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• My top 5 for your top 5
  by Cathleen Tarawhiti

  Easy / You look through my work and pick your favourite top 5 and I will / look through your portfolio and tell you my favourite 5. / I’ll …

  Easy / You look through my work and pick your favourite top 5 and I will / look through your portfolio and tell you my favourite 5. / I’ll show you mine if you show me yours – without the nakedness. Unless you feel the need to show me in which I’ll post you here in all your glory for the viewers pleasure.

• wHATS UP WITH THIS? Be Careful red bubblers...... of Fraudulent invitations....
  by artist4peace

  IN THE LAST 10 DAYSiI HAVE GOTTEN 3 funky bubblemails / 1) an email wanting to use my work for a logo BUT they wanted me to respond ONLY…

  IN THE LAST 10 DAYSiI HAVE GOTTEN 3 funky bubblemails / 1) an email wanting to use my work for a logo BUT they wanted me to respond ONLY through their personal email and not bubble mail.In going to their site…there was no information on them at all! I REPLIED saying I wanted to negotiate initially through RB etc. and never heard from them again. / Today 2)received an” I admire you talents& wanna get to know someone like you…blah blah” AGAIN requesting I respond to>>> a personal email acct.<<< I went and checked and there was NO information on them..0.. / I reported the 1st one to R B ,this one I am writing you guys about it! I have some great red bubble friendships and with some, we do communicate at times with our personal email accts…...or by phone or skype in addition to bubble mail etc.. / Each of these people/artists, however, have a site with info on themselves and have invested time posting works in art or writings and with site presentation you have a clear sense of who they are /what you are about!....I only want to be in relationship with those who are members who have invested themselves in our community genuinely… / Take care and I love you, / Dalzenia (-;

• 10 Oct...... Today is World Mental Health Day
  by Karin Taylor

  Hullo Bubblebrains… Today 10 Oct is World Mental Health Day!! I recently wrote a journal called Clinical Depression...

  Hullo Bubblebrains… Today 10 Oct is World Mental Health Day!! I recently wrote a journal called Clinical Depression and Fa has written a journal too relating to World Mental Health Day or go here for the other version in her writing section, which has some really good helps and tips about depression in it and there is an important message from Barnsis in the comments about taking medication as prescribed, so please do go and have a look at Fa’s journal over at silentcries I have been quite surprised at the number of people that shared and responded with such indepthness and heartfeltness…. (is that a word..if not, I just made up a new word!!) lol Depression is a topic that still has a stigma, we find it difficult to talk about, it can get overwhelming for those with it, and almost as overwhelming for friends and family who are supporting someone with depression. I am always on the lookout for any information that provides concise, clear and helpful ways to combat depression, and points people in the right direction – to see the doctor, to talk to family, friends, and arrange an appointment through your doctor to see a counsellor… cognitive behavioural therapy, information on what has helped you, meditation, living in the moment, addressing causative factors. This morning I came across the aussie website Beyond Blue where there is a lot of helpful information re Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar and Post Natal Depression If you suffer from these or have a loved one that does, check out Beyond Blue and visit your doctor for a chat about things ….. If you live in Singapore, there is a website called Silver Ribbon where you also may find helpful information about mental illness… and here is a link about how to help combat the stigma of mental illness If you know of a website that has been of help to you (like JakkiO’s) or if you would like to share how a therapy, book, or doctor has helped you, this would be a great place to share that…... Other places here on Red Bubble for support and sharing are in the following groups which you are very welcome to join….by reading the stories of other members, you may find help….or through the expression of your feelings in the written form, or other art forms, drawing, painting, etc Healing Journey Group / Deep Within / Voices of the Dark and Deep If you know of other groups on RB like this, please let us know…

• the problem with gay people
  by sunset

  Got your attention? The problem is, I haven’t got one, but other people do. As I was growing up, my mum said “if you are gay, it doesn…

  Got your attention? The problem is, I haven’t got one, but other people do. As I was growing up, my mum said “if you are gay, it doesn’t matter, I love you” so many times I asked her if she wanted me to be gay. (I’m not) I grew up hearing about the conflict other people had, in other countries, with a mother who would do what she could to help (via Amnesty International). The old ‘best friend’ story-one of my oldest friend, who’s known me since she was two, finally came out a few years ago. We asked her what took her, cos we all knew: even in the most accepting environments, it’s not easy. I knew from the first 5minutes of meeting the BF’s mate (on the goldcoast last year) he was fully homophobic. I promptly told him if he went on about it anymore, I’d assume he was gay. Protest, protest. He protests too much. Then, the BF’s mate was down on the weekend. For the week. And again, proceeded to go on about it. To make jokes. (amongst the swearing, shopping sprees to Armani, and clouds of deodorant. Then hours on xbox). I’d had it up to here. I told him in no uncertain terms that people I love are gay, friends and family. They may not be here now, but I can’t laugh at jokes like that, because if they were there, I’d be insulting them, and he was insulting me by talking like that about gay people. That here in Sydney, people are tolerant of gay people, and don’t make a big issue about it. And I won’t let him be around my friends, hearing him talk like that. Of course, he has no ability to reply here. He promises he’s joking and wouldn’t say those things around anyone else. He knows it’s not appropriate. (not around me either buddy) I’m doing the parent-child thing telling him off. But you know what? I just read in the paper a guy and his partner (who I went to school with) have been bashed. His partner needed surgery, and will never look the same. The police said there’s not much they can do. They had to fight to get the CCTV footage, before it’s written over. The thieves took their phones and have called his mum, telling him they’ve killed her son. That is sick. Did you know something like 90% of bashings are sexuality related? That figure may not be 100% accurate. All that matters is that it’s happened to two people too many. If the police’s attitude is like that, many more too many. We as artists have a voice, and t-shirts to raise awareness, to design images and slogans that promote goodness in the world. I’m saddened that violent images perpetuate. That violence has been cool. Call me a hippy, but though love is sometimes seems harder. but it’s worth the effort. It takes effort. but it actually makes our lives better. There is another person to love, rather than hate in our world. Ironically, (as I say ‘tolerate’) I couldn’t stay at home with a person speaking like that in the house. I do not tolerate that talk. I told him what I’d thought, and out of respect to the BF, didn’t kick him out-it was good timing for me to take a holiday somewhere else. I think that sent the message, despite the fact I didn’t change his opinion (I can’t make him). I’m not sure what else to say, but if you have a problem with gay people, get over it. If you can’t quite do that, go play football, hit a punching bag or rev your car that little bit louder. We know you’re macho enough. We’d probably like you anyways, if you weren’t. Seriously, that behaviour is better than hurting someone we love. Knowing that, maybe we can laugh about how silly those people were, to once behave like that, and enjoy a better reality. That includes you.

