tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62731709819974000832024-02-19T10:42:37.342-05:00debbie's space -memories, experiences and hopefully, lessons I'm learning along the wayAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-32223201901198408722013-04-05T10:25:00.003-04:002013-04-05T10:25:24.888-04:00A note to my Belle<br />
Belle,<br />
<br />
I was thinking about your phone call, which made me think about you. So I started to write on your facebook wall.....and decided, hey, I'm a blogging mama.....I'll blog to you! Perhas one day your children will ask me "Gramma, did they have facebook when you were little" or "what's a blog??" <br />
<br />
You need never apologize for calling me and chattering! I know I don't pick up a phone and call you very often....but don't think that because I don't, you're not on my mind. One of the things that I think about, oh almost on a daily basis, is how thankful I am that you are where you are; that you seem to be so content. I was first going to say you seem happy, but it's more than that. Contentment speaks to your inner health; your soul and most particularly, it speaks to me about your relationship with God. Contentment is not dependant on your circumstances. -- and as a mom, as your mom, that thrills me. Contentment doesn`t come easily, but, as Paul says, it's learned.....and if it's learned, it does make sense that there are going to be some tough situations we're going to have to grow through.<br />
<em></em><br />
<em><blockquote class="tr_bq">
I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every
circumstance, <strong>I have learned</strong> the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance
and need.</blockquote>
</em><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhiyRoRUvShFXBsEZkvVMSkfbeIcxfoMMVNJaaSp78qVLMT-YSB1riCRIJUDVuDlzwrISTr1FhDrgTLVmS6sFYfsNhiUGneYguq2crx4bWW4EmlJOpfcUlx9YdWp5xOSNPYgwpOXaaWo/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidhiyRoRUvShFXBsEZkvVMSkfbeIcxfoMMVNJaaSp78qVLMT-YSB1riCRIJUDVuDlzwrISTr1FhDrgTLVmS6sFYfsNhiUGneYguq2crx4bWW4EmlJOpfcUlx9YdWp5xOSNPYgwpOXaaWo/s1600/IMG_1775.JPG" height="200" width="200" /></a>We talked last night about how quickly the school year has past, well times that by 100 and you`ll perhaps understand a wee bit of how this mom feels when I look at you; each of you. Today we are heading out to spend some time with Meg and celebrate her 26th birthday.....her what? The time really does fly, Belle, so my prayer for you is that you'll continue to grow, as you have been and as Jesus did; in wisdom, in stature and in favour with God and man.<br />
<br />
I love you so much; have a fab weekend!<br />
<br />
momAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-8593679345372749802013-03-29T14:17:00.003-04:002013-03-29T15:10:13.114-04:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">I
was poked a few days ago by a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">It’s
been a while since I sat over a keyboard and she was questioning, challenging and encouraging me, all at the same time. That's what the people who know us and love us anyway do. They poke. Writing, at least writing
something I’m going to post here, requires a lot of effort; a lot of blood, sweat and
yes, sometimes tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">I’ve pondered off and on the whys of writing, particularly blogging.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do I do it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is my motivation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I gotta be honest, when I first started this rather sporadic effort at blogging, it was largely cathartic. I couldn't afford counselling and so this was how I unloaded. There can be a freedom in writing.....when I'm honest and perhaps that's where I hit a wall. Being honest is not easy, whether I'm writing or not. At some point I found a safe place where I could unload; a place where I was in relationship with warm bodies that prayed for and encouraged me and so....writing hasn't played much of a part in my life in quite a while. After all, it is only as </span>cathartic as I allow it to be. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">So I've been asking myself questions again. I'm drawn to people who take their masks off and are honest. I'm drawn to people who are real and am priviledged to have them share with me of their experiences. I want to hear their stories, their struggles, their victories. It's what makes them.....human and relatable and, so it makes sense to me that this is what I want to be. </span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">That
seldom easy; hence the aforementioned blood, sweat and tears. However, I can attest to
the fact that there is little of value in this life that comes easyily<span class="text">. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">And on this Good Friday that has given me pause to remember. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype;">Jesus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">He came to earth as a baby. He was a young boy, similar to the boys I have running around here and yet....different. He was God and he was man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I'm reminded of his humanity in a simple prayer he prayed:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><strong><em>“My Father, if
it be possible, let this cup pass from me…..</em></strong></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Ever prayed it? Please, oh please oh please....not this God....anything but this! We're invited into his struggle and the turmoil he must have felt knowing what was about to happen.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: 36pt;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><strong><em>....nevertheless,
not as I will, but as you will.”</em></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">He was the sacrificial lamb - the scape goat, for me and for you. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span class="text"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Born to die so that I may
live. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype;"></span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-76614403450543080652013-01-06T23:15:00.001-05:002013-01-06T23:15:43.670-05:00A Fresh Start in a Familiar Place<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CA; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Though
there is a bit of Christmas baking still kickin' around, the tree is long since
down, the stockings are put away and the University kids are back home, eagerly
awaiting classes tomorrow (am I right Cam? Car?). I always look forward to
their arrival and the little ones count down the days......and then the time
comes for them to leave, and I'm okay with that too! As a parent of children
ranging in age from almost 5 to 25, I have learned that it is great when they
come and great when they go, too. They are where they need to be, doing
what they need to do and I`m just fine with that.</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">We
celebrated New Year's 2012 in Florida. Eleven of us left Boxing Day and for 2
days in 3 vehicles, made the journey to Kissimmee. We had decided we were not
doing Disney, so there was time to enjoy our resort facilities, complete with
ice cream sundaes, poolside. We all had a blast at the amusement park in
Old Town where we had our pictures done "gangster style". Gatorland
was a hit, particularly for Declan and Rhys who loved seeing and hearing about
those ugly monsters. Meagan and I took the youngest three to the largest
petting zoo EVER, complete with pony, wagon and train rides; Tess and Rhys even
had a turn milking a real cow and they each got a stuffed toy when we left. Meagan, Alex and I enjoyed a day trip to St.
Petersburg too. Fun was had by all. A few years ago we added to our Christmas
tradition by taking time to stop and to encourage and speak into the
lives of one another and our evenings were spent doing just that. I so look
forward to these times and as the family grows, so does that time together and
that, for me, is better than any gift I may unwrap. </span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">January
was relatively quiet, even in our house. We did celebrate with our friend and
daughter-from-another-mother&father, Alex, when she made the decision
to be baptized. Little did I know that her mom, Sandy, and brother,
Aaron would follow her lead and be spontaneously baptized. It was a beautiful
celebration of the decision each had made, and a beautiful memory for them to
share together.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">We
celebrated Tess' birthday in February where dresses were the gift of the day,
much to her delight and a week later, on February 11, Noah and Casey announced
their engagement which meant TWO weddings for our family in 2012! We welcomed
Buhle to our family when she and Ben married on July 27. If I had to describe
their wedding ceremony in one word, it would be Holy. It was beautiful, she was
beautiful, and he was beautiful. Okay, so two words! It was indeed a celebration of
love: God's love for them, their love of him and for one another. </span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">On
September 15 Noah and Casey were married in a beautiful outdoor ceremony
co-officiated by our dear Dan and Doug Stringer, Noah`s best friend`s father. Cam wasn`t able to join us as he was playing in a football game
against Purdue, but Brad and I caught a bit of the game online while getting our
wedding duds on. We ought to have won a "best dressed" award! Though
the big guy wasn`t there in body, he was in spirit and Casey ensured that the
green and white was well represented with the help and great photography skills
of our nephew, James. The weddings were as beautiful, unique and individual as
the people who were joined and spoke to the creativity of the One who knows each of them intimately. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Of
course with two Allison weddings, there were a myriad of showers to attend in the
spring and summer, and huge kudos to our Meagan who stood up in both weddings.
Not only did she not miss a shower, but she played a role in organizing
them as well as engagement parties. I may be a bit biased,
but you`d go a long way to find anyone as selfless as this young woman; she was
a huge support and encouragement not only to her future sisters, but also to her
brothers as she truly celebrated with them. I'm quite sure she's got her
wedding already planned. I recall several years ago someone telling me that
Meagan, as the eldest, set the standard for those that followed, and
indeed she has set a high one. She has the love and respect of not only her siblings and their
spouses, but her parents and those fortunate enough to call her friend. She is
a blessing. </span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Carleigh
packed up and headed to Peterborough this fall to commence another chapter in
her life. She is enjoying every aspect of University life and lives just a 10
minute bus ride to Campus. We knew that academics would not be an issue for
her, and had encouraged her to make Peterborough home. She found a church on
Campus her first Sunday in Peterborough, and has immersed herself in that
community. She attends weekly "hub" gatherings and has made some
great friends. She also has enjoyed spending time with James, Jen and the boys and we've appreciated the hospitality they've shown her. Carleigh has adapted very well and has certainly matured during her 3
plus months away, something we all noticed, but it is her spiritual growth that stands out
most. The teenager who once struggled with what to say to encourage a sibling
does no longer, and it was great to hear her encouraging her siblings. I'm very thankful for all God is doing in her.</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Declan
is 8 and has had a love of all things reptilian. In the Spring he
adopted 4 baby, painted turtles that Brad found outside the house in Manotick.
Alex set him up with an aquarium and all of the right "stuff". When someone
came to the house, he'd take them to see his little turtles and tell them all
they wanted to know, and didn't want to know, about painted turtles. Much to
Declan's dismay, one of the turtles eventually got sick and died which caused our boy to question whether or not he was a good enough turtle parent. Ultimately he
came to his own decision to release the remaining three, so it was with tears in his
eyes he took his 'lil buddies to a nearby pond
and with the owner's permission, released his friends. He was quiet about it for a
long while, but has more recently started mentioning that he'd like another
pet. "Maybe a lizard" or some such thing. Declan is an amazing mixture; bright,
expressive and loving to those of his choosing; quiet, shy and reserved with newbies. I can't approach the child
without him telling me he loves me and giving me a "Declan hug" which
is somewhat reminiscent of big brother Ben's hugs when he was his age. Declan's
most recent passion is art; he is a self-proclaimed artist. I'll let you know
how that goes.</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Rhys,
whom we lovingly refer to as "Eeyore" in his absence is the most sensitive of the
youngest three. At times our boy seems to carry the weight of the world
on his wee brow, particularly when his desire to play on an electronic device
is met with a negative response. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
enjoys theological discussions with his younger siblings and loves to pray....
and he is THE very best pray-er;
our very own personal crying prophet!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
have been days when I've tucked the youngest three in and not had words or desire to
pray; in those times I've
been blown away by the faith and simple trust of this kid. One can
learn a thing or two from listening to the prayers of a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rhys gives THE best little-boy kisses, and
Carleigh will attest to that. Where Declan is shy among strangers, Rhys loves
people and will wave or say hi and talk with anyone. The
boys are allowed one hour of xbox every third day and those guidelines have been great
for Rhys. He does not need a calendar to tell him when THE day is. If you were
to ask Ben, he likely wouldn't tell you that he's been beat by Rhys while
playing xbox.</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">And
then there's our Tess. She's our tom-boy princess who still refers to Declan
and Rhys as "her boys". She is never wrong and therefore does not
take discipline well and apologizing is a painful thing for her. VERY painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is <span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><strong>bold </strong>and </span>has been silly enough to take her father on (and the 5 eldest siblings
gasp). She declares her love for almost every boy she meets, though I think
Casey's brother Bruce and Thomas Stringer hold top spots there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We had a service repair guy in the house and when Tess saw him asked "who is that handsome man"? </span>In 9 years, she's going to live with one of
her sisters; they've been warned. She is eager to learn, which is odd for one
who knows it all, and has many people fooled into thinking she is just the
sweetest little thing.....I could tell you stories. Actually, she is the
sweetest little thing, but she's got another side that is not going to be
pushed around by anybody, and I will choose to be thankful for that and pray
that she learns quickly and is not terribly hurt by her own strength.</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Okay,
so birthdays, engagements, weddings....there`s something else. Yes! Football
Season! We eagerly await the arrival of football season every year, having
forgotten the exhaustion of the year before. This past season we made weekend
treks to Michigan, Ohio and Indiana where some combination of our family made
it to all but one game. Though it wasn`t a winning year for
our beloved Eagles, Cam had his best season yet as a starter on the Offensive
Line and this proud Eagle fan and football mom would point out that this year
was a much tougher schedule than last. We appreciate, very much, the tough role
of a Coach and we also appreciate that Coach English does not just train his young men to play football, but he trains them to be men of character. Men who don't quit. Men who value and appreciate one another. It's difficult to lose, but we all know
that there are great lessons that are only learned in the struggle. Declan, Rhys and Tess made it to several games and always
enjoyed meeting the “big boys” when we’d head to the bus to see Cam following
an away game.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed having our nephew
James and his new bride Jen and their family join us as well as Dan and Gerry
Courteau.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People taking the time and making the trip to go
to a game means a lot to Cam who only gets home a few weeks a year. Being
parents to an NCAA football playing son has been....interesting; the culture is
so different than anything we see on this side of the border, including hockey.
