Paralysed

The sun has been up for hours
Another day has dawned but 
I am left wondering if you are okay
For it is like darkness here abroad
I know you have been busy 
But honey all I ask: is that you 
Simply get back to me...
I don't feel like eating...
I don't want to move...
For without knowing how you are...
Makes me feel I am stuck in a groove
I am lost without you...
I am like a helpless babe...
For love has shackled me to you...
Yes, I am bound up like a slave...
So please update me...
So please put me out of my misery...
I need to know that you are
Still in the land of the living...
I need to know that you still breathe...
I need to know or...
I simply cannot breathe...
I am paralysed...

Friends from over the world

Blessings of the internet
Friendships blossoming
All over the world: instantly
You can chat with someone
No matter where they live
You can talk about the weather
Or whatever and discover
All about each other
Talk of health issues
Donate blood or tissue
Send greetings everywhere
Say hi to a girl in Poland
Get fresh with someone
From Bangladesh...
You can even discuss 
The pros and cons
Of politics and wars
You can buy books and games
You can look up old flames
You can chat to someone in Ghana
Or for that matter: in Morocco
Maybe you love the same author
Sending books to each other...
Enter competitions or just search
Maybe let it, take you anywhere
Let it be the guide...
Whatever you decide...
It is an amazing thing...
Be it: meeting, chatting, or working?
The internet is grand...
Just as man and God planned...

I asked the Lord for Guidance

I asked the Lord for guidance
I asked for self-control
That in these times of darkness
Let me your blessed life extol

I asked the lord for patience
I asked for peace of mind
That in these days of being heartless
Let me not be unkind...

I asked the Lord for meekness
I asked for a humble heart
That in these days of turmoil
Let me your love impart

I asked the Lord for eloquence
I asked for words that ring
That in these times of warfare
Let me of your peaceful nature sing...

I asked the Lord for loving kindness
I asked for a sympathetic soul
That in these difficult times of hatred
Let me exemplify your goals...

I asked the Lord for perseverance
Asked the Lord for long suffering too
That in these times of anger and hatred
Let me be the peacemaker, smoothing the way to you...

That awful sound

Heard their laughter echoing

Heard fun in all their sounds

All was great for a little while

Until I heard that awful sound

I heard the thumping: the thud too

Then that awful sound that resounded

That sound of glass shattering

The screams that followed as

They were in trouble: they knew

I ran to see the damage

I was praying a whole lot too

I Thank God nobody was injured

It was just a bottle of olive oil...

That lay shattered...

No injuries to those precious boys

Idle words

Watch the words you utter 
Watch the words you speak
For by those words that you stutter
Justice shall be done 'ere you squeak...
Will you be left bare handed?
Will you regret those beards you tweak?
Will you be condemned by your anger?
Will you be lost for eternity?
Because of the stupid words you speak?

Think about each word that tumbles
From those lips you would hold together
Think about those thoughts that lie jumbled
Within your brain that is unclean...
Jesus knows each word you utter
He knows the ones you only ever think
He sees into your very heart and soul dear
Waiting for you to rise or fall... 
By those very simple words you speak...

Christ declared:
"Every idle word that men shall speak

They shall give account thereof

In the day of judgement

For by thy words thou shalt be justified

And by thy words thou shalt be condemned"

Review and Herald

September 12 1899

Granite Island

Visited Granite Island many times
Walked all around the rugged cliffs
Seeking penguins beneath the rocks
It was always exciting to find their nests
Having never seen a live penguin before...
Went with the whole school group on camp too
Enjoying the cool seas breezes and the fun
On that big tour bus: everyone...
We caught the horse tram more than once
Across to the island in the sun...
It was a pleasure to see the kids having fun
Counting penguins: chasing each other
Watching the waves crashing upon the shore
Finding the "eye" just like daddy had done before
Even Nana Evelyn walked around with us
Until it became too difficult for her to do
I was pregnant with Michael one summer 
It was hot for me but for no-one else
The others asked the restaurant to turn off the cooler
But hot, pregnant, me, I begged them to reconsider...
The girls loved those huge beautiful draft horses
Just wanted to touch them, pat them, love them
They even went on a camel ride along the beach
As we took photos and sat waiting on the sand
Tim told me of his holidays many years long gone
When He climbed The Bluff with some uncle of his
Though the climb was long and difficult
He made it to the very top of The Bluff...felt proud...
There used to be a little restaurant on the Island
You could eat a lovely meal while staring out to sea
We never did end up going there...
We saw the movie "Patch Adams" in Victor Harbour
On one of those holidays: Robin Williams starred
It's sad to think that he's now gone too...
Ah memories of Granite Island still come through...

