Lynn's Life

That 180 Movie you have heard about

2011-11-13T17:13:00.002+11:00

Here is the link to it on youtube. I guess you know it is about abortion. It's only 33 minutes and it's well worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y2KsU_dhwI&feature=player_embedded

bless you

and I promise I'll be back soon with a proper blog post : )

Lynn

One profound quote for today

2011-05-14T09:18:00.000+10:00

We have adopted the convenient theory that the Bible is a Book to be explained, whereas first and foremost it is a Book to be believed; and after that to be obeyed! ~Leonard Ravenhill (1907–1994)

blessings to you all

with love

Lynn xx

Bonnie Grace Gadd has joined my family : ) 9th April 2011

2011-04-27T00:49:00.000+10:00

My darling daughter Josie and her husband Phil welcomed their first child, Bonnie Grace Gadd (I love her name) into the world on Saturday morning 9th of April, unexpectedly, at home in Southport, Queensland.

As you can see by the photographs, she is perfect!

The girls and I flew up to Queensland the next day and spent 12 days in an apartment nearby. Big sister Zoe currently lives around the corner from Josie and Phil and baby Bonnie and was waiting outside to take the couple to the nearby Birth Centre when Bonnie made her arrival.

Bonnie Grace is my third beautiful grand daughter. She joins my son Toby's children, Caitlin who is nine and Mia who is two plus my only grandson (so far) Jake who is six. They all live here in Canberra.

I am so thankful for this precious little blessing who has joined my family. I delighted in adding her to my family tree and creating a special one just for her.

Josie is a wonderful mother, as I knew she would be! I am so proud of her. Phil is a loving Daddy and husband and is so proud of both his girls.

You can be sure I will share more photographs of Bonnie with you, she is such a sweet adorable little girl. (just like her mummy)

What a wonderful early Easter gift!! Bonnie Grace, welcome and God bless you always little one!

I hope and pray you all had such a wonderful Easter too

with love always
Lynn

Babies and Culture

2011-04-05T17:49:00.000+10:00

I have been thinking about the pressure put on mothers by our culture, especially in regard to newborns and babies under a year old. There seem to be so many unrealistic expectations floating around that seem to over look the nature of babies and the heart of a mother.

It begins before the birth, with all and sundry wanting to know what gender the new baby will be, with expectant mothers being regaled with every horror birth story known (why do women do that to one another?) and advice being offered about everything from where the baby should sleep, what injections the baby "must" have and how to make sure you get "me" time once the little one has arrived!!!

Everyone seems to have an opinion, often people without children seem to have the loudest ones ; )

Whoever said a baby should do anything? So called "experts" from the 50's? I think they started a wind that grew into a cyclone of misinformation and pressure on women to conform, to have a "good" baby, to be seen to be a "super mum". Isn't it beyond time for women to take back what has been stolen from them?

They could start by listening to their instincts, surrounding themselves with voices of experience and women who imbue them with confidence in themselves, "secret women's business" some might call it and it's been lost for too long. If younger women don't have an older experienced mother to guide them and encourage them, they need to find at least one! Top priority. Essential. Look at their relationship with their older children and the behaviour of those children. If you like what you see, are impressed, listen and observe their mothering, ask questions. They can share their wisdom with you.

A new baby is a unique blessing. No book has been written about him or her yet. The mother is the "expert". She's been learning and growing with the baby for around nine months before it's in her arms. Of course Dad's are important too, but they don't have the honour of carrying that little one under their heart, so uncomfortably in the later stages, for all that time, not to mention the birth itself.

Babies belong in their mother's arms most of the time. To be fed from her breast, to hear her heartbeat, that beautiful familiar sound they love, to be secure and warm and ever so well loved. They will naturally sleep best there, be comforted there, drink the liquid love right there.

What kind of culture do mothers and babies do battle with every day? The kind that says babies should be fed on schedule, sleep at times convenient for the parents, make as little noise as possible and sleep in their own cot in their own room from day 1. This is the culture that also says women are only worthwhile beings if they are in the paid work force, so artificial feeding and child care/school is inevitable. What a lie that is! and who perpetuates that lie, women! How ironic. How sad.

What if babies were a blessing? (of course, they are!) What if women could develop the self confidence and understanding they need while learning how to be a mother, on the job training so to speak. What if that sweet little baby could teach the woman how to be a mother, if she would only listen and watch and respond as her heart tells her. As her aching breasts tell her. As her heart full of unconditional love tells her. Maybe then this "culture" would fade into the background, with the countless opinions of people who don't know YOUR baby, and you could be the mother you were destined to be? Dare you risk it? I pray you do.

There is a path that leads to freedom, freedom from the expectations of others, from culture, from being someone you don't want to be with children you don't actually like. You CAN follow your heart, feed your baby when he/she needs to feed, (you cannot over feed a fully breastfed baby) sleep with your baby without fear of smothering them (anyone who is not under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can safely co-sleep) use disposable nappies guilt free (research has proven cloth nappies have a similar environmental impact to disposables) and skip the PKU blood test, the Hepatitis injection and all the immunisations without criminal charges being laid. You can stay at home forever and do the most important job in the world, be a mother.

You can take back your right to mother as you please, no apologies to anyone.

Look carefully at where our "culture" has taken us over the last 60 years. Rampant functional illiteracy, 36,000 children in out of home care across Australia, an obscene rate of abortion, scary promiscuity in younger and younger children, a terrible rate of drug and alcohol abuse, so many children with no respect for authority, parental or otherwise, criminal activity in younger and younger children, more and more parents giving up trying to parent in despair.

We can make different choices for our babies. They depend on us for everything! What an honour it is!

We can ensure they have the best start and the best future! Why follow a culture/system in disarray? Why not choose a different path? Not the most popular path but just maybe the best one for you and your child. Maybe a path that was destined before you were even born.

You won't be alone. Some of us are already here, with our children and grandchildren. My love to you whatever path you choose.

Lynn

My Friend Ray 1941-2011

2011-03-23T14:16:00.002+11:00

Life often unexpectedly changes and since that Blog on January 21st I have not only gained a daughter but lost a dear friend.

Here is the piece I wrote on Facebook about Ray, I will never forget him or the gift his friendship was to me.

Twelve years ago I was a volunteer for VOCAL (Victims of Crime Assistance League) doing court support for victims. My good friend Maureen Tully was a Professional Counsellor for VOCAL and asked me to help a man called Ray. He was 58 years old then and had an intellectual disability but was very independent, living by himself in a flat and leading an active and rewarding life.

I got to know Ray and he was easy to love. It turned out he had gone to school with several of my uncles, so I feel we were connected even before I was born!! He had an easy going way about him, appreciated anything you did for him and loved music. He especially loved Maureen and The Tullys. He spoke of them often. He was always delighted by any news of them : )

Long after my VOCAL days were over, Ray was a special person that I loved to be with.

Ray was also involved with an organisation called Focus. It existed to help disabled people live independently. I was so impressed with their philosophy that I approached the CEO and was invited to go onto the Board of Management. I was on the Board for six years, the last year as the Chairperson. Ray was my inspiration. I know because of him I did make a difference.

Over the years I would take Ray out for a coffee, especially so once he moved into the hostel at the nursing home a few years ago. He has had a few health issues but he remained active and interested in life until his last couple of days. He was recently diagnosed with bowel cancer and had surgery about four weeks ago which he seemed to recover well from.