A perk to going to all of these games is getting to know other
parents, and though we don`t see one another off-season, I count some of these women
among my friends.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">There
are a couple themes that have repeated themselves in my mind as I've been
pondering what to share, and what not to share. One is "Fresh Start" and as I've shared, we've celebrated several fresh starts this year. I'm reminded that those of us who follow Christ have an opportunity at
a fresh start every day. The second theme is "home". In July we moved
from our rented home on the river back to "The Palace" and a
"fresh start" there. Both of these have been common themes not only
in this past year, but they've echoed throughout all of our years together as a
family. We, like you I've no doubt, have known difficulty, but I have chosen to
focus on the life celebrations we've shared as a family. It is far too easy for
me to get stuck in the muck and mire of difficult circumstances, so I must
remind myself of something a wise man said when answering how he had dealt with
a particularly difficult chapter in his life. He shared this:</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;"><em><strong>"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."</strong></em> Philippians 4:8 ESV</span></span></blockquote>
</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">On
December 13, Brad sent the family an email with the subject line "Fresh
Start". As a family, we'd been discussing for some time a transition that
would take us back to the place we'd once called home. Both Cam and Carleigh
were born while we lived on Manitoulin; Carleigh was about 16 months old when
we left the Island, Yellowknife bound. Brad and I had been in contact with
friends and colleagues and had arranged housing; the only thing we hadn't
nailed down was a timeline. We had planned a pre-Christmas visit to the Island
and on December 14 we packed up Declan Rhys and Tess with the thought that
following that trip we'd know more and would be in a position to finalize our plan. Well, we arrived and didn't return.</span></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong><em>"After my 'history', home is not as much about a place you belong as people you belong to. I belong here,"</em></strong> </span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><span style="font-size: small;">Cross Roads</span> by William Paul Young<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Many of you know our history; some do not, but when homes change for whatever the reason, it is the people who remain. It would have been great to say goodbye face to
face; to have that last visit or that promised coffee....rather than lament what we will miss, we will choose to look at all that has transpired over the past 4 weeks, to be thankful and to think on "all that is worthy of praise". We have much to be thankful for; we are together,
in a comfortable home where we are part of a community of people we know and
have a history with. We know that though we've lived here before, we are not the same; we have brought with us
all of the experiences, good and bad, and all of the lessons learned along the way and we're anticipating our fresh start and the adventure it is sure to bring.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype;"></span><br />
</div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
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</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-46641918482934050262012-10-03T11:55:00.000-04:002012-10-03T11:55:38.542-04:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
When it seems that there is trouble all around me I all too often rely on my own vain efforts, to the point where I am under such tremendous pressure that I finally break. Why? Is it pride? Oh sure, there are desperate pleas for help.....but more often I am too burdened with my own shame, guilt and just an overwhelming feeling of unworthiness to "go boldly" to Him. During these times my focus isn't on Him, but on myself. </div>
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<strong>My</strong> problems. </div>
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<strong>My</strong> circumstances.</div>
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<strong>My</strong> feelings. </div>
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<strong>Me</strong>, <strong>Me</strong>, <strong>Me</strong>. </div>
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There is a tension in being honest about where I am and how I feel with God (He knows all of my stupid thoughts anyway) and counteracting those typically negative thoughts and feelings with truth. </div>
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This morning I read in Psalm 18: </div>
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<sup>6 </sup>In my distress <strong>I called upon the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></strong>;<br /><span><span></span><span>to my God I cried for help.</span></span><br /><span>From his <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14125P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>temple<strong> he heard my voice</strong>,</span><br /><span><span></span><span>and <strong>my cry to him reached his ears</strong>.</span></span><br />
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<sup>16 </sup><strong>He <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14135AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>sent from on high</strong>, he took me;<br /><span><span></span><span><strong>he <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14135AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>drew me out</strong> of <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14135AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>many waters.</span></span><br /><span><sup>17 </sup><strong>He rescued me</strong> from my strong enemy</span><br /><span><span></span><span>and from those who hated me,</span></span><br /><span><span></span><span>for they were <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14136AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup>too mighty for me.</span></span><br /><span><sup>18 </sup>They confronted me in the day of my calamity,</span><br /><span><span></span><span>but <strong>the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> was my support</strong>.</span></span><br /><span><sup>19 </sup><strong>He brought me out into <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14138AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup>a broad place</strong>;</span><br /><span><span></span><span><strong>he rescued me, because he <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14138AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup>delighted in me</strong>.</span></span></div>
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<span><span>A few years ago the ladies lifegroup I was a part of read <em><strong>The Sacred Echo</strong></em> by Margaret Feinberg. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: verdana;"><em>"When God really wants to get your attention, he doesn’t just say something once, he echoes. He speaks through a Sunday sermon, a chance conversation with a friend the next day, and even a random email. The same theme, idea, impression, or lesson will repeat itself in surprising and unexpected ways until you realize that maybe, just maybe, God is at work. </em></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><em>As God’s voice echoes to us, we are invited to echo back to him in prayer. We are invited to be persistent and tenacious not only in the things we ask but also in our desire for a relationship with him."</em></span></div>
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I was reading in Psalm 118</div>
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<span><sup>5 </sup><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15875E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>Out of my distress I <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15875F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>called on the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>;</span><br /><span><span></span><span><strong>the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> answered me and set me <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15875G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>free.</strong></span></span><br /><span><sup>6 </sup><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15876H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup><strong>The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is on my side</strong>; <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15876I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>I will not fear.</span><br /><span><span></span><span>What can man do to me?</span></span><br /><span><sup>7 </sup><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15877J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup><strong>The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is on my side as my helper</strong>;</span><br /><span><span></span><span>I shall <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15877K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>look in triumph on those who hate me.</span></span></div>
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<span><sup>8<strong> </strong></sup><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15878L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup><strong>It is better to take refuge in the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></strong></span><br /><span><span></span><span><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15878M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>than to trust in man.</span></span><br /><span><sup>9 </sup><strong>It is better to take refuge in the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></strong></span><br /><span><span></span><span><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15879N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>than to trust in princes.</span></span></div>
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<span><sup>10 </sup><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15880O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>All nations surrounded me;</span><br /><span><span></span><span><strong>in the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> I cut them off!</strong></span></span><br /><span><sup>11 </sup>They surrounded me, surrounded me on every side;</span><br /><span><span></span><span><strong>in the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> I cut them off!</strong></span></span><br /><span><sup>12 </sup><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15882P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>They surrounded me like bees;</span><br /><span><span></span><span>they went out like <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15882Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>a fire among thorns;</span></span><br /><span><span></span><span><strong>in the name of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> I cut them off!</strong></span></span><br /><span><sup>13 </sup>I was <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15883R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>pushed hard,<sup value="[<a href="#fen-ESV-15883a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+118&version=ESV#fen-ESV-15883a" target="_blank" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> so that I was falling,</span><br /><span><span></span><span><strong>but the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> helped me.</strong></span></span></div>
<span><sup>14<strong> </strong></sup><strong>The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is my strength and my song;</strong></span><br /><span><span></span><span><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15884S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>he has become my salvation.</span></span><br /><span><sup>15 </sup>Glad songs of salvation</span><br /><span><span></span><span>are in the tents of the righteous:</span></span><br /><span><sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15885T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>“<strong>The right hand of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15885U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>does valiantly,</strong></span><br /><strong><span><span><sup>16 </sup><span></span>the right hand of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> exalts,</span></span><br /><span><span></span><span>the right hand of the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <sup value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-15886V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>does valiantly!”</span></span></strong><br />
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<span><span>Isaiah 41:10 says fear not, for <strong>I am</strong> with you;<br /> be not dismayed, for <strong>I am</strong> your God;<br /> <strong> I will</strong> strengthen you,<strong> I will</strong> help you,<br /> <strong>I will</strong> uphold you with my righteous right hand.</span></span><br />
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<span><span>There is no "me" in there, except as a receiver of God's help. It is not up to me to fix or to solve; it is up to me to"fear not" and to trust in <strong>I AM</strong>. In fact each of the scriture passages I've shared echo that truth. </span></span></div>
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<span>I started off this year recognizing a need to transform my thinking. It has not been easy and though there are days when I fail, I recognize that this process of transformation does not come quickly or easily; what refining process does? That "old man" (or in my case perhaps it should be "old woman") nature needs to be beaten back daily, and there are some days we are on all too familiar grounds. </span></div>
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<span>Fortunately, <strong>when I call upon the Lord, He is there</strong>. </span></div>
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<span>He does strengthen. </span></div>
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<span>He does help. </span></div>
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<span>He does rescue. </span></div>
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<span>He does delight in me. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-46203208580980157562012-09-01T16:46:00.004-04:002012-09-01T16:46:54.197-04:00Sweet, Sweet SummerIt happened again.....I blinked and the summer slipped away. Summer: the slightly irresponsible younger sibling to Spring who gets away with more than he ought and melts hearts with his warmth. It's the take-me-as-I-am, schedule-free, fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants season. I love it! <br />
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Since I was a kid, this time of year has always brought with it a bit of melancholy and recently I`ve taken a look back at all this summer held for us; man, it`s been a full one and quite a roller coaster ride. By the end of the first week of July, we'd packed up and left our rented home-along-the-river and moved back to "The Palace". After being away for three plus years, it was good to be ome where I`ve been reminded of the MANY little things we take for granted: toilets that flush, water that is hot, lights that turn on...... It's been interesting to say the least. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPDYZIX1rzB18UyF1q55RCjelLSH1Rw1AfWK3kYvT8aeJGEBAvHNYH15N0DAAIKdZIvyR0flGx2gsUeYp3UX-IuEBtOYe5l7xdCp-x9YfSONu-3I3J3gl4MECiewyt6oitkMsj6P1z-4/s1600/Meg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjPDYZIX1rzB18UyF1q55RCjelLSH1Rw1AfWK3kYvT8aeJGEBAvHNYH15N0DAAIKdZIvyR0flGx2gsUeYp3UX-IuEBtOYe5l7xdCp-x9YfSONu-3I3J3gl4MECiewyt6oitkMsj6P1z-4/s200/Meg.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
There isn't anything that has gone on around here that Meagan hasn't been in the midst of. Whether it was readying the Palace for the move while keeping clients happy, being a bridesmaid in one wedding while a maid of honour in another yet to come. In the midst of it all she managed to squeeze a trip to Spain in there to witness the nupitals of friends she met while in the Czech Republic. She has been...correction, she IS invaluable. I don't just speak of what she does, but as I pause and take a look back I see that it was in the midst of it all that she has lived out who she: one who gives of herself and puts others needs before her own. She sets a standard for all of us. I admire her. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJybtGg8AXK52QawNInIMntcwxS6dQN-DgqtlGD_YvNF7LG7vtHdT8jhMv4f6UosDpYv-37t4btQVPrpILABZgdj1EI9F8Eq-BViNT-6mDShVaEFbluV0ig8U3mzfta-6ZM8UZu6Kth8/s1600/a+light+moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJybtGg8AXK52QawNInIMntcwxS6dQN-DgqtlGD_YvNF7LG7vtHdT8jhMv4f6UosDpYv-37t4btQVPrpILABZgdj1EI9F8Eq-BViNT-6mDShVaEFbluV0ig8U3mzfta-6ZM8UZu6Kth8/s1600/a+light+moment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJybtGg8AXK52QawNInIMntcwxS6dQN-DgqtlGD_YvNF7LG7vtHdT8jhMv4f6UosDpYv-37t4btQVPrpILABZgdj1EI9F8Eq-BViNT-6mDShVaEFbluV0ig8U3mzfta-6ZM8UZu6Kth8/s200/a+light+moment.jpg" width="150" /><br />
