Haven't written much lately. By the time I sit down in the chair, I'm too tired to write all the things that happen in my life. It's all good, though. The past week has been interesting: Taking a friend to the hospital for an appointment, fighting with her wheelchair wheel popped off in the middle of the parking lot, running into things because the wheelchair was due for the scrapyard, thinking I would write a letter to the editor about my experience, finally getting my friend up to her appointment, and then sitting in with her while she got an injection in her wrist. How far I have come, I thought. From a little girl who was afraid of the word "blood," to sitting and praying with my friend while she endured such pain. She's better now, and came to our house on Thursday night and told her story.
Thursday night there were so many people in our house that the living room walls seemed like they were swelling. Time for an addition, perhaps? And a special visitor -- Randy and Sandra's dog, Taylor, a german-shepherd-type dog. Max kept thinking she was a reindeer each time she walked by. To date at the Thursday night Bible study, we've had a shaved cat with hip dysplasia, Robin's dog, Sandra's dog. What's next? I said perhaps a goat would arrive next week. We probably should be having our meetings in a barn.
Friday I had big plans to do paperwork but after a visit with Mom in the morning and lunch, I decided to stay in the chair the rest of the day. Doug came home and we then had a "Heartland" marathon until it was time for bed. What better thing to do on a snowy winter day than watch green grass and horses?
This morning Doug got up early and scraped for about 15 minutes, then took off with the 4WD for Jon's sugar bush up near Centreville. I was supposed to go, too, but couldn't seem to make my body do it. So Afton called me and cheerfully asked, "Where are you?" and went on and on in her cute almost-7-year-old voice about Daddy getting stuck with his truck, etc. Made me want to go see them. Alicia said they were disappointed I wasn't coming. So, perhaps I am going to the sugarbush. I talked to Doug about an hour ago and they were still trying to get equipment up the icy road. They are trying to erect a new 'sugar shack' so we have more warmth while sugaring. I'll see how the roads are, or perhaps venture out and either venture up or venture back home. I think I need an adventure -- been in this house too much this week, I think.
Now for some French toast. Made myself some French Toast coffee in the Keurig this morning and got a brilliant idea (is it brilliant?) to make some real French toast in a cast iron frying pan. Yum. Now if I can find some maple syrup. Sugar shack here I come????
Saturday, 28 January 2012
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Happy Belated 1st Birthday, Beloved Granddaughter
Sarah Kathryn DuBois......love you...... Miss you and your brother, and your mommy and your daddy
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Website
Check out my new website if you haven't already...debmacministries.com. Carolyn has been working hard on it. Also check out the Resource page on the site as well...
Monday, 23 January 2012
Names
For 16 years now I've been singing and playing the guitar in a band named "Sisters Act." Little did we know we'd be together this many years. How could women sing together so long and still be friends? We played at Maugerville Baptist Church, a little church just outside the city. A benefit concert for a family that lost their home in a fire just this week.
Anyway, I was gettin' into the music you know, and during a break in the evening, a woman came up to me to tell me she enjoyed our music, and said that my name is "Guitarzan." Never been called that before. A 'Tarzan' type guitar player? Was I swinging from a tree yelling? Or what? Then the pastor called us up to the stage again, and referred to me as "Stomp." What? Weird but true. I laughed and stomped up and continued stomping a bit through the songs that warranted stomping.
I kinda like my new names.
Anyway, I was gettin' into the music you know, and during a break in the evening, a woman came up to me to tell me she enjoyed our music, and said that my name is "Guitarzan." Never been called that before. A 'Tarzan' type guitar player? Was I swinging from a tree yelling? Or what? Then the pastor called us up to the stage again, and referred to me as "Stomp." What? Weird but true. I laughed and stomped up and continued stomping a bit through the songs that warranted stomping.
I kinda like my new names.
Friday, 20 January 2012
Computer Club
We had our first Claremont Computer Club this afternoon, after the early morning study on Romans with the Friday morning group of women, after Cousin Els' piano lesson on Baby Grand Manan piano. The 'girls' started arriving at 1 pm, setting up their laptops on the kitchen table. The training began. Carolyn arrived at 2:30 armed with binders filled with information. She gave an overview of computer terms and then we had them type up a document and learn how to 'file' it.
