Thro' a glass darkly ...

winter vacation

2012-02-01T10:32:00.002-06:00

leo is sending me away for a winter vacation - again ... i feel like the most spoiled of women sometimes ... he assures me that he will manage - and we do have all our 'helps' in place ...

so i shall once again be a very scarce blog bud ... blessings on you guys, as i go in search of palm trees and desert flowers ...

where to find comfort ...

2012-01-27T21:25:00.002-06:00

when the going gets tough

... the tough read the bible.

strength for the day ...

2012-01-22T22:13:00.000-06:00

i was listening to a sermon by david jeremiah (author of Slaying the Giants in your Life) ... his message was the inspiration for the above poster ...

the thought he left at the end of his message on worry was: “Don’t worry about anything, Pray about everything” ...

by God’s grace, we can try to do that daily ... especially since we serve the God who is “I AM” ... He’s not “I WAS” – tomorrow is finished ... or “I WILL BE” – that is the future – but I AM, as in the present – so He gives us the strength for today ...

winter has arrived

2012-01-17T19:48:00.000-06:00

right after leo's doctors appointment - the arctic air descended!! it turned bitterly cold ... so i dressed for the weather and went for a walk ....

i was completely warm enough - except for my sunglasses ... they fogged up ... then the fog froze and i had to take them off ... then my eyeballs wanted to freeze!!! not a very nice feeling ... with windchill, it was -37C ... real manitoba weather ... and they promise some colder temps to come ...

leo and buddy played 'actively' (tongue in cheek) while i battled the elements ...

maybe they were the smart ones in our household!

first post of the new year

2012-01-11T19:42:00.001-06:00

well look at that ... it's the 11th already and all my thinking of posting haven't made it onto my blog ... i guess i better just tap tap away to remedy that ...

it's been a wonderfully mild start to the year ... today is the actual first wintery day ... it's blowing 'n snowing and just plain COLD out there ... we were due!!!

yesterday when leo and i went to his doctor's appointment, i was wearing a light fall jacket and just so thankful that leo didn't have to venture out in below zero temps ... then to top off our 'good feelings' - when we walked into our small town clinic, the doctor was already there waiting for us - early - with leo's chart under his arm ... can you get any better than that??? i think not!

i hope that the new year has had a good start in your world too ... blessings on ya!!!

happy new year!

2011-12-31T13:22:00.003-06:00

it really is true that as a person ages, the world spins faster and faster ... i just add my voice to everyone elses' and say 'i can't believe the year has ended' ...

my devotional reading for 2011 was Oswald Chambers "My Utmost for His Highest" ... each time i use that devotional - i am challenged in numerous ways to stretch and grow as a believer ... the devotional can be found on www.rbc.org as well ...

i'll close out my 2011 blog post with a shortened version of oswald chambers' last page of the devotional:

You shall not go out with haste, ... for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard" (Isaiah 52:12)

Security from Yesterday. God reminds us of the past to protect us from a very shallow security in the present.
Security for Tomorrow. God's hand reaches back to the past, settling all the claims against our conscience.
Security for Today. Let the past rest, but let it rest in the sweet embrace of Christ.

Leave the broken, irreversible past in His hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him ...

blessings on my blog buds - old and new - in 2012 ... may Jesus be your security in all storms - and the centre of all your joys!

a new year approaches ...

2011-12-27T21:36:00.003-06:00

i just finished watching the movie "soul surfer" ... wow! i was so uplifted by the message that came through loud and clear ... it's amazing how the Lord turns adversity into opportunity ... sadness into joy ... and that He knows our load limit - and promises to limit the load!

blessings on you ...

the fullness of His time ...

2011-12-20T16:20:00.000-06:00

nothing is ever by accident ...
and everything is on time ...
for those who wait on God's timetable ...

time of the year

2011-12-16T20:18:00.000-06:00

this smiley snowman has a little bell on it's hat ... i love the way it makes a merry sound when i go out or come in ... very welcoming ...

i have this little reminder on my computer desk ... i look at it and smile ...

in the mornings, bits of light that i've hung around the windows give such a nice glow ... i drink my coffee and start the day with joyful (well usually!) anticipation ... i do like christmas time ... especially now that we have really simplified it ...

this year we plan on ordering chinese food for our celebration meal ... we used to go to my aunts but it's gotten too difficult for leo to do that and the smell of different foods cooking, really nauseates him - soooo we have changed our tradition to suit our current situation ...

besides, it's usually the little things in life that make a person glad ... example: i washed the flannel sheets today and now i'm looking forwarding to crawling in between them ... these are sheets that i bought from costco recently - they were a good price and are soooo warm and comfy ...

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. ~Augusta E. Rundel

christmas is still christmas ....

