Precious Memories

We've just returned from a bittersweet week, helping my parents sort through the leftover possessions of my grandmother's life. There were many moments of nostalgia, from finding the small ornaments we used to play with as children, to the photographs and slides of my grandparents' holiday trips. There were the odd bits of slightly valuable bric a brac, like a small murano glass bowl, Lladro figurines, and antique Wedgewood. There was family history: copies of an old manuscript my great grandfather had been working on (he published what were commonly known as "penny dreadfuls" at one stage), my great grandmother's piano certificates, my grandfather's university medical attainment certificates, my grandmother's journals and old Women Writers newsletters. 

The most prized find for me, however, was a letter. Typed and sent in the late 50s, it was a letter beginning "We'd like to congratulate you on your decision to follow Jesus at the recent Billy Graham convention." 

Far more precious than any earthly possessions.

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Friday Funnies - Something for the NSW budget...

From the makers of ICanHasCheezburger. Considering the current budgetary difficulties in NSW, I thought this was appropriate...

Apparently, I'm a bloke...

Well, my writing style at least.

Thanks to Megan, who put me onto the Gender Analyzer site, which supposedly works out the gender of an author based on their blog posts. Typing in the site address of this blog led to a result that there is a 67% likelihood that I am male. 

My husband will (not) be pleased... 

I'm not ignoring you...

...it's just that life has become rather frenetic in the past few weeks. Here's a brief rundown of what's been happening:

1. Our Boss retired

The senior minister was farewelled yesterday by our church, a rather sad occasion. He has been a wonderful mentor, a faithful servant, and a strong voice for the gospel, even when it wasn't the popular thing to do. I've been feeling rather flat all day, wondering where our next step will be, and who will be appointed to replace him. He's left rather large shoes to fill (and we miss he and his wife a lot already!).

2. Leaders are moving on

It's that time of the year again, and as children move into new stages of their lives, so do parents and volunteers. We're looking at our leadership options for the next year, and building up our teams so that they can enthusiastically kick on next year. There are possibilities and challenges aplenty!

3. Personal situations are arising

Not ours so much. Busy busy times...

4. The kids need care

With Mum and Dad running around a lot lately, there's been the potential for less "kid time". So blogging and Facebook time has gone by the wayside to make sure the kids are looked after and given the love and nurturing they need. They've been patient with us at times - a 2 for 1 deal can sometimes create scheduling issues. I'm using the half-hour playschool break to write this... ;)

5. We're packing

In a little while we'll be going to help my parents move my grandmother's furniture. Since she passed away in May, this will be a rather sad time for Dad (not to mention difficult with a bad back). We're going to help provide some grunt work, and perhaps a box of tissues or two.

I'm very grateful for the Lord's sustaining at the moment. These past few weeks have shown me again and again God's gracious willingness to answer prayers and keep us focused on Jesus.  I'm kind of freaking out that it's only 6 weeks to Christmas, but then that's just another opportunity for prayer, isn't it? :)

That's a Doozy...

I've been reading the gems in Proverbs lately, and there have been a couple of corkers that I've rediscovered...

Discipline your son, for in that there is hope,

do not be a willing party to his death. (19:18)

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout

is a beautiful woman who shows no discretion (11:22)

As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes,

so is a sluggard to those who send him. (10:26)

Have you any favourite proverbs?

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Friday Funnies - It's reformation day!

Well, October the 31st is. We don't really celebrate it here in Australia, but it's a day for remembering Martin Luther and his 95 theses. Here's a little Reformation Polka to keep you amused...

There's another one over at Justin Taylor's blog.