Then it was personal time on their computers, and Carolyn and I circulated around the table, trying to keep them all going. By the time the ladies left I think their heads were filled with so much information that they didn't even know who they were anymore. One woman remarked that she learned a lot, but didn't know what she learned. Did we succeed? Not so sure. Except for Verna, who was so excited about her computer and what she was learning that she forgot she had another appointment to go to, and flew out of the house.
What to do next? Order donairs from Greco, and then spend the rest of the evening on computers, updating this website and connecting printers to computers.
Then it was personal time on their computers, and Carolyn and I circulated around the table, trying to keep them all going. By the time the ladies left I think their heads were filled with so much information that they didn't even know who they were anymore. One woman remarked that she learned a lot, but didn't know what she learned. Did we succeed? Not so sure. Except for Verna, who was so excited about her computer and what she was learning that she forgot she had another appointment to go to, and flew out of the house.
What to do next? Order donairs from Greco, and then spend the rest of the evening on computers, updating this website and connecting printers to computers.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
The 'baby' from Grand Manan arrived, but not without a bit of stress and tension. After it was delivered into the house and the music room, where it would live, it decided to fall from its 'on its side position' (would this be 'transverse' birth?).
We caught the 'baby' as it descended towards the window, smashing against the shelves on the wall that housed my stereo and CDs. Everything came crashing down, and the piano continued its descent towards my treasured MAC computer sitting on a corner desk that Doug built me the day before the baby's arrival (had to make room in the nursery, as it's a rather large baby, probably postmature).
I somehow managed to get the computer shut down while holding the piano. My friend was busy holding up his end, and we managed to get it upright again. A baby grand upright again...hmmm. We took a breather before starting again and analyzed the situation.
I took the computer out in the kitchen and began cleaning up the mess of CDs, shelves, stereo and speakers. We couldn't believe that this had happened. After that there were problems getting one leg on the baby and it snapped off. So we used a dolly for leverage and I helped the 'doctor' secure the leg. Was I a midwife? I think so.
Finally, after much stress, the baby was born and put into place in the corner, with the obstetrician crawling out from underneath this massive baby. We were both relieved that it was finally born into this house. The piano is absolutely beautiful and I feel like I'm in heaven when I play it. Now I'm deciding whether I'm its foster parent or adoptive parent. And is it a boy or a girl? Time will tell. It's mine 'indefinitely,' the doctor said -- to decide whether I'd like to raise this 'baby' or not and pay the delivery fee. So for now, I'm a foster parent of a baby grand.
All is well, but the stereo is kaput. Sometimes you have to sacrifice something for something else of greater value. Right? Thanks Doctor, for all your hard work. The baby is here. Come see or it or send shower gifts.
We caught the 'baby' as it descended towards the window, smashing against the shelves on the wall that housed my stereo and CDs. Everything came crashing down, and the piano continued its descent towards my treasured MAC computer sitting on a corner desk that Doug built me the day before the baby's arrival (had to make room in the nursery, as it's a rather large baby, probably postmature).
I somehow managed to get the computer shut down while holding the piano. My friend was busy holding up his end, and we managed to get it upright again. A baby grand upright again...hmmm. We took a breather before starting again and analyzed the situation.
I took the computer out in the kitchen and began cleaning up the mess of CDs, shelves, stereo and speakers. We couldn't believe that this had happened. After that there were problems getting one leg on the baby and it snapped off. So we used a dolly for leverage and I helped the 'doctor' secure the leg. Was I a midwife? I think so.
Finally, after much stress, the baby was born and put into place in the corner, with the obstetrician crawling out from underneath this massive baby. We were both relieved that it was finally born into this house. The piano is absolutely beautiful and I feel like I'm in heaven when I play it. Now I'm deciding whether I'm its foster parent or adoptive parent. And is it a boy or a girl? Time will tell. It's mine 'indefinitely,' the doctor said -- to decide whether I'd like to raise this 'baby' or not and pay the delivery fee. So for now, I'm a foster parent of a baby grand.
All is well, but the stereo is kaput. Sometimes you have to sacrifice something for something else of greater value. Right? Thanks Doctor, for all your hard work. The baby is here. Come see or it or send shower gifts.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Monday, 16 January 2012
I stayed in a chair basically for the whole weekend, apart from a trip out or two for a meal or church. Watched four football games! I'm a football nut this time of year. Don't know why, just am. Love the rawness of football, watching them force through the enemy line, make a touchdown, fall all over the place and get right back up and play. Like life, isn't it?
