nurturing my marriage
- Being busy and organised at home.
- Continuing my weight loss journey and keeping my focus on The Lord for my direction through the Glory Gals
Mary Kate Warner has some very good resources that I have been using to teach my DD 3yo. Mary Kate has really good original craft ideas that become part of the children's special things not just something that sits on the backseat of the car til it is thrown away. We made a prayer heart and have put our promises in it and we are making a memory verse box and my older DD 13 is quite engaged with the craft too. I really like her ideas and the kids learn special things about God in there everyday, her ideas are not just fab for sunday school lessons but we use them as craft for visits to friends houses and our regular time with God.
Have a look around her new website and leave Mary Kate a comment to say you stopped by. I think it is great to get practical help to sow God's word into the lil hearts that fill our day be they our kiddos, grandchildren or friends and I appreciate her creative ideas!! Have a look at http://www.christianitycove.com/
What a tremendous blessing to have a brand new year to love and serve the Lord, let us make our priority Giving Glory to God where we are in 2011!
Hugs
C
Friday, December 31, 2010
Bring it on!!
What a year- 2010 done & dusted!
It has been a big one: encephalitis came to visit our home and changed our lives in an extraordinary way, also my baby girl became a teenager and finished her first year of high school: gulp! My DH & I celebrated 17yrs of marriage and we are many many bricks closer to finishing our home: definitely in by Christmas eh B!!
The highlight of this year has been the people that have walked the journey with us: my beautiful good morning gals group who have shared their heart as they walk with God and encourage me so much, also the people I love who I will maybe never sit and have a coffee in person with yet bless me by praying for me and my family ( thank you xx) the people who have stepped close to my heart and held my hand and crossed miles to turn typing to faces (xx) my heart aches to again have our morning latte!
Hugs to People who have stretched my faith, shaken my brain cells, wrestled with issues and put the kettle on & listened,
God has blessed me with people to walk with us this year: Thank you to the people who are reading this - thank you for your smile in 2010, thank u for your prayers and your fun & encouragement - bring on 2011!!
It has been a big one: encephalitis came to visit our home and changed our lives in an extraordinary way, also my baby girl became a teenager and finished her first year of high school: gulp! My DH & I celebrated 17yrs of marriage and we are many many bricks closer to finishing our home: definitely in by Christmas eh B!!
The highlight of this year has been the people that have walked the journey with us: my beautiful good morning gals group who have shared their heart as they walk with God and encourage me so much, also the people I love who I will maybe never sit and have a coffee in person with yet bless me by praying for me and my family ( thank you xx) the people who have stepped close to my heart and held my hand and crossed miles to turn typing to faces (xx) my heart aches to again have our morning latte!
Hugs to People who have stretched my faith, shaken my brain cells, wrestled with issues and put the kettle on & listened,
God has blessed me with people to walk with us this year: Thank you to the people who are reading this - thank you for your smile in 2010, thank u for your prayers and your fun & encouragement - bring on 2011!!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
He Came!!
He came!!!
He came and He left gifts!!!
Not a silly fat fairytale man in a red suit needing mumma & dads everywhere to help him keep his "promises"
I'm talking about the most significant event in our lives, in all earths history. He came. Wrapped in cloth, laid in a manger, Alive in the body of a man to restore His children to their Father. To give what we were unable to give.
He came. He didn't have to, God had been talking to people through prophets for centuries, He sent celestial wonders and miracles and spoke through holy men and women, but He knew He had to give us something more- Himself, for us- no other gift compares, no other gift has such significance, no other gift has such sacrifice. Jesus came because He loved us more than we will ever know this side of Heaven, but thanks to the fact that He came we will one day be rejoicing in understanding and glory with Him in Heaven.
Im Praying you have a lovely Christmas experiencing the gift that Jesus came to this world to give us- relationship with the Father.
He came and He left gifts!!!
Not a silly fat fairytale man in a red suit needing mumma & dads everywhere to help him keep his "promises"
I'm talking about the most significant event in our lives, in all earths history. He came. Wrapped in cloth, laid in a manger, Alive in the body of a man to restore His children to their Father. To give what we were unable to give.
