'Making the time'

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

Woke up to gorgeous, sunny, clear blue skies, 36 to 38 degrees F; plus a very strong wind chill factor. The forecast was / is for snow? Regardless of 'wintery' weather reports, tonight we 'Spring Forward'; and the extra tidbit hour of daylight will be a wondeful Blessing! Methinks later this afternoon, (in my head) I will set the time forward, so that when tomorrow morning arrives, I will be in synct with the new clock change.

Right now, our Blue is basking contentedly in the rays of 'sunshine', found at the top of our stairs. It is as if dogs have an instinct to pick their bittid spots; mind you, why not!

We are delighted it is the tid weekend; am sure you can relate, particularly if you have had a full blown week yourselves. We are going to enjoy today; have a bit of business to attend to; as well as doing some 'admin' tasks. Methinks I may have mentioned that I am more of a 'people person'; however, filing and organization of our bittidz files needs to be done! We can not put it off any longer! LOL! Always feel such a relief, when the 'admin duties' have been addressed and tackled.

Just brought to mind, about 'making the time'. It is true, one is inclined to 'make time' for what they enjoy; and yet procrastinate for the less pleasing tasks. So, over the weekend, we will create the tidbitz moments to sort and establish a better 'admin system'. It is said, 'turn your weaknesses into strengths' - well, in this regard, I won't go as far as that; but we will certainly be setting up a more cohesive filing. Am glad it is a bright day; so armed with cups of coffee (maybe a glass of vino later in the day), we will make strides and progress with joyful spirits!

Tidbit - 'Make the time'; regardless of how 'busy' you find yourselves. Even if it is to spend more time with a family member, or whatever.

Bittid - May as well 'choose' to enjoy, and have fun in tackling 'tasks' that appear to be less appealing.

Have to go for now; may be back later; if not tomorrow! I love the above photo image, with its awesome message!

God Bless.

Happy R & R!

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

We have experienced a full day thus far - since 7:45 am! ie. Tidbit expressions such as: 'Out of bad, comes good!'; 'Circumstances make the man'; 'Feast or Famine'; and, 'It never rains, but it pours!'

Eventhough, it has been an active day of 'consternation', there have been many 'interesting' issues brought to light! We are hopeful for 'An Answer' within the next four to five days; if not sooner. Now, we must simply WAIT upon Him to Provide the Solutions, He WANTS to enlighten and Bless us with! We have 'thrown' everything onto Him; as He Asks that, of us all. Also, we are taught that He does not give us more burdens, than we can carry at any one time. Well, we have ASKED Him to carry all our Burdens (we have several); and that whatever is His Purpose, OKAY; We TRUST Him! - ALL in Accordance to His Will and in His Time.

I take strong solace and to heart, Robert Schuller's (Dr. Robert Schuller's son) wonderful comment: "When you are down to nothing, He IS up to something!" (meaning He is up to something good for you!) Alan and I have appreciative understanding and empathy as to what those wise words mean!

Tidbit - 'Live one day at a time. He wants us to "Give Him Today"; and not to fret or be angst about tomorrow.

Bittid - 'Praise Him In ALL Things'; regardless of what your circumstances are; AND, be THANKFUL always for your Blessings.

This morning, I had a 'good chat' with Him, methinks. Basically Prayed the above; and simply ASKED Him for His Guidance, His Words of Wisdom, and Understanding. That He has a Purpose; and eventhough we do not understand His Purpose, we are 'learning lessons' along our walk; and that we are always grateful for our Blessings from Him.

Basically folks, I just 'Laid it all upon Him'; and I tid you not, when I say shortly afterwards, we received some 'out of the blue' tidbitz calls to the GOOD! As well as some other bittidz calls that have have been most 'illuminating'. ie The 'greed' of others has been exposed - by their own bittid 'words, actions, and deeds'; and the TRUTH has its 'way' of 'showing up'. It has been a good tid day thus far; as,'HE IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIGHT!'

