Tag Archives: Jesus

The Power of the Cross.

Posted in Healing, My thoughts, Restoration by

The words of the hymn called “The Old Rugged Cross.” are going through my mind this afternoon, Good Friday 2015.  Today we remember Jesus death on the cross.

On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.

I was on that hill far away where one can see the outline of a skull.  The hill was called Golgotha, in Jerusalem.
I remember today, Good Friday, Jesus death, when he was crucified and shed his blood.  He died a horrible death.  His face and body was covered in blood till he was not recognised.
Isaiah describes his death,

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:
and we hid as it were our faces from him;
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

I know Jesus was rejected for me to take away my rejection.  I know he is acquainted with my sorrow, pain and grief.  I know he took all my sickness on the cross.  I gave it all to Jesus and I am free, healed and restored.  I know Satan is defeated by Jesus and I do not have to listen to Satan’s lies. The power of God was released when Jesus died that day on the cross.

Believe and receive from Jesus today. Give him all your sorrows and pain. He will give you healing instead. He took my cancer and gave me restoration. I love him because of what he has done for me.

Marvelous Monday, Signs and Wonders this past Week for the Irish

Posted in Ireland, My thoughts, Nations, Travel by

What an exciting and extraordinary week we have had here in Ireland.  We are a small island off the coast of Europe with approximately five million people.  Yet there are about sixty million diaspora throughout the world.  On St Patrick’s day throughout the world everyone wimageho has Irish roots celebrates.  It is the second most celebrated day in the world after Christmas Day.

Here is a photograph of Ireland taken from the International Space Station by astronaut  Terry Virts and tweeted on St Patrick’s Day.  Thank you.  It is wonderful to see our island from high above the Earth without clouds.  The sun was shining on us.

On St Patrick’s day there was celebrations and parades in Dublin and Downpatrick.  Other nations acknowledged Ireland by lighting up certain monuments in green.  Five years ago, the Sydney Opera House was the first global location to go green.

But this year, From the London Eye and Edinburgh Castle to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, global landmarks went green on St Patrick’s night.  More than 150 iconic landmarks in mainland Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand, as well as China, South Korea, India, Brazil and South Afriimageca were floodlit with green light in honour of St Patrick’s day.

The Minister for Tourism for Sourthern Ireland, Paschal Donohoe, said: “The fact that 160 buildings have opted to go green to celebrate St Patrick’s Day this year brings an enormous sense of pride to our people at home and across the world.

“Being able to put ourselves front and centre on the world stage in this way reaps unrivalled dividends in terms ofimage publicity, promoting Ireland and getting the message out about our recovery and the progress we are making.”

To crown a wonderful day of lights there was a display of the Aurore Borealis, vibrant shades of purple and green illuminating the skies over Ireland.  Normally areas closer to the North Pole see this phenomenon.  This display of lights was not man made.   I believe God added his display of glory to end the day.  Behold the Glory of God covers the earth as the waters cover the sea.  Photo taken by photographer over Slemish.

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. (‭Psalm‬ ‭19‬:‭1‬ NIV)

God is described as the Father of Lights.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.  (‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭17‬ NIV)

On Friday morning I was working in the kitchen.  I noticed it was getting very dark outside.  I looked out and saw a dark cloud overhead coming from the east.  I thought to myself , “It must be going to rain”.  Dark clouds are not unusual in Northern Ireland.  During the thirty years of troubles every day seemed to be dark and grey.  I later found out that morning there was an eclipse of the sun where the moon covered over part of the sun.  Here is a picture showing the moon partially covering the sun.  This event seldom happens.  Photograph taken by photographer in Donaghadee, Co Down.

Jesus said “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. (‭Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭25‬ NIV)

On  Saturday many Irish people were glued to their TVs  waiting for the outcome of the Six Nations Rugby Competion.  Eventually Ireland knew they were the winners after England failed to get enough points.  More joyous celebrations.  On Sunday the Irish Women’s Rugby team became champions as well.  A great end to special blessed week for the Irish.

 

photos shared from Images of the Solar Eclipse.

