The White Woman's Prayer

At Church yesterday one of our Pastors shared the following amazing true story. 

He told us he had been speaking with a certain member of our church (a lovely elderly chinese woman) and asked her how she became a Christian. This is apparently what she said.

She said that one of her ancestors (great-aunt or something like that) was very very sick and was almost dead. The sick woman’s family, knowing that they couldn’t do anything more for her, took her into the city in the hope that they would find help for her. But they had not money to pay for hospitals or anything so she found herself on the street, near death.

That was when a westerner (white woman) walked by. This lady stopped when she saw the chinese woman who was critically ill. Taking compassion on her, she knelt down beside her, and, speaking in her own language because she knew no Chinese, closed her eyes and prayed to Jesus for the healing of the sick woman.

The sick woman got well.

All of her relatives knew that the white lady’s God had healed their sick family member. So they decided that since that God was so powerful, they must worship him! He must be the true God! Since the white woman had prayed in her own language, they didn’t know which God to worship though. All they knew was that the white woman had prayed with her eyes shut.

So they set out on a mission to find the God to whom people prayed with their eyes shut. They found a Church full of Christian people and eventually the whole extended family got saved.

And now, six generations later, this lovely elderly Chinese member of our Church here in Christchurch is a Christian because many years ago a kind white woman took pity on a sick Chinese lady and prayed for her. Isn’t that amazing?

I’m sure the lady who prayed for the sick woman didn’t think anything of her action. I’m sure it was just a spur-of-the-moment thing. She probably didn’t even remember it! But I can just imagine when she gets to Heaven and sees this entire extended family (and lots of generations, too!) of Chinese people coming to greet her.. and she gets told that they are all there because she prayed. Such a simple act! But with such incredible results!

Matthew 10:42 says “And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward."

(Oh, and pleeease don't forget about my giveaway... I am earnestly imploring you to enter!!)

Cake and chocolate

Don't forget about my giveaway... the more entries you do the more chances you have!!

Don't forget about my giveaway... the more entries you do the more chances you have!!

(I said it twice to make sure you got the point)

Jacob's birthday was on the 6th of October and I have only just managed to put the photos up. Here they are. :)

Jacob carefully unwrapping a present.... looks suspiciously like a chocolate bar to me!

The birthday boy with some of his presents. He's three today!

Sophie made this delectable looking cake. It was really yummy. Thanks Sophie!

Happy belated birthday, Jacob!! :)

Giveaway

I've always wanted to do this... so now I'm happy to announce the first official Bonnie's Blessings Giveaway!!

The Prize:

Mystery Book

(Trust me - you'll like it!)

PLEEASE enter!!!!!! It will be sooo embarrassing for me if hardly anyone enters... Please enter!! You might win!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you want to share it, go here to get the code. :)

Have fun!!!

(Oh, and it ends a week from now.)

Special Feature: Danella and her Harp

Just for you, here is a Danella and her Harp special feature!!!

First of all, here is a video of her playing a Menuet by Buttstedt. This is actually a really hard piece to play. :) Danella is incredible. Please excuse the quality of the filming, too! I'm to blame for that, sorry.

Now here is a few photos of her and her harp. These were taken by the video camera so they aren't really amazing photos. Quite grainy and sort of blotchy. Sorry!

Have a great day!

Tagged-ed Twice

I was tagged twice, once by Scarlet Raptor and once by Aarathyn Arvell. For both tags it seems I must answer ten questions then make up some of my own.

Scarlet Raptor's tag was called the Libester Award and these are the questions. I have also answered them.


1. What is your current project?

Well, I must confess that I am not actually writing a book so I don't have a project.. I know... sorry... I guess this ruins the rest of the tag!

2. What is your main character’s name?

I guess I could make up one. How about Bartholomew Bringlebiscuit the Third?

3. What is your main character’s fears?

I don't know. Maybe I could make him afraid of weevils. That would be exotic.

4. How far are you in your latest project/book?

Not very far along, I'm afraid! In fact, I haven't even started!

5. Are you doing NaNoWriMo?

Nope.

6. If so, what are you aiming for?

Nothing. :) At least, not at present.

7. List your five favorite books

You try. Seriously.... I can't do that. Too hard. But I'll list five general books I enjoy. Not necessarily my favourites.

