A NEW DAY......

Sometimes when you are in the midst of a battle in your life, you seem to be in a thick fog or haze. The world seems to keep on going despite your pain ,and you want to yell ...STOP...EVERYONE STOP...STOP THIS RIDE, I WANT TO GET OFF!

I have learnt that it is in these times it is helpful to imagine you are on a rollercoaster.....

You start to feel the incline and you are on the way to the top , your stomach is starting to become knotted at this stage and you know when you get to the top it is going to be horrific. You have no way of turning back....You settle deep into your seat and hold on tight, gritting your teeth and asking for divine intervention. Suddenly, with an almighty jolt , you are hurdling toward earth, turning left and right, at times at virtual right angles,your stomach and brain change places as you go into a gravity defying roll...and then ......there is always a part of the track that would have you believe that you have made it....it is finally finished.........but oh , no.....here it comes again...... as the g forces take your face places its never been before and then..... it starts all over again...the culmination of this trip is ....WHIPLASH.... the gift you are left with at the end of the ride...but WHO CARES? .YOU HAVE MADE IT THROUGH !!!(and yes your body is still in tact.)...You stumble down the stairs a little wiser, definetly older but triumphant that you have conquered yet another fear and that you have made it through to safe ground!

So if you are going through a tough time ,hold on tight and if possible save a seat in your carriage for Jesus..dig in deep , keep breathing and know that he is riding this crazy ride of life with you. Keep breathing and you will come through older, wiser and with a new appreciation of what is really important in this life( with a little insight into the next life too.)

Pray for me and I will pray for you as we journey through this thing called life remembering always...that through the pain we can have relief...through the sadness we can have joy...and for the in between times ?...there can always be singing and dancing!!!

Have a great day..I know I will choose to have a great one.....God bless, Jewell
(written August 2007)

If you suicide ,can you still go to heaven????

The answer is a definite yes.... but, God will still judge the heart of the person.

How do I know ?

My uncle took his life and my mum and I found him in the car,still running. My initial thought was oh no, he is lost. I was only a new christian at the time and I realised I had not told him about the gospel because I didnt want him to think I was a fruit cake(foolish). He was a famous local footballer and very cool. He was also older then me and my uncle.

Anyway I felt I had let him down and as a result he had gone to hell

BUT MY GOD SHOWED ME OTHERWISE........

A few days after his death we were cleaning out his cupboard and I came across a newspaper clipping that had in large writing on the front page.....

I THINK GODS A PRETTY GOOD BLOKE ( guy)

It was an interview with my uncle and a big picture of him on the front with his head bandaged

It talked about an injury my uncle had , suffering a fractured skull in his footy match.

My uncle told the interviewer how he called out to God to give him back his sight,

as he was due to be married in 5 weeks time.(He had instantly gone blind from the injury)

He told the reporter that he thought God was a pretty good bloke as he had answered his prayer.... and here his testimony was full page on the first page of our local paper.

Later that day , after finding that newspaper clipping ..God made it really clear to me...that if my uncle had called out to the LOrd when he was losing his sight.. how much more would he have called out to God when, this time ,he was preparing to take his life.

It was verified in a scripture the Lord gave me and this verse is now engraved on a plaque on his grave.....Psalm 116:2-7

He listens to me every time I call to him.

The danger of death was all around me, the horrors of the grave closed in on me:

I was filled with fear and anxiety

Then I called out to the Lord,

"I beg you ,Save me Lord!"

The Lord is merciful and good: our God is compassionate.

The Lord protects the helpless:when I was in danger, he saved me.

Be confident my heart,because the Lord has been good to me.

I know my uncle is in heaven now praising with the angels... I know because he called on the name on the Lord .......Our God Truly Is An Awesome God!!!!

Don't ever judge suicide.. because God always looks at the heart . He extended his grace, love and mercy to my uncle, John, as he does to every single one of us.

MY GOD IS GOOD.... ALL THE TIME.......ALL THE TIME .. MY GOD IS GOOD!!!!



I LOVED READING THIS BOOK BY PHILIP YANCEY"WHATS SO AMAZING ABOUT GRACE"
ITS AVAILABLE THROUGH AMAZON THROUGH THIS LINK.....

UNTO THE LAMB WHO SITS ON THE THRONE

As I sit here in the early hours of the morning with the song Lord of Lords (Hillsong) playing in my ears, I dwell on how holy is our Lord. How precious is our Lord. To think that he drew me with his everlasting love , even as he calls you now to come closer to him. His love is all consuming. He promises to be a Husband to the widow and a Father to the fatherless.. He has been that to me. He is that to me. My husband and I separated a couple of years ago and are remaining reconciled as an offering to the Lord. During this time My Lord holds me close and fills me with his love. I have never known such a pure love. He continually showers me with his love and it makes my eyes weep just at the thought of him.

I have been in this place before. When my former husband left our family home. Myself,several weeks pregnant with my youngest...my eldest 5yrs, next one 3 yrs and youngest son 15mnths.All those years ago the Lord truly became my childrens Father and my husband. I had never known such a fulfilling love until that time. Even now I ache to be in his presence like that again. I understand the scripture "to live is Christ, and to die is gain".Oh, Lord help me to walk every day in your presence. Keep me close to your side..I want to feel your breath on my cheek.

I know I have a work here on this earth, to bring my children up in the ways of the Lord and to teach them how to fight the enemy. We all have a task set before us....but oh, at the end of this race.... what a beautiful prize we will have.

To look into his face and to see him smile at me as he holds me tight ...that is all the reward I will need.

I pray for you, and I ask that you pray for me...so that we can remain strong and all finish the race that has been set before us.

One day we will join together with the saints and all worship him saying Holy Lord, you are holy. Jesus Christ is the Lord.......Holy Holy Holy...Unto the Lamb who sits on the throne, be glory and honour and praise.Amen

God bless you all and nigh nigh sweet dreams, Jewell x

(written 09 Jul 2007)

Rise up with with wings of eagles and be restored..

Especially for Elspeth:

I went to our ladies monthly meeting this morning and listened to a beautiful woman by the name of Sonia Richardson. She taught me so much ..that I will share in bulletins over the coming weeks .

One amazing thing she shared was about eagles.
Now we all know the scripture that tells us ;

"But those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint."

Well did you know that the eagle is the only creature that has been created with the ability to renew its own life force.

The most dangerous threat to the life of an eagle is the tumors that grow either side of the beak and between the talons. These tumors develop at the age of around forty or fifty years and when on the beak, the sight is drastically impaired and the poor bird will kill itself flying into cliffs and trees. Likewise the talons, the tumrs prevent the bird from picking up its prey.
The majority of male eagles choose a younger mate and, with a life span of approximately sixty years, they will do anything to prolong their life of sharing.
And so God , in all his wisdom instilled in them a miraculous ritual that gives the ability to add up to twenty years to their life.
When the tumors become a threat, the eagle will fly up into the atmosphere and towards the sun, always choosing an area above water mass. He will fly so high that the pressure is powerful enough to rupture the tumors and as he plummets back to earth at up to 200mph,he slows to 100mph just before he hits the water below. Some birds simply explode with the air pressur, others are killed on impact with the water surface, but the majority, while stunned, survive and allow the current to wash them to shore. There , they spend up to ten days recovering and during this period they pluck out their plumage.
The air pressure ruptures their tumors, the water washes and cleanses all of the damaged tissue and by plucking their feathers out, it allows new growth to bring in all the new and strong plummage. They then return to their waiting mate and can live for as much as twenty years longer. ...excerpt from the book "For my Tommorrows" by Sonia Richardson

Isnt that an amazing fact....any wonder that God gave us that verse in scripture. When we push through our circumstances, through the things that bring us down , and press into God. ...When we push aside everything that holds us back and press into God...it is then that we are given renewed strength and the energy to keep going. It takes a lot of hard work to push aside and throw behind us the weight and cares of this world and yet when we do , we get to touch the very atmosphere in which God lives, and are renewed by his spirit and restored by his strength.