 

 

The Power of a Mother’s Love

Posted in Cancer, Family Friday, Healing, My thoughts by

Mother’s Day is approaching.  I was impacked by a video I watched this morning.  A mother had given birth to twins, a boy and a girl prematurely.  There is always a risk a baby will not make it when born prematurely.  This was so with the little boy.  The doctor gave the “dead” baby into the mothers arms and left her alone with her husband.  The mother laid the baby on her heart, the father put his arms around him keeping him warm with their body heat.  The mother spoke to her baby and told him how much he was loved and about all his extended family that he belonged to.  She continued speaking lovingly and tenderly.  The baby began to breathe and move.  The doctor said “No, he is dead.”  But the little boy lived and is now a healthy five year old.  There was life in the words the mother spoke over her lifeless child.  God is love and as we show love and speak love it brings life.  This speaks to me of a saying that love is stronger than death.

Love is expressed through touch.  When a baby is born he has to go through the squeeze to be born, comes from a cosy, warm place into a cooler room and has to gasp for breath?  Surely it must be stressed, poor thing.  My daughter is an Obstetrician surgeon.  He helps some mothers give birth.  Her hands are the first hands that hold those new borns.  She speaks life over the mother and baby.  Another daughter is a Mid Wife sister.  Her hands too are the first that hold many newly born babies.  

There is a song that goes “Love lifted me” by Kenny Rodgers.  I think of it today.

When my husband and family learned I had cancer their love lifted me and helped me heal and live.  Others showed their love by visiting me and bringing gifts.
Mother Teresa lifted people who were dying from the gutter.  She and her nurses held them and comforted them.  Many widows and widowers enjoy going to the hairdresser.  The hairdresser’s hands may be the only ones that touch them all week.  When a marriage breaks down or one is bereaved the one thing people have told me is they miss being touched.

We make a promise “To have and to hold from this day forward, till death do us part.”  When I made those vows I did not know how important having someone to hold was.  The love between a couple grows into holding a child.  Love grows and brings life and increase.  

Jesus said, “they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.” (‭Mark‬ ‭16‬:‭18‬ NIV)

Holding someone who is sick brings comfort and love and makes them better.  The power of God is in love and touch.  Nurses do a great job.  When I was in hospital, having children, with a broken arm or with cancer the nurses comforted me, reassured me and drove away my fears.

Testimony Tuesday My Son Recovers After a Fall.

Posted in Family Friday, Healing, Holiday, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer, Testimony Tuesday by

Twenty one years ago I had my baby Abraham, my thirteenth child.   He was born in the middle of August.  We were invited to a Christian Summer Camp in Wicklow, Ireland, the third week of August.  Abraham was only a few days old when we set off for a holiday.  I did not want our family to miss the holiday before they went back to school in September.  I believe having a family holiday is so important.  The parents are away from work and all can spend time together in a relaxed environment.  It is a time to make memories that will be recollected later on dark days.  

We sent off with the new baby and nine other young children in our yellow van.  We were warmly welcomed by friends at the camp site.  Other mothers wanted to see my new born baby.  They couldn’t believe I came after giving birth a few days before.  The adventure was worth it.  There was family and friends around to help.  There were games arranged for children in the mornings.  There were parks to play in under supervision.
We rented two caravans.  My daughters helped me.  Visitors called to see the baby.

My boys loved the outdoor activities. They could let off steam and expend their energies in a safe environment.  One of my sons fell and knocked his head.  He was slightly dazed.  My husband and I agreed not to take him to hospital and prayed for him.  If he got any worse we would go to hospital.  We were staying in the middle of the country a long way from the nearest hospital in Dublin.  I did not like the thought of a long drive to the hospital and the disruption to our holiday.  I believed my son would be alright according to the Word of God.  

I remembered Psalm 91

If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. (‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭9-12‬ NIV)

I prayed and trusted God that no disaster would come near us in our tent/ caravan.  My son had a good night’s sleep and was alert and his normal self in the morning.  God healed any pain my son had.  He went out to play as usual.  We had a great holiday.

God our Father and Jesus promise that if we obey him he will bless us and protect us under his wings. 

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (‭Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭1-2‬ NIV)

I would have been a nervous wreck if I was worried about my children.  I learnt to trust God.  I was not in control.  I trusted God to look after my family. 

We learnt from a family who came to stay in our town.  The parents let the children run, play, climb trees and scale walls.  Some of us in Ireland can be afraid to let children out of their sight.  Perfect love casts out fear.

