Today Someone...Patricia Nell Sydney

Rest in Peace dear Mum.

31 st May 1934 - 26 th September 2010

Ross's tribute to Granny:

Today Granny would not want us to be sad, but rather have us celebrate her life. Her nine grandchildren brought her great happiness, and when we were younger we all used to receive teddy-bears and toys which she sewed for us. Her trademark heart which she sewed on to them was a clear representation of the kind, loving women that she was. I still clearly remember how spoilt we used to get when we went to visit her when she and Pa lived out at Walkerville. She would bake us cakes, buy us sweets and always give us a sticky sweet to enjoy on our way home in the car, much to my dad’s disgust.

The last two years that she lived with us, I really got to know her, talking to her for several hours every week. She would tell me all the stories of her life and would be there for me to talk to about my problems, and was always able to give me a little ‘pick me up’. At the end of everyday she would tell me to look in her cupboard, and everyday there would be a little tub of jellybabies, that she and I used to share.

When there was load shedding and nothing to do at night, Granny and I would play rummy by gas light. As a kid she always used to let me win, but as she got older the roles seemed to reverse and I was the one letting her win.
Granny really loved her food, and I will never forget her meal at the Durban Country Club, despite her lack of sight and her struggle to walk, she still managed to get up to the buffet, not just once, but seven times! Granny had a great sense of humour and didn’t mind our teasing her.

As she grew weaker, she always used to call for me to help her, because she trusted that I wouldn’t let her fall, as it was her greatest fear. I always remember when I went to visit her in her room, her saying, ‘That’s the one I want to see.’ We had a special bond. It broke my heart that I could not take away her pain and suffering. But now she is in a better place, she loved the Lord and was ready to go home to Him. Our loss is Heaven’s gain.

I will always remember you, Granny, as the beautiful woman sitting out on the veranda reading your book, as cheerful as can be. I will always Love you.

Doreen's prayer for her Mum.

Dear Lord,

A familiar noise now startles me,

I sadly turn in anticipation,

Knowing "Granny" won't be back,

Is becoming a daily realisation.

You had seen her suffering,

Looked down at her tired face;

So You lifted her to rest,

In Your special chosen place.

Oh Lord, how we miss her,

Even though she is safe with You.

One more hug, a look, a word,

Will never happen again, it's true.

That does not mean we must forget,

Or hide away feelings, so deep.

Our love for her will never change,

Cherished memories, we'll keep.

The loss we feel is hard to bear,

Each heartache You already know;

You understand our every need,

Your comforting love to us, You show.

One day we will be called home too,

To dwell in Heaven for all eternity.

So we await that glorious day,

When, reunited with "Granny" we will be.

Amen.

Today Someone...RIP Jinxie Belle

My family gave me Jinxie, a little 6 week old Beagle puppy, for my 49 th birthday.

She had a sweet nature and when she was small I'd carry her around under my arm and call her my fashion accessory - Beagle not Burberry!

She and our two year old Golden Retriever, Jordie, were inseparable. As she got bigger they would spend hours together "gardening"... pulling out irrigation pipes, leaves, branches, whatever they could find, strewing them all over the lawn!

Naughty is the definition of a Beagles nature, and Jinxie was that. She would "steal" tools, slippers, toys and bury them in the garden only to be found again at a later date in a state of disrepair.

A more recent trick of hers was to jump into the open car and see what she could find to run away with.

After the onerous task of getting Granny into the car for a doctors appointment I turned around to find Jinxie sitting elegantly on the back seat ready to go.

I could never be cross with her. One look at that innocent face and all was forgiven.

She was a clever little dog and knew if she waited until the motorised gate to the property had almost closed, she could run in front of the sensor and it would open again. She would then be off like the wind, down the road, ignoring our calls. It had become a game to her. Unfortunately it was her demise, she was knocked down by a passing car and died en route to the vet.

Jinxie you will live on in our hearts and we will always cherish our happy memories of you!

Sweet Blessings From Above

Sweet blessings from above,

In the form of perfect love.

Warm and fluffy, snugly ears,

Bring us comfort through the years.

Love and care is all they need,

They're with us through every deed.

They don't need to be impressed,

They understand us when we're stressed.

They lick the tears from our faces,

They never try to disgrace us.

No matter what mood we're in,

They greet us with a happy grin.

God made these lovely creatures,

We should adopt their caring features.

What a better place this would be,

To live in peace and harmony.

Cherish your pets every day,

In time they will be called away.

And the heartache you may feel,

Will confirm their love was real.

By Doreen Hardie.

