'Baby steps'

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

This is just going to be a brief bit of a post; as Alan and I had an early start to the day. It really feels like a Friday evening to me; so am going to appreciate a quiet night (ie. Watching the hockey games! LOL!).

We have a beautiful calendar from 'Living Truth'(www.livingtruth.ca); and just a few tid minutes ago, I opened it up to show the wintery picturesque month of December. Some enlightening words written by Charles Price, jumped right out at me! "You will never prove God in the big areas of life, unless you are living with God in the little areas of life. You cannot leapfrog to victory from nowhere." What a tidbit of encouraging endorsement! Alan and I have been / are living one day at a time; and just today I mentioned to Alan, 'Well, I guess He is having us take 'baby steps' before a major breakthrough!' There are NO bittid coicidences, methinks!

We enjoyed steak (from Costco) the other evening and Alan marinated it for a few days. Amazing how wonderfully the marinade tenderizes and flavourizes the meat. We have stretched the steak into sandwiches for a couple of meals; as we served it 'Chateaubriand' style. In fact I am about to have the 'leftover' sandwich again; along with a full glass of delicious red wine. I have a tidbitz of a head start on the wine; so Skal! Alan will be devouring warmed up in the microwave, the 'leftover' cheese and spicy pizza pieces from last night's dinner. Pizza also is good cold; particularly if you have had a bittidz of a late night.

The red wine, 'Frontera' (Merlot) is from Chile. Recently we ran into an older neighbour in the Liquor Store, and he suggested this wine to us; and not only does it taste good, it is of tremendous value! We also like South African wines, as well as the Marcus James (a red Cabernet) from Argentina. (The Marcus James was sold out in the three different liquor stores we went to; so go figure!) We ended up following our neighbour's (Frank) advice. Frank, has travelled extensively to wineries throughout the world; and he highly recommends the Frontera. We only know our neighbour in passing; however, his eyes sparkled and came vividly to life, when he spoke of this favourable wine. This tete to tete has now opened up the door for a future friendship or camadarie. (As a tid, I have always thought it would be great to own a vineyard...dream on...but...you never know..that would be something I would LOVE to do! And of course, tasting the wine! LOL!)

Tidbit - 'Do not fret not about tomorrow, for it comes soon enough'. At the moment, can not remember what Biblical passage this Scripture is from; however, more importantly, it is a reassuring comfort to me.

Bittid - Appreciate others; particularly if they have done you a good turn, with 'a generosity of spirit.'

Last week, our next door neighbour gave us a gorgeous indoor plant, that I will take a picture of and post for you, before too bit long. I do not know its name; however, I have always loved this particular pink flowering 'cactus like?' plant. I feel it is 'happy' to be residing in our front hall. Apparently, our neighbour was going to 'throw it out?'; well, it is now 'at home', along with all the other plants, that Alan has 'rescued' from our garbage complex.

Here is wishing you a nice evening! I like the above photo image of two contented puppies!

Good Night, Peace and God Bless.

Keep on smiling in your trekking

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

Thought today, I would share this insightful message of encouragement from Joyce Meyer of 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (www.joycemeyer.org).

Before I do, Alan and I are certainly in the throws of many a 'trial and tribulation' these days. It is as if we finally have something resolved, and then something else comes 'out of left field.' Have to admit, at this time, we are feeling very weary and overcome with all the various bittidz 'out of the blue' obstacles that are being hurled against us. Something 'made me' go and check out Joyce's 'Daily Devotional.' Am glad I did; because this is exactly where Alan and I are at this very tid moment. THANK YOU JOYCE!!!!

So, as a tidbitz, for those of you experiencing some challenging circumstances, hope this serves as a bit of a calming reassurance to your hearts. Here goes:

"Still the Storm'

December 1


"And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to
the sea, Hush now! Be still (muzzled)! And the
wind ceased (sank to rest as if exhausted by
its beating) and there was [immediately] a
great calm (a perfect peacefulness).
— Mark 4:39

When Jesus and the disciples were crossing the lake and a storm arose, the disciples panicked. They were as stormy inside as the tempest around them. But when Jesus spoke “Peace, be still” out of that well of peace within Him, immediately the wind and the waves became calm.