Testimony Tuesday. Healed of a Murmur in my Heart.

Posted in Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer, Testimony Tuesday by

Today I was reading in Exodus 18 v 26.  God revealed himself to the people of Israel as “I am The Lord who heals you.”

I have always been interested in the subject of healing.  When I was a child I suffered from Rheumatic Fever.   Streptococcus infected my joints and heart.  I was treated by a specialist doctor who found a murmur in my heart, a weakness left by the infection.  I spent many weeks in bed with my condition when I was young.

Many questions went through my mind?  Why was I sick?  We lived in the country in N Ireland and seldom had to attend a doctor’s surgery.  Non of my siblings were sick.  I was oblivious to the seriousness of my condition.  I desired to be healed.  I wanted to get better and get back to school.  It would have been easy for me or my parents to be fearful or panic, thinking I may never get better.  I had to learn to be patient.

At church I would have heard stories about Jesus healing the sick.  A seed was sown in my heart then.  Could I be healed?  Yes I did recover from the infection but was left with a weak heart.  The infection did damage to a valve in my heart.

There are many different therapies and philosophies that claim to bring healing.  Usually one has to pay someone for his treatment.  Jesus heals us freely.  There is a story in the scriptures about a woman who spent all her money.

And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years. She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and had spent all she had, yet instead of getting better she grew worse. (‭Mark‬ ‭5‬:‭25-26‬ NIV)

When I was having my first child I was admitted to hospital to rest.  There was concern for me because of the murmur in my heart, which could affect my strength in giving birth.  Thank God I delivered a healthy baby girl and I had no complications.  God must have healed my heart because I went on to have 13 more children, when the doctors recommended I should only have two.

Over the years I have studied the scriptures and have found that God desires for people to know that he will heal us.  Sickness is a work of the Devil.  The purpose Jesus came on earth was to destroy the works of the Devil.  1 John 3 v 8.  I believe God heals today.  I often pray for people to be healed.  I do not hear the result of everyone I have prayed for.  But when I do get feedback I am encouraged to continue.  God has given me a gift to pray for the sick.

I believe, because Jesus told his disciples to lay hands on the sick and they will get well.  Mark 16 v 18.  I obey Jesus and lay hands on the sick.  It is God who gives the power to heal and the outcome belongs to God.  He gets the glory.  My faith in God’s healing power has grown since he healed me from Cancer.

Jesus heals our broken hearts, whether they are damaged physically or emotionally.  He gives us joy instead of saddness.  I now seek opportunities to pray for the sick.  To anyone today who is reading this article and needs healed I would like to pray for you.

Thank you God, Father in heaven I read in your word today that you are The Lord who heals. Thank you for sending your son Jesus on earth to heal all diseases.  He died on the cross and suffered and by his stripes we are healed.  Thank you for healing me from fourth stage cancer.  I pray in Jesus name for ( mention your name) that your power will touch him today to heal him of his disease.  Thank you Father God for hearing my prayer today.

Testimony Tuesday Lady from Nove Mesto Nad Vahom healed from Cancer.

Posted in Cancer, Family Friday, Healing, My thoughts, Nations, Testimony Tuesday by

Each Tuesday I intend to write a testimony about what the living God has done for me or people I know.  Today I want  to tell a story about a lady from Nove Mesto Nad Vahom in Slovakia who had cancer.

I was invited to tell my story about having fourteen children and how God healed me of Cancer in a school in that town.  I talked in a High School to children aged from fourteen years to eighteen years old.  
It was a bit formidable at first, standing before a crowd of children and their teachers.  I remembered that over the years I had to interact with my own teenage boys and girls just like the audience before me.  I was not afraid.

When I told them I had fourteen children I got their attention. I went on to tell them about my family, my children just like them, praying for me to be healed of Cancer.  Jesus said to pray to the Father in his name and the Father would answer their prayers.

“Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.” (‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭23‬ NIV)

I encouraged them to help and pray for their parents, just like my children did for me.  I blessed the school children and gave them a copy of my book, Staying Alive.  

Six young people stayed behind and asked me to pray for them.  One of the young ladies began to cry.  She told me her mother was going into hospital the next day for an operation for Cancer.  I prayed for her mother and asked the Father in Jesus name to heal her just as he had healed me.

