Well, as I begin writing this blog entry, I notice there are exactly 2 minutes left of Valentine's Day 2007. Up until a few hours ago, it was a good Valentine's Day. I received a couple of e-valentine cards, there were good treats in the office and we had a fun day.
I've made a few friends in the past 4 or 5 years that have very special Valentine's Day stories. It appears that this day is often chosen by God to reveal himself to people! My friends Larry and Jim both accepted Christ on Valentine's Days in the past. Their stories are pretty awesome, let me tell you.
Ten years ago today, I was on my way to Florida to meet my mother and her family to travel to the Bahamas for a week. Mom's brother Mike was getting married and since my dad did not want to go, I convinced Mom to go with me and experience island life. It was a grand time indeed -- we danced the Macharena (sp?) on the beach, we para-sailed, we laughed, we ate, we reestablished relationships with family that we don't often get to see - and in a wonderful environment, too.
Today, my mom was diagnosed with Stage 3 Lung Cancer.
I can't express the grief I feel that one who has really and truly sacrificed her own life (she has degrees, but stayed home with the kids), and sacrificed so many things for her children (i.e., me and 4 others) and her husband so he could go after his dreams, and still sacrifices just to keep peace in the family, has now to be faced with this challenge. I'm sure you might have experienced the same thing, after all.
Other than this horrible cancer, she is in excellent physical condition, which is very important for her prognosis of recovery. She has lived a balanced life, other than the smoking in the old days. In fact, she is one of the most moderate and balanced people I know, getting daily exercise, eating healthy, etc.
Ah, Lord, I pray that my mother has a better Valentine's Day next year and for several more years after that.
If you would not mind saying a prayer for my mom, I would be very grateful. God hears each one, and each one matters to him in a significant way. If you don't know how to pray, you can try this one:
"God, thank you for Ann's presence in the lives of Kathy and so many others for nearly 70 years so far. There are many who never see their children grow, never see their grandchildren, never retire, and alot of other nevers. Thank you for your grace in Ann's life. As a father who sacrificed His only son so others would experience your love eternally, you understand the grief of her family as she goes through treatments and therapies, pain, tiredness, etc. I pray that you draw her close to you and that she experience the comfort that you bring on a day-by-day basis. Lord, I pray that she selects the right treatments, that you guide her doctors/therapists/etc. as they work on her condition, that you fill her with the strength she needs, and that you bless her in the upcoming months with support, comfort, attention, and a full return to good health. In Jesus' name, I pray these things. Amen."
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
The Pickle
Well, today was a great day. I have been quite low for some time now, dealing with situations that are either consequences of my own poor choices, or simply bad situations that unfortunately seem to occur over and over and over again in my life. Sometimes, I get the feeling I will never shake these circumstances – the “pickles” I somehow end up in – I must somehow be inviting recurring bad circumstances into my life. But not today.
There is no “real” or what you might think of as “tangible” reason for today to be a great day. I’ve had a severe cold or flu for one week and had to miss work last Thursday and Friday. On those two days, I was awake for about 12 hours out of the 48 hours. I forced myself to stay up for longer periods on Saturday and Sunday. Because of this illness, I missed lunch plans that have been in the making for months as well as a trip to Saskatoon with my friend Jocelyn to visit one of my favorite people in the world – Irene Stiller – a 90+ year old model of good living, I believe, and a new but dear friend. Oh how I would have loved a visit with Irene.
My project at work is plugging along at what seems like the pace of molasses. I’m running into stumbling blocks that are training me well, but putting me behind. There are good aspects of the delays as we are discovering gaps in data processing that need to be rectified, but I continually hope I don’t let anyone down, yet fear that I will (see paragraph one of this post for reasoning).
But, I’ve certainly prayed for some relief for what seems like a long time to me, so I attribute today’s removal of my feelings from my circumstances to God’s hearing and answering my prayer and his continued demonstrated mercy in my life.
The flu has not entirely left me yet – and so, at 4:30 today, I petered out and made a hasty exit from work. I just missed my bus, but hopped on another one that would require me to transfer. I met a few ladies on this bus and we had a good chat. Little groups form on these popular bus routes -- groups that see each other only or mostly on the bus. Relationships develop and bonds grow. These ladies today were in my age category and in all different categories of life – married, divorced, single, with children, without. Half an hour later, I transferred to the bus that would take me close to home.
I climbed on the bus, and just a moment later, a little boy, perhaps 4 years old, climbed on the bus, marched up to and plopped down in the seat next to mine. His feet did not even come close to the floor. He had a mop of reddish brown curls poking out from under a red hat with ear flaps that was quite askew on his head. I looked at him in surprise. His returning impish grin spread to his light brown eyes. I looked up to see his older brother sit down across the aisle and then saw his mom smiling apologetically at me – I shook my head to negate the apology. I can't resist conversations with the little ones.
So, I spoke to the little guy, “So, if you are going to sit next to me, tell me your name.”
He mumbled something like Peter, but my cold prevented me from hearing correctly, and I made him repeat it several times. Finally, his mom told me, “He’s been telling people his name is Pickle.”
I was surprised. "Pickle? So, Pickle, it is nice to meet you. My name is Onion.” He laughed quite charmingly.
Then he said, “My name’s not Pickle, it’s Dar…..”, but again, the cold in my head prevented me hearing the full name and after attemping several times, his mom helped again and said, “His real name is Darien.”
“Ah, so you are Darien the Pickle, and I am Kathy the Onion.” That earned me another giggle from the youngster.
He showed me a stamp on his hand, and I asked him where he was that he got that stamp. He told me quite a story, most of which I could not understand, but it sounded as if he was at his “Nana’s”. I simply nodded in agreement at most everything he said, and added "oooohs" and "ahhhhs" at appropriate times, and he seemed to think I understood. Listening to his chatter and watching his expressions was indeed a pleasant way to spend the time on the bus.
He asked his mother for a cookie. “Now, why would a Pickle want a cookie?” I asked, and was promptly rewarded with the laughter I was seeking in the first place. Ahhhh, how I love to make a child laugh!
He showed me how he chewed with his mouth closed, and we continued to talk in between bites and chewing. All too soon, we approached my bus stop. The Pickle’s mom asked Darien if he wanted to say goodbye, and to my absolute surprise and delight, he turned and gave me a big, huge hug and waved and said "bye" until I was well off the bus I am sure.
Ah, Lord, thank you for sending me a Pickle today!
There is no “real” or what you might think of as “tangible” reason for today to be a great day. I’ve had a severe cold or flu for one week and had to miss work last Thursday and Friday. On those two days, I was awake for about 12 hours out of the 48 hours. I forced myself to stay up for longer periods on Saturday and Sunday. Because of this illness, I missed lunch plans that have been in the making for months as well as a trip to Saskatoon with my friend Jocelyn to visit one of my favorite people in the world – Irene Stiller – a 90+ year old model of good living, I believe, and a new but dear friend. Oh how I would have loved a visit with Irene.
My project at work is plugging along at what seems like the pace of molasses. I’m running into stumbling blocks that are training me well, but putting me behind. There are good aspects of the delays as we are discovering gaps in data processing that need to be rectified, but I continually hope I don’t let anyone down, yet fear that I will (see paragraph one of this post for reasoning).
But, I’ve certainly prayed for some relief for what seems like a long time to me, so I attribute today’s removal of my feelings from my circumstances to God’s hearing and answering my prayer and his continued demonstrated mercy in my life.
The flu has not entirely left me yet – and so, at 4:30 today, I petered out and made a hasty exit from work. I just missed my bus, but hopped on another one that would require me to transfer. I met a few ladies on this bus and we had a good chat. Little groups form on these popular bus routes -- groups that see each other only or mostly on the bus. Relationships develop and bonds grow. These ladies today were in my age category and in all different categories of life – married, divorced, single, with children, without. Half an hour later, I transferred to the bus that would take me close to home.
I climbed on the bus, and just a moment later, a little boy, perhaps 4 years old, climbed on the bus, marched up to and plopped down in the seat next to mine. His feet did not even come close to the floor. He had a mop of reddish brown curls poking out from under a red hat with ear flaps that was quite askew on his head. I looked at him in surprise. His returning impish grin spread to his light brown eyes. I looked up to see his older brother sit down across the aisle and then saw his mom smiling apologetically at me – I shook my head to negate the apology. I can't resist conversations with the little ones.
So, I spoke to the little guy, “So, if you are going to sit next to me, tell me your name.”
He mumbled something like Peter, but my cold prevented me from hearing correctly, and I made him repeat it several times. Finally, his mom told me, “He’s been telling people his name is Pickle.”
I was surprised. "Pickle? So, Pickle, it is nice to meet you. My name is Onion.” He laughed quite charmingly.
Then he said, “My name’s not Pickle, it’s Dar…..”, but again, the cold in my head prevented me hearing the full name and after attemping several times, his mom helped again and said, “His real name is Darien.”
“Ah, so you are Darien the Pickle, and I am Kathy the Onion.” That earned me another giggle from the youngster.
He showed me a stamp on his hand, and I asked him where he was that he got that stamp. He told me quite a story, most of which I could not understand, but it sounded as if he was at his “Nana’s”. I simply nodded in agreement at most everything he said, and added "oooohs" and "ahhhhs" at appropriate times, and he seemed to think I understood. Listening to his chatter and watching his expressions was indeed a pleasant way to spend the time on the bus.
He asked his mother for a cookie. “Now, why would a Pickle want a cookie?” I asked, and was promptly rewarded with the laughter I was seeking in the first place. Ahhhh, how I love to make a child laugh!
He showed me how he chewed with his mouth closed, and we continued to talk in between bites and chewing. All too soon, we approached my bus stop. The Pickle’s mom asked Darien if he wanted to say goodbye, and to my absolute surprise and delight, he turned and gave me a big, huge hug and waved and said "bye" until I was well off the bus I am sure.
Ah, Lord, thank you for sending me a Pickle today!
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Thursday, January 04, 2007
The Twelfth Day
On the Twelfth Day of Christmas
I think I came to see
I need to take a break from blogging about me.
I think I came to see
I need to take a break from blogging about me.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Tenth Day
On the tenth day of Christmas
Starbucks gave to me
A night of absolutely no sleep......
Which I am sure is going to make tomorrow's first day at NorQuest a bit tough!
Starbucks gave to me
A night of absolutely no sleep......
Which I am sure is going to make tomorrow's first day at NorQuest a bit tough!
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
The Ninth Day
On the ninth day of Christmas
The Good Lord gave to me
A day of chores and such to keep me busy!
The Good Lord gave to me
A day of chores and such to keep me busy!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Sunday, December 31, 2006
The Seventh Day
On the seventh day of Christmas
My good Lord said to me
"Prepare to spend this next year on your knees."
My good Lord said to me
"Prepare to spend this next year on your knees."
Saturday, December 30, 2006
The Sixth Day
On the sixth day of Christmas,
My Lord arranged for me
A day of total quiet
And peace.
Thank you, God!
My Lord arranged for me
A day of total quiet
And peace.
Thank you, God!
Friday, December 29, 2006
The Fifth Day
On the fifth day of Christmas,
The good Lord sent to me
The spirit of love and
Generosity.
