I have the honour of speaking to different women's groups and churches because of my book. I have my first official meeting this Tuesday night. I'm sharing what it means to have an abundant life - a life that's full and worth living with God.

To me this means sticking with God through all the good times, the bad times and the ugly times of life; knowing that relying on His strength will get us through and bring us joy, even in the painful times. Being a Christian does not make life perfect, it does not give immunity to pain but God makes life worth living - He gives peace, joy, hope and purpose to my life.

I also share that God never wastes the 'dark' times of life. This is when He teaches us lessons, comforts us and develops our character.

What I find ironic is that my family are experiencing a really dark time right now and I'm feeling like I really need to put into practice exactly what I'll be "preaching".

My nanna is in intensive care in hospital. She is making small improvements which are obviously encouraging but she still is one sick lady. Yesterday afternoon my great uncle (nanna's brother in law) collapsed into a coma and is on life support. He has bleeding in his brain which is increasing and putting pressure onto his brain. Doctors have now decided to operate to see if they can reduce the pressure, he's in surgery as I type. There are no guarantee's he'll be ok.

We have family flying in from all over the world to be here. Tears are being shed, questions being asked, plans being made; there are difficult, uncertain, dark times ahead.

Unfortunately not many of my family members know God so this time for me is a little difficult knowing that they do not have the comfort of God or security of eternity to ease their current pain; those of us who know God are praying hard for healing, salvation, peace.....

I know God is present in everything I face. I believe with all my heart the message that I will share with the groups I will speak to. It's just a little harder to put into practice I guess!

Psalm 23 is a good Psalm in times like these:

Blessings and Love

There's something really special about a grandma or a grandpa isn't there? They get to spoil and treat their grandchildren more than 'the parents' seem to be allowed to.

Today I am thankful for the role my own grandparents have played in my life and I am so thankful that my children have fantastic grandma's and grandpa /grandad - we just wish we saw a bit more of them!

My husband will tell you that one of his favourite memories is going to his grandparents house and having hot dogs and pink milk every visit! He no longer has any grandparents here with us.

I lost 3 of my 4 grandparents before I was 10 years old. I do have special memories, but as I was so young when I lost them, I don't remember as much as I'd like to.

My nanna, my mums mum, is with us still. Unfortunately she is in hospital at the moment not very well. I've been thinking a lot about her an thanking God for the things she has taught me and the times I've shared with her.

When I was younger, most school holidays I'd go and stay at nannas house for a few days, sometimes even a whole week. I remember going for walks with her, having ice cream everyday, cleaning out her cupboards for her and helping her with other 'nanna' jobs that I'd NEVER help with at home, learning to make soups and slices, watching movies together ........ It was so nice to have those little holidays with nanna.

Sometimes my sisters would stay too and we'd make up silly skits and shows for nanna's amusement! We thought they were great, I'm not sure if she did too, but if they annoyed her, she never let on. Nanna's place was always fun to visit. With a big backyard, swings, little lizards to catch; my sisters and I have lots of happy memories at nannas old house! (she has recently moved to a retirement village).

I have a love of most things crafty and nanna encouraged this. I remember our family staying with her for a few months while our new house was being built. Nanna had beautiful tapestries that she was working on and I always threatened to have a go as I loved the look and wanted to give it a try. Nanna ended up buying me a simple tapestry kit of my own and from then I was hooked, tapestry lead to cross stitch which lead to stamping, which lead to the next craft passion and the next.......

So today as I pray that God heals my Nan and brings her home safe and well, I'm thankful to Him that I've had her in my life to this point. I'm thankful for the relationship that I have with her and thankful that my children love Nanna just as much as I do.

Proverbs 16:31
"The gray hair is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness."

Proverbs 17:6 (The Message)
" Old people are distinguished by grandchildren; children take pride in their parents"

Blessings and Love

My friend sent me an email today which I found a bit challenging - I've just posted it so scroll down a bit to read it. I have to admit, that I've been a garbage truck the past few days. Not so much to the people that I meet as I go about the day or to the families in my care, but definately towards my own family.

