Afraid?

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Isaiah 41:10 says: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Are you afraid of anything? I’m afraid of answering machines. You know, when you are all ready to speak to someone over the phone and suddenly you’re listening to a recorded voice that says something like: Please leave a short message and we’ll get back to you.

Your fear may be going to the dentist, speaking in front of an audience, or even the fear of spiders. Mmm…I have to admit I don’t like spiders. Whatever your fear is, we all have experienced times in our lives when we are afraid.

Today’s Bible verse gives us some hope when it comes to fear. It tells us to “not be afraid”. We don’t have to be afraid because we have a hope that others do not have. We know that God will strengthen us and help us in each situation that we face.

Our Father knows the future and the past and has boundless amounts of wisdom to help us in even the most difficult of times. God is on our side and He is always walking with us and through any situation that we might face we can see why He tells us to not be afraid. God won’t let us down, so we have no reason to be afraid.

Simple? No not at all but when you come face to face with your fear, remember that our Father is always with us.

 Father, we thank you that you are with us even in times we have to face our fears. Help us to remember the words of promise that You are our God and that You will strengthen us and help us. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

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Healing

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Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise. – Jeremiah 17:14

Most of us have prayed for healing at some time in our life. Some of us have prayed more often than we can count and still we are not healed.

Does he hear us? Does He care?

Yes, I believe God cares and He does hear us. I also believe that He desires good health for all His children, but if healing does not appear to come, we must understand that God has a much bigger perception of our lives.

Although God does heal, we must never presume that it’s His duty to heal. It’s not mandatory for Him to heal us, and although there were many miracle healings throughout the Bible, there were many times when God did not heal pain and suffering straight away – but He did work with it for good.

Romans 5:3-5 says: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Here God responded to Paul’s prayers for healing not by making him well but rather by working through his suffering to draw him closer to God.

I often desire God’s healing and I honestly believe He can heal me but I also know I need to continue to wait on Him and to trust Him with my life.

2 Corinthians 12: 9 tells us that His grace is sufficient for us, because His power is made perfect in our weakness.

May God give you peace in the knowledge that He will work with your suffering and pain for good.

Father, I pray that you will comfort me in my suffering and fill me with confidence that in the power of your grace, that even when I am afraid, I may put my whole trust in you; through our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee 2019

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

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The Wonder of Creation

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Freshness comes with the morning rain,

Sweet aromas stir the air,

Rock wallabies huddle under the Banksia,

Cockatoos squawk their disgust,

While sparrows splash about in puddles.

***

The Bottle-Brush droops heavy with wetness,

Streams form in the earth,

Possums scurry to find a drier sleeping place,

Goannas drink their fill,

And eagles find refuge in their lofty nests.

***

Windows transform with trickling moisture,

Dreary clouds threaten the day,

Kangaroos bound through the Aussie bush,

A snake slithers across the path—

I watch the wonder of His great creation.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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The Dragon and the Princess

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Everyone except Thomas Creighton-Smiths’ granddaughter, Ada, knew Rosie was more than just a pig. Ada’s ideal retirement for Rosie was to explore the ancient land of dragons by day and visit the kitchen for under-the-table dinner scraps in the evenings before dreaming by the fireplace.

At breakfast one dank April Friday, Grandma had suggested they have roast pig for Sunday lunch complete with the traditional three vegetables and brown gravy made from the juices of the roasting meat. It was while Grandma chatted on about where she would insert the large rotisserie rod that Ada ran from the kitchen with Rosie close at her heels. ‘It will help tenderize the old sow’, Grandma was saying without acknowledging she had heard the back-door slam.

Thomas put down his morning paper. ‘I just wanted to take the pig to the abattoir to recoup some of our losses. After all, this is a working farm’. He muttered as he left the house in search of Ada.

His eyes scanned the landscape for a sign of the two gallant explorers. In spite of himself, old Thomas didn’t envy the little girl. He had grown up in Beatrix Potter country and the fantasies she created. The stunning Lake District would have been more practical for Ada’s school holiday imagination. He shook his head. Maybe we should have stayed in Ambleside and taken up trout farming.

It was two days before St George’s national holiday and Thomas needed to take that fat old pig for a road trip but Grandma was fixed on having tough pork and bacon. He stood at the garden gate and looked around. Where are they? He squinted into the fog that settled over the bogs as he recalled his mother’s favourite story that dated back to the 6th century. What was it again? Oh yes. St George rescued a young maiden by slaying a terrifying fire-breathing dragon. He slipped his hands into his warm pockets and headed for the main road.