The good Lord sent to me
The spirit of love and
Generosity.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
The Fourth Day
On the fourth day of Christmas
Peter & Daniela made for me
Some very good
Hungarian goulash soup.
Hey -- who said it has to rhyme!
Ciao! or should I say "Chow!"
Peter & Daniela made for me
Some very good
Hungarian goulash soup.
Hey -- who said it has to rhyme!
Ciao! or should I say "Chow!"
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
The Third Day of Christmas
On the third day of Christmas,My family sent to me,
A picture of them all
On Christmas Day!
I miss them for sure.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
On the Second Day of Christmas
On the second day of Christmas,
My surfing gave to me
A beautiful illustration of
Four doves in a tree.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/Catnapping/4doves.gif
I can't help it the numbers don't work out! This was just too good a picture to pass up sharing with you!
My surfing gave to me
A beautiful illustration of
Four doves in a tree.
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a72/Catnapping/4doves.gif
I can't help it the numbers don't work out! This was just too good a picture to pass up sharing with you!
Monday, December 25, 2006
The First Day of Christmas
Christmas Day, 2006.
"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:11-12.
That is the scripture I chose to memorize for today. I have evidence that God lives in us as I have certainly been on the receiving end of God's love being brought to full expression through others.
Firstly, through Bob & Joc opening up their home to me yet again on Christmas morning. It is certainly homey there and I just feel relaxed with them, Charles & Jen, and Cory & Jean-Marc. It was fun to chill out, and the dinner was fabulous -- the turkey was nice and moist, the stuffing was great -- I wanted seconds of everything, but I had evening plans, too. So, it was off to Rick & Laurie's..... how nice to be included in this family's holidays and get to learn a bit more about them. Like Laurie being a big fan of opera.... And the dinner was fantastic - another moist turkey, stuffing made with Dark Russian Bread, olives & pickled onions. Wow. And then a game of Apples to Apples.
And now to bed.....
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
"Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love has been brought to full expression through us." 1 John 4:11-12.
That is the scripture I chose to memorize for today. I have evidence that God lives in us as I have certainly been on the receiving end of God's love being brought to full expression through others.
Firstly, through Bob & Joc opening up their home to me yet again on Christmas morning. It is certainly homey there and I just feel relaxed with them, Charles & Jen, and Cory & Jean-Marc. It was fun to chill out, and the dinner was fabulous -- the turkey was nice and moist, the stuffing was great -- I wanted seconds of everything, but I had evening plans, too. So, it was off to Rick & Laurie's..... how nice to be included in this family's holidays and get to learn a bit more about them. Like Laurie being a big fan of opera.... And the dinner was fantastic - another moist turkey, stuffing made with Dark Russian Bread, olives & pickled onions. Wow. And then a game of Apples to Apples.
And now to bed.....
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Advent, Day 24
Christmas Eve 2006.
What a day. First, church in morning. The choir was excellent. And there's nothing better than singing Christmas carols. Some of the most successful evangelists were probably never called that. I was reminded today of Charles Schultz. How many times have I seen "A Charlie Brown's Christmas" -- every year for as long as I can remember. Which means that every year, Linus explained the meaning of Christmas to me. I didn't get it until about 4 years ago.
And I also was reminded of the people that wrote Christmas carols. How many times have I sung "Angels We Have Heard On High", "Joy to the World", "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem", "Noel", etc., and my personal favorite "Silent Night". I've been in choirs and sung these things, and I'm sure I wondered about them.
The arts - in this case, television and music - have provided wonderful ways for people to share the gospel of Christ with an audience that is often not receptive in any other way.
So, I came home from church and made bruschetta -- it turned out decent, but the bread (I used a french bread) was a bit chewy for my taste. I don't honestly know if they lost their crispiness in the bags I put them in or what, but I need to figure that out for the next time. The recipe I make for the topping contains shallots, chives, ricotta salata cheese, balsamic vinegar, and tomatoes. Yum, Yum......................Yum. Can't beat it for flavor burst.
So, it was off to the Candlelight Service at 6 pm, after picking up Peter. It was an awesome service indeed.
Then I spent the evening with friends, and we had fun playing games -- first Jenga, then a pig game, then Mad Gab. Mad Gab is hysterical. Then home (actually house sitting) .......just under an hour ago. The kitchen is a disaster area -- sorry Steve -- so I should probably clean it up tonight.
This year, I've missed being with my family a bit more than usual. Perhaps because it has been a really, really tough and disappointing year all the way around. To keep it in perspective, though....let's take a look at some of the biblical people -- were there any people in there who had tough and disappointing years?
Hmmmm....I wonder how David felt hiding from his king, Solomon, for 7 or 8 years. What did he do on his holidays? Or how about the year he got kicked out of his own city by his son Absolom? Or the year when he fell so far into sin that it cost his son his life -- not to mention the man he unjustly killed?
Elijah probably did not enjoy the holidays after running for 40 days straight when threatened by Jezebel.
In prison, wrongly accused by Pharoah's wife, Joseph probably did not dance with glee at any holiday gatherings.
How about the year Cain killed Able. Probably not such a good year for Adam or Eve. Mother's Day would not have been a good one for Eve that year.
The list just goes on and on and on.
Imprisoned for his faith, I'm thinking Paul, though he made the most of his circumstances, probably may have "dreamed" of or at least thought of better holiday celebrations that could have occurred.
In fact, I can't think of one person in the bible who never had a bad, bad, really bad year at some point. My problems seem really, really insignificant at best in comparison. Other than Jesus. By my standards, his last year would have been horrendous, wouldn't you say? After being sent to save us, he got rejected, beaten, jailed, tortured, and crucified. That would be far worse for me than this past year. And yet, might he not say it was his best year? He fulfilled his mission and with his sacrifice, he saved any who believe in him.
The activities today certainly, including the writing of this post, have certainly kept the self-pity at bay! Thanks, friends! Thank you, Jesus. I hope to get to know you better this year.
What a day. First, church in morning. The choir was excellent. And there's nothing better than singing Christmas carols. Some of the most successful evangelists were probably never called that. I was reminded today of Charles Schultz. How many times have I seen "A Charlie Brown's Christmas" -- every year for as long as I can remember. Which means that every year, Linus explained the meaning of Christmas to me. I didn't get it until about 4 years ago.
And I also was reminded of the people that wrote Christmas carols. How many times have I sung "Angels We Have Heard On High", "Joy to the World", "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem", "Noel", etc., and my personal favorite "Silent Night". I've been in choirs and sung these things, and I'm sure I wondered about them.
The arts - in this case, television and music - have provided wonderful ways for people to share the gospel of Christ with an audience that is often not receptive in any other way.
So, I came home from church and made bruschetta -- it turned out decent, but the bread (I used a french bread) was a bit chewy for my taste. I don't honestly know if they lost their crispiness in the bags I put them in or what, but I need to figure that out for the next time. The recipe I make for the topping contains shallots, chives, ricotta salata cheese, balsamic vinegar, and tomatoes. Yum, Yum......................Yum. Can't beat it for flavor burst.
So, it was off to the Candlelight Service at 6 pm, after picking up Peter. It was an awesome service indeed.
Then I spent the evening with friends, and we had fun playing games -- first Jenga, then a pig game, then Mad Gab. Mad Gab is hysterical. Then home (actually house sitting) .......just under an hour ago. The kitchen is a disaster area -- sorry Steve -- so I should probably clean it up tonight.
This year, I've missed being with my family a bit more than usual. Perhaps because it has been a really, really tough and disappointing year all the way around. To keep it in perspective, though....let's take a look at some of the biblical people -- were there any people in there who had tough and disappointing years?
Hmmmm....I wonder how David felt hiding from his king, Solomon, for 7 or 8 years. What did he do on his holidays? Or how about the year he got kicked out of his own city by his son Absolom? Or the year when he fell so far into sin that it cost his son his life -- not to mention the man he unjustly killed?
Elijah probably did not enjoy the holidays after running for 40 days straight when threatened by Jezebel.
In prison, wrongly accused by Pharoah's wife, Joseph probably did not dance with glee at any holiday gatherings.
How about the year Cain killed Able. Probably not such a good year for Adam or Eve. Mother's Day would not have been a good one for Eve that year.
The list just goes on and on and on.
Imprisoned for his faith, I'm thinking Paul, though he made the most of his circumstances, probably may have "dreamed" of or at least thought of better holiday celebrations that could have occurred.
In fact, I can't think of one person in the bible who never had a bad, bad, really bad year at some point. My problems seem really, really insignificant at best in comparison. Other than Jesus. By my standards, his last year would have been horrendous, wouldn't you say? After being sent to save us, he got rejected, beaten, jailed, tortured, and crucified. That would be far worse for me than this past year. And yet, might he not say it was his best year? He fulfilled his mission and with his sacrifice, he saved any who believe in him.
The activities today certainly, including the writing of this post, have certainly kept the self-pity at bay! Thanks, friends! Thank you, Jesus. I hope to get to know you better this year.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Advent, Day 23
I feel like a million dollars right now. Seriously. It is my mother's birthday today. My mother is in Michigan and I am here in Edmonton. So, I found her the perfect e-card for her birthday -- she is an avid Scrabble player, and I happened to find a Scrabble e-card. Then, I sent her flowers. A Christmas centerpiece actually. I debated about whether to send a mix of flowers and treats, but figured she would be having whatever treats she wants anyways, so the flowers were the better choice.
I waited a couple of hours after placing the order online, praying that it would be a good quality arrangement and that she would be home to get them. Then I decided I would call my sister Karen, who is living there right now, to make sure someone was scheduled to be home at most times during the day to receive them. So, I called, and Mom answered:
"Hello?"
"Hi, Mom, it's Kathy."
"Oh hi." I heard Maggie barking in the background. "Get back!" she ordered Mag. "Just a minute, Kath, there's someone at the door"........ (I heard the door open) ........ Yes, that's me ....... They're for me? ...... Oh, they're lovely! ......... (she finishes her conversation with the delivery man and comes back to the phone) ......... I got flowers."
"Aha. That's nice."
"Do you know who they are from?"
"Probably from me!"
"Probably?"
"Unless someone else is sending you flowers!"
She laughed. "They're gorgeous. Thank you."
We talked for a while. Like I said, I feel like a million dollars. I knew I did something right. Mom has always loved flowers and centerpieces, though has rarely indulged herself as both my parents are wise spenders.
I was Mom's first child, born in 1961 when she was 24 years old, about 13 months after marrying my father. I wonder how she felt, carrying me around, not knowing really what it would be like to give birth -- the risks, the pain, not to mention the complete change of life! I know that I was treasured and loved by her (and my father). And I know I was very special to her mother as well, as I was her first grandchild. Certain traditions carried down to me -- my middle name is Marie as is my mom's as well. The first girl in all the families of the O'Briens were given that middle name.
I can only imagine what it must have been like for Mary to be carrying Jesus around for 9 months. She knew she was carrying God's son, but must have wondered about the risks (they sure did not have the same health care as we do - and He was born in a manger!), the pain, and I can't imagine what she thought about the change of life coming to her! I'm sure there was fear. People were looking for her and this baby she had - they desperately wanted to get rid of Him.