</a>On July 27 Brad and I celebrated the arrival of another beautiful daughter and our kids, a sister when Ben wed his lovely Buhle. Though I may be a bit biased, it was a spectacularly beautiful day, perfect in every way. In the days leading up to the wedding, I would picture my Benjamin as he once was, my beautiful, blond- haired, brown-eyed boy. I watched this young man end his single life when he made a covenant before many witnesses and God to love, honour and cherish the woman whom he has chosen. Ben's journey in finding his bride was not an easy one, but I greatly admire how he allowed God to refine him in throughout the process in order to prepare him to be the man Buhle would need. I believe she is his reward for some tough but well made choices. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaJqOrtp5UIIvRZVVXrqRhqR98HaXH05X50AfugtR7v2DuEi-EeJpVW0Xl_jpTztt1Lyzb6GAh2arJ9UbYMgE7yB4tDDwEUy1keU3w-3bjSXRimg4F5G8PmCa3PPjazNE9IrJaJ7Pr20/s1600/Car+and+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaJqOrtp5UIIvRZVVXrqRhqR98HaXH05X50AfugtR7v2DuEi-EeJpVW0Xl_jpTztt1Lyzb6GAh2arJ9UbYMgE7yB4tDDwEUy1keU3w-3bjSXRimg4F5G8PmCa3PPjazNE9IrJaJ7Pr20/s200/Car+and+kids.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Carleigh graduated from highschool in June and completed her high school career. She worked hard and received her first year tuition free at Trent University, which is a huge blessing! I know this summer has been bitter-sweet for her. I understand the emotions that she feels as she says goodbye to friends. I see the look in her eyes when she leans in to speak to Tess, Rhys and Declan and grabs a kiss or a hug. She's the only one of the original 5 that has lived continuously with her younger siblings. When Declan was a baby, Carleigh took on bathtime....and she's done it ever since. I admire her discipline and steadfastness. It's the end of an era, but a new adventure awaits and today we loaded up her belongings and sent her on her way. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47VBHTtSGy5ys6FYSBru3WwG1lph_KrlwMYaEfaV91RpSCpPWJX_Oc50alhGJ3Bam1BBVbxgUJ-WZjHmF36PAFMEHvdh0Gl2gfRIriy3BleCX4tEL5lLuMWsVjPAhgWWzWOnbUxQFMoI/s1600/Noah+and+Case.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj47VBHTtSGy5ys6FYSBru3WwG1lph_KrlwMYaEfaV91RpSCpPWJX_Oc50alhGJ3Bam1BBVbxgUJ-WZjHmF36PAFMEHvdh0Gl2gfRIriy3BleCX4tEL5lLuMWsVjPAhgWWzWOnbUxQFMoI/s200/Noah+and+Case.jpg" width="200" /></a>Noah turned 22 yesterday and in two weeks our family will celebrate yet again when he marries his "high school sweetheart" and he and Casey will begin their journey together as husband and wife. Though we already consider Casey to be one of ours, on September 15 she will officially become an Allison and will be another welcome addition to our ever-expanding family. The excitment around here is building as the final plans are being put into place. I've watched these two over many years as their relationship has matured. I admire Noah's loyalty; his love for people is genuine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBQEirU5oRb35xs_zjDQAJQid7VPc8s94NgeLleQdrNc_7m9MFZx1OTGqOYIIPSLwoSHUBbA2mu4lzeDGwoJbrNQB-9CA5VoztCHV0x288wxnJCzHBgDekrvX9YGceXJw0y6mKGp2f8E/s1600/EMU+1+cor+9+verse+24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBQEirU5oRb35xs_zjDQAJQid7VPc8s94NgeLleQdrNc_7m9MFZx1OTGqOYIIPSLwoSHUBbA2mu4lzeDGwoJbrNQB-9CA5VoztCHV0x288wxnJCzHBgDekrvX9YGceXJw0y6mKGp2f8E/s320/EMU+1+cor+9+verse+24.jpg" width="303" /></a>Brad and I just returned last evening from the aproximately 2400 km trip to Muncie, Indiana (not the end of the world, but I think you could see it from there). Following a disappointing first game loss (it would appear that our defence didn't get on the bus) we spent 5 cherished minutes with Cam. I can see the maturity he has gained from the tough lessons he has learned. Cam has inspired me on many an occasion. Though to look at him no one would be surprised to learn he plays football, that doesn't mean there haven't been challenges along the way. In spite of them, Cam holds fast to what he knows is God's plan for him. I admire his courage and perseverance. Football is not just a game to Cam but he's come to view it as his worship to God. What an amazing place to be!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQu4N9KRItVCWqzJf4w50iNtVctFd2M4SJdHRHWwahbx6HfBfDsbauCN5jsEdZmdqzWYX72q4Q10KpISD0KRUKk_Tm9mKJLLaW5eWtGXUo3FlHQJ3HkhmnUJa2nhVkJGDvyBmpWWEu98/s1600/Dec+Rhys+Tess+summertime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgQu4N9KRItVCWqzJf4w50iNtVctFd2M4SJdHRHWwahbx6HfBfDsbauCN5jsEdZmdqzWYX72q4Q10KpISD0KRUKk_Tm9mKJLLaW5eWtGXUo3FlHQJ3HkhmnUJa2nhVkJGDvyBmpWWEu98/s320/Dec+Rhys+Tess+summertime.jpg" width="320" /></a>And then there's the "expansion pack"....some days I wonder what will be left of Brad and I by the time these 3 start University and get married! Oh dear.....though we see glimpses of each of the older kids in them, they are each uniquely themselves. Declan is his father's son; a thinker with a quick tongue and a dry wit. I think if I had to compare him to a bible character, he'd be Paul. He is not fond of crowds but values his relationships. Rhys is his opposite - a boy with a sensitive soul who whispers his love and gives the best kisses despite bearing the weight of the world on his brow. Fortunately for him he is developing a great prayer life! I think he's like David. Tess....I don't know how to put her into a few words. She has many people fooled with her seemingly quiet, tiny self but don't let that exterior fool you. She's a fireball who isn't afraid of anyone or anything that we can see. Remember Jael? She was the woman who drove the tent peg through Sisera's temple? That's my girl. When she's 12, if we survive til then, I'll start farming her out to her older siblings! I'm kidding.....we'll play it by ear.<br />
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<strong><em></em></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-48073143228787602862012-07-21T15:15:00.002-04:002012-07-26T16:08:04.371-04:00Wha'dya do when Hope slips? You give it a hand up.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">Hebrew
11:1<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now faith is the assurance of
things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">We’ve
been back home for two weeks now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex first
coined it “5 star camping” and I’ve been using that term ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve got all we need; our power is by generator and intermittent;
our hot water is courtesy of a kettle or the black tubing Brad has put on the
roof.....we're thankful it's summer!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bathing is “a la sponge bath” or,
for some who’ve been able to take advantage of it, via the said black tubing on
the roof…..or via the goodness of a kind friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the evening
during our down time, we run the generator so we can watch a movie; no cable,
no satellite but we’ve survived!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Actually I would say we’ve done more than just survive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hydro, we’re told, will be hooked up on
Monday and though I will welcome the regularity it will bring, there is
something that’s been thoroughly enjoyable about "roughing it" these
past couple weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is a summer we will never forget; not just for the wonderful events
we will be celebrating as a family with Ben and Noah’s upcoming nuptials (no, they aren't marrying each other.....there are girls), but the
memories we are making together as we work side by side, through the
frustrations that come when working together on a challenging task. We do it pretty well; we've had some practice!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><strong>10
years.</strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In April of 2002 we purchased
this place we call home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not
an ordinary home, but then again, we’re not your ordinary family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We moved in just in time to celebrate Canada
Day when <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>our first guests come to stay
with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure if we actually had
our beds moved in as yet but we had lots of mattresses that did the job just
fine, thankyouverymuch.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"We had a dream"......and moved here with all of the excitement that a new adventure
brings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Of course, new adventures come with all sorts of other things, too; they rarely, if ever, go according to plan and you fairly quickly learn that the dream that so inspired you at the beginning can become much less enchanting as time wears on.....</span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">We
fairly quickly learned that this place was much larger than we could handle on
our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That point was brought home
when the cheques from the “new job with the promise of big money” starting
bouncing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was something new and the
beginning of a season that brought with it a lot of conflicting feelings and yes,
excitement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The everyday miracles…….the
many little things that happened daily and showed us that though we felt out of
control, God was very much in control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Tires
that went flat in the driveway after driving to and from Ottawa to pick up the
kids after school, rather than on the side of the 416 while doing 120.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Gas tanks that ran far below empty and
groceries that showed up at the door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Winning concert tickets for Noah’s birthday and watching him get to meet
Steven Curtis Chapman was amazing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Experiencing
the generosity of a church family at Christmastime…..as well as on other days was
great and huge boosts for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were
other things, though, that showed a deeper change as a result of the
journey.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My children showed themselves to
be givers; though they had little, they gave abundantly of what they had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll never forget Cam coming home from school
and making a bee line for his room, lugging back his favourite stuffed tiger
and his much loved bed cover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had
received a challenge at school and he took it seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meagan actually said that she wished her
friends could experience what we had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For
my part, I enjoyed the best Thanksgiving that year and at Christmas, Brad had
an idea and we threw the doors wide open, invited everyone in and had a
spectacular time making some of our greatest memories as a family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">There
were moments of doubt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Times when I
thought we should “go back”; everything would be ok if we just went
back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For the Hebrew children, there was safety and a sense of
comfort in the familiar, even though it was thebondage and slavery they had
cried to be delivered from.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not so different; I could
relate. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">One day in particular<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was struggling. I felt stretched beyond my comfort and my mind was
racing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was visiting with a friend who was encouraging me to "go back" and when she left the room to answer the phone my thoughts
turned to what had brought us to where we were.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
As I recalled </span>the steps we’d taken my mind stopped racing. The confusion was gone and I was overwhelmed with
peace and knew we were exactly where we needed to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">We
didn’t go back; we chose to cross our own “Red Sea”and go forward, despite what
was oftentimes uncomfortable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was
many years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve certainly not
walked in constant peace since then, but I've never forgotten that afternoon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have
been other times I’ve had to deal with doubt; times when Hope slipped and Faith
seemed nowhere to be found……they were still there, though. Some days they
get buried beneath the stuff of life and I have to give them a hand up, wipe the dust off and be reminded again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">This
morning I was sweeping up the nails, staples and insulation in the center block.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fire of April, 2009 did some damage
there, however much of it is just surface colour and is salvageable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The kitchen and back entrance took the worst hit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our plan is to put up a second story and a
new roof.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This rebuilding, renovation, restoration;
whatever you want to call it…..well, it isn't quick and doesn't always go according to the
plan, but as I swept up those nails and staples and insulation, I found myself
reminded that this place; this Palace, is far larger a job than what we are
able to accomplish on our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
difference now compared to 10 years ago?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
M</span>y hope isn’t in the Palace or the dream of what it could or will be. It's certainly not in the new job with the promise
of big money or the mortgage broker or the insurance company. My Hope is in God, 'cause my hope is from Him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">And
now, O Lord, for what do I wait?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My hope
is IN you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 39:7</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">For
God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is FROM him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 62:5</span><span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Palatino Linotype","serif";">It’s
not gone the way we planned, but we can still see what could be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
not going to be easy, but it IS worth it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10151912919670331&set=a.10150730616230331.720826.584365330&type=1&theater"><span style="color: blue;">https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?fbid=10151912919670331&set=a.10150730616230331.720826.584365330&type=1&theater</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-19843913535485794692012-04-30T20:40:00.000-04:002012-04-30T20:40:27.718-04:00When Desire meets Difficulty<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07n3sWDSzOFSq9GEd6vSmnmS2qitL2nX3oErwZZbrkdX9mhpjk4AjWIyL_z7PIP0HjStR_e1y__19vp-apjA0jbuEsXv91LzJ8dU0XAWNCSFg_15kJqPfxjAyXl6W38nlL356LfVaxsY/s1600/2048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi07n3sWDSzOFSq9GEd6vSmnmS2qitL2nX3oErwZZbrkdX9mhpjk4AjWIyL_z7PIP0HjStR_e1y__19vp-apjA0jbuEsXv91LzJ8dU0XAWNCSFg_15kJqPfxjAyXl6W38nlL356LfVaxsY/s200/2048.JPG" width="200" /></a>It was 10 years ago today the deal to purchase what we have affectionately come to call "the palace" closed and we took a step in what has turned out to be quite an adventure! I can recall the anticipation and excitement we as a family felt. The building wasn't pretty, but we saw beyond the ugliness to the potential. We saw what others either didn't or couldn't see; we had ideas and dreams.....we saw the potential. As we proceeded to jump through the necessary hoops to make the 11,000 square foot building ours, we were met with challenges along the way, but our dreams outweighed them. When the listing agent advised that he was expecting an Offer from another buyer, we gathered the kids together to pray as a family and left the outcome to God. I don't know if the offer was ever made, but we never heard about it again.<br />
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We moved to Kemptville just prior to the Canada Day in 2002; I remember because my dad, sister Dawn and her kids were coming to spend the long weekend with us and the kids and I wanted to host them at the new place. Though I'm sure they thought we were crazy, they were gracious. I think dad said that there was a lot of work to do and Dawn was quiet as I toured them through room after room after room.....she was likely thinking "better Deb than me"! I on the other hand was flying high; I was excited and envisioning what would be rather than what was. It definitely marked the beginning of a faith journey for me; one that is far from over. <br />
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This past friday, April 27, marked the 3rd anniversary of the fire that started in the grass behind our palace on a warm, windy day. By the time the boys alerted me to it, there was nothing to do but call 911 and grab baby Tess from her crib. We've learned some things in the 10 years since we bought our palace.....things about ourselves and things about one another. I can't say that in the intervening time that has passed that I've never had a doubt or wished I were in a more comfortable place, but what I can say is that despite the difficulties and I would dare to say that because of the difficulties, we continue to choose to see beyond the ugliness to the potential that lies within our diamond in the rough.<br />
