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!!
Showing posts with label Thankful Thursday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thankful Thursday. Show all posts
Friday, December 31, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Today I was sitting with my coffee and thinking about the week- Thankful thursday is a day that I like to purposefully pause and give thanks.
My two aunts from Ireland and England came to visit and again it was very tough saying goodbye. Both these lovely ladies are very strong in faith for the Lord and in a few short days we have prayed, read, talked and encouraged each other to press into God during this season. I am so thankful for their visit and the fun and fellowship we shared.
Today my DH is off to Dubbo to take a university exam for his course that he does at night. I am thankful for the time he has had to prepare and the opportunity he has to redo tis exam ( the last time he sat this exam lil C was very sick in hospital and he has had to wait 5 months to take it again) I am thankful that lil C, though she has croup, she is basically well and out of hospital for this exam week.
I sat and read Julie's blog Come Have a Peace and her post "Showering Hope" on the Baby rescue centre in Gautemala really touched my heart.
This week as My lil toddler was sick, I was worried, I took her to the hospital and she was seen by a specialist, given some medicine, had scans and treatment and we are home. It was worrying, stressful and tiring. I cannot even imagine living in a place that this was not a reality. Let alone being unable to give my baby food and watching her waste away from hunger and disease. To hear her cries as lil C had to undergo treatment that was necessary to help her was tough- it IS tough on a Mumma's heart to hear her baby cry. But to hear you baby cry and NOT be able to meet her need or know that she was hungry and you couldn't feed her - well that just makes me weep.
My lil C has been off her food- the dietician has given us special liquid nutrient drinks that she can have to help her. We have a choice of yoghurt and custard and different biscuits to tempt her to eat if she feels like it.
I look around my kitchen this morning and I have so much- I have a coffee in my hand, the breakfast plate scrapings that are going to the chickens and ducks are on the bench, there are two bananas that are starting to go a bit brown, there is the end of the loaf of bread that wasnt put back in the freezer after the toast was made and now is stale and I was thinking about making a bread & butter pudding or taking it out to the chickens. All this -and I overlook it as a true GIFT from God.
What would this mumma give to have what I throw away?
What would it mean to her?
How do I teach a grateful, thankful heart in my children and myself?
I am so blessed and often I am so ungrateful- I dont even realise what it is I have to appreciate- I overlook it as "normal" and I think this arrogance is actually very sad.
Today I am taking time to sit and realise some of the things that I am truely thankful for.Funny enough the memory verse I taught lil 3yo DD this week was "Be thankful always" and My list for starters:
My two aunts from Ireland and England came to visit and again it was very tough saying goodbye. Both these lovely ladies are very strong in faith for the Lord and in a few short days we have prayed, read, talked and encouraged each other to press into God during this season. I am so thankful for their visit and the fun and fellowship we shared.
Today my DH is off to Dubbo to take a university exam for his course that he does at night. I am thankful for the time he has had to prepare and the opportunity he has to redo tis exam ( the last time he sat this exam lil C was very sick in hospital and he has had to wait 5 months to take it again) I am thankful that lil C, though she has croup, she is basically well and out of hospital for this exam week.
I sat and read Julie's blog Come Have a Peace and her post "Showering Hope" on the Baby rescue centre in Gautemala really touched my heart.
This week as My lil toddler was sick, I was worried, I took her to the hospital and she was seen by a specialist, given some medicine, had scans and treatment and we are home. It was worrying, stressful and tiring. I cannot even imagine living in a place that this was not a reality. Let alone being unable to give my baby food and watching her waste away from hunger and disease. To hear her cries as lil C had to undergo treatment that was necessary to help her was tough- it IS tough on a Mumma's heart to hear her baby cry. But to hear you baby cry and NOT be able to meet her need or know that she was hungry and you couldn't feed her - well that just makes me weep.
