Monday "A Spiritual Place."

Monday "A Spiritual Place."

Have you ever been to a place that is so serene and absolutely spiritual. This was my experience when we recently visited central Australia.... Alice Springs, Uluru and the Olga's. Uluru is very unique and its the colours that touch your heart. In four distant photos we took of this gigantic rock every one produced different hues. I could have just sat all day and looked while being held spellbound by the simple view.

Sunday "Davids Birthday"

Sunday "This is the Lords Day"

Today my son-in-law David celebrated his 50th Birthday. He is the husband of my daughter Femia and father of their children, Kirra, Joel and Luke. David is a compassionate man who reflects Jesus in his eyes and in the life he leads. Many years ago a friend rang and asked if I would visit and pray for her sick husband. I was unable to go so I aked David to go for me. He went straight away. Wearing his hair to his shoulders he had the look of pictures we see of Jesus. My friend told me later she was shocked when she opened the door to see him standing there. Yes he went to pray for people he had never met, and was a blessing to them.

Saturday "We are Australian"

For anyone interested in seeing Australia please click on:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jD3SkTyXzcE

and enjoy the experience.

Saturday "We are Australian"

Little is known overseas about my country Australia. While living in Tennessee I had the priviledge of being asked to speak twice about where I originated at Rogersville City School. I was asked, How long I had spoken English, and if we had church's in Australia and, what were they? Were they Christian?

My own husband told everyone prior coming to Australia that we were very backward. Yet since his first visit he wanted to return and live here. Why? he enjoyed the friendships, the casual lifestyle and the climate. But I have to add, he does miss cornbread, the different bacon and chili beans.

Me, I miss my church friends from Crossroads Church, with the wonderful sermons and the singing. I especially miss my best friend and fellow nurse, Nancy. I miss my mates, the other nurses and staff at Amedisys Home Health and my nursing partner Phyllis, who could out laugh me.

Don't talk about the food, I MISS IT ALL... I miss "Fatz" and "Cheddars"... and the wonderful Blizzards at "Dairy Queen!" Where's the next plane back!!

Saturday "Empty Nest"

Saturday "Empty Nest"

As time passes and your children become independant with lives of their own and adjustments have to be made. Travelling around Australia my husband Raymond took this photo of these beautiful Jabiru. It made me think how lost we, as parents feel when our own chicks first begin to fly off.... no longer do they need our wings of protection. So the cycle of life moves on to empty nest time. To some this means freedom, to others it spells lonliness. For myself it was the latter and I had a difficult time coming to terms with losing my eldest child to marriage. Now my second eldest is back living at home again. I feel he should be independant and off on his own but also, slightly selfishly, I enjoy the company. We are no longer mother and child but equal adults with views of our own. Unlike the birds who fly off never to return, thankfully I see my adult chicks quite often. I enjoy my eight grandchildren and have seperate feelings of love for each of them. How must God, our Father in Heaven feel about all of His children. Well His word has much to say about that. We have the freedom to visit Him in pray at any time, night or day. There are no restraints. He forgives us all our debts and faithfully loves us without condition.

Thursday "The Road To Life"

Thursday "Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave when First we Practice to Decieve."

I have no idea why I wrote the subject heading that I have today, however, all is for a reason and a purpose.
Someone who is very close to me has lied straight to my face on a few occassionals lately, and it hurts very much. Lying destroys trust and when there is no trust the relationship begins to crumble until all there is left is dust. Nothing worthwhile is worth a lie. Have I ever lied....yes, I am guilty, but, never to take away someones faith in me... to me intergrity is the essence of a strong foundation, and a strong foundation is what holds a relationship together.
I was speaking to my son today about the most beautiful relationship I have ever witnessed in my life. It was between an Italian couple in their seventies Sandrina and Marcello. They lived across the road from us in a rural community. When you spoke to one, they spoke back always reflecting the other, in the conversation. I never ever heard a mean word escape their lips, either about family of friends. People like that are a true salute to life. They are a blessing from, and to, God their creator. Marcello died one morning. He simply fell down dead outside in the garden. Sandrina found him. She literally mourned herself into her grave not long after. Such was her anguish because her beloved soul mate and partner for life was no longer with her..
I dedicate this poem of mine to them: BELOVED ONE
Love comes softly like a bird, on feathered wings and golden words. Harped angelic melodies, fill the skies unbounding end. When lovers join as one, their entwining spirits blend.
Goodnight Sandrina, Goodnight Marcello.... until we meet again.

