We had an awesome Easter weekend.
We managed to spend time with three of our four children and their families, and spoke to the fourth over the phone.
Needless, to say, delicious meals were consumed. Chocolate too!
Now it’s back to everyday activities……helped along by the sunshine outside.
Have a great day! Relish every moment!
My blogs:
http//pepeprays.wordpress.com
God’s promise to us is that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
He asks that we treat each other kindly and with love. This is not always easy to do. Some people are inclined to be unlovable, according to our thinking, and yet the Bible (the absolute truth for right living) gives very concise instructions.
Matthew 5:43 – 46a ”You have heard that it is said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what rewards have you?
Among other activities, I write book reviews and the book I am presently reading is, “Come to the Garden” by Jennifer Wilder Morgan. In it, she is visited by an angel who helps her understand visions that she has in her dreams. One particular sentence caught my attention, because I don’t recall hearing of it before. In the aftermath of the twin tower collapse of 9/11, firefighters encountered many gruesome discoveries, but one particular find surely contained a message from God…….an open Bible fused into a metal beam displayed Matthew 5:43 ….. where the words must have touched the hearts of many on that day……..you guessed correctly; the words are of Matthew 5:43-46.
This artifact can be seen in the 9/11 museum of artifacts, (check The Washington Post, for pictures from the museum) where the meager remains of the horrors of that day are displayed for all to see.
So, thought for the day: was it pure coincidence do you think, or was it a clear message from God? And, did we get it?
My blog: http://pattersmatters.wordpress.com
It’s the question many of us are asking. The calendar tells us it is spring, but the temperature outdoors belies that.
I have yet to hear, let alone see, a robin. Has anyone else seen one or more?
Snowdrops are growing in profusion in the garden and they are a joy to see.
Sigh! Can’t be long now – surely!
Spring has sprung
The grass has riz
I wonder where
The birdies is?
Have a great day…………………………….
Lydia Brown thought she had met the love of her life, when Brad came into her life. She was enamored with everything about him. Meanwhile, Kevin watched from the sidelines. His feelings were deep and were for Lydia, but Brad was the man she chose to share her time with.
When Brad chooses another over her, she is deeply pained by the rejection. Her anguish is increased when she discovers she is pregnant. Brad is the father. Lydia chooses to end the pregnancy; distasteful as abortion was to her, she would not have his child.
The resulting consequences of that decision makes compelling reading. Lydia’s lifestyle plunges into a debauchery that she would never have imagined herself living. Drugs and clandestine relationships become her norm. Her self-hatred develops into an all-consuming passion as she attempts to overcome her guilt.
Kevin becomes a wary onlooker, as he sees the life she has chosen to live. His love for her remains, but is somewhat tempered by his doubts. How could he possibly marry this woman now? His faith and beliefs do battle as he comes to grips with his feelings and her dubious lifestyle.
This is a compelling read. I balked at the subject matter. Abortion is a contentious issue after all, and I had distinctly conservative opinions on the matter. As I read, I began to have compassion for Lydia and I have to say – I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Her character grows into a person of great worth and Kevin learns about grace and the benefits one can derive from forgiveness.
My Blog:
http://pattersmatters.wordpress.com
Http://pepeprays.wordpress.com (Devotionals)
It’s just another day. We expect a major winter storm later today. My hope is that it is the last one before spring comes our way.
I could be expecting too much – but I’ll hang onto that thought, nevertheless.
Last year, I saw ‘my’ first robin March 11 – so with much anticipation, I look forward to the first sighting.
It’s so much nicer to say, “Welcome back”, rather than, “Take me with you” – which is what I can be heard to mutter as winter first approaches.
I am so glad we are on the end part of winter and not the beginning. How about you?
Carpe diem! Seize the day and enjoy the sunshine!
We had some pretty intense snow squalls race through our area yesterday.
Last evening the roads and visibility were particularly bad. I had bible study with my small group and was determined to get there. Setting out I was nervous. I consider myself a big ‘chicken’ when it comes to driving in winter conditions, so I choose to stay off the roads. I consider that one less nervous driver on the highways is a good thing.