My lil C has been off her food- the dietician has given us special liquid nutrient drinks that she can have to help her. We have a choice of yoghurt and custard and different biscuits to tempt her to eat if she feels like it.
I look around my kitchen this morning and I have so much- I have a coffee in my hand, the breakfast plate scrapings that are going to the chickens and ducks are on the bench, there are two bananas that are starting to go a bit brown, there is the end of the loaf of bread that wasnt put back in the freezer after the toast was made and now is stale and I was thinking about making a bread & butter pudding or taking it out to the chickens. All this -and I overlook it as a true GIFT from God.
What would this mumma give to have what I throw away?
What would it mean to her?
How do I teach a grateful, thankful heart in my children and myself?
I am so blessed and often I am so ungrateful- I dont even realise what it is I have to appreciate- I overlook it as "normal" and I think this arrogance is actually very sad.
Today I am taking time to sit and realise some of the things that I am truely thankful for.Funny enough the memory verse I taught lil 3yo DD this week was "Be thankful always" and My list for starters:
- the access I have to health care that is helping my daughter
- the house my husband has built me
- the conveniences that I have- the tv that is helping entertain my miserable toddler, the microwave that saves me time heating a snack, the washing machine & my wonderful dryer that are helping me keep on top of the washing during this rainy week.
- the lovely warm load of firewood we have for our cast iron stove
- the groceries I can walk into a store and buy
- the family I have that has come to visit and love and support us
- the ability I have to sit here and talk to you.
- I am thankful for my blogy friends!!
- Sweet California Momma has blessed me with my first ever Blog Award!!
This a big surprise and I felt very encouraged ((HUGS))
I could literally take all day and notice things to be thankful for in everything- wow what would my day look like then??
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Today I was Reading an update from my nephew-in-law as he begins a new chapter in his missionary work, I want to share it with you, I have really been challenged by the post and would appreciate it if you took time to visit and leave a message of encouragement for Brad as he starts his latest journey.
He simply asks for prayer for a man he met and talks of the challenges that they are facing sharing the Gospel in Indonesia.
That kind of persecution is so different from our experience in Australia- to fear for your very life or worse that of your family- I cant even imagine how terrifying the reality of that is.
As I was praying for the men's boldness & safety to speak for the Father & I was humbly challenged to examine my own boldness for Christ.
We are so blessed with safety and comfort and often we don't speak about our relationship with Christ because we worry we might be embarrassed or rejected- in fact most people ACTUALLY NEVER have been mocked or rejected they just fear they might be. The enemy has done such a good job of starting us thinking that if we speak love, hope & relationship into their lives we will be laughed at & that is somehow more tragic than eternal separation from Christ.
Please stop by and encourage Brad. He is a young man (just 22) with a heart for the Lord and needs covered in prayer and encouragement as he enters this new missionfield on Indonesia and speaks about his heart for the Father.
Please visit http://thirteenthree.org.au/blog/21/07/2010/pray-for-boldness/comment-page-1/#comment-12
He simply asks for prayer for a man he met and talks of the challenges that they are facing sharing the Gospel in Indonesia.
That kind of persecution is so different from our experience in Australia- to fear for your very life or worse that of your family- I cant even imagine how terrifying the reality of that is.
As I was praying for the men's boldness & safety to speak for the Father & I was humbly challenged to examine my own boldness for Christ.
We are so blessed with safety and comfort and often we don't speak about our relationship with Christ because we worry we might be embarrassed or rejected- in fact most people ACTUALLY NEVER have been mocked or rejected they just fear they might be. The enemy has done such a good job of starting us thinking that if we speak love, hope & relationship into their lives we will be laughed at & that is somehow more tragic than eternal separation from Christ.
Please stop by and encourage Brad. He is a young man (just 22) with a heart for the Lord and needs covered in prayer and encouragement as he enters this new missionfield on Indonesia and speaks about his heart for the Father.
