Grannie's Take on Things!!

THINKING OF YOU ALAINA!!!

2006-10-16T06:46:00.000-07:00

When Jesus Calls Your Name

When you come to know the Father
And He takes your trembling hand
He will lead you on a journey
To a far off distant land.

When He quietly comes to greet you
In the early morning hue
You will find a world of wonder
As you waltz upon the dew.

When He whispers ever gently
In the noontide of the day
When you feel His blessed presence
It will take your breath away.

When you find a night of darkness
And you stumble to the ground
You will find the light of Jesus
He will never let you down.

When you come to know the Father
Not a thing will be the same
You will know the peace of Jesus
When you hear Him call your name.

Marilyn Ferguson Copyright © 2004

2006-10-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

LOTS OF ONE ANOTHERING GOING ON HERE!!!

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:9-21

WOW..did you see all that "one-anothering" that Paul was sharing with the church in Rome. Let's take a look.. and take a spiritual inventory check.

1. Love one another - "love must be sincere" and "brotherly love" - ways in which we are to love, in sincerity and truth.

2. Be devoted to one another - "Be devoted to one another brotherly love." - hold others more important than ourselves.

3. Honor one another - "Honor one another above yourselves." - again, honoring others before self.

4. Serve one another - "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." - Various ways we can serve... be enthusiastic, joyful, patient, and in prayer!

5. Share with one another - "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." - When was the last time I had someone over.. or helped someone I didn't know, or someone who could 'pay me back'?

6. Bless one another - "Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." Or am I too selfish to want the blessing for myself? "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn." - Do I really take the time to understand others and rejoice with them or mourn with them?

7. Live in harmony with one another - " Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited." - Do I reach out to others.. as Jesus did?

8. Be good to one another - "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody." Help me to make the best choice Father.

9. Be at peace with one another - "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord." - Fill me with YOUR PEACE Father.

10. Care for one another - On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." - Find practical ways to care for others.

Father, in ourselves we fail.. in "one-anothering". Fill us afresh with YOUR SPIRIT that we may love a YOU love.. unconditionally. Show us areas that You want to work in our lives that we may help the Body of Christ to be healthy but loving each other, serving each other, caring for each other, being a peace with one another and blessing one another and a host of other ways as You reveal to us. May JESUS' example be ever in our minds for it is in His Name that we pray, amen.

2006-10-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

TAKE A STAND, ONCE FOR ALL!!!

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness. Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.

Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them." But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?']" (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the deep?' " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).

But what does it say?

"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame."For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Romans 10:1-13

Do you hear the passion of Paul that he was sharing with the Romans.... and to us as well...
"Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." "For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him." Thank you LORD !! Call on HIM... He is willing that none shall perish but all come to a saving faith in Him. That is true for you and for me, but for our families, for our neighbors, for our government officials, for our school teachers, for our co-workers, for ALL who would come!!'

Hear with your not only your ears, with with your heart these words to us...

"The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: that if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. "

If you don't know our Lord, what is holding you back from coming to Him and calling on Him asking our Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Saviour?

If you do know HIM, what is holding you back from sharing that Good News with others who need to hear?

Father, may we this day take a stand to come to a saving faith in You. For those who don't know YOU, may this be the day that they settle that question and ask YOU to be their Lord and Saviour. Father, thank you in advance for those YOU are bringing to Yourself.

(If this is you, simply say.. Forgive me God, a sinner. I am not worthy but You are calling me by Your Holy Spirit to "Come unto to Me". I surrender my life into Your hands. Come into my life and save me through Your Son, Jesus. Thank you that He was willing to die and pay the price for my salvation. Help me live my life for You, amen.)

Father, for those of us who do know YOU, fill us afresh with Your Spirit, that we may shine in a dark world, that we would speak of the faith that is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord, that we would speak with our mouths of our salvation. If that means we will be ridiculed, may we look to those who have gone before us, who have been persecuted through the ages, because of their faith in Jesus and their love for HIM. Afterall, did He not suffer all for us. Help us to be bold, rather than silent, .. help us to be sensitive to lean on Your Spirit's leading... and may YOU alone be glorified in our lives.

