Sign Posts in Ozzie Land

If you don't know where your going, check a sign post.

No Snow? No Worry..Skiing Roo..

What else?

 

For the Cassowary. Sure hope he can read.

Nothing to worry about...

Don't try to attract the the Croc's

 

Otherwise...RUN....

 And the best sign post to Eternal Life is Jesus.

Be Wise And Follow Him Today.

PEACE AND CONTENTMENT

My son Pasquale Joel, who I call Lee-Joel turned Thirty two last Sunday.

                                                   Photo by daughter Femia.

I wasn't sure if he would come to visit or have a family day out with his wife and son.
And, it wasn't easy for me to cook up a great feast and I didn't..
But one thing my children love is mum's Italian pasta.
So thats what they got.. and I got them all here with the promise, not to disappoint..
They all helped and cleaned up after and I enjoyed them and the rest.

As a grandparent its great to sit back and watch the antics of my two youngest, Izaiah and Shiarn.
They are more like siblings than cousins, and Shiarn always reminds Zai that he needs to have manners.


"If you don't say please Zai, I won't share with you.." she prattles on....
"Pweeze Shiarnie"... he pleads adoringly.

Here they are with a green tree frog....

 

Isn't it marvelous!

  

 

and....Two fingers display the Sign of Peace.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. 

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

John 14:27

In these times of uncertainy and world dilemma, its not easy to feel peaceful or unafraid.
Yet when we believe in a Creator God who promises Peace, we know He has all in control.

Bridge Building

I was amazed to see this bridge being constructed in China.
I suppose it is one way of getting from one place to another.

How safe does it look??

Many.... I for one, would never venture on this structure. 

And yet how many other risks do we take in life??

And how many do we take with death??

I have a faith in Jesus Christ.

From what I have learnt, he was the only God who came to earth and gave His life.

His Tomb is Empty.

Was he a risk taker?

He gave His life so that we may gain eternal life.

How many people believe this? 

For those who don't....  Where will they spend eternity?

Some believe in reincarnation?

I prefer the belief of a paradise in Heaven,  

than a continual return to sickness and sorrow on earth.

Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.  

I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.  

 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. 

They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. 

There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 

Revelations 21   The Bible

Stairway to Heaven

 

Old Age . We Can't Dismiss The Reality

AN OLD LADY'S POEM
(This poem is located in many hospital wards, it is there to remind the staff that even though a patient is old, they are still important. They still have feelings and they still matter.)
I love my mother dearly. Recently she has entered a nursing home. 
I pray she is always recognised as someones daughter, mother, and grandmother. A lady of dignity and one who is worthy of respect.


This Poem was written by an elderly patient in her final years.
What do you see, nurses, what do you see?
What are you thinking when you're looking at me?


A crabby old woman, not very wise,
Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes?


Who dribbles her food and makes no reply""
Who seems not to notice the things that you do,


And forever is losing a stocking or shoe....
Who, resisting or not, lets you do as you will,


With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill....
Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me.


I'll tell you who I am as I sit here so still,
As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will.


I'm a small child of ten...with a father ! and mother,
Brothers and sisters, who love one another.


A young girl of sixteen, with wings on her feet,
Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet.


A bride soon at twenty--my heart gives a leap,
Remembering the vows that I promised to keep.


At twenty-five now, I have young of my own,
Who need me to guide and a secure happy home.

My parents, elder brother and sister

A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast,
Bound to each other with ties that should last.


At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone,
But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn.


At fifty once more, babies play around my knee,
Again we know children, my loved one and me.


Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead;
I look at the future, I shudder with dread.


For my young are all rearing young of their own,
And I think of the years and the love that I've known.


I'm now an old woman....and nature is cruel;
Tis jest to make old age look like a fool.


The body, it crumbles, grace and vigor depart,
There is now a stone where I once had a heart.


But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells,
And now and again my battered heart swells.


I remember the joys, I remember the pain,
And I'm loving and living life over again.


I think of the years....all too few, gone too fast,
And accept the stark fact that nothing can last.


So open your eyes, nurses, open and see,
...Not a crabby old woman; look closer...see ME!!
Annonymous.

My own mother has lived a full life. 
Looking back there is much wisdom in what she has learned and what she has taught her own children.
Now its her time to be loved and cared for.

                                                                       My mother now.

"I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go." 
John 21:18



"Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with a promise;
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."
Ephesians 6: 2-3

Postscript:
Some people read only what they wish to see.. 
These persons have eyes to see, but no heart of compassion or understanding.
And to those, let me say, "God judges the heart and, I love my mother." 

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....

                               

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.

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.

Flood Update

Just to give an update on the floods here in my state of Queensland.

