Good Evening, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!
Can not believe that 4 days have passed since I last wrote a tidbitz post! If I have offended some in that regard, please accept my apologies!
It has been a time of major 'challenges' for us: and 'brush fires' that we have been doing our bittidz best to 'put out'.
Will say, that yesterday, I totally embraced the Vision Channel and enjoyed watching 'Hour of Power', 'Enjoying Everyday Life', and 'Living Truth'. Will write some tidbits about the bittids I learned, as I was Blessed with some major ephifanies!
Will come back to it - but, on the "Hour of Power', I 'discerned' that there was / is a 'power of healing' taking place amongst the 'scattering of seeds'. To gain the most 'fruitful' knowledge and for best harvest, check into - www.hourofpower.org! It was totally fantastic! As I just said, I will revisit, but will do it a better justice in a later post.
Watched Joyce Meyer, of 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (www.joycemeyer.org) and her first words practically were: "Has WORRY ever helped?" 'Like worrying about yesterday and tomorrow, steals today'. She is right. She is also endorsing to 'TRUST GOD AND LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME'. That is what Alan and I DO; eventhough we know many have misunderstood and have been critical of us attempting to doing so. Also, it can be hard to do; particularly when obstacles are 'skittled' / 'skuttled' along the way.
Yesterday morning, before watching the start of the Vision Channel, I lay in our bed and was thinking 'what is the APPROPRIATE word to describe how I am truly feeling at this moment?'. I was thinking 'discouraged?' and / or 'disappointed?; but I could not come up with the 'RIGHT' word?
Joyce began her teaching, also by speaking of 'DESPONDENT' - and I immediately knew - RIGHT ON! That was EXACTLY the RIGHT description that I was 'searching for!' (Thank you, Joyce!). There are NO coincidences! Then Joyce added the word, 'FOREBODING'; and that means to be 'afraid before something bad happens'. Hmmmmmm (Not good food for thought, methinks; or to put it simpler, 'snap out of those negative thoughts asap!'). 'DESPONDENT is because of ANXIOUS THOUGHTS!' as per Joyce's adequate description. Now that is an enlightening ephifany to me! No Kidding!
The gist of it all is, is to 'WAIT ON GOD' and 'WAITING WITH ENTHUSIASTIC EXPECTANCY!'. I personally like that tidbit thought! Also, never give up, and enjoy your Blessings; but also BE a Blessing to others. Joyce was sharing too, that 'the more you TRUST God, the more He will Protect you etc.' Basically, 'Leave it to God to solve, as it is His Problem (not yours) and also, let your mind be RENEWED to the Word of God'.
Had made mention that, before I watched the Vision Channel yesterday morning; I had a little 'chat' with Him. I also Asked Him to infill me with His Holy Spirit. Well, I can tell you, that experience really happened; because I was wonderfully filled with a comforting 'Peace, a Confidance, and, a Joyful Calm!' Thus, the 3 televised programs I watched, became all the MORE special and meaningful to me! I also agree and full heartedly appreciate when Joyce says with 'FERVOUR' (I like that bold word!)- " How we behave at home, is more important than being in Church". Basically, you are looking at 7 days of 'walking your walk in Christ, rather than just one day day - ie Sunday'. In other words, 'Walk the walk in Christ everyday!'
A tid of a bittid - When I was a child of 8 years young, (still can be 'young at heart!'), I went to Sunday School. Did not really appreciate getting dressed into a dress (was a tomboy) and attending an indoor 'school' on a Sunday, when I loved climbing my trees and making forts (in other peoples' gardens!). I even 'threw it' at my parents, 'Why don't you ever go to Church?' Anyway, one particular Sunday or two, I 'played hooky'. Did not go; a 'no show'. When I ultimately went 'to face the music', the minister left his pulpit and literally walked down the Church aisle to me, (I am sitting quivering in the pew; there was a Service first before breaking into Sunday School classes), and he asked me where was I for those 2 Sundays? (I guess it was a reasonable request). He asked me in such a 'sneering', almost 'hypocritical' way, that I immediately replied, 'All I see is, that you are always asking for MONEY, MONEY, MONEY'. Well, that did not please him; inasmuch as I STOOD UP and stated BOLDLY OUTLOUD my answer. (As it turned out, my Sunday School classes came to a severe halt). Later in life, when I was marrying my first husband, we ran into the same minister, and sought his counsel, as he had been refered to us. He immediately 'snarled' at me, and said, 'I remember you'. My quick, yet gentle quiet reply was, 'And you have NOT changed!'. Needless to say, we did not get married in his Church. There are other growing grapevines to share; but not at this present momento.
