tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23270787485380833682024-03-13T13:26:48.195+02:00MAXMOM's lifeMy life, my faith, my world, my journey.Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-75003704193544676272020-07-19T11:34:00.004+02:002020-07-19T13:01:33.210+02:00A MAN'S BEDTIME STORY<div style="text-align: left;"><font face="">(Written in jest for the wonderful men in our lives)</font></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div><h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>I am a survivor - a tenacious chin hair! </b></span></h4>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div><div><div><font face="arial">I pride myself in my stability; my rootedness. Therein lays my real strength. I discovered, a while back, that it is my very static nature that I achieve this strength. But I operate in a very precarious environment where we all receive daily scrutiny.</font></div><div><font face="arial"> </font></div><div><font face="arial">There are many like me. We gather together in harmony, surging forth, fighting the good fight. Each morning, we edge over our work stations and watch the Boss. Like fervent Meerkats emerging from their burrows to assess their day. Our goal is to taunt our wary Master – to render him scratching in the late afternoon. It’s true, we all live in mirth. Together.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">By some stroke of luck, two of us survived the last cut some days ago. We stood up in delight. The other hairs weren’t so lucky. They got their dressing down. I remained unscathed. The Boss was distracted, didn’t notice me. This made it easier for me to find my foundation and focus on growth. This morning I peeped up even higher over my work station, somewhat sideways.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">Since then, I have managed to breathe a bit more easily. But I watch, I wait and I’m hopeful that it will remain that way. These are uncertain times and we all live in the awkwardness of short-lived freedom. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">The good news is that there is one other like me. I am not alone in going unnoticed. My colleague – “Nozzie” (Short for Nostril hair) - sprouts proudly in a corner not far from where I am rooted. He sits taller and higher than me. Both of us assess one another regularly. It’s a bit of a competition.</font></div><div><font face="arial"> </font></div><div><font face="arial">There are times where Nozzie and I are granted furlough. This is when we sit with the boss, in the sun and take up its warmth. It a proud time. We almost shine. We get to know ourselves. We’re taller, shinier and prouder. After all, looks count. But we do spare a thought for our colleagues. They can hardly look at us from their cubicles. Oh well, that’s business. </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">But we also have to be on the lookout while we’re out sitting in the sun – to avoid the Boss’s wife’s eagle eyes. She notices everything and would demand immediate culling. After all, she is the shareholder. There have been moments when she has pointed us out and brought us into the Boss’s focus. It can be scary stuff.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">I’m under no illusion that my career is limited on this chin. Nozzie is even more aware of his demise. His position is far more precarious than mine – he’s a nose hair and can become irritating. He lives his life ‘under cover’ – the Boss can almost smell him. Will he be plucked? Only tomorrow will tell…</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">You see, Nozzie, me and the others are part of a team called, ‘The 5 o’clock shadow’. We’re a strong bunch. We’ve stuck together since the Boss was a teenager; sporting bad breath and covered with acne. Since then, we’ve all had to face him and ourselves in the mirror each morning. The Boss is the ultimate decider. We either flourish or become trimmed.</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">This morning, I watch as the Boss reaches for his razor. Will I get the cut or not? We all hold our breath… Waiting. I see Nozzie cringing. The Boss has paused… He stares at Nozzie in the mirror while his wife points at me too. Now he’s fiddling with Nozzie’s sturdy girth. I hold my breath…</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">“NOOOOO!”</font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">The Boss lifts up the noisy, buzzing electric trimmer and edges closer. ….and closer…and closer… </font></div><div><font face="arial"><br /></font></div><div><font face="arial">This time it’s a meticulous effort. Today, we start our taunting all over again. </font></div></div><div><br /></div>
</div>Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-80004277915229533442020-07-15T13:12:00.001+02:002020-07-15T13:12:03.821+02:00The "SEAGULL" story...<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 0px 0px 6px; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Two years ago a little Hadedah Ibis chick hatched in a nest in our neighbour's big tree. We woke up, one day, to the most awful, grating screeching. Fearing that a bird was caught up somewhere, I rushed out to scout and potentially rescue it. The horrible vocalization drew me to the tree where the chick was perched. There was nothing visibly wrong with him except for the crazy vocalization.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: center;"><font face="arial"><b>We named him "SEAGULL"</b></font></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">The weeks that followed offered some serious screeching as his mom dutifully fed and cared for him near the nest. Soon he was trying to fly. The odds were out as to whether he'd survive or not. We heard his antics constantly - often waking up to his screech in the morning and breathing a sigh of relief with the knowledge that;</font></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: center;"><font face="arial">"SEAGULL is alive!"</font></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Over the months that ensured we followed (Audibly and visibly) this strange bird's progress. His voice didn't change but I worried about his ability to integrate into Hadedah society. In addition, his flying skills were hampered - he demonstrated very low aerial manoeuvres and just managed to skirt electric fences around our neighbourhood. In addition, he sported badly ruffled feathers and mostly perched on only one leg.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Over the past 2 years we have watched him mature and acquire a mate. His looks have improved and he has produced a chick of his own. He is alive and well, but retains his odd voice. SEAGULL is a permanent neighbourhood resident and often comes to our garden for Lunchtime visits (see video below).</font></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px; text-align: left;"><font face="arial">Hadedah Ibises are known to live between 16-18 years. I am holding thumbs that this is indeed the case. We love having him around.</font></p><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0px;"></p><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Long live "SEAGULL"!!!</span><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: arial; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tea/1/16/1f970.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🥰</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: arial; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tea/1/16/1f970.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🥰</span></span><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: arial; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tea/1/16/1f970.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🥰</span></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="_5mfr" style="font-family: arial; margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/tea/1/16/1f970.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div><font face="arial"><div style="text-align: center;">(<i>Ps, I say "He", but SEAGULL may well be a "She"</i><span class="_5mfr" style="margin: 0px 1px;"><span class="_6qdm" style="background-image: url("https://static.xx.fbcdn.net/images/emoji.php/v9/t34/1/16/1f914.png"); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: contain; color: transparent; display: inline-block; font-size: 16px; height: 16px; text-shadow: none; vertical-align: text-bottom; width: 16px;">🤔</span></span>)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzRr-jPNhQKDu0IwU9zN9z7r0wsXcAq-MxGR599RqxHs-BOzdPhppZiajnIf1aQpfjuEqDqZ9r5kT_J91N5Kg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></font><p></p>Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-44563296790360090002018-03-31T10:58:00.000+02:002018-03-31T10:58:21.596+02:00HAPPY EASTER?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojQENezV1i8/Wr9HNl5r6yI/AAAAAAAAvvc/0kPaSr69MBs4ci9HMVsFOlw0g0s8M-SpwCLcBGAs/s1600/come%2Bto%2Bme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ojQENezV1i8/Wr9HNl5r6yI/AAAAAAAAvvc/0kPaSr69MBs4ci9HMVsFOlw0g0s8M-SpwCLcBGAs/s320/come%2Bto%2Bme.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“HAPPY EASTER!” many will say</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s be clear, tomorrow is a really important day to me and
many other believers around our precious planet. Tomorrow will also be a day
where Facebook and other social media explode in a frenzy of good wishes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But often, I don’t quite know what these well-wishers mean?
Especially those who dispel the Christian faith? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>What do you really mean when
YOU say, “HAPPY EASTER!”? </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please don’t get me wrong: I REALLY desire to wish you a
truly ‘HAPPY EASTER!’!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I don’t want
my own wish to be lost in this huge cloud of imminent social hysteria. So I
feel compelled this morning to explain to you, my precious friends, exactly what I mean when I say,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"HAPPY EASTER!"</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m not wishing you tons of Easter eggs (<i>although this is
indeed tempting)</i>;
or the madness of wishing others a ‘Happy Easter’; or the thoughtless frenzy of
gluttony....</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Instead, I am wishing you a</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> quiet contemplation of the real meaning
of EASTER and RESURRECTION SUNDAY. This could be life-changing...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I wish you the joy of the gift of Jesus Christ. May you
understand His immense sacrifice (available to us all) – the forgiveness of
everything we’ve ever done wrong (and will continue to do wrong). I pray that
you may experience His incredible, infinite love. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May you understand that He truly LIVES! Yes,
HE LIVES and he really, really LOVES you! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He is indeed present in our world. He
comes to us in the form of His Holy Spirit which he gives to believers as a
gift. It is to help us along our embattled paths. You just have to look to the
heavens on clear night to get a glimpse of His incredible creativity. He is
available to all of us who believe in Him. You are not alone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Like you, I have searched for meaning my whole life. I have
found peace and certainty in my faith in Jesus Christ (the Son of God).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My belief takes expression in the way I seek
to live. I seek to follow in His footsteps. I seek to let His light shine in
the things He asks me to do (one of them being this text, for example).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most often I fall sorely short. He then
challenges me again to come to Him and talk – like a Daddy lovingly guiding His
child. We are not alone!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This thing called life is a constant learning process for us
all. In my case, it’s my willingness to surrender to the will of my ‘Counselor’;
the Holy Spirit. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am His child and,
hopefully, my life will bare witness to His grace and Majesty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Resurrection Sunday” is one of the most important
celebratory dates in the Christian calendar. It is something I actively
participate in and try honour. It has very specific Biblical meaning - the true meaning
of “HAPPY EASTER!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is what I seek for
everybody.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>So here is my "HAPPY EASTER!" wish for you, my dear friend…</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><i><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>I wish you love and joy; a true understanding of
what the blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ is to our world.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I wish you to be filled with His love,
forgiveness and a brand new life, in Him. A clean slate!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I wish you assurance of your importance to His