2011-12-08T15:23:00.001-06:00

we have definitely downsized our life here at the condo ... we also downsized our christmas decorating and even our christmas tree ... check out the baby one we have been using.

but don't feel too badly for us ... once upon a time we had over the top celebrations ... and over the top christmas trees - like this very first tree in the very first house we owned ... what fun we had trying to get the tree inside the house through the regular sized door!!! there were pine needles all over the living room!!! we called 2 of our burly neighbours over to help us lift it up ... we were able to nail supporting wires into the floor to keep it upright, since our flooring wasn't done yet ... our cats loved to lie under it's boughs and we were the most popular country home around for the kids! they couldn't believe the size of the tree ... and indoors!

christmas's change ... and the size of our trees has changed too ... *smiling* ... but i can honestly say that each year my heart celebration grows and grows ... as long as i stay focused on the WORD that became flesh and dwelt among us - my christmas spirit remains sweet ...

whatever stage you are at in your life ... i hope the JOY of this season ... and the wonder of it all ... brings that childlike excitement into your life! Glory to God!

christmas past, christmas present

2011-12-03T08:33:00.001-06:00

i miss christmas' past ... when we were able to gather with family - the noise, the children and wrapping paper strewn everywhere ... days that have gone by ...leaving only sweet memories and faded pictures as reminders ...

these days, as christmas time quiets down for us, the stillness helps my cluttered brain settle on my heart celebration of Jesus' ... His redemptive visit to planet earth ... then i look to the future and think of His return visit ... thoughts that my earth bound mind has trouble visualizing ... yet the spirit born within me, hums and thinks on these things ... angels singing, wise men bowing and lowly shepherds (that'd be me) kneeling with awe ... Jesus has come!

'tis the season ...

2011-12-02T08:54:00.001-06:00

pic of our front door (taken last year - but as soon as i find the cute red elf from finland - it should look the same!) ... yup, 'tis the season ...

december brings so many rolling emotions into play ... happy, sad, excited and thankful ... there is that theme of thankfulness again ... though our celebrations are quiet now, compared to years past, somehow the child in me is always ready to come out - filled with joy and anticipation - and thankfulness that Jesus has given us the best reason to celebrate!!!!

5 years ago

2011-12-01T15:19:00.001-06:00

would you believe that it's been five years since we became happy owners of our little condo? it was answer to prayer and then some (here is the post with story http://saija.blogspot.com/2007/11/one-year-ago-today.html) ... i just look around me and KNOW that God does indeed answer prayer and HE also gives us the desires of our heart ...

and before we even knew what our hearts' desired and needed ... God provided ... He gave us His own Son - so that if we believed in Him, we could become part of His forever family - i love the Christmas Season for reminders everywhere of God's love ... thank you Lord!!!!!

a daily occurrence

2011-11-28T08:18:00.001-06:00

in my life application bible this morning, one of the notes below psalm 61 asked: "do you find something to praise God for each day?" ... what a good question ... what a good reminder ... do i? i hope i do - maybe i will now make it a more conscious effort ...

our town beach ... with a blanket of snow - yet the water remains free from ice for the moment ... soon that will change and a freeze will occur - until springs warmth touches the land once more ...

our li'l buddy snoozing on the recliner, by leo's feet, while we watched tv church yesterday ... i'm glad he loves to snooze ... *smile*

thankfulness

2011-11-22T14:59:00.001-06:00

happy thanksgiving to my american buds ... may God show you something special that you can be thankful for, something you may not have thought of before ...

i'm thankful for home and the land i call home ... canada is a real melting pot of different languages, races, ideas - yet somehow it is still working ... i pray that will continue ...

i was in the city on sunday/monday ... another appointment with the glaucoma specialist ... my eyes are still borderline high (re the pressure in them), but he says there is no damage and all looks well at the back ... he'll see me again in the spring and treat the eyes if the pressure changes ... this is all a new experience for me - yet i still feel thankful ... thankful for the doctor ... for my eyes, that they are still "fine" and thankful for my friends and family who provide a place for me to stay and also rides to the doctor (in case they dilate the eyes) ... i am continually humbled by the love, support and prayer on my behalf ...

sometimes thankfulness can be a sacrifice - like the psalm says, but if we make the sacrifice - i believe our God is pleased ...

be ye kind ...

2011-11-13T12:26:00.001-06:00

poster from: http://frankbroughton.us/blog/

11-11-11

2011-11-11T10:48:00.001-06:00

we were just watching the rememberance day service from Ottawa ...

yes - we remember ...

and we thank the vets for allowing us the freedom to do so ...

may God bless them richly ...

same day pics

2011-11-10T20:33:00.001-06:00

i don't usually have a sunrise

and a moon picture

for the same day ... it just worked out today - i happened to notice how lovely they each were ... just in different ways ...

i'm glad the Lord has set a definite span for each day ... if it's a good day, we want it to go on and on ... if it's a bad day, we are glad it's over ... then it all evens out for the many normal days inbetween ...

the fall season continues to be a challenge for us ... i get a little of that seasonal sadness thing ... and leo gets more pain because it tends to be damp at this time of year ...

i was reading psalm 34 this morning and it encouraged me at the start of the day ... "i will bless the Lord at ALL times .." ... and now at the end of the day... "the Lord redeemeth the soul of His servants; and none of them who TRUST in Him shall be desolate." ...

the safest place to be ... in God's Hands

2011-11-06T13:55:00.000-06:00

blessings and an anniversary ...

2011-10-26T21:01:00.001-05:00

a week ago, as i watched the sunrise - i heard the sound of a float plane revving up to leave ... i ran for my camera, opened the drapes wide and zoomed in for a shot with my little camera ...

i was able to capture the float plane preparing for take off ...

i thanked the Lord for the opportunity of 'being ready' to snap pics of this normal, almost every day, activity on the river ...

it was a successful take-off ... and a smile maker for me ...

and i'm glad i have a blog to share these photos on ... i've been blogging for 7 years now (today in fact!) ... this little space has served many purposes over that time ...i've made friends ... met others who deal with chronic pain ... entered into prayer for the family of God, and been humbled when i've been the recipient of prayer ... it's been a blessing in these and countless other ways ...

thank you for being part of it!

in the poster making mode

2011-10-23T11:39:00.000-05:00

it seems that everything i read ... and the pictures i have in my albums ... are coming together in a fun and hopefully blessed way these days ... :o)

just sharing with ya - once again!

