One More Sleep Until Christmas Eve!

"After this I looked, and there before me was a door standing open in heaven. And the voice I had first heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, 'Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.' At once I was in the Spirit, and there before me was a throne of heaven with someone sitting on it. And the One who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian. A rainbow, resembling an emerald, encircled the throne. Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads. From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. Before the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God. Also before the throne there was what looked like a sea of glass, clear as crystal.

In the center around the throne, were four living creatures, and they were covered with eyes, in front and in back. The first living creature was like a lion, the second was like an ox, the third had a face like a man, the fourth was like a flying eagle. Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stopped saying:

'Holy, holy, holy

is the Lord God Almighty,

who was, and is, and is to come.'

Whenever the living creatures give glory, honour and thanks to Him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and worship Him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say:

'You are worthy, our Lord and God,

to receive glory and honour and power,

for You created all things,

and by Your will they were created

and have their being.' Revelation 4:1-11

'In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazateth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin's name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you whoa re highly favoured! The Lord is with you.'

Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and youa re to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever; His kingdom will never end." Luke 1:26-33

"Turn to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By Myself I have sworn, My mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before Me every knee will bow; by Me every tongue will swear. They will say of Me, 'In the Lord alone are righteousness and strength.' Isaiah 45:22-24

"Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who daily bears our burdens. Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death." Psalm 68:19-20

For thousands of years, God has been saying the same thing over and over again. He is faithful and He keeps His promises. Salvation is in Him alone and we do not need to fear. He has the power to save and to change our hearts - if we say, 'Yes, Lord'. Maybe you know the story, yet wonder why you continue with the same struggles you've had for so long ... maybe you just don't think God could accept someone like you - you're just too far gone.

Well, my friends, God loves you. God loves you - He loves you ... and you need not fear. Put your trust in the only One who is worthy of our honour and worship. Faith brings a relationship that is the most precious relationship any of us could every have ... faith in salvation through the Lord Jesus Christ - the only way, truth and life - brings peace and an eternal perspective that changes everything, if we take the time to let it.

May we all, truly see His glory this Christmas ...

4 More Sleeps 'Til Christmas Eve!!!

How excited are we?!?!?! I called my sister yesterday at work singing, "It's beginning to look alot like Christmas ..." Although the snow has almost disappeared and the roads and lawns are brown and dirty, I have a light feeling in my heart and Christmas Carols on my lips.

I spent most of my day today with my dear friend, Terry. (Mom #2 :0) She graciously took me to my doctor's appointment and waited so patiently for 2 hours until I was finished ... although my mom can't always be arms-length away (as much as I know she'd like to), I'm glad that God brings people like Terry into my life and blesses me with love and affection (and the occasional kick-in-the-pants! :0)

I've been thinking about what it means to have "Godly character" lately. What does it mean to be Christ-like? What does it mean to live out our faith? I hope in the Lord to continue to change my ways to be more like Him and feed on the daily bread that He provides for my soul. This morning the kids and I had a rough start to our day ... we all woke up cranky and bickering. Once we got out the door and headed off to school, we started to talk about what just happened. We were all feeling bad. So I suggested we spend a few minutes in silent prayer and then we'd pray together. After we finished praying we talked some more and then I asked the kids if they had a Scripture that we could think about throughout our day. Something to bring to mind when we knew we were beginning to struggle in our own thoughts or behaviours.

I was amazed at how the Holy Spirit taught me through my kids this morning. They each spoke Scripture that they had learned and memorized in school. Louis spoke from Psalm 121, "I lift my eyes up to the hills - where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip - He who watches over You will not slumber, indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep." Regina spoke from Ephesians 6, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother - that it may go well with you." Maria spoke from 1Corinthians 13, "Love is patient and love is kind."

Of all the gifts that we will open and share this Christmas, I am most thankful for the way God has always known what we need. The children needed to know that they are loved and accepted this morning - no matter what ... and I needed to know that God hears my prayers and to be Christ-like as a Mom is to seek the Lord and trust that He is ever-watchful over my life. And as I continue to be nourished and grow in His love, I will be worthy of my children's obedience and become more and more patient and kind.

Today, Terry bought me a wonderful present - a book that I have been wanting to read for almost 2 years (has it really been that long?!?! Yikes!) Anyway, it's called "The Practice of the Presence of God" by Brother Lawrence. In truly "mother-ly" fashion, as I asked Terry to write in the front of my book out of my sentimental heart, her quick response was, "Merry Christmas! Read it and do what you're told!" I love her :0) I've started it already and it's everything I hoped it would be and more. Here's an excert I hope you'll enjoy as much as I did - it's from the chapter called "Conversations" as told by a colleague:

"So, likewise, in his business in the kitchen (to which he had naturally a great aversion) which I can completely sympathize with, S :0) having accustomed himself to do everything there for the love of God, and with prayer, upon all occasions, for His grace to do his work well, he had found everything easy, during fifteen years that he had been employed there.

That he was very well pleased with the post he was now in; but that he was as ready to quit that as the former, since he was always pleasing to himself in every condition by doing little things for the love of God.

That with him the set times of prayer were not different from other times; that he retired to pray, according to the directions of his superior, but that he did not want such retirement, nor ask for it, because his greatest business did not divert him from God.