Awaiting my first student of the week. Also awaiting the arrival of a new baby in my life -- a baby grand should arrive tomorrow -- an antique baby grand from Grand Manan. Now that's different, isn't it?
Awaiting my first student of the week. Also awaiting the arrival of a new baby in my life -- a baby grand should arrive tomorrow -- an antique baby grand from Grand Manan. Now that's different, isn't it?
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Lazy Hazy Day of Winter
I had big plans for today. But alas, just sitting around mostly -- in my LazyBoy chair with a blanket, my knitting needles, PBS, sniffing the roast cooking in the roaster. Watching the snow fall softly on pine trees outside. I think I'm resting. Doug is in the reorganizing and cleaning up. I don't have as much energy as he does. Well, back to my chair.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Had a great weekend at Greenhill Lake Camp with a few friends. A whole weekend just to eat together, talk, pray, share stories, study, play games, activities, and even do a 45 minute walking video where some of us walked 3 miles. Quite a work-out, for sure. it was a Winter Wonderland, with the snow softly falling as we lounged on couches in front of a fake fireplace (a very elegant fake fireplace, by the way). Now that I think about it, we were having a spa weekend in all ways -- physically, emotionally and spiritually. I think I'll plan one of these at least once a year -- want to come? Just let me know and I'll put you on the invite list!
I started teaching music again yesterday -- all the precious students are back for their piano and guitar lessons. Wasn't too hard to get back into the swing of things, but I'm a bit weary tonight. I also started back on the radio today, and went to the gym to work out for an hour. My resolution? One of them? To be fit. I remember in my 49th year how I was going to be 'Fit at 50', then found out I had cancer. That year was shot. So, it was 51 -- I was recuperating, and now I'm 52, going on 53. Reminds me of a song, except it's 'You are 16 going on 17.' Those days are long gone. Anyway, I must not give up -- I am fit, and feel great and love exercising and feeling the burn as you push yourself a little harder. I always gauge everything now by this standard: I survived cancer, so I can survive life; I can exercise; I won't get discouraged, I will go on. You know what I mean?
The more you exercise the more you want to be healthy, and you tend to watch what you're putting in your mouth (like the turtle I consumed today; not a real one, mind you). Exercise makes you feel good. Do it, Deborah -- lose 20 lbs -- you can do it.
I started teaching music again yesterday -- all the precious students are back for their piano and guitar lessons. Wasn't too hard to get back into the swing of things, but I'm a bit weary tonight. I also started back on the radio today, and went to the gym to work out for an hour. My resolution? One of them? To be fit. I remember in my 49th year how I was going to be 'Fit at 50', then found out I had cancer. That year was shot. So, it was 51 -- I was recuperating, and now I'm 52, going on 53. Reminds me of a song, except it's 'You are 16 going on 17.' Those days are long gone. Anyway, I must not give up -- I am fit, and feel great and love exercising and feeling the burn as you push yourself a little harder. I always gauge everything now by this standard: I survived cancer, so I can survive life; I can exercise; I won't get discouraged, I will go on. You know what I mean?
The more you exercise the more you want to be healthy, and you tend to watch what you're putting in your mouth (like the turtle I consumed today; not a real one, mind you). Exercise makes you feel good. Do it, Deborah -- lose 20 lbs -- you can do it.
Had a great weekend at Greenhill Lake Camp with a few friends. A whole weekend just to eat together, talk, pray, share stories, study, play games, activities, and even do a 45 minute walking video where some of us walked 3 miles. Quite a work-out, for sure. it was a Winter Wonderland, with the snow softly falling as we lounged on couches in front of a fake fireplace (a very elegant fake fireplace, by the way). Now that I think about it, we were having a spa weekend in all ways -- physically, emotionally and spiritually. I think I'll plan one of these at least once a year -- want to come? Just let me know and I'll put you on the invite list!
I started teaching music again yesterday -- all the precious students are back for their piano and guitar lessons. Wasn't too hard to get back into the swing of things, but I'm a bit weary tonight. I also started back on the radio today, and went to the gym to work out for an hour. My resolution? One of them? To be fit. I remember in my 49th year how I was going to be 'Fit at 50', then found out I had cancer. That year was shot. So, it was 51 -- I was recuperating, and now I'm 52, going on 53. Reminds me of a song, except it's 'You are 16 going on 17.' Those days are long gone. Anyway, I must not give up -- I am fit, and feel great and love exercising and feeling the burn as you push yourself a little harder. I always gauge everything now by this standard: I survived cancer, so I can survive life; I can exercise; I won't get discouraged, I will go on. You know what I mean?
