Dream On Queen

Seasons

2011-10-26T21:08:00.001-07:00

It was such a beautiful sunny fall day. The air was fresh and crisp, so I walked instead of drove to the bank. Colors of red rust, orange and bright yellows were stunning. It prompted my heart to sing and worship the Creator, the father of creativity and beauty. After all, he could have painted everything a dull grey.

There is another messy side to fall. Flowers have done their blooming,looking straggly and falling over, corn stalks need to be removed and disposed of or composted. Impatiens plants, touched by an early frost, are slippery and hard to remove from the wet soil. I do not like this side of gardening at all and could really do without this part of autumn, but as in life, we take the good with the bad and the ugly and look forward to another new beautiful season.

The Piano

2011-07-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

What a day it was, when they moved that upright piano into the livingroom of the farmhouse. At the age of about fourteen, I don't recall any previous discussion about such an extravagant purchase, but there it was! Singing and music was always a part of our family gatherings. We would gather around and my Aunts & Uncles would bring out the guitars, accordian, harmonica and now we had a piano!

After every meal, I would leave the table quickly and go figure out tunes and diddle around on the keys till I was summoned back to the kitchen to help with the dishes. Playing by ear came naturally, and soon I taught myself to read notes. Many times I would try to play through the hymnbook and imagine myself as church pianist.

I wanted to take piano lessons more than anything, and yet this did not seem to be a priorty at that time.

However, I did become the church pianist and did quite well for many years. However, I was in real trouble if I was called upon to play something I was not familiar with, or if the key signature had more than 2 sharps. (flats were no problem) Also I could not figure out the timing of a new song and this made for some extremely embarrassing situations.

this summer, we took a trip to a Gospel Music Convention. What a smorgasbord feast of singing and music that was! The Saturday matinee featured a "Pianorama". Four large grand pianos on stage and four of the most talented pianists I have ever heard let loose. How I wished I could have learned to play like that.

IT WAS ONLY A WALNUT

2011-07-10T16:37:00.000-07:00

Twelve year old Jake and his younger pal, Tyler, were just trying out their slingshots, shooting small rocks at fence posts and trees. The long farmyard driveway was lined with beautiful walnut trees so they began picking the green walnuts off the trees and found that they were better, smoother amunition than having to find suitable stones. What could be more fun than shooting at moving targets, so they hid behind trees and aimed towards the road at passing vehicles.

My brother, Dave, had just delivered some heavy implements to a farm down the road, when a shocking bang hit the windshield, cracking the glass. He stopped to investigate the damage and looked around to see where the rock could have come from. The BEEP,BEEP,BEEP sounded loudly as he backed up the big rig to two opposite driveways.

He walked onto the right hand yard, where a gentleman was mowing his lawn. After a short conversation they ascertained that there was no way that he could have caused the damage. When Dave was about to climb back into his truck he noticed a whole lot of walnuts strewn beside the road. ah ha.
As he walked down the driveway of the left farm yard, the trees told him that he was onto something. Nearing the house, evidence verified that this could be where the shot had come from. There was no answer at the door, but he could sense that someone was hiding somewhere, so he searched behind buildings and in sheds finding no one and found out later, that they had run for cover in the back forty. They knew they were in trouble!

Upon arriving home, he phoned Bob, a policeman friend, saying, "I have a hunch that some young kids are shooting walnuts at cars, and have no idea what damage they can cause."
He gave him the address of the place and after a few days, the policeman made a call to the farmhouse. After some questioning the young culprits were coerced into admitting their guilt.

Bob phoned Dave and asked, "Do you want to press charges?" Dave replied "No, but I want them to pay the $300 deductible and I want to talk to them personally."

The wise parents insisted that the boys pay their debt from their own allowance, so when Dave arrived at the house, they counted out their hard earned money in five & ten dollar bills and sheepishly handed them over to him.

Then Dave took the two aside and said, "I could have let this little incident pass and my company could have easily paid for the windshield, but then you would have got away with doing something that could cause an accident or serious harm to someone. You two guys are very lucky to have parents who are teaching you to take responsibility for the consequences of your actions. and I want you to remember this."

With a pat and a handshake, he left two very relieved, shaking young lads with a lesson they will never forget.

What a wise brother I have! He may have just saved two young fellows from a life of crime!

Patience of Job.

2011-05-18T19:04:00.000-07:00

I just don't know about the statement, "He's got the patience of Job."

As I read through this LONG book, I found that Job got frustrated and lost his patience with his pompous, all-knowing friends, and challenged, yes, even shouted at God for the horrible onslaught of tragedy, humiliation and physical pain bombarding him from every side. He did not know THE WHY and about the Chapter 1 conversation between God and Satan. God said, "I dare you, and you'll see how true Job will remain." Satan threw everything he could at Job outside of killing him, however his faith remained firm, believing that in the end God was just and would not totally forsake him..... but patient, not really.

When accosted by bad things, Job's response was the same as mine often is, "What have I done to deserve this?" But, what an amazing example he is of courage, honesty and steadfastness. REAL!

God is just and holy and always has our ultimate good in mind, but sometimes that is hard to see and believe when it feels like we are mired in the mud and pain.

Coincidences

2011-01-14T08:19:00.000-08:00

Lately, I have been amzed, surprised, even shocked at the many coincidences that "just happen".

I was thinking about a friend, and hadn't seen her in a long time. Having heard that she was going through a difficult time, I wondered how I could get in touch with her during this sensitive situation. I was early for an appointment, so to pass the time, I walked into a business store that I had never been in before, and there she was, so we were able to hug, talk and reconnect.

It's not just "Dumb Luck". God ordains our steps in such amazing,wonderful ways.

Christmas Again

2010-12-18T20:58:00.000-08:00

When I was a child, it seemed that Christmas just wouldn't come fast enough, but from my senior's perspective now, it comes way too quickly. But I still love it.

Some of My Favorite Things of this Season are...........

The wealth of wonderful music that fills all of December
Holiday lights on every street that brighten up the dark, rainy, wet nights
Grandchildren's Christmas concerts
Tree ornaments that hold a special memory
Connecting with friends & family from far and near
Children's anticipation
Parties and good food
Helping needy here and in other countries
Sharing time with someone who does not have family nearby
Cards & Letters that let me know that they thought about me
Family gatherings

We enjoy all these things in memory of Jesus birth. Wow! He left Heaven, with all it's beauty and glory, to come to this crazy world, in the form of the most vulnerable thing... a human baby.
To die for me. Once again, I am in awe of this reality, humbled and so thankful. Hallelujah!

Dance with Jesus

2010-08-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, a song with a strange name was played often on Christian Radio. It immediately became my favorite. It is called "Untitled Hymn" (Come to Jesus) sung by Chris Rice.

The progression of each verse builds with each key word....Come, Sing, Fall, Cry, Dance and culminating with Fly to Jesus. From the moment I heard it, I called it "Matthew's Song" and still cry every time I listen to it.

Matthew died four days ago and is finally free of his frail, deformed body. No more pain and suffering. I loved him so much.

As I prepared flowers for his funeral, I listened to the words once again and I cried many tears of sadness because he will be missed, and tears of joy because I imagine him running, flying and dancing with Jesus.

He will be waiting to welcome me and be able to run, dance and finally speak and say,"Hi Grammie".

Busy, Busy

2010-07-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

My apologies for being away from blogging for so long.

How are you doing? How have you been?
When I ask this question, most people will, say " Fine...really busy!"
It seems that we answer "Busy" as if it is an admirable, very good thing...not lazy!
I sometimes chuckle to myself when people almost brag about their busy-ness and yet complain about how busy they are. I maintain that most of our busy-ness is our own fault brought on by the choices we make, so why do we complain about it.

Staying active and involved in many wonderful causes and relationships is good, but in todays' world, it takes an act of the will, to be still and quiet. I want to enjoy such moments more often right here and now in my own backyard; without having to chase, fly or drive for miles to some remote cabin or all-inclusive for a few costly days of it.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Weeds

2010-04-14T23:39:00.000-07:00

If Eve could only see the consequences of listening to the serpents lies, she would have thought twice before eating that accursed apple.
The result...weeds, weeds, and more weeds. While I was fighting them today, I was reminded of the parallells between weeds and evil/sin.

Weeds are prolific.
They multiply.At the slightest touch, popweed scatters hundred of little seeds.
Dandelion flowers develop into fluffy puff balls so that the breeze can scatter seeds all over the garden.
Long blackberry vines hang over my fence and if they get near the soil they put down roots immediately.
A flat, spreading nameless plant infested my vegetable garden. I try to dig it out very carefully because any little leaf that falls to the ground roots a new plant.
Weeds need no fertilizer or "weeding" to flourish.

Chickweed forms a green blanket almost over night.
More weed species are emerging which I have never seen before.

If the roots are not completely removed,it will soon grow a new plant. Root systems can travel underground and emerge on the other side of a fence. Horsetail is almost impossible to eradicate because their roots seem almost elastic.

A buttercup seemed to mock me today."Here I am in the center of your heather. Just try and dig me out without killing your precious little plant. ha ha."

After working in the warm sunshine "by the sweat of my brow" it was a satisfying feeling to see the garden clean and weed free. The good can flourish & bloom beautifully for a spell. What a lovely sight, but not for long; so the battle continues. I just cannot stop fighting those ------ weeds!

I must also tend to the garden of my heart. Dig out the weeds of jealousy, pride, laziness and selfishness to give flowers of love, empathy, kindness & truth a chance to flourish.

Thots about Lot

2010-04-10T20:08:00.000-07:00

Even though I have re-read this Genesis story several times, I keep mulling over lessons & impressions of this relationship between Abraham & Lot.

God asked Abraham to leave home & country for an unknown destination. We are not told why he took Lot with him. Perhaps he was his favorite nephew, perhaps Lot was an orphan, perhaps he wanted adventure, perhaps he was a juvenile delinquent who needed some strong mentoring, perhaps he was exceptionally good with goats and lambs.
I believe God blessed Lot because of Abraham.

Both became wealthy as their flocks increased in number. They soon discovered there was not enough green pasture and fresh drinking water to supply the needs of both herds. Fearing that violence would ensue, Abraham wisely offered his nephew a peaceful solution..."Choose which land you would like to claim."

Lot selfishly chose the lush Jordan Valley, which was well watered with fertile pastures. This seemed like a wise choice, but Lot did not take into account the physical and spiritual dangers he would encounter there. "Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom".
It seems that he eventually moved right into that wicked city, because he "sat in the gate", which imples a governing position.
This infamous city is still refered to as most evil to this day. It spawned the term "Sodomy". Their pride led them to believe they could live any way they chose, and without consequences. They were unashamed of their actions, infact, proud of their "alternative lifestyles" and perverse ideas - just like our sophisticated, progressive cities of today.