What is holding us back!!!

JESUS was willing to go to the CROSS for me..

may I be willing to give my ALL for HIM!

~~~===~~~===~~~===~~~===~~~===~~~===~~~

LEONA's GRADUATED!!!

2006-10-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

LEONA has graduated from Grade 12 with Honors!!! YAHOO!!!

Friday, October 6th was the official night of the awarding diplomas to the Class of 2006 Graduates from North Lambton Secondary School. Leona is now studying at the University of Guelph.

WAY TO GO LEONA!!!!

What a joy to see our youngest daughter finish this portion of her life with some of her family on hand to celebrate. (Laurie, Darren, Leona, Larissa, Anne)

What a joy for her to reconnect with some of her friends again.

CONGRATS TO YOU ALL!!!!

2006-09-18T17:08:00.000-07:00

I CAN ONLY IMAGINE!!

I can only imagine what it will be like,
when I walk by Your side...
I can only imagine, what my eyes will see,
when Your Face is before me!
I can only imagine. I can only imagine.

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

I can only imagine, when that day comes,
when I find myself standing in the Son!
I can only imagine, when all I will do,
is forever, forever worship You!
I can only imagine! I can only imagine!

Surrounded by Your Glory, what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus? Or in awe of You, be still?
Will I stand in Your presence, or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing 'Hallelujah!'? Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine! Yeah! I can only imagine!

Copyright: ©1999 MercyMe

KATHY'S GONE HOME...

2006-09-18T16:52:00.000-07:00

Sharing some words from my sister-in-law Kathy...

who has gone Home this week.

I am not scared for myself. I know Em and Don will be fine because I know God is in control. I am holding out for remission! What I want each and every one of you to think about is your salvation. It comes, not from doing good works, so unfortunately no matter how many lovely home cooked meals you make me…and you know how we love home cooked meals hint hint, the good Lord will not take you to Heaven on your culinary skills alone!

Find out who Jesus is...the Son of God who died so you could have eternal life. Sounds weird to some of you in this high tech world but that is the key. Ask Him to forgive you for your sins and accept that they have been forgiven because He was forsaken for you.

Then…this earthly life is only a short chapter to eternal life!

2006-09-16T08:32:00.000-07:00

BE MORE CONCERNED WHAT GOD THINKS ABOUT YOU

THAN WHAT PEOPLE THINK ABOUT YOU!!

"I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."

The road to success is not straight.
There is a curve called Failure,
a loop called Confusion,
speed bumps called Friends,
red lights called Graves,
caution lights called Family.
You will have flats called Jobs.

BUT....

If you have a spare called Determination,
an engine called Perseverance,
insurance called Faith,
a Driver called Jesus,

you will make it to a place called success.

Have a blessed day and may God be with you always.

2006-09-10T13:04:00.000-07:00

~~~ 29 Years~~~

"Can you even imagine!!! Where has the time gone?" You hear people say things like that, but really, if we would live each day out we would soon see that those days do become weeks, which do become months and then years!

Yes, it's been 29 years of married life!

It has resulted in the birth of four lovely daughters and now two grandsons and two grandchildren.

It has resulted in our living in 5 different communities.... beginning in Listowel to Toronto to Elliot Lake to Dunnville and then to Forest, all towns or cities in the province of Ontario.

It has resulted in meeting a variety of different people whom we have come to know and love and care for. There have been some who have challenged us to come up higher. There have been some who have grown very dear to our hearts.

It has resulted 29 years of married life to a man whose passion it has been to preach the gospel, to be used of GOD, to encourage people, to help them in their spiritual walk.

And, today it resulted in a lovely lunch out after spending the morning in a worship service.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DEAR!!

2006-09-09T20:15:00.000-07:00

GRANNIE'S BACK!!!!