Mickey reborn

Sitting: eating my lunch at D&M's Cafe
Saw a little Chihuahua cross dog this day
Wow I was just so amazed it's true
She looked just like Mickey used to do
Black and tan, white chest, bright little eyes
Wagging tail: happiness: she almost smiled
Without even realising it: I was smiling too
Yes, memories came flooding back anew
Of our cute little Mickey and his wife Kessie
Their gorgeous puppies: our blessings true
Then after Kessie died: Mickey was so sad
Until Kia came along to make him glad...
Dear Mickey: my most precious pet...
How I do miss you...

23 rd December 2013

Two doors down

Remembering his childhood friends
How they met and became good mates
He lived two doors down: from Aunt Rene
They grew up together: meeting regularly
When ever he visited his cousins with his mum
He would meet up with Guy all the time
They'd hang out together as teenagers
Started smoking cigarettes together too
Doing all those things that growing teens
Really should not do: chasing girls 
Staying out late at night: getting into fights
The usual stuff you get up to as you grow
Later Guy and Alicia lived in that same street
Had their one son: she never wanted any more...
Now Guy is gone: died at age 60
Died of a broken heart after he lost his son
His birthday would have been on December 18
But He'll never see any more of those...

I remember meeting Guy and Alicia in that street
Remember visiting their home many times
Remember all the times they broke up
The sad times as well as the glad times
Way back in the 1970's and 1980's in Adelaide...

All those who have passed away
Await Jesus' return...
Just as those who live today...
Who knows if they will rise or burn...
God only knows how we will fare
For God it is who judges...
And he is ever just and fair...

In memory of Guy

Determined not to

Why is it that you determine 
Not to like something...
Just because someone else
Wants you to...
The more they prod...
The more you...
Dig in your toes and refuse
To even think about it...
Some perverse human feeling
Grabs a hold and tells you...
"Don't listen: it's not good...
You won't like it..."
Is it the same when you want
To desperately do something...
You know it's wrong...
You know you shouldn't do it...
But you feel that tug upon your heart...
Is it Satan and his wiles?
Luring you to sin...
Dragging you...willingly...
Towards damnation...
This crazy human nature is unfair...
As in the Bible...
"That which I would not: I do...
That which I would: I do not..."
God help us...for we cannot...
Seem to help ourselves...

The Music grows on you

It's funny that I remember 
The very first time I heard
The album: Band on the Run
By Paul McCartney and Wings
I didn't think much of it...
Didn't like it at all actually
But after listening over and over
I can't imagine not liking it
Because it "grows on you"
It takes a while but then
It's like it becomes a part of you
An intimate part of your life...
A memory that lasts a lifetime...
I felt the same with Dido...
"I'm no angel" sounded strange
I listened whilst driving to Cadell
Many times over that time in 2001
The songs grew on me and now
I love the whole album...
Love the way she sings with such feeling...
Especially "Thank you" 
Its a favourite and always will be...