I don't know about you, but I find it really hard not to let my emotions rule my actions and reactions.

Confession time.....
When I'm upset/angry/frustrated/stressed my emotions rule and I retreat. I like to be alone when I'm feeling emotional but living in a family it's not always possible to hide away until I feel better. So I usually get cranky with the kids and find that my patience with them is wafer thin, I'm quiet and don't really feel like chatting with hubby, I've even been known to pull away from him if he tries to give me a comforting hug - and anything more intimate - forget it!

I know I'm a woman and I think we tend to struggle with our emotions more than guys do, but how do we keep them in check? How do we stop ourselves growling at our kids more than we ought to or snapping at our husband or whatever it is that you do when you're emotional (eat, drink, yell....?)

As much as this is going to sound way to simplistic and maybe even a little cliche.....we need to PRAY.

These past few days I've found myself sending up lots of little prayers. They've sounded like this.."God I have no idea why I feel so 'off' today but I know you care and I know I need your help." " Lord please help me with the kids, give me the love and patience I need to be a good mum, especially today." "God, my husband really loves me and cares when I'm hurting, please help me to allow myself to be vulnerable and share my feelings and myself with him." And even just the really feeble words, "help me God."

I don't usually find it's the first prayer I pray that brings me peace, it's more like the hundreth prayer for help. But God is there listening to each prayer I pray, He wants to ease my pain and help me get a handle on my emotions.

Psalm 55:22 (NLT)
"Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you. He will not permit the godly to slip and fall."

As well as prayer, it's helpful to have some 'tangible' ways to help ease your emotions - I encourage you to do whatever works for you as long as it's not damaging to the health or wellbeing of you or those around you.

This week is tough but I'm determined to get out of my garbage truck and into the taxi drivers seat!

Blessings and Love

A friend emailed this to me today and I thought it was a great reminder about how we should treat other people.......

The bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...
Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.

I went to a craft night with the gals from church last night and we learnt a little about mosaics. Basically it's all about smashing tiles and gluing them onto another tile/flat surface in a pattern or shape and grouting over the top. I guess it's a good way to re-use leftover tiles!

I am a complete novice at this craft so I just stuck to something simple - a house number; we'll put this near the front door. Some of the more creative ladies made flowers and other more intricate designs but the number was enough for me - it's no masterpiece that's for sure and it was a test to my patience to sit and think, find the right sized piece and glue it down before it moved - this little tile took me hours!


We each started the night with a clean tile. We then decided on our design and found all the right pieces of tile we'd need - colours, shapes, size and texture. Next we carefully glued(sharp tiles and hot glue do pose some challenges!) our designs into place and then the really messy bit was covering our work with grout and filling in all the little gaps, smoothing it out over the design and then leaving it to dry.

Life with God is a lot like creating mosaics. When God created my life I imagine Him looking at a blank canvas or tile and thinking for a while about who I would be. What would I look like? What characteristics should I start my life with? What challenges should I face that will mould and shape who I am?

I must admit that as much as I thought about my design I didn't really plan with much love and care. In fact towards the end of the night I was a bit hurried and started thinking 'this bit will do' as I glued....... God on the other hand puts so much love and thought into each of His designs. No mosaic created last night looked like another, we all made such different tiles. I can't get over the fact that ONE creator made each of us so differently and I can't imagine God saying 'oh this will have to do' over any of us!

My life is God's masterpiece. Oh I so don't feel like a masterpiece but I know I have a creator who lovingly places pieces of my life together. Yes it's also full of messy grout at times but then my creator lovingly cleans and smooths those patches as He places another piece on the tile.

I don't really know what my life will look like at the end, but my loving creator does, and that simple fact gives me such a peace and hope and certainty.

Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
“For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

Blessings and Love

This poem was emailed to me today. The author, although I don't know her name, is a teenage girl with terminal cancer, she has less than 6 months to live.

