Well, between problems with my digital camera, and problems with our computer, I have finally re-entered blogland!!!
I will gradually add pictures of things we have done whilst I have been unable to Blog regularly.
I thought I would just add this quickly as a starter - no photo, but great illustration of the effect of God's Word.
THE BASKET
Author unknown
The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains
of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning, Grandpa was
up early sitting at the kitchen table reading
from his old worn-out Bible. His grandson who wanted to be just like
him tried to imitate him in any way he could.
One day the grandson asked, "Papa, I try to read the Bible just like
you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as
soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?" The
grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said,
"Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of
water." The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked
out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and
said, "You will have to move a little faster next time," and sent him
back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran
faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of
breath, he told his grandfather that it was "impossible to carry water
in a basket," and he went to get a bucket instead.
The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of
water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough," and he
went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy
knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that
even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he
got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he
reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he
said, "See Papa, it's useless!"
"So you think it is useless"? The old man said, "Look at the basket."
The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that
the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it
was clean.
"Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not
understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will
change you from the inside out." That is the work of God in our lives.
To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the
image of His Son.
Take time to read a portion of God's Word each day, and remind a
friend by sharing this story.
Sunday 16 December 2007
Wednesday 18 July 2007
Who is you other half like?....
 | You scored as Knightley, Your husband/boyfriend is most like Mr. Knightley of Emma! He probably gives you kind lectures to help you in certain matters, though he does these out of true devotion and in your best interests. Others look to him for his wisdom and good sense. He is generous and steadfast, though not afraid to politely argue with you. The two of you enjoy a challenging, sweet partnership and are most likely very active in your community.
Who is Your Jane Austen Boyfriend/Husband? created with QuizFarm.com |
So much to do!!!
Well, it's been a rather looooong time since I last posted! This may be because we have been rather busy!
Well, where do I start? We went to visit Angela, Paul and Esther for Angela's birthday. We had a lovely day up in Chelmsford, and had a lot of fun together.
What ARE these "strawberry" things?!
Having fun with Grandma and Grandpa (singing "there was an old woman who swallowed a fly" - she thought it very amusing!)
At the park for a walk!
Next, it was many last minute preparations for going over to Northern Irealnd for Stephen and Lydia's Wediing!
We had a brilliant day, and a lovely few days in Northern Ireland, catching up with family.
The happy couple a few days before the wedding.
Stephen and Lydia with Mum and Dad.
Taking the weight off my rather sore feet - the shoes felt ok in the shop....!
We spent the Sunday at David and Claire's house - thank-you Claire for a lovely day!
And, I got to go to Church in the evening, with JUST SUSANNA!
Robert stayed at home with the other 3 who were rather tired after a busy Wedding the previous day. I got to stay out for supper at David and Claire's too! It's amazing what becomes a treat when you are a mother of 4!
The journey to and from the wedding was made a lot smoother by a friend - we had in-car dvd players for the children - so much less of the "are we there yet" syndrome! Hmmmmm, maybe a Christmas present idea for the children?!
Since we returned, it has been fairly much back to normality - trying to finish off school work to have a summer break. Due to the nature of Joshua's school being book-work based, we are trying to finish the current book in each subject , before having a break.
Bethany is keenly sitting looking at books, eagerly awaiting Spetember when she starts school! She can't WAIT to read!
Ahhh yes, we also had the addition of a new NEPHEW!! Born on the 4th of July (will he be the "independant" type?!?), weighing 8lb 2oz, was Joseph Andrew Cordle - JAC! I am still waiting to be able to see him, so photo's will follow, hopefully very soon! Jo was able to experience a much better labour, and is very thankful to the Lord for an easier delivery.
I'll try and not be so long in adding more news!
Well, where do I start? We went to visit Angela, Paul and Esther for Angela's birthday. We had a lovely day up in Chelmsford, and had a lot of fun together.
What ARE these "strawberry" things?!Having fun with Grandma and Grandpa (singing "there was an old woman who swallowed a fly" - she thought it very amusing!)At the park for a walk!Next, it was many last minute preparations for going over to Northern Irealnd for Stephen and Lydia's Wediing!
We had a brilliant day, and a lovely few days in Northern Ireland, catching up with family.The happy couple a few days before the wedding.Stephen and Lydia with Mum and Dad.Taking the weight off my rather sore feet - the shoes felt ok in the shop....!We spent the Sunday at David and Claire's house - thank-you Claire for a lovely day!
