Category Archives: Family

I’m Nobody’s Child

Posted in Family, Family Friday, Motherhood, My thoughts, Provision by

I listened to a song my husband was playing on his music system.
The words go,

As I was slowly passing an orphans home today
I stopped for just a little while to watch the children play
A lone boy standin’, and when I asked him why
He turned with eyes that could not see, and he began to cry
I’m nobody’s child, I’m nobody’s child
Just like a flower, I’m growin’ wild
No mama’s arms to hold me, no daddy’s smile
Nobody wants me; I’m nobody’s child
In every town and village
There are places just like this
With rows and rows of children
And babies in their cribs
They’ve long since stopped their cryin’
As no one ever hears
And no one there to notice them or take away their fears
Written by Cy Coben, Mel Foree • Copyright © BMG Rights Management US, LLC”

Nobody’s Child sung by The Travelling Wilberys
This song was written back in 1949 when orphanages were common.  They were set up to care for children whose parents had died or had no one to care for them.  Some children were given the opportunity to be adopted into a caring family.  The above song describe an orphan’s situation clearly.

When my husband was in China, he visited an orphanage.  Most of the children were girls.  With China’s one child policy a boy was preferred to a a girl.  Many girls were left abandoned in streets or fields.  The children lay in cots that were lined up along the wall.  They had long since stopped crying because there wasn’t the people to give extra time to them.  They were fed and given shelter but were given no extra attention.

Brendan picked up one little girl and nursed her. Half of her nose was missing.  It had been eaten by a rat when she was left abandoned.  This little girl was blessed.  She was going to be adopted by an American family.

I take comfort from God’s word which says,
““See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬
If there weren’t human beings to minister to these children, the Angels would help.

I have felt perplexed and dispairing when I hear of such stories.   I chose to be open to have children and give them the necessary care as far as I was able.  A little child starts out in life trusting those around him.  When he cries he calls for food and comfort for his discomfort.  If the child has parents they will see to his needs.

There are not many orphanages in Western countries today.  Contraception is accepted to control how many children a couple have.  Immorality has increased.  If anyone has an unwanted pregnancy, abortion is available.  A test is offered to mothers to see if their baby has any abnormalities.  If the baby is found to have an abnormality an abortion is offered.  I do not agree with the world’s idea to solve the problem of unwanted children.

I have travelled in India.  On the back of lorries and on bill boards I read the caption,
“One plus one equals one.”
This idea has caught the imagination of the people in India.  Their thinking is to have one or at the most two children.

I believe in Jesus, and as I read in God’s word on page two of Genesis, it says,
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.””
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:27-28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I choose to believe that it is God’s will for a couple to be open to have children.  A child is a blessing from God, the fruit of the womb a reward.
“Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬

My husband and I chose to be open to have children.   We have reared fourteen.  God has been faithful to help us to this day in our work of looking after our flock which has increased to eight wives and husbands and nineteen grandchildren.
I wish that people would choose to believe in Jesus.  He is the answer to people’s distresses and the need for children to be born and cared for.

Jesus took a little child and taught his disciples, grown men, a lesson.  He said,
“And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭18:3-6‬ ‭NIV

If one receives a child he is receiving Jesus and Jesus will help.  I believe.

My blog published on www.birthdebate.com

Posted in Family, Healing, Motherhood, My thoughts, Nations by

I was invited to write about my experience giving birth to children for wwwbirthdebate.com.

B!RTH is an international theatre festival developed by the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester and The Oglesby Charitable Trust to provoke debate on a global scale and question one of the key issues of our time, the vast inequality in healthcare across the world. The Royal Exchange Theatre has commissioned seven leading female playwrights from across the globe (Brazil, China, India, Kenya, Syria, UK and USA) to explore this issue through their country’s approach to childbirth.

Here is the article that has been published.

I have had 14 children
Where did you give birth or where was the birth you witnessed?
Northern Ireland

Can you describe where your/the birth was?

I have had 14 children, all of whom were born in maternity centres in Northern Ireland.

Who was present at your/the birth?
My husband and a midwife.