Jesus came here and experienced life as a baby, growing child, teen, young adult, and then a man. He was treasured and loved by his earthly parents as they took care of him, nurtured him, etc. So, I imagine that he experienced this kind of a million dollars feeling at some point when celebrating his mom's birthday, after coming up with just the right gift or present. Is that too earthly for him? I don't think so. If it wasn't for a birthday, then it was for something else.
Everything we do is supposed to honour our Father in heaven. One of those things we do that honours HIm, is to honour our mothers.
This day is for Mom. Thank you, God, for my mom -- she's the best!
I waited a couple of hours after placing the order online, praying that it would be a good quality arrangement and that she would be home to get them. Then I decided I would call my sister Karen, who is living there right now, to make sure someone was scheduled to be home at most times during the day to receive them. So, I called, and Mom answered:
"Hello?"
"Hi, Mom, it's Kathy."
"Oh hi." I heard Maggie barking in the background. "Get back!" she ordered Mag. "Just a minute, Kath, there's someone at the door"........ (I heard the door open) ........ Yes, that's me ....... They're for me? ...... Oh, they're lovely! ......... (she finishes her conversation with the delivery man and comes back to the phone) ......... I got flowers."
"Aha. That's nice."
"Do you know who they are from?"
"Probably from me!"
"Probably?"
"Unless someone else is sending you flowers!"
She laughed. "They're gorgeous. Thank you."
We talked for a while. Like I said, I feel like a million dollars. I knew I did something right. Mom has always loved flowers and centerpieces, though has rarely indulged herself as both my parents are wise spenders.
I was Mom's first child, born in 1961 when she was 24 years old, about 13 months after marrying my father. I wonder how she felt, carrying me around, not knowing really what it would be like to give birth -- the risks, the pain, not to mention the complete change of life! I know that I was treasured and loved by her (and my father). And I know I was very special to her mother as well, as I was her first grandchild. Certain traditions carried down to me -- my middle name is Marie as is my mom's as well. The first girl in all the families of the O'Briens were given that middle name.
I can only imagine what it must have been like for Mary to be carrying Jesus around for 9 months. She knew she was carrying God's son, but must have wondered about the risks (they sure did not have the same health care as we do - and He was born in a manger!), the pain, and I can't imagine what she thought about the change of life coming to her! I'm sure there was fear. People were looking for her and this baby she had - they desperately wanted to get rid of Him.
Jesus came here and experienced life as a baby, growing child, teen, young adult, and then a man. He was treasured and loved by his earthly parents as they took care of him, nurtured him, etc. So, I imagine that he experienced this kind of a million dollars feeling at some point when celebrating his mom's birthday, after coming up with just the right gift or present. Is that too earthly for him? I don't think so. If it wasn't for a birthday, then it was for something else.
Everything we do is supposed to honour our Father in heaven. One of those things we do that honours HIm, is to honour our mothers.
This day is for Mom. Thank you, God, for my mom -- she's the best!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Advent, Day 20
I am grateful for Slovaks today. Yesterday, I picked up Peter and Daniela - both Slovaks - and brought them back to the house where I am housesitting. We had a movie night last night. And then we slept in this morning. Daniela made a great casserole this evening for dinner. In it there were potatoes, sausage, eggs, onions, sour cream and cheese. Can you think of any better ingredients???
Last year, another Slovak lived at the same room & board I live in - her name is Helka. This year she is back in Slovakia and I miss her very much. This is her picture, and you can link to her blog on the right if you like.
Anyway, each year, my Christmas has usually been made better in some way by Slovaks that are around me.....
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Advent, Day 19
I'm stealing this from one of my blogging buddies - Jared. So, I tag Jess V, Brianna, and Rach.....
1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Egg nog, of course - hot chocolate is for the rest of the year!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? I would never question Santa as to what he delegates to elves or reindeer or anything else…. J.
3. Colored or white lights on your tree or house? No house, no tree. However, in the future (hopefully), colored will be my choice.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Is THAT what you are supposed to do with it – no wonder I’m still single.
5. When do you put your decorations up? End of November.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Turkey w/stuffing.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Visiting grandparents.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I can’t even remember.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Never.
10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? This year, biscotti.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love snow…..I just hate driving in it.
12. Can you ice skate? I can put on skates - hopefully, that counts.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It is so sad, I can’t remember a particular favorite at all.
14. What's the most important thing about Christmas for you? The single most important thing is Christ’s coming – the first time and the next and last time. I love church on Christmas Eve and on Christmas, too.
15. What is your favorite Christmas dessert? Pumpkin & Mincemeat pies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Watching the original “Grinch” and “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas.
17. What tops your tree? Nothing this year!
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Both.
19. What is your favorite Christmas carol? Silent Night.
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum!
21. When do you take down your tree? Sometime after I put it up!
1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Egg nog, of course - hot chocolate is for the rest of the year!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? I would never question Santa as to what he delegates to elves or reindeer or anything else…. J.
3. Colored or white lights on your tree or house? No house, no tree. However, in the future (hopefully), colored will be my choice.
4. Do you hang mistletoe? Is THAT what you are supposed to do with it – no wonder I’m still single.
5. When do you put your decorations up? End of November.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Turkey w/stuffing.
7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Visiting grandparents.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I can’t even remember.
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Never.
10. What kind of cookies does Santa get set out for him? This year, biscotti.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love snow…..I just hate driving in it.
12. Can you ice skate? I can put on skates - hopefully, that counts.
13. Do you remember your favorite gift? It is so sad, I can’t remember a particular favorite at all.
14. What's the most important thing about Christmas for you? The single most important thing is Christ’s coming – the first time and the next and last time. I love church on Christmas Eve and on Christmas, too.
15. What is your favorite Christmas dessert? Pumpkin & Mincemeat pies.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Watching the original “Grinch” and “A Charlie Brown’s Christmas.
17. What tops your tree? Nothing this year!
18. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving? Both.
19. What is your favorite Christmas carol? Silent Night.
20. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? Yum!
21. When do you take down your tree? Sometime after I put it up!
Monday, December 18, 2006
Advent, Day 18
Check out this daughter of one of my friends here - is she an awesome piano player, or what!?
winter wonderland 008
winter wonderland 008
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Advent, Day 16 (I think)
Well, the days are starting to run together. I'm thinking that is the sign of the "Christmas Rush". But today was certainly a good day.
Woke up 15 minutes after my alarm started to ring. I don't think I've ever actually slept while the alarm was ringing! Went to church and saw people I now see very little of...that's a bit depressing. But church was good. Pastor Bob talked about King Hezekiah and how it was thought at the time he was ruling that he was the Messiah. I never knew that, or if I did, it left my memory. He was called the many names that Jesus is referred to: Wonderful counsellor, etc. However, he was not the Messiah.
But there is going to be someone out there -- he may already exist -- that will appear to many of us to be the Messiah as well. He will gain a huge following and will be so good at deception that we will believe him. It is so important to be reading the Bible, and living the life the Bible recommends, seeking God in all of our actions and activities, and testing all bits of knowledge that come our way, so we can discern the fake from the "real deal".
Great sermon.
Later, Steve, Patty, Peter, Daniella and I went to the Christmas production at the church -- "Caught Up In Christmas", and were captivated by the performances tonight. My particular favorite part of the whole thing was the music chosen. It was gospel and upbeat for the most part, with a couple of tunes that had some complex jazzy chords in them that seemed more minor key in nature. But the story line was also excellent.
This little Christmas mouse (me) now must go crash and catch up on some sleep! Ciao for now.
Woke up 15 minutes after my alarm started to ring. I don't think I've ever actually slept while the alarm was ringing! Went to church and saw people I now see very little of...that's a bit depressing. But church was good. Pastor Bob talked about King Hezekiah and how it was thought at the time he was ruling that he was the Messiah. I never knew that, or if I did, it left my memory. He was called the many names that Jesus is referred to: Wonderful counsellor, etc. However, he was not the Messiah.
But there is going to be someone out there -- he may already exist -- that will appear to many of us to be the Messiah as well. He will gain a huge following and will be so good at deception that we will believe him. It is so important to be reading the Bible, and living the life the Bible recommends, seeking God in all of our actions and activities, and testing all bits of knowledge that come our way, so we can discern the fake from the "real deal".
Great sermon.
Later, Steve, Patty, Peter, Daniella and I went to the Christmas production at the church -- "Caught Up In Christmas", and were captivated by the performances tonight. My particular favorite part of the whole thing was the music chosen. It was gospel and upbeat for the most part, with a couple of tunes that had some complex jazzy chords in them that seemed more minor key in nature. But the story line was also excellent.
This little Christmas mouse (me) now must go crash and catch up on some sleep! Ciao for now.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Advent, Day 15
Another late post!
Great dinner at Steve & Patty's home tonight -- Jana & Jason were there, along with Chantelle, Daniella, Peter and me. Earlier, I was not so eager to go because really, even though it seems like I should have plenty of time to do lots of things, time seems to run out rather quickly. I've baked alot of biscotti now, but haven't had time to bake all that I need to, and haven't had time to shop for gifts either. It is never fun going and getting gifts when you haven't shopped in return. Luckily, I had shopped for the girls - Jana, Chantelle & Daniella. Not so lucky for the others, though......
Anyway, it has been a long but great day...... hopefully, I will come up with some interesting posts for this blog soon. For instance, one of my blogging buddies has recommended Polar Express (the movie) to me, so maybe I should do a review here once I have viewed it. Hmmmmm.....in the meantime, you can check out his great blog. Just look on the right hand side of this blog and click on "Jared"......have fun!
Goodnight and Good Luck!
Great dinner at Steve & Patty's home tonight -- Jana & Jason were there, along with Chantelle, Daniella, Peter and me. Earlier, I was not so eager to go because really, even though it seems like I should have plenty of time to do lots of things, time seems to run out rather quickly. I've baked alot of biscotti now, but haven't had time to bake all that I need to, and haven't had time to shop for gifts either. It is never fun going and getting gifts when you haven't shopped in return. Luckily, I had shopped for the girls - Jana, Chantelle & Daniella. Not so lucky for the others, though......
Anyway, it has been a long but great day...... hopefully, I will come up with some interesting posts for this blog soon. For instance, one of my blogging buddies has recommended Polar Express (the movie) to me, so maybe I should do a review here once I have viewed it. Hmmmmm.....in the meantime, you can check out his great blog. Just look on the right hand side of this blog and click on "Jared"......have fun!
Goodnight and Good Luck!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Advent, Day 14
Tired. Very tired.
Went to Bible Study Fellowship this morning for my last time. *sigh* The study on Romans has been great. We had a fellowship afterwards at Jen's house on the south side of Edmonton. Her home was beautiful. I got to pet Ella the cat - it has been so long since I've held a cat - it was great. They have two large labs and a chinchilla as well.
Jen's husband made vanilla lattes -- yum yum, and we enjoyed Christmas goodies as well as some shrimp and antipasto as well. I took the bus home from Southgate and it took a while.
