Be of 'good cheer!'

Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

First of all, 'Happy Thanksgiving' could be our behaviour and attitude each and every day; as in being thankful for all our daily Blessings that He Gives us. Greeting and treating each day as if it is a 'mini thanksgiving!'. However, the actual American Thanksgiving Day is the fourth Thursday in November; for some reason, I thought it was the third Thursday.

Yesterday, just 'zoomed zoomed zoomed' by us; and we appreciatively fell into our bed last night! We overcame some challenges; and today and the next few days, we still have some more hurdles to work through. Alan and I have simply turned 'everything' over to Him; as He IS the best Overcomer of all!

We want to have as many bittidz things 'ship shape', before Alan has his knee surgery next week. Confirmation of verbal and written communication, is so important; as it could have been so easily 'missed' in some of the bittid details yesterday. Plus, Alan and I are a tidbitz weary; and it would have been our error, had we not spotted their error. 'Best to nip things in the bud', as the tidbit expression goes.

In the middle of the night, I received my 'second wind'. Apart from being in 'Prayer dialogue' with Him, I was 'Guided' to 'get up' out of our bed, to read certain ' directed' passages from the Bible.
ie. Isaiah 45 about how 'God uses Cyrus'. Prior to reading that chapter in full (verses 1 to 7), I had Asked Him to 'Use me, According to His Will'. This particular Bible belonged to Alan's Mum; so it is all the more special and dear to my heart. Also, a small piece of paper, 'happened to fall out' from one of the pages. On there, were her handwritten thoughts; and she was suggesting that one should read Isaiah 45:3. I thought, 'Wow!' To me, that is an enlightening ephifany; thus, I took further Comfort and Refuge in the message. No coincidences, here folks!

After I read this encouraging story, I was yet again 'led' to read what Paul writes in Philippians 4 - 'Think of Excellence', verses 1 - 9. ie. In verse 4 - 'Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say rejoice!' In verse 6 - 'Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God'. Also, more bittids to help you seek Solace in 'God's Provisions', as Paul illuminates in verses 10 - 23. The teachings in this chapter are further tidbits of endorsement!

The Bible remains to be the top seller of books in the world. If more people read the Bible and followed its teachings, there would be a greater level of Understanding, Civility, and Grace amongst fellow men. What is written in the Bible, is very applicable today!

Tidbit - 'Do unto others, as you would have them, do unto you'.

Bittid - Appreciate the tidbits of insights and lessons learned each day; knowing that He does Answer our Prayers; albeit not as quickly as we would like at times. 'He IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIGHT'. He always has your best interests at heart.

Took these pictures of our hearthside, and of Alan and 'pup' Blue last night; as they are also upbeat 'lights in my life!'

Have to go for now; however, wanted to share a few bittids of hope and encouragement with you.

Peace and God Bless.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Was up early this morning; and I love witnessing the dawn, with all its majestic splendours in its heralding of a new day. I felt 'light on my feet'; joyful and thankful! KNOWING He has 'everything in hand'; and to confidently TRUST and ABIDE in Him, according to His Will. The house was wonderfully quiet; and I was totally appreciative of my elixir of coffee! 'Sir' Blue, (we also refer to him at times as his 'royal highness') was curled contentedly around my feet, under the chair.

Where did the last few days go? Sunday morning, I watched 'Hour of Power' (Dr. Robert Schuller - www.hourofpower.org); 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (Joyce Meyer - www.joycemeyer.org); and 'Living Truth' (Charles Price - www.livingtruth.ca) on the Vision Channel. I just love these enlightening and invigorating programs; and am like a little child, (with a cup of coffee, yet!), absorbing messages like a sponge! (pen and paper in hand!). I gleefully watch these first two programs; and then Alan and I take in 'Living Truth' together; which is awesome as well! Eventhough I was / am Blessed with more 'ephifanies', methinks, it is best for you, to tune into these special ministeries, to gain your own level of understanding, clarity, and appreciate your own meaningful 'ephifanies'. If you have an inquisitive mind and open heart; wishing to learn more about Christ, ('Seek, and Ye Shall Find'), you will be uplifted by their empowering insights, solid Biblical teachings, genuine encouragement, and helpful resources (books, CDs, tapes etc). For those of you who want to experience Hope, Joy, and Peace, these ministries (plus others!) are of great comfort! Actually it is He, who is of great Comfort! And thanks to these ministries, that provide such inspiration and knowledge.