Battle between neighboring kings resulted in the seige of Sodom. Lot and his family were also taken captive. Who came to his rescue? Uncle Abraham! He mobilized over three hundred of his household and chased after them and freed Lot and his whole entourage.

When I hear or see people who are in dire straits because of stupid, unwise choices...problems of their own making.... I tend to lose patience and give up on them. Abraham didn't!

When the angels, disguised as men, came visited Abraham to tell him about the God's
imminent judgement on Sodom; who interceded repeatedly for Lot's home town? Uncle Abraham!

Later when fire and brimstone was about to fall, the angel men had to literally drag Lot out of the city. Why did Lot want to stay there? Perhaps he loved the luxuries of his lifestyle too much. Maybe he couldn't get his wife and family to move. Maybe he thought he could influence the city with his good example, trying to be a good witness for God Jehovah.

By the time I had finished reading the last of Lot's story, I had developed quite a loathing for the man.
But then I was reminded of the verse in 2 Peter 2:7 (The Message) which sheds quite a different light on him.
"God rescued Lot out of Sodom because he was a righteous man who was sick of the shameful immorality of the wicked people around him. Yes, Lot was a righteous man who was tormented in his soul by the wickedness he saw and heard day after day."
(King James) "Lot was vexed.."
God, in his incredible longsuffering patience and love, saw his inner spirit, his heart, his struggles and treated him with mercy. God did not give up on him.

Wow....I am humbled. My perspective and evaluation of Lot has changed.
And I still think Uncle Abraham's powerful intercessory prayer was a major determining factor.

I am thankful for second, third or tenth chances. I am so grateful for prayers prayed on my behalf. Thank you God, for your love and mercy.

Living in the Ark

2010-03-20T21:36:00.000-07:00

Now I am into Genesis...where it all began. Chapter six - The Story of Noah.
Many expeditions have been made to prove or disprove the existence of the great flood. To the skeptics, it is a fairy tale, a joke, a silly impossible story.
It's so unbelievably unreal, that it is natural to doubt its' validity.

I choose to accept the biblical account as true. But I can't help but ponder.....hmm.

How did the animals know when to start walking, flying or slithering towards the ark?
Was Noah's wife a good mother-in-law?
How many pairs of species came on board?
What did the family eat? How did they cook?
Where and how did they dispose of sewage and waste?
Where did they go for peace & quiet?
Did they rest on the Sabbath?
Was Noah's family in full agreement with the plan?
Where did they store all the food for the animals?
Did they get seasick?
Where or how did they get water to wash or drink?
How many clothes did they pack?
Did animals try to eat each other?
What was the temperature in the Ark?
What did they use for lighting?
How could they keep their sanity, confined for 150 days till land was dry
enough to disembark?
Did they ever doubt God?

I imagine and I wonder.

Revelation

2010-02-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

The biblical writer, John, calls his book "Revelation", and what a revelation it is! The imagery and descriptions of the visions he saw are so bizarre and "out of this world".

I would not be at all surprised if todays script writers of modern science fiction/ animated monstor movies have taken ideas from this book.
I must confess that Revelation is not my favorite. It has always left me with a confused, eerie, uneasy feeling. But this time I am reading it in the contemporary language of "The Message".

Like a great finale to a fireworks show, Peterson writes...."The Bible ends with a flourish; vision and song, doom and deliverance, terror and triumph. The rush of color and sound, image and energy, leaves us reeling. But if we persist through the initial confusion and read, we begin to pick up the rhythms, realize the connections, and find ourselves enlisted as participants in a multidimensional act of Christian worship."

Hearing a good choir sing the Hallelujah Chorus gives me tingles all over. This morning I really got that feeling reading the following words in chapter five. What a picture of worship!

"I looked again. I heard a company of Angels around the Throne, the Animals, and the Elders---ten thousand times ten thousand their number, thousand after thousand after thousand in full song: THE SLAIN LAMB IS WORTHY! TAKE THE POWER, THE WEALTH, THE WISDOM, THE STRENGTH! TAKE THE HONOR, THE GLORY, THE BLESSING!

Then even more joined the singing...can you imagine! Every creature in Heaven and earth, in underworld and sea...all voices in all places.

TO THE ONE ON THE THRONE! TO THE LAMB! THE BLESSING, THE HONOR, THE GLORY, THE STRENGTH, FOR AGE AFTER AGE AFTER AGE.

YES!

About Dancing

2010-01-17T09:36:00.000-08:00

I watched an elderly, smiling couple waltzing across the ballroom floor...a perfect romantic picture of sychronized movement and rhythm.

Since my husband and I grew up in an environment where dancing was considered evil, forbidden and frowned upon, we never learned how.

Yes, we have tried, but our stilted, awkward movements usually result in a comedy act rather than an activity of grace and enjoyment.

One night we were dining with friends at a fancy restaurant. We were enjoying the live entertainment of a trio and band. They offered to do special requests for the guests. Since this was our 40th anniversary, I asked them to please sing, "The Rose", one of my husbands favorites.

After a few songs, the singer spoke into the speaker, "And now we'd like to do a special request for John & Esther, who are celebrating their 40th anniversary, and we ask them to take the dance floor at this time."

Well, my husband gave me this shocked, "no way" look. But they were waiting for us, so I said, "We have to do it." I dragged him onto the floor, and said,"Just follow me, wiggle your hips and smile."

I laughed through the whole song as they sang all the verses and repeated the chorus. John was not enjoying this experience at all. He kept saying, "I never knew this song was so long." I got a fit of giggles and laughed through the whole thing. I guess it looked like we were having fun because later in the evening, a gentleman even came to our table and said, "Why don't you dance again. I really enjoyed watching you." Too funny.

When dancing with a partner, it works best if one person knows where he/she is going and is allowed to lead and the other follows.

A few days ago I got this interesting article from a friend, called "Dancing with God".

It focused on the word Guidance which contains the word dance. The first letter G reminds us of God, followed by "u" and "i".

God, you and I dance. God, you and I dance. (interesting observation)

These thoughts came to mind. If I just allow God to lead, the dance can be beautiful because he knows the steps.

Some days our dancing is very awkward because I want to lead, sometimes it is slow and quiet because I am sad or tired. Other days the dance is happy, light and free.... some days He just carries me.

Reminds me of the beautiful song, "Lord of the Dance", but we'll leave that one for another time.

Christmas Day Dinner

2009-12-31T17:28:00.001-08:00

It was a different Christmas because our family met on the 23rd. What a wonderful time we had! The little ones had been counting the "sleeps" before they could open the presents that were stashed under Grammies tree. After dinner, it was precious to watch our six year-old granddaughter bring nativity characters to life as the old story was read.

Our Family Christmas Day was over! Now what?
So we enjoyed visits with people who did not have family nearby and brought leftover turkey and trimmings to a sick neighbour.

Looking beyond my comfortable home and space, I see so much hurt, need and pain.
God, please forgive my blinded eyes.
Scripture encourages us not to forget the needy, widows and orphans.

My cousins, Don & Diane, are orphans and have often been forgotten. Their father died when they were very small. Their mother, my aunt, was a hard worker and tried as best she could to raise them, but I am ashamed to say, she did not get much help and support from her extended family. Her parenting consisted of much shouting, slapping, verbal and physical abuse. She remarried which added many other negative family dynamics. This second husband died very suddenly and now they were on their own again. A few years later, she also passed away.

Diane had back/spine surgery and has had difficulty finding a job. She was married, has one daughter, but her marriage ended in divorce. Her common-law husband of ten years, just passed away very suddenly, and she was devastated, so I helped her plan a memorial service for him. Even though she is not physically strong, I admire her amazing strength and courage.

Don was married for ten years, but his wife left him. He has asperger syndrome, which makes him very nervous, agitated, impulsive and exasperating. Constant ridicule and some childhood sexual abuse has left him with bouts of depression and emotional scars. He has worked as a restaurant dishwasher for 25 years. Since they both don't drive, commuting from the city to visit relatives is difficult, therefore many times they have been left out or forgotten.
Their social circle is small. Both are trying to trust God for their future and struggle to "keep the faith" inspite of lifes disappointments and hurts.

On Christmas Day, my husband and I packed up a dinner, picked up Diane, went to Don's cluttered apartment and shared a meal with them. He excitedly tried to clean his kitchen (no running water at the kitchen sink) and prepared mashed potatoes and "well-charred ham".

He kept giving me gifts from his hoarded stash of collectibles. "Here, I want you to have this"......a turquoise necklace and earrings, an old CD, a wooden goose, a silver chain, etc. etc. Over and over we heard, "You are my favorite cousins, I love you."

Needless to say, it was a most memorable,unforgettable Christmas dinner.

ONLY ONE ORANGE

2009-12-02T23:29:00.000-08:00

When the boxes of Japanese/Mandarin oranges appear in our stores, we know Christmas is nearing. This reminds me of a poignant story.

Ten boys lived in a small orphanage. It was their only home, a roof over their heads, their only family. The house rules were strict; each lad knew his duties and paid careful mind to obey the rules. Food was meager and carefully rationed, especially fresh fruit.
The boys' very favorite highlight of their drearisome life was Christmas and the greatest treat of all was that on Christmas morning every boy got one orange.

The day before Christmas, Harry was working in the yard, but neglected to clean his boots upon entering the house, tracking mud onto the front hall carpet. The angry headmaster meted out immediate punishment. "No orange for you tomorrow morning!"
At dawn, while his friends enjoyed their delicious fruit, the dejected lad wept bitterly as he lay on his cot till evening. All year he had waited for this one orange. The other lads had kept their distance for fear that he would beg a taste of theirs. At evening he knelt in the darkness, on the cold hard floor beside his bed, trying to say his prayers, but words wouldn't come, only moans and tears of disappointment and hurt.

Suddenly he felt a gentle tap on his shoulder and a soft lump was placed in his hand. Hesitatingly, he began to unwrap the crunched paper and in it were orange peels, carefully taped together in the shape of a ball. He started to nibble at the tart, bitter pieces. As they fell apart, inside were nine orange pieces.
Each boy had given up one small delicious segment, just for him.

I hope this ORANGE story will be a reminder to share from our abundance with those who have so little.

Time really Flies

2009-11-12T14:02:00.000-08:00

My apologies for not contributing to this blog for a long period of time.

My husband reached his three score and ten, so had a big party with more than eighty people coming by to help him celebrate this milestone. We are very thankful for his good health and zest for life.