And, I got to go to Church in the evening, with JUST SUSANNA!
Robert stayed at home with the other 3 who were rather tired after a busy Wedding the previous day. I got to stay out for supper at David and Claire's too! It's amazing what becomes a treat when you are a mother of 4!
The journey to and from the wedding was made a lot smoother by a friend - we had in-car dvd players for the children - so much less of the "are we there yet" syndrome! Hmmmmm, maybe a Christmas present idea for the children?!
Since we returned, it has been fairly much back to normality - trying to finish off school work to have a summer break. Due to the nature of Joshua's school being book-work based, we are trying to finish the current book in each subject , before having a break.
Bethany is keenly sitting looking at books, eagerly awaiting Spetember when she starts school! She can't WAIT to read!
Ahhh yes, we also had the addition of a new NEPHEW!! Born on the 4th of July (will he be the "independant" type?!?), weighing 8lb 2oz, was Joseph Andrew Cordle - JAC! I am still waiting to be able to see him, so photo's will follow, hopefully very soon! Jo was able to experience a much better labour, and is very thankful to the Lord for an easier delivery.
I'll try and not be so long in adding more news!
Wednesday 27 June 2007
Here, there and everywhere.....
"Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising..." Psalm 139:2
Well, it's safe to say that we have covered quite a few miles lately. I also think that last week was a "field trip" education! We didn't sit down with our books, but we saw a lot and I'm sure the children were educated!
A friend of mine, with whom I went to High School, came to visit with her daughter. Liz and Molly arrived on the Monday and stayed until the Wednesday. Their trip included "educational trips" to the airport and a farm park...lol
The children had great fun at the farm park - especially as we had the special treat of being joined by Auntie Angela and Esther!
They fed the goats,
(why buy animal feed when you can grab a handful of hay from the manger?....!)
groomed a pony......
and of course, the always enjoyed....climbing frame and swings (which of course you can find for free many places....;-))
Mummy had some exercise on the go-karts - if Angela sends me some of her pictures, i'll add them sometime!
We then had Grandma come to stay for a few days, which was lovely. The highlight amongst the children is that Grandma makes them porridge! They looooove Grandma's porridge! We took Grandma back to Chelmsford on the Saturday, and had the privelage of being at the baptism of Sam and Melissa Gardener. We went to Grandma and Grandpa's for the children to see Oliver.....
the cat!
We also went to Auntie Angela's where we had another "educational" experience......see if you can spot it.....
Look a little closer......
Yes, a frog in their pond. Auntie Angela confidently retrieved it for Joshua...who promptly decided he wasn't sure about a "hands on" approach with something so lively...hence why it was on the ground in the picture, and NOT in his hands!
Monday brought us up to Ramsey to visit our friends, the Brooks'. We went out for dinner to Frankie and Benny's (postponed from holiday when half of us were ill....) which was nice - other than the length of time it took to get dinner. We gave up on dessert.....if at first you don't succeed...go to McDonald's! We all enjoyed a "thoroughly decent" ice-cream there instead!
Look at the camera and smile!.....
Thank-you Eleni - at least one out of four isn't bad!
We were back to "normality"this week (what's that, I ask?!). Like, forgetting the piano tuner is coming until he arrives at the door,
Daniel eating play dough.... No resident guests that is! Although Ed, Jo and
David arrive
Saturday night at the Cordle Guesthouse! Baby number 2
for Ed and Jo could also arrive soon. Watch this space for news on a new nephew or niece (spot the excited "Auntie in waiting"!)
Speaking of play dough....WHY didn't I do this sooner....make my own?!
It was so easy (i especially liked the tip online to add the colour to the water BEFORE mixing it - easier to blend the colour)....
1 cup flour (plain)
1/4 cup salt
1/4 water (add colour to this)
Knead together...and play! I made 4 different colours, and it's now in my fridge waiting for another day! The children played with it for aaaaages! When I get some more food colouring I'll improve on the colour options.
Well, it's safe to say that we have covered quite a few miles lately. I also think that last week was a "field trip" education! We didn't sit down with our books, but we saw a lot and I'm sure the children were educated!
A friend of mine, with whom I went to High School, came to visit with her daughter. Liz and Molly arrived on the Monday and stayed until the Wednesday. Their trip included "educational trips" to the airport and a farm park...lol
The children had great fun at the farm park - especially as we had the special treat of being joined by Auntie Angela and Esther!
