Resurrection

1 Corinthians 6:14

And God hath raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

One year ago today we stood by a grave and farewelled a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. That year appears to have gone quickly, and yet we still find ourselves half-expecting to see her in her usual place at family gatherings or hear her voice as she shares stories and enjoys the antics of the younger generation. Although we miss her and at times still shed a tear, we do not grieve without hope.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

Today, we remember that two thousand years ago Jesus Christ rose from the dead. In a few hours (that will seem longer than usual due to Daylight Saving having ended during the night and little ones being awake earlier than usual) we will go to church and sing the wondrous story that our Saviour lives.

The world may scoff and accuse us of believing in a fairy tale, but those of us who trust Jesus for the forgiveness of our sins, know it to be true.

Romans 6:34

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Crucifixion was a cruel death and the Romans knew how to carry it out with exactness. If they said he was dead, then they ought to know. It is not something in which they would be mistaken.

Mark 15:44

And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

Jesus was buried. He was laid in a tomb which was covered by a stone, sealed and guards posted. Even if somehow the Romans had been mistaken, lying in a cold tomb, alone, with no medical help, he wasn't likely to recover from the wounds sustained in order to move the stone away while inside the tomb and then overpower the guards on watch.

Matthew 27:66

So they went, and made the sepulchre sure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

He was seen by multiple witnesses, not the least, women, who were considered next to no witness at all. 

John 20:20

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone take away from the sepulchre.

His disciples, who had fled at the first sign of trouble, after his death went out into the world boldly proclaiming the Gospel, facing persecution and the threat of death.

1 Peter 1:3

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

Finally, my heart tells me it is true.

Job 19:25-27

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.

Awkward

 

Recently my editor asked for photos of me with my books showing how excited and pleased I was [am] with the finished product. She suggested a number of ideas that could work but the idea was that they did not look staged.

There were two problems. Unstaged I cannot do as I am extremely embarrassed in front of a camera. I blame my maternal grandmother for this as she would always hide her face whenever a camera came out. She passed away over thirty years ago and I have very few photos of her facing the camera. I don't understand as she was a wonderful person, always dressed beautifully and looked younger than her age.

The other problem was that the books arrived several months ago. That is, the second book in the series arrived sometime back in February or March. The first book is much older than that.

It took two different attempts (if you look closely you'll notice that the footwear and the jewellery differ - the necklace was deliberate but the other wasn't) but eventually we found some that weren't super cringe-worthy. They're bad ... but [perhaps] not that bad.

My grandmother taught me a lesson by avoiding the camera. I am trying to learn to allow myself to be photographed even when I feel that I don't look my best ... even when I think I look old in photos ... even when my weight is not where I want it to be ... because I hope that one day my grandchildren will remember me with as much love and fondness as I do my grandmother, and I don't want them only to have a collection of photos where I'm hiding my face.

However, if this is the best that they end up with, they might prefer to keep them hidden from view!

By the way, apparently my older granddaughters enjoyed my latest books but think it's weird that Nana writes romance. Awkward.

A Teaser

Life has been busy over recent months with a flying visit to Australia for my mother's eightieth birthday (which was a small affair out of consideration for my mother's health) ...

While there, we managed to do a small amount of sightseeing ... 

and despite there being little time for research or writing (which was not the purpose of the trip this time anyway), I was able to briefly revisit some of the places that feature in my books. I also had the privilege of talking to a senior assembly at a Christian school about my writing and books. I have a feeling that I inspired at least one student to trust the Lord with their dreams.

Since returning home, I've been busy with the proofs of my latest book, which I'm happy to report are now done. I'm hoping my next post I'll be able to share the news that this latest book in A Day For You series has gone to the printers.

The Hills

Last weekend DH and I spent some time helping Son#4 and his wife pack up their home in anticipation of renovations starting this past week. The plan is that they will be complete before baby arrives ... but as DIL#3 can attest, renovations and babies never go according to plan. I'm not sure why it is in our family that we participate in renovations at the most inconvenient of times and with the brightest of hopes - given the evidence around us - but we do.

Saturday afternoon was lovely for Spring in the Capital and we took some time out to go for a walk through bush that is being regenerated alongside a small creek. That such a haven can be found in the midst of a city was a surprise to me (being rather unfamiliar with cities) and as I gazed around, I was reminded of the Psalmist's words: I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:1-2).

I will lift up mine eyes. Something we all need to remember - and do - whether we are in the midst of renovations, or trial, or just life.

Ordinary Days

DH and I have spent a lovely month in Texas visiting with family. As our time was rapidly drawing to a close, Son#5 asked us what had been the highlight. Without hesitation, we said, "This," indicating the time spent with him and his family.

