HUSBANDS - A BLESSING TO THEIR WIVES.

WEDDING DAY - December 31st 1983.



I have looked all through my Bible, and I can't find any positive encouragement for husbands. Oh, there is a lot of `to dos' and `don't dos' - but no - `husbands are a heritage from the Lord - a reward from him'. No - `a husband of noble character, who can find? He is worth far more than rubies.'

So, I thought I better make one up myself!! "Husbands are a blessing to their wives." Oh, they get mad sometimes when the lights are left on, the dishwasher isn't packed the right way, and `who left the printer on' - but without a husband, I wouldn't have someone to cuddle me. How would I ever get to go to Bunnings? Most of all, I wouldn't have the LOVE AND COMPANIONSHIP that I truly need.

Mark never talked much about his childhood - not that I can really talk about anyway - but one thing I do know, he didn't receive a lot of encouragement. One Christmas when Aaron was only young and we used to go down to the park for our Christmas lunches, Mark's dad came along with us. For a whole afternoon, he had gone without a drink, so when we got home he was not in the best of moods. I was putting Aaron to bed, and in the back yard I could hear the `yelling and the abuse'.

Yesterday, on the phone to his big brother, I listened with great pride. They were talking about Aaron's wedding, and how there would be no alcohol. I don't know what his brother said, but Mark's answer was: `How can you say that! Everyday on the news I see what alcohol is doing on our roads. Don't you remember what alcohol did to our family. I can't stand the stuff, and if my boy wants to have no alcohol at his wedding, it's his decision.' I

It has always been hard for Mark to encourage his son, and his wife in words. It is hard when you have a wife and son that thrive on these. Often comments that mean nothing, may seem like verbal abuse. But one thing my husband has done, which I see as a real blessing - is that he has fought against the `physical abuse and alcoholism' that could easily have become a part of his nature.

If it wasn't for my husbands love and encouragement I wouldn't have learnt how to cook, I wouldn't have reached my personal goal of becoming a teacher and although it was a real struggle (don't ever take driving lessons with your husband), I would never have got my driver's licence. No one else would have had the patience, the willingness to stay at home as a `house husband' and the committment to follow along every week to Kid's Club - to support his wife and do all those behind the scenes things I never have a chance to do.

Husbands can be a blessing to wives - if we look beyond those annoying `traits', that make you sometimes want to `give up', and find that real committment to LOVE. We've made the 25 years, so he must

be doing something right!!

Young lovers - 1979.












WHO'S THE CUTEST!!



Next generation - Young Lovers 2008!!

A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

My name: `Ruth Elizabeth' means `BEAUTIFUL WOMAN OF GOD'. Over the years, as a wife and mother I have tried to hold on to this, because at times it is the only thing that has helped me make it through.

Over this week I have been watching re-runs of one of my favourite T.V shows: `7th Heaven'. Mark says he doesn't like it, but he always sits down and watches it with me. That handsome minister and his son always keep my heart a `flutter', but it is the mother that really amazes me - she is so good at everything.

A recent episode made me sit up and really listen: Mum was feeling like nobody appreciated her, and I really felt for her. I was never a great wife or mother. I hated housework, I couldn't cook and Playgroup was terrible - all those mothers telling you what your child should be doing `at this stage'. I would do all the right things a mother and wife should do - but when the hubby came home from work - he was never happy.

That is why I would spend most of my time out of the house - teaching Scripture and helping kids at school - that's where I was appreciated.

Wives and mothers are special creatures - beautiful women of God - and need to be appreciated. Whether it comes naturally to them and they really enjoy it, or whether they really have to work at it - like I do.

At my younger sister's funeral, a number of years ago, I read Proverbs 31. Unlike my older sister and myself - Miriam was a natural. She, until the last few months of her illness, was looking after her husband and 3 children (and other people's children), with all the energy she could muster. She truly was a beautiful woman of God. My own mother died when I was only 2 years old, but someone once told me she too wanted nothing more than to serve God, up until her last days. The same was true of my step-mother.

I have a lot to live up to - when I call myself a beautiful woman of God - but even if I don't make it in the wife and mother stakes, I hope to be a `woman who fears the Lord'. This is the only reward I need!!

