60 Diamond Years

They say that diamonds are a girls best friend. I'm not so sure about that but I do know that all beautiful diamonds are not bright sparkly gems worn on fingers or around necks. Diamonds are hard gems created under very high temperature and pressure, and then skillfully cut to show their brilliance. Apparently it would take temperature of 3550 C to melt diamonds. Hence, they are said to last forever. No wonder the 60th wedding anniversary is called the diamond wedding anniversary!

My parents were married 60 years ago in Moy Church of Ireland on 13th April 1955. Not many have the privilege of reaching this special milestone but I rejoice that God has spared my parents to do so. They have experienced the heat and pressure in life and felt deep cuts dealt to them during their 60 years together. Their son Norman died in 1961. They each lost their brother in very sad circumstances. Both had heart bypasses. Add to this other hard, hurtful times and the pressures of raising 4 children on a basic income. But they survived all the tearful and difficult times of their 60 years together to come out as a beautiful diamond. They share many precious happy memories of the good craic, holidays, and events with family and friends....all too many to mention here. God gave them a lovely bungalow to live in. They've 8 grandchildren and 6 beautiful great grandchildren to be proud of.

Yes, it's been 60 years since they said, 'I do' but their love for each other is still evident. They can rejoice in their faithfulness to each other. And, of course, they were delighted to receive a card from the queen sending them her congratulations and best wishes! But best of all that they know Christ as Saviour. 

To mark this special occasion, we took them back to Derryoghill Orange hall where they met over 60 years ago. Caterers were arranged for the surprise tea, the hall was decorated and many other fine details sorted to provide this trip down memory lane. There are very few left who were at their wedding but 4 of their wedding guests were able to attend this 60th anniversary celebration.

Thank you Lord for giving them 60 Diamond years together.

Love is...

St.Valentine's Day has come and gone and now it's back to work after a weekend of love! Flowers, chocolates, perfume, gifts, romantic movies, wining and dining were all used to express love. I hope each young man reading this blog treated his young lady well! February 14 is widely celebrated as Saint Valentine's Day, and yet there is a lack of reliable facts known about this saint of love himself. I cannot fill in the blanks for you but in this blog I wish to get you thinking about true love.

The focus of St. Valentine's Day is upon romantic love, but there are various other forms of love. There is the love of things....wealth and material possessions, fame and power. There is the love that family members have for each other. Family love and loyalty often displays the truth in that old saying: 'Blood is thicker than water.' Then, there is that loving care for our fellow human beings. We may not necessarily like or deeply love them but we do not wish them any ill and we will help those in need. But true love goes much deeper than all of these. It is that unconditional, self-sacrificing love that will even love those who seem unlovable. It is love in its purest form and it is often referred to as agape love. It is Divine love. God's love far transcends all other love. We cannot love as God but we should seek to emulate His love in our lives.

The Bible tells us that God is love (1 John 4v16). He does not just love us. He is love. The greatest display of His love is Him sending His Sinless Son Jesus Christ into this world to save us guilty hell-deserving sinners.

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. John 3v16

Christ loved us and gave Himself for us (Ephesians 5v2). This is the pure sacrificial love of Christ. The fruit of the Spirit is love (Galatians 5v22). The Holy Spirit enables us to love with that pure agape love (Romans 5v5). God has commanded us to love the LORD with all our heart, soul, strength and mind and to love our neighbour as ourselves (Luke 10v27). He expects us to love our enemies (Matthew 5v44). If we truly love God we will keep His commandments (John 14v15). Having this pure agape love shows that we are His disciples (John13v35).

Love God's way 1 Corinthians 13

But what is this pure agape love? All of the Bible verses above speak of this agape love but read 1 Corinthians 13 to see how God describes it. This chapter is known as the great love chapter in the Bible. The word 'charity' in the KJV means love. The Greek word is agape. So, this chapter tells us what agape love is like. Think about each of these descriptions of love in relation to your own. Pure agape love....