Train trip to Melbourne

We took a train trip to Melbourne
Took our young 3 year old son along
Travelling through the dark of night
Arriving at the station next morning
Yes, we got there: early and bright
Caught a cab to the motel in the city
The Old Melbourne Inn...
We'd stayed there once before...
When we'd gone as a whole family
Before little Michael was even born
We'd driven there that last time
But now we had no car with us...
So we caught the tram around the city
And enjoyed seeing the sights...
Went to the Melbourne markets
Checked out the whole block of booths
Even bought me a sheepskin coat 
To keep me warm on winter nights...
I remember the shop assistant's 
Unhappy face and frowns... 
For all she cared about was the mirror
That he left his little fingerprints upon...
We ate in the local restaurants 
We walked around and had some fun
But best part was the return journey
As we ate aboard the train...
The only thing Michael disliked 
What the lack of tomato sauce
In that dining car: that little restaurant!
Staring out the windows of our carriage
Watching the scenery fly by
Was a beautiful adventure: magical to see
The misty covered dams filled with water
As the train followed the trail among the hills
Returning us, happily to our little family...

Dolphins at night

The beauty of the ocean blue
The calm peace upon the seas
When sunshine pours unending 
From crystal clear blue skies...

The magic of the ocean dark
Stars aglow up in the Milky Way
The way the wild dolphins glowed
Covered in silver phosphorous 
Luminous as they glided silently
Beside the quiet sailing boat

Some precious times remembered
Of when life was good to live
As he sailed upon the ocean
Feeling the breath of freedom in his lungs...

For Ian Mac

Dangerous seas

The old boat sat in harbour
Waiting for the day
When she would be sea worthy
When she could return to sea
We clambered aboard her hulk
In port we felt at ease
But I could not imagine sailing out
No: not into dangerous seas...
He thought to make a journey
Taking along his young family
Wanted us to come too
To sail the seven seas
My young girls, hubby and me
But after thinking for just a minute
After checking out the safety
I said: "No way am I risking
My children, my family
Out, on the briny sea!"
So they went aboard for their adventure
We said bye and "take care"
Thankful that we wouldn't be going
On that adventure out to sea...
We heard upon the air waves
A storm came to drench them all
A squall to rival many others
As they sailed close to Kangaroo Island
Out past Cape Jervis upon the stormy sea
Mum and children down below
Dad and his first mate above
Trying desperately to save her sinking hull
Bailing with buckets when the motor failed
As that poor old boat was tossed around
As she heaved and tried to sail
The helicopter could not reach them 
Neither the coast guard: though they tried
I remember Tim's long drive to Cape Jervis 
To rescue that young family
As they finally arrived on land again
And thanked dear God for saving them
As they were almost lost forever 
Upon those dangerous seas

The  "Valetta" she was called

Glider over Gawler

I often watch the gliders
As I drive along the road
Silently spiralling downwards
Upon those warm air currents
Above Gawler and surrounds
I watch them as they come and go
They disappear and shine anon
Reflecting that glorious sunshine
That God sends shining down
I remember many years ago
Ian bought Tim a present
For his 40th birthday...
It was a glider flight at Gawler
They both took to the skies
A birthday present to remember
Gliding around above Gawler
Way up high in those glorious blue skies

Road Hazard warranty

Every time I buy new tyres
I go to Beaurepaires
For they have insurance
In case I ruin my tyres
Road Hazard Warranty
That's what it is called
A small cost to pay
For my tyres to be insured
I get free puncture repairs
Tyre rotations too and 
I get tyres replaced it's true
I killed two brand new ones 
Over the past twenty years
Thank you Beaurepaires...

Thousands of seagulls

Thousands of seagulls
Over the huge dump
All fluttering and flying
Scavenging for food 
From sun up till sundown
Like a bad smell hovering
Over the waste station
Same desolation, rubbish 
In every modern nation

One stands tall

A mob of Roos

Under the trees

Relaxing there

At their ease

One stands tall

Watches all

Keeps a look out
In case of doubt
Ready to warn them
Ready to escape
Into those leafy trees
If need be...

Keyneton S.A.

Blood diamonds

As drops of His precious blood
Blossomed in the dusty ground
Below that awful cross on Calvary
Those blood diamonds flowed forth 
From Him who came to save us...
Imagine the anguish he undertook
That we who deserved not reprieve
Should be saved from sin: alas He died
Because he knew we could never 
Pay such a price: no never could we
Raise up a ransom to equal His own
Those most precious of blood diamonds...