Two days from now, my first grandaughter is getting married, so needless to say, we have been in wedding planning mode for the last several months. Seems like just a few years ago when I held that tiny little bundle in my arms and now she is walking down the aisle to share her life with the man she loves.

I have done flowers for many, many brides, but this is most exciting to design beautiful bouquets in her favorite colors of pink and blue, so I must get busy.

So no theological rhetoric today, but as I am working with flowers, my mind and heart are filled with many emotions, hopes, and dreams for them. I hold them up in prayer to my heavenly father who loves them even more than I do.

The Prairies

2009-09-28T19:41:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Winnipeg.

There is something beautiful about the wide open prairies. Even though I was only 3 years old when my parents moved from Saskatchewan, my roots are there. So I feel a connection and a bit of nostalgia sweeps over me whenever we pass through, but I would not want to live there.

The BIG skydome covering the vast flat land conjures up feelings of awe and wonder and loneliness. A simple, fresh earthiness prevades. The huge fields of wheat, canola, rye and sunflowers speak of endless hours of hard toil and labor. Dusty little towns look hauntingly sad. There is an unforgiving harshness in the sweltering heat and in the never-ending strong wind that blows sand and snow over the plains.

We saw many abandoned, weathered old buildings such as this one. I wonder what kind of stories this old house could tell?

In the 1930's and 1940's my grandparents and many of my kin experienced unbelievable hardships on this land.
As we travelled the straight endless highway, two such instances came to mind.

On a beautiful winter day, my aunt and her daughter set out to visit their neighbours. They travelled over the snow in a horse-drawn caboose (like a boler trailer on skis). During their visit, they noticed storm clouds forming and decided to head for home. The drifting snow became so blinding that they lost their way. The next morning they were discovered only a short distance from their home, both frozen to death. In my mother's old family album is a little black & white snapshot of them both lying in a home-made coffin. How incredibly sad.

My grandparents, with ten children, travelled on foot from Manitoba to Saskatchewan. A team of horses pulled a wagon with their milk cow in tow. The children took turns walking and riding. At night, Grandma and the girls slept under the wagon part that was canvas covered, while Grandpa and the boys slept under the wagon. After endless miles, a wagon wheel broke. They were tired, discouraged, and alone. With no one in sight, little money, and little food they felt overwhelming despair.
In their distress, they cried out to God for help. They waited..........
As the young boys were walking down the road, kicking stones, a sudden gust of wind blew across their path. Amongst the dust and leaves was a small piece of paper. Imagine their amazement when they realized it was a ten dollar bill. I wish I could have been there to witness the family's rejoicing over this miracle that God had sent. Now they had money to get the wheel fixed!

Over the years they experienced many other hardships on the prairies, but this happening always reminded them that God is faithful.

A Timely Message

2009-07-21T22:59:00.000-07:00

In the preface to the "The Message" (the Bible in contemporary language) the author Eugene Peterson says... he taught the biblical languages of Hebrew and Greek in a theological seminary. He expected to live the rest of his life as a professor and scholar, teaching and writing and studying. But then his life took a sudden vocational turn to pastoring a congregation. He was plunged into a different world. Nobody seemed to care much about the Bible, many knew virtually nothing about it, had never read it, and weren't interested in learning. Many others had spent years reading it but for them it had gone flat through familiarity, reduced to cliches. Bored, they dropped it. They found newspapers and magazines, videos and pulp fiction more to their taste.
He saw a great need for getting an understandable version to his congregation and so after ten years of arduous work, "The Message" was born and published.

My reading through the book of Romans took on new meaning when I read Chapter 12 the way Peterson interprets it. I wrote in my journal, "This is for me!!!"

vs. 8 ...if you help, just help, don't take over......if you give encouraging guidance, be careful that you don't get bossy. (ouch)

Just can't miss that message!

New Old Song

2009-06-29T21:33:00.000-07:00

Faithful one, so unchanging,
Ageless one, you're my rock of peace.
Lord of all, I depend on you;
I call out to you again and again.

I have always loved this song. It was sung at a funeral I attended today, by two very talented young people.
At the onset of the next part of the song, their voices literally exploded,
"blew me out of the water".... moved me to tears.

YOU ARE MY ROCK IN TIMES OF TROUBLE!
YOU LIFT ME UP WHEN I FALL DOWN!
ALL THROUGH THE STORM YOUR LOVE IS THE ANCHOR!
MY HOPE IS IN YOU ALONE!

It was truly a moment of praise and worship.
Thank you Jackie & Nate

Who Am I

2009-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

In this case, it's not the game, Who AM I, but the first line of a song.

A secluded lakeside campsite, a comfortable reclining lawnchair, pinescented warm desert breezes, afternoon shade, the bluest sky...birds twittering, ospreys diving for fish, canoes gliding over the calm water. Ah.

Drinking in the incredible beauty and the vastness of God's creation made me feel so small.

This very well-written song came to mind.

Who am I? That the Lord of all the earth, would care to know my name ,
would care to feel my hurt?
Who am I? That the bright and morning star, would choose to light the way,
for my ever wandering heart.

Not because of who I am, but because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done, but because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean, a vapor in the wind,
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord you catch me when I'm falling and you've told me who I am.
I am yours.

written by Hall, John Mark & Casting Crowns

A Lilac Lesson

2009-05-14T19:27:00.000-07:00

Lilacs are special to me. Why? The fragrance is intoxicating. I am told that on the day my parents got married, my mother just went out in the yard, picked a few white lilacs and drove to the church. No fussing, no huge cost. Things were so simple then.

For years I have jealously eyed every lilac bush that I passed and vowed that someday I would have so many bushes that I could pick as many as I wanted and you would not be able to notice.

When we moved to our present home 13 years ago, we planted 2 bushes and friends gave me two more and this year they are full of glorious blooms. Why are they exceptionally beautiful this year?

Lilacs bloom best after a harsh winter.

So in life, those who go through hard difficult experiences often blossom, bloom and bless our lives with deeper sensitivity, strength and genuine kindness...... like a sweet fragrance.

2 Corinthians 2 : 14-15 (The Message)

God leads us from place to place in one perpetual victory parade. Everywhere we go, people breathe in the exquisite fragrance. Because of Christ, we give off a sweet scent rising to God.

This is how it should be! I wonder... is my life sweet - smelling?

Do I have to?

2009-05-12T10:03:00.000-07:00

Besides the noble art of getting things done, there is the noble art of leaving things undone.

The wisdom of life comes in the elimination of the nonessentials.

How do they Know?

2009-04-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

Ahh... Beautiful Springtime.
As I am getting down and dirty in the soil I ponder on the wonders of nature...

How does the grape hyacinth choose its shade of blue?
How does the snowdrop know when to bloom?
How does the mole design his underground subway?
How does the frog know it's time to start croaking?
How does the hummingbird find my feeder?
How does the crow know that he can crack walnuts by dropping them on the pavement?
How does the tulip bulb know how to multiply?
How does the big dipper stay in place?
How can an earthworm still live if I chop him in half with my spade?
How does the salmon know where to spawn?
How does the rooster learn to crow?
How does the bear know when it's time to wake up?
How can a snail carry his shell-house upside down?
How does the clematis vine know how to climb and cling?
How does the liatrus flower bloom from the top down?
How can potato eyes grow new plants?
How does the robin sing the same song every spring?
How does the oak know when to change from green to red & orange?

Genesis 1:31
God looked at all that He had made, and it was very good.

The fight is not over

2009-04-06T21:03:00.000-07:00

This story is true but the names have been changed.

My friend Cindy, travelled 500 miles to attend Rob's funeral.
Years ago, on a wintery night, her son brought Rob home because he had just been kicked out of his house. His single Mom, Debbie, could not cope anymore with his insolent violent behavior, his bad habits and disrespectful friends.
He stayed with Cindy's family for a little while, but soon went his own way. However, Cindy and others reached out to help and encourage his mother with Christ's love and soon she accepted Jesus into her life and continued to follow him in simple faith.
As the years went by Rob got caught up in criminal activities and was tragically killed a little while ago during a drug-related altercation.
It was a very difficult memorial service. Debbie's pastor spoke words of comfort, hope and the need of forgiveness. When the congregation left the chapel, another group of Rob's friends marched in for a second memorial for Rob. They were clad in black steel studded leather. Clenched fists sporting knucklebuster rings portrayed the anger they were feeling. The father of Rob's girlfriend strode up to the pastor and said, " I'm an atheist and I don't believe in this God stuff. You can bet on it, Somebody's gonna pay!" Revenge!

My friend said, it was like two worlds colliding... the forces of evil versus good, darkness against light, hate against love. The presence of darkness was oppressive, almost touchable.

Satan is fighting hard for turf and dragging many with him because he knows his time is running out.

Ephesians 6: 12 -13
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the whole armor of God...

Grace in Pain

2009-03-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

I confess...I am a wimp when it comes to pain. A simple blood test scares me. Smiling is difficult during a migraine. Therefore, I admire people who are courageous and graceful in the midst of suffering.

For as long as I have known her (five years) , my friend Sharon has been fighting multiple sclerosis and serious cancer.
She has been tested, scanned, poked, biopsied in every possible way. Through surgeries, chemo, radiation, hair-loss, unsteadiness, nausea & broken bones she remains kind & gracious.

When I call and ask how she's doing, she does not dwell on her difficult situation. Instead, she will immediately ask, "How are YOU doing?"

She is interested in my life, asking about my day, my children, my grandchildren . She really cares.

That's unselfish graciousness.

SILENCE

2009-03-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, a visit to the audiologist revealed that I was born with a blockage in my eardrum. It explained a lot of things - the awful pain in my ear during an airplane flight especially during take off or landing and the constant high-pitched squeal in my ear. I had come to consider this as normal.

Therefore, I do not do well with prolonged silence. I prefer "white noise" such as soft background music or even the hum of a fan to cover the shrill squeal in my head.

But today I had a silent, quiet day.

no music
no T.V.
no computer
no reading a novel or newspaper
no shopping at the mall

Just reading my Bible, listening and praying.

God & I had a very good day.

"Be still and know that I am God"

Celebrate LOVE

2009-02-10T19:20:00.000-08:00

"What the World needs now, is LOVE sweet LOVE,
It's the only thing that there's just too little of..."
lyrics by Hal David, music by Burt Bacharach.

I have always loved Valentine's Day.

Making home-made Valentine cards was an activity we enjoyed immensely. Red, pink and white construction paper hearts, bits of lace, buttons, paper doilies were carefully stuck onto folded paper with gobs of white paste. We could hardly wait to get to our two-room school to hand them out to our friends. However, there seemed to be an unspoken contest of who would get the most cards indicating who was the most popular/ most loved. Looking back on this day, I'm sure some of the children didn't get many, perhaps none. They must have felt very unloved on that day of love. I wish I could have a do-over and make sure everybody in the room got one.