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-40380523072255000872012-03-02T14:48:00.000-05:002012-03-02T14:48:23.800-05:00Stories of Old<div style="text-align: justify;">
I decided this year that I wanted to read through the bible Chronologically and <a href="http://www.youversion.com/reading-plans/all">Youversion </a> has some great plans. I know we're just into March, but so far, so good. I've also been using Rhys Children's, Bible to read through with the boys; it's written in a kid friendly, kinda' comic book fashion and touches on the main stories. On most days, the boys are an avid audience and it's been interesting to hear their comments but I'm pretty sure; actually quite sure, that the whole exercise means more to their mother.</div>
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Admittedly, my eyes glaze over and my brain fogs when I reach those verses that lay out who begat who....but now that I'm done Job and almost all of Genesis I'm reminded again of how very.....human.....these people were. The great men and women of faith are, well, like us, and I find that hugely comforting. They didn't get it all right. They did stupid stuff. They doubted and complained and yet God's faithfulness wasn't, and isn`t, dependent on what they did, but on His plan to redeem His people. </div>
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Absolutely amazing.</div>
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We who call ourselves Christ followers all have our "fleeing Egypt" stories; that first feeling of sweet relief after being released from the years of slavery; can you remember that first taste of freedom when you accepted His gift, undeserved and freely given?</div>
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We've all come to our "Red Sea" moments when we've dared to look around at the mountains and and back at the pursuing army, and railed and complained.....actually wished we were back within our comfort zones, esconced in whatever held us captive. Maybe that's just me.......</div>
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What I've loved about reading again these historical events is that I find myself in there. I find myself and I see God.....and am reminded anew of His forgiveness, love, mercy and grace that know no end. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-62848010403587134602012-02-18T12:58:00.002-05:002012-02-18T13:00:46.133-05:00Life....a Spectator Sport?<br />
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On Boxing Day this year, we began our adventure to Florida. We don't fly, we drove; as a large family who enjoys going places, it's what we've always done. Our mantra: "part of the journey is in the getting there". True in road trips and true in life.<br />
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11 people (3 under the age of 8), 3 vehicles, 2 days.<br />
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You may not believe me if I tell you it was fun and I don't know that everyone who took part would agree, but for me there is something about the getting there that I enjoy. There's a mindset, a groove....and on this trip we had several vehicles and many drivers which provided us with lots of mobility. <br />
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Though the resort we were at shared one of Disney's boundaries, we didn't "do Disney". We wanted flexibility; wanted to enjoy what the resort offered, enjoy some family time as well as leave time and room for people to do their own thing. Brad and I sacrificed a morning and sat through one of those high pressure sales things....the reward? 4 free passes to Gatorland and the balance at a reduced cost. Kids had great fun. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6DwmsY7gKtO5jt-SpR629DOPsV0I44x4D9gAtvRJfwKLgteVbd3vcEcTnwe5-ljWIa7CHsFx1nYk9_fwaTz6qxzw-g5YzjE_3IsbnZ-i7r9JGlB_l0ToXwGISk2avGLIL054ioLjYeE/s1600/kids+at+petting+zoo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6DwmsY7gKtO5jt-SpR629DOPsV0I44x4D9gAtvRJfwKLgteVbd3vcEcTnwe5-ljWIa7CHsFx1nYk9_fwaTz6qxzw-g5YzjE_3IsbnZ-i7r9JGlB_l0ToXwGISk2avGLIL054ioLjYeE/s200/kids+at+petting+zoo.jpg" width="200" /></a>One afternoon Meg and I took Declan, Rhys and Tess to a petting zoo. I know...it's a long way to go to a petting zoo, but this one was on steroids. Lots of animals, some familiar and some not-so-much. They offered a hay ride, train ride and pony rides.....the kids even had an opportunity to milk a dairy cow and on our way out Declan, Rhys and Tess got to choose a stuffed toy! Tess and Rhys took advantage of any opportunity to go into the pens. Declan, however, wasn't as eager. He went with me into the sheep pen and he held a baby chick, but he wasn't near as excited as his younger siblings to meet the goats or chase chickens and ducks around despite encouragement from Meg and I. He told me he enjoyed watching and eventually we stopped suggesting he take part. He's got a quick mind and a wicked imagination, but when it comes to some things, he seems content to be a spectator. It bugged me.<br />
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I've done that.....not all the time, but all too often I've been content to observe as others live out their dreams, despite huge encouragement to the contrary. For a long time I believed.....me, myself and I.....that my role in life was to encourage and support others and though I want to be that person, it should not exclude me from pursuing my own dreams and passions. </div>
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Life is definately NOT a spectator sport.</div>
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<em>The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.</em> (John 10:10 ESV) </blockquote>
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You can check out our adventure in pictures here: <a href="http://www.tripcolor.com/user/2039/trip/6da0f049-4732-4266-a578-59b7969e0356?ref=nf#spot-59521">http://www.tripcolor.com/user/2039/trip/6da0f049-4732-4266-a578-59b7969e0356?ref=nf#spot-59521</a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHenLvCuEOL3jT1AWsgQY45CKBkBC5VwpbUOuAxiGnCzroGpvKDn27KevW2GaE1rzPnyghuYaWaOjiKd0T73zswme-jyiFKntPJIBLTfJuMUhQEu_jSibMcMdC5brMMVitLWqTeAyRGqk/s1600/front+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHenLvCuEOL3jT1AWsgQY45CKBkBC5VwpbUOuAxiGnCzroGpvKDn27KevW2GaE1rzPnyghuYaWaOjiKd0T73zswme-jyiFKntPJIBLTfJuMUhQEu_jSibMcMdC5brMMVitLWqTeAyRGqk/s200/front+invite.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHenLvCuEOL3jT1AWsgQY45CKBkBC5VwpbUOuAxiGnCzroGpvKDn27KevW2GaE1rzPnyghuYaWaOjiKd0T73zswme-jyiFKntPJIBLTfJuMUhQEu_jSibMcMdC5brMMVitLWqTeAyRGqk/s1600/front+invite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Perhaps</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">it's 'cause Valentine's Day was approaching.....or maybe it's 'cause of all the relationship conversation at church....or maybe it's because I have two boys getting married this summer!! Whatever the reason, I've been bombarded recently with memories of my own lovely, albeit brief, engagement and courtship to my sweetheart. We had met at the office; Brad was an associate at the law firm where I got my first job after graduating. I can remember the very first time I saw him. It was hunting season and he'd been off but came in one day for whatever reason and we were introduced. A few months later when his secretary went on mat leave, I took her place. Brad was easy and fun to work with and we got along very well; a great working relationship quickly became a friendship that equally as quickly was something.....more. We started dating in November of 1985 and it wasn't long before we knew that we would be married. Outside of work we spent hours sharing our dreams; talking about family and how many kids there would be (8 wasn't one of the numbers discussed) and in April of 1986, Brad proposed and I happily accepted. And the wedding date? June 21, just two months later. Ah, the joys of "small town", (Island) life! Wedding co-ordinators didn't exist. We were married in the church I'd grown up in, surrounded by our family and friends. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">It was a beautiful day; one I'll never forget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: x-small;">Brad and I had enjoyed writing to one another in those early days of discovering that we were in love. On the morning of the wedding, while we girls were having photos taken at our home, a wee parcel arrived for me from my beloved, with a letter:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mo6uXgJDsYwWzI9oWDkBEz0-pwHZ68CMPpbYZccVQVuRdfPtNrp2PqBqhxZIYVZW6AYrgWAfMcjIsFLOMwGKQjLI8pH4zj_0OtCO9JigTkN7BLrIW3TRNfE9FrRut7K8FSijMUO2rr8/s1600/from+Brad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4mo6uXgJDsYwWzI9oWDkBEz0-pwHZ68CMPpbYZccVQVuRdfPtNrp2PqBqhxZIYVZW6AYrgWAfMcjIsFLOMwGKQjLI8pH4zj_0OtCO9JigTkN7BLrIW3TRNfE9FrRut7K8FSijMUO2rr8/s640/from+Brad.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmvO1fG0-KlY0gIHfXhI_8NBq4OC6D1-Z_d-tTEfQsfxcgQXxzcsktLXtCQfpQVHibL-kIIA6cBCXBJ-RaA_BXHtZRvaeAsvZH7OVwYVhgMQoDRHMyG2CUVycL5Rr_sG0ah-uE8LS0iI/s1600/invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmvO1fG0-KlY0gIHfXhI_8NBq4OC6D1-Z_d-tTEfQsfxcgQXxzcsktLXtCQfpQVHibL-kIIA6cBCXBJ-RaA_BXHtZRvaeAsvZH7OVwYVhgMQoDRHMyG2CUVycL5Rr_sG0ah-uE8LS0iI/s200/invitation.jpg" width="200" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">And he's been there everyday since. Our life together has not always been romance and love letters, but the good times....the good times have far outweighed the difficult times and the difficult times (there were a few), have only served to bind us together, and to provide us with some great stories! True stories of God's forgiveness, his grace, his faithfulness and yes his favour in our lives. That's an ongoing story and as I recall what lies behind us, I look forward with great excitement to see what comes next!</span><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-89853354341304706882012-02-11T16:52:00.001-05:002012-02-11T16:55:10.006-05:00What the Grinch and I have in Common<br />
It's Saturday.<br />
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My house is a bit of a mess and I'm still in my pjs; aside from feeding people and going through pictures and memories, I haven't accomplished much at all. I've things in my head and on my heart. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24NmR21JrphM4owMsI5qgF51LMzKlM7fCmaKYe-jTPiYEPQL91H8ybwVR0RAF76W1GOxBEoLnJa8dbhfkJAK9XltO49R4Pjxy56qyTOgkXX2qBe9QBMiP3k555tfbrRjQiCdf3PvPkI/s1600/SAM_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24NmR21JrphM4owMsI5qgF51LMzKlM7fCmaKYe-jTPiYEPQL91H8ybwVR0RAF76W1GOxBEoLnJa8dbhfkJAK9XltO49R4Pjxy56qyTOgkXX2qBe9QBMiP3k555tfbrRjQiCdf3PvPkI/s1600/SAM_2007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD24NmR21JrphM4owMsI5qgF51LMzKlM7fCmaKYe-jTPiYEPQL91H8ybwVR0RAF76W1GOxBEoLnJa8dbhfkJAK9XltO49R4Pjxy56qyTOgkXX2qBe9QBMiP3k555tfbrRjQiCdf3PvPkI/s200/SAM_2007.JPG" width="150" /></a>Noah was here early this morning; it is rare that we see him without Casey but he was running an errand and didn't want her along......he had to pick up a surprise! This afternoon they arrived, together and engaged to be married! It's been quite a journey for them but they, and we, are ready for this next step and are celebrating with them. <br />
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Brad and I skyped with Cam this morning; so cool to be able to reach across the miles that separate us using technology! To see his face; to hear his voice.....it was good. His siblings all took the opportunity to chat and to tell him he is loved.....most definitely loved. We're looking forward to having him home for a break in a couple weeks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_R6V6e6_9jaVFHxHDssGsYntQfgK-sg5UD_FQLUJC-s9krB-GTOtO_RAQ7zSB1hgsdTnv03N6ubCwhfr_f8NVNmoZoFXhk7AYosT1w2LMTAgTl3IgbqQNonfn8IWni2vaSRrA5mAFWU/s1600/SAM_2008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU_R6V6e6_9jaVFHxHDssGsYntQfgK-sg5UD_FQLUJC-s9krB-GTOtO_RAQ7zSB1hgsdTnv03N6ubCwhfr_f8NVNmoZoFXhk7AYosT1w2LMTAgTl3IgbqQNonfn8IWni2vaSRrA5mAFWU/s200/SAM_2008.JPG" width="150" /></a>I had coffee with a friend on Wednesday; a new friend! We met at a Second Cup in the east end of Ottawa but it was packed so down the road to Starbucks we went. Not only did I get to spend time with a new friend over coffee, but Ben was working and when his shift was over I drove him home. He has a lot going on right now: waiting to hear from med schools and planning a wedding.....it's hard for him to wait, but he's waiting well. Despite our best laid plans, this life offers many unknowns and as his mom I have to remind myself that the best thing I can do is to continue to entrust him and his beautiful Buhle to God. Not always easy, but God is ever faithful.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNGlvTLovZ6R2wJXp66esnEZ0a77EFhbd51GTThjawQxvxE_h7wVCivkA-dUy_X14Pwd8r4Khyphenhyphenj3gC4ETnLm3sILqluZVangQ6OjitupesAm8AEuM_9qdWyiVK8IZgNgSktC-j5eEUec/s1600/IMG_0525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNGlvTLovZ6R2wJXp66esnEZ0a77EFhbd51GTThjawQxvxE_h7wVCivkA-dUy_X14Pwd8r4Khyphenhyphenj3gC4ETnLm3sILqluZVangQ6OjitupesAm8AEuM_9qdWyiVK8IZgNgSktC-j5eEUec/s200/IMG_0525.JPG" width="150" /></a> </div>
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Meagan is heading out shortly to attend a bachelorette party; not only does she have two brothers getting married, but two friends as well, which has kept her busy with pre-wedding parties for weeks now! I longed for her before I ever knew I was expecting her and loved her before we met; she is beautiful, both inside and out. It will take a very special man to capture her attention and heart. She is quiet and strong; adventurous, yet prefers to be behind the scenes. She gives of herself daily to God, her family and her work. She is beautiful, both inside and out.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNt7kA7nuK3Dx9mCaHJVid31mRxW1edwTo3_sup6yz6_G9lP6ejDKOC-MId_k90fB_VlO5KvuzW1crprOtSBdCDnS9hXmdGX7pd-7OqNM3BHmHHTycYfeyRZ9A1PqDxbCij5olGyTppOU/s1600/00513+St.+Michael+C.H.S.+-+Carleigh+Allison+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNt7kA7nuK3Dx9mCaHJVid31mRxW1edwTo3_sup6yz6_G9lP6ejDKOC-MId_k90fB_VlO5KvuzW1crprOtSBdCDnS9hXmdGX7pd-7OqNM3BHmHHTycYfeyRZ9A1PqDxbCij5olGyTppOU/s200/00513+St.+Michael+C.H.S.+-+Carleigh+Allison+001.jpg" width="148" /></a><br />
Carleigh is in her last semester of highschool and actually home today! She too is waiting to hear back from Universities and, I expect, will be off to the school of her choice come September. As Meagan was to her, so she is to her younger siblings and Declan and Rhys will miss her, but the one she fondly refers to as "mini me" will especially. <br />
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It wasn't that long ago........<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhnfF-ED58V_zEVrGgeuvLHASJ4Aj3w0faG-DzlUfQNy-xio4g57yUIXhME3XZYkOE3WTvhNsgcWeGcoikmNYiB0Qpp_-3fmw3A_DNpiTiVgDFj7qe12jjIJ776NniRG99Tlv46y7HJk/s1600/baby+Meg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyhnfF-ED58V_zEVrGgeuvLHASJ4Aj3w0faG-DzlUfQNy-xio4g57yUIXhME3XZYkOE3WTvhNsgcWeGcoikmNYiB0Qpp_-3fmw3A_DNpiTiVgDFj7qe12jjIJ776NniRG99Tlv46y7HJk/s200/baby+Meg.jpg" width="181" /></a>I remember awaiting the arrival of our first baby; such anticipation! We didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl, but long before Meagan Rae arrived we were in love.....and have been ever since. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVf5da7A_9hTPNE8QPycPuampsck3SB9gUKWSIWayrT8EQyOPcBfOuCC8UhrVGm9Qbe-Sjh9__Yarcquhp7FpkzGC9xbDpQnXOJMAMp8sxTfZFLwsYFIPUUeMV6bKD0iSqBMBGXplc-aM/s1600/20120211_113725+(400x378).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVf5da7A_9hTPNE8QPycPuampsck3SB9gUKWSIWayrT8EQyOPcBfOuCC8UhrVGm9Qbe-Sjh9__Yarcquhp7FpkzGC9xbDpQnXOJMAMp8sxTfZFLwsYFIPUUeMV6bKD0iSqBMBGXplc-aM/s200/20120211_113725+(400x378).jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji48sRJ90r5n2TUqp5Cj9tMXObRUx4nqvMZOZRFcWz6kAJTg7R8ZiURAcJ3uzfN_LNBw-Kg5_sQLwy7q534yukdK0y1n7YYNdHCYfgoJ-HmsW76mCB5CAxTqZQm69szr1c4zvOPALc3Tg/s1600/Meg+and+Ben.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji48sRJ90r5n2TUqp5Cj9tMXObRUx4nqvMZOZRFcWz6kAJTg7R8ZiURAcJ3uzfN_LNBw-Kg5_sQLwy7q534yukdK0y1n7YYNdHCYfgoJ-HmsW76mCB5CAxTqZQm69szr1c4zvOPALc3Tg/s200/Meg+and+Ben.JPG" width="193" /></a>As a new mom, it was hard to imagine ever loving another human being as much......as it turned out, Brad and I didn't have to wait terribly long to find out if we could, 'cause before we celebrated Meagan's 2nd birthday, we welcomed Benjamin James into our hearts. When my gran was still with us, Meagan and Ben couldn`t be in the same room without her telling whoever was within ear shot about how Meagan had been such a beautiful baby.....and her concern about how this next one was ever going to hold a candle to his or her big sister! When she saw Benjamin she knew that boy would have no problem holding his own. Benjamin was not only a beautiful baby, but he was as close to perfect as any baby ever was and with his arrival I learned that I didn't have to share my love; there was just.....more.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3_wToGKEzcVRed1QpGvTCiX-msd_k6k5X7XAQa0SiUjWhOkyqrNMBH5yxq166H0ih4mRqxtOGG9K4Gduy5129xymwyB4RKG2WqWASfozdx7RI9oMzTHU5CD5sigDJ1HGtxj1HFWWJPk/s1600/20120211_115128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3_wToGKEzcVRed1QpGvTCiX-msd_k6k5X7XAQa0SiUjWhOkyqrNMBH5yxq166H0ih4mRqxtOGG9K4Gduy5129xymwyB4RKG2WqWASfozdx7RI9oMzTHU5CD5sigDJ1HGtxj1HFWWJPk/s200/20120211_115128.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3_wToGKEzcVRed1QpGvTCiX-msd_k6k5X7XAQa0SiUjWhOkyqrNMBH5yxq166H0ih4mRqxtOGG9K4Gduy5129xymwyB4RKG2WqWASfozdx7RI9oMzTHU5CD5sigDJ1HGtxj1HFWWJPk/s1600/20120211_115128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3_wToGKEzcVRed1QpGvTCiX-msd_k6k5X7XAQa0SiUjWhOkyqrNMBH5yxq166H0ih4mRqxtOGG9K4Gduy5129xymwyB4RKG2WqWASfozdx7RI9oMzTHU5CD5sigDJ1HGtxj1HFWWJPk/s1600/20120211_115128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>Just under 18 months later, along came our Noah with his cherubic face and twinkling, mischievous eyes. Once he started smiling, he never stopped. He would smile through most anything, which is incredibly annoying when you're disciplining him, but there were other times.....more than I can remember, when his smile made his mama's day better.<br />