He came. He didn't have to, God had been talking to people through prophets for centuries, He sent celestial wonders and miracles and spoke through holy men and women, but He knew He had to give us something more- Himself, for us- no other gift compares, no other gift has such significance, no other gift has such sacrifice. Jesus came because He loved us more than we will ever know this side of Heaven, but thanks to the fact that He came we will one day be rejoicing in understanding and glory with Him in Heaven.
Im Praying you have a lovely Christmas experiencing the gift that Jesus came to this world to give us- relationship with the Father.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Weigh loss & The Glory Gals.
Since my first bub I have had a bit of excess baggage. (Hmm she is now 13...) My dear big sister gave me a nudge and I have started a journey to loose the excess weight and get more energy.
I started this journey and I realised that I was spending a good bit of time reading labels, reading recipes, adding foods to my journal and weighing in. I had a plan but one very essential component was missing. God.
I had left Him out of my diet plans.
I was relying on myself, my wisdom and my will power just like I have many times before.
Nudge, Nudge.
God is my stregnth, apart from Him I can do nothing, yet in the area of weight loss I somehow exclude God.
I have thought about this and I think it is because I feel a bit ashamed of how little self control I have.
I have been teaching my 3yo DD a song about the "Fruit of The Spirit" and wowsers - there it is- God knows we need self control and He also knows we lack it - so He gives it to us and develops it in our lives when we push into Him.
What Grace.
What love.
I dont want to open the door for the enemy to whisper condemnation and guilt in and to rub my nose in my failures. I want to run to God, seek His truth and ask for His support on this journey.
I want invite you too. I have read many other gals stories who are on this weight loss journey over the last while and it seems like alot of us have similar feelings of inadequacy, guilt, failure.
I think that it is time to say "Enough of that"
I have started a separate blog in which we can walk this journey together. Come by and visit me at "The Glory Gals" because its not about us, our lives are for His glory. Lets walk with The Lord and live how He made us to- with our image of ourselves lining up with His word.
Each week I will be putting up a post addressing just this- Who we are in Christ, what He says about us and including Scriptures and thoughts. Lets get some discussion going and make some important discoveries about who we are as Daughters of The King. Let's give Him Glory on our journey. If you would like to write a post that would be wonderful, or link up on the blog roll, pop on over to The Glory Gals
If you would like to do an online study together on specific issues then post your ideas and we can get a group together and dig into The Word.
If you would like to join me lets read and encourage each other along this journey, today is a good day to start but most of all lets invite God in.
In His Grace,
C
I started this journey and I realised that I was spending a good bit of time reading labels, reading recipes, adding foods to my journal and weighing in. I had a plan but one very essential component was missing. God.
I had left Him out of my diet plans.
I was relying on myself, my wisdom and my will power just like I have many times before.
Nudge, Nudge.
God is my stregnth, apart from Him I can do nothing, yet in the area of weight loss I somehow exclude God.
I have thought about this and I think it is because I feel a bit ashamed of how little self control I have.
I have been teaching my 3yo DD a song about the "Fruit of The Spirit" and wowsers - there it is- God knows we need self control and He also knows we lack it - so He gives it to us and develops it in our lives when we push into Him.
What Grace.
What love.
I dont want to open the door for the enemy to whisper condemnation and guilt in and to rub my nose in my failures. I want to run to God, seek His truth and ask for His support on this journey.
I want invite you too. I have read many other gals stories who are on this weight loss journey over the last while and it seems like alot of us have similar feelings of inadequacy, guilt, failure.
I think that it is time to say "Enough of that"
I have started a separate blog in which we can walk this journey together. Come by and visit me at "The Glory Gals" because its not about us, our lives are for His glory. Lets walk with The Lord and live how He made us to- with our image of ourselves lining up with His word.
Each week I will be putting up a post addressing just this- Who we are in Christ, what He says about us and including Scriptures and thoughts. Lets get some discussion going and make some important discoveries about who we are as Daughters of The King. Let's give Him Glory on our journey. If you would like to write a post that would be wonderful, or link up on the blog roll, pop on over to The Glory Gals
If you would like to do an online study together on specific issues then post your ideas and we can get a group together and dig into The Word.
If you would like to join me lets read and encourage each other along this journey, today is a good day to start but most of all lets invite God in.
In His Grace,
C
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Prayers for. NZ miners
My verse is 1 Thessalonians 1:2 “We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.”