2011-10-19T17:07:00.002-05:00

p.s. felisol asked if i took this photo ... yup, i did ... *smile* ... during my walk this week ... it was a peaceful, restful scene ...

pics of the past week ...

2011-10-16T08:58:00.000-05:00

this was yesterdays' sunrise ... i always marvel at God's handiwork - His mercies are indeed new every morning ... if you look closer at the picture, you might notice the canada geese in the water ... they have been practising for their long trip south ... it has indeed gotten cooler - fall has arrived and snowbirds are flocking south ... my heart always says "take me, take me ... " ... winter is my least favourite month of the four ...

i made a new friend on thanksgiving ... this is my cousin's latest family member ... a cross between a brindle boxer and a lab ... she is only 7 weeks old, and mostly slept the day away while we all ohh'd and awwww'd over her!

more evidence of the arrival of fall ... our town beach, which had been full of kids and moms all summer, now stands empty ... it always looks so lonesome at this time of year ...

blessings on your sunday!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

²¹ And He changes the times and the seasons;
He removes kings and raises up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.
²² He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.

Daniel 2:21-22 (NKJV)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-10-09T12:09:00.001-05:00

Gratitude produces more positive emotional energy

than any other attitude in life.

~ Hans Sely, father of stress studies.

Count your blessings, by Johnson Oatman Jr., pub. 1897

When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
- Refrain:
  Count your blessings, name them one by one,
  Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
  Count your blessings, name them one by one,
  *Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
  [*And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.]
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings—wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 - give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

we listened to People's Church in Toronto ... Pastor Charles Price had a terrific message on being thankful ... www.livingtruth.ca ... blessings on you all!

fall colours

2011-09-29T19:38:00.001-05:00

the fall colours in our area are muted ones ... no splashy reds or deep orange ... but still, they are lovely to look at - they appear for only a brief moment ... so on wednesday a friend and i took a drive to check them out ...

this was a road we had travelled as kids ... on the way to the cottage ... it relaxes me just to look at it!

we found a lone daisy, who was smiling at the world - not caring that winter was coming ... it just gloried in the day!

taken from the car window ... a peek-a-boo view of what was waiting us ...

we even stopped at an old friends place and visited a spell ...

what a beautiful day it was ... it cheered my heart, and was just what i needed ... fall is a rough time for chronic pain sufferers, and sometimes the only thing i can do for leo (not counting prayer - which is a constant) is to let him be by himself ... and let God restore my own heart and renew a right spirit within me ... the day was definitely a gift from God ...

blessings on you!

that little blue dot

2011-09-22T08:48:00.000-05:00

see the little blue dot in the lower right hand corner? compare it to the sun ... that's where we live!!!! this NASA graphic really captures the smallness of earth, compared to almost anything else out there !!!

it reminds me of the Psalm that says:

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?

i pray that you rest easy in the knowledge that God is way way bigger than any problem you may face today ...

even so Lord Jesus ... come ...

2011-09-18T12:30:00.000-05:00

laser surgery completed ...

2011-09-16T08:45:00.001-05:00

another laser surgery done ... the doc said it looked good, but the next day, when he tested my eye pressure, it was still "borderline high" ... so i'll go back to see him in november ... hopefully the pressure will get to a more normal place ... thank you for praying for me ... it is nice to be home again ... though i did have a super visit with my childhood friend, who once again opened up her home to me and was my nursemaid for the evening ...

yesterday was my west coast sister's 45th birthday ... amazing how 45 seems so young now ... here is a pic i found of her and maria ... taken on a birthday (who's i don't remember) ... they are only 18 months apart in age and sometimes were mistaken for twins (as you can see in this pic!) ... maria died at age 45 ... my westcoast sister remains very healthy, even though she is a diabetic too (from age 2 she has been taking needles) ....

fall is in the air ... and God's blessings are evident everywhere, if eyes will only see ... blessings on ya!

Psalms 84:11-12 ... For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless. {12} O LORD Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in you.

last of the roses

2011-09-12T21:15:00.000-05:00

my roses keep blooming ... even though it was such a dry summer ... and i neglected them (except for watering) ... they still flower with a smile ...

though would you believe it is supposed to go down to freezing on wednesday/thursday night? ... after 90 plus temps just days before? that's the prairie weather for you ... drastic ...

on wednesday i go in for laser surgery number two ... i can only pray for as good a day as i had 3 weeks ago ...

blessings on ya ...

after the darkness ...

2011-09-10T14:39:00.000-05:00

And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness;
it will be for those who walk on that Way.
The unclean will not journey on it;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
No lion will be there,
nor any ravenous beast;
they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there,
and those the LORD has rescued will return.
They will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.

~ Isaiah

just to make you smile

2011-09-06T19:28:00.000-05:00

with so much negative and sad happening in our weary world ... i thought i would try and make you smile with 2 pictures i was playing with ... it's our buddy (who we are growing to love more daily - he is a fun little guy!) ... blessings on ya!

prayers

2011-09-02T08:53:00.000-05:00

i just read this quote (attributed to anon) ... and just had to make a little poster ...

wishing you guys a wonderful and God filled long weekend!!!! blessings on ya!

this is the way ...

