Life is an adventure
Be yourself; Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde.
This is the first post on my new blog. I’m just getting this new blog going, so stay tuned for more. It will be an adventure for me as I do not have a clue but will be learning. So please come along for my journey and if you have anything to say please comment. Subscribe below to get notified when I post new updates. Thank for being in this journey with me.
Dr Seuss and St Patrick were the themes this month (March) in work, the week of Dr Seuss was definitely a bit crazy as we had for breakfast one day green eggs and ham. Two of the staff dressed up as Thing 1 and Thing 2, causing mayhem in all the classrooms, which we had to clean up of course lol. On the Friday was Pajama Day so I wore my Christmas Owl ones as they were warm and fluffy. St Patrick’s week was filled with stories about leprechauns, searching for the end of rainbows for gold and everyone was wearing green of course. On St Patrick’s Day I made Fruit soda bread and it disappeared quickly and everyone said it was delicious. For me St Patrick Day is all about his life so I found it all a bit crazy but guess I maybe needed the craziness for a bit.
At the beginning of March I went to a different place to get my second vaccination, when arranging the time for my appointment I made sure that I had completed the consent form correctly and that it was accepted. I even took a copy so that I would have it just in case there was an issue. I went early as usual, thankfully everything went smoothly, got the injection pretty quickly, only had to wait 15 minutes and off I went to do my shopping. I was feeling pretty well with no issues but in the middle of the night I got up to go to the bathroom and everything was spinning, I was dizzy and very lightheaded so had to lean against the wall and walk very slowly down the stairs when I got to the bathroom had to sit down until the dizziness went away so I could stand up. I sent a text to the Sunday school leader explaining that I was unable to assist in Sunday school as I could barely walk and would not be able to drive. I spent the day chatting with my family and friends from the UK, reading books on my Kindle and eating of course. Thankfully, I had made bagels on Saturday using a different recipe and although they were good the first lot I made have been the best so far, not sure what I am not doing. I informed my boss about my symptoms as if we had a reaction to the vaccination we had to let them know. I also informed her that if I was still lightheaded on Monday morning I would not be allowed to drive so I was praying that the symptoms would be gone. I am thankful that I was much better on Monday and was able to drive to work and do a full day albeit a little bit slower than usual.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
St. Patrick
I love this poem of St Patrick, someone sent it to me around St Patrick’s day and it was a real encouragement to me as I was being overwhelmed with intense emotions for about 4 weeks during March and April, it was probably because it was coming up to 4 years since Charles’s death. It is hard to believe that Charles is gone for 4 years at times it feels like yesterday and other times a lot longer. I spent a lot of time reading God’s Word and repeating my verses, especially be strong and courageous. During this period my work was such a blessing, to be able to love on the children, to receive their hugs and hearing them say I love you was a balm to my heart and soul. There where days were I would be holding unto God’s promise, remembering that Jesus was near me even though I may not sense him or feel him, he understood my pain and sorrow as he wept when Lazarus died. I spent time with my friend Patsy, phone calls from Esther and my Welsh friends, who listened to me, poured God’s Word into me, prayed with and for me, gave encouragement, hope and love to me. In the midst of the pain and tears I kept holding unto God’s Word, there were many verses but this is the one I kept saying to myself when it was dark.
Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand
Christ has been my comfort and my restorer. The weekend of Charles’s anniversary, Tim and Carmal invited me to spend the weekend at there house, it was definitely a God thing, as I arrived on the Friday in tears and I just couldn’t stop. Tim, Carmal and her parents just held me and supported me until I eventually stopped. I had an amazing and wonderful weekend where I spent time with the Lord in quietness, time with my friends were I got to speak about Charles, saw photos of him and his friends that he used to talk about with me. On the Sunday God laid on the hearts of a couple in Wales to ring me so I was able to chat with them, they encouraged me with His Word, reminding me God hears my cry, he puts my tears in a bottle and he will bring comfort just hold unto Him. They prayed with me which was very precious and I felt a love overflowing in my heart. By the end of the weekend I was so encouraged and strengthen in the Lord it was truly a real blessing for me and also a turning point on my grief. When I look back I see God’s hand leading and organising this for me as he knew that I was going to need the support. I praise His name, I will sing praises unto my God with all of my being.
Life can be tough for many people , especially this last year many have had to deal with a lot of grief and we deal with grief differently. I have to say that in the midst of the grief, pain, anger, sorrow and hurt from the last 4 years God has been there beside me, he has heard my anguish and my groanings. He sent me here to the USA where I have been able to process my grief without being constantly bombarded with the memories which for me has been an amazing thing. I have been able to let the anger go from situations from the past as well as the present, forgive those who I felt had abandoned me and keep casting my cares, sorrow and grief upon Jesus as I know he loves and cares for me. He has sent me friends who have encouraged me, supported me and prayed for me. “I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene”. I do not know what you are going through but I can point you to one (Jesus) who understands and feels all that you are going through and if you ask him he will bring comfort and joy back to your heart and soul
Here are a few verses that have helped me in March:-
The Lord preserveth the strangers, he relieveth the fatherless and widow, but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. Psalm 146v9
I waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay and set my feet upon a rock and established my goings. Psalm 40 v 1-2
Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: 18Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Habakkuk 3:17-18
Love suffereth long, and is kind; Love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, love beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
In work it has all been about valentines for a week, the children gave gifts to each of their classmates, they had a party which I helped out in a few classes. One child brought all the class a bouncy ball and a treat which I thought was unique as the dad is a basketball coach. We also had a gift day between staff, we designed our bag and all who wanted to put a small gift in it, it was mostly treats but I got the verse John 3v16 and printed it out and stuck it on a red heart . For me the greatest love that has been shown to us was Jesus coming from the splendor of heaven as a baby, growing up in this world knowing hunger, pain and suffering, yet he went willingly to the cross and paid the price for my sin so that I can be forgiven and live in freedom I have a hope for each day that whatever is ahead Jesus is with me, gives me grace and strength to go through it. My verses for this year were a great help for me this week, for some reason I kept remembering Charles’s last Valentines Day and the gifts we gave each other, I was overwhelmed with emotions but I kept holding unto the verses, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart’ and ‘Be strong and of a good courageous, for I am with you’. These were a great help and strength for me this week and I am thankful for God’s grace, love and comfort.