I was just having a quiet cry for the families of the 29 new zealand miners who were killed today in that horrific explosion, one month to Christmas tomorrow and they may have already brought gifts for their sons,dads & hubby's and never would have expected to send them off to work and never see them again, such tragedy.
this is a harsh reminder to tell people we love them,pray for them, tell them of Jesus & to refuse to get caught up in useless bickering or worse, in apathy. Today is a gift,
tomorrow is indeed a blessing.
I was just having a quiet cry for the families of the 29 new zealand miners who were killed today in that horrific explosion, one month to Christmas tomorrow and they may have already brought gifts for their sons,dads & hubby's and never would have expected to send them off to work and never see them again, such tragedy.
this is a harsh reminder to tell people we love them,pray for them, tell them of Jesus & to refuse to get caught up in useless bickering or worse, in apathy. Today is a gift,
tomorrow is indeed a blessing.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
How deep, how wide, how much indeed!
I have really enjoyed reading today:
"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God."
Ephesians 3:16-20
I have so enjoyed spending time with God digging into this verse. Every word is such a rich promise and pouring of love, what hunger this stirs in my heart to ask God where He wants to use the strength & love that He abundantly has poured into my inner being- I can never say I have nothing, that I am empty- I have all of God poured in- filled in fullness- and dwelling deep in me- this is so beyond my understanding that I can't help but praise Him.
What are you reading that challenges you to press deeply into Him??
"That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man; that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, may be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ which passeth knowledge, that ye may be filled unto all the fulness of God."
Ephesians 3:16-20
I have so enjoyed spending time with God digging into this verse. Every word is such a rich promise and pouring of love, what hunger this stirs in my heart to ask God where He wants to use the strength & love that He abundantly has poured into my inner being- I can never say I have nothing, that I am empty- I have all of God poured in- filled in fullness- and dwelling deep in me- this is so beyond my understanding that I can't help but praise Him.
What are you reading that challenges you to press deeply into Him??
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
The Fortress
Amazing God! My verse is
Philippians 4:6-7
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
I remember teaching scripture and being sooo scared! I used to pray & rely on the verse " out of the heart the mouth speaks" & "give me your words Lord"
God knows our situation, He is not confused or worried at it,
Life happens, sickness, fear and sin invade our everyday.
Today I was reminded through a teaching at completechristianwoman.com that God offers us shelter (ps 18) & we can choose to come into that shelter or not,if you havent been to Complete Christian woman then I have to really urge you to Put the kettle on, click on over and say hi, when you drop in you will be blessed by their teaching.
Dear One as you read this, be confident that your situation is in fact exactly what God is shaping your testimony through, as is Mine, I bet neither of us like or would have written the script to our circumstances just like it is from our limited view and we both probably struggle to find joy and peace in our everyday because we want "life " to be simpler & Better- at least I do- I almost cant remember a time without encephalitis and it's scars on my baby girls brain, time without seizures and uncertainty, but I know that God holds my future,
I trust Him with my baby girl-
I trust Him as my big girl becomes a teenager (gulp!)
I trust Him as my hubby travels, these are my circumstance and I depend on Him being my fortress into which I can confidently retreat. He has made me a promise, I have a choice to make to live in that promise or to try to make my own way.
Each of us have a story that is shaped by all that we have been thru, I would love to hear you speak your His-story,
I'll put the kettle on!!
In His joy,
Carolyn
Philippians 4:6-7
"Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
I remember teaching scripture and being sooo scared! I used to pray & rely on the verse " out of the heart the mouth speaks" & "give me your words Lord"
God knows our situation, He is not confused or worried at it,
Life happens, sickness, fear and sin invade our everyday.
Today I was reminded through a teaching at completechristianwoman.com that God offers us shelter (ps 18) & we can choose to come into that shelter or not,if you havent been to Complete Christian woman then I have to really urge you to Put the kettle on, click on over and say hi, when you drop in you will be blessed by their teaching.
Dear One as you read this, be confident that your situation is in fact exactly what God is shaping your testimony through, as is Mine, I bet neither of us like or would have written the script to our circumstances just like it is from our limited view and we both probably struggle to find joy and peace in our everyday because we want "life " to be simpler & Better- at least I do- I almost cant remember a time without encephalitis and it's scars on my baby girls brain, time without seizures and uncertainty, but I know that God holds my future,
I trust Him with my baby girl-
I trust Him as my big girl becomes a teenager (gulp!)