We continued to appreciate a restful reprieve for the remainder of Sunday. Monday was fully occupied; as our 'recharged batteries' from the R & R weekend, may have generated into overtime; however, there was the tidbitz necessity to do so. Tuesday found us at the hospital in the morning and early afternoon, as Alan is going in next week for a major knee surgery; so he was getting apprised of the bittidz procedures. Thus, we are endeavouring to completing as much as possible prior to his operation; as he will be off his feet for at least a week.

On another matter, we attended a bit of an 'exploratory' tax / trust meeting last night; and before the gathering, we went out for dinner, and it was 'just what the doctor ordered!'. We really enjoyed our simple meal, along with a glass of wine. It has been awhile since we have been out for dinner; and it was, indeed, a special treat!

Today, we have various bittid matters to attend to; and we are hopeful that we are closer to tidbit fruition this week. When I was watching 'Hour of Power', one of the guest speakers, Pastor Bill Butterworth, gave illuminating insights re: 'Victory over our Fears'. It was excellent; and I recommend you read / watch / listen to what he (and all the others too) has to share. Basically Bill Butterworth says that 'God covers all the bases for us'; although, He is not necessarily early in Answering our Prayers. Also, we need to simply FOCUS on Him; the rest will fall into place, as per His Will.

The picture is of the front of our abode; am amazed at all the greenery, at this cooler tid time of year!

Before I forget, here is wishing all of you, who are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, a Happy Thanksgiving! Methinks, each and every day is like a 'mini Thanksgiving'; as we have many plentiful Blessings to be thankful for!

Peace and God Bless.

A restful Saturday evening

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world.

We are thoroughly glad it is Saturday. Actually slept in til about 8:30 am! The weather has been dismal and grey; yet we have enjoyed the tidbits of the day!

We are taking a bittid of a rest. Alan did some errands; and I happily cleaned out our fireplace. The ashes had been building for some time; and I thought 'go for it!'. At the same time, I reflected upon our Blessings and calmly thought, He will Help us through this storm. As I said in an earlier post, we received some good news last night; and that is a tidbit feat in itself; one less hassle to overcome. Thanks to Him!

Tidbit - When you are weary, listen to your body, if it is indicating signs of fatigue and saying 'rest' me. I would like to think of it as the Holy Spirit saying 'Rest in Me'. To me, that sounds a lot more uplifting and encouraging to one's ears and peace of mind. To the point, where I prepped our fireplace; which is now ready for a warm and cosy fire! Something 'special' and cheery to look forward to, methinks!

Bittid - Appreciate tranquil moments and the reassuring gentle retreat of your home. The skies are now black with night, and threatening showers any second; as well as a feisty wind, which is rapidly showing up. In the daytime, our skylights in our living room, provide such a bright light! Although, it has been a relatively quiet day, this has also been restful and soothing to the spirits.

Am looking forward to watching the Vision Channel tomorrow morning; primarily 'Hour of Power' (Dr. Robert Schuller - www.hourofpower.org); 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (Joyce Meyer - www.joycemeyer.org); and 'Living Truth' (www.livingtruth.ca). I know I will appreciate more enlightening ephifanies and empowering teachings from these three insightful International Bible Teachers / ministries.

Also, we had to handle a 'challenging' situation today, that called for 'pruning of the tree', and / or 'separating the wheat from the chaff', if you will. We had a major link; and that has unfolded positively for us, as far I am concerned. A 'Blessing in Disguise'. We had to 'uncover the TRUTH'; and alas, the 'individual' had an usurping agenda all along. I had discerned from the beginning, he was not necessarily our friend; so this afternoon, Alan dealt with that matter. I even suggested, best to 'not let it fester'; particularly since certain bittids appeared not to be accurate. So now, that is one less distraction; perhaps attempting to 'take us away' from what we have been diligently and enthusiastically working towards!

