Life's Little Bumps ...

Well, we've finally got the new computer up and running. There were a few hitches - but all seems to be ok, so far. I was supposed to teach a Group Lesson this morning - and I spent all afternoon creating this wonderful lesson plan with stations to do different activities around the house ... but low and behold - when I went to print out all the handouts - nothing... I couldn't get the computer to work.

We'd had a very busy week this week - on top of doctor's appointments, dentist appointments, the flu and Tony working mostly night shifts . . . we were tired (to say the least . . . ) So, as you can imagine - when the printer wasn't working, the night before my Group - I was so calm and patient it was amazing! Just kidding . . . :0) I was a wreck and took out all my exhaustion and frustration out on Tony. Usually, he's fairly reasonable and forgiving about my state of mental un-wellness . . . but he was tired too . . . so . . .

He's working today - but we did remind each other that we still love each and we're ok. I know he likes Superman - but sometimes I forget that he's NOT Superman (he just wears that shirt all the time!) I expect him to save me from all life's hardships and crazy circumstances - but guess what? He doesn't own a cape (really) . . . just kidding . . . :0) But, seriously - I end up putting on him what I need to take to God. Why do I forget that? I pray I would remember it faster next time around . . . and I thank the Good Lord for His patience, mercy and grace.

So - this blog is for my hubby. I love you! And I'm thankful that you are who you are. You're not perfect - neither am I (don't roll your eyes, please :0) But, I know you love me (faults and all) just the way I love you (even when you're tired and don't want to be the one who fixes everything for everyone around here . . . it's really ok). God intended us for each other and I'm glad I said "yes" (you asked, remember? :0)


I thought the devotional for today's date from "My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers" was very fitting today. What was that saying about "living sacrifices" (Romans) that keep trying to crawl off the altar? Weird Christian humour . . . anyway . . . here's the entry for September 30th.

"We take our own spiritual consecration and try to make it into a call of God, but when we get right with Him, He brushes all this asside. Then He gives us a tremendous, riveting pain to fasten our attention on something that we never even dreamed could be His call for us. And for one radiant, flashing moment, we see His purpose, and we say 'Here am I! Send me!' (Is. 6:8)

This call has nothing to do with personal sanctification, but with being made broken bread and poured-out wine. Yet God can never make us into wine if we object to the fingers He chooses to use to crush us. We say, 'If God would only use His own fingers, and make me broken bread and poured-out wine in a special way, then I wouldn't object!' But when He uses someone we dislike, or some set of circumstances to which we said we would never submit to, to crush us, then we object. Yet we must never try to choose the place of our own martyrdom. If we are ever going to be made into wine, we will have to be crushed - you cannot drink grapes. Grapes become wine only when they have been squeezed.

I wonder what finger and thumb God has beeing using to squeeze you? Have you been as hard as a marble and escaped? If you are not ripe yet, and if God HAD squeezed you anyway, the wine produced would have been remarkably bitter. To be a holy person means that the elements of our natural life experience the very presence of God as they are providentially broken in agreement with Him before we can be broken bread in His hands. Stay right with God and let Him do as He likes, and you will find that He is producing the kind of bread and wine that will benefit His other children."

Read it again . . . and again . . . and again . . . until we hear God's loving voice calling us to a higher Way, Truth and Life. We need not fear the transformation process He has in mind - we need not fear the things He will prune out of our lives in order to bear real, spiritual fruit. We need only to dig our root down deep into Him and receive.

The Feel of "Fall"

Here's a link to enjoy some Beethoven:

http://www.lvbeethoven.com/Oeuvres/Music_MidiSonatasPiano.html

It's autumn once again and I love the feel of the fresh autumn air. For years Tony and I would take the kids to the park and take "Fall Photos". We haven't done it for a few years and this year I really want to re-new that old family tradition.

I always get so excited when I think about Thanksgiving. It is definately one of my favourite holidays. I love the season and the opportunity to focus on what I'm thankful for. I was chatting with my sister today and we both agreed that each new season is an exciting time - a time of renewal and something to look foward to. I know a family that actually does their family "Gift-Giving" exchange at Thanksgiving, rather than at Christmas! That way - they are able to show their thankfulness for each other during the "Thankful" season and focus on the coming and birth of the Lord Jesus during Christmas. I like that idea very much. Hmmmm . . .

Anyway, I can't wait to put out the pumpkins, squash and the cornucopia. Lou's birthday is coming up as well - and I love thinking about how thankful we are for our kids, too. We have been especially blessed this year with God's provision spiritually, emotionally, relationally and materially. I pray that we have also become a blessing for others in His Name as well.

