The Story Book Trail: Unmerited Favour and Unconditional Love

I took my girls, and went to a place called Carrick Hill here in Adelaide, South Australia. A friend had invited us to go and have a look at the Story Book Trail they have set up there. It rained.... and we got a bit wet, but we managed to have a look at some really interesting scenes from popular stories that were set up in the beautiful Gardens of Carrick hill: Winnie the Pooh, Tiddalik the Frog, Wind in the Willows, The Hobbit, Three Billy Goats Gruff, Quidditch Tree (Harry Potter), The Jungle Book and Animalia, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, The Magic Faraway Tree and Charlottes Web.
Carrick Hill is a beautiful, old restored house with most of its original contents intact and the grounds are still the same size. It is green and well cared for, roses and fruit tress, shaped evergreens and manicured lawns. And in the midst of it, all these scenes set up.


It got me wondering about my own life and what would the scenes be at various parts of my life, would there be an ugly troll lurking under a curved bridge or a Big Brave Aslan coming to save me and teach me life lessons in Narnia. Whatever the theme of each chapter, a common thread runs through my life God's GRACE (UNMERITED FAVOUR) and UNCONDITIONAL LOVE.
I'm going to spend some time pondering the chapters in the story of my life and remind myself that God has given me enough grace for the sphere I am in (from a message preached by Victoria Osteen). Whatever my circumstance, whatever my experience, God has given me grace for it. I am comfortable knowing that whatever happens, He has given me, already, enough Grace to go through it.His Grace is sufficient for each chapter of my  life, it saves me and helps me to accomplish what I am not able to do on my own. His unmerited favour is more than enough for any circumstance.
Because of His grace, you don't have to live worried, wondering how you are going to make it. His grace is sufficient for your every need. When you're tempted to look ahead into tomorrow's worries, you can rest in God's grace knowing that He has fresh grace accompanying you each day to help you accomplish what's in front of you. God already has set into motion everything you need - not just to endure or barely make it. No, God's grace is a supernatural force breathing in your direction, causing you to rise above any situation. His wisdom, strength and favor are there. (courtesy of Joel and Victoria Osteen).

Imagine living your life with this knowledge: His grace is sufficient for your every need.

Dear Lord, help me to always remember that your grace is sufficient for me and that when I am weak, you are strong.

For more info on Carrick Hill:  http://www.carrickhill.sa.gov.au/events_calendar.html

The busyness of mothering and family-hood

It is the 2nd week of September 2011 and I am busy sorting out tax info, trying to tie up the loose ends of a house transfer after selling our property,getting into a routine of exercising and watching what I eat, cooking, cleaning, washing, bathing kids, cutting out sugar, laughing for absolutely no reason at all, drinking more water (for me 1 glass is more than I normally have... haha!), keep up with swimming fees (even tho I pay them every month), monitor sight words, go to church, be a good friend, practice kindness and gratitude, and so, so much more....
Life certainly gets busy in my home. Being a mom and wife can certainly make one feel overwhelmed and anxious at times. I am glad to be a SAHM because I certainly would not be able to cope with more than this. I take my hat off to the mums who do work (full or part time) and still make time for their families.
I was actually pondering my age and my mum's and realised that when my mum was my age (37) she had an 18 year old daughter (me) and had so much more on her plate. And that she was only 25 when she had children as old as mine.... wow Mum! Whenever I am in doubt of what I am capable of, I look at you and dad and remind myself that I come from such strong stock. I am an amazing combination of both my parents; strengths and weaknesses, and growing up with my brother and sister have shaped and moulded me. As a baby, I was introduced to the church and Jesus and the amazing love of God. It has sustained me through all my years. I will continue to nurture this relationship with our Lord because it is the source of all my strength and comfort. So in the busyness of mothering and family-hood, I am always reminded that Jesus is the foundation and at the centre of my life. I have also been reminded very gently to sit at His feet and listen to Him speak and not get lost in the busyness of mothering and family-hood.
Dear Lord, Help me to balance the Martha and Mary in me.....