Kingdom and your welcoming into the family of God. You are important to Him – he
made you! (Ps 139)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I wish you to feel utter joy as you, by the
grace of God, receive His gift of forgiveness and everlasting life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I pray that you will somehow believe in the
miracle of Jesus Christ’s resurrection (which, yes, is beyond earthly
understanding!). This belief is a gift given only by the grace of God to those
whom He calls. Yes, He calls YOU!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I pray that you will come to understand that, no
matter what, ‘God has got it!’; that the battle of this life has already been
won; that He genuinely understands your circumstances; that you are allowed to
call yourself a child of God when you believe in Him.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->I pray that you will immerse yourself in the
hope that is ‘Jesus Christ’ and also the community of God’s people. That you
will be able to celebrate the true meaning of EASTER!</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In summary, Jesus Christ was a historically real person. He
lived in this world about 2000 years ago. His life, death and resurrection have
been documented in many, many books. So too has His grace of forgiveness and
New life in the believers who follow him. Seek Him! You surely will find Him! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“HAPPY EASTER
dear friend!” May you be blessed out of your socks!”</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-80061414862343938222016-01-21T10:39:00.001+02:002016-01-21T10:46:39.265+02:00SPIDER!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0phQqBoMx4/VqCYuLHTUKI/AAAAAAAAZLg/nAg3WObyegk/s1600/spider.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M0phQqBoMx4/VqCYuLHTUKI/AAAAAAAAZLg/nAg3WObyegk/s640/spider.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">It was about 3am when I opened my eyes and reached for my glasses. I gingerly crept out of bed for a nature call. My eagle-eyes scoured the walls to locate my eight-legged-spider 'friend'. "Oscar"- as I have now named him - was nowhere to be seen... Relief poured through my body.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">After completing my nature call I crawled back into bed. </span><span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Hubby was awake by now, so he too followed his own call.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />After returning to bed, dear hubby casually announced that "Oscar" was above my dressing table mirror and was settling in for the night. I leapt up and out of bed.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"> "Huh? What! Where?"</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />The news left me wide-eyed and rattled. How had I missed him? The hairs on my neck fluttered wildly . I was wide-awake by now. It was time for action. </span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">"He must go!" I demanded flatly.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />"He's harmless," Les countered sleepily.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />"No, it's either him or me!" I said firmly.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />I dashed to the kitchen to fetch an ice-cream container. The dogs too were awake by now and matched my energy. They danced in delight. </span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">"Here, you do it," I handed the container to Les. Hubby let out a sigh, thew back the duvet and took the container. I retreated around the corner to watch from a distance.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />By this time Oscar was happily sashay'ing across the ceiling in the dressing area. His hairy legs were long and agile I shivered visibly as Les slowly marked his movements and raised the upside down container towards him. Suddenly the spider leapt out in alarm, off the ceiling and fell, almost in slow motion.... onto Les's bare back...!!!</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />"Eeeeeeek !" I screamed.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />The spider then bounced off Les's back and fell firmly to the floor. I jumped in panic.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />As non-Nonplussed as ever, dear hubby bent down calmly and edged the creature into the container. He casually replaced the lid on top and lifted Oscar up to escort him outside, into our atrium.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />"See, it's not so bad," he grinned widely.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />"Speak for yourself," I muttered as I set about closing all the windows and doors firmly.</span><br />
<span class=" font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br />Before long, hubby reverted to snoring the night away. I reached for my crochet hook and crocheted into the darkness...... Urrrrg!</span>Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-73330085373609703362015-10-12T12:12:00.002+02:002015-10-12T12:12:54.487+02:00"Think about such things..." : A tool against despondency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTUsbvui94A/VhuFRf1HLiI/AAAAAAAAUQU/R17am7CZDSE/s1600/image_editor_share_1444644125830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JTUsbvui94A/VhuFRf1HLiI/AAAAAAAAUQU/R17am7CZDSE/s320/image_editor_share_1444644125830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During the past two weeks, I have really battled with the side effects of Bell’s palsy. Half of my face has been left paralyzed and I
have had sporadic pain, difficulty eating and drinking, eye problems and
generally having to try do things differently. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Despite all this, my biggest challenge has been to </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">guard against the despondency</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
that threatens to descend on me at times like this.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is a dark cloud waiting to happen.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to discipline myself to rely on God’s
spirit and His word.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s not always
easy – especially when you can’t read properly and your eye remains out of
focus.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> It’s at times like this that passages of the bible, which I have
memorized, wash over me…and I am grateful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About a month ago, our pastor challenged our congregation to
memorize <b>Phillipians 4:8</b>. But it
appeared that people had difficulty with this challenge. I wondered
why. It reads:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."</b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: start;"><i><span style="color: red;">(Philippians 4:8)</span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s a long list. But
Paul instructs us to “Think about such things…”. Why do we have difficulty remembering the
list? The answer is simply because we DON’T ‘think about such things.’!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never-the-less, I set about finding a way to remember the
verse and came up with a tool (which may also help you, dear reader). I set about
painting a mental image of symbols representing the various ‘things’ that Paul
asks us to think about. Whilst doing this, I realized that if I, indeed, did ‘think
about these things.’ There was no space to think about anything else. There simply wasn’t any space in my mind for
despondency to creep in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, today, I’d like to try and share my own mental picture
of the ‘things’ which Paul asks us to think about. They are simple drawings, but perhaps it will help you
too? Perhaps you’d like to consider
sketching your own, personal mental picture of the ‘things’ Paul asks us to
think about?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let's begin...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiR5yXZxe1o/VhuDt8yx9BI/AAAAAAAAUPY/oXjdTNfZcQU/s1600/Phil%2B4%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiR5yXZxe1o/VhuDt8yx9BI/AAAAAAAAUPY/oXjdTNfZcQU/s400/Phil%2B4%2BA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">1.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> WHATEVER IS TRUE</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">: In my mind, TRUTH is
represented by the Cross of Christ.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Not
only is it a ‘T’ for TRUTH, but in the cross, all theTRUTH of the world is
revealed; God’s plan for mankind and the redemption of his flock through His Son’s
act on the cross all those years ago. This is truth...think about it!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDkbIfs-IfU/VhuD0TSs41I/AAAAAAAAUPg/wDWKcdcqk1o/s1600/Phil%2B4%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="233" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wDkbIfs-IfU/VhuD0TSs41I/AAAAAAAAUPg/wDWKcdcqk1o/s400/Phil%2B4%2BB.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">2.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">WHATEVER
IS NOBLE</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">:</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">When I think about NOBILITY,
I think about God. We just have to think about all the Biblical descriptions of
our Lord – His majesty, His all-knowingness, His glory, His beauty, His
judgement, His mercy and forgiveness…the list goes on and on.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">The fact that the world has been created by
Him and that we are in the palm of His hands makes us understand our position.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">In my picture, I have a hand coming from the
heavens reaching down to the cross.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ch11A-zEsDU/VhuD6c_5wKI/AAAAAAAAUPo/Hw3QlkRT0uM/s1600/Phil%2B4%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ch11A-zEsDU/VhuD6c_5wKI/AAAAAAAAUPo/Hw3QlkRT0uM/s400/Phil%2B4%2Bc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">3.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">WHATEVER
IS RIGHT: </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">In my picture, I represent
‘RIGHT’ with a ‘tick’ at the foot of the cross.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">This represents everything that stands for what is right.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Jesus spells this out in the Sermon on the
mount.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">His Spirit in us also ministers
to us as to what is ‘RIGHT’ and what leads to RIGHTEOUSNESS.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qy1gIstv7PQ/VhuEDY-iV0I/AAAAAAAAUPw/kkmL0hF5ZiQ/s1600/Phil%2B4%2Bd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qy1gIstv7PQ/VhuEDY-iV0I/AAAAAAAAUPw/kkmL0hF5ZiQ/s400/Phil%2B4%2Bd.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">WHATEVER IS PURE:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> PURITY again, is at
the foot of the Cross – in this case represented by the Mother of Jesus and the
virgin birth.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">It is also at the foot of
the cross that we are washed clean by the blood of Jesus…and made pure.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxfXjXQi2sM/VhuEKj2ZuaI/AAAAAAAAUP4/_GXYYYARHOQ/s1600/Phil%2B4%2Be.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OxfXjXQi2sM/VhuEKj2ZuaI/AAAAAAAAUP4/_GXYYYARHOQ/s400/Phil%2B4%2Be.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">WHATEVER IS LOVELY:</b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> If we look out from
the hill where the cross stands – away from ourselves – we look over Gods
creation and His anointed people.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">It is beautiful.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">It is LOVELY!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRYeEO8twe4/VhuEXMs_NoI/AAAAAAAAUQA/N2yHCy2N1vw/s1600/Phi%2B4%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mRYeEO8twe4/VhuEXMs_NoI/AAAAAAAAUQA/N2yHCy2N1vw/s400/Phi%2B4%2Bf.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">WHATEVER IS ADMIRABLE: </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">Again, looking
out from the cross to the road leading to the cross, we see many things that
are ADMIRABLE, and we can ‘think about them’.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">In my case, I admire Simon of Cyrene (and many others) who carried the
cross of Jesus . But we can ADMIRE many things – those people who have
contributed to the wonderful story of God and the world.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgfeVh9Qo4k/VhuEfE0H4OI/AAAAAAAAUQI/kYcMpU4YuSE/s1600/Phil%2B4%2Bf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tgfeVh9Qo4k/VhuEfE0H4OI/AAAAAAAAUQI/kYcMpU4YuSE/s640/Phil%2B4%2Bf.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: center; text-indent: -18pt;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">IF ANYTHING IS EXCELLENT OR PRAISEWORTHY: </b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">At
the top of the road leading to the cross is the WORD OF GOD – the BIBLE!