At the beginning of February I had to quarantine for 5 days as I was in contact with someone who had Covid 19, this was unexpected but I have to say I enjoyed the days off. On day 3 I had to get a test done so on Sunday I went online to book my test, it was a saliva test , thankfully, in the email they gave the address so on Wednesday I left really really early and arrived in plenty of time, I did get sort of disoriented and drove around the campus a few times before I found the place. When I arrived I had to give them the code from the email, my ID for them to put on a vial, I was informed that I needed to fill the vial to half way with saliva and drive towards the next station, I spat into this vial but it had loads of bubbles, they said it wasn’t enough so I had to drink water and wait for 15 mins and try again, so I waited in the car, read my Bible on my phone which helped a bit, after the 15 minutes I tried again but wasn’t much better but thankfully I had enough and they accepted it. I drove out of the place, manage to recognize how to get back to the house, ( I was really proud of myself recognizing the roads) and about a couple of miles down the road I had loads of saliva, of course, I think I was soo nervous but when I relaxed I was creating loads of saliva. Lol. I heard back the next day and it was negative but I couldn’t leave the house until Saturday as that was when my quarantine was finished. Even though I was fearful about going as it was everything was new and at times I find it difficult to understand what people are saying to me. I remembered my verse, Fear not, for I am with you.
Regarding Covid19, I was offered to get the vaccine for Covid free through work, so I took up the offer and received the first one in February. I had to go on line to a website and book the appointment, I also filled in a consent form to have the vaccine. I received an email confirming the date, time and place, so I put it on my calendar as well as setting up my traveling app so I knew how long it would take me to get there. I left really early just to make sure I got there on time, I found it easily even though I was a bit stressed about going to a new place as the directions on the app are sometimes not very clear. I parked the car a distance away from the place as there where loads of cars. I walked in the direction where I saw loads of people coming from, found the entrance, when you went through the door their was a lady there who asked to see your email and your ID, she pointed me to the long table in front, I went to another lady who was very friendly and asked me questions, one of which was
“Had I completed the consent form
and I said,
“Yes, I think I had done”
I had completed quite a few forms and wasn’t completely sure if that was the form she was talking about.
I followed her directions in were to go to next, there I met up with another lady and I had to wait until a nurse was available but I didn’t have long to wait. In the Hall there were rows of desks with nurses at them in front of a computer, there was a chair beside their desk for you to sit on. I sat down, chatted away to the lady as she asked me loads of questions such as Name, DOB, had I filled the consent form, there was a problem as she could not find me on her computer, so I got out my phone and showed her the email I got sent and she said,
“You need to go back to where you where before and tell them that you are not on the computer.”
So back I went, I went to the other desk in the previous room, informed them about the problem, they asked for my name, found it on their list, they handed an Ipad to me to complete the consent form, of course when I was typing in the information there was a few issues It made me smile but we eventually got it all sorted. I returned to the queue only to find 2 of my work colleagues waiting in it so we had a chat together as we waited. I informed the lady that I would like to go back to the lady I had previously if I could, so I had to wait until she had finished with the person she was with, it was a very short wait before I was sitting on the chair again. This time my name was on the computer, I chose which arm to have the injection in, I was told to relax my shoulders, I got the injection very quickly, she filled in the certificate. gave me the date for the 2nd one in 3 weeks time and asked me to sit in the next hall for 30 minutes to make sure that I did not have any reaction. I chatted a little bit with my work colleague and checked my email on my phone. I left with my work colleagues and drove to my friend house. I had fun chatting with my friend and had some food but around 5 I started to feel queasy so decided to go home but remembered that I had my shopping to do. I got my shopping, went home, put it away and then started to feel really nauseous. I spent the evening vomiting, so had to inform my friend that I would not be at church as I was sick. I drank rice milk, I stopped being sick around 3 am and was able to eat a dry wrap with loads of rice milk, it wasn’t nice but on a postive point when talking to my friend she said I had lost weight on my face. LOL
As February arrived the weather started to change and was extremely cold for nearly 2 weeks. It started with around 3 inches of snow but I had my engine and front windscreen covered so the snow was easy to get off. The snow here is very dry, light and fluffy. The roads around were I live were covered in snow so had to drive very slowly, around 10 miles an hour, this meant leaving the house around 6 to be sure I got into work at 7, all the roads to the highway (motorway) was covered in snow, there was a few days even the highway was covered so driving was around 40 miles in some areas, I think the highest I went to was 50 and getting off at a ramp to go to work was done very slowly. Although it went down to -21 C it didn’t feel as cold as at home to me, at home I’m always cold as it’s damp and it gets into my bones. I was well wrapped up and you were told it was not advisable to remain outside for long. I enjoyed the snow even though it was tricky driving at times but the Lord got me to work every day so I am thankful for His goodness. Even though I wasn’t sure if my car would work each day I remembered my verse, trusting in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding.
I decided that I would try and make bagels using coconut flour, (the first lot I used all purpose flour with some coconut flour) no yeast or eggs, I replaced the yeast with baking powder and a little baking soda, as usual I replaced the eggs with bananas., you had to use greek yoghurt as it’s drier but I used coconut yoghurt which is probably a bit too wet but I cannot have dairy so tried what I had. I may try another time using the greek yoghurt just to see how different they are. The recipe I got was plain so I added cinnamon and raisins. I have to say when they came out I was surprised by how well they tasted, I made 4 just as the recipe said. I have made quite a few since using only coconut flour and they haven’t tasted as well but I will keep trying.
This month was busy , I was helping in Sunday school for one of the Sunday’s, church was canceled because of the weather , I was sick for another one so my first Sunday listening to a service in 2021 was I think the 2nd Sunday in February I really appreciate Bott Radio, as I mostly listen to Alastair Begg and Dr J Vernon Magee, I have been challenged, blessed and encouraged to live each day for Jesus, to watch my words, my attitudes and be quick to listen. These are all areas that I need to work with the Lord’s help.