Two months later I received an email from the young lady.  She told me her mother was pregnant and the doctors could not believe it.  When one has Cancer and undergoes treatment, one of the side effects is infertility.  The doctors warned her there could be abnormality with the child.  A healthy strong baby boy was born some months later.

The mother went for tests to check for Cancer later.  She got the all clear.  The doctors were amazed.  This mother is enjoying life with her new baby boy.  Jesus promises to give us life and give it more 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 tell this story to give Glory to God who is healing people today.  Jesus, when he was on Earth healed people of all diseases.  As God has comforted me and my family, he wants to do the same for others.

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; (‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭3‬ KJV)
who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. (‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭4‬ NIV)

People often ask why I quote the scriptures.  I believe the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God and I repeat what God says.  I give testiment to the fulfilment of what God has said.  His Word promises that he will answer our prayers to heal and he does.  It is not in my power this lady was healed.  It was through the power of the name of Jesus.

What God, the Creator of the Universe has done for me and this lady from Nove Mesto Nad Vahom, he can do for you.

 

 

God who made the Moon and Stars cares for You

Posted in Cancer, Healing, My thoughts by

I looked out the window this morning.  It was still dark with the bright moon high in the sky and a star above it.  
I was reading Psalm 8 later.  This is what I read.

O LORD, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.
When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers— the moon and the stars you set in place— what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? (‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭1, 3-4‬ NLT)

The God of heaven who put the moon in place cares about me and you this morning.  He keeps all things in place.  The sun is not falling out of the sky.

A headline in the BBC News caught my attention yesterday.  A telescope has discovered new planets.
I quote from News.com.au, Science, Space.

“Three new planets, roughly the size of Earth, have been found in the ‘not too hot, not too cold — just right’ zone around their stars, significantly boosting the numbers of potentially habitable worlds.
And one of them may potentially be the most Earth-like yet discovered.
NASA’s Kepler mission early this morning made the announcement at a presentation marking the discovery of its 1000th exoplanet — the name given to worlds found orbiting stars other than our own. The results will soon be published in The Astrophysical Journal.
Each result from the planet-hunting Kepler mission’s treasure trove of data takes us another step closer to answering the question of whether we are alone in the Universe,” said John Grunsfeld, associate administrator of NASA’s Science Mission.”

Man is discovering how vast the universe is.  But let man look for the One beyond the heavens.  He created the universe and there is no God like him.  He created us and cares for us.  He made himself know through Jesus his son who came on earth as a baby.  We just celebrated his birth at Christmas time.

All Christians pray the prayer Jesus taught us, “The Our Father.”
Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be your name.

That means to thank God, honor him for who he is, praise him and magnify his works.  

I declare that God made the sun, moon and stars and all the universe, whether discovered or not yet discovered.  He is God yet he cares for mankind.

As I read about Moses, Daniel and other bible characters when they prayed they praised and magnified God for his power and works in creation first of all.  Then they asked for God to intervene in the difficult situations they found themselves.
I have discovered as I lift my eyes off my immediate circumstances and look up to God and magnify his works and power, then I find my worries seem small and He can take care of them and answer my prayer.

As I magnified who God is he reached down and touched me and delivered me from Malignant last stage Bowel Cancer

what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? (‭Psalms‬ ‭8‬:‭1, 3-4‬ NLT)

God’s Signet Ring

Posted in Cancer, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Prayer, Restoration by

I started to write this morning after reading this scripture.

I will treat you like a signet ring on my finger, says The Lord, for I have especially chosen you. I, The Lord Almighty, have spoken. Haggai 2 v 23

People think God is far removed from our daily lives. They think he is busy up in heaven thinking up some punishment for us. Or that we have to offer him some sacrifice to appease him. No no, God cares for us. He sees everyone and is acquainted with their grief. It is the devil who brings oppression and sorrow. But he is defeated by Jesus death on the Cross. He shed his Blood. His sacrifice is enough to please the Father. We believe and receive his blessings.

I am reminded of Robin Mark’s song, Revival in Belfast. This song was written about Belfast when there was war on the streets of this city.  Despite the war Robin Mark declared “You love this city and you love these streets.”   We now have peace on the streets of Belfast.