1. Love suffers long (very patient). We will be long suffering to those who annoy us, hurt us and wrong us.
2. Love is kind. We will show simple acts of kindness and speak kind words to those all around us.
3. Love does not envy. Envy is a very damaging sin that only leads to hurt. Love will have nothing to do with it. We will not envy others because of their possessions, blessings, talents and opportunities in life. Don't have a spirit of sour godliness.
4. Love does not vaunt itself. We will not parade ourselves, wanting the limelight to show off what we have done to get others to praise us.
5. Love is not puffed up. We will not be proud and 'big-headed'....not even spiritually proud where we look down on others who have not advanced as far in Christian knowledge.
6. Love does not behave unseemly. We will not behave rudely or inappropriately to others. This is not referring to having etiquette and a stiff upper lip, so that you cannot have fun and enjoy a good laugh!
7. Love does not seek her own. We will not be selfish and self-centred or insist on our own way. We will care about the needs of others.
8. Love is not easily provoked. It is easy to be provoked or irritated with those who are just plain annoying. But true love won't 'loose the rag' quickly.
9. Love thinks no evil. We will not invent and devise evil. We will not keep storing up memories of wrongs we have suffered or be resentful. Yes, we will try to see the best in people rather than misjudging them for their motives.
10. Love does not rejoice in iniquity. We will not rejoice in hearing, seeing or doing sinful things. We will not be glad when others fall into sin. We will want the best for others and refuse to colour things against others.
11. Love rejoices in truth. We will stand for and find joy in truth. We will not delight in lies, slander and gossip.
12. Love bears all things. We will not give up on people no matter what they have done.
13. Love believes all things. This doesn't mean we will believe lies or be gullible. We will not believe evil unless the facts demand it. We will choose to believe the best about others.
14. Love hopes all things. We will confidently face the future, hoping for the best, hoping and trusting in God.
15. Love endures all things. We will keep on going and never give up no matter what life throws at us.
16. Love never fails. Love will never end. Genuine pure agape love will melt even the hardest of hearts.

Think about each of these love facts in relation to your own life. How do you measure up to this standard? I don't know about you but I fall far short. But praise God, we are not left alone to try to practise this agape love in our lives. God teaches us how to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4v9). We just need to be willingly to let Him work through us! So as we head into a new week of work, let us endeavour to practise pure agape love. And may we do so for His glory!

And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. 1 Corinthians 13v13 KJV

Iron Woman

Yesterday afternoon I was at Craigavon hospital for a venesection. That's simply giving a unit of blood. And as you can see from the photos it's not an experience that I particularly enjoy. Maybe you're thinking that I'm great for donating blood to help those in need of it. Well, what would you think if I told you that my blood is disposed of by burning? It does not go into the blood bank or even be used for research! So, why do I give it? Simple answer: I've inherited a condition known as haemochromatosis and the treatment for it is to give blood.

What is haemochromatosis? Haemochromatosis is very simply an iron overload. You see my body absorbs and stores too much iron. I'm an iron woman! LOL  The excess iron is stored around my joints and organs and over time that causes harm to my joints and organs. If haemochromatosis is left untreated, it can lead to conditions like arthritis, diabetes, liver disorders, heart disease. (Please understand that not everyone who has these conditions has haemochromatosis). If you want a more detailed explanation, Google haemochromatosis, or read this Haemochromatosis Society Leaflet
I like this little video as I think it gives a good overview of haemochromatosis:
What is haemochromatosis? video

How was I diagnosed? I suppose it was about 5 years ago, when I went to the doctor with joint pain and tiredness. My ankle, in particular, would swell and be sore, causing me to limp a bit sometimes. I felt I was just too young to have arthritis or such like. I was tired and thought I must be needing iron so I was taking multivitamins and iron tablets. They didn't cure my tiredness and little did I know that I was only making things worse for myself! The doctor referred me to the rheumatologist at the hospital. I was x-rayed, had blood tests and was referred to the haematologist. In the end, I was told that I had haemochromatosis. I had never heard tell of haemochromatosis before this.