They fed the goats,
(why buy animal feed when you can grab a handful of hay from the manger?....!)
groomed a pony......
and of course, the always enjoyed....climbing frame and swings (which of course you can find for free many places....;-))
Mummy had some exercise on the go-karts - if Angela sends me some of her pictures, i'll add them sometime!
We then had Grandma come to stay for a few days, which was lovely. The highlight amongst the children is that Grandma makes them porridge! They looooove Grandma's porridge! We took Grandma back to Chelmsford on the Saturday, and had the privelage of being at the baptism of Sam and Melissa Gardener. We went to Grandma and Grandpa's for the children to see Oliver.....
the cat!
We also went to Auntie Angela's where we had another "educational" experience......see if you can spot it.....
Look a little closer......
Yes, a frog in their pond. Auntie Angela confidently retrieved it for Joshua...who promptly decided he wasn't sure about a "hands on" approach with something so lively...hence why it was on the ground in the picture, and NOT in his hands!
Monday brought us up to Ramsey to visit our friends, the Brooks'. We went out for dinner to Frankie and Benny's (postponed from holiday when half of us were ill....) which was nice - other than the length of time it took to get dinner. We gave up on dessert.....if at first you don't succeed...go to McDonald's! We all enjoyed a "thoroughly decent" ice-cream there instead!
Look at the camera and smile!.....
Thank-you Eleni - at least one out of four isn't bad!
We were back to "normality"this week (what's that, I ask?!). Like, forgetting the piano tuner is coming until he arrives at the door,
Daniel eating play dough.... No resident guests that is! Although Ed, Jo and
David arrive
Saturday night at the Cordle Guesthouse! Baby number 2
for Ed and Jo could also arrive soon. Watch this space for news on a new nephew or niece (spot the excited "Auntie in waiting"!)
Speaking of play dough....WHY didn't I do this sooner....make my own?!
It was so easy (i especially liked the tip online to add the colour to the water BEFORE mixing it - easier to blend the colour)....
1 cup flour (plain)
1/4 cup salt
1/4 water (add colour to this)
Knead together...and play! I made 4 different colours, and it's now in my fridge waiting for another day! The children played with it for aaaaages! When I get some more food colouring I'll improve on the colour options.
Saturday 16 June 2007
Psalm 133:1 "..how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity"
If only?!......united in an effort to rain terror and destruction on a poor mother's efforts to remain sane
and keep a tidy
home...lol?! Well, it certainly would be pleasant if it happened more often! - the dwelling in unity part, NOT the terror!
The children have been playing in the pop-up tents today. It's amazing
that when they
haven't had a particular toy for a while, it holds a greater appeal when they have it again. We lent out the tents and tunnel to a friend, and they
were returned yesterday (along with some choccies as a thank-you - yum!). The children have had great fun with them,
especially as it
is raining
today and they are stuck indoors.
Daniel particularly enjoyed the tunnel!
"dwelling together in unity"?.....for a few minutes anyway!
This time last week we were all out in the hot sunshine, while Mummy chopped back the shrubs in the garden. I figured that when we got to the stage of not being able to get the double buggy past on the pavement, it was time for action! The 3 older children kindly helped me put the clippings in the bin (whilst I made sure they didn't dash onto the road.....!). However, Master Joshua got slightly distracted from the job in hand - the gardening lesson became an impromptu nature study (are we surprised?!). Joshua found an array of molluscs hiding in the leaf debris under the shrubs. Of course, they were much more interesting than tidying!
They were actually quite a good variety of colours and sizes....for someone interested in snails that is!
Susanna slept right through the night for the first time this week! It was the night after her jabs, and she didn't repeat the next night - in fact she woke 2 times last night!!! (she does have the cold a little, and was struggling with breathing a bit, so woke up...) Mind you, when you are rewarded with a happy, smiling daughter at 5 in the morning, it's not so bad!
sleeping beauty...!
Well, today will be filled with a tidying effort for my friend and her little girl coming on Monday. Then Mum and Dad come the day she leaves, and mum will stay up for a few days, so the children are looking forward to all the company.
Then, Uncle Andrew and Auntie Anna are coming later today to give Beth her Birthday present.
If only?!......united in an effort to rain terror and destruction on a poor mother's efforts to remain sane
and keep a tidy
home...lol?! Well, it certainly would be pleasant if it happened more often! - the dwelling in unity part, NOT the terror!
