Christmas holidays are a great time to get out of routine. Not worry about school, work, appointments, preschool, and drama of life. I love it. Add to that blizzards, power outages, snow days, frost quakes and the polar vortex and now sickness makes for a great time to re-evaluate what is important in life. These last two weeks have not been stressful for me. It is when life goes back to "normal" as the phone starts to ring and emails begin where I really begin to see the stresses in our life.
Being sick and not being able to take Emma to preschool has made me re-evaluate the time I have with her at home and the stress of getting her to school and back and the politics that go along with being on the board (which I add is normal for any board). Thanks to mornings like this I realize how much time she truly is missing with things I could be doing with her. Then my mind says how much she loves going and the social time is important for her.
A break over the holidays from stretches and wearing braces. No homework. No photocopying for hot lunches and no scramble for drum lessons or meetings for brownies.
The joy of having the power off to play games, do rainbow loom bracelets, talk, read felt so good. Seeing family and having our two nieces overnight was so fun. Tobaganning and messages with friends from a far.
Life is so fast paced and and I truly want my life to be spent doing what brings Glory to God and peace to me. In one second of any day my life could change. And it is at that moment when I would evaluate the life I had. The choices I make right now can make or break that moment. At that moment I might be given a second chance or it could be my last. If it is my last moment I do not want my wings to be weighted down with regret or spending those precious moments asking for forgiveness.
Time should not be wasted. We waste our time on so many worldly things and worldly documents. Time is wasted on being selfish and trying to look good or make the most, better yet trying to have the most. Anger and bitterness take up oodles of time. Dare we talk about how much time fear takes up?
Life is all about listening and learning. I chose to listen to the only person and words that will guide me the best. (My mom helps too :) )
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NIV
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Snow day fun
Schools were cancelled and our computer room became the home of a fort. The front room became a pretend campfire outing with blankets and stuffed animals and it was an official p.j. day.
All that happened after we sat at the computer watching a YouTube video on how to make rainbow loom beaded bracelets. So fun. Can be tricky but we all made it through.
The kids have their own rubber bands and I have a big stash of rubber bands to make bracelets for Bringing Heaven to Earth Inc. our not-for-profit corporation.
Each bracelet we make gets packaged up and sold for our Corporation. Dollars are raised to assist families by funding equipment, therapy and recreational items they need. Our family knows well the cost of simple items that children with special abilities need. One outdoor scooter with two foot boards cost us $170 from B.C. No funding for these. Troys bike was $1000 -no funding.
Scott and Troy by bed time were figuring out their own designs and writing them down.
Two of the kids found their way out into the snow and came in with the rosiest cheeks but loved every minute out there.
While three of them wanted to be at school, having them home was fun. However, it is great to have them at school so I can have a little mom time. I ventured to the gym tonight but heck that is not mom time.
If only Dean did not have to go out in this and join us at home.
Stay safe for day two of the cold.
Wondering if the kids will be home again tomorrow.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Be an Eskimo for the day
As I get ready for bed I peek out the window once more in awe of the weather. A good old fashioned blizzard. Our family is very grateful we have a home with a furnace and each other to keep on living while the world outside is crazy.
Weather has been out of sorts lately, maybe even the last couple of years. Storms seem to be intensifying. Could it possibly be God sending signs? A little question that intrigues me but definitely do not think about it too much.
Instead I wonder how simple it is for the Eskimos to live in this kind of weather especially the freezing cold temperatures. The average temperature of the Arctic in January is -40 degrees and winter temps can drop below -50. We are possibly -30 and have warnings to stay inside.
We shelter ourselves with houses and have warmer temperatures. Yet they have bone chilling temperatures and build snow houses (Igloos). For some they live in tents made of seal or caribou skins sewn together.
Clothing for Eskimos made from animal skins. They wore waterproof sealskin boots, hooded fur jackets called parks and fur trousers made of pelts from seal, caribou, fox or polar bear. Waterproof jackets were made from seal gut. We have everything rubber and make shift material. Unless you have lots of money and can afford expensive clothing that may be better. Is it as good though as animal skins? And a lot of it is not even made in Canada.
Of course transportation for Eskimos is snowshoes and dogsled and boats. Ours again rubber tires on our cars/trucks/vans.
Why are we not prepared just in case? We are so used to materialistic things in our lives. Ice storm hits, power goes out and even at our house it is oh gosh now what?
I would love to experience a day in an Eskimo's fur trousers and sealskin boots. Be fun to make an igloo. Maybe it would help us prepare more for nights like tonight. Or last weekend with the ice storm.
If you see a family looking furry going down our street with a dog sled instead of a snow mobile that is us LOL.
Stay safe everyone, keep warm.
In all circumstances God is good.
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Neighbors
Love Neighbors Lord
What does it mean to "love your neighbor as yourself"?
Do you know that "neighbor" comes up in at least 141 scriptures? Of course in many different forms.