At any rate, I hope you have received a bit of encouragement and uplift. I feel better that I wrote a post today; eventhough we have experienced our various difficulties, with unexpected 'stuff'. Please feel free to say an Intercessary Prayer for us, if you wish. Will share too, that it is true of me - 'good, bad, or indifferent' - "What you see, is what you get".
Love the above photo image - 'Seek and Ye Shall Find'. Very true!
Here is wishing you Peace and a nice evening.
God Bless.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Seek and Ye Shall Find - Peace!
Friday, 26 June 2009
Friday Flowers!
Good Afternoon, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!
Can not believe that it is Friday, all over again! Do not get me wrong; we are thankful it is Friday and the weekend again! It looks as if the weather is going to be wonderful as well!
It has been a full bit morning / afternoon thus far; and we have been working on various projects. Alan is currently having a meeting with someone right now, as I tid write. I have 'retreated' to my post; along with my elixir of coffee.
In yesterday's post, the picture also shows our beautiful wine glass with all the handpainted flowers on it. A very dear friend gave me a set of these 8 colourful glasses years ago; and we have 7 glasses left to date (unfortunately one broke). Whenever I drink from these magnificent glasses, I always have a smile and fond memories. The glasses were from a person very close to my heart; and as they say, 'Time heals all'. I went out with him for many years after my first marriage. However, it was not meant to be.
I met Alan in June 2002; and we are genuinely appreciative of one another, and that we 'found' each other. Not a tidbit day goes by, that we do not confirm our happy hearts with one another. It is very definitely a 'give and take' between us; and as I have mentioned in earlier posts, it is the 'combination' that works best. People can 'look good' together, BUT, there has to be more than just 'fluff' and a 'pretty face'. Methinks too, because of our Faith, we treat each other extra well, and we work towards good resolution. We have our bittid moments too (who doesn't?), but we just simply RELY upon Him for His Guidance and Direction; inasmuch as 'HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIGHT'. One can 'disagree'; but it is how one wisely chooses to 'agree to disagree', employing and enjoying the utmost diplomacy all the while. A good banter / dialogue comes to my mind! LOL! Anyway, enough of that bittidz. Perhaps some of this tidbitz is helpful. Communication is also vital. There would be a lot less misunderstandings, if things are just 'straight up' and upfront; and yet presented with a positive and truthful outlook. As they say, 'Keep It Simple' (or the KISS principle) works best!
Do not allow 'Doubt' or 'Fear' to enter your mind; or if it does, may it vanish, as quickly as it arrives. ie. Immediately turn to Him for Solution; 'Do not rely upon your own understanding'. It is written in Psalms, in the Bible, to 'Have Faith, Trust, and to be of Good Cheer, and that those who have total TRUST in Him, He will Provide!' That message really jumps into both my mind and my heart, when challenges and obstacles occur.
Once again, if you tune into '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), their International Ministries / Bible teachings / insights are wonderfully uplifting and full of encouragement. 'Seek and Ye Shall Find!' Am looking forward to watching and listening to them on the Vision Channel this Sunday!
Here is wishing you a nice Friday and may your weekend be an extra special one for you!
The photo is of the same gorgeous flowers, however residing indoors by our awesome fireplace!
Peace and God Bless.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
Genuineness Revisted
Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!
For some reason, I 'revisted' some older posts I had written; one being from August 18/08, parts of which are included in today's post. I think because 'genuineness' is where it really is at; in all things you do, people you associate with, the works! However, the most important is to be Genuine with God. If you are 'straight up' (Truthful) with Him, and do your best to live a 'genuine' life, it will be easier to be 'genuine' with all whom you meet. Methinks too, that from 'genuineness' comes compassion and a gentle empathy for others. Regardless of your challenges and circumstances, always 'put your best foot forward', think of encouraging others, and be of a giving genuine nature, rather than micro thinking 'what about me, what about me?' and / or 'what is in it for me?'
"In my post of August 16th, I made reference to having a few 'true' friends; and that one is fortunate if you can count the number on one hand. I would like to add that there are many awesome people I know and appreciate; just that I am Blessed with 2 or 3 close female friends. Alan is my best friend; inasmuch as we are married and choose to spend our time together; be it in developing our business interests, and daily enjoying our personal lives.
'Genuineness' is what it all comes down to. Have had past and recent disappointments; however, there are those who have exposed themelves by their own 'words, actions, and deeds'. Some of them do not know what to do because of embarassment, shame, whatever shoe fits; and it is coming back to haunt some of them, whereby they are getting caught in their own webs of deceit and lies. With some (ex friends), I have tried to show compassion etc; but their purposes are quite different from mine.
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'."
