For Nonna ...

"Nonna's Recovery Song!"

We hope you're feeling A-OK

We hope you're feeling A-OK

We hope you're feeling A-OK

And soon ... you'll be on your way!

Get well soon, Nonna and we know that Pop will take good care of you! Get well soon, Nonna - get some rest and soon you'll feel just like brand new!

Don't drink vina, until you, get the doc's ok - until then, put your feet up, and Pop can, massage your cares away!

We hope you're feeling A-OK

We hope you're feeling A-OK

We hope you're feeling A-OK

And soon ... you'll be on your way!

Funny Fishing.....

An Innocent Man ...

For my 34th birthday, my lovely hubby bought us Billy Joel tickets. He knows how much I love his music and admire his musical gifts. The concert was AMAZING ... 2 full hours, non-stop -and 3 encores (with standing ovations that seemed never ending ... )

I wanted to share one of my favourite songs with you (and I have MANY favourites :0)

This song touches my heart because it speaks of someone who is UNAFRAID. It tells the story of someone who has gained some wisdom through experience and learned to accept and appreciate their loved ones, right where they're at. Because of their OWN "survival" story, they have the ability to offer patience, unconditional love and fearless HOPE to others - walking WITH them through times of trials ...

The one who I recognize as fearlessly loving me FIRST, is Jesus. The image of Jesus dying on the cross is central to my faith that I am saved by His spilled blood ... and that, because of His resurrection, I TOO am 'resurrected' into a new life, through Him. After receiving this gift of life, through faith, however, there is another image that is pivotal to my faith ... it is Jesus, BEFORE His crucifixion ... in the Garden of Gethsemene. It was there that He wept and prayed; where He agonized and suffered over the events to come. It was there that Jesus "fell, with His face to the ground and prayed, 'My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. YET NOT AS I WILL, BUT AS YOU WILL.' Matthew 26:39"

A phrase occurred to me the other evening ... "Beautiful Brokenness" ... that's how I see the Lord in the Garden - beautifully broken for us - before He even got to the cross. It was this 'brokenness of spirit' (Psalm 51:17) that enabled Him to receive the strength to carry the cross and fulfill what was purposed for Him, before time began.

It is this very place that I want to stay, as a Christian, in order to receive the wisdom, strength and courage I need to pick up my own 'cross' everyday and follow my Lord. It is this 'brokenness' that will allow me to willingly and fearlessly, reach out to the hurting and wounded around me - offering encouragement, love and God's promises and healing.

Who'd have thought that I could get all THAT out of a Billy Joel song ? LOL! I guess it's where you're coming from in the first place :0) My heart belongs to the Lord - I see Him everywhere as He is WITH me everywhere ... and I am thankful ...

An Innocent Man

- Billy Joel

Released: 1983

Some people stay far away from the door

If there's a chance of it opening up

They hear a voice in the hall outside

And hope that it just passes by

Some people live with the fear of a touch

And the anger of having been a fool

They will not listen to anyone

So nobody tells them a lie

I know you're only protecting yourself

I know you're thinking of somebody else

Someone who hurt you

But I'm not above

Making up for the love

You've been denying you could ever feel

I'm not above doing anything

To restore your faith if I can

Some people see through the eyes of the old

Before they ever get look at the young

I'm only willing to hear you cry

Because I am an innocent man

Oh yes I am

Some people say they will never believe

Another promise they hear in the dark

Because they only remember too well

They heard somebody tell them before

Some people sleep all alone every night

Instead of taking a lover to bed

Some people find that's it's easier to hate

Than to wait anymore

I know you don't want to hear what I say

I know you're gonna keep turning away

But I've been there and if I can survive

I can keep you alive

I'm not above going through it again

I'm not above being cool for a while

If you're cruel to me I'll understand

Some people run from a possible fight

Some people figure they can never win

And although this is a fight I can lose

The accused is an innocent man

Oh yes I am

An innocent man

You know you only hurt yourself out of spite

I guess you'd rather be a martyr tonight

That's your decision

But I'm not below

Anybody I know

If there's a chance of resurrecting a love

I'm not above going back to the start

To find out where the heartache began

Some people hope for a miracle cure

Some people just accept the world as it is

But I'm not willing to lay down and die

Because I am an innocent man

I am an innocent man

Oh yes I amAn innocent man

Bad movies and good fights ...

What ?! Well ... let me explain ...

A last minute invite saw us impulsively heading out to the movies with some friends. I was so thankful for an invitation to have an evening out with my hubby and close friends. I was also very thankful for another close friend who said 'yes' at the last minute to babysitting ...

We saw "The Assination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford". A 'critically acclaimed' movie ... hmmmm ... My intellectual nature could see the why's and wherefore's of this artistic and 'not what you would expect a western to be' kind of movie. (The last western that was described in similar fashion was 'Unforgiven' with Clint Eastwood - and I REALLY enjoyed that one). Brad Pitt was a darling, as usual - and I loved his acting (as usual). However ... yikes ... Ok - I get it - it was artistic and it was deep (kind of ) and it was definately different (Ben Affleck's brother will always be the creepy stalker in my mind now!) 3 hours later, my cynical nature was rearing it's none-to-attractive head and I was rolling my eyes so often that I started counting ceiling tiles in the theatre!! :0) The bright side was that I was out with some of my favourite people and I got to eat lots of yummy popcorn and chocolate. Sometimes bad movies can make good conversation ("that was an awful movie" ... "what? you didn't like it?" ... "what? you did?" LOL!)

Sometimes people disagree on their taste in movies - and sometimes it's a whole lot more than that. But I like the fact that the people who are sincere in relationships can agree to disagree. I believe this is one of the most important factors in the longevity of a marriage. I've heard alot of people in the news, etc. throwing around a word ... TOLERANCE ... and sometimes I wonder what that really means ? By the way, there was ZERO tolerance for much of anything in the characters from the movie last night! However, there was alot of violence, fear, self-preservation, some lust and a little jealousy thrown in for good measure.

I wonder about tolerance. I wonder if there is tolerance for the fact that I question the reality of evolution (and choose to understand it in terms of a 'theory'), that I believe in Jesus Christ as my Saviour (as I believe He is for EVERYONE :0) and sometimes even choose to speak the truth in love, as I perceive it to be, even though it may offend, insult or cause pain to those who are on the receiving end of it. And then I wonder how much tolerance I have ? How much of someone else's 'truth' can I tolerate? When do I draw my line at intolerable and why ? Do forgiveness and tolerance go hand in hand?

The issues that used to cause me to get greatly emotional and passionate don't seem to stir in me quite the same reactions as they used to. Perhaps it can be partly attributed to age ... maybe I just don't have the energy to get so worked up anymore! LOL! But, I hope it also has to do with the fact that maybe I've learned a little more about where to better put my energies into ... as much as I like to win (... that old competitive nature is still alive and kicking! :0), I don't find I feel the need to be RIGHT like I used to. My RIGHT is just that - MINE ... and maybe people just need to come to their own conclusions ... I'm so thankful for the ability to experience an increased grace to trust God with the future, the past, the present and all the emotions, thoughts, circumstances and relationships they hold. I woke up to Proverbs 20:3 this morning: "It is to a man's honour to avoid strife, but every fool is quick to quarrel" ... hmmmm ... I chuckle at how utterly 'quarrelsome' I used to be with Tony - I hope he would too :0)

Bad movies, good fights and life lessons ... there's always something to learn about ourselves and the way we respond to God in it all ... and when in doubt, learn to laugh at yourself ...

Relationship and Faith ...

