Bringing a good word

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news."

So true... when your heart is heavy, good news enters quietly and warms the soul.

On a wet and windy weekend

We waited for the rain to stop and then went on the most beautiful tour of the countryside on the quads. Up the hill and down the dale.



We drove through olive groves and vineyards. Becca loved the muddy pools and rocky inclines... but the best part was the fragrant moments through the eucalyptus trees, looking out over the valley.

Curing Olives

I have three olive trees. I didn't think there were enough olives on my biggest tree, so I didn't even bother picking them. Then my mother visited and inspired me with her jars... so we picked all of mine and it filled this little jar. Then the patient work of curing began.

Small beginnings but exciting. The first taste of my own olives!

Begin anew

I replanted these a little while ago, I had to cut them away and move them, and they are beginning to thrive.



I wonder... at times we also need to be cut away from what has become dominant over time, the fake stuff we depend on and for a little while its like 'Hello, what was I thinking' but then we begin to thrive. Things are clearer. The uncertain part is the change, opening your hands and letting go, before we can take up something else... better, more valuable.

Here's to new beginnings!

Sundays are for

watching the wind change.

being protected from the storm.



thankfulness.

resting.



laughing.

Passing kindness

"Let no one ever come to you without leaving
better and happier
Be the living expression of God's kindness
Kindness in your face
Kindness in your eyes
Kindness in your smile"

Mother Teresa


This world runs as a crazy pace... running to do the next thing. Sometimes we forget, sometimes I forget, a fundamental truth... the importance of the person right in front of you.

Knowing from the rising

"That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting
That there is none besides Me
I am the Lord and there is no other"

May we be reminded of this eternal truth... everything is alright
He knows, from the rising to the setting and every moment in between.
The hard and the happy are all safe with him.

"I have not spoken in secret
In the dark place of the earth
I did not say to the seed of Jacob"
'Seek Me in vain'

I tell her that He is crazy about her and that He does not speak this in secret but paints it plain, in the sky each morning, that He speaks simple truth in her special book, that he jealously longs to hear her sweet voice in His ear

"I declare things that are right"

It couldn't be simpler or clearer... like the beautiful church bell that I hear at 6am every Sunday morning, calling us to hear what is right and true

May we know and have comfort, like the sure tide, that there is none like Him and
in Him we have Hope and Rightness ~ righteousness.

Rosemary madeira cake

While in the garden this morning I was inspired by my Rosemary hedge which was in full bloom with masses of their delicate little purple flowers.



I showed my cuttings to my sister and while I was hanging too many loads of washing she baked a Madeira cake incorporating one and a half tablespoons of finely chopped rosemary leaves. The little flowers were romantically dispersed on top... lovely.



Guilty truth: I ate another slice while driving to gym this afternoon.

Sundays are for

building a city...

Bread for sharing

All the leftovers get bagged in the freezer and when it is large enough, it gets defrosted. A leisurely walk up the hill follows.




They eagerly approach. The bread is depleted within a few short minutes.

The discipline of Celebration

"Celebration comes when the common ventures of life are redeemed.

To elicit genuine celebration, obedience must work itself into the ordinary fabric of our daily lives.



God's normal means of bringing joy is by redeeming and sanctifying the ordinary junctures of human life. When the members of a family are filled with love and compassion and a spirit of service to one another, that family has reason to celebrate."

Richard Foster




Oh, do celebrate all these marvellous and messy moments called life. Be disciplined about celebrating the everyday. Obedience is not perfection. I've realised that I won't wake up one day perfect and therefore with permission to celebrate. No, I have good reason just now. Joy does a strengthening work.


"Our mouth was filled with laughter"
Psalm 126.2

Happy Mothers Day

She crept into my lap with messy hair and barely open eyes. And sat long. The best of gifts.

Passionfruit Curd

This is a truly delicious curd. I think its miles ahead of my lemon curd (my husband disagrees, I don't think he has eaten enough of this one to judge - surely!). A little sugar, butter and granadilla... I love it!

3 eggs
70g butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup strained fruit
(I leave a few of the pips in because I think it looks more authentic and I like the texture - you can leave out totally)

Place all ingredients except the eggs in the saucepan and stir continuously over a low heat until sugar has dissolved. Beat eggs and add to mixture, stirring well. Turn heat up to medium (not too hot) and continue stirring until thick. Bottle while hot.



This is excellent on a sponge cake, with yoghurt, scones, toast etc.
Enjoy!

Riding along

She rides along open spaces and dreams. She calls out and sings and pedals on.

A daily service

I try to remind Becca that her chores are her contribution of service and love to our family. I'm trusting it will help in teaching responsibility and building character.

Plus, her green beans always look the neatest!!

Weekends are for

getting under a blanket by the fire, reading...



I've had the final novel 'Light from heaven' in the series on my bookshelf for months, wanting to put off the beginning of the end. This weekend I began. By page nine my heart had expanded a several times and my eyes had welled up three times.

In Father Tim form, 'Ahhh'.