Morning Cuppas With Glenys : encouragement

Showing posts with label encouragement. Show all posts

A Sister in Christ

Just recently, Chris and I have found ourselves in need. He has been unwell for a few months and a CT scan has not given us any answers to his pain.

Our general practitioner has referred Chris for a cardiac CT scan as suggested in the report following his first scan. There are some plaques in his coronary arteries which require investigation.

Now here in Australia when one is on the Aged Pension as we are, most scans are bulk billed to Medicare, however this one is not and will cost $500 with no rebate. We don't have that amount.

I have been in a group for Christian women for about 12 years, and as is my custom, I asked for prayer for Chris, telling the Sisters that we could not afford his scan at the moment. To my surprise, they all wanted to help, and in the space of 12 hours, they had deposited the entire $500 into my PayPal account.

Chris and I were overwhelmed with gratitude, especially knowing that this was a big sacrifice for many of the women. Whilst we praised the LORD for providing the funds, we also thanked the Sisters as we marveled at their generosity. I was able to reschedule the scan for December 21.

In 40 years of walking in the faith, I have never personally been touched as much by the kindness, generosity and graciousness of these Sisters in Christ. Not only have they been faithful in prayer but in deed.

As Chris said to me, they are truly walking the walk and not just talking the talk. Not only did we receive agreements to pray for Chris, but practical help in the procuring of this important scan.

I have shared this picture before, but it now speaks to me of the kind and godly Sisters in Christ who found it in their hearts to share with us from their own meagre purses.

Chris and I are humbled and grateful and praising of those wonderful women who are more than a friend, but a Sister in Christ.

Blessed is he who considers the poor; The LORD will deliver him in time of trouble. Psalm 41:1

Don't lose hope!

Overcoming agoraphobia.

Years ago I suffered from a dreadful condition where leaving my home was a cause for panic and anxiety. It's name is agoraphobia. I overcame it, but it has reared its' ugly head once more.

With the Corona Virus instilling in us a fear of being too near people, being diligent with hand washing etc in order to stay safe, and staying at home because of Rona, I have found it has exacerbated my agoraphobic tendencies.

I get clammy going into a supermarket or even going to the Post Office. Some days I have to force myself to leave the house and I will get Chris to handle things for me if possible.

Living in the fifth wheeler for six months and ending up housebound because of my torn meniscus didn't help me either. It took a lot of effort to get out of the staying at home habit when we first resumed renting. But I won, and by beating it then, I know I can do it again.

When we are asked to stay home, it does not present any great problem to me. In fact, the only problem with this whole virus thing is that I can't see my family. But that won't last forever. They will be able to come to me.

My agoraphobia will not last forever: with prayer and forcing myself to gradually leave the house for longer periods, I will overcome it. But it takes a lot of prayer and determination. But with time it can be done.

I am afraid that when we are finally over Covid 19 and able to leave our homes, that I will be so used to being home that I will prefer it. Our agoraphobia must be tamed in order to have quality of life, for if given into, it will turn your home into a prison.

"The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, Who shelters him all the day long; And he shall dwell between His shoulders." Deuteronomy 33:12

The best journey of your life!

I am 67 years old and I have been a mother for nearly half a century! I have 15 grandchildren and a great-granddaughter and they often trigger a memory of bringing up their parent. Some things I used to worry about I now can laugh at.

Here are some of those things I wish I knew 50 years ago..

* I realise that over 90% of the things I fretted and worried over never happened.