You cannot rebuke the storms in your life if you have a storm raging on the inside of you.We maintain peace by trusting God. Don’t be mad at God because you didn’t get what you prayed for. Don’t be mad at God because your friend got a promotion at work and you didn’t. Don’t be mad at God because your friend got married and you’re still single. Trusting God in every situation is the only way to still the storm within."

Wish I had many more bittids to add; however, at this time, I do not. It is heavy slogging and the words "Trust in the Lord with all your heart", keeps coming back to me (and to Alan); so we 'keep on trekking.'

Christmas (December 25th) is about celebrating the Birth of Jesus Christ. The Christmas season is portrayed to be a joyful time (Christmas shopping. parties etc); however, such is not always the bittid case; as there are many people who experience extreme sadness. (loss of loved ones, loss of income, friends, family etc) Given what we are going through, it would appear, that this Christmas will be more of a sombre one than usual. However, Alan and I have made up our minds AND hearts, to be all the more thankful for our tidbits of Blessings; regardless of 'the storms' that are swirling about us.

Upon amusing and bemusing reflections, it is fair to add, that we have more of a tid chance to win a 'lotto' (LOL!); than with the various institutions and certain individuals we have been dealing with thus far (for months). I just came to that bit realization earlier in the day. Today has, indeed, been a sobering and yet enlightening one for us. However, if nothing else, we have dared to try; and we will continue to Rely upon Him to Provide the Solution. 'ALL Things are possible with Him.'

Will close with the above wonderful photo image. Very tidbit true. If you wish, you can refer to my recent posts for extra tidbits and bittids of background.

Peace and God Bless.

'Carry on'

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

We have had a full plate since I last wrote; however, thought while there was a tid quiet moment, I would write a bit to bring you up to date.

Later yesterday afternoon, we watched the movie, 'Amazing Grace', about William Wilberforce; and how he finally was successful in his long hard fought battle in bringing about the Bill in the English Parliament for the Abolition of Slavery. (Horrifying and deplorable living conditions aboard the ships / sailing vessels in those days). Also, how greed seized those, who did not seem to care about the well being of their fellow man; rather they were more interested in creating massive profit for themselves, at others' expense. ie. abused slaves.

We also saw a heart warming / tear jerker movie last night, called 'November Christmas' - about a young girl, age 8, who had cancer (leukemia, I think). The prognosis did not look good (after many bouts of drugs, tests etc); but with the POSITIVE help / reinforcement of family and friends, she survived, to tell her story, when she reached adulthood...A very touching story; a good one to appreciate when one is feeling particularly down and out etc...The poor family and others, what they had to go through; because they had their own personal tragedies and problems to come to terms with. But they all rallied together - had Halloween in August and Christmas sooner. Very heartfelt.

Would like to share a few tidbits that are from the Bible, that keep my heart beating with confidence and encouragement! "Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10) and "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your path". (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Alan and I are doing just that; and we know we have done our best. Very hard to deal with vindicativeness, lies, deception, malice, the works... The movie, 'Amazing Grace' is most timely. However, we have not given up; because we know He has a Purpose for all of this debauchery. And, that He has a good Plan for us at the end of it. I know that I have referred to these Biblical bittids as well; but here goes again; as this provides me with extra comfort and reassurance.

"And we know that God creates all things to work together for good; to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28). Also, "Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary." (Galatians 6:9).

Yesterday morning, I embraced the Vision Channel - ie watched 'Hour of Power' (www.hourofpower.org) and that was totally fantastic and uplifting! Trust in Him with all your heart! I recommend tuning into that inspiring ministry, as well as many others. Also, 'Living Truth' (www.livingtruth.ca). Charles Price shares some 'food for thought', re: evidence (he quotes some awesome Biblical passages) that the Holy Spirit is within you. Charles is saying that there is a 'hunger to know Christ; a hunger to be like Christ; and a hunger to serve Christ.' Methinks, if you check out his ministry, these bittids will provide you with a greater clarity and understanding.