I just finished reading the article below, as my thoughtful and caring husband brought me a lovely glass of red wine (my favourite) while supper is just finishing up (of which HE willingly prepared for our family ... ) Tony and I haved been attending a "Protestant" based church for almost 8 years now. Rarely have we fit into the 'typical' male/female roles as dictated by many Christian denominations. Often, in group situations, we found ourselves in opposite company - Tony discussing the baking of banana bread with the ladies, and me discussing politics or current affairs with the gentlemen. Our personalities are what they are - and we both appreciate each other's strengths and hope to offer grace and mercy for each other in our weaknesses. We have struggles, as any couple does: failing in our intimacy when we lack forgiveness and growing when we return to the Lord in our brokeness.

Upon reading this article, my heart ached for this young woman - I have friends raised in similar, "legalistic" churches ... (pertaining to "religious laws"). I listen to their struggles and pain as they relay to me the oppressive rules they were forced to endure under the guise of "Biblical Teaching". I have wondered and prayed to my Lord about this fear-filled teaching and pride-filled understanding of Himself. At times, I have even strayed into this very line of thinking with my parenting style - hoping that if my children followed all the rules and obeyed me without question, I could somehow save them from the "growing pains" that so many of us endure as children. Well ... to quote a favourite movie ... " ... if he never has to go through anything - then he'll never GO THROUGH anything " (Dori - from 'Finding Nemo').

Do I still pray for and hope to teach my children? Absolutely ... but now my focus is on showing grace and mercy to my children as the seek to find their way on this journey through life - and I hope that I can share my Best Friend with them - Jesus. I hope they choose Him and His ways every moment of every day - will they? Well ... if they do - it is by His grace alone. Do I choose Him and His ways every moment of every day ? No ... I'm sorry to say it ... but no - and if I do ... it is by His grace alone. Yet, I KNOW THAT I KNOW THAT I KNOW He has saved my and will NEVER forsake me and NEVER leave me. I hope this young lady knows it too ...

"When does submission go too far?" by Andrea Bianchi
September 24, 2007

“They have dogs for that,” I whispered to my mother as I leaned across the pew. She laughed, then told me to be quiet and listen to the sermon. But I was listening—had been for the past 15 years my family had attended legalistic churches. And as a new college student, hearing this message on submission that suggested wives simply nod and silently agree to their husband’s decisions—no matter how unwise or ill advised—I knew I’d listened for the last time.
My pastor warned me I’d leave the independent fundamental churches of my childhood when I chose to attend a “liberal” Christian college. But changing congregations wasn’t the only “backsliding” he foresaw. He feared if I were to begin thinking for myself—especially about Scripture—I’d abandon the entire list of extra-biblical rules these churches enforced.
Although fiercely independent of any higher denomination’s authority, my childhood churches expected their congregants’ complete submission. They dictated what to wear (I endured countless kids’ jeers for sporting awkward, baggy culottes in place of forbidden pants), where to go (I entered a movie theater for the first time when I was 21), what to listen to (I attended more than one church conference denouncing the evils of “Contemporary Christian Music” or any other melody with a rock beat), what Bible version to read (I felt a pang of guilt any time I opened a translation other than the King James), what to watch (I enjoyed a television in my home for the first time in college), what ministries to pursue (I could never aspire to pastor or deacon or any teacher of men in the congregation), what to eat (I’ve yet to overcome the stigma of drinking to take my first sip of alcohol), whom to marry (I cried through two conferences that demanded a pledge to forgo dating and instead submit to parent-controlled courtship), even what college to attend (I always thought I’d have to follow the rest of the church’s young people to one of three approved schools where dress codes were enforced, inter-gender interactions were severely restricted, off-campus excursions were carefully monitored, and classes were conservatively biased).
And I planned to make one of those campuses my home—until I began the application process, signing statements of faith, agreeing to codes of conduct. Reading lists of rules and giving my word on paper were quite different from listening to Sunday sermons and passively obeying. Suddenly I realized choosing to attend a particular school meant daily deciding to live under its authority. And that choice would require my time, my prayer, and, above all, my mind.
I didn’t want to submit to an organization that asked me to forgo independent thinking. Instead, I needed to search the Scriptures before following one pastor’s standards on women’s dress. Read historians’ and archeologists’ findings before embracing an exclusive Bible version. Review theologians’ interpretations of passages before espousing a complementarian or egalitarian structure in marriage. Seek direction from God before taking college choice advice solely from my pastor.
I know pastors are mature, educated leaders, the ones responsible before God for my soul (Hebrews 13:7), biblically named “shepherds” (1 Peter 5:2). And I, therefore, as a member of their flock (Acts 20:28), bear comparison to an animal, a sheep (John 10:14). But I’m to be a trained sheep, proficient in recognizing my Master’s voice. And in order to learn his cadences and inflections—as well as echoes of them in earthly shepherds’ calls—I’m responsible for spending time with the Shepherd. I must listen to, meditate upon, and memorize his Words so I can distinguish them from the cries of any thief or robber seeking to lead me astray (John 10:4-5; Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1).
I learned to recognize the robber’s voice when I joined in chapel gatherings at the Christian college I chose, and I caught myself doubting God could hear my worship through a chorus accompanied by a drum. Now, years removed from the fundamentalism of my childhood, I notice the false cries when I’m about to share in Communion at the far-from-legalistic church I attend, and I find myself wondering if I’d be sinning to partake wearing the slacks I sport to service each Sunday morning. And lately, I discern the thief’s voice when I hope for a marriage of equality, and I notice myself worrying God will refuse me the gift of a husband because I won’t smile and nod and listen to him dumbly while he makes a questionable decision.
Instead, I’ll be listening for echoes of the Lord’s wisdom and love speaking through earthly leaders and companions. And I hope when I hear those, I’ll gladly submit, as an obedient animal to its Master’s call." - taken from the newsletter "Today's Christian Woman"

Back to School !!!

Click to play Make your own Smilebox

Another year has begun ... we are looking forward to an exciting time of learning, friendships and fun !!!

A little something for you to enjoy :0)

This video is titled:

"500 Years of Women in Art"

(Music by J.S. Bach, 'Sarabande' ... performed by Yo Yo Ma)

Pulling Weeds ...

My two cyberspace worlds have finally collided! As I have entered into the world of facebook, I 'fed' my blog into the notes portion of my profile page ... well - now, the opposite is happening! After creating a post for a group called "Messy Spirituality", I am copying my post onto my blog ... what a strange world we live in! :0) Here were my thoughts (in response to a topic regarding the Exodus story: how we would prefer the "Red Sea" experience ... or easier ... than what the Israelites went through during the rest of the journey).

"The Exodus story has really been on my mind lately (approximately, the last year or so). I have felt that my family and I have been on a sort of 'Exodus' journey of our own. It is one that I am learning to put complete trust in the Lord to provide for me and my family - and to learn to be thankful for my daily blessings.

During this time in my walk, I have also found that I yearn for 'a refreshing spring of water' in the midst of the desert and am I ever thankful for the precious assurance that the Lord provides!! :0) ... I must admit, there have been more than a few times that I have blamed my hubby for taking us out into the desert in the first place (I wonder how many wives did that when the Israelites left Egypt ??? Oh .... to be a fly on the 'tent' wall back then :0)

Through it all, even though circumstances can be relationally hard, circumstantially confusing and even physically uncomfortable ... I know that I've never felt closer to the Lord than I do now! I know my need for Him, more than I ever have ... and in that, I also know His provision in a deeper way than I ever have.

Believe me - I sway way more to the hedonistic lifestyle than narcissitic behaviour ... I definately do not seek out 'hard times' to feed some need to FEEL spiritual :0) But, I am learning that hard does NOT equal bad ... it's just hard! And that at the core of my faith is the reality that circumstances do NOT equal blessing! My blessing IS my relationship with the Lord, so that is where my focus will remain (by His grace).

"But blessed is the man who TRUSTS in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never failes to bear fruit." Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV)"

After re-reading my entry, it brought me back to my thoughts from the other day on "weeding my Spiritual Garden". Our family is SLOWLY becoming settled into our new home and I have spent some time outside in the flower gardens yanking out pesky thorns, weeds and probably a few 'unsuspecting' flowers (oops!) ... not to get distracted, but there's a whole other topic around Matthew 13:24-30 there ... another time ... LOL ....