Our Prayers appear to have been not answered as quickly as we would like. That is fine though. Because, I have 'resigned' myself to believing that He does, indeed, have a much BETTER plan for us; - ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, FOR HIS PURPOSE, TO HIS PLAN, AND IN HIS TIME. That the bittidz delays etc that we have been experiencing, are all part of His grand mosiac! I remember Robert Schuller Jr saying that 'when you are down to nothing, you know He is up to something to the good, for you'. Those wise words have stuck in my head and heart. Plus, Dr. Charles Stanley, shares that 'when God is silent, that does not mean He has abandoned you; He is working on your behalf'. Those wonderful words too, have remained steadfast in my heart. Also, you can refer to my recent posts. ie November 3rd - 'The Beauty of Prayer' for further thoughts as to 'Answer to Prayer'.

It would appear too, that we may have been a bit 'set up' in a couple of other scenarios; and I recommended today to Alan, to diplomatically 'call their bluff' sooner, rather than later. He did; and it would appear, that they have 'disappeared' into the woodwork, as strongly and as quickly as they 'appeared'. Hmmmmmm.

We are continuing to maintain our tidbitz course; regardless of interuptions, disruptions, confusions, doubts, fears etc. ie. 'Naysayers', greed, and those with ulterior M.O.'s etc. We know that He has Guided us thus far; albeit definitely on a 'road less travelled'; yet,'something' says 'Stick with it, do not give up!'

The day has unravelled in a very interesting fashion. Alan and I have cast it all upon Him to Direct our Path; and we are simply Seeking Refuge in Him to Provide Solution.

I love the above photo tid image; have enjoyed utilizing it in a number of past posts. Thank you, to whomever took this friendly picture!

Here is wishing you a nice R & R Saturday evening, as well as a restful Sunday.

Peace and God Bless.

Thankful for a calm

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

It seems like I just said, 'Thank God it's Friday' or 'TGIF' day. LOL! Do not have a lot of new tidbitz to share; save that Alan and I have been plugging away at various 'loopholes'. We are relieved that we have the weekend to recoop, recover, rethink, and retrench. We have been dealing with certain people, that say 'one thing and do another'. So, we are now looking to other alternatives; with ONE proviso! More than ever, we have 'turned everything' over to Him to handle. No more, no less. We seek 'Refuge and Strength' in Him; and that everything that happens, is in Accordance with His Will, His Purpose, and His Plan. So be it! Christ wants the best for us all! Be of GOOD CHEER!

Took some pictures from our upstairs balcony prior to dusk. It is extremely windy, and the then 40 degrees Fahrenheit, penetrated right through me. We still have blooming geraniums; and they have been a wonderful Blessing for all these months!

Tidbit - Know that He has you where He wants you to be. Even if it means, you are in challenging circumstances, to suit His Purpose at that time. 'Trust and totally Abide in Him' to 'Guide you through the storm', even if there are overwhelming obstacles. 'He IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the 'LIGHT'.

Bittid - ASK Him to Give you Understanding and Discernment. ie. When things are not clear, or appear 'confusing', or 'iffy', step back, take a deep breath, and cast it all upon Him to carry you through all situations, and to Provide Solution. All that is GOOD, works through Him. That being said, there is more CLARITY and Peace of mind.

There are NO coincidences. No sooner did I write a 'Bittid', we received a 'Tidbit' phone call; we have been given the 'green light!' We still have some bittidz hurdles to go through; however, we have received a very encouraging message of positive direction!

Also, just enjoyed Tortellini (from Costco) for our dinner; and it was the perfect bit of 'comfort food', for a cold blustery night. Plus, a tid glass of South African red vino! We are looking forward to simply 'vegging out' tonight, watching a couple of good movies, as well as Thanking Him for all our daily Blessings.

