http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2CS_KtHCo4
Mary is at present working in Ethiopia as a volunteer doctor.
Category Archives: My thoughts
My Son and Daughter doing Lindy Hop – Swing Dancing
My daughter Angela and son Isaac recently took dance classes and here is a video of what they learn’t.
LEARNING TO PRAY
We met in a different home each week, maybe a farmhouse one week, a house in a posh part of town or a house in an estate another time.
I really enjoyed the hospitality, homemade goodies and coffee.
I was not long living in this area. My relatives lived some distance away so the warmth of these ladies made me feel like they were my mother or sister, home from home.
My two children and I looked forward to Wednesday mornings.
When we met, I noticed an atmosphere of joy and peace. Everyone was softly spoken. It was a welcome oasis away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
During the meeting someone would share a scripture from the bible. We talked together about how the reading could apply to our lives. Then a lady might say that the Lord wanted her to speak into someone’s life.
How did she hear the Lord so clearly? Who gave her authority to speak into someone else’s life. These were some questions I had and I began to ponder about.
Thanks and requests were made to God. Prayers were spoken aloud. These ladies definitely believed in a god who cared about their lives and who was willing to help them in everyday matters. They had no fear.
I had never experienced personal prayer like this before. In my experience any prayers that were said aloud were spoken by the minister who was always male. The words were often read from a book and not spontaneous. Praying was a private matter to the individual and definitely not to be spoken out loud. They were not afraid to pray openly. I took courage and added my requests. I don’t remember now all that I prayed. One lady who attended told me later “I was the best wee evangelical she had ever heard pray”.
Perhaps one has to speak out the prayer so others can hear and agree, so the promise that if we ask anything in agreement God will answer and do for us what we ask. How can we agree to a private prayer?
I had thought God was far away in the sky or “The Man up above who you knew was there but you did not talk to him so intimately”. Some of these women even called him Daddy God or Abba Father.
My eyes and ears were being opened.
To be continued.
BECOME LIKE A LITTLE CHILD
Our grandson Joseph started walking last Sunday.
He had been taking steps around the furniture. His dad or mum would walk along with him holding him gently by the arms. This reminded me of the scripture in Hosea. “I myself taught Israel how to walk, leading him along by the hand. But he doesn’t know or even care that it was I who took care of him. I led Israel along with my ropes of kindness and love.”Hosea 12 v 3.
As I watch my son hold his son by the arms I see in him God our Father’s character. We as human beings want the best for our little ones how much more does our Heavenly Father want to care for us and to teach us the best for our lives if we would only let him.
Joseph was at a family party on Sunday. Other toddlers were there having a good time playing. He watched the others kids, who were his size, and got confidence from them. Strength came into his small legs, and he took off without any help. Isn’t it often the case that we can do things after we see someone else do it?
There is a saying I have heard often, “Learn to stand on your own two feet”. This statement encourages us to be independent. But has the need to become independent gone a bit too far in our society?
I am very grateful for our free education and health care in this country.
My children have all had the opportunity to go to university. At school, computer skills are taught. The young children become whizz kids on the computer, mobile phone, iPad, iPhone or iPod. My two year old granddaughter can use her dad’s iPad to turn on her favourite programs.
Their independence gives them these skills. However children have unsupervised access to the internet and open them to the influence of other people or values.
I went to the nurse with my young daughter recently to get some injections she needed to travel to Africa. I was asked to wait outside. The doctor can advise our children without any input from us as parents.
Although my children are independent and are able to stand on their own two feet, they are still dependent on family for nurture, love, encouragement, advice.
I said in my book that my children seem to know more than me, which has left me perplexed many times. Mum can be done without. Am I, after spending my life rearing my children to adulthood leave them to the mercy of the state. No! No! My husband and I have wisdom to impart to them if they want to receive it. I will do my part to guide my family in ways that are good for them, away from harm.
Joseph, beginning to walk reminded me of the story in Acts 3 NLT about a lame man.
5 The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting a gift. 6 But Peter said, “I don’t have any money for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” 7 Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and anklebones were healed and strengthened. 8 He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! 11 They all rushed out to Solomon’s Colonnade, where he was holding tightly to Peter and John. Everyone stood there in awe of the wonderful thing that had happened”.