Anyway, on a recent occasion, I chose to take myself outside and WEED rather than get into a critical-based argument with my hubby. And as I did, I realized that there was some weeding I needed to tend to in my own heart. What a revelation!! :0)

So, as I read Jeremiah 17:7-8, I began to think about MY responsibility in this "tree" situation. A Sunday school class that Pastor Doug gave comes to mind. He said that a peach tree doesn't TRY to grow peaches. It just digs its roots down deep to receive nourishment - and God does the rest! The tree was CREATED to produce peaches ... God created it AND provides for it!

To take that a little further ... who's responsibility is it to weed my garden? to take care of my little tree? I think that as I merely open the Garden Gate of my heart to the Lord, He will reveal to me the 'weeds' in my heart that I may confess them to Him ... and as I am open to His direction, His ways, His thoughts, His love, mercy and forgiveness ... then He will 'weed' out those issues that would cause me to become thirsty or dehydrated. And the longer you keep the Garden Gate to your soul closed, the more weeding The Gardener will need to do for you :0)

In that then, I pray that my heart, and the hearts of ALL believers, would be GOOD SOIL, having strong and deep roots ... and that in the faith that God has provided, we would awaken to the presence of the Lord and swing wide the Garden Gates of our hearts as He tends to the precious garden of our souls. And, to God's glory, the fruit and flowers and beauty of our gardens would be the worship and praise we offer Him, in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

Mike Yaconelli Tribute

I met this man at Breakforth (in Edmonton) some years ago. He is the most powerful speaker I've ever heard ... and it's only because he shares his passion for God - he was blessed and became a blessing.

This video made me cry ... we need more Christians like him ...

God bless me indeed that I may be a blessing to others .... in Jesus' Name ....

A Great Video!

I really enjoyed this ... it's a depiction of Creation, the Fall and Salvation through Christ ... wonderful !

My long neglected blog ...

I just read, 'last published ... June 20th!!!!' Yikes! What a couple of weeks we've had ... Our move is over and there are only a few little details to attend with at the 'old' place. Of course, there is the massive job of unpacking and getting settled - but I'm not against letting that have its own timeframe as we get to it ... hopefully, I'll get my camera working soon and be able to upload some photos of the new place !

Where to begin? It seems more difficult to re-enter my 'journalling' habit after being away from it for so long. Isn't it like that with many things in life? Chores ... relationships ... daily prayer and devotionals ...

I am amazed at the MANY times over the last few weeks that God has gently prompted me to see my circumstances through His Sovereign eyes ... I could have (and almost did) get quite overwhelmed by the moving process and all the details - yet there were many lessons to learn and I'm thankful to have grown in faith through it all. I've had the support and prayers of good friends and family and the Lord has blessed me greatly through their love and kindness ...

Tony is back at work, Louis is off on a well-deserved (and greatly desired) holiday with his Nona and Poppa ... and the girls and I are having a lovely, quiet day in our new home.

Only the Lord knows what this day will bring ... but whatever may come (this day - or all the rest), my heart is thankful and my soul is free ... thanks be to God :0)

Maria's Graduation

Last night was Maria's Kindergarten Graduation. It was such an amazing time. We really felt so blessed to see our baby reach a milestone in her life. They sang and danced and it was a wonderful evening (and there was LOTS of tears! :0) Here are some photos:

Thinking about music ...

On the way home from dropping the kids at school this morning, I was listening to the CBC (as I usually do). There was a wonderful array of musical offerings - Beethoven ("not 'grumpy' Beethoven", the announcer said, "but Uncle Lood-vig"). There was also Schubert and Vivaldi. I was trying to think of a way to express how the music made me feel. The sense of satisfaction I get from fully emmersing myself into the metaphysical world of sound represented in tones, rhythm and dynamics ... all I could think of was "it's like tasting a wonderful dish - really savouring the flavour of a good meal." It brought to mind one of my favourite performers - ANDRE RIEU ... listening to him is a sweet moment of musical bliss - WATCHING him draw his audience into a place of sheer enjoyment with his music reminds us of what the gift of music is really for.

Last night, I had the privilege of attending one of my student's Finale Concert (for her junior high band). It was held at the University in a beautiful facility. The school even set out some wonderful works of art created by the students. It was a cultural affair and I enjoyed it thoroughly! I wonder if they know how they blessed their audience with such fine musical and artistic talent? Even more, I wonder if they know how they really sounded?

There were a few minor flaws in notation, rhythm, dynamics and tempo. Yet, as I listened AND watched, I began to notice that their concentrated gazes, tapping toes and swaying bodies reflected an intimacy with their music that, without doubt, reached out to their audience and touched our hearts, minds AND ears in a way that was beyond the sounds they were creating. These fine young people shared their passion with us and in effect created a bond among our little group of anxious spectators that drew us into a place of oneness in the most joy-filled way. And all this in junior high!

Life can reflect this same shared passion. I could have chosen to merely sit and observe the concert last night (as some of the parents did ... even to the point of nodding off occassionally :0) But, that is not why I wanted to be there. I don't want to be an "observer" ... I want to consistently choose to PARTICIPATE in the processes, trials and elations of life - and not just my own! Last night, I allowed myself to receive the gifts that were being offered to me, with thankfulness - music, enthusiasm, hopefulness, anticipation, excitement, sentiment, expression and sincerity. As I sat in my cramped little chair among the rows and rows of people, tapping my toes, patting my knee and nodding my head in response to what I was receiving, I began to understand that the best part of all was the SHARED EXPERIENCE among a group of idealistic people (in the BEST way :0). These budding musicians were making the most of a great opportunity and ENJOYING IT!!! Hard work AND fun! What a concept!

And at the head of these smiling faces, waving his baton with gusto, was a man who's obvious love for music and pedagogy flowed out of him and into the precious lives of the children with exuberant, yet confident flair - the kind of confidence that can only come when you know that you are exactly where you want to be, doing exactly what you want to be doing, with all your heart - and the students RESPONDED to his encouragement and enthusiasm with a like-minded, passionate creativity.

If I had gone to this performance hoping to hear all the right notes and receive an authentic performance of Pachelbel, Bach, or some other musicologist's view of traditional interpretation, I might have been a little disappointed. And I would have missed the point completely ...

Life's like that too.

"Even as a child, I was fascinated by the world of music. My father was a conductor, and I remember the huge orchestra and the wonderful sound it made, all those bows moving together – I thought it was fantastic. But even then I can remember being surprised at the sombre atmosphere during the concerts. Everybody looked so serious, you weren't supposed to cough or laugh, even though the music seemed to me to radiate so much joy!

You know that solemn atmosphere you find in the concert hall with classical music, and how it intimidates most people and keeps them away? With us, it is simply not there. My orchestra consists of young, enthusiastic musicians, who put their heart and soul into the music every evening when they play in our concerts. At one of our concerts you'll see me and the orchestra, and the audience too, all having a lot of fun together. Swaying with the music, humming along, clapping, jumping up and down - it all happens! Every evening is a wonderful experience, and in my view there couldn't be a greater pleasure for a musician.

When I was studying the violin at the music academy, somebody asked me to play in a salon orchestra. It was there that I played the waltz 'Gold und Silber' by Frantz Léhàr for the first time. What a revelation it was! I was immediately spellbound by that beat which, years later, has almost become the rhythm of my life: three-four time, the rhythm of the waltz. But with my own orchestra, I play a lot more than waltzes these days.

My dream is to make the whole of classical music accessible for everyone. To achieve that, I've had my own recording studio built, and we're working hard to make new recordings of the classical repertoire.

