Or, maybe next year.............

Hay, Abbi's Ute and Driving........

Recently, I was able to go out with Dave

locally, and cart hay.

Now that he is no longer road train driving,

and busy delivering milk, he doesn't

get many opportunities to drive the big stuff.

So, when he was offered the chance,

we he jumped at it.

Here's a few photos of the day

Not your average size hay bale

Me following in the Manitou

Loaded and reading to tie down

Negotiating some tight bends with 3 trailers

In other news........

Abbi's ute is finally up and running

and registered!!

After many painstaking hours of

work by many hands,

Abbi is finally getting around town

in a very cute looking

Toyota Landcruiser

45 series ute

(notice the JH on the license

plate?? I'm sure it stands

for my initials, which means

I have some claim to it. But,

James and Abbi don't agree.

Go figure!)

Nice new upholstery

We took the ute out of town

to make sure the 4wd worked,

which it did,

and also gave Emilee some driving

time in our old girl.

Sadly, because it's dry season now,

there was no mud for her to play in,

but there will be next year!!

Finally, I have uploaded a short video

of these happenings for another

perspective. Enjoy:)

And just a couple of bumper stickers

I'd love to have

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY

MUM AND DAD

What is it that keeps two people married to each other for 50 years? Well, firstly,

it's God's grace, goodness and mercy.

But it's also love, respect, trust,

understanding and patience.

Marriage is not a 50/50 arrangement, but rather a 100/100, giving of oneself to the other person, sacrificially, not expecting anything in return. A non conditional love built on a strong foundation, God's Word, and a deep seated faith in God and an unswerving love and devotion to each other.

When I look at my parents and their relationship, I want to reproduce the love they have for each other in my own marriage relationship. Their example is an encouragement to me to follow.

I want to be celebrating my 50^th wedding anniversary in years to come and have my grandchildren look to Dave and I in wonder and admiration for our commitment

and faithfulness to each other.

Growing up at home, I was continually given a wonderful example to follow by my parents, on how to be married and stay married. How to love, how to be true, how to forgive, how to appeal, how to submit, how to rule, how to show compassion, how to be kind, how to admit wrong,

how to love without strings attached.

I knew they loved each other. It was evident to me every single day. I saw it in the way they looked at each other, in their actions, their words,

their service to each other.

I never had to fear that my parents would decide to not honour their marriage vows. I always knew that they would work out any difficulty, with God's help, and move on to build

a stronger and healthier relationship.

There's a whole lot more to “in sickness and in health” than meets the eye. Mum and Dad have been in the ministry for a long time, and anyone involved in ministry, especially pastoring, knows the hardships that it can bring. The struggle to keep going when everything screams quit,

give up and find the easy life.

I remember times when money was tight, when working with other people's problems meant spending less time with the family. I remember the constant stream of visitors that seemed never ending. The numerous family meals 'invaded' by someone dropping by. But despite these constant interruptions, they stuck at it, and protected their own relationship and guarded it closely, not allowing anyone or anything to come between them.

I remember the importance placed on family devotions and memorizing scripture so that we, as children, could learn to

hide God's Word in our hearts.

I remember the tears and frustrations and the seemingly wasted effort spent on people who chose to turn from God and follow their own way. The late nights the busy days, the exhausting Sundays that left them feeling drained and ready to quit.

But, God gave them strength to

“mount up with wings as eagles”.

Through it all, God sustained them and upheld them. And He continues to do so, even now,

after so many years.

God is faithful.

50 years is a long time to live with someone, but if the foundation is immoveable and the love is strong, then it is possible!

“With God, nothing is impossible”

Not even a long marriage!!

I love you Mum and Dad.

Many years ago, I heard this song

written by some siblings.

It speaks of a Godly Heritage

passed down to us by our

parents, and I'm so glad God

has given this to me.

A Godly Heritage

There are many homes in wreckage

in this world of sin,

No harmony or happiness are found there within,

We thank God for the family He has placed us in,

For the Christ-like example You have always been

A Godly heritage, you have given us,

Your lives a living picture of faithfulness,

God's blessing passed down,

To your children's children,

We sing this from our hearts,

And with our love it is given.