That as he knew his obligation to love God in all things, as as he endeavored so to do, he had no need of a director to advise him, but that he needed much a confessor to absolve him. That he was very sensible of his faults, but not discouraged by them; that he confessed them to God, but did not plead against Him to excuse them. When he had so done, he peaceably resumed his usual practice of love and adoration.

That in his trouble of mind he had consulted nobody, but knowing only by the light of faith that God was present, he contented himself with directing all his actions to Him, i.e. doing them with a desire to please Him, let what would come of it."

You know when you're reading a really good book and you pause every few moments to really absorb what you're reading and savour the wisdom while you let out a sigh of peace and contentment? That's what this book does for me ... it's like a hug :0)

10 Days and Counting ... :0)

My mother brought this short story up the other day and I loved it. So, I thought I would share it with you ...

"One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how 'poor' people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, 'How was the trip?'

'It was great, Dad.'

'Did you see how the poor people live?' the father asked.

'Oh, yes,' said the son.

'So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?' asked the father.

The son answered:

'I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.'

The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added,

'Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.'" Perspective ...

For the past four days all three kids have been pretty sick. Lou had his first day back at school today but Maria and Regina are still flat-out on the couch. Fevers, sore throats, coughs and now Regina is throwing-up ... I hate when the kids are sick. I feel so helpless. Tony and I have been trading shifts - he was up 4 times last night and I get them all day when he is at work. I keep asking if there's anything I can do, if there's anything they need - because, when they're feeling so awful, I would give them anything they asked for if I thought it would help them feel better. The only thing they want (aside from the occasional popsicle :0) is for me to hold them, cuddle with them, rub their heads/stomachs/backs/feet ... and just be near. Every once in awhile, one of them calls out for Tony or I and we coming running. Most of the time they just need to tell us that their throat hurts or their tummy hurts. They just need us to know and understand. It's the simplest of human connections.

No wonder God call us his children.

Well, Regina needs me to hold her hair back while she ... well ... you know. The glamorous life of a MOM - I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

11 Days Until Christmas!

Good morning! Can you believe it?! Only 11 days until Christmas! Where has the time gone? Does it feel like time seems to pass faster and faster with every year? It's funny how 11 days for the kids seems like an eternity ... yet for Tony and I, it's "ohmygosh ... we only have 11 days to get this ever-growing list of things done!" :0) Perspective ...

I wonder if this is how the apostle Paul felt when he said, "We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 2Corinthians 5:7-10


There are days when Tony and I look at the state this world is in, especially with Tony's calling in life, and wonder when the Lord will return again ... we long for it - for peace among all of His people. We feel like the children waiting for Christmas to arrive: "11 more days?! That's gonna take forever!!" :0) Yet, at the same time, I do not want Him to come quite yet. There are many who do not yet know His salvation - many who have not yet received new life through Him. Many I love who do not claim the name of Jesus Christ as their Lord. There is much to be done in, with and through His Kingdom. So, like our parental-selves, we exclaim, "There's so little time left to accomplish so much!" :0) And so we 'walk by faith and not by sight'.





What if we knew WHEN He would return? What if everyone on this earth knew and believed that He WAS returning? How would things be different? How would we set our priorities? How would our choices be different?


You know, I like that we have a family of five and that our table seats six. Often, when I'm setting the table, I feel like setting an extra place for Jesus. He's always with us. He's part of our family and every moment of our lives. We are so very thankful for the life He has given us. Last night, we watched the movie, "Click" with Adam Sandler (not a kids movie, BTW ... we had to fast forward a TON of stuff ... ) The point was that we can get into an "auto-pilot" mode in life. Just working, sleeping, eating, working, sleeping, eating, working, sleeping, eating. And maybe, somewhere in there - shopping, video-gaming, movie-ing, eating, drinking ... I don't know ... you know what your addictions are - whatever those things we all use to numb the "routines" of life and help us to feel some kind of 'satisfaction'. We REWARD OURSELVES instead of receiving the blessings from God with thankfulness.


Anyway, Adam Sandler's character had lost perspective. He was focused on the "here and now" stuff instead of having any kind of eternal vision. He genuinely loved his family and his children, but had a very typical 'western' ideaology of work, work, work and you will provide for your family what you never had. But, the thing is, what HE had was two parents who may not have had alot of money or material things - but they LOVED each other deeply - and they loved him too! He missed the point!


Tony and I appreciated the story of the movie (not so much the language or humour) but didn't feel like it spoke to our lives. We just don't have those issues - thankfully. There was a time in our lives when I was working full time, Tony was working full time and the kids were being raised by others (BTW - thank you to our cousin Jenn for being a consistent, loving influence in our children's lives for so many years ... you are a blessing! :0) But, Tony and I never connected as a couple, we were stressed with the kids because of exhaustion and we didn't have a long-term vision for our family or the ability to make healthy decisions for ourselves or our children (cuzn' Jenn could attest to the amount of Pizza that came in through our front door! Domino's actually sent us a Christmas Card - I'm not kidding ...)

