Great Day Today!

Great day today!

Strained a calf muscle so had a picnic.

Pain or no pain, nothing was going to make me stop climbing to the top of the hill to take a few shots.

Problem was ... how to get back down the hill?

What does any decent minded kid do ... they slide down which was the right on answer.

It was fun too!

Fall In And Follow Me

Oh heck there has been so much fighting and yelling and screaming around me lately I now know what the washing feels like after a spin dry.

How easy it is to head for the hills and try to forget.

Thank God for my camera!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Peace ... that elusive dream.

I think I once said when a man wants peace prepare for war somewhere - or someone else did.

Sooooooo ... while watching for all the points which make a good photo ... my head reels with words which are never to be forgotten.

The language!!!! EEEEEEEEKKKKKKK!!!!!

God help me - I thought my BP had zoomed up to the sky, but nope ... it has dropped to near normal.

Oh my poor head! It's splitting!

Definitely not my scene.

It HAD to stop, so I screamed out above all the din " Give Peace a Chance!" and they all fell in and followed me --- even the biggest screamers with the strongest lungs ---

What a crazy messed up world.

Cradling The Babes

Today, my family was with me and we had fun in the sun.

I am always astonished at my Grandaughters beauty and could not let a chance escape to claim their images on camera.

Such beauty is rare in todays day and age. No makeup, no fancy hairdo, no outrageous clothing, just sweet pure innocent girls.

I cry UNFAIR at their beauty. What happened to me???!!!

Well, their Mum is beautiful, and she's my daughter ... sooooo ... hahahahaaaaa!! Sometimes I have to laugh at me!

Who cares that I am getting older! What's the diff? If I weren't older I wouldn't see the beauty of my Grandaughters. My Buttercup, and Butterfly.

Pure fair dinkum Aussies too!
Then again ... their Dad is handsome ... yeah ... NOW I see where they get it from!
Both of their parents and a bit of me tossed in! What a salad!

Oh yep ... forgot about his parents too ... OK, so we've got a better mixture!

My daughter and Grandaugher were confirmed not so long ago and trot along to their lovely church on Sunday. But they know the score. I taught my children the Bible, not WHAT to to According me.

The Church Of England does them just fine. As long as they are happy ... that's the main thing! I'd go with them if I lived down there but OOOO the cold!

The water restrictions are pretty bad down there at the mo too. We are on stage 4 now. They are on the highest Water Restiction.

Why bring migrants in to live on the driest continent on earth? It just doesn't make sense but, that's the Government! Oh well ... they have to conserve water too or face the penalty.

Thank God I have my rainwater tanks full.

No Fruitfly!!

I'm going to turn around three times, jump up and down and yell, DON'T BRING FRUITFLY INTO MY BLOG!! Now turn around three times go to sleep. !

The True Sabbath

Since the creation of the world when God set aside the seventh day as a day of rest for mankind, it has been observed as a sacred day by lovers of God. A perpetual sign for the lovers of God.

The seven day work week has stood through the centuries, and other than the creation week, there is no explanation for why the week is seven days long.

Other civilizations and countries, such as France, have tried to change the number of days in the week, but this attempt has always failed.

I am not a Seven Day Adventist and never have been, but, I agree implicitly that this Commandment, contained within the 10 Commandments of God is STILL with us today.

Convicted and convinced, nobody, and nothing can change my mind.
Did God change the law of adultery? Did He change the law of stealing? Did Jesus tell us the 10 Commandments were done away with? No. Instead, He gave us a new Commandment, to LOVE one another. And by doing that, He made it harder for man!

The Catholic Church changed the Saturday Sabbath to Sunday as a mark of their authority. As usual, man decided to change the Commandment of God.

Naturally, the daughters of the cathoic church followed in the mother church's tradition of Sunday worship.

I cannot go against my convictions and worship on a day people once worshipped the sun and ignore one of God's Commandments. My heart will not allow me to sin in that manner. To blatantly toss aside one of His Commandments and follow after men's traditions.