Got home quite late - say about 3:30 pm, and received an early Christmas gift - my work permit for work at NorQuest was in the mail - that, for sure is a result of prayer! Went out for coffee with a friend and then it was quickly off to a wedding shower this evening and am finally home. I'm probably the least busy I have been in ages and ages, yet what little busyness I have is wearing me out. As much as I love Christmas, I really dislike being overly busy for very little purpose!
So, off to bed I go.
Went to Bible Study Fellowship this morning for my last time. *sigh* The study on Romans has been great. We had a fellowship afterwards at Jen's house on the south side of Edmonton. Her home was beautiful. I got to pet Ella the cat - it has been so long since I've held a cat - it was great. They have two large labs and a chinchilla as well.
Jen's husband made vanilla lattes -- yum yum, and we enjoyed Christmas goodies as well as some shrimp and antipasto as well. I took the bus home from Southgate and it took a while.
Got home quite late - say about 3:30 pm, and received an early Christmas gift - my work permit for work at NorQuest was in the mail - that, for sure is a result of prayer! Went out for coffee with a friend and then it was quickly off to a wedding shower this evening and am finally home. I'm probably the least busy I have been in ages and ages, yet what little busyness I have is wearing me out. As much as I love Christmas, I really dislike being overly busy for very little purpose!
So, off to bed I go.
Advent, Day 13
Well, this is a very late post! The day was packed -- not as I expected, but was packed nonetheless. Since the others in the house are pretty much done with exams, there's alot of "hanging out" that is going on here. I love the young adults for sure -- they touch my heart in so many different ways. I never really felt like I was a young adult - never really experienced fellowship with my peers at that time in my life, and was always old for my age. I wonder if this time has been one way that God has allowed me to sort of "be" a young adult. The time here at this house, though, has to come to an end.
I talked to my mother earlier today. I love mom. That's a given of course. But I love being around my mom. She is quiet. Oh, she has always liked a good party, and loves to play board games and all, but the rest of the time, she just doesn't make a lot of unnecessary noise, or talk unnecessarily. She is contained and doesn't dominate the area or force herself, her ideas, opinions, whatever, on anyone.
At Christmas, the house is decorated well, but not flashy, if you know what I mean. Subtle touches of Christmas all over the house. Very warm, inviting, yet peaceful. No visual noise.
I need some quiet again, and as I take off to housesit beginning this Sunday, I look forward to just reading the paper every day, with a warm cup of coffee and perhaps a bagel. Ah, the sweetness of a quiet beginning to the day, and a quiet ending to each night.
Good night!
I talked to my mother earlier today. I love mom. That's a given of course. But I love being around my mom. She is quiet. Oh, she has always liked a good party, and loves to play board games and all, but the rest of the time, she just doesn't make a lot of unnecessary noise, or talk unnecessarily. She is contained and doesn't dominate the area or force herself, her ideas, opinions, whatever, on anyone.
At Christmas, the house is decorated well, but not flashy, if you know what I mean. Subtle touches of Christmas all over the house. Very warm, inviting, yet peaceful. No visual noise.
I need some quiet again, and as I take off to housesit beginning this Sunday, I look forward to just reading the paper every day, with a warm cup of coffee and perhaps a bagel. Ah, the sweetness of a quiet beginning to the day, and a quiet ending to each night.
Good night!
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Monday, December 11, 2006
Advent, Day 11
Tonight, "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" was on television. You know, there are two television shows that really have a Christmas meaning to me - "The Grinch" (as referenced above) and "A Charlie Brown's Christmas". For some reason, these two shows really touch my heart. They are funny for sure, but there is something more. They have certainly stood the test of time, haven't they?
As far as movies go, "Miracle on 34th Street", "White Christmas", and "A Christmas Carol" (with Alec Guinness as Scrooge) are my favorites. They speak Christmas to me. Nothing made in the last 20 years seems to do it for me at all.
So, I asked the young adults here what were their favorite Christmas shows/movies. The only I've heard come back is "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" with Chevy Chase. Ugh.
Anyway, it does not seem as if real Christmas Classics are being made much anymore. Why not?
As far as movies go, "Miracle on 34th Street", "White Christmas", and "A Christmas Carol" (with Alec Guinness as Scrooge) are my favorites. They speak Christmas to me. Nothing made in the last 20 years seems to do it for me at all.
So, I asked the young adults here what were their favorite Christmas shows/movies. The only I've heard come back is "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" with Chevy Chase. Ugh.
Anyway, it does not seem as if real Christmas Classics are being made much anymore. Why not?
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Advent, Day 10
What a strange day.
First, a sermon that I won't forget -- oh, I'll forget the details, but not the essence. The essence of sermon today, at least for me, was that Jesus' coming to earth did not, and was not meant to, remove despair, sadness, hardship....His coming to earth was to give us hope. He is my Savior; He is the Savior. I wonder if those I sat next to in church were moved as much as I was when Pastor Bob talked about "just give(ing) everything you know about you over to everything you know about Him." The very words that so encouraged me to do just that a few years ago.
The reminder that He is there when you are broken is such a necessary reminder for me, and I imagine for lots of people. I have a hard time imagining that this Christmas is going to be anything but a struggle with loneliness, and not the kind of loneliness that goes away with a busy schedule and lots of people all around. Christmas is such a marker every year; a point at which a review of the year takes place. And this last year wasn't good in many respects.
But, if you check out the scripture Pastor Bob used today - Isaiah 9:1-7 - you will see that just as Isaiah was speaking about hope to a people who were broken and beaten and in despair, he speaks to us through the scripture, assuring us that there is hope for us even when we are broken, beaten and in despair. "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress." (Isaiah 9:1 NIV)
It sure does not seem like it sometimes, but God is in our midst at all times.
It is easy, as Pastor Bob suggested, to get down with all the things in this world that can cause us distress. Just watching the news can lead you down a path of despair. But then, I think of all the people who don't watch the news -- they have no TV, no home, no family, etc., and their path of despair. I think of all the people who are busy shopping, shopping, shopping, but will not receive the gift they long for or perhaps the gift they need. People from all walks of life have issues at one time or another. I hope they hear Isaiah's message and let it sink in - maybe they won't "listen" right away, but at some point wonder what gave Isaiah hope in the midst of the despair surround him.
One of my friends has just recently been to the hospital and was diagnosed with "exquisite pain". In the medical sense, exquisite means "intense, keen or sharp". Jesus himself suffered "exquisite pain" - for us. Some people don't think this makes sense. Think about it, though. Jesus was sent to us as a Savior. He becomes our link to God - in fact, the only way to God is through Jesus. Jesus is our intercessor. God sent his son in the form of man, and that man experienced the suffering, the temptations, the "exquisite pain", that we have.
I thank God for being my Comforter. For understanding our "exquisite pain" through personal experience. As rotten as things can seem once in a while, without him I would be in despair with no hope -- far worse off than I am now! I look forward to meeting him.
First, a sermon that I won't forget -- oh, I'll forget the details, but not the essence. The essence of sermon today, at least for me, was that Jesus' coming to earth did not, and was not meant to, remove despair, sadness, hardship....His coming to earth was to give us hope. He is my Savior; He is the Savior. I wonder if those I sat next to in church were moved as much as I was when Pastor Bob talked about "just give(ing) everything you know about you over to everything you know about Him." The very words that so encouraged me to do just that a few years ago.
The reminder that He is there when you are broken is such a necessary reminder for me, and I imagine for lots of people. I have a hard time imagining that this Christmas is going to be anything but a struggle with loneliness, and not the kind of loneliness that goes away with a busy schedule and lots of people all around. Christmas is such a marker every year; a point at which a review of the year takes place. And this last year wasn't good in many respects.
But, if you check out the scripture Pastor Bob used today - Isaiah 9:1-7 - you will see that just as Isaiah was speaking about hope to a people who were broken and beaten and in despair, he speaks to us through the scripture, assuring us that there is hope for us even when we are broken, beaten and in despair. "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress." (Isaiah 9:1 NIV)
It sure does not seem like it sometimes, but God is in our midst at all times.
It is easy, as Pastor Bob suggested, to get down with all the things in this world that can cause us distress. Just watching the news can lead you down a path of despair. But then, I think of all the people who don't watch the news -- they have no TV, no home, no family, etc., and their path of despair. I think of all the people who are busy shopping, shopping, shopping, but will not receive the gift they long for or perhaps the gift they need. People from all walks of life have issues at one time or another. I hope they hear Isaiah's message and let it sink in - maybe they won't "listen" right away, but at some point wonder what gave Isaiah hope in the midst of the despair surround him.
One of my friends has just recently been to the hospital and was diagnosed with "exquisite pain". In the medical sense, exquisite means "intense, keen or sharp". Jesus himself suffered "exquisite pain" - for us. Some people don't think this makes sense. Think about it, though. Jesus was sent to us as a Savior. He becomes our link to God - in fact, the only way to God is through Jesus. Jesus is our intercessor. God sent his son in the form of man, and that man experienced the suffering, the temptations, the "exquisite pain", that we have.
I thank God for being my Comforter. For understanding our "exquisite pain" through personal experience. As rotten as things can seem once in a while, without him I would be in despair with no hope -- far worse off than I am now! I look forward to meeting him.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Advent, Day 9
The Butterdome.
What a name for building! I believe the name comes from the yellow color of the large exterior of this sports facility at the University of Alberta.
Today, that facility was filled with various craft vendors. I haven't been to a craft show in so long, it felt marvelous to be there with Carla. We got there about 10:15 a.m. and left about 1:15 p.m. I could have stayed even longer!
There was one piece of art I would have loved to have been able to give somebody. It was a piece of art with some very simple pebbles that were shaped like people. The people were sitting in a circle and the title of the piece was simply "Our Circle" if I remember correctly.
We tasted some fine specialty foods, including chocolate covered toffee that was absolutely divine and something called Cowboy Crunch that was also great. Dips, sauces, coffees, ciders . . . they were all there and they were all tasty.
After making it through the craft sale, we went to Vi's for Pies for about an hour.
It felt very Christmas-y to be out and about today, even though it was warmer than expected.
Lord, thank you for a great day of fellowship, fun and foodstuff!
What a name for building! I believe the name comes from the yellow color of the large exterior of this sports facility at the University of Alberta.
Today, that facility was filled with various craft vendors. I haven't been to a craft show in so long, it felt marvelous to be there with Carla. We got there about 10:15 a.m. and left about 1:15 p.m. I could have stayed even longer!
There was one piece of art I would have loved to have been able to give somebody. It was a piece of art with some very simple pebbles that were shaped like people. The people were sitting in a circle and the title of the piece was simply "Our Circle" if I remember correctly.
We tasted some fine specialty foods, including chocolate covered toffee that was absolutely divine and something called Cowboy Crunch that was also great. Dips, sauces, coffees, ciders . . . they were all there and they were all tasty.
After making it through the craft sale, we went to Vi's for Pies for about an hour.
It felt very Christmas-y to be out and about today, even though it was warmer than expected.
Lord, thank you for a great day of fellowship, fun and foodstuff!
