I've received several cards from Kathy White from Shalom... must be in the 1990s. To my shame I can't remember her but she may come to mind one day... here they are... still encouraging me after all these years.

This was sent to me by Lesley-Ann... I don't recall what had happened... but most things happen once...

Genesis 22:5 - Abraham had faith that the Lord would bring his son back to life
Genesis 22:14 - "The Lord will provide"
Genesis 22:16 - "I swear by myself" declares the Lord... he's the only One to be sure to keep His promises!

Deut 6:5 - Love the Lord your God with...
Deut 6:11b,12 - then when you eat and are satisfied, be careful that you do not forget the Lord.

Note also stated "Trust Him in every situation".

This was sent to me hand written by Harriet Heaney in the early 90s (I think):

If the truth was known and a light was shown
On every hidden part of my soul
Most would turn away, shake their head and say
He still has such a long way to go
If the truth was know you'd see that the only good in me
Is Jesus, oh it's Jesus

If the walls could speak of the times I've been weak
When everybody thought I was strong
Could I show my face if it weren't for the grace
Of the one who's known the truth all along
If the walls could speak they'd say that my only hope is the grace
Of Jesus, the grace of Jesus

But, oh the goodness and the grace in Him
He takes it all and makes it mine and causes his light in me to shine
And he loves me with a love that never ends
Just as I am not as I do
Could this be real, could this be true
This could only be a miracle
This could only be the miracle of mercy

Written by Steven Curtis Chapman, Miracle of mercy

It is so true... I had probably been going through my divorce of my first husband at the time. Harriet and many of the other young people were there for me. Bless them all wherever they are.

I was clearing the weeds from my driveway. Unfortunately it had been neglected while I was away. Where there was lots of loose stones, there were no weeds but where stones were compact, grasses and weeds were plentiful and hard to get to their roots to dislodge. It got me thinking of this saying "A rolling stone carries no moss".

For me, its interpretation of the rolling stone is about people who are agile, mobile, never get rusty due to constant motion.

Well, I can say what I've seen in the 22 months I was with you that we never were able to stagnant (gather moss) or get rusty. We were always challenged, new projects coming along and associated queries to solve, but you stepped up, always learning, always collaborating, up for the challenge.

Often I reflect and think each one of you, imagine your face, bring your name to mind, say a few words of encouragement, a wee prayer for you all.

Things may continue to be tough but allow yourselves to grow and learn. You will be all the better for it. Keep believing the best is yet to come.

The story goes... There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. From the many entries, the King narrowed them down to two he really liked.

One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror, for peaceful towering mountains were all around it. Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.

The other picture had mountains, too. But these were rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell and in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all. But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest in perfect peace.

The second picture won the prize. Why?

The King explained: "Because peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning of peace."

It's hard to feel peace in what appears to be a chaotic environment, but it is when you are at peace, in amongst the turmoil, that you know what is right for you to do. It is better to think through and plan a project or a solution to a problem than rush and come up short.

Above all, take time for yourselves. Make sure you have downtime. Time to reflect. Your body, mind and soul need it.