Peace, and God Bless.

The beauty of homemade soups!

Good Evening.

It has been a full tidbitz of a day thus far! Very interesting how dynamics fluctuate, as in a see-saw movement, going up, then down, and so forth. As in our aspirations towards fruition of our projects. We know there is a Solution; an even better Plan than we can even envision! We have reconciled ourselves to being 'patient'; as in simply 'waiting upon the Lord'. He has helped us be 'overcomers' in the past; hence our resolve more than ever, IS to continue being steadfast in Him; as, "He IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIGHT".

In the earlier afternoon, we enjoyed a long walk in the sunshine with our 'pup' Blue; wonderful fresh air to clear away any and all cobwebs! LOL! The colours of autumn are still vibrantly magnificent! We ran into a few of our neighbours; and we all agreed it would be fun to get together, before too long. There are NO coincidences, here folks!

As I had mentioned earlier, it is, indeed, a tidbit Blessing to have 'good neighbours'. Alan's 'famous' soup has been gently simmering on our stove (intoxicating smell, Mmmmm!); and within the next short bittid, we will take a large bowl of soup, over to one of our neighbours, who has yet to taste Alan's homemade creation. 'Norm's' wife is in a care facility; so it has been a difficult time for him. We will invite him over for dinner in the near future.

Tidbit - Give to others! You feel so much better! 'Better to give, than to receive'; as the tid expression goes! "Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you!"

Bittid - 'Keep things simple', as the saying goes. Even a bittidz of soup, goes a long way; and can be stretched into many many meals. Very economical and healthy!

I like the above photo images of the hearty homemade soups! Alan is preparing a large cauldron of the delicious beef / vegetable mix; which is what we will be appreciating tonight. The other photo image is of a thick tomato soup; very similar to a savoury homemade soup that I have made many a time. Also, the piece of toast looks most appetizing as well! Perhaps you can tell, I am a bit hungry! LOL!

It is now dark; and Alan just brought me a glass of South African Red wine. To you, I joyfully say 'Skal'; as well as raising my glass - 'To Absent Friends'. Perhaps some of you, from time to time, may raise your glasses to 'Absent Friends'. There is a tidbitz of comfort in raising your glass. You can refer to today's earlier post, if you wish some tidbits and bittids of background.

Hope this gives you a bittidz of good cheer and encouragement; particularly during these tougher times.

Peace and God Bless.

Happy Birthday Mum!

Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!

Each and every day is a 'special' day, methinks. There are always Blessings to Thank Him for! I was appreciative that Alan got up earlier, turned on the furnace, and the coffee pot. Our house is now warm and toasty, and I am heartily enjoying my elixir of coffee. Really do NEED my two cups of coffee every morning! LOL!

Before I got up, I was in Prayer 'dialogue' with Him; and I simply ASKED for the Holy Spirit to indwell within me, to Guide me, to Give me Understanding, Discernment, Wisdom, Words of Wisdom, Grace, and the 'Fruits of the Spirit' for TODAY. I find that if I do that each and every morning (and throughout each day and before falling off to sleep each night), it is my tidbitz experience that one's spirits are bolstered, uplifted, and encouraged with Good and Positive thoughts for the day.

Tidbit - Best to live each day at a time, and to Give Him the Best of that day. Yesterday has already passed; and tomorrow will take care of itself, soon enough.

We have a number of bittid matters greeting us today; and we have simply laid it all before Him to provide Solution; AND, to be in Accordance with His Will, His Purpose, and His Plan. Methinks, this IS an empowering ephifany for me! We know Christ has a GOOD plan for each and every one of us; so we anticipate with a joyful and confident calm, that He always Prevails with a Plan that is best for us all. Have also Asked to be equipped with the full Armour of God. You can refer to yesterday's post, if you wish to read the Biblical passage from Ephesians 6: 14-17.