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Campbell came next, all 10lb 12oz of him. He was big and beautiful and exuberant, yet had an "old soul" and the most generous heart. After the birth of #4 was the first time I wondered if our family was complete, but I didn't feel done. It wasn't until I learned we were expecting #5 that I knew this baby would be our last. </div>
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Carleigh MacKenzie arrived on Remembrance Day, 1994; another beautiful baby girl to help balance out all that testosterone and the long-awaited, much prayed-for sister for Meagan. The family was complete; we were a "millionaire's" family a couple times over and I was done. Though we were still living on Manitoulin, we had Carleigh in the Sault 'cause mama was having a 'lil post-birth surgery. Our home, and hearts, were full. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQrh3AXTjCLwSsvuwtUfkD4ouvlItdk_LBhjVDbHZhSoDQMtSBH7BtotAqIiBgk3DX5BuwR0A3op1wZzJGQBrUpYvlurHQKIyIUKw_6q71cwb1gnI92g2QpNqiEuUrFdR_Rm5KmLcMAk/s1600/IMG_0034%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQrh3AXTjCLwSsvuwtUfkD4ouvlItdk_LBhjVDbHZhSoDQMtSBH7BtotAqIiBgk3DX5BuwR0A3op1wZzJGQBrUpYvlurHQKIyIUKw_6q71cwb1gnI92g2QpNqiEuUrFdR_Rm5KmLcMAk/s200/IMG_0034%5B1%5D.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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Well anybody who knows us knows I changed my mind; it is, after all, a woman's perogative. That is an entirely different story, one better left to another day. I will say, though, that God heard not only my prayer for more, but Carleigh's, and He answered.....abundantly.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Q0B3lGs4eF-4P236DZCWUwLt77GRTTkC_SUyLmBAj4Zow0wAokR6iDJdnUIhnBlBLL6CBrVKUJFrcubLix1yZUJX-Bb4uzoybRBEa5JcC2sGgzjqgQ38qOfTWRECwcxPVTq8HvtA5p0/s1600/heart+growing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Q0B3lGs4eF-4P236DZCWUwLt77GRTTkC_SUyLmBAj4Zow0wAokR6iDJdnUIhnBlBLL6CBrVKUJFrcubLix1yZUJX-Bb4uzoybRBEa5JcC2sGgzjqgQ38qOfTWRECwcxPVTq8HvtA5p0/s200/heart+growing.jpg" width="200" /></a> </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Love</span>, real love, doesn't subtract or divide; it adds and multiplies and makes room for more; for so much more......and so I say I'm like the grinch 'cause I'm sure my heart is AT LEAST three times what it used to be.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9h08mqMIfLBr21bzjT_wIVJOVS4uD1KKUL4KDC1wsh0vigjFTHMnymM8qXNQW_1LRDgfKcb62Fll_FuzjMCphMvrzvCdzvfvjWm5C7SVtr49i6zDi5zSzu2LjbqnVZWp-r03FbLt-0k/s1600/Marissa+and+Tess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9h08mqMIfLBr21bzjT_wIVJOVS4uD1KKUL4KDC1wsh0vigjFTHMnymM8qXNQW_1LRDgfKcb62Fll_FuzjMCphMvrzvCdzvfvjWm5C7SVtr49i6zDi5zSzu2LjbqnVZWp-r03FbLt-0k/s200/Marissa+and+Tess.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wEQD4CCF4Ws9E4oSXp79gI6t-Xq7QL1Epjv2oMaZCe3tpac6IS1CVUpzwFGOE8XJMOWJcsHd2V4S839dVMarYUVi60air4MJJqYEoEirBVrPIrXkmFt3ya6nDyVuETjw-X_tEIWPU7M/s1600/Alex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6wEQD4CCF4Ws9E4oSXp79gI6t-Xq7QL1Epjv2oMaZCe3tpac6IS1CVUpzwFGOE8XJMOWJcsHd2V4S839dVMarYUVi60air4MJJqYEoEirBVrPIrXkmFt3ya6nDyVuETjw-X_tEIWPU7M/s200/Alex.jpg" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
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Alex and Marissa aren't mine biologically, but they are a special part of our lives and I love them. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-44928786786677354232012-02-06T21:10:00.000-05:002012-02-06T21:10:45.385-05:00Grumpy mom and grace<div style="text-align: justify;">
This past weekend was one of celebration for us; Saturday was Ben and Buhle's engagement party as well as Tess' 4th birthday, which we all gathered to celebrate on Sunday. I was happy to crawl into bed a bit early and awoke around 4 a.m., sweating. It could have been the hormones, but more likely it was because the little blonde one had crawled inbetween her dad and I and we were jammed. I carried her back to her bed.....and after a couple more visits didn't see her again until morning.....which was later than usual for me 'cause of the interuption! So I had a late start, did the breakfast thing and then went directly into school stuff with the boys in the moning followed by office stuff in the afternoon. I spent most of my day in my pjs waiting for enough hot water to shower and had a good grump on by bed time. Mostly tired, but I was dragging around some stuff too. I tried to pawn off tucking the kids in and realized it was 'cause I didn't want to pray with them. Well it didn't work.</div>
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Oh snap.</div>
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I was a wee bit watery-eyed when I went in. I got down on my knees beside the bottom bunk and laid my head on Tess' tummy....Dec was quiet; he figured mom was mad at them. Rhys asked what was wrong and I told him I was just tired and grumpy. Tess rubbed my head and told me how much she loved me....and then Rhyser prayed; he prays in a whisper voice to "God, Jesus and Holy Spirit". I love listening to him; he told them each much he loved them.....and his mom. </div>
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The love of a child....there is little else on this earth that comes closer to the unconditional love that God shows us. They don't count the number of times I raised my voice today. They didn't have to agonize over whether or not they were gonna forgive me, they just do.</div>
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When I grow up, I wanna be just like them.</div>
<strong><em></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><blockquote class="tr_bq">
But Jesus said, <span class="woj">“Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.”</span> Matthew 19:14</blockquote>
</em></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-91887598688578533282012-01-24T21:42:00.004-05:002012-01-24T21:44:44.491-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span><span style="font-size: large;">was</span> texting with Cam this morning; he's heading off on a Men's Retreat this weekend and asked me to help get him registered. I was pleased to see that the retreat was being held at </span><a href="http://www.intervarsity.org/cedar/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Cedar Campus</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">; Brad introduced me to this place many years when we had the priviledge of attending as camp counsellors together. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the course of our conversation, I asked Cam how he was doing; asked him a couple times and after a lengthy pause he answered. He's been fighting (in a spiritual sense) and he's tired...... There have been times when one or the other of my children have come to me, laden with one weight or another.....sometimes I've been in a place myself where I just felt overwhelmed by my own stuff and panic. Other times I've tried to just deal with it on my own strength. What was so cool today was that I found myself in a place where I was able to encourage Cam to "faint not". (Okay, I didn't say "faint not!" .....that just came to me and I thought it sounded cool. Call it creative license.)I know what it's like to feel weary and overwhelmed and like I'm in a fog.....I think when we're honest we all have those times but that's one of the really cool things about being part of something larger than ourselves.</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.</em></strong> 2 Cor 1:4 (NLT)</span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So we talked. There was no stumbling or bumbling about for words.....those just came and not just words, but truth. When we were done, I didn't feel anxious or panicked or burdened about what my boy was experiencing.....I felt at peace. Rather than keep it to myself, which is my tendency, I called a friend and we stood in agreement and prayed for my boy. It was AWESOME; not a word I use lightly. So simple, yet so wonderful. I'm excited to see what God has in store for Cam this weekend! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This was happening over the course of the morning; I`d been working with Rhys and then was making Swiss Steak for supper. Ever had it? It's a great way to use a cheaper cut of steak. I floured the counter and was using the edge of a plate to pound the meat when Alex happened by.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"You know it's dead" she said, and we both chucked. She's just too funny...... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I love a good analogy and as I was pounding away, I was mindful of my conversation with Cam. I explained the process to Alex; once I'd pounded the meat to my satisfaction, I would fry it so it was nicely browned, season it, toss in a couple sliced onions and a can of tomatoes and then cook it long and low for the afternoon. The result? Meat so tender it falls apart when you touch it. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></div>
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<em>For you know that when your <strong>faith is tested,</strong> your endurance has a<strong> chance to grow. So let it grow,</strong> for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.</em> James 1 2 - 4</blockquote>
</span><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<iframe frameborder="0" height="0" id="stSegmentFrame" name="stSegmentFrame" scrolling="no" src="http://seg.sharethis.com/getSegment.php?purl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D6273170981997400083&jsref=&rnd=1327464671639" style="display: none;" width="0"></iframe></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-12598198505847221712012-01-21T17:10:00.003-05:002012-01-21T17:10:45.197-05:00Stinkin' Thinkin'<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I'm sitting with Rhys a few mornings ago and he's writing out his alphabet. Sounds simple, eh? He knows his alphabet and knows the sounds each letter makes but he struggles with recognizing some of the letters and writing the alphabet out takes him a while. So while he's doing it, I'm sitting there beside him, trying to spur him on but I`m noticing that <em>everything </em>coming out of the boy's mouth is negative. <em><strong>Everything</strong>.</em> He wasn't just whining about having to do it, he is saying stuff that was just....wrong! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LGFEvRdgWFhLvBLuSHUajor60FcR_AFMURN774AEAko68fb0LJxqNTZaOkQNkvKCmT9RVKlG1fuQsH3XRkcZvrQm2AzBmumQsxJZ39WniBc7R5gXF7eTd-dKAeGBSBJhGuja3MuIK_4/s1600/Eyore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LGFEvRdgWFhLvBLuSHUajor60FcR_AFMURN774AEAko68fb0LJxqNTZaOkQNkvKCmT9RVKlG1fuQsH3XRkcZvrQm2AzBmumQsxJZ39WniBc7R5gXF7eTd-dKAeGBSBJhGuja3MuIK_4/s200/Eyore.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
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Though it wasn`t the first time he's complained about having to do school work (an academic he isn`t) and it wasn't the first time he's spoken negatively about himself (we call him Eyore) the effect it had on me was a first and I felt.....helpless. I didn`t know what to do. I knew I couldn`t do what I usually did and so I started to write:</div>
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"God, I see myself in Rhys. The frustration and negativity. The self-deprecation to the point where he doesn`t even want to try. He`s lying to himself....but when he's encouraged, he beams!......He needs me; he needs me to encourage him.... He needs me to build him up......Thank you, Father; thank you for eyes to see. Help me to speak life."</div>
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Sometimes as a mom, God gives me one of those "teaching moments"; I love that. More often as a mom, God has given me "student moments". Opportunities when He is showing me, reminding me of things that I am talking to one of the kids about. In the past few weeks, I have watched as my children have shown courage, discipline, love, loyalty, forgiveness....to people in their sphere of influence, of which I am one, and I have been challenged to my core. </div>
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While I'm writing, I'm crying. I turn to my boy and say "Rhys, you're lying to yourself honey....don't believe those lies. You are not stupid. You are not an idiot. You are a smart boy and you do like to learn. I see you smile when you read; I see you smile, Rhys. Sometimes it's hard, yes, but it is worth it honey. It's hard now, yes, but you can do it, Rhys, and it will have been worth it!"</div>
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I don't know if I've communicated this well at all, but it was like someone flicked a switch; not only in my head (or more correctly in my thinking) but in my son and the little boy who was spouting such.....crap.....barrelled through his Word Building and then was on to his math, alternating between telling me how easy it was, and how much he loved me. </div>
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"Can we do more, mom?" </div>
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Yes Rhys; we can do more. There is always more.<br />
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<strong><em>And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, </em></strong><strong><em>and </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. </em></strong></div>
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<strong><em>Phil 4:8 NLT</em></strong></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-89353233920177296242012-01-13T15:28:00.004-05:002012-01-13T15:28:36.951-05:00Everyday, Ordinary.....Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq4TRzgoNi4GsNfmsNCnAhoBudsc3wLYvLbJcdgoEooSJvzY7_ikIA5ZGy_9aXbIjjFnQrpOJCJvKqdIHy2fj_prIkeS2KDEqGLS-3KAbBeSRhjeLN7a1zfWtJXXzSNEob6ms5HvAFDE/s1600/075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQq4TRzgoNi4GsNfmsNCnAhoBudsc3wLYvLbJcdgoEooSJvzY7_ikIA5ZGy_9aXbIjjFnQrpOJCJvKqdIHy2fj_prIkeS2KDEqGLS-3KAbBeSRhjeLN7a1zfWtJXXzSNEob6ms5HvAFDE/s200/075.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This morning I was working with Rhys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s such a sweet boy and I love him to
distraction however he does have a couple annoying little quirks. Though I'm quite sure
that as he matures, these things will work for him rather than against him, right now they are mostly a huge pain in
my patootie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(I didn’t think that was a
work, but whad’ya know, I found it here: </span><a href="http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=patootie"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=patootie</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Rhys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sensitive,
caring, loving….and one of the best little kissers in this world! This is the boy that tells Jesus he loves him "more than gold".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is also the boy who lives to be
entertained; by the tv, the computer, xbox, smart phone, kindle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You name the electronic device, he’s
played on it or watched someone play on it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From the moment his eyes open at approximately 6 a.m. until the moment his sweet head
touches his pillow, he’s pestering somebody to let him play, watch, play
while watching or watch while playing…..you get the idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
not just that he enjoys doing these things, but he is persistent beyond belief
when he asks to do these things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Drives
me crazy BUT I’m SURE that as he matures, his perseverance will pay off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though I wouldn’t wish a sales
position on anybody, people would say yes to Rhys just to get rid of him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He actually talked his sister into paying him
the other day, just so he’d be quiet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
an entrepreneur.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">The other little thing that irks me is his ability to not
remember anything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At least, that’s what
he’d love for me to believe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particularly irksome habit arose
this morning while we were working on math.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’s learned what we call the “buddies” of 10….1 and 9, 2 and 8, 3 and 7….and so on.
