Correspondence Course

I started my correspondence course last week. I started to study the book of Ruth.

Read Ruth ch 1

Elimelech took his family to the land of Moab, while their was famine in the land of Bethlehem. The famine was sent by God as a result of the wickedness in the land. So Elimelech had to take responsibility for his actions. This lead to his death. His to sons Mahlon and Chilion married twe people to girls from the land of Moab Ruth and Orpah. Mahlon and Chilion also died in the land of Moab. they had a loss of joy in their life,see Ruth 1v 20. Naomi tells the people to call her Mara for the Lord had dealt bitterly with her. There is no telling what disobeying God will led to. Moab had left Naomi poorer than ever. This is very true of sin see Luke 15 . Naomi was in the land of Moab for 10 years before she heard of the blessing God had sent to his people in the land of Bethlehem. This was a message of mercy a word from God to change the direction of her life. She made a personal decision, a prompt decision and a proper decision. For her to have stayed in the land of Moab was only to have increased her grief. When she deiced to go back she made the right decison. Ruth 1 v5 tells us Naomi was a desolate and lonely woman, but Ruth 1 v 6 that she arose with her daughters in law to return from the land of Moab for she had heard the Lord had visited his people in giving them bread. Naomi had been brought to the end of herself when she decide it was time to return. God had been merciful to his people once more.Naomi heard of Gods mercy and thought on His mercy. God's mercy is never exhausted as far as his people are concerned. Naomi must have thought on all the good times she had before they left for the land of Moab. the decision to return for Naomi must have been a very hard one. ( this is the path that every backslider must take : see Hosea ch 14 in regard to the mercy of God and the responsibility of the backslider). Naomi had to humble herself to return, also to confess that she had been wrong. There had to be a cutting of ties. Returning to Bethlehem meant turning away from Moab. This is repentance Hosea 14 v 1-3. Naomi belived that was the most important part of her return. The message of what God was doing was short but Naomi had faith and it was strong. She stepped out believing what she had heard about God. Faith - even small faith is rewarded by God. Naomi returned at the beginning of the barley harvest. It meant that she could enjoy all that God had given to his people. This was a new beginning for Naomi as the land was bursting with life. Bethlehem was once more the house of bread. Naomi's return not only affected her life but also the life of Orpah and Ruth. Orpah must stand as a false professor but Ruth displays all the marks of a truly converted individual.

Bible course

Just to let all my friends know that I have signed up to do the 3 year bible course on bible characters. The 1st year is on the life of David. It starts in September. Your thoughts on this are most welcome. Also any web sites where I can get info on David.

Prayer Requests

Hi to all my dear blog friends. Please could I ask you to pray again for me at this time. My MS is relapsing and I am back on steroids. They don't seem to be working thought. Also it is now affecting my vision. Spent about 4 hours in A&E on friday evening but they said they could not do anything for me because there was no neurologist on over the weekend. For me to contact my own GP this week.

When times are hard

when the world comes crashing in

And chaos rules my mind,

I turn my heart to you, Lord

And pure, sweet peace I find.

You lift me out of trouble

You comfort me in pain;

You nourish, heal and cleanse me,

Like cool, refreshing rain.

In times of joy and bliss,

When things are going right,

You lift me even higher,

And fill me with delight.

You listen to my prayers;

You hear my every plea;

I’m safe because I know

You’re always there for me.

Hi

Just wanted to say hello to all my good blog friends. I have not been around much over the last few weeks, as I have started my treatment for my MS. At this time i have not really had any bad side effects. please pray that God will help me through all of this. Also that he will show me his will for my life. Love and prayers to you all. Ruth

My Big Brother's Wedding Slideshow

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Slideshow!

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Cows in our garden.

We got up last Friday morning to find around 10 cows in the garden. Here are some photos off the mess they made.

The grass after the cows had walked through it.

Our vistor for the morning, only they wrecked the patio set.

We got up last Friday morning to find around 10 cows in our front garden. Have a look at some of the mess they made.

Hen Night

The bridesmaid, Lesley's sister Jennifer

The bride to be with her mum

Mum, Lesley and myself being bunny rabbits

Mum and I looking silly!

Thanks

I just wanted to say a great big thank you to my great Godly friend Melissa for doing my new header and for putting it up for me.

Famous Quotes

Be assured, if you walk with Him and look to Him,

and expect help from Him, He will never fail you.

George Mueller

God never built a Christian strong enough to carry today's duties and tomorrow's anxieties piled on top of them

Theodore Ledyard Cuyler

God understands our prayers even when we can't find the words to say them

Unknown

Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today, and is coming back tomorrow.

Theodore Epp

I look towards the sky,

and ask God why,

why is life this way?

Did we choose,

or did we loose,

why are we here today?

For what purpose am I here?

Is the end coming near?

these questions I ask,

Will you answer me soon,

that I will know by noon,

how to finish your willing task?

When will I know what to do?

