Memory

Memory loss can be quite restricting, and frustrating.  It depends alot on which memories are lost.  Long-term memory is only an issue if you need to remember something, and can be highlighted when others are talking about situations from your past.  Short-term memory is another thing altogether.  It is ever present, and becomes a constant reminder of your inadequacies.

Retired

I have been in retirement for four and a half Months.  Time still goes quickly, and there are always things to do around the unit.  As a house husband, the household chores are always there, and a routine has been established for most of them.

I do enjoy cooking, and I cannot remember any disasters over the four Months.  I do recall dreaming of my own Kitchen as a teenager, that included a huge brick bakers oven that was heated by a wood fire.  The Unit has a normal domestic kitchen, with gas cook top and electric oven.  The bread maker has been given a good workout, and good crusty loaves are produced regularly.

Clay Jar

2 Corinthians 4:7 (NIV)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

When I think of beautiful pieces of Lead Crystal Glass, I have an image of gleaming light reflected, and refracted, around and in a perfect glass vase. Every glimmer of light seems to draw your attention to itself displayed on a shelf, and the beauty crafted by a skilled tradesman.
When I think of a clay pot, I have an image of an everyday item which is in continual use, and even has chips around the rim. I also have an image of digging in the ground, and finding fragments of clay pots. Of these I wonder what they looked like, and what were the pots used for, and who were the people who used the original complete vessel?

I am not a fine piece of Lead Crystal Glass. I relate to a clay vessel, (even if there are chips around the rim,) and desire to be useful. Indeed a vessel, where the content is the most important aspect.

Foundation

Ephesians 2:19-20 (NIV)
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.

The living organism of the household's of God’s children, are each built on a foundation of apostles and prophets. I am most grateful to God, for the leadership of these foundational ministries and the people to whom God gave these tasks.

Long Time

With not using this Blog for a long time, getting back to the entry point to put a post in, was challenging. So, obviously, if you can read this, I was successful in posting.

Always remember, 'A merry heart, is good like medicine'

Desire

Numbers 11:29 (NIV)
But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the LORD's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"

As we approach the celebration of the giving of the Holy Spirit to all the Lord's people, we ask ourselves if we have the same heart as Moses? Even though we understand that the Holy Spirit brings more than just the one gift of the prophetic, do we desire each of the Lord's people to receive the Holy Spirit, and the accompanied gift designed for them?

Amazed

I have recently been through the area where I grew up. After 15 years of drought, and stage 4 water restrictions, with the reserviors being almost empty, the same reserviors are now at capacity. It has been a return to, as it was in my youth. Many of the paddock have a tinge of green to them, even in the summer months.

The earth seems a strange place at the moment. Queensland is still getting lots of rain after the recent flooding. The earthquake in Christchurch NZ, and the continual after shocks. Now the earthquake causing a Tsunami in Japan. Not to mention the continual warring of nations. Such a strange place!

Been Awhile

Well! It has been a while since I have displayed an entry on this site. Life has been great, and our work is very fulfilling. There are many wonderful blessings that are part of our daily life. More than anything else is the joy of being in the right place at the right time. It has now been 12 months since we arrived at Scottsdale, and are now ready for the 2011 Year.

My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall never be shaken.

Psalm 62:1-2. (NIV)