Steadfast Blessings

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

Well ('well' can be a rather deep subject; if you wish you can refer to my June 13/07post for a bit of background), here it is again, the start of another week! We totally 'vegged out' yesterday; and we were thankful that it was Sunday, and we took the 'Day of Rest' to heart. We puttzed about in the garden, did a tid of tidying up inside our house; but especially appreciated our Blessings, that we have in abundance!

Took some pictures of our tidbitz patio / garden; showing the bloom of our pink hibiscus. There is also a pale yellow one, which is on the brink of bursting into bloom. Due to the harsh past winter, many of the plants did not survive; and / or, in this case, are flowering at this later time. Methinks, 'better late than never', as the expression goes. That saying can apply to so many things. ie Contacting / visiting people, tackling tedious tasks that one keeps putting off, etc. As mentioned a bittidz ago, 'etc' is a very good word to aptly describe 'the whole nine yards'. You may be able to see also the faint showing of MORE pink blooms of our Queen Elzabeth Climbing rose; as well as some ripening cherry tomatoes!

Last night for a simple tasty meal, we enjoyed tortellini (Costco benefit again!) with butter, tidbit seasonings, and parmesan cheese. PLUS, Sweet Basil (mixed in with the pasta), and some of the fresh cherry tomatoes! There is nothing nicer than savouring fresh produce from your own garden, right? And of course, a glass of red vino (South African!) to add to the ambience. Also, took another couple of photos of our amazing orchid (from Costco!), that Alan 'nursed' with TLC. You can refer to my August 5th post of 'Blessings bloom' FYI, if you wish.

This morning, when Alan took Blue out for his walk, he came across four trellis' that were discarded in our complex's garbage bin. Another treasure! We have 'found' so many items from this area; and we are delighted with the trellis; as they will be wonderful to encourage our climbing clematis plants. Just the other day, I was saying to Alan that we are in need of some trellis to our bittid garden; and 'Lo and Behold', look what shows up! To us, that is a Blessing!

Watched and embraced the Vision Channel yesterday morning; and WOW! I will share some 'tidbits' in later posts, however, it is best to check the sites out for yourselves to gain further bittids of knowledge. ie 'Seek and Ye Shall Find' ie. '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.

If any of you feel a bittid down, discouraged, 'hard done by', weary, etc. the stories and teachings of these International Bible Teachers are very helpful and full of encouragement! ie. Patrick, an awesome guest on 'Hour of Power' shares some of his empowering story. We think we have our challenges! 'Well', listen to that one!

On 'Enjoying Everyday Life', Joyce is sharing insights / teachings on how to maintain a 'calm', a joy, and a peace during adversity.

Charles' continuing topic ' Take off your Shoes' is excellent. ie. The story of Moses parallels our lives today. In Isaiah 52:7a, there is mention of 'beautiful feet and how beautiful feet bring good news!' Best if you hear what empowering insights Charles shares with us! Makes me instantly think of when my Mum first met Alan; and immediately she complimented Alan, by saying: 'You have beautiful feet!'. Alan is a wonderful mentor for me; and following the next two paragraphs, is an excerpt, from my August 18/08 post - 'Genuiness'.

The interesting thing is, I am still enjoying my coffee that Alan makes for me, and brings to me most days; unless I am up very early. The quoted passage is still applicable today; and, after seven years, we 'continue to continue'; as well as heartily welcoming 'good cheer'. We are appreciative for each and every day; as if a 'mini' Thanksgiving. Blessings abound for us all; regardless of 'trials and tribulations!' AND, we always 'PRAISE Him In ALL Things!'. In the tough times, we remind ourselves to continue to THANK Him for our Blessings; and to keep ASKING Him for 'UNDERSTANDING' and 'GUIDANCE' for each day. 'Keeping things simple' works best; and 'taking joyful delight' in the little things, helps keep one genuinely focused in their daily walk and BLESSINGS with Christ.

Should also add, that the other tidbit comment my Mum made to Alan upon their first introduction, was that he 'smelled nice'. My Mum adored Alan; I am Thankful they had such a special friendship. Now that I think about it, my Mum never complimented any other gentlemen in that manner; so I will appreciate her words as a Blessing, as an endorsement of 'good news!'

"Alan is from a Christian family; and it was Alan who genuinely helped me accept Jesus Christ as my Saviour. Since that time, our lives have been taking many amazing turns (most would not believe it); and the fact that I have 'changed' (because Alan has 'brainwashed' me; and, indeed, he has not!), are angry, jealous, spiteful, etc - just because.

Alan has been the scapecoat and the whipping boy, as well as myself; however, that is fine. We are happy and are enjoying our lives; regardless of the ups and downs. Our Faith in Him has wonderfully Blessed our Marriage and our lives together. You can refer to my post of June 10/08 etc, if you wish to read about 'Our Answer to Prayer'.

Anyway, I am enjoying my cup of coffee, whilst writing my blog. Alan and I have done / are doing a lot of reflecting and it really DOES get down to being 'genuine'. We are so grateful that we met, fell in love, and each day just gets better; and this has now been approx 6 years. There were and still are those that oppose our marriage. Alas for them, that they did /do not wish to take the time to have a genuine understanding of the Truth; but perhaps they are more comfortable with their own versions, false gossip, or divisive heresay. And instead of being happy for us, they are not; but all the sadder for them, in that they do not appear to be content with their own lives. And yet, there IS a Solution; and that IS Him. If some would turn to Him, their lives too, would be 'changed' for the better and for the best. Alan has been a 'messenger' in His Service; and that is the simple TRUTH of it.

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

Bittid - Commandment # 8 - 'Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour'."

Methinks I wrote a longer post than I thought. I feel I was GUIDED strongly by His Holy Spirit to share this extra tidbit, with you today. Whilst writing it, I have received a bittid of an uplift as well. He uses us all in various ways to touch hearts and to genuinely reach out to others, to share the message of the 'good news' and to be of steadfast 'good cheer' to all!

Peace and God Bless.