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Saturday, March 31, 2012

VIETNAM VETERAN DAY REMEMBERED

For my husband Ray and many others.

This Day is remembered. 

Young boys who were almost men, and perhaps think they are, gave their lives. 

Words cannot express the cold, isolation, horror, pain, suffering and perhaps, death.
Many experienced.
http://vaforgottenvet.blogspot.com/
  Care for them..

                                 Man's best friend, never forgets.

                                      At the going down of the sun, and in the morning.
                                          We Shall Remember Them, Lest We Forget. 

                                     

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Laughter is THE BEST MEDICINE

What a crack-up.... I can just see it... LOL 
(This does not mean I am against the law....but there is a funny side to everything.)

"Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy;” 
Psalm 126:2

Monday, March 26, 2012

Getting There as a New Author

Many of you are aware of my new life as an author..
Well, its not easy, and I have been lazy.
So what does that mean?
Well I am suppose to be out there and in everyone's face to sell my book.
How hard is that you may say? Well,for me, it is.
I prefer to let it sell itself.
Yet how can it, if people don't know about it? Those of you who are closest to me, do know. I have it on Facebook and I have an Author Blog, and a website.

I am not the worlds best writer, neither have I the greatest imagination nor am I able to come up with the most vivid descriptions that spellbind!
 When I was a child and then later a teenager in school, my report always read.
"Crystal could do a lot better if she applied herself."
I hated my mother reading those words as I always felt I did do my best. Mum usually said nothing and just looked at me for ages.
Parents are great at speaking a million words, with just one strong gaze.
Many many years later at University, I did an excellent assignment presentation in front of  my class.
My professor smiled when I was finished and congratulated me on what she said, was a perfect job.
Then, I was told my mark was to be, 18/20. BECAUSE, there was no such thing as a perfect mark? What?
However, at the completion of my Post Graduate in Mental Health, I was given the perfect score of 7/7.
How I would have loved my mother to see that.
Even though mum is still with me, and lately turned ninety four, I have never told her.
Somehow, its just not important any more.
                           Mum pictured at "The Abbey." that overlooks a garden with St Francis of Assi and his animals.

What has been important was my writing a published book. For this was... my mothers own dream.
Mum worked almost all of her life and has done much for her five children.
Yet her one desire of becoming a journalist or author never came to fruition.
When I told her I would write a book, she was over the moon and gave every encouragement.
Then she would phone me to ask, "is it finished yet?"
Then, "when will I see it?"

Now she has that promised work proudly at her bedside.
Since she is legally blind and unable to read, she relies on someone to do this for her, one chapter at a time.
 Her question to me now is, "is it selling?  How many have been sold?"
She may be in her nineties, but I can't keep up with her.

Since I do now have a special Blog for the book I would so love you to venture there and leave your Mark.
Even if you have already read the book, I would love you to visit, if only for once.   
And thank you for being my friends...
I have a world full of Blogging mates I have never met in person but still hold dear to my heart.
God Bless you all.   http://crystalmaryauthor.blogspot.com.au/

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Horsley Park NSW Mission Sunday School.....Remembered.

T'was in an old Ford 'Lizzie.'
We children happily bounced.
In mellow fragrant leather seating,
Our hearts in anticipation racing
Tuned to the hum of wheels tracing.
Stencils in the dusty soil, and, 
Smells of gum tree eucalyptus oil.

                  *****
The old hall welcomed with timbered doors awide
And we gleeful children rushed inside
Eagerly we clamored to find the best seat 
Never dreaming to lie, steal or cheat.
As the old piano pelted out, 'The Fruit Salad Song"
It was a mixture of choruses and we all sang along ~
                  
                    *****

Smiling faces, hands clapping and heavy feet stomping
Our preacher delighted in the devils swamping
"Jesus the Good Sheppard, tenderly cares for His sheep
So be mindful children, of His promises to keep
Always forgive and love one another
As Jesus tells us,... and Care For Your Brother
                      
                     *****

Down through the years my memory for verses is strong
Because of that teaching, 
The Lay Pastors Morrison, 
Kept many from wrong..........
And I am aware as time flashes by
That to learn as a child, on the Word, we rely.  
C.M.L 2004

In memory of:  
Alec Morrison Srn and Jrn. who without any monetary gain, taught many by example and word, to follow Jesus as Lord.

Crystal Mary

Jesus said, 
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” 
Matthew 19:14

Thursday, March 22, 2012

The Man from George Street

The Man from George Street, SYDNEY- He Changed Lives !

PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO WATCH VIDEO ABOVE:
 
I first heard the story of Frank Jenner from my mother.

He was a well known figure on George Street, Sydney, where he touched many people for the Lord.

Just a few days ago a friend on Face-book spoke of him.

This caused me to think, and then go on to find out more..