It's funny - when we moved, I was so determined to decorate with blues and beiges (like Jenn E. said to me "Summer Colors"). But guess what has happened? We're right back to the Fall colors in our decorating!! (Except - thankfully noted by Tony - it's NOT on our walls this time; just in our furniture and curtains! :0) He says, "Well, I guess it suits us . . ." Hmmm. I wonder why? What does Autumn represent that is like us? Something to ponder . . .

Well, the kids are outside rounding up the last of the caterpillars and lady bugs for the season :0) Tony is "snug as a bug in a rug" - snoozing before work tonight and I'm spending some lovely, quiet time meditating on being thankful and listening to "Adagio" by Beethoven. Lovely!

Here's something to think about . . . the concepts of ownership and control. If you believe that EVERYTHING belongs to God and that God is ultimately in control of EVERYTHING . . . then why do we try to hold on so tightly to the things of this world; things that are temporal? Why do we try to control our surroundings and the circumstances of our life? I'm not saying that we shouldn't put EFFORT into living out our beliefs and values. Only that, like my friend Terry says, "God is not against effort - just against EARNING. The results are always up to Him." Do we own even our most precious memories (or our worst?) Or are they squewed by our human, fallible perspectives - founded in subjective, self-centred reasoning? Are they not just lessons offered by God to allow us opportunity to draw nearer to Him on every occasion?

Our time on earth is SO short. And time itself is measured only by human perspective based on our shallow frame of reference we call "experience" (of which even the foundations of science are based. :0) When God allows us to see our lives and experience in light of His perfect plan and His desire to share ETERNITY (of which we cannot fully "humanly" comprehend), then only those matters of greater, 'eternal' value take priority in our hearts and minds. We receive from God earthly gifts like love, family, marriage, parenthood, childhood, "senior"-hood, sisterhood, brotherhood, friendship, service, vocation, Sabbath, etc. etc. And as we receive these precious gifts, we offer our worship - our offering to God in thankfulness for His grace and mercy.

As our eyes become more fixed on His glory and holiness - then it's like we receive nutrients for our soul - eternal gifts - like a flower, our roots dig deep into His "Soil" (His Truth) and we reach and hunger for more of His "Light" (Jesus) and His refreshing "Rain" (the Holy Spirit). And eventually, we find that spiritual fruit is evident in our daily lives (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal5:22)

So, this Thanksgiving, maybe we can look around at the people in our lives and see with eternally vision those things that God is "growing" in us all. Perhaps we can offer a loving hug or holy kiss in His Name - thankful that we have someone to offer His loving ways to. Perhaps we can say 'thank-you' to the Lord for His faithfulness and for always knowing what we need (even when circumstances that seem difficult). Maybe we could even offer a hand of forgiveness to someone who may have wronged us (whether they know it or not) sacrificing our pride and letting go of our fear - rejoicing in the glory of God. Rejoicing in the One who offers His hand of forgiveness, His arms of love and His kingdom to share. Amen.

The Game!!!

The Fans!!!

Rick vs. the Flames :0)

I actually have this written on my calendar! :0) Anyway, we had a great time at the game . . . it was wonderful for everyone to be together and we even ran into Wes, Carlie and her dad with Jammie (the boys' grandma on their dad's side).

I've broken this sight into two entries ('The Fans' and 'The Game') because I took SO many pictures last night!

BTW, Rick's new number is "37"... and I personally think it's a fantastic number! He played really well and it was awesome to see him doing what he does and taking who we know him to be and using those qualities in his career choice. As I like to say ..."it's not what you do (to a point :), it's who you are while you do it!"

Anyway, enjoy and God bless!

For the "girls" in my life!

Well . . . even though this "blog" is from the hearts of both of us . . . this one is just from me to the girls in my life.

In a moment of rare and precious clarity, I could truly see how important it is for us women to have girlfriends. We really do need each other. We need to support, lift up, encourage and pray for each other. I was able to pray with a dear friend of mine this morning who I have met with on a weekly basis for 4 years (and counting). We prayed for a last-minute trip to Toronto and for her mother. It means so much that we can share our lives and all of the amazing things that God is doing around, for and through us. She has been a blessing to me in her faithfulness and friendship and it was such a gift to me to be able to pray with her.

After our meeting, I was off to "Coffee Conversation and Crafts" for another "girls time-out". I also meet with these ladies on a weekly basis ... It was great to see a new face (right, Dawn? :0) and to be comforted by the "regulars" (I WON'T SAY 'OLD' :0) As always, Linda's devotional fed my soul and illuminated God's presence in my life.