I'm not saying that working hard is bad - not at all. But our focus during those periods was not about being thankful for the work we had to do or fulfilling a calling on our lives ... it was pure panic-mode, just trying to 'get ahead'. Well, we survived and things have definately changed. We have learned a little bit of patience can take you through ALOT of hard times. We've learned that if we can't afford something "right now", that it can probably WAIT! We've learned that if you are willing to put in the effort, God will bless those efforts and everything will work out alright. We've learned that when God uses people to bless you, there will come a time to give back! and it feels really good to be able to bless others! :0)


In the Old Testament, in the book of Ecclesiastes, there is a statement that reads, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven". What season are you in right now? Are you sowing when you should be plowing? Are you harvesting when you should be watering? Are you toiling when you should be resting? Or are you seeking wisdom and learning to be sensitive to the whisper of the Holy Spirit each and every moment of the day?


Let me leave you with the rest of this Scripture to ponder today. May we seek the Lord in this glorious season, in that deepest, quiet place within our hearts and find Him there - patiently waiting for our response.

" There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven:

a time to be born and a time to die,

a time to plant and a time to uproot,

a time to kill and a time to heal,

a time to tear down and a time to build,

a time to weep and a time to laugh,

a time to mourn and a time to dance,

a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,

a time to embrace and a time to refrain,

a time to search and a time to give up,

a time to keep and a time to throw away,

a time to tear and a time to mend,

a time to be silent and a time to speak,

a time to love and a time to hate,

a time for war and a time for peace.

What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men: yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men that to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him."

Ecclesiastes 3:1-14

We Pass This Way But Once ...

On my way to my re-connect with my dear "Lady's Group" last night at their annual Christmas gathering, a profound question entered my mind ... am I living or am I dying? Science will tell us that biologically, we die a little more every day. Our bodies just aren't meant to last forever. There are definatley some things we can do to help our physical health but eventually, everything will "wear out" - it's inevitable - no matter how much hope we have in our human innovations - and let me tell you, I have bought more than a few "anti-wrinkle" creams in my day :0) there just isn't an "anti-death" needle any person could offer that would change the state of our earthly existence :0)

It got me to wondering about my eternal soul ... whether or not I am awakening to FURTHER LIFE everyday or am I just merely moving toward my ultimate end? What does it really mean to be ALIVE? And what is it that determines the answer to this question? What is eternity and will I 'get there' if I'm 'good enough'?

I am a "glass half full" person - however, I do not think it is my finite perspective or flawed personality that defines my eternal existence (or lack of :0) As intelligent as I like to think I am ('know thyself', right Doug?) I have been thinking alot lately about living in eternity. Don't get me wrong - I'm not daydreaming about the 'someday' of heaven ... I believe that "the kingdom of heaven is NEAR" and that eternity is NOW. I think eternity is an existence outside of the measured time we live in during our day to day lives. It's the reality of being 'outside of time and space' just as real as the One who exists there :0) So ... how do we decide if we are 'living' or 'dying'?

I could give you the good news of Jesus Christ (yet again :0) and I probably will end up getting there ...) but what do we do with that knowledge? I had an interesting conversation with my parents while they were up about the amazing advances of our 'information age'. We have more information at our fingertips than we've ever had and everyday we have access to more and more. How has it changed our existence as a people? No longer do our children sit and listen as those more experienced tell tales of wisdom and direction (like we did last night as our beloved Neva, age 77 my dear? told us a wonderful story of hope and faith). No longer do we take the time to ponder the writings of those who have offered their deepest thoughts, feelings and dreams to us (unless you consistantly sit through my lengthy bloggings :0) Thanks, BTW) No longer do we have the patience to discover for ourselves what life has to offer as we take risks. Not at all. We just consume the 'action' and 'excitement' of TV, movies and the marketed-creations for the masses - accepting what is offered to us and feeding on 'less than savoury' meals of greed, jealousy, revenge, violence, lust, gossip, adultery, self-centered idolatry ... I could go on and on ... All of which leaves a sour, bitter taste in our mouths and the rotting of death in our souls (well, if Mel Gibson can be graphic, so can I, yes? :0) And remember, I use 'we' because I have tasted and I have seen what is being offered here on earth as well as from heaven ...

We all have a hunger for knowledge within us - some choose to be fed by the 'junk food' option while others crave a healthier, more fulfilling meal. Which is which? I believe it is that which brings LIFE! Ah-ha!

When I was with 'my' ladies last night, I wanted to know all about what had been happening with them lately. I craved a deeper knowledge of their lives and 'goings-on'. I KNOW these ladies very well and they me - and I wanted to continue that knowing. I wanted to know what God had been up to with them :0) I said it felt like coming home for Christmas. It was the familiarity of family - of being KNOWN. We ladies are of all different ages, shapes, sizes, backgrounds and opinions. We are a diverse group! Yet, the common bond in each face that I saw was a glowing sense of "LIFE" ... we are all moving towards a deeper, more meaningful LIFE everyday - we are all becoming MORE ALIVE moment by moment with our Saviour that we all share ... it's a LIFE filled with purpose, love, commitment, friendship, faith and hope.

Here is a Scripture that brings LIFE to our soul if we will receive it:

" 'Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, "Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.'

In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.'

'How can a man be born when he is old?' Nicodemus asked, 'Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born?'

Jesus answered, 'I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of heaven unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirt gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, 'You must be born again.' The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.'

'How can this be?' Nicodemus asked.