My husband was a school teacher so his classroom was abuzz doing the usual valentines activities. I was a stay-at-home mom expecting our second child. He forgot to get me something, not even a card and he knew he was in big trouble when he saw the special dinner and candles. He apologized and apologized, but I cried so uncontrollably that the poor guy didn't know what to do. I have grown up since then, but he has never forgotten it since..in fact he is more passionate about celebrating now than I am. Ha.ha.

But there can be so much more to this day than just the romantic kind of love. It represents the one thing that every human being craves for....more love.

Followers of Jesus should pounce on this holiday spreading love around liberally, not just the gushy stuff but the love that God has put in our hearts.
Jesus said, "By this will all people know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."John 13:35
It bothers me greatly that an event like Halloween is growing so rapidly in popularity. Why not the day of showing an extra amount of love to everyone? Random acts of kindness should abound.

I think Valentines Day should be declared a National Holiday, so I am turning on my red christmas lights and sticking red hearts on my garage door. Just call me a crazy romantic.

Music Memories

2009-01-30T19:50:00.000-08:00

Today I took a walk down an "aural" memory lane. I spent two days in a little storage room filled with tattered old hymnbooks, old typewritten chorus books, cassette tapes and other assorted items. A filing cabinet contained years and years of church choral music & books, which have seen very little use in the last few decades. As I opened each folder, the notes and melodies floated from the pages and came to life and I could hear the rich sounds of the choir singing in our little church where the acoustics were so good that no microphones or booming speakers were necessary.
The children's musical book, "Bullfrogs & Butterflies" reminded me of the "Sonshine Singers" choir that I led for many years. How keen the kids were as we presented it several times. "Friends" was a youth production presented thirty years ago when our daughter was in highschool. The robust Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus" just jumped off the page. The full harmonies of "O Lord, Most Holy", "Sanctus" and "With A Voice Of Singing" rechoed in my ears.

It was enjoyable to recall all those beautiful songs and good times, but I came away with a deep sense of sadness and loss.

Somehow, I felt like I needed to find a graveyard for these rich musical treasures, thank God for the precious memories and say my last goodbyes.

Healing

2009-01-24T19:44:00.000-08:00

In my Bible reading through the book of Matthew & Mark, I am amazed again at how many times Jesus healed the sick, whether they were blind, lame, demented, dumb, deaf or even dead in some cases. I'm sure he didn't heal every single person in the crowd because everywhere he went, people came in droves with all manner of ailments. But there were many who were miraculously freed.
Oh, I wish, so much, that it were so today, right now, right here!

The Dash

2009-01-09T20:48:00.000-08:00

In this last week, I attended two funerals of wonderful ladies who fought a hard battle against that awful big C. Both have won and gone triumphantly, to their heavenly home. Their life stories were told by family and friends, of how they touched so many people in such wonderful and amazing ways.

When I wander through a cemetery, I always take note of the years engraved on the headstones, but never really noticed the dash between the years. 1948 - 2008.

A poet, Linda Ellis, has written a beautiful, thought-provoking poem called "The Dash".
Here are a few lines from it.

That dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
The cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your lif'e's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

(you can "google" the entire poem on line)

Small Wheels & Big Bumps

2008-12-18T12:48:00.000-08:00

The snow in B.C. is beautiful and it really looks like a white Christmas. However, snow presents some challenges for drivers on the sideroads and freeways. Our little street seldom gets a snowplow and has never been sanded, but we get out just fine. Last night, I was clearing the light powdery snow from the sidewalk in front of our property, because last year about this time I got a real reality check for how important this act is.

It happened like this...

My granddaughter, was spending the afternoon at an office very near my house. When her mother phoned to say that she would not be able to pick her up after work, I gladly volunteered to do that for her.

Since my van does not have a lift for her power wheelchair, I decided to walk to meet Tessa and we would come back to my house. As I started walking I realized we had a problem. The main roads were clear, but my street was still slushy and snowy and many of the sidewalks had not been cleared. So I returned to my house for a shovel and proceeded to remove snow and chip ice patches all along the route. (major job)

The ride home was more than challenging for Tessa, because every patch of ice was scary and snow clumps resulted in painful, bumpy hurdles.

Please remember this. Disabled people are virtually shut- in their homes till the snow disappears unless someone kindly clears their path for them.

A Story

2008-12-10T22:05:00.000-08:00

A story is told of a multi-millionaire who lived in a beautiful vast estate. Besides all his wealth, his life revolved around his son. They enjoyed a wonderful father-son relationship and travelled all around the world. Their passion was collecting art, paintings and sculptures done by famous artists. Years went by and then the son felt the call to enlist in the army to defend his country.
Father was disappointed, and at first resentful of his choice.

The father missed his son greatly and was devasted when he received a call saying that his son was missing in action. Soon it was confirmed that he had been killed while trying to save one of his comrades.
In deep grief, the father mourned this great loss and went into seclusion. Day after day he sat alone in the vast rooms of his mansion, staring at the priceless paintings he and his son had purchased. They held no charm, worth or interest anymore.
When there was a knock at the door on Christmas morning, he instructed his butler to tell the caller to leave, as he was not receiving visitors. The servant came back saying, "Sir, it is a young soldier, who wishes to speak to you." He was allowed entrance.
He said, "I am the soldier, your son gave up his own life for."

The lad stayed for hours telling the father of many occasions where his son had put his life on the line for his fellowmen. How he had talked lovingly about his father and the good times they had together collecting all those treasures of art. Pride for his son grew in the dear father's heart.
The soldier shared that he, himself, also loved art and then, somewhat embarrassed, showed the father a painting he had done of his son. The resemblance was faint but the father graciously received it as a precious gift.
Several months later, the old man passed away. Instructions in his will said that an auction of all his artworks should be held on Christmas Day. The news spread, and art collectors from around the world arrived for the grand affair.

The auctioneer began with the first item - the soldiers' painting of the son.
The buyers jeered and heckled, calling out for the real art. The auctioneer replied, "The will states that this one must be sold first, so what am I bid?"
There was a long awkward silence. No buyers were interested. Finally a poor, elderly neighbour put up his hand. "Will you take ten dollars?" he said hesitatingly.

Going Once, Going Twice, SOLD!

Anxious buyers were now ready to begin bidding on the valuable art and were shocked when the auctioneer proclaimed, "The auction is now over. The will states that whoever buys the painting of the Son, gets it all!"

MY SUMMER PRAYER

2008-08-22T09:34:00.000-07:00

Thank you God for the summertime. Thank you for good family camping interaction with the energy of youth and the laughter of children. Thank you for family reunions.

Thank you for the mix of sunny & rainy weather. Thank you for books written by inspiring writers, who opened my mind and imagination to new (aha) thoughts and transported me temporarily into another world. Thank you for reminding me of your never-ending forgiveness and love while reading "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers. Thank you for special moments of meditation in your holy word. Thank you for the chance to worship in that tiny little country church at Grindrod. Thank you for reminding me to trust you more during scary moments, (which I'd rather not repeat, please). Thank you for breath-taking scenery of lakes, mountains, flora & fauna. I stand in awe of your greatness. Thank you for protection on the busy highways. I am so blessed and I thank you, thank you, Lord. Amen.

How is your "Weltanschauung"?

2008-08-08T20:41:00.000-07:00

This German word, "Weltanschauung" (pronounced..Velt-an-show-unk) means a persons world view or outlook on life. We can choose to look at daily happenings from a positive or negative perspective.
We have been blessed with a daughter who sees the positive view point in almost every situation. Back in her teen years, she would come home from a party or a school function or youth meeting, and give me an animated rerun of the event, the fun things they had shared. Then when I spoke to other parents about the same events later, I would often hear negative comments and impressions. I remember thinking, "Are we speaking about the same thing?"
She is still that way, even though her life has not been an easy street.

Our attitude toward life determines the quality thereof, affecting our relationships, friendships, health, etc. etc. It is seen in how we work together with people, how we respond to authority, how we treat the property of others, how we respond to disappointments or setbacks , and I could go on and on.
Years ago I heard Lucy Swindoll speak. She stressed,"Experience the moment, enjoy the good, learn from the bad, because it will never happen exactly like this again. Look for the humor in situations. This is life, not a rehearsal for the real thing."
I am often amazed, blessed and encouraged by friends who have a positive, caring attitude even in the midst of their own pain and hardships.

I tend to see the negative side of things too often, but I am trying to remember what my daughter says...."Is your cup half empty, or is it half full!" It all depends on your "Weltanschauung".

I Lift My Hands?

2008-07-15T22:51:00.000-07:00

If you pass me on the highway, and see me waving my arm in the air, I could be saying "Hi" or having my own private little worship party in my car.
I love to crank up the volume of a good song and lift my voice and hands in praise and prayer. Depending on the day, I could be smiling broadly or crying. This has prompted some very strange looks from other drivers.

When the heart overflows with emotions of gratitude, sadness or love, it is natural to respond in a physical way. Something special happens when I am physically engaged in the act of worship by clapping to the rythm, dancing to the music or raising my hands. It is wonderful and freeing. So why do I have a problem?

I grew up in a wonderful church where this kind of "show" was frowned upon, yet the singing was very hearty, awesome, worshipful & sincere. Once in a while we would hear a loud "Aaamen" in response to a good song or a particular point in the preacher's sermon that needed a little added emphasis.

Many wonderful, godly people who influenced my life would have been very offended by any physical activity during the service and I respected that.
There was a sense of awe and reverence which was beautiful and intimidating at the same time. Therefore, this is still a sensitive area for me in the corporate worship setting now.

Whether we kneel, fall flat on our face, sit, stand, remain motionless, clap, cry, dance, shout "hallelujah", or raise our hands...God sees the heart and he loves to see & hear the praises of his people. PTL

Oh Canada!

2008-07-01T12:30:00.000-07:00

Every July 1st I think of my mother-in-law. She would say, "Canada is a wonderful country. Here they don't shoot people!" (in the sixties, shootings were still a rarity in their safe little Mennonite town of Clearbrook)

Stories of her younger years are etched in my mind. She told of the Bolshevik revolutionary army and Stalin's soldiers marauding through Russia's countryside, riding into villages on horses, taking whatever and whomever they pleased.
At the end of the one street in her village near the Dnieper river, was a meeting house. Word spread that a special preacher was holding evangelistic meetings there. She felt a tremendous compulsion and need to go. Against the permission of her parents she went, and was so convicted of her need to make a choice to follow God, that she yielded her life to him, no matter what the cost. Her mother was very angry with her, but she had found a peace and joy that nothing could erase.

