A few days ago I shared a few tips on friendship and how to be a good friend. At the time I thought that the tips would also relate to the marriage relationship. Well last night I found out that they indeed do! ( Just have a quick read through the "do's and dont's" of a good friend a few posts ago).

My husband has been unhappy in his current job and applied for a new job which after some let downs and negotiations- he got! He told me the good news yesterday and you know what I did?...... Instead of popping champagne corks and dancing around happy I WAS UPSET and I broke at least 3 of the tips on being a good friend.

Firstly I was so consumed with my own jealousy and frustration that I did not share his joy. I started on the list of why it was unfair that he got to change jobs and I couldn't. I totally overlooked how happy and excited he was and focussed on my own feelings.

Secondly I didn't encourage him or congratulate him in fact I pretty much made him feel like he'd made a big mistake.

And last but not least, while I cried and carried on I was not listening and appreciating his feelings and thoughts at all.

The good news is that we did talk about this and I did apologise with all my heart. Talking it through my husband could actually understand and sympathise with my feelings about the whole matter but we both agreed I could have handled it better. All is well now, friendship restored!

So whether we are married or not I think the tips on friendship can be applied to most of the relationships in our lives. We just need to be mindful all the time of how we are treating those around us - especially the ones we love the most....

1 Corinthians 13: 4-8 (NIV)
" Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

Look after your relationships!
Be blessed heaps today
Narelle

Happy Wednesday everyone! A brief post today as I am 'time challenged'.

My hubby liked yesterdays post but said it was a bit like a sermon. Sorry if I was a little 'preachy' I didn't intend to be. Weren't you excited though by the fact that GOD IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING? I had to remember that last night when the rain was pounding so hard on the bedroom window I thought I'd get wet for sure!! I just kept thinking about those poor disciples in the boat during the storm!

I just want to share a verse with you today that relates a little to yesterdays 'sermon' (LOL)

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
" Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight."

We're having a few car problems at the moment and our bank account is a little lean, my son cries every morning at school and still has 'undiagnosed' tummy problems and my husband emailed earlier to say he has a new job and is resigning tomorrow but I'M NOT WORRYING!! How can I after reading all the amazing verses from yesterdays post!

Be blessed today despite any trials or tribulations
Narelle

Worry: to feel or experience concern or anxiety; fret; to afflict with mental distress or agitation; make anxious.

Do you think 'worry' is hereditary? My nanna worries, my mum worries, I'm the queen of worry and our Mr 6 worries.....I am kidding but I would like to share with you some interesting things about worry....

My husband shared with me yesterday that he had recently read a sermon on this very topic. Do you know that there are times when 'worry' is a very real emotion. Check out the story in the Bible ( Matthew 8) where the disciples and Jesus are in a boat in the middle of a storm. Jesus is actually asleep and the disciples are anxious about the huge waves crashing onto the boat. They understood the severity of the storm and knew it was a genuine problem and they were worried!
The author of the sermon my hubby read shared these things about worry: ( I have paraphrased in my own words...)

Worry is caused by factors in life that are unexpected ( like the storm). Our problems can seem overwhelming ( like the waves). We may feel inadequate to cope with our worries and fears ( like being in a tiny boat in the stormy sea) and we may feel all alone ( Jesus was asleep at the time of the storm).

What kinds of things worry you? I worry about my children - Mr 6 is off to a specialist this afternoon and I'm a little concerned about that. My good friend had a job interview this morning and I bet she was a little anxious about that? My son worries about changes at school that effect him. So how do we learn to worry less and what do we do with our worries?

Philippians 4:6 from the New Living Translation,
" Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank him for all he has done."
I can't deal with my worries on my own so I need to pray about them and tell God exactly what my needs are.

John 14:2-7 from The Living Bible
" I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and head! And the peace I give isn't fragile like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid."
No matter what my worries are, my God will not love me any less or forsake me. I'm safe with him.

Matthew 6:30 NIV
" If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"
We need to look to God more and has the resources to help me with my problems and worries. We need to have more faith in God - he can overcome my worries!

1 Chronicles 29:11 from The Living Bible
" Everything in heaven and earth is Yours, O Lord we adore You as being in control of everything."
God is in control of EVERYTHING! That means every little part of my life and yours too! EVERYTHING! There is nothing that God does not control.