• I just donated $1,320.00 to HEAL Africa and Hand Up Congo.
  by Melinda Kerr

  Well at last. It gives me great pleasure to announce (virtual drum roll…) that as a result of selling cards, prints, t-shirts, photo…

  Well at last. It gives me great pleasure to announce (virtual drum roll…) that as a result of selling cards, prints, t-shirts, photos, caps etc etc etc I have raised and just officially donated 1,320 smackas to HEAL Africa and Hand Up Congo. Many of you guys know I’ve been doing this for the last year after traveling there with an AID Group as a volunteer photographer. I’m stoked that I have been able to pay for 3 fistula operations (did anyone see the doco on the ABC last night?) – this will directly affect three women whose lives have been shattered by war rape. If the operations work they will be able to return to their villages an ‘equal’ citizen (well equal for a woman). The money will also go to restoring sight to a Congolese woman with severe cataracts and there was enough left over to buy 4 mosquito nets and associated mozzie destroyers! I just want to thank all those on RB who’ve supported the cause. There are too many names to mention… But I will mention…Jo O’Brien who regularly highlighted my pleas in the community page (hey how about this one too O’Brien!!) John Robb who invented ‘The world’s most expensive card’ campaign, all the Melbourne crew who encouraged me at meetups (those few I’ve gone too…) Bec Zachariah my room mate in Africa…all the people from OS who have bought stuff without knowing me (probably because they don’t know me!!) Anyway thanks from my heart. And their hearts. They have them you know. That’s why we need to keep fighting the good fight. Peace. xx healafrica.org

• Karin Taylor we LOVE you
  by CateTownsend

  I don’t know about the rest of you guys on here but I believe that Karin Taylor is a very important person. Karin is a great artist / ...

  I don’t know about the rest of you guys on here but I believe that Karin Taylor is a very important person. Karin is a great artist / Karin welcomes new artists and makes them feel at home / Karin helps people with computer technical stuff / Karin is brave / Karin is the bubblers guru / Karin is wise beyond words / Karin is encouraging / Karin takes on eveyone else’s stuff and gets overloaded / Sometimes she crashes her wings get too heavy with stuff Karin is a hero / When I was under attack Karin came out fighting for me, she didn’t even know what was happening she just believed in me / Karin we believe in you I believe in you You are so much more and so many people love you / Karin is a big heart beating here on redbubble / without Karin this place would never be as welcoming and exciting / Redbubble take care of Karin / Make sure we don’t loose her / we can’t afford to loose her / Karin is really important Karin Taylor we love you

• birthday pressie
  by Karin Taylor

  Birthday Pressie i am having a birthday soon, / and i think that my birthday pressie from RB is this….. / i just reached this wonder…

  Birthday Pressie i am having a birthday soon, / and i think that my birthday pressie from RB is this….. / i just reached this wonderful milestone of 30,000 art views / 10,000 tee views in my first 3 months on the bubble!!! and that’s saying / to me that this is the most supportive and loving community / that I’ve ever had the joy to be a part of Background Story my parents lived in a place called Tottenham western NSW / when i was little, and that was the most supportive community / of people they have ever known the friends they made in that town so long ago have stuck by / them even tho they moved from there some 39 years ago when / i was 4 years old. The affection and love they knew is as strong / now as it was then…and that mateship never ever died. to me, that is what these statistics say, that rb is a dedicated / community, like the one in outback Tottenham, / that genuinely has and expresses a caring and supportive attitude / to one another. We understand the heights and the lows of / the artistic lifestyle and nature.. and many of you have ministered / your love and care for me….i am forever grateful to you i have found this a place of encouragement, a well at which i have / been watered, and drunk deeply from, a place that has nourished me / and nurtured my soul, grown me in spirit in courage and in strength. / i walk with my head held high and my spirit soaring, because I am buoyed by / this community of people. yay thank you everyone :) happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear Karin, happy birthday to me….........nah, not shy about telling everyone my birthday…..i love getting happy birthday wishes!!!!

• Calendar number 3
  by Melinda Kerr

  The third of the series / / !http:...

  The third of the series / / / / / / / / / / / /

• *I WILL CHANGE ALL THOSE FOR WHOM YOU INTERCEDE*
  by TREVOR IRWIN

  http://www.philadelphia33.org/ Precious Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. It is Sunday Morning here…

  http://www.philadelphia33.org/ Precious Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. It is Sunday Morning here in London. Time: 8:20am. / As I have decided to spend most of the day in prayer for all who are in need, The Holy Spirit has put an urgency to share with all who are Prayer warriors a deep truth found in Gods word about his part in answering our prayers for those whom we pray For. JOB 22:30- “I will deliver those for whom you pray for”. This is from the {Amplified Bible}, which is one of the few that gives an accurate interpretation of the original text. [Please take note: Not all bibles are accurate. The king James is still the best, but a few others have been so watered down that they make the true meaning of the scriptures weak. Remember its not about personal taste here. It’s about the true undeleted word of God. So I do use the Amplified, alongside the King James Version] Job 22: 30 I WILL CHANGE ALL THOSE FOR WHOM YOU PRAY. This should give each one of us great confidence and excitement, as we stand before God Interceding for our precious friends in their times of need. Our Heavenly Father assures us that If we Intercede on their behalf, that God himself will hear and change their situation, Circumstances and bring them out stronger than what they were before. Beloved. Its not long winded prayers that gets Gods attention. it is your level of Faith and understanding of his will. Its Not your tears that moves him, It is Faith. / Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarded of them that diligently seek him. Jesus constantly encourages us to pray. to our heavenly Father. But In every case he assures us that God will answer us and grant us the request. / John 14:14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. / Mat 21:22* And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Intercessory Prayer is often not a ministry that is open to all to see. often it is in the quite Prayer Closet, or out of reach of others who cannot see or hear you. But God does hear you. HE HAS PROMISED YOU THAT HE WILL CHANGE, DELIVER, SET FREE, SUPPLY ABUNDANCE OF GRACE AND FAVOR, HEAL AND TURN SITUATIONS AROUND TO THE BENIFIT OF ALL, When we Intercede. This ia an office, a Ministry that God desires to grow within his church [The Body of Christ]. The Church is not a building that many call Church. The Church is the Body of Christ here on earth, . You are am member of His body. / Eph 5:30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. You are the one he wants to stand in the gap. The one who he waits to hear and the one he has promised to answer when you pray. Sadly today many within the Christian ministry seek the visible and noticeable ministries. The Preaching and teaching, ministries. This is good as they are greatly needed. But Intercessory Prayer is much in demand. I don’t want to take up much of your time her, but I feel led by God to share with you a experience the Lord revealed personally to me. In my days as a baby Christian I would spend almost all of my prayer time asking God for the things I needed and desired, as the Word of God revealed them to me. For Years I would pray and still not receive all that was requested. But I continued to seek God. Serving God for over 15 years without even the money for a plane ticket to travel to the people of Africa where God sent me was not living in His abundant provisions. Yet at these times he would always send those whom he had handpicked to meet my needs and also to bless them in their obedience in giving towards his minister and work. Then Through JOB 22:30 Amp Bible] He opened my eyes to the benefits of praying for others. I started to bring people before him each day, and I saw the changes that God had made in their lives. Family Members, Church Members, Neighbours, even those who had lied to me and let me down. God changed them. Many are saved today and did not know that this little Evangelist was praying for just that. Beloved, I have had an angel pay my hotel bill. I shook the hand of an angel several times. I have held the hand of Jesus, and had people I did not know sow seed I to Gods Work in Africa. I pray daily for the souls of the extreme poor villagers and the sick and hungry children here at home. I see the Grace and Favour of God manifest each time I Go on Mission. I speak words of Life into the dry barren hearts of the nation and its people. Each time I go, I have the confidence that God has been working and preparing the hearts of all who will come in contact with me, to receive his son Jesus as Lord and Saviour. / John 6:44* No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. / I intercede for each man woman and child. I see the results just as he has promised. Beloved. We have had all the great preachers preach and today still preach and teach. God Bless them as they continue to win countless souls for God. But Preaching is not enough. We need to learn to intercede and how to Pray for others. I need your Prayers of intercession and Where led by God financial seed. It is your Intercessory Prayers that Make mission work so sweet and successful. Conclusion / The lord has indeed opened a great door of Opportunity to reach the lost and intercede for those in need. When you look away from yourself and pray for others, God will change them and in doing so he changes you also. Your needs are met in Christ. Not all have come to this level of understanding. Let us bare one and other up in prayer. Hold someone’s hand today! Stand beside them in Faith. Pray also For Olga and the team at Living Christianity. They are placed here by God to help and encourage all. LIVING CHRISTIANITY IS GOING TO EXPLODE WORLDWIDE!!!! Evangelist Trevor Irwin. http://www.philadelphia33.org/*