I trust Him as my hubby travels, these are my circumstance and I depend on Him being my fortress into which I can confidently retreat. He has made me a promise, I have a choice to make to live in that promise or to try to make my own way.
Each of us have a story that is shaped by all that we have been thru, I would love to hear you speak your His-story,
I'll put the kettle on!!
In His joy,
Carolyn
Thursday, November 11, 2010
The Alarm
Oh wow, how I love and hate that alarm all at once!
My baby girl- she forgets to breathe as she sleeps.
...Go..Now!! The alarm!
it rings and a wee blue baby is in the bed,
Night after night we listen- I hate that.
Panic, confusion, silence.
Yet.. I do love the alarm- it calls me to help her,
my heart races,
God listens: She takes a big breath,
Then she sleeps unaware of her mumma’s fear,
She is safe,
Lord hold her as she sleeps.
My baby girl- she forgets to breathe as she sleeps.
...Go..Now!! The alarm!
it rings and a wee blue baby is in the bed,
Night after night we listen- I hate that.
Panic, confusion, silence.
Yet.. I do love the alarm- it calls me to help her,
my heart races,
God listens: She takes a big breath,
Then she sleeps unaware of her mumma’s fear,
She is safe,
Lord hold her as she sleeps.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Time Out!!
I have been really enjoying a video study on James over at Sarah's blog at liveitoutblog.com
I started the study late and I had to laugh- we were having a toddler moment here & I needed to regroup I sat opened my Bible as I knew I had 3 minutes (if not 2 or 3 lots of 3 minutes the way the meltdown was going!!) My bookmark was ready for James 4.
Of course The opening lines are: 1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
How funny & appropriate! I could just see God smile as He saw the scene in our house as I grabbed my Bible for a quick sanity save!! The desires battling within my 3 to dd & she did NOT get what she wanted and there it was a fight of meltdown proportions!! How often do I do that before God, He prompts something from His Father heart for my wellbeing or growth and I have my own plans and desires within me that bring about my own rebellion and quarrel, i get into wrong motives and granted I rarely kick, scream, spit & hit anymore ;) but my rebellion is just the same and it requires Gods righteous correction. I end up in a mess, learning lessons that all too often I have to relearn a few times.
Oh dear I am so thankful that God is much more patient with me when I have my meltdowns. I love how my toddler gives me teachable moments from Heaven, I also love that I can call on the Word for a quick mumma time out while lil 3yo C is having one too!'
I started the study late and I had to laugh- we were having a toddler moment here & I needed to regroup I sat opened my Bible as I knew I had 3 minutes (if not 2 or 3 lots of 3 minutes the way the meltdown was going!!) My bookmark was ready for James 4.
Of course The opening lines are: 1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.
How funny & appropriate! I could just see God smile as He saw the scene in our house as I grabbed my Bible for a quick sanity save!! The desires battling within my 3 to dd & she did NOT get what she wanted and there it was a fight of meltdown proportions!! How often do I do that before God, He prompts something from His Father heart for my wellbeing or growth and I have my own plans and desires within me that bring about my own rebellion and quarrel, i get into wrong motives and granted I rarely kick, scream, spit & hit anymore ;) but my rebellion is just the same and it requires Gods righteous correction. I end up in a mess, learning lessons that all too often I have to relearn a few times.
Oh dear I am so thankful that God is much more patient with me when I have my meltdowns. I love how my toddler gives me teachable moments from Heaven, I also love that I can call on the Word for a quick mumma time out while lil 3yo C is having one too!'
Friday, October 29, 2010
Joy
She was here today- SHE WAS HERE!!
I looked into my sweet 3yo dd face and she looked back, she smiled, she talked, she played- we had a cherished times of connection today-it was like she was waking up- no seizures, no cerebral irritation- just my sweet baby girl looking at me, talking to me and playing games with me!!
Thank you Jesus fir this sweet day, your mercy and your reminder that she is indeed still in there somewhere, safe and that you are watching her, keep her safe until this illness passes and she can be fully awake and fully back where we are.
I can face tomorrow because I know who holds my future & He also holds me up.
I looked into my sweet 3yo dd face and she looked back, she smiled, she talked, she played- we had a cherished times of connection today-it was like she was waking up- no seizures, no cerebral irritation- just my sweet baby girl looking at me, talking to me and playing games with me!!
