Life... in all season(ings) and spices...

It's been even longer than usual since I last blogged. My life has changed forever in the last few months. Not in a catastrophic way, but I have been touched by God's greater plan for my life.

A few months ago (and some of you already know this) my Dad got really sick. He nearly died. He spent ten (10) weeks in two different hospitals, much of that in an induced coma. The impact on my life has only hit me recently.

Today, my Dad is alive! It's the little things that you begin to appreciate when people you love go through things that in turn encourage you and make you stronger. I cried when Dad actually talked to me on the telephone a couple of weeks ago. Dad usually says "Hi, I'll get your Mother for you" (he has even done this unitentionally when we have called for him!). On this occasion, he talked to me.

Recently he has been able to write again. For a man who left school at fifteen he has beautiful writing. For Dad, this was a great dignity returned to him.

I was reminded this week of those who want to exit the pain of this world under their own terms. I am not naieve to their point of view, but I believe that God has a much bigger plan for us. I am glad my Dad always believed that he would live if that was God's plan, and be promoted to Glory if that was His plan. Dad fought the pain of this world - so far he's winning.

Kath :)

106 50/52...

Today Grandma received her Reward. God released her from the shackels of life and welcomed her to His embrace.

"May" 1900-2007

Kath :)

Parallel Sacrifice

A couple of days ago I was talking to a friend of ours who about 10 years ago had a kidney transplant. I didn't know until that conversation that their mother was the kidney donor. I don't know why, but that really put a whole new view on the situation for me.

The parallels between our sibling in Christ's gift of life (both by birth and by organ donation) from their mother and God sending Jesus to earth as a baby and then raising the 33 year old man from the dead really amazed me.

God does work in mysterious ways...

Kath :)

Hospitals and Hugs

Spent yesterday shopping (alone!) but knowing something was near... or someone was far...

Spent early hours of this morning at the hospital with Sean (Ian was there too) ... too little to treat (just a tummy bug)...

Spent this morning washing, dishwashing and asking God to calm my soul...and strengthen my back... He sent angels to give me virtual hugs...

Each year it gets a little easier... and a little closer to Eternity and not wanting to steal it from those already there...

Hugs (and Garden Gnomes!) to you all...

Kath xo

Pilgrimage to God's Land

Last weekend I had a trip back to Sydney for Andrea's Hen's Night. My lovely hosts on Friday night (thanks Kel & Dave!) really spoiled with a lovely dinner, very comfortable accommodation and to top it off an excursion to God's Land sipping an offering from Grind...

I then went and visited my parents (Happy Birthday for today Mum!), who showed me off to EVERYONE they knew while we were out shopping, then came Saturday night... Dinner at a undisclosed location for Andrea and her friends. It was a great time to catch up with old friends, but boy was I glad to crawl into bed! Big thanks to Kirsty for putting me up and being my taxi.

Following my last post re our sponsor child M, Sean has a vague understanding of M (and tries to say his name!) and looks at the photos on the fridge... very cute :)

Kath xo

How Good is God/My Beautiful Son!

This isn't a boo-hoo story, but a public Thank You to God.

This has been the "tightest" fortnight for us financially that we have ever had. It's not that bigger deal, we are very fortunate and have another paycheque coming in next week, but it just means we have to stick to what's in the pantry and the odd loaf of bread. It has been a little stressful, but we are a lot better off than many people in our town, let alone country.

Sean was playing with my travel coin purse this morning. When I got him out of the car at daycare I found it had just over $4 in it! I was able to get more than just the bread that I had planned!

Praise God – I knew He wouldn’t let me down, and he sent such a smiley little messenger!

Kath :)