I've just had two phone calls - one from each of my sisters - as I write this entry. We don't get to spend alot of time together - we're all busy with our own families now and schedules usually conflict. But, there is a bond between us that nothing can separate (not time, distance, opinion nor life's circumstances). It's a bond of love that God has blessed me with over and over again with the amazing women he has brought into my life. God has taught me to love, forgive, encourage, pray for, be honest with, have integrity for and challenge the women in my life - because that is what He has done for and with me.

Here is a Scripture about the love of God that I have seen in the women I know:

"For 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 separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39

How precious our relationship become when we receive HIS love and then offer it to one another, graciously and freely. Amen.

Sunday Evening

Greetings and salutations! Children are all snuggled into their beds (visions of sugar plums dance in their heads? - only 14 weeks until Christmas! :0) Just thought I'd throw that in there . . .

Anyway, last week (Sun. the 10th) was our "official" last Sunday at Crossroads. After the service, a number of leaders prayed for Tony and I and our family. It was pretty tough but such a blessing to receive. I'm so grateful for our time at Crossroads. It's where Tony and I really met the Lord face to face - in every loving relationship God provided and every opportunity to serve and love Him alongside wholehearted believers.

I have to admit - I was feeling somewhat overwhelmed at the thought of belonging to a new church family, not to mention trying to grasp a message given entirely in Spanish! :) But, last night, the kids and I went to El Encuentro on our own (Tony was working). I was feeling a bit lonely and out of place . . . but we still went - I know these things take time and I'm willing to give that time back to God, knowing that He can do amazing things with my small offerings. I was so grateful when one of the ladies of the church came over to me during prayer and put her arm around me and prayed with me. It was really comforting. And Pastor Jairo would slow down every once in awhile to really make a point and I was able to get quite a bit out of the sermon. The people at El Encuentro have been very gracious and accepting of us; especially the leadership and even though I might miss the familiarity of Crossroads - I have such a peace at El Encuentro.

Spanish lessons started this week, as well! I can't wait until we can start moving into full sentences! (Right now we're just doing colors!) The kids are going Saturday mornings and I'm twice a wekk (Tues and Thurs). Lord willing, I'll be just as "verbally blessed" in Spanish as I am in English! :0) No groaning, Tony . . . . :0)

I'd like to use the Scripture from last night's service to bless you all this evening before we all head off to bed and a much needed rest for our bodies, minds and souls. You are in my prayers tonight . . . Buenas Noches! (Buona Notte, for you, Non and Pop! :0)

"Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Oggi in Italia! "Today in Italy!"

My mother's side of the family is originally from Italy - as many of you know :0) This spring, my parents will be taking a long over-due trip to visit our family over there and see the country. We are so excited for them and are loving the anticipation of their adventure . . .

My mom has found some FANTASTIC photographs of the area. The town where my grandmother (Regina) was born is called "Macugnaga" in northern Italy. The church where she was baptized and my great-grandmother and great-grandfather were married is still there over 100 years later. I've included photos of the church (before and after) as well as a home that looks just like the one where my great-grandparents lived. (My mom said the animals lived in the bottom :0)

Enjoy the wonderful photos!

Go! Canucks! Go!

Can you believe it? I actually got Tony into a Canucks hat! Check out the pic! :0) Our nephew, Rick, is playing on Tuesday night against the Flames and our whole family will be sitting together! (Not just us, but all of my side of the family too!) BTW - this is Tony's most favourite posture at home, as of late :0)

I remember the first game we ever took Louis to at the Saddledome (it was when Wes, our oldest nephew, was playing with the Hitmen). A fight broke out and a couple of guys got sent to the penalty box. Louis was asking alot of questions about the process. We explained that if you fight, you get a kind of "time out" . . . his response was (he was 5 at the time) . . . "I don't think any of these guys ever went to kindergarten . . . or they would know better!" :0)

I hope we won't see Rick in any "time outs" ... I'm way too sensitive for hockey fights ... oh well. I'm REALLY looking foward to the "King's" all being together in one place ... doesn't happen too often - and this is a great reason! Thanks Non and Pop!

Here's a Scripture that I thought was fitting ... from Philippians 3:14, "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." It's not what we do as a career on this earth that will count in heaven .... it's how we do what we're called to do. Amen.

Buenos Noches!

