The Challenge Begins Tomorrow!

Okay, so I've decided to read the Bible chronologically using Blue Letter Bible's chronological reading plan. The plan is designed for a 12-month period, so I'll have to double the amount of chapters read each day.

I also found this article helpful as it explains how to modify a reading plan to the time frame that you choose: Customizing A Bible Reading Plan

My sister Sara has joined me on the challenge so we are looking forward to doing it together!

May God richly bless you and your family in this new year!

Blessings,

Peach Blossoms!!

Yesterday, we were delighted to see several peach blossoms on our peach tree in the backyard.  We moved into our new home only a few months ago and were excited to see that a peach tree was on the property.

Now that there are blossoms on the tree, we can look forward to eating fresh peaches for breakfast next spring!

Blessings,

And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good.Genesis 1:12

Reading the Bible in 6 Months

A few days ago, I came across Kaylene's blog: Face Value.  She has started a wonderful challenge: to read the Bible in 6 months.  I've always wanted to read through the Bible, and this is a good opportunity. We'll start January 1st and finish at the end of June.  I haven't settled on a reading plan as yet (e.g. chronological, blended, Old & New combined etc.) but hope to have it all worked out soon. I'll have to read about seven chapters a day which shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.  I'm sure it'll be challenging at times but the rewards are priceless.

I'll keep you updated on my progress and hope you can join us too.

Blessings,

I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. Psalms 119:16

Power Outage!

Winter gales are common in Bermuda, and it was ironic that one should arrive on the first day of winter!  The weather changed quickly and by late afternoon it was very windy outside.  The temperature dropped to about 62 degrees and it began to rain.  Soon, the power went out but we were told by our electricity company that power should come back in an hour's time.  That was around 4:20pm.  Well, we waited and waited and each time we called to check the "estimated wait time" there was a message saying that the time was being adjusted and that we can call back later.  The sun set around half past five so we had supper by candle and flashlight.  We talked together and played with our kitties while the wait for electricity continued.  Finally, we realized that we'll have to go to bed in the dark.  Then just as we were about to turn in around 8:30 the power came back on! As we went to bed we placed our flashlights on the dining table just in case the power went back off.  It never did and the weather calmed down somewhat overnight!

"For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth the wind, and declareth unto man what [is] his thought, that maketh the morning darkness, and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, [is] his name." Amos 4:13

The Father's Love Letter

Please visit www.needGod.com for more information. This video can be found in other formats at www.fathersloveletter.com.

Hibiscus Flowers

I'm amazed at the variety of hibiscus flowers that we find in our neighborhood. Actually, the hibiscus thrives in Bermuda's subtropical climate and these beautiful flowers grow abundantly throughout the island. I took pictures of each variety of hibiscus that we found in and around our yard. Please enjoy these wonderful works of art done by our Creator!

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psalms 104:24

Cooler Weather A'Coming!

Although we are almost mid-December, we've been blessed with warmer temperatures! It's been about 70 or so degrees consistently for the past couple of weeks. Today though, there was a bit of a change, and it's about 63 degrees, and the temperature is expected to drop gradually over the next few weeks.

Although winter isn't my favorite season, it's fun being able to cozy up with my family and read different Bible stories...but I will definitely look forward to spring!!

~Sara

Her Majesty's Visit to Bermuda

We were very excited to see the Queen for the first time this week. Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, visited to celebrate Bermuda's 400th anniversary. We took lots of photos of the fun time that we had as we followed the Queen from the Cabinet building on Front Street to the Cathedral on Church Street and finally the Ferry Terminal on Front Street. Later in the day, we also had the opportunity to see Her Majesty once more outside our home in Somerset.