As an update bittidz, I am still enjoying my cup of coffee, 7 years later! It certainly has not felt like 7 years; the time has gone by very quickly; as if it were yesterday!
We have much tidbitz to be thankful for; and we 'Praise Him each and every day!' ie In our own back yard; as in our neighbours, that we have come to know and appreciate over the years.
The above is a beautiful bouquet of flowers that was recently sent to us; as a 'Thank you' for services rendered by us to some friends. The flowers were not necessary; yet our friends felt otherwise, and their genuineness in turn, uplifted our spirits and brightened our household. 'Pay it Forward', comes to mind. We have a good friend coming over tomorrow morning; and the flowers are / will be a joyful Blessing and a refreshing touch! As the expression goes: 'Say it with flowers!'
Another bit 'found' treasure! Alan just came back with a cooler and a thermos that had been discarded in the garbage bin of our complex. The items appear to be in good shape! We are grateful for this latest tid find; as it will be very useful. We say, 'THANK YOU!'
Peace and God Bless.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Lush and Prospering Garden!
Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!
This morning, it is absolutely POURING with rain. Generally the past Junes have been rainy, cool, and damp; inasmuch as we live on the coast. This June has been awesome; and if there has been a bit scattering of rain, it has been a short lived sprinkle or overnight shower. A good way of watering our tid garden, methinks! LOL! Our juicy garden is prospering with healthy abundance; although perhaps our 'Sweet Basil' may prefer drier conditions.
Speaking of the veggie herb, 'Sweet Basil', we enjoyed some in our tortellini pasta last night. Just a bittid of butter, parmesan cheese, and the 'Sweet Basil'; which really adds a tidbit perk to the dish. Along with a Caesar 'creation' salad, and a glass of South African Red wine, it made for a very enjoyable repas; international, one might say! LOL!
Love the above tidbitz photo I took last week of our 'garden in the sunshine'. The bittidz background is of our yellow climbing roses, and healthy lush pink peonies; and in the foreground, are 3 Queen Elizabeth Pink Climbing Roses, freshly picked. I love that vibrant colour of pink! If I had it my way, I would have a 'pink' room! LOL!
We have various projects on the go; so have to attend to those now. However, would like to share that late last night, I was 'Directed' to the Bible and the page literally fell open to Psalm 1 of Book 1, which I embraced full heartedly. All the verses in that passage, 'spoke to me'; yet verse 3 really reassured me. Perhaps some of you are seeking encouragement and comfort at this time.
"And he will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water,
Which yields its fruit in its season,
And its leaf does not wither;
And in whatever he does, he prospers".
Peace and God Bless.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Take time out to smell the roses!
Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!
Thought I would quote what I wrote in my post of October 10/07, as per the title ' On the go and yet, take time out to smell the roses!', I began to reflect a thoughtful tid upon those particular words.
"It has been a really busy on the go time! I prefer to not even mention the word, "busy"; because more often than not, busy does not always mean being busy. Busy is more of an excuse; and could also be illustrated to show up as "busyness". Hmmmm. Was going to spell it as 'business'; and interesting the word, "business" appears. Tidbitz for thought!
Tidbit - Remember to take a deep breath, when you find your life is really on the go! So often, one does not take that moment. It gets easier to put that into practice, when you make a point of doing that each day!
Bittid - I often find that people who are on the go; create time to fit something in; or they work around things. Ask someone who is on the go; or as "they" say, always ask a truly busy person, and you will find the job or whatever it is, gets done; regardless of how tied up they may be. However, when one says "too busy or sooooo busy", then hmmmmmmm.
Have to admit, that I have also said. "tooooo busy or soooooooo busy"; generally due to lack of interest. So now, I just say, 'thanks, but no thanks'; or 'perhaps at a another time'; or 'I will see what I can do'. Because when I say "I am tooooo busy or soooooooo busy"; that is a good reality check for me! Hmmmmmm.
When things appear overwhelming, I just step back, take a breather, appreciate a calm pause, say a Prayer, and then I feel much better. Things become crystal clear, and I find that I focus much more enthusiastically with whatever is on my plate!
Sadly, I have observed that there are people who are "on a constant treadmill"; or; "as gerbils going around and around in a cage"; or those, who are always "in a hurry" - because they are so "busy busy". That amuses me a bit when I encounter "busy busy" people and / or who always are "in a hurry!" Reminds me of the Mad Hatter!
As a futher tidbitical, when on the go, and if feeling anxious, stressed, overworked, or whatever, just slow down a tid and take a deep deep breath. Live one day at a time; challenges and all! Praise Him in All Things. It is amazing how your life becomes a joy and easier to manage. Please take the time out to smell the roses; before you no longer can! I hope this is a helpful bittidical".