Through the painstaking work of the saints and the people of God, the Bible’s
message has been preserved over the years and brought to us.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">People preach it, write about it, study it, meditate on it…and
internalise the wonderful messages which are brought to us in its
writings.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;">This is definitely EXCELLENT
AND PRAISEWORTHY - worthy to be thought about!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, if we meditate and <span style="color: red;">‘THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS’ </span>as in the Philippians
verse, there is no more space for negative thoughts to enter our minds. It truly is a beautiful tool and I would
encourage you to draw a picture of your own – with symbols in it to represent
these THINGS which we should be thinking about</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sending lots of love and prayers for you,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caryl</span></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-80157656365846980922015-10-04T13:50:00.000+02:002015-10-04T13:50:13.025+02:00Bell's palsy: Day 10: "I'll praise you in this storm"<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYNymMdKI9I/VhESC--6S0I/AAAAAAAAUPI/L7yFm4_ykYk/s1600/Cast%2Byour%2Banxiety.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYNymMdKI9I/VhESC--6S0I/AAAAAAAAUPI/L7yFm4_ykYk/s400/Cast%2Byour%2Banxiety.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's Day 10 of my Bell's palsy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a week of intense physiotherapy, steriod and antiviral tablets and numerous supplements (at times, 30 tablets in one day), I strapped up my sagging face and lay down on my bed. I felt battered and aching. I pulled the heated wheat-bag closer and rested it against my cheek. I closed my eyes and repeating the beautiful words that our Lord, Jesus had uttered on the cross:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit..."</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Luke 23:45)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although these were Jesus' dying words, they have become my mantra over the past ten days. They symbolize everything about my faith. This life is no longer about me - I have died to self. It's about what the Father wants to make of me and my life. I surrender. Each morning, as I open my eyes, these are the words I repeat:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit..."</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Luke 23:45)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And amidst these storm, I will continue to praise my beautiful Lord, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus Christ....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L5bLvVjJ4MA" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">---xXx---</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear reader,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The above song, by 'Casting Crowns', was sent to me by my beautiful, encouraging daughter, Robyn. It has blessed me enormously. I pray that it will bless you too.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With love, in Christ,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Caryl</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-58259693980579709392015-10-02T09:04:00.000+02:002015-10-02T09:04:02.924+02:00Bell's Palsy: Day 8: "He leads me besides the still waters..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FyObv-O6qs/Vg4olI_JUBI/AAAAAAAAUOM/-Qc1qPC5Xo4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4FyObv-O6qs/Vg4olI_JUBI/AAAAAAAAUOM/-Qc1qPC5Xo4/s400/2.jpg" width="235" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv7YVTRrkcg/Vg4olL6rJfI/AAAAAAAAUOQ/I18nU4670SQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv7YVTRrkcg/Vg4olL6rJfI/AAAAAAAAUOQ/I18nU4670SQ/s400/3.jpg" width="235" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I was contemplating what God wanted me to write about this morning. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Writing is my therapy, but what does God want me to write about?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7jw2z7Hv5w/Vg4o3iQy3PI/AAAAAAAAUOc/ow-WaizyjiM/s1600/20151002_075208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-o7jw2z7Hv5w/Vg4o3iQy3PI/AAAAAAAAUOc/ow-WaizyjiM/s400/20151002_075208.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My mind drifted back to ten days ago - the wonderful weekend spent together with my fellowship group at the quaint little holiday resort called '</span><a href="http://www.wyndford.co.za/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">WYNFORD HOLIDAY FARM</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">', in the eastern Free State, South Africa. It's a treasure of a place - tucked away amidst the picturesque mountains that border Lesotho; a little gem that provides a great escape from our busy lives. The bonus is that it has a Christian ethos and the management and staff attempt to subtly encourage guests to relax into the beauty of their surroundings. Some folk choose to simply pull up a chair and take it all in. Others grab a book from the 'honesty library' in their reading room. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wynford staff treat their guests like family; they provide good, wholesome meals; teas and cookies under the thatch lapa of the summer house and clean, comfortable rooms. There is no cellphone signal in the area which makes it even more appealing - no disturbances at all. Instead, it's a weekend to enjoy God's beautiful creation, or to sit quietly in the chapel and take in the view of the majestic mountains.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dePHRAc66Uk/Vg4o5z9b_6I/AAAAAAAAUOo/bk6xh-kLOjY/s1600/20151002_075227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dePHRAc66Uk/Vg4o5z9b_6I/AAAAAAAAUOo/bk6xh-kLOjY/s400/20151002_075227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At night a trillion stars dot the heavens and the 'Milky Way' shimmers in all its glory. In the morning, birds herald in the dawn and the sounds of the farmyard animals add voice to this Eden. There are a number of beautiful walks too.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7T6md628s4M/Vg4o7JelLWI/AAAAAAAAUOw/b4fnwb7eLtk/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7T6md628s4M/Vg4o7JelLWI/AAAAAAAAUOw/b4fnwb7eLtk/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MqGHuVUIo4/Vg4qDp7rKzI/AAAAAAAAUO4/6JzKX1JLZfM/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_MqGHuVUIo4/Vg4qDp7rKzI/AAAAAAAAUO4/6JzKX1JLZfM/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One morning, we were walking quietly along the river bank - our group scattered out along the path. It was so peaceful. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> I turned to a friend:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<b>This reminds me so much of Psalm 23...'walking beside the still waters',"</b> I said.<b> "Have you considered the part where it says,' <span style="color: red;">He MAKES me lie down..</span>. to RESTORE my soul'?</b>" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<b>That's interesting..., " </b>was the response. <b> "I never thought of it that way. But its probably true. There are times where God FORCES us to take a rest."</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How ironic! Four days later I was struck down with Bell's palsy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">---xXx---</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's not much one can do about the effects of an attack like Bell's Palsy except to accept the blows as they arrive. You are left with a paralyzed face, an eye that refuses to shut, a tongue that does its own thing, a nostril that won't flare and an ugly frozen expression that refuses to budge. The only positive option is to focus on adapting to one's 'new normal'. It's time to learn how to eat, drink, talk, blink, live...in a whole new way. One reaches for anything that offers the possibility of relief. Often, nothing works. Instead, I have had to resort to simply lying down and surrendering into the company of God. It's time to pray for the people I care about and to meditate</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yes, God is certainly MAKING me lie down! And something inside of me says , 'It is right'. I have the honest hope of restoration; the love of friends; a Christian family that is far wider than I ever thought, and the all-important opportunity of embracing God's glory amidst my affliction. Without the Lord by my side, I would most certainly be a mess - crumbling like a leaf in the clutches of winter. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But its not that way at all. Although the paralyses is unchanged, the birds sounded brighter this morning. I made muffins too - to give to friends and I'm looking forward to my REST during the day. It's obvious that I am being instructed to take it easy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">---xXx---</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I pray that God draws close to you to, dear reader. That you too are able to surrender into His loving arms. Allow Him to deal with whatever is troubling you - in the full knowledge that "He has got this!". May you also find the true meaning of the gift that is offered by our amazing Lord Jesus Christ. My prayers are with you at this time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a wonderful, happy and blessed weekend. With love, Caryl</span></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-81455780629491159322015-09-30T09:41:00.000+02:002015-09-30T09:41:58.848+02:00BELL's PALSY: DAY 5 - 6 : The happy heart...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vShpyzFTyDk/VguLldL2AnI/AAAAAAAAUNk/SOo3xjhQefU/s1600/Prov%2B15%2Bv3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vShpyzFTyDk/VguLldL2AnI/AAAAAAAAUNk/SOo3xjhQefU/s400/Prov%2B15%2Bv3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The past 6 days have been surreal! I have really battled to come to terms with the cold, lifeless mask which constitutes the left hand side of my face. I've had difficulty eating, drinking, speaking and sleeping (with an eye that refuses to shut on its own, and dries out at the most inconvenient of times). Literally - nothing moves on that side of my face! While the right side of my face struggles to retain its known expressions (and make up for its unwilling partner), the result is a distortion that can be frightening to people who see me. It can be funny too, but that's another story.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is my new normal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The easiest way to cope with the disability that comes with an attack of Bell's palsy, in my opinion, is to take stock of one's reality. It's time to accept a 'New Normal'. In a flash, everything changes. Now comes the hard work of adapting to life around it..</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
No longer does my face reflect the kaleidoscope of emotions that I feel. Behind its steely facade hides the compassion, love, encouragement, peace and joy of my Lord which I seek to convey to people that cross my path. My desire is always to be a light (admittedly a little one) for the good news which is Jesus Christ. But my face no longer reflects my contagious smile, my knowing glances, my surprised moments. Joy, fear, love, hope, peace, fear are all wrapped up in my face's icy clutches - locked away, gathering dust.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite the imprisonment of my own smile, my domestic worker smiled and said to me today,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"You look happier. You must be feeling better."</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It got me thinking. What has changed for her to see that in my face? What does she see?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Well, its simple - my heart is happier! I'm more at peace with what has happened - more in control, more focused on the fact that this is all part of God's plan for my life. We know that '<i>all things work for the good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose." </i>(Romans 8:28)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Solomon's proverb has also held true over all this time:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>"A happy heart makes the face cheerful...."</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Proverbs 15:13)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I think it's time for us all to take stock of our hearts, don't you?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTN3kRT2Sfs/VguQXyEHhkI/AAAAAAAAUN0/18hqXNBgjxw/s1600/Caryl%2BBP%2Bday%2B5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QTN3kRT2Sfs/VguQXyEHhkI/AAAAAAAAUN0/18hqXNBgjxw/s320/Caryl%2BBP%2Bday%2B5.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sending lots of love to you, my special cyber-friends.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caryl</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">I would like to convey my sincere thanks to all my friends for your wonderful messages of love and support over the past few days. Your kindness - reflected in so many ways - assures me that God's family is alive and well. God bless you all!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-22684624441074644032015-09-28T12:26:00.001+02:002015-09-28T12:52:03.155+02:00DIAGNOSIS: BELL's PALSY: Day 1-4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoCHGJgtsrw/VgkSaA78ndI/AAAAAAAAUNU/Ol6j1ce47u4/s1600/IMG-20150927-WA0000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VoCHGJgtsrw/VgkSaA78ndI/AAAAAAAAUNU/Ol6j1ce47u4/s640/IMG-20150927-WA0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In a moment one’s whole world can be turned upside down. I’ve
always known this fact, but never fully realised it until last Friday morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’d just climbed out of the shower and was busy drying
myself off when I noticed that my face felt oddly un-synchronised. There was a
tingling in my cheek and my eyes weren’t working properly. I leaned over and
peered into the mirror above the dressing table. I tried to blink but something was amiss. My smile too had become distorted. My pulse started to rise as fear took over</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps it will go away, I thought. But it didn’t. The symptoms were becoming
more pronounced by the minute and I started to get very scared indeed. Should I wake my sleep-deprived-vet-student-daughter? Was my condition
severe enough to ask her to take me to the hospital? Was I in the early stages
of suffering a stroke? I paced down the
passage, testing various facial expressions. Was this my imagination? I paced more and then past her room. She opened her eyes, lifted herself off the bed and looked at
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Are you ok, Mom?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> “I don’t think so,” I
said and burst into tears.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">------x X x-----<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The biggest thing about an attack of Bell’s palsy is the
fear. As the victim, one has no idea what is happening. The symptoms are
very much like a stroke? There are more
questions than answers. How bad will it be? Am I dying? Is this the life-event
that I’ve always dreaded? Life stops in that moment...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once I was at the emergency room and the ECG, blood tests
and MRI were completed, and the diagnoses confirmed, I could relax a little. At
that point, I simply felt gratitude: that I wasn’t dying; that my daughter was
around to help me in this moment; that I had received prompt and professional care; that
there is hope for a full recovery. But the attack has left devastation in its
wake. The whole of my left side of my
face is paralysed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It may take a while to recover and I also have to get
accustomed to my new look – a totally lopsided face with no feeling on the left
hand side; an eye that refuses to shut without manual manipulation; impeded
vocal ability; a nostril that feels thick and an altered way of drinking and
eating. I have to use a straw to drink and I have to be very careful not to spill
the more solid food items in my attempt to get them in my mouth. I am not very “pretty” to look at either, and I feel nervous of people’s reactions of horror. I feel constantly thirsty – probably from the
medication: anti-virals and cortisone tablets.
