My Thoughts

2011-08-18T23:10:00.001-07:00

A Flower Waiting To Bloom

by SistasInArms on Friday, August 19, 2011 at 4:03pm

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name &
Care to know my hurt

There's a beautiful flower in the garden of my family that's desperately trying not to fade, desperately wanting to bloom in all her beauty. Her delicate petals have closed in tightly around her, shutting out light and warmth, enveloping her in a shadow. She cannot see the sunshine, but instead is lost within the storm that rages around her, holding her hostage. The potential of this precious and special flower, planted lovingly and purposefully in the garden of our family is to blossom and grow into the unique species, that is only her. Fashioned and known before time, a one of a kind, an essential part of the garden, an eagerly anticipated bloom, without which our landscape is incomplete.
Our delicate bud is wilting, though we water and nourish her, she is not flourishing. We wait......and lovingly tend to our flower, encouraging her petals to gently loosen and allow a ray of sonshine to touch upon her heart. We patiently wait............wait for her to slowly unfold, to begin to soak in the life giving warmth, allowing the light to penetrate the darkness that surrounds her. We wait........wait for her to see that spring is just around the corner, a new season brimming with new birth and possibility.
There's a beautiful flower bud in the garden of my family..........and my heart is longing to see her bloom

2011-08-09T03:47:00.001-07:00

TIME OUT, TIME AWAY, TIME WELL SPENT.

by SistasInArms on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 7:03pm

I've just arrived home from a few days away in Melbourne to recharge, relax and spend some well earned one on one time with my hubby. We stayed in a beautiful hotel, a real treat, I felt extremely spoiled and pampered. We did the touristy things, caught the tram, went shopping, took in an exhibition, drank coffee, relaxed in the local pubs, walked miles, played photographer, you get the gist and for all intent and purpose we could well have been in a different country. That's how it felt, being so far removed from our daily pressures and commitments, it was as if they no longer existed, just for a short while. Plugging into the TIME OUT, TIME AWAY socket came at just the right moment, charge was dangerously low, red light flashing on both of our indicators.
The fresh air of new surroundings, no time constraints, no demands or expectations was invigorating, positive energy flowed freely. We walked with a spring in our step and renewed anticipation flooded our senses. We talked, we laughed, we reconnected on a level devoid of stress, abundant instead with undivided attention to one another. A rekindling of romance, so often buried beneath commitments of life, parenting and providing, still there smouldering away, awaiting a spark.
Fully charged we returned home, to all that we left, no miraculous change in circumstance, no sudden shift in the load, just one small difference, green lights flashing instead of red.
It's easy to say, now is not the right time, too much happening, finances don't allow, what about the kids, well what about all this stuff? Before we realise it, they'll be off doing there own thing, there will always be commitments, but will we always have each other, who knows what the future holds, missed opportunities are exactly that..missed. To be a successful partnership, time needs to be invested, I, his priority, he, my priority. The TIME OUT, TIME AWAY socket can be whatever works at the time, simple or extravagant it really doesn't matter, but it's not an option. Recharging is a necessary, indespensible part of marriage. I don't want to operate on low charge, that's not a fulfilling way to live or love and it's not how God intended marriage to be.
So, for me, my TIME OUT, TIME AWAY was definitely TIME WELL SPENT.
Is your warning light flashing, are you over due for a romance recharge ? Don't put it off any longer, find time to get back into the green zone.
Lxx