I just spoke to his sister who told me he became ill suddenly last Thursday night and went into hospital where he was diagnosed with double pneumonia. He was unconscious by Saturday morning and passed away late last evening.

His favourite outing was to his much loved Murrumbateman music club each month, where we would have a wonderful dinner together and enjoy an evening listening to live music. Then he would stay in my guest room for the night and I would take him home the next morning, as I did a week ago today. It was such an honour and pleasure to share so much of his life with him.

Every Tuesday night while Naomi was at karate I would take Ray out for a coffee. We'd go to the Southern Cross Club or the Hellenic Club. I know we both looked forward to it : ) Last Tuesday I took my new foster daughter Tish (8) with me to meet Ray. He was delighted by her antics and we had a wonderful time at MacDonalds. Such a precious memory to cherish. Then we went back to his tiny room and watched Packed to the Rafters (his fav show) with him until it was time to pick up Naomi. Tish sat on Ray's walking frame seat, which he never used anyway ; ) I sat on the end of his bed and he sat in his big armchair. He only recently bought his flat screen TV and had his personal phone connected, such blessings they were for too brief a time.

Ray had been married for eight wonderful years to Beatrix, who tragically died from breast cancer back in 1988 aged 34 years. That same year Ray's brother Owen was murdered. He was also 34 years old and left a four or five year old son behind.

Ray had known heart break and pain and yet his spirit was unmistakably joyful and thankful for his life. I know there was a great reunion in heaven last night, one that will last eternity.

It was such an honour and a privilege to know and love Ray, to advocate for him and to share his life story and his wise and wonderful ways. I made him a family tree and I know he would have had a huge welcome into heaven, Bea being first in line for her great love. Who can be sad about such a grand reunion of loved ones?

Till we meet again at the gates of heaven, thank you for everything! You were nothing but a blessing to me and I will miss you my dear friend. See ya :)

The Winds of Change.........

2011-03-23T10:06:00.000+11:00

I last wrote to you on January 21st, about the gift of people with intellectual disabilities. It was also around that time that I thought about my hearts desire from a very young age, to welcome a disabled child into my family. I figured at almost 55 years of age that dream would never be realised and I was content with that. I trust God to know me and know what's best for me and He has never failed me!

I had always wondered why people were so distraught (some to the point of murdering their unborn child) at finding they were expecting a child with Down Syndrome, or in fact a child with any kind of disability that can be detected by prenatal testing (don't get me started on the dubious practice of prenatal testing, that's another blog altogether!!) when I had always found them to be so delightful, so affectionate, such lovers of music and so easy to love.

Maybe the Lord has prepared me for this ministry since my birth? I have a disabled aunt only nine years older than me and a disabled cousin just a little younger, and I believe I have a God-given gift of understanding and enabling those so often labelled "disabled". I worked with disabled children in residential care (10 children per house, an effort to replicate a normal family but as I see it now, far, far from it) for three years after I finished my nursing training way back in 1977. I loved the children but chose to return to nursing in an effort to become a midwife. Shortly afterward I found I was expecting my first baby and my days of being in the paid workforce gladly came to an end ; )

Fast forward to Monday, January 31st 2011, ten days after my last post.

I had a routine visit from my case worker (I have been a foster carer of one 16 year old girl for the last two and a half years) and at the end of this visit she tentatively mentioned a child who needed a home desperately. She told me she was only eight years old, had multiple disabilities caused by a chromosome problem (not Down Syndrome but there are some similarities) and that her previous carer was not able to care for her any longer, after a six year placement.

Whoa, an eight year old? At my age? Me, Panic? Yep : ) Does the Lord know your hearts desire? Definitely yes! Does He give it to you in YOUR perfect timing, maybe not ; ) He knows best, always. No exceptions.

Do I trust Him, you bet!! I took a few minutes to get my head around the concept. A child with nowhere to call home? No one to love and accept her? No one to guide her and enable her? Unthinkable. There was only one answer. When is she coming? The answer surprised me, it was "this afternoon after school".

And so Tish arrived. Bouncy, happy, full of life, like a cheerful cyclone in our lives ; ) A beautiful, delightful, wonderful, engaging, clever ball of endless energy and such a blessing. Perfect timing in so many ways, a dream fulfilled when it was least expected. His grace abounds, when we are willing to trust Him.

It's been six weeks and I would be lying if I said it had all been easy. Adjusting is rarely easy, but oh so rewarding. She has settled in exceptionally well. It's been like living with a new born baby in so many ways, and I did feel as I did after I had my babies, that the world looked different, brighter, changed by her little presence. I am honoured to have been chosen for her, I am thankful the Lord graciously provides for all my needs so I can be the best mummy for her.

I believe this little girl was chosen for my family long before she was born, in fact, long before I was born. God's idea of time is nothing like ours. He sees the big picture and lovingly controls it all, for His glory and for our benefit, in this life and the next. I am so blessed to have the opportunity I was content to live without, if it was God's will.

So stay tuned for the exciting adventures of Tish, my greatly loved fifth daughter and sixth child and an absolute blessing to my whole extended family, and you know who you are ; )

Love and blessings to you all
Lynn xxxx

The gift of people with intellectual disabilities

2011-01-21T08:08:00.000+11:00

Written in reference to the Blog here

http://disabledchristianity.blogspot.com/2011/01/differences-called-disabilities.html

The topic was whether disabled people are a result of the fall or designed by God to be just as they are.

Here is my response to Jeff:

Hi Jeff, what an interesting can of worms you have opened up here. I guess we could debate who is right and who is wrong, but that wouldn't achieve anything. The fact is, intellectually disabled people just ARE. How they came to be that way is almost irrelevant, while their lives and the impact of their lives on those around them is huge.

I am blessed to have some people with intellectual disabilities in my family and others are much loved friends. Their life journeys have been anything but easy. What has been their greatest difficulty? Dare I say, sadly, a lack of acceptance, a lack of respect.

So many people are scared of these people. (the lesser of this list of evils) Others are repulsed by them. Still others see them as vulnerable and take advantage of them. Others speak to them like they are nothing and nobody.

Yet some treat them with the love, dignity and respect they deserve as God's handiwork, a reflection of His glory, put here on earth for His Holy purposes. Too few, sadly.

I was involved in a discussion related to this myself only yesterday. One woman was telling me about her precious three year old grand daughter with Down Syndrome.

Her sister in law was (at the same time, without listening, obviously) sharing about how her daughter had had prenatal testing, aged 35, because she didn't want a baby with disabilities.

She was talking about someone close to me. I was quietly horrified. I said calmly that I would hate to think any babies would get to heaven prematurely because they were deemed to be "imperfect". I asked who of us were without imperfections and weaknesses, and did we deserve to have our lives taken from us due to these conditions?

One had a heart complaint, another diabetes, another cancer. None perfect. Some might have suffering ahead of them. Reason to kill? Of course not!

I believe every baby created by God is a blessing and a reward from Him, no exceptions, no returns.

I believe that inside every person with an intellectual disability is a healthy living soul and spirit in perfect condition, just as there is in every other human being; be they blind, physically disabled, suffering diseases or deformities, living with cancer or any other medical conditions or mental illnesses, and yes, even the able bodied people who reject Christ and all He stands for.

All here for a reason, all valuable to the God who made them, all loved beyond measure unconditionally, all precious in His sight.

Our God does not discriminate. He loves each and every one of us the same, sacrificially and not because of anything we have done or can do to please Him.

