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Thursday, March 31, 2011

Queensland Wooo Hooo !!!

There is no place like home, we all love where we live.
Part of my heart is still in Rogersville, Tennessee, I love it there also.

But in Queensland I want to share our news.
We are (mostly) over the floods..

This is a sunburned country, and a land of diversity.
If its not floods then its bushfire's..
But life goes on and when everyone pulls together.
We share the load, and help carry each others burdens.

My beautiful friend Carol, from http://naturallycarol.blogspot.com/
has so kindly been making and sending cushions to everyone to cheer them up.
What a beautiful heart.
Carol is an encouragement to all.
And most often, to me!!!

Our motto in Queensland is:
Beautiful one day and  perfect the next.

We are now into autumn yet many people wear summer clothes almost all year around.
Not me, I feel the cold, and like my jumper and hot water bottle..
This gives Ray a good laugh.

Some of the highlights of this beautiful state are:

We have hundreds of kilometres of mainland beaches..
Ours is Rainbow, on the Sunshine Coast.
Ray loves to drive along close to the rising tide.


                        I used to live, at Dickie beach.
                        Every day I'd walk or jog along the sand.
                        I love the smell of ocean air, and the sound of the waves crashing.
                        This is one beach where dogs are permitted.
               They have a wonderful time, meeting and greeting each other.
                     
                      The bird life is phenomenal.
                      Rainbow Lorakeets fly in the dozens.
                      Although..the cheeky things also eat our fruit.


This female King Parrot is spoilt.
Ray plants sunflowers especially for them to enjoy. 

My friend Sharon snapped these yellow Crested White Cockatoo,
on her fence eating a meal. 

Tropical fruit abounds.
We have mango, mandarin, and avocado trees.
This is our Paw Paw Tree...

Pineapple plantations grow close by.
I adore pineapple, and they help in weight loss.


Ray and I on a visit to Steve Irwin's Australia Zoo.
This was the truck he took on all of his outback treks.
(We all miss that good natured man) 

The famous crazy Ettamogah Pub.
Seeing is believing..
This is the maddest building.

A day out at the camel races is a great laugh.
You can never predict what they will do.


The Great Barrier Reef goes for hundreds of kilometres.
You can snorkel or sight the pretty coral and hundreds of fish varieties from glass bottomed boats.


Come and visit.



"For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they (people)are  without excuse."
Romans 1:20 (New King James Version)













Sunday, March 27, 2011

Love Is A Friend

Coming from church we often go past and stop at, a produce market.
Where a variety of lovely fresh fruit and vegetables can be purchased.
I can't walk very far, so I sit and wait while Ray does the shopping.
Finished we walk back to the parked car.

A man sitting near the exit gate, had something for sale in the boot of his Ute.
Ray went over to see what it was so I followed.

Gorgeous little puppies perfectly kept, roamed playfully around in the confined space.
We had no intention of buying a dog, it was the last thing we were thinking of.
Ray and I looked at each other, they were so sweet, especially one.

I fell, hook line and sinker.
Ray paid the money and I carried her to our car.
We talked of names on the way home.
I have always wanted Daisey for a girl dog or Harley for a boy.
This was a girl, but she didn't suit Daisey.

Mille` popped into my head, so that was it..
She now had a name.
When we arrived home I looked up the meaning?
It means 'Helper to the priest."
WOW!!!!






Taking her outside with Monty, he is not sure what to make of her.


Monty is small but she is only about a quarter of his size.


She is Adorable..




                        Welcome to our home Mille` .... (pronounced Mill-e)

 
                       (Galatians 5:22)"But the fruit of the Spirit is:
                                                                                  Love,
                                                                                  Joy,
                                                                                  Peace,
                                                                                  Patience,   
                                                                                  Kindness,                  
                                                                                  Goodness,
                                                                                  Faith."





Friday, March 25, 2011

Protection Beyond Understanding.

Ray decided we were due for a day out.
Time for just us.
So the Harley came out and he polished it up.

We are getting to old for this I thought.
But, it was still a good idea.

The road we took is a busy fast one.
One where huge lumber semi's fly along.
I'm terrified of those trucks, so I prayed we had no problem with any today.
Not long on the way a monster was roaring up behind us.
Ray had to to go very fast to keep in front and safe.
I hung on and prayed.
I prayed for safety and I thanked the Lord for all His goodness to us.
Suddenly I saw in my mind, our bike with a flat tyre?
How silly?
I shook the thought away and kept a close eye on the revision mirror and that truck looming nearer.
Well, eventually it turned off after following us some 40klm.
Thank God I sighed.
We soon arrived at our destination.
It was hot and we parked and went to get a drink.

Returning, guess what?
The bike had a flat tyre.

Can you believe it?

I wonder if the Lord had not planted it in my mind to pray.
What would have happened to us??
We may have been another road fatality!

Something we all need to realise.
Our days are numbered and only the Lord knows when we will meet him.
We always need to be ready.