Friday, December 08, 2006
Advent, Day 8
Since I am an Edmontonian now, I figured I would put a couple links out here about Christmas activities and events in Edmonton.
http://www.edmontonplus.ca/portal/eventSearch.do?&siteId=1§ion=98&pageIndex=0&maxLinkPerPage=100&maxPagePerSection=5&theText=christmas
http://www.edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_272_214_0_43/http%3B/CMSServer/COEWeb/arts+culture+and+attractions/christmasholidayactivitiesgiftideas.htm
And, of course, I can't resist plugging some activities at my church - North Pointe. We have a Christmas offering to the community called "Caught Up In Christmas." And our Christmas Eve service is an absolute treat! Check out our site at:
www.northpointechurch.ca
http://www.edmontonplus.ca/portal/eventSearch.do?&siteId=1§ion=98&pageIndex=0&maxLinkPerPage=100&maxPagePerSection=5&theText=christmas
http://www.edmonton.ca/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_272_214_0_43/http%3B/CMSServer/COEWeb/arts+culture+and+attractions/christmasholidayactivitiesgiftideas.htm
And, of course, I can't resist plugging some activities at my church - North Pointe. We have a Christmas offering to the community called "Caught Up In Christmas." And our Christmas Eve service is an absolute treat! Check out our site at:
www.northpointechurch.ca
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Advent, Day 7
What is Advent?
I have to admit, when growing up, I thought an Advent Calendar was simply used to count down the days until Christmas. Our family usually shared one advent calendar that hung up on the refrigerator and we took turns opening a window. In my head now, I can visualize those lovely advent calendars with their Christian scene - perhaps of the baby Jesus in a cradle, or perhaps of the three wise men in their long robes with staffs in their hands and gazing upon a huge star in the sky. The colors were usually beautiful and the calendar would have sparkly glitter sprinkled over it. If we held the calendar up to the light, the little windows when opened looked like stained glass, or so I thought anyways!
My parents were raised Catholic, but we were not, so I'm not sure when I started to wonder about the religious significance of the pictures on the Advent calendars.
Over the past week or so, I've been looking for little tidbits to put out here on this blog for fun and for my own edification, and I've read a little bit about Advent and its meaning. And though I skimmed the words many times, I have to say that its significance escaped me until a few minutes ago. According to wikipedia, "the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Jesus the Christ."
Well, first of all, now I am wondering how the Hebrews "waited" for the birth of their Messiah. What did they do to prepare? Or did they just go about their daily lives in their waiting period? I certainly can't recall anything specific right now from my own readings, but I'll be looking this up tomorrow.
And then, I think, how am I supposed to wait for Christ's second coming? What should I be doing to prepare as I journey through this life, travelling on various roads, towards Him?
I remember when I was preparing to move to Edmonton. Ah, I was so very excited. I wanted to make sure I was as unencumbered and as free as possible, as I understood that God can use those who are free to focus on Him to a great extent. So, I payed my bills. I got rid of alot of stuff I did not need, though I kept some stuff in storage. I got my documents in order. I said my goodbyes to my family and friends. I prayed constantly to make sure I was doing the right thing. I got the car fixed up and packed it just with bare necessities really. I made the rounds to favorite restaurants and shops for a "last taste" of the Detroit area. I lived for a few weeks with my folks as I waited to depart. Though some of these tasks were not fun for me, I did them all with a great joy and anticipation of what I knew was going to be a great adventure.
And as I am here in the midst of Advent, I wonder if I am living and taking care of business with that same joy and anticipation as I had for beginning a new life here. Are there debts I need to pay? Do I have things in storage that need to be dealt with (i.e., baggage in my life)? Have I given my family and friends up to God or do I try and solve their life issues for them? Am I in prayer as much as I should be - am I still asking God's direction? Am I travelling with just what I need, or is stuff cluttering up my life? Am I a living here for today - getting out into the world around me, experiencing it, and sharing with others? Who am I hanging out with while I wait for Christ's return?
In thinking about these questions, I am grateful for this time of reflection, a time many have named Advent.
I have to admit, when growing up, I thought an Advent Calendar was simply used to count down the days until Christmas. Our family usually shared one advent calendar that hung up on the refrigerator and we took turns opening a window. In my head now, I can visualize those lovely advent calendars with their Christian scene - perhaps of the baby Jesus in a cradle, or perhaps of the three wise men in their long robes with staffs in their hands and gazing upon a huge star in the sky. The colors were usually beautiful and the calendar would have sparkly glitter sprinkled over it. If we held the calendar up to the light, the little windows when opened looked like stained glass, or so I thought anyways!
My parents were raised Catholic, but we were not, so I'm not sure when I started to wonder about the religious significance of the pictures on the Advent calendars.
Over the past week or so, I've been looking for little tidbits to put out here on this blog for fun and for my own edification, and I've read a little bit about Advent and its meaning. And though I skimmed the words many times, I have to say that its significance escaped me until a few minutes ago. According to wikipedia, "the season of Advent serves a dual reminder of the original waiting that was done by the Hebrews for the birth of their Messiah as well as the waiting that Christians today endure as they await the second coming of Jesus the Christ."
Well, first of all, now I am wondering how the Hebrews "waited" for the birth of their Messiah. What did they do to prepare? Or did they just go about their daily lives in their waiting period? I certainly can't recall anything specific right now from my own readings, but I'll be looking this up tomorrow.
And then, I think, how am I supposed to wait for Christ's second coming? What should I be doing to prepare as I journey through this life, travelling on various roads, towards Him?
I remember when I was preparing to move to Edmonton. Ah, I was so very excited. I wanted to make sure I was as unencumbered and as free as possible, as I understood that God can use those who are free to focus on Him to a great extent. So, I payed my bills. I got rid of alot of stuff I did not need, though I kept some stuff in storage. I got my documents in order. I said my goodbyes to my family and friends. I prayed constantly to make sure I was doing the right thing. I got the car fixed up and packed it just with bare necessities really. I made the rounds to favorite restaurants and shops for a "last taste" of the Detroit area. I lived for a few weeks with my folks as I waited to depart. Though some of these tasks were not fun for me, I did them all with a great joy and anticipation of what I knew was going to be a great adventure.
And as I am here in the midst of Advent, I wonder if I am living and taking care of business with that same joy and anticipation as I had for beginning a new life here. Are there debts I need to pay? Do I have things in storage that need to be dealt with (i.e., baggage in my life)? Have I given my family and friends up to God or do I try and solve their life issues for them? Am I in prayer as much as I should be - am I still asking God's direction? Am I travelling with just what I need, or is stuff cluttering up my life? Am I a living here for today - getting out into the world around me, experiencing it, and sharing with others? Who am I hanging out with while I wait for Christ's return?
In thinking about these questions, I am grateful for this time of reflection, a time many have named Advent.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Advent, Day 6
Christmas Linguini.
"Hi. My name is Kathy, and I am a recovering cookaholic." I love to cook. Have I mentioned before that to me, a meal, or even just one dish, is a piece of art. If I may say so myself, I am a fairly decent cook. At least, that is what I thought until . . .
Tuesday. We had a small luncheon at the church to promote an event to some local pastors. I was to shop and cook for the meal. A cream sauce on pasta was requested. Well, I've not made an alfredo or any other kind of cream sauce, so I looked up some recipes online. One recipe I found suggested combining alfredo with pesto for a tasty meal. I thought, "Great! I can get a regular basil pesto (green), and a sun-dried tomato pesto (red), and some prepackaged alfredo sauce, and thus make Christmas Linguini for the group!" Seems simple, eh?
The plan was to also do some garlic bread, and a simple salad. Monday night, I had already made three kinds of biscotti for the event (after practicing - see Day 4) and these were delicious.
Well, I layed out the biscotti -- looked great! Then poured balsamic dressing on the romaine lettuce and topped it with just a little parmegiano reggiano. Got the pasta cooking, and put the alfredo sauce into two pans and began simmering it. Panicked and decided not to do the garlic bread -- mistake because we had no margarine. The pasta sauces looked beautiful. In fact, when combined with the pasta, they looked great. However, the texture was absolutely horrendous. Quite starchy. In fact, usually when your dinner guests are quiet, it is a compliment about the quality of the food. In this case, I'm quite sure their tongues were simply stuck to the roofs of their mouths - thus, preventing them from speaking at all.
Because the pasta did not turn out very good, the bread without margarine or butter seemed pretty bland, and the simple salad seemed cheap. The only saving grace was the biscotti -- they say, always end on a good note. For sure it was the only good note of the meal!
Christmas Linguini -- great in theory, but practical application needs work!
"Hi. My name is Kathy, and I am a recovering cookaholic." I love to cook. Have I mentioned before that to me, a meal, or even just one dish, is a piece of art. If I may say so myself, I am a fairly decent cook. At least, that is what I thought until . . .
Tuesday. We had a small luncheon at the church to promote an event to some local pastors. I was to shop and cook for the meal. A cream sauce on pasta was requested. Well, I've not made an alfredo or any other kind of cream sauce, so I looked up some recipes online. One recipe I found suggested combining alfredo with pesto for a tasty meal. I thought, "Great! I can get a regular basil pesto (green), and a sun-dried tomato pesto (red), and some prepackaged alfredo sauce, and thus make Christmas Linguini for the group!" Seems simple, eh?
The plan was to also do some garlic bread, and a simple salad. Monday night, I had already made three kinds of biscotti for the event (after practicing - see Day 4) and these were delicious.
Well, I layed out the biscotti -- looked great! Then poured balsamic dressing on the romaine lettuce and topped it with just a little parmegiano reggiano. Got the pasta cooking, and put the alfredo sauce into two pans and began simmering it. Panicked and decided not to do the garlic bread -- mistake because we had no margarine. The pasta sauces looked beautiful. In fact, when combined with the pasta, they looked great. However, the texture was absolutely horrendous. Quite starchy. In fact, usually when your dinner guests are quiet, it is a compliment about the quality of the food. In this case, I'm quite sure their tongues were simply stuck to the roofs of their mouths - thus, preventing them from speaking at all.
Because the pasta did not turn out very good, the bread without margarine or butter seemed pretty bland, and the simple salad seemed cheap. The only saving grace was the biscotti -- they say, always end on a good note. For sure it was the only good note of the meal!
Christmas Linguini -- great in theory, but practical application needs work!
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Advent, Day 5
Okay, I'm reclaiming Santa. My first year as a Christian, I had a hard time figuring out why so many Christians disowned Santa. I have even a harder time figuring it out now. Today, I had a conversation with one such Christian, and the best I can come up with is that they believe Santa represents the commercialism of Christmas and is in direct opposition to Christmas' real meaning -- the celebration of the birth of Christ.
In all honesty, though, as a non-Christian, I did not think of Santa as a commercial being. I thought of Santa as a benevolent being. I know that in school we learned about St. Nicholas, but I have reinvestigated. What I read about St. Nicholas was very encouraging. Check it out at the link below.
Apparently, Nicholas was born into a devout, wealthy Christian family, and became a strong follower of Christ. His parents died in an epidemic and Nicholas, obeying Jesus' instructions to sell what you own and give to the poor, used his entire inheritance to help those in need.
There is much more information on the site referenced below. Although I have not done exhaustive research regarding Santa, I am persuaded to believe that he was as described above. Many differentiate between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus - I don't. For all those who claim that Santa is all about commercialism in North America, I disagree. But I hope that those with those claims don't participate in the very commercialism to which they are so opposed.