Please visit http://thirteenthree.org.au/blog/21/07/2010/pray-for-boldness/comment-page-1/#comment-12
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Power naps and paint
Today started a VERY long time ago. Since the encephalitis our beautiful contented sleepy toddler has become a power napper. So today began at 4.40am- she was done- I was not!!
My dear hubby is on his sheduled week away for work and the reality of little sleep and much worry seemed a bit much today- UNTIL .....
Yep! When ever I have a "nope I just have nothing left Lord" cry He says "finally!- can you sit down awhile and let me get what I need done!"
I keep laying my situation at His feet and then sneaking back and picking it up again- madness of the sleep deprived! Today was a gentle lesson right in the midst of the mayhem.
Today I have been mulling over two scriptures that on first read were 'yep-check, good verse but not underlining and leap of the page as applicable for today but hey alot can happen in 20 hours of daytime!!
Colossians 3:13
Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. Hmmm even tempered, content- they have not been in abundance lately, then came my opportunity to forgive, I have to say- really not so quick.
My DD gym teacher sent her home a demerits note for me to sign and return for not having her full uniform for the 2nd time this year. He had dates as evidence of the misdemeanor- the first was on the day dear 3yo was readmitted to hospital some 300km away facing emergency surgery to untwist her bowel, the second was today when she put on her jacket without her jumper ( as her classmate spilt paint all over her new pure wool school jumper and kilt yesterday and we had to leave them in at the drycleaners to see if they can be salvaged or if it is going to be a new full uniform.) We had a spare size up kilt. (& some VERY talented mumma pinning at 10pm last night) but no spare woolen jumper, so when the temp got down to 3'C and the sleet started to fall DD put on her jacket. Apparently you must nit wear your jacket without your jumper- if she had her jumper she could wear her jacket but just a jacket - nope! Not on! Demeritable offence with a letter home to prove it.
How do I respond?!, my mumma dander is ruffled big time, I am ready to march down there.... You get the picture and it's not a pretty one, I've been wronged, my bear cub has been threatened and bless me I'm in the right- not much grace, or quick forgiveness, hmmmm...
For months I have had not much that I can do, then hey- this obscure lil situation over a uniform comes up and wham!! Off comes my head, peace goes, grace gone, forgiveness and mercy well they didn't even get in the room. Then back comes Colossians 3:13
Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you." hmmmmmm.
Thank you Lord for lessons learned in deep ditches, Thank you Lord for lessons learned by stubborn heads, Thank you Lord that DD didn't give me that note til after the school switchboard was closed ( see-never say teens dont have wisdom- clearly they do!!)
Thank you Lord for my second scripture today:
Psalm 119:173 says "Let Your hand become my help". Fear not, I am with you - O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, I will still give you aid, I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand."
Thank you Lord for being gentle with me as I learn I am not really standing at all and mostly Lord thank you that you have me held in your hand,
Hugs all, goodnight- I have a 4 hour power nap to do :)
My dear hubby is on his sheduled week away for work and the reality of little sleep and much worry seemed a bit much today- UNTIL .....
Yep! When ever I have a "nope I just have nothing left Lord" cry He says "finally!- can you sit down awhile and let me get what I need done!"
I keep laying my situation at His feet and then sneaking back and picking it up again- madness of the sleep deprived! Today was a gentle lesson right in the midst of the mayhem.
Today I have been mulling over two scriptures that on first read were 'yep-check, good verse but not underlining and leap of the page as applicable for today but hey alot can happen in 20 hours of daytime!!
Colossians 3:13
Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. Hmmm even tempered, content- they have not been in abundance lately, then came my opportunity to forgive, I have to say- really not so quick.