• *Jesus Called ny name*
  by TREVOR IRWIN

  http://www.philadelphia33.org/ Jesus He called my name. For all who are Christian, those who…

  http://www.philadelphia33.org/ Jesus He called my name. For all who are Christian, those who have been born again and received Jesus as lord and Saviour, there was a time when you heard Jesus Call your name. A time when you knew that The Lord loved you and wanted your heart. This is what I mean when I say He called my name. for those who have read my personal testimony, you will know that he called my name. When I was a chronic Alcoholic, gambler and one who practiced witchcraft. *. Due to the requests of friends I have met via Redbubble, I have decided to share with you, how the lord called me to serve him in Africa. A call to service. [As the Lord lives and is true and holy, I certify that what you are about to read is a true account of how Jesus called me into Missionary Service. This is still as fresh in my memory today as it was when this incredible event took place in my life] On Friday 26th August 1994, I was troubled in my spirit all day. I sat and watched Television and read a book, but yet I felt God wanted to speak to me, but I did not know what he wanted. So my wife said to me that I should just go to the park and pray. It was 6.05pm in the evening when I arrived at the park, and I parked my car and started to walk around the park. / I was walking and looking at the swans on the pond and praying at the same time. Then with not warning at all, I became aware that someone was walking close behind me. I did not look back, but knew someone was behind me. I continued walking along a narrow footpath and as I did I felt a person’s hand holding mine. There was no fear or indeed any desire to look to see who this was that was holding my right hand. / It was very strange looking back now to why I did not want to see who it was. This would have been anyone’s reaction at the time. I felt warm and at peace, not knowing that It was *Jesus who was the one actually holding my hand. I was Praying in the Spirit [speaking to God in the gift of tongues]. Then Jesus said my name, Trevor. It was the softness and Love in his voice that caused me to look and as I say my Masters face, I knew that It was him. He did not need to tell me it was Jesus. When Jesus comes to you my friend, you won’t need any introduction or explanation, for you will know it is the King of kings that has called your name. In an instant tears my friend flowed down my face, and I was crying like I have never cried before. My emotions were overwhelmed with sadness and sorrow, because his eyes were filled with tears also and he was quietly weeping. Here was my Jesus holding my hand and he was crying. I could not understand why I was not jubilant with Joy. His sorrow pierced my very fibre of my being. By now, I was transported away from all consciousness of being in the park on a bright summer evening and we were in a dark place. The Only way I can describe this pace is to use a well as an example. Imagine a deep round stone well, empty, and you are at the bottom of it. It is very round and very wide. So can hardly see the other side of it, and you can just make out the huge stones that form the round sides of it. It’s dark at the bottom and you cannot see any light, except the light that emanates from Jesus Garments. This is how it seemed at that point. As I Gazed into his face, he spoke these words to me. / “Trevor, My Son, I want to show you something, do not be afraid my son for I am with you”. There was a short silence as these words took hold of me. He gently squeezed my hand and began to walk forward in this dark place. As we went forward, he was still weeping, and I could hear voices in the distance and different kinds of noises, like doors opening and closing, and A smell that I had never experienced before. I was crying as the Passion and sorrow of Jesus seemed to flow into my heart. It was so hard to carry such sadness and I have never experienced this before or after. Then I began to see people at my left side and all were chained to the walls and terrible sores were all over them, and all were shouting things at Jesus. I could not make out what they were saying, but Jesus was crying and weeping. The smell was terrible and there were some that when they say him cried as well. As we went forward the light that was so white lit up the side and a little ahead. The place was so big and wide I could not see the other ends. Then he again spoke to me “Trevor my Son, Do not be afraid”. I was scared, but his words just melted away any fears I had. We then came to a place where I saw am Casket alone and as we walked pass, a man spoke and said “Jesus, Why have you let me come here?. Jesus with tears answered him and said “Judgement has been set”. Again the man shouted at him and started to explain to Jesus that he was a pastor and that all his life he served Jesus and Preached and give to those in need. Jesus said again to him, “Judgement has been set”. / / All the time Jesus was weeping and I was looking at Jesus all the time, and I never did see the man, but knew he was a man, because of his voice. Again the man pleaded with Jesus and told him many other good things he had done and as he was talking, Jesus raised his other hand and stopped the man from speaking. Then Jesus said to the man, “ I sent you warnings, I sent messengers to warn you and you did not repent, for the woman you slept with was not the wife I had given you, and you died in your sins, therefore Judgement has been set”. Jesus was very sad, and began to lead me further into this dark and cold place. Then we came to another place like a very large open place with walls so thick and wide and there were like empty prison cells all around. One cell stacked upon another and I could not see where they ended, and they were so high. Then Jesus knelt down on his knees and was now crying and I could feel his body shaking. All this time he was still holding my right hand. I stood beside him with tears flowing down my face and my heart was breaking with compassion and sadness for my Lovely Lord Jesus. I then knelt down beside him and wanted to hold him close, but I was so troubled to see My Lord cry like this. Then I asked him the only question I asked through all of this. “Lord, why are you crying, there is nobody here?. In what seemed like a long time we both cried and cried. Then still kneeling, Jesus looked deep into my eyes and said, / “This Place is prepared for all those who do not know my name”. / As I looked all around, I now could hear screams and fluttering wings and rustlings above our heads high above where we were. I saw in the darkness shadows of what I can only describe as winged demons, hellish beings flying about. Jesus was weeping so hard and as he stood up, I was still on my knees. He looked into my face and said to me “My Son, Go to Africa, to the villages and proclaim my name among the people, Go tell them who I am and that I love them, and I will be with you each step you take” Then Again suddenly, as if no time passed, I was back in the park. The first thing I became aware of was that I could not feel his hand in mine. I cried and begged him to come back again, and I remember saying Lord there is so much I want to ask you. The Holy Spirit then opened the eyes of my understanding and I realised that God had allowed me to have a vision where Jesus came and called my name. Where he had appeared to me and called me for service. I was deeply shaken and all they way back to my car, I was worshipping my lord in tongues [heavenly Language]. How I drove home, I do not know, and as I told my wife and we both just praised God and give thanks. I told my pastor the following day Saturday 27th August 1994, and the response are you sure it was Jesus. I was upset and few in the church the following day had any encouragement. So On Monday 27th August 1994 I went to my local travel agent and asked how much a ticket would be for Uganda. As a boy in School we had a visiting teacher from Uganda. I marvelled at the little round huts they lived in and the photographs she showed us was amazing. So I settled it that Uganda was the place God wanted me to go. The ticket was £530.00. I had no money so I sold my car. I was determined to get to where Jesus sent me and do what he told me to do. All this time and even now. I still see my Lord and the love in his beautiful eyes. Yes I still cry and know someday I will be with him forever. I Got the exact money from the sale of my car. It was then that the Church saw that I was committed to following my lords Commission. A Little money came in and I went to Africa on Saturday 24th September 1994. I arrived in a country where I knew nobody. I asked the taxi driver at Entebbe airport to take me to a Christian Guesthouse. He took me to marimba Guest house. That evening as I lay alone in my little room, a house girl knocked my door. She asked if I would like to attend a church. I was so happy. The following Day I who knew nobody was preaching to a Church of Over 2000 people. That evening I was speaking at Chief of Police Wedding anniversary, and in that audience were Government officials, and others. The following week I was given a small house to live in free of charge, a Vehicle and driver, and the mission to extreme poor and isolated villages was born. Since that time I have dedicated my whole life to Preaching the Gospel in remote areas of Africa, South India and have never had a salary. I have trusted and depended on God to meet my needs and that of my family. There have been and still are difficulties in rising the cost of Travel, But God always blesses me with Good people whom he has given a passion and heart to pray for these precious children and to sow financially into his work. This is how the Lord called me to service. I pray It will bless and inspire you. Thank you to all who have asked me how God called me to be a missionary without having a job to fund it. Isa 49:5 [COMMON ENGLISH BIBLE] Even before I was born, the LORD God chose me to serve him and to lead back the people So the LORD has honoured me and made me strong. Evangelist Trevor Irwin. Please visit Charity mission website by clicking link below. / http://www.philadelphia33.org/ Link to all my art: / http://www.redbubble.com/people/joshuatree1

