Being Expectant and Thankful!

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

I used to write several posts; and my apologies for not having posted as many. However, when I do write, it is what it is. I like the expression - 'What you see, is what you get.' I will be making more of an effort to write more frequently; regardless of 'life getting in the way' at tid times.

As some of you know, I really enjoy watching the ministerial programs on the Vision Channel, as well as now appreciating the Joy10 T.V. station. The ministeries offer such encouragement and hope. For those of you who have 'trials and tribulations' etc, here are but a few of my favourites!

In Touch Minsistries' (Dr. Charles Stanley); 'Living Truth' (Charles Price); 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (Joyce Meyer); John Hagee (Cornerstone Church); Joel Osteen (Lakewood Church) that you can tune into. At the same time, I thank all the ministries for their teachings and time etc.

As of late, I have especially appreciated the five ministries I have just mentioned; as they have been very uplifting and helpful to me (and Alan), in our daily journey in Christ.

Just now, I 'happened' to turn to see what Joel's inspiring message is for today (actually week for June 17th) and this is NO coincidence, folks! ie. This morning, before I got up, I was in 'Prayer Dialogue.' thinking and doing the same . Here is an empowering message from Joel and I hope this gives you a bit of good cheer to the start of your day(s).

"#542, Waiting With Expectancy
Much of life is spent waiting. It’s how we wait that makes all the difference.Psalm 5:3 says “Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.” Waiting with expectancy means instead of worrying if God is going to answer a prayer, you’re thanking God for working behind the scenes, talking like His miracle is just around the corner, and acting like the answer is on it’s way. That’s active faith—praising God and having an unshakeable confidence that what He promised He will do!"

My Dad was always full of expectancy and certain things he did, albeit against all odds, came to awesome fruition! There were many 'naysayers' etc and upon reflecting, I know he received the Blessing of vision to reap the harvest of his life dreams.

Tidbit - Wait with Expectancy! It is by being confident in Him, and having the Trust that He will Provide.

Joel Osteen was also sharing about 'open doors' and 'closed doors.' We all want to have breakthroughs and go through 'open doors.' However, there are times, when God 'closes a door' and it is for our own good; eventhough we may not see it at the time. He loves us that much! Hurrah! It is only 'later', and looking back on experiences, that one understands and appreciates Him all the more. In this regard, Alan and I have been faced with many obstacles (ie 'closed doors') but we have persisted in daily FAITH. We know that 'something is going to give.' So, we have been and are Waiting with bold and joyful Expectancy! That makes things a whole lot tidbit simpler!

Bittid - Thank God for 'closing doors' if that is His Will. He, knows what is BEST for each and every one of us. Believe that He, indeed, has a much better plan for you! 'When a door closes, He opens another!"

I find that if one consistently makes the time to spend with Him, He makes time for you. It is amazing how one's spirits are refreshed and comforted when one turns to Him, as their Refuge and Strength.

We recently celebrated 'Mother's Day' and 'Father's Day'. Alas, my parents are no longer alive. That being said, I am a 'mother' and I just want to suggest that we should also 'celebrate' / appreciate genuine kindness from our children.

ie. This year, my son gave me a beautiful message in a 'Mother's Day Card', and I have been appreciative ever since. I will share the thoughtful message in a bittid moment. Also, the photos are of the wonderful mug he made for me last year. I enjoy drinking my elixir (coffee) every morning from it.

Also, we have been working in our bittidz garden, which includes a variety of tidbitz veggies and there is nothing like having 'home grown' produce! ie. Lettuce, garlic chives, parsley etc. Extra good at this time of year! While we were planting, we also repotted 2 plants (roses) that my daughter gave me last year and the year before for Mother's Day.

We are also appreciative of the birds (hummingbirds etc) that are stopping by to partake in the garden. We are making our location into a 'home' and we are very thankful.

Here is the wonderful message that was on the card from my son (# 1 son! LOL! - true though!). On the outside of the card it reads: 'No Gift To My Mother CAN EVER EQUAL HER GIFT TO ME.' On the inside of the card, were the handwritten words: "Mum, I wanted to acknowledge all the great things you did for me over my lifetime - thank you. I have learned quite a lot from you and these have been invaluable assets as I continue to grow and walk on this soil. Thank you Mum. Much love."

Have also learned much from my son (Thank you!). Actually, no matter what age a person is, one can always learn and be appreciative!

Have to go for now. Here is wishing you a nice weekend. Will keep you posted more often.

Peace and God Bless.