I was showing him how he can use his buddies when he’s subtracting and one number is greater than 10, but less than 20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not sure why I’m going into such detail
here but bear with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So for 2 pages I
go over 3 steps with him, and he gets the answers right virtually every time,
but when I ask him to do one by himself, he can't. When I tell remind him to use the three steps, his response is<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“I forget”.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m 46 years old and pre-menopausal; I work from home
with my husband, a defence lawyer, and our beautiful daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were blessed to have 8 children, the oldest, Meagan, is almost 25
and the youngest, Tess, is almost 4 (but thinks she’s almost 25) and I home school the 6
and 7 year old boys. It's a busy house and by the end of the day, this mama's tired. Aside from that, I do
recognize that my patience is not what it once was and can run thin at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This morning was one of those times and as I
walked away from my sweet boy, I suggested to him, strongly, that he could sit there all day until he finished the
math.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, that doesn’t really work
with Rhys…..'cause he has no problem just sitting there and that's exactly what he did.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Flummoxed, I sat down and looked at him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“What do you mean, you forget.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ve gone over and over this, Rhys; it’s
three steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can you not remember
three steps?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to think, ya know;
you don’t just sit there and hope the answer drops into your lap…..you have to
think about what you’re doing”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then it hit me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s me…..I do that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I repeat, often without thought, the same stupid
things over and over and over again. Bad choices resulting in bad behaviour and often consequences that I hadn't thought of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
that moment I could only imagine what must be God’s frustration. He’s obviously
not pleased with me. I thought about how it must hurt him deeply.....and yet it doesn't keep him away. Rather than feel God's frustration or his condemnation, as his daughter I only know his patience, forgiveness and grace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I struggle away from him for a time, but when I turn and look for his help, He’s there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And so was Rhys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Right there, just asking for a little more help and the least; the very
least I could do for this sweet boy that I love beyond distraction, is to give
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Romans 12: 1, 2 <em>The Message</em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small; mso-spacerun: yes;"><em><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 So here's what I want you to do, God helping you; Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life- and place it before God as an offering.</span><strong> Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> 2</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it</span> <strong>without even thinking,<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Instead</span>, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed form the inside out.</strong> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.</span></em></span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><em></em></span></blockquote>
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-84985032621245925982012-01-12T19:15:00.000-05:002012-01-12T19:15:05.489-05:00Stuck<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MgubqK20IP_9OK7nK8FkqXb-vmHekKzBc2HBaA98JUwLwAh8ekzfqLtxW4HUnj-u3_fTAD_q9aRNaQGNww5FrkAZct6aDf0DAZ2E1UvOqEBgamk133BA2DPC9RNC5COpmX25rX5tQFs/s1600/stuck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9MgubqK20IP_9OK7nK8FkqXb-vmHekKzBc2HBaA98JUwLwAh8ekzfqLtxW4HUnj-u3_fTAD_q9aRNaQGNww5FrkAZct6aDf0DAZ2E1UvOqEBgamk133BA2DPC9RNC5COpmX25rX5tQFs/s320/stuck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">I’ve been stuck. </span><span style="font-size: 85%;">Call it a rut, call it negative thinking, fear.....call it sin. In as much as my desire is to live in relationship with God and others honestly, I find I have worked myself into a corner where I am anything but honest. Here I hold people at arm’s length. In this place, my life revolves around me, rather than others. In this place I make bad choices and live with a victim mentality and I take steps backward rather than press on. I can relate at a certain level, but not at the level that I want to. Not at the level that </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">want to. Not at the level that I know God wants me to.<br /><br />I’ve been challenged, encouraged and convicted recently. I have had several people who have made themselves vulnerable to me and opened up and shared their ugly. I count that a privilege....truly. It isn’t easy to let someone into the midst of your mess and I deeply admire those who can be transparent with someone. Not only do I want to be willing to hearing those who come to me, I want to open myself and be honest with those I'm in relationship with, too.<br /><br />Recently Cam shared with us from his own experience. That took a lot of courage and as I listened to him I had to tell the mother side of my head to be quiet and just listen. What he said challenged me, and I have told him so. He was shown something and rather than deny it, he acknowledged it for what it was. His experience has drawn him closer to God and he has made himself accountable to those who he knows will be both supportive and unafraid to challenge him.<br /><br />After Rhys was born, I was dealing with what I thought was postpartum depression and it may well have been, however there was a lot going on in our lives at the time.....but when I found myself with my back against the wall, I made a decision and chose to use the opportunity to be honest, not just with myself, but with those I was in relationship with.<br /><br />Every once in a while I get an email from Dr. Larry Crabb; a well known psychologist. I received one of those emails this morning; this paragraph grabbed me:<br /> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">"For many Christians, denial has become a habit. Chronic denial as a means of coping leads to a stiffness and rigidity that may for a time masquerade as emotional stability. People who are neither excitable nor moody can look very spiritual. The evidence of their immaturity is unmistakable, however; people who deny how they really feel typically are unable to enter and touch another person's life deeply. Because they have sealed off deep parts within themselves, they can neither discern nor properly deal with deep parts in others."<br /></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">That's not the person I want to be.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">I was encouraged this Christmas, as I have been for a few years now, to make time to write. Despite that encouragement, over the past few years I’ve actually written less and it got me to wondering why. When I started back in 2007 trying to be intentional about it, I did it for me. I found it cathartic; if someone else benefited in some way, great, but that wasn’t my focus. It wasn’t always easy trying to communicate my thoughts, but I always felt better after I had done it. I liken the experience to the Psalms.....particularly those written by David. In many of them he starts out complaining, and “woe is me” but by the end , his focus has changed from himself to his God. As time went on, I think there was a shift and I spent more time focused on what others thought of what I wrote. I was looking for the pat on the head and rather than open myself up to what I perceived to be rejection, I just stopped writing.....after all, I’m busy. Busy, busy, busy. I would love to get to a place where people’s opinions matter not, but I’ve a ways to go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 85%;">In our house, we often acknowledge our human state to be like “twisted pieces of human wreckage” BUT no matter how twisted I am, God loves me and on the days when I don’t understand why, I will choose by faith to accept that he does. </span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-17952104577326208772012-01-11T14:47:00.003-05:002012-01-11T16:31:29.224-05:00My Goal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_skKvgeNsHsZ2dJb7AOC9srQrP-qMHIKiTHc2-4_1-7WyKuSY-lZA1x9CGL_SCrVrea3BWd4atu9GkEmk8aMcBBp4sk3mUcbS6L7vrXegSUQ_DLHF0ce0SxD0BZ5HA9ygQ2pCD_lgzs/s1600/empty+place+2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696490179908093842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-_skKvgeNsHsZ2dJb7AOC9srQrP-qMHIKiTHc2-4_1-7WyKuSY-lZA1x9CGL_SCrVrea3BWd4atu9GkEmk8aMcBBp4sk3mUcbS6L7vrXegSUQ_DLHF0ce0SxD0BZ5HA9ygQ2pCD_lgzs/s200/empty+place+2.jpg" /></a><br /><div><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">I homeschool Declan (7) and Rhys (6). Please don't confuse what I do with what many home schooling mom's do; I simply order material from ACE in the States and supervise....most days. I struggle to be consistent and some days wonder if I'm doing them any favours at all.....then I remember doing the same thing with my eldest 3 and they did just great. </span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">Anyway, the beginning of each new PACE starts with "My Goal". It's good to have a goal but despite knowing that, I've not been great at making goals. Meaningful ones. I am a "fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants" kind of gal and that serves me well much of the time and explains why I'm still sane but in the past few weeks I've been thinking I need to change that. If you feel a sudden draft, it's because my husband and children are collectively breathing a sigh of relief. </span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">So, I'm working on breaking some old habits (ugh) and replacing them with new ones, trying not to do too much at once so that I have half a hope of actually seeing some real change. Earlier this week I read Isaiah 58....and read it again. It's a great chapter with lots in it, and there were a few things that stuck out and then I read it again using The Message and something leapt off the page: </span></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;">8 Do this and the lights will turn on, and your lives will turn around at once. Your righteousness will pave your way. The God of glory will secure your passage. 9 Then when you pray, God will answer. You'll call out for help and I'll say, 'Here I am.' A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places. </span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><strong><em>A Full Life in the Emptiest of Places.</em></strong> I love that.</span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">So how do I achieve this lofty goal? </span></span></span></span></p><p align="justify"><span style="font-size:85%;"> "If you get rid of unfair practices, quit blaming victims, quit gossiping about other people's sins, 10 If you are generous with the hungry and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out, Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness, your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight. 11 I will always show you where to go. I'll give you a full life in the emptiest of places - firm muscles, strong bones. You'll be like a well-watered garden, a gurgling spring that never runs dry. 12 You'll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew, rebuild the foundations from out of your past. You'll be known as those who can fix anything, restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate, make the community livable again. </span><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><blockquote> </blockquote><p></p></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span></p><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:85%;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-12695373764953879602011-07-18T08:50:00.007-04:002011-07-18T09:38:57.803-04:00StormsIt came in quickly last evening......it wasn't the first time we had a front row seat as the sky darkened and the winds picked up and blew the front door open! I love a good storm; always have. As a kid, I loved listening to the rain on our steel roof; loved sleeping in the tent trailer and listening to the rain hit the canvass and I LOVE the natural light show. Last evening I watched as the wind create "white caps" on the usually quiet river. Boats that had been caught playing headed for home.<br /><br />Declan, Rhys and Tess were on the one hand curious and on the other hand nervous. Between Dec's comments of "wow, look at that", I could hear Rhys' more quiet "mom, I'm scared". With the way the trees were being whipped about, I didn't want them standing in front of the picture window, so I herded them into the bedroom where Brad was channel surfing.....I think we do more channel surfing than watching t.v....but again, I digress. Carleigh had been away in Toronto for the weekend with Saxon and I had to go and get her at the Fallowfield Station. It hadn't started raining hard...yet, but the wind had blown the recycling down the stairs and so I made my way gingerly, avoiding the broken pickle jar. The wind was still whipping, and there were branches strewn about the yard.<br /><br />As I drove, the evidence of the storm lay everywhere; branches of varying sizes lay broken where they fell, garbage put out that evening was blowing around freely. Once I turned on Rideau Valley, two fire trucks coming from Manotick drove past in a big hurry......I silently prayed. Not a great time for a fire; never a great time for a fire.<br /><br />In Manotick I could see pieces of white stuff on the road and thought at first it was hail. Soon enough I realized it was styrofoam that had been blown and beaten into submission and had come to settle beneath the back end of a truck. The streets were quiet, except for cars that were hastening home. I made it without incident to Fallowfield....hummed a few bars of "I See the train a comin'" by <span style="font-style: italic;">Johnny Cash, </span>retrieved my daughter and went home. It didn't take long to clean up the errant recycling, taking care of the broken glass. I made a few frogs nervous.<br /><br />I got in the house, dried and changed and was walking through the living room to the kitchen when I looked out at the river. The trees weren't blowing, but looked weary and bent from their battering.....they looked as though they were mourning the loss of their broken friends. The once white-capped river seemed abnormally calm. Almost as though there had been no disturbance at all.<br /><br />This morning the duck family was out front here, making the most of what I imagine the wind had churned up from the bottom of the river. I'm no expert at what happens to a river during a storm, but it makes sense to me that the wind that blew so fiercely last evening, enough to create white caps on this lazy river, was enough to bring some good stuff to the surface! It made me think of the storms that hit our life. Almost always they come as a surprise and seem to bring such ferocity with them; I can only speak for myself, but anxiousness ensues, frantic prayers.....and yes sometimes "why me". Somewhere in that midst of all my frazzled feelings comes a thought; a reminder from where my help comes. The storm may have taken me by surprise, but it never takes my Lord by surprise. <br /><br /><blockquote> <sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-13887">1-2</sup> I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains?<br /> No, my strength comes from God,<br /> who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.<br /><br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-13888">3-4</sup> He won't let you stumble,<br /> your Guardian God won't fall asleep.<br /> Not on your life! Israel's<br /> Guardian will never doze or sleep.<br /><br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-13889">5-6</sup> God's your Guardian,<br /> right at your side to protect you—<br /> Shielding you from sunstroke,<br /> sheltering you from moonstroke.<br /><br /><sup class="versenum" id="en-MSG-13890">7-8</sup> <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> guards you from every evil,<br /> he guards your very life.<br /> He guards you when you leave and when you return,<br /> he guards you now, he guards you always. Psalm 121<br /><br /></blockquote><br />Panic, pruning, praise.......peace.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-24664850406870954622011-07-09T09:49:00.005-04:002011-07-09T09:59:29.052-04:00Home is.....<div id="ms__id490"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I started writing this particular post about 2 years ago, but for whatever reason, never posted it. So, I edited it, provided an update and posted it.....but it didn't post at today's date. So, I'm giving 'er another whirl!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I try not to focus on the fact that we're not at <em>"home"; </em>most days I'm successful. When we were </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWm34k5AbveRJ5XyA0-bd_QAvrQoSqhJn7_QMDvKAUsNxAQnndliMK8Rfqax4Q76P-j9Tu19VYOAprHHibTz52OVAOu1k6Q7EIHBhfezKY2R9YGb21a6UoG_xk4kwbezxrqGZjXLac0I/s1600-h/home+is+where+the+heart+is.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 274px; float: left; height: 208px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354257697651939122" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWm34k5AbveRJ5XyA0-bd_QAvrQoSqhJn7_QMDvKAUsNxAQnndliMK8Rfqax4Q76P-j9Tu19VYOAprHHibTz52OVAOu1k6Q7EIHBhfezKY2R9YGb21a6UoG_xk4kwbezxrqGZjXLac0I/s400/home+is+where+the+heart+is.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">offered the use of the mobile home, we thought (hoped??) that our stay would be temporary - a couple weeks; sort of like an unplanned vacation. We had a service man in to take a look at the furnace when we first got there just days following the fire and in the course of our conversation he asked whether we'd be here come winter. I pretty quickly responded in the negative. That wasn't the plan.....</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. winter seemed such a long way off in April but what seemed a long way off then, doesn't seem far enough away now.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;" id="ms__id311"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">My prayer and goal is to get back into the south wing of our place before winter and I am hopeful that will happen. However, our plans are largely dependent on circumstances that are beyond our control. In order to avoid future disappointment, I have to manage my expectations now. I have to be content and prepared to stay here for as long as that is required. It's in that regard I can learn a thing or two from my youngest children.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;" id="ms__id483">We are told that children are "a heritage, a gift or a blessing" given to us so that we might trai<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuBsY7JdyEZpWv-y0AV41CJFpUKQoFxPasOzpdt88LWUdI_oPqn2lHuEKo7ORQJI9ZNN7hbS17Hiw3AuV80H3oW0f-s5eOylsJtsx3v2jgfuir1lNgbGux7mEHFfbh987qsZFmpLZxkg/s1600-h/SUC57805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; float: right; height: 150px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354250804734514290" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuBsY7JdyEZpWv-y0AV41CJFpUKQoFxPasOzpdt88LWUdI_oPqn2lHuEKo7ORQJI9ZNN7hbS17Hiw3AuV80H3oW0f-s5eOylsJtsx3v2jgfuir1lNgbGux7mEHFfbh987qsZFmpLZxkg/s200/SUC57805.JPG" border="0" /></a>n them up in the way they should go, and yet <em>we</em> can learn so much from <em>them</em>. At least I do. I've had times when I've thought I was revealing some great truth to my kids only to realize that the message was clearly intended for me. We've not had to deal with tears or tantrums about being in a strange or different place. Dec and Rhys went from having their own beds to sharing a mattress on the floor without complaint. We weren't here very long when I heard Rhys refer to the trailer as "<span style="font-style: italic;">home</span>". Though that didn't make me feel all warm and tingly, I realized that my kids are safe and secure when their family is together, wherever that is.