Everyone needs to be told they're great, so here's to YOU!
To all those exceptionally beautiful women - those wonderful wives and mothers.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair.

The beauty of a woman must be seen within her eyes and in the eyes of God. That is the place where LOVE TRULY RESIDES.

True beauty is reflected in a woman's soul. It is in the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and for us `oldies', the beauty of a woman with the passing years only grows.

YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL WOMAN OF GOD!!

(Author Unknown).

Journal - December 26th 2008

Well, we survived Christmas day - a nice relaxing time for us. Aaron called early - just after we got home from Church, and then we did the usual ringing of relatives.

One person I missed, who always calls on Christmas day without fail, was my Uncle Norm. He is the last of the `parent' generation, and passed away a few weeks ago. Aaron was having a great time with his future in laws and sounded really happy - and that's what a parent wants most for their child.

Mark and I shared a small turkey and Christmas pudding together - not all at once of course. We discovered this morning that our cat enjoyed the turkey as well. Oh well, we've still got the munchies!!

We haven't been out at the Boxing Day sales. Mark has been busy fixing the car, so we can go for a bit of a day trip tomorrow, and I have been busy with my scrapbooking. My little study is full of junk, so I have had to use the loungeroom. When we built our house, we didn't have the money for the plan we wanted, which included a big `craft' room and bigger shed for the hubby. So our loungeroom is currently full of caravan pieces and my scrapbook stuff.

One of the highlights of yesterday was going for a swim in the dam. We haven't been able too for a couple of years. I used to swim in there all the time, but we there is now water in it again. It's very muddy, but what the heck - muds good for the complection.

Jesus used mud in the Bible to do a lot of healing, and remember when Naahum was sent down to wash in the dirty Jordan River. I thank the Lord that he has used a lot of `mud' in my life this year to help me grow. Sometimes we need to get a little `dirty' (struggles and trials, and yes, maybe even sins), before our eyes are opened to what how God truly wants to use us.

Now that we have water I hope to go swimming a little more often, `cause I love to get wet. I love to feel the coolness of God's forgiveness, love and compassion as it washes over me. I love to feel the joy of God's renewal as each day I read his word and pray.

SEASONS OF RENEWAL.

In Winter time I look at a tree and I think, `ah, that ones dead'.
But it's only God's amazing creation, taking time to rest.
In winter time, my strength is gone and feel I can'y go on.
But it's only God telling me, `You need some time to rest."

In Spring time I look at a tree and see the `new growth' budding.
I thank the Lord for this new life, renewed in Him again.
In Spring time, I begin to feel refreshed and new.
And thank the Lord for my new life, renewed in Him again.

In Summer time the leaves are back and everything is green
God has sent His promised rain upon His whole creation.
In Summer time, my strength is back and I start to give my all.
God has sent His promised love, upon this one creation.

In Autumn time the leaves are slowly falling to the ground
But we now know that God has promised, life renewed.
In Autumn time, I now know that God has plans for me,
I now know, that I'll receive, God's promised life renewed.

Ruth Cheater.

CHRISTMAS LETTER - 2008

Welcome to all our family and friends!

I had hoped to put my Christmas Book on my Blog for you this year, but have had real trouble - mainly with the graphics. I have had a wonderful friend who wanted to help me, but it just wouldn't work - so maybe next year!!

We have had 2 wonderful Christmas letters this year from friends and my sons future inlaws. It is great to hear that they are looking after Aaron, even though we are missing him lots. We would have liked to have had he and Emily come home for Christmas and our 25th Wedding Anniversary - but money is a bit of an issue this year. Maybe next year, as husband and wife, they might visit us.

Anyway, it seems our new and old friends have had very exciting lives - going overseas and having exciting nights out at musicals. Life in Bundaberg is a bit slower, and as you read this letter, you might think - a little boring.

I guess the highlight of our year was our trip to Sydney to celebrate with Aaron and Emily, their engagement. We spent a week in a very `dingy' Motel in Manly, but we did have some good times with Aaron, Emily and her family; and attended the Hillsong Conference Meetings in the evenings. Unfortunately, we couldn't afford the whole conference; and Mark wasn't really interested. But I did come away with a real blessing: although our Kids' Club here in our Bundaberg Church isn't as wonderful as Hillsongs may be, or some of the bigger Churches here in town - we have a group of kids who come regularly and it is a blessing each week to share with them, the little we have.