"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life."
Psalm 39:4


 "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."
                                                  Proverbs 16:9

                                        Taken in Montana 2006.


                                     God has always been with us....






                               



Monday, March 21, 2011

Coming from! Going to??

Some people don't have the blessing of knowing their family roots.
And the reason why, seem's unimaginable!

My daughter and I attended a Film Festival on the week-end where one short story depicted this.

It spoke of and showed adults who as children, were placed in orphanages,  because their families had no provision for them.
When they reached eighteen years of age, the streets became their home.

Rather than complain, or harbour a chip on their shoulders, they worked together with Habitat for Humanity, helping others gain a home.
They rejoiced to be a part of a helping team.
They work so hard,... and with cheerful hearts.

One woman helped for ten years, and then finally,
she was one of the recipients.
I cannot imagine living under the above conditions.
I had hardship when I was growing up, but nothing compared to this!

When we complain because we can't find the exact shoes we want?
Or afford a holiday, car, boat, or similar.
Let's remember those who are happy with nothing.
Those who smile and laugh at the simple pleasures of life.
Who appreciate giving without expecting.
And rejoice in the good fortune of others.


Check out the website below and search your heart about giving.


"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.
And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."



Matthew 6:3-4


Thursday, March 17, 2011

You Raise Me Up and LON's Testimony



Walking through the darkness is not for a Child of the King,
and yet, Satan roams the earth, as a roaring lion, waiting to devour.
He hits in whatever way possible.
Often he does this through our thoughts....

But God's Word clearly says...
He, God, has not given us a spirit of fear!
What he has given us is,
A spirit of POWER,
A spirit of LOVE,
A spirit of a SOUND MIND.
2 Timothy 1:7 (King James bible)
(I prefer the King James version here, as it is not white washed.)

Let's rejoice in the fact that no matter what!
God does rise us up above all adversity.
Please read Lon's Testimony below.

"TESTIMONY" Lon's Story

As you all know.
We defeat the devil by the Blood of the Lamb and by the word of our Testimony.
Revelation 12:11

A comment to me from Lon in return on a mental health story.

Lon writes,

"I just have to share!!!


My wife and I went to a couple of secondhand bookstores in search of this book, for I told her, "I have to find this book!"

The first bookstore we went to, the man who worked there tried to look it up, and said, "I'm sorry, but we don't have it."

So then my wife said to me, "Let's go to the other secondhand bookstore down the block."

Going in, I handed the man who worked there a piece of paper that had the name of this book written on it, and he said, something like, "Just a moment . . . I'll go get it for you."

I have only scratched the surface of this book, for I am only into the fourth chapter, and already my wife and others said they have seen a HUGE difference in me!!!

The other day I was talking to a person on the phone, and they said something like, "You don't even sound like the Lon . . . I used to know!"

Then when I was conversing with another person on the phone, they said, "I have hoped for this for so long . . . I just can't believe the difference in you!"

Once again I thank you so very much for sharing this post about this book!!!
God Bless,

Lon"
http://thehumblepath.blogspot.com/

The Book recommended was:







Monday, March 14, 2011

WAKE UP WORLD

The Christian faith is one of many.
However, which other religion gives instruction and information about the end of the world????
And a Savour, Jesus Christ who redeems us!

We call the Bible the Word Of God.
And surely, if God created the world, then He knows what He's talking about!

The New Testament of that Word, teaches about the End Times.

I believe everything we are looking at happening today, points to end times.
Because of this, our Heart and Faith must be right with God!

How Many Wars have we see in the last century??
More then in the previous six thousand years!
How many Natural Disasters have happened in just the last year???

Let me refresh your memory. 

Extra Heavy snow falls in U.S, Great Britain and Europe.


Then Queensland Australia hit by Cyclone Yasi and 2/3rds of this HUGE state,
(2 times the size of Texas and 6 times the size of Britain) was flooded!

Queensland darkened area.
Some northern parts are still under water!



Next, New Zealand suffered a massive Earthquake.


Now Japan has been hit by a Tsunami!

How terrifying! and what's next??

Are you prepared?

Do you know the Creator God?

Have you read His Word to have a personal relationship with Him?

Starting at the New Testament is the beginning.
(I amend this to say, "A good place to begin.")

This is what is said about these times.

In Matthew Chapter 24 Verse7.

"For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
(How many wars have you seen in the last century.)

And there will be famines, pestilences,
(Everywhere) 

and Earthquakes (Tsunami's) in various places.
All these are the beginning of sorrows."

(Before the end comes).





Friday, March 11, 2011

Princess of the King

Once upon a time there lived a sweet young girl who met the Prince of her dreams.

She was clever in mind but shy in spirit.
Her parents were very strict religious folk and she was not allowed to do many things.
 No make-up.
No movies.
No dancing.
    No boyfriends.
So when she met A, she fell deeply in love and kept him a secret.
Eventually her parents found out.
Her father was against her Prince.
He was not a believer, and, he was 14yrs her senior.