• Life in the US
  by Patricia L. Ballard

  Being creative has been hard for me this week. Maybe it’s being at back home after a trip to Florida last week. Maybe it’s feeling overwh…

  Being creative has been hard for me this week. Maybe it’s being at back home after a trip to Florida last week. Maybe it’s feeling overwhelmed by everything that I want to get accomplished and the intrusion of the trivia of daily life. Whatever it is has led to a feeling of limbo that nothing seems to shake. Finally yesterday, it hit me. I’m waiting for the presidential election here in the US. It can’t come fast enough. The changes in daily life for most Americans have been massive over the last eight years. Many people will blame it on 9/11, and that has been part of it. No doubt that it sped up and magnified our downward spiral, but the changes had started before 9/11. To me, it seems that the changes in my life and those of my friends are indicative of the deeper problems of our country. Let’s start with medical care. After almost twenty years of a good job, my husband was forced to quit after his hospital was bought by an HMO that was famous for the way it cut the quality of care in order to make money. I was ill at the time with sinus polyps. Under by law, we could continue with our current medical insurance for eighteen month after he left his job. I was locked in a pattern of chronic infection. My body was resistant to the antibiotics that were approved by the formulary. The doctors would put me on steroids and antibiotics. I’d get better for a few weeks. Then I’d be weaned off the steroids and get ill again. All of this was complicated by asthma that presented itself with a chronic cough. At its worst, I could only get a little sleep at night by sitting upright with pillows across my lap and slumping forward over the pillows. Only this position stopped the cough. At no time did my doctors even suggest x-rays of my sinuses or even bother to look up my nose with a scope. As baby boomers, we were told that we were uninsurable by any other private insurance. My husband was jobless, and we had just bought our dream home in Santa Fe a year before. There were no jobs for him in Northern New Mexico. He tried for a year to work locums. They’re sort of have stethoscope will travel. All the travel was exhausting. This led us back to Chapel Hill, North Carolina where we had lived thirty years ago. He went back to work at the University of North Carolina where he had done his anesthesia training.He immediately got me seen by a specialist who probably saved my life. After over four hours of sinus surgery, I got up and walked out of the hospital the same day. We went out to dinner two days later and decided to move to Chapel Hill three months later. We hated to leave our home and friends in New Mexico, but we needed the job and the medical insurance. Our old insurance refused to pay for my surgery as they claimed that I could have gotten the same care in Albuquerque. Short of hiring lawyers and suing the HMO, there was no way we could get our money back. It did not matter that there was none of the equipment used on me during surgery in the whole state of New Mexico. We’re relatively lucky as my husband will always have a job. We’ll always have medical insurance, but overall the quality of care is dropping in this country. It’s unimaginable how many people are dieing with no affordable care. My brother, an epidemiologist who specializes in public health, says that more people die every year in the US from a lack of medical care than died in 9/11. Yet our leaders are callous to this statistic. I have counseled my friends who have thought of retiring or changing jobs to make sure that the medical insurance and benefits are locked in before making any changes. Recently, I went to get a refill for a medication that I have taken for almost ten years. It has been discontinued by the manufacturer. It’s not a necessity for life, but it did take care of my problem. The replacement medication does not work as well and gives me mood swings. The manufacturer of the first medication evidently decided that it couldn’t make enough money on the medication when it went off patent and stopped production. Unfortunately, I can’t find a generic version. The quality of life here has degraded in other ways, too. I don’t see friends if we have to drive too far to meet, as gas has gotten to be too expensive. If you can find gas. It took weeks for the pipeline to the Southeastern part of the US to be repaired after it was destroyed by a hurricane this fall. Many people are having to choose between driving and feeding their families because of the expense of gasoline. Before driving to Florida, a necessity for my husband’s work, he got on the AAA web site and researched the availability of gas on our route and it’s cost. The roads have less traffic. Fewer people can afford to travel. Two friends of mine have had to close small businesses that they had run for over twenty years. People are often buying only necessities. When I run errands, the stores are much less busy and crowded than they were even a year ago. The organic and whole foods stores are particularly empty. People are opting for less expensive foods. These are just a few examples of the changes that have happened in the US since 2000. It’s looking as if Barak Obama will win the current election. If he does, I don’t see how he can do more than make a small start on correcting the mess in four years, but at least it would be a start. This has all been written from my perspective and out of personal experience. I did not take on larger issues because I do not have the time gather the statistics to back up my beliefs. Plus, almost any statistic can be twisted to back up any argument, but I felt the need to let Redbubblers from outside the US know a little of what it’s like to live here at the moment.

• Take Care
  by Rhubarb

  _Alice snuck up on me from behind, grabbed me by my shoulders. ‘Margo,’ she said, ‘that hair of yours is a bloody disaster.’ I was bein…