Here are some of the words that remind us God sees and loves us in our situation.

Every child out playing by their own front door
Every baby laying on the bedroom floor.
Every dreamer dreaming in her dead-end job
Every driver driving through the rush hour mob
From the young man working through his hopes and fears
To the widow walking through the veil of tears
Every man and woman, every old and young
Every fathers daughter, every mothers son.
One may feel their life is hum drum, or does my life really count.

But God has chosen you and me to be His very own…to be His priceless possession. To be His signet ring means we are under a covenant with Him..an everlasting relationship that extends to eternity. Do you hear Him telling you, “Everything that I possess belongs to you…Its like a package…When you have me…you have everything”. When God says that you are His signet ring, it means that He has given you the power and authority of the King of Kings…and whatever you claim in His name is given to you and nothing can prevent you from receiving it. You are given the power to break the yokes of the devil, you are given the authority to claim victory, you are given the rights to change the decrees written against you..because you represent the King of Kings.

I used the authority of the name of Jesus, the King of Kings, to rebuke all cancer in my body, that I will not die but I will live to tell others what God has done for me.  God responded to what I said and he healed me.  I remain healed.  I do not have cancer in my body.  I do not take medication to stop cancer returning.  God has done a good and complete job.

Like in a marriage the bride wears a ring,  as the song goes “to show the world that she belongs to the me.”

Do you realize your noble status? You are not an ordinary person..You belong to a royal family. We were not worthy to be called His own, yet He chose us to be one. So let us consider ourselves ,honored and privileged to be called His own and use the power and authority of our Father, the King of Kings.

God loves you and is betrothed to you. He wears a ring on his finger to remind him of you. Do you feel rejected? That no one has chosen you? That no one has bought a ring for you? God cares and loves you. Receive his love and use his name to pray for your needs.

 

See also Revival in Belfast by Robin Mark on U tube.

 

 

A Night at the Theatre to hear Handel’s Messiah

Posted in Cancer, Healing, Ireland, My thoughts, Nations by

We were given complimentary tickets to Handel’s Messiah, performed in the Belfast Waterfront by the Ulster Orchestra and the Belfast Philharmonic.  We were joined by two friends who arranged supper and a lift to the theatre.

In the Program Notes it says that Handel’s first performance of Messiah was in Dublin rather than in London.  The Messiah was written around the 1740 s during the period of Enlightenment and scientific questioning, and the of message of Jesus Christ was unpopular.  There is nothing new under the sun.

In our secular, humanistic society there is not much mention of God.  Santa Claus is glorified at Christmas time rather than Our Father in heaven who sent his son Jesus on earth to redeem mankind.  The gospel is not popular where man is in control.

People would be entertained at the theatre or opera houses in Handel’s day.  The equivalent media today is television.  Not everyone liked the idea of the gospel message being played in the opera house.

The words of Handel’s Messiah are all biblical texts proclaiming Jesus birth, death and ressurection, written by Charles Jennens.  There was opposition to his work and the word Messiah was omitted for its first performance in London.  However I believe this work was inspired by God.

I particularly liked the Chorus. “Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities.  The chastisement of our peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed.”

It is because I believe in the truth of these words that I am healed from fourth stage cancer.  Jesus was wounded so I can be healed.   

When Handel’s Messiah was performed in the nations down through the centuries people have heard the words of the gospel. The message of Jesus’ promise of forgiveness, healing, restoration and victory through his death on the cross has been sung in the great theatres of the world.  Who knows how God works.  He sends his word throughout the earth.  It will not return void.

Give thanks to The Lord, call upon his name.  Publish his glorious deeds among the nations.  1 Chron 16 v 8

When one speaks the truth of the word of God, Satan flees and people’s ears are opened.  Words are creative.  We are not limited to speak about God in churches.  Different songs are written and played through the media for people to hear.  One simple example comes to mind.  “Go tell it on the mountain.”  In the movie Sister Act there is a song the nuns sing called “I will follow him.”  Gods word says “Open your mouth and I will fill it.”  Johnny Cash went into prisons and sung the gospel message to the prisoners.