The more you exercise the more you want to be healthy, and you tend to watch what you're putting in your mouth (like the turtle I consumed today; not a real one, mind you). Exercise makes you feel good. Do it, Deborah -- lose 20 lbs -- you can do it.
I started teaching music again yesterday -- all the precious students are back for their piano and guitar lessons. Wasn't too hard to get back into the swing of things, but I'm a bit weary tonight. I also started back on the radio today, and went to the gym to work out for an hour. My resolution? One of them? To be fit. I remember in my 49th year how I was going to be 'Fit at 50', then found out I had cancer. That year was shot. So, it was 51 -- I was recuperating, and now I'm 52, going on 53. Reminds me of a song, except it's 'You are 16 going on 17.' Those days are long gone. Anyway, I must not give up -- I am fit, and feel great and love exercising and feeling the burn as you push yourself a little harder. I always gauge everything now by this standard: I survived cancer, so I can survive life; I can exercise; I won't get discouraged, I will go on. You know what I mean?
The more you exercise the more you want to be healthy, and you tend to watch what you're putting in your mouth (like the turtle I consumed today; not a real one, mind you). Exercise makes you feel good. Do it, Deborah -- lose 20 lbs -- you can do it.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Happy New Year!
I just realized last evening that I had not posted on my blog for some time. Christmas Day...time sure does fly when you're having fun, or having a holiday with family and friends.
I am on week four of my self-imposed time-off. Can't believe how the time has flown by. Why does time do that, anyway? My Christmas tree has now been up since mid-November, and I am going to attempt to de-decorate it right now. It is so brittle that I touch it and the spills fall gently to the floor. I'm sure that when we take it out through the kitchen and out into the yard that it will fall completely apart, just like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. And I'll have to vacuum things for days. But that's OK -- it's worth it.
Nat, wish you were here to help me. You told me I would hate you when I try and take the lights off the tree. I think my idea of putting it on the lawn til the branches fall off, and THEN take the lights off is a good idea. I'll keep you posted.
Here goes.... the undecorating begins. Then I can go play
I am on week four of my self-imposed time-off. Can't believe how the time has flown by. Why does time do that, anyway? My Christmas tree has now been up since mid-November, and I am going to attempt to de-decorate it right now. It is so brittle that I touch it and the spills fall gently to the floor. I'm sure that when we take it out through the kitchen and out into the yard that it will fall completely apart, just like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree. And I'll have to vacuum things for days. But that's OK -- it's worth it.
Nat, wish you were here to help me. You told me I would hate you when I try and take the lights off the tree. I think my idea of putting it on the lawn til the branches fall off, and THEN take the lights off is a good idea. I'll keep you posted.
Here goes.... the undecorating begins. Then I can go play
Monday, 26 December 2011
Christmas in Carlow
The following document was typed on a vintage Underwood typewriter which was set up on the Jon MacDonald family table on Christmas Day. Several times throughout the day you could find someone click-clacking away on it, giving their opinion on the myriad of activities in the home. It is a short piece of family history, typed by several family members who came to visit at Jon & Alicia's house in Carlow, New Brunswick. (I have tried to remain as close to the original as possible, e.g., 'creative spelling').
Afton and Gram Deb decided this journalistic masterpiece should be entitled:
"CHRISTMAS IN CARLOW: The Melissa & Doug Christmas"*
(typed on a vintage Underwood typewriter which was set up on the table all Christmas day).
Afton: One Christmas, mostley ever-thing was Melissa & Doug.
Gram Deb: There were way too many presents to deal with that Christmas in Carlow. With papa sleeping in the chair, his kerchief covering his eyes, and Mommy making samosas on the stove, the air was filled with snores and samosa aromas.
Afton: Jack got bilding things, I got craft things, Ivy got learning things.
Gram Deb: Everyone was busy as a beaver, creating beautiful creations. Papa was building an electric dragster out of nuts, bolts and CDs. The snow lay like a blanket outside, covering Carlow with a winter wonderland. Natalie and Alicia were sautéing, cutting, creating samosas. Will they ever get done before Nat has to go to another party?
Afton: Oliver was in the high chair, and Croy just wock up.
Gram Deb: Jack finished his racer, and was driving it everywhere, making sure he kept it away from Baby Croy. Croy opened his Tonka fire trucks, complete with neon detour signs.