Today it is pouring with rain, washing off the remnants of the recent heavy snowfall; when the daytime temps were at a mere 18 degrees Fahrenheit. Now it is at 40 degrees F; methinks, I am appreciative of this milder weather, compared to the cold Arctic front that we experienced last week.

Like the above cheery photo image. Before too long, the daffodils will be back in bittidz bloom!

Anyway, will keep you posted, when we know more tidbitz.

Peace and God Bless.

Be encouraged, when 'in the middle'

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

Eventhough, we have been innundated with a massive blanket of snow; it is warmer (30 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to the 18 degrees F, a couple of days ago). Am thankful, that Alan and I went to Costco yesterday; one less location to drive to today. Plus our once empty larder has now been restocked with the necessary tidbitz staples.

We are still 'in the middle'; and methinks my most recent post (may be helpful to refer to it), sums things up; and hopefully gives a tidbit of an uplift to all those, who are experiencing their 'trials and tribulations' at this time.

The following Bible verses provide me with such a reassuring comfort and resolve, to continue and not give up. God has a GOOD plan for us; and it is simply a matter of having the FAITH to 'keep on trekking.' Live one day at a time; and then when you look back, you know that He has helped you sustain those tough moments.

Romans 8:28 - " And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."
Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary."

I refer again to Joyce Meyer's empowering message: "The Only One You Can Trust"
'All things do work together for our good! My husband, Dave, says this is a key scripture for Christians when we go through hard or disappointing times. When something doesn’t happen the way we would like it to happen, we can believe God will work things out for good. It’s the place we can always come back to in every kind of trial.' (Romans 8:28).

Also, I have just noticed our computer did not include the highlighted Scriptures that Joyce was referring to, while sharing her teachings of Christ. If you tune into her ministry 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (www.joycemeyer.org), you may be enlightened with a bittidz 'spark' of hope and encouragement, to help you have a better day!

Will be taking some pictures of the 'winter wonderland'; and will post them a bittid later. I love the above gentle and kind photo image: 'Seek and Ye Shall Find.'

Also, here is wishing all those who are celebrating THANKSGIVING today, a 'Happy Thanksgiving.' We have so much to be thankful for; and to me, each and every day is like a 'mini thanksgiving.' Regardless of your circumstances, remember to 'Praise Him In ALL Things.'

Peace and God Bless.

"In the middle"

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

Where have these weeks gone; particularly these past seven days! We have been 'in the middle' as per the message from Joyce Meyer (www.enjoyingeverydaylife.com) re: "How Jesus Resurrection Can Help You Through Hard Times".

Thank you Joyce (and Dave), for your enlightening insights; because this is exactly where Alan and I have been and are today. I read this last night, in the middle of the night; and it provided me with many bittids of 'good cheer.' Am quoting her article and hopefully, this will give you some extra encouragement, as it did / does for me. Right on, about being right 'in the middle.'

"How Jesus’ Resurrection Can Help You Through Hard Times
by Joyce Meyer

Are you going through a hard time? Maybe you recently lost your job, or you’re dealing with a death in your family. Or maybe you’re just not sure anything good in life can happen to you. Whatever you’re dealing with, I want you to know that you’re not alone and something good can come from the tough spot you’re in right now. God promised.

Jesus experienced hard times too…the road to the cross was no small matter. But He had to decide to go through it. He even asked God if it was really necessary. (But we know how this amazing love story ended.)

Just like Jesus had to make a choice, you and I also have to decide to go through hard times.

Is Good Friday Really Good?
As we celebrate His resurrection, I like to look at how we go through our own hard times. I think we also go through our own private crucifixion and resurrection on a somewhat regular basis. Often I say “Friday always comes before Sunday.”

Ever wonder why we refer to the day of Jesus’ death as “Good” Friday, since it’s a day that involved so much pain, agony and heartache? Well, it’s because the result of this particular Friday—Christ’s resurrection from the dead on Sunday—was good.

In our daily lives, we need to believe that when we go through hard times, the result will be good. But when we're hurting, probably one of the most challenging things for us to remember is that God is going to work it out for our good.

The Only One You Can Trust
All things do work together for our good! My husband, Dave, says this is a key scripture for Christians when we go through hard or disappointing times. When something doesn’t happen the way we would like it to happen, we can believe God will work things out for good. It’s the place we can always come back to in every kind of trial.

