If you live in Edmonton, if you are a fan of gospel and/or the blue, and if you did not go see Ruthie Foster and her band at the Citadel today (or rather yesterday - it's late!), then you missed the boat, let me tell you.
They rocked. And I mean ROCKED.
Although Ruthie sings a variety of different styles -- gospel, blues, country-ish, folk, raggae -- personally, my favorites were in the gospel & blues arena. And I have to admit, particularly in the gospel area. As I listened to her sing "Walk On" and "Woke Up This Mornin", I felt certain I would be hearing these tunes again in heaven. But it was nice to experience a little bit of heaven on earth tonight. Her first encore song was a rendition of "Old Susannah" that brought the theatre to a complete silence with Ruthie's simple, pure voice accompanied by the guitar, taking a delicate tone.
I saw Ruthie on "Austin City Limits" on Detroit Public Television a few years ago - I heard this voice coming out of the television, and wondered who had such a heavenly voice. I remembered her name, and when I saw she was coming to Edmonton, had to get tickets. She was even better in person than I remembered her on television. Just incredible.
Ruthie's stories are completely engaging and give the audience insight into the source of her song-writing. As well, Ruthie doesn't seem to be caught off-guard by anything, including mishaps on the stage, handling all with a personal charm.
The all-female band was a phenomenal backup. Stephanie Blue (don't think I'll ever forget this name) played awesome organ and synth, Ruthie's cousin (sorry -- Stephanie's name is stuck in my head) provided flawless bass, and I don't remember the drummer's name, but I was completely enthralled with her talent and obvious passion for the music.
www.ruthiefoster.com
If I could do it all over again.....well, sign me up! Thank you, God, for this evening of uplifting and beautiful music, as well as good fellowship and catching up with Dawn-Marie.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Monday, February 19, 2007
Sometimes When It Rains, It Pours
There's no easy way to say this. My Aunt Ellie died last night. The first of my "blood" aunts/uncles to pass away, and the second overall (the first was her husband, Uncle Ben). Most likely, it was a stroke as she had already survived two strokes. She wasn't supposed to be climbing her fairly sizable driveway, but footsteps were found there, so there is some supposition that she did just that.
Aunt Ellie was an amazing woman. She was a strong Christian who prayed for my immediate family constantly, as well as her family, church and church staff, her nation, missionaries, my church and church staff, etc., etc., etc. I remember calling her a couple of years ago because I could not seem to find enough time to pray every day for all the people I was praying for, and she gave me an organizational tip for prayer -- Mondays -- family, Tuesdays - pastors & church staff, Wednesdays -- for the sick......something like that. I'll have to look up the particulars because frankly, I have not yet mastered the art of this particular organization.
She was married to a man who came to Christ in his late twenties or early thirties, I believe. Before that, he was a hooligan to be sure. After he came to Christ, he still was not the easiest of men, but his purpose was definitely for Christ.
As children, we loved to visit Aunt Ellie & Uncle Ben, and their children, on their farm in upstate New York. Of course, it was great to be around the barn animals -- cows, chickens, horses, even the barn kittens (my personal favorites). But it was doubly awesome to be around Aunt Ellie. She was inevitably in the kitchen, canning, jarring, cooking -- but even with all that activity, she was peaceful to be around. You know what I mean, don't you? In her house, you escaped from the rat race of city life, into the arms of a country housewife. I'm sure it was difficult -- busy from sun-up to sun-down on the farm.
Their house was a typical farmhouse -- I don't remember all the rooms -- most of our time was spent sitting at the table in the kitchen. I know they had a dining room and a living room on the main floor -- on chicken-killing day, I would pound on the piano in the living room so as not to hear the cries of the chickens. There was a bathroom as well. Upstairs was really neat, I believe, with two large rooms -- one for their son Eric, and the other for their daughters Dawn, Mary and Melissa. Her house was clean and smelled good, her laundry always smelled fresh from being hung out on the line. I remember pitting cherries and husking corn on their porch steps in the summer evenings when we visited. I remember walking through some fields to see ducks on a pond (I think). I remember playing with a brand new kitten in their living room. But most of all I remember the gentleness that was Ellie - you just wanted to be around the positive, gentle, easy person that Ellie was.
Despite being busy taking care of her own family, when her mother (my grandmother) was ill and lived with my Aunt Carol for a time, Ellie would go to her sister Carol's house and clean each week. Aunt Ellie understood family.
Not that she was boring -- her brothers, especially Larry, loved to tease her, and she always took it in good stride. She was the 6th (I think) of 8 children, and it is a surprise that she is the first of those children to go.
I'm sure I'll think of more to write about Aunt Ellie, but it is late, and my bed is calling out to me. Tonight, I'll hope to dream of being at Aunt Ellie's house again. For me, it was a little slice of heaven here on earth. She, however, is now in a place that is exponentially more beautiful than that -- I can hardly wait to see her again.
Aunt Ellie was an amazing woman. She was a strong Christian who prayed for my immediate family constantly, as well as her family, church and church staff, her nation, missionaries, my church and church staff, etc., etc., etc. I remember calling her a couple of years ago because I could not seem to find enough time to pray every day for all the people I was praying for, and she gave me an organizational tip for prayer -- Mondays -- family, Tuesdays - pastors & church staff, Wednesdays -- for the sick......something like that. I'll have to look up the particulars because frankly, I have not yet mastered the art of this particular organization.
She was married to a man who came to Christ in his late twenties or early thirties, I believe. Before that, he was a hooligan to be sure. After he came to Christ, he still was not the easiest of men, but his purpose was definitely for Christ.
As children, we loved to visit Aunt Ellie & Uncle Ben, and their children, on their farm in upstate New York. Of course, it was great to be around the barn animals -- cows, chickens, horses, even the barn kittens (my personal favorites). But it was doubly awesome to be around Aunt Ellie. She was inevitably in the kitchen, canning, jarring, cooking -- but even with all that activity, she was peaceful to be around. You know what I mean, don't you? In her house, you escaped from the rat race of city life, into the arms of a country housewife. I'm sure it was difficult -- busy from sun-up to sun-down on the farm.
Their house was a typical farmhouse -- I don't remember all the rooms -- most of our time was spent sitting at the table in the kitchen. I know they had a dining room and a living room on the main floor -- on chicken-killing day, I would pound on the piano in the living room so as not to hear the cries of the chickens. There was a bathroom as well. Upstairs was really neat, I believe, with two large rooms -- one for their son Eric, and the other for their daughters Dawn, Mary and Melissa. Her house was clean and smelled good, her laundry always smelled fresh from being hung out on the line. I remember pitting cherries and husking corn on their porch steps in the summer evenings when we visited. I remember walking through some fields to see ducks on a pond (I think). I remember playing with a brand new kitten in their living room. But most of all I remember the gentleness that was Ellie - you just wanted to be around the positive, gentle, easy person that Ellie was.
Despite being busy taking care of her own family, when her mother (my grandmother) was ill and lived with my Aunt Carol for a time, Ellie would go to her sister Carol's house and clean each week. Aunt Ellie understood family.
Not that she was boring -- her brothers, especially Larry, loved to tease her, and she always took it in good stride. She was the 6th (I think) of 8 children, and it is a surprise that she is the first of those children to go.
I'm sure I'll think of more to write about Aunt Ellie, but it is late, and my bed is calling out to me. Tonight, I'll hope to dream of being at Aunt Ellie's house again. For me, it was a little slice of heaven here on earth. She, however, is now in a place that is exponentially more beautiful than that -- I can hardly wait to see her again.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Valentine's Day 2007
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."
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."
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
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