2011-07-27T00:21:00.001-07:00

Lasting Love

by SistasInArms on Wednesday, July 27, 2011 at 5:16pm

As I was out walking today I passed by a lovely older couple, I'm guessing they were in their late 70's, early 80's strolling slowly along. My heart skipped a beat, a feeling of longing passed over me as I soaked in the picture of these strangers. Grey hair, slightly stooped in posture, each stride small and measured, but that's not what captured my heart..........Hands clasped tightly as these two lovers gazed into one anothers eyes, totally immersed in the moment, oblivious to me as I passed by. How blessed I was to have witnessed such a scene of devotion and deep love, it was just so obvious, I could feel it.
Straight away my thoughts then wandered to my husband and I. Would we be so lucky as to grow old together, to still be passionately in love in our twilight years? Will he still be enamoured with me and I with him?
I didn't ponder too long on this thought.........I already knew the answer........yes.
Love would never be in doubt, it's the growing old bit that we have no control over. My heart tells me we"ll grow old gracefully together, but what if ? Again my heart skipped a beat........." I have loved ( and will love ) you with an everlasting love ".
A peace settled softly over me as I continued to walk and meditate upon that promise. I will always be loved, no matter where my life's journey takes me.
How beautiful that my God wants me to know this, and He wants you to know this too, precious Sistas. This promise is for each and every one of His daughters. Reach out, grasp hold, and take these words, store them in your heart, draw on them in times of pain and trial that they may bring you comfort and peace.
You are loved with an everlasting love
Lxx

2011-07-26T23:27:00.001-07:00

BOOK CHAT"- Literary Interlude

by SistasInArms on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at 5:12pm

Have got to share this one. THE BEST book I've read to date on child rearing.
TOE TO TOE WITH YOUR TEEN
A Guide To Successfully Parenting A Defiant
Teen Without Giving Up Or Giving In
-JIMMY MYERS, Ph.D

This is a must read, for all parents, even if you are not blessed with defiant kids. I've read a mountain of books on child rearing and discipline, often stopping half way through in discouragement. Jimmy Myers gives practical advice on handling situations with teens that most, if not all of us will encounter to some degree. It's real, it's raw, and it's honest.
Often we start out reading expecting to find answers and formulas to our problems, which, lets be honest, we see as our children's behaviour, well you are in for a big surprise, and you may already know this deep down. It's more about us than them, the way we handle and react to behaviours that disappoint us. There's no airy fairy advice in this book, it's solid and straight to the point with plenty of example case studies from Jimmys' years of working with kids and their parents.
I recommend you read this one, it's easy to read, you won't be disappointed.
Lxx

I Miss You Nana

2011-07-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

I Miss You Nana

by SistasInArms on Friday, July 15, 2011 at 10:46am

It's been 3 years since the closing of my Nanas chapter. This morning, as I sorted through some things I found a poem she had written for me when I was just 15. She always knew where my heart was, always had words of wisdom to share at just the right time.
                    "JUST FIFTEEN"
Wondering and dreaming
Where am I going?
Wanting to say but not really knowing
Yesterday so sure-everything right
Now it's today-where is the light?
Yesterday gone-gone out of sight
Not yet a woman-no longer a child
Feelings inside me bewildered and wild
Am I loved, do I care
Should I trust that they are there?
Yes I must-they are there!
Those who love me and advise
Yet I wonder-are they wise?
I am me, they are not!
Can they know how things can be-
It's my life, can't I be free?
Why can't they see-why can't they see?
And yet I know at just fifteen-
I have not been, I have not seen
God given life ahead of me-
Why can't I see-why can't I see?
If I should pause for just a while
Will God look down with a gentle smile
Upon His loved bewildered child-
Take my hand and day by day
Hold it tight and show the way-
That along lifes road, He will always be
If I let Him walk with me.

I miss her beautiful hugs, her loving smile, her gentle voice, the delight in her face when I visited, the way she found beauty in the simple things, her laugh, her wisdom and most of all her love.
   Till we meet again, Nana
                                        Your Grandaughter, Leeanne

Connections

2011-07-10T19:59:00.001-07:00

" There is such incredible power to open and close the hearts of those you encounter just by deliberately choosing to connect. " -Lisa Bevere

To connect or to make a connection, 1. to link together 2. to associate mentally 3. to constitute a link between, 2. a relationship or association 4. somebody connected to one by friendship.

How are you at making connections? Do you look for opportunities to connect,or do you shy away from connecting with others ? Do you maintain the connections you have made or do you seem to be accumulating a lot of loose connections that function temporarily ?

Some of us are afraid to connect with others due to past disappointments and hurt, others are great at making the initial connection but fall short in the maintenance department and some are just too busy. I think we can all put our hand up to at least one of these. So where does that leave us? Well, I guess we can either choose to use these as excuses as to why we have failed connections or..... look at ourselves openly and honestly examining where we may have fallen short in the nurture of our friendships.