  Alice snuck up on me from behind, grabbed me by my shoulders. ‘Margo,’ she said, ‘that hair of yours is a bloody disaster.’ I was being steered in the direction of the bathroom: ‘You should see it from here Margo, it looks like you’ve a bloody bird’s nest in there.’ She swung me through the doorway, ordered me to sit on top of the stool. I was five, six perhaps, so Alice must have been around ten. The stool was facing the sink, so she must have planned the whole show. Tomorrow I will turn seventy. Patrick, my husband died eighteen months ago. We’d been together forty five years. Life does not always settle in with our plans. Alice plunged mum’s hairbrush into my hair. I could feel each individual bristle. ‘I’ll fix this up for you Margo, you’ll see!’ Alice said, ‘and if you don’t move your head there just might be a lolly waiting for you afterwards.’ Next Saturday my daughter Christine is putting on a party at her place in honour of my birthday. We posted the invitations about a month ago, set the RSVP for last Friday. Alice could not get the brush to move through my hair. Then she tried pulling it away from my head. ‘Your hair’s all tied up in the bristles; I can’t get the bloody thing out,’ she said. By last evening Alice had not responded to the invitation so I rang her. ‘Stop Alice, please stop, you’re hurting me.’ I cried out. Then I tried to get the brush from her by digging my nails into the heel of her hand. I was successful in this. Alice said ‘wasn’t that odd’ that I rang because she’d only been thinking about me ‘on and off’ all day. I looked in the side of the mirror and saw Alice leaning against the doorway. She had her arms folded across her chest and a disgusted look on her face. ‘Exactly as I would’ve predicted Margo,’ she said. ‘You can’t see what you’re bloody well doing and so you’re just making things worse.’ ‘You got the invitation Alice?’ I asked. ‘Yes, love,’ she replied with a laugh. ‘How could I forget you’re the birthday girl tomorrow!’ Mum must have heard the goings on in the bathroom because, all of a sudden, she appeared at the bathroom door. She was holding a twin in each arm. ‘Stop her mum; Alice’s hurting me!’ I called out. ‘Mum, tell her to stop’. Alice asked: ‘Margot, do you feel just ghastly like I did when I turned seventy? ‘Margo’s hair’s a disgrace isn’t mum and so I’m fixing it up for her. You’ve got to have pain to have beauty, isn’t that right mum?’ ‘I was hoping that you’d be able to come,’ I said. Mum said, ‘Alice, go easy on your little sister, she looks up to you.’ ‘Oh Margo love, I haven’t gotten in touch because I only opened your invitation today.’ I pushed my head forward over the basin and looked up into the corner of the mirror. I could see mum smiling down at Alice and so Alice, who had her back to the mirror, must have been smiling up at mum. “Today? How come?’ I asked. ‘Oh Margo,’ she replied, ‘we only came back today from Port Douglas love.’ ‘And isn’t true mum that a lady’s hair is her crowning glory? You say that all the time, don’t you mum?’ I said, ‘I had no idea you and Ken were going to Port Douglas.’ Alice replied: ‘I’m certain I told you months ago love, at Jim’s funeral don’t you remember?’ Mum told us both to settle down, and that she was taking the twins outside to play in the sunshine. ‘It is an exquisite place Port Douglas, you ought to go there yourself, love.’ (Alice assumes that what she wants is what everyone else wants or ought to want.) The brush was still stuck in my hair. ‘Oh Margo and I’m afraid I can only make it to your party for an hour at best. Or do you think it would be better that you and I go out to lunch one day next week? Alice said, ‘Wait there and don’t you dare to so much as move a muscle because I just had a bloody brilliant idea.’ Alice explained that some “dearest friends” of hers and Ken had to be picked up from the airport by them and then they had booked to go to some fancy restaurant. While I waited for Alice to return I tried to get the brush out of my hair once again. It was impossible. I agreed with Alice that there wasn’t much point in coming over for only an hour. But my feelings were hurt just the same. Exactly why I can’t explain, because Alice and I have never been what you’d call close. Then I thought if I wet my hair the brush should just slip out from my hair. I let Alice drone on. ‘If only you’d given me more notice, love,’ she kept saying. ‘What the hell gave you the bloody idea that wetting your hair would help Margo?’ I let slip into the conversation that Lionel and Len both said they were coming. They said they would not miss my birthday party for quids, I added. I knew she would not like hearing that. Mum likes Alice much more than she does me, I thought. Just because Alice looks good and pretends to help her all the time. Alice is the meanest person alive and mum has no idea. ‘As I said before we could do lunch sometime next week love. Just us girls. All of a sudden I saw mum’s large dress making scissors hovering about the top of my head. ‘Alice, you’re not cutting my hair,’ I screamed grabbing my hair with both hands. I said, ‘Yes, that would be nice.’ I tried to get away; I’d started to climb down from the stool. Alice was much stronger than I. ‘Anyway dear Margo I have bought you a little something from Port Douglas which I know you’ll adore.’ ‘I’m only cutting off the knots Margo. I give you my solemn promise it won’t hurt.’ Alice said ‘Oh and Margot I haven’t told you that Ken and I are going to Italy next month?’ Each time she cut off one knot she said she had to ‘balance the other side’: ‘Margo, you don’t want me to cut it so it looks all odd do you?’ I replied, ‘No, you haven’t told me but I’m not surprised as it seems to me you two have been travelling non stop over the last few years. I was screaming my head off now, calling out for mum and crying between my screams; my eyes were filled with so many tears that I could no longer see what Alice was doing. ‘Have you thought of travel Margot? What about a singles cruise? There are some very good deals going around?’ When mum came in finally she started to scream at Alice. ‘What the bloody hell are you doing to Margo’s hair Alice?’ ‘No, Alice,’ I said, thinking how I couldn’t possibly afford a bloody cruise even if I wanted one. ‘I’m a home body, always have been.’ ‘I was only trying to make her look good mum? Make the best of herself… ‘Have it your own way then, Margo dear, Later that day Alice sidled up to me and said that mum told her she had to tell me she was sorry she’d cut my hair off. Then she started to cry. ‘Remember the time we were kids and I cut off most of your hair?’ Alice said with a laugh. ‘You were a sweet little thing… impossibly stubborn. ‘I hate you Alice’ I said. ‘I hate you the most of everybody in the whole world. ‘Yes, and I still am a sweet little thing,’ I replied and laughed back. And I hate you, you bloody squirmy little maggot, replied Alice. ‘I’m tired after all this travelling Margo so forgive me but I’ll have to get going. And you’ll make sure and have a happy birthday tomorrow won’t you? Oh yes and Ken said to wish you happy birthday too.’

• Big "HUGS" and thank you for your support!!
  by TrEaSuReDiMaGeS

  Thank you so much to each and every one of you who have left encouraging words and support through your comments, bmails and emails!! It …

  Thank you so much to each and every one of you who have left encouraging words and support through your comments, bmails and emails!! It would be impossible for me to thank each and every one of you, but it has meant so much to me…... and I thank you again from the bottom of my heart!! :-)) I want to send a special thank you to Erin for watching over the Happy Haven group and all that she did to help while I’ve been away. It wouldn’t have been possible with out her help. It will take me some time to get back in the saddle, so to speak. I feel as though I’m just starting out new here on the redbubble again. So please have patience with me. I’m looking forward to viewing your wonderful and creative inspirations!!! I’m sure I’ve missed so much while I’ve been gone. And my continued circumstances does not allow me to be on the redbubble as much as I did in the past, at least for now. I’ve used my camera some but not much, but I was able to take some photos and I look forward to sharing them with you. Big Hugs to All, / Deb

• birthday pressie
  by Karin Taylor

  Birthday Pressie i am having a birthday soon, / and i think that my birthday pressie from RB is this….. / i just reached this wonder…

  Birthday Pressie i am having a birthday soon, / and i think that my birthday pressie from RB is this….. / i just reached this wonderful milestone of 30,000 art views / 10,000 tee views in my first 3 months on the bubble!!! and that’s saying / to me that this is the most supportive and loving community / that I’ve ever had the joy to be a part of Background Story my parents lived in a place called Tottenham western NSW / when i was little, and that was the most supportive community / of people they have ever known the friends they made in that town so long ago have stuck by / them even tho they moved from there some 39 years ago when / i was 4 years old. The affection and love they knew is as strong / now as it was then…and that mateship never ever died. to me, that is what these statistics say, that rb is a dedicated / community, like the one in outback Tottenham, / that genuinely has and expresses a caring and supportive attitude / to one another. We understand the heights and the lows of / the artistic lifestyle and nature.. and many of you have ministered / your love and care for me….i am forever grateful to you i have found this a place of encouragement, a well at which i have / been watered, and drunk deeply from, a place that has nourished me / and nurtured my soul, grown me in spirit in courage and in strength. / i walk with my head held high and my spirit soaring, because I am buoyed by / this community of people. yay thank you everyone :) happy birthday to me, happy birthday to me, happy birthday dear Karin, happy birthday to me….........nah, not shy about telling everyone my birthday…..i love getting happy birthday wishes!!!!