Some would say how I live my life. I see a young lady who is a drug addict sitting outside of Value Village looking for money I stop and ask how she is and wait for her story and buy her lunch. It honestly doesn't take much to love all our neighbors it is a matter of whether we do it. Put our selfishness and self pity aside.
When I see someone who needs help I do not step over the chicken line because I pity them it is because of love and knowing I am not perfect either. While I may not be a drug addict I have my own sins and people and Jesus love me no matter what. The people I meet deserve that just the same.
I love this Good Samartan Parable in Luke.
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Some have been angry or upset with me because while I help one friend they wonder why I have not helped them. While I try to love all neighbors and friends I also wait for a heart nudge from the Holy Spirit. I ask, "Lord should I organize meals for that family? Should we invite them for supper? Should I go to the hospital?" He has the final answer.
I also know how powerful prayer is and we must remember it always isn't about doing doing doing. For people (neighbors) to know that I have prayed for them is power in itself.
Loving is not always an easy task but it will never get easier if we do not even attempt to start. I honestly just think people deserve to be loved just like I have been loved in my very difficult times.
Maybe with all this snow it is your chance to show a neighbor love.
What does it mean to "love your neighbor as yourself"?
Do you know that "neighbor" comes up in at least 141 scriptures? Of course in many different forms.
Some would say how I live my life. I see a young lady who is a drug addict sitting outside of Value Village looking for money I stop and ask how she is and wait for her story and buy her lunch. It honestly doesn't take much to love all our neighbors it is a matter of whether we do it. Put our selfishness and self pity aside.
When I see someone who needs help I do not step over the chicken line because I pity them it is because of love and knowing I am not perfect either. While I may not be a drug addict I have my own sins and people and Jesus love me no matter what. The people I meet deserve that just the same.
I love this Good Samartan Parable in Luke.
29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
30 In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two denarii[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”
Some have been angry or upset with me because while I help one friend they wonder why I have not helped them. While I try to love all neighbors and friends I also wait for a heart nudge from the Holy Spirit. I ask, "Lord should I organize meals for that family? Should we invite them for supper? Should I go to the hospital?" He has the final answer.
I also know how powerful prayer is and we must remember it always isn't about doing doing doing. For people (neighbors) to know that I have prayed for them is power in itself.
Loving is not always an easy task but it will never get easier if we do not even attempt to start. I honestly just think people deserve to be loved just like I have been loved in my very difficult times.
Maybe with all this snow it is your chance to show a neighbor love.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Hes reminding me!
Thank you Lord for the early morning reminders.
Every morning I check my email to read a daily scripture and devotional. As I wrote my blog yesterday I had many questions about my moms friend Joanne and what Gods plan is for her. Why 2 years in the hospital?
Gotta love my scripture today: Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. – Matthew 4: 23. Great He heals every kind of disease and illness. Why not Joanne?
Then I read the devotional and a scripture within reads: "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? "So don't worry about these things, saying, `What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matt 6:25 & 33-11)
Then this scripture comes to mind: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 "
Truth is I can not give an answer for everything nor should I expect one. I feel uncomfortable telling people I have a answer to their questions and pretending will rob me of my faith. Before I can tell someone else I need to look in the mirror when I have tough questions of faith and wonder how things are going to turn out when there is no definitive answer, look myself straight in the eyes and say out loud, "I do not know, but God knows and that is my final answer."
Friday, January 3, 2014
Praying for a miracle in 2014
Lord, thank you for Joanne
I wish I had more time to go to Listowel to see my mom's long time friend Joanne. When I do visit Joanne it is not in the comfort of her and husband's Glens home. I pull into the parking lot and wait for the parking arm to go up. Making sure I have $2.00 to get out I walk across the road and into the emergency entrance at the Listowel hospital.
Walking the quiet halls to her room I still find my self questioning God what his plan is for Jonne. "Lord it is almost two years. What are you waiting for? Is there something I am not doing? Should I come up to pray more? Is there something her family should do? IS there something Joanne needs to do? Why not just heal her? Why not bring her home?" I ask quietly as I approach her room.
I can not help but remember the vision/dream where I walked into Joannes hospital room and she was sitting up in bed looking healthy and ready to leave that hospital forever.
Joanne had a major stroke almost 2 years ago. The stroke has left her the ability to slightly move her head and bat her beautiful eyes. Her eyes are what show there is lots of life in her to I am frustrated and being stubborn. I feel as though if arms could extend out the pupils they would grab my shoulders with the request of "Help me."
Visits I have prayed with and for Joanne have been emotional for her. My visit today while I didn't pray outloud I noticed Joanne was just not herself. However I was pleasently surprised as she mouthed, "Bye" and "kay" when I shared we are praying for her.
I wish I could be there everyday with her to sing worldly fun songs and worship songs. Pull out a book and read it to her. Put ear phones on her and let her drift off with her favorite songs. Make the ultimate speech program for her to communicate more.