Can you describe the experience of giving birth or watching the birth?
I am a mother who has given birth to fourteen healthy children. I have the blessing of living in Northern Ireland, where family is valued and we have free health care. When I went into labour with all of my children I attended the local maternity unit. I was always so glad when my labour pains started. I trusted the experienced midwives to look after me. I had faith each time and knew it would not be long until I would nursed my new infant. I always enjoyed my stay in the maternity centre. I remember that the staff were kind and that I and my new baby were well cared for. It was like a holiday and rest for me every time! Oh, how I enjoyed the tea and toast the midwife rewarded me with after I gave birth. I then enjoyed a long sleep, relieved that all was well with me and baby. I stayed in hospital as long as I could.

I only asked for gas and air to help me with the labour pains near the delivery. Thankfully I did not need any epidural pain relief or need to delivery any of my babies by Caesarean Section. I did not have any stitches for thirteen of my fourteen children and my wonderful and supportive husband was at my side for every delivery. Each delivery of the new baby was a special time for us both.

My babies ranged in size from seven pounds to twelve pounds and there were no complications with any deliveries. I breast fed thirteen of my fourteen children, most for up to twelve months. I recovered well from each delivery without complications.

During my labours I did not have any monitors attached to me. The midwives just listened to the heart beat every other minute or so. I felt secure that my baby was going to be well. I believe my faith in God kept me safe in childbirth. However, I also appreciate and so thankful for the skilled doctors and midwives that took good care of me during my labours.

My daughter Mary, who is a doctor,  has published three blogs on the same website.  Also my daughter Hannah who is a midwife.

Washing Dishes

Posted in Family, Ireland, Motherhood, My thoughts, Provision, Restoration by

Brendan and I are visiting with our son Aaron and family.  Marta, our daughter in law has just had a new baby boy!  A new baby causes a big adjustment in any family.  Mum isn’t just as available as before to see to the other children or see to her housework.  She is busy feeding her baby and coping with the after shock of giving birth.  All the change in the family helps the other children grow up.  Another step to maturity.  Help is needed to wash clothes, dishes, shopping and cooking.  Aaron and Marta will get through this phase.  We can encourage them because we have survived child rearing to tell the tale.

Another fulfillment of the promise from Psalm 128 v 6,  “You shall see your children’s children.”

To help after dinner Brendan and I washed the dishes.  This brought back memories of the small kitchen in our first home.  There was no room for two people to stand at the sink.  The kitchen was the coldest part of the house.  I didn’t want to stay there too long after dinner.  No making wishes over dishes in the sink!

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Brendan did some improvement to shelves and cupboards.  Dishwashers were not common in any household then.  My wish over dishes was to have a dishwasher.  I bought a second hand machine for fifty pounds!  It was a good buy at the time.  The children cheered.  No more standing in the cold kitchen washing dishes by hand.

We have always lived in older houses.  The kitchen always needed updated in each one.  Modern houses come with inbuilt washing machines, cookers, sinks and work tops.  The big bedrooms and big living rooms in the older houses compensated for the small kitchens. The dishwasher has continued to be an important item in my kitchen. It serves a great  purpose for any housewife.

Bless The Lord Oh My Soul

Posted in Cancer, Family, My thoughts, Slovakia, Travel by

Bless The Lord oh my Soul and all that is within me bless his Holy Name.

Jesus died on the cross and arose from the grave.  He appeared to his disciples over a period of forty days.  He ate with them and talked with them.  How comforting it would have been for them to spend time with Jesus and hear him explain what happened.

“On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.””
‭‭Acts‬ ‭1:4-5, 8‬ ‭NIV‬‬

The Holy Sprit fell on the disciples with tongues of fire in the Upper Room.  They received power from the Holy Spirit to go out and boldly tell others that Jesus was their Saviour  sent from God.  The disciples were uneducated men, yet when they received the Holy Spirit they spoke with clarity and authority without fear about Jesus.