2011-08-30T19:41:00.001-05:00

have you ever "bumped" into the same bible verse again and again, in a short period of time? ... you meet the verse in a devotional ... then again in a bible reading ... it seems to cross your path every where you turn ...

that's been happening to me with Isaiah 30:21 ...

it's a great verse ... a good reminder that our walk is different from those who aren't looking to Jesus ... even if they are good people - our compass should be set on the bible's true north ... after all, the compass we follow is leading us toward our eternal home ...

just thought i'd share the verse, since it has been giving me comfort ... as well as encouragement this past week or two ...

blessings on ya!

2011-08-28T08:56:00.000-05:00

and a note to my blog sister at the⋆silver⋆of⋆His⋆fining ... your blog admin won't allow me to comment - others may be having this problem too ... since you said your traffic has slowed down ... i like it when there is an email on the comment (which is only seen by me - not when the comment is posted) - that way communication is open ...

blessings on all my blog buds this sunday morning - the day the Lord has made! yay!

lazer all done

2011-08-25T17:09:00.000-05:00

i'm home again after my lazer surgery ... which went well ... thank you for praying ... *smile* ... i'm booked for the second one september 14th ...

one of my childhood friends was my chauffeur ... and she also opened up her home to me ... it was super to stay in her lofty apartment ...

i told her that it felt more like a vacation - well except for the hours spent at the clinic and all those eye drops!!! we chatted until late - and i'm booked in at her place again in 3 weeks - if all goes as well, it will be another "daily miracle" in my life ...

leo and buddy were very happy to see me ... i really am glad to be home ... now leo has to be the one to put drops in my eye ! it's nice to have a nursemaid every now and then ...

All that we behold is full of blessings. ~William Wordsworth

happy birthday mom ...

2011-08-22T15:39:00.000-05:00

it's my mom's birthday today ... and i find it amazing that every birthday she has, she gets younger - rather than older ... maybe because there is only 18 years separating us! ...

i wish i had more of the older pics of mom's early years ... here is one of the more carefree photos ... taken in finland, before the canadian adventure began ... while mom was still a young woman with her young woman dreams ... some dreams i know she has fulfilled ... some dreams she keeps on working towards ... she keeps on keeping on - i do admire that in her ...

here's the birthday lady in all her youthful glory!

chit chat ...

2011-08-19T20:00:00.001-05:00

we celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary a few days ago ... amazing how the years flow by quickly!!! we had a really nice day ... cake and company from alberta ... next day, leo and i spent it together - just chatting, like the old friends we are - thinking back to the highs and lows - how God has lead us and taught us along the way ... it was sweet ...

since indie, our shelter cat, passed away 6 months ago - we finally added another little fur ball to our household ... we call him our 'lil buddy ... we've had him a month now, and we are in love! he is the sweetest little guy ... we are having so much fun with him ... i had told leo that i didn't want another cat - and leo reluctantly agreed ... but poor leo was watching every cat food commercial, pausing the tv every time he saw even a wee bit of some stray cat!!! plus i had to print a picture of our fearless feline for him, which he placed on his table and looked at longingly! ... sooooo i gave in ... and so far i haven't regretted it ...

update on my glaucoma problems ... i am scheduled for lazer surgery this wednesday ... the doc is doing one eye now and then will do the other eye later ... i am nervous about it - but it is good to get it fixed now, and hopefully have good eyesight for years to come ... just trusting that God has this all prepared ahead of time and will bring something good out of it for His glory ...

blessings on your weekend!!!

2011-08-13T16:28:00.000-05:00

i'm so glad that God doesn't call us to walk alone ... or do things with our own strength ... He's the One who is faithful - always ... and will work things out, at the appointed time ...

taking time for grace ...

2011-07-26T19:14:00.001-05:00

i was going to take a picture of a wren perched on my hanging planter, i had the camera all zoomed in and set to go ... then this beautiful hummingbird flew in for a drink ... he stayed only 5 seconds ... but i was ready ... here i thought i would take a pic of my usual wren visitor - when all of a sudden, an unexpected and certainly lovelier bird of another variety zipped in and zipped out! i thanked the Lord for being ready ...

it's good to be focused on the everyday - to be ready ... because we never know if we might by chance meet up with something out of the ordinary ... it made me smile at the unexpected ...

a very sad day for Norway ... and all people of peace ...

2011-07-24T11:57:00.000-05:00

my heart goes out to the folks in Norway today ... how truly sad ... what heart break for a whole nation ...

felisol wrote straight from her Norwegian heart, as she described her initial reactions ... you can read it here, http://felisol.blogspot.com/ ... may God give them peace ...

thankful heart ...

2011-07-12T16:03:00.001-05:00

thank you so much for praying and encouraging us ... that just humbles us to be on the receiving end of such care & prayer!!!

it was all good!!! the ride in was perfect, even through traffic ... we found the underground parking (first time) which was so close to cancer care (an easy elevator ride!) ... we were put in a examining room right away, by the sweet cheerful receptionist – so that leo could lie down and the doctor was even early!!!! he was such a nice man – and he gave us good news ... he found leo’s prostate to be perfectly normal and in good shape for a guy his age ... yay!!!!!!!!! we are so thankful ... our family doctor sent us to the specialist because he felt something abnormal - so as far as we are concerned we wouldn't be surprised if a healing happened ...

since we were in the city, leo came to costco with me ... for a quick tour around (those big carts make for great walkers!!!!) ... all in all – it was an uplifting experience for a hospital/city visit !!!!

thanx again for your prayers ... they were truly appreciated! (hugs)

He cares ... always ...