Our last daughter has been launched.. off to university!! We are "empty nesters".... but is the nest every really empty. I see those robins come each spring and before long their nest has 3 or 4 blue eggs in the nest. Now we had 4 pink ones in ours...hehe!!

We miss you LEONA... but at the same time we know that this will be an exciting time for you! Enjoy your year and all that GOD has in store for you!!

At the same time, ALAINA has left for KENYA, Africa for the next 6 months. And, even though we would love to see Mombasa, we have orders not to go over for a visit.

So, until the Lord brings you homeward girls... we will be here, taking care of the nest... until you land this way again. That goes for you older ones too... LARISSA and Darren as well as ALICIA and Ben..... not to forget those grandkids! GRANDPA and I will be here!!

IT'S BEEN A WHILE... a long while!!!!

2006-03-03T15:19:00.000-08:00

I'm finally getting a few moments to sit here at this blog sight where I'm not having to dash to something or hurry out the door. It's certainly been a while .. hasn't it!

Winter has come hard and heavy with snow for the month of February and even the other day, as we entered March we had another dumping of snow. Here's hoping as the days have longer daylight hours we will soon see the snow melting and SPRING arriving!

This past week, Larissa and I have been working away at her wedding invitations. With the help of KIM the first day, we got, what we thought, was a dint into them! It took 3 days of hard work to get them finished.

We discovered along the way, that we might be able to make thank you cards as well... and of course, there was some scrapbooking to do to get her book finished which her sisters gave her for her birthday gift.. so, our 3 1/2 days were full to say the least, but very enjoyable as we got to spend that time together. Larissa designed a card she would like to use for wedding thank yous after putting our hands to making over 30 different individual cards!! YAHOO!!! It's amazing what we can come with when we are at it for a while!

The end result is that 100 invitations are done... some are in the mail, some are to be delivered by hand, and some are yet to be addressed.. due to lack of snail mail addresses! Besides all of that.. we even called Grandma to wish her a HAPPY 77th BIRTHDAY!

Think I'll go and rest a bit.... catch up with you later!

THE LOVE OF GOD!!!

2006-02-05T19:18:00.000-08:00

From a strictly mathematical viewpoint:

What Equals 100%?

What does it mean to give MORE than 100%?

Ever wonder about those people who say they are giving more than 100%?

We have all been in situations where someone wants you to give over 100%.

How about achieving 101%?

What equals 100% in life?

Here's a little mathematical formula that might help you answer these questions:

If:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Is represented as:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26.

Then:

H-A-R-D-W-O-R- K 8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11 = 98%

and

K-N-O-W-L-E-D-G-E 11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5 = 96%

But,

A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E 1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5 = 100%

AND,

look how far the love of God will take you L-O-V-E-O-F-G-O-D

12+15+22+5+15+6+7+15+4 = 101%

Therefore, one can conclude with mathematical certainty that:

While Hard work and Knowledge will get you close,

and Attitude will get you there,

it's the Love of God that will put you over the top!

2006-01-22T12:06:00.000-08:00

When You Stand Before the Lord

The day will soon be coming
To stand before the Lord
God will hold the Book of Life
Where all the names are stored.

Look into the Savior's face
Stand on holy ground
Kneel before the King of Kings
Pray your name is found.

The time is nigh, it's drawing near
Tis' closer than you think
Eternal life with God above
You'll either rise or sink.

God doesn't care `bout bank accounts
Or gems of pearl and jade
Your style of home, the car you drive
The money that you've made.

He's not concerned with age or height
The color of your hair
The number of the friends you have
The brand of clothes you wear.

He'll ask you if you spoke His name
Thought of Him each day
Knew He gave His life for you
Took the time to pray.

He'll know about your closest friends
About the books you've read
The kind of thoughts that filled your mind
On what your spirit fed.

He'll take a look inside your soul
He'll go beyond your pride
Your sins will be as crimson red
There's nothing you can hide.

For once you've stood before the Lord
He'll see through every crack
And if you were to die today
There is no turning back.