The gospel is continuing to reach the ends of the earth.  I am in Slovakia at the moment in the High Tatras.  One could call it an end of the earth.  I am far away from home.  The Holy Spirit has given me power to be a witness for what Jesus has done in my life.  I am telling men, women and children about my family and healing from Cancer.

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It was by the power of the Holy Spirit that I carried and reared fourteen children and am alive to tell the tale.

When I was young I had rheumatic fever which left me with a weak heart.  The doctors advised that I should only have one child.  I got married and had two children.  I was home looking after my family.  When my two children started school I was keen to have another child.  After some time passed I prayed and asked God for a child.  I said I will give my life to you if you give me another child.  I became pregnant and continued to have children.  God gave me the strength.  God must have healed my heart!

When I developed bowel cancer and it had advanced to stage four, I was very weak and giving up on life.  Others prayed to God for me to be healed.  As time passed I received power from the Holy Spirit to fight the sickness and overcome.

The same Holy Spirt will give me strength tonight to be a witness at the end of the earth that Jesus has arose from the dead, has forgiven sin, healed sickness, and brought deliverance.  I will be destroying some works of the devil.

Bless The Lord all my Soul.

My Energy gets A Recharge

Posted in Cancer, Family, My thoughts, Restoration, Travel by

My energy levels needed a recharge after a busy season.

My husband always arranges a holiday when we both need to take a break from work and the business of home life and recharge our batteries.  We already visited Kerry at the beginning of August.  It was now September.  Ruth and Stuart offered us a stay in their cottage in Scotland.  A chance to take in the beauty of West Scotland and rest before we go on mission to Slovakia.  More recharging of our energy.

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One evening on our return from Scotland, my daughter left a bunch of flowers on the counter when she came in from a busy day’s work.  Dinner had to be rustled together for seven hungry people.  The flowers lay in the midst of someone cutting bread, or making coffee, dirty dishes and saucepans.  Life went on.  No attention was given to the flowers.  When family were fed, dishes cleared, washed, individuals filtered away to rest.  I needed to rest after a hectic day.  The bunch of flowers were still on the bench.

Another daughter was packing up to leave for university.  My fourteenth child, is starting her final year at Edinburgh Univerity.  Last minute arrangements had to be attended to.  Boarding pass at the ready, who would leave her to the port, where is my hair dryer, did you see my purse?  She came in and out of my room asking me questions.  She was getting fraught.  In the end she relaxed in a hot bath and washed away all her stress.

There was no time to get sad at her leaving.  Angela has been home for the summer and has been a blessing to her mum and dad and other family that stayed.  She introduced a summer camp for some of her nieces and nephews.  They had a great time.  The sun shone, they canoed, swam, shopped, face painted, cycled, had barbecues, and enjoyed their wee cousins.  It was the highlight of the holidays for Maggie Sue.

Other events this summer have included our son Isaac’s wedding in Canada, our first grandson’s Confirmation, a grandchild’s baptism, our son Patrick’s wedding in Scotland, a new grandchild, our forty fifth anniversary and my sixty fifth birthday, family visiting from Canada for the wedding, visits to Kerry, Arran and Tarbert,  having two American families stay at different times, and hosting a Gathering in Corrymeela.

I’m taking a deep breath just now.  But Praise God I am alive and not dead from cancer in the grave.  I am alive to see my children married and see my children’s children.  God has been gracious to our family.  I am being restored in the midst of life.  It is not a time for me to put my feet up.

Later that night I went down to the kitchen when the house was quiet.  The flowers were still on the bench unopened.  Everything else was cleared away.  I undid the wrapping, fetched a vase, cut off unnecessary leaves and arranged my flowers into beautiful display.  I admired the gift my daughter brought home for me.  There was no celebration to mark.  Just to show me her appreciation and love. This touched my heart.

“Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him.”
Psalms‬ ‭127:3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I often receive rewards from my children and husband, especially gifts and holidays.  I have been enjoying the roses after the dust of the summer has settled.  They all help to recharge my energy levels.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/recharge/

In Memory of Nannie

Posted in Family, Family Friday, Motherhood, My thoughts, Provision by

I read in the local paper that Catholic missionaries are visiting each home in the parish over the next three weeks.  Attendance at Church each Sunday is dwindling.  It is twenty years since the last mission.