Here are some verses which have helped me this month,
But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Cor15v57
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. Lamentations 3v25
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Psalm143v8
But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40v31
The start of a new year I find very exciting as I release the old year and all that is past into God’s hand and I’m anticipating a brilliant year ahead. I go to His Word for something to hold unto this new year ahead. This year I got verses that I have held unto before and a new one which I learnt as a child.
I’m taking from these word with me throughout this year, Fear not, trust in the Lord, be strong and courageous, I wonder how much these will help me this year.
This year I decided to do a You version Bible in a year, I have found it really interesting, challenging and helpful. I have a Psalm or a Proverb portion, a couple of chapters from the new testament eg Matthew and then a couple of chapter from the old testament eg Genesis. I love the Psalms as I find them so expressive and at times just what I feel but do not know how to say the words. I especially enjoy Psalm 1 as it speaks to me about being in a relationship with Jesus, I’m like a tree planted by the water, I need to be near Jesus as he is my water which I need to be strong and healthy to grow or I will become weak , helpless or die if I don’t. I’m looking forward to reading all the different accounts of Jesus life. Trust in the Lord.
I enjoyed the working hours 7.45 to 4.45 as I got an hour extra in bed, but from mid January we started back to normal hours so working now from 7-4, so I wake up around 5.15 and leave around 6.15. It has taken a little bit of time to get back into the routine and going to bed much earlier. I’m still enjoying work, I love working in all the different classrooms getting to see a lot of the children, my schedule changed when my hours changed so I am now in different classes, I’m more with the older ones and in one of the classes the boys are trying to find out what age I am and of course I just smile and don’t tell them. 😆 In one of the classes I always get hugs from the children when I’m leaving. One of the new children cries when I come into the classroom and waves bye bye, see you later when I leave which makes me laugh. We also were all excited about the Kansas City Chiefs getting into the Super Bowl final. It reminds me of last year where we all went to Alex parents house to watch the final but this year because of covid it will be at home checking the score on my phone. Haha 🙂 Be strong and courageous in my workplace, God has given me strength as I was afraid about working with the older children but God was my Strength, Sustainer and Help. in all situations that arose.
I’ve been attending a local church and got asked to assist with Sunday school, the teachers and helpers do it month about.. I had orientation at the beginning of January, to see were I would fit in, I went one week to the toddlers class, then preschoolers class and finally to kindergarten and grades 1-6. I decided to do the kindergarten and grade 1 (although it was up to Grade 6) as when with the younger ones I felt that I was at work.. Once I made a decision I started mid January. It is certainly different from what I’m used to at home but I guess I’m old school used to using books and pictures. They have a theme for the month, this month was responsibility, so taking responsibility for your actions, being responsible when asked to do things like chores, homework and other activities that we are involved in. The children were all in one room with chairs 6ft apart and wearing masks of course.
The format was
I have enjoyed getting to know the younger children which are 5-7 years old. The only downside is that I haven’t been in at a church service to hear God’s Word all month but I have been listening to services on the radio, although I have been challenged when listening to the children’s Bible lesson. What has God given me to be responsible for? Fear not for I am with you, this is a very new situation for me, I was fearful that I was going to fail so I held unto the verse Fear not, for I am with you.
One Saturday mid January I went to my friend’s house and we with her grandson went to visit a tour on route 66 for children, it was loads of fun seeing pictures of the route and the different states and famous sites in them, it was themed around dinosaurs so had to watch out that I didn’t get eaten. We then did a tour of railway museum mostly miniature ones but I found it very interesting especially reading the history of Kansas City railway.
You can see I looked really scared, I took my mask off to take the photo but the rest of the time mask was on. I will post up a few more pictures below.
The pictures below are from the miniature museum
January has been a busy month, at work, I have been cooking, mostly dinners, meeting up with my friend on Friday night , home group has started up on Wednesday nights and communicating with my Mum and siblings. I have been holding on to the verses to fear not, trust and be strong in the Lord. I am thankful for God my heavenly Father, Jesus my Saviour and the Holy Spirit who directs my steps, speaks to me through His Word and forgives me when I fail Him which I do especially when I talk to much.
I want to apologize for not updating my blog until now I could say I have been busy which is true but to be honest I’ve been so weary that I hadn’t the energy or maybe I was just being lazy lol. I hope to be more regular in my updates especially as I still have a couple of months to update on yet.
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. Romans 5 v 9-10
I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isaiah 57 v 15
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen Philemon 1 v 25
About a month ago I think it was I was teaching 2 year olds and decided to create a book with all of them in it and do the rhyme from the Brown Bear book. I took a photo of them all and printed it out and stapled them together. The next day at circle time, we went round and I would show the first picture and we would say for example
"Ruth Ruth who do you see? I see (the child's name) looking at me
We would go unto the next page until we had done everyone. It was a lot of fun and the children enjoyed seeing the pictures of themselves.
Work is very busy at the moment as there have been many changes in the last month with some of my colleagues leaving for pastures new. We had a small party for one of them a week ago outside as it was a beautiful evening, Pizza was served and I got myself a salad. All the gifts had the theme of rest and relaxation, lavender bath gel, relaxing scented candles and other pampering items which she was looking forward to using. There was a few items with encouraging Bible verses, a journal and picture. She will be greatly missed but I know that she will be well.
Autumn has definitely arrived here in the US or Fall as they call it, the trees have been changing colours to beautiful yellows, oranges and reds. There is a tree outside work and my window at home that is changing to a beautiful red colour. I love driving home from work as the route from the motorway/highway is full of beautiful trees with all their leaves changing to all the beautiful colours of Autumn. It reminds me of the beauty around me and it is like seeing God’s carpet on the earth.
The last few months I have been visiting a friend on a Friday night after work, she makes me a salad and we chat the night away for a few hours. I have been really blessed with this friendship and thankful to God for it. The couple I usually visit on Saturday have not been well for the last month (not covid) so I haven’t seen them until today, they took me out for lunch which I really enjoyed, we had a beautiful meal, good craic (fun) and loads of laughter. God is good in giving me these friendships as they have really been a blessing to me during my time in the USA.