It's late and I need to be asleep in bed . . . but here I am, yet again! :0) I love blogging . . . it's just lovely! Anyway, I stayed up late to record my nephew on Sports-something or other (net, centre . . . I'm not sure). He's been out in Vancouver, training with the Canucks and they interviewed him tonight. (BTW, Rick - you were the first one that came to mind when the sales guy said to me, 'if you get digital cable, you can record and rewind the Hockey Games! :0) It was great to hear the coach say, "Rick is the hardest working guy out here . . . the hardest working guy I've seen in a long time."

It's so strange to think how fast time goes by and to watch loved ones grow up and realize that I now have grey hair and my own kids growing by leaps and bounds! Where does time go? My cousin and his lovely wife were over the other evening with their 6 month old baby - yet I remember when my cousin was born! The wrinkles around my eyes are definately getting deeper and deeper . . .

But it doesn't really bother me to age . . . I finally stopped coloring my hair (believe or not - I actually like my grey). I like who I am and who God has made me to be! I have a great family and wonderful friends. And most of all - no matter what happens in life, I know that I will never be alone :) The other great part of that is knowing that I can "be there" for my family and friends to witness and be a part of their milestones and celebrations.

Change is happening all around . . . in my own home and all over the world. Yet God stays the same and is faithful . . . some things just don't change. Like the love of God, family and the bonds of friendship. God bless and good night :0)

Opportunities and Blessings

Today I had an opportunity to encourage another mom at school. She seemed overwhelmed and exhausted (she has 3 kids of her own). It made me realize how much we need to be apart of something bigger than our own little "kingdoms" that we create within our four walls. I understood so completely how hard it can be when you have young children who need your attention along with all the other demands on our energy, time and schedules! Sometimes, it's just too much . . .

It's easy to get caught up in the "doing" of life and forget the "being" part . . . God wants us to "BE" content in whatever situations we face because we have faith that we are not alone. I remember when I was in labour with Maria . . . I kept thinking of a verse from the Bible, "when I am weak, then I am strong". When you are in labour - if you haven't experienced it . . . and for those of you who have - it definately is a time when you feel at your very weakest! :) But I knew I was not depending on my own strength to carry on with what was required of me at the time . . . I knew that God was providing for my every need - as He always has and always will. And even if we've heard this truth before - sometimes we just need to hear it again . . . and believe with fresh faith.

Here's a neat photo that I found of a real shepherd . . . it reminds me of how many times God has carried me through my life - He has protected me, provided for me and brought me to green pastures.

http://jennifersmusings.blogspot.com

http://pianomusic4thesoul.blogspot.com

P.S. I'm trying to add links to a couple of blogs (one is Jennifer's and the other is my Music Studio blog . . . ) Hope it works! :)

Opera Day!

Well, it's the end of another fun-filled day in our household. It has turned into "Opera Day" once again. For those of you who know Maria, when we have "Opera Day" everything that we say, gets said "opera-style" . . . at the moment Gina is conducting her . . . :0)

I wanted to share a drawing that I found. I thought it was such a wonderful picture of the Lord. So often we see Him so seriously. But, I think He is joy-filled and has a sense of humour too.

God bless and enjoy a rest-filled Sunday tomorrow.

The Gift of Teaching . . .

I love to teach! I am so thankful to be able to combine my love of music (all kinds of music) with sharing my understanding of how to create it with my students . . . Each student I have is so unique - in their personalities and in their playing! :) I really do look forward to being able to meet with each one of them every week . . . as much as I enjoy the summer break, it is great to get back to doing what I love :)

There was a time when I didn't play - I didn't touch a piano for almost 10 years! There was a such a void in my life . . . but I didn't realize how much I really missed it until I was able to play again. I remember struggling as a young piano student - I didn't want to practice and I certainly didn't want to have to spend time away from my friends. But, eventually I realized that I could really play! And I loved it! We can't always see why we are asked to do the things we are . . . my mom would get so fustrated with my arguing about practising. Even though I couldn't see the value in it - my mom sure could. And she stood firm on piano lessons until I was grown and moving away. I'm so thankful that she did . . .

I think there are many things like this in life. It's hard to see the value of sticking with something - with seeing something through to the end . . . especially when you are younger and especially when things are not as enjoyable as we would like (right Ty?) But what would happen if we walked away from marriage, friendships or even parenthood when things weren't fun anymore . . . you see it happen all the time.

So, for anyone who has ever wondered where they she be or what they should be doing . . . for anyone who has ever wondered if the grass is greener "over there" . . . then here is Scripture verse for you . . .