Now this doesn’t mean the trials are necessarily good, but God can work them out for our good because He is awesome. You have to be some kind of awesome God to be able to take bad things and turn them around for good!

If we love God and really want His will for our life, I think it’s safe to say that we can trust Him to bring good from it—no matter what happens to us. Even if we have to take detours because of our own stupidity or if we’re innocent but someone else gets involved and brings hurt and pain into our life, we can trust God to work it out. I like to say, “No person on earth and no devil in hell can keep me from God's will.”

The Crucifixion: Growing in Hard Times
It’s comforting to really believe things will work out okay…even on a day like Good Friday, with so much suffering and pain. When nothing made sense and everything was hard, God worked it out for good—bringing the greatest blessing mankind will ever receive!

We can believe Friday was good because of the result it brought, not because of what happened at the time.

I know after I have gone through a really hard time, I’ve looked back and thought that I wouldn’t even be half the person I am now if that wouldn’t have happened. Haven’t many of us experienced this? Don’t we wish we could just grow in good times?

But we only seem to really grow during hard times. I think it’s because it’s during those times that we really press into God and go to a deeper level in our relationship with Him. Why? Because we have to. It’s our only choice if we want to make it through the difficulty. When we trust God, He gives us the comfort of knowing that He can work bad things out for our good.

Two Sides of the Cross
There are usually two sides to everything. The cross has two: a crucifixion side and a resurrection side. And Jesus had to endure one side to get to the other. But if He hadn’t endured, then we'd all still be left without a Savior and no forgiveness of our sins.

Hebrews 12:2 says that Jesus, for the joy of obtaining the prize on the other side of the cross—the resurrection—endured the pain. Like Jesus, we have to endure bad things. To endure means to outlast the devil; to be steadfast long enough to let the trial do whatever it's going to do in our lives and get from one side of the cross to the other.

The Grave: Waiting for a Good Ending
Now, we don’t just go from Friday to Sunday. We have to learn to endure Saturday, which I think is sometimes the hardest to do. We'll call it the middle. In everything, there's a beginning, an end, and a middle. The beginning is sometimes a little bit exciting because it's a new thing. And the end is certainly exciting because it’s where we experience the victory. But, oh…that middle! The Saturdays may be even harder than the Fridays because on Saturday, we're in the grave and we’re not sure what’s going to happen next.

Most of the time, we don’t know how long the middle's going to last, and although God knows…He's not telling. (Isn't He great at keeping secrets?) So we need to remember that when we’re going through the middle of something, we can be assured Sunday always comes after Friday. But we have to endure Saturday—we have to outlast the devil, remain steadfast and not give up or quit. When we do, we will enjoy the resurrection benefits and blessings that come on Sunday.

The Resurrection: Making It Through
So, I want to remember that Jesus endured the cross because He knew what was waiting on the other side of it. In our daily lives, we are going to have to endure some things, and we’re going to face some hard times. But the only way to do it is to go through it.

Whether we’re hit by an unexpected circumstance, suffering for doing something wrong or for resisting temptation and sin by doing what’s right, we have to go through things. But waiting for you on the other side of the hard times is the joy of obtaining the prize—the good result."


In closing, Alan and I have come to the tidbitz resolution that we are where He wants us to be (in accordance with His Will, Purpose, and Plan); and that somewhere, somehow, He will Guide us through all this bittidz. We have experienced many a 'trial and tribulation'; however, we are going to keep on 'trekking'; and not give up! Last night also, before I went online to Joyce's website, I turned to the Bible. I ASKED to be 'Directed' to a Bible passage, that would give me stalwarth hope! Guess which one it was? JOB 42:10-17. AFter reading that, I thought wow! Invigorated plus! I was then further 'Guided' to Psalms 90-93; and the verse in Psalms 91:4, really spoke a heartfelt tid to me. "He will cover you with His pinions. And under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark."