'You are Israel's teacher,' said Jesus, 'and do you not understand these things? I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still you people do not accept our testimony. I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven - the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because He has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son. This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

Everyone who does evil hates the light and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed. But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.' " John 3:1-21

Ah, Nicodemus - how he speaks for all of us who have known the confusion that comes before our Spirit is made alive in Jesus Christ. Even a great leader of the day, with fear and trembling came to inquire of the Lord and He offered words of LIFE to him. We need not fear when we have Jesus as our righteousness - we have only to receive the only reconciliation He offers - through accepting His LIFE and SACRIFICE and having a RELATIONSHIP with Him ... knowing and being known.

Our self-centred, good-intentioned deeds are altogether evil without him - the Bible says they are like, "filthy rags" to God. It's like showing up for a banquet without acknowledging the host and worse, somehow taking credit for it all! :0) But LIFE through the Son is a "sweet fragrance" in heaven - and the kingdom of heaven is near, my friends. It's deep within us, calling out to us, inviting us to enter into enternity through Him who saves us and exist every moment with the

One Living God of Love,

who created us to KNOW and ENJOY Him.

It's a GOOD LIFE filled with HOPE and GOOD NEWS, do you agree?

May this Scripture breath life into our souls. May we all choose life today, in Jesus' name.

Merry Christmas!

Hello, again!

It's been a WHOLE week since I blogged! Yikes! I just read Kimberly's blog about the different personality types ... Yup! I'm definately Sanguine (or 'orange', right, Terry?) Anyway, here I am, once again ...

Lou-man has a fever and is parked on the couch under a cozy blanket watching Star Wars. Poor kid. He is quite lethargic and has this look in his eyes like, "please don't make me talk, blink, think or exert any energy at all other than that which is required for breathing" :0) So, he's taking a sick-day.

Maria had a morning out with her piano teacher - she had some wonderful idea for a gift for Tony and I for Christmas ... she really does light up a room with her enthusiasm. It's one of my favourite characteristics about her.

Regina has a Social Studies test today - so, with much prayer and hard work, we all hope she does well. Our entire family can tell you alot about the Inuit people and the Ukrainians and Acadians who came to settle here. It's been a very educational unit for us all :0)

We had Tony's "work" Christmas party for the kids yesterday. It was fun and the kids loved to play with all the other little ones and receive their gifts. Regina got an "Easy-Bake" oven, which brought a tear to my eye. One of my favourite memories of my Baba (my mom's mom), was baking with my "Easy-Bake" oven in her apartment when I was just a little younger than Regina. Louis loved his legos, of course and Maria's eyes grew four-times their size when she opened her "Littlest Pet Shop" house and animal 'thingy'. (That's an official word ... :0)

Tony and I had a date-night last night ... woohoo ... I love our date nights. We get to go out and discuss "adult-like" things (politics, religion, why the kids at the theatre always argue with us about putting on the extra 'orange salt' on our popcorn :0) We saw "Apocolypto" (did I spell that right?) Anyway, it was basically 'Braveheart' in the jungle ... but we both really liked it. However, I think I'll be taking down my 'Aztec' calendar today ... not a culture we would like to honour in our home :0) The movie got us talking about Tony's ancestors and how we'd like to learn more about he "Pipil" language ... it is the dying language of the indigenous (sp?) people of Central America. His uncle knows a little and has some written down in one of his 1000 little notebooks that he frequently fills up with trivia.

Well ... I need to go - but I'll try and add some more later. May God bless you today in unique ways and may we all have thankfulness in our hearts and words of praise on our lips! :0)

Ciao!

Sunday Morning Sleep-In

Good morning! It's a sleepy-eyed Sunday morning! We had a very full day yesterday and I'm glad to be able to just hang-out in my favourite jammies for a little while (thanks for the jammies, Mom :0) We had our first Christmas Recital yesterday (both girls played), Louis went skiing with his friend from school and then it was off to Mita and Pito's for a quick 'pupusa' (don't ask me how to spell that - they just taste REALLY good! :0) And finally on to church!

The recital went really well. I enjoy looking out at all the people's faces - parents, families, friends and all the children ... there's expectation, excitement and hope in those faces. It's truly a wonderful sight. One of the highlights of the recital was listening to our guest vocalist sing "Breath of Heaven" ... it's such a beautiful song and it was the perfect way to start the concert. All of the kids were great - my favourite Christmas carols are the ones played by little fingers who can barely reach the notes! :0) Those kids have great courage to get up and play in front of 100 people!!! To be able to share the celebration of the Christmas story with our students and their families and friends as well as our own ... it was a blessed time and it made me thankful that I'm a teacher.