The children have been playing in the pop-up tents today. It's amazing
that when they
haven't had a particular toy for a while, it holds a greater appeal when they have it again. We lent out the tents and tunnel to a friend, and they
were returned yesterday (along with some choccies as a thank-you - yum!). The children have had great fun with them,
especially as it
is raining
today and they are stuck indoors.
Daniel particularly enjoyed the tunnel!
"dwelling together in unity"?.....for a few minutes anyway!
This time last week we were all out in the hot sunshine, while Mummy chopped back the shrubs in the garden. I figured that when we got to the stage of not being able to get the double buggy past on the pavement, it was time for action! The 3 older children kindly helped me put the clippings in the bin (whilst I made sure they didn't dash onto the road.....!). However, Master Joshua got slightly distracted from the job in hand - the gardening lesson became an impromptu nature study (are we surprised?!). Joshua found an array of molluscs hiding in the leaf debris under the shrubs. Of course, they were much more interesting than tidying!
They were actually quite a good variety of colours and sizes....for someone interested in snails that is!
Susanna slept right through the night for the first time this week! It was the night after her jabs, and she didn't repeat the next night - in fact she woke 2 times last night!!! (she does have the cold a little, and was struggling with breathing a bit, so woke up...) Mind you, when you are rewarded with a happy, smiling daughter at 5 in the morning, it's not so bad!
sleeping beauty...!
Well, today will be filled with a tidying effort for my friend and her little girl coming on Monday. Then Mum and Dad come the day she leaves, and mum will stay up for a few days, so the children are looking forward to all the company.
Then, Uncle Andrew and Auntie Anna are coming later today to give Beth her Birthday present.
Wednesday 6 June 2007
Working together!
Ecc 4:9 Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.
It doesn't happen often among children....well, at least mine!....but, we have had some good co-operation going on here the last couple of days. Don't get me wrong....we have had plenty of the usual bickering too!
We started back with school yesterday, and got on well considering we had quite a long break recently. But the day was crowned (from the children's perspective!) by a nice trip to the park. It was there that the team-work appeared. Josh got on the swing and Beth volunteered to do the pushing!
Younger helping the older!
This carried through to them all helping Daniel get on the see-saw....just a pity that Joshua went up and down so hard that Daniel was QUITE happy to get back off all on his own!!!....lol
Today, as Daniel was still grizzly and clingy, we didn't do school until he went for his morning nap. So, I let them do some educational games on the computer - more team-work went on there as Joshua helped Beth and Daniel join in the fun.
It's nice to see them doing things happily together, rather than the, all too frequent, fall-outs.
It doesn't happen often among children....well, at least mine!....but, we have had some good co-operation going on here the last couple of days. Don't get me wrong....we have had plenty of the usual bickering too!
We started back with school yesterday, and got on well considering we had quite a long break recently. But the day was crowned (from the children's perspective!) by a nice trip to the park. It was there that the team-work appeared. Josh got on the swing and Beth volunteered to do the pushing!
Younger helping the older!
This carried through to them all helping Daniel get on the see-saw....just a pity that Joshua went up and down so hard that Daniel was QUITE happy to get back off all on his own!!!....lol
Today, as Daniel was still grizzly and clingy, we didn't do school until he went for his morning nap. So, I let them do some educational games on the computer - more team-work went on there as Joshua helped Beth and Daniel join in the fun.
It's nice to see them doing things happily together, rather than the, all too frequent, fall-outs.
Monday 4 June 2007
Thoughts form a Chinese "take-away"
"Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift" 2 Cor. 9:15
Now, those who know me well will not be surprised at how I can make a jump from a take-away meal to the above verse. I have a verrrrrry rapid and strange thought chain...lol! Well, we were blessed with a friend visiting this evening and he treated Robert and I (with the children packed off in bed!) to a Chinese take-away meal (yummy, from our local!). As is their usual, we received a free "fortune cookie" with our meal. Now, we of course don't believe in "fortune" - providence, yes - fortune, no! However, what they said made me think. Mine said nothing helpful, but the 2 guys both had one that said "you are gifted in many ways". Now they, of course, had a laugh about it, and it didn't do much to help thier ego's...lol! However, it led me to think of how we as Christians are "gifted" - in the realm of being given gifts, rather then having them. I thought immediately of 3 different gifts we have. We have
the "unspeakable gift" from God, of the Lord Jesus. We
have the gift of "eternal life" THROUGH the Lord Jesus.