What is the treatment? There is no medication to take for it. For this I am thankful as all medications can have side effects. But every fortnight I went to have a venesection. The idea is that after I give blood, my body will make up new red blood cells by drawing from the iron stored in my body around my joints and organs. At one of my first venesections the haematologist nurse said that they were hoping to get my ferritin level down to about 20. I asked what mine was and she said that it was 2000..!! It took over a year to get my ferritin level down. Now that it is down it needs to be kept down. So every 3-4 months I have simple blood tests done to determine whether or not I need a venesection. If my ferritin level goes above 50, I have to go and give more blood. It's been about 9 months since my previous venesection but my ferritin level was 98 so I needed to get rid of more iron.

What about diet? I just have to be sensible but eat a healthy diet. I am to avoid too much red meat and iron fortified cereals. I'm not to take multivitamins and iron tablets. Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron in the body. I love fruit and pure fruit juice so I should be careful taking too much of these with meals. However, the tanins in tea help prevent the absorption of iron....just as well that I love tea!

How do I feel now? I'm delighted that I was diagnosed before any major damage was done. I'm not dancing on the rooftops but can still enjoy a good walk. I love a good walk in Peatlands Park but about 2 and half miles is my limit. The fact is, some days my joints are stiffer and sorer than others. One day I could walk with a spring in my step and another day I would limp a bit and find going down stairs difficult. You see, what damage was done cannot be undone but hopefully keeping my iron level under control will help prevent haemochromatosis causing more damage to my joints and organs. However, it is a blessing that my family are supportive and we can even enjoy a joke about it together!

Diagram showing Family Risk of inheriting Haemochromatosis

Let me make it abundantly clear, I have NOT written this blog to get your pity. I do not wish to be cushioned or treated with kid-gloves. I know my limits and try to live within them. I wrote this blog to help raise awareness of haemochromatosis. It's not only men in their 30's or women in their 50's who develop it. It is a condition which is inherited and can show itself at any age. It is also called 'The Celtic Curse' as a higher percentage of people of Celtic origin have it. It may be described as a silent-killer as the symptoms are often treated but the real cause overlooked. Remember the symptoms are not unique to haemochromatosis. If you are concerned that you may have it, talk to your doctor. Routine blood tests do not show you have it. Blood tests showing ferritin levels need to be done. If a family member suffers from it, I advise you to get checked out. You need to have the gene test done to determine if you have inherited the haemochromatosis gene.

To conclude, I wish to thank my good friend Elizabeth Wallace for bringing me for my venesection and for taking the above photos for me.

Out with the Old & In with the New

Christmas Eve night found me sitting beside one of Adrian's big open fires, with a glass of cranberry juice in hand and some chocolates nearby, The Christmas tree lights were flashing, the fresh fruit salad was made, some carols were playing and the Christmas mood began to dawn upon me as I focused on the incarnation of Christ. I'm thankful for all the Christmas wishes by card, text, whatsapp and Facebook. I must say that it made a pleasant change to scroll down Facebook to read all the Christmas wishes and verses, rather than having to endure the agony of scrolling through all the Christmas ads in my news feed. But Christmas Day and Boxing Day have come and gone.....and guess what? I'm back beside a big hot fire tonight thinking it will soon be out with the old year and in with the new year.

Christmas 2014

I got to thinking....What were some of the highlights in 2014 for me? Well, both my parents were 80 this year and it was a privilege to see them both reach this great milestone in their lives. And of course, as a family we celebrated both occasions by going out for meals. Another highlight of my year was getting a new kitchen installed. It took a while to get everything sorted but, thanks to all the talented craftsmen, it's in and I'm enjoying it! And I even got new glasses so I could see it better LOL! Another highlight for me was planning for and teaching at the Lifeboat Fellowship's Holiday Bible School for children in the summer. I was blessed in my own soul as I prepared the lessons on Prayer. I also enjoyed visiting my 2 favourite counties in Ireland again this year as well as Ayr in Scotland. It's great to have fun and fellowship with family and friends.