I can see God's sovereignty in each intellectually disabled person, just because they ARE, not because of anything they can do or achieve or not. Because God is God and He made them. Just like He made us. Because His grace is enough. For us and them.

Be blessed and be a blessing Jeff. Be the voice of reason in this age of self and the search for perfection at any price. To God be the glory.

Hal Nerdal

2010-11-13T12:04:00.004+11:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_G0iomsTlY&feature=youtu.be

Random Memories...

2010-10-27T16:46:00.002+11:00

Nomie is cooking. It smells so good! (tastes good too, pastry creations, yum)

The sweet smell reminded me of when I was a small girl and my Mum would bake raspberry shortcake tart with the lattice on the top. I used to help her put the pastry strips on the top. The smell was always good, and it tasted good too! My mum didn't cook sweet things that often, maybe that's why I remember when she did. I think it was before my sister was born, so I was under seven years old.

The other thing I remember from when I was young is mum buying me special treats if I didn't feel well. There was an English magazine called "June and School Friend" that she would buy me, and a Chokito bar when they first came out. I liked Wagon Wheels too. (chocolate has always been therapeutic)

Other times she would bring cakes home for afternoon tea, my Dad always had a sweet tooth, and I would get a chocolate eclair, my favourite. Dad loved vanilla slice and almost anything sweet really. I remember him making himself several jam sandwiches to take to work! (he was a carpenter, and was always tall and slim) Then when he got home from work he would snack on salami and cheese before dinner, he was always hungry after work. Sometimes Mum would make pikelets for dad after work, or waffles on the Norwegian waffle iron on top of the stove. Lots of jam and cream on the pikelets or cheese and salami on the waffles. My own family love waffles, gluten free ones of course!

We ate fairly plain but good food when I was a child, Dad didn't like spicy food (being Norwegian, I guess he'd never tried it either). On special occasions we'd have take away Chinese from Mee Sing at Lyneham, still there over forty years later and still run by the same family!! That's one tradition I have kept up, except we eat it in the shop because it tastes better that way ; ) We'd have fish and chips from the shop too, we loved fish and ate lots of it! Mostly what dad had caught himself, or Uncle Reidar (dad's brother) had caught, so it was usually fresh. Mum could cook fish very nicely. So could my Auntie Brenda, I do miss her.

It's interesting to think what variety we have in take away food these days in Australia; McDonalds of course, KFC, Kingsley's chicken, (and their awesome chips) so many international foods from India, Thailand, Japan (sushi, yum) Korea, Malaysia, Lebanon and Turkey, pizza of course and so much more. This country has benefited so much from migrants like my father over the last forty years, so wonderful to have such a wonderful range of foods to choose from and more and more gluten free foods becoming available all the time too. I guess no one could have imagined it forty years ago.

Back to the food at home. Norwegians love meat balls in gravy, served with boiled potato, carrots, cabbage and beans or something similar. (in fact it is now their National dish!) We had that often. Then there was the smoked cod. That was served with white sauce, potato (of course, everything is served with potato in Norway) and grated fresh carrot and greens. Dad like his smoked fish with white sauce piled onto thin crispbread and so did I ; ) Then there was the Australian touch, the roast lamb with all the trimmings! Sooooo good! Home made mint sauce and gravy, potato, pumpkin, onions, carrots, sometimes parsnips which I love, all baked and so delicious!

My maternal grandmother made memorable baked dinners too, memorable not only for the taste but for the size of the meal and her "eat everything on your plate" philosophy! She added so many vegetables that were unfamiliar to me and, being a quietly rebellious child, I was reluctant to even try them! Brussells sprouts loom large in my memory, I hated them!! I guess being forced to eat them did not encourage me to develop a taste for them, but by the time I was an adult, and my much loved Nan was in heaven, I loved them!

Food seems to be such a big part of my memory bank, and almost always associated with good memories (except for the brussells sprouts!)

The last memory I will share today is about my birthdays. Mum always asked me what kind of cake I wanted. I always answered the same; chocolate cake with cream in the middle and chocolate icing on the top (or was it the other way around? doesn't matter) It was a long time ago now ; )

Mum's cakes were always good, sponge cakes so light and fluffy. I loved the ones with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on them : )))

My Nan's cakes that I can remember were all fruit cakes, usually for special occasions and in my mum's big family (she was one of eight) there was always a special occasion. Nan made 21st birthday cakes, engagement cakes, wedding cakes, anniversary cakes and you name it cakes. I didn't particularly like fruit cake when I was younger, but I always ate the icing! Fruit cake was another thing I developed a taste for when I was older, and now the best gluten free fruit cake I know of is made by my dear friend Kathleen.

I started writing about mum and food because often my good childhood memories get clouded over, almost submerged, by the not so good ones and that needn't happen. Childhood should be a carefree time with many, many happy memories and comforting smells to remind us of them. I know it isn't always like that, but I do know my own children had the best childhood ever, despite many upheavals, and I can't help but wonder what foods they remember and what memories the smells might invoke for them. Maybe that's another blog in itself.

Thanks for taking this little journey down memory lane with me. What smells help you remember good times in the past? Please share them with me?

Chef of all the above, Naomi : )

Happy 16th Birthday Miss B!!

2010-10-25T13:39:00.000+11:00

The gorgeous little Miss B

Just over two years ago Miss B came to live with my family. She was 14. So much has happened in that time!

There was the first year where she was going to high school, a new experience for me as I had home educated my other four children. This certainly was an experience for Miss B and for me!! I guess that's another blog post altogether!

When it came to Miss B's 15th birthday just over a year ago she knew what she had to do, she left school! A wise move and the beginning of her new life! She left behind painful memories of bullying (by students and teachers and by the system in general)and all the labels that had disabled her through seven different schools. She had never read a book, she didn't recognise the map of her own country, she had been denied an "education" of any description; unless the true curriculum was bullying, anger and incredible pressure to "fit in and shut up". At that they did "succeed".

Since then there's been a whole new world. A peaceful one with love and acceptance and wonderful learning opportunities and time to enjoy them. Books to be read, family tree to create and work on, cross stitching to learn and practice much of, piano and flute to play, tea to Adore (http://www.adoretea.com.au/AboutUs-4.html) and coffee too (http://www.kokoblack.com/) experiences like Floriade to share, holidays to plan, family and friends to love and be loved by, all the riches of a wonderful life!!

Miss B recently turned 16 and started a correspondence book keeping course. She wants to be a Book Keeper like her much loved and missed Mum. She has a gift with numbers. And an amazing memory.

So the story is far from ended, but you can see where it's headed and it's all good!

Happy 16th Birthday Miss B, we love you and we are so glad you came into our family!

Where Do I Come From?

2010-07-01T08:17:00.000+10:00

I have been researching my family history recently. It's fascinating to find out the details of how and why my family came to Australia. I will share about my father's family first. My father was born in northern Norway (just 60kms south of the Arctic Circle) and came out to Australia in 1951 to work on a huge hydro electric scheme in the Snowy Mountains, only a couple of hours drive from where I live now in Canberra. One his older brothers (he was one of eight boys) had come out on the great adventure the previous year.

My father was the youngest of my grandparents eleven children. My grandmother Julie, pictured above with me on her knee, was 46 when my father was born. I can't begin to imagine her anguish when first one son and then her baby left for Australia, possibly never to be seen again. Dad's brother Reidar did not return to Norway before his parents died in 1959 (Nils) and 1964 (Julie).