Peter commanded the lame man to be healed in Jesus name. Strength came into Joseph’s legs as his parents helped him up and held tightly to him. Acts 7 v 28 says “In him we live and move and have our being”. Daily life shows us the power of our Creator.
3 And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. Matthew 18 NIV
My grandson, a little child, learnt to stand up and walk. If you have to take a step into something new go for it today. The Creator of the universe is with you! I hope my writing and story will inspire you to trust God just as the lame man did.
I will continue writing about prayer another time.
Angela
LEARNING HOW TO PRAY
The reason I have a website is to share what God has done and is doing in my life.
It was through the prayers of others for me that I was delivered from dying of cancer.
So I want to share today about how I learnt to pray.
Many people of different faiths and nations have some way they express their need for help by calling out to someone beyond themselves.
It was in my search for some power beyond myself that I read about how people got together to pray for sick people and they were healed.
That seemed to me effective results so I enquired if there was anyone in the town where I lived, who prayed together.
At that time here in Northern Ireland there was a religious war going on.
People did not agree and murdered each other.
I went along to a meeting in the home of one of the people who met to pray.
I was warmly welcomed and invited to stay.
There were ladies from different Christian faiths, Church of Ireland, Methodist, Presbyterian and Baptist. I was from a Catholic background.
The meeting started with some songs with words that praised and thanked God.
I was comfortable with that.
Then they talked to someone as if the person was there or they knew him very well and asked this person for help with their children or prayed for someone they knew was sick.
They finished their prayers off with the name of Jesus.
Now this was new to me. How did they know this person so well?
Here were these ladies meeting and agreeing in prayer when there was war going on!
The reason they met together was they believed the scripture that says in Matthew 18 v 19
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them”.
They also believed the scripture in Matthew 21 v 22
“ If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
They believed these words and put them into practice.
One can read something in a book but if one does not try it out for themselves it does not become their experience.
If someone tells me about a wonderful holiday in the sun it may cause me to want that experience.
But if I am not willing to book a holiday, pay for it, overcome my fears, then I will not experience the joy of a holiday in the sun.
In the meeting there was no argument about religion, no difference of opinion.
Their focus was to be together to pray to the God they believed in.
These women loved me even though I was a stranger.
I was hooked and continued to attend every week.
More next time.
Angela
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THE MAGNOLIA TREE
I planted a Magnolia tree outside my kitchen window some years ago.
It has now well established and brings me joy when it comes to life.
Here in Ireland it is one of the first trees of spring to produce flowers .
This year spring has been delayed five weeks according to the experts because of cold weather.
Birds were interrupted in building nests and daffodils held back their yellow trumpets till warmer days.
It is now mid May and the garden is bursting into life with tulips and rhododrendon blossoming all at once.
This is the first year sparrows have nested in our hedgerow.
As I look out my window and see them I am reminded of Matthew 6 v 28 when Jesus said
“Look at the birds of the air they do not sow nor reap or store away in barns and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?
The Magnolia flowers have appeared at last and look like candles.
They open up and seem like white doves perched on the spreading branches. Or like the fingers of a hand opening up in praise to God.
The leaves are a luminescent green and glow at dusk.
This beautiful picture develops before my eyes each year without any effort on my part.
Men get praise and awards for beautiful houses they build.
An artist is recognised for a piece of work he produces.
When we have a meal that is lovingly prepared we praise the cook!
As I see the beauty and glory of my garden I cannot but help praise God who created all this life.
I remember the words from Isaiah 61 v 11
“For as the soil makes the young plant come up and a garden causes seeds to grow, so the Sovereign Lord will make righteous and praise spring up before the nations.”
Man, if he meditates on his creator, is likened to a tree in Psalm one.
“He is like a tree planted beside streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leave does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Enjoy your garden.
Angela
DO YOU WANT AN INHERITANCE?
Another Monday morning and you have to get out to work, or clean up after the weekend when you tried to recharge your batteries but never quite got the required boost. The treadmill keeps on turning and you wish someday you can step off.