Soon she would gather neighbourhood children together and tell them Bible Stories. While doing this one day, loud shouting warned her that soldiers were approaching. In fear she ran with the children and helped them hide in the bushes near the river, hushing them to keep silent, as they listened to wild horses and raucus men thundering through the village. Thankfully, they were not discovered. These soldiers often helped themselves to the little food they had left.

Another graphic story I will never forget.....
She recalls an instance when ten men were ordered to stand in a line and the soldiers used them as shooting targets, killing them one by one. The last man was so frightened that he tried to run. One of the horsemen rode after him and with one fell swoop of the sword instantly decapitated him.

The soldiers raided again and again, tearing fathers & young boys from their families, raping women and young girls. Many were forced into hard labor in Siberia or thrown in prison, never to be seen again. Smallpox and tuberculosis were rampant, so death was a common occurence.
Imagine a young child witnessing such scenes and .. there was no such thing as trauma counselling. They just had to live with these kind of life-long horrific nightmares.

Many, many more stories of her escape from Russia are unbelievably amazing. Her trust in God was her strength.

She laughed as she recalled... while staying in a refugee camp, they were hesitant to eat macaroni for the first time because they looked like worms.

She told of the terrible, long sea voyage to Canada in a freighter, arriving in Montreal, seeing snow for the first time in Winnipeg and working as a maid for rich English folks, learning a new language and culture, then marrying a poor prairie widower with six children.

But here she had found a land of freedom. No wonder she loved Canada! She lived to the age of 100 years old.
So I raise my beautiful Canadian flag in thankfulness to God and in memory of her, I say, "Canada is a wonderful country!"

WHY??

2008-06-18T20:23:00.000-07:00

Our three year old grandson and his mother were looking at a kids Bible Story book. He really wanted to know why people would do such an awful thing....kill Jesus. That started a conversation which explained that Jesus loved everybody in the world so much that he died to forgive all the bad things that they have done. In simple faith he asked Jesus to forgive his sins and come into his heart & life. :)

Matthew 18: 2-3 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. Then he said,"I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven."

The next day he was playing lego with Grandpa, and looked out of the window and said, "It's a beautiful world." He noticed the bright sunshine
(yes, indeed! we have seen the sun) the colors of the blue sky,
the fresh yellowy green leaves of the locust tree and the
red geraniums in the window box.
After a few moments he asked, "Why are there bad people in the world?" In his little mind the two things just didn't go together.

It's hard for me, as an adult, to comprehend why people find twisted pleasure in causing suffering and heartache, ruining and destroying such beauty and tranquility by their evil deeds & selfishness, all for a few moments of temporal power or wealth. Try to explain that "Why" to a deep-thinking, little three year old kid.

I've Had My Moments

2008-05-28T22:36:00.000-07:00

A song by 'Emerson Drive' tells the story of a young man watching a homeless man crawl out of a cardboard box. The dirty, disheveled man shrinks from the look of disgust and pity, then turns to the young one and says,

"I haven't always been this way.
I've had my moments, I was second to none,
I've had my moments, my days in the sun.
Moments, when I knew I did what I thought I couldn't do,
Lookin' at me now you might not know it
But, I've had my moments."

Within each sad, disturbed person, there is a story we don't care to hear.

As I work and interact with residents at the Seniors Rest Home, they express frustration about not being able to remember things, walk, take a bath or find their own room.
They remind me, "I wasn't always this way. I was a farmer, a bus driver, a teacher, a mother of eleven children, a minister. I could do things!...I've had my moments. Please don't laugh at me. Please be patient with me."

Every person longs to be treated with dignity and respect. In God's eyes, their worth is no less than yours and mine.

The Waiting Room

2008-05-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

Waiting is so hard, especially in our fast-paced style of life.

Line-ups at the checkout counter, at the traffic light, at the border crossing, in the airport, at the bank, in a doctor's office... all test our patience, as the saying goes, "Drive us Crazy".

Sadly, many people are waiting most of their life for something else or hopefully something better than the present.
A twelve year old can hardly wait to be sixteen. The student can hardly wait to graduate. The graduate is waiting for a call after a job interview. We're waiting for the perfect person to marry. A bride is waiting for the wedding day. Parents are waiting for the baby to arrive. Soon they are anxiously waiting for their teenager who is staying out way past the set curfew. Then they wait for grown children to leave the nest. Then they can hardly wait to retire.
Too late, we realize that we missed the NOW. We want to get on with life, but this is life.

A few days ago I visited my 95 year old Great Aunt Louise, a gracious, godly lady who has suffered for years with arthritis and osteoporosis. She is waiting to die and longing for heaven.
"I think God has forgotten about me." she said.

An email from my brother said that Check-ups showed that the Cancer has come back and he needs to go for more tests. He said, "We are in God's Waiting Room again."

If we had a choice, we would not choose this waiting room, but many lessons can be learned only in that room.

David, the Psalmist must have had "waiting room" experiences when he said, "I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he heard my cry. He lifted me out of the pit of despair, out of the mud and set my feet on solid ground. He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God."

There are many, many beautiful verses in the Bible about "waiting". How many can you find?

Good Answer

2008-05-15T15:06:00.000-07:00

What can I say to someone who says, "I don't believe in God."

Here's a good quote by Albert Camus.

"I would rather live my life as if there is a God and die to find out there isn't, than live my life as if there isn't and die to find out there is."

Oh, My Goodness!

2008-04-18T00:05:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about expressions......
What comes out of my mouth when I am startled, surprised, terrified, shocked or relieved?
Sometimes I wonder, "Where did that come from?"

The words we use say a lot about our character. It seems almost laughable how we try to "sanitize" colloquial expressions to make them OK.
Some expressions are just silly, funny and inane, but here are just a few that bother me because of what they infer and I wince a little every time I hear them.

Holy Cow!.........only God is Holy
Holy Mackerel!......an ugly fish is holy?
Jeez.!............ we may as well say the whole word
What the Heck!.........Hell
Oh My Gosh!.........only the last sound is changed
Friggin'..............I won't go there

Shoot! ....only the vowel is changed. I am guilty for using this one too many times.
I remember sitting in the office at work, sending Floral Transworld Delivery orders. Every time I made a typing mistake, I said,"Shoot!" My boss remarked that from where she was sitting it sounded like the "i" vowel, and to watch my language.

Of course, many other expletives come to mind which I will not print here, but it seems that cursing and vulgarities are considered a sign of "coolness" or "macho-ism" to some. It is almost impossible to find a good movie without them. Stand-up comedians can't be funny without them. Is it becoming so acceptable that we hardly notice or care anymore?

There are so many references to the importance of "words and speech" in the Bible. These two come to mind.
Colossians 4:6 ...Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.
Psalm 19:14 .... "May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer."

My Name

2008-04-17T22:53:00.001-07:00

For those who are checking out the new blog team, allow me to clarify the name of my site.
"Dream On Queen". Sounds rather vain, doesn't it.
When I was a little girl, I was enchanted with pictures of the British royal family. Then I found out that I was named after Queen Esther in the Bible, and childhood imaginations of living in a palace filled my mind.
Looking back now, the only thing I envy of a Queen's life is that she has servants to do her cleaning & cooking.
I admire the wonderful qualities that the biblical Queen had, such as beauty, courage, grace, tact and faith. I want to be like her.
In the Veggie Tales Version, they call her "Essy". Funny...that's what my siblings called me when we were growing up.

2008-04-17T22:53:00.000-07:00

Flowers

2008-03-25T15:04:00.000-07:00

The Florist Industry touts their slogan,"Flowers say it Best".
I came across an old Chinese proverb that says it even better. "A Bit of Fragrance Clings to the Hand that gives the Flowers".

I have often said that flowers are one of God's best ideas! Always well received, no matter what the occasion may be.

Silently they say, "I'm thinking of You, Welcome little Baby, I Love You, I'm Sorry, Happy Anniversary, Happy Birthday, Heartfelt Sympathy, Cheer Up, Welcome Home, I Care."

Without a word, they unpretentiously brighten up a drab community hall or hospital room. Their bright colors help to momentarily ease the pain of grief in the starkness of a funeral chapel.

Oh, the beauty of Nature! Oh, the hand that designed it!
In our province we can drive through forest, alpine meadow or desert and see splashes of color in the most unexpected places.
Ground-covers of magenta and purple cling to rocky mountain crags. In the interior desert, bright yellow blooms appear on the prickly cacti. Pink rhododendrons bloom at the foot of the pine and fir. High atop of the mountain, a sea of blue, red, white, mauve, and yellow blooms dance in the cool breeze.

The wonderful colors of spring are emerging.... mauve crocus, yellow daffodils, pink cherry blossoms, white snowdrops, purple lilac, red tulips, blue iris, purple heather,etc.
Green must be God's favorite color. It provides the lush background palette that enhances and brings all the others to life. ENJOY!

When I was Young

2008-03-23T20:40:00.000-07:00

"When I was young, running water was ...me, running back and forth, carrying a heavy bucketful from the well into the house. When I was young, I used to walk 5 miles to school, uphill both ways. When I was young, we heated bricks to keep our feet warm in the horse-drawn buggy. When I was young, we ate everything on our plate, because we knew what it felt like to go hungry. When I was young, girls didn't wear jeans to church. When I was young, toilet paper was a page from the Eaton's catalogue. When I was young, all I got for Christmas was one box of crayons and an apple. When I was young, we didn't talk back to our parents...children were seen and not heard. When I was young, we shared our bathwater with seven other siblings. When I was young, we did our school lessons by the light of a coal-oil lamp."

Many times, I heard my parents make statements such as these. Each one surely could have been the opening line to a wonderful story. But I wasn't interested. Now I wish I would have said, "Tell me more about it" instead of rolling my eyes and thinking... "Here we go again...I've heard that a hundred times before".

Anger

2008-03-17T05:31:00.000-07:00

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. " Proverbs 15:1
Retaliation is easy.....a sign of weakness, but real strength of character and power is most evident when anger is controlled.

