Why I don't celebrate halloween

Halloween... Most people think it is a fun day, where they can dress up, party, and door knock for treats.

I'm not judging anybody who chooses to celebrate. I just feel to share why this day breaks my heart. Although I have heard these things most of my life, most of this information has been sourced from YouTube videos by/featuring an ex-warlock Pastor John Ramirez, & ex Co-founder of the South African Satanist Church, Riaan Swiegelaar. Their stories are so interesting! Both are now passionately serving God.

Both these men are experienced in high rankings of Satanism, and warn of the dangers of simple, often innocent, acts that open doors to evil spirits.

Did you know...

October 31st is the time when the most kidnappings & Missing Persons cases are reported? Satanists perform human sacrifices on this night.

Witches pray over/curse the candy/treats before handing them to your children. So, your children could innocently bring curses into your home, through treats. And yes, they probably don't even know they met a real witch. They are all around us, living seemingly regular lives. 

When one or two houses in a neighbourhood decorate for halloween, they open up that neighbourhood to evil spirits. They set up a perimeter for the devil to work. Anybody with "open doors" is susceptible. What are examples of open doors? If you have played with ouije boards, tarot cards, seen a medium/psychic, even watched some movies, etc... you have opened a door for evil spirits to harass you, or even enter your body.

As a Christian, we have the authority to bind these powers and pray protection over the "perimeter".

Anton LaVey, the founder of the Church of Satan, famously stated, "I am glad that Christian parents let their children worship the devil at least one night out of the year. Welcome to Halloween".

The Satanic Temple states on their website, Halloween is "a holiday to celebrate indulgence and embrace the darkness and its aesthetic".

I am a "Seer" & "Feeler" -  I discern the spiritual realm through my 5 senses... some people would say this is a similar gift to being psychic- but this information comes through God/the Holy Spirit. My body instinctively senses spiritual atmospheres. I always sense a heaviness in the atmosphere around mid-late October. My spirit is on guard, as my discernment is heightened. I know the devil knows my name... I've caused a lot of trouble for him in the spiritual world. He hates me, & I take that as a huge compliment. He once tried hard to bring me down, but instead, triggered the previously undiscovered Warrior within me!

You may be wondering if I have had any negative supernatural experiences. Absolutely! Which is why I am so passionate about this subject. Seeing and feeling is one thing, but being IN the battle is very different. I could possibly write a book based on my supernatural experiences - facing demons, seeing angels, entering a Freemasons chamber, growing in my spiritual authority.

Even Christians can have open doors. Some know of their actions (eg, deliberate sinful actions), others are unaware. Popular objects like healing crystals, the evil eye and dream catchers are actually demonic. They attract the very demons people think the objects protect them from.

I have unintentionally opened doors to the enemy. When this happens, the first thing I do is repent of anything I have unknowingly done that opened a door, and pray the door to be closed and sealed with the blood of Jesus. I pray the protection of angels & the blood of Jesus over every entry point to my home (doors, windows), and cast the demons out. If prompted by the Holy Spirit, I anoint the entry points with oil.

Examples of my open door experiences... often it's simple, like something I've brought into my home - cards, pamphlets, jewellery... even gifts from others that appear to be Christian, but give off witchcraft vibes. Nowadays I'm even more discerning and less likely to bring these things into my home. 

Removing these things, and sometimes burning/destroying them, stops the spiritual attacks. I won't allow any 'religious' pamphlets or magazines into my home - I won't accept any of these from my door. If I find them in my mailbox, they go straight into the outside bin.

I have had demons knocking on my bedroom door during the night, experienced sleep paralysis many times... I've felt the presence of spirits walking past, or even observing me. I'm not afraid - the devil doesn't attack what doesn't threaten him. I tell them they are not welcome, and they must leave. I've also seen flashes of angelic lights from under my closed bedroom door, and heard wind chimes or bells, even alarm clocks buzz - the positive supernatural experiences.

If you experience sleep paralysis, instead of being afraid, call out the name of Jesus. The demons hate that! They will leave you.

I could write sooooo much about these experiences. Maybe another post. My spiritual life has been a wild, interesting ride!

I hope this blog has opened your eyes, or encouraged you. As I said, I don't judge your actions, I just hope more people are aware of the darkness that surrounds us, and how to protect themselves and their families.

