Mary Haskett / Author

Thank you to those of you who commented on my blogs about Margaret. Sometimes and unwittingly I can be guilty of sharing things that perhaps I should not. I received an accusatory email from someone telling me I was breaking confidences by sharing my relationship with Margaret. (Not from you dear friends) I decided it was better to remove the blogs.

I will still write about Margaret, but keep my writings in a file. I talked to Margaret this evening and she was quite happy with what I had written. And we had a good chat too.

Blessings and God's peace for us all!

Mary

A terrible thing happened to me a few days ago. I inadvertently clicked a wrong command and deleted all my files. Since then frantic efforts on my part, and more calming efforts by a savvy computer friend, left my “save as” cupboard bare.

Initially I said to my husband, I am not going to lie awake stewing over the loss, I’m not going to think about my master pieces—at least in my mind—that are gone for good. I have to focus on the future, pick myself up and start all over again.

Not only did I lose everything, the internet refused to cooperate, a page would pop up telling me the web page was unavailable and to check this, that and the other. This meant I couldn’t even email friends and grieve my loss with them. After all we are told to share one and others burdens and this burden required much sharing. It was so heavy.

Well today is the first day of my start over. This morning with my computer tucked under my arm— it’s a lap-top, my husband and I drove out to the store where my two and a half month old machine had been purchased. It’s probably not very polite to call this technological marvel a machine, but there you are. I confessed my errors to a very smart young man in the service department. He told me he wouldn’t be able to retrieve my losses. There was an inkling of hope lurking in the back of my mind. However, he told me with confidence that he would reinstall the two drives that worked the internet and he’d be done in five minutes. “If you’d like to wait over there,” he said, indicating a row of chairs. Mind you I’m old enough to be his grandma, but I thought I should do as he suggested. He was certainly the one in charge. It did take a little longer, because other customers came in and he made note of their requirements. None of them had messed up like me though.

A few days have gone by and I have moments of despair, but for the most part I’m pressing on. Today my step daughter phoned to say how sorry she was and gave me contacts who might be able to help. Plus she prayed with me. This was good, very good, because whether or not I get my files back I know Jesus cares and knowing this the doldrums have departed.

We have so much to be grateful for. I read Fay’s blog about Tim Huff’s book, Bent Hope, dealing with the lonely lost and depressed people of our world. I say again we/I have much to be grateful for.

Mary

This past week I had cause to rejoice as two of my friends in our Ready Writers group were winners at The Word Guild of Canada Awards night at the World Vision Center in Missisuaga. Fay Rowe won for her wonderful book Keepers of the Testimony, which I had the honour to endorse, and Donna Dawson won for her mystery, suspense novel Vengeance , which I also endorsed.YEAH!

Be my guest click on their web sites and read more. Also view the pictures Fay has put up on her web site.

Congratulations to my dear friends.

Love

Mary

    Character is what you are when no one else is looking or you think their not; like the times when my mind wanders during a sermon. I rebuke myself and return to see the pastor talking directly to me. I try to look interested as my pastor with great enthusiasm expounds on well--something, and I hope my nods of agreement are being executed at the right time!  What sort of character is that? Not very honourable I guess. I repent and ask God to forgive me of my short comings. I want to improve in so many areas. For instance I don't want to think negative thoughts about others and refer to certain persons in moments of exasperation as my nemesis. When that happens I'm in to asking forgiveness again. Unfortunately I've had to ask forgiveness on that one more than once. It's a good job God is a merciful God, otherwise this character would be in deep trouble! Then there's times in the shopping malls or out there somewhere and I don't want to talk to someone I know, so I gaze intently at some item that I've no intention of  buying. It's not that I don't care for that person, but it's not convenient right now. If I think about it I don't even know why!

In the 1950s psychologists, Joseph Luft and Harry Ingham determined four components of humans and their characters; their goal to assist us to better understand ourselves and others. Their concept known as the "Johari window" identified four characteristics in us humans. The first characteristic is the self that we see and others see. The second is the self that others see, but we fail to see. The third is what we know about ourselves, but no one else knows and the last characteristic is unknown--period!