Will keep you posted. 'Glad it is Friday and the weekend again!' I feel as if I just uttered those glorious bit words last Friday and so forth. I love the above tidbitz photo that I took last year, of our fireplace and the beautiful pink Queen Elizabeth Rose, from our garden! Bittidz buds are bursting forth with life all around us; and this afternoon is gorgeous! Methinks 'Spring is just around the corner'; and this is the weekend, we move our clocks forward ('Spring Forward'), one hour ahead! Hurrah!

Here is wishing you a nice evening, and a happy R & R weekend.

Peace and God Bless.

'Healthy Food for thought' tidbits

Good Afternoon,

It has turned into a beautiful sunny afternoon! We have just returned from picking up some tid food accompaniments from our local shopping market. We did a major 'hull' on Saturday; and, if you wish, you can refer to my February 28th post: 'A calculator can save you money, when you shop!' Since we knew we needed only a few bit groceries, a calculator was not necessary; however, we find it to be extremely helpful when we are selecting multi items at Costco.

'Living Truth', with Charles Price provides such meaningful depth. Methinks, to best understand Christ's teachings, it is better if you read 1 Corinthians 13 in its entireity (at least v 1-8), 1 Corinthians 12:31; 1 Corinthians 14:1; and Philippians 2:2-5, to fully appreciate His message. Basically, 'without love, you have nothing; and without the spirit of love, you can give nothing'. It is the 'Fruit of the Spirit' that indwells within you, when you accept Jesus Christ into your heart. Humility of the 'Spiritual Gifts', and genuine consideration for others, etc help a Church (the Body of Christ) to be more dynamic and effective. Alas, there are many Churches (buildings) that are not dynamic and effective. We agree with Charles' viewpoint; and he explains it so well. www.livingtruth.ca.

Tidbit - Do your best to eat healthy snacks and meals! You need to have all your strength, for whatever is on your plate.

Since we bought 'the larder of a month's supplies' at Costco, we are all the more careful and joyful in the preparation of our food. 'Waste Not, Want Not', a sage expression my Mum always said; and it is amazing how various dishes can be creatively 'stretched' to make 'room for one more!' Not necessarily for a second helping for that meal; instead, to anticipate towards the next repas or even two! We had leftover roasted potatoes; which I diced and threw into our tasty cheese and green onion omelette of last night. The accompanying salad, sliced tomatoes on the side, also hit the spot; as did the glass of red vino!

Bittid - Turn things around, if you are not happy with your situation! 'Out of bad, comes good!'

Have always believed that to be true; and just a tidbitz tweak to a positive frame of mind, is like a flicker of light or a light bulb being 'switched on'.

Will keep you posted on any latest bittids with our business endeavours. Today's word on 'Maureen', is that she will remain in the hospital, until she is well enough to return home. We think she may have been 'released' too soon; and it caused her more harm than good.

Hope you have been uplifted by these 'food for thought' tidbits today.

Peace and God Bless.

'Stalwart' - I like that word!

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

Have been up with the birds; and now that the dawn is heralding earlier, there is something 'peaceful' about being the first one up in the household! Blue, our Blue Heeler, of course, kept me company; albeit he was still snoozing. Writing of Blue, Alan and I have decided that it will be less traumatic (for us! LOL!) to give Blue his tid bath in the tub, rather than in the shower. The bath tub has a shower 'nozzle'; and that is the simplest 'no fuss, less muss' route.

Am enjoying a cup of wonderful coffee from my favourite mug; and, eventhough we have nicer and 'fancier' types of china cups / mugs, I usually inhale my daily morning brew from this thirty five year old 'stalwart'. (The four photos are taken in our bedroom, along with the beautiful bay window, overlooking a tranquil treelike setting; which we love!). I always feel such a loving comfort with this mug; methinks, the cheery colours, as well as the two reassuring Irish Blessings.