John Ramirez suggests a powerful bible verse to declare over yourself and your family, is Isaiah 54:17: "No weapon formed against you shall prosper". I often replace "you" with "me and my family", etc. I challenge you to make this declaration 🦋©️

Ageing - a Gift

 

I just had my birthday, and quite honestly, there was a lot to take in this year! 

How many of us take life for granted... expecting to experience the long-term ageing process... to "grow old together"... 

This has been a sobering birthday... realising I have already outlived 2 of my friends... one died suddenly aged 44, the other had been battling a condition for decades, but her death at 45 was still a big shock. Miss 44 would have been 48 this year... Miss 45 only turned 45 in December, and was gone in January. We'd been friends since we were 8 years old.

While my family was celebrating another year of my life, another family in America was remembering their son - who shared my birthday. I can't begin to imagine how this date feels to their hearts and minds. Another life who will not grow old on earth... Can I also add, this man was young, but his life is making an impact! People all over the world have grown to know him, and admire the life he lived- because he LIVED. His parents keep his legacy alive, and through their grief, his legacy makes ripples. This young man's short life encourages others to find purpose in life. To make the most of life, as he did.

Lastly, while I was enjoying my family... Another friend was planning & executing the funeral of her soulmate. I can't imagine this deep loss... Life just feels so cruel sometimes... I know my friend will be ok, but my spirit grieves for her and her family. My heart says she is too young to be a widow... but also knows she's a warrior and big things are on the horizon for her!

So, as I feel extra grateful for another birthday, I have made the decision to keep living. I can't fix these things, and I can't change circumstances. So, I choose to keep living and enjoy the life I have. I have shed many tears for my friends, but I believe they would all expect me to keep living my life. Life truly is a gift. Don't waste your talents and love 🦋©️

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV. There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens...

Growth and Boundaries

 

Have you ever reached the point where you understood the necessity of boundaries... where you realised you needed to embrace and enforce boundaries...because you had been walked on, or had your kindness abused...your rights and values were disrespected, even ignored.

This quote, among other memory triggers,  brought me back to my 20s... when I was quieter, more tolerant, and less confident in enforcing boundaries.

My 30s began the rise of my empowerment! When I began to understand boundaries, and the importance of not caring if my boundaries negatively impacted others. Because, in the end, my healthy boundaries protected me, and those who didn't understand, or were offended, no longer had an unhealthy access to me. It felt like I'd locked a door, and they were upset because they did not have the key. I felt happier and more at peace, because I held, and guarded the key. 

It has been in my 40s where I've felt the most confident in myself. I am able to say the one word sentence, "No". I have learned to discern when to keep doors to me closed, and when it is safe to let down my boundaries. I wish it had  been an easier lesson to learn, but I'm grateful to be where I am today. 

This year, I've had friends laugh at me, with pride, when I've stated, "I don't care!" When I genuinely did not care what others thought of me, or what I was doing in a public place. I am learning to let go. To be free. To just be me. 

This quote is me. I have changed. I am proud I have changed. I was able to heal and grow, after setting boundaries. I am a better version of myself. The 30 year old me would be proud of who she is today. 🦋 ©️

My Introduction to Flagging

 If you're interested in prophetic worship flags, I recently joined the 'club'. You can read about it here: https://risingwarriorwithin.wordpress.com/2025/05/18/my-introduction-to-flagging/

New Season of Blogging

 

Continuing on from the SDG, March was a life changing month for me! I could seriously write a book based simply on two significant weeks of my life. The lead up, and preparation for the SDGs are always significant. We have 12 months to plan, then BANG! We're there...and in a blink of an eye, the 3 days we'd been anticipating for 12 months, are complete. So much can, and does happen in just 3 days! 🔥🕊🦋

After the SDG, during the "Post conference high", I felt compelled to step out into some new things. I won't go into detail, apart from one. I have been busy in the background, creating a brand new blog! I felt the strong prompt that it's time to move into a new season. A fresh, clean slate, where God has promised to increase my confidence in what, and how I write. It feels good. I am not the same person who began this blog in 2006. That girl would be proud of, and probably amazed by who she became by 2025. 