I hope I may be given many more years to make people happy with my music!" Andre Rieu

A Healing Touch ... Just For You, Mom

The other evening, I spoke to my mom on the phone. She was 'talkig like this - because she hab a code' ... she sounded terrible and my heart went out to her. I, myself am getting over bronchitis and an infection in my nose (the swelling has gone down - thank the Lord - I didn't need to draw MORE attention to my already ample blessing of a nose, thank you ...) It is definately no fun being sick ... :0)

I spoke to my father afterward and suggested he give my mom a foot rub ... I know it's what I would like to do for her, if I were there ... My mom spends alot of time caring for others. I hope she'll forgive me for sharing her personal ministry with everyone - but I'm so proud of my mother's loving example that I guess I'll risk the tongue-lashing :0) My mother has spent years reaching out to people who are chronically ill and their loved ones. After losing her father, mother and brother - she has been left as the lone representative of her immediate family. She has taken that loss and turned it into a wonderful blessing for others experiencing their own grief through her volunteer work with Palliative Care. She continues to amaze me with her faith and the strength that God provides her to walk with those who are grieving after she has experienced so much of her own. It is this kind of 'active' faith that the Lord teaches us and it lives in my mother's heart.

This morning I listened to a wonderful sermon online from Pastor Bob Benson (from the Focus on the Family website) ... Until our move, our family has been 'on wait' for a new church and I have been seeking the Lord's wisdom and guidance through my favourite Christian leaders here and there. His message was filled with the Lord's promises of hope, healing and comfort. I was truly humbled and moved to pray. I will try to figure out how to share it online ... the sermon is about 30 years old and Pastor Benson was quite ill when he gave it (he died shortly thereafter). So, his message of healing, comfort and love is especially sympathetic and special. Until I can figure it out, here is a link to listen: http://listen.family.org/daily/A000000477.cfm


While I was listening, I reached over, picked up Regina's beautiful PINK Bible :0) and just flipped it open ... wouldn't you know it? It opened to the introductory page of the Book of Mark in the New Testament. Here is what it said:

"Jesus was no ordinary religious teacher. His miracles showed He was truly the Son of God. But Jesus' miracles showed more than His power. By healing so many sick and needy people, Jesus showed how much God cares about people. Some, like the diseased man in Mark 1:40-45, were people no one would even touch! Jesus did more than feel sorry for such people. Jesus reached out and touched them to let them know he cared. We may not be able to do miracles like Jesus did. But like Jesus, we can show that we care. We can pray for the sick. We can comfort the lonely or hurting. By reaching out to others, we show what Jesus is like.

Children Are Important - Adults sometimes treat children as if they don't matter. Mark 10:13-16 tells about a time when some people brought their little children to see Jesus. The disciples tried to send the children away. They thought Jesus was too busy and too important to be bothered with little kids. But to Jesus, children are just as important as anybody else. He called the children back and blessed them one by one. When you feel that no one pays attention to you, try praying to Jesus. He always has time for you."

What an amazing message of love, hope and mercy that my daughter can find in her little, pink Bible. It touched me too!!! That's the wonderful thing about God's love - He is always reaching out to us ... sometimes it's a foot rub, or a hug from a friend or maybe some kind words ... but, no matter what we're facing, He's always there to strengthen us, comfort us and tell us we're important to Him!

My prayer today:

"Thank You, Lord - I thank You for Your loving ways. It's easy to look around this fallen world and see sickness, pain, heartache and lonliness ... but I thank You for eyes to see and ears to hear. May we all know just how important we are to You. Lord, may You continue to bless us with Your peace, understanding and forgiveness so that we may, in turn, become a blessing to ALL those around us - even those we would consider 'untouchable'. Thank You for Your healing touch - even if it's just on the inside, in our hearts and in our souls ... Lord, we ask that those people who need physical healing today would receive Your healing touch in a miraculous way, to Your glory alone - I pray, by grace through faith in Your Name, Jesus - my Saviour, my Christ. Amen"

Mountains ...

I made this little video about mountains using some of the photos I've taken ... I really love the mountains (and obviously, playing on my computer :0)

Enjoy!

Sing praise!

This morning at 7:59 (eastern time) our newest nephew was welcomed into the world on our nephew, Brandon's birthday!!! What a great birthday present ...

His name is JUDAH JAMES ... Judah means "praise" and we are praising God with Naomi, Jaime, Brandon, Hannah and Jonathan today! Naomi and Jaime knew they were having a boy (and they never had an ultrasound :0) ... they also knew his name was to be Judah - and here he is!

Congratulations!

"con - with ... gratu - thankfulness/praise"

It is with praise that we rejoice with you!

To be known ...

What is a friend? I think it is someone who really KNOWS you (and still talks to you anyway ... :0) Seriously, though ... I have been guilty on many occasions of being a less than desirable friend - and yet, I know some amazingly forgiving and gracious people who continue to bless me with their honesty, sincerity and trust. It makes me want to be a better friend ... A true friend is someone who is a witness to your life (maybe at different moments but over the long haul - they're still there ...) and you, in turn, are witness to theirs ...

A friend is someone you can share laughter, tears and all the rest of life's ups and downs with ... a friend means travelling life's paths TOGETHER (and sometimes together means just carrying that person's memory with you and acknowledging their presence in your heart ... knowing that they do the same :0)

A friend can be a family member; a mother, father, sister, brother, cousing, uncle, aunt, grandma, grandpa ... A friend can be someone that shares circumstances or geography ... a friend can be a boy or a girl ... or your dog or cat :0) A friend can be the best reason to keep a BLOG!!!

Friends come in all shapes and sizes, affinities and histories ... we have only to take a look around and we'll see them ... When we open ourselves up to friendship, we open ourselves up to grace and forgiveness (the offering and receiving of ...)

So ... here's to you all - my good friends that have spanned a lifetime! May you all be blessed to know that you have been a blessing to me :0)

A Little Break From Exam Stuff ...

I have been cramming for an upcoming piano 'pedagogy' exam (that's a big teacher word :0) ... So, for a little break - Tony took the kids and I (his idea !!) to the Provincial Park near our NEW HOME!!! We finally found a place and we will be moving at the end of next month - Praise God!!! The last month has been an emotional roller coaster for me as we put our house up for sale, sold it (in ONE week!), said "Arrivederci" to my mom and dad as they left for Italy, travelled ALL over the countryside to find a new home, celebrated our 10th anniversary (for better or for worse!!! we're still hanging in there!!!), FOUND a home, tried to focus on my rather indepth, upcoming exam, welcomed my parents home from Italy and between it all, I am recovering from a MAJOR head cold (two people actually thought I was a GUY on the phone ... lovely :0). Phew! Anyway ... the break was a welcome distraction today.

I thought I would share a funny story with you. After the kids went to bed last night, Tony and I watched a movie (well - I watched the movie, Tony snored on the other couch ... just a typical Saturday evening in our home ... and, I know, not unlike MOST homes of couples who have been together for awhile ... :0) After the movie was finished, we prepared to go to bed ... Tony let the dog out, I turned off the lights, etc. When he came inside, he said to me, "You should see the amazing moon out there tonight - and all the stars! It's a beautiful sky!" So ... I made my way to our back deck and stood there staring at the sky for quite some time ... it really was beautiful.

Now ... I don't know about you ... but I assumed that Tony would be on his way back outside to share this beautiful view together (seeing as he had made a point of wanting to share his reaction to this beautiful creation in the first place, yes?) ... you know ... 'a moment' ... Well .... I stood there for awhile and eventually thought, "I'm getting kind of chilly out here ... " So - I eventually made my way back inside ... As I approached Tony (he was feeding the dog and clearing the kitchen cupboard), I said, "Were you going to join me out there?" And as his eyes met mine, we began to laugh hysterically at what had just happened ...