• The Loss of a Friend
  by Patricia L. Ballard

  My best non-human friend died yesterday. In his youth, Toto was 10lbs of little black energy. He was our magic dog. One of the cutest dog…

  My best non-human friend died yesterday. In his youth, Toto was 10lbs of little black energy. He was our magic dog. One of the cutest dogs to ever live. He looked like Gizmo the gremlin had married Yoda and produced offspring. What breeds were in Toto’s genetics became a party game at our house for years. The closest we could get was Papillion/Poodle cross. Not your usual stray in Albuquerque, but his ears were so large that he looked like he could hang glide on a windy day. His groomers would always say that if they knew what he was, they could sell 100 of him everyday. We had just moved into our new house in Albuquerque about 3 months before he showed up. Having promised our 3 year old daughter a dog after the move, we were dragging out feet about dog hunting. She was holding out for a black lab. Great dogs, but not what we wanted for our first dip into dog ownership. Very early one morning my husband heard a noise in our back yard. Being a bit groggy, he said “I think there’s a big black rat in the backyard!” Later as he left for work (I was still asleep. He goes to work really early.), he said “There’s the cutest little black dog in the yard. If you see him, you’re going to want to keep him.” It was love at first site. He was a matted, shaggy, dirty mess. We looked for his owners for about 1 day. We were all in love by then, even our daughter. She took one look at him and said, “I want this dog. He’s better.” There was a bit of a skirmish over the name. Leslie wanted to call him Rachel. I wanted James as a tribute to James Herriott. My husband suggested Toto as a compromise. Not much of one since I’m from Kansas, and “The Wizard of Oz” is my favorite book. We’ve added and lost other dogs and a few cats over the years, but Toto endured. We would have had him 19 years this April. He was living with us in our home longer than our daughter did. She can barely remember a time before Toto. I know that he wasn’t exactly cut down in his prime, but the loss is devastating. We’re not exactly out of pets either as we still have 2 other dogs and 3 cats at home, but Toto was one of a kind. I called my daughter yesterday morning and left a message on her cell phone. She knew it was important as I rarely call her during the day. She checked the message in French class and burst into tears. Her French teacher and the girl who sits next to her in class both asked at once if she was canceling class and work to be at home with us. Not necessary, but I bless both of those people for their sensitivity.

• Overwhelming JOY
  by tkrosevear

  Just received word from Paul that his Heart operation was a success, although rather than …

  Just received word from Paul that his Heart operation was a success, although rather than micro-surgery, it was a full, open-heart procedure, so he will be recuperating a bit longer as he is still weak. / He thanks you all for your healing support, thoughts, prayers and Healing Hearts entries ;) Paul is the creator of Music Inspired Artists or MIA, while blamo and myself are co-hosts – with my two guys away, I have been a lone musikteer with much support from our wonderful members – and I thank you for that too. / The Heart of Rock ‘n Roll… / Other joys… / Live, Love and Dream featured True Teachers / All out Emotion featured The Beginning of the Trail / AND, / A Fractal Energy Passion featured Wolf Moon THANK YOU TO ALL THE HOSTS AND ALL YOUR HEALING HEARTS!!!!!!!

• I've arrived safely in Rome
  by Mui-Ling Teh

  Just thought I’d send a quick shout saying I’ve arrived in Rome yesterday safely. Hehe, this art community is like a family; my paren…

  Just thought I’d send a quick shout saying I’ve arrived in Rome yesterday safely. Hehe, this art community is like a family; my parents had asked me to e-mail them ASAP once I arrived in Rome. My landlady has asked me to be very careful because I’m very young and Italy can be dangerous (I wonder if she knows how old I really am – I’m a shorty so I tend to look younger than my actual age). She tells me I should get a cell phone so I can call her if I’m in trouble outside, and to never come back home by myself late at night (although considering the nature of my program of study and where I’m living, I doubt I can avoid that) etc. etc… I have a lot on my plate now and need time to get used to living here; but for now I thought I should also inform my RB “family” that I have arrived safely; and thanks to all of you who bid me your farewell wishes :) Ciao!

• For the little soul Alice and those whose lives she has touched!
  by Kathie Nichols

  Hearing about little 5 year old Alice’s illness through Sophie Shapiro...

  Hearing about little 5 year old Alice’s illness through Sophie Shapiro and Jennyfnf has inspired me to post this in my journal. This is an extract from the most wonderful book I have ever owned. I read this book to my four children and learnt much from it myself. “The Little Soul and the Sun”, a childrens Parable Adapted from Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch. “ONCE UPON A TIME……there was a Little Soul who said to God, “I know who I am!” / And God said, “That’s wonderful! Who are you?” / And the Little Soul shouted, “I am the Light!” / God smiled a big smile “That’s right!” God exclaimed. / “You are the light.” / The Little Soul was happy, for it had figured out what all the souls in the Kingdom were there to figure out. “Wow,” said the Little Soul,” this is really cool!” / But soon, knowing who it was was not enough. The Little Soul felt stirrings inside, and now wanted to be who it was. And so the Little Soul went back to God (which is not a bad idea for all souls who want to be Who They Really Are) and said, “Hi God! Now that I know Who I Am, is it okay for me to be it?” This story is simple and powerful that brings us all a very profound truth; there is no absolute good or bad - that underneath all that happens in the world, we call “good” or “bad”, is love. Children will discover a God that she or he can love, because God is love, as are all the Little Souls who are a part of God. And perhaps parents, too, will rediscover, as I have, who they really are. The back cover explains the book a little further: “Once upon a time there was a Little Soul. And this Little Soul knew itself to be the Light, part of the ka-gillion Lights that make up the whole of the universe. But the Little Soul wanted to experience itself as the light. And God said that if the Little soul wanted to know the Light, it must also know the Darkness. For how else can one know Up without Down, Hot without Cold, Fast without Slow? Then the Little Soul understood that getting to know Who It Really Is, it would have to know the opposite. “This is a great gift,” God said, “because without it, you could not know what anything is like.” / So the Little Soul embarked upon an adventure. And perhaps it is very much like the adventure that we all share on this planet we call Earth.” My thoughts and prayers are with little Alice….God Bless!

• Caring Souls featured!!! Wow!!!
  by Arie van der Wijst

  My work Caring Souls !http://images-3.redbubble.net/img/art/backingcolor:white/product:greeting-card/view:preview/1665181-2-caring-souls….

  My work Caring Souls has been featured in the wonderful group Spirit of the Native American / I think it’s very important to see what these wonderful people stood for and how they lived and worked. Thank you hosts!! It makes me very proud!! Hugs Arie xx

• Pay Careful Attention Featured On Home Page Today!
  by Ruth Palmer

  Just want to say thanks to whoever is doing the featuring today for the home page! THANK YOU!