Something is Better Than Nothing

2008-02-28T09:40:00.000-08:00

While watching television, we often see horrific scenes of throngs of refugees, orphaned children, the poor and hungry living in fear and desperation. It is so overwhelming that often we do nothing but thank God this isn't our plight.
This week, a group of twentyfour of my friends volunteered to help at the MCC Warehouse (a wonderful, world-wide Mennonite relief organization).
My job was to sort donated clothing into huge bins, marked "infant, child, women, men". There were jackets, shirts, pants of every color and size....some needed to be discarded, but many of them were like new.
Other friends were packing & baling blankets that had been carefully stitched together by ours and many other local church ladies groups. School Kits and Health kits were assembled, packed in huge drums, ready to be shipped all over the world.
We were shown scatter rugs, made from strips of discarded jeans, and other crafted items that are sold and the money helps to pay for shipping and other costs.
A video presentation gave us a glimpse of what happens at the receiving end in Iraq, Aphganistan, Africa and many other countries.
A child's face lights up when he gets a colorful shirt, a young girl smiles as she smells the fragrant bar of soap and a mother wraps her baby in a clean, soft blanket.

We can't save the whole world, but we must do something.

IT IS AS IT IS

2008-02-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

After a problem, tragedy, or an argument that she couldn't win, my mother would say, "Well, it is as it is".
It has become sort of a watchword/ motto for her extended family.

When things get tough or something doesn't go as planned, we think of her and we say, "It is as it is." Not with a fatalistic attitude, but with resolve and resignation ..."if you can't change it, with God's help, accept it or deal with it!" Good advice.

Different Messages

2008-02-07T22:22:00.000-08:00

Telemarketing callers must really have to learn how to deal with rejection, because I don't know of anyone who likes them. I try not to be rude, because that voice on the other end belongs to a human being with feelings too. But isn't it even more disappointing when you get a surprise call from a friend, and after the usual nice chit chat, you find out the real motive for their call is that they wanted something from you or wanted to sell you something.

Refering to my previous blog..... a kind friend translated the Portugese response comments (thanks, Lorraine) I had received and you guessed it...it's a sales ploy. I kind of suspected that, but was hoping that maybe someone in some exotic foreign country was actually enjoying my creative writing skills.

Let's call someone for no particular reason but just to say hello, encourage them and ask for absolutely nothing in return.

Languages

2008-01-28T18:33:00.000-08:00

I admire people who are fluent in more than one language. My father was persistent in demanding that we speak German in our home. I resisted this strongly, and it became a point of continual contention. As I look back from this vantage point, I realize the wisdom of it all and am grateful that I can still understand and speak (although not fluently) my mother tongue. Oh how I wish I knew more languages!
Which brings me to the point of this blog. I have had several comments in response to my blogs in a language that I can't read, & it is bugging me. Can anyone interpret for me? Go to Dec. 3rd...."Busy,Busy" Blog.

Uncle Herman

2008-01-10T14:17:00.000-08:00

What a Character! Bushy eyebrows, long nose, and a funny "huh,huh" little laugh. I can still see him sitting in his favorite spot at the local donut place. "Well, fancy meeting you here," he would say. (I think I was his favorite niece.) He often told me, "I drove your mom to the neighboring little prairie town hospital before you were born. Lucky you didn't arrive early, on the way,huh,huh."

He never seemed to be in a hurry and loved to just "shoot the breeze", talk "prophecy" or politics, but was sadly lacking in style, social graces, education and parenting skills. He lived in the same rural community for sixty years and his farms are still recognizable by a perimeter of planted evergreens with naked, pruned trunks.

But, there was another amazing side to his personality. He had a heart for the underdog, the socially overlooked, the widower, the disabled, the slightly weird. He touched a lot of lives in his own unique way.

Whenever we would meet him at the coffee place, he always had a friend with him.... an old bachelor, a neighbour, a brother-in-law or someone who needed a ride. After his wife passed away, he would often drive his little pickup truck to the donut place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. When the waitresses saw him coming, they would have his "usual" waiting when he entered the door.
On the day of his funeral, no-one was allowed to sit at his table, because there was a floral arrangement placed on it that said,"In memory of our friend, Herman."
We all touch a circle of people in our own unique way, that nobody.....nobody else does.

Oh, the Aches & Pains!

2008-01-06T22:14:00.000-08:00

When my parents would sit and visit with their guests and talk about their aches & pains, I thought, "How boring. Get a Life!"

Reflecting on a recent visit, I realized that most of our conversation was also concerning health issues. (gettin' old)

One person mentioned kidney stones which led to "My neighbour's uncle had that too..." another started on clogged arteries ..."Do you know, I just heard that my cousin's sister-in-law's mother had surgery on that very same thing..." I think I have arthritis in my left shoulder... Well, you should take calcium with glucosomine, that helped my Aunt Martha.. Oh no. You should drink this juice that only costs fifty dollars a bottle. Cures everything that ails you. etc.etc.

Further animated discussion ensued regarding good or bad cholesterol, under or overactive thyroid which could cause anything from shingles, hives, acne or high blood pressure. We covered everything from diabetis, prostate, tumors, bunions, varicose veins, glocoma to ingrown toenails. Some felt the need to fill me in on all the gory details of their latest procedures and surgeries. We also had all the answers and solutions to our inadequate medical system.
(exaggeration included)
It really seems quite funny at times, but to each person who lives with the agony of pain, waiting for test results, the fear of some serious hospital time...it's anything but comical. (and I'm the biggest wimp of them all) Pain is never a welcome visitor, but it governs our days and the extent of our activities. It's hard to be joyful or pleasant to live with or even civil, when something is hurting.

However, pain is part of life in this broken world and a reminder that our bodies are so very mortal and temporal, especially as we get older. If we never experienced pain, we would not ever want to leave this world.
My heart aches for so many of my family and friends who live with constant pain. Some are walking through, what must seem like a long, deep valley. I admire your courage and strength. Hold on tight to the shepherd's hand for He will lead us through to the other side.

How beautiful heaven will be...no hospitals, no pain, no suffering.

Christmas

2007-12-26T00:06:00.000-08:00

Every year, we have been reminded repeatedly to... Make room for Christ at Christmas!..Don't forget the real meaning of Christmas!....Remember it's not about the presents or food or partying!

I know all that... so I have determined this year, to JUST DO WHAT I KNOW to bring meaning into our celebrations and enjoy each and every activity to the max. I have been so blessed by the wonderful music of this season.... The outpouring of love from friends and family... The experience of working together with great people to present a drama for Christmas Eve...The beauty of the snow and lights and I don't care if my freezer isn't full of wonderful home baking.

Most of all, reflecting on the incredible fact, that God was willing to come to this crazy world to bring hope, love, joy and peace for someone like me, is Absolutely Amazing!
It's been one of the best.

Busy, Busy

2007-12-03T10:27:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I chuckle when I hear myself and others, either bragging or complaining about how busy we are. (how silly) This last weeks snowfall was so beautiful, bright and quiet. Usually, we can hear fast traffic, but for just a short time the sound of an approaching car was slow, muffled, barely audible and q-u-i-e-t.
As I stood amid the snow with shovel in hand, it reminded me to take moments to reflect and be quiet in my spirit and whisper to God my praise, thoughts and feelings.
I love Christmas and I am determined to keep it that way. My own busy schedule is of my own doing, so I will not complain or brag about it, but enjoy each activity and event to the fullest.

Hardwood vs. Lino

2007-11-15T12:38:00.000-08:00

The lino in my house has several nicks in it. The pattern has little indentations that trap dirt and the only way to really clean it is with a brush on my hands and knees. I want to rip it out and replace it with hardwood. The cost would be a couple of thousand dollars. (This seems to be the trend these days) Afterall, the house is 13 years old and it's time for a new look, right? The practical side of me says, I could walk on this lino till the house falls down and it would still be OK.
Speaking of renovating.....
We have been discussing the upgrading of our church building with new office space, relocating the reception area for security reasons, moving the library, expanding the foyer, etc.
Of course there are various viewpoints on the subject.

When I read Exodus 25....instructions from God as to what should be used to construct the tabernacle, and I Kings 6-7 details of Solomon's temple, I wonder why the incredible cost, show & pomp.
There were tapestries, linens, onyx gems, imported cedar and acacia wood, gold overlays, bronze, silver, massive pillars, all fashioned by the finest of craftsmen. Unbelievable!
My wildest decorating imagination cannot envision, rationalize or warrant this kind of affluence. I'm sure there were needy widows, orphans, and poor people living nearby. So why such extravagance? Could it be that God deserved the very best?

Now, I certainly would not advocate this kind of over-the-top, lavish spending on our church building, yet we upgrade, change and maintain our homes with the latest decor to suit our whims or needs, but somehow consider it unnecessary in our (almost 30 year old) church facility.
Could we call this a double standard?

In the Still of the Night

2007-11-13T03:38:00.000-08:00

It is 3:40 a.m. and my mind is on "rewind" over past events & racing with a list of things that I should do in the coming day, or should have done yesterday. Frustrating!

I have learned that the best antidote for this malady is to relax and take this time to allow God to speak to me in his still small voice....and read, worship and pray.
He reminds me of friends who need my prayers this very minute. So I lift up one who is crying out to God with constant pain, one who is wondering where God is, one who feels the loneliness after the death of his dearest, one who needs a job, one who is discouraged, one who is hoping for restored family relationships, one who needs discipline in studying, one who needs healing from past hurts, one who needs to come to faith in Christ, and one who is looking for that special man.

My spirit is calmed and I rest & sleep.

I Hate Halloween

2007-11-06T23:50:00.000-08:00

I am so glad it is past again for another year. Several weeks before October 31st, I walked into my grocery store and was disgusted by this hideous figure of a life-sized man (marked down from $149.00 to $99.00) with an ashen-grey face, ugly teeth, in a long black cloak, leering at me with his vacant, sunken, evil eyes. Most stores were filled with all kinds of grotesque masks, axes, witches, devils, monster costumes, tombstones and countless other morbid items.
People were decorating their houses and front yards with a lot more than a few jack-o-lanterns. I had to drive by a house on my street that had several life-sized bodies hanging from the trees leading to the front door. Since I have gone through the agony of suicide in my family, believe me, that is not funny or appropriate. And this is supposed to be an event for children? There aught to be a law! Fireworks have been banned because of danger, and yet we are promoting something that is far worse..trivializing death, macabre activities and fear.

Halloween reeks of evil, dwells on death and yet it is the fastest growing holiday in North America. And people wonder why violence and killing is on the increase!

As Christians, we should have no part in this holiday and do our best to find wholesome alternatives for our children. God Help Us!

Water, Water, Everywhere

2007-10-28T14:31:00.000-07:00

Marie's words were......

"I told my rebellious teen-aged son to move his stuff out of the basement because the Skeena River was threatening to flood its banks. He said, We have lived here for years, we've heard that before and it has never happened, and then he left the house. I moved as much as I could upstairs while friends came to sandbag, but it was no use. Helplessly, I watched the waters rise and seep into my basement and then rush in torrents under the door. What a hopeless feeling! "

"Days later I was finally allowed to approach my home by canoe. My basement was a mess of floating sewer back-up, water logged papers, mattresses, desk, clothing, etc." Despair.

