Feeling the Pain of Our Son Leaving Home to Go to Canada

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

We set off at four thirty am to go to Dulin airport.
The mist filled the low lying fields.
Sadness filled our hearts.
We drove along the windy road that passed the green fields, the blue sea and the Mourne Mountains, in silence.
David, our son was going to Canada with Jacquelyn to settle there.
He drank in the view.
We were travelling in our minibus.

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Usually it was filled with excited children, but today there were big suit cases in the back, with David and Jacquelyn’s belongings.
Another of our children leaving home and Ireland.
Patrick lives in Australia, Aaron in Slovakia, and Ruth in Scotland.
With the economic downturn, again many young people are leaving Ireland.
Through the decades people have left.
There are five million people in Ireland, but 60 million people in the world from Irish descent.
Dublin airport has become the scene of crying families hugging each other as a loved one leaves.
Today it was our turn.
My husband, my son and I are experiencing this pain of being separated.
David has been going through the process of leaving for four months now.
He successfully applied for a visa.  He came to terms with leaving family, friends and Ireland.
A new beginning.
My husband and I pray for our children and are there for them when they face crises.
We reassure them of our love and support, no matter what they do.
We tell them God loves them and forgives them when they regret and feel guilty for their wrong doings.
I have written before, that God is a god of second, third and many chances.
A God of Jubilee.
He knows that life can get unbearable with disappointment, hopelessness, making wrong decisions, breakup of relationships or loss of belongings.
There is a rise in Ireland of young people committing suicide.
Today I have hope.  David is having a new start in life.  He will prosper, have a wife and children and a home.  I will see him again.
His family, friends and Ireland cannot hold him.  God has good plans for him to give him a hope and a future.
Jesus proclaimed the scripture,

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
the oil of joy instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.
(Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV)

I know God’s redeeming power to forgive and heal.  I was facing death but God delivered me from my sins and death.  He has healed my broken heart and provided a new home for me. I am alive to tell others and give them courage to believe God and live.

As Brendan and I drive home, the sun has risen and it’s warmth has dispelled the mists.
May the sun of righteousness rise with healing in its wings to dispel our sadness.

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. (Malachi 4:2 NIV)

Tonight I was in the grocery store.  There was a song playing and the lyrics were,
“I will see your face again.”  Yes I will see my son David’s face again!

Many songs have been written in Ireland that are laments, expressing the pain that our people have suffered.  May there be new songs of joy as God heals our pain and binds up our wounds not only of our hearts but of our nation.

I gave David a note which says,

Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy.
Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them. (Psalm 126:5, 6 NIV)

I write to give others hope, just as this scripture says,

Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. (Psalm 130:7, 8 NIV)

 

How I got a Better Phone after Mine was Smashed.

Posted in My thoughts, Prayer, Provision, Travel by

 

On Tuesday my husband and I left our daughter and son to the airport.   They were travelling to The United States for work experience in a retreat centre.
The journey went smoothly with no traffic delays.  We arrived on time.

Brendan left us off in the carpark while he went to find a parking space.  I thought to myself “I will not need my handbag” so I left it safely in the van.  My mobile phone was inside.

The children pulled their big cases to the check in desk and went through all the paper work necessary to fly to The United States.
They were nearly finished when my husband arrived with a mobile phone which looked like mine, in his hand.
I did not take any notice as I knew my phone was safe in my bag back in the van.
My husband said he found this phone in the car park.  The glass front was smashed and only half of the screen worked.
I suggested to my husband that he could look up some number on it and ring in order to get in touch with the owner.  People have been kind to us when we have lost mobiles before.
He said to me “This looks like your phone.”  I said “No way, my phone is in the van.”  I did not like the idea of my phone being smashed up.
“Ring my number to see if it is mine.”  I knew this would satisfy my husband, confirming that it was not mine.
He dialled my number and immediately I recognised my dial tone.  What a shock.  How did my phone end up in the carpark and how did Brendan happen to be walking past where it was dropped.  This was a bit too weird for me.
We pray before we travel asking God to protect our vehicles and journey.
I thought to myself, “Everything went so well today getting to the airport, and our children being blessed going to America.”  Often some difficulty arises.  Perhaps a traffic holdup, or forgetting something or running late.  But not today.
I knew this was an enemy attacking me to rob my joy at my children’s opportunity to get blessed. How on earth did the phone fall out of my bag and out of the van?  I did not expect this to happen.
I did not get upset.  I said the enemy has to restore what he has stolen, just like our car.
The devil comes to rob, steal and destroy.  Jesus comes to restore, to give life and life abundantly.
“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 KJV)
I use my phone mainly for texting and receiving calls.  I like to be in touch with family.  I enquired in the O 2 shop how to get it repaired.  It would have to be sent away for a week.  They gave me an estimate of 150 pounds to replace it.
I did not want to pay that.
My husband offered to help.  He confirmed it would cost the amount quoted.  He suggested I should go for an upgrade to an iPhone if I was going to pay out that amount.  He priced some on line.