  Just want to say thanks to whoever is doing the featuring today for the home page! THANK YOU!

• *WHAT IS THIS THING CALLED LOVE?*
  by TREVOR IRWIN

  What Love is?. Countless numbers of people, from young to old, from Atheist to Christian, from all walks of life, have asked this qu…

  What Love is?. Countless numbers of people, from young to old, from Atheist to Christian, from all walks of life, have asked this question. Many have pondered this question at one time or another and come up with many explanations to What is Love. Some say I am in love, or I feel love, or I must be in love. Love is more that just a feeling, more than just a desire, and often Love is not what that person feels at all. It is my intent here to address and answer the question what is love?. What love is Not. 1. Love is not a strong sexual feeling or physical attraction to someone or something. 2. Love is not something that dies after some time, or switches on and off. 3. Love never seeks to destroy, wound or hurt anyone. 4. Love never blames or condemns. 5. There are those who say they Love God, yet in his name murder and kill men, woman and Children, with Gun, Bullet and bombs. This is not Love. I am sure many readers can add their own views and beliefs of what love is not. But above are just a few of them. In our world today, so many teenagers become pregnant at such a young age, Children having Children, and often the father is nowhere to be seen. Many Say it was because they loved each other and it just happened. This is not love. Marriages and relationships that many thought were build on Love have broken in pieces. Good friends who say they loved each other have fallen apart and in some cases bitter feelings of hurt and resentment linger. Muslim extremists Claim to Love God, [Allah] Yet they do not know God or his Love. / The Church throughout History have massacred millions of people all in the name of the God whom they confess to love. At the Alter, men and woman take their marriage vows before God and the congregation. They promise to LOVE, honour and Obey each other. / Yet a little later in their marriage, they part for many reasons. But one reason I believe stands out more than any other and that is, They have not known real Love. The excitement of the intimate times of sharing each others bodies has become not so exciting anymore. The respect and Patience they ones had for each other has almost died. Some look for this in anothers whom they often call LOVERS. But True Love really never dies. / If they had real love before they married, If they had known what Real Love is, and the giver of real Love, Many today would still be together, and Children would not be caught up in the hurt. A NOTE ON MARRIAGE. Marriage is an institution created by God. It is a Holy Union where two people join together as one and pledge their lives to each other. Its not something to go through to satisfy man made laws. It is certainly not something to go through so as to have a big day and invite lots of friends and family. It is much more that this. Marriage is something more important that this. Although these qualities can make a wonderful day to be remembered, it is Much, Much more than all this. Marriage is a Holy union between a man and a woman. But before you can enter into this union with each other and God, You must first Know God. You need a relationship with God, and to Understand His Love. You need to experience his Love in your heart, and understand How God Loves. What Depths God went to show you his love and the cost to him. / When you have been touched by the God Love, then you will truly know What Love Is. Love is Power! When a man and a woman who have received Jesus Christ into their lives and made him their first love Stand before their God, They stand before him with Jesus Love in their Hearts. / *, speaks of the Born again person. God has spread his love abroad in your heart by Christ Jesus his son. So now you have His Love in you. This cannot be said of those who do not know God or has not personally Acknowledged Jesus as their saviour and Lord. NOTE. In spite of many not knowing God personally and his Love, when they take Holy Vows, God still Loves them and often Blesses that union, with Grace and Peace. Often this Couple find God and his love through Marriage. I am not saying here that all marriages are doomed, because people were ignorant to God and his Love. He is a God of Supreme Love. HOW DO I LOVE?. (Deuteronomy 10:12). And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. This was the Old Testament commandment given by God to his people. To Love God with all your heart and with all thy soul. But man broke this covenant with God. He went after other gods and loved himself and the ungodly pleasures more that God. He chose hate, war, material riches and to love himself and others more than God. So Man broke this covenant. / Nothing much has changed today as we look around us. But Something has changed that has changed the lives of countless peoples all over the world. God sent His Son into the world. Man Cannot love God or each other in the way God wants them to. it’s the same with Salvation. You cannot earn it, or work for it. It is a Gift from God. You cannot Live by Gods word without having The Holy Spirit living within you, and the acceptance of Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. *You must understand the depth of Gods love for you. You need to understand The Sacrifice God made for you, so you could experience his Love in your Heart. / No living soul can Love with perfect love until Gods Perfect Love has been shed abroad in their hearts. Without Jesus, we cannot know what real Love is. HOW DID GOD REVEAL HIS PERFECT LOVE?. / (1 John 4:8) He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. I need to make it clear here that humans can show Love. It is something God has placed in us all. It is A choice we make. We limit at times our love to others. But what I am talking about in this message is not the human love with its limits. I am talking about perfect Love. [Agape Love-Gods love. Perfect love without limits. / (1 John 4:16) And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. / John 3:16-17 / (16) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. / (17) For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. Because of Gods perfect love towards us, he sent his son, Jesus, to take our sins, sicknesses and diseases upon himself, and be punished in our stead, so that through his death and resurrection, he could place his Love in our heart. To all who receive Jesus as their Lord and Saviour, they are born again. A new creation 2 Corinthians 5:17. All their past sins have been washed away in the blood Jesus shed, as an atonement for sin. The Moment you ask Jesus into your heart, you receive his forgiveness, and GODS PERFECT LOVE. As You continue to follow him, read his words, pray and trust him, his love grows inside you. It will empower you to love, those who speak all manner of evil against you, those to lie about you, those who have abused you and hurt you. Instead of hatred and bitterness you will desire that Jesus will save and change them as he did you. You will find yourself praying in tears and overwhelming love for them. Even God himself has said to you in JOB 22:30. “I will change all those for whom you intercede” [Amplified Bible]. When you are tired and run out of steam, you will find yourself compelled by Gods Perfect love, to going that extra mile to help someone in need! When a Son, Daughter, husband, wife, friend or anyone hurts you, you will not retaliate with bitter wounding words, because God Loves them and his love in you will indeed empower you to be silent and pray in your heart, knowing that God will bring a change in their lives just like he promised you in Job 22:30 [Amp bible]. LOVE IS. / 1. Pure and unselfish. It never seeks its own comfort or pleasure. 2. Love is kind and compassionate. 3. Love is patient and longsuffering. 4. Love is Considerate and Merciful. / 5. Love is warm and never cold. 6. Perfect love is God, For God is the author of Love. When God Allowed his son to be tied to a beating post, and receive the lashes of cruel whips. It was Love for you. When he experienced every sickness and disease upon his body it was so that you can be free from all sickness and disease. It was Because he loves you and wants you to be healthy. When they plucked the hairs from Jesus face, when they spate upon him, mocked him and punched him, he endured it because he loved you with perfect love. When They laid him down upon a cross and drove nails into his hands and feet, It was because he loved you. / When they lifted him up on that cross and he hung ther nine hours it was because he truly loved you and he know that he must pay te price for your salvation. He did not want you to be punished for the sin in your life so he in love took your punishment. THIS IS LOVE!. Yes my Friend, THIS IS LOVE!. It Was Love that took Jesus to the cross. It was Love that held him there and not nails. It was love that satan desired to kill, but he failed. Because Love rose from the grave and now that Same Love lives in your heart. THIS IS LOVE! Until you have this love sown in your heart by receiving Jesus as your Lord, You will never know how to love Gods way. I will close with the words of an old hymn. “O love that will not let me go, I give you back the life I owe, / That it might Richer, fuller be”. Receive Jesus today and learn to love Gods way. Evangelist Trevor Irwin. I invite all to visit my Africa Charity mission website: [Click on link] / http://www.philadelphia33.org/ link to all my Art & Writings: / http://www.redbubble.com/people/joshuatree1