I'm really sorry if you're getting a little fed-up of this Thankful Thursday thing I have happening over here.....It's just so good for me to regularly stop and spend time really thinking about the things in my life that I'm thankful for and the reasons WHY.

Today I'm thankful for forgiveness.

First and foremost I'm thankful that God paid the ultimate price when He sacrificed His only son to die on behalf of a sinner like me so I could enjoy eternal life. Now that's forgiveness at it's finest.

Secondly I'm thankful for the forgiveness that God grants to me when I screw things up. I messed up big time on Tuesday, I let me frustrations get the better of me and I acted in a way I shouldn't have. I spent time that night praying and seeking God's forgiveness. I imagine God wiping the slate clean, giving me another chance to get it right with His help. A new day, a fresh start - I'm so thankful for fresh starts each day.

I'm also very thankful for the power of forgiveness in healing relationships. When there is hurt and pain, it does take time to heal but true forgiveness can overcome and friendships can be restored.

Lastly, I'm thankful that I have the power to forgive myself. Some days I get so caught up in the stuff I do wrong and the mistakes I make I forget that it's a human failing we all fight against, not just me. I have learnt that I need to say to myself, 'Ok so you messed up, that's OK, talk to God about it, learn from it, forgive yourself and move on.'

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life."

Blessings and Love

My son has had a few play dates recently which he has really enjoyed. As a parent though I find it pretty hard when he comes home making comparisions about his life compared to that of his freinds......."T has more toys than me and they're way cooler"........" K gets to play wii whenever he wants to"......."T is allowed to have ice cream and juice for afternoon tea"......... You get the idea, his life is pretty tough!

Listening to Mr 7 reminded me of this poem, which made me proud to be a "mean mum" and glad that my mum was a meanie too! (I'm not quite as mean as this mum though......)

This award for my blog comes from Heather at Heather's Hodgepodge.

Uber (synonym to Super) Amazing Blog Award is a blog award given to sites who:



~ inspires you
~ makes you smile and laugh
~ or maybe gives amazing information
~ a great read
~ has an amazing design
~ and any other reasons you can think of that makes them uber amazing!


The rules of this award are:
* Copy the badge and put the logo on your blog sidebar or post.
* Nominate 5 blogs that for you are Uber Amazing!
* Let them know that they have received this Uber Amazing award by commenting on their blog.
* Share the love and link to this this post and to the person you received your award from.
* Come back and comment here so that your link could be added to the materialist of Awardees


So, thanks so much Heather. I don't really feel like I 'fit in' with the usual blogs out there so it's nice that someone thinks I'm 'uber'!



Here are my 5 favourite blogs. Keeping in mind I can't give it back to Heather and she already gave one to my other favourite blog!




Makeesha : Now Keesh is a stamper/scrapbooker and I love her blog for inspiration for my own crafty obsessions! Keesh loves God and I find her blog a happy, uplifting place to visit!

Danielle : I found this blog and I love it. Danielle is an intern at a hospital in America and shares some of her experiences. Her writing is amazing and I always need the tissues - she meets some amazing people in her job and faces some pretty tough challenges.

Jill : Is a Christian wife and mum who writes 'The Diaper Diaries'. She has a really good challenge happening over there for married people! Check it out.....

Tania : Is a fellow day-carer like me. She does her blogging from the outback. I love reading her blog as her outback life is so different to my city life but we have lots in common.

Kelli : Is a mum who has a heart to write just like me! I can tell she has a desire to support other mums too. I've not been reading her long, but she's just had a short story published and I can share her excitement!!

So I hope you'll have a look at these blogs for some inspiration or just fun! Enjoy!

I've been thinking a lot lately about the things we do to look like we 'have it all together'. We all have the habit of putting our best faces on and showing the world that we are 'perfect'. We make sure our kids act nicely in public, we would never dream of having an argument with our spouse, we speak politely and respectfully to shop assistants and other shoppers, we keep the peace with family, we are friendly and kind to other mums at school.......