My prayer is that Sonia will continue to soar on wings of eagles , though the sickness in her body would try to take her out ....that she would be restored to do the work that God has called her to do.
I also pray that we all will run to God with our concerns , our worries, our burdens and our sicknesses. Gods promise is that He will renew our strength and that we too will soar like eagles . Amen

God bless you all and have a great day. Next time you see an Eagle watch him soar!!! Jewell x

EAGLES WINGS ~ HILLSONG


written Saturday, September 15, 2007

TO GET EAGLES WINGS YOU CAN GET "BY YOUR SIDE"~HILLSONGS ALBUM THROUGH THIS LINK...

Mums, you were created for such a time as this..

Hi everyone,
Well this morning I left home at 4 am to drive to Sydney International airport to pick up my Mum.

She has been in Saudi Arabia for almost 2 years and I have missed her terribly ,as have the children.

She is my best friend, she understands me ,loves me unconditionally and I adore her.

It is almost as if at times we are one...we have a similar sense of humour , and always finish each others sentences.

Sometimes I know exactly what she is about to say...we know the songs we are both referring to,share memories and sayings that no one else can understand..and laugh at each other when everyone is standing there unaware of what is going on.

I thank My God for my Mum everyday. She has been through some mighty battles...some of which I was with her through...and she still gives generously, hopes,loves and believes all things.

When I hear people complaining about troubles in their lives and they do not stand strong...it troubles me. I realised the other day that I have always taken strength to face certain obstacles for granted.

Strength was always something role modelled to me by Mum. Not deliberately ,but by seeing it in action. Mum would always be overcoming in all areas of her life. She was molested at a young age, a battered wife by an alcoholic husband who flew into rages at any given moment, and a single Mum who did her best to raise 3 young girls whilst sometimes working 2 jobs.

I always knew she loved me and she would bless me with big and little blessings from time to time . Simple things like putting a fresh vase of Jasmine in spring on my dressing table. The smell would permeate my room making me feel pretty and feminine. Even today, Jasmine still takes me back to a safe place where my room was pretty and I felt beautiful.

Memories are the best things we can leave our children. My childhood memories are mixed with some horrid times...my sisters , my Mum and I hiding in a cupboard awaiting my Fathers return home from work...we would gage his footsteps and murmors when he came in. Most of the time we would escape through a bedroom window as Dad found our hiding spots , only to have him chase us and drag Mum home by her hair and he would beat her mercilessly.There were also times when I would witness my mother being kicked and beaten until she lay there unable to move ,bruised and bleeding body, whilst my Father yelled abuse over her. I would always run to her aid and she would tell me that "things would be better tommorrow".

Some tommorrows were better but the majority were not and finally Mum found the courage inside herself to leave my Father for good.

She taught me how to love despite your pain...and to always put on a brave face as there was always someone worse off then ourselves.

Statistics were against us.....but Mums love pulled us through. I didnt know it at the time but I also believe that Gods hand was upon us all and despite the pain he kept us all from dying.

My Father is now an old man...and is very repentant for what he did. He has led a self inflicted life of pain and suffering, believing that he did not deserve anything else for what he put his family through.He has been isolated from us for many years. I keep in contact with him through phone calls and he has been to my house twice in 10 years. I have forgiven my Father, but he cannot forgive himself. He continually asks God to forgive him , but feels very unworthy of accepting forgiveness.He lives a very lonely life and he would have it no other way.

My Mother , however is surrounded by her family who love her. She is adored and cherished and knows how much she is loved. Her battles in earlier life have been replaced with a peace and love and joy that passes all understanding. She knows that she is loved unconditionally and she also knows that she has left a huge legacy for her children and Grandchildren.

To all of you Mums out there, never underestimate the power of your love for your child. Despite troubles and hardship, mistakes and pain..if your children know that they are loved you have done the job that God has called you to do.They will grow up strong and courages ....

If you are blessed enough to have found faith in Jesus, and you can share your faith with your children as well.....Well you have just had a major role in raising a child warrior. A child who through your and Christs love Can Truly Do All THings Through Christ Who Will Strengthen Them!...Strong and Courages in Life....Always knowing that they have been created for such a time as this. They will know their place in this world and it will be hand in hand with our Lord Jesus as they battle everything that Satan and this world will bring against them. They will be more then Conquerors! More then Warriors...For They have Been Created For A Purpose....For such a Time As This!

So Mums if you do anything today , dont forget the most important thing you can do in your childs life.....Tell them You love them , Model to them a Victors life...and equip them with the knowledge of who they are in Christ....Time is short and there is so many people perishing everyday who do not know the saving love of Our Saviour.

This is our purpose on earth........that all will come to know the love of God.....I will pray for you...and you pray for me ....us Mums,we have been called to do a mighty job...not only for this generation, but for those yet to come!

We were born for such a time as this!

Take courage and stand firm in love...and remember...

The Creator of The Universe Is On YOur Side!

God bless, Jewell xxx

written Friday, September 28, 2007

God is totally head over heals in love with you!!

I just received the news that Rex Humbard Died .Have any of you heard of him?

Well I know who he is........I was about 7yrs old when I first watched him. His show was called "The Rex Humbard Show" and it came on the tv about 6.00am every Saturday morning just before "the super flying fun show'...any aussies over the age of 40 years may remember that show.(Trivia...Did you know that Rex Humbard did Elvis presleys funeral service.?....Elvis requested it that way)

My mum used to clean holiday units back then and she would take us children along with her. I would sit in front of the tele and watch the Rex Humbard show and feel God as I watched in awe.I was not from a christian family, and yet I loved the show and "Rex Humbard" stayed in my heart for many years.....or should I say in my spirit for many years.

Looking back , I can see how The Lord used his show to speak his words and his love straight to my heart. I was an innocent bystander unaware that there were seeds being sown so deep , that would bypass my brain and grow deep in my heart and spirit. I gave my life to The Lord at 21 years old.As we look back over our lives we can see the people who God had brought to us...with us being completely naive and unaware of what was happening.

I remember Sister Monica when I was around the similar age. She was a very old nun about 80years old and every little lunch she would walk through the playground on her way to church. I would love it when I got to hold her hand and when there wasn't many other children following her. We would go into church together, ever so quietly and with the greatest reverance.

We would stop just inside of the side door entrance of Saint Francis Xavier's Church in Wollongong.On entering we would stop at a life size statue of Jesus hanging on the cross.Sister Monica would bow down at his feet and then bring her lips to her hand(kissing) as she touched his wounds...

First on his feet and then each hand , next,his brow that was covered with the crown of thorns with big droplets of blood running down his forehead..and then she would kiss the wound in his side......I would look into her wrinkled face as big tears ran down her cheeks. The love that Sister Monica felt for her Lord was beautiful, and as a child , I would think to myself that I wanted to love Jesus the way Sister Monica loved Jesus......More seeds sewn from my God........

Through out my life there were countless other times that God would speak into my life through people or circumstances.....

and then at the age of 21 years old , my Nanna passed away............
Immediately I needed to know for sure about this place called Heaven.
One night I dreamed that I was walking in a botanical garden with one of my mums friends.......along the path we stopped at various statues of Jesus(Catholics know them as the stations of the cross). We stopped at a statue of Jesus carrying the cross. His hands outstretched towards me. I lent on his hand as I continued chatting and then something amazing happened...... The statues hand went from a cold cement feel to a warm , sweaty palm feel.......I turned around and looked into his grey cement eyes and instantly they turned a brilliant blue and he said "FOLLOW ME".........

I awoke in tears and still feeling his wet clammy hand upon mine I woke up my husband and told him too. He thought I was just dreaming and told me to go back to sleep as Anyerin(our baby) would be awake soon.

