Finding joy in the everyday

Anyone who said that the bible is wishy-washy when it comes to instructions for Christian living have never read Romans 12:9 to 21.  It couldn't be clearer or simpler to understand. ***** Let love be without hypocrisy.  Abhor what is evil.  Cling to what is good.  Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love  in honor giving preference to one another;  not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;  rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation,  continuing steadfastly in prayer;  distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.  Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.  Be of the same mind toward one another.  Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble.  Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for ev...

There was a time (not that long ago) when no one expected to spend very much to say " I love you " on Valentines Day. Sending a card was considered sweet and the words inside were the most important part of the giving. A gift wasn't expected and when given, didn't cost the earth. Life was so much more simple back then!! But times have changed and just like Christmas and birthdays, people see the need to spend up BIG and I can't figure out why. Giving an expensive gift doesn't make anyone happier and it certainly (in the case of Valentines Day) it doesn't keep couples together any longer.  The typical American celebrating Valentine's Day will spend more than $142 this year, up from $134.   Men will spend an average $190.53 compared to women, who will spend $96.58.  . . .  on chocolates/candy, flowers, clothing, Valentines, jewellery and much much more.  Total spending is projected to reach $18.9 billion, ...

~ Fresh strawberries ~ The strawberries have been delicious this summer and I have lost count of the number of bowls I have consumed with ice-cream and chocolate sauce!! Strawberries say summer like no other fruit and I love them. Here 11 interesting facts about strawberries. ***** Strawberries are the only fruit that wear their seeds on the outside. The average berry is adorned with some 200 of them. No wonder it only takes one bite to get seeds stuck in your teeth. Strawberries aren’t true berries, like blueberries or even grapes. Technically, a berry has its seeds on the inside.  Strawberries are members of the rose family.  The strawberry plant is a perennial. It may not bear fruit immediately, but once it does, it will remain productive for about five years. Belgium has a museum dedicated to strawberries. Native Americans ate strawberries long before European settlers arrived. As spring’s first fruit, they were a treat, eaten freshl...

At work  I have an office of my own. Across the corridor from me sits one of my colleagues in her office. Some afternoons she needs a little boost so I keep in my drawer some marshmallows that we both enjoy and share when she is running out of energy. It’s a small gesture that shows her that I care and there to help. It isn’t anything big but I believe that these little things are very important. We need to do likewise with our Christian sisters, whether they live next door, in another state or country or we only know them via a blog or snail mail. In this world of great sadness (and increased isolation and lonliness), we need to support and encourage each other as much as we can. This is especially important for women who are at home all day with young children and do not venture out very much. Whilst home can be a safe and secure haven from the world — it can also be very isolating and that is not a healthy environment in the long term.  It is so important to mi...

Art Friday: Gary Patterson So very cute cat pictures that will make you smile, even if you don't like cats!! Something fun to end the week on :)) ******

There is nothing better than wandering through a rose garden on a summers day. On Sunday that is just what I did and was rewarded by such beautiful, not just for the eyes but also the nose with all the perfume in the air.  Gardens are such peaceful places and this one is in particular, I love the large space with the many "rooms" and the fact that it is surrounded by walls. A little like the secret garden.  “If you look the right way,  you can see that the whole world is a garden.”  ― Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden This garden is called the "Senate Rose Garden" as it is part of Australia's first Parliament House (the white building below). This particular Parliament House has long since been replaced by a much grander building further up the hill - this one is now used as a museum.  I like the idea that whilst government and politics is ugly business, the building is framed by these beautiful places of refuge.  They we...

Liebster Award is given to bloggers by other bloggers. Liebster is a German word that means dearest... I was nominated for the Liebster Award by Laura over at Harvest Lane Cottage . Thank you Laura .  It's a way for us to discover new blogs and bloggers. She asked me eleven questions then asked me to tell eleven random things about me. Here are the eleven questions:  1.  What has been your greatest blogging challenge? Thinking up ideas that will interest people, make them think, be topical - I don't want them to be bored!!Always interested in ideas from my readers!! (hint!!)  2.  What's your favorite indulgence just for you? Buying and reading books  - however I tend to borrow more from the library these days due to space issues! and perhaps clothes if I am honest :)  3.  Which blog post are you most proud of and why?  This is a tricky one, I enjoy my Art Friday segments that...