Gram Deb cried when she received her son’s gift to her: a handcrafted paddle made with care out in Santa’s Workshop. She was so blessed to receive this gift from her only son.
Afton: It was a $ for too strangers to come. [Editor’s note: Afton explained that this means that if people came to the house, they had to pay a dollar to come in. Although this never happened. LOL]
Jon: The gifts are plenty and the food is grand. Monkey bread, taco salad, samosas, candy, chocolate, pop, juice, cheese, slamon [‘salmon’], and much, much more!! A grand time to be had by all. Bodies of children strewn across the room in absolute uphoria [‘euphoria’] from all the gift giving. Parents llying [lying] around the room utterly unconscious from the strenuous effort of it all. Why? Why not? Oh how far down the tube of Christmas tradition we have come.
Gram Deb: I must go stuff samosas now.
Afton: Papa and Jack are playing with yo-yos.
Grammie Nancy: It all began early Christmas morning when we arrived, first being entertained by Mr. Bean. Then we started opening so many gifts that it was over whelming. It is in the year of our Lord 2011. The inlaws and outlaws are here as witnesses to all this fuss when actually we are here to celebrate the ultimate gift of our Lord Jesus. What a beautiful day with a little snow in the air which relieves one and all from the frigid temperatures. They had samosas without telling us so we get leftovers. Actually we shouldn’t eat anything because soon we will be all competing for the Santa job at Macy’s.
Alicia: It has been a day of fun and food. For instance, Ivy is here still asking for more sweets, especially the PC brand chocolates in their shiny luring packages. We have eaten a lot of strange things this season. In fact by far the weirdest food yet for a blistery Christmas day. Samosas, pie and shrimp and Dad’s fried potatoes. I love seeing the kiddies play with their new toys, and hop up and down over the promise of what their stockings hold from St. Nick. After all this fun… I believe that we ought to give the kids a nice Christmas soaking to wash off the day’s grime. Love and peace to all and to all a wonderful night of games around the fire.
[Christmas in Carlow participants: Jon, Alicia, Afton (6), Jack (5), Ivy (3), Croy (1), Grammie Nancy, Grampie Greg, Gram Deb, Papa, Natalie, Shawn, Oliver (1)]
(Editor’s Notes: We also went to Florenceville Baptist Church on Christmas morning, went sliding outside on the Carlow hill, and played Quelf Jr. as a family. After the kids went to bed, we settled down on our couches and listened to the fire crackle and “The Shepherd” on CBC radio. A very interesting and heartwarming day with family. We wish Josh, Natalie, Aiden and Sarah could have been here with us, too. Granny and Jed, too. Boo hoo. Oh well, there's always next year, right?)
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CARLOW! (wherever that is)
*Melissa & Doug is a top quality childrens' toy-making company
Afton and Gram Deb decided this journalistic masterpiece should be entitled:
"CHRISTMAS IN CARLOW: The Melissa & Doug Christmas"*
(typed on a vintage Underwood typewriter which was set up on the table all Christmas day).
Afton: One Christmas, mostley ever-thing was Melissa & Doug.
Gram Deb: There were way too many presents to deal with that Christmas in Carlow. With papa sleeping in the chair, his kerchief covering his eyes, and Mommy making samosas on the stove, the air was filled with snores and samosa aromas.
Afton: Jack got bilding things, I got craft things, Ivy got learning things.
Gram Deb: Everyone was busy as a beaver, creating beautiful creations. Papa was building an electric dragster out of nuts, bolts and CDs. The snow lay like a blanket outside, covering Carlow with a winter wonderland. Natalie and Alicia were sautéing, cutting, creating samosas. Will they ever get done before Nat has to go to another party?
Afton: Oliver was in the high chair, and Croy just wock up.
Gram Deb: Jack finished his racer, and was driving it everywhere, making sure he kept it away from Baby Croy. Croy opened his Tonka fire trucks, complete with neon detour signs.
Gram Deb cried when she received her son’s gift to her: a handcrafted paddle made with care out in Santa’s Workshop. She was so blessed to receive this gift from her only son.
Afton: It was a $ for too strangers to come. [Editor’s note: Afton explained that this means that if people came to the house, they had to pay a dollar to come in. Although this never happened. LOL]
Jon: The gifts are plenty and the food is grand. Monkey bread, taco salad, samosas, candy, chocolate, pop, juice, cheese, slamon [‘salmon’], and much, much more!! A grand time to be had by all. Bodies of children strewn across the room in absolute uphoria [‘euphoria’] from all the gift giving. Parents llying [lying] around the room utterly unconscious from the strenuous effort of it all. Why? Why not? Oh how far down the tube of Christmas tradition we have come.