Friendships are a part of our life that need to be intentionally fostered, not always with large lashings of time, because that's something we can all be in short supply of, but simple things, a text message, a note in the mail,a phone call, even 1/2 hour for a quick coffee.

Friendships are not seasonal unless you choose them to be. We've all experienced and probably been guilty of "we'll have to get together","catch up for a coffee soon" e.t.c and months go by. With the pace of life accelerating Sistas are falling through the cracks, out of site, out of mind. When was the last time the thought of someone you hadn't seen for ages popped into your head and more importantly...did you act upon it ?

"Friendships are vital. They can be an avenue of hope when there is none. They can be a place of inspiration when you are depleted of all energy. They can provide laughter just when you need a smile, and a prayer when you need a miracle. C'mon, girls. We need each other. Let's get good at building friendships !! " Holly Wagnersums it up quite nicely.

I'm choosing to open the hearts of those I encounter, fix up the loose connections and endeavoring to plug up the cracks ! Want to join me ??

Lxx

TRUE BEAUTY

2011-07-06T00:52:00.000-07:00

TRUE BEAUTY........What lies are our girls being fed ?
by Leeanne Reeves
What is REAL beauty ? Who defines REAL beauty ? Where are our girls sourcing their perception of REAL beauty? Are they being misled by what society the media and those in positions of influence portray as REAL?
As a mum of 4 teenage girls I am more than aware of the pressures and influences our girls are bombarded with on a daily basis. I see and experience the doubt and stress, the wounding of self esteem, the questioning of their worth all tied to the way they look. Am I wearing the right clothes ? Does my hair look ok ? Do I have pimples ? My eyes are the wrong colour ! Am I thin enough ? I'm too fat ! The list is unbelievable and what's worse is that the validation of these perceived flaws is given by their peers, friends who struggle daily with the same issues. In a desperate attempt to feel good about themselves they are resorting to pointing out one anothers flaws.
Eating disorders, anorexia and bulimia are on the rise and the girls ( and boys ) suffering are getting younger. What does this say about our society and what we deem as important ? Our children, like never before are exposed from an alarmingly young age through all forms of media and advertising, to an unrealistic standard of beauty, visual beauty. Our girls are sexualized from an alarmingly young age, just take a look at the underwear section at the shops for what they call "tweens", a burgeoning market priming our girls to think "sexy". What was once seen as inappropriate to screen at certain times on television no longer seems to be an issue, everywhere you look our kids are being inundated with lies and fantasy. They are being fed an unrealistic view of what beauty really is. They expect the FANTASY and are chasing after it.
What can we do to combat the negative influences our kids are exposed to ? We can't lock them away from the world, it's impossible to shelter them from everything undesirable and they need to learn to make positive and healthy choices on their own.
A healthy self esteem stems from knowing who you are, being comfortable in your own skin and understanding the meaning of TRUE beauty. Some are blessed with a visual beauty and that's ok but we can all be RADIANT- vividly bright and shining expressing love, happiness and health. I believe this is the essence of TRUE beauty, lasting and genuine, evident in old age when time has altered our visual appearance.
As parents all we can really endeavor to do is to instill an understanding of what RADIANT BEAUTY is in our children every day. To positively reinforce attributes other than physical appearance and point them to the One who created them perfectly and wondrously.
We can also have a voice collectively by speaking out against the negative influences where and whenever we are presented with the opportunity to do so. It takes courage to be bold........But what is at stake? I'd say its worth the effort !
Lxx