Mentioned (April 30/07 post, 'A Tribute to my Dad') that I was 'adopted'. One tidbit thing I did not mention (forgot!) was that apart from the two blood parents being Norwegian, the two sets of blood grandparents were Norwegian on one side; and a mix of Norwegian and IRISH on the other side! Have always had a 'soft spot' for the Irish (apart from the Norwegian Vikings!); perhaps because of their ancient history, charm, and the beauty of their 'Emerald Isle'. The parents I had, were / are my parents; because they brought me up. I also thought, I will 'never say or do that like my parents'; well? (June 13/07 post on the subject of 'well'). It is an amusing cycle; because there are some bittid sayings / habits I have; and now I am seeing it with my daughter, with her twin sons.

One of the institutions that we looked to for help with our bit business, agrees with our vision; the only problem is, that there are 'certain things in their mandate', that do not permit to lend at this time; and yet they have been funded by the government to help small and medium sized businesses. Like, go figure? Alan read an article in the local paper last night, that the CEO of this particular organization, expressed his view, that the money is available; however, there have been no entrepreneurs that have stepped up to the plate - words to that effect. I suggested to Alan that he call the CEO this morning; and 'knock on his door'. Like hello? Alan just called the organization; and our name was forwarded on to the head honcho; so we are awaiting a call back from him. We fit the requirements; plus the representative that we have been dealing with, also suggested that we should be in touch with the CEO. The rep is totally on our side; just have to 'fine tune' things here.

Need to go and attend to some bittidz matters; however, will be back later with tidbitz re: 'Living Truth' (Charles Price). Will give you his insightful website once again; in the event you want to learn more. www.livingtruth.ca.

As you know, I appreciate absorbing the Vision Channel on Sundays (when we are in town; along with my favourite mug in tow); and I enjoy sharing my tidbits re: their enlightening insights. However, for you to gain the utmost bittids, it is best for you to take the iniative, and tune into their websites (You can refer to the recent posts for background). Also, if you choose to let others know of their encouraging teachings and resources, you may be giving a 'down and out' person a new lease on their life and a positive perspective; as in 'Pay It Forward'.

Tidbit - Giving is a wonderful reward! You feel so good, when you help and think of others first. 'Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you'.

Bittid - Delight in the simple 'appreciations'. ie a favourite 'stalwart' coffee mug, beer stein, whatever brings a smile to your face! You can choose to have smile lines or frown wrinkles. Even during difficult times, practice smiling (even in the mirror - crack! LOL!); after a bit, you feel a whole lot tid better! LOL!

God Bless.

Green and peaceful

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

Already the 4th of March! The tid days are flying by us; and we are looking forward to seeing Spring! It is exciting to see all the new life budding all around us! We were up early today; and have made a number of key phone calls; as well as continuing in the process of 'brainstorming' new tidbit options.

Want to share some bittids of my appreciation for Joyce Meyer's insights re: 'Enjoying Everyday Life'. You can refer to yesterday's post, if you wish. Joyce and her guest, Pastor Phil Pringle, who is an artist and a writer, from Sydney Australia, were / are talking about the 'healing of the wounded spirit'. One of the four kinds of wounds, is where one's trust is broken and thus one needs a wholeness'. Phil's book, 'Healing the Broken Spirit', as well as Joyce's new book, available April 1st -'Never Give Up', are excellent resources to turn to for 'TLC' encouragement.

Joyce also tells the heartwrenching story about a girl named Valerie, who had tried to kill herself at age 19 years; as she had been molested by her Dad for fifteen years. She thought God hated her, as a result! Can you imagine? She had been placed in an institution; and years later, on a 'day pass', was sexually attacked. Back she went to the mental institution for another 5.5 years. She ended up writing a book, 'Managing Your Emotions'; and once 'she stopped blaming God, she started receiving Him'. Hence, with a new lease on her life, because of accepting Him into her heart, 'she now teaches and gives back to others'; and I think that is so noble. Good on her!

Joyce also went on to share that 'if you hang out with 'toxic' Christians, we react everytime, like an infected cut'. She then adds: 'The cut is sewed up by forgiveness', thus healing the wounded. 'TRUST Him and instead of asking Him 'Why?' (re: circumstances etc), simply say, "Okay, I Trust You, and I believe You can do something GOOD with this". "The devil is always trying to get us to compromise". Instead, 'keep the flow' (of the Holy Spirit working within and through you) and 'always do your best'.