Why do we do this? Why do we work so hard to make our lives look flawless and perfect just to seek approval from others?

It's because we all have the ultimate fear - that people will reject us for who we are. I have blogged before about how important it is to BE REAL, to just be yourself. Click here to refresh your memory about Who you are in Christ.

It takes courage to drop your guard and just be who you are. Maybe some people won't like you and that's ok - it will hurt a little - but being true to yourself is better than putting on a mask that's just for show. Show your friends and family your imperfections and struggles. Ask them for ideas or prayer when you hit a problem you don't have the answers for. Be yourself and the friends that are drawn to you will be real and true and you will build strong, meaningful and lasting relationships with them.

I encourage you to click on the link here to re-read the message I wrote about who you are in Christ. I need to read this and the verses over and over to remind myself that it's God who sets the standard for me to follow and live by NOT my friends or neighbour or family. He loves me and thinks so much of me and I can be free to be who I am in Him and be proud of it!

Isaiah 43:4a (NIV)
"You are precious in my eyes and glorious, and I love you."
(read this inserting your own name before 'you')

Blessings and Love

What are you most thankful for today?

I've been thinking it might be interesting to explore some of the people in The Bible who didn't always live 'a Christian lifestyle' - people who messed up big time like we sometimes do, but people who God used for His glory despite their mistakes.

My first thought was DAVID. It says in 1 Samuel 13:13-15, that David was a 'man after God's own heart' and yet he sinned big time! David was the son of Jesse, he was a shepherd - this is when he wrote all those beautiful Psalms to God. Later David becomes King Saul's armor bearer and musician - he would play the harp to sooth King Saul's bad moods! Then you'll remember from Sunday School days the fact that David killed the Philistine giant Goliath with his sling shot and a few stones (1 Samuel 17). David and Saul's son Jonathan become best friends.

We read that Saul becomes increasingly fearful of David because of his relationship with God and was 'David's enemy for the rest of his days'. David ends up fleeing for his life after Saul sends orders to kill David. David is protected by God through attempts on his life. David marries Abigail (1 Samuel 25) - actually he ends up with about 8 wives and at least 20 children. We read David continues to find his strength in The Lord despite war and threats to his own family. Saul eventually dies and David becomes King of Judah, he was 30 and he reigned for 40 years.

One day while on the roof of his palace, David sees a beautiful woman named Bathsheba bathing. He wants her, summons her to his home, sleeps with her and she falls pregnant. Now Bathsheba is married therefore David has committed adultery. David takes this sinful act a step further by sending Bathsheba's husband Uriah out to the front line of battle and instructs the army to "withdraw from him so he will be struck down and die." (2 Samuel 11:15). Not only has he slept with another mans wife, he has murdered him too. Bathsheba marries David and has his son but The Bible says, "But the thing David had done displeased the LORD." (1 Samuel 11:27). There are consequences to unforgiven sin and this baby dies a little later on. I won't relate any more of David's story here but when you have time, read through 2 Samuel from chapter 12.

My point today (as long winded as it may seem!) is that God can use any of us to do His work. We may stuff up occassionally and not always make the wisest decisions but God uses us in spite of our mistakes and human failings. We really can do amazing and extraordinary things through God. We just need to be willing to be used by Him.

"I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me"
Philippians 4:13

Blessings and Love

As you know I have found renewed love for God and reading my Bible which I'm trying to make top priority in my life. It has become my passion when writing and sharing with you all here on the net as well as with people I see face to face.

I know that some people out there have a favourite version of the Bible or one they SWEAR is the one and only translation and think all other versions are just plain sinful (truly!)

Personally I think if you want an absolute true version of God's Word you would have to learn greek. I really don't think it matters what version of The Bible you read as long as you read!

I've just read Proverbs 9 (remember our challenge!) from the NIV (New International Version)and I must admit I had no idea what it was talking about, so I went to my New Living Translation but that was no real help so then I read the same chapter from The Message and understood perfectly well. The Message would have to be a personal favourite just because the language is more modern and easy for 'plain and simple' people like me to understand!