These psychologists didn't come up with anything new. We only have to read Scripture to realize that God sees all aspects of our characters. For man to improve his character he must follow the laws of God. In psalm 44 the psalmist gives glory and recognition to God, but later he talks about God having drawn back from His people because of their sin, but at the same time he says, "Shall not God search this out? for he knoweth the secrets of the heart." (V-21).  David too had a deep understanding of God. Psalm 139 expresses many of his sentiments. He tells God that whatever he does, whatever he thinks, wherever he goes he knows God sees and knows all concerning him.

Like David I say, "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139 23-24 KJV).

Food for thought . Don't you think?

Be blessed and encouraged as you march onward and upward with Jesus.

Mary

Today I uploaded my little book on prayer to my store page.

It is amazing the way God moves us on in life and the surges of joy that come as we reflect on His kindness  The joy I experienced in writing this book put me in mind of CJ Lewis' book Surprised by Joy, at least the title!

I've reflected on this joy and believe it comes, because I've submitted the book to God. He will decide who will buy it, who will be encouraged by it and who needs to read it, and as I so often say, "Over to you Lord."

Blessings to you this day

Mary

To let you know and hoping to inspire you to purchase a copy of my little book on prayer. It is a slim volume , but one that will encourage you in your prayer life.

I will keep you posted re the release date. Meanwhile check out the page Because We Prayed and see what people are saying.

Blessings

Mary

I know one doesn't usually enthuse over dandelions, but have you seen them in BC?  They carpet public parks , fields and roadways. It's the colour that lifts you, That bright bold yellow. I really could only admire them. I thought of the times I had painstakingly rooted out those stalwart flowers, or are they weeds? from our lawn. "You're spoiling our lovely green carpet," I'd mutter. But were they? After all, yellow and green are very becoming together. But I suppose the green would eventually be gone completely. Now if we likened the number of people coming to faith to the number of dandelions out there, that woudn't be such a dismal situation. A carpet of pure yellow representing Christians in the community, tenaciously holding on and not letting go! And then sending forth more seed!

Hmm Food for thought Don't you think?

I'm smiling

Mary

We were up on Burnaby Mountain in British Columbia a week ago today, you know, where eagles fly. It wasn't too long before two, no three of these magnificent birds soared overhead. One of them dived swiftly down the mountainside obviously after prey. What a thrill to watch them.

My step-daughter Kelsey, had taken us up there. She had packed a picnic lunch with help from our grand-daughter Annie, and there we were, munching on sandwiches and delighting in the magnificent work of God's creation. Far below were fiords with boats moving peacefully through silent waters.

. Where ever we turned our eye there were mountains and in our immediate surrounds winding paths and flowerbeds filled with tulips and daffodils.

 Later we drove to Stanley Park. it was sobering to see the damage done by the wind storm of a few years ago, but even there we saw the start of new life springing forth.

Driving on we crossed Lion Bridge Gate and headed out to Grenville Island to browse the stores where exquisite and very expensive merchandise was for sale. And then we settled at a table to eat supper. While there we heard a terrible commotion going on over the water, Seagulls screeched and dived in great agitation. The cause, one of those magnificent eagles had flown into their territory. He was out numbered and had to beat a hasty retreat!  

I will share more in a day or two. Meanwhile I marvel at God's creation as I expect you do.

In love

Mary

Recently  an online secular magazine contacted me requesting an interview. I praise God for the opportunity to speak of my faith and that my responses are included in the article.

The thought that struck me most was the realization that true believers embrace each other and that the colour of the skin, ethinic backgrounds and different cultures are of no consequence to us.Praise God for His unfailing love toward us.

You can read the article on the following web site: http//www.timelesswomen.ca

Have a blessed day. If you have time do leave a comment or sign the guest book. Let me know you visited

Mary

Today I'm reminded of  Wordsworth's poem,The Daffodils. Mind you I haven't seen any in people's gardens yet, but I have seen forced ones in the supermarkets and big stores. Two night ago I watched people on a news documentary all hustling and  bustling with excitement as they traversed a garden centre. Animated- they talked about their love of gardens. I do hope they give a thought to the one who created such beauty. I know I do. At times I feel I  might burst with the joy and  wonder of it all.

Be blessed today

Mary