"...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Phil 1:6)
"What a sobering thought, Lord--the primary reason for me to remain on this earth is to aid in the spiritual progress of others. You created me for 'good works,' and You desire that I bear much fruit while I am yet on earth. So work through me, Lord!"
Monday, 21 November 2011
Thursday, 17 November 2011
Page Views
I was fiddling around on my blog and decided to check out the stats page -- you know, how many people are looking at what you have to say, etc. I was surprised to find out that since I started this blog in November 2008, I have had 23,295 page views. Thank you -- I am very encouraged that anyone would want to hear what I have to say. Thank you again -- I guess I'll keep writing.
We are called to make a difference. Tonight at the gathering here at our house, we discussed ways we could bless different groups of people around town -- social workers, cashiers, service station attendants, police officers, new mothers, firemen, etc. Brainstorming different things we could do for them. Any ideas?
Monday, 14 November 2011
A Synopsis
Natalie, Aiden and Sarah have been here for a week and a couple of days. It truly has been a whirlwind of events and people. Where would I start to explain all that has gone on here at this wee li'l house? So, I'll just 'synopsize' this past weekend.
Thursday night was a hullabaloo with music lessons, then people gathering for the gathering, and Jon & Alicia and four kids arrived - it seemed all at once. Six children in a three bedroom house (one of which is an office), and 5 adults. What to do? Well, this house became a hostel for the next few days -- mattresses on the floor, couch, playpens...Afton sleeping in my king size bed with me for a couple of nights, a playpen at the end of my bed with baby boy Croy. A couple of nights I crawled across the bed to get to my 'position', because I couldn't get past the playpen. Plus I have all my office stuff stuffed in my bedroom! We have never had so many people sleeping in this house to date. Children everywhere. Reminds me of a nursery rhyme somehow. And the house looks like a toy factory, and I'm thinking of developing a floor wax made of spittle and Cheerios.
We even ventured into the rock wall basement for more play space. All three levels had a child on it at any point in time. I love it! But I can't imagine living this way EVERY day, as some people in the world do, I'm sure...
Friday afternoon was a family meal at Granny & Jed's with the clan and the Southshore Sister and my youngest sister. Saturday was the market (that was an historic event in itself, trying to manuever six kids through that fray. Then McDonald's Playland, and THEN....Costco on a Saturday afternoon. Oh my...
On Saturday night, more friends of our children came over for a meal with yet another baby, making seven. The logistics of serving a meal to that many children is unexplainable. Mass confusion. And my small kitchen exploding with tables, food flying, babies crawling. Well, you can just imagine. You can hardly move around without bumping into someone -- and all the mothers trying to serve food. I finally just slumped down in the corner by the fridge. When all else fails, go into a corner somewhere. After supper and all the kids were bedded down, with visiting baby Ruby in the laundry room (yes, the laundry room), the young adults and the middle-aged folk played Balderdash and 'pictures,' and laughed a lot til midnight. We love having people in our home. I just wonder why we didn't buy a bigger one. (of course, we had NO grandchildren when we bought this house seven years ago. You never know what life may bring -- maybe a bunch of babies!)
Sunday morning was like the Amazing Race, trying to get Jon's family out the door at 0800 so they could make it to their church in Florenceville on time. I was out in the yard with housecoat and slippers on, piling the kids into their van, passing them food and bristol board for their on-board crafts. Good thing I live in the city-country here in The Pines.
Well, that's just a brief synopsis of a people-filled weekend here at the li'l ol' house in The Pines.
Thursday night was a hullabaloo with music lessons, then people gathering for the gathering, and Jon & Alicia and four kids arrived - it seemed all at once. Six children in a three bedroom house (one of which is an office), and 5 adults. What to do? Well, this house became a hostel for the next few days -- mattresses on the floor, couch, playpens...Afton sleeping in my king size bed with me for a couple of nights, a playpen at the end of my bed with baby boy Croy. A couple of nights I crawled across the bed to get to my 'position', because I couldn't get past the playpen. Plus I have all my office stuff stuffed in my bedroom! We have never had so many people sleeping in this house to date. Children everywhere. Reminds me of a nursery rhyme somehow. And the house looks like a toy factory, and I'm thinking of developing a floor wax made of spittle and Cheerios.
We even ventured into the rock wall basement for more play space. All three levels had a child on it at any point in time. I love it! But I can't imagine living this way EVERY day, as some people in the world do, I'm sure...
Friday afternoon was a family meal at Granny & Jed's with the clan and the Southshore Sister and my youngest sister. Saturday was the market (that was an historic event in itself, trying to manuever six kids through that fray. Then McDonald's Playland, and THEN....Costco on a Saturday afternoon. Oh my...