Man cannot change time. Yet ... he has changed time with the Sabbath and has taught another lie to mankind in general who follow like sheep. What choice do they have?
Pastors only preach on the Sunday!

They are far too ignorant to go into depth in the Bible and see how many times the Sabbath Commandment is mentioned. They bypass it and say Jesus abolished it at the Cross. No, He did NOT abolish the Commandments of His Father!

Even He, as a mere human kept the Commandments! For years I have struggled with this fact, many, many years. And I cannot attend a church where this lie is upheld.

Sign Of The Time

I love this website, mainly because it speaks so well about the coming end.

http://www.bibleplus.org/



My American friend and I are constantly in touch about various things, the signs of the times being but one of them.

It is remarkable to note that the Ark Of The Covenant has been found. Some people may scoff and I truly thought it may not be on earth, but on reflection, it has to be on earth. Where else could it be?

Not strange that it has been found beneath the very place where the Christ was crucified.

I grow weary of people trying to calculate the time of the end. There are pointers to it in the Bible, but certainly there is no date nor year.

Yet, on they go with their fighting about it and their lecturing.

For the uninformed, I have 4 email addresses. One for casual acqaintances, one for very close friends, one for contact with certain people in my Profession, and the other for family.


I must be a snob!

TBC .........

Bible Meditation

I often wonder what people are really thinking as they go about their daily lives as there is so much to think about.

We should be most concerned about our way of thinking. We are what we are inwardly with the heart being the chief concern. Not medically, but in God's sight.

I only use the KJV of the Bible as I find it easy to read, (thankfully), and cannot trust other versions which may leave out a vital word, and noticed the KJV displays the word "heart" 833 times.

God looks upon the heart. The word 'heart' can be synonomous with the mind. "For the Lord does not see man as man sees; for man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart" ( 1 Samuel 16:7)

Thoughts are seldom hidden forever and generally lead to words and actions.
The word 'meditation' is not a religious word and the Bible makes no clear distinction between thinking and meditating.
Meditation is never displayed as being ritualistic, either mentally or emotionally. Yet, it is an important part of our lives as Believers and followers of The Messiah.

Prayer, Bible study and meditation certainly take time! One can become lost in ones thoughts.

But, sadly, today, many people meditate the wrong way. No, not by the eastern way which calls for the emptying of the mind, but by another dangerous method called, "worry".

Today there seems to be a mania for unbiblical meditation! The only comfort people can have following that type of 'meditation' is anti depressants.
Alot has been written about "The Power of Positive Thinking" and seems to be the rage for New Age thinkers. Mind over matter rather than anything Biblical. Maybe they are worshipping their minds .. I dunno. But, much of todays meditation seems to be self centred and not God centred. Self conscious and not God conscious.

The longest chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119 with 176 verses totally devoted to praising God for His Word, and His laws. I too praise God for His Word, and for Jesus and the New law.

As we reflect, we rest in the arms of God, and nothing is more delightful than reflecting on God in harmony with nature. Taking in the flight of tiny birds, the scurrying of ants, the whispering of trees, the trillions of colours green, the stars at night, and the immensity of the moon.

Spiritual growth requires one to look inwardly and consider themselves, to analyse our faults and expose ourselves to ourselves as though looking in a mirror.

To be spiritual, one must forget the TV and clamour of life. Hollywood can shape an audience through it's films. If they want us to sypathise with the most evil person on earth, they can do it. It is all run by mind control and manipulation of the emotions.

"Turn away my eyes from looking at worthless things and revive me in YOUR way" Psalm 119:37
Often I wonder if Jesus would watch TV, or listen to the viscious clammering of todays music. Would He read books? Magazines? I don't think so ... like 2,000 years ago, He would be thinking of His Father.

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Proverbs 4:23

Indeed ... how the Bible rings out the words of wellbeing for the heart, soul, and spirit. Praise God!

It was when I left the organised churches that I really began to learn about God for not ONE sermon left any impression on my mind on which I could ponder, no, not one.

From the pulpit they droned on, and on, and on. I relished The Word, but to have it droned on and on seemed to put me into some sort of a trance and almost had me falling asleep. The effort to try to look intelligent and stay awake became a little monotonous. In fact, I think going to church wore me out!