I hope these verses have helped. I think I'm going to make a little banner to put on my fridge with that verse from Chronicles on it! Why do I worry so much if God is in control of everything? I found 2 more verses that I want to share, just in case you're still not convinced!!

Matthew 6:34 from The Living Bible
" So don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time."

1 Peter 5:7 from the New Living Translation
" Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about what happens to you."

I'm off to type out some of these verses now for my Mr 6. I'm going to help him memorise them so he can have this amazing comfort that comes from knowing that GOD IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING and he doesn't need to let worry get the better of him.

Be very blessed and I hope this has helped you as much as it has helped me.
Until next time
Narelle

John 15:13 ( New Living Translation)
" The greatest love is shown when people lay down their lives for their friends."

Proverbs 18:24 (NIV)
" A friend loves at all times."

Yesterday I shared a little about how important family and friends are to my life. I'd like to share a bit more today about how to have and be a good friend....

I don't have a huge list of close friends and I think that's totally ok. I don't think we can be true friends with too many people at once, but please correct me if you think I'm wrong. Like family relationships, friendships also take time and energy to build and maintain and if you expect someone to be a good friend to you then you need to work hard at being a good friend.

My lovely Mother-in-Law loaned me a book by Karen Scalf Linamen called "Just hand over the Chocolate and No one will get Hurt." ( Revell Books). Chapter 3 discusses friendship and I'd like to share with you Karen's do's and don'ts on being a good friend...

* Do follow up on promises - if you tell your friend you'll do something for her then do it!
* Do learn the art of listening - listen with your whole self and don't make your response about yourself! Ask follow up questions and demonstrate interest.
* Do celebrate your friend's happiness and success - Be genuinely thrilled for your friend, don't allow yourself to be jealous or compete with your friend.
* Do love your friend enough to tell her the truth - the very best friends care enough to tell the truth. Do it lovingly and tactfully but always be truthful.
* Do be an encourager - an encouraging word from someone who cares can make all the difference in the world. Let your friend know you believe in them - you can do it!

Now the don'ts!....
* Don't hide behind a facade of perfection or control - be vunerable, it says a lot. Do you trust your friend enough to tell the truth about your struggles and imperfections? If not she probably won't feel comfortable sharing hers with you.
* Don't tell secrets - if a friend shares something confidential with you, keep it that way.
* Don't try to have an answer for everything - sometimes in the depths of a friends pain all they really need is a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold.

The chapter goes on to discuss how to choose a good friend. I'm finding the book a real encouragement and although this blog isn't to promote anything, I would actually recommend this book to all women who struggle sometimes. Karen is easy to read and quite funny. She is honest about her struggles and doesn't pretend to have all the answers, which I like!

Having a close friend and being a good friend to someone else is wonderful and I really pray that each of you have someone like this in your life. Just remember though that the Lord wants to be that friend to you and I too. Proverbs 18:24 ( NIV) says, " There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Why not write your friend a brief note today to let them know how much you value them in your life....
Until next time
Narelle

I've been thinking this week about how important my family and friends are to me. I honestly don't have many close friends and we only have my family here in WA as my husbands family are all in NSW (waving to you all!!). But each person is important and adds to my life and to the life of my husband and children.

I know that family relationships can be challenging at times but I've been thinking this week about the fact that family is where I started my life, they know me better than anyone else, they love me and accept me exactly as I am - OK I'm a bit dorky compared to my sisters but they love me just the same!! My family have certainly not been perfect and we've had issues to work through but I think family relationships can be so fulfilling if we allow the time and effort to make them work. I have been challenged this week to spend more time with my mum, my dad and my sisters and their families.

I value having a good friend. My husband and I communicate well and talk lots but I love having a female friend to chat with and share interests with. I will blog a bit more about friendship tomorrow!

Life is just so busy nowdays and it's so easy to let relationships slip. Most of us work and have other commitments which are important and necessary but I think sometimes we let our relationships suffer. Maybe we need to check our priorities every now and then to make sure we are making time for the people we love.

Be blessed today - and maybe call someone important to you!
Until tomorrow
Narelle

I absolutely love the chapter in the Bible that talks about there being a time for everything....