We hugged and laughed and hugged and laughed some more ... You see - for us - this was 'a moment' ... it was one of those 'typical' moments where I expected one thing while he was completely oblivious to my expectation and so I stood on the deck alone while he finished the jobs he had on his mind. The best part is that because we are learning to know ourselves (and each other), we can laugh at the situation which helps solidify our marriage and our love - we can laugh at ourselves and accept each other "AS IS" ... it really was pretty funny :0)

(BTW - 10 years ago ... I probably would have stood out there freezing until he finally showed up and then had a tantrum that he had left me standing there for so long ... he still would have been oblivious to why I was upset and felt like he'd messed up and therefore he would have put up his defensive wall, got all silent on me and it would have taken 6 hours of arguing to clear it up before going to bed exhausted and upset ...) I wouldn't go back to being a newlywed FOR ANTYHING!!!!

Anyway ... here are some photos of our hike today ... I hope you enjoy them! We had a lot of fun ...

With the passage of time ...

Today is my mom's birthday! So as I thoughtfully reflect on my mom and as Mother's Day has recently past (and all the wonderful hand-made cards have been given along with the heartfelt and carefully crafted goodies from my three blessings), I thought I would compile a list of some of my favourite "mommy" moments. Here goes:



From my childhood and beyond .... :

* Mom always oooed and aaahed over my frequently made MUD PIES as though they were the greatest creations ever! (and they were actually pretty amazing :0)



* Mom bought me a hotwheels race track, He-Man action figures and Barbies ... she was so cool! (Never did get a Ken doll though ... :0)



* Mom thought playing "slappsies" was fun ... especially if I won ...



* Mom always screamed really loud when I hid rubber snakes in her bed (even if she wasn't that scared ... )



* Mom let me go to my neighbour, Tod P's 6th birthday party even though I was the only girl invited ... she even let me change out of my pink, frilly dress and into my dirty ol' jeans to go play in the park ...



* Mom came to EVERY piano lesson I ever had ... for 11 years!!! And bought me a new outfit for every song I played in every music festival ...



* Mom let us listen to Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Louis Armstrong, Elvis, ABBA and Dr. Hook ... she even tolerated my Bon Jovi/Guns n' Roses/Poison phase ...



* Mom always waited up for me ... even when I was 22 and visiting for the weekend :0)



* Mom held my hand when I announced (rather loudly, between sobs) that Tony and I were having our first child ... :0) And she stayed for a week after all three were born to help out ...



* Mom still makes the best homecooked meals EVER ... and it doesn't really matter what she makes ...



From my motherhood (so far):

* The Classic "Sharing M & M's With Louis" story ... you've all heard it ... never stick your baby's finger in your mouth when you think he's sharing chocolate with you ... trust me ...



* Regina and Louis having a "baby-powder fight" from across the room, in their cribs ... and having to shut the door while we (not too successfully) tried to stifle our laughter.



* Forgetting Maria when she was 6 months old in the van when taking Louis and Regina for swimming lessons ... then remembering half way into the pool and having to run back to the parkade ... she didn't miss us :0)



* Potty training three kids ... and growing the conga-line to the big potty with each new accomplished "Pottier" and singing, "pee pee in the potty ... pee pee in the potty, yah!" ... enough said ...



* Although I wasn't personally there - it's still one of my favourite stories - the time Regina pulled the fire alarm at the bank and ALL the firetrucks/police cars showed up ...



* Learning that when Maria says, "Don't tickle me - I'm gonna pee!" that she really means it :0)



* Maria peeing on Jenn while she was trying to position our family for our Christmas photo



* Returning the dog bone and teething ring to their rightful owners (i.e. Louis and Rosie) after Lou had decided to 'share' ...



* Watching Regina and Maria wipe out an entire adult ski-school class on the bunny hill after they adamently assured us they KNEW how to stop!



* Learning that Lou had asked our neighbour's little girl if she knew Jesus ...

Jonathan's Daring Plan ...

The story below, from the Old Testament (1 Samuel), is one of my favourites. Tony and I were having a conversation the other evening with my cousins about this and how learning to trust the Lord with our decisions is a huge part of growing in our faith. This story gives me such comfort because we may not always know completely what the 'right' path to take is, but when we trust in the Lord, we know He is the one who is directing our paths. We can say, 'let's try this and if THIS happens, we know God is giving us the go ahead ...' And we just keep taking one step at a time - one day at a time ... we can get so easily bogged down with the vision for the entire journey that we don't even want to take the first step!

When I was a teenager, my father would take me mountain climbing ... I would whine and whine and whine for the first 2/3rds of the journey - it was too overwhelming, I was too tired and I didn't want to continue anymore. I would say, "Just leave me here on the trail and pick me up on your way back ... I can't go on!!" (Oh, the drama! :0) But, my patient and wise father would say, "Just count your steps - just take 10 steps - just 10 ... then we'll stop and rest for 10 seconds ... then we'll take 10 more." That made it SO much easier ... because I knew that I could take a little rest after just 10 steps - I could do that!!

I think that was an awesome lesson for life ... if I start getting overwhelmed about our kids, our finances, our future - it's because I'm taking it all in at once! I start looking too far ahead. But, if I just give the Lord back the day He has blessed me with and say, "Ok, Lord - just this day ... let's just get through this day together. I give to you all my hopes, dreams, fears and plans and ask that you would bless my choices, just this day ..." Then pretty soon - I can look back and see how I've travelled A VERY LONG WAY from where I started and it really wasn't so bad at all! 'To God be the glory, great things He hath done!'

So, here's the story - may it bless you and may God reveal His truth to you for this day, in the Name of Jesus Christ, our only Saviour and Lord, amen. :0)

"One day Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, 'Come on, let's go over to where the Philistines have their outpost.' But Jonathan did not tell his father what he was doing. Meanwhile, Saul and his six hundred men were camped on the outskirts of Gibeah, around the pomegranate tree at Migron ... No one realized that Jonathan had left the Israelite camp. To reach the Philistine outpost, Jonathan had to go down between two rocky cliffs ...

'Let's go across to see those pagans,' Jonathan said to his armor bearer. 'Perhaps the Lord will help us, for nothing can hinder the Lord. He can win a battle whether he has many warriors or only a few!' 'Do what you think is best,' the youth replied. 'I'm with you compeltely, whatever you decide.' 'All right then,' Jonathan told him. 'We will cross over and let them see us. If they say to us, 'Stay where you are or we'll kill you,' then we will stop and not go up to them. But if they say, 'Come on up and fight,' then we will go up. That will be the Lord's sign that he will help us defeat them.'

When the Philistines saw them coming, they shouted, 'Look! The Hebrews are crawling out of their holes!' Then they shouted to Jonathan, 'Come on up here, and we'll teach you a lesson!' 'Come on, climb right behind me,' Jonathan said to his armor bearer, 'for the Lord will help us defeat them!'

So they climbed up using both hands and feet, and the Philistines fell back as Jonathan and his armor bearer killed them right and left ... Suddenly, panic broke out in the Philistine army, both in the camp and in the field, including even the outposts and raiding parties. And just then an earthquake struck, and everyone was terrified." 1 Samuel 14:1-15

Happy Mother's Day!

As my nice hot bath is filling up, I thought I would post a quick blog to send out a

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

I awoke this morning to Maria's tapping my forehead and whispering, "Happy Mother's Day, Mom ... here's your present ... " What wonderful way to wake up in the morning :0)

I think the best thing about Mother's Day is that as a Mom you get to remember how great it is to have these little people around you that are sincerely thrilled to call me, "mom" ... what a great feeling - we have great kids!!!

I'm missing my own Mom right now - she's thousands of miles away in Italy having a wonderful time ... can't wait until they get back and we can hear about all the places they visited and the people they met ...

It also made me think about my Mom's mom .... my Baba .... I'm sure my Mom is thinking about her today while she is in the country of her family, as well. It's an amazing cycle ...

7 Random Things ...

Ok - you got me, Jenn :0) I'm tagged ... so here goes ... (BTW - thank you for our Friday girls' time-out ... your ears must be a little 'sore' today - but I sure appreciate them! love ya'!)