After church there was the constant chatter coming from all the congregation outside the bounds of the church space. The chat was about the latest sicknesses of dear Aunt Millie, and how little Bobby was doing at school. Not one person spoke of the sermon.

I could not have given a darn about the latest gossip! To hell with it! Having just attended church, my heart was on God, not on dear old Aunt Millie or how little Bobby was going at school. Little Bobby was a nightmare anywhere, it's a wonder any school would accept him!

But ... that's people. They had done their 'duty' and gone to church, put their five bucks on the plate and been perfect angels to sit through the preaching at us.

It was AFTER I left the churches, I could come closer to God. Yes, I coud help them in any way possible. But, my life must be shared with a spiritual person, a person with a good heart for God. Who can share my humble, and outlook on the Almighty Father, and, who can share my love for His creations.

Such a person on this earth is rare - and so I photograph His Creations, and admire them in the solitary silence. And know that maybe marriage will never be for me again.

Jesus Crucified Wednesday?

It amazes me that we have never been told of the words contained within Didascalia Apostolorum, which mentions that the last Passover of Jesus and His Disciples was held on a Tuesday night.

The Didascalia Apostolorum is a document which was said to have been handed down on apostolic instruction around the year 200 A.D.

http://www.bombaxo.com/didascalia.html

The Document states (xx1 - V 13) " For when we had eaten the Passover on the third day of the week at even, (Tuesday) we went forth to the Mount of Olives and in the night they seized our Lord Jesus and the next day which was the fourth day of the week ( Wednesday) He remained in ward in the house of of Caiaphas the high priest."

The text goes on to mention Jesus was crucified on a Friday which shows a bit of confusion about dates as the Bible clearly states that Jesus was crucified the day following the Passover meal.

....Now this was done on the fourth day of the week. For when we had eaten the passover on the third day of the week at even, we went forth to the Mount of Olives; and in the night they seized our Lord Jesus. And the next day, which was the fourth of the week, He remained in ward in the house of Caiaphas the high priest. And on the same day the chiefs of the people were assembled and took counsel against Him. And on the next day again, which was the fifth of the week, they brought Him to Pilate the governor. And He remained again in ward with Pilate the night after the fifth day of the week. But when it drew on (towards day) on the Friday, [[182]] they accused him much [Mk 15.3] before Pilate; and they could show nothing that was true, but gave false witness against Him. And they asked Him of Pilate to be put to death; and they crucified Him on the same Friday....

Nevertheless, it is clear that the Passover Meal was on the Tuesday evening which means that Jesus was actually crucified on the Wednesday.

Epiphanius (A.D. 367-403) who was the bishop at Salamis wrote .... "Wednesday and Friday are days of fasting up to the ninth hour because as Wednesday began the Lord was arrested and on Friday He was crucified."

My investigation into this matter followed a phone call from my Aunt in Moonah, and we discussed the matter for some time. If what we are taught, that Jesus was crucified on the Friday, then one and one does not make two concerning the Resurrection taking into account that days were measured from evening to evening. Therefore, Wednesday began on the Tuesday at sunset.

Socrates mentions in his section of history titled "Differences Of Useage In Regard To Easter" .... "others in the east kept that feast on the Sabbath indeed ...."

http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf202.ii.viii.xxiii.html

(131)

However, it was Pope Gregory of Tours is supposed to have stated " In our belief the resurrection of The Lord was on the first day and not on the seventh as many deem" yet, he himself believed in the Sunday Resurrection.", but I cannot find the documented words.

The words contained in the Didascalia Apostolorum certainly line up with what Jesus said in the Bible. Matt 12:40

" For as Jonah was THREE DAYS AND THREE NIGHTS in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three DAYS and three NIGHTS in the heart of the earth."

The Gospels are perfectly clear that Jesus died and was placed in the tomb just before sunset when the Sabbath began. John 19:30 but ... by tradition (that ugly word) the Good Friday - Easter Sunday timing today is sadly way out and has been for centuries and there is no way anyone can correct it.