My son, Jacob is home from  university.  He suggested we go for a cycle.

When we returned, my husband surprised me with a new iPhone.  He had spent hours sorting my problem out.  He made sure my contacts were transferred and he showed me how to use it.  He ordered a cover to make sure the phone is protected from breaking again.  My communication is restored, thanks to My husband taking the time and sourcing a new phone for me.  He is so thoughtful helping me, knowing I would miss having a phone.

This afternoon I am the proud and happy owner of an iPhone!!!

And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15 NIV)
The enemy tried to strike my heel after our children’s success in going to America.  But Jesus restored a better phone to me after mine was smashed.  My phone is restored!

This is the my year of Jubilee.  In the Jubilee year the Israel people got back what was stolen, land, houses, property or family.  Whatever they lost by misfortune or robbery was to be restored to them.

 

 

Writing Challenge, Around My Block

Posted in Healing, Ireland, My thoughts by

Yesterday I decided I wanted to go for a cycle around the block.
That meant a visit to the cycle shop to get my bicycle tyres pumped up, a chain fixed and the purchase of a bicycle pump.
Not too much needed done after it’s wintering out in the shed.  My neighbour helped pump up my son’s bicycle’ tyres.
His bicycle is a different genere with thick frame and tyres.
While I was getting ready, the sky in the distance was very dark and I heard thunder.  I found out later that there were heavy thunder storms all around but it did not come our way.
We ventured out.  The block near where I live comprises farmland on three sides and the sea on the fourth.
I pass a few houses where families are resting before the week’s work ahead.
The locals that are enjoying the fresh air outdoors like us, are cows with their young, sheep with their lambs and seals reclining for the evening on the rocks, out of reach of harm.

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Weeds on the roadside are bursting into flower, reaching out for their share of the sunshine.
Green ferns unfurl on the bank that is shaded.
This is the season when birds are rearing their young.
Swallows, blackbirds, doves, starlings, crows and  sparrows sing, swoop and feed.
There is an atmosphere of peace in the country.
All the noise of the radio, television, traffic, pubs and factories are far away.
It is healing for one’s mind.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46 v 10
Oh Lord, the earth is full of your unfailing love.  Psalm 119 v 64
This is where I live, in the Irish countryside.
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Following by example; How I Started Breast Feeding

Posted in Family Friday, My thoughts, Prayer by

 

I had my first child when I was twenty. I did not live near family.  I was still a student.  I had to attend lectures.  In those days there was no crèche for students’ children.  Few students were having children then.  I bottle fed my new baby.
I finished university.  We shared a house with another couple who had a new born baby.  The mum was breast feeding.  Brid took her baby into bed beside her at night.  The baby was snug and cosy.  After feeding, her mum put her back in the cot.  She was sound asleep.
There was none of the gadgets then to make up lots of bottles and save them in the fridge.  Brid did not have to get up in the middle of the night in the cold and make a bottle of milk.  She did not lose much sleep.
I thought to myself if I have another child I would like to breast feed him.
I did so and went on to breastfeed each of the rest of my thirteen children.
Each of them I fed for up to a year.  I was blessed to be able to feed my children without any trouble.
My grandchildren have all been breast fed.
Often this is how we learn about faith.  If we see someone doing what they believe is possible then one can learn and step out to try for oneself.
A little child steps out to walk because he is encouraged by his parents.  He sees them walk so he can do it too.
He trusts his parents.
This is how I grew in faith in many areas.
I saw how others prayed to God.  I tried it and God heard and answered my prayers.
Our children heard us pray so our children found it easy to pray without fear.
I desire to be an example so others.  What God has done for me He can do for you.

That Which is Stolen is Restored by God

Posted in My thoughts by

In my “About post,” I said I want to write about how God helps me in my life.