* If you offer food to a young child and they don't eat, they will not starve!
* That the time flies by so quickly that you should make time to enjoy your children-don't be left with regrets in the future
* It is best to keep a house that is clean enough to be healthy but dirty enough to be lived in-it will be too clean when the kids have left for good
* A self-willed child will often grow up to be a very conscientious hard worker and a loving person

* God loves my children even more than I do

* The naughtiest kid really needs the most hugs- sometimes it's an attention seeking thing

* It is more important to make your life rich in love than rich in possessions

* There is no safer place for a little child to bloom than in its own home

* A Band-Aid strip and a kiss means much more....it's that Mummy loves me and cares

* A rested Mother is the best Mother she can possibly be

* Taking time out for yourself some time during the day or night is good-Mothers shouldn't stop dreaming

* Heated disciplining arguments from the chiefs are never productive in front of little recruits-they will soon play one off against the other

* It is not unloving to encroach on your kids 'rights' and choose his friends for him- you can save yourself and him a lot of heartaches later on

* To make too much of a child is inviting disaster- soon they will make you the children and they will be masters of the house

* Stay united with your spouse in front of the children- a house divided will fall and you will come down with it

* Two heads of the house does not work- allow and encourage your husband to lead

* Pray without ceasing - we mothers need all the help we can get...and that goes on all our lives

Seek to find snatches of joy everyday as you battle through Mt Laundry etc- you will reach the mountain top all too quickly and will remember the valley as the best journey of your life! painting by Vickie Wade

“In the fear of the LORD [is] strong confidence: and his children shall have a place of refuge ’ Proverbs 14:26

God plans for our future and hope

It is said that all work and no play make Jack a dull boy. I believe that is true. As wives and mothers we can get so involved with taking care of others that we forget to take care of ourselves. We need to take time to smell the roses and we need to watch our children at play and learn to play again.

Adulthood shouldn't be the end of play and laughter. The scriptures teach us that a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken Proverbs 15:13 It is hard to be cheerful some days and certainly work overload can break one's spirit- if we let it. I have found that a smile actually promotes a cheerful spirit and gets a positive response.

So how does one create a cheerful enough spirit to raise a smile? I believe it is by a few things:

1) The Psalms and Ephesians tell us to develop an attitude of gratitude. Just thank God continually with songs of praise and thanks. Start to see beyond the nappies and try to catch a glimpse of the beauty of motherhood. There are many many women who long to be mothers- that's a reason to be thankful.

2) Develop a plan to organise your home and life into manageable portions so as not to become overwhelmed. Don't procrastinate around the home but roll up your sleeves and get going and do it! Nothing robs us of joy like procrastination! And get your work done as quickly as you can and as well as you can in order to do the things you like to do- I love to surf the Net and write. Whatever it is that you enjoy, get your work out of the way and then enjoy yourself.

3) When you work- work hard! When you play- play hard! But don't play when you work and don't work when you play! Just get your work done and then have a ball! Just enjoy doing what you love to do and don't feel guilty- God doesn't make us feel guilty- we make ourselves feel guilty! We must remember we must live our lives in balance: relaxation and enjoyment are a part of that balance!

Enjoyment of life is critical to giving the best of yourself to your husband, your children, and your friends. Of all the species on earth, we are just about the only ones to forget to play daily. Unless you take time to recharge your batteries, even your relationship with God will become stale through depression!

4) Try to think of those things that are positive, praiseworthy, pure and think only of those things. Phil ippians 4:8 Remember that all we have is today- don't worry about yesterday, do your best today, and leave tomorrow in God's Hands. God has given His Word: His plans are for our future and hope.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Loveliness is all around us

I love this painting as it reminds me of our little country home. We too have a little stream at the back of our house and we like to sit in the yard watching the birds and listening to the water.

If the weather is cold, I find our couch is like the beach- with the afternoon sun coming in and the sliding door open, we can hear the stream bubbling and the birds calling and it feels exactly like being on the beach.

With all that is happening in the world today, I find it is even more important than ever to dwell on things that are good, pretty or helpful. It takes effort to find good things, but it can be done.

I like to play worship music in the background and I love to be grateful for what I do have. I keep in touch with my family via FB or phone and this helps keep my spirits up.

We try not to watch too much news and I have started limiting my time on FaceBook because a lot of the things there are not uplifting.

With fibromyalgia rearing its ugly head again in a massive flare, I find that I have to search harder for beauty and staying upbeat.

Prayer is a very big part of a Christian's life, and I find that by praying about things definitely helps my mental as well as spiritual health.