So she wouldn’t fall over, Ada held up her long flowing medieval princess costume as she marched down Old Kent Road. Rosie trudged slightly behind with cardboard toilet cylinders on her pointy ears and three black ribbons tied onto her limp tail.

They stopped near a red telephone box just beyond the intersection where the road-signs crisscrossed on a wooden post. ‘Oh Rosie, how could Grandma say such horrid things? I won’t let them eat you.’ Ada stomped her foot splashing slops of mud over both of them.

She lifted the old play dress above her waist to search the pockets of her faded jeans beneath. With a silver coin in her hand she stepped into the telephone box. Finding the correct number from the list beside the chunky black phone, Ada dialed and waited. Rosie grunted, shuffled and squeezed in until she jammed herself tight between Ada’s knees.

‘Hello!’ Ada shouted into the mouthpiece. ‘Please help me. They’re going to kill Rosie!’

Approaching the end of the lane where it met the road, Grandpa looked left then right. Their farm was located two miles due east of the abattoir between Dover and Holyhead. He sniffed the thick foul air. This neighbourhood is likened to the lowest-priced property on the English Monopoly board. A few moments later he decided Ada would have headed away from town so off he trudged.

Minutes later he heard an ear-piercing squeal followed by a shout from young Ada. He quickened his stride. The telephone box, a little way past the next farm on the opposite side of the road, seemed to be alive as it shook and groaned. Grandpa stopped in mid-step; his neck craned forward. There was someone, or something, in the telephone box. There were too many legs to count. He saw what looked like horns and a tail with blades. There was a lot of banging and bumping going on behind the grime and moss streaked glass.

‘Oh my, it looks like a dragon!’

Ada screamed again jolting Grandpa from his trance. Maneuvering the door open to avoid swishing his granddaughter, he grabbed Rosie by the tail and dragged her squealing from the booth.

Later, after the local Bobbies had their explanation and had a good laugh, Grandpa and Ada sat down to rest at the nearby bus-stop.

‘Did you know Ada, only forty-five to fifty percent of animals at the abattoir can be turned into edible meat products, fifteen percent is waste, and the remaining forty to forty five percent is turned into by-products like bath soap, candles and glue?’ He paused. ‘You know, glue suits her.’

‘But Grandpa…’

‘It’s OK. I’d rather like rescuing my little princess from dragons. Come on, let’s go home and break the news to Grandma.’ He winked at his granddaughter. ‘There will be no more talk of bacon and roast pork.’

© Chrissy Siggee

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, locales, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

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After the Storms

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Despite rain bombs and a windy hail storm during the past few weeks, the Hibiscus shrubs are flowering in their pots in the front garden. We haven’t been able to do much work in the garden this past week due to wet weather and the more than usual medical appointments we have had with more to come. It’s been nice to return home each day to see colour in the garden.

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Wait!

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Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him – Psalm 37:7

When an answer to prayer is not quick in coming we often find ourselves focusing on the prayer itself and on the answer we desire to that prayer. While we know it’s good to be positive, and we know God will answer in His time, we need to wait on Him, the one who meets all our needs—and He’s never late.

It’s while we wait that we need to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord, study His Word, and find instruction, comfort, and encouragement. We need to trust Him and know that He can and will do what He considers best for His children.

There’s one thing I have learned through waiting; it gives me the opportunity to give God the glory for an unwavering assurance that He has all things under control. Everything is in His hands and there is a time for everything.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 says: to everything, there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Verse 11 – He hath made everything beautiful in his time: also, he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Wait in hope, perseverance, patience, and joy because His grace is sufficient for me.

Father, help us to be patient with answers to prayer. Keep our eyes fixed on You knowing all things will come to pass in Your perfect timing. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee 2019

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

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Growing Closer to God

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James 4:8: Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. (NIV)

My desire to grow closer to my God is overwhelming. There’s a need for Him to replenish my dwindling strength to fill my heart. I acknowledge my Lord’s perfection and my own sinful weakness. Gifts and talents mean nothing if He’s not the centre of my life, and I always keep seeing the art of losing myself in His presence.

I’m conscious of God’s love and His presence refreshes my soul. His majestic glory floods my constantly craving heart and my spirit rises to new heights of joyfulness and victory. Even in the face of unanswered prayer, I am full of gratitude because His divine presence is sufficient for me.