And we have the gift of the
Holy Spirit when we trust in Christ as Saviour. What a
privelage we have - what better gift could we hope for than that? So, goes to show you, we can find Christ in all things, if we look carefully. I suppose that is how
we can have a Christ-filled life, by allowing our thoughts to dwell on Him
in all ways.
We start back with school tomorrow after having a week off with illness. I'll probably have a little boy who struggles with concentration (different form normal, how?...lol). However, he is progressing all the time, which is such a joy to see. And what a privelage to be fully involved with such an important time in his learning - his formative years!
Now, those who know me well will not be surprised at how I can make a jump from a take-away meal to the above verse. I have a verrrrrry rapid and strange thought chain...lol! Well, we were blessed with a friend visiting this evening and he treated Robert and I (with the children packed off in bed!) to a Chinese take-away meal (yummy, from our local!). As is their usual, we received a free "fortune cookie" with our meal. Now, we of course don't believe in "fortune" - providence, yes - fortune, no! However, what they said made me think. Mine said nothing helpful, but the 2 guys both had one that said "you are gifted in many ways". Now they, of course, had a laugh about it, and it didn't do much to help thier ego's...lol! However, it led me to think of how we as Christians are "gifted" - in the realm of being given gifts, rather then having them. I thought immediately of 3 different gifts we have. We have
the "unspeakable gift" from God, of the Lord Jesus. We
have the gift of "eternal life" THROUGH the Lord Jesus.
And we have the gift of the
Holy Spirit when we trust in Christ as Saviour. What a
privelage we have - what better gift could we hope for than that? So, goes to show you, we can find Christ in all things, if we look carefully. I suppose that is how
we can have a Christ-filled life, by allowing our thoughts to dwell on Him
in all ways.
We start back with school tomorrow after having a week off with illness. I'll probably have a little boy who struggles with concentration (different form normal, how?...lol). However, he is progressing all the time, which is such a joy to see. And what a privelage to be fully involved with such an important time in his learning - his formative years!
Sunday 3 June 2007
Godliness with contentment
1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain
My daily readings took me today to begin reading the book of Proverbs again. Isn't it amazing how you can see things anew EVERY time we read God's word?! I was particularly struck by the description of those who are "greedy of gain", in Chapter 1:10 of Proverbs. Those who desire this world's goods are told that it "taketh away the life of the owners thereof". If that isn't a warning against seeking the "things" of life, I don't know what is! We mustn't be constantly running after temporal things, but rather "set our affections on things above". The gain that we need to be seeking is "godliness
with contentment"
The things of the Lord truly give us a contentment in our circumstances of life. If we are close to HIM, we will be reminded that HE is in control of our circumstances, and to feel miserable and discontent is sin. How often our life falls short of OUR expectations, but, praise God, it is EXACTLY the way HE desires it to be!
Today, I have been content with the fact that I have not been able to go to Church, due to illness. There would have been a time where I felt discouraged by a day like today. But, I can rejoice that God is in control, and I am content! I gained great blessing by watching 3 different services on-line, and caught the end of a testimony service as well. I definately would benefit from hearing the sermon that Robert brought this morning on our conflict against the devil - but that will be EXTRA to what I got today!
Bethany was the only little one at Church today - she happily toddled off with Daddy - "can I go in the FRONT of the car with Daddy" was her request before leaving - the little things in life that bring joy to children...lol!
My daily readings took me today to begin reading the book of Proverbs again. Isn't it amazing how you can see things anew EVERY time we read God's word?! I was particularly struck by the description of those who are "greedy of gain", in Chapter 1:10 of Proverbs. Those who desire this world's goods are told that it "taketh away the life of the owners thereof". If that isn't a warning against seeking the "things" of life, I don't know what is! We mustn't be constantly running after temporal things, but rather "set our affections on things above". The gain that we need to be seeking is "godliness
with contentment"
The things of the Lord truly give us a contentment in our circumstances of life. If we are close to HIM, we will be reminded that HE is in control of our circumstances, and to feel miserable and discontent is sin. How often our life falls short of OUR expectations, but, praise God, it is EXACTLY the way HE desires it to be!
Today, I have been content with the fact that I have not been able to go to Church, due to illness. There would have been a time where I felt discouraged by a day like today. But, I can rejoice that God is in control, and I am content! I gained great blessing by watching 3 different services on-line, and caught the end of a testimony service as well. I definately would benefit from hearing the sermon that Robert brought this morning on our conflict against the devil - but that will be EXTRA to what I got today!