My friend Wendy and I with her grandson went to the Zoo together. It was a beautiful day, we all had to wear our masks and the first animal we saw was the giraffe, which of course reminded me of Kenya and I am really looking forward to going there all being well next summer. We got to see a turtle, it was big and sitting half under the fence so tricky when taking a picture, another turtle we saw was the Leopard turtle which was much easier to take a photograph. We saw a Southern Three-Banded Armadillo which I have never seen before which was cool. There were parrots, fish, insects, big cats such as lions, tigers and an area for the children. My favourite animal is the hippopotamus, they had one outside in the water, which I was excited to see. The elephants broke my heart as I have seen them wonder the plains in Masai Mara and to see them in such a small place with not much around was difficult for me. I understand the need of the Zoo to protect animals from being extinct but it was difficult to watch them.
We had a great day together, we had brought a picnic and went across to the park and ate it while watching the world and the train go by. The child played for a while in the play park and then we went for a ride on the train, we got to see around the zoo, the rose garden which reminded me of Lady Dixon’s Park at home and there was an old fairground roundabout with horses that is famous in this Zoo. I think I enjoyed it mostly because I was with my friend and her grandson having lots of fun together.
I have been doing a lot of baking and cooking this month, I made wheaten bread, wheaten soda bread, brownies and tomato and vegetable soup. Last weekend I first made the soup from the tomato plants outside roasted them with onion and herbs with a little olive oil, I then liquidised them and cooked them in the pot with carrots, peas and corn. While they were cooking I made brownies, I found a recipe that I had done the weekend before that were delicious so thought I would try it again, instead of the eggs I put in the powdered egg substitute, there was no raising agent in them, I mixed all the dry ingredients together, then mixed all the wet ingredients together and then poured the wet ingredients slowly into the dry ingredients, put them into the oven for 40 mins. They came out great but were a little dry so I think I overcooked them slightly, I will be more watchful the next time. I decided I would try making wheaten soda bread as I had wheat and all purpose flour, the recipe had eggs so I used the same powdered substitute, soda, salt, plant butter and mixed it all together. I cooked it in the oven I cannot remember how long but I was upstairs chatting with my Mum and I forgot the time and slightly overcooked it but it tasted delicious. For my lunch on Saturday I had tomato and vegetable soup with wheaten soda bread and a couple of brownies for dessert. The wheaten soda bread was great for the rest of the week as for my dinner/supper in the evening I made chicken salads with wheaten soda bread. Yummy! Yummy! for my tummy.
I have a few more updates of places I have been but will keep them for another time and hopefully it will not be as long. I went to church this morning and the sermon was on trusting in the promises of God and not being anxious or fearful. We will get anxious and fearful but we do not need to dwell there, trust in the promises of God and he will see you though. In the midst of the death of my husband I can say that it was the rehearsing of the promises of God which has got me through. I am thankful that God loves and cares for me each day, in loads of little ways that if I am not watchful I may not see. It’s in the smile or text from a friend, the hug from a child, a telephone call from my sister who makes me laugh and points my eyes to Jesus, the changing of the colours of the leaves in the trees and the birds singing, my car taking me to and from work every day seems like a miracle to me. Today, it was my friends taking me out to lunch, singing the hymns “Little is much when God is in it” and “Have thine own way Lord” tonight in church which pointed me to Jesus my Saviour and singing with my siblings at home. When I got home Jo and Alex had some watermelon to share with me. I am blessed.
Promises of Jesus – may we rehearse them in our minds today
Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
Be blessed.
God is good and I am blessed.
I was suppose to update my blog last weekend but it didn’t happen as I was doing other things such as making wheaten bread for the first time and more tomato and basil soup. I found a recipe for the wheaten bread but used mostly wheat flour and a little bit of all purpose flour, although the recipe said to do it the other way round, I put in 3 really ripe bananas instead of sugar, put in dairy free butter so there was no cholesterol and then baking soda and almond milk. It turned out beautiful and I had it with the tomato soup. It was delicious and it would have been great to share it with you all. Maybe when I get home I will be able to make you some of the bread, cakes, buns and soups I have made here. I picked the tomatoes and basil, roasted, liquidized and boiled with various herbs and garlic. What do you think of my bread?
The last weekend in August I went to Branston, Missouri with Alex and her in laws. Alex picked me up from work and we drove to Branston, the journey was amazing, seeing all the green fields with cows and sheep, round bails of hay which all reminded me of the rolling hills in Co Antrim at home. We arrived at a beautiful apartment that had a view of the village, mountains and the lakes. It was a bit of a climb in the car but it was worth it for the views of God creation all around me. We arrived around 8 o’clock, I unpacked and had a cuppa and some fruit while we chatted together. The purpose of the weekend was to see the Sight and Sound theatre show on Noah on Saturday evening. I was really looking forward to seeing it as people who had been to previous shows had told me how amazing they were and that I would enjoy it. We had some rest, sleep, breakfast and were ready the next morning to go for a walk on the Branston Landings. We arrived at the car park, the Branston Landings was a walk area with shops on either side just like Belfast and Lisburn at home. While I was walking along with Alex window shopping, I could have been in Strasbourg, Belfast or any other western European city it was hard to think that it was America. I did stop into the Chocolate Factory for dark chocolate but they didn’t have any dark enough but I was able to get some from Kinler’s it was 80% I didn’t eat it until last week, it was good but not as strong as the ones from home. Oh yes, on the way to the Branston’s Landings we found out the show had been cancelled due to sickness amongst the actors and actresses (I think it may have been coronavirus but not sure), it was disappointing but I was enjoying being here and seeing the beauty all around me.
Alex and I went behind the shops and did the walk beside the lake, it was beautiful and very still. It was lovely just being still in the presence of God’s creation, the birds were flying about and the ducks in the water.
Be still and know that I am God, Ps 46v10, this is the verse that is going through my head when I see these pictures as it was so beautiful and so restful for me.
We went to Coral Reef Mini Golf, it was loads of fun, it was very busy as a slight storm had arose, it was very windy and then started to rain (reminded me of home ha ha) I usually do not play very well but I actually did quite a few holes in 2 shots and a couple of 4’s, out of a group of 5 I came 2nd which I was really pleased with. There was a lot of laughs especially when we would hit the ball and it would return back to us, or on one occasion I hit it and it turned and went into the water, I ended up having to get a new ball. One of us got a hole in one which was great to see.