I genuinely desire more time with Him. In His presence, and by prayer and supplication, I will make my requests known to God. He is infinite in holiness and power; I am sinful and weak. I will pray with assurance knowing the Father does all things well.

Jesus, I ask that You cause me to desire to draw near to You above everything else. Help me to see clearly when I can set aside time to spend with You and help me never to compromise that time. Amen

Chrissy Siggee

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Beautiful Jesus

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Beautiful Jesus, to you I sing,
My life and plans are yours
Let this life of mine
Be filled with gladness and joy
I sing praises and songs to you.

Wonderful Jesus, to you I pray,
My heart and my gifts are yours
Let this heart of mine
Be filled with love and kindness
I pray praises and songs to you.

Loving Father, to you I give,
My soul and my will are yours
Let this heart of mine
Be filled with images of your love
I give praises and songs to you.

© Chrissy Siggee

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
From my book: Glimpses of His Glory

under copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

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Sudden Storm

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Birds Silent
Crickets pause
– just stillness

A distant rumble
drip, drip, drip,
Leaves dance – puddles form

Refreshing, soaking
Splash, splash, splash,
Fading light – gloomy

Dark clouds melt
Soft breeze stirs
– sounds return

© Chrissy Siggee – 2018

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In Shadows of Love – by Sandra Siggee

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In shadows of love, I once found solace,

But now I stand in heartbreak’s embrace.

A tale of betrayal, my soul left shattered

As love’s sweet melody turns bitter and tattered.

***

Once, your affection was a flame so bright,

But now it flickers, consumed by the night.

In disbelief, I watch our love erode

As secrets unravel, truths are now bestowed.

***

Tears stain my cheeks, a river of pain

For love’s betrayal leaves an eternal stain.

How could you wander, my heart’s trusted guide?

Into the arms of another, casting me aside?

***

The whispers of deceit, they cut so deep,

As trust crumbles, a wound that won’t sleep.

In the wreckage of love, I search for reasons

But find only echoes of love’s faded seasons.

***

Yet, through this heartbreak, I’ll rise anew,

Reclaiming my spirit, bidding love adieu.

For I deserve a love that’s pure, untamed,

Not one tainted by deceit falsely claimed.

***

So, I’ll heal the wounds, stitch up the pain,

Learn to love myself, and rise again.

Though scars may linger, I’ll find my way,

And let heartbreak’s darkness turn to brighter days.

***

For in the depths of loss, I’ll find my might

And from this heartbreak, I’ll take flight.

No longer bound by love’s treacherous game,

I’ll soar beyond the ashes, reclaiming my flame.

***

Written by Sandra Siggee

Down on the Farm # 26

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The heavy rains have finally gone and the April sunshine has arrived. Temperatures over the past week, after the wind eased, have been in the mid to high twenties. That’s Celsius. Saturday morning was a good day for enjoying the garden after just a little tidy up here and there. The corn has doubled in height in just a few weeks and the beans are finally flowering. Spring onions and leeks usually do well during Autumn so we planted seeds back in February and they seem to be thriving.

Our salad garden is still thriving with snack capsicums, tomatoes, lettuce and beetroot (out of photo). Spinach and silver-beet continue to grow all year although slow at times. We even have late season strawberries growing.

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Promises

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Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This is one of those passages of Scripture that lingers in the air and echoes in the mind long after it’s been read. There is nothing that can separate us from the love of God. That’s one reassuring promise. There’s no one else who can make a promise like that and keep it.

Have you ever had someone make you a promise and not keep it? It hurts; especially when if someone made it you thought you could trust to fulfill that promise. Perhaps time overwhelmed them or situations changed, but it still leaves a sense of being totally rejected.

Have you told someone you would do something and didn’t follow through? We need to be careful what we promise. I remember one time when my children were little that I had to break a promise in relation to a birthday party venue. The venue had changed owners and I was unaware of changed circumstances. I was no longer comfortable taking my children on the premises with its new clientele and their disturbing behavior. I broke a promise and had to explain my reasons, but as children are, I still broke my promise. I eventually found a more suitable place that the children were delighted with but from that time I usually added the words: unless something unforeseen happens and if it’s God’s will.

Promises of love can sometimes lead to devastation. Norm and I have had many friends over the years whose marriages have ended often in ugly divorces. Their ultimate reasons were usually based on broken promises. How sad.

God’s promises to us can never be broken and when I see God’s handiwork in the stars, breathe in the ocean air, take in the endless mountain views or the beauty in the land, I think how awesome his love is for me. Knowing that nothing or no one can stop that love is precious and eternal.