Not many people know much about Frank Jenner, Yet his story is one of  inspiration.

Please take the time to listen to the account of this mans story.

It will warm your heart to realise just how many people are touched by the Lord,
if you are willing to go, out of your way to share.

 One sows and another reaps

“My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.

Don't you have a saying, It's still four months until harvest?

I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Even now the one who reaps draws a wage and harvests a crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying ‘One sows and another reaps’ is true.

I sent you to reap what you have not worked for.

Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor.”

John 4:34-38 (New International Version)

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Foot N Mouth Disease

After gaining my B.N. I wasn't sure which specialty was right for me.
I went to work in Theatre (surgery) in a Catholic hospital in northern Queensland.
This was an eyeopener to me, as much of the language from the staff during the operations, was less than desirable.
I said nothing,and neither did I laugh at some of the grouse jokes being told.
One morning after I'd been there for a few weeks, there was a lull in the conversation. 

A radio played softly for a time and then one of the surgeons asked me.
"So Crystal, how come you went to the Catholic University?"  (It was hundreds of miles away from this town.)  
What does one answer to a question like this?
The reason, the real reason I had gone there was because the nursing program was known as the best.
However, now that the question was put to me during the middle of a patient having their veins stripped, I was taken by surprise.
So I answered quietly, "Well,..... maybe I am an ex-nun?"
Silence... complete silence followed my statement.
They were all stunned with shock!
Here they were in a Catholic hospital, swearing and telling inappropriate jokes, and I had heard them!
Before I could say it was just a joke, they all began to apologies to me.
"Crystal, I'm so sorry," said the head nurse.
One of the doctors told me, "I go to church every Sunday."
One by one, they gave me a glowing report of themselves.

How could I deflate their ego's?
So I said nothing, I kept silent.
My life became one of a celebrity....
All sorts of goodies came into our staff dining room to share around, and all because of me.

After a few more weeks I decided this wasn't my forte`.
So I left there to go back to Brisbane (our Capitol) and The Royal Brisbane Hospital.
Here I completed a Post Graduate Degree in Mental Health in conjunction with Queensland University of Technology..
I'm sure the staff in that other hospital never ever forgot the bomb that dropped one day in theatre, when they least expected it.

 "But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 
Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Ephesians 5:3-5

                                                  Crystal R.N.  and   Friend  (University facilitator)

Monday, March 19, 2012

Waste Not - Want Not !!

This blog is the best in the world.. 
You won't believe how many people visit there?
So I can't be wrong. ~~

This is Rhonda and her Blog needs no promoting. It does that itself.
 There is so much to see and read.
Its wonderful!

 
Now.............BE BLESSED!!!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Sharing - Caring.

I feel a strong affiliation with the United States of America.
Then seeing this picture seemed to draw me even closer.
We are surely, sister countries..
The red map drawn over the U.S. is Australia.
Our land mass is almost the same size.

Our soldiers fought together in wars, and we enjoy one another's company.

I have toured almost all of the U.S.A. and have read much of its history.

While working there as a Home Health practitioner, I met many wonderful folk.
Some stood out more than others.

I'm call the woman in my true story, 'Deeply troubled.'

On entering my workplace one Monday morning I was told I had a new patient.
"Now I hope you'll be alright with this Crystal," my boss searched my face as she spoke.
"The lady in question lost her husband a few weeks ago and isn't coping."
"Yes," added my work partner, Jane from across the room. "And I ain't going out there again," she spoke indignantly.
 "She pulled a shot gun on me!"

Well this sounded good? I felt like I was being thrown into the lions den.

It was a long drive to her home, way up in the Tennessee mountains. 
The house stood alone and lonely in a wide valley.

Getting out of my jeep I took my time gathering my bag and patient folder from the front seat.
A curtain moved in the glass panel of the front door and I knew I was being watched.

Slowly I walked to the porch, calling and talking to the numerous cats taking flight, or sitting watching me in huge eyed silence.
It seemed a long walk up those steps, across the planked timber floor, to knock at that door.

My patient warily opened it, and after I told her who I was, she invited me reluctantly inside.
A small radio, sitting on her kitchen bench was playing a beautiful old hymn.
As I placed my things onto her table I remarked, "Don't you just love that song," and began to sing along with the words..
I had gained her trust.

After concluding my assessment, I asked her if there was anything she would like to ask or tell me.
She began to cry and talk about her husbands passing.
"He never told me he loved me, you know." her head bowed. 
"He was always hateful to me. For the first years of our marriage, he'd take off for weeks without telling me he was going, or when he'd be back... I was left with no money, not a word."

I sat and listened in silence, moving closer to take her hand.

"He'd been sick with diabetes the last few years, and lost both of his legs. Yet he could chase me around the house in his wheel chair and hit me with his stick.
I don't know why I stayed? He never loved me," she repeated mournfully again.

