L.V.Beethoven op.10 n.1. Adagio Molto

Video format - another performer

Piano Sonata No 5 in C minor, Op 10-1- Allegro molto e con brio Ludwig van Beethoven

It says "Allegro" but it is actually the Adagio movement ....

Beethoven: Sonata No.5 op.10/1 (Video 1/3) W.Nänni C.Bechstein Centrum Hamburg Klavierunterricht

Beethoven, Sonata in C minor (Op. 10, No. 1)

He Gives and Takes Away

Our dear friends, Terry and Mike have arrived safely home from Africa. Thank you SO much to everyone who gave so generously to support the orphanage ... ALL of their needs were met and more for the year. The donations they received will enable Grace, their "Mom" to dedicate her time to establishing ongoing support for this very important ministry.

Here is a slideshow of their time with those beautiful girls ...

A Time for Prayer ...

I found this video below and wanted to share it with all of you. It seems that there have been more reasons than usual to pray. Although, I'm sure that it is my own perception and the Holy Spirit's presence that is causing this increased awareness :0)



Sometimes I wonder if I'm "DOING" enough for God - if I am truly a servant at heart ... but then, in the quietness of my soul as I take those 'time-outs' with Him (not often enough - for sure), I begin to understand that it is not my doing that matters to God ... it's my response to his call. He is the one who will take action, I only have to be open to his prompting to pray and then watch and wait as His glorious plans unfold.



My heart is full of hope and prayer for friends who have family members in need of healing and comfort (spiritually and physically) as well as those who are experiencing loss, suffering and hardship. God knows our needs - He knows our hearts' desires and He cares ... He will never leave us nor forsake us - He is our hope ...

A Call for Prayer ...

The current events in Kenya are escalating. Please pray for peace in the region and for people in positions of leadership call on the people to make choices against violence ... I've included an article from the Associated Press - it is the most detailed account of today's tragedies that I have found. God help us all ...

Kenya Church Torched, 50 Reported Killed
By ELIZABETH A. KENNEDY and TOM ODULA – 30 minutes ago (11:29pm)