We all went to a Steak House type restaurant and Alex and I got salmon, well it was the best salmon I have eaten in a long time, it was cooked just perfect, no dryness, it was melting in your mouth and the herbs just added to the flavour. I was definitely very thankful for this beautiful meal, the vegetables and sweet potatoes where delicious as well. I was a very satisfied customer. I am blessed.
We arrived back at the beautiful apartment, Alex and I did some exercises and I got a cuppa and fruit before relaxing in a chair. I was glad we didn’t go out as I was fighting sleep until I finally went to bed at 8.30 as I couldn’t keep my eyes opened. The next morning we got up early, got everything organised and cleaned up. We arrived home around 2.30 and I got to chat with some of my siblings and friends which was great. I was blessed to be able to go and see the beauty around me and spend time with God’s people.
We are hoping to go to see Noah at the end of October so I will be able to let you all know about it then, all being well.
Work has been very busy the last couple of weeks due to sickness and leave. This past week I got to spend each day with the babies/toddlers, it was loads of fun although at times it was tiring but I prayed for strength and God provided it. I got loads of hugs, smiles and waves from the children. During the week most days the children had not been sleeping much so my colleague decided on Friday to change their sleeping area. I was praying that God would give them all sleep. We got all the children to sleep, about 45 minutes into everyone sleeping one of the children started crying, my colleague tried to settle her while I was praying into myself but nothing seem to be working so she called me over, I lay beside her, rubbed her back and sang to her and she went back to sleep. God is so good in answering a simple prayer as all the children slept the whole time. Praise the Lord. I am truly blessed.
The last couple of weekends have been busy and fun as I have got to spend time chatting with my Mum, siblings and friends at home and in Europe. They are all keeping well and getting back into some sort of normal but there is still a lot of differences between what they can or cannot do compared to here but I am glad that all my family and friends have remained well. God is good and faithful. I am blessed.
Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not (only) for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Phil 2 v3+4
Preserve me O God: for in thee do I put my trust. The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in a pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. Psalm 16 v 1, 5 +6
And not only so, but we glory in tribulatons also: knowing that tribulations worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: Romans 5 v3+4
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS; for he shall save his people from their sins. Matthew 1 v21
I hope everyone who reads this is well, thank you for reading it. I pray that God will pour out His love, grace, mercy, peace and comfort upon you. Keep trusting in the midst of the difficulties, in Jesus we have strength and we will get through it.
It has been some time since I have updated my blog although I have been hoping to write but have been busy working, visiting friends and creating things.
I am looking back as I have now been here for over a year:-
I have learnt many things about life in America,
My heart is full of thankfulness for all God has done for me :-
I have a place to live, food to eat, clothes to wear and a job. I have a car even though I pray every day I get into it that it will get me to work and home again which is a real answer to prayer.
I have a job that I love, I have employers who are concerned for me as an individual and work colleagues who have become friends. I love the children that I work with as they are all so loving and give me loads of hugs. I am thankful that God has protected each of us through this Covid 19 virus and has kept us all safe and the workplace open.
Thankful for God’s help, guidance and grace as I have continued to work through grief from my husband’s death and my 2 miscarriages. As I look back I can see how far I have come. At the start of this year I had so much hurt, pain and anguish and it has all gone. I have given the hurt, pain and anguish to Jesus, I have let go the expectation that I had of people and learning to lean on Jesus as the only one I depend on. On this day that would have been my 7th wedding anniversary I know I can trust God with my life, I know He has a plan and that I do not need to fear what it is as He is with me, He will never leave me or forsake me. When I focus on the things that are true, honest, lovely and use self control then I have peace in my heart and soul.
Thankful for the daily messages from Alastair Begg which has challenged, educated, encouraged and guided me in the truth of God’s Word.
Thankful for the friends that I have made, they have taken me to a variety of places, had me over to their house for meals or taken me to restaurants. I have been with families at Thanksgiving and Christmas. I really enjoyed the 2 days with my friend where we made cookies, I made fifteens, ( I used Graham crackers instead of digestives, I also found coconut milk condensed milk) the fifteens I took to work and they all enjoyed them. I made butter shortbread ( I used avocado butter) I surprised myself as I thought they would be awful but they were absolutely delicious and melted in your mouth. The next time we baked I made an apple and banana crumble which I kept at my friends house and the family all enjoyed it. On both occasions the rest made sugar cookies and ginger cookies which we decorated with icing and buttercream this was loads of fun and I got to be artistic.
Thankful for my family and friends at home and abroad who have prayed for me, encouraged me and listened to my fears, concerns and joys. Thankful for the love they have shown by watsapp messages, songs, verses, poems, video calls and especially the nakd bars and the raspberry chocolate bars. I have been so blessed.
Thankful for God sending His Son Jesus into this world, thankful for Jesus willingness to come into this world as a baby, to grow up, to know what it is to be human by being hungry, thirsty, tired and weak yet without sin. Thankful that Jesus went willingly to the cross to pay the penalty for my sin, to be my substitute and die a cruel death so that I could be set free from the penalty of my sin. Thank you Jesus for rising again so that I can experience victory in my life and that death is no longer to be feared. Thankful that because of Jesus’s sacrifice, I can know forgiveness from all my sin, I have a hope of a home in heaven, I have the hope of seeing my loved ones who trusted in Jesus as their Saviour and Lord again. Thankful for His faithfulness, love, grace, strength, help, guidance, protection and direction this year.
Thankful for God’s Word that has challenged me to forgive, to fear not, to listen to truth and not lies.
I am going to put photos below of some of the places I have visited the last few months, hope you enjoy them.
I wish you all God’s richest blessings in the New Year ahead. May you see miracles each day in the goodness and faithfulness of God. May He fill your life with good things, give strength and grace in the tough times and may His love surround you and His arms uphold you.
“And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deut 31 v 8
Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee. Ps143v8
I will exalt you, Lord, because You have lifted me up and have not allowed my enemies to triumph over me. Lord my God, I cried to You for help and You healed me. Ps 30 v 1+2
Love, mystery, Light and darkness, trust and occupation. These are some of the words to describe the last 2 weeks.
