Monday 7 December 2009

Bolstered spirits!















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

Where have the tid days gone? Too quickly, methinks. We have been diligently working towards fruition of our endeavours. Our projects have taken a lot longer than we would have ever expected or envisioned. The worldwide financial debaucle of the past fifteen months, has been more of a hindrance, than a help. Am sure a lot of you, can relate; going through hoops, and then some! Timing too, plays such a huge part. We are now faced with making a major tidbitz decision; and that will depend on the progress made today and tomorrow. We have a couple of options in mind; but we are Asking Him to Guide our path, as 'He IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the 'LIGHT'.

On Saturday morning, we received a surprise visit from my son. He brought over some cinnamon buns (wonderful with freshly brewed coffee!) and a nine foot high Christmas tree! Alan and I have never had a live tree; so this was extra special for us! The ONLY place for the tree, is in our front foyer, with the sixteen foot high skylights. Inasmuch as Alan had to rest his leg, my son moved our other plants (one now very large) to make room for this magnificent creation. My son will be coming over this week; and we three, will enjoy a festive evening of decorating the tree, listening to Christmas Carols, and perhaps having a sip of rum and egg nog. LOL!

We had some small plastic trees; which I ended up giving away to my children. As we had the 'Charlie Brown' artificial (but very real looking)good sized tree, that Alan 'found' in our garbage compound a few summers ago. Writing of plastic trees, yesterday, Alan 'found' another small one, perfect bittidz condition, as it was carefully preserved in a plastic bag! Amazing what people 'throw out'. Wow! We were at a friend's yesterday afternoon for her Christmas 'craft and bake sale'; and in support, we bought a few items. As it happens, the three tiny decorations will look great on our new found treasure.

Saturday night, we went out to a 'Wassail Party'; and apart from the refreshing appies / food, and 'bubbly', at no cost, it was a nice touch of appreciation for all of us who attended the event. Alan fortunately had a comfortable chair to retreat to; when his leg was sore. He is recovering well; walks with a cane; and will be seeing the physio today and the surgeon tomorrow.

Yesterday, I embraced the Vision Channel! 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). The three programs are so enlightening and refreshing. Eventhough, this past week has been a tough one; my spirits were / are gratefully bolstered! Thank you to these illuminating ministries!

At the moment, I will share some tidbits from 'Hour of Power'. Art Linkletter was a guest on the show; and when he was asked in the interview by Dr. Schuller: "What's your secret of keeping going?" His gem response was: "And so you have to learn gradually through life that the tragedies and the opportunities are both coming, and if you live with faith, and you live with humor, and you live with curiosity, and you live with the idea that you're going to make the best of everything that happens, because that's what the Lord wants you to do." I like that positive response!

More bittids - 'No barrier is too great for God's power'; was delivered by Pastor Jason Frenn. ie. "Faith is your greatest asset in overcoming the barriers that keep you from moving forward. If you have enough guts to walk through that door, God will open the door. And when you act in accordance to what you believe, the hand of God moves". "Friend, I want to tell you, I don't know what it is that you're facing. I know that there are people who are facing financial difficulties, marital difficulties, physical difficulties. I know there are people having problems with their family and, as you go into the holiday, you're thinking, "Here we go again." I know there are people here who don't know where they're going to go to get their next meal. I know that some have no idea what tomorrow holds. But I do know one thing - that God loves you and he comes with power to set the captive free and he will work powerfully in your life because he loves you he sees you as the apple of his eye, and that's the truth. I wrote this book entitled "Breaking the Barriers." It's very near and dear to my heart and, if you're facing issues, I want to highly encourage you to get a copy of this book. As a matter of fact, if you're facing a lot of barriers you might want to pick up a case. It's a great way to start the new year. A great way to go forward and begin moving in the direction that you believe God has destined you to walk."

Truthfully, I was feeling a bit discouraged on the Sunday morning; yet these words from these wonderful people, were just what I needed to hear; and hence more empowering ephifanies! My suggestion for those of you going through some challenging times, check out their websites, for the inspirational teachings they impart. In the next post or so, I will joyfully share a tidbit re: 'Enjoying Everyday Life'; followed by 'Hour of Power', in later bittid post. God does ANSWER Prayers; and so far, it would appear, that Alan and I have received either a NO, or just a bunch of 'delays'. I TRUST that He has a better plan; and we have 'resigned' ourselves to HIS WILL. What will be, will be. A cliche perhaps. but true.

We are celebrating our Christmas dinner on the 25th; and all my children (includes our wee grandchildren; twin boys - age three) will be here! Fortunately, we have 'leafs' for our dining room table, so that will accomodate us all. Methinks, this will be the best Christmas ever; as we will all be together! My parents will be there 'in spirit'; and we will say a 'Skal to Absent Friends' in their memory. My parents used to put on awesome Christmas dinners; and thankfully, my children remember those fun times as well! My daughter has offered to bring an appetizer, a bumbleberry pie (or a strawberry rhubarb pie), some beer, wine, and / or champagne. We will supply some wine, the turkey, Alan's Scottish oatmeal stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce and gravy, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, and a yummy yam casserole (flavoured with Madeira). We will also be doing a Christmas morning breakfast; and methinks my son, who lives close by, will participate with us in that as well.

Have to go for now. May be back later today; if not tomorrow. I love the above photo image; with its powwerful message!

Peace and God Bless.

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