The Prince and Princess, are my parents.
My father passed to Glory almost 30yrs ago.
My mother turns 93yrs shortly.

My father was a soldier in the second World War.
He came home a changed man and rarely spoke of the experience.
He served in the Middle East and after returning from there was sent to New Guinea and the Kokoda Trail.
He suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Two sisters and a brother were born prior the war.
I and my brother were born after.
I am the baby in arms.



Crystal with Mummy.

My mother has always been a very strong woman, she's had to be. 
Last week my husband and I travelled down to meet up with my family. Mum has recently made the transition into a Nursing Home. She turns 93yrs on the 23rd of this month. She is legally blind and requires 24/7 care.
With mixed feelings we have needed to go through her belongings. I am keeping her treasured writing desk, it is over 60yrs old. Inside the desk I discovered a few photo negatives. The photo above is one of these.. For me, it is a rare treasure.

Where are we going in life, and what impact will we leave??
Mum gave all her children security and stability.
She also gave us a faith in Jesus Christ...the only Savour to give His life for His people.

Mum's new home is "The Abbey" situated on the southern highlands of New South Wales. It's a long way from me, yet close to my elder sister.
It is a peaceful place sitting on the side of a hill and with views over many more.


                        A bell greets:

                                  And Saint Frances welcomes:

My mother last week..
                       My heart mind and thoughts are continually with her.


 Psalm 139
God's Word read's for my mother.

"For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.


My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
your eyes saw my unformed body.
All the days ordained for me
were written in your book
before one of them came to be."


God Loves My Mother, (as He does us)
She was not perfect, as none of us are.
But, she Is Important To Him.
And she Is Never Forgotten.
She waits for the day when she meets Him, face to face.

Mum's favourite flower.
The dessert pea, found Outback.








Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Friends

I have always said, Friends are like Flowers, they are a sweet perfume in our life...   
My friend Starry Dawn has Blogged a poem about this.
I don't know how to link up, accept to put her address on here.
http://journeysandjournalsfromourgalaxy.blogspot.com/

One of my Ozzie friends is moving away to the Outback...
Far away to a mining town in remote north Queensland.
So this morning we got together with her, for the last time.

Our destination was a place back through time.
Gunabul Homestead was built in 1855 by a local lawyer.

Parking the car, you walk through shady century old tree's..

 The ladies opted to sit outdoors on the open veranda and enjoy the tranquility.
 
The ceilings must be 20ft high, which helps with the tropical heat.

We were welcomed by our Hostess, Nola.


Looking around inside is a photo of the Homestead in its heyday.
Together with the first owners, Francis and Elizabeth Power.
I am sure they'd never imagine their home would become a treasured meeting place in the future.

Friendship as part of the Body of Christ has drawn us together from different denominations.  


                    We had a wonderful time sharing and laughing together.
Our photos will keep the time alive forever.
Sharon and I.

Proverbs 27:9 
"Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart,
                              and the pleasantness of a friend
                              springs from their heartfelt advice."

Sharon, I love you!
As the older woman of our little band, I give you the Hebrew blessing.

"May The Lord bless you and keep you.

May the Lord make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious unto you.
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.  Always. Amen." xxxx

God Bless all friends.


The sunburned country that Sharon will make her home.





 







Sunday, March 6, 2011

Crying over yesterday



Depression.....

Can result from Grief and Loss

And yet often, as depicted in this song and animation, the very thing we dream about, the thing we grieve over, the thing we sorrow for, in reality, is not real!!

Are you stagnant?? Do you mourn over something in your life that is no longer there?

Move on...

"Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me."


Psalm 51:10

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Be Transformed

Nature is so natural....
                                                 Yellow crested cockatoo..

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,
 but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--
His good, pleasing and perfect will.
Romans" 12:2

I awoke this morning with the above verse.
And wondered why??
Am I too worldly?
I suppose in many ways, we all are to some extent.

Reading this verse through and contemplating further,
I can't help but realise, that even two thousand years ago,
this was an issue!!!

Man has never been content!
There is always a seeking for what is considered the best.
Or..
The most authentic!

I am no different to anyone else.
Last night I went to bed desiring certain changes in my life.
How selfish is that???
After all, if I trust in the Lord with all my heart, then I know, my life is how God Will's it to be.
If I want to complain in my heart,
then I am saying to God,
"I don't like the way you do things."

When I look deeply within myself,
 Am I wanting to conform to the ways of the world???
 Always have a tidy home and everything perfect.
OR
Can I allow myself to be transformed to the Perfect Will of God??

What is that Will??

2 Peter 3, says "God desires that none should perish."

He also desires we "build up treasure in Heaven, not on earth."


On our news last night they showed the fashions of the women attending the Oscar's.
The emphasis was on walking the red carpet, posing, camera's flashing, and who looked the best.
Such a lot of pomp and glamour.
And, just for one night?

What are your priorities?
Are you a God pleaser or a man pleaser??
I believe we all need to search our heart on this.