I realised that I had put up a photograph in my last blog but had not spoken about it. As you know the 4th July is Independence Day here in the USA, I was off that day but as I was in quarantine I couldn’t go anywhere so I relaxed in my room, reading, writing, cooking meals and went for walks outside close to the house as it was a beautiful day. Towards evening the fireworks displays started around here and as I have 5 windows in my room I had a birds eye views of around 4 of them. It was beautiful to watch all the colours bursting up into the sky – I did try and take a view photos but not sure if they came out well but they will be a reminder of the day for me. Jo and Alex came home in the evening and asked if I wanted to light some fireworks, I of course said Yes, so we went out in the pitch dark and I got to light 3 fireworks which was fun, I really enjoyed seeing the colours and shapes lighting up the driveway. Although it was a very different display than what would normally happen here I still enjoyed seeing other peoples displays.
I have had quite a few days this month where I have been overwhelmed with sadness, I haven’t been really sure why but I am aware that when dealing with grief there are times that you can be overwhelmed for no apparent reason. I did come to realise that last month Charles has now passed away longer than I was married to him. In the midst of my sadness I have been listening to the preaching of the Word of God in the morning when getting ready for work, Wednesday week ago I think it was the reading was on Phil 4 v4-8 but the verse that he really focused on was,
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
I decided that for that day I was going to focus on “whatsoever things are true”. Throughout the day in work when I began to think negative thoughts I said No and started saying the truth of God’s Word such as John 3v16, Ps139 v14. As I continued doing this throughout the day I began to feel joy instead of sadness, peace instead of anxiety and a calmness instead of being troubled. Each day I have kept my focus on what things are true and then on what things that are honest. When we listen and repeat truths to our mind and heart inside of the lies we believe it changes us. God is so good to me and understands me. This week one of my focus verses for the day was this verse again so as I can be a bit slow on the uptake, I know and God knows that I will need the constant reminder to think on these things and not the lies that my mind tells me.
My work has been going well, I have been busy this week and on Friday I got to spend the whole day with the babies, which I really loved. One of the little ones when she arrives in the morning she comes over to me and lifts her arms up, I cuddle and play with her until she wants to go off and do her own thing, I usually have to leave shortly afterwards to go to another class. It is a real joy playing with these little ones. This week they had splash day, where the children come into school in swimwear, they have a bubble machine, 2 water trays with toys and many other machines that sprayed water around everyone. The children really enjoyed getting wet, there was lots of fun and laughter.
Last Sunday I went with Jo and Alex and the dogs to a Park with a lake not too far away. It was a really hot day, I had put on sunscreen when I went to church and bug spray but put on more bug spray before we left. When we arrived there were many other people there with their dogs, the views of the trees, grass and the hint of the water in the distances was breathtakingly beautiful and reminded me of home. I enjoyed walking along listening to all the owners constantly calling there dogs, Elsa was one of them that I remember as I hear this name often in work as the majority of the children love Frozen. Once we arrived at the lake, Jo and Alex took the 2 dogs into the water to cool them down while I went and took photos. I eventually found a seat, where I people and dog watched which was loads of fun. The featured photo at the beginning of the blog is the view of the lake and the above photo is the view walking back to the car. We had a bit of an adventure as the car key wouldn’t work to start the car so I got a towel and went and lay down on it, beside a tree in the shade closing my eyes and relaxing in the beauty around me. Someone came and picked us up and the spare key started the car but I did appreciate the time of quietness and stillness with the beauty of God’s creation around me.
Yesterday I went out and got a couple of containers of tomatoes and some basil leaves from the garden in the beautiful sunshine, there were a lot of bugs flying around so I went back into the house and got my bug spray and sprayed it all over myself. I made more roasted tomato and basil soup but I added vegetables into it. I had run out of garlic and forgot to get some but it still tasted delicious and I am looking forward to having some the rest of the week. Last weekend I made brownies again but this time they were definitely much better, I even cut a few up into small squares and took them into work and they all really enjoyed them, even though I had bananas in them for the eggs and avocado oil butter instead of cow butter. I decided I would do something different this week so I made a chocolate, blueberry and raspberry cake . Please see picture below and I have to say it tasted delicious. I used a recipe for blueberry muffins, instead of butter I used my avocado oil butter, banana for eggs and for butter milk I used my milk with lemon juice. I cut it into small squares and put into containers. I went to visit friends last night with some pieces of the cake and they enjoyed it (well one of them kept it for today and the other one ate it and said it was very good). I have kept some for Jo and Alex to try and the rest I have frozen as I will not be able to eat it all.
God is loving, kind, faithful and gracious to me each day. I am so in awe of Him and all He has done and is doing for me each day. The question that has been running in my mind often lately is What do you want me to do Heavenly Father? He wants me to demonstrate His love, to those I live with, those I work with and care for and to friends and family even if I am apart from them at the moment. How do I do this is my next question and I am still thinking about this.
The following verse are some that are in my mind at the moment and others are ones from the last couple of weeks. I hope you are all well and will be helped, encouraged or challenged as I was.
Micah 6:8 8He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Revelations 4 v 11 Thou art worthy; O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for they pleasure they are and were created.
Ps119 v 11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee
Isaiah 43 v 1+2 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not; for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee; when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
John 3 v 16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
I think it is now 3 weeks since I have updated my blog but life as been so busy and when I have time to relax I have been reading.
Work has been exciting and extremely busy, we ended the summer school and now have started a new school year. Friday 14th the children were off school so that we could prepare the classrooms for the new school year on Monday, so I didn’t have to be in work until 11 o’clock so although I could have had a lie in I was awake from 5 and couldn’t get back to sleep so did some Bible study and read a bit from my Kindle. The 3 teacher assistants were there to help teachers in their classrooms, we helped to cut, stick, remove, clean and put up items within the classroom. We also got to put large items into the bin (trash) this I found to be loads of fun as they were big items and we were able to swing /throw the items into the bin. It was a great day of fun and fellowship getting to know the other teachers and finding out that nearly half of the teachers were Christian was amazing and joyful. In one of the classrooms the teacher had brought in her Christian CD’s and played them all day so when I was working in that area I was really encouraged and blessed by the music. I was praising and thanking the Lord for this blessing we also had a small time of prayer together for the new school year.