Interestingly, around the time I was working behind the scenes, my blog began to be monitored. I believe in Freedom of Speech. I do not agree with having posts deleted/removed without the author's knowledge. Offended people report innocent people, who have no intention of offending. Undealt with, offense is dangerous to one's mental and physical health. 

So, if you would like to join my new season, feel free to email me for the link. I have no intention of publicly opening that door to those who don't belong on my journey. Edit: Now things seem to have settled -  http://risingwarriorwithin.wordpress.com

Thanks for following this journey. This won't be my last post, but I won't be as focused here as I have been. The Challenge to post monthly is complete. The end result, is "a new thing" (Isaiah 43:19). 

The image is a of a new paint palette, ready for a new type of art 🦋©️

Messing with an intercessor?

 Fact: Don't mess with an intercessor. You will be prayed for! Your soul will be prayed for. Don't want to be prayed for? Then don't mess with an intercessor! Simple! 😅 

SDG Highlights

As expected, the SDG was AMAZING!! Each year has felt different. None has felt the same, building on the previous year. 

Also, as expected, the anxiety attacks were shut down, and did not return. I do not experience anxiety, and I refuse to allow that in. I enjoyed a peaceful, restful stay on the Gold Coast.

I have sooooo much I could write... as well as what feels like a billion photos! I will need to sit down and gradually go through my photos, with pen in hand... and write what feels like a book of only 2 significant weeks of my life. Each photo triggers a memory, and I don't want to forget why I took each photo! 

I again met up with my amazing prophetic friends, and physically met new friends. I love this part the most! The divine connections this group creates. People who just get each other, in a safe environment. I love these people like family. 

I served on the team for this conference. I was given a responsibility I did not expect, and with a beautiful partner who was on the same wavelength. At first, the task was daunting, trying to work out what we needed, and how to make things work. We found our feet together, and hopefully, with God's guidance, fulfilled our duties well. It was an honour to be selected for this team.

Interestingly, I did not think I connected with the worship in the same way as previous years...however, each morning, I awoke with the songs playing in my head! I feel the worship slowly found its way into my innermost being. It touched me, in a more delicate way as to how I expected. Each year, I find one song playing on repeat in my mind, and it lingers for months. I add it to my Spotify list. I have never heard these songs until the SDG. This year it is Bethel's "No One Like the Lord". I think the words were more difficult to simply accept...they needed to seep into my spirit. God knows what He is doing! 

I received prophetic words which really spoke to my spirit. The speakers were amazing. The atmosphere was intensely beautiful! 

God brought fresh laughter to me... a "new thing". One night, I was lying on the floor, laughing, giggling...it came from the depths of me... and another lady behind me was doing the same! I don't know who she was, but it was more funny, and encouraging doing it together! 

I've since been finding myself randomly laughing in this fresh way! 

God broke things... health, spiritual, bloodline, emotional...

It didn't end at the SDG. I will write another post continuing from here. There is just so much to write! After I returned home, I didn't have time to stop and process. We've had some big, unexpected expenses. I've been going to work, coming home exhausted, & between appointments, spending the nights decluttering & creating easy access to parts of the house that needed major repairs. I like the less clutter, but it is exhausting when you don't have time to rest after a big day. All I can say, is this is a reminder that God is doing a "new thing" in our lives. There is always rain before the rainbow! We're about to see the rainbow on the horizon! 🙌🦋🌈🔥©️

SDG

 Just a little update... upon boarding the plane, that anxious spirit again tried to manifest...I just prayed, & it left. My plane left on time! I'm used to being delayed. It was an uneventful trip :) 

I have been sleeping well, since arriving. 

I don't experience anxiety, so I know when a spirit is on assignment. It won't succeed with me! These next few days are going to be amazing! 🦋

SDG - Here I Come!!!

 I can't believe it's finally here! I find myself sitting in the airport, just finished what has become my Seers & Dreamers Gathering pre- flight Tradition.. St Ali coffee & an artisan cookie. Just sitting, watching the planes moving outside the windows.

I didn't sleep well last night... about 2 hours before I went to bed, there was an attack over my peace. I felt an unusual sense of anxiety in the atmosphere. Anxiety is not my norm, so I knew it was spiritual. I played worship for the next 1-2 hours, and felt settled when I went to bed... but my brain decided to go all Chatterbox on me!! For 2 hours, I was thinking, "Shut up brain, and let me sleep!!!" I seriously had a whirlwind of random, unrelated topics running through my brain. Eventually, I fell asleep... I know, because I awoke from a dream. 