In spite of ill health and happenings in the world, it is important to train your thoughts into looking for the good in the world and dwelling on them.

All my life, I have loved Philippians 4:8 which speaks of focusing on whatsoever things are good. It is my life verse and over 40 years of loving Christ, it has been a real Godsend.

Take a look around you at all the lovely things: in spite of a troubled world, there is still loveliness around us.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. Philippians 4:8

Sure dwelling places

Have you ever sat in your home and been grateful for the security of your home and the softness of your sofa?

Outside the winds blow coldly and the rain falls and people scurry around with masked faces and tension permeates the world.

Some are under restrictions of a curfew during the night hours as a pestilence brews and seeks to encompass all.

But inside our home, all is calm. The fire glows brightly and a meal bubbles on the stove enticing family members to dine at a well set table.

The drapes are drawn and the lamps are lit and peace reigns in the homes of God's people.

In spite of problems in the world, our homes are sanctuaries where we can find the love of family and a refuge from the various storms of trial outside its' walls.

Our home is as God has said: a peaceful sure home in which to dwell.... and we will close our doors in our peaceful dwelling and leave the world outside- an oasis of calm in a troubled world, a place of refuge until the pestilence passes...

Our home is full of love and trust in God's protection knowing that He has us in the palm of His Hand...

We will be a holy people, in this world, but not of it, a people living in hope and faith and expectation in Christ, and a people perplexed but not forsaken.

Our sure dwelling places are a gift from the LORD and a place of hope and refuge.

On this foundation we can take our rest each night, grateful for God's provision of a quiet resting place, a refuge from pestilence and a sure dwelling.

And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places; Isaiah 32:18

Travelling on the path of illness

It's amazing how when you aren't chronically ill how you take so many things for granted. Things like getting in and out of a bath, taking a shower, even toileting when your back is in spasm, bending forward to clean your teeth, standing at the kitchen sink, wiping benches in the kitchen, sweeping the floor or simply bending to pick something up....

It once was an easy task to climb up and down stairs, get on and off trams or buses, walk to the letterbox and push a shopping trolley around the supermarket. Not any more...

Everything we do has to be measured up and spoons metered out before a task is actually done. It certainly impinges on our spontaneity. For us, there usually are lots of ramifications when we have tried to be spontaneous. Pain and more of it!..

Once when we went to bed, we would expect to go straight to sleep, have pleasant dreams and wake up refreshed. Now we often watch the clock go round, drift off if we are lucky and dream of pain as we toss and turn in our sleep, only to wake up feeling like a truck has hit us.

Normals would probably view our hesitancy to do a task as procrastination or laziness, and before becoming a Sacrificial Home Keeper or chronically ill woman, I would have as well... but we simply are adapting to our new normal...

When our illness is invisible like fibromyalgia for instance, we just want to be respected and understood, but inevitably, we are judged. Especially so if we have become overweight because of illness... it is us who suffer from guilt (false guilt really) that unkind judges of our body put upon us. This invariably leads to depression and overeating in an effort to gain energy to move more, or simply for comfort.

I am just so glad that God knows exactly what is in our heart and understands. He knows our frame and we are loved unconditionally- and this is so comforting to us who only know scathing remarks and criticism in this fallen world we are travelling through on the path of illness.

The LORD will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed. Psalm 41:3

Worth remembering

Sometimes I wonder what it must be like to be God- in the sense of His feelings in being hated, disbelieved, rejected and blamed for all evil things, and eventually being crucified when all You did was love, forgive and heal, and ultimately, die for us.

Obviously, His thoughts are infinitely higher than man's and I cannot presume to know the Mind of God, but as a human, in my quiet times, I sometimes reflect on what a life of grief our Saviour had in the few years He walked this earth.

We know He laid His life down for us, but in that, I find that even in the greatest act of God, rejection was a bitter blow- and then it was followed by an even more bitter one by the rejection of God the Father. He couldn't bear to look at His Son Who had become sin for us.