Usually when I'm writing I have 3 different versions open at the verse I need to use and I decide which version explains most clearly the point I'm trying to make. Sometimes the more 'traditional' versions like The King James have been spot on and other times I prefer more contemporary ones. I think there is a place and a need for all the different versions out there.

I also find that if I 'google' a Bible verse, I can be given 10-20 different versions of the same verse, which I think is awesome.

So, whether you have a King James, and NIV or The Message, I really don't think it matters as long as we are reading, understanding and applying what God has to say to us.

What's your favourite?

Luke 8:21 (NIV)
He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice."

Psalm 33:4 (NIV)
"For the word of the LORD is right and true; he is faithful in all he does."

Blessings and Love

I'm not sure if you've noticed but along the right hand side of my blog I've added the 'Verse for Today' area which is updated daily. The Bible verse for today is:

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."

What amazes me about God over and over again is how He seems to give me a verse or a reminder when I need it the most.

I'm worrying big time at the moment. We have lots of expenses for book and family stuff and as always have limited finances. Hubby and I chatted at length this morning about how we need to trust that God will help us make ends meet, we'll be resourceful and careful but at the same time need to trust Him more. So when I logged into my blog God reminded me again with this verse from Proverbs!

I know in my heart I need to trust God. It's just amazing how easily I forget and worry. Then it's even more amazing that God gently reminds me to look to Him.

Blessings and Love



(PS - How are you going with our Proverbs challenge? We're up to chapter 7 today)

Today I am thankful for the fact that I'm a mum. Ok so I'm no award winning mum (see yesterday) but I am a mum. It's all I ever wanted to 'be' in life and I was worried it would never happen.

Hubby and I had been married for a few years when we decided to start 'trying' for a baby. I think I just assumed it would happen easily. It didn't and we went 19 months before getting a positive pregnancy test. I was sick for the entire pregnancy and ended up having to have a C-section delivery for medical reasons. We didn't have a smooth ride, actually it was one of the toughest time of my life; but you know what - it made me a MUM!

Getting pregnant the second time was just as difficult - if not more so! Another 19 months to conceive, another very difficult pregnancy with more complications, extra tiredness that comes from running around after other children and another c-section (which was even more traumatic and eventful than the first!)

The road to motherhood for me and even now some days along this journey are so much tougher than I ever anticipated but at the end of the day, God heard the desire of my heart and blessed me with our 2 little men.

I just wanted to share with you today my heartfelt prayer to God, written the night before Mr 7 was born.

Lord Jesus,
I thank you so much for this baby who has almost finished growing inside me. I thank you for the miracle of this baby, for the way you have been in control of his development, the fact that I've done nothing.

I thank you that this pregnancy is almost at the end. It hasn't been easy Lord, you know that, but I thank you all the same for the experience and the things you've taught me.

I've loved feeling him move inside me and growing bigger to accommodate our son. I'll miss his movements and the comfort of him being with me all the time.

Lord, I'm scared to face the operation (c-section) to bring him into the world. I'm not sure why you've allowed the pregnancy to end this way, but I know that you know what is right and best for me and our son. Please help me to be braver and trust in you. You want the best for our family and I know you will wrap us in your loving arms through the operation. Please help me rest in your love and assurance. Please help me not be scared and please help me recover quickly. Thank you that 'hubby' will be with me and thank you that we'll have our beautiful son with us very soon.

Thank you Jesus for loving me. Thank you so much for 'hubby'. Thank you so much for blessing me with so much. Thank you Jesus for our son.

Now where are the tissues......

Blessings and Love

This afternoon I grabbed a few minutes between finishing day care and starting dinner prep to make some phone calls. I turned on the TV for the boys and fed (bribed) them to be 'nice and quiet while mummy made some calls'.

The boys were getting a bit rowdy and I'd almost finished working through my list when I heard an almighty wail.......


Mr 3 had bitten Mr 7... He didn't just give him a friendly nip - he broke the skin even though Mr 7's t-shirt was a bit of a buffer.