Tidbit -When you are in a bittid 'spiritual battle', just keep on trekking; as He IS your Advocate! He has already WON! Here is Joyce's wonderful website again; well worth checking into! www.joycemeyer.org.

Bittid - Also, Robert Schuller Jr, who, in his insightful message with 'Hour of Power', says: "When you are down to nothing, you know He is up to something! Meaning He is up to something GOOD for you!". I keep hearing those majestic words or 'whispers'; and a patient peace, a comfort, and a confident calm infills me. During these uncertain times, one needs all the more, to remain positive and upbeat; having the focused Hope, Faith, and Trust in Him; and that you will 'weather the storm' with His Help, Guidance and Grace.

Tonight, we are going to enjoy further 'Costco benefits' of a delicious green Caesar type of salad, along with a cheese omelette and a bittidz of tasty seasonings. A glass of South African red wine as well! ('Skal' in advance re: our 'International' dinner!) As mentioned in the February 28th post, 'A calculator can save you money, when you shop!' I just added the 'title' now for that particular bit post; as I forgot to, in my enthusiasm for Costco and its tidbitz savings!

Tomorrow, I will share some tidbits re: 'Living Truth' with Charles Price. I love the above photo image; have enjoyed displaying it in some of my past posts. It looks very peaceful and so green! Spring and warmer weather is around the corner!

Here is wishing you all peace, Good Night, and God Bless.

Encouragement

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

Today, things have continued to be somewhat 'tumultous'; a carry over from yesterday. Small wonder, both Alan and I were ready to see our bed last night! You can refer to yesterday's post, if you wish.

Earlier this afternoon, we received an email / newsletter from Joyce Meyer Ministeries; and it arrived 'right at the right moment!'. THANK YOU, JOYCE!!! I saw her insightful video re: 'Encouragement in Difficult Times'; and it reinforced me to 'NOT TO GIVE UP'; no matter what tid is going on around us. Her website is: www.joycemeyer.org. I seriously recommned any of you, who want some refreshing encouragement, to tune into her site. She also offers wonderful resources to be of further help. I will be sharing a tidbitz tomorrow about 'Enjoying Everyday Life', and then on the day following (Thursday) on 'Living Truth' with Charles Price.

Will begin first, with a bittidz re: 'Hour of Power' (www.hourofpower.org) with Dr. Robert Schuller. ie. The guest speakers; and it is still best to check his site out, for your own tidbit knowledge and clarity. Methinks it is better to share tidbits on each ministry, one day at a time; so that you can appreciate each one more fully. However, for those of you, who are inspired asap to know more ('Seek and Ye Shall Find'), here are the websites, in order of T.V. appearance on the Vision Channel on Sunday mornings. www.hourofpower.org; www.joycemeyer.org; and www.livingtruth.ca.

'Hour of Power' - Dan Merchant, known as the 'Bumper Sticker Man' and Author of the book, 'Lord, Save us from your followers'; is also a T.V. film producer / writer. He invites open bittids of dialogue ('Bumper Sticker Man') with all those he meets, to have a better understanding / communication with the Lord. He basically shares: 'By having total Trust in Him for Truth, and the Power is 'letting' Him Guide you; not you, relying on yourself'.

Should mention too, that Jeannette, on the "Hour of Power', sang in a beautiful voice, 'I will try again'. Not sure if that was the name of the song; but it was peace to one's ears.