A BYGONE YEAR

2011-06-07T20:52:00.000-07:00

It's been over a year since I have posted anything here on My Thoughts, the time seems to have flown and yet as I sit here typing I almost feel a stranger. I'm another year older and another year wiser...one would hope.
The journey over the last 12months, actually 2years, has been one filled with just about every emotion I can think of, anger, distress, helplessness, anguish, hurt, disappointment, loss, doubt, loneliness and failure. How's that for a depressing list! And yes you can throw a dose of depression in there as well.
The most recent season of my life is definitely sitting on the top of the list as the most challenging chapter yet, one that was shaping up to be an extended version with no end in sight. I really didn't think I could see or believe that there was an end and that's because there isn't! I've finally come to the point where I've realised the road doesn't end, it's just that there is a bend ahead and I can't see around it. My strength and resilience were completely depleted and I didn't grasp and hang on to the One who would have carried me, will carry me and is carrying me.
At some point in the near future I will write about the events that have unfolded to date, but at this moment I don't feel that I can appropriately express in word the experiences that we have endured. I am now in the process of rebuilding my faith, choosing to jettison the negative and that which threatens to drag me under, and grasp hold tightly of all that is good, positive, and life building. It is a daily conscious decision and one way I have found to accomplish this goal is in encouraging others. The blessing I have received through the simple act of lifting up others in word has been astounding. It is my heart to nurture, and in doing so I have received the same in return. God is gently drawing me back, restoring that which I thought was lost. The story is far from over and some days I wonder how we will ever weather this storm, but seeing around the corner is not so much of an issue now, tackling each new day with a positive attitude is the focus and learning to trust in God again believing that all things work together for good.
Lxx
I'd love to see you visit my fb page SistasInArms. It's a place where we endeavor to encourage, brighten your day and perhaps bring a smile to your face. Hope to see you there ! :)

Unpacking the Vision

2010-06-05T23:44:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago a group of girls, well women really, mums all in different seasons....some of us a little older than others.....not that much older.......ok, I'm the oldest, began meeting together once a fortnight to encourage, nurture and support one another. We started out reading books, discussing their content on marriage, relationship, parenting, mentoring & personal growth from some wonderful authors including ; Stormie Omartian, Lisa Bevere, Lisa Ter Keurst & Priscilla Shirer.We have laughed together, cried together and consumed mountains of coffee, tea and of course the odd cake or two....or three.
Over the course of our years meeting together many things have changed, we all attend different churches now, careers have blossomed, businesses have flourished, some deep valleys have been travelled and dreams are being followed. This is of course but a snippet of what we have shared, each one of us has been given a vision of where God wants to lead. This is the unpacking of my journey through SistasInArms.
I guess we all come to a point in our life where we question......What's it all about? what is my purpose ? where can I make a difference ? And now that my girls are all in their teens and pursuing their own lives, not that my role as mum is diminished, just changing, that time has come for me. God, what do you want me to do?
"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those who are perishing. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice. " Proverbs 31:8
"He will rescue the poor when they cry to Him;he will help the oppressed, who have no one to defend them. He feels pity for the weak and needy, and he will rescue them. " Psalm 72:12-13
Ok, so how do I translate that into my life, my current circumstances, my now? PRAYER....Oh gosh have I prayed. Those verses are challenging, I'll be honest they scared the heck out of me. I dream big, my imagination had a field day, my vision was going GLOBAL !
"Be still and know that I am God ". Quiet my mind and listen, not as easy as it sounds when you are me but being obedient pays off........
Sitting talking over coffee....yes another one......with a girlfriend who had recently started meeting with us at Sistas, we both felt impressed to share our vision. He always brings someone across your path at exactly the right time, His time. You guessed it, He had been speaking to both of us about the same thing........"Putting Feet on Faith" and so....."SistasInAction" was birthed.
Yesterday we successfully hosted our very first event "HIGH TEA FOR HER". SistasInArms has aligned with "Laras House" a safe and nurturing environment for young mums to be who are at risk. We have committed to provide these young girls, who often arrive with nothing, Grocery start up bags, Personal Pamper Paks, Bumper Baby Bags & New Mum Bags. At the heart of every woman is the inate need to nurture and given the opportunity her heart will lead the way. We asked all of our guests to bring items from the lists that we provided and the response and generosity that enshued has been astounding. Sometimes we need to take that first small step, get things started, step out in faith. He dosen't ask us to do what is in anothers hand but what is in ours. Thank goodness for that because my hand is pretty full. Sistas uniting and working together can achieve, each with their special role to play, amazing things.
Our vision now, is to facilitate "Putting Feet on Faith" for our Sistas locally. I need to keep my feet on the ground for the time being, global will have to wait for His timing, I'm being still and not jumping ahead. The aim is to network with local womens ministries. SistasInAction will do the footwork, planning and executing of events calling on our wider network to support functions.
Ambitious? You bet, Impossible? Not with God, and not with other crazy Sistas who are willing to listen to His voice and step out in faith.
Lxx
SistasInArms - You can find us on fb & @ http://sistasinarms.ning.com