Mum's 80th

Dad's 80th

What did I learn in 2014? I really had to think about this question! First thought is 'Not much' but then that would be unappreciative. Here are a few things I reflected upon: 

• I am far from perfect but God is so good to me
• Sometimes it's my tears that brings me closer to God
• God's ways are not my ways but His ways are best
• Envy and greed can appear in many forms but I must not let a root of bitterness grow
• I must encourage young people as they learn to do things, even when I think that I can do them better

What are my ambitions for 2015? I don't make New Year resolutions as they can turn out impractical to keep. I'm not a 'high-flyer' who boasts of doing great things, only to be deflated when I cannot achieve them. I'm a 'steady-plodder' who strives to fulfill dreams as God gives them to me. However, I do desire to know Christ better in 2015 and that the love of God will flow through me to others.

I encourage you to reflect upon your life in 2014 and about what you desire for 2015. I wish you a Happy New Year and may you experience God's blessings through Christ in 2015. 

What's it all for?

This time of year is often referred to as 'the run up to Christmas.' Shops are busy and people rush around trying to get everything they want for Christmas...presents, food, drink, clothes and party things. They even have rage over car parks! What's it all for? A couple of days of feasting? Is that it?

Lights in Rushmere shopping centre

It gives me a great kick when people ask me, 'Well, are you all sorted for Christmas?' to tell them 'I haven't started yet.' Don't get me wrong. I enjoy Christmas but it has become so commercialized. But, then, I suppose I can leave things to the last moment now that my children are grown up and their desired gift list is money (although I do have a request in for a mattress this year LOL). It used to give me great pleasure when they were small to see their excitement on Christmas mornings. The weeks of budgeting before Christmas were well worth it to see the expressions of joy on their little faces.

My Christmas tree

I love to see all the Christmas lights and to listen to traditional Christmas carols. But I think it's unfortunate that Christmas songs are replacing the carols that helped us focus on the birth of Christ. However, I do sometimes wonder if the lights and songs in shopping malls are really about getting us in the mood to buy plenty. Last year every time I went to Rushmere shopping centre there always seemed to be one song being played. It was a woman singing 'Santa Claus is coming to town.' Her voice was so annoying that I couldn't help thinking 'l wish he'd hurry up and come and then we wouldn't have to listen to you singing.'

Santa's grotto

Some years back when I lived in Cork, a neighbour woman used to tell me, 'Christmas is for children and men'....meaning it's a time of fun and new toys for children and a good excuse for men to get drunk, leaving all the preparation and cooking to the women. But to be fair I don't think that is totally true. Not all men must have alcoholic drink to enjoy Christmas and modern men are a bit more hands-on with preparations and cooking. And sadly, Christmas does have heartaches for children too. I was talking with some kids recently, asking them what they were getting for Christmas. Most were excited to tell me their 'list for Santa'....all the things they wanted like x-boxes, phones, toys, games, etc. But one little girl that I asked, looked with a sad countenance and answered, 'My Daddy'. This was not an answer I expected to get. My heart went out to her as I was challenged by the stark reality that Christmas doesn't fix all the problems of life....not even for children.

So, what is Christmas all about for you? Don't let it be the way of selfishness where it's only about you and yours. Spare a thought for others who are less fortunate than yourself.....those who suffer because of war, famine, poverty, ill-health, disease, homelessness, or persecution for their faith. Don't forget those who mourn and bear the heartache of a broken relationship. Remember the children who suffer in all these situations too! However, most of all, let this Christmas be a time when you reflect on what the LORD has done for you. The Lord Jesus Christ God's Son left the splendours of heaven to come down to this old sin-cursed world and was born in a stinking, dirty old stable. He came to die on the cross to pay the price for your sin and mine. Do you thank Him for all His love and blessings to you? Or do you leave Him out of all your celebrations?

Happy Christmas and best wishes for the New Year to you all.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9v6

It's not my game

This week I've had a completely new experience of game and would like share it with you. On Wednesday evening Adrian brought home two male pheasants (don't worry he didn't shoot them). They were dead so just had to be plucked, cleaned out and cooked. I thought to myself  'No problem plucking and cleaning them out. Sure I've often helped Mum to do that with turkeys and chickens. But how do I cook them?' Well, Mum got a phone call for some advice on that. Use orange, onion and herbs.