But I have my first physio appointment this afternoon. Hopefully this
will be the start of a full recovery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Dr Google” reassures
me that most patients obtain full recovery – the majority over a couple of
months. And then there is also my faith – what does God require of me now?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It’s day 4 today and I feel a lot more upbeat. I’ve had so many beautiful messages of
support, and there are many people praying for me. I feel humbled and grateful
to be part of such a large family of Christ. The bible verse which keeps me
constantly uplifted is the one at the top of this post. God has got this!</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have to accept that there are some things in life which are
out of my control. It is at these times, that God challenges me to follow him
in my affliction; to accept His love and to believe in His promises and the plan He has for my
life. I am in awe of my Lord – how He remained close beside me in the past few
days. I feel cocooned in His loving embrace.
In response, I pray that, in my
affliction, I can represent the amazing hope that is in our risen Savior: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jesus
Christ is Lord!</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>May God bless you today, dear reader. May you feel His gentle, loving Spirit, wherever you may be. With love, Caryl</i></span></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-84333511287763162422015-04-08T12:23:00.000+02:002015-04-08T12:23:22.293+02:00Thank you Bryanston Bible Church!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning"</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i>(John 1:1-2)</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rc6lH3NeSQ/VST1UHKilvI/AAAAAAAAUJo/R4YraneESMk/s1600/BBC%2BWEBSITE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rc6lH3NeSQ/VST1UHKilvI/AAAAAAAAUJo/R4YraneESMk/s1600/BBC%2BWEBSITE.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I think of Old Testament times and the efforts people had to make to access Scripture and understand Scripture, I feel so deeply grateful! In those days, the people relied totally on oral teaching and the God-inspired leaders of the day. Later, however, these teachings were painstakingly written down and preserved over the ages for us today. Through the use of today's technology, the Bible and its teachings are literally at our finger-tips. We have no excuse for ignorance. Are we even aware of how privileged we are? Isn't it incredible that we are be able to simply pick up a Bible, or log onto the Internet and read what God has to say to us? What a privilege!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTrDVb-E-zk/VST2Bw8xWFI/AAAAAAAAUJw/sTRx-j9Op9M/s1600/BIBLE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zTrDVb-E-zk/VST2Bw8xWFI/AAAAAAAAUJw/sTRx-j9Op9M/s1600/BIBLE.JPG" height="432" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Bible - a unique collection of 66 ancient books - is so important to us Human beings. Whether you like it or not, it provides the answers to life that we so
desperately desire. It is through these old manuscripts that we are able to come to know the great plan of our majestic Maker – our Father God, His incredible Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We come to learn about the unique way which God has chosen to
redeem us. We are His personally created creatures, He loves us and has provided a way for us to be in communion with Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nowadays, with the Internet, we are able to simply do a Google search and access almost anything. There are many 'bad' things on the Internet, yet amidst this all lies some uniquely good treasures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year, I had the precious privilege of joining a group of
similar-minded people at a morning Bible School. With the backing of wonderful lecturers, we had the sole goal of reading through the whole Bible in one year. I personally needed a better understanding of the foundation of my faith. It was an incredible year and yes, I did
achieve this small milestone. The
experience taught me, however, that there is so much more to learn. Throughout
our lives, we’ll continue to learn about the amazing workings of God, and we continue search for more. We’ll always have questions too…some will be answered,
some will remain unanswered. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The main message during my year at Bible School, however, is the
enormous love that God has for us and the sacrifice that Jesus made for us in order to have a relationship with the Almighty. God understands our desperation and provides a way. Bible
School has allowed me to experience such joy in the Scriptures and to appreciate the absolute miracle of my salvation through Jesus Christ. I have so many people to thank, but today I need to make a special mention...<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are two main resources on the Internet which I continue
to use – and for these I am extremely grateful.
The first one is <b><a href="http://legacy.biblegateway.com/resources/audio/">BIBLE GATEWAY</a>. </b> I regularly visit this site and often simply press 'play' to allow the Scriptures to wash over me. There are blogs, commentaries and various versions of the bible which only need a "click" of the button to have God's message in front of you. The bonus is that the Audios are absolutely free! What a treasure...and I am immensely grateful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The other incredibly valuable resource on the Internet is attached to a wonderful church that has a very special place in my heart. This is...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://bbc.org.za/">BRYANSTON BIBLE CHURCH</a><a href="http://bbc.org.za/"> (BBC)</a>. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bbc.org.za/"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0KIf5OKrcUc/VST2YVNwRNI/AAAAAAAAUJ4/6n24LhaKYo8/s1600/Soweto%2Bgospel%2Bchoir.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
To go to BBC's website, please click <b><a href="http://bbc.org.za/">HERE.</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both Bible Gateway and BBC have
allowed me to gain a deeper insight into the Bible, to discipline me daily, to strengthen my faith and resolve to live a life that Jesus would want me to live. These resources have been there at the times when I really needed them...and I am immensely grateful!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I need to highlight <a href="http://bbc.org.za/"><b>BRYANSTON BIBLE CHURCH</b> </a>specifically ... and I want to say a very
particular and personal, ‘Thank
you!’ to those involved in this website. I don’t think they know how
valuable and helpful these resources are to me (and I am sure to many others). Thank you so much!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wonderful thing about BBC is that I
was <a href="http://maxmomslife.blogspot.com/2013/11/on-sunday-27th-october-2013-i-got.html">BAPTISED</a> there so, although I am a member of <a href="http://www.africanwhitechild.blogspot.com/2014/01/365grateful-day-5-my-church.html">another church </a>now, my heart often
goes home to BBC. I download and listen to most of their podcasts, and am
strengthened and inspired by them. They
are one of the Internet’s treasures. I
want to say a special thank you to Ross, Kevin and the video/podcast production
team. This ministry is absolutely
wonderful! THANK YOU SO MUCH! You guys are
awesome, please keep up and be encouraged in the amazing work that you do for our wonderful Father.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I would like to encourage any readers of this blog to visit <b><a href="http://bbc.org.za/">BBC’s website</a></b>
and explore the amazing resources which they offer. Perhaps you'd like to join me in a prayer for them too:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">“Father God, thank you for BBC! Thank you for their
ministries and their outreach. Thank you
that I am able to access these resources, listen to them and feel Your Spirit
move through them. I am grateful for the
teaching of Your Word. I know that many others may also benefit from these
resources and I am grateful for the spreading of this ministry. Lord Jesus, I pray that your Holy Spirit will
invade all of BBC; that through their
pastors, YOUR WILL BE DONE! Please guard their ministry against all evil
and empower their elders, workers, helpers and congregants. This I ask in the precious name of Jesus. Thank you, Lord.”</span></i><o:p></o:p></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-38471599465522311452014-11-14T09:25:00.001+02:002014-11-14T09:25:46.693+02:00True friendship...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkI8IzZHbo0/VGWt-JokwVI/AAAAAAAAT6c/zA2knE9kWDY/s1600/Covenant%2Bof%2Bfriendship-page0001%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bkI8IzZHbo0/VGWt-JokwVI/AAAAAAAAT6c/zA2knE9kWDY/s1600/Covenant%2Bof%2Bfriendship-page0001%2B-%2BCopy.jpg" height="640" width="494" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishing all my friends around the world a happy weekend, in Christ Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May God bless you as you serve Him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caryl</div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-27121112502217405592014-11-08T13:28:00.002+02:002014-11-08T13:28:35.684+02:00Three boxes ... waiting ...<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our
likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air,
over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures along the
ground’.” (Gen 1: 26 NIV)</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jm8BkZe1io/VF33uSX8AMI/AAAAAAAAT4E/0T0tlpG0BQ0/s1600/three%2Bboxes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_jm8BkZe1io/VF33uSX8AMI/AAAAAAAAT4E/0T0tlpG0BQ0/s1600/three%2Bboxes.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
It’s time…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three wooden boxes on my bookshelf…waiting… gathering dust. The oldest is 4 years old. Inside are the
ashy remains of my three beloved furry-friends – Tammy, Toffee and my beloved
Maxdog . <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three boxes on my bookshelf…waiting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been holding onto these boxes all this time; I’ve simply
not been ready to release them. It’s the last thing that remains of my beautiful,
departed dogs. Up until now; my latent grief has simply been ‘boxed’ up together
with these three boxes. Closure has been delayed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But today is the day! Finally, I am ready. It’s time to
release them to whence they came.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2014 has been my year to be at Bible school. It’s been a year
where I felt I was been called to a period of studying God’s word. It was an opportunity to uncover a clearer
picture of what my faith was all about. Although I have been a Christian for a long
time, my soul hankered after answers. I
needed more knowledge about my faith so that I, in turn, would be able to
encourage others who struggle like I do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In January this year, when I started at Bible school, I was
very aware of a statement that many of my animal-loving, blogging friends had so
often repeated to me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>“If my dog doesn’t go to heaven, then I don’t
want to go there either!”</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had few
answers and even fewer words of encouragement for these mourning friends. I understand their pain and their deep
connection between them and their beloved furry-friends.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The loss of a companion animal is devastating. The loss of
my own beloved Maxdog was devastating too. It’s been four years since I said
good-bye to him. After all this time, my
tears still well up when I think of him and the blessings that his presence
brought into my life. There are so many memories – some happy, some sad. We spent ten whole years together – with Max constantly
by my side. Without him in my life, I
may well not have been here today. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nowadays, I have a much better understanding of that time of
my life. I am absolutely convinced that Max’s presence in my life was directly ordained
by the God, Father and Creator of the Universe.