I love music! I'm not a fan of the heavy stuff and to be honest I can't stand opera but most other styles I can handle and enjoy.

Driving to playgroup with the kids this morning I heard one of my favourite songs on the radio and the kids and I bopped around and sang along ( I know, what a sight hey!) My favourite 'pick me up' songs are 'Walking on Sunshine' by Katrina and The Waves; 'Walk like an Egyptian' by The Bangles and 'Micky' (can't remember the artist). They are all happy, upbeat and almost 'nonsense' songs that just make me smile and sing along and even dance a little (so long as no-one is watching!)

I find music does something for me when I'm feeling down or just not myself. It lifts my mood and lightens the burdens! It's also something I can do when the kids are around - they love music as much as I do. I just have to tell you that Mr 2. has been grabbing his Wiggles guitar lately and declaring that he is 'playing to Jesus', how cute is he!!

I'm a big fan of worship CD's too and have my trusty favourites for when I'm feeling blue. Worship CD's are an easy way for me to connect with God too. I don't read my Bible as much as I should, but listening to music, singing along and reflecting on the words is a way I can avoid neglecting God completely. ( I still have work to do in this area!)

Psalm 105:1-3 from The NIV
"Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice."

( The Message version says 'sing him songs, belt out hymns'!!)

If you're not feeling right today, why not grab a favourite CD and turn up the volume! I hope it helps you too.
Until next time,
Narelle

Yesterday was a really hard day. I had too many 'balls in the air' to juggle and by about 5pm they all came crashing down and I was a mess. I yelled at my son for a minor offense and then cried! Ever had a day like that?

I love being a mum and working with children but somedays it's all too much and I feel like I can't cope. The list of mistakes I'd made through the day seemed endless and yelling at my son made me feel like a terrible failure as a mum. I felt even more lousy for allowing my feelings to rule how I dealt with situations and people.

Anyway, I survived 'til the kids went to bed and then I sat in front of the tele and grabbed some chocolate! Ok that's really not the answer to a bad day, but it did help a little! My husband suggested to read through the Psalms where David is angry and frustrated but to be honest I couldn't be bothered!

I watched my fav. show and cried some more, still not feeling too great. Just before I went to bed I checked my email. My friend had sent me an email and just before she signed off she quoted something from Anne of Green Gables....... ( this needs to be big and bold sorry! )

'Selfish' ~ concerned with or directed towards one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others. ( from my Penguin Pocket Dictionary!)

My husband and I are frequently horrified at how selfish our Mr. 6 can be. We know that children are selfish and it takes a while for them to have the maturity to see things through someone else's eyes. But it can be so frustrating at times and I'm sure we've spent many moments 'lecturing' our children about considering the needs of others before their own.

You know thinking about it, I'm pretty sure I was married before I stopped being really, really selfish! Suddenly someone else's needs and wants mattered just as much as my own! Having children makes you realise how selfish you are too - I can't help but feel sorry for my mum when I realise how much I 'expected and demanded' from her when I was growing up (sorry mum).

I think by nature we are all selfish to some extent. We consider our needs and wants before those of others. You see it all the time - road rage, people getting grumpy in the queue at the checkout etc. The other day one of my day care parents was sharing their change in circumstance with me and although I felt very concerned for the family I also found myself wondering how it would effect our care arrangement and my income - shame on me.

The opposite of being selfish is to be selfless ( unselfish ). Wouldn't we live in a nicer place if everyone practised being a little less selfish? I have to share 2 versions of the same verses today!

Philippians 2:1-4 from The Message says,
" If you've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care - then do me a favour: agree with one another, love each other, be deep-spirited friends. Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."

Philippains 2: 3&4 from the NIV reads:
" Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."

A big challenge for all of us - not just our kids!
Until next time, be blessed
Narelle

Ok so guess what? I listened in church again on Sunday! Amid getting crackers and colouring in for Mr.2 I tried really hard to focus and listen! It's funny but lately I've been coming away thinking and challenged but probably not by what the speaker had in mind. I don't think it matters, I think God allows us to hear what we need to hear.