I don't even have a clue.

What if I don't succeed?

Will you discard me in a pile

,or tell me I went down in style,

or will you give me what I need?

We all want something we desire,

and all we are sinners and liars

.Tell me why you love us so.

Why do you love us,through all of our fuss?

I don't know how,

I do not know.

Please guide us in our direction,

and fill us with your love and affection,

For all we need is love, guidance, and care,

and that will get us anywhere.

My boys

Look at me! I am so cute.

Teddy on are garden swing


Both of my boys.

MS

I just wanted to let you all know that this MS week.

check out the MS Society website to find out more. www.mssociety.org.uk

Friends

To my sweet friends I hope you are doing well & having a great week:)


Lord, I lay my worries before you and ask for your mighty intervention to show me what's right when I can only see what's wrong. I am determined to see the good, so help me not to be blinded by my own fears, doubts, wants, and preconceived ideas. I ask you to reveal to me your truth in every situation. Bless me with the ability to understand the bigger picture and to distinguish the valuable from the unimportant. When something seems to go wrong, help me not to jump to negative conclusions. Enable me to recognize the answers to my own prayers. I trust you to help me see the light in every situation in Jesus name Amen.

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

Was sent this short Bible Study this morning and thought I would share it with you all.

. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
PHILLIPPIANS 4 V 6

Dear Ruth,
I ask you wouldn't it be wonderful not to have any worries at all! That is hard to imagine isn't it, for it seems like worry ispart of this life. The part of life that causes us to lose sleep, damages our health, controls our thoughts, and causes us to lose faith in God. Jesus Christ asked; "WHO OF YOU BY WORRYING CAN ADD A SINGLE HOUR TO HIS LIFE?" (MATTHEW 6:27).

The answer is simple, no one! Jesus also said; "DO NOT WORRY ABOUT TOMORROW, FOR TOMORROW WILL WORRY ABOUT ITSELF." (MATTHEW 6:34).

So why not turn your worries into prayers, after all God promises to supply all of our needs anyway! Therefore there is also an added benefit when we turn our worries into prayers, for God also promises us that; WHEN YOU LIE DOWN, YOU WILL NOT BE AFRAID: WHEN YOU LIE DOWN YOUR SLEEP WILL BE SWEET. (PROVERBS 3:24)

Therefore Ruth, turn your worries into prayers andyou will have sweet dreams, instead of sleepless nights! Alsothen you may even start to count your blessings instead ofsheep as well! Amen.
All My Love & Prayers,
Pastor Allen

Home

Hi all,

I got home from hospital after tea time yesterday. The neurologist saw me and confirmed that I do have MS. Not sure how to take all this, it is going to make a big change to my life and the rest of my family. Just feeling really numb today and also very scared. Please you you pray for me and my family over this hard time.

hospital

Hi friends, thanks for all your prayers. as you know i have been in hospital from last Saturday evening. The doctor came round yesterday and told me that i do have MS. They have let me out today to come home for a few hours, but have to go back after tea time. I hope to get out on Monday after i see the neurologist . Then i should know how they are going to treat this and what it is going to mean in change in the way i live. Please would you continue to pray for me at this hard time.

Prayer

Hi there my dear blog friends, please could I ask you all for your prayers. As you know I am at home all day every day. I feel that I should be doing something for the lord, so I am considering doing a correspondence course at bible college. It would be on bible characters, starting with the life of David.

When your feeling low

This is a poem that A friend Donna from church wrote for me. Thought it would be nice to share this with you all.

When your in despair and feeling low
There is one to whom you can go
When sickness comes and your feeling unwell
We have a friend to who our troubles we can tell
With him we have nothing to fear
He will be there to catch each falling tear
So if in him we all things confide
In his arms everlasting we can safely hide.

Just wanted to say thank you Donna for this Poem. It has been a real help to me.

Another update

I was back at the hospital on Monday to see the neurologist. They have got the results of the tests back, they say that the spinal fluid had some abnormalities in it. But they are still not sure what is causing it. So the took more blood tests. I have to go back and see him gain in about 3 months. Am still seeing the physiotherapist once a week.

Another update

Hi all, Just to let you all know that I have to go back to the hospital on Monday to see the neurologist again. Saw the physio the other week and she has me walking on a stick when I am in the house. Please pray that all the test are back when I go on Monday.

God Said No

God Said NO!!

I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away,
but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole,
his body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings;
Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life,
so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others,
as much as He loves me.
God said...Ahhhh,
finally you have the idea.

Unshakable Peace

Unshakable Peace

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11-13, Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:5-7

The Lord has only good plans in store for your life. When satan tells you to worry, God has the opposite in mind. He wants you to trust him and to experience His peace on a daily basis. How do we gain and retain the true peace of God?

1. Recognize your dependence is on God. Take responsibility for your actions, but let God have the reins to your life.

2. Pray. The enemy cannot defeat you when you are on your spiritual knees before God in prayer. This is the true pathway to unshakable peace.