The joy and beauty of ordinary days. Of being able to: stack dishes in the dishwasher or fold laundry; cuddle The Most Adorable Granddaughter#9, especially while she sleeps; see and chat with our son and daughter-in-law; go for walks to the park or the swimming pool (yes, I've actually done more than just dip my toes in); worship together at church; navigate the grocery store; try out Tex-Mex cuisine; work on a small project for Son#5; and be bossed around by The Most Independent Granddaughter in the World (oops, I mean The Most Adorable Granddaughter#8).

Another highlight was meeting DIL#5's family. Since Son#5 and DIL#5 were engaged and married during COVID, and it all happened so far away, we didn't get to meet DIL#5's family at the usual engagement, wedding planning, and wedding events. We had met DIL#5's parents once - when they flew out to New Zealand (possibly in alarm) to meet the young man their daughter was dating while she was studying downunder. Their trip happened to coincide with the birth of The Most Charming Grandson#1 and we were able to be in the same town and meet them. Like us, they were also concerned about how this long distance relationship was going to work itself out ... yet, here we are, almost five years later, a thriving marriage and family.

My first meeting of the rest of DIL#5's family happened when I was sitting outside with The Most Adorable Granddaughter#9 asleep in my arms. It was a typical Texan summer day and I was feeling hot and sticky and uncomfortable, and every person I knew and who could do the honours of introductions (DH, Son#5, DIL#5, The Most Adorable Granddaughter#8, DIL#'s father and grandparents) were either off getting ready, having a nap, or inside cooking dinner when the rest of the family suddenly appeared and introduced themselves. As a socially shy and awkward adult, this was a little daunting, but they soon proved they were as lovely and gracious as I had been led to believe, and in no time at all, I was made to feel like family.

Another highlight, especially for this lover of history, was seeing something of Texas' history. Especially the Alamo. This definitely should be number one on the list of places to visit while in Texas. As the daughter of a lover of western films, I had heard of the Alamo, but that was about where my knowledge stopped. After visiting (on another typical Texan day with the temperature in the high 30s - Celsius that is), I had to come back and read and research everything I could get my hands on. Definitely would come back and visit again.

Other palces of interest included:

Capitol Building in Austin (where I also saw my first squirrel) ...

A church modelled on Mission Espanda  (surely we could be forgiven for thinking it was as old as the original even though I have since learnt it wasn't built until sometime after 1970) ...

... just to name two. As a writer, there was much inspiration, however, I doubt I will be using Texas as the setting for a story any time soon. One month is hardly long enough to gain an understanding of the people or the place. Besides, they don't drink hot tea and, like me, my characters would sadly miss it!

Cherish

This past weekend we have had the joy and privilege of catching up with some very special life-long friends. I say "life-long" because we met them shortly before we were married when they were still newlyweds. Since we have recently celebrated our fortieth wedding anniversary and they are soon to celebrate their forty-first wedding anniversary, I think lifelong is appropriate.

Before they arrived, I was incredibly stressed. 

I wanted the house to be perfect but the day before they were due it was windy and there was fresh dust on the windowsills and leaves on the veranda.

I wanted the garden to be immaculate but there were far too many weeds for my liking for that to be the case.

I wanted to look worthy of my friend but felt unattractive on so many levels.

I had to remind myself that she wasn't coming to critique my house or my garden or how well I had aged or not. She was coming to see me. And, as I quickly discovered, that was enough. That it was our friendship that was centre and everything else paled into insignificance.

We had two full days together and two days of travelling. A lot for one weekend. But we made the most of it.

Hours in the car provided ample opportunity to sit and chat and the time simply flew. Teasing each other seemed natural. Gathering with some of our family around the meal table felt like family. Deep and heartfelt discussions we were on the same page. Singing together in church during congregational singing brought back memories of singing together when we were so much younger. 

We laughed. We cried. We joked. We ate. And we connected.

I woke this morning knowing it was our last part-day with them and realising how much DH and I will miss them. But not just them but also the type of friendship we have - where we are couple friends. That is, where both DH and I are equally close to both the husband and the wife. We've never had that since we moved here and I realised this weekend how much I miss it. I'm sure I valued it when we had it, but this weekend showed me that it is something that should be treasured and nurtured. It's special.

But that's not all that I will miss. These friends are the type of friends that aren't easily found. They are the type of friends that have walked with us through pain and joy and vice versa. The type of friends where we would hold each other accountable in our marriages or Christian walk if necessary. The type of friends that feel so much like family, that it took our sons years to learn that they actually weren't related by blood or law!

That's what I'm going to miss. 

And that's what I'm going to cherish.

Ointment and perfume delight the heart, And the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9, NKJV.