2011-07-10T18:57:00.000-05:00

i saw this little guy singing outside my window ... and of course i thought of that song ... God always reminds me that He cares ... always ...

maria has been home in heaven for a year now click here ... my that time has gone by quickly ... though i miss her MORE today - than i did the weeks following her death ... maybe it's a missing of heaven and all those dear ones who are already there ...

of course the aging thing continues ... on tuesday i have to take leo to the big city hospital (UGH! that will be a real chore for us both - since leo has such trouble walking and isn't comfortable outside our home) ... they want to check for prostate cancer ... so if you think of us on tuesday, i covet your prayers ... leo isn't nervous about any of it, he is just dreading having to go to the city ... it'll be during morning rush hour too - and the hospital is right smack in the middle of the city ... ! ! ! all i have to say is "sheesh" ...

blessings on you guys! hope July has sweet moments in it for you ...

sunday morning ....

2011-05-22T08:45:00.000-05:00

i was just visiting some of my blog buds ... it's been a while ... again! and as always, you cheered my heart (though i didn't leave any comments) ... and i am so grateful for each of you ...

i've blogged in my head - but i haven't gotten anything down on "paper" ... so i thought i would leave a note this morning ... i just wanted you to know that i am fine ... going through a time of quietness and possibly residing in a "winter season" - though it is definitely spring time in our world ...

blessings on this day that the Lord has made ...

outside my window

portion from my morning devotional:

"If you are going through a time of isolation, seemingly all alone, read John 17. It will explain exactly why you are where you are - because Jesus has prayed that you "may be one" with the Father as He is. ... God is not concerned about our plans; He doesn't ask, "Do you want to go through this loss of a loved one, this difficulty, or this defeat?" No, He allows these things for His own purpose. The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, and nobler men and women, or they are making us more critical and fault-finding, and more insistent on our own way." My Utmost for His Highest ~ Oswald Chambers

a promise ...

2011-05-03T15:27:00.002-05:00

just saying hi ...

2011-04-28T14:50:00.000-05:00

the robins are hopping around everywhere, here in our little town ... they don't know how much i've missed them! and how happy i am to finally see them back and nesting ...

so what have i been up to since my arizona adventure? well, here's a list of some things from my world:

doctors appointments!!! it's the age, isn't it? leo's new doctor has been seeing him monthly ... then lab work ... yup ... that takes time ... and i always go with leo ...
my glaucoma doc still hasn't decided how best to help me out ... i saw him last month and will see him again in the summer ...
family visits and get togethers - those are sweet times, i appreciate them more and more as i mature ...
my walks ... and now bike rides are back ... yay!
a bit of yard work - though things are still slow ...

nothing too exciting, yet it seems that the days pass by so quickly ... and every day i count the many blessings in my life - God is good ...

hope you all are having a blessed springtime too!

He Arose!

2011-04-23T20:13:00.000-05:00

after the sadness of good friday ... the pain, tears and disbelief ... i can only imagine the heart racing excitement of that first Easter morning ... the women were the first to find out that Jesus was Alive ... He had conquered death - what a miracle!!! and what a gift to us ...

He's Alive!!!! and we're forgiven - heaven's gates are open wide - He's Alive!!!!!

thank you Lord ...

on that first good friday ...

2011-04-21T16:25:00.000-05:00

there were three crosses ... one held the sinless Lamb of God and the other two held convicted criminals ... sinners ... commandment breakers ... just like me ... just like you ...

their lives will be over in a matter of hours ... there were no more life choices left, except one ... it is a free will choice ... yes to Jesus ... or ... no to Him ...

it is so clearly illustrated by the crosses ... two thieves, in the same physical agony as Jesus - except that Jesus was the sacrificial Lamb ... hanging there, dieing for them ... dieing for us ... for our sins ...

we know the story ... one ridiculed Jesus and said NO - who are you anyway?! ... the other said YES ... "remember me Lord, when you come into your kingdom" ...

choices ... our choice ...

for the two condemned prisoners, there was no room for further negotiation ... no sitting on the fence, no waiting until retirement ... it came down to a simple yes or no that MUST be made ... the time was at hand ... and for us all - it is at hand too ... tomorrow is never guaranteed ...

what answer we give to Jesus, is where we will be spending eternity ...

with Jesus ... or separated from God ... forever ...

on that first good Friday ... there were 3 crosses ...

"Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel ... let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone. Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Acts 4: 8-12

God is on your side ...

2011-04-10T20:46:00.000-05:00

The Lord will fight for you." Exodus 14:14

I read these words and draw in a deep breath. I need them right now. Don't we all? Oh, we may not go to war.
But we fight...
for relationships
for dreams
We battle...
against illness
against discouragement
I think of you staring at the screen, perhaps feeling your strength is small. Oh, yes, I know what that's like.
But victory isn't up to us.
And those words you sometimes hear?
"You're not worth fighting for."
They're a lie. Nothing more.
This is the truth from the heart of One who calls you His own:
You are loved.
You are worth fighting for.
You are even worth dying for.
So go into your day, strong friend, knowing that nothing can defeat you.
You've already won.

by Holley Gerth, DaySpring Writer

april 1st

2011-04-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

ok, this is not what i pictured april 1st looking like!!!! yikes!!!

yet this is the scene i saw this morning as i opened the curtains ... i just thanked the Lord for my winter get-a-way ... it seems like this season has been particularly long and cold ... YET, there is always hope when the sun shines ... and that is forecast for tomorrow ...

hoping your april 1st has the sun shining already! blessings on ya!