We had 2 children baptized this year. Bryce (the associate minister) and myself are going to an Child Evangelical Workshop in January - and although we haven't got the leaders or helpers we would like, we hope to develop the gifts we have. As you can see - School and Kid's Club is pretty much my life. I won't go on much more about me. If you want to know more about my year, you may like to take some time to read my BLOGS.

Mark has been very busy with Caravan Renovations. He, and a friend from Church are working hard to have it ready for our June holiday - when we go down to Sydney for Aaron's wedding. I would get into trouble if I didn't send you some photos - so I will try. Whenever Mark and Bob get together at Church or anywhere all they ever talk about is caravan renovations. I think I have spent more time in Bunnings this year than in Spotlight. We now have an Office Works here in Bundaberg - and next to the Library and the Christian Bookstore, this is probably my favourite place. Church is pretty high on the list too!!

I am really excited about how God is answering my prayers this year, as he does every year. I have always wanted Mark to be the spiritual leader in our family, and slowly and surely, there has been real growth. He has also grown a beard - and looks very Amish. I don't like it much - it must be a `change of life' thing. I guess he just wants to look like a man of the bush. I have also been blessed each week, meeting with a lovely lady from Church - my mentor. I am sure without her support and prayers I would not have got through this year, but I won't go into all that.

Another of the highlights of our year, also in June/July, was spending time with Mum and Dad `T' - they are our `adopted parents', who travel around Australia for about 9 months of the year. They always drop in and see us, and are a real blessing to us. They also looked after our house and animals for us when we went to Sydney. We brought Aaron and Emily back with us, and although we didn't really see much of them - I was working and he and Emily were out with his mates - it was a good time spent together.

I am taking 4 weeks Long Service this year, in June. After the wedding, Mark and I hope to travel a bit with Mum and Dad. We don't know where we're going yet, but I am looking forward to it. We'll have a trial run with the caravan, we hope, around Easter, getting the dogs used to caravaning too.

The most excitement Bundaberg has had this year, I suppose, was a visit by the Christian comedian, Adrian Plass. He is also Mark's favourite author. They visited one of the local Churches and it was a really fun night out.

Our Church has a new Associate Minister, and his wife and family have become a real asset to the Church. We have had a number of young families come back, and new ones. Last week, one of the young men in the Church was baptized. This was great to see. I didn't know him that well, but like most of the young men in Bundaberg, once they finish Year 12, they move out of town. I believe he is going to Bible College in Townsville.

Mark is still involved with the Playgroup, and there has been lots of changes there too, with new Mums and kids. I have been busy with after school tutoring, as well as my Chaplaincy Committee work. I am now the President of the Northside Chaplaincy Committee. We now have 13 school Chaplains in the Bundaberg schools - both Primary and Secondary. But it has all made for a very tiring year, and I am ready for a holiday.

Well, this must be the shortest Christmas letter I have ever written. I can't believe I've run out of things to say. I guess it has been a `boring' year - oh well, that's life on the `farm' in Avondale.
I am just looking forward to 2009 - I am already starting to think about Kid's Club planning. Yesterday Mark and I went swimming in the dam. He complains about the `mud', but I just love the cool water. It is pretty warm at this time of year, but as Andrew Murray says:

"He brought us here, and by His will we are in the right place. In this fact we can rest.
He will keep us in His love, and give us the grace to behave as his child.
He will make every trial a blessing, teaching us lessons. He intends for us to learn, and intends
to bestow his grace on us." Andrew Murray

Wow!! I think I will start reading some of his books this year. Meanwhile I am on a Charles Swindoll binge - His Promise from God, that keeps me going is:

"We feel hurt and alone - God assures us He cares."
"We feel angry and resentful - God provides wisdom and strength."
"We feel ashamed - God grants forgiveness and comfort."
"We feel anxious - God promises to supply all our needs."

And of course from Paul:

"In all things we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to seperate us from the LOVE OF GOD that is in Christ Jesus the Lord." Romans 8:37-38.
I hope you had a great Christmas and a relaxing, invigorating holiday break. Look forward to 2009 with great anticipation - for I am sure the Lord has some exciting things in store for you. I know He has for us!!!