My father worked in the mountains with his brother until 1955 when they both came to Canberra. My father soon met my mother at a dance at the Scottish Australian "Burns Club"(named after Scottish poet Robbie Burns), and they were married six months later. Shortly after they boarded a ship to Norway where they lived with my grandparents, Nils and Julie, for the next two years. In March 1956 I was born in a small hospital in a town called Mo, not far from my grandparents home.

When I was 16 months old, in 1957, I came to Australia with my parents and we lived in Canberra.
I grew up here in Canberra and have lived here most of my life except for one year in Brisbane and three years in Sydney. I love Canberra!

My parents always told me they would take me back to Norway and in 1991 they did. You can imagine my excitement and I was blessed to meet most of my father's siblings although his parents had been in heaven for many years by then. I was able to visit their (and my) old home, now home to my cousin and his family. (he is in his late 70's now, his father was twenty years older than mine)

I can't tell you the emotion I felt when I stepped out of the train after the long journey to get from Australia to Mo. It felt so much like "home" to me, familiar and welcoming, after 34 years! Thankfully most Norwegians speak English, although Dad's older siblings did not, but it's awesome how a hug can communicate in any language. Their delight and great love for me and my children was obvious, and with interpreters we communicated despite the language barrier! My children were 10, 8 and 6 and they were showered with loving attention, fabulous food and warm hospitality! It really did feel like "home".

All my Dad's siblings have gone home to the Lord now, the last one just last year. He was the brother closest in age to my Dad, his name was Eilif and I had the opportunity to get to know him the most over three trips from the first in 1991 and then trips with my family in 2003 and 2005. He was so much like my father, two years older but fit and healthy and such a kind and gentle man. He was running marathons well into his 80's and had a full and active life many years after his wife had passed away.

I well remember his last words to me, he spoke quite a bit of English for one of Dad's siblings but was always a bit tentative with it. It was as we were getting in the car to leave him and shortly Norway behind and I know we both thought we would not see one another again in this earthly life (he was 84 by then) so it was quite an emotional farewell. He called out to me, in his best English, "I love you", and I replied in my Norske, "jeg elsker deg". He died suddenly early last year, after shoveling snow off his front path. He worked hard and was a kind man of integrity I was proud to call my uncle.

Families.....part of who we are and part of God's great plan for us.

More about my family next time and I promise it will be sooner ; )

love and blessings to you all

Lynn

Zoe Turned 27 on March 29th

2010-04-08T10:51:00.006+10:00

Here is my beautiful daughter Zoe, about 2 years old and now. How blessed am I to have such a fine young woman as my eldest daughter! She has given me every reason to be proud of her!! I love you Zoe!

Joyful is the person who finds wisdom,
the one who gains understanding.
For wisdom is more profitable than silver,
and her wages are better than gold.
Wisdom is more precious than rubies;
nothing you desire can compare with her.
She offers you long life in her right hand,
and riches and honor in her left.
She will guide you down delightful paths;
all her ways are satisfying.
Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her;
happy are those who hold her tightly.

Proverbs 3: 13-18 NLT

Josie turns 25 today!

2010-03-15T13:20:00.003+11:00

My second eldest beautiful daughter, Josie, is 25 years old today! She is six years old in one pic, my how she has grown up now ; ) There she is on her wedding day on November 22nd last year. Happy Birthday gorgeous girl!!! How I love you and miss you!

So blessed to be a Mum!

Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever. Psalm 23:6 NLT

Naomi turns 16 today!

2010-03-15T00:23:00.004+11:00

My beautiful Naomi turned 16 today! What a blessing and delight she is, I just had to share her with you!

Photographed with love by Anna Tully at "Hillview", Canberra, Australia.

Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 NLT

My First Blog for 2010

2010-01-01T23:47:00.006+11:00

I wrote this yesterday to a young man who is a spiritual son to me. His real mum is in his country of birth, close to where Jesus himself walked this dusty earth.

I wanted to share it here because it speaks of all the things I hold dear and of my own weaknesses.

It is natural to look back over the last year on the first day of the new. I have many thoughts to share but I will start with this letter and wish you every blessing as you begin a brand new year with me, trusting for His strength and grace to provide all we need in every situation. Thank you for being part of my journey.

Dear Ryan, thank you so much for your kind thoughts and for your sincere desire to please our Heavenly Father. As you have already found, the closer you draw yourself to Him, the more opposition and hardship you will experience and as you are tested, you will become more and more like Jesus. It's not that God wants to test you, it is a result of being in the world, but not of it.

Sometimes it is our own human nature that is against us (emotions, thoughts) and we are our own worst enemies. Sometimes it is friends or family who are used to attack us for daring to be righteous. Sometimes it is strangers, an obvious spiritual battle they don't even understand themselves. Worst of all, for me at least, is other people who call themselves "Christians". They are the toughest battles of all. To stand firm in your faith against that kind of attack brings you closer to Jesus than anything else!

Jesus did not have an easy life. He was reviled, persecuted and wrongly accused, betrayed, abused and tortured, humiliated and scorned, but through it all He showed pure love and was always willing to forgive those who sinned against Him. This is the God who became man whom we love and obey, wanting to please Him more than any other, wanting to show others His love and compassion against all odds. We count it a privilege to serve Him and know our reward will be an eternity in heaven with Him.

I think we all need time out to look at our lives, reassess our priorities and seek God's will for our lives. That's a healthy thing to do Ryan. Then we just take one day at a time, trust Him and do what's right. Things like your car breaking down are a nuisance, happened to me last week, but they are also opportunities to remind us that we cannot do this life alone, we need family and friends to help us sometimes, so we do not get too proud for God to be able to use us. See it as an opportunity to trust Him and He will provide what you need! That's a promise!

One day at a time, rejoicing in His love and grace, knowing we are not worthy but He loves us and accepts us even though we will always be a "work in progress", in this life anyway!

Have a Happy New Year Ryan, do not be so hard on yourself and enjoy your life. Serve Him and show the people around you all the fruits of the spirit that are at work in you, love and joy, peace and patience, kindness, gentleness and self control. The last one is so important. I used to think that just meant not doing the wrong thing but now I understand it often means doing the right thing, even when you don't feel like it or it is inconvenient or difficult.

It's been my honour and privilege to know you Ryan, and it delights me to know you love the Lord as you do : )

God bless you and Happy New Year in Jesus name : )

love always
mum Lynn

A Simple Prayer

2009-10-11T12:26:00.003+11:00

When I was a teenager I first heard Keith Green's music and I loved it. His messages were simple and yet so inspiring. Keith died tragically in a plane crash with two of his little children Josiah and Bethany in 1982. His widow Melody continued their ministry with their two remaining daughters.

I recently discovered recordings of Keith on youtube. I do so love the internet and the many blessings it provides. These are my two favourites of Keith's songs, simple and yet full of hope and encouragement and I hope you enjoy them and are blessed by them as I am.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwUroyJLg9A

Create in me a clean heart
Oh god and renew a right spirit within me (2x)

Cast me not away from thy presence, o lord
And take not thy holy spirit from me
Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation
And renew a right spirit within me

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh4ac4znuRk&feature=related

Oh Lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

Oh Lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first help me to just, live it lord.
And when I'm doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to you.

Oh lord, please light the fire,
That once burned bright and clean.
Replace the lamp of my first love,
That burns with holy fear.

I want to take your word and shine it all around.
But first help me to just, live it lord.
And when Im doing well, help me to never seek a crown.
For my reward is giving glory to you.