Wednesday "God knows us better than we know ourselves"

Contemplating what to do next.
Waiting is a difficult process, one that is never enjoyed especially when a desired outcome requires patience. I sent my book into the publisher when they were requesting new ones for review. Then suddenly they stated, "no more, we have enough," and cut off their intake. Now I am left wondering? did my work make it in? or, after waiting the prescribed six months will I have waited in vane? I certainly hope not. Yet, nothing worth while in life comes easily.
What should my outlook be?
Perhaps, "good things come to those who wait."
One thing that has just come to mind is the Bible verse: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God."
What a wonderful verse. How great is my God that he knows my needs and answers with the memory of a verse to sustain and calm the confusion within. How can anyone rely on their own understanding when God, who is above all, is always ready to supply....

Tuesday "Autumn Years"

The Emergncy room at Caloundra Hospital, on Christmas day morning. 2003.(Me Seated)
Some quiet before the rush, gave us time to have a Secret Santa and some Christmas goodies.
Five R.N.'s and our Doctor on duty for the day.

Tuesday "The Autumn Years"

Much can be said about retirement. You can go to bed when you like and sleep lazily in, in the morning. Gone are working hours and shift work. Working at the Royal Brisbane while gaining a Post Graduate Degree and living at Redcliffe (at that time) was pretty hard when working a late, finishing at 11pm at night, then an early, back on at 7 am. It was a fast busy life, yet I loved it. One rainy night a few of us decided to explore the old nursing quarters situated in a decaying three story building in the dark hospital grounds. All we had to light the way were our torch's. I still remember that night. Around 11:30 pm we got concerned about falling through rotting floor boards or getting stuck in the old lift. So parting ways we each headed off home, in separate directions, like excited teenagers.
Getting thrown into working in the Emergency Department at Redcliffe Hospital for the first time was an unexpected terror. Yet from the first day, I loved the adrenalin rush. So I went on to complete a three months contract with them before moving residence further north to Caloundra and going to work in Nambour Emergency yet still under Queensland Health. The fast track was my forte and kept my feet on the run. Picking up a few casual shifts with Caloundra, E.D. I commenced working for them which was great as it was closer to home. I secured my Pre Hospital Trauma Life Support training while there which has stood me in good stead for advanced care and critical thinking. Next was America and after having to complete my Boards Examination I was now considered a B.S.N. and commenced working in the local hospital.... Australian Nurses all need to work oversea's to realise how great they have it here. I disliked it intently and left to work for Amedysis Home Health. Loved the nursing, but not the endless paper work. We have our secretaries do that over here. BUT, I loved the staff!! and hope to always keep in touch with those great girls. So the Autumn years are finally here and now I may please myself.... and my God.

Monday "A Quiet Day"

Rain on the roof, pouring down the pipes and running out to smother the road. I am dry inside the house, and happy not to be Outback in the wet and mud while residing inside a car and caravan!
I read to-day on another Blog where the person described Blogging as similar to Schizophrenia, stating that you talk to yourself in your head. Not so.... with Schizophrenia you have a fixed faulse belief that another resides in your head and you converse with them......
It's interesting to write down your thoughts, and yes, with time we all look back on what's been written wondering how on earth we could have said what we have! Yes the human mind is an interesting phenomenon.
I would like to Salute a Godly Man.
I didn't get the opportunity to meet Pro Hart in person yet his art and his life continue to speak beyond the grave. I chanced to visit his gallery at Broken Hill in Outback N.S.W. and was humbled by this extrodinary man's interesting life. When once asked how he decided what to paint he answered. "I just paint as the Lord directs." He became a wealthy man, and travelled the world for his exhibitions. Many famous people brought his paintings and yet he remained a simple minded carefree man. Free of the cumbersome burdens that pertain to riches. God and family came first and through his philosophy he left a legacy of love to his family.
WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT.

Sunday, "Worship the King"

A beautiful morning in Gympie Christian Family Church today. Communion was very specially presented by Joey Moody a sweet humble Christian lady who emphasised the reality behind the first Jewish Passover and our Saviour's last supper. Then the importance of our continuance down through time as instructed by Jesus, to remember, His sacrifice for us.
To partake with a reminiscing thankful and grateful heart.....is a blessing not to be taken for granted. Yes, I have at times been guilty of accepting the bread and the wine without enough gratiude. Ones mind must remain focused on the face of Jesus the saviour.
Talking about gratitude. Where would be be without our families?
My son Lee-Joel came for a short visit and assisted me in obtaining my first Blog site...this one.
Granddaughter Kirra, preached her first sermon to the youth at her church,"History Makers."
I have yet to hear that she uses her beautiful voice to sing in church. Kirra visited Uganda and helped with the orphaned babies last year. God bless you Kirra.