I remember there being a mission in our parish every few years when I was growing up.  People were encouraged in their faith by the visiting speakers.  It was an opportunity to renew one’s faith in God.

My daughter had a remembrance dinner for her Nannie, my husband’s late mother, recently.  She died two years ago around this time at the ripe age of ninety four.  Shann was telling me that Nannie, who was a widow and her sons had left home, kept a missionary every time there was a mission in her parish in Lurgan.  I never knew this about Nannie.

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Next week Brendan and I are going on a mission to Slovakia.  Brendan has travelled to many nations.  She now has missionaries in her own family.  Who knows what blessing has come to her family because of her hospitality to the man of God.  She received her reward on the earth and in heaven.

I am reminded of the story of the widow from Zarephath who let Elijah the prophet stay with her when there was a famine in the land.  She was going to make her last meal when Elijah passed by.  He asked her to give him water and food and she did.  He said to her,

“For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ ”
She went away and did as Elijah had told her.
So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family.
For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”  1 Kings 17 v 14 – 16.

Later the widow’s son died.  Elijah brought him back to life.  So Elijah worked two miracles for the widow because she let him stay with her.

Nannie was very generous with her widow’s pension.  Her source of provision never ran out.  Money seemed to turn up for her.  There was always a welcome in her home for the poor person.  Nannie would admit herself she was not perfect.  But she believed in what The Word of God says, ” pure religion is to look after the widow and the poor.”

When we would visit she always wanted us to pray for her before we left.  She had an overcoming spirit even though she had many sorrows in her life.  She was widowed since she was thirty years old.   She always sent our children money to help them at university.  She gave money to Brendan when he travelled.  Only God knows her sacrifices.  Our children are blessed because of their Nannie.

“but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
‭‭Exodus‬ ‭20:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

She is with the great cloud of witnesses looking on.

Praise Flows out of Love

Posted in Canada, Cancer, Family, Family Friday, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer, Restoration by

Everyone flourishes under praise.  When I was spoon feeding my grandchild this evening I congratulated her on each spoonful she accepted, chewed and swallowed.  Before we knew she had the whole bowlful finished.  My son was able to enjoy his dinner while I looked after Ava.  Normally she would help herself.  Dinner would be spread all around the table and on the floor.  Dinner time was a delight and peaceful without having to persuade Ava to finish her dinner.  No one cared about the mess.  What we did enjoy was our meal together at grand dad’s house.

Our two sons and their families are visiting from Canada.  We are getting together for our son Patrick’s wedding next week.  I am alive to celebrate my son’s wedding and to enjoy my sons visiting from Canada.

When I praise my husband he doesn’t know what hit him.  A light turns on and he would do anything for me.  But sadly I forget too often to thank or praise him.  Recently a friend was praising me for my work and it was very humbling to accept her thanks and approval.  Often one is negative instead of appreciating what a friend, daughter or son does, or value their worth.  I am often guilty of seeing what someone doesn’t do instead of praising them for who he or she is.

I think praise for someone comes out of a heart of love.  I have experienced the love of my family and friends when I was healed from Fourth stage bowel cancer.  They prayed to the One whom they believed and hoped would bring my healing.  I thank and value the help of doctors but they  admit they can treat cancer but do not offer a complete cure.  The One is Jesus.  When he was on earth he went about healing all those with diseases.

I have come to experience God’s complete healing from this deadly disease in my life.  He’s a God who answers prayer.

I am completely indebted to God for my life.  I now find it easy to thank and praise God every day and I want to tell others what a wonderful God he is.  Expressing praise in words and song from the heart to God brings an intimacy with the One who loves me.

“Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭48:1‬ ‭NIV‬‬

He returns his peace and love to me.  I am safe in his care where no enemy can touch me.  Other peoples’s negative words roll off me like water off a bird’s waterproof feathers.  When I am in difficult situations I am not afraid.   From this safe position I can value and praise others rather than express my frustration and negativity.