Also, on 'Hour of Power'. was Bill Hybels, Senior Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church, Illinois. We have heard him speak before on 'Hour of Power'; and he is an awesome inspiration! Still better for you to check out the websire, to receive the best info! He shares a story, based on a 'prompting' or 'a whisper from Him' (love that thought!), when he was out boating; and having reached the shore in the late afternoon / early evening. He ended up going to the place where he attended as a youth at a Christian camp and stood in the same bittid spot, where he first genuinely accepted Jesus Christ into his heart. He was not able to hail a taxi immediately (a small community); however, he was successful in locating a telephone number, to reach a 'person' who was motivated by earning some money. The 'person' was a young man, 'down on his luck', drove a beaten up vehicle, on empty. In addition to the fare, Bill offered to pay for some gas; in fact to fill it up. The beaming young man, as they were driving away from the gas station, said, 'It never has been filled before and it handles differently with a lead of fuel'. (I am thinking - WOW! Isn't that encouragingly true about everything!!!). Back to story; Bill visited the 'spot', where he stood years before; and on the return trip, the young man was full of questions! One of the questions: 'Would He still do it for a loser like me?' Bill's response: 'You are not a loser; you are made in the Image of God. You are someone who God wants to meet and adopt into His Family!' What a wonderful way of putting it! Bill listened to the 'Whisper from God' (ie in his morning Prayers, he ASKS God, to 'use him'. Thus Bill, was able to INFLUENCE this young man, to reflect, and be Saved by Him! You can refer to Luke 15 for the Biblical stories of the 'missing' - ie. the 'lost sheep', the 'lost coin', and the 'wayward son' for hope and encouragement!

Another heartwarming tale is a little closer to the heart; which involved Bill and his young son, when they were out windsurfing; ie with the little guy perched on Bill's shoulders. Both were not wearing lifejackets; and when the 'boat' overturned, there was no sign of his son. Pretty scary as a parent; feeling totally helpless! To make a long story short (if you link into the website, you can hear the full story for yourselves!), the Dad screamed his son's name (Todd); to the point where he had no voice left. God stepped in for the 'missing' in this case.

Bill asks the question: 'When is the last time that you have searched to Help someone who has gone away?' And, 'to be used by Him; always an eye and a heart for the outsider!' Also, as in a Church who 'reaches out'. In his Church's office, Bill sees a 'cosmic celebration' picture, of a 'Head Table', with a Banner. Imagine seeing your name on the Banner! HE (Jesus Christ) LOVES us all that much! Hope I have provided the 'gist'; however, I encourage you to tune into Bill Hybels. If we lived in his part of the world, I would be attending his teachings; he is very 'real'.

Reminds me of an amusing story when I was a youngster (may have told the tale in an older post); and I used to sit on my Dad's shoulders for 'waterskiing'. Usually, there was a friend to 'man the boat'; however, on this particular day, my Mum was the 'designated driver'. We started from the water, lifejackets on both of us (I was 6 years approx); and away we went! Whee around the bay! For whatever reason, my Dad fell - I think with my hands over his eyes; and gleefully and fearlessly shouting, 'Go Faster! Go Faster!' did not help matters! LOL! My Mum stopped the boat; we got ourselves 'ready to go again'; and my Mum put the boat in REVERSE! Full steam backwards! Yep, right at us, folks. My Dad (fortunately, he was an athelete), pulled with great dexterity, both him and myself under the water with lifejackets; just in time. We narrowly missed being 'smushed' by the propeller; as we saw it whirling close above us. Methinks that was a pretty close call! 'Someone' (Him, I now realize!) was watching out for us! My Mum never drove the boat again!

Tidbit - Do your best to keep your 'spirits up'. A sense of humour is a valuable tool!

Bittid - Just when you think about 'giving up'; do NOT! I was not going to 'give up'; eventhough I was a bittid discouraged. I was 'prompted' or 'heard a whisper' to go to my computer at that exact time; and there was Joyce's email! No kidding; and there are NO bit ooincidences here (have written a few posts on 'No Coincidences', if you wish to locate them). It was / IS a BLESSING; that 'perked me' right up! The 'message' came at the right time!

Just had a phone call from 'Maureen's' daughter to give us an update on Maureen. Not the best news. Apparently, Maureen has now 'picked up' a 'kidney infection', has 'pneumonia', an 'inflated' heart, and more blood clots. It was pretty much what my Mum went through when she remained in the hospital for her cancer checkup; although she did not have a pacemaker (she had a esophagus tube instead); but she 'went downhill' and rapidly - to her death. And yet, the hospital was where she had to be; but you wonder about 'infections', that were not present, before admittance? Maureen is a 'young' 79 years old! Her daughter lives in the United States; and has to return home; however will return on the weekend. Alan has just driven her to the bus stop; and we are on 'standby', if needed to 'pitch in'. We think we are experiencing our difficulties; but this is way worse! Appreciate and be thankful for your Blessings, comes to mind here! Also, just said an Interecessary Prayer for Maureen.