2011-03-26T12:17:00.000-05:00

sometimes it's not what you think

2011-03-22T21:17:00.001-05:00

the vacation i went on wasn't really for me ... i mean, sure it was good for me to get out of the "care giver" mode ... but this time - i think i was sent away for leo's sake ... so he could have 2 weeks of uninterrupted time with the Lord ... to really have some prayer time and study time ... which is what he did ... it also gave him time to pray for our friend, who was given 2 weeks to live ...

sigh ... this was the first of our very close friends to die ... we've had family members die, who were also friends ... but this was a friend - who also felt like family ... i included them in a blog post back in 2006 (are we there yet?) ... it seems there have been so many earthly goodbyes lately ...

if there is anything you want to ask about this season in my life - put your email address (if i don't have already) in your comment - and i'll answer you directly and not publish the comment ... i just felt a need to say that ...

ok - now for some vacation photo's ... because i was still able to be refreshed while away - i just prayed when i could - believing that God had everything under control ...

it was peaceful - relaxing - and stress free in Arizona ... i just left my cares at home and lived in the moment ... with no plans ... *smile* ...

this is a greek chicken dish ... i tried so many different types of foods! i'm glad there was a pool at my cousins' place - definitely needed to swim and try and keep the calories in check!

here i am with my 2 cousins ... we're off to church ... since leo and i have "church" at home, it was such a blessing to be able to worship with a group of believers ... leo told me he prayed that the message would be clear, that salvation would be presented - and that i would hear old hymns that i loved ... well the service opened with a baptism (no clearer presentation of the gospel there!) AND the first hymns that were sung - count your blessings and blessed assurance ... well, tears began streaming down my face and into my shirt! the Lord answered leo's prayers very clearly ... i wanted to take that church home with me, the message was so uplifting!!! the pastor's dad had died a week prior, so you could tell his heart was tender, the way he shared his message with the congregation ...

after church - snowbirds know where to flock for good food ... there was a group of my cousin's friends who we had good fellowship with ...

oh, on the side trip we took - look what we encountered in the high country!

lake havasu city and london bridge was another stop ... it is the most lovely of places ... and it's grown SO much in the 20 years since leo and i had last been there ...

arizona and the road runner go hand in hand ... i was happy to see one!

and those sunsets every night! wow ... i loved taking picture after picture of them ... it seemed that a person could not take a bad picture of a sunset there ... God's handiwork was everywhere on display ... my trip encouraged me ... no matter where i am - i know that God is there too ... but i was happy to get back to our own little condo and my husband who loves the Lord and tries to be the man God has designed him to be ... i am thankful ...

home ...

2011-03-14T18:44:00.000-05:00

i'm home ... safe and sound with my sweetie - who i missed ... the trip was really good - except during the 2 weeks that i was away, one of our good friends was dieing ... i didn't know this until day two in AZ ... he passed away yesterday ... needless to say, that added a meloncholy tinge to everything ...

and my goodness, what travail in our world these days!!

did you know that the bible tells us not to be afraid 365 times - once for every day of the year ... for folks outside of Jesus, what a scary place planet earth must be ... thankfully we know that all ends well for those found in Christ ... i'm so glad to be sheltered in His everlasting arms ...

another amazing AZ sunset

last week

2011-03-05T14:29:00.000-06:00

i can't believe that we are in our last week in AZ ... i have talked to leo twice daily, usually, so i feel connected - i know he is well ... which allows me to enjoy my time here ...

the weather was "cool" (boy is that term relative!) our first days here, but that was ok - since we took a side trip right away ... and since last wednesday, it has been mid 70's and up ... not too hot, but quite comfortable ...

just saying hi ... maybe the next note will be from home with more pics? blessings on you guys!

sunshine and greenery

2011-02-26T23:09:00.000-06:00

life is good in arizona ... we have been enjoying the stores ... *smile* ... and swimming ... it has been such a blessed break from the bitterly cold at home ...

just saying HI from AZ!!!!

blizzards and plans

2011-02-19T08:51:00.000-06:00

i'm not in arizona - yet ... Lord willing this time next week i will be ... *smile* ...

but before the vacation - there was a bit of a mini-blizzard that blew in, just before my birthday - it found me shovelling on the day of my birthday ... which was fine, it was a good opportunity to thank the Lord for strength to lift that shovel and clear our deck!!!

thank you blog buds for the birthday greetings ... also thank you "annah" for your kind words - which encouraged me ...

i am starting to get butterflies in my stomach re the travel ... i get this nervous energy and tension before trips ... especially when leo stays behind ... we used to be good travelling companions ... he would drive and i would be the map reader and planner ... but that was a very long time ago already, time truly does go by quickly ... yet it seems that our lives can change in the blink of an eye ... one day - soon? - it will be in the "twinkling of an eye" that lasting, forever change will occur ... and the term 'saved' will mean something everlastingly wonderful ...

just wanted to post a little note here ... in case life gets hectic before i leave home on wednesday ... thank you for your prayers on my behalf - 'cause i know i have great praying buds who i've met through blogging!

whimsy in mid week ...

2011-02-16T10:35:00.000-06:00

May you always have work for your hands to do

May your pockets hold always a coin or two

May the sun shine bright on your windowpane

May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain

May the hand of a friend always be near you

And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you

- Irish Blessing

doctor update

2011-02-09T11:06:00.000-06:00

just an fyi re leo's newest doc ... we like him ... *smile* ... and all indications point to him staying in our little town ... yay!!!! can't believe the day has finally arrived ... a doctor who has settled here ... with his family ... by choice!

this was the 3rd time we visited with him since december ... he is trying some new things with leo, hoping to give him some relief from the day to day chronic pain ...

after the past 4 years of revolving door doctors - we have some hope ... thank you Lord!