My DD gym teacher sent her home a demerits note for me to sign and return for not having her full uniform for the 2nd time this year. He had dates as evidence of the misdemeanor- the first was on the day dear 3yo was readmitted to hospital some 300km away facing emergency surgery to untwist her bowel, the second was today when she put on her jacket without her jumper ( as her classmate spilt paint all over her new pure wool school jumper and kilt yesterday and we had to leave them in at the drycleaners to see if they can be salvaged or if it is going to be a new full uniform.) We had a spare size up kilt. (& some VERY talented mumma pinning at 10pm last night) but no spare woolen jumper, so when the temp got down to 3'C and the sleet started to fall DD put on her jacket. Apparently you must nit wear your jacket without your jumper- if she had her jumper she could wear her jacket but just a jacket - nope! Not on! Demeritable offence with a letter home to prove it.
How do I respond?!, my mumma dander is ruffled big time, I am ready to march down there.... You get the picture and it's not a pretty one, I've been wronged, my bear cub has been threatened and bless me I'm in the right- not much grace, or quick forgiveness, hmmmm...
For months I have had not much that I can do, then hey- this obscure lil situation over a uniform comes up and wham!! Off comes my head, peace goes, grace gone, forgiveness and mercy well they didn't even get in the room. Then back comes Colossians 3:13
Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you." hmmmmmm.
Thank you Lord for lessons learned in deep ditches, Thank you Lord for lessons learned by stubborn heads, Thank you Lord that DD didn't give me that note til after the school switchboard was closed ( see-never say teens dont have wisdom- clearly they do!!)
Thank you Lord for my second scripture today:
Psalm 119:173 says "Let Your hand become my help". Fear not, I am with you - O be not dismayed, For I am thy God, I will still give you aid, I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, Upheld by My gracious, omnipotent hand."
Thank you Lord for being gentle with me as I learn I am not really standing at all and mostly Lord thank you that you have me held in your hand,
Hugs all, goodnight- I have a 4 hour power nap to do :)
Friday, June 4, 2010
She did a Wee!!!
Lil DD "C" did a wee on the potty!! I have left the potty prominently in the
lounge room and have decided I would not make an issue of the whole toilet
thing(she was fully toilet trained a year ago but since the E hit has been back in nappies full time and had no control at all) and I had just taken her nappy off and l was getting her dry tracksuit pants from drying beside the fire and she said "wee" and i pointed to the potty and she sat on it and DID A WEE!!!!
So sorry to be this excited but wow u should have seen me at the actual event-today is 4 months to the day that this illness entered our lives and we have had a leap forward today!!!!!!!
lounge room and have decided I would not make an issue of the whole toilet
thing(she was fully toilet trained a year ago but since the E hit has been back in nappies full time and had no control at all) and I had just taken her nappy off and l was getting her dry tracksuit pants from drying beside the fire and she said "wee" and i pointed to the potty and she sat on it and DID A WEE!!!!
So sorry to be this excited but wow u should have seen me at the actual event-today is 4 months to the day that this illness entered our lives and we have had a leap forward today!!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Thankful Thursday
Well it is thankful Thursday and I am truely thankful.
The day started before daybreak- wretched daylight savings!! - the 3 y d still has not adjusted & there is something very unsavoury about getting up when there is still a 4 in the time :(
We had such a good day- lil bub was so settled- no pain, no really terrible encephalopathic-brain type odd behaviours- the girls enjoyed each other- they sang songs in the bath, played together well and DH painted a little bit of the lounge room wall.
I don't know the future- will tomorrow be good or not- have we turned a corner? I don't know- thats ok because I know & trust the One who does!
Well it is thankful Thursday and I am truely thankful.
The day started before daybreak- wretched daylight savings!! - the 3 y d still has not adjusted & there is something very unsavoury about getting up when there is still a 4 in the time :(
We had such a good day- lil bub was so settled- no pain, no really terrible encephalopathic-brain type odd behaviours- the girls enjoyed each other- they sang songs in the bath, played together well and DH painted a little bit of the lounge room wall.
I don't know the future- will tomorrow be good or not- have we turned a corner? I don't know- thats ok because I know & trust the One who does!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