Will be back tomorrow; and I look forward to sharing some tidbitz thoughts that I learned and appreciated from Joyce on 'Enjoying Everyday Life'. Also, I have mentioned the word, 'encouragement' quite a bittidz of times in today's post; but isn't life all about giving! ie ENCOURAGEMENT to others in need! I LOVE the above photo image of 'Seek and Ye Shall Find'.

Good Night and God Bless.

'Special rooms'

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

Hope you are all well and enjoyed a good weekend! My apologies for not writing a post on Sunday, March 1st. More about that, in a bittidz.

On Sunday morning, I enjoyed the Vision Channel; will share some tidbitz tomorrow on these three insightful International Bible Teachers! However, I repeat, to appreciate further knowledge and depth, it is best for you to check out their websites for yourselves. 'Hour of Power' (Dr. Robert Schuller) was / is uplifting; with again, inspirational guest speakers! (www.hourofpower.org); 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (Joyce Meyer), was /is wonderful! (www.joycemeyer.org); and 'Living Truth' (Charles Price) was / is also enlightening! (www.livingtruth.ca).

Going back to yesterday, we had a 'restful' day; and 'just chilled out'. Earlier, in the middle of the night, our neighbour, 'Maureen' (You can refer to the recent posts, if you wish a bittid of background), had to return to the 'ER' again. Apparently, there are now some blood clots; so she is remaining in hospital until 'things settle down'. Feels strange to see her dark 'empty house' across the way; even more so, because of what has befallen her. Fortunately, her son and daughter are in constant touch with us, to keep us posted. An intercessary Prayer goes out to you, Maureen.

May have made mention in a recent post, that last week, I did a bit of reorganizing or 'spring cleaning' of our second bedroom. The sofa bed can now be pulled out with ease; and there is a tid more room, with less clutter. Also, went through old family memoralia, photo albums, as well as hanging more wonderful family pictures on the walls. The room is not a 'shrine'; and yet, it feels as if the room has 'come to life'. I always experience a gentle warmth, whenever I enter this 'special' room. Plus, the morning sun is glorious; and this room seems to 'beam!'

We have a bookshelf crammed full of books; some of which are very old; as in 200 to 300 year old 'antique books'. Wow, I thought! Sunday afternoon found me going through all the books; and it did not feel like three hours had passed by me, as I was so engrossed with each and every book. Ended up rearranging the books; so that the 'categories' are now 'together' for easier finding. Books to me are like a 'treasure'; have never been able to just 'throw a book out'. You may have tidbit guessed it! Apart from being our guest bedroom, this will also be a 'reading room'; the same room that has the Tony Gazelle machine (the walking exercise machine).

Am going to 'discipline' myself in the early mornings, to exercise my mind, as well as the body in that wonderful bittid room. There is also a T.V. (my Mum's neat old T.V.); so that will be great to watch and listen to, while I go on my 'daily indoor morning walks'. The floral sofa bed is from my dear friend (alas, she has been dead for two years); and it fits in beautifully with the cosy decor.

As a further 'keep fit', we will be starting our swimming in the complex pool soon; now that our ears have finally cleared up. Have yet to give Blue his 'bath'; shower will be more like it. Will let you know how he does; or how we do giving him a 'bath!' LOL! (You can refer to my February 27th post, 'Stick with it!', if you wish).

Now that the weather is becoming warmer and brighter, we are looking forward to taking our Blue for long walks in the park, as well as enjoying some picnic suppers there! Appreciate the simple things! It does not cost much to 'create' fun and special meaningful 'little events'.

We have had a full tid day; so methinks it is time to 'retire for the evening'. I love the above photo image; that sums things up a bit!

Good Night, Peace, and God Bless.