Tall & Strong

2010-05-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

Well it's been quite some time since I have posted a blog. I've been missing in action, the fog has cleared, well not exactly, I think I've just emerged at the other side. Let me tell you, it was a thick, dense fog, all consuming for way too long. You know the type, every which way you look...fog... seemingly no light just that haziness that causes you to strain your eyes. The storm that caused me to go M.I.A has since dissapated, rumblings still persist and thats definately a story for another time but as always there is a lesson learnt and wisdom gained thanks to " He makes all things work together for good " So heres my take on the little slice of wisdom recently added to my life journey. No doubt He's tried to teach me this on numerous occasions, but the pennies finally dropped.

Sixteen years ago when we moved into our house, there was not a tree to be seen in our subdivision. Along with the majority of other fellow home builders we embarked upon a tree planting frenzy in the hope of giving our suburban lifestyle a touch of " country ". Our little corner of the world also backs onto wetlands teeming with birdlife, an oasis really.
Amongst our green thumbed efforts was a small tubestock gum tree, I actually thought it was dead, but we planted it anyway in the hope that it might revive and grow tall and strong as its little tag of information indicated it should.
At first it grew slowly and many of the other trees planted near by overtook it in height and it seemed to be dwarfed by their rapid growth. Many storms have passed through, destroying alot of our little gum trees fast growing neighbours. It too was tossed about, and more than once we thought we'd lost it as well. Each new season it sheds its old bark to reveal a new and stronger trunk.
Now, standing tall and strong at the bottom of our yard is our gum tree. Its leaves are glossy and profuse, birds anually nest and take haven in its sturdy branches, when the storms pass through it is steadfast because our little gum tree has tapped into the source......its roots have grounded deep into the water it was planted by.
Little gum trees progress has been slow and often seemingly not at all, but when its roots finally connected to the life source,it grew and grew and continues to grow, storm and drought no longer a threat, it can withstand the elements because its planted firm and strong.

I'm alot like little gum tree. My progress has been slow and arduous, I've been tossed about by the storms of life, at times getting lost at sea. I 've been planted by the water but I haven't allowed my roots to really go deep enough to withstand the storm.... until now. The old trust issue and casting of burdens rears its ugly head. Do I have faith enough to trust Him with my stuff, the really hard stuff? Well I'm still alive, I've survived the recent onslaught and it wasn't in my strength but His. He is faithful and I'm finally one believing to be one of "they ".
Lxx
" They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. " Jeremiah 17:8 NIV

Forgotten view

2009-11-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

The end of another day drew to a close, and what a glorious day it had been. Sun shining, a gentle breeze in the air and no pressing engagements to attend, finally, time available to spend at home and potter around in the yard, which was beginning to resemble the bush, wild and unkept. Hubby worked like a trojan all day, cutting, sawing, gathering, disposing, transforming our backyard. You see, we once had a beautiful view from our back deck, but over time it had become obscurred. The trees had gotten out of control and overgrown and to be honest we hadn't noticed that our view had slowly disappeared, we'd gotten distracted, relaxing and drinking in what we had been blessed with had become a thing of the past.
We've had some spectacular storms pass through lately, thunder, lightening, rain and wind, strong flora pruning wind, branches had been broken off many of the trees and there it had emerged, a glimpse of what we had been missing, a catylst inspiring further more brutal but necessary pruning. Words had been spoken as to which and how severely some of my more favourite view inhibitors were to be attacked but in the end I was assured by my trusty gardener that they would grow to be much more healthy and flower more profusely. With the task now finished and a large pile of dead wood at the bottom of our yard out of the way, we sat soaking in the picture from our deck, the way now clear.
I don't really know why we had allowed it to become so overgrown, laziness, life, distractions ?, But what I do know, is that regaining focuss and having a clear view ahead is refreshing and inspiring, opening the way to move forward no longer encumbered.

Pruning, not always fun ,more often unpleasant hard work, has rewards. Abundant fruit, beautiful flowers and breathtaking views of the path ahead.