Bittid - God is our Refuge and Strength. It is simply best to 'Rest' and 'Abide' in Him. 'Rely NOT upon your own understanding'; instead 'cast your burdens' upon Him to work things through, as per His Purpose and Plan for you.

Writing of today, it is my Mum's birthday; she would have been 92 years young! Am quoting my two posts that I wrote in 2007 and 2008. This will be an easier tidbit reference for you.

"Today, my Mum, 'MoMo', would have been 91 years of age! Hard to believe I know! There genuinely is not a day or thereabouts, that goes by, that I do not think of her! Interesting, the tidbit expression: 'You do not know what you have lost, until it is gone' - It is a most true bittid.

Also, with Remembrance Day on Nov 11th, this hits pretty close to home. My Mum's various family members gave of their lives, like so many others; so no better time than to Honour and Remember them for their sacrifices they made, for our Freedom! Same with my Dad's family and friends of that vintage; they were relentless in their fight for our Freedom.

The above photo is a picture of my Mum, my daughter, and myself taken in 2004.(You can refer to the tid posts of Nov 12/07 for some bit info if you wish). We have not changed much; save that my Mum, our 'MoMo', is no longer here, as she passed away in the summer of 2005. We have twin grandsons, age 2 years, (am a young Grandma!); and methinks, 'MoMo' would be a good name for the little ones to call me. Easy and simple to say; but more importantly, in memory to my Mum, since my children called my Mum, 'MoMo'.

My Mum was a courageous and feisty woman; she had to have been, as she had endured much in her later years. She was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the esophagus in 1998; however it went into remission, until her passing in 2005. Nonetheless, she was not able to swallow; so there was a 'feeding tube' surgically inserted down her throat and out through her stomach. That area of the stomach had a protective cap when not in use. In order for her to be fed, she was linked up to a machine (she called her 'dancing partner'), and the liquid nutrition (Ensure)was given to her via tubes. It took approx 1.5 hr per feeding; and there were 3 feedings per day; followed in between, with an hour approx of flushing / cleaning out the system with water. We would take her, her 'dancing partner', and her caregiver out as much as we could; as the change of scene did wonders for my Mum's spirits. ie Pasley in the summers; she totally LOVED that place! She also had ostereoposis; and her back looked like the 'Hunchback of Notre Dame'; however, she wore larger pieces of clothing; and was able to still look 'chic'."

"Have included my Nov 12, 2007 post as an easy reference; because.....

"I had the luxury of sleeping in this am; until 8:45! Mind you, we watched a movie quite late into the night; so the morning arrived quickly! The movie, "Dunkirk" really hit home a message about the struggles, battles, and sacrifices, made during the Second World War. Very timely, re: November 11, Rememberance Day.

There is a huge rain and wind storm swirling all around us. The winds are fierce; branches falling everywhere; just hope our tid cottage is still standing! Last year in November, the winds took down several trees; and "smushed" our bit sleeping cabin.

Wanted to remember my Mum's birthday; today if she were on earth, she would have been 90 years young!!! She had quite the life; and saw and lived through much. So, Mum, "Happy Birthday" - There is not a day that passes, that I do not think of you. Strange how you remember those who have gone, more so, had they still been living. Or with me, anyway. I did spend a lot of time with my Mum; so fortunately, I have happy memories of her!

Tidbit - You never know what you have lost, until it is gone from you. If you can, remember the loved ones in your lives, that are STILL alive. Make a genuine effort to restore broken relationships; before it is too late; because then, there will be a lament; on your part.

Bittid - Keeping a 'door open' is always best; however, there is the expression: "You can take a horse to water; but you can't make it drink". So very true!

To those who wish to have memories without a tragic lament, enjoy your loved ones while they are still living. Appreciate them now, because, when they are gone, they are gone.

The above photo is of my Mum, my daughter, and yours truly. Three generations!!!"