No parenting awards for me today! What about you? Have you got any 'non' award mummy moments to share?


Just thought this would make you smile. We all have moments like these!
I'll be back with something more spiritual tomorrow!

Blessings and Love

I have a little boy in my care who hurt himself over the weekend and has a nasty looking sore on his bottom lip. The problem is that he keeps bumping it which causes it to bleed and because it's in a tricky spot we can't put a bandaid on it. We just have to keep cleaning him up and wait patiently for his body to heal itself; which will take time if he continues to break the scab!

I couldn't help but think this little scab was a lot like life - I know I'm weird but hang in there with me, I have a point!

We all have 'baggage' that we carry with us, by that I mean the memories, events, relationships, our childhood; all the different parts of life we've experienced so far that make us who we are and effect us today. Some of our 'baggage' has a positive influence on our life and future; like a happy, safe childhood but some of our 'baggage' may be negative and our choices, emotions, relationships with others today may not be so healthy as a result.

Here's where the scab comes in..... Some of us ignore the scabs on our own bodies and go about life occasionally knocking them and making them bleed. Sometimes even putting a bandaid over a scab doesn't really heal the wound, it just stops the bleeding for a while.

Have you ever had a reaction to a problem or issue is a bit 'over the top' and you wonder why? Maybe a relationship brings back memories you'd rather forget? Maybe you are feeling depressed, angry or anxious all the time but can't figure out the cause? Maybe you're repeating patterns from your childhood with your own children and want that to change? These reactions and feelings are the scabs I'm talking about.

We put bandaids over our problems all the time don't we? We may comfort eat, over indulge, over exercise, look to alcohol or drugs to numb our pain. How do you try to bandaid your wounds?

My encouragement and urging today is to take the time and make the decision to get yourself healthy. Let your wounds heal once and for all. Stop putting on those bandaids, self medicating and looking for quick fix remedies. Sometimes it's a hard road but understanding yourself, being the person you want to be and having a healthy life and meaningful relationships is worth it.

Start by talking to your doctor and maybe asking for a referral to a counsellor or psychologist. If you are a Christian, seek a Godly counsellor. Ask your Pastor or a friend to pray regularly with you. Stay close to God and rely on His strength and ask Him for healing - He heals all kinds of wounds you know, not just the physical!

I have sat in a counsellors office for many hours, talking, crying, listening, praying and learning about myself - my emotions, coping skills, thoughts about myself and where the 'negative baggage' stems from and how I needed to and had the power to make changes to my thinking.

Honestly, talking to someone is not easy but I know my wounds were holding me back from living the life God intended me to have, I wanted to FLY not be curled up in my cocoon hiding from the world.

Once you know why your baggage effects you the way it does, you can work on emptying the suitcases. I'm not sure if you ever get to the point where you can throw your suitcases away - even some wounds leave a scar as a reminder - but I know scabs can be healed and cases lightened.

Psalm 103:3 (NLT)
"He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases."

Psalm 147:3 (NLT)
"He heals the broken hearted, binding up their wounds."

Blessings and Love



(PS.... don't forget to read Proverbs chapter 4 today!)

We had a guest speaker on Sunday at church. He shared a great message but also a challenge that he sets himself - read a chapter from the book of Proverbs everyday.

The book of Proverbs has 31 chapters and as you know, most months have 30-31 days each. The challenge is to read a chapter of Proverbs everyday of the month. If you do this each month you'll have read through the book of Proverbs 12 times each year. Proverbs is such a small book of the Bible but holds so much wisdom. A great challenge for all of us I think.

Are you up for the challenge?
Today is the 3rd so we have a bit of catch up reading to do!

(Oh by the way, how are you going with the last challenge I set? Have you showed God's love to someone with an act of kindness over and above what you would normally do?

I have put this challenge on hold for a week as I've been sick with a cold and only just managing my own load at the moment!! I'm not backing out though I promise.....)

Blessings and Love