The word of God tells me that He has always known me – that He “<i>knitted me
together in my mother’s womb”(Ps 139:13).</i> He has always known my deeper
emotional needs too. And he knew, just when Maxdog was needed in my life. I believe strongly that Max was sent to me – a
buffer against the world and the difficulties I was having at the time. He was a gift from God at a time I needed it
most.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So now …three boxes remain… and it’s time to let them go.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For me, scattering these ashes in my garden is symbolic of
my trust in God - for Him to receive the spirit
of my three beloved companions. It’s clear that these animals never really
belonged to me in the first place – I was simply their ‘steward’ during their
lifetime here on earth. They were my
helpers. But they belonged to God and to God they must return. Scattering their ashes is my gesture of “thanks”
and acknowledgement to God. I am
eternally grateful for the role these animals played in my life. I know now that I no longer need to rely on
their memories, but instead I can turn to Jesus – who understands and
faithfully loves, cares and protects me. (from myself) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
At last, here are the words of encouragement, I have longed to share...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have learned during my Bible studies that God cares deeply
for the animals of this earth. He gave them to us – to name and to use for our
purposes on earth. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> “Now the Lord God had
formed out of the ground all the beasts of the field and all the birds of the
air. He brought them to the man to see
what he would name them; and whatever the man called each living creature, that
was its name.” (Gen2:19 NIV).<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>“God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” (Gen
1:31 NIV)</b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God’s covenant (after Noah), I believe, also extends to the
animals. And this is why I say this: scripture tells us: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>"Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him: 'I now establish my covenant with you and with
your descendants after you <b>and with every living creature that was with you</b>—the
birds, the livestock and all the wild animals, all those that came out of the
ark with you—every living creature on earth. I establish my covenant with you: Never again
will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be
a flood to destroy the earth.' " (Gen 9: 8-13)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“I will remember my covenant between me and you <b>and all living creatures of every kind</b>.
Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the
rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting
covenant between God <b>and all the living
creatures of every kind on the earth.”</b> (Gen 9:15-16)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
So now it's time...and I've scattered their ashes in my garden.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Fly free, sweet Tammy…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Fly free, sweet Toffee…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Fly free, sweet Maxdog…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwFqo-w-aAo/VF36qxfGxkI/AAAAAAAAT4Q/Kwukn8LdlV0/s1600/MaxTamToff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwFqo-w-aAo/VF36qxfGxkI/AAAAAAAAT4Q/Kwukn8LdlV0/s1600/MaxTamToff.JPG" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #38761d;">"Thank you Father, for the blessings these beautiful animals
brought to me. I release them to you now
in love and trust. You are an amazing Creator
and an amazing God!"</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>(Revelation 22:12-13)</b></i></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-40262194820711895172014-11-07T11:58:00.000+02:002014-11-07T11:58:39.963+02:00Great is His faithfulness.<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear friends</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here is a little verse - just to encourage you in whatever you are facing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86qXdb1bxYc/VFyXn5XP0iI/AAAAAAAAT30/8vXKnEtXXVI/s1600/Lamentations%2B3%2B22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-86qXdb1bxYc/VFyXn5XP0iI/AAAAAAAAT30/8vXKnEtXXVI/s1600/Lamentations%2B3%2B22.jpg" height="368" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With love, in Christ</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caryl</div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-80717375756334393302014-11-06T11:09:00.001+02:002014-11-06T11:09:05.931+02:00Do we really need to be fearful?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAAjzfVg0gQ/VFs6cePh7mI/AAAAAAAAT3g/oWxfC-jZTRk/s1600/In%2Bthis%2Bworld%2Byou%2Bwill%2Bhave%2Btrouble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAAjzfVg0gQ/VFs6cePh7mI/AAAAAAAAT3g/oWxfC-jZTRk/s1600/In%2Bthis%2Bworld%2Byou%2Bwill%2Bhave%2Btrouble.jpg" height="360" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Can you remember a time when you were very, very afraid? </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
What
happened? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the question that I asked my husband some years
ago. The imagery of his answer has
remained with me ever since: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He was small: three or four years old. It was the middle of the night. He remembers
clearly sitting on his mother’s lap, with her arms around him…Her presence and quiet
reassurance allowed his fear to eventually dissipate. His trust in her was absolute.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This picture of a child sitting in its mother’s lap is
something I can relate – especially if I visualise myself sitting on God’s lap
with my own fears.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>“There is no fear in love.
But love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in
love.” (1John 4:18)</b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 2006, at the lowest point of my journey with depression,
I remember fearing life itself… In my darkest hour, I reasoned that death would
be an easier choice. My God, faithfully, brought me through that dark time of
my life – something I will always be so thankful for. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jesus identifies with this kind of fear. He also had His
darkest hour – in the garden of Gethsemane – just before facing his horrifying
crucifixion. It was during this moment,
that He resorted to prayer:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>“Then he said to them, ‘My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow
to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.’ Going a little
further, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My father, if it is
possible, may this cup be taken from me.
Yet not as I will, but as you will.’” (Matt 26:38.39 NIV)</b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Having studied the bible this year, I have come across
numerous passages which deal with fear. Yes, a healthy fear of our God is very
wise (Job 28:28); but this kind of fear is a respecting, reverent fear of God.
It’s describes the time that we stop and consider, in awe, God’s immense majesty
and power. This is, indeed, the beginning of wisdom – when we know that
everything – even our fears - is under
His control.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In contrast, however, I am talking about the kind of fear
which is crippling and which hinders our lives. What are we afraid of? Is it the
unknown? Is it because we are scared of being harmed in some way? Are we scared
of what others think? Or is it financial
fear? Abandonment? Physical threat? Illness? Politics? For our faith? All these fears stem from past <u>experiences</u>
we have had in our lives. Dwelling on these experience have fueled them</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It reasons therefore, that the more we <u>experience Christ </u>in
our lives, the less fearful we will be. If we focus on Christ and pretend that we
are sitting in His lap, sharing our fears with Him and focus on the LOVE and
protection which He offers us, then surely our fears will dissipate?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> “Do not be afraid,
Abram. I am your shield, your very great
reward.”</b> (Gen 15:1)</i> It’s not fear that
God promises us, but great REWARD!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b> “.</b><i><b>..for God gave us a
spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”</b> (2 Timothy 1:6-8 ) </i> (English Standard Version Anglicised)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T07T_LLkDU0/VFs1uVq2AnI/AAAAAAAAT3I/whiTTITbWtA/s1600/Jenny%2Bbaby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T07T_LLkDU0/VFs1uVq2AnI/AAAAAAAAT3I/whiTTITbWtA/s1600/Jenny%2Bbaby.JPG" height="330" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Dear Lord Jesus,</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Thank you that we can come to you with our fears.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Please help us and grant us the strength to face those things that we fear.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>You are our shield, Lord.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>We love you.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i>Amen</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Have a happy day, dear friends...and celebrate this life that God has given us</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
in Christ.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
With love</div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-56895823224931010752014-11-04T09:20:00.001+02:002014-11-04T09:20:46.686+02:00An analogy of "FAITH"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRKbufcHR_Q/VFh4sqhYpsI/AAAAAAAAT2g/DNcth6mVzHQ/s1600/devotion%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cRKbufcHR_Q/VFh4sqhYpsI/AAAAAAAAT2g/DNcth6mVzHQ/s1600/devotion%2B3.jpg" height="342" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Faith” is a concept that may be vague to many people
and it may be valuable to explain it more clearly.
In order to accomplish this, I would like to introduce an analogy which I have
considered for many years. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is really interesting to look at ‘<b>the relationship of us Christians to our Lord God; Jesus Christ’ </b>and
compare it to ‘<b>the relationship between
a companion dog and its Master’.</b> There are some strong lessons we can learn
from dogs and their behaviour. Indeed, we can apply some of these lessons to
our understanding of our own Godly ‘faith’.