I farewelled my husband who left for work super early...then finally had one hour of deep sleep. 

So, here I am...almost ready to board my plane!

I'm super excited about this SDG! I have been sensing the excitement in my spirit growing as the SDG draws nearer! I am in anticipation of Big things!!! So many things have tried to prevent, or hinder this conference... so.I know it's gonna go OFF!!!

Hope to see you there! 

Anticipating March

 Can you believe it's already the last day of February! Time has flown... and this time last year, I was in Perth for the Seers & Dreamers Gathering (SDG). Seriously, how has it already been a whole year!

I'm on the verge of travelling to the Gold Coast for this year's Seers & Dreamers Gathering. 

After the first SDG in Sydney, I was excited to attend Perth...and whatever lid was on the Sydney SDG, flew off in Perth! We were expectant, but God blew our socks off in Perth! 

So now, I am feeling excited anticipation for the upcoming SDG. My spirit is stirring...has been stirring for months... whatever happened in Perth, like Sydney, was just a springboard for what's to come on the Gold Coast! 

Maybe you are reading this, and are also attending the SDG. If you see me, please say hello...and give me a hug! ;) I'm looking forward to seeing you!! 🦋©️

Memories - post-glandular fever

 Happy New Year!

I was looking at very old posts, and remembering when I had glandular fever. Isn't it interesting how time fades memories... but writing about the memories reminds you of how much you have to be grateful for!

I wrote about being exhausted, unable to work more than 3 days a week, then eventually I could work 4. What I didn't write, and is a strong memory - I initially could only work one day in three. I needed a day to recover between shifts! At the time, I was a casual, working for an agency, living with my parents. If I had the regular adult expenses (rent, mortgage, etc), I don't know how I would have coped. 

I also was in the prime of wedding planning! So, although I wasn't able to work as much, I had more free time to focus on my upcoming wedding. I actually enjoyed that. 

Many people told me that after glandular fever, you are never the same.  Energy levels often don't fully return, and fatigue becomes your norm. Unfortunately, despite refusing to accept that, and many prayers for healing... they were right. I don't know why God chose not to fully heal me. Fatigue has been my norm for almost 20 years. You get so used to it... For me, I learned that my physical limits are lower than they used to be. I'm used to listening to my body, and having others not understand my limits. I often push through, but in the first few years after glandular fever, I struggled to even do that.  I did not have energy reserves, or the "second wind" we take for granted. Once my energy was used up, it was gone until the following day. These days, a nap can help. But early on, it made no difference.  

After feeling frustrated, and wondering if I'd simply become lazy, or I was genuinely tired... a doctor gave me the validation that I was NOT lazy. My body just needs rest. She told me not to be so hard on myself. She also labelled it as post-viral fatigue, and yes, it can last a long time. Many people have since presented with similar symptoms as post-covid fatigue. 

I used to love working out at the gym. After my wedding, I was encouraged not to renew my membership because I was pushing myself too hard, with only half of my previous workouts. I put on weight, but I had to admit, I was trying to use energy reserves I simply did not have.  

So, what has changed since then? My energy levels gradually increased, I allow my body & mind to rest more... and found ways to incorporate exercise into my day. Some days, walking to/from the train is the best "no excuses" exercise. My job is physically & mentally demanding - I walk 8,000-10,000 steps in a day, just working. I also have energy supplements that help. I work 5 days a week. 

I don't know why I'm writing this... maybe it will encourage somebody. If you are in the early stages of recovering from glandular fever, don't lose heart. Be kind to your body and mind. Don't feel guilty for listening to your body. As my doctor said, You're not lazy! Be patient with yourself. It does get better! 💜🦋

The Value of Your Circle

I have been reflecting on the past year, and there is so much I could write. However, I feel to simply focus on one topic: the value of your circle. 

If I am honest, I ended the working year feeling burned out. I withdrew from the world. I was in survival mode - just focused on getting through the working year. I now find myself continuing to deliberately disconnect, but with a new purpose - to recuperate. 