" I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch that doesn't produce fruit, and He prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more." John 15:1-2 NLT

Lxx

Ambushed

2009-10-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a dream of something you wanted to accomplish, a desire to achieve, a passion to make a difference ? In your mind you can picture it all, ideas abundantly overflowing, there's an excitement in your belly and the anticipation of venturing into unknown territory is exhilorating. You decide to share your dream, verbalising your vision and plans make it all the more real, you have taken the leap from dreamtime into reality, it's out there, made known. Something in the atmosphere changes, butterflys of excitement turn to feelings of nausea, great ideas suddenly seem unattainable and exhiloration morphs into fear and doubt.
" I can't achieve that......I don't have the capabilities......the talent........the resources......I can't......I can't !
" I " suddenly becomes a big issue, paralysis sets in and the enemy successfully ambushes your dreams and purpose.
Having experienced all of these emotions after penning my first ever piece to be seen by eyes other than my own, overwhelmed with self doubt, I promptly screwed it up and threw it in the bin.
Passions and dreams are given to us by God, He knows the desires of our heart. Our ideas don't have to be huge and complicated in order to make a difference, it may be as simple as.....A prompting to phone a friend- who's probably in need of a chat.......Inviting your neighbour over for coffee- she may be lonely hoping for company.......Talking to the new person at church and making them feel welcome or just speaking out that word of encouragement that comes to mind. God promises when we trust Him and step outside of our box that He will uphold us with His victorious right hand.......He both preceeds and follows us........that our weaknesses become His strength. Our confidence dosen't come from " I " it comes from Him.
" I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me " Philippians 4:13
Let's take hold of these promises beautiful Sistas, step out, follow our dreams, make that difference and allow God to " accomplish infinitely more than we could ever dare to ask or imagine " Ephesians 3:20
I wrote this two and a half years ago, I did retrieve the letter from the bin and began to write but somewhere along the way I opened the door to fear and doubt walking straight back into the the enemies ambush....again. I have wasted so much time and energy wandering around in the land of " I " but He loves me too much to leave me there. I have a sore butt, because lately everwhere I turn He's giving me a boot back in the right direction. I'll be honest that direction is scary, some big decisions that will require some serious stretching and trusting are on the horizon, however I plan to travel with an expert guide, He has an eye for the ambush ahead. He has not given me a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. With each challenge that comes my way, He keeps bringing to mind.....

Your destiny lies at the end of your obedience.
Lxx

Blink, and You'll Miss It

2009-09-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

My Word for the Day " Stop Focussing on what you don't have cause you'll miss what you've already got! "..........
Boy, did I need a good kick in the pants, and I received it yesterday via a kids movie! There is definately a conspiracy out there to get into big peoples heads. Yes, I cried and spent a good amount of time trying to swallow the persistent lump in my throat, who'd have thought that an animation would leave me pondering my present state of being, where I'm at, where I've been and where I'm headed! Movie title... ironically " UP ". My apologies to those who are yet to see it, but I just have to share.
Brief overview......Nerdy but very cute boy meets girl of the same, childhood sweethearts sharing the same dreams and passion for adventure fall in love, marry, save for their ultimate goal, to visit a faraway land filled with mystery and intrigue, children yes but unfortunately no, still saving for the dream, years roll by life gets in the way, still saving he finally buys the tickets....she passes away ( you could have heard a pin drop ).The lump in my throat grew to mammoth proportions at this point. Very cute kid enters his life, he decides to follow the dream, kid gets caught up in the adventure, kid becomes the focus of the journey, but he still has his eyes set on the past and what he didn't achieve almost missing the new adventure awaiting him. He realises that his past was full and rich and wonderful and now it was time for a new chapter and what an amazing chapter it turned out to be.
Oh my gosh, being the dreamer of big dreams that I am, and up to my elbows in the season of teenage girls, the 40's my lifes half over crisis ( I know, the glass is half full,need an attitude adjustment ), time for a new direction, time to follow my passions and dreams ( once I can identify them with some clarity )struggling with who I am now that my girls are more independent,what is my purpose ( knowing full well that being a mum is a privilege and a purpose )trying to come to terms with my failures and letting them go, I could prattle on but I think I'll stop there, I'm sounding totally disfunctional.
Reality check ! I'm missing what I've already got and if I blink I'm going to miss it totally.
It only seems like yesterday that I held my beautiful first born in my arms, captivated by her, wondering what the future held, that was 4 children and 18 years ago! I've been so focussed on what I haven't achieved and what I want to achieve that it is obscuring the blessings of what I am experiencing now. Just the other day, my hubby and I were able to spend a day out on the lake fishing, just the two of us, courtesy of the now season (teenage girls social calenders simultaneously full ). It's a little bit like reading a book, being impatient after reading the first chapter and skipping through to the last missing what's in the middle and then having to constantly flick back trying to fill in the gaps.The best bits are always inbetween the beginning and the end.
There is nothing wrong with dreaming, God gives us desires and passions but life is not about what I haven't achieved, it's about appreciating what I have, living in and enjoying the present, being grateful and content and trusting that He knows the desires of my heart and will bring them to pass.