Yep I have a huge prayer list especially a miracle in 2014 for Joanne. As a good friend reminded me it is all in Gods timing. I must trust and wait. In the mean time I do what I can to be there for Joanne and follow the nudges I get. My good friend also said, "For God two years is nothing but for us it feels like eons."
I wish I had more time to go to Listowel to see my mom's long time friend Joanne. When I do visit Joanne it is not in the comfort of her and husband's Glens home. I pull into the parking lot and wait for the parking arm to go up. Making sure I have $2.00 to get out I walk across the road and into the emergency entrance at the Listowel hospital.
Walking the quiet halls to her room I still find my self questioning God what his plan is for Jonne. "Lord it is almost two years. What are you waiting for? Is there something I am not doing? Should I come up to pray more? Is there something her family should do? IS there something Joanne needs to do? Why not just heal her? Why not bring her home?" I ask quietly as I approach her room.
I can not help but remember the vision/dream where I walked into Joannes hospital room and she was sitting up in bed looking healthy and ready to leave that hospital forever.
Joanne had a major stroke almost 2 years ago. The stroke has left her the ability to slightly move her head and bat her beautiful eyes. Her eyes are what show there is lots of life in her to I am frustrated and being stubborn. I feel as though if arms could extend out the pupils they would grab my shoulders with the request of "Help me."
Visits I have prayed with and for Joanne have been emotional for her. My visit today while I didn't pray outloud I noticed Joanne was just not herself. However I was pleasently surprised as she mouthed, "Bye" and "kay" when I shared we are praying for her.
I wish I could be there everyday with her to sing worldly fun songs and worship songs. Pull out a book and read it to her. Put ear phones on her and let her drift off with her favorite songs. Make the ultimate speech program for her to communicate more.
Yep I have a huge prayer list especially a miracle in 2014 for Joanne. As a good friend reminded me it is all in Gods timing. I must trust and wait. In the mean time I do what I can to be there for Joanne and follow the nudges I get. My good friend also said, "For God two years is nothing but for us it feels like eons."
Thursday, January 2, 2014
Rob Ford
Oh Lord be with me on this one...and more so those who read it.
Rob Ford
A word on a page can be hurtful and hateful. Back in 2013 many papers and talk shows all over the world discussed, put down and joked about Rob Ford. Controversy over a man who is supposed to be Toronto's Mayor. Drugs were in many articles and behavior in some videos. Even accusations of sexual innuendos. For many Rob Ford should step down from office. Grace is definitely not an option for thousands nor forgiveness. How can you respect someone like Ford who is running a whole city? I stay clear of politics at all costs. Just personally find it hard to trust any of them as they are all human just like me. Kneeling down on his knees for forgiveness is what Christians request. Like them I do agree that this man needs a relationship with Jesus as do we all. May Ford get a second chance? Nice to know that our heavenly Father gives us more then second chances. Observing from Heaven,God watches every one of us sin day after day. Perhaps my heart is telling me he deserves to be in office again. Quoting future Headlines they would read, "Rob Ford has redeemed himself and a surprising number of votes are in his favor." in November. Re-election papers were signed January 2 and only time will tell how many supporters if any he gains. Satin will not win on Ford's life. Uttering prayers for a lost man deserving of God's love is part of my walk. Victory into Heaven is a treasure every human can have. Willingness to accept that all sins are equal according to our daddy in the sky is what we all need. X-rays of Rob Ford reveal the same make God used for all of us. You take a look in the mirror and see if you have a perfect reflection. Zapping Rob Ford with the Holy Spirit deep into his heart, soul and mind as he enters into 2014.
Rob Ford
A word on a page can be hurtful and hateful. Back in 2013 many papers and talk shows all over the world discussed, put down and joked about Rob Ford. Controversy over a man who is supposed to be Toronto's Mayor. Drugs were in many articles and behavior in some videos. Even accusations of sexual innuendos. For many Rob Ford should step down from office. Grace is definitely not an option for thousands nor forgiveness. How can you respect someone like Ford who is running a whole city? I stay clear of politics at all costs. Just personally find it hard to trust any of them as they are all human just like me. Kneeling down on his knees for forgiveness is what Christians request. Like them I do agree that this man needs a relationship with Jesus as do we all. May Ford get a second chance? Nice to know that our heavenly Father gives us more then second chances. Observing from Heaven,God watches every one of us sin day after day. Perhaps my heart is telling me he deserves to be in office again. Quoting future Headlines they would read, "Rob Ford has redeemed himself and a surprising number of votes are in his favor." in November. Re-election papers were signed January 2 and only time will tell how many supporters if any he gains. Satin will not win on Ford's life. Uttering prayers for a lost man deserving of God's love is part of my walk. Victory into Heaven is a treasure every human can have. Willingness to accept that all sins are equal according to our daddy in the sky is what we all need. X-rays of Rob Ford reveal the same make God used for all of us. You take a look in the mirror and see if you have a perfect reflection. Zapping Rob Ford with the Holy Spirit deep into his heart, soul and mind as he enters into 2014.
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