"For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,' declares the Lord"...Jeremiah 29:12-14

For Nonna and Pop

My parents have been two of our greatest supporters throughout the last 10 years. They have encouraged us as parents and as husband and wife. They've blessed our family in countless ways on countless occasions and we are so thankful to be able to have them with us while our children grow. They each have always been the greatest influences in my life and the Lord has used my parents to shape my character and guide me down life's journies.

When Tony and I were married - although timing and circumstances may not have created the most "ideal" situation - my parents stood by us and helped us to see that everything would be ok. They did not judge or codemn in anyway - only loved us through each moment of our married lives (just as they did for my whole life before Tony).

The Bible says that "children are a gift from the Lord" - and I believe this is true, so true. I also believe that a mother and father who offer grace, forgiveness, generousity and faith to their children are the Lord's gift to them. As my mother and father have each given so much of themselves to us - so to we aspire to give to our children. And maybe - just once in awhile - as God orchestrates the symphony of our lives - we can give a little bit back to our parents, with His blessing.

We love you Mom and Dad - from all of us up here in "the frozen tundra - in the land of the midnight sun" :)

First attempt at photos :)

Okey dokey! Here we go . . . these are some photos that were taken on Maria's first day of kindergarten as well as some "dress up" photos, etc. of the kids from last school year . . . Gina is "Susan" from Chronicles of Narnia and Louis is "Long John Silver" from Treasure Island (they were to dress up as their favourite book character) . . . .enjoy!

A successful first day

Well, a tiring, but successful first day back at school. Tony and I spent the morning with Maria in Kindergarten and it was wonderful! What a blessing to be able to have our children in a school where the teachers pray over the students everyday. Maria had so much fun this morning - painting, coloring, listening to stories and watching a Veggie Tales movie. Tony and I were wondering if they still did "nap-time" in Kindergarten . . . but alas :)

Louis had his first violin lesson with his new teacher - and this year looks promising once again. He sure encouraged me today with his thoughtfulness, honesty and good manners. God definately uses our children to teach us life lessons!

Regina's big moment today was realizing that she has "Katie the Cornsnake" in her class . . . and the teacher came with her ! :) (not the other way around). Tony and I laughed right out loud this morning as 3 little girls Regina's age came running over to her squealing with delight and they all giggled and ran off to the playground (without saying a word!)

I have to admit - driving the new Jeep to school was the most fun I had all day!! :) There's just somethings about driving a manual that makes you feel like you're driving! Our neighbour was commenting on the fact that Tony was still driving the mini-van to work and I was taking the Jeep - how does this happen? My only response was, "I guess he really loves me". And you know what? He really does . . . everyday I realize it more and more. My mom once said to me that a husband may not do all the things you dreamed of as a little girl, but when he loves you, he will do things you never expected. I'm eternally grateful that God brought us together and new better than I ever did (what's that Garth Brooks song? "Sometimes I Thank God For Unanswered Prayers"?)

Well, time to wind down once again . . . the house is quiet and there's dishes to be done and lunches to be made . . . Good night all . . . let me leave you with a Scripture to bless your evening:

"But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever. I will praise You forever for what You have done; in Your Name I will hope, for Your Name is good. I will praise You in the presence of Your saints." Psalm 52:8-9

Our first entry

Well, here it is . . . my friend Jenn walked me through the steps for creating my own blog and it wasn't so bad. So, here it is . . .

It is the evening before school begins once again and I have been trying to get organized for most of the day. Maria has been so excited to start school but all of a sudden is feeling somewhat timid. I tried to encourage her with the Lord's words, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matt 28:20) I think it will be difficult for all four of us (myself and the kids) because we've had so much time together this summer just being able to hang out. I am so thankful for being able to spend that time - it is a precious gift.

The kids are back in music lessons again and this year Louis will be starting Navy League as well. Aaah, the routine begins . . . The kids and I are also taking Spanish lessons in the coming weeks. It's very exciting and I hope we all are blessed in our studies so that we may more fully engage with our new Hispanic church family. I'm really starting to see how important it is to live life one day at a time and fully immerse one's self in each moment that presents itself. This summer has flown by and God has done so many new things in our lives. He truly amazes us at every turn.

The girls and I were chatting today and they had many questions about the Lord and His ways. I love to talk about how Jesus has changed my life and my desires to anyone who'll listen . . . but for our family to be able to share the gift of faith with each other is a priceless treasure. God is good.

Well, time to turn in for the night. May you all know the riches of His glorious presence in our lives. Good night :)