"Santa" means saint and it seems to me Nicholas is a pretty good example of what we as saints often claim we should be like. As such, if our children were to model themselves after St. Nicholas / Santa Claus, I think they would be well on their way to modeling themselves after Jesus.
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=235
In all honesty, though, as a non-Christian, I did not think of Santa as a commercial being. I thought of Santa as a benevolent being. I know that in school we learned about St. Nicholas, but I have reinvestigated. What I read about St. Nicholas was very encouraging. Check it out at the link below.
Apparently, Nicholas was born into a devout, wealthy Christian family, and became a strong follower of Christ. His parents died in an epidemic and Nicholas, obeying Jesus' instructions to sell what you own and give to the poor, used his entire inheritance to help those in need.
There is much more information on the site referenced below. Although I have not done exhaustive research regarding Santa, I am persuaded to believe that he was as described above. Many differentiate between St. Nicholas and Santa Claus - I don't. For all those who claim that Santa is all about commercialism in North America, I disagree. But I hope that those with those claims don't participate in the very commercialism to which they are so opposed.
"Santa" means saint and it seems to me Nicholas is a pretty good example of what we as saints often claim we should be like. As such, if our children were to model themselves after St. Nicholas / Santa Claus, I think they would be well on their way to modeling themselves after Jesus.
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=38
http://www.stnicholascenter.org/Brix?pageID=235
Monday, December 04, 2006
Advent, Day 4
I really do love the holiday season. I was operating in one of my blissful holiday moods Saturday and went to get ingredients to make Cappuccino Biscotti. Cooking and baking are two of my favorite things to do - it is a form of art as far as I'm concerned.
Anyway, the recipe seemed simple enough - you can check it out if you want at http://www.joyofbaking.com/biscotti/CappuccinoBiscotti.html .
The first thing was to roast the hazelnuts - then put them in a clean towel to steam, then rub the towel to "skin" the hazelnuts. Well, I don't know what happened, but I ended up with hazelnut skins all over the kitchen and many didn't peel off, so I painstakingly peeled them off with a knife. This took about an hour, I think, though the recipe makes it seem like a simple Step #1. I groaned from time to time, and noticed the students in the house started exiting the area.
The recipe next suggests using a handmixer for the dough. Okay, perhaps they are correct, if you could only cook the dough on the walls of your kitchen, because frankly, that is where alot of my biscotti dough ended up. I think I was laughing and crying at the same time at this point, and students would wander through every once in a while, but not say anything . . . wisely.
I think my biscotti took a good 3 hours to make, but the students tried it and said they liked it. So, although it was excrutiatingly painful to make, it was also quite fun really. . . or perhaps real funny! I've decided to make biscotti for my holiday baking.
Happy Advent, Day 4.
Anyway, the recipe seemed simple enough - you can check it out if you want at http://www.joyofbaking.com/biscotti/CappuccinoBiscotti.html .
The first thing was to roast the hazelnuts - then put them in a clean towel to steam, then rub the towel to "skin" the hazelnuts. Well, I don't know what happened, but I ended up with hazelnut skins all over the kitchen and many didn't peel off, so I painstakingly peeled them off with a knife. This took about an hour, I think, though the recipe makes it seem like a simple Step #1. I groaned from time to time, and noticed the students in the house started exiting the area.
The recipe next suggests using a handmixer for the dough. Okay, perhaps they are correct, if you could only cook the dough on the walls of your kitchen, because frankly, that is where alot of my biscotti dough ended up. I think I was laughing and crying at the same time at this point, and students would wander through every once in a while, but not say anything . . . wisely.
I think my biscotti took a good 3 hours to make, but the students tried it and said they liked it. So, although it was excrutiatingly painful to make, it was also quite fun really. . . or perhaps real funny! I've decided to make biscotti for my holiday baking.
Happy Advent, Day 4.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Advent, Day 3
Secret Sisters.
One of the things that has meant the most to me on becoming a Christian and participating at my church is the ministry we call "Secret Sisters". The lady standing with me in this picture is Rachel. She was my first Secret Sister on coming up here to Edmonton. I've told her story in a previous blog - if you care to read it, just go to: http://kathybrownsblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/rachel.html.
One of the things that has meant the most to me on becoming a Christian and participating at my church is the ministry we call "Secret Sisters". The lady standing with me in this picture is Rachel. She was my first Secret Sister on coming up here to Edmonton. I've told her story in a previous blog - if you care to read it, just go to: http://kathybrownsblog.blogspot.com/2006/08/rachel.html.
Well, I did not have alot of funds to expend on gifts for my secret sister - and there is actually a limit of what we are supposed to spend. But I knew it was not about any gifts. Secret Sister's purpose, at least in my heart, is to learn about someone in our church, and love and pray for them - secretly. A little note or something symbolic once in a while to let the person know they are in our thoughts is not a bad thing. But it is not the point.
I am happy to say that ever since that time when Rachel was my secret sister, we have remained friends and I know that we pray for one another. Through this ministry, I have made a life-time friend, who's own life has touched mine in a very profound way.
We usually wrap up the year with a little Christmas gift to our Secret Sister so I thought it was appropriate just to plug the ministry of Secret Sisters in this Celebration of Advent.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Advent, Day 2
On the subject of snow -- and it seems like we have about a foot and a half here in Edmonton -- check out this website where you can make your own snowflake! The snowflake that falls and says "Your friend's flake" is one I made today for this second day of advent. Every snowflake that is made may help the Salvation Army receive a few more donated dollars during the 2006 Holiday Flake-a-thon! And if that isn't enough, click on the other falling flakes -- you will see that people from all over the world are creating a beautiful snowfall!
http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/index.html?id=3105632
http://www.popularfront.com/snowdays/index.html?id=3105632
Friday, December 01, 2006
Advent Day 1
I rose early
Though the sun did not;
Pale lavender clouds hung low
Reflecting on the white, white snow
That has created an early Christmas
In my heart.
Love wells up in me
Without my understanding why
As I walk about and talk about
This early Christmas gift -
Not always convenient
Except as a beautiful blanket.
Sometimes I think
I am still on the outside
For it is easy for me to see
That there is something special here
Though not everyone
Receives the gift.
Though the sun did not;
Pale lavender clouds hung low
Reflecting on the white, white snow
That has created an early Christmas
In my heart.
Love wells up in me
Without my understanding why
As I walk about and talk about
This early Christmas gift -
Not always convenient
Except as a beautiful blanket.
Sometimes I think
I am still on the outside
For it is easy for me to see
That there is something special here
Though not everyone
Receives the gift.
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
-40 Degrees
Help! It really is -40 degrees here today when you factor in the wind chill. Fahrenheit or Celsius, you ask? Doesn't matter - they are the SAME at -40 degrees. So, all my American friends now have perspective on the gravity of my situation here in Edmonton.
I decided to make a trip to the grocery store today. (I heard you call me an idiot.) I walked to the bus stop. A little over halfway there, I was convinced I was having a stroke. My head hurt that badly! Really, I did not know if I was going to make it. Luckily there is a little shelter there to wait for the bus. My legs were numb within a minute of going outside.
I walked down a road to get to the bus stop. The snow is now so packed on the road -- it is icy even to walk on, much more so to drive on! Ugh.
Baby, it's cold outside!
I decided to make a trip to the grocery store today. (I heard you call me an idiot.) I walked to the bus stop. A little over halfway there, I was convinced I was having a stroke. My head hurt that badly! Really, I did not know if I was going to make it. Luckily there is a little shelter there to wait for the bus. My legs were numb within a minute of going outside.
I walked down a road to get to the bus stop. The snow is now so packed on the road -- it is icy even to walk on, much more so to drive on! Ugh.
Baby, it's cold outside!
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Whimsical?
I recently heard a sermon that touched on a concept regarding worship services that quite intrigues me. The preacher / teacher talked about the fact that we might think that when the music begins on Sunday morning, worship begins. This teacher pointed out that our thoughts are incorrect -- we are merely joining in to a non-stop worship service. That concept is pretty cool.
Every moment of the day and night, someone somewhere is singing and/or praising God. When you begin singing and lifting your hands on Sunday morning, it is like you have dialed in to a webinar or something like that! I thought about that this morning (or rather yesterday morning) as we sang and praised God in church. I wondered what it must be like looked at from Heaven. I imagined that there might be a high-level angel in Heaven assigned to keeping the "Praise & Worship" station up and running, and every time someone or some group sings to God, they automatically "tune in" to the station. God hears our voices raised in song and sees our hands raised toward Him.
I imagine that when hearts are turned toward Him, and voices raised to Him, that it doesn't matter which songs are sung, which key they are sung in, which style is used, etc., because the notes, chords, tones, all get woven together in a perfect pattern for Him to hear. That what might appear to us to be noise and dissonance is to Him perfect harmony.
Every moment of the day and night, someone somewhere is singing and/or praising God. When you begin singing and lifting your hands on Sunday morning, it is like you have dialed in to a webinar or something like that! I thought about that this morning (or rather yesterday morning) as we sang and praised God in church. I wondered what it must be like looked at from Heaven. I imagined that there might be a high-level angel in Heaven assigned to keeping the "Praise & Worship" station up and running, and every time someone or some group sings to God, they automatically "tune in" to the station. God hears our voices raised in song and sees our hands raised toward Him.
I imagine that when hearts are turned toward Him, and voices raised to Him, that it doesn't matter which songs are sung, which key they are sung in, which style is used, etc., because the notes, chords, tones, all get woven together in a perfect pattern for Him to hear. That what might appear to us to be noise and dissonance is to Him perfect harmony.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Family Thanksgiving
"So, how did you cook the turkey this year?" I asked Mom on the phone earlier today.
"Oh, the slow method," she replied. "But it was nearly a disaster."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was already laughing inside. Every year it is the same. In fact, it is my favorite holiday tradition. The discussion about how to cook the turkey. A typical Thanksgiving eve and day in terms of turkey and dinner preparation might go something like this:
Mom: "Let's just do the turkey tomorrow, Doug."
Dad: "No, I'm going to do the slow method."
Mom: "You know it's always done early. Come on, let's just do it tomorrow."
Dad: "No, I'm going to do the slow method. It will turn out right."
Mom: "We go through this every year, and every year it's done early."
Dad: "It'll turn out."
Mom: "Okay, well, then you do it. Remember, we eat at 3 o'clock tomorrow."
Dad would put the turkey in around midnight at a very high temperature to kill off any bacteria. After one hour, the oven would be turned down, so the turkey would cook slowly, well, for about 12 - 14 hours, I guess! We would wake up to a heavy turkey smell in the house by 8:00 or 9:00 am.
Sometime before noon, perhaps even at around 9 am, another conversation would take place.
Mom: "Have you checked the turkey?" (to Dad)
Dad: "Go ahead."
Mom: "Doug, I knew it -- the turkey's done."
Dad: (no response)
Mom: "What do you suggest now, Doug?"
Dad: "Is that right?" (notice the total disconnect -- I think he is trying to think what to say.)
Mom: "No really. We told everyone to be here at 3:00."