It was my turn...and this poor tortured woman deserved some peace.
"He did love you you know, and that's why he stayed!
When he got sick and could no longer do for himself, he had you.
Yet pride stood in his way.
He grieved his loss and he piled all the pain he felt onto you.
Yes, he loved you, but instead of telling you that, he hit out at you in anger, about his life."

We sat quietly for a time, by now I was holding both of her hands in mine.

"Did you,  ever tell him you loved him?" I asked quietly.
She shook her head, "No!"
"Well then," I told her gently, "it seems like neither of you could say the words...
So for him, I am going to tell you right now.
Deeply troubled, you were always my hearts desire.
You are the only mother of my children.
I am so sorry for my pride and for hurting you.
I love you and I ask for your forgiveness."

"I love you too".: she murmured.

I prayed with her and as I left she asked me when I'd be back.

Every week she watched for my return.
With her door open, she eagerly waited.


"Help carry each other's burdens. 
In this way you will follow Christ's teachings."
Galatians 6:2

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Sydney Harbour Bridge - Australia

I was born at Paddington Royal Hospital for Women, in view of Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Sydney is the capitol of New South Wales, the state I grew up in.
I have always had a strong love for Sydney harbour and that wonderful iconic bridge that spans its waters.  


The Sydney Harbour Bridge crosses the harbour at its narrowest point between Dawes Point and Milsons Point.
It is a double-hinged, riveted steel arch bridge.
It has a reinforced concrete deck and reinforced concrete pylons.
On its completion in 1932, it was considered the essence of modern bridge design and engineering
creativity.


At different times of day, the bridge becomes almost magical.



Many enjoy to take the three and a half hour climb of the bridge for a great view of the harbour and city.


My daughter Femia and her husband David enjoyed their climb a few years ago. 
    "The earth belongs to the Lord, and everything in it -- 
      the world and all its people."
     Psalm 24:1

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Share the Love and Pass it on.

I have been feeling dried out of late..
Why? I don't know, just aging I suppose..
I can't seem to think or concentrate for long..
Maybe I need a Sabbatical from life?

THEN... I received TWO blessings on Facebook and both stirred my spirit.
The first one was from a man who I don't know personally but who loves the Lord and continually rejoices in His love.
This man, Murriel sent me (and others) the loveliest surprise.
THEN...
I discovered a lovely message sent from my TN Crossroads Church.
It featured Pastor Stephen, his wife Latonia, son Corey and daughters Cara and Kaylen.
They shared from the church and from their hearts.

How my heart thrilled to hear this, and see those joyous faces..


God is so good.

NEXT,  I saw this photo on a friend Facebook page.. and I know I am so much more fortunate that this.

Or am I?

Love shared and Love given... that's what life is all about.
"I love you, God— you make me strong.
   God is bedrock under my feet,
      the castle in which I live,
      my rescuing knight."
Psalm 18:1

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

The Valley Rattler Steam Train Gympie Queensland



The Valley Rattler won't be running while its flooding.

Old Photos of days gone-by:
  
When the sunshines again..
There will be the thrill of the journey...





Saturday, March 3, 2012

Colour Your World With Happiness

What do you do when you spoil  something?

When you feel it can't be fixed and should be thrown away.





I paint flowers over the problem....


This makes a change, it produces a new creation.

 Here's another problem.


All fixed and made ready to use again.
I used to love to paint... and what a difference some colour and effort can make.


Isn't this the same with life?
When things go wrong often we want to give up and hide away?
Yet there is nothing that can't be fixed...with a little love.

So many times I feel like throwing in the towel..
I have loads of excuses..
I'm getting too old.
I'm tired.
I can't be bothered.
Who cares anyway..
BUT...
Someone does, and His name is JESUS.

Jesus says to me: "Crystal I forgive you and I love you."
Place your name here, and read it again.
"................, I forgive you and I love you."
Doesn't that make you feel good!


Colour your world with happiness: 
Photo by my daughter Femia Shirtliff.


 LORD! 
Praise, O servants of the LORD, 
Praise the name of the LORD! 
Blessed be the name of the LORD From this time forth and forevermore! 
From the rising of the sun to its going down The LORD's name is to be praised.
The LORD is high above all nations, His glory above the heavens.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Australian Son. John Farnham - Burn For You


Going to live in the USA from my own country, Australia I was home sick.
Some of the things I missed besides my family were:

1. Vegemite, a spread you eat on bread.




2. The eucalyptus trees and smell.




3. Meat pies.






4. Our wild beaches.


5. AND.....Hearing John Farnham on the radio.
So I am sharing him here with you now...

Johnny began singing at fifteen years old.
He is sixty two and still going strong..