Dead Pheasants

After dinnertime I went to start preparing them. As I looked at them lying there on the floor I felt sorry for these beautiful creatures God had made. It seemed such a shame to strip them of those beautiful feathers. I started to pluck but the feathers didn't want to come away from those cold lifeless bodies. The hot water didn't seem to saturate their feathers to make them come away easily. No turkey or chicken was ever as hard to pluck! It took me ages to get all the feathers plucked off....and I did accidentally tear some of their skin. Then, it was off with the heads, feet and wings. Thankfully cleaning them out didn't take long for I'd spent all evening by this stage! Washed and cleaned, they were popped into the fridge for the night. Now it was over to Adrian to dispose of the feathers and internals.

Next day Jemima came in from college, looked in the fridge and asked, 'Did Granny give us those little chickens?' I replied, 'No, your Dad brought them home,' but didn't want to tell her they were pheasants in case she wouldn't eat them. However, she wasn't easily fooled. She could see they looked different. And when they started to cook in the oven she said, 'Mum, they smell off.' So I told her I'd put onions and herbs on them and poured lots of pure orange juice over them. 'Ugh, what did you do that for?' Now it was the moment for truth. I had to tell her they were pheasants....and I'd used pure orange juice as I didn't have any oranges.

So, how did they taste? Well everyone seemed to think they were OK but me. They tasted a bit like leg of chicken. I had the pickiest little bit for I just don't like the dark flesh of fowl....I prefer the breast. Adrian tells me that pheasants are the food of lords. Well the lords are welcome to them.....and I don't think any lord would employ me to prepare and cook pheasants! Needless to say, I don't plan to make a habit of having pheasant for dinner!

And what's my point? Well, God created those beautiful birds and allows man to eat them. But He's given us all talents. And as I certainly wouldn't win Chef of the Year for cooking game....I think I'll stick with using the talents God has given me!

Unfinished Work

Have you ever started something and never finished it? I have. It was at least 10 years ago I started to crochet a little table mat....and look how much I got done:

Unfinished table mat

I started out with the best of intentions to produce a beautiful piece of crocheting but unfortunately I only did about a quarter of it before quitting. It wasn't because it was difficult or I didn't like doing it. But it was slow work using crocheting thread and a 1 mm crochet hook. It was time consuming and I'm not so sure that Adrian would appreciate me sitting each night crocheting! So I quit because I wasn't prepared to put the time and effort into it.

Then, about 3 or 4 years ago I decided to take the wallpaper off the walls in every room of our house and just paint them....so much easier to keep. Sounds good but I've still two rooms never touched. You see, decorating is something that needs to be done from time to time but I don't enjoy doing it. My aim is to do it little by little over time. But I haven't finished the task because it costs too much to do it all at once and I don't enjoy doing it.

Look around and see examples of unfinished works.....building sites where foundations were laid and the houses were never built because the recession hit. You can probably think of a few examples in your own life too. I don't know your reasons for not completing some tasks but I'll suggest a few from my own experience. It may be because of bad planning, lack of funds, not enough time, bad health, failing strength and eyesight, too old, no longer interested, a broken relationship, got side-tracked, can't be bothered, too much effort, change of mind, or just don't like it.

However, like me, you may have started out with the best of intentions, hoping to do it sometime, maybe little by little, but not just yet. Remember the old saying, 'Procrastination is the thief of time.' So, what should we do about unfinished things in our lives? Stop and think! Is it what God wants you to do? If not, don't do it. Then, ask yourself....Is it worthwhile to complete it? Do I really want to do it? Is it needful, helpful and satisfying? Will it hinder my relationship with God and my family? Will it damage my health? Will it bring joy and blessing from God? Will it bring glory to God? I know that there are things that it is impossible to restart and complete but don't procrastinate on getting right with God.

"I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4v7 KJV)