Today Someone...Absolution through the Cross

When we are left with an unresolved situation, where death takes away our last chance of reconciliation, a special type of healing and comfort is needed. We need absolution from our guilt and from the hurts we have received.

Let us look at Paul's example in his letter to Philemon.

[1:18] If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me.

Paul was willing to pay the cost of anything owed to the master by the servant at fault. He would take the whole debt on himself, no repayment was necessary.

Likewise, Jesus on the cross died to take all our sins away and grant forgiveness so that we can have everlasting life.

These unresolved issues we must give to Jesus as He has COMPLETELY paid the price for all our mistakes. What a humbling thought.

We must take ALL our feelings of resentment, lack of forgiveness, retaliation, guilt and hurt, and place them at the foot of the cross.

We must ask God for His forgiveness for all our sinfulness, faults and hurt we caused in this situation.

We must ask for forgiveness for the injustices that were done to us.

We must allow God's GRACE to fill the wounds and heal us.

No amount of money, duty, acknowledgements will bring about this forgiveness and grace except through the cross of Jesus.

How comforting it is to know that we have a Saviour who loves us this much.

It is not easy to accept His forgiveness, we are only human, and these past feelings can seep back into our hearts. But Jesus understands, He lived among us, He encourages us to return to His cross daily in prayer.

We do indeed have a loving Father who in our darkest time of grief brings comfort.

Let us Pray:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

Who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those

in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. [a]

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

And saves those who are crushed in spirit. [b]

The Lord redeems His servants;

No one will be condemned who takes refuge in Him. [c]

Let us make every effort to do what leads to peace

and to mutual edification. [d]

Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up

your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.[e]

If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. [f]

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. [g]

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save.

He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love,

He will rejoice over you with singing. [h]

Therefore we do not lose heart.

Though outwardly we are wasting away,

Yet inwardly we are being renewed

day by day. [i]

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [j]

Be joyful always, pray continually;

Give thanks in all circumstances,

For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. [k]

For God so loved the world

that He gave His one and only Son,

That whoever believes in Him shall not perish

but have eternal life. [L]

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,

According to His power that is at work within us,

To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,

For ever and ever!

Amen. [m]

By Doreen Hardie

(New International Version)

[a] 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 [b] Psalm 34:18 [c] Psalm 34:22 [d] Romans 14:19 [e] Romans 14:13 [f] Philemon 1:18 [g] 2 Peter 3:18 [h] Zephaniah 3:17 [i] 2 Corinthians 4:16 [j] Ephesians 6:10 [k] 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 [L] John 3:16 [m] Ephesians 3:20-21

Today Someone...Let Us Encourage One Another

"Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV).

We are often so involved in our own busy lives that we forget the importance of worshiping together. Daily problems seem bigger than they are when faced alone. The body of Christ is there to encourage you. But all too often there is infighting among the members. We lose interest and go it alone.

This is the temptation of the devil.

The above verse says we should encourage each other all the more as we see the Day approaching!

It would do us well to follow the example of the geese who fly in > formation. As each bird flaps its wings, it creates uplift for the bird immediately following. By doing this, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent greater flying range than if each bird flew on its own. When the head goose gets tired, it rotates back and another goose flies point. Also, the following geese honk from behind to encourage those up front.

If we worked together as a team, each one leading in his particular strengths, following and encouraging others in their strengths and weaknesses with no criticism or condemnation we too might be able to expand God's kingdom here on earth by 71 percent or more!

Today someone prays;

Dear Lord,

"Let us not give up meeting together,

As some are in the habit of doing,

But let us encourage one another...

As we see The Day approaching."*

Let us work together as a team,

Each one taking his turn to lead;

Like geese when they fly south,

Rotating leadership to keep up speed.

Let us be supportive group members,

Followers and encourager's to those up front.

Birds know each one ahead creates uplift

Increasing the flying range by a large amount.

The tired head goose rotates back, another leads,

The ensuing geese honk encouragement.

Let us use this example and assist each other,

Leading, following, and multiplying in contentment.

To the sick or wounded who can't keep up,

Fellow members must lend help and protection.

Stay and pray, comfort each one,

Until they are again able to join in the formation.

When one individual drifts away from the group,

He feels the drag and resistance of flying alone;

Let us encourage him back into the flock,

To feel the uplifting power he had once known.

"For where two or three come together

In My name; there I am with them."**

With Christ's presence among us,

He emboldens us, who are we to condemn.

Amen

*Heb 10:25

**Matt 18:20

(By Doreen Hardie)

Today Someone...There will be signs

Luke 21:25"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.
26Men will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.
27At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."