Anyway, towards the end of the message my Pastor spoke about forgiveness. He spoke about the stronghold that an unforgiving spirit can have on people; how holding a grudge and being angry can allow the evil one to lead us into sin and keep us apart from God. He reminded us about the simple fact that God tells us to forgive others. Ephesians 4:32 from The Message says, " Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you."

I can say from experience that one of the hardest things to do is to forgive someone.

I recently felt it was time to forgive a family member. I had been angry with this person for sometime for mistakes made in the past. I can remember praying and telling God that I forgave this person. I remember feeling so much better afterwards. I didn't realise how 'heavy' the burden of 'unforgiveness' was.

I've also had the opportunity to apologize to someone that I hurt in the past. I think asking God to forgive you is difficult but to be honest I found it very hard to look at this person and ask them to forgive my failures and behaviour towards them. I felt so unworthy, but so thankful when the person said that they forgave me. Again, what a burden was lifted knowing I was forgiven.

Like my Pastor said, when you are burdened by anger and resentment there is little room for God but plenty of opportunity for the evil one to 'mess with your mind!' I know that there is freedom in the act of forgiveness. God made the ultimate sacrifice to forgive us from our sins to give us freedom ( Revelation 1:5). He requires that we do the same for others.

As I said earlier though, forgiving some sins can be really difficult and I think it's totally OK to ask someone like a pastor, friend or a counsellor, to help you through really difficult past events or situations. I spoke to a counsellor for many hours before being able to let go of some of my 'issues'.

My husband has access to a fantastic sermon called 'Healing Hidden Wounds' which deals with forgiveness. If you'd like to read it, just email me and I'll forward a copy to you, it explains forgiveness much clearer than I ever could!!

Many Blessings to you and yours
Narelle
thenettelbecks@yahoo.com.au

Dear Beloved One,

I see your loneiness and fears, your guilt and frustrations. I see your endless search for love and fulfilment. All this must be, in order for you to come to the end of your own understanding- then you can hear My voice. Listen carefully amid the noise of the world and you will hear.....

I love you. I shed my blood for you to make you clean. Give yourself completely to Me. I created you to be just as you are, and you are lovely in My eyes. Do not criticise yourself or become depressed for not being perfect in your own eyes. This leads only to frustration. I want you to trust Me one step, one day, one second at a time. Dwell in My power and My love and be free of yourself. Don't allow other people to control you. I will guide you, if you let Me, but be aware of My presence in everything. I give you patience, love, joy and peace. Look to Me for answers, for I am your shepherd and will lead you. Follow Me only! Do not ever forget this. Listen to Me and I will tell you My will.

Let My love flow from you and spill over to all you touch. Be not concerned about yourself - you are My responsibility. I will change you without you knowing it. You are to love yourself and love others, simply because I love you. Take your eyes off yourself, look only at Me, I lead, I change, I create, but not when you are striving. You are mine....let Me have the joy of making you like Christ.

Your only command is to look to Me and Me only - never to yourself and never to others. Do not struggle, just relax in My love. I know what is best and will do it in you. Stop trying to become and let Me make you what I want.

My will is perfect; My love is sufficient. I will supply all of your needs....only look to Me.

I love You,
Your Heavenly Father

( Source Unknown)

Hope this encourages and blesses you,
Until Next Time,
Narelle

My sister and I took our children to a Wildlife Park the other day. The kids had such a great day together and experienced so many wonderful things. In the farm area they got to milk a cow, pat and feed lots of animals (including some very cute new lambs), chase chickens, watch a sheep have a haircut and much more. My 2 year old son now wants a rabbit for a pet, which won't happen as we have a dog and a cat who may see a rabbit as dinner. My older son loved the crocodiles and snakes the best and the highlight for my niece was the 'wobblies' - I think she meant wallabies!

We sat and had lunch at some picnic tables just next to where the big 'Bald American Eagle' was flying around his enclosure. There's something about eagles that has me in awe, not that they're the most attractive bird, I think it relates to the Bible verse about eagles.....

Isaiah 40:31 from The Message
"But those who wait upon God get fresh strength. They spread their wings and soar like eagles. They run and don't get tired, they walk and don't lag behind."

I find such encouragement from this verse. I watched the eagle fly, ok he wasn't exactly free to fly far because of the enclosure, but imagine him in the wild. Huge open spaces, wings extended and soaring through the blue skies. You know what I read in this verse - FREEDOM!