Oh lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

Oh lord, youre beautiful,
Your face is all I see,
For when your eyes are on this child,
Your grace abounds to me.

God bless each of you : )

Lynn

Trust and Obey?

2009-10-01T00:53:00.000+10:00

Did you know that the Bible says children are a gift and reward from God? (Psalm 127: 2-5)

It's not some religious idea propagated by any particular church, it's the Word of God. The same living and active word of God that tells us we are lost and need to be saved and how that can miraculously happen.

The same Word that speaks of the coming Messiah for hundreds of years before the prophecy is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

The same word that tells us how God became man and lived amongst us, was tempted like we are but did not succumb, was falsely accused as we are, was tortured and crucified for our sake.

It doesn't matter which version of the Bible you read, they all reveal the very heart of the living God and His plans for our lives. Us as individuals. He tells us He knows us better than we know ourselves, He says He knows the number of hairs on our heads, He says He has us carved in the palm of His hand, He says He gave His life for us. He made the supreme sacrifice for us. And what does he require of us in return?

".....the Lord has told you what is good,
and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
and to walk humbly with your God.
Fear the Lord if you are wise!..."

Micah 6:8,9

Seems quite simple doesn't it?

1. Do what is right.
2. Love mercy.
3. Walk humbly with God.

You might ask "but what's this got to do with having children?" You might think, surely we are in control of our lives, surely our God given free will is to enable us to make decisions? Surely having children is a personal thing? Surely we are entitled to some fun before we have children? but, but, but, but......

Think about it some more if you dare! There are so many conditions we often seek to satisfy before deciding to allow God to give us this "gift and reward" of children. (What other blessing from God do we accept only under our conditions?) Can we afford them? Is our relationship stable enough? Is the house/car big enough? How we will ever have any quality time together again? What about "me" time?

Where are those scriptures again? The ones about me, me and me? Yeh, I can't find them either. I find the ones that say trust and obey, die to yourself and follow me, stay on the narrow path and don't be like the world is, be in the world but not of it, cast all your cares on Him and don't be anxious about anything!!

Trusting God is not an optional extra upon becoming a Christian. Without faith it is impossible to please God, and how do we please Him if we do not welcome and submit to His ways, all of them, it's not multiple choice.

What blessing would you like from God today?

a) financial security
b) good health
c) children
d) a good job
e) all of the above

Take your pick, choose carefully now, future generations might depend on you........or not.

When I was first married many years ago I reluctantly agreed with my husband that we would wait five years before we had children. Seemed reasonable, we could gain financial benefits from me working for a few years, buy a house, have a family. Like in fairy tales, you know...

When the time came for us to generously allow God to bless us, nothing happened. Time passed, still nothing happened. I went to a specialist and after some tests which included minor surgery, I was told it was unlikely I would ever have any children. I guess the fairy tale came to an abrupt halt around then. I was devastated. It had never crossed my mind I would not be able to have the large family I had dreamed of. Then I decided to trust God. Better late than never I suppose. I didn't know Him then, but I knew He could help. I trusted I could be healed and that I would have children regardless of predictions by the so called "expert".

Five months later I found out I was having a baby!! Such jubilation!! My son was born and then a daughter two years later. My third pregnancy became a threatened miscarriage at 12 weeks. I was terrified. The danger passed and my second daughter was born. Then my desperate prayers were answered and I gave my life to the Lord. That's another story. My next pregnancy was three years later. I was so happy as I didn't feel sick as I had with the others and I was relieved about that. Sadly, at 14 weeks of pregnancy, my baby Grace went to be with the Lord. (she would have been 21 this year) Not what I had planned at all. My world turned upside down. It was a very traumatic time in my life.

I did not have another baby for six years. She was also a threatened miscarriage at 9 weeks. I was almost paralyzed with fear and so thankful when the pregnancy progressed normally after the scare. I really wanted that baby in my arms and not with the Lord just then.

My husband deserted us when Naomi was five weeks old. Another long story.

I guess I have learned the hard way that my will has it's painful consequences, just as God's will is for our good and to fulfill His purposes. That doesn't mean His way is easy or always pleasant, but He is always faithful, even when we are faithless!

I do have two more little ones with the Lord from my second marriage, but as I always say, that's yet another story....

Psalm 127: 3-5 NLT

Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.
Children born to a young man
are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.
How joyful is the man whose quiver is full of them!
He will not be put to shame when he confronts his accusers at the city gates.

Count Your Blessings, Name Them One by One.....

2009-09-20T23:55:00.002+10:00

This is another of my favourite hymns from my childhood. Here is what was written about it in the London Daily back in 1897

Influence of "Count Your Blessings"

"Count Your Blessings" was received most overwhelmingly in Great Britain. The London Daily, in giving an account of a meeting presided over by Gypsy Smith, reported, "Mr. Smith announced the hymn 'Count Your Blessings.' He said, "In South London the men sing it, the boys whistle it, and the women rock their babies to sleep on this hymn." During the revival in Wales it was one of the hymns sung at every service.

Read more: http://christianmusic.suite101.com/article.cfm/count_your_blessings_hymn#ixzz0ReggoqQT

and here it is

Count Your Blessings

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Refrain

Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

Refrain

When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.

Refrain

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be disheartened, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Refrain

Words by Johnson Oatman Jnr and Music by E O Excell 1897

When Does Human Life Begin?

2009-09-20T23:39:00.002+10:00

When do you believe human life begins? Is it at conception or later in pregnancy or at birth? Think about it.

We women have been sold many feminist lies. One of the biggest of those is that we are in control of our bodies and especially our fertility and we can decide if and when to have babies. Contraception has provided that apparent control and we can allegedly have a free and easy life, only having babies if and when we want to and being in control of every aspect of that choice.

Many women believe this, as I did myself many years ago, and choose to take the pill to avoid pregnancy. Unfortunately the true effects and side effects of the pill are not broadcast or made freely available and human nature leads us to accept what we want to believe and not look any further.

If we do choose to explore further, there is evidence to be found, evidence that might rock our world, make us feel challenged, angry, guilty, remorseful, repentant or uncomfortable, force us to reconsider the "facts" as we wished to believe them. Lead us to asking God for forgiveness and forgiving ourselves. Lead to us changing our fundamental beliefs.

Do we truly believe God is in control? Do we believe babies are a blessing and a reward from Him? Do we believe life begins at conception? Are we ready for the facts? Don't read any further unless you are.

If you are still reading, you agree with me that life begins at conception. The erroneous belief that the pill prevents conception is a lie from the pits of hell. The pill is an abortifacient drug. It does not in fact prevent conception, it creates a hostile environment in the uterus so that implantation of fertilised embryos is impossible, thereby procuring an abortion. So each month there is the possibility of conception, followed by a drug induced abortion.

In Australia there has been a huge issue over the use of a drug called RU486, which is an oral drug (also from the pits of hell) used specifically for inducing abortion as a surgical alternative. The risks involved with this drug are well known and publicised, and yet the sales of the pill are at an all time high with most women knowing little about it and yet coveting the perceived freedom it gives them. The risks are the same. These include

* Prolonged bleeding associated with abortion
* pregnancy and associated birth defects as a result of an incomplete abortion
* medical complications such as high blood pressure, stroke or even death
* future risk of infertility
* future risk of breast cancer

Australia has one of the highest rates of pill usage in the world and also one of the highest abortion rates, so where exactly has all this freedom taken us? Why are women swallowing this lie, and choosing to be in denial about aborting their babies through using the pill and also increasing their risk of infertility and even breast cancer in the process. Why isn't more research money going into the links between the decades of pill usage and our epidemic of breast cancer? Why do women choose denial over truly informed choice? Even this Article in the Australian newspaper earlier this year was sounding alarm bells.