I read in the book of Malachi, 3:16-18 that a book of remembrance was written for those who loved God and who meditated on His Name. That's you. That's me. And it was so precious to God that He had a book written before Him to remind Him that we love Him.

Listen to what the LORD has to say about us, and be glad that we are written in His Book and in the Book of Life: "A book of rembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His Name. "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him." Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who seves God and one who does not serve Him." Malachi 3:16-18

How wonderful that our love for Him delights Him and that is worth remembering.

Let's deck our halls and hearts

Most of us are spending a lot of time at home these days under stay at home laws to stop the spread of the Corona Virus. In fact, we here in Melbourne Australia have been lifted to Stage 4 as the numbers of fresh infections increases. Now obviously this is going to make us more weary of the isolation, but it is what it is...

Instead of being frustrated or angry, let us resolve to make the most of this situation and try to find some postitive aspects of this enforced isolation in our homes. This is a time for family to be close together. Let us try to make our homes a sanctuary from the world's trouble and mayhem. So let us deck the halls of our home and heart...

Let us make sure we keep our homes clean and aired.
Let us try to stay to a routine that gives us time to teach our children.
Let us remember that our children will be picking up and hearing fearful information, so let us be particularly loving with them.
Let us make meals that not only fill our family's stomach, but nourish them. Give them something to look forward to at meal times.
Let us be loving with our husband- chances are he has worries about employment and like you, is concerned about how to stretch the finances and keep the roof over your head and food on the table.
Let us try to avoid speaking constantly about the ills of this current state of the world in front of the children. They may be young, but they will take in a lot of fear. If the parents are afraid, then for them, it is the end of the world.
Let us limit watching the news as this is bound to effect everyone. Limit news to finding out directly what you need to know and turn it off.
Let us watch uplifting videos, especially with our children and let's play with them. Make a cubby house and let your children be the Mum and you the child. Use your imagination and delight them.
Let us put our little ones into the bath and sit alongside them, singing songs and telling stories and blowing bubbles with them.
Let us have a sense of calm and peace in our home, for everyone to enjoy.
Let us be particularly attentive and available to our spouse and fan the flames of romance. It works wonders for a marriage.
Let us sit at table and teach the little ones etiquette, and have the table set nicely to make it a time of pleasure and unity.
Let us continue with a daily nightly bedtime routine for the children and keep regular sleeping hours.
Let us pray with our children at night as they go to bed, allowing them to know that God loves them, watches out for them and calls all the stars by name. Invite discussion of any worries so that they can be reassured and sleep better.
Let us keep up with our own appearance and hygiene, for that will make us feel more like we can cope.
Let us use the fine crockery, tableware, cloth serviettes and silver utensils. Drag out the best linen and softest towels and celebrate home and family.
Let us remember to pray for others, particularly for those for whom isolation means domestic violence. Have this link on hand for help if you or someone you know needs protection and advice.
Let us remember to keep close to the LORD Who has gone to prepare a place for us, and is coming to take us Home with Him soon.

Whilst we wait for Him, let us deck our halls and hearts with faith, love, peace, joy and hope...

John 14:1-2 Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

Tell me something pretty!

In a film I once watched called "A Farewell to Arms", the Italian doctor was sick at heart with all the death and misery around him. He said to a soldier comrade, "Tell me something pretty!" He just wanted to hear something nice, something hopeful, something pretty! He was promptly executed for demoralising the troops.

Our world has been turned upside down, and there's illness, death and mayhem all around us. You may be like me, sick at heart and dismayed and long to hear "something pretty"...

I cannot change what's happening in the world that must come to pass, but I have something pretty for you to cling to- something hopeful, something true. We have a Saviour Who is coming to take us out of this world to live with Him forever.

He has gone to prepare a place for us where we will live with Him. There will be no more tears, no grief, no illness or sin. There will be no more goodbyes, no death, no funerals. Just peace and joy and worship. Lots of worship and joy.