We have freedom in belonging Christ. It is such a comfort to know that He will renew my strength when I'm all out, that He can help me rise above the difficulties and problems in my life! Waiting upon God ( the NIV version reads 'those who hope in the Lord'), means that we put our trust in Him to fulfill His promises, like renewing our strength. Trust: confident belief in or reliance on, to expect or hope. ( Penguin Pocket Dictionary!)

It's not always easy to trust God with our worries or problems but what freedom in being able to hand them all to Him, to rise above them and soar free like the eagle. Can you picture yourself 'soaring'?!

Be very blessed
Narelle

Well, you know how a few posts ago I said I didn't need to worry about my children anymore because God had that all under control, well I'm having a major relapse today!

My oldest son ( 6 and a half) was diagnosed a month or so ago with 'Abdominal Migraines'. At first I thought it was something the Doctor made up, it is however a 'real' condition and I've been reading up on it - gotta love the internet! Our son suffers constant stomach aches, bouts of diarrhoea and vomitting.

Thankfully it is nothing more sinister, but he can have 'gastro' like symptoms for over a week at a time. He cries with pain somedays and has missed school because of his discomfort. Our Doctor put him on some medication which seemed to help for a little while but this week he is really suffering, lots of pain and diarrhoea ( his little bum is so sore now because of all the trips to the toilet), he has even lost weight in the past week as he's off his food too.

It's so hard to see my son in pain and not really know what to do to help him. I know I'm so lucky that he is otherwise healthy and happy but this condition is causing him to suffer some and I can't take that away. We're back to the Doctor tomorrow just to see if there's anything else we can do for him.

I write this today with tears running down my cheeks! I have been reading on the net some stories from other mums with children with this problem which is helping a little. I've also remembered a Bible verse which is helping a little too!!

Psalm 55:22 from The Message
" Pile your troubles on God's shoulders - he'll carry your load, he'll help you out."

Sorry today's post is a little gloomy! I feel better having shared so thanks for reading! And of course I still have lots to be thankful for!

Be Blessed,
Until next time
Narelle

Thursday 17th July 2008 ~ Edited to add....
Well after visiting the doctor yesterday, now she's not sure that it is Abdominal Migraines my DS6 is suffering with because of all the diarrhoea he has. So we're doing more tests - my son wasn't too happy about the blood tests, poor little guy! It's a wait and see situation now and hopefully will have some answers soon. Thanks for reading, it has helped me to share this experience.

Well another big confession of mine is that I tend to compare myself to other people around me and I never seem to 'be the winner' in my eyes.....

I sometimes get myself caught in the trap of thinking that other people have things better than me, you know, the grass is greener over her side of the fence! When I listen to other women talk about their life, I wonder what it would be like to have more money so we could have a bigger house or a nicer car. I sat listening to a lady the other day talking about the few hundred dollars she had just spent on clothes for herself and I couldn't help but feel a little jealous, especially seeing as I was wearing tracksuit pants and a jumper I've owned for years!!

Gosh I'm a comparison expert! She has a better figure than me, her kids behave better than mine, she has more friends than I do..... Am I the only one or do others do it too?

You know though when I really think about all this, I realise that I have something so much more important than all this 'wordly stuff'. Not only do I have the best family around (do I need to remind you about my 2 brilliant boys and my fantastic husband!?) I have something that is so much more valuable than any house or clothing or possession. I have Christ in my life.

I have a Saviour who fills my life with meaning and hope. I just need to keep focusing on Him and reminding myself that all the wealth and possessions in the world are meaningless and empty compared to having Christ and what spiritual wealth that brings to my life.

Philippians 3:8 from The NIV
" What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ."

Matthew 6:19 from The Message
" Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or-worse- stolen by burglars! Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious isn't it? The place where you treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being."

Blessings to you,
Until next time,
Narelle

Ok so the title today is a little cliche really, but please keep reading!

I want to share with you my biggest weakness. No, it's not that I'm totally addicted to iced coffee, it's the fact that I struggle to be a positive person, I'm a melancholy personality by nature and can be a bit of a 'Negative Nelly.' I always jump to a negative thought when given news, a new fact, a problem or a dilema and sometimes I even see the negative in a positive ( if you get my meaning?) My husband will tell you that I'm a true pessimist and look at the 'worst case scenario' in most situations.