My heart has been changed by knowing God’s love and praise for me.  He values me.  Jesus lifted me up from the pit of despair, depression, disease, fear and death.  He said he can set me free because he died on the cross 2000 years ago to forgive my wrongdoing, to heal my disease and give me life and a hope and a future.  He conquered death by his own death on the cross.  We don’t have to die prematurely.  God promises three score and ten years of life.

“Our days may come to seventy years, or eighty, if our strength endures; yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭90:10‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I am now living in that future, a future of restoration, life, peace and love.  He is a God to be trusted and given praise.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/prompts/praise/

Be Fruitful and Multiply

Posted in Family, Healing, Motherhood, My thoughts by

 

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.

God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”
‭‭Genesis‬ ‭1:26-28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Genesis in the bible gives us an account of God creating the earth and man to look after what he created.  It is God’s intention ongoing for humankind to increase and multiply.  God blessed them and said to them,”be fruitful and increase in number.”  God gave man and woman authority to look after the earth.  All Adam had to do was be a gardener.  It was not heavy work.  He rested.  He was able to spend time with his wife and talk to God in the cool of the evening.  He had open communication with God and his wife.  Oh what an idyllic situation.  Nowadays many men find it hard to communicate with their wives never mind communicating with God.  What happened to mankind since the Garden of Eden.

The devil interfered with God’s plan for mankind.  He tempted Eve to eat the Fruit of the tree of Knowledge of good and evil.  She and Adam ate the fruit and so sinned and disobeyed God.  They had to leave the Garden of Eden.  Sin and sickness came on mankind.

God’s intention for mankind to increase has never changed.  He wants to bless man and woman.  God’s promise to us in Deuteronomy you shall be blessed in the fruit of your womb.   This promise is freely given to one if we he obeys God.  The power of every sickness or hindrance that stops mankind increasing can be broken by the power of the Blood of Jesus who died on the cross.  Every affliction of a woman’s womb to stop a child being conceived or carried will be healed by the Blood of Jesus.  Every affliction on the man hindering him being fertile will be healed in Jesus name.  

Jesus tells us, “Ask the Father anything in my name and he will give it to you.”
“You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
‭‭John‬ ‭14:14‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:7, 16‬ ‭

“In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf.”
‭‭John‬ ‭16:23-24, 26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

When I read these scriptures many years ago, I believed them.  I was excited to read them.  This was so simple.  No more long repetitive prayers were needed.  I wanted another child at that time.  I simply prayed to God and said I will give my life to you if you give me another child in Jesus name.  I became pregnant with my third child.  I had no complications or difficulty in carrying or delivering my baby.

I began to be fruitful and multiply.  You too can be fruitful and multiply. Continue reading →

I Shall see my Children’s Children.

Posted in Family, Healing, My thoughts, Restoration by

I am alive to see my children’s children.

“Blessed is every one that fears the Lord; that walks in his ways.
For you shalt eat the labour of your hands: happy you will be, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife shall be as a fruitful vvine within your house: your children like olive plants round about your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed that fears the Lord.
The Lord shall bless thee out of Zion: and thou shalt see the good of Jerusalem all the days of thy life.
Yes you will see your children’s children, and peace upon Israel.”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭128:1-6‬ ‭KJV‬‬

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People often ask me why Brendan and I had fourteen children.  We believe that children are a blessing from The Lord the fruit of the womb a reward.  Blessed is the man who has his quiver full of them.  You can find this promise in Psalm 127.  Friends and family celebrated with us when we had our first children.  As our family increased our friends became fewer.  No cards arrived to congratulate or celebrate with us as the last children were born.   My husband and children gathered around the hospital bed to see their new brother or sister and celebrate the new blessing God had sent us.  Ten little tiny fingers and ten little tiny toes were caressed.
Each baby boy has grown into a man.  Each baby girl has grown into a young woman.  Some have children of their own now.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.
As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children born in one’s youth.
Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, when we meet with our enemies in the gate.  Psalm 127

We were eager to receive blessings from God. This is the perfect gift.  What could be better?  To receive gifts from God Almighty, who created the heaven and the earth and reigns in heaven over all the earth.  A child is a gift from our Father in heaven.  I trusted God who gave us our children to help Brendan and I to look after them.