Our Saviour died in our place for our sins and today He lives forever in victory. He's a Lover- a lover of our souls and He dances over us in joy.

He invites the unsaved to accept Him and love Him and He yearns over us by His Spirit, wooing us unto Himself, longing for our union as His Bride, the Church- believers. Jesus longs for *you*

Through the Eyes of Love, He sees us, a perfect Bride and His Father is glad that there is restoration between God and man. Restoration that came through the Blood of His Son.

I will tell you something pretty- no fairytale, though some may call it that- but a fact as sure as God Himself- we will soon be changed in the blink of an eye. We will be clothed with a new body that is eternal, and we will know Love unconditional, for God is love...

I will tell you the prettiest thing of all... it's love and joy and peace and hope and forgiveness and grace encapsulated in one word: I will tell you something pretty- His Name is JESUS!

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love. 1 John 4:7-8

I have to agree!

With so many Victorians contracting Corona Virus in a vicious second wave, wearing masks has been declared mandatory for all Victorians after midnight tonight.

There's still much ongoing debate about the ability of a mask to stop the spread of the virus, but with a $200 fine for not wearing one, most of us will do so, albeit begrudgingly.

Chris and I will be wearing a mask when we leave home, in fact, we have already worn one yesterday. To be honest, I feel like I can't breathe properly but I persisted with wearing one.

I am no medical person, but my feeling is that these masks don't stop the virus. However, because we are to obey those in authority over us- providing it is not something sinful, Christians must be seen to be obeying those who rule over us. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you. Hebrews 13:17

Another reason I will wear a mask is because of love. People generally feel more secure when others wear a mask, so out of love and respect for their concerns, I will put one on. For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. Romans 12:13

To my way of thinking, I feel it's like eating meat on Good Friday: if it offends someone, I will refrain- yet I will glady enjoy meat if it doesn't cause another to stumble. It's all about respect and love. (1 Corinthians 10:27-31)

If we obey the health authorities, we will be able to say with impunity that we have not been part of the reason that this accursed virus has spread.

My little granddaughter Taylah aged 8 did a comical video of the apparent uselessness of wearing a mask. She makes a valid point that if the intestinal gasses can escape the body, a piece of underwear and some trousers or slacks, then how can a virus be stopped by a flimsy mask?

I will wear a mask because of love, but I have my doubts about it's efficacy... and regarding Tay's astute deduction- I have to agree!

If any of them that believe not bid you [to a feast], and ye be disposed to go; whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth [is] the Lord's, and the fulness thereof: Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another [man's] conscience? For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks? Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:27-31

Fear not!

The world is a scary place right now. If we look at the world and all that's happening, we will be afraid.

If we take our eyes off Christ we will be open slather for the evil one to make our fear palpable. It is of course, the direct opposite of faith.

We need more than ever to pray, read the Word and focus on the Blessed Hope of the rapture of the Church. We must keep the Sword of the Spirit in our hand at all times.

To know the Word of God and what He says in these last days, you have to be in the Word. If we are not, our Sword of the Spirit, the Word is going to be rendered useless.

Our battle in these last days is in heavenly places and the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. But to fight the evil one, we must be clothed in the armour of God and wielding the Sword of the Spirit.

We must remember to Whom we belong and know who we are in Christ. We are His.

The devil knows we are His and would love to snatch away our salvation if he could. But he can't take it, but he can take our peace and joy.

The days are dark, but The Day is approaching. Cling to Jesus. Take thoughts of fear into the captivity of Christ and fight the evil one with the Word.

We are born again- conquerors over evil through Jesus Christ our LORD.

Let us hold fast to our faith and not grow weary.

Let us speak of our hope and exude strength so that the lost will see that we serve a mighty King Who is coming soon. Pray for the lost that will come to know Jesus as their LORD and Saviour.

All that is happening is coming to pass as it must. Jesus is coming for us, but while there is yet time, let us pray for a revival with many coming to Christ.

Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. Hang on to Truth. Devour the Word. Cling to what is good.