Déjà Vu

Another coincidence...
Another memory...
I'm sure I've been here before...
Upon this rocky ocean shore
There are padlocks upon the fence...
I've seen them all before...
But when did we visit?
Who was it I came here with?
Oh Lord these memories...
Crowding in my brain for sure...

Santiago said

Santiago is just 7 years of age
He is a deep thinker and argues
If he thinks he has a point to make...
Which is most of the time...

One day Santiago said to me

"This earth is not our home...
Heaven is our home...
This life is just a challenge...
We have to go through...
So we can learn about life..."

Out of the mouths of babes...

24th October 2014
He was just 6 and a half years of age...

The idealist

Found a test on Facebook
Thought it would be fun
So I clicked the button
Answered some questions
Did the test and found
I am an "idealist" it seems...

INFP in the Memorado 
Personality Type Testing site

Other famous idealists include
George Orwell, Jean Jaques Rousseau
J.R.R. Tolkein, Edgar Allan Poe
George R.R. Martin, John Lennon
Curt Cobain, Tim Burton 
Johnny Depp as well
There are only about 4.4% 
Among the population
So I guess I am delighted
To be so included...

"Our main interest is to make the world
A better place for anyone...
Our primary goal is to find the meaning of life...
We are highly intuitive about people...
And let our intuition guide us to find the truth...
And meaning about many things...
We dislike conflicts and will do anything
To listen and put people at ease...
We are genuinely interested in understanding people...
This sincerity makes us valued friends and confidantes...
We are flexible and low key...
As long as our value system is not violated...
We can fight passionately to defend our causes...
We might not be detail oriented individuals
But can cover every possible detail...
If working for our causes demands it...

INFP's are rarely given enough credit...
Because of their high standards...
They can often act as control freaks...
That can never be happy with themselves...

INFP's are more sensitive to feelings... 
And human behaviour than logic and "hard facts"...
Usually talented writers even if they are
Not the best at expressing themselves verbally...
They are good in situations where 
They work towards the public good...
And in which they don't need to use hard logic..."

Wow...I couldn't believe the results...
This is so much like the "me" I didn't even realise...

The mark of the beast

As Christians in this troubled world
There are certain things we must know
About the seal of our dear Lord in heaven
About the mark of the beast as well...

The seal of God is in our forehead
In our mind, thoughts, our understanding
God is to be first and foremost 
In our lives, in everything we do
He is the one true God 
All honour and glory to our God in heaven!

A woodcutter in Russia was captured 
And questioned by Napoleon
"I am the Czar's man!" he declared
They forced him to be marked upon his right hand
Rather than be thus marked 
By his Lord's enemies...
He cut off his right hand...

Do not allow them to tattoo you 
With the mark of the beast

Revelation 14: 9-11 (KJV)

9. "And the third angel followed them saying
with a loud voice, if any man worship the beast
and his image, and receive his mark 
in his forehead, or in his hand
10. The same shall drink of the wine of the 
wrath of God, which is poured out 
without mixture into the cup of his indignation;
and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone
in the presence of the holy angels, and in the
presence of the Lamb:
11. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up 
for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, 
who worship the beast and his image, and 
whosoever receiveth the mark of his name"

Lioness arising

Driving home from the countryside
We had been to Virginia way off the track
We had travelled for miles and miles
My daughter and her 3 children too
Just collected our new German Shepherd puppy
Kachirii is to be her name; we were almost back
At 4 pm on Monday 22nd of September 2014
I watched in amazement as the speedometer read: 4444

On Wednesday the 24th I went to the op- shop
Down along Beach Road towards the sea
Found a book with the numbers 4444 printed upon it
"Lioness arising" it was called
All about women empowering themselves...
Hmmmm...What a coincidence? Weird!

Immunity bomb recipe

Found a recipe to boost the immunity
From "Healthy Food House" on Facebook...
A remedy for viruses and colds

Ingredients:
6 lemons
I big garlic clove
2 teaspoons ginger powder
3 cups pineapple juice
1/4 teaspoon chilli powder

Method:
Squeeze lemons and place in a blender
Add all ingredients and blend well
Store in glass container in the fridge

Take 4 cups every day until
All viral symptoms are gone...