• APRES/APRET/APRECIATION
  by caroline (caux)-EVANS

  APRES / APRECIATION / APRET / SOUL MATE / UNDERSTANDING / CARING / SHARING / PRAYING / BELIEVING / HELPING / BEFORE / DURING / AFTER / ALL THE TIME / W…

  APRES / APRECIATION / APRET / SOUL MATE / UNDERSTANDING / CARING / SHARING / PRAYING / BELIEVING / HELPING / BEFORE / DURING / AFTER / ALL THE TIME / WHEN NEEDED / REACHING OUT / REACHING IN / UNDERSTANDING / LISTENING / BELONGING / LOVING / FULLNESS / JOY / COMPREHENSION / PURPOSE / ENTWINED / APRES / APRET / APRECIATION

• A second way to show support to Axel's family-donations
  by sunset

  Dear all. As we have received much kindness and giving towards the / Moore family, we have enough pledges towards a print to give. ...

  Dear all. As we have received much kindness and giving towards the / Moore family, we have enough pledges towards a print to give. We will list all those who donate to both the print and to the emergency help fund, which will either go in the memorial book, or with the print. This is a fantastic reflection on you, who have demonstrated the caring nature of this community. Many people have expressed disappointment in not being able to make their contribution, so I researched and found a way to do so on paypal. (also inc’d in the previous journal entry.) There are a number of unexpected expenses the family has incurred due to the event, such as the Careflight helicopter coming out, and time off work. These things put an added pressure on a family at times such as these. The paypal system is easy, using their email address, which is family@origoblue.com.au Account name Glen Moore The link to paypal is here All ways of contributing to the family are greatly appreciated, and really make a difference to their lives. It is a really positive way to help someone when you’re not sure ‘what you can do”-here is another way. Thank you all for your generosity. kind regards xsunset

• *IT IS FINISHED- JOHN-John 19:30*
  by TREVOR IRWIN

  This message is inspired by a piece of art created by longball a great artist on Redbubble. IT IS FINISHED. Have you ever spent …

  This message is inspired by a piece of art created by longball a great artist on Redbubble. IT IS FINISHED. Have you ever spent time and considered the last words of Christ when he was on the cross? What did he mean when he said it is finished? What did he achieve for all mankind? I want to share with you some deep truths and thoughts on the last words of Our Lord on the cross. It is my prayer that as you read, the Holy Spirit will grant you revelation Knowledge so that you to fully understand and comprehend this cry “It is Finished”. Matthew 26: 36-42. [In the garden of Gethsemane]. Before I explain the deep truths recorded in the last words of Jesus on the cross, let us go back a little to the garden of Gethsemane. The writer plainly states that Jesus was heavy in spirit. He was sad and heavily laden with cares. So he went to prey to his father. He know only to well what lay before him and he prayed these words. / “O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done”. / Jesus, before he could finish his work here on earth knew the price he would pay. But what caused him to be so heavy with fear that angels came and ministered to him? Why did he cry out with these words, He asked his father to spare him the suffering that lay before him. Yet he knew that it was necessary for him to suffer and become the sacrificial lamb. This cry was not borne from the fact he knew the beating post lay before him. You see Jesus Knew that they would tie him to a beating post and there he would be cruelly whipped. / (Psalms 129:3) The plowers plowed upon my back: they made long their furrows. / He knew that there at that beating post every stripe they lay upon him was the price he would pay for our healing. Understand this, He experienced in his body fully every disease that has been or ever will be. He felt the pains of Cancer as it ate away at his flesh. He cried as the crushing blow of heart disease reeked through his body. Blood diseases, Sicknesses of every kind. He actually experienced them all so we by his stripes can now be healed. He paid the price for our healing. Many had experience the beating post before him and after him. What was different about Jesus was that he took every sickness and disease upon himself. He pained and wreathed in agony for your right to divine health. But it was not the beating post that made him ask his father to remove it before him. / It was not the fact that he knew they would spit on him and pull the very hair from his beautiful cheeks. It was not the fact that they would drive nails deep into his hands and feet, nor was it the fact that he knew they would mock and revile him, strip him naked and place a crown of Jerusalem thorns upon his head. What was it that Jesus feared the most and asked his father to remove?. My Friend, in spite of all these terrible cruelties that lay before him, there was one thing Jesus feared more than all this. THAT WAS SERERATION FROM HIS LOVING FATHER. He was with God from the beginning of time. He never was separated from his Father before. But he knew that God is Holy and that he would not look on sin. Jesus knew what price he would pay for our redemption. [Separation from God]. Just as sin separates all people from God, so he to would be separated and experience the vast void between man and his creator. Jesus Would become a curse. / (Galatians 3:13) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. He would become sin. / (2 Corinthians 5:21) For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. / Just before Jesus Cried out “IT IS FINISHED” he cried another heart rending cry. (Mark 15:34) And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?. My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? / At this point The Father turned away from His dying son Jesus. Total serration took place. At this point Jesus was alone on the cross, and in his own words forsaken. What Sorry and terrible misery he went through was nothing compared with separation from his Fathers presence and his love. Now there was no one to strengthen him, no angels to comfort him and no Fathers loving arms to secure him. Alone and abandoned, Yet he cries in deep love towards his Father, My God, My God. Although separated he still loved his father. A son cries out to his father My God, My God! / After this he died. Friends when Jesus cried out “It is finished”, He paid in full the penalty of sins punishment. He alone was the only one that was counted worthy to do this. Angels were not worthy, only Gods beloved son. He did it all for you. If you were the only person in the word he would have done it for you. / That’s why I always tell people that, “There is a place in Gods heart for you, and only to can take that place”. He finished his work. He paid the price and now all men can be saved from Punishment, of sin and an eternity of suffering. He has now made all those who have received him as Lord and Saviour, Sons of God. Children of the most high, New creations, Yes Born again. Cor 5:17. His Blood not only washes away your sins, But because at the whipping post he took your sicknesses and deseases, He has saved you and healed you, If you are indeed born again. It does not stop there my Friend. As a child of god he has brought you into his Fathers inheritance! He has given you the legal right to Health and Prosperity. As He sis so are we in this world. *1 John 4:17. He has made you a King and Priest. Rev 1:6. You are more than a conqueror. He Lives in you, You reign with him. Because he lives you to live. For in him we have all. * (Acts 17:28) For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Jesus has secured all for us. If you have not received Jesus as Lord and Saviour, Please do so now. Just talk to him. Pray this Prayer, from your heart and He will forgive you and save you. He will live inside you. You will experience Love like no other love. You will hear him as he speaks to you through his word and Spirit. Prayer. Lord Jesus, I believe in you. I believe that you died for me, that You took my punishment on the cross, and that If I ask you to come into my heart you will. Jesus Forgive me as I have sinned. Pardon me, and wash away all my wrongs and sins. Come into my heart now. Open my eyes to who you really are and make yourself real to me. I surrender my life to you Jesus. Fill me with your life and make my life beautiful. Heavenly Father I receive Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. Amen. I pray this will indeed shed some light on the words Jesus cried on the cross. IT IS FINISHED*