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;" id="ms__id486"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6kW7TdD808rIsTGvQBqF1xX4jQv84FWx6z8-FGKstkZ7bCsLt-V8dRE30nDkxKcHoSy7SSs8nZ9A5wlKFcI86vbs6PFVJOs2U3JXyFJQOHW6iohW0wtbYie4QhXRaI5V6x4gNZnWrJw/s1600-h/SUC58156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; float: left; height: 150px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353937981910403314" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6kW7TdD808rIsTGvQBqF1xX4jQv84FWx6z8-FGKstkZ7bCsLt-V8dRE30nDkxKcHoSy7SSs8nZ9A5wlKFcI86vbs6PFVJOs2U3JXyFJQOHW6iohW0wtbYie4QhXRaI5V6x4gNZnWrJw/s200/SUC58156.JPG" border="0" /></a>Yesterday Tess was playing in the kitchen, looking through the cupboards yattering away at me. She doesn't care about where she plays or sleeps as long as she is with her family. Her actions reminded me that home isn't as much about where we live, but who we live with; <em>Home </em>is less about a building and more about the people who inhabit it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Filling in the blanks:</span> I started writing this around the end of June, 2009 and here we are in July of 2011. We transitioned....again....from the mobile to the "house on the river" last August to make room for kids returning home. Here the three youngest share a bigger mattress on the floor....Tess likes sleeping with "her boys" and before we just let her do it, we would find here there anyway. You learn after the 6th or 7th not to sweat the small stuff. In my last post I shared about our first home where we were blissfully happy for the four weeks that we were there. It was never home again following the accident. It needed work to get it winterized and there wasn't time or ability following the accident. Though Brad's practice was thriving before hand, being in hospital for a month followed by weeks and months of physical therapy and recovery that clearly had an affect on his ability to provide legal services,. It was the first time I was faced with the concept of God's provision. Following the hospital stay, friends offered us the use of their basement apartment and then we sub-let an apartment from a lady who went south for the winter. When I was 6 months pregnant, I was diagnosed with Toxemia, which I believe they now call pre-eclampsia. I was put on strict bed rest and my sister moved in with us to take care of me and, much to my dismay, our home. A month or so before Meagan arrived, we moved into my parents' home....this was all in our first year of wedded bliss! Though it isn't the dream of any newlywed couple, we lived happily there til Meagan was 9 months when we bought a wee house in Richards Landing. The family grew and pretty soon we needed more space, so we bought a bigger place just down the road......A change in Brad's employment took us to Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island; we also called Kagawong home for a while. From Manitoulin we ventured north to the Northwest Territories and enjoyed 3 years in Yellowknife. From there to Hatfield Crescent in Orleans, to "the Palace" just south of Kemptville..<br /><br />The buildings have changed; we've added more children nd have had the privilege of having others make them their home with us too. For me, home is definitely less about a building and more about the people who inhabit it. </div><br /><blockquote><br /></blockquote><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-4366694381433254922011-07-07T09:45:00.005-04:002011-07-07T11:24:36.522-04:00Enjoying the Journey<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOqKdEcaPFFNO-P-Ok3piSE-E_4S11x0IQPdeRHAx50XVM3has6GkvNIdCi-DJUZvslopB0rwa2XaoIuftZFbcjgstSnAYPNSxxoU0xpvjbi_667yUtXqSNBw0x7iXUWOtRLjoxSnyho/s1600/20110621_081058.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSOqKdEcaPFFNO-P-Ok3piSE-E_4S11x0IQPdeRHAx50XVM3has6GkvNIdCi-DJUZvslopB0rwa2XaoIuftZFbcjgstSnAYPNSxxoU0xpvjbi_667yUtXqSNBw0x7iXUWOtRLjoxSnyho/s200/20110621_081058.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5626626808002523618" border="0" /></a><br />Last evening we had company and were talking about "enjoying the journey". Anyone who has ever had a goal or dream or.....traveled with small children, can relate. "When are we gonna be there" is a question not allowed when we took road trips and we encouraged the kids to "enjoy the journey". I find that I have to remind myself of that; sometimes I can be so focused on what I see as the reward, that I miss so much getting there. Joseph had a dream, but I know that dream didn't include a pit, being sold or doing jail time.<br /><br />I didn't have a lot of dreams growing up; it just wasn't part of my thinking and it wasn't really encouraged either. I didn't make plans about what I wanted to be or what I hoped to accomplish for God....to be honest, I wasn't sure I could do anything for him. At some point, I did know that I wanted to get married and have a family. I accomplished that one REALLY well! 25 years ago this past June 21 I married a man who treated me as no one else had. He was very different from anyone I knew and he was from "off the Island". When you live on an Island, there are two types of people: Islanders and non-Islanders. You also have "city" people and "country folk", "saved" and "unsaved" and "churched" and "unchurched". We categorize people....it's just the way it is. But I digress.....<br /><br />So, 21 and married. My husband planned completely on his own an absolutely beautiful honeymoon. We spent 2 weeks on the West coast of this beautiful Country; we drove up the coast and took in the sites; gondola rides up mountains, white water rafting and a lovely cruise back down to the top of Vancouver Island. We did all the tourist things in Victoria and to top it all off, we spent 3 days at Expo in Vancouver before flying home It was a lovely time. While away, Brad had made arrangements for his mobile home to be moved to 400 acres of land he owned north of Sault Ste. Marie; it was a lovely property that included it's own lake and we had plans, dreams of building our home on the mountain with a view of that lake. I had given up my job before we married; we knew we wanted a family and didn't want to grow accustomed to having a second income. Brad's law practice was doing well and could certainly provide for us; we owned our own home and life was good! <br /><br />We'd been home for about 4 weeks and I went into the office; I can't recall why....perhaps I was filling in for someone. I came home a little early so I could do laundry; Brad was catching a ride with my dad and sister so he could pick up his motorcycle and typically I would go with him, but not on this day. I was at home, puttering around, the radio was on in the background when I heard about an accident on the highway between the Sault and St. Joe. I stopped short and had a gut feeling. I called Kev; he had been Brad's best man and told him what I'd heard. He put my mind at ease and told me not to worry. A short time later he called back to let me know that he'd called the police, but the car involved wasn't a jetta. <span style="font-style: italic;"> Whew</span>. I started to breathe again. <br /><br />It wasn't long after that I got a call from a cousin; he had been on his way home from the Sault and had passed the accident. He saw dad's car and confirmed that they had been involved and the fire and ambulance were at the scene.<br /><br />I don't remember all of what transpired next.....but I talked to Kev again who told me to stay put and that he'd come and get me. It was the longest wait of my life, to that point. When I arrived at the hospital, they took me into Emerg to see my husband. His head was the size of a pumpkin and his one eye swollen shut. He had been asking for me....repeatedly. He didn't believe that I wasn't with him. In addition to suffering a concussion which mercifully caused him to lose consciousness, he had some rather nasty gashes on his forehead and eyelid that had come very close to his eye. He'd broken his femur and shattered his tibia and fibula. Surgery would be required, but he'd have to spend the night in ICU on what I think was a fracture board due to the more severe injuries of others. After assuring Brad I was fine, which I would have to do again thanks to the concussion, I was taken to see dad. The Sault had two hospitals, virtually side by side and dad was in the other one. Mr. Tulloch held my hand as we walked and prepared me as best he could. Dad had been driving and had taken the brunt of the impact and I was left with the impression that it wasn't known if he would survive. Both femurs were broken, his knee caps busted and the bones in his feet. When they'd x-rayed his pelvis, it was cracked as well. I remember looking at my father's broken body, the ugly colour of him and his legs laying at awkward angles. Mercifully, I can't recall how I felt.<br /><br />My sister D'Arcy was 16 years old and had been in the backseat. She'd broken her femur as well, but still required two surgeries and spent close to a month in hospital. Brad was next to be released, right around the month mark and dad followed shortly after. As a family, we celebrated; though they only had 2 good legs between them, we hadn't had to stand at anyone's graveside. Even the young man who was in the other vehicle had survived and following lots of surgery told Brad years later that he was "better looking than ever". In addition to some other injuries, all of the bones in his face were broken when he was ejected through the front window. He was a young army recruit, headed west and had fallen asleep at the wheel. He had been just a few bed's down from my dad in ICU and in the absence of family, my mom would go and sit at his side. Over the course of the next weeks we did hear comments about how the accident could have been avoided if......you'd prayed that morning with your husband......you'd been living "right". We people who profess Christ can say the stupidest things at times.<br /><br />It was while these three were in the hospital that I learned Brad and I were expecting. Somewhere on the coast of Beautiful B.C......sorry. I recall going into ICU to see my dad following a survery so I could share with him the good news that he was going to be a grandpa; he couldn't speak as his vocal chords had been damaged, but he closed his head, squeezed my hand and nodded. The day Meagan was born he walked into my hospital room wearing a sharp new black fedora and a huge grin. He was a proud papa.<br /><br />I have learned in the last 25 years that I do have dreams; some are relatively small and have been realized and some are "friggin' huge" and have not. There have been many twists and turns along the way....most of them NOT what I would have planned. You see, I don't particularly enjoy difficulty or discomfort; I have no plan on ever jumping from an airplane or tying a bungy cord around my ankle. I am not an adventurer by nature, but I must acknowledge that I have experienced a deeper growth in my faith when I'm knee high in.....manure, 'cause that's when I'm more apt to be relying on God's strength rather than my own. I've had many times when I've come to the absolutely end of myself and have said "ok, Lord....I give. I trust you". I love reminding myself from where God has brought us. It may not have been as history making as the crossing of the Red Sea, but he has shown himself so faithful and I KNOW HE WILL CONTINUE TO BE SO 'cause it's who he is. <br /><br />I love to travel....love road trips but if I knew before I left Ypsilanti last Friday that I was going to be stuck on the side of the 401 on July 1 with a flat tire, I would have done something about it. But I didn't know. <br /><br />If I'd known at any juncture along my journey what lay ahead of me, I probably never would have married, forget having a baby....or 8. But I didn't know. <br /><br />That's why it's a faith walk and not a cake walk! One of my favourite verses is 1 Cor 10:13 <blockquote>"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it."<br /></blockquote><br />God has redeemed me; he is in the restoration business and he IS making all things new. I will continue to hope and trust in him and enjoy the journey.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-86667434352188024532010-01-02T13:54:00.002-05:002010-01-02T13:57:05.539-05:00It’s quiet here.<br /><br />Doesn’t occur often and won’t be for long. Brad, Meagan, Cam and Carleigh have taken Declan and Rhys tobogganing. I stayed behind so that Tess could nap and I could provide you all with this yearly update.<br /><br />Meagan finished school in April and a couple weeks later, moved to Halifax. She was offered a job through her friend, Alex, with RGIS; an international company that handles inventory. After a few weeks, she was selected to train as a team lead and has run some inventories of her own. She particularly enjoys the travelling aspect of her job and has been to PEI and Cape Breton as well as some other less familiar places. RGIS has its busy season, but by fall Meg needed to find a part time job and landed one at a Starbucks in the Marriott Hotel on the Halifax Harbour. She has had to move a few times and before coming home for Christmas found a new apartment with a co-worker from Starbucks. We like to tease her about the number of moves she’s made and tell her not to get too attached, ‘cause with her track record, she’ll be moving soon.<br /><br />Benjamin is in half-way through his 3rd year of the Bio-Med program at Ottawa University. He and his dad took a weekend road trip this past summer to three universities that have caught his interest for Med school and is wisely keeping his options open. Ben spent this past summer working on his tan….I mean he was rehired by the landscaping company he had worked for last summer and enjoyed an increase in responsibility. Ben too encountered some transition with respect to a place to lay his head at night and has had to “make do” with his current living conditions. I met Dionne a couple years ago in a ladies life group and she and her family have welcomed Ben into their lovely home. When I saw his walk-in closet, I told him that I could spend the night in there…..I think he thought I was joking! <br /> <br />Noah hasn’t officially moved out but spends as few nights here as possible. He and his friend Thomas have been pals since they met the summer before they began grade 4 at LCA and have again become inseparable. Thomas recently found employment and the boys are looking for digs of their own in the City. I may have to call Mrs. Dauray to see what I should do…..Noah got his truck on the road this year and is enjoying all that comes with the upkeep of a vehicle as well as life as a single guy. Noah works with us in the practice and when he moved back home I moved Tess into the hall way to make room for him; he is that much of a pleasure to have around. <br /><br />Cam is in his Senior year at OFA and has had a very busy year. He attended 5 football camps this past summer and we put 10,000 miles on the car to do it! Cam’s team won their division this year and went to the state play-offs. He was named Lineman of the Year and was also selected to the North Country First All-Star Team. He was also this year’s winner of the Don Petty Award. The winner of the Petty Award should be an outstanding player, teammate and student/athlete and should exemplify leadership, sportsmanship and outstanding behaviour on and off the field. Cam has received an official invite to a Division II school and is still talking with three other Division I schools. <br /><br />Carleigh-belle turned 15 this past year, whether mom likes it or not! It has been a big year for her in many respects. She arrived home from school on a day in April to discover that her house was on fire. She has gone from having her own room to sharing her space with whosoever-may-come and Cam on the weekends! Despite these challenges, along with other 15-year-old-girl things, she has shown a lot of maturity and unselfishness and we are very proud of her. Carleigh is often compared to her sisters, and though like both Meagan and Tess in some ways, is very much her own person. There is a lot that falls to her young shoulders when it comes to helping out with the little ones and taking care of dad on the evenings when mom is out. <br /><br />That brings us to the “Expansion Pack”, as Ben fondly refers to them as. Declan is an old soul in many respects, and takes great joy in the administration of his younger siblings. He began a learning to read program at home this past fall and enjoyed lesson time, for the most part. Rhys learned that while Declan was busy doing a lesson, he could be playing computer games. Rhys is the more social of the two and the most perseverant little boy I have ever had the privilege of parenting. With all the talk of water boarding south of the border, I had thought about offering Rhys’ services to the US Defence Department….grown men would be begging for a quiet cell in Guantanamo. Tess will soon be 2, and is quickly outgrowing babyhood. She is a tiny little thing but loves to eat and also loves clothes; I’m guessing that’s Carleigh’s influence! Whether indoors or out, she is never far behind her big brothers and always manages to make more of a mess than either of them. She is well loved by all of us.<br /><br />Brad and I enjoyed the opportunities we had to travel in ‘09. We spent a few days in and around Washington while Cam was at a football camp. At the end of July, we took the three youngest and drove to Halifax and spent 5 days enjoying Halifax and visiting various ocean beaches. Brad and I took the four youngest to Niagara Falls before school started and spent a few nights at my sister D’Arcy’s place. We had great fun with the kids at Marine Land and then D’Arcy, Lyle and Holly joined us at a theme park state-side. I haven’t laughed as hard as I did when D’Arcy, Brad and I got in the log ride….it was great fun. In October we were pleasantly surprised with a couple buddy passes and decided to spend a few days in Vegas. We enjoyed great weather, food and entertainment and walked until our legs ached. We arrived home in time to prepare for the next get-away when the family (less Ben and Cam) along with Dan and Thomas headed for Surfside, South Carolina. These get-a ways were definitely highlights for us along with visits from family, Friday night football games and family dinners. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am”. I found comfort in the fact that Paul had to learn to be content…..and I look forward to the day when I can echo his words. For now I must be content in the learning and encouraged as I read on……“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. <blockquote></blockquote></span><br />That was the thought that I ended last year’s letter with. This past year will be remembered for many things, good and not so good. The biggest circumstance that affected our family was the fire that uprooted us from our home in April. Friends of ours who used to be neighbours in the mobile home park next to us offered us their empty mobile home. As the weeks have stretched into months, it became evident that we would be spending winter here and as the Christmas Season approached, I did concern myself with some of the traditions that have made for many a memory in the Allison house. In the past, we have enjoyed opening our home up and having folks in for the 5 days following Christmas. For weeks I wondered where we would put a tree, let alone 2 or 3 that was common for us. Where will we all sleep? We have a Christmas Village that Brad has enjoyed building and for each year we’ve been together, we have a building. A few years ago he and Meagan spent much of their Christmas holidays revamping the Village and it now has a lovely Swiss Alps feel to it. Traditions do play a part in our Christmas celebrations, as I’m sure they do in yours, so what happens when one is forced to abandon tradition? <br />I grew up attending Sunday School and Church and despite the familiarity of the story, I found myself pondering the oft-repeated themes surrounding the Nativity; I imagined how I would react to my teenage daughter telling me that she was with child. I thought about the fact that Mary was a first-time mom. Was she anxious or did she feel peace knowing that she carried the Saviour? I thought about that long ride to Bethlehem on the back of a donkey while pregnant only to arrive and discover that there was no room.