My life changed from that day forth....I searched and searched for God in Various churches .....and finally I walked into The Lighthouse Christian Centre in Wollongong .

A pastor by the name of Ezekial Choong was visiting and it was that Day that I gave my heart to Jesus. He asked us did we know for sure that if we died today that we would be sure to go to heaven...I questioned myself........I was hopeful..but how could I really be sure?..

I wasn't sure even Nanna was there. He told me that the bible says that if I receive Jesus into my heart and do my best to follow him all the days of my life ,that I would have that assurance........something inside me compelled me to go forward and pray that pray with him.

As I did that, something happened....I couldn't stop crying...I was a mess......the tears would not stop,and I did not know why. A lady next to me told me that God was washing my heart and healing me from the inside out......I didn't know much about that ...but I continued to sob the biggest tears ever.......

I now know that he was healing me from the inside out and continues to do the same everyday.

I think its amazing how God does not waste a thing.
Out of one ladies death( my beautiful Nanna) so much life has come. I now know Jesus and have received eternal life with him, my seven children, my mother, my great Aunty, my 2 nieces,and just recently my older sister. As well as the lives that my children have touched through their music ministry and friends.....some we may never hear about until we leave this world.

My God is an Awesome God and he will use everything to bring us closer to him ..Why??? because he desires us to fall in love with him...the way he has fallen in love with us.

I have never felt so truly loved in the way that he loves me ,as I just sit at his feet and talk to him about my day and my dreams and hopes. Telling him how much I love him and thanking him for all that he has done in my life.

Look back over your life today and recall to your mind when you could see God calling you closer to him.....it may have just been a simple song or a rainbow or a gentle breeze, but I am sure you have felt him...He loves you with an everlasting love and he will continue to woo you through his love for you ,until you fall in love with him and give him your whole heart.

Have a beautiful Sunday......Oh, just by chance its his day.....spend some time with him alone......He would love it......and you may just enjoy it too...I bet you will !

God bless Jewell xxxxx

( written Sunday, September 30, 2007 )

Its really possible to break free from our pain..

I have just been watching a myspace video of the Dixie Chicks singing Patty Griffins infamous song"Top of the World".

As I watched the song I couldnt help thinking of my own father and the huge responsibility men have in their hands.

If you have read any of my previous blogs you may have realised my less then perfect childhood.

My Father was definetly not the Father, God had called him to be.He made many mistakes and messed up many lives.

Tonight I look at him in yet another light.

I look on him as a young boy and I wonder what that young boy was like. What damage was caused to him at an early age?

There is surely some deep dark horror that must have showed itself to him when he was a young man. I doubt that Dad has ever truly loved himself and to this day probably has never even questioned his childhood pain.

When I was young he was the strong one ,in total control, he ruled with a violent temper and yet this same man in a torrential downpour one night, ran out to save some sparrows on our front lawn whom were being pelted by the driving rain. He got a box with blankets inside and placed them in the laundry until morning. When ,once dry , he released them back into freedom. Who was this man?

Its so strange ...my Dad is in his seventys and I do not know him...I do not know his past hurts and pains ...and I really do not know HIM.

To any men out there who may read this......Get to know your children, share with them your childhood, your good times and bad, let them get under your skin and let them get to know the real you...

We are all really just brothers and sisters, on this journey we call Life. Imagine if we dropped our pretense , our preconceived ideas, our expectations, our fears and just spoke to each other about our lives.

I am over with superficial talk, I am beginning to hate it...so much time is wasted as we go along with our polite hellos and how are you comments.

Most of us are in pain and we need each others help...we need to share each others burdens and not just merely whitewash them.

It is time to rise up.....we have all been through pain, this life promises us nothing less. It is time for us to find what it is in our own lives that we need to heal........and find an ointment for our ailment.

There is a time that this ointment may have to be applied by a trusted friend or family member....but there also comes a time when the healing must come, when you must take over the application of the ointment.

As you apply it , then comes the healing.

For me , there has been only one tried and tested healing ointment and that is the time spent with my Heavenly Father on my own in quiet times...when everyone else is sleeping and we are all alone.

It is then that he touches me deep with his healing balm, in places I could never go myself.

We all need help from others, in the beginning of our pain, when our wounds are raw and bleeding...but then we need to lift the burden from ourselves and from others and give it to Jesus.

As we give him all our hurts and pains , our broken dreams and scarred bodies , he promises us restoration....full healing........" For By His Stripes We Are Healed! ".

Lord may we forgive each other for the pain we inflict on each other through our unhealed hurts....

help us to come to you for complete healing.........

heal us from the pain of our childhood and in our lives as adults.

Give us the strength to STAND.

When all hell breaks loose around us ....help us to just STAND and know that you are The God who Heals us.

May we come to you, for you tell us in your word that you are the beginning and the end, the Alpha and the Omega.....and that you who have started a good work in us, and you will be faithful to complete it.

Help us to be faithful to that call and to give you all our burdens.....For you tell us ....to cast our burdens , onto Jesus , for he cares for us

May we never take you for granted Lord, give us strength to bring it all to you and to just Stand despite our pain and that as we stand in your presence that healing will come. Amen

Written Thursday, October 11, 2007

To everything there is a season....

I have been feeling lately that there truly is a time , a season for everything.

I have just returned from a family holiday and it was wonderful. I had actually spent a lot of my childhood in Qld and I had the opportunity to see a lot of familiar places while I was up there.

I drove passed by my childhood home,in fact, I parked out the front and recalled memories of long ago. It seemed like a lifetime ago that I played in that front yard. As I look over the 41 years of my life, I sit here and I thank My Lord for every little bit. I have learnt so much about Gods grace ,his mercy ,but most of all his love in all of it.

I am thankful for my childhood and the struggles that I have had ,even for the nights of terror and especially for the hope that each new day would bring.

My God has used everything , he has been with me on this journey, and he has not wasted even one of my tears.

I consider myself a strong woman, but my strength has come from knowing my God..Every hurt ,every pain has been my passage to a higher place.

I know that I have been called to a great work.....,John15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name."

Wow! Right now I am in the midst of my season of raising up the next generation .....this is the time I need to still my mind and be all that God has called me to be, in order to complete the task he has set before me. What a priviledge to bring Christ to my children. I heard it once said that a faith in Jesus Christ cannot be taught but in fact it can only be caught . Help me Father to not only to talk the talk but to be able to walk the walk. It is in the walking , in our journey , as we deny ourselves and take up your cross that you are seen in us.

I know that I may be the only Jesus some people may meet...help me to bring honour and glory to your name.

You say because I have been chosen , I can ask for anything in your name and it will be given.

Thank you Father that you have shown me over the years that you are so faithful .

Thank you for the prayers that seemed to go unanswered , only to find out later that you had an even greater plan for me.

I know that my faith my hope and my testimony of what you have done and continue to do in my life can literally blow up any mountain that would try to stand in the path that you have set before me.

I am part of an army, an invincible army whose General conquered the grave, hell and everything that stood in his way.

I am a Woman Pioneer....I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me........ ploughing new ground and taking it for my King.

I am a Warrior Woman, who brings down the enemy with a fiery passion ....

I will never be defeated!!!

If you are going through struggles and trials at the moment .......Take a deep breath and know that Our God is with you........Rise up , get angry at the enemy.. but remember who you are and for what reason you were created.

Remember one thing....You are on a journey ....and as for the struggle ...look through it to the reward that is waiting at the other end...Listen to Gods quiet voice in the midst of it and allow Him to be your source of Joy, Hope and Love....knowing that he who began a good work in you , will be faithful to complete it.......your job is to just hold onto him until you reach the other side.

Know that there is a host of warriors that have gone before you cheering you on from above.

One day you will be able to lay down that sword and exchange it for a crown.