Living in Faith!

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

It has been a tidbitz of a while since I last wrote a post. Alan and I have been working on many options, and each and every day has been a full one! Reflecting, we have experienced and gone through many 'ups and downs.' Certain doors that we thought were opening, were in fact closing. BUT, then we have found that other doors are opening. Apart from persistence to keep on trekking , we have also had to have a great deal of 'patience.' Patience is NOT easy; particularly when one faces 'trials and tribulations.' and / or 'let downs.' The wonderful words from Psalm 46:10 - "Be still and know that I am God" have helped us to endure and 'stay the course'; yet to also be 'ready' when opportunities present themselves.

To recap and refer to my post of May 4th, ('A spirit of Thanksgiving'), the following message from Philippians 4:6 is 'music to my ears.' "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." Apart from stating that verse out loud several times a day and also saying a few of our other favourite verses, we have managed to 'keep afloat.' Again, not an easy matter.

However, app a week ago, we received an 'Answer to Prayer.' We were Provided with a resolution to some immediate difficulties; and the solution 'came right of the blue.' We have been extra thankful ever since and we know that the Holy Spirit has been and is at work! He has sustained us; one day at a time. We are discovering that living one day at a time, works best. A lot of people may not understand that thought; yet it does help to 'weather the storms.'

At the end of each day (even if exhausted), one can go to sleep knowing that we survived that day and, indeed, we have many Blessings to be thankful for! And, to just keep on trekking, remembering to 'Praise Him in ALL Things' regardless, of what your lot might be at that bittidz moment.

Two nights ago (in the middle of the night) I was having earnest 'Prayer Dialogue' with Him; and was 'Directed' to the Bible, which reassured me, that He definitely has a good plan for each and every one of us. I quite literally asked Him, in the Name of Jesus Christ, if He would do a miracle for me / for us; and acknowledging Him with genuine gratitude at the same time. I was feeling quite discouraged, weary, and down trodden and ASKED for His Help. The Bible literally flew open at Mark 5 and my eyes were immediately directed towards the passage on 'Miracles and Healing.' I was ecstatic! The story about the poor woman in the crowd, who touched His robe in sheer FAITH. Christ's response (verse 34) to her: "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your affliction." This is hugely reassuring, and these words of comfort, truly 'speak' to me! In verse 36, Christ's words: "Do not be afraid any longer, only believe." What a boost! Plus, I was able to fall into a deep sleep!

The next day (yesterday), I was again 'helped' with resolution to another obstacle. It was as if something that appeared 'impossible' was made possible! Again, 'ALL things are possible with Him.' One just has to CONTINUE to believe in faith, and Trust in Him to direct your path, as per His Purpose and Plan, in accordance with His Will.

Tidbit - When everything appears to be overwhelming, just step back and listen to the empowering words: "Be still and know that I am God." There are tid times, when one has to literally exercise with the feat of patience and allow Him to Intervene.

Bittid - Be thankful for all your Blessings, each and every day and help uplift others along the way.

Had made mention of some baby robins in the May 4th post. ie." We also have a pair of robins that are building a nest in the side hedge and it is quite an exciting event to watch the flurry of activity!" It is now a major flurry of activity; as 2 or 3 babies have hatched within the last week. We have heard them chirping loudly for food; and have been able to catch a glimpse of little beaks stretching upwards! Also, we saw one of the baby robins yesterday, and he is an incredibly good size! Albeit he is still being mouth fed worms by his parents, he is being taught how to fly. We saw him sitting on the fence; but he did not sit for long! He flew! We missed perhaps his first intro attempts to fly; but he is doing well. Made me think that 'one must not sit on the fence, in fear. It is in the trying, even if one fails. I was given a plaque several years ago and the inspirational message by Theodore Roosevelt is so true!

ie. "The Credit Belongs" - "The credit belongs to those who are actually in the arena, who strive valiantly, who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spend themselves in a worthy cause; who at the best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if they fail, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

Could not help but think of the baby robin who dared to fly and for that matter, for the rest of us, to just keep on trekking and being thankful for our daily Blessings, at the same time! Have also, experienced many an ephifany and learning curves this past tidbit little while.

Here are a couple of pictures; of the robiin sitting on the fence and then to the tree that he / she flew up to. The family nest is in the hedge to the left; well hidden and protected. Also, we have finished planting our bit garden and we are looking forward to the fresh produce and colourful flowers. Will keep you posted on those blooming Blessings as well!

Peace and God Bless.