7 Random Things About Me - that, mostly, maybe you didn't know ... :0) ... (ooooo-scandalous):

7 ... I am a 'cat' person (I love our dog ... Rosie-Wosie-Posie ... ) but the cats and I seem to 'connect' ... it's the independent streak ...

6 ... I have driven my car (my first car - a Hyundai Scoupe ... loved that car) INTO A BUS TRAP! (They didn't have bus traps where I grew up - there were NO BUSES! How did I know? ... aside from the giant billboard with a giant STOP sign ? :0)

5 ... I secretly wish I was a 'minimalist' (no hope there - clutterbug is in my genes ... )

4 ... I LOVE the outdoors and spending time outside - but mostly I'm a bit of a couch potato :0)

3 ... I often get complete strangers telling me intimate details of their lives (grocery store line-ups, bank line-ups, shopping, whatever/wherever .... once when I was trying to find out information for a bus tour around Los Angeles I spent 15 minutes listening to the lady tell me about her issues with men :0)

2 ... I'm secretly afraid of Q-Tips (I think I poked myself in the ear with one when I was a kid and it HURT)

1 ... my index finger on my left hand is shorter than the one on the right hand - I cut the end of it off playing around with an exercise bike when I was a kid ... thankfully the nail grew back - but it still looks a little weird if you look closely ...

Well, there it is - 7 things all out there for the world to read! I tag my cuzn' Jenn, my cuzn'-in-law Kimberley and Dawn!!!

SOLD! And BOUGHT at a great price :0)

"Under the system of Jewish laws, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, but the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp. So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates in order to make his people holy by shedding his own blood. So let us go out to him outside the camp and bear the disgrace he bore. For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to out city in heaven, which is yet to come." Hebrews 13:11-14

Well - we are now officially 'homeless' :0) Our house has sold and we are on our way to finding a new home - outside the city gates :0) God has been - as always - so gracious and merciful to us. He is constantly revealing His loving ways ... We are very thankful for a real estate agent who prays with us over our decisions and asks for the Lord's guidance in all that we are doing. We are also thankful for the Lord continually reminding us that He is a Good Shepherd, a Loving Father, a Faithful Friend and a Perfect Planner ...

One of my favourite children's stories is by Max Lucado. It's called "You Are Special". It's about a little wooden puppet name Puncinello who isn't particularily perfect in any way - he's just a less than average little guy who tries hard but seems to struggle more than most. Where he lives, all the little 'wemmicks' (that's what the little people are called there) hand out stickers for the things they do. If you're great and do wonderful things - you get STARS! Bright, shiny, gold stars .... But if you mess up, you get a grey dot. Puncinello has ALOT of grey dots.




Then one day he meets Lucia ... and she has NO STICKERS AT ALL! They won't stick to her - no matter how hard people try to stick them on - star or dot, they just fall off! ... Puncinello is amazed by this and asks Lucia how this can be. She says that the stickers only stick if they matter to to you. Then she tells little Puncinello about Eli - the Wood Carver and Creator of all wemmicks. She said that if Puncinello would go and see him, then he would feel much better.




Puncinello was terrified of the huge place where Eli lived - but after meeting him, he DID feel much better. Puncinello explained that he tried so hard to get gold stars, but he just kept messing up! Eli said, "It doesn't matter what they think, only what I think - because I made you! And I don't make mistakes ..." Eli invited Puncinello to come and visit with him often - to let him remind Puncinello of how much he cares.



His parting words to Puncinello are, "Remember ... you are special because I made you. And I don't make mistakes."



When Puncinello left Eli's that day, he started to believe him and what do you know? A grey dot fell off ...

"Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

'I will never fail you.

I will never forsake you.'

That is why we can say with confidence,

'The Lord is my helper,

so I will not be afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?' "

Hebrews 13:5-6

This Morning's News ...

Raising kids ... hmmmm ... I definately don't have it all figured out - I'm humbled at every turn and grow ever more appreciative for my own parents (what we put them through - aieeesh) ... I am also reminded OFTEN of how much I need the Lord and all that He offers to me freely, by His amazing grace (wisdom, provision, protection, guidance, discipline, blessing upon blessing ... ) I can't do much on my own (I am reminded of this every time I try).

My prayer this morning:

"Lord, thank You that You care about me SO much that You care to discipline me, correct me and humble me. Thank You that You are always with me and will never leave me. I pray that I will sow a great offering of spiritual fruit into the lives of my children and all of the people You have allowed me the opportunity to get to know - I pray that, insodoing, I would reap a harvest of great intimacey with You, Lord and that You would be pleased with the meditations of my heart. Thank You that You hear my prayers and know every hair on my head, every thought in my mind, every desire of my heart.

Thank You that You love me.

I pray, in Your precious Name, Lord Jesus.

Amen."

I've recently started listening to a local AM station ... It plays some good ol' classic country tunes (my fav), airs "Hank Hanengraff (sp?) The Bible Answer Man" - love him ... and even Paul Harvey does the news (I didn't think he was still around ... I grew up listening to "The Rest Of The Story" every morning over breakfast - it was as common an occurence as my mother's "Stew In The Crockpot" deal ... I still can't eat stew ... :0) I also heard a message from Chuck Swindoll (another favourite).

Anyway - this is what I heard this morning:

A Diamond Rio song - not a timeless classic ... but it made me smile ...

"Those are just wrinkles - ain't nothin' to be afraid of . . . "

Chuck Swindoll -a message that, as I momentarily tried to pray for another, I was seriously convicted in my own heart ... God is good and doesn't let me get away with much - to HIS glory, I praise Him for that!:

"Pride is a disease that hurts the people around you. It alienates you and makes it hard for people to get near you" - YIKES!!!

And then, when I got home - my sister had sent this email to me ... God bless her (the conclusion said something to the effect of 'you have touched my life and are special to me') Likewise, Shell ... thanks :0)

SHOES IN CHURCH
I showered and shaved............... I adjusted my tie.
I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time.
Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.
I saw the shoe of the man next to me..... Touching my own. I sighed.
With plenty of room on either side...... I thought, "Why must our soles Touch?"
It bothered me, his shoe touching mine... But it didn't bother him much.
A prayer began: "Our Father"......... I thought, "This man with the shoes.. Has no pride.
They're dusty, worn, and scratched Even worse, there are holes on the side!"
"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
The shoe man said......... . A quiet "Amen."
I tried to focus on the prayer....... But my thoughts were on his shoes Again
Aren't we supposed to look our best.. When walking through that door?
"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor.
Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began.
The shoe man was certainly loud. ........ Sounding proud as he sang.
His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high.
The Lord could surely hear.......... The shoe man's voice from the sky.
It was time for the offering......... And what I threw in was steep.
I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.
I saw what was pulled out............ What the shoe man put in.
Then I heard a soft "clink" . As when silver hits tin.
The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that' s no lie..
It was the same for the shoe man..... For tears fell from his eyes.
At the end of the service........ As is the custom here
We must greet new visitors.......... And show them all good cheer..
But I felt moved somehow............. And wanted to meet the shoe man
So after the closing prayer.......... I reached over and shook his hand.
He was old and his skin was dark.... And his hair was truly a mess
But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.
He said, "My names' Charlie............ I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin
"Let me explain," he said........... Wiping tears from his eyes.
"I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"
"I know that my appearance........."Is not like all the rest
"But I really do try................."To always look my best."
"I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk.
"But by the time I get here..........." They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."
My heart filled with pain............ And I swallowed to hide my tears
As he continued to apologize......... For daring to sit so near.
He said, "When I get here..........."I know I must look a sight.
"But I thought if I could touch you.." Then maybe our souls might unite."
I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever was said
Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.
"Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part;
"That the best of any man....."Is what is found in his heart."
The rest, I thought................. This shoe man will never know.
Like just how thankful I really am...That his dirty old shoe touched my Soul.

I pray that you will be blessed today in the knowledge of the Lord's glorious ways ...