Oh Lord, the God of all creation, I praise your holy name. I am thankful for your overwhelming love for me. Your promises from Scripture fill me with hope and joy. Thank you for Your truth and honour that reigns forever. Amen.

© Chrissy Siggee 2019

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

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Rest

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Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. – Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

Ah yes… it’s one of those “let go and let God” verses. It takes on a new meaning when we learn to rest and let Him work on our behalf. We need to trust God in all our circumstances and wait expectantly for the peace that follows.

I think sometimes we pray for God to help us, to lead us, and then we walk away trying to do things on our own just as we did before we went to the Father. We need to rest in knowing He is in control even if it’s not an instant answer.

I read once in a daily devotional book by Susie Larson that God doesn’t make things nice, He makes things new. How right she is. Thank you, Susie, I needed to read that.

Resting in God is the key to letting Him do what He has planned. Don’t take the burden back up and carry it around with you when you have left it with the Father.

Father, thank you that when I’m weary and burdened down with circumstances in life I can come to you in prayer and lean on you. Help me to rest in you knowing you will make all things new. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee  2019

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

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Author and Designer

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Oh, the beauty of the valley,
Swept with the new day’s mist—
Timeless splendour through rolling hills
Capture the essence of creation.

Mountains rise above the plains,
Casting shadows like a caressing hug—
Calmness enfolds the perilous terrain
Mirror the heart of their designer.

Distant thunder announces the rain,
Freshness rises to the clouds—
Soundless rhythm of the breeze
Captivate the plan of each formation.

I can almost hear the angels sing,
Hundreds praise the name of the Lord—
An endless chorus fills the air
Praise to God, the founding author.

© Chrissy Siggee

 

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Whispers of the Dawn

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Whispers of the Dawn

Gentle raindrops drizzle down,
Splashing into ponds and streams.
Morning freshness all around
Spirit, wake from earthly dreams.

Robins greet the tranquil dawn
Sun-kissed roses drip with dew
Crickets sing and daisies yawn
Light reveals this daily view.

Morning comes with restful calm
Gentle whispers of the dawn
Touch me with His healing balm,
Former days and troubles – gone.

Stillness comes from deep within,
Peace and wonder fill this hour;
Praise and glory to begin,
Lord, fill me with your power.

Breathe new life into my soul
Fill my needs with your embrace.
Every day you make me whole,
In the knowledge of your grace.

Peaceful moments with my Lord,
Calmness flows within my veins,
Nature sings in sweet accord,
While His presence still remains.

Sunrays change to pastel hues,
Breathing in your gentle peace
Stillness of the dawn infuse,
Your great power to release.

Solace comes in daily prayer
Quiet dawn, my favourite hour
Wonders of His love declare
Daily blessings to empower.

© Chrissy Siggee

 

From my book:   Glimpses of His Glory

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

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Where Did I Leave My Humour?

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Do you know where I left my humour? It must be around here somewhere. I had it yesterday. I’m sure I did. How could I have lost my humour?

It’s always been a part of me. I’ve never gone anywhere without it. I have used it every day. Humour is one of those possessions I thought I would always have. How could I have lost it?

I could have left it in the fridge like I misplaced my cup of coffee yesterday. Perhaps it’s in the laundry cupboard or in the ironing basket. Surely, I wouldn’t have left it lying around for the dog to chew. Perhaps I left it under the bed. I haven’t looked there for days. Where could my humour be?

Probably it’s gone forever, like the coins that slipped through the hole in my purse. Maybe it’s gone down the kitchen sink, just like my favourite ring. I don’t know why I’d put it down—not even for a moment. Maybe it’s in the garden. I could have left it there when I found that poor dead bird. Or, did I leave it someplace else?

Perhaps I left my humour in my journal. I’d been trying to hide my pain and cope alone. I didn’t want to burden anyone with my misery, so I poured it out to God. It might be in my Bible, somewhere in the Psalms, possibly in chapter 23—between the shadows of death and fearing no evil. But, why would I have left it there?

I checked my emails before I went to bed hoping I would find my humour there.

A stranger said I’d made them laugh with a story I had written.

Wendy said she was missing me and I had always made her day.

A cute little puppy greeted me. He was on an eCard sent by Val. It made me grin but it was the words that got to me: shoulders to lean on and hands to hold, hugs to comfort too.

Do you think my humour is closer than I think?