Many things have caused me to think about who is in my inner circle. Who are the people that bring value to my life? Who can I talk to without boundaries? Who speaks life into my world? Who just listens without judgement? 

Being out and about, and hearing conversations of others... I realised I take for granted those in my inner circle. I guess I shelter myself from a lot of 'junk'. I make (often unconscious) efforts to be in a 'clean' environment.  To keep my conversations pure and life-giving. When I hear gutter talk from people around me, I realise the quality of friends in my circle. My friends, like me, are not perfect, but they always speak life and truth. They are calming and encouraging. They don't backstab or speak death or harm over anybody.

They are set apart. There are many quotes about the importance of who is in your circle. I agree... we all need a few trusted people who just make the world a better place. 

Thank you to those who make my world a better place 💜🦋

(The photo is of a beautiful gift from somebody in my circle 🥰). 

Finishing Well

Oops... I missed November! 🤭😅 It was a mentally and physically exhausting month. I had many ideas, but a link in the chain from thought to typing broke 🙃 I will continue to work on those ideas, and bring them to life in the future.

Recently, I caught up with my original intercessor & prophetic mentors. One of our topics of conversation was, "Finishing Well".

I had a friend, a pastor from Texas who's blog was named, "Finishing Well". He passed away about a year ago. We never actually met in person, but he was a source of encouragement to me. He was like a wise uncle who would occasionally check in on me, and encouraged me when I needed. As a Palliative Care Chaplain, he helped me through the process of losing my parents-in-law. 

His aim in life was to Finish Well. I believe he did. 

I'm sure many of us desire to finish well. To hear those words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 5:23).  

How many of us, if we're honest, question how we would respond in a life or death situation? Would we be prepared to die for our faith? To be imprisoned for following Jesus? With the way the world is going, it can be quite a sobering topic. None of us wants to die for our faith, right? But, I'm sure most of us would rather find ourselves in heaven, for being faithful, than hell, for giving in to fear.

I loved how my mentors concluded this subject.... we all need to be praying for ourselves, and our friends to finish well. 

So, if you are reading this, I pray that you have the courage and determination to finish well. To eventually hear the words, "Well done, my good and faithful servant". 🦋©️

Vision of the Potter's Lantern

 This morning at church, during worship, God showed me a vision. I saw a potter's wheel, but instead of clay, a glass ball was being created. Two hands were holding it, as if it was a crystal ball. I said, "God, I don't like this. I don't understand what it means!"

 He continued the vision. As I watched the hands working, I began to see the ball shape change. It began to stretch upwards. What began as a ball gave the appearance of a lantern. The old fashioned style oil lantern. I felt God say, "Don't accept what you first see. Things are not always as they initially appear. I AM in the details. Don't be afraid. Don't stress. Just wait. Wait for me to show you MY version. What the enemy means for evil, I turn around to GOOD". He showed me that he uses US as lights in the lantern. His light shines through us, and when we feel surrounded by darkness, we are to be His light. 

Isaiah 41:10 NIV-  So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

This resonated with me, as I've been experiencing intense spiritual warfare during the last few weeks. I'm sure I'm not the only one who needs to hear this. 🦋©️

Renew our strength, Lord

 Isaiah 40:30-31 NIV - Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.

On the eve of a new month, I'm reminded of the weary feeling... it's a battle to not "grow tired and weary" , but life doesn't always go as planned... and I'm holding on to that hope of the Lord to renew my strength. 

I have been weary this month. I'm standing on His hope. His strength. I continue to stand, even though I'm tired. 

I'm praying for all of us feeling the weariness from constant warfare, mixed with 'life'.

Tomorrow is a new day...a new month. The warfare probably won't decrease- after all it will be October... but we can continue to stand and hope in the Lord's strength to keep refreshing us, and pushing us forward.  

Let's continue to ready ourselves to soon soar on wings like Eagles! We may be tired, but we will rise, if we don't give in to the weariness 🦋

Let Nothing Move You

1 Corinthians 15:58: Let nothing move you.  (Condensed by me).

One morning, as I was walking from the train, I came towards about 30 pigeons on the ground. They were feeding in the grass. As I approached, they all flew away...except for one scruffy looking black bird. It wasn't until the others flew away, that this different bird was exposed. It just stood there looking at me. No fear. It wasn't moving for anything! It was the lone one. I also just looked at, without a care, as I continued to walk by. Just like that bird was not moving, I had no intention to stop walking.  