MDS...Mennonite Disaster Service responded to this need. Teams of volunteers flew or drove to Terrace, B.C. to help the flood victims. John & I had just a tiny part in finishing the arduous job that had been done by many preceding volunteer groups, such as mucking out the soaked gyproc, carpets, wiring, plumbing, and walls, then reconstructing the framework, electrical, walls, doors, taping and mudding the new gyproc, then sanding and choking with dust.

My job consisted of filling nail holes, a bit of sanding and painting. Thanks to my encouraging friend, Dorothy, this task was actually enjoyable. John did some carpentry and finishing. He had to be quite creative in hanging doors into frames that had to be adjusted and fit into walls that were far from level or square.

Marie was so appreciative and pleased to see her basement finally finished, clean and new, after this long 5 months process. She could finally move down the displaced items that had been crowding her upstairs living space. She was so excited to do laundry again in her own home, after John & Peter connected her new washer & dryer.

A group of local dignitaries suggested a "wrap-up" event. With cake and gifts in hand, they came to the camp we were staying at, where many tearfully expressed their gratitude for the help and encouragement they had received... from utter despair to hope and a brighter future.

Special new friendships and good memories are a bonus gift.
We are to be Jesus' hands and feet here on earth. I pray that the testimony all of us left behind would have reflected God's love.

Keep Your Eye on the Mark

2007-10-11T13:25:00.000-07:00

Call me crazy, but I love cutting the lawn. The lines must be straight so when the job is finished the pattern should be even, perhaps criss crossed or diagonal or back and forth.
This brings to mind what my Dad told me... It was a mark of great pride for the early Saskatchewan farmers to plow a perfectly straight furrow across an immense section of land. This, being done while walking behind a temperamental team of horses and a rickety plow, was no small feat. The secret was to choose a marker in the distance, keep your eye on it and keep walking straight toward it.
(I wonder if the modern day farmers, in their air conditioned,stereo equipped,computerized John Deere tractors still have to do that, or is it just a matter of pushing "cruise-control")

Jesus uses this analogy in Luke 9:62..."No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God." Wow!

The apostle Paul reminds us also to keep going, keep focused.
Philippians 3:14...Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward what is ahead, toward the goal .....
Hebrews 12:1 & 2 ...Let us run with perseverance, the race marked out for us, and fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

We start on our journey with Christ, but get so easily distracted by things that cause us to lose sight of the goal and the finish line.
If we could see our "life-furrow" from the sky, I wonder what kind of pattern would emerge?

Sometimes Miracles Hide

2007-09-13T16:41:00.000-07:00

I picked up a used CD for one dollar from a sale table. One of the songs, written by Bruce Carroll, speaks of a couple who were eagerly awaiting the birth of their first child. A call from their doctor informed them that the ultrasound showed some serious problems. They were left with a difficult choice...to abort or to let live. They chose life!
At birth, the diagnosis was confirmed that their child would be disabled. From the moment they saw their little one, they realized she was extra-special. God gave them more grace, strength and love beyond what they could ever have imagined.

These are the words to the chorus....
Sometimes miracles hide.
God will wrap some blessings in disguise.
And you may have to wait this lifetime
To see the reasons with your eyes,
'Cause you know... sometimes miracles hide.

As a Grandma of disabled grandchildren, I needed this reminder today.

Shall We Gather at the River

2007-09-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

This last weekend we went to visit our friends, Peter and Anna, who decided to move away from this rat race, way up a mountain and homestead...yes, free range chickens, turkeys, emus, llamas, bears, sawmill, log house and all....amazing! (but not for me)

We joined them at their church on Sunday morning and it reminded me of "Little House on the Prairie." About 80 people gathered in a little heritage church, complete with a church bell ringing in the steeple to welcome the worshippers.

The entry was a tiny little foyer which was also served as the kitchen. All sorts of cakes, cookies and sandwiches were ready for a picnic on the ground after the service. Casual interaction between the people and the pastor during the service was interesting and sometimes comical.

A genuine love for God and each other was very evident in their sincere and fervent intercessory prayer. This was a very special Sunday as four young people shared their testimony of faith. After the last amen, the pastor said, "Let's go down to the river and we will baptize them".

The whole congregation walked a few blocks down the road past the old hotel, gathered at the river and watched as the pastor and the four young people waded into the cold, shallow Kettle River to show all onlookers their commitment to follow Jesus. PTL! It blessed my heart.

And it was like a step back in time when things were so much simpler.

Angel --- Aware

2007-08-20T16:41:00.000-07:00

Just yesterday, our Sunday morning sermon topic was eyesight (spiritual, that is). Are we aware of the spirit world and angels present among us? Just because we can't see them, doesn't mean that they are not there.

Returning from Vancouver, going east (three lanes) onto the Alex Fraser Bridge, I was following the speeding traffic. The large semi in front of me was slow, so I passed in the left lane and proceeded to merge back into the center lane in front of him. A lady, driving a white van, passing the truck on the right, also began merging in front of him towards me. We both noticed this just a split second before our side-view mirrors touched and we pulled away. Had we side-swiped each other, God only knows what could have happened.

I'm convinced that my guardian angel was sitting in that passenger seat beside me.
I said, "Thank You Lord! Thank You Lord!" all the way home.

Trapped

2007-08-03T22:56:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a wonderful time at the lake with kids and friends. Most of our cooking was done on BBQ's and campstoves. But when it came time to sit down to a delicious meal, we had univited guests joining us. It was the year for wasps. People were swatting and running and getting stung all over the campsite.
A sympathetic friend brought an insect trap and set it on our table and it worked. It was also very fascinating to watch....just a jar with a bit of pop in the bottom and a few holes under the sides of the lid which led to a small tube to the inside. It was like a wasp magnet.

If those wasps could speak & think, I imagine it would be something like this.

"Hmm, something in there sure smells good and sweet. Gotta get me some of that. Oh, here's a little opening. Yeah, I'm in. Oh boy, it's kinda tight and hot in here. Help, I can't get out! Forget the pop, I gotta get out of here. Buzz,buzz,bzzzz. Oh dear, here comes my brother, and my cousin, and my friends...Stop you guys! Don't get sucked in too. It's a trap! Too late. Buzz,buzz, bzzzz. It's so hot and I can't breathe. I can't fly anymore, I'm getting tired, I'm goin' down. Help! I'm drowning in this awful warm pop."

Outside more come to investigate. " Wow, there must be something really great going on in there. Listen to all that humming. This is where the action is! Let's join them, everybody's doin' it!"

Several lessons and observations come to mind, but I will let you draw your own conclusions to my little story.

SMILE

2007-07-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

"Candid Camera" was a wonderful show, because it made people smile, laugh and forget about their problems for the moment. Every show ended with "Somewhere, when you least expect it, someone might walk up to and say, Smile! You're on Candid Camera."

Sometimes I smile for no apparent reason as I walk through the mall and people look at me with a quizzical "do I know you?" look and usually they smile back.
At the restaurant table next to me, one day, was a group of "special" people communicating with strange odd sounds. I admired how patient and kind their caregivers were with them. As they left, I said "Hi" to one of them and was rewarded with a very loud laugh right next to my face. She was so pleased and excited that someone smiled at her and noticed her as a person.

Elementary school joke. What's the longest word in the dictionary? Answer - SMILES
'Cause there's a mile between the two SS.

Harmony

2007-07-19T02:27:00.000-07:00

The story is... that when I was just a little girl, my mom and dad set me on a chair between them as we sang as a trio in the little country church. Mom sang alto and dad sang tenor and I was taught to sing the melody, so I learned to harmonize at an early age. I have been blessed to be part of a heritage that can sing four part harmony easily.
As teenagers, my sister & I and two of our friends formed a ladies quartet. Every week we got together to practice. However these "practices" were often filled with so much giggling, laughing & talking, that we often got a reminder from our parents to get back to singing. We learned a lot of songs and were often asked to sing at evening services. I was reminded of one of those songs a few days ago when I read Psalm 103.
I can still hear the rich 4-part harmony as we sang....
"From everlasting, to everlasting.
God's mercy falls where'er we be.
Oh soul forget not, His boundless blessings
Our father e'er remembers thee."

HARMONY....what a beautiful word! It can be a blend of colors, a family living together in unity, a delicious mix of herbs and spices, sights and sounds of nature, a marriage of minds, the restoration of broken relationships, an orchestra in symphony, or the blended voices of a chorus.
Harmony only happens with togetherness... No Solo acts. One single person, one voice, one color, one note, one thing, cannot produce harmony unless it joins with another.
I miss the choirs, octets, and trios. It takes much more time and effort to pull together a group than sing a solo, but the rewards and blessings are much greater as we work and practice together. I hope and pray that the next generation would see its tremendous value.

"Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers and sisters, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because you were called to this, so that you may inherit a blessing." 1 Peter 3:8&9

What a wonderful world it would be if harmony reigned!

Giving..a Blessing

2007-07-11T18:14:00.000-07:00

I was paying for my groceries when a rather distraught young lady approached the clerk saying, "I was just here and I lost a ten dollar bill. Did you find it or did someone turn it in?" She got a short reply, "No".
As I was unloading my groceries, I noticed this same lady rummaging through her trunk, frantically searching for the money. As I drove out of the parking lot, a voice said to me, "Go give her ten bucks."
I turned around and pulled over while saying to the Lord, "If there's a ten in my wallet, I'll give it to her." But there were just two twenties and a five. "Oh well... Too bad. She'll probably be gone anyway by now." But I drove there and she was still searching her car. I pulled in the spot beside her and said, "Are you OK?" She answered, "No. I just lost ten dollars." You should have seen her face when I handed her a twenty. Tearfully, she said, "You just made my day!"

It sure is more blessed to give than to receive. I was blessed more than she was!

Celebrate Life

2007-07-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

My last week consisted of a bridal shower, a wedding, a 60th birthday party and two funerals.
At each event, I met wonderful friends & relatives. (like a reunion) Each celebration was very different with a wide gamut of emotions.
The bride-to-be was showered with gifts and blessings...eagerly awaiting her big day.
The bride was gorgeous in all her finery...nervously awaiting the walk down the aisle.
My cousin enjoyed her birthday party immensely with lots of laughter & fun.

Then there were the funerals.....
I must say, I enjoyed them too. There were many tears but there was also celebration for two very different persons, because we knew that they are in the presence of their Saviour and at rest & peace. No more sickness, no more struggles.