Lots of love and God's blessings

Ruth and Mark.

JOURNAL - Tuesday December 23rd

I did it! I actually did it! I slept in!!

I feel really embarassed when someone says: `Oh, your a teacher, you get all those holidays'. But I have to tell you it takes a while for those holidays to really get into gear, especially at Christmas time.

It takes at least a week-10days before your body slows down and you get to `sleep in'. Then there is all those little jobs that have never got done over the year. This year I have the added `excitement' of working out where to put all the junk I have brought home from my old school - 5 years of collecting. A classroom size full of stuff you just can't throw out. Much to my husbands annoyance. My office at home is too small, and my office at my new school is even smaller.

Then, there is Christmas - a quiet one for us this year, but most years we have been busy packing up, getting ready to travel down South to visit the relatives.

After visiting everyone, you have a few days to yourself to travel home and then 1 week for all that planning. A blessing this year for me is that I will have a little bit longer to do this (cutting out the travel and visiting), but I also have a lot more work to do than usual - making sure everything at Oakwood is ready for the new Learning Support Teacher, as well as being prepared for the New Year at my new school.

But I'm not complaining - I love my work, I love my stuff, I love my relatives, and now I am also enjoying my SLEEP-INS.

Above are some pictures I missed out on my last blog - our `puppies' enjoying their sleep in.

LITTLE BOYS

One of the greatest joys I have had this year has been making new friends. Our new associate minister and his wife, Bryce, Donna and their 2 wonderful children, Hannah and Joshua. They probably wonder why I annoy them so much - but it gets a bit lonely out here in the sticks, with just a husband (whom I love, but he's busy renovating a caravan at the moment), 2 dogs, a cat and 3 goats.

I tried to send some photos recently, but you might have noticed they didn't work, so I'll try again another time.

Donna is a young Mum, and although I am no longer one, I do remember what it was like having a 4 year old. In fact, it was when my son turned 4, that I decided to I no longer wanted to be a Kindergarten Teacher. Here are two devotions from my book: `The Palm of His Hand', written around that time:

"TRAIN A CHILD IN THE WAY HE SHOULD GO
AND WHEN HE IS OLD, HE WILL NOT DEPART FROM
IT." Proverbs 22:6

There is one person in our family who has a problem with tact; but he can be forgiven, he is only 4 years old. Aaron and I spend a lot of time waiting for buses. On one such occasion we were at this Bus Stop in Sydney. A lady was sitting next to us - smoking. No no one in our family particularly likes the smell of smoke, but we would never have said so. Except Aaron!

He went up to the lady, and in his most confident of 4 year old voices, informed her that smoking was bad. It would make him sick and it was making him sick too. He said to her, "My mum and dad don't smoke and when I grow up, I don't intend to either. I think you should stop smoking now."

After getting over the initial embarrassment - noticing the dirty look I received from the lady - I felt a little bit of pride. My little boy was standing up for what he believed in.

Later that week, in a dream I saw Aaron as a teenager, with a group of friends. They were trying to tempt him with drugs. He told them: `Wait a minute, I have to ask my Mum." "He came to me and I told him my opinion. He then returned to his friends and told them: "No! It will make me sick, and it's not going to do you much good either."

Now when Aaron becomes a teenager, I am sure he is not going to ask my permission before he does anything. In fact, he probably won't take much notice of anything I say. But I do hope that what Mark and I teach him when he is young will stick in his mind and he will endeavour to stand up for what he believes in.

God expects us, as parents, to only do our best; but we can take heart in the fact, that he will take care of the rest!

LITTLE BOYS

I'm just a little boy Lord
And you know what boys are like.
We like to get real dirty,
When climbing trees and riding bikes.

I'm never really naughty Lord
And I try very hard not to sware.
Though when it comes to homework
Sometimes I don't want to care.

I go to Church on Sunday, Lord
It's not too bad, I like it that way.
I don't always listen to the minister
But Jesus, I know how to pray.

I want to go to Heaven Lord,
I want to be your child.
I hope you understand though,
It's hard for a kid to be meek and mild.

Written by Ruth Cheater.