Last year I learnt that if you continually feed your brain negative messages you actually build these receptors in your brain so that ANY new information goes direct to the 'negative' area and just keeps growing and growing. If you were to have an MRI scan, this negative area would actually show up as a black 'blob'. It's all to do with the neurons and dendrites in the brain, but as I'm no expert, my knowledge is limited, I hope I've explained that well enough? Anyway, what I do understand from this is that my negative 'tree' is pretty healthy and grows so easily.

To grow the positive side of the brain is easier said than done, you literally have to stop yourself and write a mental list of all the positives in each piece of information you receive and then mentally place it on the positive side. Even a negative event can have some positives. I found it amazing to learn how I was feeding my negative 'tree' and how my positive 'tree' was shrivelled and terribly undernourished and how I had the power to change this!

Here are some things that may help you and I become more positive:
* Write an 'I'm thankful for...' list and leave it somewhere you see it often - literally count your blessings!
* Speak to a friend, your partner or a counsellor who will listen and help 'pick out' the positives in a situation or problem. Not judge or belittle you, but honestly help and encourage you.
* Be an encourager to others - listen to the needs of a friend and focus on supporting them.
* Be around positive people.
* Fill your mind with positive thought and things.
* Exercise - this releases all those 'happy' chemicals which improves your mood naturally.
* Have a hobby, an interest or a creative outlet.
* Join a group or attend a Bible study - something that encourages you to get out and mix with others.
* Pray, read your Bible, listen to worship songs.

If you are really struggling and the negatives are really consuming, there's nothing wrong with speaking to your doctor, you may have depression which can be treated with medication which will help you make changes to becoming a more positive and fulfilled person.

This is very much a 'work in progress' for me. It's still tempting to feed the negatives but I'm working on pruning the negative tree and feeding the positive one! After all I don't want to be bogged down and miserable with my life!

Philippians 4: 4-9 from The Message

" Celebrate God all day, everyday. I mean REVEL in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the master is about to arrive. He could show up at any minute!

Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the centre of your life.

Summing it all up friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditations on things true, noble, reputable, authentic,compelling, gracious -the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."

Blessings to you,
Narelle

I have a favourite children's book called Five Minutes Peace, by Jill Murphy, Walker Books. The story is about a mummy elephant ( Mrs Large! ) who is tired and just wants five minutes peace away from her three elephant children! She decides to have a bath but of course the children all join her. She finally heads back to the kitchen and actually enjoys 'three minutes and forty five seconds' of peace before the children find her. SOUND FAMILIAR?

I laugh everytime I read this story because it is so true! Somedays I can't even go to the toilet by myself. I love my kids and enjoy my job ( Family Day Care) but sometimes I just crave some time away from children, some ME time!

I've learnt that it's ok to have time out. How can I give to all those around me and do it well if I'm exhausted, fed up and want to quit? Let's face it, we mums give a lot of ourselves don't we? I used to think it was a sign of weakness to need a break from your children but now I understand why and have changed that opinion. Children are exhausting, selfish, busy, noisy, messy and totally dependant on me 24 hours a day,7 days a week! Who wouldn't need a break?

My 2 year old still has a day-time sleep, the day care children all have a sleep/rest time for at least an hour and when my 6 year old is home from school I enforce a 'bedroom rest' for him as well. Obviously the rest is good for each child but you want to know a secret.... this is how I get through the day!

It's so good to take some time out, to renew your energy, to be away from children's activity even if it is only short breaks everyday. Take a few minutes off to have a shower, read a few pages of a book ( or better yet your Bible! ), have a cofee, sit at the computer and surf the sites that interest you (NOT The Wiggles!), pray, write a journal or call a friend. Doing something that removes you from 'mummy status' for a little while will help you remember who you are and what interests you. Re-connect with yourself, re-connect with God, recover, renew and be refreshed.

Matthew 11:28 from The Message
" Are you tired? Worn out? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest."