You'll gaze into His crystal eyes
He knows the things you did
There's nothing you can keep from Him
Your secret thoughts aren't hid.

So before you meet the Lord
You better make it right
Start by getting on your knees
Kneel down to Him tonight.

Get rid of all your worldly ways
They'll just lead you astray
Find time to walk with Jesus
The Truth, the Light, the Way.

I'm telling you, it's not too late
God's waiting up above
To add you to His Book of Life
In Heaven up above.

When your life on earth is over
He'll take one final look
When the roll is called up yonder
Will your name be in "The Book."

Marilyn Ferguson ©2004

EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE...

2005-12-28T05:26:00.000-08:00

I LEARNED FROM NOAH'S ARK!

Don't miss the boat.

Remember that we are all in the same boat.

Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.

Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someonemay ask you to do something really big.

Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.

Build your future on high ground.

For safety's sake, travel in pairs.

Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs.

Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.

No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

2005-12-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

The Night Before Christmas...Are you ready???

Twas the night Jesus came

and all through the house,

not a person was praying,

not one in the house..

The Bible was left

on the shelf without care,

for no one thought

Jesus would come there..

The children were dressing

to crawl into bed,

not once ever kneeling

or bowing their head..

And Mom in the rocking chair

with babe on her lap,

was watching the Late Show

as I took a nap..

When out of the east

there rose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet

to see what was the matter..

Away to the window

flew like a flash,

tore open the shutters

and lifted the sash..

When what to my wondering

eyes should appear,

but Angels proclaiming

that Jesus was here..

The light of His face

made me cover my head!

...was Jesus returning

just like He'd said..

And though I possessed

worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him

in spite of myself..

In the Book of Life

which He held in His hand,

was written the name

of every saved man..

He spoke not a word

as He searched for my name,

when He said "it's not here

"My head hung in shame..

The people whose names

had been written with love,

He gathered to take

to His Father above..

With those who were ready

He rose without sound,

while all of the others

were left standing around..

I fell to my knees

but it was too late,

I'd waited too long

and thus sealed my fate..

I stood and I cried

as they rose out of sight,

Oh, if only I'd known

that this was the night..

In the words of this poem

the meaning is clear

the coming of Jesus

is now drawing near..

There's only one life

and when comes the last call,

We'll find out that the Bible

was true after all...