At the end of January I was preparing to go on a trip.
The morning before, a young man walked into my kitchen, found my husband’s car keys hanging beside the door.  He stole our Saab car.
My neighbour knocked on the door.  He told me “Someone has just taken your car!”  It was a big shock.  I was upstairs and had not realised someone had entered our home.  The neighbour had watched it all happen from where he lives.  I was gob smacked.
It was nine o’ clock in the morning.  Children were passing.  School traffic was heavy.  
What a nightmare.  The police called and took details.
The incident was so strange I just laughed.
I thought to myself, “My husband is going to get a car upgrade.”  
He did not find it funny.  The car had passed the MOT recently and quite a sum of money was spent on it.
Our cars have been attacked before.  It usually happens when we are going on a ministry trip.  We have got used to coming under attack from the enemy of our souls.
The devil comes to rob, steal and destroy, but Jesus comes to give us life and life abundantly.  John 10 v 10
We prayed that God would restore a car to us.  He did it before and we believed he would do it again.
The car was found later.  It was destroyed.  The police told us the driver has crashed into several vehicles on his ventures through town.
Our insurance company said we would be liable to pay the cost of damages if the driver was caught!  He has not been caught.  Trials come to test us!  
I believe all things work together for good.  Romans 8 v 28
Three months on I am settled in the country and it would be nice to have a car to get out and about.  My husband put his mind to looking for a car.  He was specific.  He wanted a black automatic car.  I wanted a Saab.  We now have a black, automatic Saab!  It did not cost the earth.  It was much reduced.  It is in great condition.  We have joy and thank God for his restoration.
He is the Living God and he restores our lives and our goods!  He cares for me.

 

 

 

The Scriptures Describe Exactly What Happened to Me

Posted in My thoughts by

I was reading from Psalm 116 today from the New Living Translation.

The words describe exactly what happened to me when I was suffering from malignant cancer.

I love The Lord because he hears and answers my prayers.
Because he bends down and listens, 
I will pray as long as I have breath.
Death had its hands around my throat
The terrors of the grave overtook me.
I saw only sorrow and trouble.
I called on the name of The Lord, 
Please Lord save me.
How kind The Lord is! How good he is!
So merciful this God of ours! 
I was facing death, and then he saved me.
Now I can rest for The Lord has been so good to me.
He has saved me from death, my eyes from tears,
My feet from stumbling.
So I can walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth!

It is good to believe in God. 

 

Do you Need an Earthquake to Change your Situation?

Posted in My thoughts, Prayer by

I am excited when I read in Matthew’s gospel where Jesus tells his disciples how to pray.

If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. (Matthew 18:19 NLT)

I am interested in praying and this word tells me very simply that God our Father will answer prayer from two people in agreement.  This is a powerful message.  Little children can pray together, a husband and wife can pray together or two friends can pray together.  Believe that God will answer your prayer.  It can be immediate or take some time but I believe God will answer.

There is a saying to encourage people in team work.  “One horse can pull one ton, two horses can pull twenty seven ton.”  Two are better than one.  But it is often difficult to pull together or agree.

I was reading about Jonathan, Saul’s son recently.  The Philistines were attacking.
“Let’s go across to the outpost of those Philistines ” Jonathan said to his armor bearer. “Perhaps the LORD will help us, for nothing can hinder the LORD.  He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!”

Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties.  And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified.  The Philistines started killing each other.(1 Samuel 14:6, 15 NLT)

This is an example of two people believing God would help them.  God answered by sending an earthquake!  Jonathan’s enemies were frightened and started killing each other!

Are you in a situation where you need a ground breaking answer.  Dare to believe, ask and trust God.

Photograph of Sea and Sky on the Move

Posted in My thoughts by

I was on the move recently flying at 500 miles through the sky.

Here is a photo taken from 37,000 feet up in the air.

The view is of Islands off the Greece Coast.

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A little bit of heaven on a Greek Island

Posted in Holiday, My thoughts, Nature by

In heaven “the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:21 KJV)

In the flight magazine I read that this is the Golden Age of travel.  I enjoyed a holiday and noticed so many things that I can describe as golden.

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Golden sunrise
Golden daisies

Golden bread

Golden cheese

Golden oranges
Golden honey
Golden oil
Golden wine
Golden chips
Golden fish
Golden cream
Golden rings
Golden shells
Golden sand
Golden sunshine
Golden words

Golden sound of the sea

Golden years

Golden perfume
Golden skin
Golden sound of silence
Golden memories
Golden hair
Golden stones
Golden reeds
Golden cliffs
Golden friends
Golden candles
Golden laughter
Golden shoreline
Golden sunset
Golden Glory

A little bit of heaven on earth.

Swallows and Sparrows in Spring

Posted in My thoughts by

It is Spring in Greece.

Tourists, Swallows and Sparrows compete for space.

Psalm 84 the Sparrows and Swallows find a nest near your altar to rear their young.

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