Brother John

I was at the funeral
Everyone was sad
We gathered round
The hearses to say 
Goodbye to our friends
Rest in peace...
With the Lord...
See you....
Many years from now...

I saw a man walking
Toward me in the sun
It took a while to recognise
That face, that sad smile...
After all it was his elder brother 
That was now gone...

I turned around 
To grasp your hand
To pull you forward too
Thinking to say
"Look, it is Brother John!"
But it was to no avail
For you were not there
No longer beside me
Gone to God yourself
in the grave...
These many months...

We talked of our beginnings
We talked of everything
Of all those Bible studies
Of all those blessed days
When we were all together
Talking, studying, listening...

Though we are older now
Many years have passed
Still he recalled our meeting
The very first time we met
John was "door knocking"
Spreading God's blessed word
Seeking to save all comers
As he did his Bible work

I remember vividly that day
Just like it was yesterday
We lived at 33 Burton Rd
In beautiful Athelstone
I went that knock to answer
I went to turn him away
For you see this is the blessing 
That God sent to me that day...

Normally, Tim would say
"Please come inside"
But this day he said otherwise
He said: "No, not interested...
Tell them to go away!"
But I: to my own surprise 
Said to Brother John
"Please come inside!"
I had a towel coiled upon my head
I had just washed my hair
John remembered perfectly
Even after all these years...

Thus began my relationship
With my dearest Lord...
As we studied the scriptures
For many months and years 
Afterwards
Finally it led to my baptism...
On the 19th of December 1987

Wicker and wool

There was a double funeral last year
For our dear friends Peter and Celia
They had died together in a car accident
Gone to God beside each other: as they had lived
The funeral was delayed to accommodate
The coming together of the whole family
The whole church was in mourning
Family came from Germany, from all over
Australia, this wide brown land as well
Being in their 70's they had decided
On the way everything was to be arranged
Should there be the need: yes indeed
Their favourite hymns were chosen
Their favourite Bible quotes too...
Celia's casket was made of wool
A natural fibre, simple in its design
As beautiful as she was in life: it carried her
Enclosed her within its natural fibres
Ready for her journey home...
Peter's casket was of wicker work
Again: simple and natural, yet strong
He was quiet by nature: a poet...
Their children and families told their story
Told of their minimalist lives...
Told of their trials and tribulations
Told of their love for their children
Told of their desire to live a simple life
Growing everything they needed to survive

Rest in peace Celia and Peter
Missing you both so very much

Memories of Sister Celia

One of Celia's favourite sayings
"Eat yourself smart" comes to mind
She believed that we all had the ability
To eat well: to eat smart: for health
For our minds to function at their peak
There are so many foods God gave us
Designed to uplift us: designed to save us...
Temperance: eating sparingly of all good things
Nothing harmful was ever to pass our lips
Knowledgeable in herb lore and diet
Ah how I wish now I had asked her more...

Celia confessed to me one day
That she had made a grave mistake
In rebelling against her husband: her man
Every woman must take this in: understand
She was encouraging her daughters
To act like they shouldn't ought to
Obedience can be a chore
If your heart is not in it...
So please teach your daughters well
To help them avoid that hell
Of disobeying their precious dad...

They may well escape one day
But when Jesus calls them forth
What will show as their worth?
Will obedience to the Lord?
Be it of one accord...
Or will it be a chore for ever more?

Celia came to me one day at church
She returned to me my book of poems
Saying she no longer needed it...
She had the recorded copy 
That Brother Gary had made for her
She couldn't read well any more
For her eyesight was fading...

Sister Celia and Brother Peter
Died in a car accident not long afterwards
Rest in peace dear Celia and Peter
Missing you so very much here on this earth
But knowing you and your faith in the Lord
I know we will meet again... 
When Jesus returns and takes us home

I found this poem and notes I had written 
From October 2014

Within my heart

I carry Bible quotes with me
Everywhere I go...
I have them written down
Yes...written on a piece of card
Though I only look at them fleetingly
I expect them to keep me safe
Protecting me from Satan's snares
Lest he should come upon me unaware

Every now and then
I fish them out to read out loud
But still I wonder
In dangerous times like these
Is it enough protection?
Will this save my soul?