On Saturday one of my friends from work had invited me to go with her to the Aquarium, to say I was excited was an understatement. My friend picked me up around 12, we went out for lunch, we both got a beet salad and chatted for a couple of hours before we went unto the Aquarium.
We went around the Aquarium and saw many of God’s beautiful creation in the sea. It was truly amazing to see all the beautiful colours, what the various fish were and where they came from, although, I wouldn’t know what they were now.
I love sea horses – they are so small and thin and it seems amazing that they are able to swim around without breaking. Isn’t God’s creation so unique and amazing. To see all the different types of creatures in the sea, from the tiny little creatures to the large sharks. God is so good to create such beauty and it makes me think and wonder what beautiful things there will be in heaven.
I wonder, what do you think of these beautiful sea creature? Do you know what they are?
After we went to the Aquarium we walked to the Union Station building as it was a beautiful day. We read of the history of the building of the Station and it commenced in Aug 1910 and was completed in Oct 1914 while there was a war going on in Europe. The history and seeing the progress of the building of the station I found fascinating. Please find below some pictures of the inside of the building – it reminded me of stations that I had been to in Europe such as Strasbourg in France and Lausanne in Switzerland.
The above room normally would have stalls on each side of it, at the bottom there is a museum, you can go upstairs and a Science Fair but because of covid19 it was all closed off which was a pity, but I really enjoyed seeing the hallway with nobody in it and maybe someday I will see it crowded. Walking down this hallway made me think of all the people who had walked into this station maybe going to World War 1, World War II, or starting a new life in another state fearful but trusting and hoping it would go well. Maybe sweethearts met each other here and probably stories of sadness as well such as those waiting on the return of a loved one who did not return. It certainly starts my imagination going and thinking that I was walking the same way coming from little Northern Ireland.
We went on and did some shopping for school equipment and a birthday before I got home around 7 in the evening. I definitely had an amazing day, was so blessed for how God opened this door to enjoy a day out. God is so good to me.
On Sunday I went to the Free Presbyterian Church in America, near to me, I really enjoyed the service as it was on the book of Ruth, which of course is one of my favourite books of the Bible. It was on Ruth 4, on how Ruth’s nearest Kinsman Redeemer was a presentation of the law, he said no he couldn’t have Ruth because it was against the law to marry anyone from a foreign land and it would not keep his line pure. Boaz was seen as a representation of Jesus Christ who is our Kinsman Redeemer, who showed grace and mercy towards Ruth, just like Jesus shows us grace and mercy in that we do not get the punishment we deserve for our sin according to the law. This is is available to all of us if we are willing to recognise that we are sinners, in need of Jesus to save us, the reason Jesus could save us is because he is God’s Son, sinless and spotless and took our punishment on the cross of Calvary. In His grace and mercy when we confess our sin Jesus is faithful and just to forgive us our sin and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Boaz redeems Ruth by buying the land of Naomi and marrying Ruth, who bears a son called Obed, who later because the grandfather of King David and further on is in the lineage of Jesus. So out of the ashes of death of both of their husbands there came beauty and God had create beauty out of the ashes of our lives.
I went to Veta and Bill’s for lunch and had a blessed time of fellowship until around 7. God is very good to me, especially this week as I got to have fellowship with another friend on Friday evening while watching a baseball game which was like watching rounders.
For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy work, I will truimph in the works of thy hands. Psalms92v4
Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Rom 12 v15
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name. Ps103v1
I have loads more to update from this week and last week but need to get to bed so happy reading and enjoy the pictures. Blessings
I have been listening to a series on the computer which is about ancestry of a variety of famous people mostly Americans although there were also people from around the globe, like English, Iranians, Mexican and Honduran, so I was learning about the history of all these countries and how it affected their ancestors. I have really enjoyed finding out about the Patriots/Loyalist, Mexican War, Confederates/Union, freedom that slaves had especially to vote and then had it taken away, about segregation and about the protests. It was interesting to hear about those masters that set their slaves free when they died as well as those who didn’t. I have to say at times I found it difficult to listen to and to see the records of people as just ages with no name as if they were not human beings but just a commodity. To remember that each person is someone whom God created, loves and sent His Son to died for our sin and rose again defeating death. Each one of us are unique, made for a purpose and are of value to our Creator.
Being a typical Norn Irish person, I will have a little chat about the weather, the last month it has been in the 90’s Fahrenheit, so very warm. I mostly enjoy it except for at night so I have a fan in my room during the night so that I can get some sleep. When I go to work I mostly wear my winter clothes as it is so cold in the classrooms that at times I feel like an iceberg :-), a few times on my break I have been doing some of Joe Wick’s exercises to warm me up. I am usually happy to go outside to get heat into my bones LOL.
A couple of weekends ago I decided that I needed to get some summer clothes as the majority of my clothes are more for winter. I got mostly 3/4 length trousers, knee length shorts and a few tops, one of them is bright yellow with the Minions on it. I was surprised at how much I really enjoyed it, one of the shops I went to was called Savers (its like a charity shop), so I got to browse around at clothes as well as books. I found some Christian books so I now have 2 shelves full of books in my room.
I started about a month ago to go to a virtual Griefshare class, I am really enjoying getting to know the people at it and looking forward to being able to meet up after Covid 19 has settled down. I have been learning again about the various goals that we need to aim for to go through grieving and get to Joy.
Listening to the various sessions has been a great help, encouragement and challenge for me. It has shown me how far I have come, how God has really been my strength, comfort and hiding place throughout this period of my life. The last week I have been a bit weepy wasn’t really sure why but I realised on Wednesday night that Charles has now passed away longer than I was married to him but I am keeping very well and leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus.
I have started a course on the 10 reason to believe in the Christian Faith, I have completed 2 sessions and passed the tests. I have found it really interesting, the first session was on the Miracles of Jesus, I had never looked into the kind of miracles that Jesus in the sense of what it expressed that he had power over so it was a real eye opener.
It made me think about how amazing, wonderful and awesome our God is, we can sometimes get so caught up in what is happening in the world that we forget that our God is more powerful than anything that is going on and will bring it out for our good and His glory.