Run, run, run...
We must escape the evil!
Run, run, run...
We can get away from the devil!

Follow us, quickly now...
We know the route to take!
Follow us, quickly now...
Don't make a fatal mistake!

Push, shove, flee...
Make way for me ahead!
Push, shove, flee...
Don't leave me with the dead!

Panic, desperation...
I fall into these traps!
Panic, desperation...
All my beliefs collapse!

Stay calm now child...
You still have a choice!
Stay calm now child...
Listen to My voice!

Step aside, make way...
I've given you free will!
Step aside, make way...
My work you can fulfil!

Return to My ways...
Don't listen to evil lies!
Return to My ways...
Forsake the devil's guise!

Feel My peace within...
It comes from the Holy Spirit!
Feel My peace within...
Chosen with merit!

(By Doreen Hardie)

Psalm 23: 4 Even though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

Amen.

Today Someone...Today not Tomorrow

Today Someone prays...

Dear Lord,

O that today we would listen

To the leading of God's voice;

He alone can guide us

And make our hearts rejoice.

Failing to be obedient

May bring others hurt;

When the needs of mankind

We selfishly desert.

Don't put off 'til tomorrow

What we can do today;

Another chance may not

Come our way.

A visit to a sick friend

Is easily achieved;

Who knows when we

May be suddenly bereaved.

Today someone desperately

Needs our love & comfort;

Tomorrow our sympathy

May give them no support.

A tempted friend in his struggle

Calls out for help from you;

Guide him from shame & sorrow

Through what you say and do.

It is today that we must tell

Of the great love of Jesus;

Leading others to Him,

He alone can save us.

Learn well the meaning of now,

Tomorrow may be a fatal word;

Many hopes and lives wrecked,

By not doing when we "heard".

Amen.

(By Doreen Hardie)

A Time for Everything

 For everything there is a season,

a time for every activity under heaven.

 A time to be born and a time to die.

A time to plant and a time to harvest.

 A time to kill and a time to heal.

A time to tear down and a time to build up.

 A time to cry and a time to laugh.

A time to grieve and a time to dance.

 A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.

A time to embrace and a time to turn away.

 A time to search and a time to quit searching.

A time to keep and a time to throw away.

 A time to tear and a time to mend.

A time to be quiet and a time to speak.

 A time to love and a time to hate.

A time for war and a time for peace.

 Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; 11)

So be obedient to the leading of God's voice.

Today Someone...You Alone

Today Someone praises God for sending His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross for the sins of man.

I am set free, forgiven, redeemed through His precious blood.  Thank You Jesus!

"Behold ~ your King!" 

(John 19:14)

Alone...Jesus stood in the Hall of Judgment. 

Alone...there were no witnesses for the Defense...no concerned family or friends. 

The only voice was for the prosecution. 

And the jury? A howling mob bent on crucifixion.

As we see our Lord standing there, with His noble brow bleeding from the crown of thorns, the "royal" purple robe, draped over Him in mockery, bloodstained from the leaden whip...we see His Love...for He stood there alone...for you and for me.

It was alone the Savior prayed in dark Gethsemane;

Alone He drained the bitter cup and suffered there for me.

It was alone the Savior stood in Pilate's Judgment Hall;

    

Alone the crown of thorns He wore, forsaken thus by all.

Alone upon the cross He hung that others He might save;

Forsaken then by God and man, alone, His life He gave.

Can I reject such matchless love? Can I His claim disown?

I'll give my all in gratitude, and leave Him not alone.

Chorus:

Alone! Alone!! He bore it all alone!

He gave Himself to save His own,

He suffered, bled and died, Alone! Alone!

(Ben H. Price)

Beloved Lord Jesus, 

Your love for me as you stood alone, accused for my sin, brings me to my knees in repentance for all the selfish, thoughtless sinful deeds of my life. 

Thank You, my Savior and Lord, for I know I will never be left alone, forsaken by our God and Father ~ for You have paid it ALL! 

(From Joy in His Presence)

 

"You Alone"

Dear Lord,

You alone

Saw my sinful life,

You alone

Freed me from strife.

You alone!

You alone

Came from above,

You alone

Showed perfect love.

You alone!

You alone

On Calvary's tree,

You alone

Died there for me.

You alone!

You alone

Rose from the dead,

You alone

Banished sin and dread.

You alone!

You alone

Bought my salvation,

You alone

Freed every nation.

You alone!

You alone

Risen to Heaven,

You alone

My sins forgiven.

You alone!

You alone

I must repay,

You alone

With my thanks today.

You alone!

Amen.

(By Doreen Hardie)