~ Leah on the bus en route to Hamilton to see the Queen! ~

~ Leah & Jude waiting patiently to see the Queen as she leaves the Cabinet building ~

~ Quite a few people gathered on different sidewalks hoping to catch a glimpse of the Queen ~

~ Here she comes! Queen Elizabeth II travelled in a landau (royal carriage) from the Cabinet Building to the Bermuda Cathedral ~

~ The landau moved rather swiftly and and onlookers raced to catch a good photo; the Queen is seen here in a blue hat, her husband is sitting beside her ~

~ There was a large crowd outside the cathedral on Church Street and we struggled to get through it on our way to the ferry terminal. ~

~ This school group was sitting patiently as they waited for the Queen to pass by ~

~ These office workers weren't about to miss their chance to see the Queen! ~

~ This man was perched precariously out of a second story window! ~

~ Construction workers can be seen waiting to see the Queen from a building on Front Street ~

~ The Queen (in the Range Rover) made her way to the ferry terminal where she was to board the ferry for the Royal Naval Dockyard ~

~ A large crowd gathered near the ferry terminal to see the Queen leave for the Dockyard ~

~ She left on the J. L. Cecil Smith; a wonderful vessel that we've ridden before as well~

~ The Queen and Prince Philip waved goodbye as they left for the Dockyard ~

~ Everyone waved goodbye to the Queen ~

~ The Mayor of Hamilton was also at the Ferry Terminal and we were able to get our picture taken with him! ~

~ A beautiful bouquet of flowers greeted the Queen as she entered the terminal ~

~ Later, the Queen returned from the Dockyard and we waited to see her (again!) outside our home in Somerset. Leah made this adorable British flag to wave! ~

~ This time she was traveling much faster and this was the best shot we got of her ~

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth. Psalms 138:4

Opening of Parliament

The opening of parliament is an annual event that is well-known for its pomp and ceremony. Last year, I happened to be in Hamilton on the same morning the opening of Parliament was to be held. I watched and wished that the rest of the family could enjoy it too. So, this year we made a special effort to attend.

The opening of Parliament was very similar to last year's ceremony except that this time the weather was cooler, overcast, and seemed like rain was imminent. There's a large tent where all the invited guests and schools sit. We weren't sure if we'd be allowed to sit there but Mom asked and gained permission for us to sit near the back with a group of school students. We were also joined by a few tourists who also managed to sit under the tent.

The Bermuda Regiment Band came through the Cabinet grounds before taking position on Front Street to be reviewed by the Governor. A twenty-one gun salute announced the arrival of the Governor Sir Richard Gozney. He reviewed the Bermuda Regiment Guard of Honor before arriving on the Cabinet grounds in a traditional horse-and-carriage. Everyone stood as the Governor took his place in a throne which dates back several centuries. A prayer was said and then the Governor sent the Black Rod (a senior Police official) to summon the Members of Parliament. Slowly, the politicians began to arrive. It seems that at this point, they were running a bit behind schedule as the politicians took some time to arrive and be seated. However, once all were present, the Governor read the Throne Speech on behalf of the Government. The Throne Speech outlined the issues that the Government is planning to address during this session of Parliament. After the Throne Speech was read, the Governor returned to his horse-and-carriage. The Bermuda Regiment Band marched through the Cabinet grounds once more. Thankfully, the weather held up and we even got some sunshine during the ceremony. It was definitely worth our time and effort!

~Governor Sir Richard Gozney seated on Throne~

~Governor (in feathered hat), prepares to send Black Rod to summon Members of Parliament~

~ A judge with copy of Throne Speech in hand~

~Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Diana prepare to depart Cabinet grounds~

~Bermuda Regiment Band~

~Bermuda Regiment~

~Bermuda Regiment~

Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Psalm 2:10

If you would like to read the Throne Speech in full, please click here.

Feeding the Fish

On sunny days, we enjoy walking to a beautiful pier which is only a few minutes away from our house. There are many fish there and we take bread to feed them while bird watching and enjoying the sunshine. Usually, the gulls and sparrows are also present, hoping to steal some of the bread that was intended for the fish. Occasionally, a large parrot fish would swim -they tend to stay in the deeper water and are always a treat to see. The pier is a wonderful place to observe God's wonderful Creation!

~ Jude, Leah, Sara watching the fish ~

~ I'm enjoying myself while out in the fresh air~

~Sara had a fun time too!~

~View across the inlet~

~I took this picture on our way home~

~We were blessed with a beautiful sunset this evening~

The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land. Psalms 95:5

P.S. I tried to photograph the fish but the water was a little choppy and the pictures didn't turn out right. Maybe next time!

Celebration of Hymns

This Sunday, we attended the Celebration of Hymns program which was hosted by the Masterworks orchestra. We enjoyed singing hymns and listening to the musicians play. We also had fun chatting with the musicians afterwards. It was a pleasure to celebrate hymns and praise God!