What a day that will be!!!!

To everything there is a season,
a time for every purpose under the sun.
A time to be born and a time to die;
a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
a time to kill and a time to heal ...
a time to weep and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn and a time to dance ...
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to lose and a time to seek;
a time to rend and a time to sew;
a time to keep silent and a time to speak;
a time to love and a time to hate;
a time for war and a time for peace
<3 <3 <3
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

Written Tuesday, November 06, 2007

REMEMBER WHEN !

As I look back on my life, I am so thankful that there were times when I was truly loved and was loved. Twice I have loved in my life...that all encompassing love when you want to breath the very breathe the other person is breathing.Some people have never even tasted of it once....For all of you who are still in love ,and if your heart still skips a beat when you look into each others eyes...you have something to be doubly thankful for.........Never take it for granted....

I cried when I watched this video...for all that I have lost....but also for the times that I had gained by experiencing this kind of love......Hope you enjoy it, Jewell X (written Wednesday, November 07, 2007 )

MEMORIES ARE THE GREATEST THINGS WE CAN LEAVE OUR CHILDREN

Hi everyone, Well this morning I left home at 4 am to drive to Sydney International airport to pick up my Mum.

She has been in Saudi Arabia for almost 2 years and I have missed her terribly ,as have the children.

She is my best friend, she understands me ,loves me unconditionally and I adore her.

It is almost as if at times we are one...we have a similar sense of humour , and always finish each others sentences.

Sometimes I know exactly what she is about to say...we know the songs we are both referring to,share memories and sayings that no one else can understand..and laugh at each other when everyone is standing there unaware of what is going on.

I thank My God for my Mum everyday. She has been through some mighty battles...some of which I was with her through...and she still gives generously, hopes,loves and believes all things.

When I hear people complaining about troubles in their lives and they do not stand strong...it troubles me. I realised the other day that I have always taken strength to face certain obstacles for granted.

Strength was always something role modelled to me by Mum. Not deliberately ,but by seeing it in action. Mum would always be overcoming in all areas of her life. She was molested at a young age, a battered wife by an alcoholic husband who flew into rages at any given moment, and a single Mum who did her best to raise 3 young girls whilst sometimes working 2 jobs.

I always knew she loved me and she would bless me with big and little blessings from time to time . Simple things like putting a fresh vase of Jasmine in spring on my dressing table. The smell would permeate my room making me feel pretty and feminine. Even today, Jasmine still takes me back to a safe place where my room was pretty and I felt beautiful.

Memories are the best things we can leave our children. My childhood memories are mixed with some horrid times...my sisters , my Mum and I hiding in a cupboard awaiting my Fathers return home from work...we would gage his footsteps and murmors when he came in. Most of the time we would escape through a bedroom window as Dad found our hiding spots , only to have him chase us and drag Mum home by her hair and he would beat her mercilessly.There were also times when I would witness my mother being kicked and beaten until she lay there unable to move ,bruised and bleeding body, whilst my Father yelled abuse over her. I would always run to her aid and she would tell me that "things would be better tommorrow".

Some tommorrows were better but the majority were not and finally Mum found the courage inside herself to leave my Father for good.

She taught me how to love despite your pain...and to always put on a brave face as there was always someone worse off then ourselves.

Statistics were against us.....but Mums love pulled us through. I didnt know it at the time but I also believe that Gods hand was upon us all and despite the pain he kept us all from dying.

My Father is now an old man...and is very repentant for what he did. He has led a self inflicted life of pain and suffering, believing that he did not deserve anything else for what he put his family through.He has been isolated from us for many years. I keep in contact with him through phone calls and he has been to my house twice in 10 years. I have forgiven my Father, but he cannot forgive himself. He continually asks God to forgive him , but feels very unworthy of accepting forgiveness.He lives a very lonely life and he would have it no other way.

My Mother , however is surrounded by her family who love her. She is adored and cherished and knows how much she is loved. Her battles in earlier life have been replaced with a peace and love and joy that passes all understanding. She knows that she is loved unconditionally and she also knows that she has left a huge legacy for her children and Grandchildren.

To all of you Mums out there, never underestimate the power of your love for your child. Despite troubles and hardship, mistakes and pain..if your children know that they are loved you have done the job that God has called you to do.They will grow up strong and courages ....

If you are blessed enough to have found faith in Jesus, and you can share your faith with your children as well.....Welll you have just had a major role in raising a child warrior. A child who through your and Christs love Can Truly Do All THings Through Christ Who Will Strengthen Them!...Strong and Courages in Life....Always knowing that they have been created for such a time as this. They will know their place in this world and it will be hand in hand with our Lord Jesus as they battle everything that Satan and this world will bring against them. They will be more then Conquerors! More then Warriors...For They have Been Created For A Purpose....For such a Time As This!

So Mums if you do anything today , dont forget the most important thing you can do in your childs life.....Tell them You love them , Model to them a Victors life...and equip them with the knowledge of who they are in Christ....Time is short and there is so many people perishing everyday who do not know the saving love of Our Saviour.

This is our purpose on earth........that all will come to know the love of God.....I will pray for you...and you pray for me ....us Mums,we have been called to do a mighty job...not only for this generation, but for those yet to come!

We were born for such a time as this!

Take courage and stand firm in love...and remember...

The Creator of The Universe Is On Your Side!

God bless, Jewell xxx


MY MUM :)

MY RHYS......

My Sons Birthday today!! 9/01/89

Well 19 years ago this very day my second eldest Son,Rhys, was born into the world.

He was in such a hurry that he was born quite unexpectedly on the lounge room floor. It was 4.40am ..and 1/2hour before everything was still. Not a sign of what lay ahead.

I had no idea that it would happen so fast. My eldest son came out of his bedroom within minutes of me giving birth to Rhys. He could not believe his eyes.

Strangely enough ,I was up very early on the computer this morning and I looked up and here comes Rhys out of his room to say Good morning as he made his way to the shower to get ready for work. I looked at the computers clock and without a word of a lie it was exactly 4.40am. Exactly the same time he was born 19 years before!!. I do not think in the past 19 years we have ever both been awake and in the same room at 4.40am until today.

As I think back on his life, i consider myself so very blessed and priviledged to be able to call myself his Mum.Last year he could have been killed in a car accident after he fell asleep at the wheel. God has great plans for this young man . He has such a heart of purity and such respect and love for his girlfriend. What you see is what you get with Rhys. He is a loyal  friend and is always looking to help others out.
What an honour to be able to stand on the sidelines and Cheer him on.

He has a beautiful Girlfriend of 5 and a half years and he is now a qualified electrician. He loves the lord with all his heart and his second love next to Miriam is spearfishing.

Well ,those of you who have children , take some time today to thank our God, because he has been Doubly Good to you.

I thank him every day for my blessing . I better go and start this day.....with Gods hands holding mine, I can do it easy!!!

Bye for now, Jewell x

Rhys has written a couple of beautiful songs and here is one ... it is being sung by his brother Anyerin...
It is called..."YOU SET ME FREE"... Meg my daughter put a slideshow to it  on youtube....





Written Thursday, January 10, 2008
RHYS AT 5

RHYS TODAY

It Is Well With My Soul

It Is Well With My Soul........

I have just been reading a poem about our children being on loan from our God .. and boy is that the truth!

I think it is the hardest job in the world being a Mum, and at the same time the most blessed job in the world.

From the moment our children are born and placed in our arms, our hearts feel like they are beating as one. As they grow ,they make us laugh and cry....from those beautiful chubby cheeks and wet bottoms all the way through to pimples and relationships ...every moment is precious.

I remember when I was told my eldest was to be married.....Mixed with the excitement came a grief that I had not quite prepared myself for. As I released him into marriage with his beautiful wife, I also released him into the hands of my Heavenly Father. He was no longer a boy, but a man and he would ,one day , be the leader of the next generation. I really wasn't ready to relinquish my role in his life...time ,had flown by too fast...could someone slow it down ...Lord? Can you hear me , I am not ready yet....Lord, are you there?