"if ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you." John 15:4

i like the word ABIDE ... i want to alway ABIDE in Him who has redeemed me ...

winter vacation

2011-02-04T14:29:00.000-06:00

On the sixth day God turned to the Archangel Gabriel and said, "Today I am going to create a land called Canada . It will be a land of outstanding natural beauty. It shall have tall majestic mountains full of mountain goats and eagles, beautiful sparkling lakes bountiful with bass and trout, forests full of elk and moose, high cliffs over-looking sandy beaches with an abundance of sea life, and rivers stocked with salmon."

God continued, "I shall make the land rich in resources so as to make the inhabitants prosper, I shall call these inhabitants Canadians, and they shall be known as the most friendly people on the earth."

"But Lord," asked Gabriel, "don't you think you are being too generous to these Canadians??"

"Not really," replied God. "Just wait and see the winters I am going to give them!

this is an old joke, but it makes me smile ... canadian winters can indeed be brutal ... so, with leo's blessing, i will be going to arizona ... you know, to a desert place - to rest awhile ... i'll be travelling with a cousin - staying with another cousin plus i'll visit my AZ buds ... leo said he can manage for 2 weeks (i will have things in place to make him as comfortable as possible) ... Lord willing, i'll be jetting away at the end of the month ...

just thought i'd share my excitement of the day!!! i can't believe that this will be winter #2 that i will get to escape to my favourite desert spot ...

... remembering emma-mummu ...

2011-01-31T20:32:00.000-06:00

my aunt reminded me that it was 9 years ago today that my maternal grandmother died ... it doesn't seem so long ... yet, time is elusive and passes quickly without us even realizing it ... so i thought i would share what i posted about my grandmother back in 2005 ...

(i wonder if maria and emma-mummu have had a visit by now? just thinking outloud ... )

Emma-Mummu died 3 years ago today, at the age of 92 ... she was my last grandparent to slip into eternity ... now that generation is no more ... she was a gutsy lady who left an imprint on the lives she touched ...

her life began in Finland and ended an ocean away ... in Canada ... a land she grew to love ...

a teenage mother at 16, she steadfastly waited for her fiancé to return from his adventures in America so that he could meet his daughter and wed her, his sweetheart ...

she was a hard working woman ... who kept the family farm going during W.W.II, while her husband fought to keep Finland safe from the Russian invaders, who were gobbling up all other neighbouring countries ...

my grandfathers health was a casualty of the war, so Emma-Mummu continued to work the farm, as well as nurturing 10 children (23 years span the ages of the youngest to the oldest) ... she was one strong women ... it was her indomitable will and sheer determination that kept the family fed and clothed ...

my own little family had immigrated to Canada when the news came ... my grandfather had died ... i was only 5, but i can still remember the cloud of sadness that settled over the house ...

a year later, Emma-Mummu came to Canada with her 4 youngest children in tow ... what a move, half way across the world, not knowing the language ... financial concerns were only one of many for her ... she left behind 4 adult children (plus their families), her siblings and lifelong friends ... she also left behind a half century of living, loving and even her own identity of self ...

a new chapter in her life had begun ...

Emma-Mummu was ever the survivor ... for the next 40 years Canada WAS her home ... she married again and lived happily with our step-grandfather for over 25 years ... they created a cozy little nest, where her large brood could drop by at any time and feel welcome ...

she cultivated a deep faith in her later years ...

she graced our lives with her vibrant spirit, quick wit and dry humour ...

i’ve reminisced about my Emma-Mummu this weekend ... like a cherished old movie, my times with her have mentally replayed over and over again in my mind’s eye ...

her life really could have been a movie ... it contained high drama, romance, comedy, tragedy and ended happily with a soul at rest with her God ...

social media

2011-01-26T19:31:00.000-06:00

here is a good sermon in a minute ... my cousin just shared it with me today and i thought it was a good way of making folks think of HIM who came to REDEEM us ... you could tell she was giving the GLORY to GOD ... just sharing!

devotionals

2011-01-22T12:25:00.001-06:00

i love the fact that there are so many good devotionals available to us ... in every form ... online, in print, youtube ... the formats really seem endless ... the Lord gets my attention - or answers a question - or gives a hug - through these means (and through my blog buds) ...

so i just wanted to share these good thoughts on forgiveness, from my "living truth" devotional (http://livingtruth.ca/) ... 'cause at one point in my walk i had such a hard time forgiving myself - i needed to be reminded about what God does with our sin ... blessings on your weekend!!!!

What God does with our sin

"He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west so far does he remove our transgressions from us."
- psalm 103:10-12

Why do we find it so difficult to accept God's forgiveness? First of all, we must still live with the inevitable consequences of sin, the domino effects that our actions have set into motion. The man who repents of his adultery still must reconcile with his wife or face divorce. The forgiven alcoholic who has lost his job must still face life without a pay check. Forgiveness will not bring back the aborted child. Forgiven people sometimes have been sentenced to die in a gas chamber.

Another reason so many of us are reluctant to accept forgiveness is because we think we deserve to feel guilty. We think, it's not fair for me to be free of guilt, given the wretch I am. But guilt can never pay for sins. Guilt of the most torturous kind does not commend us to God - we don't make ourselves any more presentable to God by enduring the misery we know we deserve. Our guilt cannot add to the value of Christ's death on the cross for us.

In light of God's grace, it is sheer arrogance for us to hang on to our guilt. C.S. Lewis put it like this: "I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him."