This morning, it is approx 18 degrees Fahrenheit; definitely chilly winter weather here. In fact, we are the recipients of an arctic air flow mass. Yesterday we went looking for some 'street people', to give them a bit of an uplift; along with a huge batch of Alan's freshly made homemade soup, as well as some old jackets (some of which were lightweight; but windproof). In this cold spell, one has to be dressed all the more warmly; and 'layered' clothing works best. The three 'homeless' people we located, were ecstatic! This made us all the more grateful and thankful for our Blessings!

This was a photo taken of our Blue in April; felt like posting it. Just the other day, somebody thought he was 'Fido' LOL! He does resemble him; however, this picture does not really do Blue justice.

Have to go for now; however, will keep you posted.

Peace and God Bless.

Uplift and Encourage!

Good Afternoon,

We have had a full day thus far; having made some more bittidz calls etc. Now, it is simply a matter of 'waiting' again.

The work crew is really 'going to town' on the fences. Alan made a couple of pots of coffee (remember we now have a much smaller coffee pot) for the hardworking men; and the delicious coffee, along with some fresh sugared doughnuts from the local bakery (not from me, LOL!) hit the spot with them. The new fence, when finished, will look grand, methinks! We have a few tidbitz trees scattered about, as well as some rhodos and shrubs in pots; so there has been extra special care taken to preserve all these beautiful arbors and plants.

Tidbit - Be of good cheer to all you meet. Make a point of brightening up someone else's day! ie. Even offering coffee / doughnuts brings a smile and an uplift and / or a boost to one's spirits!

Bittid - Know too, that while we Pray and do our best to do what is 'right' in God's Service, Satan 'preys' all the more upon us, to create as much confusion, derision, and division as possible. This is where mending 'broken fences' come in to play, and what we can all do, to better communicate in our own little corner of the world, as well as globally.

Also, as soon as we give Thanks to Him for the 'trials and tribulations' experienced, it is as if we are 'set free!' In turn, our Faith is bolstered all the more in Him; and upon appreciative reflection, we know that He has 'sustained' us through each and every day! We believe steadfastedly in our hearts, that 'ALL things are possible with Him'; as HE HAS OVERCOME.

I love the above photo image, with its empowering message of: 'Seek and Ye Shall Find.' Hope today's bittids provide some tidbits of encouragement, as well as hope, to all those who are in the midst of a 'spiritual battle.'

Peace and God Bless.

Reflective 'grains' of thought

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

This is just going to be a short post today; however, I just want to reiterate that truly life is too bittid short; and that if you can, mend the 'broken fences.' You can refer to my most recent post for a tidbit of 'helpful' background, if you wish.

However, it does make things a bit easier, if there is a mutual two way street; as the 'gate swings both ways'. I think if people were to mend 'broken fences' in their 'own back yards' (with His Guidance), there would be far less problems throughout the world.

Tidbit - Best too, that you first check out the 'log' in your own eye', before criticizing the 'speck' in someone else's eye. Pray to Him to help you with this step.

Bittid - If you genuinely still believe you are being discriminated against and / or excluded; as saddened as you may feel, graciously take a step back; and leave it to Him to work everything out, as per His Will, Purpose, and Plan. If you find you are overwhelmed, weighted down by burdens etc, simply 'cast all your cares upon Him.' You will be uplifted and if you maintain the Faith, He will Provide the Solutions.

This is a busy week for us. Once we know more bittidz, you will know more. Fortunately, it is a dry, sunny, and 'blustery gustery' morning; and the young 'crew' have returned to tackle the replacement of the fences. Yesterday it was pouring with rain; so the project had to be put on hold.

Over the weekend, amongst other errands etc, we had to purchase a new coffee pot; as our old trusty one, literally peetered out; from 'old age.' The compact replacement was on sale, is about half the size of the other one; and eventhough it only makes five cups of coffee, it has its tidbitz pluses! For example, the coffee has never tasted better. So, perhaps it was tid time for a change. The coffee also won't go to waste; because we can always make a second batch of FRESH coffee.

Love the above photo of my favourite coffee mug, with its wonderful messages of encouragement and comfort. Am also really appreciating my morning coffee; both from the new coffee pot, as well as from this old special cup of Blessings. Hope you receive some awesome Blessings today. Hang in there!

Peace and God Bless.