Enjoy your 5 minutes peace!
Until next time
Narelle

I had a shower and got dressed for church on Sunday morning, moaning to my husband about the state of my clothes, you know, "I need some nicer clothes", "I hardly ever spend money on clothes for myself, I'm so frumpy!" "That's it, tomorrow I'm getting a new jumper at least."......

Anyway we got to church and the sermon was about worry. I did listen to all the bits about worry ( I'm sure I'll fill you in on that sometime soon) but what really struck me was all the stuff about how we dress and what's more important. Boy do I have my priorities wrong!

Matthew 6:31
"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to Him than birds!"

So, I didn't rush out and buy a whole new wardrobe! I was mighty challenged by the fact that my 'insides' are really not where they should be. God loves me and cares so much for me and yet I neglect my relationship with Him shamefully. I don't read my Bible as I should and I don't pray as ernestly as I should. I put more thought into what's on my schedule for the week than I spend thinking about the most important relationship I have.

Coming home from church on Sunday challenged is a good thing but trying to implement changes through the week is a little harder. I am trying to get out my Bible at least a few times through the week - hey that's better than no times right? I'm also trying to make my prayers more about others than about myself - my friends, my family and their needs. I'm sure it's a step in the right direction? How about you?

Until next time,
Narelle

Something fun for today....
(Taken from "God's Devotional Book for Mothers" by Honor Books.)

You know you're a mum when.....

* You hide in the bathroom to be alone.
* You only have time to shave one leg at a time.
* Your child throws up and you catch it.
* You cling to the high moral ground on toy weapons but your child chews his toast into the shape of a gun.
* You hope tomato sauce is a vegetable, since it's the only one your child eats.
* You have no qualms about cleaning your child's face with saliva.
* You can't bear to give away baby clothes - it's so final.
* You've mastered the skill of putting food on the plate so nothing touches.
* You wonder if you're cut out for this 'mum assignment', but you wouldn't trade it for anything.

Hope you're feeling blessed today,
Narelle

I love photos and my camera is never far from wherever I am - you never know when a memory making shot will present itself. I'm sure I even annoy people sometimes wanting to 'capture the moment'.

I love scrapbooking my photos too and my husband often asks me how many books we'll have on the shelf when we're old and grey! I tell him he'll appreciate it one day, especially all the journalling, written stories, the dates and names of people and places when he can't remember them!

Anyway, the memory card in my camera was almost full so today I decided that in my 'lunch break' (this means while the day care children are napping and I've finished doing paperwork etc!) I would transfer all the photo's onto CD.

Once I'd put all the photo's onto the computer, our collection was over 2400! I sat and watched the slide show. So many memories; holidays, birthdays, breaks away, fun outings with the family, a wedding, award presentations at school, photos of the day care children and my own children all looking so young, a photo of me a few kilo's lighter (sigh!), our pets, changes and renovations to the garden and even a car we'd sold.

I sat here at the computer just engrossed in these memories, you know almost an hour passed without me even realising the time. In that hour I remembered the good times and even the not so good, I smiled, I laughed and I even shed a tear! I fell in love with my family and even my job all over again. After the hour at the computer I'm feeling so very thankful and really blessed with my life.

So if you're feeling a little blue today, why don't you grab a cuppa and an old photo album and disappear into the past for a little while.

Blessings to you,
Narelle

Ok so I don't read my Bible as often as I should but I have memorized some verses that I recall when I need them the most. I'd like to share with you my most favourite and treasured verse.....

Jeremiah 29:11
" For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future."

This verse has meant so much to me when life has taken an unexpected turn or I have faced a problem or even a big decision. I gain great comfort knowing that someone 'knows better' than me - even if at times I think I have it all together and know all the answers!

In the past I've really wished that I could have God's plan for me ahead of time, like an instruction manual, just do this or make that decision. But I have learnt that this would take away my need to rely on God for my life. I need to trust that God knows the plan, I need to try to walk closely with Him, continually ask Him for help and guidance and really know that He loves me MORE than anyone I know and wants the very best for my life. Is that a comfort or what!

Of course as a mum I am also comforted by this verse when I think about my boys. The Lord has a plan for THEIR future too. So no more worrying about them ( haha! )

Verse 12 and 13 are great too, so when you have a minute, grab your Bible and have a read for yourself.
Until next time
Narelle