On Saturday night, more friends of our children came over for a meal with yet another baby, making seven. The logistics of serving a meal to that many children is unexplainable. Mass confusion. And my small kitchen exploding with tables, food flying, babies crawling. Well, you can just imagine. You can hardly move around without bumping into someone -- and all the mothers trying to serve food. I finally just slumped down in the corner by the fridge. When all else fails, go into a corner somewhere. After supper and all the kids were bedded down, with visiting baby Ruby in the laundry room (yes, the laundry room), the young adults and the middle-aged folk played Balderdash and 'pictures,' and laughed a lot til midnight. We love having people in our home. I just wonder why we didn't buy a bigger one. (of course, we had NO grandchildren when we bought this house seven years ago. You never know what life may bring -- maybe a bunch of babies!)
Sunday morning was like the Amazing Race, trying to get Jon's family out the door at 0800 so they could make it to their church in Florenceville on time. I was out in the yard with housecoat and slippers on, piling the kids into their van, passing them food and bristol board for their on-board crafts. Good thing I live in the city-country here in The Pines.
Well, that's just a brief synopsis of a people-filled weekend here at the li'l ol' house in The Pines.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Life at 83
Life at 83
(Written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend.)
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event...such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries.
I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.
If there is something that is worth seeing, or hearing, or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known that they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them.
I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath...truly is a gift from God.
(Written by an 83-year-old woman to her friend.)
I'm reading more and dusting less. I'm sitting in the yard and admiring the view without fussing about the weeds in the garden. I'm spending more time with my family and friends and less time working.
Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure. I'm trying to recognize these moments now and cherish them.
I'm not "saving" anything; we use our good china and crystal for every special event...such as losing a pound, getting the sink unstopped, or the first Amaryllis blossom.
I wear my good blazer to the market. My theory is if I look prosperous, I can shell out $28.49 for one small bag of groceries.
I'm not saving my good perfume for special parties, but wearing it for clerks in the hardware store and tellers at the bank.
"Someday" and "one of these days" are losing their grip on my vocabulary.
If there is something that is worth seeing, or hearing, or doing, I want to see and hear and do it now.
I'm not sure what others would've done had they known that they wouldn't be here for the tomorrow that we all take for granted. I think they would have called family members and a few close friends. They might have called a few former friends to apologize and mend fences for past squabbles. I like to think they would have gone out for a Chinese dinner, or for whatever their favorite food was. I'm guessing; I'll never know.
It's those little things left undone that would make me angry if I knew my hours were limited. Angry because I hadn't written certain letters that I intended to write one of these days. Angry and sorry that I didn't tell my husband and parents often enough how much I truly love them.
I'm trying very hard not to put off, hold back, or save anything that would add laughter and luster to our lives. And every morning when I open my eyes, I tell myself that it is special. Every day, every minute, every breath...truly is a gift from God.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
Friday, 4 November 2011
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Natalie et al on the way home!
I request special prayer for TODAY (Thursday) and Tomorrow (Friday) for Natalie. She is currently in Winnipeg with Aiden and Baby Sarah. Aiden has a doctor's appointment, so would appreciate prayer for that, and then...
Tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 4), Natalie will be taking two flights home to Fredericton with these two kids (by herself) -- a 3 year old and a 10 month old baby. You know how airports are. Pray that she can do this with supernatural strength, peace, calm, and that all will be calm during the flights and getting to the gates, etc. That she will be AMAZED at how easy it is to fly with two children, getting them through all the hoops at the airports.
She arrives tomorrow night in Fredericton at 5:45. Appreciate it! We are so excited...
Tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 4), Natalie will be taking two flights home to Fredericton with these two kids (by herself) -- a 3 year old and a 10 month old baby. You know how airports are. Pray that she can do this with supernatural strength, peace, calm, and that all will be calm during the flights and getting to the gates, etc. That she will be AMAZED at how easy it is to fly with two children, getting them through all the hoops at the airports.
She arrives tomorrow night in Fredericton at 5:45. Appreciate it! We are so excited...
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
I'm Not Shrinking!
Another good report -- I'm not shrinking!
Went to Dr. T yesterday to get my flu shot. He gave me the results of the bone densitometry test, which I have to have every year, now that I'm in 'menopause,' AND on the drug Arimidex. He said that not only is my bone density NORMAL, but that it has INCREASED!
Rejoice with me once again. Now we are in November, the month three years ago that I was diagnosed and had surgery, the beginning of my cancer journey. But I declare that NOW November is a healing month, a month of beauty!
Went to Dr. T yesterday to get my flu shot. He gave me the results of the bone densitometry test, which I have to have every year, now that I'm in 'menopause,' AND on the drug Arimidex. He said that not only is my bone density NORMAL, but that it has INCREASED!
