A very blessed remembrance of the birth of Jesus and celebration of

His Presence.

2013 has been another intrepid adventure in the Gilchrist/Hales household.  We moved into our house in November 2012, with three young adult children and a grandchild, either in residence or close proximity; Christmas was pleasant, a time of new memory making for all and delight with sharing in our granddaughter’s first birthday. 

It’s a funny feeling not being physically present when special events occur, like birthdays, graduation, weddings, births, Christmas etc after spending so many intensive years together with our children.  

I recently pondered about other mothers around the world coping with this separation and how different cultures have quite different rituals; that led to thinking about my mum when I was living overseas and my insensitive lack of communication when it was still the done thing to write letters and pop into the post.  I thought about the affect that must have even now on some parents who have sent sons and daughters off to fight in wars from which they may not return, how proud and how profoundly sad it truly is to say goodbye. We do delight at seeing their achievements, decisions being considered maturely and made with wisdom, the adventure of life being experienced, yet for me it is blended with a sweet sadness of farewell, of parting for a time in the physical but bonded together in eternity by Love.

We seem to be celebrating a lot of milestones with friends children marrying, others turning 21, completing academic studies, having children of their own, which is a fancy way of avoiding stating we are growing older!  The body grows weary, but the spirit is growing younger every day.  I realise just how much I really don’t know about anything at all.

We have been prayerfully watching management of Don's employers business over the past twelve months and could not see how it was going to continue financially.  This indeed proved to be the case as the owner announced last month that two staff members were buying him out. Two days later, bankruptcy was declared and the liquidators arrived.  We asked to know Fathers Will for Don's continuing employment as we faced the possibility of non payment of wages and annual leave entitlements, and the inevitable flow on effect to paying our rent and general living expenses.

As much as we continue to live our disciplined life of one day at a time, something like this influences your thinking and affects comfort zones particularly when you are thrust suddenly into dealing with situations outside your control. It makes it unpleasant and downright difficult at times to remain motivated to going to work, so we did wait with a little bated breath to see whether they would honour the previous weeks work, which they did.  

However, Don is starting a new job next week; it is expected to be less demanding physically, is closer to home so will have less travelling costs and other benefits not forthcoming from his previous employer.  We truly rejoice that the cries of our heart are tended to, leading to our hope being refreshed, our being revitalised, invigorated and the pressure released at this stress-filled time of the year. This strengthens our commitment which we consistently practice, ie living daily by Faith in Yaweh, our Mighty God, Who has exceeded individual and joint experiences of our former years, as we again witness the amazing Provider’s Hand over all our needs, including ‘keeping’ our minds in Peace and Trust.  The battle for the mind is the where the war is being relentlessly fought.  The abiding in His Presence is, of course, done by Him in us, yet as we place ourselves into His constant care we see that Abundant Life poured out also, on our family and loved ones.

Don has enjoyed his time fishing with the surf caster we finally got kitted out.  I enjoy relaxing by the ocean, reading, meditating, and keeping him fed as he tends to get caught up in his activity and forget important things like eating :o)  The catch has been sparse, the persistence immense yet we have feasted on delectable rewards.  I have ventured to further with my creative side as you have seen by the copious amounts of photos of all manner of things that catch my interest posted on here.  I also have been sewing and knitting for the grandchildren and generally keeping the house and family running smoothly.  According to Father’s evidential plan, there is no paid work outside the home for me to be occupied/distracted by, but I confess I insist on poking around to see if that remains the status quo.

May His Presence be all that you desire and diligently pursue in 2014.

May His face shine upon you, with blessings falling abundantly as you encounter His enduring Love.  Selah.

Don and Hannah