Measuring Wealth

When we moved to Highfields we know God was bringing us home, for a time of replenishing. He spoke to us about moving back home and restoring what had been lost to us. We have been here a month now and we see his providence in so many ways. Yes, in tangible ways by paying for our relocation, providing Don with a great job, opening up a whole new world for Avon for me, placing Jack in a school with a dynamic and focused teacher, introducing us to a new church family, and seeing Sam settle and regain his confidence following his surgery only a few short months ago. Honestly, I could go on and on, but you get the picture. This scripture has been pivotal to me in the past two weeks. It is in complete retrospect to what the world teaches us.

The result of humility and the fear of the Lord is wealth, honour and life.(Prov. 22:4)

When I wake in the morning, the words resound through my mind and settle gently into my heart like a renewing gift, a gentle reminder each day that our life here is God's gift and it is good.

With what we have endured in recent years in regard to our travels with MAF, moving from home to home, town to town, state to state, Sam's surgery, and Don's work; this promise from God is like a refreshing drink of water to us. It is reviving our parched souls after a long journey.  Everything is beautiful to us right now; being closer to family, the weather, our new home, new friends, because we know we are in the place where God's blessing resides. And so just as our Pittsworth home was called 'God's Rest', this place is 'God's Blessing'.

We have not despised any part of our journey in fact we have relished in the people we have met and the places we have lived. It was not a fickle journey but one of obedience and love. 

We travel to Brisbane on Friday for Sam's heart review with his cardiologist. Please pray with us for a safe trip and an outstanding outcome for Sam. That his heart shall be strong and endure for the longest time.

Rugged up and happy for Jack's first athletics day. He missed last year's due to us moving around.

Jack came 2nd in his sprint, though they only give participation ribbons in the lower years.

Sam joins in hopscotch at Jack's school.

Jack running in his relay where he caught up where his team was lagging.

The new book I contributed to is now released and I received my author copies from the UK.

Sam is just growing up so much and the boys have only grown closer in our travels.

We are rediscovering gardening. Oh, how I have missed my garden.

Christmas Anticipation

We love to celebrate Christmas in our home.  Our Christmas tree goes up sometime in November and gifts begin appearing under the tree soon after.  We delight in remembering Jesus in this way, and the excitement that comes with the celebration.  I am aware that people celebrate Christmas in many different ways but this is a valued part of our family's celebration. It's not that the gifts are extravagant but it is the expectation that builds while waiting, that quickens the heart and sharpens the spirit, while warming the soul.

I love the excitement and anticipation that comes in the lead up to giving and opening those blessings.  For weeks before our children long to receive and open their gifts.  Over time they learn to be patient and wait, even though it is difficult to contain their excitement.  And the surprise on Christmas Day is always worth the wait. 

Our society does not like to wait for anything. We have a become a people who watch on demand, and look for instant gratification of our desires.  I love that this little part of our Christmas tradition calls on us to have patience and wait.  Because there is much in the life of faith that is all about waiting.
We wait in anticipation for the return of our King Jesus.  We wait for Him with great excitement building in our hearts.  The bible counsels us to not grow weary in waiting but look forward to the day of our great reunion.  Oh, what delight awaits us all on that day!  The day that we get to look upon the face of the one who saved us.

And what is anticipation?

HOPE

When I gaze upon the star that adorns our tree, I behold in my minds eye Jesus returning triumphant and bright in splendor.

When I see the presents under the tree, I remember that God's presence is with us always. Emmanuel 'God with us'.

The glitter of lights and twinkle of glistening decorations reminds me of God's glory that rests upon us, by the power of Holy Spirit.

Yes, HOPE is renewed at Christmas. The flame of of my steadfast faith is fanned at Christmas and I feel my spirit not only remembering and celebrating the birth of Jesus, but also His imminent return to embrace His people.

May each one of you be at peace this Christmas and make many new memories to take with you into the New Year.

A Crab Dinner

Yesterday I traveled to Lilydale in search of two crabs for our anniversary dinner this evening.  Crab is one of the things that Don and I love to taste and never have. Crab is just not available in Yarra Glen, there is no such luxury.  I returned home yesterday empty handed but ended up doing something else in town that is also a God story, which I shall keep for another day.I  have to tell you that we had a bit of a full on day today, I ended up at the doctor with a mild case of conjunctivitis (which I have not had since I was a child), Jack's kindy break up was on and Don had a big clean up day at ACMA.  He arrived home this afternoon after 5pm and we had nothing planned to celebrate our 11 years together.  So off to our local supermarket we went in search of something special for dinner.  As we wandered in, a gift was waiting for us...............................................................................you guessed it there in the deli department sat two blue swimmer crabs.  I almost danced with joy.  This is a deli that only ever has frozen seafood, a handful of prawns and a few fillets of fish, and today they had for sale two crabs.  Heaven heard the prayers of my heart and God provided for us a little taste of paradise.

God honoured the desires of my heart with a crab dinner.

Tonight we honoured Him as we delighted in each other.  We shared a meal with our children and all had communion together.  Jack even made sure we had a chair for Jesus. 

Simple, full of love and sprinkled with blessing from our God. 

Thank you God for the 11 years that I have shared with my husband.  He is truly a blessing to me in every way.

Don't Wait Until Christmas

Over the past few days I have been reflecting on the gifts that I have been given this year, and the good news is that I didn't have to wait until Christmas to open them.  They have been scattered liberally throughout the year, by a God who is the most lavish and prolific giver of gifts.  He sees deep into the recesses of my spirit and he knows what I need and desire.  I want to share with you a sampling of the gifts that I have received with love this year.

New Mercy Everyday
Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. (Lam 3:23)

I know Jesus better now than I ever have and I love him more with each passing day, but I can tell you my faith and actions will never be perfect this side of glory.  I cannot count the amount of times I have made a royal mess of things this year-relationships, attitudes, actions and words I cannot take back.  Thankfully my God's forgiveness and faithfulness never end and his mercy is new everyday.  Nowhere on this earth will you find this kind of love and forgiveness, but in the arms of Jesus.

Another Happy and Healthy Year with my Family

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.(John 10:10)
This year we have had no hospital visits as inpatients.  We have had some patches of common illness, but we have been preserved from serious illness and injury, and I can tell you that I want to dance!  What a joy to celebrate 12 months of health and life with my family.






Amazing Friends and Family

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.(Prov. 27:9)

God has surrounded us with people who love and pray for us, laugh  and cry with us.  We thank God for this gift everyday.  Even though most of our married life has been spent many hours from family, God has always placed people who become our family wherever we venture.






God Given Opportunities

They will speak of the glory of your kingdom; they will give examples of your power.(Psalm 145:11)

There are too many to count but the release of Sam's Heart was something we would never have dared to dream. This combined with our call to Mission Aviation fellowship, have been life changing and have given us completely new direction for our lives.   God takes the impossible and makes it a life changing reality.






I wonder how God has astounded you with his gifts this year?  What could you give Him this Christmas that would bring delight to His heart and a smile to his eyes?