My Lord gently took my hand and pulled my head to his shoulder as I wept in his arms...I'm not ready.....

He lovingly looked into my eyes and said 'Your work is not finished....it has only just begun..." as he beckoned me to look over my shoulder.

As I did, I saw my 6 beautiful children, Rhys himself on the verge of becoming a man, Seth not long behind, and Bethany and Meg...Oh My Lord,they too would be mothers one day, who would have their hearts stretched and pulled. Benny and James my two littlest boys...just starting to be molded ...just at the beginning of seeing this world and learning about all the excitement it holds for them.....I cried as I took a deep breathe.

You are right Lord...so much to do and so little time......they will be all grown up before I know it. I felt in my heart a goal, a purpose ..an excitement ...."to raise my children in the ways of the Lord"......I felt the scripture float up from my heart, giving me hope and joy and a reason to keep running toward the goal.

I will not look back, only forward , not to the left nor to the right..but rather keep my eyes fixed on Him......after all ..He is the author and finisher of our faith.

I have much to do and little time to do it..for no man knows the hour ,nor the day when the Son of man will return.....but all I know is that I want to be found, when he returns, doing all that he has called me to do....and right now that is to be the Mum of my beautiful children and to introduce them to my Lord Jesus ,so that they may have a relationship with him and to be able to walk and talk with him ,in the good times and bad.........

To those of you who have lost a child , my heart breaks for you....I cannot imagine your pain ...but knowing that you have done your job here on earth and trusting that he/she returns to our Heavenly Father must somehow soothe your broken hearts.... but in saying that, to lose a part of ones very heart , seems too big to even think about. It would surely be the greatest pain of all.

Lord thank you for allowing us the blessing of being a Mother... for your peace , your protection, your love , your wisdom and your strength that we have called on throughout our childrens lives.

Refresh us with full hearts ,with your wisdom and with your understanding ...but Father most of all, help us to release them into your hands when that day comes..so that we can truly say ....It is well ..It is well ...It is well, with my soul.

Jewell x

written Friday, March 07, 2008

IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL ~ AMY GRANT


I CAN HIGHLY RECOMMEND AMY GRANTS BEAUTIFUL ALBUM.HYMNS OF FAITH..
CLICK HERE TO ORDER IT THROUGH AMAZON...

My God you are my All in All

My God you are my Husband, my Comforter...my Friend.and no other can take your place..........

It is late here in my home, the little people are sleeping...Beth has just come home from Youth . There is an ambient glow from my fireplace as it warms up our favourite place to be in the world. How blessed and content I feel. The world is at turmoil outside my door,the bills mount up on my kitchen bench...but here...right now...tonight ....there is peace ..warmth....and safety here...but most of all my home is full of love.

I have just put a new song on my page " The Thief " by Brooke Fraser...I listen to the words. They wash over me, just as waves would gently dance on waters, that moments before ,were still.

It is in these times that I feel my Lord reaching out to gently ,tenderly touch my face. He reassures me that he loves me and as I look into his face, he looks straight through me,into my very heart . He is a gentle loving God who knows me intimately..he knows me better then I know myself. His look consumes my very heart and soul....he knew me before I ever even spoke a word to him..He sings me to sleep...He ruins me with secrets, speaking to me through sonnets and books...he looks through my window as I lay...the key to my heart fits in his hand....he is breaking into my heart and I.....I am letting him.........His eyes are full,.... full of the future of us...him and I ....I am his Bride and he is my Bridegroom...my eyes are full of love for him.He speaks to me of a time to come...he speaks his love to my heart and I recognise his voice..I have been here with him before. How I want to stay here Lord, let not this feeling leave me...let not your presence leave me...for you are all I want in this world...only you can satisfy.

Your eyes are full..full of the future of us.......it is as if.....I knew you before we spoke...do our hearts know something we dont.You are ruining me , with secrets and gestures and looks, playing the chords with me that nobody else knew how to play...Your breaking into my heart...and I 'm letting you...I love you Lord.....but you are ruining me for this world....how I long to be with you...when my work here is done ,I will see you face to face and I will finally see you as you truly are... ..

Here is Brooke Frasers song "The Thief"

Forgiveness is always possible !

Forgiveness is always possible !

I have just been listening to a song by Sugarland called "Stay:

It is for me a reminder of days long past.
It is a beautiful song that gives some insight into the heart of "the other woman".

Just over 11 years ago ..I met the "other woman" in my husbands life.

We were married at the time and had 3 beautiful boys . Anyerin 5, Rhys3 and Seth 15 mnths old.
My girlfriend found out that my husband was having an affair.
Affair is such a fancy,poetic word isnt it...lets call it for what it really was...He was committing Adultery.....(in some countries still a stoning punishment ,even today).

I cannot put into words the pain that I felt . I couldn't believe that this man whom I loved so much could do this. Not only to me, but my children , our family.

Once I found out and after weeks of denial finally confronted him with what I had found out ..he left our home . He told me that he could not stay ,now that I knew the truth. My eldest Son watched his Daddy walk down the steps with his suitcase in hand to the background tears of his devastated Mummy.

Not long after I found I was pregnant with our 4th child(my beautiful Beth).

As some of you know I am a Christian and I so leaned on my faith in God during this time. I prayed believing that he would come to his senses snd return home. I asked God to use everything at his fingertips ( fair or unfair.....), to bring my husband back to his senses......lightning bolts would even be permissable Lord!

After a few months of separation , I was told that he had broken things off with this young girl and that he wanted to return home . (Of course as long as I was ok with the fact that he told me that it would probably happen again as he just knew he could never remain faithful to one woman...ever.)

One night I was sitting on my own ,after my little people had gone to sleep and I was crying to God. I was talking to him about my love for my husband and my broken heart. I switched the tele over and there was a church service on. For a minute, I was sure I saw "the other woman" in the congregation in front of me.

I looked again and found I was mistaken. ...and then God gently spoke to my heart. He said to me......"What if I brought her to your church? What would you do?"

I quickly replied ,"not my church Lord...no ..not my church."

"You must forgive Her..."..he gently spoke.

I took a deep breath..."Oh , I can forgive Her LOrd...but..I never want to see her again!"

"Oh?", He said."...How would you feel if on judgement day you said you were sorry....and then I said to you...Oh, I forgive you ....but I never want to see you again? ".

"But thats different", I replied.

He spoke again," Is it ?....The way you judge others is the way you will be judged".

I broke down in tears as his words played over in my head.....

FORGIVE HER!!

It took many tears before my God and many hours of emptying my rights for justice until I finally succumbed.

My God would not ask me to do what he wouldn't give me the strength to do.

So a few days later , I drove to "the other womans place of work".

As I walked inside I felt quite sick and I had a huge pain in my stomach as I saw her behind the counter.I walked up to her and asked her if she had a few minutes.She had panic written all over her face...as she nervously said "yes".

We walked to the side of the room. I was breathing heavily, relying totally on God to give me the words and at the same time feeling like I could literally tear this womans head off ( it was very surreal....but I knew that God had told me that I must do it..and the reasons why.) God gently spoke to my heart again and he told me that I was going to be ok.

I began.." My husband has told me about the relationship you were having with him, and he has also told me that it is finished..is that true?"

"Yes" she replied.

"You love my husband , don't you ." . I spoke calmy.

"Yes" she said.

"I can understand why you do.."I said"..he makes you feel that you are the most important person in the world when you are with him and you feel like the star on top of the Christmas Tree, when he holds you"

"Yes" she replied and then her eyes welled with tears.

My heart was like jelly as I saw her pain. He had used both of us. She was in pain as I was. For the first time , I saw her ..through the eyes of Jesus.

