A new blog is born!

So I was visiting a site on Wordpress and I had to register to be able to enter that particular one. And in the process I inadvertently got myself a new blog...

I am quite excited :o)

I'm gonna use it to talk more about parenting (and anything vaguely related to my experiences as a Mummy) - as it is obviously a topic which is quite very relevant in my life.

Seriously though, I am totally passionate about the importance of good, God-appointed parenting in our society and so I hope this will be a useful tool and platform for discussion - as well as being a place where I can rant in peace!!!

You're welcome to drop by and add me to your 'blogroll', or leave me a comment to say hello, or whatever.

You would make my day.

Not that I'm desperate or anything.

PS: Uh, it would be helpful if I left a link to it, wouldn't it?!?! Duh...
Here it is.

Merry Christmas one and all!!

The tree is bedecked with all fashion of twinkly and sparkly things, and looks inviting tonight...
The Crib has taken centre stage and is topped with Star of royal beauty bright...

So please join us in celebrating the birth of Jesus, the One who came to us: the Light!

Wordless Wednesday - Light of the World

Elves of Baughurst

Any of you out there know this??
Have a look at what my 4 boys look like as elves.
Suits them rather, methinks... ;D
Go on! Have a giggle on me! You know you want to!!

"Stained Glass Masquerade" (Casting Crowns) - Integrity Part II

I have just received "Lifesong", an album by Casting Crowns. I am wowed by the accuracy, the wisdom and perception of the lyrics in each song; but maybe this song, more than any of the others, is particularly poignant and indeed powerful for me because this is an issue I struggle with on a daily basis; I think if we're honest - we've all been there!! And the 'non-churched' all too often accuses the Church of 'hypocrisy' and rightly so. So this song is a call to us who love Jesus to BE REAL instead of hiding, pretending...and masquerading as something or someone we're not.

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small
Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin,
I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

If you would like to hear and 'see' the song, here is a link to one of the many videos set to this song on YouTube.)

Purpose Driven Wisdom for Today - Faith Weathers Every Storm

My life feels a little bit like a storm at the moment and has done for the last few months, with calm periods nonetheless. I liked the devotional I received today from the Purpose Driven team and have decided to share it here in its entirety, as it speaks well of what I feel God would teach us when we go through storms. Thank you Lord for your timely reminders, day after day, that you are in control!!

Faith Weathers Every Storm
by Mark Kelly

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and obeys me is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won't collapse, because it is built on rock. But anyone who hears my teaching and ignores it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will fall with a mighty crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27 NLT)

A hurricane rages off the ocean onto land. Winds in excess of 150 mph and a powerful storm surge blast the village that sits on the beach, splintering bamboo huts and throwing the pieces in every direction. But in the midst of the destruction, one house weathers the storm intact. The difference? This house is solidly built with a foundation set down into the bedrock. The roof is gone, but not even a Category 5 storm is going to shake the foundation.

All of us know firsthand about the storms in life. Relationship problems. Financial setbacks. Betrayals of trust. Health crises. The awful consequences of bad choices. Everywhere we turn, we see lives and families destroyed by a storm. God’s desire, however, is that our lives and relationships survive the storms because of a strength that fills us from within. That power is released when we step out in faith and let Jesus live his strong life in us. The switch that turns on the power is obedience.

The wise soul is someone who not only listens to what Jesus teaches but also builds her life on the foundation of obedience, allowing Jesus’ powerful message to make a real difference. The foolish soul doesn’t apply Jesus’ wisdom to the way he lives. The difference is revealed when the storms of life rage. The person who lives by God’s Word can withstand any storm.

PRAYER: Lord, it seems like the wind never lets up. Some days it blows so hard I don’t think I can stand it anymore. Please fill me with the strength of your Spirit. Help me find the peaceful spot in the eye of the storm – the confidence that comes from trusting you and walking in your ways.

POINT TO PONDER: “Walking the walk” is what matters, not “talking the talk.

© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.

Wordless Wednesday - Winter Dawn

More Mad Wibbzes

Surely it's time for some more photos, to lighten the mood a little?
Here are some funny, some crazy, some tender, some...interesting shots of the Wibbzes at play - mostly.
Brace yourselves!!

And in case you were wondering: yes I do occasionally join in...

Strength for today, bright hope for tomorrow

E'en for the dead I will not bind my soul to grief;
Death cannot long divide.
For is it not as though the rose that climbed my garden wall
Has blossomed on the other side?
Death does hide
But not divide;
You are but on Christ's other side!
You are with Christ, and Christ is with me;
In Christ united still are we.

Thank you all one and all for your messages of love and prayers! Even those of you who don't comment - I know you are there :0) and I am grateful for you.
I found this verse at the end of today's reading in 'Streams in the Desert'. I think it sums up what I might have wanted to say about my state of mind as I slowly try and return to normality after the depths of sorrow I expererienced last week.
I would also love to write more on this amazing lady that was my Grandmother. Soon. I promise!
For now, all is peace...