Thank you Jesus fir this sweet day, your mercy and your reminder that she is indeed still in there somewhere, safe and that you are watching her, keep her safe until this illness passes and she can be fully awake and fully back where we are.
I can face tomorrow because I know who holds my future & He also holds me up.
Say What??
Today has been a long day, took C- 3yodd to the Dr yesterday & she had a huge seizure on the Drs waiting room, which was horrible for us but excellent that they hot to actually see what is happening the dr rang a
Neurologist at kids hospital who has a specialty in encephalitis & he feels that she should be booked back into hospital in Sydney for more tests. They will call us an organize it so I guess we are heading back again :(
We had a quiet day at home playing games & colouring in.
My verse helped alot today:
Galatians 6:9
"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up,"
What is everyone reading??
Hugs,
C
Neurologist at kids hospital who has a specialty in encephalitis & he feels that she should be booked back into hospital in Sydney for more tests. They will call us an organize it so I guess we are heading back again :(
We had a quiet day at home playing games & colouring in.
My verse helped alot today:
Galatians 6:9
"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up,"
What is everyone reading??
Hugs,
C
Monday, October 18, 2010
Are you organized?
I'm a packing for holidays- but why am I so stressed??- my kiddos need a break,I need a break, my hubby & I definately need a break- so why am I so uptight??
Its "The day of packing the car" and the clothes and the medicines and the contact numbers are packed, in fact it has gone somewhat smoothly, the last minute panic supported by the seranade of the squabbles of the toddler & the tween- I have hear my mind say "I need just 5!." 5 caffiene filled minutes- just 5 so I can experience peace- but in fact- I think I have?!
Wait - you ask?,what??
Yep today has been one of those all together crazy days when you feel overwhelmed, unorganized & at your limit of time & patience- after all it is vacation time- it had to be right- perfection!!??
How much is life like that- expectations you can't meet- preparations to be made,choices to be fussed over- life- the process until the promise of the goal, the reward: the holiday - it's almost here and the anticipation is so great- to be ready , planned , prepared- the promise of what is to come driving me.
He sees forever- that same promise driving Him, the promise of what's to come but it has bigger eternal significance. He is always waiting & prompting " go girl- speak of me,tell them,"
Tomorrow we take a vacation together & regroup-it has been planned- I've made lists, packed & prepared- I have put in so much energy this week for my goal. It has really challenged me to think how often I put this energ, preparation & planning into reaching people for Christ- so they can meet Him & know the wonderful things of Him. I'm praying that I have a heart develop in me with the same enthusiasm for the important things: the eternal big events that actually change forever- there is a big picture, I call this stuff we give out energy to- there is a God waiting- hearing, watching, when am I going to slow down & sit with Him? It's too important, too vital- join me...
Are you organized??
Its "The day of packing the car" and the clothes and the medicines and the contact numbers are packed, in fact it has gone somewhat smoothly, the last minute panic supported by the seranade of the squabbles of the toddler & the tween- I have hear my mind say "I need just 5!." 5 caffiene filled minutes- just 5 so I can experience peace- but in fact- I think I have?!
Wait - you ask?,what??
Yep today has been one of those all together crazy days when you feel overwhelmed, unorganized & at your limit of time & patience- after all it is vacation time- it had to be right- perfection!!??
How much is life like that- expectations you can't meet- preparations to be made,choices to be fussed over- life- the process until the promise of the goal, the reward: the holiday - it's almost here and the anticipation is so great- to be ready , planned , prepared- the promise of what is to come driving me.
He sees forever- that same promise driving Him, the promise of what's to come but it has bigger eternal significance. He is always waiting & prompting " go girl- speak of me,tell them,"
Tomorrow we take a vacation together & regroup-it has been planned- I've made lists, packed & prepared- I have put in so much energy this week for my goal. It has really challenged me to think how often I put this energ, preparation & planning into reaching people for Christ- so they can meet Him & know the wonderful things of Him. I'm praying that I have a heart develop in me with the same enthusiasm for the important things: the eternal big events that actually change forever- there is a big picture, I call this stuff we give out energy to- there is a God waiting- hearing, watching, when am I going to slow down & sit with Him? It's too important, too vital- join me...
Are you organized??
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