Today my sister is 60 years old. When we were kids growing up I loved her and also was jealous of her. To me she was smart and beautiful and my dad doted on her. Don't get me wrong, he loved all of us but somehow she was all special. Later on when I was a teenager, I did not resent that so much as I could see why she was special. When I was in school the other kids were scared to mess with me because of her. I f I complained to her, come recess she would be there, her ringlets falling all over her pretty face, her eyes flashing with anger and her hands on her hips. Boy she could scare them alright. I felt so proud of her. We were always close, but of course we had our misunderstandings but up till this very day I could not remember ever having fought with her or not talking to her.
I was her baby sister and until this day I still that way with her. She is still fiercely protective over me, she is sad when I am sad and happy for me when I am happy. She knows my hurts and pain and feels them too. I look back and simply cannot imagine my life without her. I just visited a family of nine brothers and sisters, and the hate and bitterness they feel for each other just astonishes me. Their 85 year old mother is dying and they still fight and bitch over each other instead of being with her. I Thank God every day for each of my brothers and sister. We are still close and are bonded to each other. We know each others problems and pray for each other and this is because Jesus is the main part of our family, our lives. Even our sisters-in-laws are more like our sisters. When friends tell me they do not talk to this brother or that sister-in-law, I cannot ever imagine not talking to any member of my family. I have one brother-in law and he is such a wonderful husband and father. They are prefect for each other.
So my dear sister, god's abundant favour and blessings be upon you always. I love you so much and wish you with so many more good years to come.

An old lady lies dying, her time draws near. She longs to see her children, to gaze into their faces, remembering all the old memories of her life here on earth, but they do not come. She lives with one child that the others do not like so they do not come. What pain and sadness she feels. She thinks they cannot be bothered with her and every day her time grows shorter and the longing in her heart grows stronger. Yet when she dies, they come with their big show of misery, crying and lamenting her passing. What was all that for? What a sad and miserable world we live in. A world were there is hate and bitterness. A world full of unforgivness. People only thinking of their own needs and wants. What a hurting world, what a hurting people. Yet Jesus came and gave his life for us, to save us. Can we even fathom the depths of that love? Can we fully understand the depths of that sacrifice on the cross? No matter what we do he never takes back his love or wish he never died for us. His love, his sacrifice is unconditional. I hurt him to everyday with my selfishness and stubbornness. He talks to me and at times I pretend I do not hear. But he knows and when I run to him in despair and sorrow, he hold his arms wide open and lets me run into them. Then he hold me close and tells me he loves me. He tells me he will never leave me or forsake me. I am immediately calmed by that assurance. We do not realise how much we need him. He waits though, patiently waits for the day when we will call his name and come back to him. I pray that day comes for you soon. I can promise you your life will never be the same.

I feel so cold and despondent. Where is the lifter of my heart? I know you are right there but my eyes fail to see. You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow but I am forever changing. I feel that I going through the fire now and I am being moulded and shaped for his glory, not my own. When I think of you Lord, I feel my strength returning but when my thoughts stray into areas of anger and bitterness and hurt, I feel you fading far away. I am so tired, just so tired. What is it you have in store for me Lord. Sometimes I feel I just want to go home. I will finish the race and do what I am suppose to do for your glory and your glory alone. Each of us has a specific purpose in this life and when we trust in you, that plan for our life will unfold. We have a right to expect the best, because we serve a God of Abundance, such a loving father no earthly father can be. If I become depressed than I sin against you. I love you too much Lord to do that. Just hold me a little closer Lord, let me feel warm and safe. Let my faint heart rest in your bosom. I know you will never leave me or forsake me. For every hurt he renders me, you will love me more and I will feel not pain. THE JOY OF THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH!AMEN

Jesus Calling - God of Abundance

As you sit quietly in My Presence remember I am a God of abundance. I will never run out of resources; My capacity to bless you is unlimited. You live in a world of supply and demand, where necessary things are often scarce. Even if you personally have enough, you see poverty in the world around you. It is impossible for you to comprehend the lavishness of My provisions: the fullness of My glorious riches.

Through spending time in My Presence, you gain glimpses of My overflowing vastness. These glimpses are tiny foretastes of what you will experience eternally in heaven. Even now you have access to as much of Me as you have faith to receive. Rejoice in my abundance - living by faith, not by sight.

Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 5:7

Sarah Young, excerpted from the devotional Jesus Calling »

Declaration of Interdependence
by BJ Gallagher and Lisa Hammond

We hold these truths to be self-evident:

That all women are created equal -
but each is blessed with different gifts and talents.

That all women are endowed with certain individual rights -
but each must assume shared responsibilities.

For the happiness of all
depends on the commitment of each
to support equality and individuality,
rights and responsibilities.

We declare all women to be mutually interdependent -
banding together to support one another,
sharing our experience, strength, and hope,
that all may enjoy life, love,
and the pursuit of laughter.

We agree to encourage one another in tough times
and celebrate in good times.

We commit to taking turns leading and following,
inspiring and teaching,
listening and learning.

We agree to give credit where credit is due -
including us.

We commit to loving ourselves first -
because we can't give what we don't have.

With this Declaration of Interdependence,
we set ourselves free -
free from old beliefs that are no longer true,
free from self-doubt, insecurity, and loneliness,
free from self-imposed perfectionism.

We set ourselves free -
heeding our intuition in all her guises,
loving our bodies through every change,
finding our voices to speak our own truths.

We set ourselves free -
to create fulfilling work,
to form nurturing families,
and to build great friendships.

We are strong;
we are beautiful;
we are generous;
we are wise.

We are women -
committed to creating
a world that affirms us all.

BLESSED MOTHER'S DAY


To day is mother's day. None of my kids are back, but I am sure that would have if they could. We had a wonderful service at GROW. I am indeed so bl est to have such a wonderful church. Its because of my three children that I am a MOTHER. I may have failed them sometimes, but I will never stop being there for them.Just to pick up the phone and hear that 'Hi Ma' makes my day. I connect with each one of them in a special way My son is the worrier, always worrying about me. He can read me well, and I just cannot hide anything from him. He knows me too well. Every evening while we drive home from work, Lizzie and I enjoy our chats. We can talk for more than half hour and before we know it we are home. I feel that I am in the car with her chatting. I value that time with her so much, where I am just her mum and she my little girl. Jess now is my sparing partner. We argue over everything when we are together but the minute she is on the bus I miss her and wish she did not have to leave. She has a warm and caring heart. How I miss them and often think of the days when they were at home growing up. I am so proud of each one of them, at the adults they have become.
I pray for them to put God first in all they do, seek him everyday to know his plans for them and know how much more he loves them. They are the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.