I thought, that is how we, and our prayers should be. We don't fly away, or run when we perceive a possible threat... we stand. We should be so secure in our faith, and in ourselves, that we are unmovable. We stay at our post. 

When evil approaches, the light within us should scare away the darkness. Evil flies away, not us!

It reminds me of the phrase, "Eagles don't fly with pigeons". 

It could have been easy for that lone bird to just follow the pigeons, and fly away. It chose to be an 'eagle'. Both times. I can confirm there was no danger for either of us, but those pigeons didn't stay to find out. Let's not be like those pigeons. We're created to be Eagles.

(I didn't take any photos that day...but a few days later, the exact experience repeated.... so then I took photos!) ©️🦋

The Story of Daisy and Lily

 This creative story was inspired around 2012. It is metaphorically based on a real friendship that was impacted by mental health issues. There are two sides to every story - this story is based on my feelings and thought processes at the time.

This is the story of two friends, Daisy & Lily. Daisy lived in a lovely house with a white verandah and white picket fence.
Sometimes her friend Lily would walk past and see Daisy sitting on her verandah. When Daisy saw Lily, she would walk down her path to her picket gate and greet Lily. They would have great chats and leave
each other’s company feeling happy.

One day, Lily walked to Daisy's house, but before she could reach the gate, Daisy walked inside. Lily knew Daisy could have days where she didn’t want to talk to people, so she kept walking that day.
The next day, the same thing happened. Lily did not know what to do, so she decided to knock on Daisy's door to see if she was ok. Daisy did not respond, so Lily continued on her way.

It seemed to Lily that Daisy was going through a rough time and did not want to talk to Lily, so Lily left notes in Daisy's mailbox to let her know she cared. Daisy did not respond.

After a few occasions of Lily walking by and not seeing Daisy, there came a day when Daisy was again sitting on her verandah. Lily saw this, and decided to walk up to the gate and say Hello. Daisy ignored Lily! So Lily continued on her way...

A few days later, Lily walked up to the gate, and Daisy was again sitting on her verandah. Again, Lily said, "Hello". This time Daisy glared at Lily, as if the friendly gesture was an offense. Lily began to find walking past Daisy's house difficult. She tried not to avoid Daisy, because they were good friends, but the rejection was becoming too much. There were times when Daisy would see Lily coming, and look towards a neighbour to begin a conversation, so as to avoid Lily completely.

Lily finally stepped aside. The constant rejection from Daisy had reached its limit. She had tried to let Daisy know she cared, but to no avail. At one point, Daisy spoke very loudly to a neighbour - as Lily was passing by - that placing notes in the mailbox was offensive and not good enough. That was the last straw for Lily. As much as she cared for Daisy, she valued her self-respect more... so she began to take a different path that did not pass Daisy's house.

Daisy had been too busy not letting others into her world, that she rejected those who cared about her. In the end, her friends felt so rejected, they could not take any more rejection. They did not allow themselves to be in situations where they could experience rejection... which made the one doing the rejecting even more angry... but that was something only one person could change.

So... even though Lily changed her route to avoid further rejection and emotional abuse, she didn’t stop caring for Daisy. She felt Daisy needed time and space to work through her issues, so gave Daisy space to do so, hoping she would be able to again walk by that gate soon. To experience an, "Hello" instead of a scowl. It took much time for the "Hello" to return... although the friendship was now fractured.

After thought:
Mental illness is very real. Please don't take your friends for granted - Their feelings and mental health are just as valued as yours. 🦋©️

Keep Going! 🔥

 This month, instead of trying to untangle the spaghetti strands of thoughts in my head, I'll leave you with this encouraging quote from Facebook 🦋

Prophetic Word 24/5/24

 

As I sat down on the train this morning, I thought, "What a beautiful sight! The sunshine breaking through the haze". God then reminded me, "That's Mount Disappointment" (you can google the story-  2 explorers were disappointed by the view). I took more photos from my destination station & outside work. I love His nature! 