Above all, fear not! Maranatha!

Keep on keeping on while we wait for Jesus

Most of the Christian Church is waiting for the Rapture wherein Christ comes for His Bride, the Church. It will be instant and unannounced. But hardly kept secret.

The Scriptures have told us for millenia about the need to keep busy and keep our hearts prepared as we wait for Jesus. But what should we be doing as we wait?

We are urged to keep oil in our lamps which means to be alert and watching for the signs that Christ is at the door. We are to be spiritually aware and physically pure and holy.

The bible also tells us to be minding our own business and keeping looking up. So how do we do this?

We need to be living in a way that is pleasing to the LORD. We are expected to do these things even if we are chronically ill. As when we were saved, we need to be serving Him in whatever calling He has placed us in.

If we are at home, we are to keep serving our family. With all the turmoil in the world, we need to be loving as a wife and mother and diligent as a home maker.

We are to continue working outside the home if that is where you are called and we are to witness through our daily living that we are Christians who have hope. The world needs to see that we are not moved by world events.

Whilst it is true that we are to mind our own business, we are expected to pray for others, both saved and unsaved and to give a reason for the hope that is within us, if asked. With meekness and humility.

It is imperative that we keep studying the Word, praying and worshiping. We must remember that our redemption is closer than when we first believed and we must keep close to the LORD.

Without clinging to Jesus, our hope will dwindle and we must be full of hope and love in order to firstly function for our family, then the world...

In everything we do and everywhere we go, we need to share the hope that is within us, for the lost have never been more in need of Jesus than now with His return imminent. Time is short.

Resolve to keep close to Christ and to share to others whenever possible that they need to know Jesus as their Saviour NOW. But, be glad for whatever calling you are in now, and keep on keeping on.

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Never out for the count

With all that is going on with the world at the moment, it is easy to feel depressed and worried. But no matter how we feel, we can stand in faith knowing that we are set apart by God. Nothing happens to us that hasn't been permitted by the LORD. It is valuable for learning to trust Him as we walk in our sanctification.

There will be moments or days when sickness or circumstances overwhelm us and we may get knocked down but we will rise again. God has promised never to leave us as orphans. He is before us and beside us.

In spite of our feelings, we should keep doing what is right in the sight of God, and He will bless us and keep us. We will walk in our integrity and bring honour to His Name in spite of our circumstances.

He will pour out His favour on us in ways we never imagined! But sometimes, that will be hard to see as we walk whatever valley is before us.

We may be perplexed, buffeted about and feeling shipwrecked, but as we cling to Jesus and trust in Him, we will never be out for the count!

© Glenys Robyn Hicks

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

True joy in the moment!

Physically, I feel my full 67 years of age. Emotionally, I am mature and steady, and I am grateful for that after years of a stressful life culminating in PTSD.

Spiritually, I am at peace. It finally has clicked that God actually loves me. Until the last 23 years with Chris, I was made to feel unloveable, and I bought the Liar's lies...

Sure, I have regrets and have done some things in my life that I am most ashamed of, but in realising that God really loves me, I have fallen in love with Him. At last I feel forgiven and acceptable. Such peace!

I am happy in my own skin, able to forgive easily, and finding joy in everyday things. I feel like my outside man is breaking down, but my inner being is becoming more alive and well...

I don't worry so much about external things these days, but am concentrating on becoming a quiet and gentle soul. It sometimes takes a lot of work, but it's getting easier as I age.

I do find it hard when I am called an old lady: I don't see myself as old yet. Maybe I am by the world's standards. Those who call me an old lady are only in their early thirties: I probably thought those of my age were old at that age too...

Age is something we have to accept and we can and should be grateful for each and every year that we live: life is a gift.

Every time I comb my hair and see the grey, every wrinkle on my face, even my aching arms and neck, tell me that I am aging- but I am grateful to God for the years that have brought me to this place: the joy of being in the moment!

