Maria's Graduation

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

Thinking about music ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

Life's like that too.

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

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

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

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

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

A Healing Touch ... Just For You, Mom

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

My prayer today:

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

Mountains ...

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

Enjoy!

Sing praise!

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

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

Congratulations!

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

It is with praise that we rejoice with you!

To be known ...

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

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

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

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

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

A Little Break From Exam Stuff ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

With the passage of time ...

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



From my childhood and beyond .... :

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



From my motherhood (so far):

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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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



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

Jonathan's Daring Plan ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Mother's Day!

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

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!

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

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

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

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

7 Random Things ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SOLD! And BOUGHT at a great price :0)

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

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

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




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




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



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



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

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

'I will never fail you.

I will never forsake you.'

That is why we can say with confidence,

'The Lord is my helper,

so I will not be afraid.

What can mere mortals do to me?' "

Hebrews 13:5-6

This Morning's News ...

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

My prayer this morning:

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

Thank You that You love me.

I pray, in Your precious Name, Lord Jesus.

Amen."

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

Anyway - this is what I heard this morning:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Woman At the Well

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

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

RELEVANCE!

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

A New Journey ...

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

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

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

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

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

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

"O God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

O God, You are my God

And I will ever praise You

I will seek you in the morning

and I will learn to walk in Your ways

and step by step You'll lead me

and I will follow You all of my days"

A True Inspiration

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

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

Psalm 23 - An Audio and Visual Presentation

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


23rdFlash

A Heart for God

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

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

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

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

Overheard today ...

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

Louis: "Girls - you have 2 minutes!"

Regina: "Is that God?"

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

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

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

followed by fits of giggles ....

They sure do keep us laughing!!

We're Back!

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