There is another little thing involved here. John 20:1 tells us "

On the FIRST day of the week,Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early ... WHILE IT WAS STILL DARK ...

and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb".

This means that Jesus was Resurrected BEFORE daybreak

Therefore, He wasn't in the tomb for even a second of the Sunday!

So ... how do they account for todays Easter timing?

By today's Easter Timing Friday sundown to Saturday sundown is one day and one night, Saturday night to Sunday daybreak is another night which gives us two nights and one day. So ... where do we get another day and two days to equal the words Jesus spoke?

This serious problem needs to be addressed for those who attend Stations Of The Cross, and for those who meditate and pray during this sacred time.

There is one other little thing here ... The CONTEXT in which Jesus spoke the words of Matthew 12:40. It was the scribes and pharisees who were demanding a miraculous sign for Him to prove He was the Messiah. His words to them were " An evil and adulterous generation seek after a sign, and NO sign will be given to IT except the sign of the prophet Jonah" (verse 39)

So, the matter of His being in the earth three days and nights in the earth was not a light subject.

The plain fact is, we cannot fit three days and three nights between a Friday afternoon crucifixion and an Easter Sunday no matter which way we try to calculate.

Does the Bible mention Easter? Yes, the word is in the Book of Acts, but ... in fact Easter is the Greek word pascha (derived from the Hebrew word pesach, there is no original Greek word for Passover.

In the matter of Jesus being crucified on the Wednesday we would come to the conclusion ...

Tuesday..... Jesus ate Passover with His disciples at the beginning of Nisan 14 (Biblical reckoning); instituted the New Covenant symbols (Matt 26:26 -28) He was then betrayed by Judas, arrested and during the night taken before the high priest.

Wednesday ... Jesus was crucified and died around 3.p.m. (Matt 27:46-50) This being the preparation day for the annual, not weekly Sabbath which began at sunset (Mark 15:42, Luke 23:54, John 19:31) His Body was placed in the tomb just before sunset (Matt 27:57-60)

Thursday ... The High Sabbath and thr 1st day of Unleavened

Bread. (John 19:31, Lev 23:4-7) In Matthew (27-62 it is described as the "Day After Preparation"

Friday ... The High Sabath gone, the women purchased and prepared spices for annointing Jesus Body prior to resting on the Sabbath which began at Friday sunset. Mark 16:1, Luke 23:56 (Also note His Body had already been prepared by the woman who annointed His feet with oil)

Saturday ... The women all rested in accordance with the Sabbath and to the Fourth Commandment. Luke 23:56, Exodus 20:8-11

Jesus arose around sunset fulfilling the sign of Jonah.

Sunday ... The women brought the prepared spices etc; EARLY in the morning during darknesss, Luke 24:1 John 20:1, and found that Jesus had already arisen. Matt 28:1 - 6, Mark 16:2 -6, Luke 24:2-3, John 20:1.

These are but my calculations.

However, I cannot concede there is any connection between the ancient Sumerian goddess Ishtar and easter, as many claim, due to the presence of the word "passover".

So ... less easter egg stuff, and easter bunny stuff and more of the truth in my sight would be far more becoming than lies. I really DO hate lies, and deceit.

The Light

"Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." (John 8:12)

When I took this photo it was just another I had taken of the sun's rays shining through the gumtrees in my paddock. But it caused me to stop and ponder on John 8.12.

The Cross is the gate through which we enter, the Key was on the cross, the Key being the Son Himself. Following His Resurrection, He is still the Key to Heaven, and the Cross is still the gate. The Light of Life lies through the Key, and through the Cross.

It's amazing where thoughts will fly if one allows themself to ponder. This is why I like silence. God Himself is silent. And in silently bathing in the majesty thrown out by the sun at sunset one can find themselves lost in a sea of supremacy with the whispering of the wind in the trees sounding like timeless waves upon a sea shore while the sky canopies a brilliance one cannot fathom.

The soul within stirs, and the Spirit cries it's worship to the Almighty with words unutterable accompanied by the calls of night birds as they fly to their roosts to sleep when nightfalls.

The sunset passes ... the earth awaits the twinkling of a myriad of lights, and soon, the hush is gone and the land is filled with starlight. And, I gaze at The Southern Cross ...

Oh Blessed Land!

Today is Sunday, and this hymn I think was written for me. ;)

http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/mlehr/reflec/italked/italked.htm

.......... and for the suffering I pray.

http://songsofpraise.org/song.php?songid=24

Lectio Divinia

On of the most beautiful ways for a Christian to meditate is to follow the ancient practice of Lectio Divina which began around 4 a.d and was used by those in monastic orders. The words Lectio Divina mean "Divine Reading",(many thanks to anon for pointing out I had made a typo there and typed Diving Reading!!!) ... and are Latin. An obsolete Roman language

Oh yes, I know New Age has given meditation a bad name, but this is an
ancient Christian meditation which fills the heart and soul. A deeply spiritual meditation. An aloneness with God. No, it is not a ritual, not a catholic thing, it's something true Christians can adapt quite easily into their lives. It is a time when we once again offer ourselves to God. Total communion with God. If you are married hold hands with your partner during this time, for it is a special time.

Many Christians use in their daily lectio divina one of the scriptures which they love. It makes no difference which text is chosen, as long as one has no set goal of covering a certain amount of text: the amount of text covered is in God's hands, not ours.

(1) You place yourself in a comfortable position and allow yourself to become silent. Some Christians focus for a few moments on their breathing; other have prayer words which they gently recite in order to become mentally silent. Use whatever method is best for you and allow yourself to enjoy silence for a few moments.

(2) Then one turns to the text (or texts) and reads it slowly, gently. Enjoying and mentally absorbing each portion of the reading, and constantly listening for the “still, small voice” of a word or something that somehow says, “I am here". In lectio divina God is teaching us to listen to Him, to seek Him in silence and He softly, gently invites us ever more deeply into His presence.

(3) Then take the word or phrase into yourself. Memorize it and slowly repeat it to yourself, allowing it to interact with your inner world of concerns, memories and whatever. There is no need to be afraid of distractions. Memories or thoughts are simply parts of yourself which, when they occur during lectio divina, are asking to be given to God along with the rest of your inner self. Allow this inner pondering, to invite you into dialogue with God.

(4) Then you , SPEAK to God. Whether one uses words or ideas or images or all three is not important. Interact with God as you would with one who you know as a dear friend. And give to Him what you have discovered in yourself during your experience of meditation. Experience yourself as the child that you are. Experience God using the word or phrase that He has given you as a means of blessing, of transforming the ideas and memories, which your pondering on His word has awakened within you. Give to God what you have found within your heart.

(5) Finally, rest in God's embrace. And when He invites you to return to your pondering of His word or to your inner talk with Him, do so. Learn to use words when words are helpful, and to let go of words when they no longer are neeeded. Rejoice in the knowledge that God is with you in both words and silence, in spiritual activity and inner mental receptivity.

Sometimes during lectio divina one will return several times to the text, to savor the literary context of the word. At other times only a single word or phrase will fill the whole time set aside for lectio divina. It is not necessary to anxiously assess the quality of one's lectio divina as if one were seeking a goal, lectio divina has no goal other than that of being in the presence of God by praying the Scriptures.

One can take as long as they like for this type of meditation, there is no set limit.

"Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things" (Philippians 4:8)

This url explains more about this beautiful meditation practice for those who are interested.

http://www.valyermo.com/ld-art.html

Home & Southern Cross

Having told of the sojourn in my home city of Melbourne it will not be repeated. Is this still Australia!!!

It was good to be back home where I could view the Southern Cross with no cloud, nor smog interference.

The Southern Cross contains four bright stars so situated that they depict the extremities of a Roman cross.

Thousands of years ago the four stars were an object of reverence in the Near East.

Oddly enough, in the Biblical days they were just visible at the horizon.

It was last seen from the latitude of Jerusalem at the time of the crucifixion of Christ. It is no longer visible at latitudes north of 25
degrees.


The constellation was again discovered in the early sixteenth century by European navigators. Vasco da Gama on his famed voyage around the Cape of Good Hope in 1497 was impressed by the sight of what appeared to be a new group of southern stars which we know today as The Southern Cross
However, Vespucci, following his 3rd voyage in 1501 was insistant that he was the first European to view it and named it Mandorla.

It is curious to note that Dante has some reference to it in "Divine Comedy". It is almost certain he could never have viewed from Italy and so it would appear that he had heard of it.

There are no Greek or Roman myths or legends associated with it.



But the Australian Aborigines have many stories to tell using the stars of the Southern Cross.

..............................................................................................................

Leaving Daylesford

Driving out of Daylesford caused more memories to flow, but, a mind
must concentrate while driving.

It could not have been a more beautiful day with a brilliant blue sky canopied overhead, nevertheless, I was concious of my windscreen becoming smudged and dirtied and knew the was not a carwash in the vicinity.

My litte dog generally lays on a blanket on the top of the back seat when I drive in my own township, but once out of it, she prefers to ignore her basket and curl up under the front car seat and sleep - until the car stops.
Then, she doesn't miss a trick.

The countryside rolled by as I pressed on to Maldon, the Bakery and my favoured meat pies. And my tummy grumbled with hunger in harmony with the purr of the engine.

There was little traffic as all the tourists were in their favorite haunts, and of course, in Daylesford which had been quite busy.

Passing the extinct volcano, I decided upon a return visit to photograph views from the road up to the crater which I knew to be breathtaking. The crater itself held no interest for me as I knew it to be a type of amphitheatre and had seen it many years before.

I took a quick random snap of it and noted it's brooding silence. It looked eerie, and alone. Bedecked in many pine trees it gave one the impression of life - and death - then life.

Resurrection as a beloved botanic icon of the area.

It's Mother Volcano stood aloof in the Ballarat area. She had spawned this silent child and now stood sentinel as though watching her dead children from afar.

Aboriginals of the area once recalled when this brooding child they had named Lalagambook had thrown rocks at Mt Tarengower near Maldon.

Under scrutiny from afar, I wondered just how dead these volcanoes really were and my mind went into contemplation mode once again until hunger forced me to drive onwards ...

Daylesford Victoria

Driving into Daylesford was strange for this was the first time I had
visited the beautiful township alone.
The last time I visited was in 1998 with my late husband driving, and to visit my late Aunt and Uncle who lived there. Within two years from that visit, the three were to lay in their graves.

Entering the town was not an easy feat as memories came flooding back. Memories of laughter beside a lovely warm fire, and many hugs. Of their looks of happiness when they saw me, and disappointment when I left.

I had also visited my parents who had lived there, the memories did not seem to end. Memories which seemed to echo from the rolling hills.

It is a town for which I have a great love. A town which today is filled with many artistic folk, and many gay people I believe. It is also a town where house values are high.

I could not stay long at Daylesford due to the overwhelming emotion I felt, but, could never have left it without seeing Wombat Hill and sipping the scenery with my camera and senses.

I did not visit my Aunt and Uncles former lovely homes, but did go to see my parents house, now filled with new owners.

The last time I had visited my parents at Daylesford it had snowed and Mum had refused to leave her bed while I frolicked in the snow and climbed trees just to toss snowballs at Dad, and he at me, much to her disgust. And, I might add, to the despair of my late husband ...

To Dad, it had been a time of joy for that day, together, we had romped and laughed just as we had when I was a child.

Today, both my parents lie in their graves, the old Daylesford I knew had gone.

I was now viewing it alone.

How I found the strength to go to a place so filled with memories is beyond me, but time moves on, and I must move on with it alone. These things must be faced, and accepted, hence my journey to Daylesford.

Now, I can say that the last time I visited Daylesford was in August, 2006. And, it is still as beautiful to look at ...


http://www.daylesford.net/daylesford.htm


http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sjones/0/0/1/doc/sj001706.shtml

I tried to stand in the same place to take my image as the photographer who took the image in 1907, but sadly electric wires spoil the view today.