She was no longer the enemy but this wounded little girl who had been used .

I began to cry too, as I put my arms around her and told her that I forgave her.

I told her that she must never do anything like this to another woman again.

She sobbed on my shoulder as she said , "I am so sorry..."

We stayed in an embrace for about 5mins and then I said goodbye and I left.

When I returned to the car , I went to mush. I couldn't believe that I had done it. I felt like I had just carried a pallet of bricks up a hill.

I sat in the car and sobbed as I thanked God for giving me the strength to do that ...but more so ....for the way he had softened my heart and allowed me to see her heart.

There is a scripture in the bible that is my favourite verse.....it says...

" I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength"

That day I found out what doing things in HIS strength can really do.

I know that whatever he asks me to do or whatever I have to face in this world ....

HE will always give me strength to be able to do it.!


Jewell xxx

written Friday, March 07, 2008

A Wonderful Ministry for Every Christian Woman

A Wonderful Ministry for Every Christian Woman
by Jewell Drury


I have been thinking lately of our lives as Christian Women. I hear so many women talking about "when their ministry will begin" within the church. Desperate to be in "Church ministry", they overlook the most important ministry of all.
Their children.
The world today encourages women to go to work, before and after school care, daycare,childminding... all encouraging women to leave their children with someone else. They are cheated and manipulated out of their most important job in the world.
Raising their children.
Their are so many young children today that have become independent at such a young age, what they want they will have!. You see it in the supermarket, at school, even at church. Children no longer consider other children's feelings or rights. My boys were at school yesterday and a 6yr old boy told them what he wanted to do to his girlfriend when he visited her. It was absolute filth, what came out of this little ones mouth.
Manners are no longer important.... respect for others no longer exists.
On the teen scene,girls and guys talk filth to each other. There seems an uncontrollable need to date at an early age, and young Christian guys and girls are becoming heart broken (amongst other things) at such an early age.By the time they reach 16 many young Christians have dated several times.
Parents seem to let their teenagers grow up virtually unsupervised.
Even myspace goes unchecked. There seems to be little or no accountability.
Have a look around your children's peers myspace and facebook sites and we're talking teens from Christian Families.
There is little or no relationship between parents and children/teens as there are not enough hours in the day.Everyone is exhausted from their own schedules.
We need to get back to basics as Christian Mums.
There is a call of God on our lives... and that is to nurture our children and to love our husbands.(For those of us who are separated or divorced, we must be completely devoted to our children, to bring them up in the ways of the Lord)
Forget about dating... this time is to be devoted to our children.
Our ministry is to these little people whom God has entrusted to us.
If it means you have to rent instead of a mortgage, or down trading your car, no holidays, less new clothes, budgeting on your weekly grocery bill.. please do it.
Your children are with you for such a short time. Make them your first ministry .
We need to teach this generation to be godly, loving God with all their heart and loving others in the same way.
We need to sit with our children , take time with them. Explain to them about bad behaviour, Kindness to others, wwjd(what would Jesus do in that certain situation.),we need to be teaching them how to put on the armour of God, about how there is a real enemy called Satan and our god given authority to stand against him and to go into battle . ( our newest saying amongst my little people is "Satan bite the Dust!")
We need to be teaching them that they have a very important part to play in this time of history. That they have a call upon their lives, to make a difference in this world.
We need to grasp and step into the call that God has on our lives as mighty women of God.
Join with me and step out in boldness... Be all that the Lord would have you be,
Remember on judgement day The Lord will ask you what have you done with the lives he entrusted to you. We want to be able to answer truthfully ,"Lord , I have done all that you have commanded me to do and here is the fruit of my labour".
I don't know about you , but I want to hear him , as he looks into my eyes, say,"Well Done my Good and Faithful Servant, I am well pleased!"
I pray for everyone who reads this that the importance of raising your children will become a fire burning inside you and that this new revelation will help to bring you closer to your children and our Father in Heaven, and will help you to become the woman and mother that God has created you to be.
God bless, Jewell x

written 02 May 2007

This is who I am!

Hi , Thought I would share a little about me and my family with my friends.

I am 43 years young and am privledged to be the mum of Seven most wonderful children ....
As of April 2nd, I am now the Proud Nanna Mimi of a beautiful baby boy Zev Jacob.
My eldest son Anyerin is Worship Director of Quest Community Church, Lexington, Kentucky USA.
He and his wife Jamie made the big move last year and God has now firmly planted them in Kentucky with little Zev now an American citizen .
Please read about Anyerins journey in my other notes..
You just cant discount Gods existence as you read it.
Rhys is my 2nd son and he has been dating beautiful Miriam for 5years now..
He is a qualified electrician ,musician and loves spearfishing every spare moment he gets...
Seth is my 3rd son and last year made it into the top 15 of Australian Idol.. He is doing a Bachelor degree of Acting and Theatre and is in the musical "Fame" coming up later this year.
Bethany is my eldest daughter and is in Yr 10 at school.
She is a beautiful girl who knows who she is in Christ and will not be sold out for anything else but the highest plan that God has for her.. she also sings and plays guitar.
Meg is my youngest daughter and is a sweet girl with a pure heart who loves to sing,write and draw ..her favourite singer is Taylor Swift .. she is homeschooled and in Yr 5.
Benjamin and James are my twins and my youngest.
They too are homeschooled and love WWE.
Benjamin loves Keith Urban (along with his mum) and James likes the music of the Muse (like his brother Rhys)
They are great friends and are inseperable.....
and then there is little Zev who has lit up all our lives since before he even came into the world.
He is a calm , peaceful little man like his Daddy was and still is.

Oh and then theres me...
I love being a Mum.. I think that it is the highest calling a woman can have .
I have devoted my life to bringing up my children in the ways of our Lord Jesus.
I am totally in love with entering a new phase as Nanna Mimi with Zev and look forward to seeing him grow into a little man.
Even though I really cant imagine it.. I know "The best is yet to come" ..

I am amazed at what God has been showing me since I have been attending Quest Community Church and I am awe at what he has begun as he gathers people , all with the one heart and one spirit to show people who Jesus really is..
Pete Hise , Pastor of Quest , shares that the ground at the foot of the cross is level.
There is no difference in types of sin, race, creed ,uneducated or educated.. we all come before Him as sinners ... we are all on the same level.
Jesus did not die to make Bad people Good but rather to make Dead people Alive!!!!!
I would love to share with you about my Jesus.. His Grace , His Mercy. His Love and what he did so that he could get close to you so that you could come to know him as he really is...

So .. I could keep going ..but I may run out of room.. if you have a bit of time up your sleeve go to
www.questcommunity.com and watch some of the previous services or watch live online in the top righthand corner if you are on time.
Believe me spending time at Quest will change your life..
it certainly did mine!!! ...

ALL OF US GALS WATCH QUEST ONLINE.. WELL LUCY TO THE RIGHT IS OUR MODERATOR ONLINE.. WE ALL HAVE A SPECIAL BOND :)

ME AND JACKI HISE... WE ARE FAVORED!!! AND SO ARE YOU!!!

SHARON , ME AND PETE.. THEY ARE AN AWESOME TEAM !!!

OK THATS BETTER!! LOL!!

A Day In The Life Of Gertrude (part 1)

* Written as a letter to my Mum whilst she was in Saudi Arabia (written 2006)


ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD IN A FAR AWAY PLACE ...............THERE LIVED AN OLD WOMAN WHO LIVED IN A SHOE SHE HAD SO MANY CHILDREN... SHE DIDNT KNOW WHAT TO DO.......



Once upon a time this woman, whom we shall call Gertrude, woke up. Well that was her first mistake! She had a big day ahead of her. She woke her young daughter missy. Her daughter responded wearily,"I don't want to go to school anymore".