Wait one minute! It must be around here somewhere. Last night that movie made me laugh and I saw the funny side when hubby dropped his cookie into his cup of tea. My son gave me a picture book of elephants at the beach. It’s amazing how some silly photos encourage you to smile. How could I have missed it?

Suddenly I realized I hadn’t lost it. I had it all along. I guess it’s like a simple smile—I just had to put it on.

© Chrissy Siggee

– a long time ago.

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My Home Australia – by Amelia Siggee (aged 11)

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My Home Australia

My home is where I belong –
It is not just a house but
it is who is with you.

My home is a beautiful place –
it may be small but
there’s nowhere else I want to go.

This is my home it is where
I was born and where
I will stay.

My home Australia is where
anyone is welcome
– with love.

Amelia Siggee (aged 11) – January 2024

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Rain Bombs and a Private Mud bath

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We have had quite a bit of rain over the past few weeks including three days of rain bombs and wind. We discovered on Friday that we had a lot of water under our back verandah. Norm did some creative cutting and digging and spent a few hours playing in the mud.

With two trenches dug, the water finally started to flow out. It will probably take a week of warmer days before we can lay a couple of drainage pipes in the trenches and replace the turf.

The lawn is quite spongy still but we no longer have our own private mud bath. It’s draining away quite quickly and we have regained access to underneath. Fortunately, the only items we store under there are water containers which we had taken out earlier in the week to fill with rain water already collected in garden trugs. Note: there was no water under the house when we remove the containers.

The wind and rain came mostly from the south-west and came under the back awning. With the gaps in the deck paneling, the water went straight through. Over the weekend we also laid an outdoor vinyl matting along the back deck to lessen the amount of rain coming through.

We had already placed same from the back step to the back door and it has worked successfully. It won’t stop the rain completely but it should help in future weather storms. The trugs are overflowing again and although the rain has eased there’s no sign of sunshine. We have been repeatedly told that a drought is on it’s way… Those notifications have mysteriously disappeared from the TV news and local government notices.

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Mercy

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Mercy can be a difficult topic to tackle; yet I find it’s one of the most desirable gifts Christians seek. To show mercy is an awesome experience but to receive mercy is not always easy. Sometimes people misunderstand those who show mercy. Those who show mercy often don’t even realise that’s what they are demonstrating.

To show mercy is to show forgiveness, compassion, kindness, pity, understanding… even leniency. When explained this way, I can see how people have shown mercy toward me and how I have shown mercy to others. I also understand how we can misinterpret another’s acts of mercy. Have we become unaccepting of another’s gifts? Do we feel complacent with our circumstances or those of others?

Jesus showed mercy/ compassion and He has instructed us to show mercy. Shouldn’t we also accept mercy from those He has instructed to show mercy?

Exodus 33:19 says: “And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.”

Isaiah 30:18 says: “And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.”

Where and when was mercy shown to you in the past month?

When was the last time you showed mercy to another?

Father, help us to show mercy to others no matter the situation. Teach us to be compassionate and live our lives as you would. Also, help us to remember that when others show mercy to us so we do not reject them, because the mercy they show is the mercy you would have them give as you would have us to give. Amen

 
© Chrissy Siggee 2012

Scripture Verses used are from the King James Version of the Bible

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Rhythm of an Evening Song

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Crickets chant and shadows dance…
Moonbeams peek through distant trees,
Where birds sing in hypnotic trance
That seems to echo beyond the seas.

Clouds drift by, and stars shine…
Leaves rustle with the evening breeze,
Bringing peaceful charm to God’s design,
And tames the night owl with new ease.

Creation sleeps and nature rests…
Summer’s fragrance fills the air,
In His presence, I am blessed
To end the day with evening prayer.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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My One Desire

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Words of truth, words so pure,
Gentle words to warm my heart,
Deep desire is to seek His will.

His Spirit fills my deepest needs—
My soul can only dare to hope
My one desire is to seek His will.

Words of hope, words of peace—
A harmony of words to impart
Deep desires to learn His will.

His Spirit knows my every need,
My heart forever will be His own,
My one desire is to do His will.

Words of joy, words of love—
Honest words that won’t depart,
Deep desires to live in His will.

His Spirit will always lead me on,
My life I give to Him alone,
My one desire is to live His will.

Words of praise, words to sing—
Valued expressions of love,
Deep desires to know His will.

His Spirit shares my inner fears,
My mind is centred on Him only,
My one desire is to know His will.