The Bible. Well, duh. Of course that is my favourite.

In His Steps by Charles M. Sheldon
Why Didn't They Ask Evans by Agatha Christie
Piercing the Darkness by Frank Peretti
An Old Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott

8. What is your characters strengths?

Let's say that Bartholomew Bringlebiscuit the Third's strengths are not very well known.


9. What does your Character like doing?

Peeling onions.


10. In your latest project, has anyone died yet?

Not currently, but I aim to change that.

That was Scarlet Raptor's tag. Now for Aarathyn Arvell's.

1. What is your favorite story of all time? (books, movies, plays, etc.)

Oh... come on!!! I have to say the Bible because that is kind of obvious... but if I had to pick another one... hm... wow you ask such hard questions.


2. Fictional crush? (current or most recent)

Fictional crush? I'm not sure exactly what is meant here.


3. What is your favorite song?

I have always loved the song Take My Life by Frances Ridley Havergal... but I love, too, the song a lady at our old church wrote. It's about something along these lines:

May the God who walks on wounded feet walk the road with you
May the God who serves with wounded hands stretch out your hands to serve
May you see the face of Christ in everyone you meet 

And may everyone you meet see the face of Christ in you.

4. What is your favorite food?

Chocolate. :) But I do love parsley, almonds and avocado.


5. Favorite winter activity?

Playing in snow wins, hands down!


6. Favorite summer/fall/spring activity?

Summer? Our family holiday over in Golden Bay.


7. What's your favorite holiday?

Our family holiday in Golden Bay. It is seriously paradise over there.


8. What's your favorite season?

I do love spring...


9. Favorite outfit?

Clothes. Haha. Sorry... Maybe just jeans, a purple stripy top and a black vest over top.


10. What was your favorite question to answer?

I did like the favourite song one... everyone seems to ask about my favourite book or author and it's nice to get something different for a change!


So... now... my questions. :)

1.) What would you be doing if you weren't doing what you are doing right now?
2.) What famous person, dead or alive, would you most like to meet? (Can't be Jesus)
3.) What song is stuck in your head right now?
4.) If you had to choose another name for yourself, what would you want to be called?
5.) What chapter/verse of the Bible has spoken to you most recently?
6.) What is your opinion on the following statement?
     "Biographies are generally harder to write than fiction."
7.) Is there a certain number or letter that fascinates you?
8.) Do you use bookmarks when reading?
9.) What are you wearing right now?
10.) What do you wish you were wearing right now?


And... since I think most people I know who would do this tag have already been tagged, I won't bother tagging anyone else. But feel free to do my questions. :) If you want to. :)

Awkward

Today I thought I would share with you all a few weird and funny photos that somehow never got deleted. Don't worry Danella, I won't post any embarrassing photos of you. Just embarrassing photos of me. And maybe a few other random ones. Like funny photos of Abbie's horses doing funny things. :)

This one appeals to my sense of humour... I know the horse is clearing the jump by miles but if you squint and tip your head a bit it could alllmmmosssttt look like the horse is just like "I don't care - I'll just kick the jump" and kicks the jump or whatever. :P

Epic FAIL at a selfie

Wow, I look so weird. Just casually grinning at a blossom! Totally awkward. Why am I even doing this???

This one looks weird too. Why am I leaning back? Well, I suppose if I leaned forward I would tip over.

Hmm... Sooo not cool.

Horse: "Sssh! I'm about to pull off her number! Don't tell anyone!"

Horse: "I'm about to pull off her helmet with my teeth, because the number was stuck on too tight."

Horse: "This helmet cover looks good!!!"

A random attempt to wink at the camera... looks pretty weird!

(Abbie, I hope you don't mind I used horse photos - if you do mind I'll take them off.)

Oh, and the reason we have lots of weird horse photos is because Abbie has thousands (literally!) of horse photos... seriously.... I think that she spends all her days taking photos of her horses!!

How has your day been awkward?

Strange code

Here is a strange code... can you figure it out?

Vsm upi gohitr oy piy?

:) have fun.