B ~ Basic

I ~ Instruction

B ~ Before

L ~ Leaving

E ~ Earth.

~~~JESUS LOVES YOU!!!!~~~

CHRISTMAS IS COMING.. but am I really ready for HIM?

2005-12-19T18:10:00.000-08:00

Here it is December 19th, and where has the month gone.... it seems like so much has happened already, with Christmas functions and gatherings happening all month long. I feel soooooo stuffed already and we haven't even gotten to the turkey dinner on Christmas eve! How are you doing? Can you relate!

Maybe we need to put on the brakes for a few moments, or even longer to really enjoy all that CHRISTmas is about! Yes, we can play Christmas music, or attend Christmas events, send out Christmas cards, but if CHRIST isn't invited to be a part of it all.. is it really CHRISTmas?

Don't know about you, but I need some alone time with my Lord.... to really get focused with only 6 more days before the birthday celebration of my Saviour, JESUS!!! Think I will make a point of doing that! How about you?

OUR CHRISTMAS LETTER

2005-12-08T17:38:00.000-08:00

“And then there were 2 !!"
…. December 2005

What a year it has been in the Morris household as I’m sure it has been for you as well. We began 2005 with a BANG!.... actually, Laurie had the bang, falling on the terrazzo floor of our church on January 24th. He broke his upper left arm, plus pulled a muscle with a bone chip off the rotator cuff. So, on his 55th birthday, on Feb. 9th he had surgery to re-attach it. Being it was his writing hand, he was somewhat limited but was back to preaching after 2 weeks. He has a good range of motion with his arm except in that muscle area and still has some trouble sleeping on it.

Alaina planned to be at Forest Cliff Camp as a counselor this summer, but that changed quickly. Her first night there, being all set and ready for her cabin of 11 girls, she landed in the nurse’s cabin very sick. That illness resulted in her coming home the following night, and by the end of the week, she was in Strathroy Hospital with a ruptured appendix. Alaina was 6 days in the hospital and took most of the summer to recover. Hence, there were 2 unplanned surgeries in the family.

Leona worked for 2 elderly ladies cleaning their houses during the week until she worked at Forest Cliff Camp for the summer months. Now she takes care of 2 children after school. Leona continues to be active in Awana as the Cubbies’ Secretary, is on the worship team in youth group, and takes part in the planning of various activities in the Enrichment Program at school. She is in her final year at high school and has been busy considering various universities for next fall.

There were 2 moves for Ben and Alicia…one at the beginning of April as they moved their household from Lloydminster to Edmonton, Alberta and a second move within Edmonton to a more established area in August. Ben has joined the pastoral staff at Ellerslie Road Baptist Church and Alicia is working at Grant McEwan College. Grannie went out to help take care of the 2 grandkids, which resulted in 2 flights west, in April and again in September!

Alexandra is now 4 and active in swimming and piano lessons. Levi is 2 and enjoys helping his dad, Ben, with all the work projects around their home. Levi is quick to pick up any tools including a drill! They are a joy to each one of us!

We had 2 graduations this year! Larissa obtained her Bachelor of Education in Adult Education in June. Grandma Morris joined our family along with Darren Conley to see Larissa get her degree at Brock University. Larissa continues to teach ESL at Niagara College in Welland. Alaina finished high school this June and her graduation was on our Thanksgiving Weekend in October. Alaina is presently taking care of her niece and nephew in Edmonton as well as working part-time at the “Second Cup” saving money to possibly go on a DTS in Kenya, Africa next fall.

Laurie and Anne enjoy 2 times away with 2 special couples… one was in Puerto Rico with Craig and Beth Buck in the springtime and the other in the late fall in Maine with Jerry and Beryl Samia. It’s good to be able to spend times of refreshing and renewal with God’s family and in the beauty of His creation.

We have one final 2 to announce to you… Darren and Larissa were recently engaged and they will be a permanent twosome next summer. We are looking forward to sharing in that event with them. The four sisters had a wonderful weekend together along with Darren, Ben, Alex and Levi to celebrate Larissa’s champagne birthday!

This brings us to this moment. I’m soooooo grateful we only have one day at a time to unravel. May we do so, realizing each day is a gift from GOD… a present He gives to each one us. May we also rejoice in His BEST GIFT to us… the birth of His Son and our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, as we enter into the Christmas celebrations.

From our family to yours… have a blessed New Year!

KEEP CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS!!!

2005-12-06T12:29:00.000-08:00

There seems to be a lot of talk about being politically correct at Christmas... even to the point that some are not able to even say "Merry Christmas!"

Well, for a lot of people, they shouldn't say it...if they don't mean it!

I believe that CHRIST came at a time that we refer to as CHRISTmas, although it wasn't on December 25th. We merely remember HIS FIRST COMING to earth, the birth of Jesus, on that particular day.