As previously informed. Queensland is two and a half time the size of Texas.
Yes, its a huge state!!
At this time where I live in the middle section of the state known at the Sunshine Coast, there has been no rain for two days now, BUT, we are still flooded.
And we are still cut off. No food supplies in.
Our capitol of Brisbane is now under deluge.
All in all 75% of this state is under water and approximately 100,000 homes.
It is devastating and many of the News Readers look as if they have been crying.

Before flood photo of one Pizza restaurant.

Now flooded.

Just under the window, it has risen.

Telsta Telecommunications and a Real estate Office almost under water.

Then completely under

The main Highway looks like a river. light poles are reflected in the water.

 

Rascals Restaurant and hotel.

Reflections in the water make it look pretty. It makes you cry.

Thank God it is school holidays otherwise many parents would likely be searching for children.

Last night my grandson Elyshah 16yrs rang me from New South Wales where he is holidaying to find out if we were safe.

He lives here also, so I am very glad he is away and safe.

                      Elyshah, Joel and Luke, grandsons. All six foot and over.

Elyshah informed me that many are predicting the end of the world in 2012??
I informed him, that the end comes anyhow, at the time of our death!!
whenever that may be???
(Yes I do believe, there will be an 'End of theWorld')
None of us know, the day or the hour.
When a catastrophe hits, it gives a wake-up call.

Where do you stand in relation to your belief???
My heart falls when a person answers, I believe in evolution.
I say this to them.....
If I am wrong, then I have lost nothing...
But if you are wrong you face eternity separated from God and love.


WAKE-UP!!

The Day and Hour Unknown

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 

 As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man.
For in the days before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day Noah entered the ark;
and they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away.

That is how it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. 
Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left. 
 Two women will be grinding with a hand mill; one will be taken and the other left.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into.    
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
(Matthew 24: 36-44)

None of us know the day or the hour of our death!!
AND THAT IS THE END OF THE WORLD!!
For myself, I look forward to meeting the Lord.
Being embraced and welcomed into Glorious Heaven.
No more pain or sadness. No more hurt.
I, and my family are safe. Power is off to many.
We have problems connecting to the Internet.
We have problems staying connected!!
Please forgive me not responding as much as I'd like.

Prayer for Your Loved Ones

I wrote this out based on the Word of God:
Hope it helps. God Bless you as you partition for your loved ones.

Prayer:

Mind: “Father I pray for you to continually renew ……………’s mind, resulting in a transformed life. Help him/her to bring every thought into captivity to make it obedient to Christ. Give him/her a greater understanding of and a wanting to learn, your Word. Help him/her to think of things that are pure and right and worthy of praise.
In Jesus name, Amen.” (Psalms 119:15, Romans 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:5)

Eyes: “Lord, please keep opening ……………’s eyes to see spiritual truths. Help him/her to see things as you see them. Please guard his/her eyes from looking at worthless things, in Jesus name. Amen.” (Psalms 119:8, Psalms 119:37.)

Ears: “Father, let ………….. hear your voice clearly and with certainty. Protect him/her from listening to anything that may be offending to you. Help him/her not to be affected negatively by what others say and to be able to discern between good and evil, what is of you and what is not. In Jesus name. Amen” (Isaiah 30:21, 1 Kings 3:9, 1 John 4:1)

Mouth: “Heavenly Father please help …………to always speak the truth in love. Help him/her to be quick to listen and slow to speak. Give him/her the courage to lovingly confront when necessary, and when he/she does, let the words he/she speaks be yours and not his/hers own. I also pray Lord for him/her to grow in the ability and desire to communicate with you. In Jesus name Amen.”
(Psalms 19:14, 119:3, Ephesians 4:15, 4:29, James 1:19)

Heart: “Lord I pray in Jesus name that you give ………………… a heart that seeks passionately after you. Please help him/her to guard his/her heart diligently and do away with anything in it that is not pleasing to you. Create in him/her a clean and pure heart dear Lord so that he (when a man) is the spiritual head of the home as you desire him to be.”
(Psalms 78:72, 119:19-11, Proverbs 4:23, 1 Thessalonians 3:13)

Hands: “Lord, I pray that everything ………………does would be done with his?her whole heart and soul. That he/she seek to serve and please you rather than man. I pray his/her skills, talents and gifts reflect you and that you bless all he/she seeks to do. In Jesus name.” (Psalms 24:3-4, Colossians 3:23)

Feet: “I pray with thanks Lord that ………………. would love your Words and always walk in a manner worthy of your ways. That he/she bears much fruit and every good work that comes from you above. May he/she pass your Word on to others (especially children and family). Father when he/she walks through the valley of uncertainty, doubt and difficulty I pray that he/she fears no evil because he/she always knows you are with him/her. Thank you for your protection over him/her always. In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen!” (Deuteronomy 6:7, 8:6, Colossians 1:10, Psalms 23:4

LOVE IS:  Praying for Your Loved Ones.