The Woman At the Well

One of my favourite recaps of Jesus in the Bible is of the meeting He had with the Samaritan woman at the well. (John 4) For me, it is a message filled with hope, mercy and a life reborn. Jesus knew everything the woman had ever done (and apparently, her past wasn't one of purity or holiness). I can relate to her - searching for something (or someone) to fill the void in my life that would bring meaning and purpose - only to be dissappointed again and again by what the world has to offer. And finally coming to learn, as the Lord reveals, that this void can only be filled with a relationship with God - and that only Jesus can restore that relationship. He doesn't just leave us there, however ... we are blessed to become a blessing! He uses our past and our pain and His healing to reach out to the lost. The Samaritan woman was no longer ashamed of her past - she had received forgiveness, healing and was KNOWN to God! She no longer had to come to the well during the hottest part of the day just to avoid contact with people who judged her ... she had been set free by the Lord and she ran to tell everyone she knew!!! Isn't it just like Jesus to reveal his Sovereignty, His Lordship to such a woman?

"Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, 'He told me everything I ever did!' When they came out to see Him, they begged Him to stay at their village. So He stayed for two days, long enough for many of them to hear His message and believe. Then they said to the woman, 'Now we believe because we have heard Him ourselves, not just because of what you told us. He is indeed the Saviour of the world." John 4:3942

RELEVANCE!

Here is a video of a monologue based on this account. I hope you enjoy it!

A New Journey ...

... once again, our family will begin a new journey - a new chapter in our lives together. We have encountered many changes in the last two years and we are about to add another to the list.

We have put our house up for sale. Lord willing, our family will be moving out of the city by the end of the school year. Tony will continue to work in the city (he will be commuting). However, we have a serious desire to simplify our life and seek out the quieter, less complicated existence of the small town atmosphere.

We have been praying ALOT over this major decision - and have been thinking about it for some years. The timing seems to be now and we ask that you join us in praying for the Lord's continued guidance and provision.

The other night, Tony and I (after receiving the kids' input) sat down and wrote a list of everything we would love to have in a home for our family. At the top of the page we wrote, "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will grant you the desires of your heart." Psalm 37:4 Well, our greatest desire is to draw ever nearer to the Lord and we rejoice in the peace and grace He gives us daily (and the mercy we do not deserve) ... as we sought Him, our #1 item on our list was "The home that God has chosen for us." (Other items included a tire swing for Maria, a big yard for Louis and Regina's very own room :0)

Tony and I have ALOT to learn about walking with the Lord. We stumble and lose our way - but His rod and staff, they comfort us :0) He is a Good Shepherd and we know His voice (by His grace alone!) The other morning, as I sat in my "Mommy Chair" and sought the Lord; I asked Him to help me not seek 'things' for myself (He has been bringing me back to the book of Jeremiah quite consistently :0) ... I wondered how wanting a home that 'fit' our family wasn't seeking 'things' for myself? I cried a tear or two as the Lord so graciously comforted me and revealed my OWN heart to me - I doubted my OWN intentions ... but the Lord showed me how He will (and has) used me in the lives of my children, husband and extended family. He showed me that we are friends and that I do not need to be afraid :0) I'm so thankful for His lovingkindness. It is His love and mercy that carries me through these times of anticipation ...

We do not yet know what is fully in store for us over the next few months - but we are praying and waiting ... please pray with us and for our family (especially the children ...) They will be leaving their school and making new friends. It will be a time of transition for them and I am hopeful everything will go smoothly for us all as we learn to rely on God every step of the way.

"O God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

O God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

I will seek you in the morning

and I will learn to walk in Your ways

and step by step You'll lead me

and I will follow You all of my days"

A True Inspiration

This is one of the most inspirational stories I've ever heard of. They are called "Team Hoyt" from Massachussettes, USA and they are a father and son team extrordinaire. Rick Hoyt was born a quadripeligic after his umbilical cord wrapped around his neck and cut off the oxygen supply to his brain. Doctors said he would never be able to communicate, go to school or live independently. He is 45 years old and has done them all with the help, determination, love and will of his father. They have travelled the world entering multiple races for years! (marathons, biathalons and triathalons - including the Ironman) and Rick's father does them all WHILE PULLING/PUSHING HIS SON (in a wheelchair, dingy or bike).

Watch this video and try not to cry!! They're coming to our city as motivational speakers - and they are. They're mottos is "YES, I CAN!"

Psalm 23 - An Audio and Visual Presentation

Hope you enjoy this one! I got it from a website called: "thetwentythirdpsalm.com"


23rdFlash

A Heart for God

I found the lyrics to this song and thought they were very good. A relationship with the Lord isn't a formula ... for me, it's about sincerity, paying attention and being thankful - and by His mercy and grace, He is near.

MORE LIKE A WHISPER
Words & Music by Scott Krippayne & Steve Siler

Sometimes the mountain moves and is thrown into the sea
Sometimes the lightening strikes and a vision comes to me
But sometimes
it's more like a whisper
Quiet and gentle, peaceful and still
When questions rain down like thunder
Sometimes the answer is more like a whisper
Sometimes the waters part
and the path ahead is clear
Sometimes the angels sing and it's music to my ears

CHORUS:
Lord help me listen whenever you speak
If the river runs wild or silent and deep
Sometimes one candle burns
and a light glows in the dark
Sometimes a flower blooms and your love grows in my heart

Overheard today ...

Tony and I were on our way to check the girls' clean-up efforts before bedtime. Louis was in the main floor washroom brushing his teeth. He overheard Tony and I say that we would give them 2 more minutes before heading downstairs. Louis then proceeded to try and give the girls a 'heads up' warning through the vent! Here's what we heard:

Louis: "Girls - you have 2 minutes!"

Regina: "Is that God?"

Maria: "He's speaking to us from heaven!"

Louis (in a very deep voice): "This is God's angel - clean your room!!!"

Regina: "God, do I have to be nice to my brother?"

followed by fits of giggles ....

They sure do keep us laughing!!

We're Back!

Well ... we've made it home! Here are some photos from our Easter getaway with our family!

The Easter Story

http://www.biblesociety.ca/free_scriptures/escriptures/easterstory/index.html

Watch the Easter Story ... click on the link above to open the list of events in Jesus' last moments to choose from ...

May you know the deep, deep, love of God today!

In His Service,

Our Family - Steph, Tony, Louis, Regina and Maria

"Every good and true thing is given to us from heaven, coming from the Father of Lights." James 1:17a

Happy Easter!

I thought I'd do an entry today as things are about to get busier :0) The kids and I have been at my mom and dad's since Tuesday evening. It's been a wonderfully relaxing and peaceful time - I was scheduled to return home on Thursday (as Tony's ending of the work schedule would coincide with our return - but - Tony ended up working until 10pm on Thursday AND on Good Friday - so .... we decided to stay!) Tony is now on his way here and we have lots of fun stuff planned for the remainder of the Easter weekend - colouring eggs, finding eggs (I hide our 'resurrection eggs' for the kids on Easter morning ... they are plastic eggs that contain little symbols of the Easter story that we re-tell). We're going to bake some cookies tonight and then we're going to my sister's house for Easter supper ... I'm salivating already!!! She's making cutlets (breaded - just the way my Baba used to make them ... haven't had them in AGES!) and our Ma is making the italian rice ... life is good!

Pop is out delivering his Easter lillies to my other sister. It's his yearly tradition - one that we all look forward to - all his ladies get them (x 4). He's a sentimental guy and I love the way he faithfully delivers the beautiful lillies every year. This year, our girls asked for lillies of their own - so I bought them. But I still couldn't wait to receive my own from my Dad - it's a meaningful gesture just from him that blesses my heart dearly.