I have settled back into work as I was off for 2 weeks as a precaution, In Kansas Covid 19 has increased so we have gone back to Phrase 3 so my hours have gone back to 8-5. I am thankful that I am keeping well and fit, eating lots of fruit and vegetables with vitamins and minerals. Thank you to all those people who have been praying for me and for my mother in law.
I am enjoying the beautiful sunshine, listening to hymns being played while I am writing, thankful for my friends and family who contact me but most of all I am thankful that God loves me, cares for me and comforts me when I get overwhelmed at times. God is good.
I have been cooking again but I think I will write about this in my next update, please find a few verses that I have loved this week.
I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Ps 18v1,2 +8
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Eph 1 v3 + 7
Memorial Day was seemly different this year as they usually have parades, stalls etc but it was very quiet although you could do a virtual tour of the World War 1 museum – I would recommend this as I have been to this museum and it is amazing, it even has the smell of what it was like in the trenches and it was revolting.
It was back to porridge on Tuesday with a new schedule but same time of 8-5, it looks like we will be on this time for a few more weeks and then I will be on my summer time which is 7-4. I will have to go to bed early to be able to be in work for this time.
Life can bring many surprises good and bad. This last week has had both but I am thankful to God for helping me and sending people into my life to encourage me. My father in law passed away on Thursday to say I was surprised is an understatement, I was thunderstruck and it felt like someone had hit me. I was thankful that I had seen him last week and I got to spend quality time with him but when I left on Sunday it did not cross my mind that he would be gone in 4 days. I was sure that I wouldn’t get off work to go to the funeral as I had just been off but people were praying that God would open the door and he did, I left last Saturday morning and arrived in the evening.
The funeral on Monday was different than what it was at home but this could have been because of the coronavirus. We all had masks with us, we went to the funeral home to view the body, which I didn’t want to do as I wanted to remember Ronnie when he was alive. As I didn’t realise that they had the casket open and Ronnie raised up I saw him as soon as the man opened the door as we were the first ones there. It was kind of weird looking at him as I was expecting his chest to start breathing it looked so like him.
The majority of the people that came to the funeral I didn’t know so I was introduced to so many people but it was great to put faces to the people that Ronnie and Charles use to talk about to me. I was surprised at the amount of people that were there, and the majority of them were wearing a mask. It was not like any funeral I had been to, when the people arrived they went to Jackie beside the casket and chatted with her, then chatted with other people, all the chairs were 6 feet apart. After an hour, there was a prayer from the minister, the song “What a day that will be” (Ronnie’s favourite) was sung then everyone from the back came forward up to the casket and said goodbye (I didn’t do this) we all then left for the burial service. We drove to the Memorial gardens (cemetery), they had a service inside with seating at social distancing, the minister gave an eulogy on Ronnie, (he spoke about Ronnie’s faith and trust in Jesus even in the midst of his many difficulties especially regarding his health), a short talk from the Bible and prayer. We then drove back to the house for lunch provided by the church I helped with the serving of the food.
In the midst of the sadness there was hope as I knew Ronnie was with Charles and that I would see him again. I knew that he was in heaven not because he was good man but because when he was in his 20’s he came to realise
Ronnie had done this so in God’s eyes he was forgiven, he had passed from death into life, it was a mainstay for him throughout his life especially in the difficult times with regard to his health and his children passing away. I am so thankful for this hope as it is a help when dealing with the grief and sadness.
They certainly do other things in the USA differently, to give a little background to this story, a friend of my father in law (who was older than him) took a shine to me ( I do not know how or why) I had only spoken to him a few time with my father in law.
On Sunday Jackie and I were having a relaxing morning as we had not got much sleep, we listened to the service from Wales online, he was speaking on John 3 about Nicodemus and how he came to Jesus by night, how we must be born again, we heard the testimony of his wife of how she came to know Jesus as her Saviour or as the Bible says born again and the children singing was beautiful. When the service was finished I decided I needed to get showered and dressed. I had just got ready when the someone banged on the door, Jackie went to answer it and I could only see her, she said
Hello ?
I couldn’t see him but didn’t want Jackie to be on her own so went and got shoes for my feet to go outside. I went outside and we sat on the rocking chairs chatting about flowers, the funeral, how I traveled down and other things. Jackie realised that she had forgotten to do something so went into the house and left me on my own with him.
He said, “I pray for you every night and for your journey down here”
“Thank you, there were loads of people praying for me from around the world.”I said
“Are you settled in Kansas City” he said
“Yeah, I am I guess, although if God opened the door for me to move I would”, I said
“I am praying that you will move as I want you to marry me” he said,
I was stunned for 30 seconds and then turned around and said,
“That isn’t going to happen”
Jackie did come back while I was explaining why marriage is not on my radar at the moment, he left 30 seconds to a minute after she came back. Jackie explained to him about the funeral and he told me to have a safe trip home. I informed Jackie of what had happened and she was shocked as well so maybe this is not the way they go about courtship in the USA. It certainly took our minds of Ronnie for a while. I would have loved to be able to tell Ronnie about it though.
Life is definitely full of ups and downs but it is great to know that God is with me, He has promised never to leave me or forsake me and that He is my helper.
I returned on Wednesday to Kansas City and started work on Thursday, a lot of my colleagues at work were asking about me but I was glad to be with the children again. Last night I was extremely tired so went to bed and had a great sleep.
Here are some verses that have helped me this week
My little children let us not love in word, neither in tongue but in deed and in truth 1John3v18
He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good, and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Micah5v8
For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not, I will help thee Isaiah41v13
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul and forget not all his benefits. Bless the Lord, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Ps103 v 1,2,22
One of the last songs Ronnie and I sang together was his favourite so I will leave you with the words, this is what he has now experienced in heaven.
There is coming a day
When no heartaches shall come
No more clouds in the sky
No more tears to dim the eye
All is peace forever more
On that happy golden shore
What a day, glorious day that will be
What a day that will be
When my Jesus I shall see
When I look upon His face
The One who saved me by His grace
When He takes me by the hand
And leads me to the Promised Land
What a day, glorious day that will be
There’ll be no sorrows there
And no more burdens to bear
No more sickness and no more pain
No more parting over there
And forever I will be
With the One who died for me
What a day, glorious day that will be
Written by Jim Hill
Life's adventures