Well let today be a new start. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for God and not for men. Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord which is your reward. It is the Lord you are serving. And be thankful.” Colossians 3 v 15 and 23 to 24
So whatever work you do, from the company manager, the home manager, creator, student or voluntary worker you are going to get an inheritance from the Lord. Each day counts in building up that inheritance. It cannot be stolen from you. It will not decay. If you change jobs or find yourself unemployed and help someone without payment, or are a mother at home with children you are still building up an inheritance with God. There is no devaluing in God’s bank; you can still invest, even in the recession.
Do you believe me? Try it. Start being thankful to God for all things, even the difficult things. You will begin to think differently and the atmosphere around you will change. Goodness and mercy will follow you.
God is no respecter of persons. From the king to the poor man, no matter what nationality you are, God created you and he loves you. He rewards those who diligently seek him. God’s plans are for you to prosper and give you a hope and a future.
Angela
Panic Attack
Panic attack
I have fourteen children and the last seven include six boys in a row, with my daughter Angela at the end. Before these boys were born God spoke to me from the scripture in Psalm 147 v 13 LB “Blessed are the sons within you”.
At one stage five of these boys were at primary school, where children attend from the age of five to eleven. They were getting along fine. We lived within walking distance of the school, so each day they were able to come home for lunch. They were keen to get back to school, so they could have some play time with others in the playground. All was well.
When I look back it was great when the children were young. We had a routine which no one rebelled against. Bedtime was at seven for the younger ones. The others did their homework and went to bed a little later. Brendan and I were sure of some time for ourselves then. I did not have the time to go over homework with each one. I may have signed a homework book to make sure the work was done the odd time. It is great that some mums home school but that was not for me.
When I had four children I remember reading a scripture that really stayed with me.
It is Isaiah 54 v 13 RSV “All your sons will be taught by the Lord and great will be your children’s peace”.
I am so thankful to all the teachers that have been involved in my children’s education. They were being used by God! A big thank you to you all.
Once a year the school arranged an evening when the parents were invited to attend to meet the children’s teachers and to hear how our little loved ones were getting along. I had always looked forward to having a chat with the teachers because they were helping me. Thank God for school.
I got glowing reports from Isaac’s, Jacob’s, David’s and Patrick’s teachers. They were well behaved and doing well with their three Rs. I was smiling, joyful that my young boys were doing me proud, like little saints. I thought only John’s teacher to see now. He was the oldest of the boys at the school and was very responsible in helping with his brothers. As it turned out he was too responsible in defending his brothers when they were called names or wrongly treated.
I sat down with his teacher expecting another good report. She drew her chair close to me and said, “John is doing very well in his work but he is a terror in the playground! The principal doesn’t know what to do with him. He is always fighting”. This was a big shock; surely not my son John. He was a very lively, happy boy. If this is how John is doing what is it going to be like when these other boys get older. I panicked.
My panic attack lasted all weekend. I thought, “How am I going to rear these boys”? What will happen if they start fighting with each other at home as well. The future looked bleak. The head teacher did not know what to do with my eleven year old boy, whom to me was pleasant and well behaved. How was I going to rear these six boys!
On the Sunday night I had a dream. I do not remember the details but in the dream God reassured me of his love. Scripture says in 1 John 4 v 18, “Perfect love casts out fear”. My panic attack was over. God would help me rear my boys. He promises me in Psalm 91, “He will be with me in trouble”.
My husband and I were on holiday in Israel. My husband was telling the Muslim taxi driver he had fourteen children, because Brendan heard Muslims have big families. The man responded, “How many sons do you have?” Brendan replied “I have eight sons”. “You will go straight to heaven because it must be hell on earth”, the man replied.
God is faithful. It never turned out to be hell on earth. Indeed my sons are blessed.
Angela
CAN I AFFORD TO HAVE A CHILD
My husband and I have fourteen children. I believed God’s word which says in Genesis 1 v 28 to increase and multiply and fill the earth and in Psalm 127 that children are a reward from him. The fear of lack did not prevent Brendan and I being open to have the children God had for us.
Psalm 127 NIV has been a great promise to my husband and me.
Unless the Lord builds the house,
the builders labour in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the guards stand watch in vain.