© Chrissy Siggee

Under Copyright: https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/4537869

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Goodness

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For the Lord is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favour and honour; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. – Psalm 84:11 (NIV)

Do you find yourself at times focusing on how you messed up rather than the emphasis on the goodness Jesus gives? I know I do and sometimes I despair over what I don’t have and forget to look at just what He has provided.

Reading a verse like this one in Psalm 84 certainly is a wake-up call. His provision is perfect and His possibilities are endless. He is doing new things, great things, every moment of every day of our lives.

James 1:17 says: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Today, will you join me and reach out to grab every opportunity?

Look with expectancy for every good gift that comes from Him.

Father, help me to focus on you and what you have given me. Help me to look for those blessings that you shower on me every day. May I not focus on what could have been or what I don’t have. Amen

© Chrissy Siggee 2019

Scripture Verses used are from the New International Version of the Bible

Archived in: 🦋 Christian Reads

Grandparents and Granddaughters

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Filed under 🦋 Children's Corner

Sorry I have missed reading many posts made by those I follow over the past 5 days or so. We traveled to Sydney on the Wednesday before Easter to attend a grandparents day at our younger two granddaughters school on Thursday. Ella is the youngest and she and her first grade class made this card for all the grandparents which she helped hand out at the school concert with 3 other class mates. Amelia’s part in her 6th class and dance group was outstanding. The day finished with an Easter Hat Parade and an Easter raffle. Ella won one of the two large gift baskets and her dad cleaned up a number of smaller prizes. In all, it was a successful day.

Grandparents Day 2024

We stayed with the family until Saturday. The girls kept us busy and entertained. Ella and Amelia are full of fun with a good pinch of mischievousness. Craft and table games were as usual favourite activities. We laughed a lot and thoroughly enjoyed our visit.

Archived in: 🦋 Children’s Corner

Hunter Valley Visit.

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Last week Norm and I spent a few days relaxing in Hunter Valley Wine Country. We didn’t take a lot of photos because we just wanted to enjoy our time away. We did take these three photos at Ivanhoe Winery. There’s better photos here: https://ivanhoewines.com.au/ – Click on ‘About’ then ‘Gallery’ on their website. It’s a stunning place.

We also visited Pokolbin Cider House where we tasted new varieties of cider before purchasing a six pack to take home.

Archived in: 🦋 Travel + Retirement

Down on the Farm #25

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Our herbs are doing great. Some struggled through Summer’s high humidity and a few didn’t make it. Fortunately, I was able to purchase some replacement seedlings which I planted last week – third row on the right side. These are growing well. A few also grew to big for pots and were transplanted into the back ‘wild’ garden. The Autumn weather has been promising so far with less humidity and a few overnight showers.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm

Down on the Farm #24

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The humidity and high temperatures have finally eased. Autumn has begun with good planting weather. Norm re-potted the Raspberry Bush that desperately needing a larger pot. It’s a little early but we needed to save it’s life.

Norm also put some of the skills he picked up at the gardening workshop we attended a few weeks ago.

While I planted corn seedlings next to the seeds I planted a few days ago.

Our garden has been a place where we can both enjoy.

Archived in: 🦋 Down on the Farm

Time Out for Lazing Around

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Last week we had four days away in Coffs Harbour. We visited local places of interest and the Clog Barn but mostly we just lazed around the resort we stayed in.

On Wednesday we attended a workshop at Coffs Harbour Nursery. We learned a few new things about growing vegetables and herbs in pots as well as confirming ‘most’ of our knowledge was correct. Norm took notes.

Most of the time though we just lazed around. The room we stayed in was the ‘Presidential Suite’ and we were well spoiled. The suite would be easily than our whole house and land. It’s bathroom was huge and the large spa bath was used every day. The kitchen was spacious with plenty of room to cook together.

Still, Norm cooked on the BBQ on the private balcony.

Archived in: 🦋 Travel + Retirement

We Have A Wild Side

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The back corner of our yard has gone wild. Bottlebrush shrubs in large pots mostly grow here surrounded with native grasses. The red pot in this photo holds a Melaleuca. They can grow huge in Australia but this one is destined to be stunted by the size of it’s pot. Because the Bottlebrush is a short lived shrub the Melaleuca could be given a bigger pot in a year or two. 🙂

We have finally beheaded the last two giant Sunflowers. Since this photo was taken, they have been stripped of their seeds to be replanted and added to the bird feeders for the Corellas and the occasional pink Galahs that visit the garden.

Archived in: 🦋 I’m in the Garden