Let me explain...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let us first consider the <b>definition of ‘faith’</b> in Hebrews 11: 1(NIV)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2;">“<i>Now
faith is being <b>sure of what we hope for</b>
and <b>certain of what we do not see</b>.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A well-trained animal that has been trained by using ‘positive-reinforcement' methods, will follow the commands of its master happily,
diligently and efficiently…simply because it knows that it will get a reward in
the end.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In the case of a dog, these
well-trained furry-friends will even go so far as to </span><b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">initiate</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> action (like picking up an item off the floor for its
owner, or bark, or do a trick) in the knowledge/belief that there is a biscuit or
other reward at the end of the process. Their training gets to a point of total
and absolute devotion. They become singularly loyal and will take a fall for
their masters in the blink of an eye. In total faith, they will run through fire, endure the most
dangerous of situations (eg taking people out of the Twin Towers, displaying
loyalty at grave-sites, etc ) – because they have </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">total trust in their master’s plan!</b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have had the privilege of
experiencing this kind of devotion from an animal and consider it to be one of the most beautiful examples for us - of ‘absolute
FAITH’ - by any non-human creature on this planet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, let’s look now at us human-beings. In the same way, if <b>we</b> believe and have total faith in our own Master, Jesus Christ,
and if we follow His commands and trust Him completely, we too will be
rewarded. Our rewards, however, may be
delayed and we may only experience them in Heaven, once we leave this life. In
contrast to the dog, however, we are challenged to a higher call. We are asked to have faith in eternal life
and the promises of Jesus Christ. Many of these promises are ‘unseen’, but
through faith, we are certain of their truth.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent2;">“I will put my laws
on their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent2;">(Hebrews 10:15)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent2;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">God Himself is faithful, and our trust in
this fact serves to affirm our own faith:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent2;">“Let us hold unswervingly
to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent2;">(Hebrews 10:23)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: accent2;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just as I have highlighted the faithfulness of some
companion dogs, the author of Hebrews 11, (Paul and/or others), highlights
various bible characters who have demonstrated great faith for us to learn from. These people have done things (demonstrated
faith), in the knowledge of a Godly promise and their certain reward (even
though this reward is an ‘after death’/eternal one). Here are a few examples: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Abel</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: by
faith, offered a better sacrifice than Cain because of his ‘attitude’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enoch</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: by
faith, was taken from this world and didn’t experience death. (Gen 5:25),<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Noah</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">; by
faith built an ark and suffered the ridicule of his generation prior to the
flood, and the promise of a brand new world.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Abraham (and Sarah):</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> by
faith, left his country into the ‘unknown’ in obedience to God – believing that
God would make him the father of many descendants. In his old age, he continued
to believe this too. Indeed, God granted
him a son – Isaac – in Sarah’s old age. By faith, Abraham was willing to
sacrifice his one and only son in obedience to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Joseph:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> by faith, spoke about the exodus from Egypt
and gave instructions about his bones after his death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">6.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Moses:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> by
faith led the Israelites out of Egypt and instituted the Passover. He regarded disgrace for the sake of God as a
greater reward than the treasures of Egypt. By faith, he turned his back on the
Pharoah’s anger.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">7.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">… and
there are many, many more bible characters who are examples to us of incredible
faith…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The message of Hebrews chapter 11 is simple: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">“<i>God has planned better things
for us, that through Him, together with us, it would be made perfect.”</i> (v40) </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We merely need to trust and have
faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God wants us to practice our faith, by demonstrating
obedience to his commands…so that we, ultimately, will spend eternity by His
side.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“<span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Let us run with perseverance the
race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter
of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its
shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (</span></span></i><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2;">Heb 12:1-2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent2;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">---xXx---<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What do I, by faith, want to accomplish this week?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This week, I want to focus on totally believing God’s
promise to me:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">“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)</span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: red; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have, by faith, nearly completed my first year at Bible
School. There were times, during the year, when I wanted to give up, but in my
heart, I believed that this is what God wanted of me. God is my Master, and I
believe that Bible school is the first step that he wanted me to take in his
plan for me. I am still not clear on
what direction He wants me to go next year, but I have faith that He will reveal
it when His time is right... and use it
for His ultimate glory</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>So, dear friends, what do YOU want to accomplish, by faith this week?</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">---xXx---</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">A note:</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Everything on earth is accountable to a Master and there
is a subtle hierarchy of command amongst all living creatures on this planet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In Genesis 1:28, God
commands man:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">“<i>Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds
of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”</i> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In other words, we have been appointed
God’s ‘stewards’ of this earth for the creatures living on it. This is the
reason that I feel I can present my chosen analogy of the dog and it’s Master for
this particular blog post today. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAm1fEfzDdw/VFh5UsJnrZI/AAAAAAAAT2o/UimGhW0PLok/s1600/Devotion.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAm1fEfzDdw/VFh5UsJnrZI/AAAAAAAAT2o/UimGhW0PLok/s1600/Devotion.png" height="400" width="291" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God has made us accountable to Him for everything we do
and don’t do. Our relationship with the creatures of His creation is pertinent
to this accountability. He will judge us
at the end times for these things. His creation is a precious thing. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Although
we constantly fall short in our behaviour and our spirit towards these things, there
is good news: </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God offers us a Saviour, a Mediator and a Counsellor in the form
of his precious son, (our own earthly steward) Jesus Christ, who bears the
brunt of our failures. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><u>Prayer</u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>"Father God, </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>thank you for your beautiful creation. </i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Help us to be faithful to your message, your commands and your promise.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Please help us </i></span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">to develop our faith in You.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Amen"</i></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-57658272129511432782014-10-24T09:16:00.001+02:002014-10-24T16:33:11.352+02:00The essential ingredient...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBcjo9kAqpE/VEn0EPjntKI/AAAAAAAAT10/rNjHHMMQO1I/s1600/Cookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBcjo9kAqpE/VEn0EPjntKI/AAAAAAAAT10/rNjHHMMQO1I/s1600/Cookies.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I took time to carefully measure out the ingredients and mix them together into a smooth dough. I felt warmed by the notion that I was doing something special for my family. Then I rolled up the little balls in the palm of my hand and carefully placed them on the baking tray. After gently flattening them, I gingerly pressed out tiny indentations into the flattened, soft dough. These would be the troughs for the drops of jam each of them needed. I placed the tray in the pre-heated oven and breathed a sigh of satisfaction. Then I set the timer and waited...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Soon the house was filled with that homely aroma of freshly baked "yummies". I was sure that my family would devour them - the perfect complement to a companionable "cuppa".</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When the timer buzzed, I reached for my oven gloves and opened the oven. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">My heart sank...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Instead of beautifully light, puffed up cookies, they looked hard and flat. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'd left out the essential ingredient! Baking powder. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Oh dear :(</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
As the creator of these cookies, I must admit, I was really disappointed. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But it got me thinking...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">How many of us have left out the essential ingredient in our own lives?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">How many of us, who have been perfectly created, choose to live flat lives with hardened hearts?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">How many of us feel incomplete?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">Couldn't life be so much better?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Now imagine our own Creator - God - looking down and seeing this?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Imagine his heart when He sees the gift he so freely offers...rejected, forgotten...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Perhaps it's time for some of us, today, to become part of the abundant life that our precious Lord, Jesus Christ offers in His Kingdom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #ffe599;">It's your choice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>(Jn 10:10)</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G96_zfaH0t8/VEn4Cpzd0AI/AAAAAAAAT2A/7_0QX2XwuiM/s1600/22%2BLilac%2Bbreasted%2Broller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G96_zfaH0t8/VEn4Cpzd0AI/AAAAAAAAT2A/7_0QX2XwuiM/s1600/22%2BLilac%2Bbreasted%2Broller.JPG" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>(Above: Lilac-breasted roller: Kruger National Park, Sept 2014)</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><u>Prayer:</u></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Dear Father God, </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Thank you for giving us the choice of receiving an abundant life, in You. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Forgive us for any doubt that we ever entertained. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;"> Help us to lead this life in the way that You would like us to live it.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">Help us to be a creation in which You take joy. </span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">In Jesus' name, Amen.</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Sending lots of love to all my friends around the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May God bless you as you consider His Kingdom.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caryl</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-10078936330382513942014-10-23T10:14:00.000+02:002014-10-23T16:18:13.000+02:00Put your Hope in the Living God...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is impossible to deny the Living God.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
No matter how hard you might try,</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
it is impossible!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jjqRq7t5mY/VEitcjU28AI/AAAAAAAAT0k/8N5CFqY-WGw/s1600/Our%2Bliving%2BGod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--jjqRq7t5mY/VEitcjU28AI/AAAAAAAAT0k/8N5CFqY-WGw/s1600/Our%2Bliving%2BGod.jpg" height="640" width="376" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
God reveals Himself to us in so many ways: </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> through Nature:</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"The heavens declare the glory of God;</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>the skies proclaim the work of His hands."</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Ps 19:1)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71r3I28j0S4/VEiu0Jeis4I/AAAAAAAAT00/iphE7302KQI/s1600/CT%2B6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-71r3I28j0S4/VEiu0Jeis4I/AAAAAAAAT00/iphE7302KQI/s1600/CT%2B6.JPG" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He reveals Himself to us through <b>God-breathed Scripture:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"This is my blood of the covenant, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Matt 26:28)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yM0iRiu9GA/VEiwL8REXbI/AAAAAAAAT1A/tJk9JVkXBkk/s1600/Jesus-Carry-Cross-150x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5yM0iRiu9GA/VEiwL8REXbI/AAAAAAAAT1A/tJk9JVkXBkk/s1600/Jesus-Carry-Cross-150x150.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He reveals Himself to us<b> in our own design...</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(we are innately Spiritual creatures and created to worship Him)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtKCQlxMg48/VEiylWOQnaI/AAAAAAAAT1M/HC7tvbqwKek/s1600/Worship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EtKCQlxMg48/VEiylWOQnaI/AAAAAAAAT1M/HC7tvbqwKek/s1600/Worship.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He reveals Himself to us in History, in Miracles, and especially through the hope of the Cross and it's meaning.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93bZVmUniCE/VEi0LWhprcI/AAAAAAAAT1Y/1Mj643sh3lw/s1600/Communion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-93bZVmUniCE/VEi0LWhprcI/AAAAAAAAT1Y/1Mj643sh3lw/s1600/Communion.jpg" height="370" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If we are willing to accept Jesus Christ into our lives, and allow the Lord to work in us, we encounter a loving, living God in all Fatherly forms. As His children, he loves us, disciplines us, teaches us, guides us, protects us and interacts with us all the time. He places hope in our hearts and the desire to reach out to others. We are filled with the knowledge that God is in control, He's "Got it" and we merely need to rest in this knowledge and obey His teachings. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I believe that the imperfections of this world are clearly designed in order for us to reach out to our Living God; to declare Him our Lord and Saviour, and to acknowledge our dependence on Him as He guides us along His path to Salvation.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rest assured, God is alive and working in this world... His Holy Spirit is ever-present is in those who believe in Him. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And for those who don't...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>He's waiting with open arms...?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I wil give you rest."</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Matt 11:28)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Li0-ilJbbZY/VEi2sloOLlI/AAAAAAAAT1k/qeJ5qqmL29o/s1600/2%2B(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Li0-ilJbbZY/VEi2sloOLlI/AAAAAAAAT1k/qeJ5qqmL29o/s1600/2%2B(3).JPG" height="320" width="260" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>Prayer:</u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"Dear Lord, thank you for offering us your precious gift of Salvation, through no deeds of our own. Thank you that through the sacrifice of your son, Jesus Christ, we can come into your presence and learn to live this life. Thank you for loving us and never leaving us. What a blessing it is that we are able to reach out to you any time, any day, any hour, any circumstances, and that you will welcome us as we are. We love you, Lord. Amen"</i></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-8247177682018352972014-10-20T18:04:00.001+02:002014-10-20T18:09:42.830+02:00He knows each of us intimately...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pp9BtOKQsOw/VEUwxXgg0qI/AAAAAAAAT0U/Mb5d05wn2SQ/s1600/He%2Bknows%2Beach%2Bof%2Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Pp9BtOKQsOw/VEUwxXgg0qI/AAAAAAAAT0U/Mb5d05wn2SQ/s1600/He%2Bknows%2Beach%2Bof%2Bus.jpg" height="640" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few days ago, I made a promise to my daughter to help her out. She
is a young professional who cannot take off time from work. As a home-maker, however, my own days are flexible. Her request was simple. It required that I set aside a morning and
drive to the municipal offices of our sister city to open up a Municipal services
account for their newly purchased home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although this is a simple task, it becomes rather complicated for
me personally. My anxiety condition
plays up seriously in situations like this. I battle in unfamiliar environments
and then, out of irrational fear, struggle to drive. In this case, I was so
scared that I battled to sleep last night.
I know that my fear is irrational, but there was no way that I was going
to renege on my promise to my beautiful daughter. As a human being, I need and want to be helpful.