This Sista has just learnt a lesson. Lxx

Beautiful Feet

2009-09-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Wardrobe conversion complete! The weather has warmed up, winter clothes packed away, summer apparell now hanging in it's place, "finally". It's been a long winter and it's exhilerating to be out in the sun again. The aroma of spring sparks the senses, renewed motivation, anticipation, excitement, time to catch up on all the things left undone, and of course, shopping for new season bargains.
First port of call, shoes. Sitting down to try on the funky platforms I'd found, I slipped off my black winter faithfuls, "Oh No!" Now girls, we all now what happens to our feet when they are tucked away and covered up during their hibernating months. If you are like me, you become a little neglectful, "Out of sight, Out of mind!" More pressing issues take precidence over tending to my feet, but really it dosen"t take long, a little TLC on a regular basis keeps my tootsies in good shape. REGULARLY is the key, left unattended to, my poor old feet start to look a bit dry, cracked and neglected and of course the longer I leave tending to the situation, the more prolonged the recovery of "said" feet becomes. In all aspects of life, we need to be consistent, committed to maintaining the things that are important. I know what you are thinking, "They are only feet!", but bare with me.
"Encourage one another daily, as long as it is called today" Hebrews 3.13 NIV
I think that sometimes we get so caught up in our own little world of "Busyness" that we can forget what an impact we have on the lives of those around us.
Do we make a point of touching base regularly with friends? Or do we find ourselves in that place of "Just too busy, will do it later", and before we know it, weeks or months have gone by?
"Encouragement is awesome. it has the capacity to.......actually change the course of another human beings' day, week or life" - Charlse R. Swindoll.
Friendships are beautiful, precious blessings gifted to us by God to enrich our daily walk. To encourage one another daily requires "nurture" and to nurture we need to REGULARLY touch base. I know at times it is difficult, life gets hectic, but let's not become "too busy" to realise what is truly important.
Re-connect with old friends, do coffee with your besties, seek out new friendships, not only will you be a blessing, but your life will also be enriched.
Oh, if you are still wondering about the feet..........
Isaiah 52:7 NLT
"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of peace and salvation....."