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,,24891709-7583,00.html

and this extract from an online article is quite direct and factual

"The progestin in the Minipill may prevent ovulation; however it may not do this reliably each month............. The lining of the uterus is also affected in a way that prevents fertilized eggs from implanting into the wall of the uterus."

http://womenshealth.about.com/od/thepill/f/howpillworks.htm

Why do we choose to take artificial hormones and risk our baby's and our own lives? Is it really the "easy option"? Why do women choose denial or ignorance over such major decisions? Why are we so self righteous about our freedom to choose an evil lie?

I did have trouble becoming pregnant once I came off the pill. That's a long and painful story I will share another time. God was gracious to me and I did eventually have four living children and I know I have three more with the Lord as a result of pregnancy loss.

Truly informed choice comes from prayerful consideration of the facts. It grieves me to know I may have little ones in heaven as a result of my having swallowed this lie when I was younger. God's loving grace and forgiveness has covered me and I know any babies I might have had will be revealed to me when I meet my Lord face to face and will be reunited with them for all eternity.

Isaiah 61:3

To all who mourn in Israel,
he will give a crown of beauty for ashes,
a joyous blessing instead of mourning,
festive praise instead of despair.

The pill is not safe for you or your babies. I have fulfilled my heart's desire and have told you the truth with love. God bless you!

John 8:32 (New Living Translation)

And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

I dedicate this "Note" to all the little babies in heaven whose mamma's never knew they were there........

love always

Lynn

Spring?

2009-08-31T12:31:00.003+10:00

Sunshine and grey clouds race across the sky
the wind howls and the trees bend low
blossoms fly, birds struggle in flight
storm coming, splattering of rain on the windscreen
yes, safely home : )

Spring is coming

2009-08-31T12:29:00.002+10:00

Shimmering diamonds glisten and ripple
sunshine bright wattle dances in the wind
pink and white guard of honour
welcoming you in a cavalcade of colour
Spring is coming!
really : )

Homebirth and Mark Parton

2009-08-23T16:42:00.002+10:00

http://partonwords.blogspot.com/2009/08/saying-no-to-home-births.html

Dear Mark, seat belts and birth, what are you on about mate? As a mother of four who is a former nurse, a consumer health care advocate and someone who studies medical research as a hobby, I can only say you have no idea what you are talking about. With respect of course ; )
The fact is that hospitals are unsafe places for anyone, including sick people and especially newborn babies. Hospitals and the health system they are a part of (Dr's, nurses, anaesthetists, pathologists etc.) are incapable of being "safe" no matter what the so called "experts" say. The evidence is that many people are harmed in hospitals by hospital borne infections like golden staph and by human error involving medication, to mention just a few possible causes of further injury or illness and death.
I have had three babies in hospitals by caesarian section and one home birth baby. I have attended many home and hospital births as a doula or birth helper.
Research has proven that home is safer for mother and baby. There is no golden staph at home! Golden staph kills babies. I had a qualified Dr and midwife at my home birth. I had been told by "experts" that I could not birth naturally, that my pelvis was too small. I did not believe that. I delivered a healthy baby girl weighing 9lbs in a natural birth at home. I had my privacy, I had my wood fire, I had my children close by, I had the helpers I chose as guests in my home, I had a clean and safe environment for my healthy baby to be delivered into. No unnecessary intervention, no infections, no change of staff, no clatter of stainless steel, no nursing students watching, no pressure to be medicated, no threat of going to theatre (again) just a peaceful loving birth in my own home with the people I loved.

And I had a huge sense of triumph that I had done it!!! I had birthed my baby girl myself without having a fourth caesarian. I didn't have to recover from major abdominal surgery. It was a great feeling!

The caesarian rate in Australia continues to climb. Chances of a woman having a natural birth with no medical intervention in hospital is slim. Maybe the high rate of post natal depression is something to do with the difficult/traumatic birth experiences women have in hospitals?

Obstetricians are experts at dealing with birth complications often brought on by unnecessary intervention that they have initiated. Don't be naive about it Mark, hospitals are not the safe place you think they are. Newborn babies must be the most vulnerable little people in our community, let's give them the best and safest start to life! Be informed, their lives might depend on it!

Anzac Day 2009

2009-04-25T10:16:00.005+10:00

I love this poem and to me it speaks so much of what is really important in life and how we need to value and respect one another. Life is short, count each day a blessing and live it to the full.

In Flanders’ Fields

In Flanders’ Fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders’ Fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders’ Fields.

Dr John McCrae 1915

Lest We Forget

The Light Shines in the Darkness........

2009-02-10T09:50:00.002+11:00

John 1: 5

The light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness can never extinguish it.

It's a shocking thing to hear about lives being lost in tragic bushfires that are still burning today. No one knows what the final tally of lost lives will be and the number of people horribly injured by burns remains unknown. Families have lost dear loved ones. They have lost their beloved pets, their homes, all their personal possessions and their businesses. They are homeless, without clothing or personal items or any of the things we all take for granted in our daily lives. Our hearts and prayers go out to them all. There are no words of comfort to ease their pain and loss. Their pain must be unspeakable. Words seem so inadequate and yet we struggle to find a way to help. We do what we can. We pray they find supernatural strength and comfort.

I can't help but feel a little like I did after 9/11 and the Canberra bushfires six years ago. I stop and contemplate my life and the blessings I enjoy. I am thankful my home and family are not under threat. I pity people who can't spare a thought for the suffering of others, who focus on inconsequential trivia as if it were important. It makes me angry. I feel less tolerant of fools and more motivated not to be one myself. I feel helpless and yet empowered to make my life, my family, my relationships better, more loving, more real, more meaningful because life is short.

My faith grows. I cry because innocent people are suffering. I cry for those who do not know the comfort of a loving God and the peace He gives so willingly when we are hurting and in pain and confused about what the future holds. I know He is my rock and my fortress, He is my provider and comforter. He knows all about pain and loss and anguish. He lived it. He lived it for me. He lived it so I would know how much I am loved today, how much no darkensss or fire or fear can ever come between He and I. He lived it for you. His light lights our way and we can walk safely, in good times and hard times, His love is constant, He is faithful even when we are faithless and when we look for answers to life's tough questions, He holds them all.

Sometimes there are no earthly answers. Without Jesus it's all just ashes.

What a Friend!

2009-01-25T23:53:00.002+11:00

You know how much I love old hymns, such richness in their lyrics, a gift of inspiration and encouragement given to us.

Here's another favourite from my childhood, I delight in it and know you will too

What A Friend We Have in Jesus

What a Friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
everything to God in prayer.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful
who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do your friends despise, forsake you?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield you;
you will find a solace there.

Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear
May we ever, Lord, be bringing all to
Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright unclouded there
will be no need for prayer
Rapture, praise and endless worship
will be our sweet portion there.

Words: Joseph Scriven (1857)

Foster Care ~ making a difference, giving hope......

2009-01-22T09:13:00.002+11:00

I began fostering a teenage girl three and half months ago. It's been a steep learning curve, the personal challenges have been many, but I wouldn't change a thing!