Rejoice with me once again. Now we are in November, the month three years ago that I was diagnosed and had surgery, the beginning of my cancer journey. But I declare that NOW November is a healing month, a month of beauty!
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Good Report
YAY!!!!!
Had a mammogram two weeks ago. Went to Dr. Bryden (surgeon) this afternoon and ...ALL is WELL! My mammo report was all clear. She checked me out and doesn't want to see me for another year, after my 4 year mammo next October.
Dr. B took my face in her hands and squeezed my cheeks -- "You're good," she smiled... She's great -- thank you, thank you for all you've done, too, I said...
I will see my oncologist in March of 2012 and Dr. B next fall. The appointments are dwindling down. Dr. B said, "you've got your life back." What a good thing to hear from a doctor! Hallelujah is what I say. Say it with me, will you?
So, I thanked her and went directly to DQ to buy a hot fudge sundae to celebrate. Nothing like ice cream on a cold day to celebrate a warm heart, overflowing with thanks to God.
And thanks to you for all your prayers, and continued prayers. Cancer CAN be beaten!
Had a mammogram two weeks ago. Went to Dr. Bryden (surgeon) this afternoon and ...ALL is WELL! My mammo report was all clear. She checked me out and doesn't want to see me for another year, after my 4 year mammo next October.
Dr. B took my face in her hands and squeezed my cheeks -- "You're good," she smiled... She's great -- thank you, thank you for all you've done, too, I said...
I will see my oncologist in March of 2012 and Dr. B next fall. The appointments are dwindling down. Dr. B said, "you've got your life back." What a good thing to hear from a doctor! Hallelujah is what I say. Say it with me, will you?
So, I thanked her and went directly to DQ to buy a hot fudge sundae to celebrate. Nothing like ice cream on a cold day to celebrate a warm heart, overflowing with thanks to God.
And thanks to you for all your prayers, and continued prayers. Cancer CAN be beaten!
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Wednesday I started feeling under the weather. Like a cement block on my chest, a cough, achiness. "If I could just get through this day, I will sit in the chair all evening," I promised myself. I did just that, plus cancelled today's activities, AND Friday's. Sitting in the lazy boy right now, working on my computer and preparing for this weekend's events in Grand Manan. Yes, we are going to Grand Manan -- Doug and I, and a group of women...Harvest House on Friday night, and Central Wesleyan Church on Saturday night and Sunday morning. To bring encouragement to the churches, through singing and speaking.
So, I rest in the chair, drinking lots of green tea, Vitamin C, D, echinacea, Cold Fx, honey, lemon and oil of oregano (which was recommended to me three times in the past 24 hours). Yes, Granny, I'm taking care of myself.
All will be well. Have a great weekend.
So, I rest in the chair, drinking lots of green tea, Vitamin C, D, echinacea, Cold Fx, honey, lemon and oil of oregano (which was recommended to me three times in the past 24 hours). Yes, Granny, I'm taking care of myself.
All will be well. Have a great weekend.
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Weekend
What a full day it 'twas today. This morning: singing at Morning Gate Church. This afternoon: baby shower for Alicia Munn, new baby girl. This evening: Sisters Act singing at Nasis Baptist Church's 'Come as You Are' event. Am I tired? You bet.
Yesterday -- working at home decluttering (which is a chore that I do not relish!). Shopping for baby gifts, slippers, etc. In the afternoon, an anniversary party for Ann & Richard, celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss (actually his name is not Richard, but I like to call him that). A music practice at our house after that. Then, Bill & Louise popped in for a couple of hours and we caught up.
A full weekend. I was talking to a friend tonight about how busy life has been lately. She, too, wonders how to slow down. Especially when you have so many commitments. Oh well, at least life is not boring! And I am truly glad to be alive!
Having said that, must go find something to eat. Perhaps an egg and a piece of toast. That always works well for a late night meal...
Three weeks to go before Natalie arrives with the two grandbabies....
Yesterday -- working at home decluttering (which is a chore that I do not relish!). Shopping for baby gifts, slippers, etc. In the afternoon, an anniversary party for Ann & Richard, celebrating 40 years of wedded bliss (actually his name is not Richard, but I like to call him that). A music practice at our house after that. Then, Bill & Louise popped in for a couple of hours and we caught up.
A full weekend. I was talking to a friend tonight about how busy life has been lately. She, too, wonders how to slow down. Especially when you have so many commitments. Oh well, at least life is not boring! And I am truly glad to be alive!
Having said that, must go find something to eat. Perhaps an egg and a piece of toast. That always works well for a late night meal...
Three weeks to go before Natalie arrives with the two grandbabies....
Friday, 14 October 2011
Hot Mamas
Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and Deb decided to try on Aunt Helen's housecoats while playing a game of billiards. Strange, but true.
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