Well, Gertrude had heard this phrase repeated many times ,from the lips of many children who were weary first thing in the morning.

"Come on up you get"said Gerty....."Could you write a letter asking my teacher if I could sit next to Elise from now on. That boy BJ who I am sitting next to hit me in the eye with a crayon yesterday and made me cry." said Missy. "Did you tell your teacher", Gerty asked. "Yes" said Missy, "he told me to go and wash my face and to settle down."..."Mummy will fix it" said Gertrude, as she ran Missy a shower.

Gerty took a deep breathe.

Now ..... she went into the kitchen and started dicing watermelon to serve with ski yoghurt( not yoplait or bruggenn yogurt ...it took many many days to hunt down the right brand , right flavour at the local bilo store)
Two little people come out of the bedroom, eyes big and bodies re-energised from their nights sleep in Gertys bed......In Gertys mind the theme to Jaws began to play....Dah... Dum...Dah..... Dum... getting faster and faster and louder and louder........DahDum..Dahdum Dahdum.....SHE KNEW HER DAY HAD BEGUN....SHE BEGAN TO PRAY....LORD GIVE ME ENERGY LORD ITS GONNA BE A LONG DAY...........

PART 2 NEXT....

A Day In The Life Of Gertrude ( part 2 )

A day in the life of Gertrude part 2

SO where were we...thats right cutting up watermelon with designer yoghurt for dipping.Gerty greeted the little men Good morning and told them that brekky was on its way.She told them of the designer brekky.....
"I dont want watermelon, its got seeds" said master Benny.
"I like watermelon, I spit the seeds out!" said Master James.
One down thought Gerty.She gave James breakfast.

OOPS... Missy will be a wrinkled prune ...Gerty runs in and washes her hair.
"Mum!", Missy yells.."YOUR GETTING SHAMPOO IN MY EYES."
Gertrude holds her tongues quickly conditions and gets Missy out.

She runs ahead of Princess Missy to light the heater so Missy can dry herself off in comfort. Gerty lays out princess missys school clothes neatly on the lounge.
"I hate those undies!", says Missy.. "I want the ones with the bows....Nanna bought me ones with bows."
"O.k." says Gertrude, "I will get the ones with the bows for you",as she looks through the folding pile.
(*The folding pile is a very dangerous place...it has been said that some people become lost in that folding pile ,never to return.)

"I FOUND THEM, THE ONES WITH THE BOWS", cried Gertrude, as she stepped out of the pile. She felt that trumpets should have at least sounded at her marvelous feat!!!!!!!!

"Where are my jeans Mum?", asks Bethy. Bethy is now awake.
"Not sure", says Gerty, (Please dont send me back to the dreaded pile....thought Gerty)..."I think they are wet in the washing machine".
"AAWWW I need them for school today!!", replies Bethy.
"You'll have to put them in the dryer" said Gerty, "you still have time."
Bethy obeys and then heads for the shower.

"I'm hungry", says Benny."Your watermelons there" says Gerty.
"I dont want watermelon..its got seeds",says Benny.
A small voice is heard from the loungeroom it is James..
"I love seeds... I spit them out! "
DARJEVOU? Or is this just a new day...what day is it?, thought Gerty to herself
"I'm hungry" says Benny.
Well what do you want?" asks Gerty."You can have..1. toast 2.an apple 3.weetbix 4. yogurt 5.watermelon."
"None of those..I want something else", answers Benny.



Missy comes in for brekky. "Mum,Dont forget to write a letter to my teacher." says Missy.
Gerty gives missy her watermelon and ski yogurt and looks for a pen .
Textas, paperclips, crayons, red pens... aaarrggghhhh no blue or black pen.She sees one in the distance..... she reaches for it and starts writing....

Dear Mr V, Missy came home yesterday with tears in her eyes saying to me, Mummmy why did God make people unkind? She then burst into tears......etc............etc...............please allow her to sit next to Elise as I would like her school day memories to be pleasant ones. yours in christ, Gerty.

"I'm hungry!" says Benny. "Well what do you want?" asks Gerty patiently.

Annie awakes walks out bare chested."Mum did you hear about the closest star to uranus?" asks Annie.
"Not before breakfast Son", said Gerty.
"Go and have a shower!"

Annie half asleep walks toward the shower opens the door.....AAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
"I'm in here!!" says Bethy.

Annie lies on Missys bed next to Buddy. Buddy the cat lives his life in pure luxury in this house and imagines that this is actually his house and we are his servants. He is also a little deluded in his thinking as he is convinced he is a small baby about 3 months old....needing to be carried everywhere.

"I'm hungry!"says Benny.
"Have watermelon", says James from the loungeroom.
"I DONT LIKE SEEDS!!!",scolds Benny.
"I LOVE SEEDS", says James, "I SPIT THEM OUT!!"

"Are my jeans dry mum?", pipes up Bethy .
"Check!"says Gerty .

"Mum ....I'm hungry!!" , Benny repeats himself again.
"What do you want to eat Ben?" says Gerty.

Bethy gets herself ready and finally we are ready for school.

"What about lunch?",says Bethy.
"Oops!", says Gerty as she asks them what they want.
"I will have a chicken sandwich", says Missy.
(A fresh Foul was bought last night for Missy for such an occasion)
"I will buy mine", announces Bethy.(Great thinks Gerty another one down )
Gerty pops popcorn, dices more watermelon and packs missys bag.... and off we go to school.

"What about my letter?" says Missy.
Oops!.... Gerty runs back to the kitchen and picks up the letter and places it in Missys zippered pocket.

"I'm hungry!",demands Benny.... "What do you want to eat Benny? You'll have to wait till we get home from school the girls are late." says Gertrude. Shelooks at the clock it says 9.25.....it is only 9.15 really but Gerty had wound the clock forward ten minutes in an attempt to be on time,but, alas, it doesnt seem to be working.

Finally we are really off to school...........................
Part 3 next

A Day in The Life Of Gertrude Part3)

A day in the life of Gertrude Part 3

On the way to school, Gerty turns to Bethy.
"Did you have brekky?" she asks.
"Yes I had a piece of bread." replies Beth.
Gerty shakes her head.

"I'm hungry". is heard from the back seat.
"You'll have to wait till you get home Benny." says Gerty.
"Have a nice day at school girls." says Gerty.
She prays over the letter as she watches her girls walk to the office to get yet another late note.

"I'm hungry Mum"....yep Benny again.
"O.k lets go home guys." says Gerty
Annie meets us at the door as he leaves to teach guitar. "Oh Mum", he says as he heads for the car.."I'll tell you more about Uranus when I get home".. "Ok Matey.. look forward to it " says Gerty....

"I'm hungry" says Benny.
"O.k", says Gerty..."listen to me you can have 1.Toast 2.weetbix 3.apple 4.yogurt 5.Watermelon"

"Have Watermelon" says James.
"JAMES I HATE THE SEEDS .GGRRR!.. JUST BE QUIET JAMES YOUR NOT LISTENING TO ME." says Benny through clenched teeth.
"I love watermelon", says James."I spit out the seeds!!"



The phone rings. It is Gertys Aunt Beryl in QLD.

A SCUFFLE BREAKS OUT IN THE LOUNGEROOM

"Hi" , says Gerty, "its so nice of you to call.No..this isnt a bad time."

"MUM I AM HUNGRY.....NOW!!", demands Benny.
"What is he saying?", asks Beryl.
"Oh, he is hungry that's all",says Gerty.
"MUM I'M HUNGRY." stomps Benny

"I'm just on the phone Benny." replies Gerty
"I'M HUNGRY" shouts Benny.
"Get him something, I'll wait", says Beryl
"What do you want to eat?",says Gerty exhausted.

"I WANT JUNK FOOD." says Benny quietly.
"Did he say junk food?" enquires beryl.
"Yes" laughs Gerty.
"HERE BENNY TAKE THESE CHOCOLATES AND ENJOY!!" SAYS GERTY.
She finally gives in and buckles under the pressure.