Lxx

Celerbrating Fatherhood

2009-09-14T01:31:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting here feeling quite chuffed, I have just learnt how to upload photos onto my computer. I can see the expressions of shock & hear the giggles of disbelief, I know, it's so simple but I'm technologically challenged, surely I'm not the only one who usually gets the kids to do it for them???? Somebody humour me please! I'm sure I"ll get the hang of it eventually. Anyway, as I was perusing through my photos I came across images from Fathers Day. My hubby received the best present, according to him, all of his daughters spending the day together as a family. This is a rarity theses days as No 1 daughter has her licence and a boyfriend. We picniced by the lake in the gorgeous sunshine with both pops, siblings, nieces and nephews, the whole clan, it was a memorable occasion.
Watching my dad sitting in his camping chair relaxing prompted me to dig into many such memories. He's in his sixties now and a lifetime of hard physical work is beginning to show its toll. He's not as spritely as he once was, there's a limp when he walks and I'm sure hes shrunk and for the first time, I truly realised, "my dad is getting old". I think I still saw him through the eyes of a little girl, that forever young daddy had suddenly become the grandad, his mortality evident.
Not so long ago, driving in the car listening to Focus on the Family, honouring dads being the topic of the day, it was sugested that we write a letter to our dad, thanking him for who he is and what he has meant in our life. I took up the challenge and I think the effects of these written memories and feelings were as profound for me as they were for my dad when I presented them to him as a gift......
DAD
When I was little you read me stories in bed each night
You stayed up late on Christmas Eves putting stuff together
You took me to work with you
We surfed together on your malibu
You taught me how to fish
We watched our special tv documentaries together
Each summer weekend you'd pack up the van to go to the beach
You took us camping and 4wheel driving
We went bushwalking and tadpoling
You held my head and comforted me when I was sick
You ran with me after a hard days work
You sat through all my ballet concerts
You encouraged when I began my career and you taught me good work ethic
You trusted me when I spread my wings
You extended a helping hand to get my first business underway
Your example helped me to choose a husband who would love and treat me well
You kissed my hand as you walked me down the aisle and gave me away
You built the home in which I am raising my family
You were there when your grandaughters were born, each one special to their Poppy Pete
You have always put me first, often at your own expense
You are an example of honesty, integrity, hard working, perseverance, longsuffering, endurance, trustworthiness and commitment
You have given me many wonderful, cherished memories
I look up to you and I admire you
I thank God for you and am proud you are my Daddy
You mean more to me than you know and I'll love you always
Thank you, Your Daughter
Leeanne
I can't recall seeing my dad moved emotionally on many occasions, with tears in his eyes he hugged me and said, " This is the best present ever ".
So often we neglect to let the people who are important in our lives know how much we appreciate them. We assume they are aware of our feelings and take for granted there will always be a tomorrow. My nana gave me her diamond ring for my 30 birthday, she wanted me to know then how much she loved me and see me wearing it, that was 11 years ago and she has since gone home, but I knew because she told me.
Don't put it off any longer, someone is waiting to hear, mend the bridge if you have to. What began as a gift for my dad became a blessing for me.

My Dad My Hubby & his Girls

2009-09-08T20:39:00.000-07:00

My Beautiful Girls
Candice, Ebonie,
Madeline & Eden

2009-09-08T20:36:00.000-07:00

My Darling Hubby
Scott

Spring is in the Air

2009-09-07T20:49:00.000-07:00

Spring is in the air and when i get a wiff of that beautiful warm weather, I go into cleaning mode, spring cleaning. Tick "yes" for windows, inside and out, screens washed and re-attached, mind you scaling a ladder was required, a little dodgy at times, but at least we are now able to view the outside world without thinking it's a little hazy.
Todays task....The linen cupboard! Talk about biting off more than you can chew, turned into an all day job after having to unfold every sheet to identify its species, single...,double...or queen? Why do I have soooo many sets of sheets? Probably because I've inherited all of my mums hand offs, and, being the horder that I am, just knew that I would use them at some point. It dosen't hurt to have spares, you know for camping or drop sheets for painting, extras.....just in case! Lets not forget the towels, the good towels, bath and beach...,the general towel population...and the old towels used for the grubby stuff like dog washing, wiping dirty feet and mopping up spillages. Tea towels...hand towels...washers...tablecloths and how did I aquire the abundance of pillowcases? I'll blame mum. It dosen't end there, doonas and covers...blankets again in all species and a couple of extra pillows.....No wonder the doors were difficult to shut!
You'll be glad to hear that a major culling took place, my linen cupboard is now rid of all the old tired worn out stuff I'd been hanging onto, there is actually now space unclaimed, no doubt waiting to be filled, but the job is done for now.....until next time.
Why do we hang onto all that old stuff that clutters up and makes life difficult, leaving little or no room for growth and new things? Putting off discarding the old often appears to be easier than sorting through all the junk we hoard away, but how good does it feel after a clean out and everything is in order?....A sense of achievement, relief and the overwhelming feeling of a fresh start, a new chapter. No doubt there will be the need for many such cullings along lifes journey, but that's just it!We cannot take everything with us, there's not enough room, some things need to be discarded and in wisdom we move forward. Wisdom is should be our travelling companion, she helps us determine which baggage is worth keeping, discerning the good stuff, turning old into new, making room for what really matters.
Let wisdom be your guide, get stuck into that spring cleaning, de-clutter and free up some space, turf out the old and make way for the new.......His new......it's wrth the effort.
Lxx