Gram Deb: I must go stuff samosas now.
Afton: Papa and Jack are playing with yo-yos.
Grammie Nancy: It all began early Christmas morning when we arrived, first being entertained by Mr. Bean. Then we started opening so many gifts that it was over whelming. It is in the year of our Lord 2011. The inlaws and outlaws are here as witnesses to all this fuss when actually we are here to celebrate the ultimate gift of our Lord Jesus. What a beautiful day with a little snow in the air which relieves one and all from the frigid temperatures. They had samosas without telling us so we get leftovers. Actually we shouldn’t eat anything because soon we will be all competing for the Santa job at Macy’s.
Alicia: It has been a day of fun and food. For instance, Ivy is here still asking for more sweets, especially the PC brand chocolates in their shiny luring packages. We have eaten a lot of strange things this season. In fact by far the weirdest food yet for a blistery Christmas day. Samosas, pie and shrimp and Dad’s fried potatoes. I love seeing the kiddies play with their new toys, and hop up and down over the promise of what their stockings hold from St. Nick. After all this fun… I believe that we ought to give the kids a nice Christmas soaking to wash off the day’s grime. Love and peace to all and to all a wonderful night of games around the fire.
[Christmas in Carlow participants: Jon, Alicia, Afton (6), Jack (5), Ivy (3), Croy (1), Grammie Nancy, Grampie Greg, Gram Deb, Papa, Natalie, Shawn, Oliver (1)]
(Editor’s Notes: We also went to Florenceville Baptist Church on Christmas morning, went sliding outside on the Carlow hill, and played Quelf Jr. as a family. After the kids went to bed, we settled down on our couches and listened to the fire crackle and “The Shepherd” on CBC radio. A very interesting and heartwarming day with family. We wish Josh, Natalie, Aiden and Sarah could have been here with us, too. Granny and Jed, too. Boo hoo. Oh well, there's always next year, right?)
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM CARLOW! (wherever that is)
*Melissa & Doug is a top quality childrens' toy-making company
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
Monday, 19 December 2011
The weekend
We went to Bristol on Friday night to babysit our grandchildren. Stories and plays and apples dipped in caramel and toffee bits. They are so cute and I had a grand time. Home at 1 in the morning. Doug and I love driving late at night. How many of you love doing that? The moon was half there, the night was clear, my husband was dear. I feel like writing a song or two.
Saturday was quiet -- I'm not really getting much done, but hey, I'm in a period of rest. I did manage to shop a bit in the morning and lay all the treasures out in the living room. It's Monday morning and they are still in the same place. Perhaps I'll wrap a few presents today. Christmas is a-comin.'
Had a long conversation with Natalie this morning. I so miss her and the little ones here at the house. She's preparing for a big party on Christmas Eve at her house. Wish we could be there, too. Last week I had this vision of us arriving by surprise at their house on Christmas Eve. If only we had the money to do this; I'd fly out in a minute.
Sunday was filled with people and places. Such a wonderful day of church cafe, lunch, Fredericton Ladies' Choir at St. Paul's Cathedral (sang along with the choir at the end when the whole place stood as The Hallelujah Chorus was played). Granny so wanted to be in the choir, but alas, she had a roaring cold, so we watched from the balcony. In the evening, Doug and I went to Ann's house where she made us prime rib with all the fixin's, and we had conversation around the table about our purpose in life.
What is the purpose of life, anyway? This morning I was listening to R.C. Sproul's teaching "Dust to Glory," on this topic. Fantastic teaching series. You can listen on line at ligonier.org.
Gen. 1:26 says, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life -- the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals."
Who am I?
Why am I?
Why a world?
Why people?
Why history?
We are the pinnacle of God's work of creation.
"If there is no God, there is no purpose. If there is no purpose, there is no God."
Thoughts today....should I now wrap presents?
Saturday was quiet -- I'm not really getting much done, but hey, I'm in a period of rest. I did manage to shop a bit in the morning and lay all the treasures out in the living room. It's Monday morning and they are still in the same place. Perhaps I'll wrap a few presents today. Christmas is a-comin.'