HOWEVER, EVEN MORE importantly TODAY, what comes to my mind, is Joyce Meyer's (Enjoying Everyday Life) insights when she shares her encouraging message of June 7/09. - 'Are You Too Busy?' - www.joycemeyer.org. ie. 'If you are too busy for God, then you are too busy'. 'He wants us to bare good fruit, and walk in the Fruit of the Holy Spirit' and much much more! I really enjoy and appreciate Joyce; and her teachings are 'right down to earth', as well as 'right on!', methinks. My tidbit suggestion is to tune into her website; as you will receive a whole bittid of wonderful knowledge and genuine inspiration!
Love the above photo image!
Peace and God Bless.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Enjoy the bloom!
Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!
Have not forgotten about you; we have just had a number of tidbitz tasks on our plates. There is now a bittidz moment to breathe, before our day begins. Am calmly appreciating my elixir of coffee and writing a tidbit post.
Listened and watched the Vision Channel yesterday morning, and embraced the insights and the epifanies gained, from the three wonderful International Bible Teachers. ie Dr. Robert Schuller on 'Hour of Power' (www.hourofpower.org); Joyce Meyer on 'Enjoying Everyday Life' (www.joycemeyer.org); and Charles Price on 'Living Truth' (www.livingtruth.ca). They are excellent with their messages of empowering encouragement and enlightenment of Jesus Christ and the stories from the Bible. I will share some of their tidbits; yet for you to receive the best knowledge, it is better that you check their websites / programs out for yourselves. As in, 'Seek and Ye Shall Find'.
Yesterday was the first day of summer! The weather was 'mixed'; however, still a pleasant start to the season. Our strawberry plant of 2 years, surprised us with its first berry blooms ever! To me, those are such awesome Blessings! Plus, our Queen Elizabeth Pink Roses are gorgeous, along with our other healthy budding roses, colourful flowers, plants, and fresh garden produce. Our 'Cilantro' herb plant is growing bountifully and is exquisitely flavourful! ie. For a 'Quacamole Dip' - Mash Ripe avocadoes, dice fresh onions, mix in with bittids of lime juice, and Cilantro; and voila - a tasty and refreshing summer treat! It is extra delicious, when served with green coloured Quacamole Tortilla Chips flavoured with Avocado (from Costco!). Also, we have a hummingbird that appears to have taken up residence in our tid thriving jungle! Love the above photo image of the Queen Elizabeth Rose.
Have to go for now; may be back a bit later today. Enjoy the bloom of each day!
Peace and God Bless.
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Take Courage!
Good Morning, or whatever is the best greeting to you, in your part of the world!
My apologies for not writing a post til now. Apart from it being a 'whirl wind' of activity, for the past few days, our computer has been 'wonky' and finally 'froze' yesterday. So, am totally thankful that things are 'working again!' My fingers are running with glee over the tid keyboard! LOL!
Without going into too much bittidz detail, we have been 'on the go' and 'wearing many hats'; all at tidbitz once. So when nightfall arrives, we have been grateful to retreat to our bed.
Will be offering more tidbits from the Vision Channel ie. 'Hour of Power'; 'Enjoying Everyday Life'; and 'Living Truth'. However, with regards to 'Hour of Power' (www.hourofpower.org) with Dr. Robert Schuller, I must recomend to those of you or those whom you know, who are feeling discouraged or 'lost', guest, Stacy Rebecca (Becca) Cook, has a wonderful story of hope, insights, and Salvation to share! She has been through a lot; and I admire her courage!
Also, on Monday evening, as we have been experiencing some bittids of 'challenges', I 'Prayed' to Him for His Direction, Guidance, Words of Wisdom, Understanding etc'; as HE IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIGHT. It was as if my Prayer had 'reached' His Ears and / or Heart; because there was a silent 'dialogue' of thoughts that I immediately received from Him. I was 'Directed' to get up out of our bed and go to the Bible. Interestingly enough, the Bible 'opened up' to the Book of JOBS. I knew He wanted me to read the last page, in the final chapter of JOBS; however, I was 'Guided' to read Chapter 41 and 42; before I fell upon the comforting verses 10 to 17, in Chapter 42. That to me, was / is endorsement; and my spirit was made calm and still again. As He had earlier suggested to me, 'Fear Not, For I Have Overcome the World'; plus, 'I will Provide and take care of you' were His 'Words' to me.
Just now, read Psalm 27; and Verse 14 - 'Wait for the Lord; Be strong. and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord'.
The above bit photo is of of our dear 'Blue', our Blue Heeler; and eventhough, he will be five years young in July, he is still a 'puppy' to us!
Peace and God Bless.