I look forward to Easter as much as I do Christmas! It's like I've been waiting for the 'rest of the story' for 3 months!!! I loved my friend Jenn's poem on her site (she's in my favourite links :0) the other day - it was about PATIENCE ... it was a very timely word. Sometimes I worry (no kidding?!) about kids, marriage, relationships, money ... oh - there could be a great list! But, as my Mom and I were visiting over coffee this morning, I said, "I just keep praying. What's the use of saying you have faith if you don't believe that God answers prayer? So ... we keep praying." And with that, comes PATIENCE.

The other night, as I sat in my mother's cozy chair in front of their fireplace beside the bookshelves (it really is a wonderful homey-home :0) I picked up a book I had bought for her some time ago ... it was the story of Corrie Ten Boom (an amazing woman of faith that helped many Jewish people in WWII). I just flipped to somewhere in the middle. She was explaining to someone that it wasn't her FAITH that got her through those horrible times - it was Jesus Himself ... if it had been up to her faith, then she would have given up long before. That statement comforted me because it reminded me that without Jesus, all the faith in the world wouldn't make an ounce of difference! He alone is the reason I have faith and hope ... He is my salvation and rock - and I will think about that EMPTY TOMB and what it means to me.

Happy Easter!

Christ in the PASSOVER

The Passover celebration of the Jewish faith is of significant importance to Christians. Our family has enjoyed and celebrated Passover (the Last Supper that Jesus celebrated) for a few years now. It has enriched our faith and given a deeper meaning to Easter for each of us in our personal walk with the Lord.

Here is a video from the organization "Jews for Jesus" explaining the Seder meal and Passover celebration for Christians. I hope you enjoy it!

Dying to Self and The Cycle of Grief!

"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice - the kind He will accept. When you think of what He has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect His will really is." Romans 12:1-2

As I was driving home this morning after dropping the kids off at school - I began to think of 'letting go' and what that really means. I am to cling to the Lord and stand firm in my faith; seek the Lord and pursue excellence (not perfection); pray for wisdom and acknowledge the Lord in all I do and many other Holy Spirit directed, God given disciplines and instructions ... yet, it's all about MY relationship with the Lord. There are other areas (many other areas - in fact - ALL of the other areas: relationships - family and friends, finances, addictions, plans for my own future and for my children, ministry, work, etc. etc. ) that I must 'let go' of and trust that God is in control and that He knows best and desires His best for me and everyone else.

When my eyes are taken off of the Lord, I tend to try and protect my own little self-made kingdom - with disastrous results. It occurred to me this morning that my reactions during these moments are really quite similar to The Grief Cycle that people will experience when a loved one is lost - except in this case, the loved one is my 'old' self! However, when we have an intimate relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit, The Grief Cycle is turned upside down and emptied out - then, we are filled up with HIM and life reflects the change in our hearts and minds! We reflect His glory and live NEW lives. This is such a timely revelation with EASTER approaching so quickly. Here's what I mean:

The Cycle Of Grief

Shock - People's first reaction is usually one of shock and complete disbelief. Shock affects people in different ways: everything can seem unreal; people can feel numb, withdrawn, detached; some people feel completely disorientated and don't know what to do with themselves. For some it is a nightmare they cannot escape. Many people quickly experience complex and confused feelings - anger, guilt, despair, emptiness, helplessness and hopelessness. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I FELT THIS WAY WHEN LIFE DOES NOT GO AS I HAD PLANNED? WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES OUT OF MY CONTROL OCCUR, I LOSE MY DIRECTION AND REACT OUT OF MY SENSE OF LOSS 'OF CONTROL' . YET, WHEN I WAKE UP TO THE REALITY FOUND IN MY FAITH, I WAIT TO SEE HOW THE LORD WILL USE THESE CIRCUMSTANCES TO GROW MY CHARACTER, ANSWER A PRAYER OR CHANGE ME IN SOME WAY.

Denial - When the shock begins to wear off, many people go through a stage of denial during which they cannot accept the reality of the loss. This often involves what counsellors call searching behaviour, an attempt at some level to try to deny that the death has occurred. People often find themselves thinking they have seen or heard the dead person. Many people talk aloud to the person they have lost. Ah - this is where those old habits creep in! Trying to fill that void within using anything but the HOLY SPIRIT! I deny my need for grace and mercy and try to create a rule-filled existence that turns into full-fledged legalism! Thankfully, this NEVER works. I only end up frustrated and exhausted from trying to control the results of my efforts ... they have only ever been God's results - according to His perfect will! I cannot take credit for His work ... When these 'rules' don't work, my pendelum may swing to fullfledged rebellion - I try to use those habits from my 'old' life to bring some comfort ... this is where ADDICTIONS rear their ugly heads. (I've known Christians that try to deny their 'denial' by using the 'do not get drunk on wine' scripture - and they may not, praise God; but addictions can take many forms - spending, eating, seeking control within relationships ... whatever we use to self-soothe and simultaneously DENY our weaknesses.)

Anger And Guilt - It is common to experience anger, sometimes guilt and often both. Many people find themselves asking: "Why has this happened"? "Why me"? This is particularly so if the loss was sudden, unexpected or involved a tragic accident. Counsellors say that it is common to wish to find blame, either in ourselves, in others, or even with the person who has died, and this can lead to powerful feelings of anger and guilt. BLAME - deflecting blame unto someone else or their actions is a self-protection trick! Think about Adam and Eve! "Well - it was actually HER, God ... she asked me to!" "But it was that sneaky serpent, Lord! It's not MY fault!" Blame is just a symptom of ANGER - no matter where or to whom it is directed. ANGER denies the Lord's sovereignty while GUILT denies the provision of Jesus' sacrifice to bring us back to The Garden. I cannot deny that I get angry (I confess right now - I have a TEMPER!) Yet, when my relationship with God becomes more important that any circumstance or any other relationship on this earth, my desires change. Even though the short-term fix might be to blame someone for my anger - I DO NOT WANT TO GRIEVE MY LORD. Then, maturity kicks in (hopefully and more consistantly :0) and my anger is diffused.

Despair And Depression - In the first few weeks the whole situation may seem unbearable and in the months that follow, many people feel there is little purpose in life and nothing of interest in the outside world. People sometimes begin to question their own sanity and think that you are going mad. Counsellors advise that this is a common experience. There is nothing new under the sun! How often that scripture comes to mind. Of course life becomes unbearable without hope! How often I endured hopelessness before I new the Lord of my salvation! The Lord knew we needed HOPE and it is why HE LIVES!! The resurrection is our HOPE! There is nothing so bad that He cannot take our burdens and replace the heavy yoke of despair with FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE ... these are the freedom to obey, the knowledge of His sacrifice and resurrection and a willingness to take up our cross and follow Him even unto death (even if its just death to our 'old' selves!!)

Acceptance - Eventually people pass through the period of depression and begin to accept the loss. This usually happens with the passage of time and, as the pain eases, we are able to think about our loved one and recall the past without feelings of devastation. This can take up to a year or longer. Actually - I believe it takes MUCH longer ... my desire, however, is found in the amount of time between the acceptance of the death to my 'old' self to the rejoicing in my 'new' resurrected life! I believe that as I continue to be awakened to Christ's presence and as I mature in my faith, that this time will become shorter and shorter ...

I spent many summers of my youth on a farm of close family friends. What an eye opening experience this was for me! I was so naive to the 'ways of a farm' when I arrived - my heart was repeatedly broken as many of my 'animal friends' became ... I know it's harsh ... but, they became supper! :0( Despite the direction of these kind and generous friends to see the animals as provision and be thankful, I was, nevertheless, devestated at the loss of relationship! When I look back on this life lesson, I can connect it with the death to my 'old' self - I cannot 'make friends' with my 'old' self ... it is only a provision of existence that was intended to be used to bring 'new' life. Out of thankfulness, I freely give it to God and ask that He put to death my sinful nature and resurrect a life of the Spirit - in and through Him alone. No more grieving!

It is time to REJOICE and ANTICIPATE THE LORD'S RETURN!