"LET THE CHILDREN COME TO ME
AND DO NOT HINDER THEM, FOR THE
KINGDOM OF GOD BELONGS TO SUCH
AS THESE." Luke 18:16

This verse from the story of `Jesus and the Children', is probably one of the most significant in my life. It was the verse my stepmother taught me, to help me understand how precious I was to the Lord. Later it became the basis for my ministry with children. Now, as a mother, with new challenges and experiences to fa
There are times, like most mothers, when my child is far from perfect. I feel like a failure! Especially in those times of sickness when there is absolutely nothing I can do. Love and discipline, the Bible tell us are the basis of parenthood. The loving comes easily to me, the discipline is a bit more of a trial.

As parents, we teach by example, our children watching and listening to everything we do. It's scary and sometimes we fail. But ther most important goal we need to have as parents is to bring up our children in the ways of the Lord.

It is in this that we can take comfort in Jesus' words: "Let the children come to me", for He will always be there with his arms outstretched. We can be sure too, that there will always be some blessing left for us as parents!

CHRIST AND THE LITTLE ONES.

"The master has come over Jordan,"said Hannah, the mother one day.
"He is healing all kinds of diseases with a touch of a finger, they say.
And now I shall take all the children, little Rachel, Samuel and John,
I shall carry the baby Esther, for the Lord to look upon."

The father looked at her kindly, but shook his head and smiled
"Now who but a doting mother would think of a thing so wild.
If the children were tortured by demons or dying of fever, dwere well,
Or had the taint of leper like many in Israel."

"Now do not hinder me Nathan, I feel such a burden of care.
If I carry it to Master, perhaps I can leave it there.
If He lays his hands on the children my heart will be lighter I know,
For a blessing forever and ever will follow them as I go."

So over the hill to Jordan, along the vine rows green,
With Esther asleep on her bosom, and Rachel, her brothers between.
Mid the people who hung on His teaching, or waited His touch or His word.
Through the row of proud Pharisees listening, she passed to the feet of the Lord.

"Now wouldn't thou hinder the Master,' said Peter, "with children like these?
See how from morning to evening He toucheth and healeth disease.
Then Christ said, "Forbid not the children, permit them to come unto me,"
And He took in His arms little Esther, little Rachel He sat in His knee.

The heavy heart of the mother was lifted all earth care above.
As He laid His hands on His brothers and blessed them with tenderest love.
He said of the babes on His bosom, `Of such is the kingdom of Heaven.'
And strength for all duty and trial that hour to her spirit was given.

Written by Dorothy Gaunson.

Journal - Tuesday December 16th.

I can't believe a month has passed and I have not sat down to write in my journal. Naughty!! Naughty!! My birthday has gone by, I have discovered I am being transferred, and yet I've been in a real `grump'. I guess that's why I haven't written - I really don't want everyone to see the `bad' side of me, only the good.

My birthday was uneventful - no, that's not true - I did get a birthday cake at Kid's Club. But I didn't get that phone call from my son. I heard a saying today, that I didn't really like. "When your son gets married you gain a daughter, but you lose a son." I pray this isn't the case. I don't mind gaining the daughter, but I hope I won't lose the son, altogether.

Last week (2 days before the end of the year school year), I discovered I was being transferred. This is something Learning Support teachers have to deal with a lot, but after 5 years at Oakwood State School I was finally developing relationships and I believe making some headway in improving their intervention program. I guess I just hadn't prepared myself for the possibility.

I am not leaving the district - just moving on to a bigger school - with new kids and new teachers. The hardest of all though, is the new principal. I don't know why it bothers me so much, because I love change. As an army wife and minister's daughter, I have always coped with change really well. I don't understand why I am feeling so depressed, when I should be excited!!

When I first started University back in 1996 - I think - the Lord gave me a promise: `Assignments from God always Include Enablement'. I have had this promise on my desk ever since I started studying, and then when I started work. It has always given me that extra strength I need to handle any situation. It is now packed away in the boxes of stuff I have gathered up from Oakwood. I think it is time I got it out again, and put it in the bathroom.

Why the bathroom? Well, that where I have my bath every night, and I will have to read it. It's where I keep all my promises, like my JABEZ PRAYER and ST PATRICK'S BREASTPLATE, and of course my great TRUST promise - Proverbs 3: 5&6. It's where I begin and end my day -so I know if I read it, I will at least have strength and courage - one day at a time.