Had a long conversation with Natalie this morning. I so miss her and the little ones here at the house. She's preparing for a big party on Christmas Eve at her house. Wish we could be there, too. Last week I had this vision of us arriving by surprise at their house on Christmas Eve. If only we had the money to do this; I'd fly out in a minute.
Sunday was filled with people and places. Such a wonderful day of church cafe, lunch, Fredericton Ladies' Choir at St. Paul's Cathedral (sang along with the choir at the end when the whole place stood as The Hallelujah Chorus was played). Granny so wanted to be in the choir, but alas, she had a roaring cold, so we watched from the balcony. In the evening, Doug and I went to Ann's house where she made us prime rib with all the fixin's, and we had conversation around the table about our purpose in life.
What is the purpose of life, anyway? This morning I was listening to R.C. Sproul's teaching "Dust to Glory," on this topic. Fantastic teaching series. You can listen on line at ligonier.org.
Gen. 1:26 says, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life -- the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals."
Who am I?
Why am I?
Why a world?
Why people?
Why history?
We are the pinnacle of God's work of creation.
"If there is no God, there is no purpose. If there is no purpose, there is no God."
Thoughts today....should I now wrap presents?
Wednesday, 14 December 2011
Rest?
You know what I have found? It is rather difficult to rest. I'm trying. Put the fire on in the office in the morning, sit there, get out my journal, Bible, etc. Then the phone rings. You know how it is. Or I need to deal with something. Like go buy a present for someone. It is the season to be jolly and buy presents, and am I running out of time? Yes. Bit by bit I'll eat the gift-buying elephant.
I have discovered this, though -- that we can rest doing all sorts of activities -- it's really our state of mind, isn't it?
Doug and I have been enjoying the time together the past couple of evenings. We watch a video and talk about it. Take a walk, a ride, watch a Christmas movie. And he has been sending me a daily email of a powerpoint presentation he has been making for me, called "The Twelve Days Before Christmas,", a love letter of sorts - one slide per day. Very unique and very touching to me. My beloved husband.
I just came home to make the supper meal and there he was at the stove, making the meal. Where did my husband go? Is this the new and improved model? I like it, whatever is going on...
Tis the season to have a new husband....
I have discovered this, though -- that we can rest doing all sorts of activities -- it's really our state of mind, isn't it?
Doug and I have been enjoying the time together the past couple of evenings. We watch a video and talk about it. Take a walk, a ride, watch a Christmas movie. And he has been sending me a daily email of a powerpoint presentation he has been making for me, called "The Twelve Days Before Christmas,", a love letter of sorts - one slide per day. Very unique and very touching to me. My beloved husband.
I just came home to make the supper meal and there he was at the stove, making the meal. Where did my husband go? Is this the new and improved model? I like it, whatever is going on...
Tis the season to have a new husband....
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
A Season of Rest
I'm in a season of rest. Yes, believe it or not. I have deemed December a season of rest. Seasons greetings to me -- take a rest, Deb. You might be a bit weary. Yes, thank you, I believe I am a bit weary. Going like the wind since Labour Day and now I need to rest from all that labour.
I don't like to admit that I'm tired, but I guess it's OK every once in awhile. That way, one can accept it and get 'involved' in that rest, step into it so to speak and enjoy it. I give myself permission to rest.
After Natalie and the kids left, I realized this to be true. After you slow down a bit, you understand you might be tired. Know what I mean? Enjoying life, however -- just doing whatever....and seeking God in the midst of it -- reading, praying, meditating, enjoying the SEASON of Advent. Enjoying this beautiful city we live in. Enjoying my tree that has been up for two weeks, thanks to Natalie. Enjoying the fact that my shopping is almost done. Enjoying the fact that I can just BE. What a place to BE.
I know! I will just "BE...in this place." LOL
deb
I don't like to admit that I'm tired, but I guess it's OK every once in awhile. That way, one can accept it and get 'involved' in that rest, step into it so to speak and enjoy it. I give myself permission to rest.
After Natalie and the kids left, I realized this to be true. After you slow down a bit, you understand you might be tired. Know what I mean? Enjoying life, however -- just doing whatever....and seeking God in the midst of it -- reading, praying, meditating, enjoying the SEASON of Advent. Enjoying this beautiful city we live in. Enjoying my tree that has been up for two weeks, thanks to Natalie. Enjoying the fact that my shopping is almost done. Enjoying the fact that I can just BE. What a place to BE.
I know! I will just "BE...in this place." LOL
deb
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