Bethany was the only little one at Church today - she happily toddled off with Daddy - "can I go in the FRONT of the car with Daddy" was her request before leaving - the little things in life that bring joy to children...lol!
Saturday 2 June 2007
Ups and Downs
Psa 139:10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
I had the 2 youngest children at home this afternoon, while Robert took the 2 oldest to our Service of Thanksgiving. I felt Daniel neede a change of scenery, so we toddled off round the village, ending up in the - you guessed it - park! Well, Daniel headed straight to his favourite - the swings. What a smile he gave - I think he enjoyed the air getting round him, after feeling so miserable at home! But while I watched, as he went up and down, it made me think of how our days can be like that - ups and downs. I definately think I could sum up this week as one of "ups and downs". The horrid illness that most of us have had has been the one major "down"! When you are surrounded by grumpy, miserable children - one who cannot tell you verbally what is wrong - then it is a real time of trying. When you still have to try and keep things running in
the home, whilst nursing an 8 week old, wiping the nose of the
20 month old, cuddling the 5 year old, and answering the varied queries of the only
well little person (who is 4 and good at asking looooots of questions!). But, we are promised in God's Word that He will "lead" and "hold" us no matter our circumstances. How can we complain, when He has promised us strength? How can we complain when He has given us so much - not least of all the children who are the "cause" of the down. And, of course there is the never-failing "think how they must feel, never mind me!" They are the ones feeling ill, and that's never good! Well, actually, I am starting to feel how they have but, praise God, so far seem not to have it quite like them. Hey, struggling to swallow could be gooood for getting back into shape....lol!
What of the "ups" you ask? Well, as the hymn states "Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice". Too many blessings to count really. But those special moments - a cute chuckle from Susanna; a bunch of daisies from the garden from Josh; a spontaneous "love you Mummy" from Beth; and the happiness of being in the park from Daniel.
I probably won't even get to Church tomorrow, going by how Daniel was today, but I still cannot complain. I'll get comfy in front of, yes, the
computer and watch a service on sermon audio. One of the "unnumbered blessings" of
modern technology!
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
When upon life's billows You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you What the Lord hath done.
Chorus:
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your blessings See what God hath done.
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings See what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened With a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy You are called to bear.
Count your many blessings Every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing As the days go by.
When you look at others With their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised You His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings Money cannot buy,
Your reward in heaven Nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict Whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all.
Count your many blessings Angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you To your journey's end.
I had the 2 youngest children at home this afternoon, while Robert took the 2 oldest to our Service of Thanksgiving. I felt Daniel neede a change of scenery, so we toddled off round the village, ending up in the - you guessed it - park! Well, Daniel headed straight to his favourite - the swings. What a smile he gave - I think he enjoyed the air getting round him, after feeling so miserable at home! But while I watched, as he went up and down, it made me think of how our days can be like that - ups and downs. I definately think I could sum up this week as one of "ups and downs". The horrid illness that most of us have had has been the one major "down"! When you are surrounded by grumpy, miserable children - one who cannot tell you verbally what is wrong - then it is a real time of trying. When you still have to try and keep things running in
the home, whilst nursing an 8 week old, wiping the nose of the
20 month old, cuddling the 5 year old, and answering the varied queries of the only
well little person (who is 4 and good at asking looooots of questions!). But, we are promised in God's Word that He will "lead" and "hold" us no matter our circumstances. How can we complain, when He has promised us strength? How can we complain when He has given us so much - not least of all the children who are the "cause" of the down. And, of course there is the never-failing "think how they must feel, never mind me!" They are the ones feeling ill, and that's never good! Well, actually, I am starting to feel how they have but, praise God, so far seem not to have it quite like them. Hey, struggling to swallow could be gooood for getting back into shape....lol!
What of the "ups" you ask? Well, as the hymn states "Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! Unnumbered blessings give my spirit voice". Too many blessings to count really. But those special moments - a cute chuckle from Susanna; a bunch of daisies from the garden from Josh; a spontaneous "love you Mummy" from Beth; and the happiness of being in the park from Daniel.
I probably won't even get to Church tomorrow, going by how Daniel was today, but I still cannot complain. I'll get comfy in front of, yes, the
computer and watch a service on sermon audio. One of the "unnumbered blessings" of
modern technology!