CHRISTmas is really for CHRISTians... is it not? How can those who deny the birth of our Lord Jesus CHRIST in His coming in the form a of a child, who came as IMMANUEL, GOD with us, celebrate something that they don't believe in.

So dear followers of our Lord Jesus Christ... celebrate CHRISTmas! And, may we do so in such a way, that those who have not understood Him, or the Reason for the season, my come to a saving knowledge of the King of kings and Lord of lords. After all, a day is coming when EVERY knee will bow and EVERY tongue will confess that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS dear ones... Go and share the GOOD NEWS with those who have to hear and understand and may CHRIST be glorified... as we come to HIS season of celebration!

2005-12-05T17:53:00.001-08:00

2005-12-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK LIKE CHRISTMAS!!!

2005-12-05T09:39:00.000-08:00

It's December 5th... and great news!!! YAHOO!!! The cards are done.. Christmas cards that is! Now this is late for this lady, as they are usually in the mail before this date, but for some reason I could get a Christmas letter together.

It wasn't so much that I didn't make the time for it, or thoughts of working on it didn't pop into my head, but the idea of recalling all that we went through this past year.... seemed to be surgery, doctors appointments, therapists, more doctors, more surgeries, more specialists.. and we are still seeing new specialists in the year to come. I wanted something that would be more encouraging, not that God hasn't see us through it all.

Then, one day, as I was in my lazy-boy chair, God gave me the ideas..... and I said, quick.. I need a piece of paper... and I started to jot down what He had put on my heart. I guess we needed to wait until the engagement of Darren and Larissa, so that too could be included in what He gave me.

So to that end... it's done! YES.. and in the mail as well.... and in a matter of a few days or a week or so, you too will see the Morris Christmas letter. If you don't, it will be posted on this blog in another week or so.

How are you doing on passing along your Christmas thoughts be it in a card or letter? Looking forward to hear from some of you! God bless... now it's time to get some other things done!

LEONA'S 16th BIRTHDAY!!!

2005-12-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

YES... THIS IS A BIRTHDAY PARTY.. everyone came dressed up in some form or another.... some as people they looked up to... cake any one?
THE BIRTHDAY GIRL!!! - having fun!! What a joy to see all these young ladies gathered around to sing "Happy Birthday" ... 21 of them to be exact! WOW.. what a time.. it was great!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LEONA...

the next step is to get her beginneers!

OUR BABY IS 16!!

2005-12-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's LEONA's 16th birthday and although she spent it with her 3 older sisters this past weekend in Edmonton, we get to celebrate it today at home with some 20 friends who will come this evening for a sleepover!

Clear out.... is all I can think... trying to get that many women into a bathroom at bedtime or in the morning... especially since we only have but ONE bathroom!

Actually, Leona is a girl like none other, who can spend hours preparing for an event, be it taking care for children after school and organizing various programs and activities for them, or planning the cleaning program at a summer camp...getting the respect of all with her gentle spirit. Leona takes the time to visit or greet others.. those standing alone in a crowd, be it older or younger. Leona often arrives with garbage she has picked up on the way home from school to make sure the world is a little brighter. She loves to spend time with seniors and help them in any way necessary. Leona is the one who will say "thank you" for doing this, or "Will you forgive me?"... while others wonder what did did she do wrong. She is the first to help in the kitchen when there is a dinner event happening at the church. Leona gets involved in school activities, helping with Youth Alive or the Enrichment Program, providing goodies for an special ocassions. She has many gifts and uses them all to honor her Lord.

So... HAPPY 16th BIRTHDAY dear LEONA! You are a special girl to many... and I'm sure GOD is well pleased. May the year ahead be filled with much joy for you, as you share His joy with others.

WEDNESDAYS - HUMP DAY!!

2005-11-30T06:35:00.000-08:00

HUMP DAY of the week is WEDNESDAY!! It is said that we are half way through the week.. and on the way to the weekend! But, isn't each day a gift from GOD to unravel with care?

SO, let's unravel it... what does the day hold for you? At this household, we are trying to get our Christmas letter to print... I finally got to writing it last night, but it seems like the printer is now the hold up!

Oh well.. all things in time. It's only Novmeber 30th some of you may be thinking, but in the order of things for me... it's best to have all Christmas cards and letters ready to be in the mail by this point, only because the month of December can be soooooo full with various activities... birthdays, Christmas celebrations and gatherings, school music nights, and the list goes on.