Somehow, I would muster up the resolve to tackle this small, important task. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I opened up my bible this morning, I was drawn to the story
in the gospel of John where Jesus’s disciples were on a boat when their own
storm built up. (Jn 6:16-21):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>“A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. When
they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the
boat, walking on the water, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be
afraid.”</b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a beautiful story of connection with our Master when
things become scary. So, this morning, I thought I’d take God at His word and try
to apply this teaching to my own situation. In the solitude of my kitchen prayed out loud,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>“Please Father, would you help me overcome my fear and help
me through this task.</b></i>”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Soon I was on the road:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I managed the 60km drive without incident. I found the place
easily. Although I wasn’t sure where
exactly the place was, there were friendly people to guide me at every turn. When
I finally found the offices, the person attending to me was extremely helpful too.
It was her first day on the job and I was her first customer. It was as if she had been specifically chosen
to be there for this particular situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My heart skipped a beat when I discovered that I would
require a second set of signed documents. I only had one. This would require yet another trip to
the same offices on yet another day. “<i>Please,
Lord, help me.</i>” I smiled and asked her if there was any way she could help me…?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She did. She stopped and went around to the back to consult
her manager. She was soon back to indicate that they’d made a plan for me and
would use the documents I had already supplied.
<i>“Thank you, Father!” </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end, the account was opened successfully and my trip
home was without incident too. It wasn’t
long before I was back in my own ‘safe’ surroundings. Task completed!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“<i><b>Thank you, Lord, that I can call on you anytime, any day,
any hour, with any aspect of my life – even the smallest of them all. Thank you that your promises never fail -
that you will always be there for me, no matter what. Amen.”</b></i><o:p></o:p><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<div style="text-align: center;">
May God bless you today as you walk with Him.</div>
</div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-54950688889756003302014-10-19T09:59:00.000+02:002014-10-19T09:59:10.913+02:00A prayer for my readers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpRDJ439kPg/VENuzndAm5I/AAAAAAAATz8/RsJgCNjtjXA/s1600/You%2Bare%2Ba%2Bletter%2Bfrom%2BChrist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MpRDJ439kPg/VENuzndAm5I/AAAAAAAATz8/RsJgCNjtjXA/s1600/You%2Bare%2Ba%2Bletter%2Bfrom%2BChrist.jpg" height="640" width="358" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Father God</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This morning, on Your day, I humbly ask for a blessing on this blog and all who read it.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Father, please allow, through your Holy Spirit, that Your will,Your way and Your love permeate through this blog. I pray that the eyes of the hearts of my readers may be enlightened in order that they may know the hope to which You call them, the riches of Your glorious inheritance and Your incomparable great power to those of us who believe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Father, please would you be with those who suffer and who struggle today; whether it is a physical hurdle or an emotional one. I know that there are so many of my friends who are in pain of one sort or another, and I ask that Your love and healing may rest on them in a really profound way. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this blog and for my cyber friends world-wide. I ask you to protect this Holy space and to allow my readers to experience Your incredible love through Christ Jesus.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Amen.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yKa8MNPBag/VENu3rhOOiI/AAAAAAAAT0E/gkeUcqZPU-Y/s1600/The%2BLords%2Bhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3yKa8MNPBag/VENu3rhOOiI/AAAAAAAAT0E/gkeUcqZPU-Y/s1600/The%2BLords%2Bhouse.jpg" height="640" width="298" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.)</div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-88702083380691969502014-10-16T09:52:00.000+02:002014-10-16T09:54:43.919+02:00A new beginning...the gift we are all offered.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1nXAtKlq4g/VD90aoDrwnI/AAAAAAAATzs/Vx4UXCElsdc/s1600/Cover%2Bsunrise%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N1nXAtKlq4g/VD90aoDrwnI/AAAAAAAATzs/Vx4UXCElsdc/s1600/Cover%2Bsunrise%2B2.JPG" height="210" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In the silence of the night, a miracle waits to happen...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
There is a moment, every 24 hours, when in the blink of an eye, everything on the earth is transformed. Usually, we are all still asleep...<br />
<br />
In the changing light, the moment arrives - transfixed in time - waiting for an audience. Nature holds its collective breath, then stretches and snores again. In the silence, the temperature drops and the world is seemingly frozen. The old is about to pass and a new beginning waits. It becomes a highlighted question which, in this moment, is imprinted on all creation: Will the world continue? Will the sun rise?<br />
<br />
This beautiful moment, just before each dawn, is drenched in silence; fraught in anticipation. Yet, we sleep while it's happening; hoping to become restored and prepared for what awaits in the day ahead. The world waits too. The birds begin to sing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And then the moment happens - the amazing miracle which affects our lives every 24 hours... </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
It's called "breaking dawn". It's here when a new day cuts into the darkened, heavenly expanse and drizzles over the ready earth. Streaks of beautiful, bright light paint the landscape. Crystalline, shining rays infiltrate everything. All the hope of humanity and the new day is caught up in this brief and precious moment.<br />
<br />
The silence is broken. Different voices unite; There are twitterings and coo's. Then the birds sing louder...then more...then more. From the ends of our human consciousness we may indeed be slightly aware of the singing: different voices, unique expressions; a cacophony of birdsong and praise. The sun is imminent. Everything in creation welcomes in the new day. Man, however, mostly sleeps..and misses the marvel.<br />
<br />
Then the drone of the busy city begins. Rush hour: a quick good-bye to a loved-one to face the business of the day. More stress, gray hairs, unhindered emotions. In equal measure, human activity blots out God's beautiful sounds. His promise of a brand new day and new beginning becomes obscured. Hidden. Forgotten!<br />
<br />
They say that if you live with something constantly, you don't see the small changes. They are merely absorbed; taken for granted...<br />
<br />
But each day, there is something subtly different in the marvel of God's beautiful dawn. His plans prevail amidst the human chaos. Unnoticed, the sun follows a slightly different path in the heavens each day. The temperature on the earth's surface, the light and the climate are all slightly altered...tweaked. We are older, sometimes wiser, sometimes more stupid. Often unimpressed. The contrast is painful.<br />
<br />
Then the beautiful gift of the dawn fades. Passes. Unnoticed. As we drown our hearts in the volume of our humanly designed lives, our souls plead, "Where is God?". But, it's us who don't understand. Don't you see? During all this activity,our Master waits - patiently, lovingly. He hopes with all hope that we will indeed search for Him; respond to His call and wash ourselves in His beauty, His glory, His story, His gift.<br />
<br />
He's been there all the time...just look!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Praise, Honour and Glory to my amazing Father!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: blue;">"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(John 3:16 NIV)</div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-9214630404823321542014-10-14T10:14:00.001+02:002014-10-14T10:31:33.669+02:00Put on the full armour of God!As part of our year at Bible School, we are required to submit short essays on a number of topics. Today, I thought I'd share one of my essays with you. I hope it blesses you and gives you strength in your walk with the Lord. Please feel free to comment or to give me feedback.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb_CjHTHh5Q/VDzSOkENl-I/AAAAAAAATzc/_MdjKoJSjBI/s1600/ARMOUR%2BOF%2BGOD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jb_CjHTHh5Q/VDzSOkENl-I/AAAAAAAATzc/_MdjKoJSjBI/s1600/ARMOUR%2BOF%2BGOD.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">MSB ESSAY: EPHESIANS: Chapter 6:10-18<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Using Ephesians Chapter 6, list and describe
the Armour of God. What is the nature of
our warfare? How can we as believers
implement this protection?</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the beginning of his letter to the
Ephesians, Paul describes an amazing and accessible world, in
Christ. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>“<b>In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ”
</b></i><b>(1:5<i>) </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Christians are “purposed in
Christ” to bring all things on earth together, under one head…"</i> (1:9-10).</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>God has chosen us for the praise of His
glory (</i>1:14). </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To be part of this Christian family is our sole
purpose on earth. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This task, however, is not
an easy one; we are expected to withstand incredible pressures and to stand up
against everything the earthly world throws at us. Paul sets the scene about
the ‘war’ which we are fighting and describes it:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="line-height: 115%;">"</span><i style="line-height: 115%;">We are hard pressed on every side, yet not
crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken;
struck down, but not destroyed"</i><span style="line-height: 115%;"> (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">In other words,
although the battle is big, there is hope for us.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">In Ephesians 6:12, we read
about our adversary - Satan the devil - and his many, constant and conniving
plans that are aimed at obliterating the children of God. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">Satan’s
attacks come in many disguises. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">But all is not lost;
we have a<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> Divine and unbeatable defense: <b>the Armour of God</b>. In</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">
Ephesians 6:13, Paul calls us to take up these armaments. By putting on all of
God's Spiritual Armour, we can be assured of withstanding our enemy's onslaughts.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><b>1. The Belt of Truth</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">This enables us to combat lies; particularly lies which sound like the truth.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><b>2. The Breastplate of Righteousess</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">This enables us to ward off Satan's attacks on our emotions (heart), self-worth and trust. Jesus's death has made us righteous in God's eyes. We are tasked to protect this gift.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><b>3. The Footgear, in readiness to spread the Word.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">This protects our motivation to proclaim the Good News and God's Truth.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;"><b>4. The Shield of Faith.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; line-height: 115%;">This allows us to guard against insults, setbacks and temptations. It gives us the ability to see beyond the things of this earth and adopt an eternal outlook.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b>5. The Helmet of Salvation</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">The helmet protects our minds from doubt as Satan tries to convince us about the non-reality of God, Jesus and our personal salvation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><b>6. The Sword</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">This represents the Holy Spirit and the Word of God. It is the only weapon of 'offence'; to follow the lead of the Holy Spirit and to resist temptation.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">This particular passage (Eph 6: 10-18) was written by Paul, in Rome, during his two-year incarceration, possibly in the early first century. During this time, he wrote a number of letters/epistles to various communities (Ephesians, Colossians, Philippians and Philemon.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Prior to this, Paul's life had turned from 'persecutor of Jews' (prior to his conversion) to being heavily persecuted as he went about establishing the early Christian church. During his life he was accused of many things. He was beaten, arrested, almost assassinated, shipwrecked and placed under house arrest. Yet, he persevered.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Humanity might consider these incidents simply 'bad luck', but Paul recognised it as part of his job description in Christ. His experiences made him fully equipped to give advice about these battles.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">We can imagine the setting: Paul, in a Roman prison, constantly surrounded and taunted by Roman soldiers and their compatriots. But he continued to work for God (by writing and talking openly) despite being constantly under threat. He must have got to know those Roman soldiers very well, and gradually over time the analogy of the 'Armour' would begin to develop. Just as the Roman soldiers required physical armour to fight their wars and protect themselves, we Christians require spiritual armour to protect ourselves and fight our fight for God.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">It is a profound piece of writing which is still applicable to all of us as Christ's followers today.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">So let us all put on the full Armour of God and collectively stand together in this Divine war. </span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">BIBLIOGRAPHY<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Life Application Bible (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Taking up the whole armour of God”:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god.htm">http://www.freebiblestudyguides.org/bible-teachings/armor-of-god.htm</a></span></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-40879221194134650632014-08-21T08:49:00.000+02:002014-10-01T19:41:31.220+02:00A short testimony - God's story in my life<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Dear Reader</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
One of our tasks at Bible School, this year, is to write out a short personal testimony. This is my first attempt. It may still be too long ... but I can work with that. If you have any comments, or would like to share your own story (in the comments section below) I would feel truly blessed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
May God bless you as you read His story in my life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3PfSv5AgFQ/U_WQjNYzVcI/AAAAAAAASOs/c7MzZlCBzlE/s1600/2%2B(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b3PfSv5AgFQ/U_WQjNYzVcI/AAAAAAAASOs/c7MzZlCBzlE/s1600/2%2B(3).JPG" height="400" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The beauty of being human is that we are all unique. Psalm
139 explains this uniqueness – we are fearfully and
wonderfully made; known by God intimately; a precious creation that He knew
long before our actual birth into this world.