Our pastor's wife gave the message at church last night. The message was on "Communidad" (Community). I mentioned to my friend (who graciously translates for me whenever I lean my ear over) that at some point I will stop giggling everytime I understand what's being said :0) The message was very clear - and something that spoke right to my heart. When our family came to this new church, I knew that God was showing me to "wash some feet". In other words, I know that for me, it is a time of humility and service. It's no burden, however, because as my love for this new church family continues to grow - I'm happy to serve. My cousin Jenn and I had a good laugh yesterday as I was explaining this to her. Funny how God brought me to a place where I can't 'speak' - just be quiet and serve. She thought this must be terribly difficult for me :0) Brings a whole new meaning to "Let my words be few" ... :0)

Well, today is the first day of Advent ... I always love this family tradition. As we rush around from place to place - celebrating, visiting, shopping - I love that our family can take a few minutes at the end of every day to remember why we have this sense of excitement and anticipation. When I think of how God came in the flesh - as a BABY, no less! - it really helps me to understand that WE ARE KNOWN. He knows how we feel, what we think, when we struggle and what our struggles are! He knows why we laugh, how we like to celebrate and enjoy Him as well as our desire for community - family, friends, church, neighbours, co-workers, cities, nations and even our little globe :0) These are His desires too - for harmony, unity and peace (No, Hallmark did NOT come up with that idea! :0) If I ever start misunderstanding God's "intentions" or will for my life - if I ever start thinking that He is 'just waiting for me to screw things up' or feeling that He is far away - just Someone 'out there somewhere' ... all I have to do is remember the little baby Jesus in the manger. - fully God and fully man.

Here's a good word to remember at this time of year. RELAX - Webster's Dictionary defines it as "make or become less stiff, rigid or tense; make or become less formal or strict; cease work or effort; at ease, unperturbed". Okay - can I get an AMEN! :0) I don't think relax is equal to lazy!! But where are our efforts to be directed and what is the source of our strength? We do not need to EARN our salvation (our desire for REAL life - our desire to be SAVED from that darkness that tries to invade our daily thoughts - the REALITY of sin). We do not need to expend EFFORT into trying to be "good enough" for God - He already KNOWS us ... do I hear a collective sigh of relief? He has taken away the sins of the world - sound familiar? We are not going to have some ultimate screw up that will cause Him to say, "hmmm - where's my eraser? that one's out of my book!" :0) Guess what? That 'ultimate screw up' has already been taken care of - thank you Adam and Eve ... and that's who's inheritance we share (life away from God) until we receive our adoption into God's kingdom through the blood of Jesus.

It's all been done. Or in the words of our Lord, "It is finished" ... We all have a desire for peace - don't we all at some point every day just wish that we could slow down and RELAX just for five minutes?!?! What if that peace and that sense of RELAX (of BECOMING less stiff, rigid, formal and structured) was the gift that Jesus gave when He came - lived and died - for us? He, Himself said, "My peace I give you - go in peace". Hallelujah! Does that mean we just lay around and wait for the glorious returning of our Lord? Ummm - sorry - No. But it does mean that we can find our strength in the One greater than ourselves. Isn't it a great feeling when we can reflect on a good days "work" and know that what we accomplished came out of knowing that we were doing exactly what God asked us to do? Even if our bodies are tired - don't we feel satisfied and happy? Don't we feel thankful because we can hear Him say "well done, good and faithful servant" ? That's all the encouragement we need! :0)

My prayer today is this: Lord, thank You for Your wisdom. Thank You for the way You KNOW our needs - so much more than we do. Thank You that You LOVE us with a perfect, holy love. Thank You that You LOVE us as a Father - our Abba - our Dad ... Thank You for Your desire for us ... for coming in the flesh to make the way for us - thank You for taking away our sin and offering us life in abundance. Thank You for peace. Lord, I ask today - simply this - that everyone who reads these words will have an increased sensitivity to You, Lord. That You would open our eyes to see and our ears to hear all the ways You reveal Yourself to us. Open our heart to You, Lord and let us be "gratefully grace-filled". In the Name of our friend, Jesus. Amen.

I'll leave you with one of my favourite Christmas Carols. It describes the longing that Israel felt waiting for the Saviour to come and the expectations they had. BTW - Emmanuel means "God with us" and it is one of the names of Jesus.

"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"

Words Translated by John Mason Neale

Music: Thomas Helmore

O come, o come,
Emmanuel

and ransom captive Israel,

that mourns in lonely exile here,

until the Son of God appears

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel - shall come to thee, O
Israel

O come, O come, Thou Lord of Might,

Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,

In ancient times didst give the law,

In cloud, and majesty, and awe.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel - shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse,free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel - shall come to thee, O Israel

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel - shall come to thee O Israel

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

And open wide our heavenly home;

Make safe the way that leads on high,

And close the path to misery.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel - shall come to thee O Israel

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,

And order all things, far and nigh;

To us the path of knowledge show,

And cause us in her ways to go.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel - shall some to thee O Israel

O come, Desire of nations, bind

In one the hearts of all mankind;

Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,

And be Thyself our King of peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel - shall come to thee, O Israel

Our Budding Artists

Yesterday was Pop's birthday! He was on the road, driving his truck and got a phone call from all of us to wish him a ver HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Although we weren't able to big together for his special day - with the wonders of technology - we were able to email him the kids drawings after I scanned them in ... what an amazing age we live in!! Yes? (I'll bet you can remember when Ford introduced the combustible engine, right Dad? Oh the things you've seen :0) heehee ... BTW - Louis' drawing has Pop catching the "maximum amount of fish allowed by law" while Regina's fish "overflow-ith" ... Louis figures she's breaking the law, while I think it's ok to FANTASIZE a little (right, Dad?) Unless, they're actually Nonna's fish and she's just gone to get a bigger boat :0) Maria's picture is a tracing of Shooting Stars (wonderful mountain wild flowers.)