It was very powerful moment last night when the Ulster Orchestra played the Alleluia Chorus.  The drums beat and the trumpeters blasted.  The 160 strong choir stood up followed by the audience of two thousand people and sang out to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The angels would have joined us.

“Then I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne and of the living beings and the elders.
And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slaughtered— to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea.
They sang: “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.”
And the four living beings said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshiped the Lamb. (‭Revelation‬ ‭5‬:‭11-14‬ NLT)

Satan does not want the words of the Gospel proclaimed.  When Satan tempted Jesus in the desert, Jesus responded by saying it is written and quoted the scriptures.  When we speak in line with the scriptures we defeat Satan and God moves according to our words.  Mary said to the angel “Be it done unto me according to your word.”  She humbly accepted the words of the angel that she would become the mother of Jesus.

All creation gives Glory to God.  It was good to sing out with two thousand other people to give Glory to God.

A Bird Built His Nest

Posted in Family Friday, Ireland, My thoughts, Nature, Provision by

 

Recently I was thinking of the blackbirds in the garden of the our Saul St home. There were so many blackbirds that I wanted to call it “Blackbird Garden”.  Every spring they would be competing for the best territory to build a nest. The hedge rows, the ivy covering the walls, the holy bushes, the undergrowth of briars, all offered a safe place to build a nest. In the big garden the birds could forage for food to feed their hungry chicks.

The male blackbird has black feathers and a bight orange beak.  He was distinctive with his shiny coat as he sat on a branch surveying the area he was planning to build his nest and singing to attract his female.  She was close by, proud of her mate who was going to prepare a home for her and her young.

The birds began to build the nest.  They flew in through a hole in the hedge with beaks full of small twigs, moss or wool.  They built their nest with the twigs and used the moss or wool for the cosy lining to keep mother and chicks warm.  When the young were hatched father blackbird was even busier collecting food and feeding the young.  He was working all the hours of sunlight.

As I watched the early morning activity of the birds, my thoughts went to my husband.  He was like the blackbird.  He was busy being responsible for me and his family and property.  He made sure his home for his family was warm and there was enough food.  He had a house full of hungry young as well.  He kept the home fires burning in the cold months.  He paid the bills.

Our Heavenly Father has put it into the heart of the bird and the father to have young and care for them.  God cares for all he has created.

We have moved house recently.  It has plenty of space for our children and grandchildren to visit.
I see this aspect of a caring father in my husband at the moment, even though our chicks have all flown the nest.  He is like the blackbird going to and fro putting things in place, hanging pictures of the children, making up beds, preparing his workplace, carrying chairs and tables.  He will sit at the head of the table as we share food and family times again.  He will sit around a camp fire out on the veranda and tell stories to his grandchildren that he told to his own children.  Brendan is preparing a home for his own children to return to and bring their little ones.

We are not retiring as parents.  Our work will continue as God gives us strength.  No pensioners bungalow for us.  Our children still need us.

Gods word encourages us to look at the birds.

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (‭Matthew‬ ‭6‬:‭26-27‬ NIV)

People have often asked us “How can you afford such a big family?”  We have faith in God like the birds he will care for us.  We are more important than them.  God promises to care for us.  He is worthy to be trusted.

In one of the psalms it says,
Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young at a place near your altar, O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, my King and my God! (‭Psalms‬ ‭84‬:‭3‬ NLT)

Brendan was working with the children in our garden once before.  A blackbird came and built a nest very close to where they were working.  It busied itself with its young while Brendan was busy with his young digging the garden.  The birds like to be around life.  As our spirits reach out to God the birds respond.  They sing for us on the branches.  We will always remember that family of blackbirds.

The first of our children and grandchildren came to visit at the weekend.  I turned on the heating to warm up all the rooms.  I reminded my husband that the blackbird lines the nest with wool to keep the young warm.  He swallowed hard.

It is the middle of an Irish winter.  Whoever thinks of a house move at this time!  Our new home is bigger.  Our last house was a modern bungalow with good insulation.  It was like a hot house.  I was using the same bed covering here that I used in the bungalow.  I was feeling the chill last night.  I gave in to changing the bed covering to a duvet Brendan bought two years ago.  I tried it out before but found it too warm.  It was just what was needed in our new nest.  The feathered filled duvet kept us cosy through the cold night.  My husband had already provided for the colder days!

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