The Year 2011 has arrived.

As we welcome the New Year, thousands of people in Queensland are affected by floods. Many have lost their homes and belongings. Our prayers are for their safety and welfare.
What else is in store for us as we open the door into 2011? My wish is to be able to see the blessing in our everyday life and be thankful for it.
May there be many blessings in amongst the challenges that 2011 will give us. Cheers.

A rainy Christmas 2010

So much rain and floods of water on the road did not stop our car(with the three beautiful grandkids) on our way to midnight service for Christmas,
So much rain and floods on the roads did not stop us joining in for Christmas breakfast at our neighbour's Rachel, James and their beautiful daughters Caitlin and Charlotte, and their grandparents and aunts and uncles,
So much rain and floods of water on the road did not stop the grandkids Nathan Michelle and Jaeden from running around madly as they light their sparkles and chase their favourite Aunty Michelle who was busy trying to keep up with them
So much rain and floods of water on the road did not stop our neighbour Jack and Aye(Thailand)and their beautiful children from coming to our door to return gifts with us as we do every Christmas
So much rain and floods on the road did not stop David play Santa and deliver cards whilst accepting handfuls of gifts including a photographic 2011 calendar from George, Bridgett, Shane and Craig next door
Thank you Lord for the spirit of Christmas
May it live on as an example of how we should all live in this world.
May 2011 a Year full of the Christmas spirit of 2010.

Families of prisoners

For whatever reason they have been committed to 'life in prison', their families feel a prolonged sense of astronomical pain that could only be compared to the pain of families who have lost a loved one..With such pain comes the enduring support and love(24/7).
Hence it is an extraordinary privilege to witness such 'extraordinary family dynamics' in action during visiting times in custodial institutions. Young mums bring babies to their young dads, garandmas and grandpas bring grandchildren to see dads, whole families of all generations, parents to see their loved one; it is absolutely special times.
When custodial institutions create a more 'family oriented' atmosphere especially for special occasions like Christmas, it makes bonding even more special.

This is what I witnessed yesterday. May God bless all the families and their loved "ones". Abig thankyou to staff who hosted the BBQ for all of us.