<br /><br /><blockquote>But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.</blockquote><br />The Saviour…..wrapped in cloths…..lying in a manger.<br /><br />As I drove home Christmas Eve, I was reminded of the humble beginnings that were part of God’s plan for His Son’s and our Saviour’s birth and I was comforted. As I ponder this past year, I am reminded that despite the difficulties and even in the midst of them, I have much to be thankful for. God hasn’t changed, but I think that we have and as we step into a New Year, we look forward with hope and anticipation to all that God has in store.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-27187425234279576492009-09-07T13:37:00.008-04:002009-09-07T14:37:52.182-04:00Killing me SoftlyI really admire those who do these blogs daily and seem to write them with complete honesty. I say seem to because of course I don't know what is going on in their thoughts and lives except for what I see and am told. I've had times when I've sat down to write something and couldn't be that honest; with myself or anybody else. There are times when what I'm dealing with doesn't only concern myself, but others and I have a hard time separating my stuff and the things I'm dealing with from the situation itself. Not sure if that makes sense to anybody, but there it is.<br /><br />Yesterday we went to church as is our practice on Sundays. There is the hustle and bustle that goes on Sunday mornings with kids; both young and not so young. The little ones are early risers and usually awake around 6....sometimes earlier, sometimes a little later but it is safe to say that we don't need an alarm clock. The little ones wake us up and we wake the big kids up. The service we attend now starts at 9:30 instead of 9:00, so we've got that extra 30 minutes which worked out very well yesterday. Then there is feeding, cleaning, clothing, teeth brushing of the youngest three; everyone pitches in so mom can do the same for herself. Big kids get little kids in their car seats and then we all pile in to a couple vehicles for the 50 minute drive to church. Tess and Rhys usually have a wee nap, which makes it a fairly quiet drive in unless, of course, the sun is in Declan's eyes and I have to explain to him why I can't do anything about it.<br /><br />We arrive usually right on time and file in to a row. Some days I arrive already overwhelmed and distracted: the busyness of the morning; with my own thoughts, my kids or a myriad of other things. Sometimes I am overwhelmed with the knowledge that God is so incredibly faithful and I am intensely human. <br /><br />Yesterday morning I took Declan and Rhys to their program and signed them in. They love going to church and Rhys will ask almost daily if it's Sunday. For this I am thankful; it makes the busyness of the morning so worth it. I came back to the sanctuary and during the course of one song was left feeling unraveled. My kids will tell you that most Sundays I cry. I listen to the songs but rarely can sing them because I have no voice. The words get stuck somewhere between my chest and throat. I've struggled with understanding my emotions and their expression. There was a time when I thought that meant I had been touched but at this point I'm more interested in being changed and I know that doesn't come easily or without struggle. I think of that old Roberta Flack song "Killing me Softly"<br /><br /><blockquote>Strumming my pain with his fingers<br />Singing my life with his words<br />Killing me softly with his song<br />Killing me softly with his song<br />Telling my whole life with his words<br />Killing me softly with his song</blockquote><br />Tess got passed down to me and I held her close; another precious distraction. I took her out to the nursery, signed her in and taped her name on her back. I could hear someone saying my name and looked up to see Rhonda. She commented on Tess and how big she was getting. 19 months old this past Friday.....my baby. I waved bye and stepped away. I heard Rhonda ask how I was and I couldn't find words. <br /><br />The tears came.<br /><br />I was overwhelmed; unraveled.<br /><br />I said earlier that I know that God is faithful. When I look back I can see his incredible faithfulness in my life and in the life of my family. He has saved me, loved me, protected me and changed me.....when I've allowed him to. I know his faithfulness and yet there are moments and days when I question it. Days and moments when I am overwhelmed by my circumstance and have to get to the end of myself and those feelings and replace them with his truth. Too often I give in to feeling; good and bad, and find myself in a place where I don't want to be. A place that is far from home, ya know? I have to remind myself that God continues to save me, daily; He loves me when I'm close to him and when I'm far away. He protects me even when I don't know it and yes, He is changing me, a little at a time.<br /><br />Rhonda asked me what nugget I thought I was learning and I didn't really answer her; at least not very well. Of course there are issues of trust, but I think the further down this road I go, the more I realize my need for God. Not just in the big circumstances of life, but getting through each day; each moment. Without Him, I really am just dust.<br /><br />Yesterday when I asked Declan what he had learned, he said "we learned about God". This is his typical response; you can almost hear the "duh" at the end of it. It is somewhat lacking in the detail I'm looking for so I questioned him further. <br /><br />"What about God did you learn, Dec?". <br /><br />My 5 year old's response: "I learned that I can trust God".<br /><br />Me too, Dec; I'm learning that too.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2Vzoa7f49K9gev318lHcClmk16muR6mS878pTas9XXpdKWUNZEX97H4gTeIrRGtzcpMzmyYuH2v5VKIoiEQxXgI1PgtU7gnncwNC4LeRhCo2QLx9HbIkjZcN2YtjCTRjfgBr3XEuyT4/s1600-h/trust.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 130px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj2Vzoa7f49K9gev318lHcClmk16muR6mS878pTas9XXpdKWUNZEX97H4gTeIrRGtzcpMzmyYuH2v5VKIoiEQxXgI1PgtU7gnncwNC4LeRhCo2QLx9HbIkjZcN2YtjCTRjfgBr3XEuyT4/s400/trust.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378796081769074770" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-4818234663285169762009-08-31T12:11:00.008-04:002009-08-31T14:51:22.680-04:00Another Milestone<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ7LzJ8J5PaLbaxIrwBsNarnUsa3J8LcCTQeFVWuQ7BQLfHVAyZneNaZtWbybPEN0087MWVeiTInjdr6-lDanMk7_QA0YCn7ssRJ4v6tJP-OuvVrGXi9CTgIlTmCWc_E6wWtux9CX7Iw/s1600-h/SUC55864.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ7LzJ8J5PaLbaxIrwBsNarnUsa3J8LcCTQeFVWuQ7BQLfHVAyZneNaZtWbybPEN0087MWVeiTInjdr6-lDanMk7_QA0YCn7ssRJ4v6tJP-OuvVrGXi9CTgIlTmCWc_E6wWtux9CX7Iw/s320/SUC55864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376185852845172274" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">Today we celebrate Noah who was welcomed into the world (and our hearts) by Brad, Meagan, Ben and I. It was a lovely day made only brighter by the safe and early arrival of our boy. I'm not sure what has me feeling so melancholy; perhaps it's because our niece was born just a few days ago and I've been ogling her pictures on facebook. Or perhaps it's because it is yet another reminder of how quickly time marches on. It just doesn't seem possible.....<br /><br />Noah was born in the midst of the OKA crisis. We were living on St. Joseph Island, about a 45 minute drive East of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario and the General Hospital. In those days, Highway 17 ran through the Garden River Indian Reservation and the highway did get closed. We declined the offer of a friend to take us into the City by boat and opted for an early induction. Nothing like a standoff to add to the excitement of a hospital run!<br /><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKw51oyd4aMB9k5tJ2t0WlBr-5x0b3bNQWnLx0b7QTWxdsETfSnVBSW1IS2LSFxJq1p4lCuPgf8vTqr_jxuyzOPA4edbTJTvEK5AOt_kTJZG1Gyh6_bHV_PAxU_VOTchyvZQHw-7Uk-k/s1600-h/Noah+aw+shucks+Allison.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKw51oyd4aMB9k5tJ2t0WlBr-5x0b3bNQWnLx0b7QTWxdsETfSnVBSW1IS2LSFxJq1p4lCuPgf8vTqr_jxuyzOPA4edbTJTvEK5AOt_kTJZG1Gyh6_bHV_PAxU_VOTchyvZQHw-7Uk-k/s200/Noah+aw+shucks+Allison.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376190532471295746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEcMvssKCrWtnMZ91iAZcf5EwxDWXjoNnwlmioWAWplkeDrab1HyQp-hLVL_x-oHyBWezzvWcue1cwGh6UqAUQL3tqPfto4B03rnhiiLd6uA8gRbnRMtLUBQalWmXWMk0N2SUwUTfcRI/s1600-h/Noah+in+highchair.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGEcMvssKCrWtnMZ91iAZcf5EwxDWXjoNnwlmioWAWplkeDrab1HyQp-hLVL_x-oHyBWezzvWcue1cwGh6UqAUQL3tqPfto4B03rnhiiLd6uA8gRbnRMtLUBQalWmXWMk0N2SUwUTfcRI/s200/Noah+in+highchair.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376190142472076418" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Noah was a happy baby and was always smiling.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I like Noah. Yes he's my son and I love him, but I enjoy spending time with him. He is easy to be with, has a great sense of humour and makes me smile. Noah has a good heart and is loyal almost to a fault. He is an independent thinker, which is a great quality though to be honest, there have been times when I've been less than thrilled with that quality. Noah takes people as they are. <br /><br />Bug, I loved you long before I met you. I've watched you experience 19 years of life close up and I am very proud of the young man that you are becoming. <br /><br />Happy Birthday!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-81520568402519713562009-07-02T14:38:00.021-04:002011-07-08T20:58:40.592-04:00Home is......<div id="ms__id490"><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I started writing this particular post about 2 years ago, but for whatever reason, never posted it; figured I'd do so now.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">I try not to focus on the fact that we're not at <em>"home"; </em>most days I'm successful. When we were </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWm34k5AbveRJ5XyA0-bd_QAvrQoSqhJn7_QMDvKAUsNxAQnndliMK8Rfqax4Q76P-j9Tu19VYOAprHHibTz52OVAOu1k6Q7EIHBhfezKY2R9YGb21a6UoG_xk4kwbezxrqGZjXLac0I/s1600-h/home+is+where+the+heart+is.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 274px; float: left; height: 208px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354257697651939122" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWm34k5AbveRJ5XyA0-bd_QAvrQoSqhJn7_QMDvKAUsNxAQnndliMK8Rfqax4Q76P-j9Tu19VYOAprHHibTz52OVAOu1k6Q7EIHBhfezKY2R9YGb21a6UoG_xk4kwbezxrqGZjXLac0I/s400/home+is+where+the+heart+is.jpg" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">offered the use of the mobile home, we thought (hoped??) that our stay would be temporary - a couple weeks; sort of like an unplanned vacation. We had a service man in to take a look at the furnace when we first got there just days following the fire and in the course of our conversation he asked whether we'd be here come winter. I pretty quickly responded in the negative. That wasn't the plan.....</span><span style="font-size:100%;">. winter seemed such a long way off in April but what seemed a long way off then, doesn't seem far enough away now.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;" id="ms__id311"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;">My prayer and goal is to get back into the south wing of our place before winter and I am hopeful that will happen. However, our plans are largely dependent on circumstances that are beyond our control. In order to avoid future disappointment, I have to manage my expectations now. I have to be content and prepared to stay here for as long as that is required. It's in that regard I can learn a thing or two from my youngest children.</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;" id="ms__id483">We are told that children are "a heritage, a gift or a blessing" given to us so that we might trai<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuBsY7JdyEZpWv-y0AV41CJFpUKQoFxPasOzpdt88LWUdI_oPqn2lHuEKo7ORQJI9ZNN7hbS17Hiw3AuV80H3oW0f-s5eOylsJtsx3v2jgfuir1lNgbGux7mEHFfbh987qsZFmpLZxkg/s1600-h/SUC57805.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px; float: right; height: 150px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354250804734514290" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuBsY7JdyEZpWv-y0AV41CJFpUKQoFxPasOzpdt88LWUdI_oPqn2lHuEKo7ORQJI9ZNN7hbS17Hiw3AuV80H3oW0f-s5eOylsJtsx3v2jgfuir1lNgbGux7mEHFfbh987qsZFmpLZxkg/s200/SUC57805.JPG" border="0" /></a>n them up in the way they should go, and yet <em>we</em> can learn so much from <em>them</em>. At least I do. I've had times when I've thought I was revealing some great truth to my kids only to realize that the message was clearly intended for me. We've not had to deal with tears or tantrums about being in a strange or different place. Dec and Rhys went from having their own beds to sharing a mattress on the floor without complaint. We weren't here very long when I heard Rhys refer to the trailer as "<span style="font-style: italic;">home</span>". Though that didn't make me feel all warm and tingly, I realized that my kids are safe and secure when their family is together, wherever that is.<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;" id="ms__id486"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6kW7TdD808rIsTGvQBqF1xX4jQv84FWx6z8-FGKstkZ7bCsLt-V8dRE30nDkxKcHoSy7SSs8nZ9A5wlKFcI86vbs6PFVJOs2U3JXyFJQOHW6iohW0wtbYie4QhXRaI5V6x4gNZnWrJw/s1600-h/SUC58156.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; float: left; height: 150px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353937981910403314" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB6kW7TdD808rIsTGvQBqF1xX4jQv84FWx6z8-FGKstkZ7bCsLt-V8dRE30nDkxKcHoSy7SSs8nZ9A5wlKFcI86vbs6PFVJOs2U3JXyFJQOHW6iohW0wtbYie4QhXRaI5V6x4gNZnWrJw/s200/SUC58156.JPG" border="0" /></a>Yesterday Tess was playing in the kitchen, looking through the cupboards yattering away at me. She doesn't care about where she plays or sleeps as long as she is with her family. Her actions reminded me that home isn't as much about where we live, but who we live with; <em>Home </em>is less about a building and more about the people who inhabit it. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">An update:</span> I started writing this around the end of June, 2009 and here we are in July of 2011. We transitioned....again....from the mobile to the "house on the river" last August to make room for kids returning home. Here the three youngest share a bigger mattress on the floor....Tess likes sleeping with "her boys" and before we just let her do it, we would find here there anyway. You learn after the 6th or 7th not to sweat the small stuff. A day or two ago I shared about our home Brad and I were first married; we were blissfully happy for the four weeks that we were there but we never returned following the accident. While Brad was fairly immobile, friends offered us the use of their basement apartment and then we sub-let an apartment from a lady who went south for the winter. When I was 6 months pregnant, I was diagnosed with Toxemia, which I believe they now call pre-eclampsia. I was put on strict bed rest and my sister moved in with us to take care of me and cook and clean. A month or so before Meagan arrived, we moved into my parents' home....this was all in our first year of wedded bliss! Though it isn't the dream of any newlywed couple, we lived happily there til Meagan was 9 months when we bought a wee house in Richards Landing. The family grew and pretty soon we needed more space, so we bought a bigger place just down the road......A change in Brad's employment took us to Gore Bay on Manitoulin Island; we also called Kagawong home for a while. From Manitoulin we ventured north to the Northwest Territories and enjoyed 3 years in Yellowknife. From there to Hatfield Crescent in Orleans, to "the Palace" just south of Kemptville.....we've called them all home. <br /><br />The buildings have changed, but we've made each of them home, and have had the privilege of having others make them their home too. <br /></div><br /><blockquote><br /></blockquote><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div id="ms__id493"></div><br /><br /><div id="ms__id489"></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6273170981997400083.post-87397832945068591082009-05-28T10:23:00.006-04:002009-05-28T11:14:01.253-04:00I know He Watches Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sTtKlwuhpgE/Sh6qB_-bTnI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/9-a2F6Fgjjk/s1600-h/Jesuswatchesoverus.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 144px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_sTtKlwuhpgE/Sh6qB_-bTnI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/9-a2F6Fgjjk/s200/Jesuswatchesoverus.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340893159437848178" /></a><br />Music for me is such a comfort and I find that when I'm struggling with something, whether it's a situation or just my own negative thinking, a verse of one song or another will come to mind. Often it's a few words of an old hymn. This morning it was "His Eye is on the Sparrow". As with many of the old hymns, there is a story behind this song. <br /> <br />Early in the spring of 1905, Civilla Martin and her husband were sojourning (great word meaning "to stay as a temporary resident") in Elmira, New York. They began a friendship with a couple by the name of Mr. and Mrs. Doolittle. Mrs. Doolittle had been bedridden for close to twenty years and her husband was crippled and got around in a wheel chair. Despite this (there is a lot said in those two words), they were happy, and brought inspiration and comfort to all who knew them. <br /><br />One day while the Martins were visiting with the Doolittles, Dr. Martin commented on their hopefulness and asked them for the secret of it. Mrs. Doolittle’s reply was simple: “His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” The beauty of this simple expression of faith gripped the hearts and fired the imagination of Dr. Martin and his wife and this hymn was the outcome of that experience. <br /> <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Why should I feel discouraged, why should the shadows come,<br />Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heaven and home,<br />When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He:<br />His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;<br />His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. <br /><br />I sing because I’m happy,<br />I sing because I’m free,<br />For His eye is on the sparrow, <br />And I know He watches me. <br /><br />“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,<br />And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;<br />Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;<br />His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;<br />His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. <br /><br />I sing because I’m happy,<br />I sing because I’m free,<br />For His eye is on the sparrow, <br />And I know He watches me. <br /><br />Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,<br />When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,<br />I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;<br />His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;<br />His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me. <br /><br />I sing because I’m happy,<br />I sing because I’m free,<br />For His eye is on the sparrow, <br />And I know He watches me.<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Psalm 84:3 <span style="font-style:italic;">Even the sparrow has found a home,and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young—a place near your altar,O LORD Almighty, my King and my God.<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span></blockquote>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04363722256108787785noreply@blogger.com1