Staying home with impunity

impunity. If doing something usually results in punishment, but you do it with impunity, you will not be punished for the deed. ... The noun, impunity, comes from the Latin roots im- ("not") plus poena ("punishment"), a root which has also produced the word pain. Impunity, then, is the freedom from punishment or pain.

So, most of us have had to stay home because of the Corona Virus. Homemaking, home cooked meals, bread making and other homemaking skills have come to the fore and we have been forced to reconnect with our family. Depending on the state of the marriage, most marriages have been reenergised as well.

Homeschooling here in Australia has seen a lot of mothers scratching their heads as they tried to come to terms with new teaching methods since they were at school. Homeschooling and running a home plus often tending to younger children is looked at with new respect for not only teachers, but homeschooling mothers. It is good, but often difficult.

Mothers who work outside the home are encouraged to work from home if at all possible, and this has presented them with more problems. Childcare, domestic duties and so on cannot be compartmentalised: the poor working mother has suddenly got to juggle it all..

It is quite ironic that once we stay at home wives and mothers were looked down upon, but now are held in esteem because we do stay home. Not for the first time, too, mothers who work outside the home are remembering how much work they did actually do at home before they worked in outside employment. And according to statistics, they are often quite prepared to stay home if it were possible...

Staying home at the moment with quarantine in place is wearing a bit thin- especially for those folks whose job has ceased due to infection worries, or whose business has failed for the same reason. It is increasingly harder to find money to keep bread and butter on the table.

In an effort to stop the spread of Rona, the powers that be have decided that staying at home is the new vogue and that those who don't face fines and/or prison..

This new development has seen women encouraged to stay home instead of being looked down upon as a non productive member of society. Suddenly we are hailed as heroes...

Perhaps when Rona has run its' course and workplaces open again, we will look back and fondly remember the time when housewives were appreciated and we were staying at home with impunity.

Come, my people, enter your chambers, And shut your doors behind you; Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, Until the indignation is past. Isaiah 26:20

I couldn't live with myself

I have been grappling with writing what's on my heart lately. As a deep thinker, I ponder daily on what I feel God wants me to write about in this blog. I try to encourage and edify, but I know that sometimes what I speak of upsets some people.

As I looked at myself in the mirror today, I saw a woman whose life is spent mostly on studying the Word of God, praying and blogging in between bouts of chronic illness. It's all I can do now.

Writing's been a passion of mine for the last 30 years after three separate pastors at different services prophesied over me, saying that God has appointed me to be a spokesperson- actually the word was "mouthpiece" for Him throughout the world.

I really took this to heart and started writing Christian personalised verse and self published a book of poetry called "In Spirit And In Truth". It sold at various Christian bookstores, but somehow this didn't seem the way that I was meant to go...

With the advent of the internet, I started blogging and that and writing for various Christian magazines have become my form of service to God. As the blogs and articles circulated, I realised that that was where the "throughout the world" part of the prophecies were coming from...

Apart from obeying God by writing, I realised that I burn with the desire to see the lost being saved and that I do indeed love people. Christian or not. Coloured or not.

As I combed my hair, I realised that I must write more of Christ and His offer of salvation than focus on our many illnesses and the Corona Virus. Times are short.

I know some who read may take offence, but please recall that I do so out of love and nothing personal to gain. I want you to be saved from the imminent wrath of God for people who prefer to live in their sin than to repent and serve God.

This world is getting darker and very soon Jesus will be taking the Church- His Bride, to be with Him. This is known as the Rapture and only believers will go.

My prayer is that you will go with us and not be left on this earth which is going to be hell on earth. I need to say it, before it's too late.

I don't want you to be offended, but saved. God doesn't want anyone to go to Hell, and neither do I. Times are short as I said and we have millenia of prophecies that have come true to uphold this.

One must be saved or born-again to get to Heaven. Jesus is the only way and that choice must be made personally and voluntarily. Either we accept Jesus and go to Heaven, or we go to Hell.

I have written this post for those who as yet aren't born again, because if I didn't warn you, I couldn't live with myself.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God? Micah 6:8