All her good intentions for feeding her child a healthy breakfast goes out the door.(Note to self........always have a secret stash of chocolates for that day when you decide to give your children a good start to the day. HHHHEEELLLPPPP MMMMEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)Part 4 next

A Day In the Life of Gertrude (Part 4)

A day in the life of Gertrude Part 4

The day has begun....if only I drank coffee thought Gertrude.
She has a partime job, cleaning homes. More a ministry actually, to come alongside busy Women and clean and pretty their home so they feel relieved and refreshed. The service includes flowers from Gertys own garden and a saying for the week to encourage and lift up the lady of the house.....

THE SAYING FOR TODAY READS.....(written on a chalkboard)WELCOME TO OUR HOME. Our home is our sanctuary, where the world and all its problems are held at bay from us.It is our little piece of heaven here on earth.

Before leaving for work( she is blessed to be able to take Benny and James with her)... Gertrude has prepared James and Bennys spiderman lunch boxes filled with a chicken sandwhich, popcorn, an apple and a frozen popper juice.The boys know the routine. They pick out a dvd and open their lunchboxes.

Jimmy Neutron is the chosen dvd.....Gerty makes a cuppa....cleans the kitchen and arranges her hand picked flowers in a vase. They are placed on the dining table for all to see when the front door opens.Washing machine goes on next. (May as well while I'm here)
Bathroom next.toilet, bedroom 4, bedroom 3, bedroom 2, dining room.
Washing on line....next load on...back to loungeroom,bedrooom 1 and ensuite.
Next load on line , another load in.... vacuum time....clean laundry...
next load on line...new movie(matilda)..
next load....mop floors and its 3.10 pm.

Time to pick up girls.My back is sore thinks Gerty.

Girls in car......no food at home... go to Bilo to get supplies.
Gerty sends Bethy out of car to replenish.
Arrive home... start cooking mince for spaghetti bolognaise.

Seth gets home.... "I have to start work in half an hour Mum." says Seth
(Seth has just been given a horse two days ago. Unfortunately it has not been broken in yet and is a little frisky.
Gerty has been told not to leave little ones alone in back yard with him.
His name is Brego...said with a twirl in your tongue.)

Gerty asks Beth to finish cooking mince whilst she takes Seth to work.

On arrival home Daddy has arrived and everyone is in backyard with frisky Brego...(said with a twirl in your tongue).

Gerty sits with Daddy and have a cuppa..Thanks Bethy...just what I need.. breathed Gerty.

Gerty listens to Daddy... my back is so sore...she thinks to herself

AAAHH.....Yes a nice cuppa...thats what I needed.... she drifts off in her mind....

SCREAMMMMM!!!!!!James is on the ground screaming ...Oh my Lord....

Brego (with a tongue twirl), has stood on James foot.

Gertrude runs in slow motion towards James.Daddy and Gertrude carry him to the house. Gerty reaches for ice and places it on jamesys foot.

"AARGGHHH!"...He shouts, as tears stream down his face.
Gertrude phones hospital to ask casualty for advice.
Whilst waiting on the phone, Missy asks.." Did you pray for him Mummy?"

Gertrude says "yes,,but I will say one out loud... Dear Father, please heal James foot and make him feel better.AMEN"
(She is thinking It is probably broken... the swelling has begun on one toe and his toe is changing to a blue colour.)
At the end of talking to the sister on the phone, Gerty takes off the ice. James has settled down.. in fact he has stopped crying ....she takes another look.

The blue colour is now pink and there is no longer any swelling... No it cant be... surely. Gerty asks James to place his foot on the floor and to wiggle his toes, minutes before he couldnt do that , James not only places his foot down he walks on it.... and then he runs and says "its all better now mummy".
Gerty and daddy look at each other and shrug.

WOW,It has to be a miracle. "It isnt blue anymore "says daddy....it must be.. Do you think God would give us a miracle that easy.Of course the answer is yes yes yes and Amen.
James starts doing laps running through the house ..he is bewildered and amazed by it himself.
What an awesome God you are, says Gerty to her God.

Daddy goes home exhausted.....enough for one day. oh YES..Daddy and Gertrude separated 2 years ealier.

Rhyssy walks in .... he has been spear fishing after work at Stockton Break wall.
5 blackfish( poppy would be proud)....he started to cut them up on the sink. Spaghetti finished. Gerty cooks up potatoes, corn and peas for Rhys...but aargghh...no lemon or cooking oil.

Rhys takes all little people down to bilo.Annie and Jamie smell the food cooking and pull into driveway.I set table and await their return Annie,please dont tell me about Uranus thinks Gerty... Just sit and rub my head ..pleeasse!!

My back is sore....even now she types this on her knees......Everyone returns home and Rhys cooks his fish in breadcrumbs.
We all eat at table and Rhys shares his fish... Yummy ..

Gerty looks at the time as she clears the table it is 8pm and Seth finishes at 9.

My back is sore and I am exhausted.

Gerty decides to make a deal with Rhys. If he picks up Seth she will let him watch his show on t.v.
Deal!!............unfortunately McLeods daughters is on. (little peoples favourite show)SCREAMS.....SHRILL SCREAMS....come from loungeroom.....missy devastated comes in to kitchen... I try to explain the deal I have just made....(and my back is sore)......but missy will not listen ...she sobs over the top of me....but you said we could watch Mcleods daughters she sobs............

aarrrgghhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"Listen to me missy" says Gerty
.. "NO, YOU SAID WE COULD WATCH" sons Missy........"stop Missy!"....
NO YOU SAID..........stop missy....NO YOU SAID MUM......stop meggy and listen to me ........"NO MUM YOU SAID WE COULD"........"missy I WILL send you to your room if you dont stop."...

"BUT YOU SAID MUM".........."go to your room missy NOW!".........

"IM SORRY MUM," SHE SOBS FROM MY ROOM...."I AM THE SORRIEST PERSON IN THE WORLD" she adds ....

PHONE RINGS.........."SHUT UP MEG!" SAYS RHYS...........Its Gertys girlfriend from Melbourne ......"Have I rung you at a bad time?"......
"if only you knew," thinks Gerty ...(*you should never ever ring because it is always a bad time...who has got time for friends anyway?)...."NO." says Gerty," its not a bad time"

.James and Benny come out ... "Missy said she is sorry and wants to come out...please let her out!" they both say at the same time...

"Is everything o.k?" my friend asks. "Everythings fine", Gerty says...........

"Please let me out", sobs Missy.. and then a shrill scream is heard again from loungeroom .

Benny has stood on James groin and youch!!

I excuse myself from my friend and hang up. Missy has a 3 minute reprieve before bedtime.Just enough to heal the rift.

"Shut up" says Rhys... "I'm trying to listen."

"OK, EVERYBODY.... BEDTIME!!".........SHOUTS GERTY!

Gertrude puts little people to bed. She looks at the time and decides to pick up Seth herself.

She grabs a large tea at the drive thru at Maccas and waits for Seth. I wish I drank coffee and ...oh...my back is sore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

On arrival home everyone is in bed. Jamie and Anyerin say goodnight and head off to Jamies.

"Good night", says Seth. "Goodnight Buddy", says Gertrude, as she sits down to write a letter about her day to her best friend and mother Maggie in Saudi Arabia hoping to entice her to come home sooner by sharing a part of her day with her.

Well ....what do you think Maggie....does it make you want to race home?

It is now 1.44 am.. and I think I might call it a day!

Tommorrow will be better... after all tommorrow is another day...isn't it Scarlet?

all my love Gertrude (Jewell )xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

(*THIS STORY WAS WRITTEN AS A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JEWELL TO HER MUM WHILE SHE WAS IN SAUDI ARABIA)