To have the honour of showing her how family life can be; loving, peaceful and safe from harm, is indeed a privilege and a blessing to my whole family. To give her aspirational opportunities to be the best she can be, to love and accept her while gently guiding her and encouraging her is far more rewarding than I might have ever imagined.

This experience is also highlighting my responsibilities to my own children and grandchildren, something I have always taken very seriously but I see it illuminated even further now, surely by the grace of our loving God.

Maybe you can make a difference to a child's life today? Maybe it's your own child or grandchild. Maybe it's a friend or neighbors child? Do whatever it takes, if you can make a difference in one child's life then you need to do it. Open the door to a new way of thinking and a new awareness of what really matters in "the big picture" that is your earthly life.

You too can make an eternal difference.

The blessing of old hymns and the stories behind them

2008-12-02T16:03:00.002+11:00

I was looking up the words to "Now Thank We All Our God", I remember singing it in the Lutheran Church as a child and I loved the lyrics I could recall. I found this story about the history of the writer as well as the lyrics and it really blessed me.

I wish you the same blessing and inspiration as you share this great old hymn with me

http://home.austarnet.com.au/gerhardy/pent20_07.htm

blessings to you all
Lynn xx

One of My Favourite Old Hymns

2008-11-22T10:12:00.000+11:00

Blessed Assurance
Text: Fanny J. Crosby, 1820-1915
Music: Phoebe P. Knapp, 1839-1908
Tune: ASSURANCE, Meter: 9 10.9 9 with Refrain

1. Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
born of his Spirit, washed in his blood.
Refrain:
This is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long;
this is my story, this is my song,
praising my Savior all the day long.

2. Perfect submission, perfect delight,
visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
angels descending bring from above
echoes of mercy, whispers of love.
(Refrain)

3. Perfect submission, all is at rest;
I in my Savior am happy and blest,
watching and waiting, looking above,
filled with his goodness, lost in his love.
(Refrain)

Tucking an angel in

2008-10-06T23:34:00.005+11:00

There's a little girls asleep in my home tonight who has been here for only three short days. I feel like she is a gift to me. Tomorrow she is visiting her mum who is in the final stages of life with a brain tumour. She hasn't lived with her mum for many years but has her photo beside her bed. A photo of her mum with her many years ago. Just after her mum first got sick. Her mum lives in a nursing home now, about four hours drive from here. The little girl has made her mum a pink card and put a photo of herself in it. It would break your heart to read it.

I have gone into her room to say goodnight each night and we've had a little chat. She told me the first night that no one had tucked her in for five years, since her mum did. She told me she was too big to be tucked in now. I said I didn't think so myself. I said we all like to be tucked in. We chatted and she talked about her life, her mum's illness, her mum dying soon. She had her arms folded and she was all curled up and sad. I stroked her hair and blessed her goodnight and sweet dreams.

Tonight I could see she was anxious about tomorrow. Scared what she would find. She hasn't seen her mum for ten weeks. We chatted and she cried and I comforted her and we talked about life and death and dying and angels watching over us and her mum. Then I offered to plait her hair and she nodded. I offered a hug and she opened her arms. She asked if she could keep the fluffy rabbit she found in her room. I said of course. She hugged her too. She said this is the first time in a long time she has enjoyed the school holidays. I told her how glad I was that she had come to stay with me. I blessed her goodnight and wished her sweet dreams.

Tonight I tucked an angel in and I am the one who is blessed.

Daffodils ~ Floriade 2008

2008-09-28T11:09:00.001+10:00

"Daffodils" (1804)

I WANDER'D lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine

And twinkle on the Milky Way,

They stretch'd in never-ending line

Along the margin of a bay:

Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they

Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:

A poet could not but be gay,

In such a jocund company:

I gazed -- and gazed -- but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie

In vacant or in pensive mood,

They flash upon that inward eye

Which is the bliss of solitude;

And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

By William Wordsworth (1770-1850).

Dad of my Childhood

2008-09-06T19:08:00.005+10:00

through a child's eyes

Golden book stories
sitting on your knee
watching war movies
and westerns
and detective shows
In the garage
wood shavings galore
and hammering too
nails and chisels
and hinges and more
Watching you play basketball
and standing under the ski jump
watching you fly
Picking peas and rhubarb in the garden
and eating them before they could get inside
Playing with the big white rabbit

Riding my bike
Eating Weatbix and toast
Drinking coffee and beer
Milk coffee biscuits
Smoked Cod and potatoes
Meatballs and gravy
Sweet and sour pork
Salami and cheese
Jam sandwiches....

my hero, my dad

Glorious Sunset tonight

2008-08-23T18:04:00.004+10:00

Just in case you missed it : )

love

Lynn xx

Three little things that can make a big difference

2008-08-21T20:49:00.004+10:00

On my radio programme this morning I shared three little things that can make a big difference to your day (not to mention other people who are the recipients)
Winston Churchill said "attitude is a little thing that can make a big difference" bless him, he was right!! A cheerful attitude costs nothing and is infectious.
Proverbs 17:22
A cheerful heart is good medicine

The second thing is a smile. You can smile at anyone, sometimes they smile back, often they don't.
Doesn't matter, smile anyway!

The third thing is a random act of kindness. Maybe a quick email or phone call to someone you care about, just to say hi, I'm thinking of you, how are you? Maybe a small gift for someone close, maybe a special pot of soup for a friend, maybe.........

Be inspired, be an inspiration!

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

1 The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
2 He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
3 He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
4 Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
5 You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
6 Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
forever.

Have a wonderful blessed day!!

2008-08-15T22:58:00.002+10:00

This was sent to me by a good friend, I hope it is a blessing to you as it has been to me

God Said . . . If

If you never felt pain, then how would
You know that I am a Healer? If you
never went through difficulties, how
would you know that I am a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial, how could you
call yourself an over comer?
If you never felt sadness, how would
you know that I am a Comforter?

If you never made a mistake, how would
you know that I am forgiving? If you
knew all, how would you know that I
will answer your questions?

If you never were in trouble, how would
you know that I will come to your rescue?
If you never were broken, then how
would know that I can make you whole?

If you never had a problem, how would
you know that I can solve them? If you
never had any suffering, then how would
you know what Jesus went through?

If you never went through the fire,
then how would you become pure?

If I gave you all things, how would you
appreciate them? If I never corrected
you, how would you know that I
love you?

If you had all power, then how would
you learn to depend on me? If your
life was perfect,
then what would you need Me for?

"The Lord's unfailing love surrounds
those who trust in Him..."

Psalm 32:10

Possibly the most self destructive emotion of all

2008-08-13T17:14:00.004+10:00

I have come to the conclusion that the most self destructive emotion I can have is self pity.

Realising this has changed my life for the better! I am now also able to see that when someone else is wallowing in self pity, or having a "pity party" as we might jokingly call it, the worst thing I can do is sympathize with them. This just further disables them and plunges them further into that dark place where all hope is lost and fear rules supreme.

I have spent enough time there myself in the past to know it is nowhere I would recommend or mistakenly prolong anyone's journey through it. Sympathy will never help someone climb out of that pit but rather help them dig the hole deeper. It is not loving but misguided to feel sorry for someone who already feels sorry for themselves. (be they child, adult or childish adult)

Self pity is a lonely dark place without any joy. The only way out of that pit is upwards towards the light. It takes self control not to go there and get comfy there. It feels safe and familiar but that is just a deception to keep you there as long as possible. Your perceptions are dulled there, you believe lies about yourself and others, you feel hopeless and yet the truth and reality have not changed. You just "feel" differently there.