Yet, because of this imperfect world, many of us live with lifelong afflictions.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my case, I have lived with the affliction of Depression
all my life. One can try and analyse it, pull it apart and make judgement, but it
is an illness like any other – a silent killer.
Despite medication and the professional help I get, it is something
that lives with me daily – urging me into its vice-like grip. I am aware of my vulnerability in this affliction.
It can be very dangerous ground. My affliction is manifest in a
deep-seated loneliness; a loneliness that no human action can fill.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the early 1990’s, I was a ‘stay-at-home’ Mom with two small
children. The demands on my life were immense as I tried to become ‘Supermom’ –
mistakenly giving all my energy and everything I had to these two precious
human beings which had been entrusted to me by God. Life was busy. I chose to
ignore the nibbling depression and loneliness – choosing to rather fill my
day with every earthly activity which could enhance my life as a mother. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To this end I stopped going to church. Life was very
difficult and I was angry at God for making it so difficult. But, I was extremely fit and I was fighting –
teaching aerobics; baking, playing the piano, involving myself at school,
sewing for my children, knitting, gardening, housework – all in an attempt to
create the perfect home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The more involved I got in these activities, the more my
deep seated loneliness and depression escalated. I was slowly and systematically side-lining
the importance of God in my life. My
trust in Him had waned. But as I applied myself to earthly matters, I felt the
control of my life slipping away. It got
worse and worse, and I began to become more and more aware of the pointlessness
of it all. (Something like King Solomon’s
text in Ecclesiastes – ‘Meaningless!’) <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In desperation, I began to look around – particularly at
committed Christians who seemingly had everything under control. My neighbours were such people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At my lowest point, I made the decision to simply try
copying them. Perhaps then, my life with
my elusive God would repair itself. I
(and my family) began to go to church regularly, we joined a fellowship group
and I began read my bible regularly (and take notes), praying that God would
speak to me and come into my life in a real way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One Sunday morning, I was sitting in church. The
minister was telling us this story...<br />
<br />
"A high-powered preacher was at a busy,
demanding conference. A woman came up to him and told him that she had a ‘message
from God’ for him. She asked for a meeting. Due to time pressure, the Preacher
put her off. Finally, however, he managed to make a moment to meet her. They met in
one of the gardens.<br />
<br />
She walked up to him slowly, sat down
and dissolved into
tears. She cried and cried, morphing into wretching sobs – her face contorted in
emotional pain. Finally the tears stopped and the Preacher was able to speak to
her. “What is the message you have for me from God?” he asked. She wiped her
nose, looked straight at him and said, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>“That is it!”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was in that moment, that the preacher realised the pain
that he, personally, had caused God – demonstrated in the woman’s tears – of the
reliance he had put on himself in trying to control his own busy life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just like me! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ironically, this story reflected the emotional pain I was
causing God at the time by my insistence on doing it myself. I was basically shunning the gift of God, in
the form of Jesus Christ. My eyes were opened that morning and I understood
clearly what pain I was causing God by trying to ‘go-it-alone’. I too began to sob and sob. In that moment, I finally relinquished control
of the responsibility of life to God. I knew there was no other way. I prayed hard that He would forgive all the
hurt that I had caused Him and those around me. I asked him to take control
over my life. That moment was an internal act of extreme vulnerability and
submission to the God of Life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matt 11:28)</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the days that followed, a deep calm came over me. I began to practice the presence
of Jesus – inviting him into every decision I made in my day-to-day activities;
trying to show, by my activities, the joy and the hope I had in my
salvation. My journal at home attests to
answered prayer and guidance in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To say the least, a lot has happened since that day –
profound things which testify to the greatness and glory of God.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My affliction remains – I continue to suffer from depression. The difference
is that I am comfortable, in God. The change
in me is that I now speak openly about my affliction. “My sin” is not the disease
itself, but rather me trying to manage my life without God. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last year, I made the decision that it was time to get
baptised – an outward reflection of my inner condition. I am human; a sinner
who continues to juggle how much I allow God to control my activities and my
life. The reality, however, is that
without God’s direction, my depression and my affliction can get the better of
me. In my weakness, I am forced to rely
on God’s saving grace – daily. I absorb
all the love He has to offer me and I try and communicate that same love to
other sufferers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
If I leave you with any message, it is this alone – the message
I received at my baptism –<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b>“God has got it!” </b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
He
really has! He has full control over our lives and their outcome – whether we like it or not. We still have a choice however: We either accept His saving grace (daily) and the abundant life He has
to offer us, or we succumb to our afflictions and ‘go-it-alone’. Either way, He'll never leave us. He's there - standing next to us - asking us to trust Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Praise God that I continue to make the right choice every
day.<o:p></o:p></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-82783147327827203142014-06-13T13:58:00.002+02:002014-06-13T13:58:40.115+02:00HOLD MY HEART LORD<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Itn-0WFvO_k" width="560"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear friends</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While driving around on errands yesterday morning, the words and melody of this song were placed on my heart. It's been a week of visiting a number of people in hospital. It's also come at a time of imminent loss and difficult decision-making. There are a total of four verses to this song, although the video only has two in it. I also know that there is more work to be done but for the moment I thought I'd share it with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This thing is sure: The Lord is working in wonderful ways in my life.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pray this song will bless both you and our amazing Father.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
"HOLD MY HEART LORD"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With love</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Caryl</div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-80090383137728339082014-06-06T09:49:00.000+02:002014-06-06T09:49:10.541+02:00I AM YOURS ...<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
Who am I, Lord, to be of any use to you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Your eyes, I feel smaller than a speck of dust…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am but a blink in your glorious plan…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your mystery and my purpose are hard to fathom…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am humbled…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your presence in me is unmistakable; glued to my inner
being; <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I feel it when the sun rises and when it sets.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It reassures and frightens simultaneously. I cannot deny it,
but my boldness is fleeting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your Word tells of your greater plan; a vineyard where I
might belong. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It calls on my willingness simply to obey: Without question;
Without doubt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
That is scary, Lord…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am Your creation, Father; a simple being in this vast, living
universe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like a soldier, I am called to faithfully serve; to use my whole being in
honour of Your incredible love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Despite my unworthiness, my doubt, my disobedience and my
failings, I am compelled to claim Your name. My love for You is growing, slowly…freely<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is Your immense love that sustains me. And the knowledge that I have been
deemed worthy to receive Your gift of faith; to believe the almost
unbelievable, to accept Your message…willingly. I am a new creation; washed clean and
acceptable in Your eyes. You called me and met me, Lord. I am Yours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Incomprehensible…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now that I’m Yours, Father, Your care for me is patient. You
are kind and generous and You are gentle in my weakness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Your love eludes my understanding, Father. I yearn for it
when I doubt it. It enfolds me when I least expect it. Yet, Your Counsellor
reassures me; never leaves me – the incredible gift you promised.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thank you Father for making me part of Your plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2327078748538083368.post-306995037170375382014-05-06T08:22:00.000+02:002014-05-06T09:21:57.299+02:00THE LONG-AWAITED GIFT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHLHU3zInEc/U2iNimM7yLI/AAAAAAAASJs/c4Qh-xVJPcI/s1600/gift+box+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XHLHU3zInEc/U2iNimM7yLI/AAAAAAAASJs/c4Qh-xVJPcI/s1600/gift+box+1.jpg" height="320" width="307" /></a></div>
<i>(A devotion, by Caryl Moll</i>)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The little gift-box rested on the small coffee table in our sitting
room. Its shimmery packaging winked at me in wonder and I moved closer to
inspect the carefully scripted label<i>: </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><b> “Don’t open until your birthday!” </b><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood, transfixed – admiring its delicate paper and the large
pink bow which encased it. I must have
stood there for ages – gingerly touching it and examining the careful way it had
been wrapped. But was in it? Perfume? A gift voucher? A ticket to some far-away destination? The intrigue was eating at me and its small
size gave no indication of its value either. But the intention was clear: I was loved and this gift had been carefully
prepared for me. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As my birthday drew closer I was reminded that this package
was so much like my own “gift-in-waiting” to God. Although I have been given an
earthly body, it is up to me as to what I put inside. Will mine be snow white,
or sadly tainted? Will I be ready for
the moment I meet my Lord? Am I worthy
of being called a Temple of the Holy Spirit? Or will I be offering my Lord an
empty mask? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our reckoning day draws closer. Our packaging will be
removed and the gift behind our masks revealed. What a joyful day it will be if our Master’s response is;</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i> “Well done, my
good and faithful servant!”</i></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not consider his
appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at things man looks
at. Man looks at the outward appearance,
but the Lord looks at the heart</i></b>.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
(1 Samuel 16:7 NIV)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Reading: Psalm 139<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
---xXx---<o:p></o:p></div>
Maxmomhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03352085013260757004noreply@blogger.com5