In closing, just want to reiterate 'Happy Birthday MoMo'; and at the appropriate tid time a bit later, will raise a glass of champagne to Mum (and Dad) and say 'Skal' and 'Absent Friends'. 'Absent Friends' is an old Norwegian custom; whereby you drink to, or toast someone who is elsewhere (could be dead or just not present at the time, that you are thinking about). 'Skal' means 'Cheers'. Am adding, "Thanks again, MoMo, for being my Mum!"

Now back to TODAY. We will be appreciative for a champagne toast to my Mum (and to my Dad), when we have certain bittidz 'issues put to bed', if you will. We will also be all the more appreciative of 'something to look forward to!' However, HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM AND THANK YOU FOR BEING MY MUM! I only remember the happy moments with her. I will never forget how her eyes would light up, sparkle and dance, when we did something 'special' for her! We attempted to do something 'special' each time we saw her. To bring a smile to her face, was a wonderful Blessing for her and for us!

There are times when it is NOT easy to being a parent, and we all learn as the years pass. My Mum had her moments; but then don't we all? My Mum did the best she could (nobody is perfect, save for HIM); and inasmuch as she and my Dad adopted me at birth, I think that that what they did, is a pretty huge BLESSING! So, thank you again! Have written some earlier posts on that as well.

You can see it is the same photo; do not think I have 'aged' too much. LOL! The 'key' is to be graceful with your age; and ENJOY! Being 'young at heart', comes to mind! LOL! My Dad always would say; "Laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone". If 'smiling' is a bit foreign to you, practice in front of a mirror (don't worry, it won't crack) and it is amazing how much of a Blessing you are to others, when you GIVE or radiate a genuine smile! Plus, you feel better too! I wrote a couple of tid posts on 'Never Better'; and that holds true as well.

Have to go for now.

Peace and God Bless.

'Lest we forget'

Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world.

Last night, we watched a tidbit documentary on the rise and fall of Adolf Hilter, his Nazi party, as well as the SS. Hitler had visions to use his totalitarian regime to conquer the world; and to subjugate anyone or any group not in his favour!

This documentary continued late into the night, and the truth of the attrocities are finally being brought to bittid light. Actual footage taken at the time, in black and white coverage, exposed the horrid findings and cruel acts.

Today, November 11th, Remembrance Day, we are remembering and honouring all those courageous men and women of all nations, who valiantly fought and gave of their lives to preserve our Democracies and our Freedoms.

My Dad was active in World War 2; and he chose not to discuss with me about his involvement, in any tid way, shape, or form. I remember as a child, I wanted to know; because I was curious about the history; inasmuch, as we were not being taught much of World Wars 1 & 2 in school. Save that he shared, it was a matter of survival; and the choice was simple: either 'kill or be killed'. Thus, as a Norwegian, he was always 'ready, willing, and able', to attempt to be successful in any and all of the operations, he was involved in. To disrupt the enemy plans and defeat them.

All I can say, is 'good on my Dad and all the others who did the same!' Alas, our older family members have since passed away; and by and large, our family knows very little bittidz of what really took place. That being said, today is, indeed, an extra special day to say 'Thank you to all those, who took part to give us all and future generations a better life'.

I spent a good bit of today going through old photo albums; and in a way, I wish I had persisted more with my tidbitz questions. Lots of pictures; but no dates, no write ups, no nothing. Actually I did continue to be inquisitive; but my Dad was firm with his resolve, saying he would have none of it. My Mum was also involved to a lesser extent; however, she was 'Mum' as well.

Tidbit - "Lest we Forget'. May we never ever forget to honour and remember all those who fought; and fight even now for our freedom!

Bittid - Take a stand for what you know to be just and right. 'Fence sitting' achieves nothing.

In today's world, we need to be all the more, equipped with the full armour of God.

"Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins
with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;
in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be
able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the
helmut of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God."
(Ephesians 6: 14-17)

If you wish, you can refer to 'Remembrance Day' as per my November 11/08 post for a bit of background. May we never take Freedom for tid granted!

We also Pray for the Holy Spirit to provide us all with Understanding, Wisdom, Guidance, Grace, and Blessings.

Good Night, Peace, and God Bless.