3. Trust God, when thoughts of fear invade your mind. Tell the Lord what you are feeling and claim His presence as your protection and shelter.

4. Focus only on God. Don't cling to negative thoughts. Set the focus of your heart on God and His possibilities. You can live life to the fullest because Christ is alive in you and all things are under His feet. He is in control. He is on the throne. Nothing escapes His notice. That's something we can rest in!

GOD DOES

God Does



When you feel unlovable, unworthy, and unclean,

when you think that no one can heal you,

Remember, Friend, God Can.



When you think that you are unforgivable

for your guilt and your shame,

Remember, Friend, God Can.



When you think that all is hidden,

and no one can see within,

Remember, Friend, God Can.



And when you have reached the bottom,

And you think that no one can hear,

Remember, my dear friend, God Can.



And when you think that no one can love,

the real person deep inside of you,

Remember, my dear friend, God Does!

photos

Sorry for not putting these on when I said I would, but the internet ws down on my laptop. Was at the hospital on Monday to see the neurologist. He still did not have all my test results back. So I have to go again on Monday 9th March.

Photos of the Church Dinner

The Stripp Family

Jill doing the games

Bossy boots and Teddy in the snow

Baby Teddy with mum

Just wanted to say hello to all my blog land friends. have not posted for a few days. Am going to see the neurologist tomorrow, will post again tomorrow to say how it went. Also will put on some more picture of Teddy and our church dinner we had last night.

Yesterday we went to the animal shelter and got a little puppy. This is him with Bossy boots.

Outside having fun on his lead.

Resting with my mum.

We have called our puppy Teddy. He had just been dumped at the side of the road because the people that owned him must not have wanted him.

Jelly bean prayer

Red is for the blood He gave.

Green is for the grass He made.

Yellow is for the sun so bright.

Orange is for the the edge of night.

Black is for the sins we made.

White is for the grace He gave.

Purple is for His hour of sorrow.

Pink is for our new tommorrow.

A jar of Jelly Beans so colorful and sweet;

is a prayer, is a promise,is a loved one's treat.

Update on my condition

I saw the physiotherapist yesterday afternoon. she gave me some exercises to do. To help to strengthen my legs. I am going back to see her next week at the gym in the hospital. Also I have got a very small amount of feeling back in my upper legs.

Please pray that I make more progress.

Christian Alphabet

A lthough things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

D o not begin to blame

E ven when the times are hard

F ierce winds are bound to blow

G od is forever able

H old on to what you know

I magine life without His love

J oy would cease to be

K eep thanking Him for all the things

L ove imparts to thee

M ove out of "Camp Complaining"

N o weapon that is known

O n earth can yield the power

P raise can do alone

Q uit looking at the future

R edeem the time at hand

S tart every day with worship

T o "thank" is a command

U ntil we see Him coming

V ictorious in the sky

W e'll run the race with gratitude

X alting God most high

Y es, there will be good times and yes some will be bad, but.......

Z ion waits in glory......where none is ever sad!

Biscuit Tin

There has been a big bust up in the biscuit tin. A bandit called Rocky who was crackers hit a penguin over the head with a club, tied him to a wagon wheel with a blue ribbion, kidnapped a trophy and made his breakaway in a taxi. The police say rock was last seen just after eight by a viscount from maryland hobnobbing a ginger nut. Unfortunately they have not got a crumb of evidence!

Have you seen an of these biscuits?

Prayer Requests

Please could you pray for me as I have Transverse Myelitis, Which means I have Inflamation on my spinal cord. I have no feeling from my waist down. http://www.myelitis.org/

Please feel free to share your prayer requests with me and I will pray for you.

When Things Get Hard

Be strong and don't give up

Remember, there is a deeper

Strengh and an amazing

Abundance of peace available to you.

Draw from this well;

Call on your faith to uphold you.

You will make it through this time

and find joy in life again.

Be strong, and don't give up.

I know you're going to make it,

and my love and prayers are with you.

Bossy Boots

This is my dog Bossy Boots doing what he does best. SLEEPING!!!

A Special Friend

For Melissa

A Special Friend

Just when I really needed you,
It seemed that you were there;
Oh, what help and encouragement,
Just to know you really care.
How dear of you to help me out
When i was in a bind;
It's so nice to have a friend like you,
So loving and kind.
I'd like to take this chance to say
Because of all you do;
I wish everyone could have
A special friend like you.

Ballygowan Free Prebyterian Motto Text

Ballygowan Free Prebyterian Church Motto Text for 2009

2 Chronicles 7 v 14

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.

1859 - 2009

150th Anniversary of Revial in Ulster

1st Post on my blog

Just wanted to share some of my favorite Bible verses.

2nd Timothy 1 v 12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day.

John 3 v 16& 17
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17 For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Psalm 27 v1
The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Please feel very to post your favourite verse or verses