Though it helps me to understand
All about dear Jesus and His plans
It is not enough to quote them
Here and there...
How much better for me
How much better for us all
We should have them written 
Within our hearts instead...
Thus...when danger rears its ugly head
Those precious words are there
Yes; right there within my head
Right there upon my tongue...
Ready to use as weapons
Blessing me, keeping me safe
Keeping me, from being undone...

When you carry a Bible
The devil gets a headache
When you open it...
He collapses...
When he sees you reading it
He faints...
When he sees you living it
He flees...
And just when you're about to 
Repost this by hitting "share"
He will try to discourage you...
I just defeated him...
"Share" If you are in God's army...

Romans 8:31
"If God is with me who can be against me?"

Phillippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me"

1 Corinthians 10:13
"God is faithful"

Psalm 91:12
"My God in whom I trust"

Matthew 4:11
"And the angels came to minister to him"

Navigator

Guide my thoughts
Guide my mind
Lead me Lord
Let me be not blind
Open up this heart
Open up these eyes
For 'tis only with you
Lord I come...
Wearing no disguise

I have no other
I need none else
You my dearest Lord
Are the very best
With you beside me
With you to guide me
Only through you Lord Jesus
Will I triumph!
Though trials may come

Thy will be done!

Prayer of comfort

Dear Lord please, help me to cope

With this mess I’m in…

Please dear Lord: what do I do?

Go on or give in…

I hear your words…I hear your voice

Please help me make this choice

Help me to continue on

To accept this choice…that I have made

Am I wrong to follow my heart?

Does my head understand?

That life is an art

What Lord do I do?

Show me please…If this is true?

I trust in you Lord…Only in you!

I lay my troubles in your hands
I give up my fears…I give all to you

So please help me Lord

Please, I am confused

Settle all these problems

Solve them all

You are the most powerful of all

Your word is everyone’s command

So please my dearest Saviour

Comfort me

Send your angels

To sort and to speed

Up this transaction…To finalise

All those hold ups

Please open up the gates for me

I take hold of your promises

I take hold of all your words

Please my Father

Help me I plead

Into your hands I lay my spirit

My heart…my soul…my mind

I give up all to you

Please take sole control of me

Of my love…of all this pain

Help me to be happy again!

Amen

My dearest one…my dearest child

Please relax…let it all unwind

Time is of the essence now

So relax and let me endow

Your peace…your comfort

This I vow

Forever will you be mine from now

Free yourself…let worries go

All is happening just to show

Faith and trust…help from above

Sent from heaven up above

Angels are winging…angels can show

That my will is what you have now!

All is good…it is in my hands

Allow the angels to speed my plans

I love you forever my dearest child

Torn in two: The answer

Take one day at a time

Give it reason…give it rhyme…

Do not falter…lamb of mine…

It is my will…

That you…upward climb…

Take the blessings

That I give…

Enjoy the message…

It is: go forth: live!

How much more will I undertake…

To guide him nearer for my sake!

It is a blessing…It is a joy…

That you will have love…

That you will enjoy…

The closeness only

This marriage can bring…

The angels rejoice…

The angels sing…

The marriage is a covenant

The marriage of bride and groom

Just as in heaven…

It was ordained…

Just as it is now proclaimed…

Renew the vows…

Restore the church…

Bringing together…not forsake

Allow the blessings…to multiply

Do not worry…do not ask why?

Only know what joy he brings

This union too…will be blessed!

Now that you have confessed!

All is good…my precious child…

Go in peace…be satisfied…

My love does raise up…not condemn…

Those who love eternally

Together shall indeed be…

Never falter…never flee…

Be united…blessed be…

I love you my dearest child…

I bring you in from the world…

To be my child eternally

To be my blessed sanctuary

To be crowned in stars

This is your blessed destiny!

Amen