Dad: "There's nothing I can do."
Mom: "That's just great. It will be cold by the time we're ready." Red in the face, and with a little sarcasm now, "Why don't you call everyone and tell them to come over now. How does that sound!?"
Mom to one of us: "He's not the one who has to do everything else."
I miss this holiday tradition, I really do. But it was good to hear about it again this year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"So, how was it nearly a disaster this year, Mom?"
"Well, he put the turkey in at midnight. And then after an hour, thought he turned it down. But he turned the knob the wrong way and set it to broil."
I laughed.
"Luckily, though, a little while later, he thought he should check it, so, he caught it in time. But it was done around 6:00 a.m."
"Oh, the slow method," she replied. "But it was nearly a disaster."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I was already laughing inside. Every year it is the same. In fact, it is my favorite holiday tradition. The discussion about how to cook the turkey. A typical Thanksgiving eve and day in terms of turkey and dinner preparation might go something like this:
Mom: "Let's just do the turkey tomorrow, Doug."
Dad: "No, I'm going to do the slow method."
Mom: "You know it's always done early. Come on, let's just do it tomorrow."
Dad: "No, I'm going to do the slow method. It will turn out right."
Mom: "We go through this every year, and every year it's done early."
Dad: "It'll turn out."
Mom: "Okay, well, then you do it. Remember, we eat at 3 o'clock tomorrow."
Dad would put the turkey in around midnight at a very high temperature to kill off any bacteria. After one hour, the oven would be turned down, so the turkey would cook slowly, well, for about 12 - 14 hours, I guess! We would wake up to a heavy turkey smell in the house by 8:00 or 9:00 am.
Sometime before noon, perhaps even at around 9 am, another conversation would take place.
Mom: "Have you checked the turkey?" (to Dad)
Dad: "Go ahead."
Mom: "Doug, I knew it -- the turkey's done."
Dad: (no response)
Mom: "What do you suggest now, Doug?"
Dad: "Is that right?" (notice the total disconnect -- I think he is trying to think what to say.)
Mom: "No really. We told everyone to be here at 3:00."
Dad: "There's nothing I can do."
Mom: "That's just great. It will be cold by the time we're ready." Red in the face, and with a little sarcasm now, "Why don't you call everyone and tell them to come over now. How does that sound!?"
Mom to one of us: "He's not the one who has to do everything else."
I miss this holiday tradition, I really do. But it was good to hear about it again this year.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
"So, how was it nearly a disaster this year, Mom?"
"Well, he put the turkey in at midnight. And then after an hour, thought he turned it down. But he turned the knob the wrong way and set it to broil."
I laughed.
"Luckily, though, a little while later, he thought he should check it, so, he caught it in time. But it was done around 6:00 a.m."
Friday, November 24, 2006
For My Canadian Family
What were you guys talking about when you said "Michigan gets more snow than we do!" Please look out your window, then come back to the computer and look at the temps in Michigan for the next 4 days. My mother is playing golf there today. People, it can't snow there! I say we make a dash for the border!
Note as well that we are in sunny Alberta, yet the one "sunny" symbol here is for Michigan.
I feel so mislead......
For My Michigan Family
I know after seeing this that you will feel very sorry for me. Looking at this weather comparison of the next 4 days in our respective areas, you must be saying "I wonder why Kathy even moved to Edmonton!" You aren't alone.... but for sure it wasn't for the weather! Please note, that the "-" symbol in front of the numbers is not a typo.
Sympathy gifts will be received gladly....
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Thanksgiving 2006
What a Thanksgiving day today was for me. I have lots to be grateful for no matter what else.
I got up to another significant "dump" of snow. As much of a pain snow can be to drive in and shovel, God sure blessed us with the beauty of these winter blankets dropped upon us. I went to Bible Study Fellowship at the Chinese Christian Church on Edmonton's South Side. Unfortunately, I missed my 7:51 a.m. bus, so I had to wait an hour to catch the next one. I hopped on the 150 to Northgate, then the 16 to Downtown, then the 81 to the South Side. It takes about and hour this way. Anyway, I had great drivers on the Edmonton Transit System (ETS) today. They drove conservatively and patiently and I was grateful as the traffic can be rough here.
So, I was at least able to catch the lecture portion of the study today, and as usual was not disappointed -- Romans is a great study. Today, we focused on Romans 6:1-11. Ah, so many reminders. A couple of things really struck me. Firstly, that it is important to remember that as a Christian, I died to sin. But that does not mean that sin died in me. Dying to sin as it was discussed today means that we are no longer slaves to sin. We no longer have to sin. Sin is no longer comfortable. So, I died to sin. I only died once to sin -- that's it. It is not a daily practice. Jesus Christ died for my sins, and upon my baptism with Christ, I died. He owns me and He won't let me go back to the old ways.
The daily practice / challenge is dying to self. Dying to my desires that aren't what God would have for me. Oh and there are plenty of those, I'm sure.
Anyway, it was great to see the ladies again. I climbed on the bus to go back home and the roads were significantly worse. But it was sure beautiful. So pristine and clean looking and the large pines look beautiful when iced with snow!
I got a bit of work done, then Gloria brought lasagna for dinner. It was very good -- we have another one for tomorrow! Woo Hoo!
My friend Simon came over and he, Adam & I watched much of Season II of "The Office". Oh my!
I talked with my family and that was fun, too!
A great Thanksgiving.
I got up to another significant "dump" of snow. As much of a pain snow can be to drive in and shovel, God sure blessed us with the beauty of these winter blankets dropped upon us. I went to Bible Study Fellowship at the Chinese Christian Church on Edmonton's South Side. Unfortunately, I missed my 7:51 a.m. bus, so I had to wait an hour to catch the next one. I hopped on the 150 to Northgate, then the 16 to Downtown, then the 81 to the South Side. It takes about and hour this way. Anyway, I had great drivers on the Edmonton Transit System (ETS) today. They drove conservatively and patiently and I was grateful as the traffic can be rough here.
So, I was at least able to catch the lecture portion of the study today, and as usual was not disappointed -- Romans is a great study. Today, we focused on Romans 6:1-11. Ah, so many reminders. A couple of things really struck me. Firstly, that it is important to remember that as a Christian, I died to sin. But that does not mean that sin died in me. Dying to sin as it was discussed today means that we are no longer slaves to sin. We no longer have to sin. Sin is no longer comfortable. So, I died to sin. I only died once to sin -- that's it. It is not a daily practice. Jesus Christ died for my sins, and upon my baptism with Christ, I died. He owns me and He won't let me go back to the old ways.
The daily practice / challenge is dying to self. Dying to my desires that aren't what God would have for me. Oh and there are plenty of those, I'm sure.
Anyway, it was great to see the ladies again. I climbed on the bus to go back home and the roads were significantly worse. But it was sure beautiful. So pristine and clean looking and the large pines look beautiful when iced with snow!
I got a bit of work done, then Gloria brought lasagna for dinner. It was very good -- we have another one for tomorrow! Woo Hoo!
My friend Simon came over and he, Adam & I watched much of Season II of "The Office". Oh my!
I talked with my family and that was fun, too!
A great Thanksgiving.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Sometimes, something just strikes me!
Ahhhh......once in a while, something just grabs my focus and won't let go! There is some artwork like that - do you know what I mean? A while ago, I happened on a website called Illustration Friday. Illustrators, professional and amateur participate, and I have found some really great artists there. Paige, in California, who allowed me to use one of her pictures on our church website at one time for The Singing Christmas Tree, and most recently Irisz who is an illustrator in Hungary for children's books and for other things as well. The work of both of these artists really touch my heart and inspires me. Check out the links on the right to their blogs. Unbelievable stuff.
Today, at church, we had a luncheon, and my little friend Ava sat with me for a while. Today, she told me "I wike you!" If you want to read a little story about Ava and I, check out "Tum Tatty Tum!" . Here is a pic of Ava and her mum - my friend Jaycee. Aren't they adorable?
Today, at church, we had a luncheon, and my little friend Ava sat with me for a while. Today, she told me "I wike you!" If you want to read a little story about Ava and I, check out "Tum Tatty Tum!" . Here is a pic of Ava and her mum - my friend Jaycee. Aren't they adorable?
Have a great day!
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Harmony
"How wonderful it is, how pleasant,
when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron's head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
even life forevermore."
Psalm 133, New Living Translation
Harmony
I was very grateful to have this Psalm in my devotionals yesterday. In fact, I made it my whole devotional. The word and concept that most intrigues me in this Psalm is "harmony".
What intrigues me about the word is that it implies unity as well as differences. I believe that unity very often gets misrepresented or misunderstood and is perceived as "uniformity". Many people think that we should all think alike, act alike, believe alike, dress alike, as if uniformity is something of a beautiful nature. Nothing could be further from the truth in my view.
Check out the definitions of harmony at www.dictionary.com. The first definitions are "agreement" and "accord". The third definition has to do with music. In order for there to be "harmony" in a musical sense, there must be different notes sung or played simultaneously. There is no harmony if everyone plays or sings the same note. No harmony at all. Part B of this definition indicates that harmony could be these different notes, blending into chords that are especially pleasing to the ear.
It is interesting, isn't it, that different notes played together are especially pleasing to our ears? I've been practicing some jazz Christmas songs on the piano, and the chords require my 10 fingers to play 10 different notes. The harmony is quite close - that is, the notes are quite close together - and quite beautiful to my ears. Those notes individually are quite boring to me. It is not near so pleasing to practice my flute, as I can not create any harmony with that instrument alone. But get a few flutes together - wow! Harmony happens.
I think it is the same for God. I think His ears are pleased when we raise our voices to him in harmony. And I think His heart is pleased when we bring our differences together, our different thoughts, our different dress styles, our different activities, our different ways of expressing our faith, and blend them into human chords, designed for one purpose - to honour Him. There's nothing like some good harmony to create some good unity!
when brothers live together in harmony!
For harmony is as precious as the fragrant anointing oil
that was poured over Aaron's head,
that ran down his beard
and onto the border of his robe.
Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon
that falls on the mountains of Zion.
And the Lord has pronounced his blessing,
even life forevermore."
Psalm 133, New Living Translation
Harmony
I was very grateful to have this Psalm in my devotionals yesterday. In fact, I made it my whole devotional. The word and concept that most intrigues me in this Psalm is "harmony".
What intrigues me about the word is that it implies unity as well as differences. I believe that unity very often gets misrepresented or misunderstood and is perceived as "uniformity". Many people think that we should all think alike, act alike, believe alike, dress alike, as if uniformity is something of a beautiful nature. Nothing could be further from the truth in my view.
Check out the definitions of harmony at www.dictionary.com. The first definitions are "agreement" and "accord". The third definition has to do with music. In order for there to be "harmony" in a musical sense, there must be different notes sung or played simultaneously. There is no harmony if everyone plays or sings the same note. No harmony at all. Part B of this definition indicates that harmony could be these different notes, blending into chords that are especially pleasing to the ear.
