Slow, Simple Pleasures.

I am interrupting my slow recount of our trip to join in this meme: go and have a look to see how others are slowly enjoying things.

Prayer and Reflection.

Last night was the first Prayer and Reflection evening at our new church. The church was quiet, with low lighting and soft music. We heard some passages from the Bible and inspirational readings. We were left, unhurried to pray and reflect. What a lovely evening. A chance also to meet some lovely ladies that I had not yet spoken with.

Inspiration.

The last few days have seen me very much in this earthly world; I have seen manipulation, lies, greed, rudeness, power, deceit, hopelessness, selfishness and anger.

I must say that there has also been support, friendship and strength.

In my sheltered life, this has been a shock, yet if I was in the corporate world, the political arena or media, this would be my daily experience.

I can't say that I have the stomach for it and am glad to disappear into the woodwork again. I have questionned and stated my views, my concerns and findings into an issue. Hopefully some good will come of it for many.

Boy am I tired though.......
And then, "As the deer pants for streams of water......" Ps42:1,
I was still.



I have just read a chapter in this book,that has reminded me of God's powerful presence in the beauty around us in His creation.

This book reminded me that we are meant to take time from the mundane, difficult, tedious and be still and be in awe of the seasons, the sunset or sunrise, the ocean, trees, the stars, the colour in flowers and so on.......We are told to stop worrying and take this all in.........

"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labour or spin......" Matthew 6:19

Sabbath.

"Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, be compassionate and humble." 1 Peter 3:8

Sabbath.

"Let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Protect them, so all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord, surrounding them with Your shield of love." Psalm 5:11-12

Daily Bread.

The work on the floor is going well. We have been retreating to other rooms and are faring well. The poor cat however does not appreciate the noise and needs extra reassurance from us at present. I am happy to oblige.

I rearranged 9 year old son's room again to make it easier for him to spread out. I have started a lovely routine with our children whereby we snuggle and read the Bible together. 6 year old daughter loves this time in the morning and 9 year old son loves this time at night. They each have different versions of the Bible story, which have been kindly given to them at birth by loving friends and family. We try to keep to the same story in order that they may chat about it in the day.

This older Bible is a Bible from my Dad's older sister, given to me when I was little.

Sabbath.

"The generous prosper and are satisfied, those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." Proverbs 11:25

Again, posting on Australian Monday, hoping it is Sunday somewhere still.... I really try to leave the computer off on the Sabbath, a day set apart. These words can sustain us on all days of the week.

Sabbath.

"Always be joyful and never stop praying. Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

I think it is still Sunday in some parts of the world. I enjoyed the Sabbath yesterday; a day set apart. I did not turn the computer on, put the washing away or any usual activities. Instead we went to church, we enjoyed a family lunch and a time in the garden in the afternoon. I will post some pictures of that later on...... I hope the Sabbath was a day of rest, a day set apart for many.....

Sewing Repairs.

A cloudy, cold day and a casserole in the oven. Weary, but can manage repairing torn ribbons on these Amish dolls and reattaching their hats.

Sabbath.

"The ways of right-living people glow with light; the longer they live, the brighter they shine." Proverbs 4:18

Yesterday Evening's Quiet Moment.

After 4 year old daughter's excitement in her first swimming lesson and a week of keeping on track, I sat out on the deck in the evening to enjoy a cup of tea. It helped just to have a little quiet. I love the view.

Sabbath.

"Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Quiet Moment.

"Come, follow me, " Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." Mt 4: 19

Rest.

The ultimate rest;

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Ps 62:1-2

Quiet Moment.

This morning I spent a few moments browsing through some photos of our trip to South Africa in March. My parents, sister, 9 year old son, 6 year old daughter, myself and Ouma all travelled to a lodge near Addo Elephant Park. It was called Hitgeheim Lodge. It was wonderful. The staff there looked after all of us so nicely. If you ever go there, make sure you have some of their wonderful, homemade lemonade!!

Sabbath.

"Honour Christ and let Him be the Lord of your life. Always be ready to give an answer when someone asks you about your hope. Give a kind and respectful answer and keep your conscience clear." 1 Peter 3:15-16

Sabbath.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11.

Quiet Moment.

When I went walking
What did I see?

Not one bush turkey, but two
Gobble, gobble, gobble, gobble.
An elderly couple sitting at their outside table
finishing lunch, cups of tea and oranges.
A lady sitting on her front step, drinking her tea
A territorial Magpie swooping down on me.

A good friend, with time and an ear for me,
another new friend with another offer of a cup of tea.....

On my return just one bush turkey
And many work shirts hanging from a tree.

Quiet Moment.

Enjoying the sun on the deck with these two wombats: my favourite animal.

Sabbath.

"Let us who live in the light think clearly, protected by the body armour of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation." 1 Thessalonians 5:8