Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying this lovely holiday season. Today I went into the town with my mom and the children. We had a simply marvellous time. Of course we went early to avoid the afternoon rush. It seems as if many persons had the same idea we did because there were lots of people shopping and folks seemed to be having a jolly good time despite the economic melt down.

I really believe that each holiday season gives persons the opportunity to relax and unwind regardless of their financial status. My mom seemed to be in her element. I was very happy to see her so alive and vibrant because she seldom wants to go out and interact as she seems to think that she is too old to enjoy life anymore. Shopping for my sister's wedding anniversary certainly brightened her up. On Christmas Day my little sis will be celebrating her 11th anniversary.

Well... my mom had a whale of a time. She met friends she hadn't seen in ages. I'm real happy for her. As I was saying, money or no money, people seem to be having a very good time. True happiness really does not consist in wealth or possessions. I think it is just lovely to saunter along the streets in the radiance of the sunshine. Indeed today was a lovely day to be out.

I believe we are very blessed here in Jamaica. Today I enjoyed these blessings:

• The warmth and brilliance of the sunshine
• The beauty of the azure sky
• The friendly service of the salespersons
• The companionship of my family members- particularly my mother's
• My view of the lush green hillsides
• Wonderful Jamaican meals

Tomorrow I'll be busy baking cakes. That should be great fun. I just love baking.

Have a good night and may God bless you all.

Families United in Christ

Last night we had wonderful family togetherness programme at church. It was really awesome I wish I had a few pictures to show you but I'm still saving to buy myself a digital camera so I can capture some special moments to share with you. At my church we have a member who lost her mother, her house and all her possessions in a fire a few years ago. She struggled along with her husband, as they tried to start all over again. I imagine that a blow of that nature must have been staggering, given the fact that they were past middle age.

As a church, we encouraged and assisted where possible as they tried to make sense of the tragedy that had overtaken them. Sad to say a few months ago this sister was dealt another cruel blow when her husband was snatched away from her by the cold hands of death. We can only imagine her pain and intense mental anguish. Not only that, but without her husband her financial woes increased. The devil certainly knows how to pour it on doesn't he?

Well! What can I say? We serve a mighty God who is great in providence. Giving all to Him makes a difference. Our family togetherness programme was designed to show our unity as we reached out in a tangible way to alleviate the distress of our sister. All the families in the church made their contribution to provide a 'purse' for our sister so she could have a brand new start. The support was tremendous as persons gave freely as the Lord had blessed them. God is indeed able to provide for His people abundant blessings.

As the presentation was made the brethren rejoiced and cheered. It was a moment of gladness. Yet many cheeks were wet as tears of joy streamed down the face of that sister and the faces of those who were present. Indeed it was a blessed moment. It's not over yet. There will be more rivers to cross and more mountains to climb but knowing God, being a part of His family, and uniting in service will certainly make the journey more tolerable and successful.

May God bless you all.

Grade Dinner

Tomorrow will be our grade dinner. We will be taking our Grade 9 students to a hotel to dine. As usual I'm expecting it to be great fun. We work hard during the school year and it is at times like these when we get an opportunity to play hard and just enjoy ourselves. I am definitely looking forward to this occasion.

I am a fun-loving person who thrives on adventure and excitement. Many people do not know that part of me as I tend to restrain myself. Yet there are times when I can't help but give in to the sheer joy of being alive. My students know both sides of me. They know me as a no-nonsense person who demands nothing less than the best from them. They also know my keen sense of humour and love of fun.

Well, I am definitely expecting to have a good time if all goes well. I got myself one of the prettiest dresses you ever did see. It feels so smug and comfy on me. Of course this was definitely not in my budget but since I will be on holidays for the next few weeks I'm hoping it will balance out. If it doesn't I'll be in trouble so I'm just praying and hoping. That's another thing about me I'm really too impulsive for my own good. I sometimes act and then I find myself thinking, 'Now why did I do that?'

I certainly hope I'll be able to hold my head up above water this time around. Ah well! I guess that I can only hope for the best. At least I'll have a jolly good time. With the economy as it is these times are not as regular as they used to be. I'll let you know how it fares. I guess you all know me a little better now. As time goes by I'll share more of myself with you.

May the Lord bless and keep us all.

Exam Time

For the past week I've been very busy marking examination papers. Quite a task I must say, since I had a mountain of papers to go through. It is never easy at this time of the school year. Anyway, I seem to be getting through nicely even though I would have appreciated a bit of help if it were available.

I must confess that the marking of examination scripts can be a very rewarding experience even though marking is tedious and time consuming. There is this warm glow that spreads over me when my students excel. There are times when I come upon a particularly good paper and I just feel like punching the air and shouting with joy:

'Yes! Perfect! He got it! Great job!'

Right away I want to share my joy with someone else. I just can't keep it to myself. I am like a proud mother who wants share with a close friend that special moment when her child excels. It may seem strange but I have a strong bond with my students and consider them my children even though I am not their biological mother. If they hurt; I hurt. If they succeed; I am like a proud mother. Don't try to understand. I guess it is just one of those inexplicable things.

Anyway, I have had a number of students doing well in their examinations and to tell you the truth I am tickled pink. This takes me to the point I want to make. If I can feel this way about students excelling in a temporal examination, I wonder about God's reaction when we excel in the daily tests that prepare us for eternity. Paul offers us the following words of encouragement:" study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".

Whether we believe it or not we are students in God's classroom and the lessons being taught are to prepare us for eternity. How well are we mastering the lessons taught? By the grace of God let us study well and be excellent students thus giving God the opportunity to say: Hast thou considered my servant ___________? (Put your name there.)

I'm sure He'll be tickled pink.

Have a blessed night.

Stock-Taking

It's the first day of December. I don't know if you all feel the way I do. Somehow, I feel the need to revisit the rooms of my heart and ensure that they are prepared for holy visitors. As the old year draws to a close, I must take stock of how well I have managed my Master's assets. I'm expecting Him soon because I'll be one year closer to His coming as soon as the new year rolls in.

So, I enter the living room and begin checking. I look at the sofas all soft and comfy. Are they in perfect condition or do they show signs of wear? I inspect them carefully knowing that my Master expects them to be all worn out by the time He arrives. If I have entertained strangers, invited in widows and cared for orphans then my sofas will certainly show signs of wear. I'm not totally satisfied with the condition of the sofas. I'll have to certainly work on welcoming far more widows, orphans and even strangers next year. No, I'll begin right away. There's no time like the present. I look over at the television. Seems I didn't use it much. The Master won't mind though. He wants me to guard well the avenues of the mind. He also wants me to use my time wisely. I think He will be quite pleased to see that the television was seldom used.

Ah well! Let me hop over to the dining room. Is there wholesome food on my table? What have I been eating? What have I been feeding my family? Do I see some rich desserts filled with sugar and milk? Or do I see fruits, cereals and fresh vegetables? Wait a minute... Did I deliver any food baskets this year? Oh dear! Did I share my meals with the poor amd the needy? Could I have shared more? I do believe that I could have. The Master has given me so much.

Stock taking is difficult isn't it? I have not been to all the rooms. Two rooms and suddenly I'm all tired out. I have much to think about tonight. Probably you would like to join me in stocktaking. It might encourage my soul. Well, I'll do some more another day. See you soon.

Have a blessed night.