Blowing snow covered the roads from my house to my destination. Visibility was low. I should have stayed home!
I arrived safely but shaken. I am not comfortable with winter driving. While chatting to my friends, all I could think of was how much worse the conditions would be on the way home two, maybe three, hours later. I decided I would not stay for the study – I wanted to get home safely.
Leaving, feeling a little guilty, I began my journey. Highway one was snow-covered and icey. I decided to take a different route to the one I had driven earlier – which had been AWFUL. My wheels had locked on one occasion and instead of turning right, as I had wanted, the car proceeded to slide through a junction. The road I chose was mostly alongside new developments. I figured it would be safer as more cars travelled it. Wise decision, until the residential development ended and I was on an unlit area where the road suddenly vanished in blowing snow. Headlights made visibility worse, so I proceeded VERY carefully, hoping I stayed on the road. Making it to the side-road I wanted, I turned only to discover deep snow covering my side of the road……..I discovered it was my side of the road when oncoming cars were coming at me – head on!
Thankfully, I made it to the road home. It was a nightmare drive, with snow covered lanes and still blowing snow. Holding my breath, with white knuckles on the wheel, I gritted my teeth and concentrated on the road ahead – when I could see it.
At last – I reached our development. Turning and relaxing somewhat, I determined, there was no way I wanted to repeat this journey the next morning to go to another study – so, told my husband I would not be wanting the car the next day.
Next day – he leaves for work and I look out the window to see a bright sunny, much calmer morning. Do I feel like a wimp? You betcha – but it’s too late to change plans now.
Snow squalls are still in the forecast for this region, albeit they are less intense, while here I am cozy and warm – feeling just a tad guilty at giving up so easily.
Better safe than sorry! That’s my view and I’m sticking to it. 
Since moving to this location, we are plagued by internet disruptions.
Not only do we lose contact with family and friends on the ‘net’ – we also lose our digital telephone connection. No internet connection means no telephone service.
So, a word of caution, if I may: Choose wisely when deciding upon the services you want. When we lose our connection, it also means that should we have an emergency situation here, we cannot summon help.
We plan on installing a separate land line and so, overcome this particular situation.
Happy family day weekend, everyone.
Valentine’s Day fast approaches.
Some will enjoy the day, while others will find it challenging because their loved one is gone.
Whether through death or by separation, Valentine’s Day hits hard, as many realize they are alone. They no longer have that special person in their lives.
Perhaps, like me, you know someone who, very likely, will live through Valentine’s Day with dread and despair.
Let them know that you care. It does not have to be a large elaborate card or gift; sometimes just a hug, a message or your time will suffice. Knowing that another person cares can make all the difference in the world. Loneliness does not have to feel as if you are completely alone.
Show them that you care and reach out to them on Thursday.
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Well, Wiarton Willie predicted an early spring for us in Ontario. But, methinks, whatever he forecasts, we still have 6-8 weeks, at least, of cold and snowy weather to contend with.
But on a positive note – we can look forward – with great anticipation – to warmer days, an easier exit from home as we shed winter clothes and boots, pleasant drives instead of road battles, birds returning from their winter vacations to delight us with their antics, in the garden.
Lovely thoughts. Yes, we are now on MY end of winter – the final part.
My Blogs:
http://pattersmatters.wordpress.com
http://pepeprays.wordpress.com
I write reviews for http://www.readersfavorites.com http://www.booksneeze.com and blog for http://www.febc.org http://www.underthecoverofprayer.com
Whatever you are challenged with today – if it is legal, ethical and moral – don’t give up! God is on your side.
So, it is February second – - will Wiarton Willie, see a shadow?
Will we be blessed with an early spring or will we endure (at least) six more weeks of winter?
I really don’t think even Willie can really tell us. I think we’ll have to hunker down and accept that winter is with us for many weeks yet, whether Willie ‘tells’ us or not.
Stay warm if you are not a winter enthusiast. Enjoy the great outdoors, if you are.
My Blogs:
