Happenings ...

Here is a pictorial of the last few weeks of the life of most of the Taylors (unfortunately, Rob didn't make it into any of these pics!).

These were taken at Tidbinbilla during the school holidays. Unfortunately, because both Joel and I had forgotten to take his camera, we didn't get many more pics then these, and these only because, thankfully, my sister-in-law takes her camera everywhere she goes!!

My three gorgeous boys!!! I love 'em to bits and pieces!!!!

Benjy at his first Sunday School camp ...

Talking about Sunday School camp ... Mel is just sooooo inspiring to work with. I absolutely love being under her direction and leadership. She worked so hard to make sure that things were running smoothly and that the children were receiving everything they could from the sessions i.e., worship and teaching, as well as from the activities that the camp place had to offer. Mel worked so very, very hard behind the scenes co-ordinating with the camp staff and doing all that nasty administration stuff!!

And I love watching her with the children ... she's firm but always fair and the kiddliwinks absolutely love her.

It was a really good camp, too. Actually, I have to say it was one of the best Sunday School camps that I've ever been to ... but that may have partly been because my gorgeous middle son received the Holy Ghost ...

I joked with Matthew about 2-3 weeks before the camp that I would start calling him MT and then when he got the Holy Ghost I would call him "Full".

We had a camp fire after the service the night Matthew received the Holy Ghost and all he could say to me was "I can't believe I got the Holy Ghost." I have to admit that I was incredulous also!! God is soooo faithful and even when we can't see what's going on, He knows!!!

In fact, God knows alllll things and I'm excited about the plans He has for my children. Recently, I've been thinking about Hannah in the Old Testament and the fact that she gave back her much yearned-for, grieved after first-born and I am determined that the Lord will have my children to serve Him and bring Him glory!

Ruth gave me a wonderful hot and spicy cook book for my birthday and so I made Beef Rendang using fresh ingredients. I am soooo excited because I am normally a bottled sauce girl ... always have been. I think possibly I haven't had the confidence to know how to use herbs and spices, so when I received this book and browsed through it, I was very excited! And I really want to get away from the bottled sauces ... mainly because of the high salt content and also because they just don't taste as good!!

By the way, the Beef Rendang was delicious!!!

Lastly, I have been listening to Joel's ipod while I have been walking in the mornings and, this morning, there was one particular song that really ministered to me. I've heard it sooo many times that I usually "switch off", but this morning I really had a heart/mind to listen to the words. I hope they bless you and encourage you to run to the only One who can protect and shelter you.

In the distance I can see the storm clouds coming my way,

And I need to find a shelter before it starts to rain,

So I turn and run to You, Lord,

You're the only place to go,

Where unfailing love surrounds me,

When I need it most.

You're my hiding place,

Safe in your embrace,

I am protected from the storm that rages,

When the waters rise,

And I run to hide,

Lord in You I'll find my hiding place.

I'm not asking You to take away my troubles, Lord,

Cause it's through the stormy weather I'll learn to trust You more,

But I thank You for the promise,

And I have come to know,

Your unfailing love surrounds me,

When I need it most.

You're my hiding place,

Safe in Your embrace,

I'm protected from the storm that rages.

When the waters rise,

And I run to hide,

Lord in You I'll find my hiding place.

So, let Your people seek you,

While You may be found,

Cause You're our only refuge,

When the rain comes pouring down.

You're my hiding place,

Safe in Your embrace,

I'm protected from the storm that rages.

When the waters rise,

And I run to hid,

Lord in You I'll find my hiding place.