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
When upon life's billows You are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged Thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings Name them one by one,
And it will surprise you What the Lord hath done.
Chorus:
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your blessings See what God hath done.
Count your blessings Name them one by one.
Count your many blessings See what God hath done.
Are you ever burdened With a load of care,
Does the cross seem heavy You are called to bear.
Count your many blessings Every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing As the days go by.
When you look at others With their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised You His wealth untold.
Count your many blessings Money cannot buy,
Your reward in heaven Nor your home on high.
So amid the conflict Whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged God is over all.
Count your many blessings Angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you To your journey's end.
Friday 1 June 2007
My first blog!
"First Day"
"In every thing give thanks" I Thess 5:18
Well, here I am - in the world of "THE BLOG". I thought it may be a useful way of sharing "life in the house of..." The Cordle Clan. Once you have my blog address, I guess there is no reason to say that you don't know how we are! "LAZY"?...maybe "EFFICIENT"?...I'D like to think so!...lol!
So how are we, on this beautiful first day of June...? Miserable, ill, but ALWAYS thankful to God! GRIN At least I have my children TO enjoy....and I have a long way to go befoe I have a day as bad as Job!
Josh and Daniel have had a fluey virus accompanied by a high temperature. Just what we needed to top off the tummy bug on holiday last week.... Even though they have been feeling quite poorly, they got some time in the garden, when they mustered up the energy! After the rain of this week, it was nice to go for walk in the sunshine this morning as well. Here are some piccies of them today.....
"My ball went out here....."
"I WILL get it back...."
"YAY...got it"
Joshua did some hunting for insects...we almost got a good picture of a Moth he caught....until Daniel chased it off..lol!
Bethany helped me with some laundry....all helping towards her ambition of "being a big lady like Mummy and doing washing and cooking and cleaning". I prefer the emphasis to be on the verbs rather than the adjective...lol!
Susanna is just her usual happy self. She has been smiling a lot now, and even chuckling at points, which is very cute! I must get someone else to take some pictures - all mine are of her in her bouncer, looking (as she is I suppose) - quite chubby! As the GP said yesterday "no such thing as overweight breast-fed babies!" So, here she is....
Robert has had the virus too, so has been struggling to do his work. We have our Service of Thanksgiving at Church tomorrow - 5 years of Robert being the Pastor here! I hope to be there, but it depends on how the children are tomorrow - we don't really want to "spread the happiness" of a flu!
Anyway, I hope to keep everyone up-to-date with how we are, so I'll try and be good and post again soon!
"In every thing give thanks" I Thess 5:18
Well, here I am - in the world of "THE BLOG". I thought it may be a useful way of sharing "life in the house of..." The Cordle Clan. Once you have my blog address, I guess there is no reason to say that you don't know how we are! "LAZY"?...maybe "EFFICIENT"?...I'D like to think so!...lol!
So how are we, on this beautiful first day of June...? Miserable, ill, but ALWAYS thankful to God! GRIN At least I have my children TO enjoy....and I have a long way to go befoe I have a day as bad as Job!
Josh and Daniel have had a fluey virus accompanied by a high temperature. Just what we needed to top off the tummy bug on holiday last week.... Even though they have been feeling quite poorly, they got some time in the garden, when they mustered up the energy! After the rain of this week, it was nice to go for walk in the sunshine this morning as well. Here are some piccies of them today.....
"My ball went out here....."
"I WILL get it back...."
"YAY...got it"
Joshua did some hunting for insects...we almost got a good picture of a Moth he caught....until Daniel chased it off..lol!
Bethany helped me with some laundry....all helping towards her ambition of "being a big lady like Mummy and doing washing and cooking and cleaning". I prefer the emphasis to be on the verbs rather than the adjective...lol!
Susanna is just her usual happy self. She has been smiling a lot now, and even chuckling at points, which is very cute! I must get someone else to take some pictures - all mine are of her in her bouncer, looking (as she is I suppose) - quite chubby! As the GP said yesterday "no such thing as overweight breast-fed babies!" So, here she is....
Robert has had the virus too, so has been struggling to do his work. We have our Service of Thanksgiving at Church tomorrow - 5 years of Robert being the Pastor here! I hope to be there, but it depends on how the children are tomorrow - we don't really want to "spread the happiness" of a flu!
Anyway, I hope to keep everyone up-to-date with how we are, so I'll try and be good and post again soon!
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