But .. it's Wednesday.. and we the week isn't over yet, so maybe there is hope that the cards may be tackled yet before the weekend between all the other activities!

I just need to put on a smile, turn up the Christmas music and unravel the day with care... and PRAYER... allowing God to show me what really needs to be done in His economy of time!

.

IT's TUESDAY .. and their off!

2005-11-29T20:57:00.000-08:00

A FUN DAY... With My Friends!

It's TUESDAY which means in our present world, it's off to a therapy session for a friend who not only broke her wrist roller blading, but did so much damage that it need surgery! OUCH! It's not a pretty sight with the plate and 6 screws to hold it done.BUT, none the less, after a shaky start to getting the right medical people to assist her, she has found a therapist who is helping her in a positive way and results are being seen.

Now, there is another friend, who comes along with us on these adventures, who hobbles along on her crutches, and due to improper theaputic work, the specialist is saying it will be at least another year or two.. and this from a slip on the ice last February. But she is in good spirits, and was reminded again today how thankful she is that she's not in a wheel chair. We only need to look around and see that no matter what we are going through, it is often not a bad as what others need to face.

So, we hobble along the three of us.. They sure get to knowing us at the local "Salt and Pepper" shop where we dine on a bowl of soup or the special of the day each week. Last week, only two of us made it and they thought we lost the crutches.. and unfortuately, we had to leave our friends with the sticks behind as she wasn't feeling well.

The biggest joy in all these physical setbacks is the time spent together, encouraging one another, having some fun and laughter, and JUST BEING THERE for each other.

One thing we have learned over the past months, it's much better to go with someone, not only for the company and to share a smile, but to also share a bowl of soup! Bon appetit everyone!

Can't wait until next Tuesday! Trust you will find some to help or encourage along your day ... some who may need a lift! Go be salt and light in a dark world, by reaching out in Jesus' name, amen

RAINY DAYS and MONDAYS!!

2005-11-28T19:50:00.000-08:00

Do they get you down? Rainy days and Mondays? .. as the song goes. Both are needed! Rain is needed to water the earth. The farmers out our way are always looking for "heat unit" -- when the sun will be shining to help grow their crops. They also need adequate amounts of water, be it through rain or snow in the winter. Personally, I'd rather have the rain anytime, rather than the snow, but both serve their purposes.

As for Mondays, we need them too. They are the first day for most of us to either go to school or work. Mondays are often laundry day if you look out in the neighbours and see all the clothes lines filled with clothes. Without a Monday, how would we get to the rest of the week.

REFUELING DAY

2005-11-27T06:03:00.000-08:00

Sunday morning... what is SUNDAY to you? Is it your day to sleep in or to relax or get caught up on things around the house? Is it a day for self, or it for someone else?

In our home, it's a day of worship.. a day set aside to go and meet with our GOD! It's a day I often refer to REFUELING DAY! ... a day that we can be refueled by coming together and meeting with GOD.. to praise HIM, to worship HIM... to come before HIM and seek HIM.

In our busy routines of life, I'm soooooo glad that GOD gave us one day in the week that He set aside for such a day to remember to go to Him. What is more amazing, this is a universal thing... people around the world come together to worship GOD... from various regions, ethic backgrounds, tribal groups and peoples.

I have worshipped with other Christians in different countries... be it in the USA... in a small New England church, or in Holland in a large stoic stone building, or in Thailand in a bamboo structure, believers in the Lord Jesus Christ gather together to fellowship and meet with GOD.

If you are off to church today, go and worship in the splendor of His Holiness! If you haven't thought about the day, why not stop in at a local church and begin to understand who GOD is. He delights to meet with us... we just need to come!

As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!

My GIRL is nearly 27!!

2005-11-26T14:13:00.000-08:00

WOW... just to think.. our oldest daughter is turning 27 tomorrow! It's hard to imagine that 27 years have gone by since that storming snowy night when Larissa popped her head into the world and lit up our lives.... a first child in the family will do that to parents and grandparents! She was due to come on December 10th, and I remember the doctor telling us she would probably be a couple of weeks late. Well, Larissa had a mind of her own... even back then!

On the eve of the celebration she is in Edmonton this weekend visiting family, including having all of her sisters there! What a special time that will be for them! As much as we, her parents, wanted to be there, we knew that this "sister time" would be a wonderful way to celebrate her "champagne birthday!" .... soooooo a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you LARISSA JOY!

We love you and thank GOD for bringing you into our lives!