Anyway, the kids were so quiet this morning - I was able to have a little sleep in. I woke up to a call from Tony at work ... just checking in. He's so good that way - thanks, hun! I appreciate the way you "check up on me" ... Haven't decided if today will be a LOTR day or a Matrix day yet :0) But it's definately going to be a jammie day ... too cold to be outside! I've already had requests for bagels (I guess Mom's pancakes just don't cut it, hun :0)

Well, the troops are hungry - so I better get to it. Have a great day! Here's a quote to take with you today:

"The gospel alone is sufficient to rule the lives of Christians everywhere...any additional rules made to govern men's conduct added nothing to the perfection already found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ." John Wycliffe

Christmas Is Here, Bringing Good Cheer :0)

I've got the Vienna Boys' Choir in my head singing the 'Carol of the Bells' ... I was editing a recording of theirs this morning to use in an email and I kept thinking about when I was a little girl - my dad took me to see them. I remembered being so excited! We were all dressed up and I felt so special and grown up being able to go to such an amazing concert. What a wonderful memory.

It got me thinking about my own kids. The way we spend time with them and what it is that we do together as a family. We have game night and we try to have at least 2 of our 3 meals sitting together at the table or around our island. Tony and I try to have at least a couple of times a month that we each spend individually with each of the kids. They always look forward to that time - and so do we. They're quite different when they're on their own :0) We also have the common bond of music and most importantly the Lord, to draw us together. But most of our activities take place in our home. We tend to drive everywhere we go and never discover our little neighbourhood. We went for a short walk on the weekend and were amazed to see the tremendous amount of construction going on! Houses that were not there less than a year ago had sprung up - it seemed like overnight!!!

I had an interesting conversation with a lady on the plane home from the States who is from Winnipeg but now lives in Connecticut. We talked about the fact that in the states you can actually get a tax credit for owning an SUV!!! (Tony and I had noticed the great number of shiny BIG SUV's we saw driving around everywhere). We also lamented the way that strip malls have sprung up all over the place recently where we live - it's not like having the little grocery store on the corner that you walk to and get to know the owner. Big business has swallowed up alot of that. In our old community, they've created a wonderful "inner-city" business AND living area that allows for an intimate relationship with your community. The problem is that pricing for this area is THROUGH THE ROOF!

Enough of my soap-box this morning :0) Anyway ... we've decided to do alot more cross country skiing this winter. My heart aches for the time I used to spend outdoors (like I did when I was growing up). Even on our recent vacation, Tony and I walked miles upon miles - it was great!!! We used to be outside ALL the time when I was a child. Growing up in the mountains provided a vast playground of hills, trees and rocks to climb and explore. There was always a 'pack' of kids playing some kind of game (hide n' seek, kick the can, street hockey, tag, or just racing down the hill on our bikes/skateboards/toboggans/knees/faces ... :0) Our kids just don't get that ... It was like growing up in God's playground!

I guess it's about living "intentional" lives when we realize that we have a desire for something different than what we have now. The only thing we need to do when we have a desire for change is CHOOSE ... we always have a choice to make - sometimes we have to be a little creative and patient if what we want is out of reach financially, emotionally, spiritually or relationally. But, we still have the choice. That makes me think about what I was reading the other day - it was a paper on Augustine (Calvin) vs. Arminius (J.Wesley) ... my brain hurt a little after that one :0) so I'll save that conversation for another day ...

Here's a quote to leave you with - a favourite of mine :0) I pray that you would know you are loved and blessed abundantly! :0)

"Important as it is that we recognize God working in us, I would yet warn against an over preoccupation with the thought. It is a sure road to sterile passivity. God will not hold us responsible to understand the mysteries of election, predestination and the divine sovereignty. The best and safest way to deal with these truths is to raise our eyes to God and in deepest reverence say, ‘Oh Lord Thou knowest.’ Those things belong to the deep and mysterious Profound of God's omniscience. Prying into them may make theologians, but it will never make saints" A.W. Tozer

Pop's Birthday!

It's coming up fast!!! 

Louis' Birth

 

Regina and Louis

 

Maria's Birth

 

La Misericordia y Gracia de Dios

As you can tell, we had church tonight :0) The "Mercy and Grace of God" is what has made my heart thankful today and caused me to praise Him. I was so touched by what Pastor Jairo said tonight. I felt like God was whispering in my ear and saying, "See? I hear you and know how you feel ... you are not alone - I AM here." In the midst of every moment of our days, God is with us and knows our experience - He really does know our every need. He is our comfort, our strength and our truth.

Hebreos 4:14-16 says, "Por lo tanto, ya que en Jesus, el Hijo de Dios, tenemos u gran sumo sacerdote que ha atravesado los cielos, aferremonos a la fe que profesamos. Porque no tenemos un sumo sacerdote incapaz de compadecerse de nuestras debilidades, sino uno que ha sido tentado en todo de la misma manera que nosotros, aunque sin pecado. Asi que acerquemonos confiadamente al trono do la gracia para recibir misericordia y hallar la gracia que nos ayude en el momento que mas la necesitemos."