We've had precious times together,

Years are slipping past,

We want our lives to count for Christ

and things that will last,

As we gather together, on this special day,

Our homes to God we dedicate, this is what we pray

A Godly heritage, you have given us,

Your lives a living picture of faithfulness,

God's blessing passed down,

To your children's children,

We sing this from our hearts,

And with our love it is given.

Other recent happenings.............

The exciting news around here,

is the NEW BUS!!

Recently, we were able to purchase a 22

coaster bus from a community close by.

Yes, she's rough, the seats are torn,

it has random slogans on the outside

that have to be removed,

but it runs and it seats

mobs of kids, so, YAY!

Dave has wanted one for years

and God has supplied

just in time. This Friday we had 47 kids

at youth group, a great blessing!

The bus was overloaded and the 11 seater full

and another car full plus extras.

PRAISE GOD!!

This week, we split the youth group

into 2 groups, with James and Abbi

taking the younger ones, and Dave and I

the older ones, along with our Pastor

and his wife helping all round.

God has really blessed the youth ministry

here in Katherine and these little lives

are in need of a Saviour.

Please pray for these kids, that we can

see them come to a saving knowledge of

the Lord Jesus Christ.

In other news.............

Today, we had a girls get together

here at our house for the girls

aged 10 and over.

We had 22 girls and a heap of

fun and giggles.

We played pool, ping pong,

painted our nails, coloured our hair,

made cards, ate, laughed, burped

and had a great time!

So, now I am sitting here with

reddish, pinkish hair,

hot orange toe nails and

drinking my second coffee

to keep awake. LOL.

We have started some new

Sunday School classes here at

Savannah Way Baptist Church

and hope to see some of these kids

coming along regularly.

21 TODAY!!

That's right. Dave and I are 21 today!

Married, that is.

Yep, 21 years ago today

we were walking back down that

rose petal strewn aisle, hand in hand,

about to embark on a life of adventure,

together, not a care in the world,

not knowing what the Lord had in store

for us, but excited at the prospect

and secure in the knowledge that He would

guide us and lead us every step of the way.

And wow! what a great 21 years it has been.

We're ready for 21 more.

BRING IT ON!!

I'm sorry ladies, but 21 years ago,

every woman in the world had to

settle for 2nd best, because

I SCORED THE BEST!!!

The Lord has blessed us beyond measure,

and brought us through testings, trials,

adventure, excitement, sadness,

sickness and so much more.

But through it all, He has been there

for us, and has been that lighthouse

on the sea shore, directing our path

and lighting our way.

The Bible has so much to say about

marriage God's way. 

But, this is some of the best advice:

Proverbs 3:5,6

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him,

and he shall direct thy paths.

And no, Dad, good try,

but you were too late!

Not a chance!

I love you, Dave

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

MUM

Yes, in case you haven't heard......

Abbi and James are engaged!!

So, watch this space for any updates!!

Flying, the Big Smoke

and a Wedding

Chloe and I recently flew to Brisbane to

go to Jasmin Cavanagh's

(now Harvey's) wedding!

This was exciting for Chloe as she

hasn't been on a plane since she was

 3 years old and we visited PNG.

Leaving Darwin, we headed to the

Big Smoke, Brisbane, home of

absolute chaos! Roads that criss cross

every which way, skyscrapers, lights,

intersections, crazy drivers (okay, so there,

I fit in) and confusion everywhere you turn!

Okay, so coming from Katherine

with its 1 intersection that has traffic lights,

and arriving in Brisbane at night,

hiring a car, finding the motel etc etc.

Let's just say, it raised my stress levels

just a bit! And I now have a few more grey hairs.

But, thanks to good old Google Maps,

speaker phone and Dave's navigational skills,

we made it to where we needed to go!

It was a beautiful wedding,

and a lovely day, despite Chloe and I

ending up with a stomach bug that

I thought would end up with me

exiting rather quickly from my

vantage point up the front at the piano.

The girls looked lovely and managed to

not kill themselves in their super high heels

(how I don't know??)

All I can say is,

I AM SO GLAD I LIVE IN

KATHERINE!!!