It is interesting, isn't it, that different notes played together are especially pleasing to our ears? I've been practicing some jazz Christmas songs on the piano, and the chords require my 10 fingers to play 10 different notes. The harmony is quite close - that is, the notes are quite close together - and quite beautiful to my ears. Those notes individually are quite boring to me. It is not near so pleasing to practice my flute, as I can not create any harmony with that instrument alone. But get a few flutes together - wow! Harmony happens.
I think it is the same for God. I think His ears are pleased when we raise our voices to him in harmony. And I think His heart is pleased when we bring our differences together, our different thoughts, our different dress styles, our different activities, our different ways of expressing our faith, and blend them into human chords, designed for one purpose - to honour Him. There's nothing like some good harmony to create some good unity!
Monday, November 13, 2006
Saturday
Well, what a Saturday! Early in the day, my goal was to get to St. Albert by bus. Unfortunately, unbeknownst (I love that word, but have never written until now!) to me prior to my departing the house, the St. Albert transit system was not running. So, after much sitting in the cold, but meeting nice people, I trekked back home, called Joce, who picked me up for an afternoon of shopping, football, then dinner and a movie. The shopping was fun -- I had forgotten it was Brenda's birthday, so picked up a card for her.
Then it was time for football. I get a total kick out of watching people I know play the game. Joce's son Cory was playing for UofS against Winnipeg. He's had some struggles with his knees, and early in the season, it looked grim for a full, rewarding season. But seemingly against the odds, Cory has had a healthy season and we watched him score a 72-yard touchdown on television yesterday. That, my friends, was a very rewarding time, and is about the only thing worthwhile I've seen on television in a while.
Joce's other son, Jean-Marc, was in Vancouver playing a Championship game for the Edmonton Wildcats (junior league). Once in a while, Joce's husband Bob (who was there watching the game) or brother Charles (who was here listening to the game) would call with the news from that game, but Joce was too nervous to hear it. So, I would talk to Charles, and I really thought we were going to pull that one off, too. We lost by one point in the final seconds of the game. The headlines call it heartbreak. I call it victory. This team has been struggling for a number of years......I've watched them. They would start seasons well, but fizzle out, usually amidst a load of penalties. This year, they turned a corner, and made it to the championships. And Jean-Marc made an interception in the last 4 minutes of the game -- a key play. I wish I could have seen the game.
Both Jean-Marc and Cory are winners to me. They've both had obstacles to overcome and they've overcome them. With grace.
We all face challenges -- but the challenges are very different for us all. Even as brothers or sisters. My sister Jackie was a nationally ranked tennis player. She won alot of trophies / tournaments, at least relative to the rest of us. But there is some pressure when you are in the public eye, even to that little extent. People always ask and want to know what you did with your tennis, or want to know that you are a success -- alot of judging takes place, you know? So, as a winner, alot of times, you are expected to keep winning, winning, winning, in anything and everything you do, or at least it seems like those are the expectations. The struggle for Jackie may sometimes be the struggle against performing based on others' expectations.
On the flip side, I'd always seem to almost make it. I'd win gold medals at the district level, but when it came to regionals, I'd take the silver. In college, I nearly made the team, but did not follow up -- just assumed I hadn't made it. Internally, what this means for me is that I feel unworthy, like somehow I will never take the gold in anything worthwhile. The real struggle for me is against performing up to and based on past experience.
The funny thing is, I can remember watching the Olympics as a kid - our whole family watched with a passion as athletes from around the world would come together and compete. And I tell you, I would look at the gold, silver and bronze medalists receive their medals, and I always thought what an honor it would be to be any of those recipients. Bronze to me meant #3 in the whole world -- wow!
I've noticed alot of thinking out there today that would have us believe that winning, and in particular, winning the gold is everything. The truth of the matter is, when you compete or run a race with your whole heart, you win. Period. End of discussion.
I read a story the other day about a race in the Special Olympics. There were 16 competitors I believe, and as they started running, one of the competitors fell on the track and yelled out. The other 15 competitors stopped, turned around, went and picked up the 16th competitor and then they all completed the race together, crossing the finish line at the same time, to the cheers of spectators in the stands. Who do you think the winner was in this race? If you can pick just one gold medalist, you are more able than me!
It sure does make me stop and consider what race I am running, and what I perceive as winning the race.
Then it was time for football. I get a total kick out of watching people I know play the game. Joce's son Cory was playing for UofS against Winnipeg. He's had some struggles with his knees, and early in the season, it looked grim for a full, rewarding season. But seemingly against the odds, Cory has had a healthy season and we watched him score a 72-yard touchdown on television yesterday. That, my friends, was a very rewarding time, and is about the only thing worthwhile I've seen on television in a while.
Joce's other son, Jean-Marc, was in Vancouver playing a Championship game for the Edmonton Wildcats (junior league). Once in a while, Joce's husband Bob (who was there watching the game) or brother Charles (who was here listening to the game) would call with the news from that game, but Joce was too nervous to hear it. So, I would talk to Charles, and I really thought we were going to pull that one off, too. We lost by one point in the final seconds of the game. The headlines call it heartbreak. I call it victory. This team has been struggling for a number of years......I've watched them. They would start seasons well, but fizzle out, usually amidst a load of penalties. This year, they turned a corner, and made it to the championships. And Jean-Marc made an interception in the last 4 minutes of the game -- a key play. I wish I could have seen the game.
Both Jean-Marc and Cory are winners to me. They've both had obstacles to overcome and they've overcome them. With grace.
We all face challenges -- but the challenges are very different for us all. Even as brothers or sisters. My sister Jackie was a nationally ranked tennis player. She won alot of trophies / tournaments, at least relative to the rest of us. But there is some pressure when you are in the public eye, even to that little extent. People always ask and want to know what you did with your tennis, or want to know that you are a success -- alot of judging takes place, you know? So, as a winner, alot of times, you are expected to keep winning, winning, winning, in anything and everything you do, or at least it seems like those are the expectations. The struggle for Jackie may sometimes be the struggle against performing based on others' expectations.
On the flip side, I'd always seem to almost make it. I'd win gold medals at the district level, but when it came to regionals, I'd take the silver. In college, I nearly made the team, but did not follow up -- just assumed I hadn't made it. Internally, what this means for me is that I feel unworthy, like somehow I will never take the gold in anything worthwhile. The real struggle for me is against performing up to and based on past experience.
The funny thing is, I can remember watching the Olympics as a kid - our whole family watched with a passion as athletes from around the world would come together and compete. And I tell you, I would look at the gold, silver and bronze medalists receive their medals, and I always thought what an honor it would be to be any of those recipients. Bronze to me meant #3 in the whole world -- wow!
I've noticed alot of thinking out there today that would have us believe that winning, and in particular, winning the gold is everything. The truth of the matter is, when you compete or run a race with your whole heart, you win. Period. End of discussion.
I read a story the other day about a race in the Special Olympics. There were 16 competitors I believe, and as they started running, one of the competitors fell on the track and yelled out. The other 15 competitors stopped, turned around, went and picked up the 16th competitor and then they all completed the race together, crossing the finish line at the same time, to the cheers of spectators in the stands. Who do you think the winner was in this race? If you can pick just one gold medalist, you are more able than me!
It sure does make me stop and consider what race I am running, and what I perceive as winning the race.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
In The Meantime
"I am coming to visit you after I have been to Macedonia, for I am planning to travel through Macedonia. Perhaps I will stay awhile with you, possibly all winter, and then you can send me on my way to my next destination. This time I don’t want to make just a short visit and then go right on. I want to come and stay awhile, if the Lord will let me. In the meantime, I will be staying here at Ephesus until the Festival of Pentecost. There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me."
1 Corinthians 16:5-9 (New Living Translation)
In The Meantime
Lately, the phrase "in the meantime" has been coming up a lot in my thoughts and conversations. Usually, that means a devotional will spit out eventually - hence, this little piece.
Really, though, I have felt in a constant mode of waiting for the past three years. I chose a course of action that seemed right and validated. And yet, my choice(s) seem to have just lengthened the period of waiting. Wait, worry and work. That's what my life appears to be about. I keep thinking that just around the corner, I'll be able to rest a bit. But then, a worry comes up. And worry is work, let me tell you. When I am worried, it doesn't matter how much time I have off -- a weekend or a month -- it is as if no time at all is free.
It is as if I have a mission somewhere out there in my nebulous future, but in the meantime, I am here doing this. It doesn't matter where "here" is or what "this" is -- it is simply my "in the meantime" experience. Do you ever feel like this or think like this? Some of us, from what I can discern, really have found their niche. When you talk to them, they say things like "I have the best job in the world" or "I wouldn't trade what I do for anything". I marvel and I wonder if they have found their niche......or if they have learned the secret of living "in the meantime."
I am in wait, worry and work mode again, but travelling to and from downtown Edmonton in the mornings and evenings, respectively, I gaze through the bus windows at the wintry city scenes flashing by. We have had a couple of relatively early snowfalls, and there is a blanket of white that illuminates the houses with their twinkling lights, and that somehow makes normally unattractive storefronts seem quaint and inviting all of a sudden. And as I each day meet more and more people who are kinder than I ever expected, I thank God for reminding me that though I may struggle and strain for things unseen and as yet unrevealed to me, and though there is alway hope for a better future . . .
What we do in the meantime reveals the extent to which our character has been developed. Will we push on to the next destination because our desire is so great that it overwhelms everything else? Or will we try and see the wide-open door(s) for great works to be done right where we are?
Life is lived "in the meantime."
1 Corinthians 16:5-9 (New Living Translation)
In The Meantime
Lately, the phrase "in the meantime" has been coming up a lot in my thoughts and conversations. Usually, that means a devotional will spit out eventually - hence, this little piece.
Really, though, I have felt in a constant mode of waiting for the past three years. I chose a course of action that seemed right and validated. And yet, my choice(s) seem to have just lengthened the period of waiting. Wait, worry and work. That's what my life appears to be about. I keep thinking that just around the corner, I'll be able to rest a bit. But then, a worry comes up. And worry is work, let me tell you. When I am worried, it doesn't matter how much time I have off -- a weekend or a month -- it is as if no time at all is free.
It is as if I have a mission somewhere out there in my nebulous future, but in the meantime, I am here doing this. It doesn't matter where "here" is or what "this" is -- it is simply my "in the meantime" experience. Do you ever feel like this or think like this? Some of us, from what I can discern, really have found their niche. When you talk to them, they say things like "I have the best job in the world" or "I wouldn't trade what I do for anything". I marvel and I wonder if they have found their niche......or if they have learned the secret of living "in the meantime."
I am in wait, worry and work mode again, but travelling to and from downtown Edmonton in the mornings and evenings, respectively, I gaze through the bus windows at the wintry city scenes flashing by. We have had a couple of relatively early snowfalls, and there is a blanket of white that illuminates the houses with their twinkling lights, and that somehow makes normally unattractive storefronts seem quaint and inviting all of a sudden. And as I each day meet more and more people who are kinder than I ever expected, I thank God for reminding me that though I may struggle and strain for things unseen and as yet unrevealed to me, and though there is alway hope for a better future . . .
What we do in the meantime reveals the extent to which our character has been developed. Will we push on to the next destination because our desire is so great that it overwhelms everything else? Or will we try and see the wide-open door(s) for great works to be done right where we are?
Life is lived "in the meantime."
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