Things that say a lot about people

Post idea credit goes to Sayna's post:

Things that say a lot about people:

what articles are in their purse/bag
and what size it is.
the way they wear their hair (style and length)
what their handwriting looks like
how they respond to awkward situations
if they eat (lots) fruits and vegetables
if they enjoy British TV shows
the way they deal with small children
whether or not they smile at strangers
if they keep a grocery list (and use it)


I. What articles are in my purse/bag? Well, I must confess that I don't often carry a purse or bag. If I do, it usually just carries my lip balm, possibly my ipod or a book depending if I need something to fill my time? Otherwise I just stuff a handkerchief in my pocket and go. :) I'm quite casual when it comes to that sort of thing. :)


II. What size it is? I usually borrow Abbie's bag - it's a blue one with gold patterns and has a shoulder strap. But I hardly ever use a bag.


III. They way I wear my hair. Well, it is dead straight and goes down to just below my shoulder blades and just will NOT grow any longer! I would give a lot for long, wavy hair. If I want it wavy I wet it and leave it in a plait overnight, but otherwise I normally leave it out long during the day or have it in a plait or ponytail or low bun. Depends really. I'm casual when it comes to this, too!


IV. What my handwriting looks like... well.... um..... I am known for smallish neat writing, but I can actually mimic other people's writing quite well, so I've been told. :P I enjoy using all sorts of different writing styles, you should see my diary! Every page I use different writing depending on my mood. Normally it's quite neat and easy to read, but reasonably scrawly if I'm in a hurry.


V. How I respond to awkward situations.... of course it depends on what it is. If it is majorly embarrassing, I turn red and wish I was under the floor. :) Lol. If it is minorly embarrassing, I blush and mumble apologies. :) But if it is just plain awkward then I sometimes shuffle my feet and wonder what to say.


VI. If I eat lots of fruit and veges. Well, our family eats a LARGE amount of fruit!!! I could, personally, eat 5 apples a day if I wanted to. :) Of course, I am not that extravagant but I do love apples! And all other fruit. I love persimmons too. Mmmm. And vegetables? Yup, I eat lots. :) I love veges too.


VII. If I enjoy British TV shows.... I guess so! I can't think of any off the top of my head apart from Mr Bean... You've got to love Mr Bean. :) We don't watch many tv shows at all, not even Masterchef which we used to watch. And I love, as Sayna said, Chariots of Fire. That movies is amazing.


VIII. The way I deal with small children. Hmm. Well, growing up in a big family I've learnt that you've always got to be patient. If you get angry then the small child will get angry. But if you are happy and smiley then everyone else will inevitably smile too! Moods are contagious. Small children love being carted around with you if you are doing something. Just piggybacking them around while you shut all the windows in the house, that sort of thing. I love being with my little siblings. They are so fun to be around.


IX. Whether or not I smile at strangers. I try not to scowl at them, of course!!! They would think me pretty weird if I did. Lol. :P Anyway, if they look like they need a smile, then I smile at them. It definitely helps make the world sunnier. :)


X. If I keep a grocery list and use it. I just use the family one. I don't have one of my own! If I'm cooking and find we're out of something, I stick it down on the list and we buy it next time we go grocery shopping. That is the best method. I'll definitely do that when I'm older in my home, too. :)

Oh, and isn't this photo cute!!! :)

Following in my sister's shoes

Today I thought I would follow in Danella's shoes - she posted a few stories from Christian Perspective so I decided to do the same! Hope you don't mind, Danella.

Here's a story for you all called Nothing Can Separate.


NOTHING CAN SEPARATE from Christian Perspective


From her bedroom window, Rebecca eyed the children playing in the snow enviously. How she longed to play with them!

“Now, Rebecca,” she remembered her father telling her that morning. “You can’t play in the snow today.”

“Why not, Father?” Rebecca had asked. Every day, the neighborhood children gathered at a park just behind Rebecca’s house.

“Just trust me, Rebecca. It’s not what’s best for you today,” her father had replied.

At the time, Rebecca had responded by kissing her father on his cheek and assuring him that she would stay inside and read. But now she was having second thoughts.

It is beautiful outside, she thought to herself. It was true: the sun was shining brilliantly. Why wouldn’t her father let her go play? Why should she have to miss out on all the fun?

When a snowball exploded just outside her window, Rebecca decided she couldn’t stand it any longer. She simply had to go join the others!