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A mob torched a church where hundreds had sought refuge Tuesday, and witnesses said dozens of people — including children — were burned alive or hacked to death with machetes in ethnic violence that followed Kenya's disputed election.
The killing of up to 50 ethnic Kikuyus in the Rift Valley city of Eldoret brought the death toll from four days of rioting to more than 275, raising fears of further unrest in what has been one of Africa's most stable democracies.
The latest violence recalled scenes from the genocide in Rwanda in 1994, when more than a half-million people were killed. The question facing Kenya is whether the politicians will lose control of the mobs, triggering a civil war.
President Mwai Kibaki, who was swiftly inaugurated for a second term Sunday after a vote that critics said was rigged, called for a meeting with his political opponents — a significant softening of tone for a man who rarely speaks to the press and who vowed to crack down on rioters.
But opposition candidate Raila Odinga refused, saying he would meet Kibaki only "if he announces that he was not elected." Odinga accused the government of stoking the chaos, telling The Associated Press in an interview that Kibaki's administration "is guilty, directly, of genocide."
The head of the African Union, Ghanian President John Kufuor, was to arrive Wednesday in Nairobi to help mediate the postelection violence, said the A.U.'s spokeswoman Habiba Mejri-Cheikh. She declined to offer further details.
The violence — from the shantytowns of Nairobi to resort towns on the sweltering coast — has exposed long-festering tribal resentment.
The people killed in Eldoret, about 185 miles northwest of Nairobi, were members of Kibaki's Kikuyu tribe.
They had fled to the Assemblies of God Church on Monday night, seeking refuge after mobs torched homes. Video from a helicopter chartered by the Red Cross showed many homes in flames and the horizon obscured by smoke. Groups of people were seen seeking sanctuary at schools and the airport, while others moved into the forest.
On Tuesday morning, a mob of about 2,000 arrived at the church, said George Karanja, whose family had sought refuge there.
"They started burning the church," Karanja told the AP in a telephone interview, his voice catching with emotion as he described the scene. "The mattresses that people were sleeping on caught fire. There was a stampede, and people fell on one another."
Karanja, 37, helped pull out at least 10 people, but added, "I could not manage to pull out my sister's son. He was screaming 'Uncle, uncle!' ... He died." The boy was 11.
Up to 50 people were killed in the attack, said a Red Cross official who spoke on condition of anonymity because her name would identify her tribe, and she feared reprisal. Even first aid workers were stopped by vigilantes who demanded their identity. Numerous blockades along the road to Eldoret increased the dangers of traveling.
Karanja said his two children raised their hands as they left the church and they were beaten with a cane, but not killed. His 90-year-old father was attacked with a machete, but survived, he said.
"The worst part is that they were hacking people and then setting them on fire," he added.
The attackers saw Karanja saving people and began stoning him, he said. Karanja said he ran and hid — submerging himself in a pit latrine outside the church property. He stayed there about 30 minutes until he heard people speaking Kikuyu, he added.
The Kikuyu, Kenya's largest ethnic group, are accused of turning their dominance of politics and business to the detriment of others. Odinga is from the Luo tribe, a smaller but still major tribe that says it has been marginalized.
There are more than 40 tribes in Kenya, and political leaders have often used unemployed and uneducated young men to intimidate opponents. While Kibaki and Odinga have support from across the tribal spectrum, the youth responsible for the violence tend to see politics in strictly ethnic terms.
In Nairobi's slums, which are often divided along tribal lines, rival groups have been fighting each other with machetes and sticks as police use tear gas and bullets to keep them from pouring into the city center. The capital has been a ghost town for days, with residents stocking up on food and water and staying in their homes.
Parents in the capital's slums — home to a third of its population — searched for food, with many shops closed because of looting.
Anne Njoki, a 28-year-old Kikuyu, said she fled her home in a shantytown after she saw Kikuyus being attacked and their homes looted. She was camped near a military base with her sister, 3-year-old nephew and 7-year-old niece.
"They have taken our beds, blankets, even spoons," she said of the looters.
In the Mathare slum, Odinga supporters torched a minibus and attacked Kikuyu travelers, witnesses said.
"The car had 14 people in it, but they only slashed Kikuyus," said witness Boniface Mwangi. Five were attacked by the machete-wielding gang, he said.
The prospect of even more violence is ahead. Odinga insisted he would go ahead with plans to lead a protest march in the capital Thursday. The government banned the demonstration, but Odinga said: "It doesn't matter what they say."
The widespread violence and gathering international pressure could lead Kibaki to seek a compromise with the opposition.
The European Union and the United States have refused to congratulate Kibaki, and the EU and four top Kenyan election officials have called for an independent inquiry. In Britain, Kenya's former colonial ruler, Prime Minister Gordon Brown urged Kibaki and Odinga to hold talks.
Election commission chairman Samuel Kivuitu said Tuesday he had been pressed by both an opposition party and Kibaki's Party of National Unity to release the results of the vote. Western ambassadors "wanted me to delay announcing the results, even if it is for a week," to allow the commission to investigate alleged irregularities, he said.
In Wednesday's editions, the country's oldest newspaper, The Standard, quoted Kivuitu as saying, "I do not know whether Kibaki won the election."
Kibaki, 76, won by a landslide in 2002, ending 24 years of rule by Daniel arap Moi. Kibaki is praised for turning the country into an east African economic powerhouse with an average growth rate of 5 percent, but his anti-graft campaign has been seen as a failure, and the country still struggles with tribalism and poverty.
Odinga, 62, cast himself as a champion of the poor. His main constituency is the Kibera slum, where some 700,000 people live in poverty, but he has been accused of failing to do enough to help them in 15 years as a member of parliament.
Kenya's tourism industry, which brings in some $900 million and attracts more than 1 million visitors a year, is sure to suffer from the violence. The United States has warned tourists against all but essential travel to Kenya, and Britain has advised against travel in some areas.
Stuart Dickson, a Canadian who was vacationing in Nairobi, said he was cutting short his visit.
"We are leaving early because of the riots and how dangerous it is to be out on the streets," he said. "With shops being closed and everything, it is not the best place for a tourist or traveler to be right now."
Associated Press writers Tom Maliti, Katharine Houreld and Malkhadir M. Muhumed contributed to this report.

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"