In vain you rise early
and stay up late,
toiling for food to eat—
for he grants sleep to those he loves.
Children are a heritage from the Lord,
offspring a reward from him.
Like arrows in the hands of a warrior
are children born in one’s youth.
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.
As our family increased the natural mind will think, “How are you going to feed all these children”. People used to say to me you must have a huge grocery bill. We ate simply, plenty of stews, soups and bread made with love.
Brendan was advised by friends to take up a job that promised to provide him with a good wage. It only meant he was away from home early in the morning and back late at night and did not provide the hoped for riches.
I had given up my job as a teacher to stay at home to look after my children. So here I was with young children, one being breast fed, others toddlers, some to get off to school, with no au pair, auntie or granny to give a helping hand. I can truly say, “My help came from the Lord who made heaven and earth”.
In the end Brendan got a job that had less income, but a job that fitted around home life so he was not away long hours. He was able to help me at home and life was not so stressful for all the family. The birds of the air do not sow nor reap yet their heavenly Father looks after them, how much more will he look after us. We are more valuable than sparrows.
In 2010 I was diagnosed with terminal cancer. My enemies of death and cancer had come to my gate. My children came to my aid. They prayed and fasted for me and stood with Brendan and me in that hour of trouble. And God heard their cry and answered them. God had mercy and healed me. The God that we believed in to have all these children is faithful and his promise came to pass. Where would I be if I had not had my children?
We are just back from a visit to Scotland to see my daughter and her husband. Three years ago they left Switzerland and well paid jobs to be near my son in law’s parents. His father had failing health for years but died peacefully at the weekend. They too were there for his parents when they were in need.
I was praying with a young friend of mine whose mother suffered from depression for twenty years. We prayed for the mum and here is a message I received last week.
“I want to praise and thank God today for mummy’s continued improving good health. Totally miraculous!! Last day I was home she asked me to help her fill in a new form for her driving licence. Mummy has not driven for years.”
We do not know what the future holds, but God’s word is true. Our children will contend with our enemies in the gate.
So a word of encouragement to parents who are struggling rearing young children. Your work will be rewarded. And you strong young people out there give your parents a call and see how you can help them.
Blessings,
Angela
Suffering
On Easter Monday three years ago I was diagnosed with cancer. I continue to be grateful to God and the power of others’ prayers to bring about my healing.
At that time I was weak spiritually, weak in body and discouraged in my mind. I had no strength of my own left. I was like the man who was let down through the roof by his friends to get to Jesus. Jesus told the man your sins are forgiven, rise up and walk. My family and friends brought me to Jesus and to His sacrifice on the cross for my sin and my sicknesses.
When I was weak I had to depend on others and ultimately on God. My sickness broke my independence, my pride, my self-righteousness, my anger, my control and my fear.
Mark 9v:49 says “… for everyone will be purified with fire” NLT
I went through the fire like the three men in the fiery furnace. A man was with them in the fire and so was Jesus with me in my hour of affliction. I had to go through the treatment of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. I was overwhelmed at the thought of a big operation, the anguish of whether I would recover, and the sadness of possibly leaving my family. There is one who understood what I was going through. Jesus suffered pain and anguish on the cross. He understood. He touched me with the power that healed the man let down through the roof and healed me. Alleluia. There is power in the name of Jesus and in his blood.
As time passed God showed me how Jesus was broken on the cross, and how he suffered whips on his back and piercing on his head, his hands and feet and his side. He shed his blood for me to forgive my sins and offer healing to my body and healing for my mental anguish. My suffering worked patience and mercy in me. I grew to know God’s love and care for me and the love and care of my family and others. I praise and thank him daily. Hopefully I became a nicer person to live with. I seek to forgive others and not be offended because I am forgiven much.
I now live in God’s strength. When I was weak I came to rely more on his strength and power to help me. Psalm 55 v 22 says “Cast your cares upon the Lord”. I had to say to God, “I cannot make it on my own”. It is God’s mercy working in our lives that we go through pain, failure or disappointment. He brings us to a place when it will be true as in John 15 v 5 “Apart from me you can do nothing”.
Angela
Healed of Cancer. Angela McCauley 