I feel God is saying, Don't focus on the mountain... the men may have named that mountain, but God continues to rise above it! Keep your eyes focused on the light, and don't let the disappointments have any power! I will ALWAYS rise like the morning sun. ‭

Psalm 121:1 NIV‬ I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

Mother's Day Tribute

I wrote this in 2019. My beautiful pastor at the time asked me to give a presentation to the church on Mother's Day. She read aloud the following on my behalf, as I felt the loss of my Mother-in-law was still too raw.

I could so easily edit & 'improve' my writing, however, as with my creative stories, I choose to leave it unedited, true to the time it was written.

🦋 On this Mother’s Day I feel blessed to have 2 strong women of faith in my life, who I call mum. 

My 1st mum is the eldest of 10 children born to Italian migrants. Her life experiences have both intrigued and inspired me. Growing up, we always had everything we needed, but not everything we wanted. It wasn’t until I was older, that I understood just how poor we were, and how much my amazing parents did for my siblings and I.  Not once did we feel poor. We understood we couldn’t afford everything, but hearing mum talk about times she saved up 5 and 10 cent coins to buy milk and bread, really surprised me, and gave me a greater appreciation for her.

My mum has always been there for me. People have told me I am very much like her - which I don’t take lightly. I feel that if I could be even just half of what she is, I am blessed. People have called her an iron fist in a satin glove. She is loving and kind, but very strong. I often look up to her strength.

She gave birth naturally to fraternal twins, something uncommon these days. Being the eldest of 3, I was often given more responsibility - when I complained, she would say, “You will be blessed”. I began to understand that it was more about reliability. She knew I would be the one to follow through with her requests. She was equipping me for a life of independence. So yes, I was blessed.

My mum was the catalyst for my whole family finding Jesus. Through her life stories, I can see that God has always had a hand on her life. She did the searching and found Jesus – then we followed. He has had his hand of protection on her all through her life.

My mum has such a heart full of love. Growing up, we would often find kids at our house, because they loved our mum. She made them feel valued. She left seeds of love in their hearts, even if she didn’t necessarily like their behavior. Their tender hearts received a love only Jesus could offer, and they found themselves drawn to that through my mum. I’ve lost touch with many of these friends, but even as young adults, they would tell me how much my mum helped them as children, just by loving them when other people rejected them. I felt proud to call her MY mum.

Now, I see her sprinkle those seeds of love in her grandchildren. I love to see the 5 of them all hoping to be the first to hug their nonna. They can’t run fast enough into her arms. I am looking forward to more grandchildren running into her lap – in God’s perfect timing.


My 2nd mum, my mum-in-love, was called home to heaven 14 months ago. This is our 2nd Mothers Day without her. As much as we miss her, we rejoice because there is no doubt she is with Jesus. She lost her battle with Motor Neurone Disease after a triumphant fight.
Just like my 1st mum, my mum-in-love was full of love. Nobody could leave her presence without feeling God’s love. She didn’t give birth to me, but she loved me as if she did, and I loved her in the same way. Unlike my 1st mum, my mum-in-love came from a strong protestant Christian heritage.

I could not have asked for a better 2nd mum. I thanked God for her daily. When others complained about their in-laws, I thanked God for the huge blessing mine was. She was another iron fist in a satin glove. Because she lived in NSW, we mostly talked over the phone or via Skype. We would often text small messages to each other. I loved sharing news with her. She encouraged me in my faith, and life in general. We could talk about the bible and personal things. She understood some of my hardest battles in ways many others couldn’t. She had an amazing strength. Her faith was strong, no matter what was going on around her. When she had every right to complain, she instead sowed seeds of grace and dignity. This is something I often remind myself – when I am inclined to complain, I remember her example. I can’t say I have reached her level, but I try.

She had an amazing sense of humour – which I often see in [my husband]. They had a special bond I loved to see. There is something so precious in seeing your husband and his mum bonding, enjoying each other’s company. There is no doubt she invested in her 2 sons – love, faith and strength. Through my husband, I can see the immense love I felt from my mum-in-love was only a portion of what her sons felt for her during her lifetime. So, even though she wasn’t in my life as long as I’d hoped, she left a huge impact on me and my heart. I feel privileged to call her mum. Again, when people tell me about how much she has impacted their lives, I feel proud to be able to call her mum. 🦋©️