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us them approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Another verse that our Pastor used tonight at church was from 2 Corinthians 12:9-10. The apostle, Paul is explaining:

"But He said to me: 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

Tonight, I remembered how God brought me through those three painful and difficult events. I remembered exerting a tremendous effort to maintain focus on RELAXING and TRUSTING that my body could carry out this task ... A task, that when I LOOKED at with earthly eyes - felt that there was no possible way that these babies were going to be able to get out! (In fact, I remember saying those exact words to Tony when I was in labour with Louis :0) Yet, here they all are!

During my labour with Regina, everything happened so fast that I was unprepared - yet I didn't need to be. I new what to expect - I'd been through it before - but I had taken for granted that I would be able to focus my energy again and failed to spend time thinking through the birth process before her labour! By the time I was in the "throws of labour" with her, I almost lost control of my ability to relax and it wasn't until my midwife held my face in her hands and made me look into her eyes while she spoke to me, that I began to regain my perspective.

During my pregnancy with Maria, I became quite ill - I suffered from insulin resistence symptoms and would have to sit quietly for ages to try and get my heart to stop racing away. It was during these hours that I learned to meditate and pray! What a wonderful opportunity I had to spend time reading Scriptures and listening to the Lord's still small voice. When I finally went into labour, the experience was joyful and full of wonder and amazement. I wasn't panicking or worried. Tony and I actually spent alot of time dancing together in between contractions!!! (I'm not kidding . . . :0) And when the pain became too great to stand, I got into my 'fishy pool' (in the middle of our living room) and heard the words of the apostle Paul, over and over again, in my mind: "When I am weak, then I am strong ..." The Lord truly became my strength - I have never been weaker than in those moments - yet I knew that I could overcome the pain and extreme effort by just TRUSTING in Him.

Sometimes I wonder how a God who came to earth as a man can truly sympathize with me as a woman? How could He possibly know how hard it was to give birth? Yet, Hebrews says that He is able to sympathize with my WEAKNESSES because He has been TEMPTED in every way. I think this can be true because our physical weaknesses are only the surface of our need ... Our weakness goes much much deeper than just physical pain - our souls are in much worse condition than our bodies could ever be and our need for physical healing is a reflection of our spiritual needs.

I am so thankful for the way God reveals Himself every day to all creation. God I pray that You would open our eyes to see and our ears to hear - You first, then to see Your people the way You do ... perfectly redeemed! En el Nombre de Jesus, amen.

A New Arrival :0)

At approximately midnight tonight, Tony's cousin will be arriving from El Salvador via the U.S., via Toronto with Tony's mom. He has quite an amazing story to tell of how he came to finally arrive in this part of the world. Tony has not seen his cousin for about 14 years ... we are all looking forward to meeting him and welcoming him into our family. He has gone through a huge process to finally be on his way here. We keep chuckling at how cold he's going to be when he arrives :0)

God alone knows the struggles "Kike" (Kee-kay) has endured in this years-long process to pursue a dream. I pray that we will bless him as a family in his arrival here and truly show the love of Christ to him. Naomi and Jaime played a great part in the opportunity God provided to be a part of this process and were able to share some precious time with him. I hope God will bless our time with him as well. (This is Kike and Paul when they were ALOT younger ...)

Well, I better be on my way. I am joining the Worship Team at church for the first "official" time tonight and Tony's already started supper (tortellini, salad and steak with our new 'sea-salt and garlic' spices from Epicure :0) Thanks, Cathy . . .

May I leave you with a prayer . . . from the book of "Ephesians - Chapter 4 and 5"

May we, as children of the Light, live our lives in full view as righteous and holy, unafraid to open the 'darkest closets' of our soul to You - by the grace and power of God who brought us to Himself, through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. May we build others up according to their needs in kindness and compassion. May we be forgiving as we have been forgiven. Lord, grant that we may reflect Your glory in our thoughts, word and deed as we seek to worship You out of surrendered hearts. Father God, may we, as dearly loved children and out of changed hearts, be pure, holy and thankful for the inheritance we have received through Christ our Lord. In Jesus Name, may all that we are be pleasing and holy unto You, Lord. Amen.

Good To Be Home ...

"How the Grinch Stole Christmas" is on, Louis is building with his Lego, Gina is snuggled with her kitty under a blanket on a chair and Maria is desperately trying to finish her last few green beans :0) It's good to be home . . .

Last night, the kids and I watched 'King Kong' and made a giant anatomy puzzle on the floor. We missed the kids so much while we were gone - I find myself impulsively hugging them and staring at them. "Love you, Mom" . . . oh, my heart . . . "Thanks for supper, Mom" . . . what could be better than that? "Can I pray for you, Mom?" . . . please don't ever stop :0)

Lately, I have read alot of quotes about "excellence". After being faced with so many of the same kinds of thoughts and ideas, I usually (if I'm 'awake' :0) start asking, "OK, Lord, are you trying to tell me something?" I don't believe in coincidence . . . I've been thinking about the pressures of performance and perfection and how much I desire for the Body to know God's peace, unity and joy. How much do we need to pray for each other and seek the Lord everyday!

We live in a world that values 'success' and 'accomplishment'. Even in Scripture, we find verses related to perfection and striving towards the goal. If we're not careful, we can start to mesh the world's idea of performance with Christian spiritual transformation. However, these two concepts could not be more polar opposite. How often do we view others with our earthly eyes and determine that an individual's talents, gifts and purpose have value only when they meet up to the expectations placed on them by the world's standards? Forgive me if I'm getting on my soap box here - but in my search for sincerity within the Kingdom of God, I have often been left shaking my head in disappointment with the "business of Church". I wonder if the Lord feels the same? God help me not to judge, only discern, in the Name of Jesus. Grant us all a clear vision and understanding of the Worship You desire.