I have made a conscious decision not to visit there again. I have made a decision to choose life and to embrace the challenges and joys it brings with it. A new day every morning.

My God is a God of creativity and life. He offers me a life filled with light and hope. He has made it so. He enables me. I am ever thankful.

2008-07-22T19:50:00.004+10:00

Naomi and Maddox and Darla up the hill with me this afternoon. What a precious blessing each of my children are!

My beautiful tree. Surely no more words are necessary....

My new friend from the hill, so glossy and sleek and so friendly : )

Psalm 145: 9 The Lord is good to everyone.
He showers compassion on all his creation.

Amen.

Lynn

What "environment" really matters? Maybe the one within us?

2008-07-20T11:15:00.002+10:00

A dear friend sent me a video clip of a young girl speaking to what looked like the United Nations about the state of the environment/world today. This is the response I sent to my friend after watching this video.

Hi ..........., I have no wish to cause offence but as touching as that speech may be, what a pity it is full of the fear and lies that are infecting our minds today and none of it comes from God.

As far as "global warming" I believe it is the devil's biggest deception (along with "God is dead") to distract us from the truth, the truth you and I know and love. The truth is that without Christ there are no answers. Without Christ there is no peace. Without Christ there is no life.

Yes, she spoke well. Yes, she was well meaning. Would I want my daughter doing that, no. Do I want my children and grandchildren to believe all she said, no.

The focus of the Christian life must be Christ. Not fear and lies.

I am frustrated with the wholesale acceptance of the lies in the church today. It is evolutionary thinking and should have no place in our vocabulary. Holes in the ozone?, animals becoming extinct every day?, bad air, bad water, sick fish..........

NLT Romans 8: 38, 39 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That is Christ's message, being drowned out by well meaning good hearted people who are being distracted by a hopeless vain philosophy.

If only she had spent her five minutes telling those powerful world leaders the truth, JESUS is the answer, He gives us hope for the future, He is the light of the world.

If only people would spend the time they spend obsessing with fear about the environment worshiping the living God instead. Now that might change the world!

with love always
Lynn

Another Saturday Blog

2008-07-19T22:11:00.002+10:00

Do you ever put off doing something you know is good for you? For me, that has got to be walking. There was a time I walked every day, sometimes twice a day!! Not because I had soooo much “spare” time but because I knew I needed the exercise, the fresh air and sunshine and just the pure peace and refreshing of the mind that comes from a good brisk walk!

But I always have the perfect excuse! I don’t have time, inclination or motivation and besides, it’s Canberra in the middle of winter, do I look mad? (do not answer that!!)

Anyway, this afternoon I decided to just DO IT! I donned my faithful wool cape, bought at the Salamanca markets in Hobart 14 years ago. That was a memorable trip. So many memories returned when I put that cape on. A tiny three month old Naomi, snuggled underneath against the chill Tasmanian winter. Toby then 13, Zoe 11 and Josie 9. How time flies. Beautiful Tunbridge, good friends, Tassie devils, Port Arthur before Martin Bryant. I must go back to Tassie one day…

Anyway, back up the hill with the dogs. They were so delighted to be out and about. The sun was shining. There was no one else on the hill.

Got to the top, glorious view! I could see snow!! I was delighted! Now don’t misunderstand me, I love seeing snow, in the distance. Being born in Norway I speculate I had my quota of snow before I could walk. I hate being "in" the snow. I love seeing it in the distance.
A long way away ; )

The view from up there is spectacular. I think I live in the most beautiful city on earth. And of course I am biased, slightly. If you look on my blog page you will see a photo of my home with the mountains in the background. That’s what I was looking at today, just from higher up the hill.

I noticed this old gum tree on top of the hill. I guess it’s been there over a hundred years cause it was very broad and tall. It had the best view. I wished it could talk. Maybe he did? He loves the view. He is content. He is healthy and happy right where he was planted by God so long ago. He is strong and majestic looking with branches outstretched towards his Creator. Like he's worshipping Him. He’s seen lots of changes and yet he has just grown bigger and stronger. A bit like me. I have seen a lot of changes in my life, a lot of challenges, some pain and much more joy. And I feel bigger (not physically, on the inside) and stronger for all those experiences.

That tree definitely spoke to me today. And if I hadn’t gone up the hill, I never would have heard him or seen the snow or enjoyed that cup of tea when I came back home.

And can any cup of tea taste better than the one you have when you come home from your walk? (or working in the garden) I don’t think so.

Is there something you've been putting off that you know will do you good? Do it tomorrow! I dare you!

No one can do it alone.

2008-06-21T17:58:00.003+10:00

I can hardly believe it will be two weeks tomorrow since my first and last blog! I had ideas about writing every day but my life seems to have gotten in the way of that!lol

Sorry about the last post some of you may have received, it didn't have anything in it so don't worry if you couldn't open it, just me trying to find my way around here : )

I feel like I have taken the steep learning curve into the radio announcer world! A mere five weeks ago it was my secret heart's desire and in the last week I have been "on air" three times, the last with my own programme!!! It is almost unbelievable!

Now I find myself with a regular time slot on Thursday mornings and it is awesome, a little scary but mostly a lot of fun.

A few years ago I would never attempted to do anything I knew so little about. I would have believed I was too stupid to manage it, not good enough, dreaming.....

Now I find at the prime of my life at 52, I know I am an intelligent woman, more than capable of doing whatever it takes and doing it well!! How far have I travelled to arrive here! Some of the ride has been quite bumpy but I obviously needed that to grow me up and find my way to here!

I have so much to be thankful for.

Without my dearest friend Maureen I would never have made it. Not to where I am today anyway. She has stuck with me through all my ups and downs, unwise and some downright foolish choices, all the business of a normal life and she has believed in me and encouraged me to be ME, the best ME I can be, loving me and forgiving me and gently guiding me and giving me the proactive positive attitude I can call my own today.

I hope and pray every one of you has such a dear and faithful friend as I have had for over twenty years now.
Friends really can make all the difference.

God bless all my friends, each one of you is special and you all make a difference to my life. Thankyou :)

lots of love
Lynn xx

Lynn's Life, part one of many, welcome : )

2008-06-08T17:19:00.002+10:00

Welcome to my first blog. I wasn't even aware of what a "blog" was until recently! It sounds like fun and we'll just have to see what happens.

I have been thinking about starting a blog since my good friend Shell started hers. I love to write. I guess this is as good a place as any to start! I am sitting here waiting for new guests and thinking about the inevitability of them arriving just as we are ready to sit down together and eat dinner. It happens now and then, and the girls are adept at taking their meals into the lounge and closing the door and making things look like we aren't in the middle of dinner. Wouldn't want the guests to feel they were interrupting! That wouldn't be my idea of "hospitality"!

I like my guests to feel they have arrived at the perfect time, to feel welcome and to be allowed to settle in without feeling they are a nuisance. I like to chat over a cuppa with them if they seem interested, and leave them in peace if they are obviously exhausted from their journey or endless sightseeing. I let them set the pace.

Well, I'd better go get that dinner on now, and not be surprised when the doorbell rings when it's all ready. I guess that's what true "hospitality" is all about, having that welcoming smile and warm room ready with the kettle on even if you are hungry or were about to do something else.

lots of love
Lynn xx