My friend, Carol (I feel) was too young to die. She was a most open, honest person with no pretentiousness. She was real. Her love for God was so evident.
This was reflected in her choice of simple songs when she sang solos with that beautiful clear soprano voice. What a blessing she was to so many people!

My Uncle John, at 93, had a long good life. He was spared physical suffering and died peacefully. He was quiet, had a sly sense of humor, and had a sure, steady faith in God.
He openly loved his wife of 60 years and patiently spent hours with her in the care home.

When we reflect on memories shared, after all the anecdotes and funny stories, in the end all that really matters and is of eternal value is our relationships with people and God. After each funeral, I renew my resolve to remember this.

I'm Sad

2007-06-19T08:54:00.000-07:00

Today I feel sad, not for me, but for friends and family members that are so dear to me.

We just returned from a trip to visit relatives. My sister-in-law has dementia and didn't know who we were and her husband is in rehab after a stroke. This aging thing is no fun.

My neighbour and some good friends are battling for their lives against that Cancer monster.

Some of my siblings are struggling with constant pain and debilitating disease.

My Aunt is very sick and frail and could be breathing her last any day.

My Grandson was so very sick yesterday.

I'm reminded of a song..."Everybody want's to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die".
It's the process of getting there that is so difficult.

Again, I cry out to God for all these people and I read Psalm 23. Thank God, our shepherd is always there to comfort and guide.

Looks aren't Everything

2007-05-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

You are waiting in a line-up. In front of you are two mothers with two little girls.
The one little girl is rather unattractive, making strange sounds and obviously disabled. The other is beautiful, has big blue eyes and curly blond hair.
Which one will you smile at and perhaps coo with and talk to? Which one will you ask, "What's your name? How old are you?"

The one mother gets many compliments on how cute her little girl is. The other mother feels the hurt once again, ignored..... perhaps with a glance of pity, sometimes even disgust.

We look at the outside appearance, God sees the heart.....yours and mine too.

Hurry,Hurry

2007-05-23T08:32:00.000-07:00

This morning I am reminded of a song on an old cassette tape by a group named "Alabama".

I'm in a hurry to get things done, Oh, I rush and rush until life's no fun.
All I really got to do is live and die, but I'm in a hurry and don't know why.

Isn't it crazy that we even get impatient driving behind someone who is doing the speed limit.
SLOW DOWN AND LIVE!

The Sandwich

2007-05-03T08:49:00.000-07:00

Forrest Gump said "Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get". That sure is true. Life is also like a sandwich. All of us are part of the layers.
The top slice of bread is made up of ages 40 and younger . The bottom slice would be ages 65 and over (of course, in every family situation this varies). In between, is the filling - "the sandwich generation". Each of these time periods come with interesting challenges and demands.

Since I married young, straight off the farm, I had a lot to learn about life on my own. I sort of grew up with my kids. (This time was the top slice of bread) We were getting established at work, stretching the dollar to make ends meet, going to night school & summer school, taking kids to lessons and activities, and very active in our small church. My Dad loaned us some money for a down payment on a beautiful half acre lot which cost us $4,000 dollars. Here we built our first home. Basically, life was good..... till one morning my brother phoned and said, "Dad committed suicide." Talk about life coming to a screeching halt, like your head hitting the windshield!!

Suddenly I found myself in between the slices of bread. My mother-in-law was a widow and looked forward to our visits. Now my mother's life had come crashing down around her, our close family..shattered. We rallied around her the best we could, but my four siblings, our extended families and I were reeling emotionally also. We didn't know how to handle this, but we were carried on wings of prayer. Yet, sometimes I felt like the pastrami and cheese squished between mayonaise, tomato & lettuce. My children and husband were very important and so were our mothers. Each needed my time, love and support. I felt pulled in both directions. Many of you can identify, I'm sure.
As I reflect on this time 30 years later, I praise God for his healing, strength and grace. My mother was a stalwart..... totally leaning on God to carry her through that devastating experience.
She didn't make us feel guilty or feel sorry for her. Totally amazing!

I do not regret... the many trips to see her...bringing her flowers... taking her clothes shopping (where we would laugh in the changing room, because nothing would fit her short, pear-shaped body) ...the many dinners at Chicken Chalet..... the surprise 66th birthday party....listening to her repeated stories...and being at her side when she passed away.
I do regret my lack of respect and appreciation for her when I was younger and not saying,"I love you" more.

To my friends who find yourself in the middle of the sandwich, where young and older both vie for your time, care and love... take heart. All too soon they will be gone and won't need you anymore.
The true reality is.... that I am now the bottom slice of the sandwich. Yikes!

Pruning

2007-04-22T13:46:00.000-07:00

Just give me a clipper or an electric hedge trimmer and I'm in my glory. My rosebushes and evergreens cringe when they see me coming with them in hand. Plants actually go into shock from severe pruning, but when it is done correctly, they soon thrive and flourish. My rose bushes fight back with their thorns, but I keep telling them that it is for their own good that I am cutting away the dead and weak branches. Gorgeous summer blooms will be my reward. I stand back to make sure the green hedge is trimmed level and even. Aah..beautiful and tidy.

The analogy of pruning is used in John chapter 15 where God is portrayed as a gardener, pruning out branches from the grapevine that are not bearing fruit and pruning the good ones to produce better crops. We are compared to the branches of a vine. God uses many things to shape us into what he wants us to beccome and this can be painful. Testings such as sickness, disappointments and convictions from his Spirit point out things that shouldn't be in our lives. This is never a pleasant experience but he is a careful, skillful, loving pruner who can shape us into something beautiful, reflecting His character.....if we submit and allow him to.

Glen

2007-04-09T11:02:00.000-07:00

What a character! I met him about 10 years ago while visiting the seniors rest home. He could be seen flying down the hallways in his wheelchair, kibitzing with the nurses and teasing other residents. This was his favorite line. "I'm the trouble maker around here. I cause trouble and then I help them solve it."
While just a young man of 31, Glen was stricken with Multiple Sclerosis, which had immobilized his lower body, however he had a keen mind and a quick wit. Determined that he would walk again, with a lot of hard work and therapy, he managed a few steps, yet remained confined to that chair for 30 years. He was kind of brash and loved to argue and talk rather than listen. He didn't get many visitors, so my brother, Dave, became his friend and visited him almost every Sunday.
When I was hired to do some gardening around the residence, he would come wheeling down the sidewalk with a cheery hello and off to the local store to buy his lottery ticket.

A few months ago, he was taken to the hospital with pneumonia. It was a sad day at the residence, when they got the news that Glen had passed away at the age of 63. They miss his humour, spark and chatter. The Christmas Party was not the same without him in his Santa suit and the cheery, Ho! Ho! Ho!

I remember him asking me about the different flowers I was planting and offering his unsolicited advice. Pansies were his favorite flower because they looked like smiling little faces. He would park his wheelchair near by and sit in the sun and soon fall asleep. I observed underneath all that bravado, a sad lonely man who had a very hard life and yet made it his mission to bring a smile to peoples faces.

Rain,Rain, Rain

2007-03-19T22:50:00.000-07:00

The other day I was complaining about the continual rain, rain, rain, rain. I am so tired of it and my little 3 year-old granddaughter said, "But Grammie, the ducks just love it."
Driving around our area, we see swollen rivers and lakes in places where they shouldn't be, causing havoc in many low lying areas. My sympathies to those who are experiencing tremendous hardship, damage and distress due to flooding.
But there is a field near by, covered in water, attracting hundreds of various fowl species. They are happily having a huge,wonderful party, this menagerie of seagulls, geese & ducks. When I hear the frogs they remind me of a giant choir practice, each one trying to out-croak the other, hoarse and off-key. They're lovin' it.
Now Noah comes to mind. Just imagine having to stay inside your house for forty days and forty nights, hearing nothing but continual heavy rainfall on the roof and you couldn't get out.
It's not so bad, so let's stop our whining. This too will pass.

Shopping Makes Me Sad

2007-03-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

Many women love to go shopping., I don't. As I wander through a shopping mall, it makes me sad to see store after store filled with so much merchandise that we really don't need. Think about it.....how many brands, models, colors there are of toothpaste, shampoo, diapers, socks, yogurt, microwaves, compact cars, Tshirts, toys,etc,etc. The selection is so vast, that we have this compulsion & stress to find exactly the right thing at the best possible price and will drive miles to get it.
I am also sad when I see another Mega Box-store building going up. As I look at them, I see many dreams shattered again because small family businesses are forced into bankruptcy because they can't compete .
Years ago, I worked in the only flower shop in town. When people wanted to send flowers, they automatically called our shop. Trends changed when others, such as gas stations, grocers, large chain stores and it seemed like everybody and anybody, began to sell flowers too. My boss, Cathy, became so discouraged & depressed as she saw her dreams and investment slipping away, that she just closed the doors one day and left everything.

In many countries the baker still sells bread, the butcher still sells meat, the farmer still sells his produce, the tailor still sews the clothes. People still know each other by name and there is a sense of community and friendship. I don't experience this at Costco. (Yes, I confess, I shop there too.)
My greatgrandfather stood in line for hours to buy a loaf of bread, only to be told to go home because the shelves were empty.
There's a serious virus going around, even in our churches. It's called "affluenza". We have too much, but still want more and that makes me sad.

What's in a Name

2007-02-12T19:04:00.000-08:00

When you think about it, naming a child is an onerous thing. He/she will be stuck or labeled with it for life, unless, of course, they hate it so much and have it legally changed. Ann Landers once wrote in her column that people assume characteristics or even looks, to suit their name. She wrote, "People with a name like Esther are sort of cow-like...." whatever that means. I have never cared much for her opinions after that unflattering comment. We usually like or dislike a name because it reminds us of someone who is either a wonderful person or a first class jerk, so this often determines what we name our children.
Let me tell you about one of the neatest memories I shared with my Dad. I was about 10 years of age when he took me (just me) to see a drama of the biblical story of Esther, performed by the local high school. I was mesmorized by the lighting, the glamour of the gowns, and the superb acting as the story came to life on stage. The plot included everything... suspense, a fashion show, a beauty contest, a pompous ruthless villain, palace royalty, anti-Semitism, the battle between good and evil, and a happily everafter ending.(Spielberg couldn't do better)
When I consider the qualities that Queen Esther portrayed, I would like to be like her. Smart, tactful, patient, courageous, godly and of course dropdead-gorgeous. I was not blessed with the last attribute, but I hope I'm still growing in the others.

Speaking of names, recently I was doing flowers for the wedding party. Here are some of the name labels I put on the boutonnieres....Samuel, Jeremiah, Isaiah, John, Israel, Matthew, Andrew, Stephen & David. How's that for a biblical family tree?
When people hear our name, I wonder what attributes come to mind?