Out of our relationship with Jesus, flows the desire to love, forgive and bless others - just as He does. In that love is Grace, Truth, Wisdom, Mercy, Compassion, Strength, Courage, Patience, Kindness, Self-Sacrifice and the Knowledge that our lives are no longer our own. When we receive Him, we desire to Worship Him. I have often wondered about the "every-man" of Christian faith . . . the one who goes through life desiring only to know the Lord more and be changed by that knowledge. There have been well-known leaders throughout history who have effected changes in great ways around the world. What about the millions of believers whose names we will not know until we reach our own end and how did they effect those around them for God?

Vulnerability and excellence do not seem to pair well. How can one be vulnerable and acknowledge weakness while pursuing excellence? It is in our need that Jesus meets us. Even He, in the garden of Gethsemene prayed for the cup of sacrifice to pass by Him - to the point of sweating blood. If that's not vulnerable, I don't know what is . . . I am so thankful to know that side of our Lord - the part that allows us to see that even though we walk a path that can be pain-filled and full of hardship and toil - that He knows our sorrows, He knows our pain, He knows what it is to desire a different path yet chose to stay His course to the glory of God. Is this not perfect excellence? It is this Truth that caused Paul to sing in the dungeon!! I wonder if the guards thought Paul wasn't a good singer and probably shouldn't worship "that way" for all to hear in that prison? Perhaps if he'd only had a better voice, more souls would have been saved?

Forgive my cynicism. I too am in process and need the Lord's wisdom and mercy moment by moment. I too hope to see the glory of God revealed in His people . . . to experience the renewing of my mind by His Word and to give Him all the worship He deserves.

Somehow, I don't think this is going to happen when our focus is on our own performance instead of HIS. I know my own 'performance' is fairly poor according to the world's standards . . . but I also know, without a doubt that it is only the love of God that causes me to become a blessing to others as it changes me from within. Does that mean I'll suddenly become a better pianist, writer, house-cleaner (yikes!), driver, friend, mother, wife, etc. etc. etc. ? No - but it does meant that I will be able to do whatever God has called me to do moment by moment with the strength and wisdom He provides out of a heart of longing to worship Him who has freed me from death.

It's much simpler than we tend to make it out to be . . .

So, as my children have their baths and prepare for another day tomorrow - I thank You, Lord, for the way You love us all. Help us to come together the way You've intended. Give us eyes to see and ears to hear. May our desires to worship You just as we are, be a blessing to You. And may You continue to grow and change us into the people You desire us to be. Grant us peace and unity by the power of the Holy Spirit. I pray, as always, in the Name of the One whose death and resurrection has given me life in abundance, my Jesus Christ. Amen.

A Web Album - Photos

Here's a link to all of our photos from our trip . . . I was a pretty enthusiastic "shutter bug"! Being able to go on this trip with Tony has been one of the greatest memories of our marriage so far. Everywhere we went, we commented on how thankful we were to be able to have these new and exciting experiences and see things we'd never dreamed we see.

Being able to spend the time with Naomi and Jaime and the kids was wonderful. Naomi has been a part of my family almost as long as I have!! We became friends at 6 years old and time has really flown by! Now that we have both become part of Tony and Jaime's family, we share an even deeper bond. God has had a plan for our friendship! :0) In all the changes that have been happening in our family's lives recently (changing churches and meeting new people, as well as moving to a new area of the city) it really meant so much to me to be able to connect with my Na Na - she has been a touch stone for me throughout my life and I have been truly blessed to call her my sister.

The memories of our trip will stay with us for a long, long time. What a blessing to be able to have the kids stay with my mom and dad, too! Of course they were just as excited to be able to go on their own trip :0) Louis' chess skills have reached almost 'professional' proportions (he says, "don't use the 'scholar's mate' Pop, or I won't play with you!" WHAT EXACTLY IS A SCHOLAR'S MATE ANYWAY?! Apparently, Lou was able to even out the game's scores and beat the pants off his Non and Pop in "Connect Four" . . . Regina came home able to play her Christmas pieces without looking at the piano and Maria is seriously trying to speak without a lisp :0) My Ma is amazing!

http://picasaweb.google.com/AKAlbum

Well, here is the link to view all of our 455 photos of our trip ... they start in with New Hope then to Philadelphia, and on to Washington D.C. and finally to New York. Enjoy!

A Highlight of New York

One of the highlights of our very quick trip through New York was being able to get tickets for a taping of the David Letterman show - we were in the FRONT ROW! It aired last night (Friday night) and you could see my face and Tony's ear!!! :0) It was a lot of fun . . . 

The NYPD Museum

One of our favourite stops was at the NYPD Museum ... This is Tony looking at a tool-belt from a fallen PW (Police Woman) on 9/11 ... she and many others had amazing stories of bravery and courage. 

One of my favourites!!

Tony had a chance to visit with a couple of New York's finest . . .Violetta (from Columbia) and Fusario (a Brooklyn Italian . . . ) Very nice people!