God gave me the strength to carry and give birth naturally and safely to each one.  The size of each baby varied from seven pounds to twelve pounds.  I did not have any assisted intervention of doctors.  God took away any fear or worry about having a child.  I thought if Mary, Jesus’s mother rode on a donkey from Nazereth to Jerusalem, seventy miles, it would be okay for me to travel if I needed to and live normally while I was pregnant.

Being pregnant is not a sickness.  I had my last child when I was forty five.  The doctors tried to put fear on me.  One said, Mrs Mc Cauley you are older now.  “There is a risk your child will have abnormalities.”  Another said “Your body Is like a car Mrs Mc Cauley.  It will break down and wear out.”  Yet another said “This poor, unfortunate woman is pregnant again.”  Their prophesies did not come about.  But God’s promise came about.  My children are blessed.  God has healed me and restored me after each child.  The word of God tells me in Exodus 20 that my children are blessed to the thousandth generation.
“but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”
Exodus‬ ‭20:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

As I believe in Jesus he takes away the fear.  Yes there is pain, not only in having children, but also in rearing them.  I have found my help has come from God.  He is there in time of trouble.  Psalm 91 promises me he will deliver me out of every trouble.  I have experienced the truth of this word.
“He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭91:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In 2010 I suffered from fourth stage bowel cancer.  When one has fourth stage cancer there is not much hope of living long afterwards.  But God again has proved faithful.  He was with me in my trouble.  He completely healed me from cancer.   My children helped me through this time of difficulty.  As Psalm 127 says they will stand against my enemies in the gate.  When death came knocking on my door, my children stood with me.   All fourteen of my children and their grandchildren prayed for me.

Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate.”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭127:3, 5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Recently Brendan and I celebrated our forty fifth anniversary.  Our children and grandchildren visited with us.  We had a weekend of gratitude, joy and love.  The grandchildren enjoyed some water sports.

I believe I will live to see all my children’s children.

Dreams Come True

Posted in Cancer, Dreams, Family, My thoughts, Restoration by

Dreams come true.  Psalm 128 says “May you live to see your children’s children.”

I celebrated being sixty five recently.  Brendan and I celebrated being married for forty five years on Saturday.  Our children wanted to mark the event.  They reassured me they would do the catering and make it a hastle free day for us.  They wanted to hold the event in our home.

The first of the family arrived on Thursday night from Slovakia.  Aaron and his daughter Sara Joye wanted to be here to see other family and cousins.  Mary and Hannah arrived on Friday night.  Brendan took me on a mystery tour to a secret destination to avoid the stress of getting the house ready for visitors.  What a lovely surprise!  Brendan is romantic.

We returned next day refreshed ready to receive visitors and family.  Twenty seven of my immediate family gathered for the day.  Friends and extended family dropped in on Saturday afternoon.

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The fog lifted, the ferry sailed, the sun shone, the range got fixed, vehicles parked at the side of the house, roses blooming, tea and coffee brewing, sandwiches tempting, candles burning, tea cups clinking, adults embracing, chit chat buzzing and children darting.  Love was in the air.

Suddenly I remembered a dream a friend sent me over ten years ago.  She saw Brendan and I in a house on an elevated site overlooking the sea.  We were in an open plan living room with all our children and grandchildren around us.  Last Saturday I was in the dream.  The dreams have come to pass.

God gives dreams about the future to give us hope.  God is faithful. He fulfilled those dreams.  We were gathered with our children and grandchildren to celebrate forty five years of marriage.  We made it to celebrate forty five years together despite many trials, temptations and cancer.  Our children were delighted for Brendan and I.  They were overjoyed to be with us, especially since I’m staying alive after cancer six years ago.

It was a special joy filled day.  I remain alive to see my children’s children and see dreams come true.