Leaving her book on the table, Rebecca slipped outside. She tried to tell herself she was having a good time, but all the while her heart felt uncomfortable. She kept looking this way and that, fearful least her father see her.

After a few hours, Rebecca finally said her goodbyes and headed back towards the house. She wanted to be safely lodged in her room before her father came home.

Intent on getting to her room as quickly as possible, Rebecca didn’t see the mitten someone had left on the stairs until her foot slipped on it. Next thing she knew, she had fallen several stairs. To her horror, she noticed that she had hit her father’s favorite picture when she fell! A huge gash ran along the front of the picture.

Normally, Rebecca would have hurried immediately to her father after such a fall so he could doctor her up and make her feel better. But not this time. How could she face her father right now? She had disobeyed him and ruined his favorite picture! Biting her lips to keep from crying out, Rebecca grabbed the ruined picture and hobbled to her room.

For the remainder of the day, she lay in agony. Her body ached from the bruises she received on her fall. But her heart—ah, that ached worse of all! She felt certain that her father would no longer love her. She had messed up in the past, but surely this time she had gone too far! He would probably never want to speak to her again. How could he still love her?

She sobbed uncontrollably on her pillow. She had always been close to her father. They had played and studied together. They had laughed and cried together. But not now. No, she felt certain that all those wonderful times were over.

Who knows how long she would have lain thus had not her nanny come in to check on her. Rebecca’s nanny had a way about her of finding out exactly what was wrong and offering solid, wise counsel. Tonight was no exception.

“Rebecca, dear,” she said firmly, but gently. “You’ve been very wrong. But you must not continue in your wrongness by sitting here. You must go to your father with the broken picture in your hand and tell him everything.”

“Oh, but I can’t! I’m not worthy of His love!” Rebecca sobbed.

Her nanny sighed patiently. “You were no more worthy of it yesterday than today, child. Your father loves you because you’re his daughter, not because of anything you do or don’t do. Hasn’t he told you everyday since you were a little girl, ‘I love you’? Do you doubt his word? Do you really think his love is dependent on you?”

Doubt his word—that was an angle Rebecca had never thought of before. Maybe she should go see her father…yes, she must go see him, for if she didn’t, she’d never be able to rest.

So, still shaking and trembling with fear, Rebecca limped down the hall to the living room. She paused at the doorway. Her father was sitting in his favorite chair, just like he did every night. He looked up when she entered, and a smile radiating with love illuminated his face.

“Ah, you’ve come at last! I’ve been waiting. Come, sit here on my lap.” As he spoke, he opened his arms widely.

Rebecca couldn’t stand it. “Oh, you don’t understand, Father! You can’t love me anymore. I’ve been terribly wicked and-” Rebecca held up the picture frame for her father to see.

“I know, Rebecca—more than you think. I watched you go outside. I watched you fall and hit the picture frame. I saw it all.”

“You did?” Rebecca was flabbergasted. “But-but weren’t you at work?”

Her father shook his head. “I took the day off to spend some special time with you. That’s why I told you not to go outside to play. Ever since I saw you fall, I’ve been longing for you to come to me so I could bandage your wounds and help you. Won’t you come now?”

Rebecca could hardly believe her ears. Her father had planned to spend the afternoon with her…and she had missed it. Oh, what foolishness! Yet her father knew it all…and loved her anyway. Could it be? “But, Father, how can you love me now?”

Rebecca’s father smiled a smile she would never forget. “Rebecca, dear, I loved you before you were born. You’re my daughter. And I will always love you. Although sometimes your actions will result in consequences you could have avoided, nothing can ever separate you from my love. Now won’t you come and let me help you with those bruises?”

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:35-37

Boy peering down into the water

In a few weeks time is an A and P show we go to every year. Last year we entered for some various classes, and this year we are doing the same. I wanted to share with you all a drawing I did yesterday that I'm entering. In case you can't tell, it's a pencil drawing of a boy on a jetty peering down into the water beneath through a crack in the jetty. :) What do you think of it?

Closer version below. The photos aren't exactly incredible... I took them in the evening with really bad light and you can  just barely make out the shapes! Sorry! Oh well. Hopefully you like them anyway. :)