We might be troubled by our forgiven sin, but God is not. Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, our confessed sin has been so thoroughly put away that it no longer presents a barrier to our fellowship with the Almighty. Forgiven sin is only what we make it to be: Either we can allow it to plague our conscience, or we can send it to where God has already put it.

When I was a boy of about ten, my sister gave me a Magic Slate. I would draw pictures and write words and phrases on it, then lift the transparent page and watch what I had written disappear without a trace. Just so, our lives are written on God's tablet, but he can blot out the words we have said, the thoughts we have entertained, and the deeds we have done. Yes, the consequences of our actions may remain, but our sins themselves are no longer visible. God has put them out of His sight. - Erwin Lutzer

"if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" - 1 john 1:9 -

what to do when it's -35C

2011-01-18T16:28:00.000-06:00

i woke up to a brisk and bright day ... but -35C cannot be called "pleasant" ... it's downright chilly out there! so what's a girl to do????

why make pea soup!

this is a pea soup recipe from old fort william (in thunder bay) that goes back quite a few decades.

1 lb. split peas (i use yellow split peas)
1/2 lb. salt pork (i omit)
1 meaty ham bone (i use only the meat)
2 med. onions, diced (i use onion powder, easier on leo's stomach)
1/4 cup carrots, diced (i omit - it's beginning to look like i don't use any of the original recipe!)
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. ground savory
6 whole cloves
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

add 10 cups water. add all other ingredients; bring to a boil and immediately turn down heat until a gentle simmer is achieved. Cook 1 1/2 to 2 hours. when peas are done, sample and add additional seasoning to taste. sprinkle 1 tbsp. parsley over, stir, serve at once.

bon appetit!

the Potter ...

2011-01-13T19:48:00.000-06:00

i feel so much better when i trust the Potter to do His work in me ... instead of trying to be the potter, and thinking i can do it myself ...

2010 card tree

2011-01-08T16:19:00.000-06:00

i didn’t think i would have a full card tree this year ... i mean we are all cutting back on sending cards ... we do so much electronically or by phone – but look at this – a full tree again for 2010 ... ... this pic was taken today – and these are the last christmas decorations i have up ... i will be taking the cards down soon (sad thought – i like seeing them!) ... it was fun to read greetings and look at the cards ... one of my favourite christmas pastimes ... christmas cards seem to be something left-over from a simpler and slower moving time ...

happy new year ...

2011-01-04T10:51:00.000-06:00

aren't these lovely? a present from one of my young cousins ... one of those things that makes me smile ... i love flowers ...

the last days of 2010 ... and the beginning of 2011 ... have been very very nice ... we've had company every other day ... family/friends ... all folks who brightened our home with their visits ... *huge smile* ...

i'm not in the blogging mode, as i type this ... but i just wanted to post something 'cause my blog buds are friends (after so many years!) and i don't want to lose touch with you guys ... plus i noticed that i had only posted 48 times last year ... not much, eh? ... i will try not to fade into the night of cyber space ... poetic eh? *grin* ...

my lack of posting seems to say i don't have anything to share about my life and my Lord - but i do ... His mercies are new every morning and He encourages me to lean on Him ... which i've been doing ... i think i have just been distracted in the past while, lost in thought sometimes ... and i'm sure that maria's death in july has played a part in my reflective, quiet spirit ...

yup - there is a season for everything under heaven ... i do pray that 2011 might have a season of pure joy in it ... for us all ... blessings on ya!

inbetween days ...

2010-12-28T16:25:00.000-06:00

i hope you all had a peaceful and joyous christmas ...

every year is different, isn't it? ... our christmas was indeed peaceful, but leo had a flu of some sort - so the quiet was unsettling at times ... he is feeling better - back to the usual chronic stuff, without the extra discomfort - so we are thankful for that!

today was the first day i went for a walk, in over a week! ... it really felt wonderful to get out and chat with the Lord as i made my way down familiar streets ... i think i get a little down when i don't go out!

this was also our first christmas without maria ... it's funny how she was in all our thoughts, but none of us wanted to talk about her alot - not knowing who we would make extra sad ... everyone deals with grief differently ... for me, i miss her - yet i am so gald she is not in pain anymore ... those last weeks were rough on us who watched her great discomfort ... i prefer to think of her being with the Lord and hearing her sweet laugh as she knows true Godly freedom in heaven ...

so now we are in the inbetween days ... last days of 2010 and looking forward to 2011 ... a good time to send out blessings to my blog buds - thank you for being so patient and kind towards me in 2010 ... your encouragement was always so appreciated ...

In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. ~Albert Schweitzer

grace is for everyone ...

2010-12-21T18:48:00.000-06:00

leo and i were watching day of discovery this morning ... one of the songs they used was this one:

Some Children See Him

by Wihla Hutson & Alfred S. Burt 1951.

Some children see Him lily white,

the baby Jesus born this night.

Some children see Him lily white,

with tresses soft and fair.

Some children see Him bronzed and brown,

The Lord of heav'n to earth come down.

Some children see Him bronzed and brown,

with dark and heavy hair.

Some children see Him almond-eyed,

this Savior whom we kneel beside.

some children see Him almond-eyed,

with skin of yellow hue.

Some children see Him dark as they,

sweet Mary's Son to whom we pray.

Some children see him dark as they,

and, ah! they love Him, too!

The children in each different place

will see the baby Jesus' face

like theirs, but bright with heavenly grace,

and filled with holy light.

O lay aside each earthly thing

and with thy heart as offering,

come worship now the infant King.

'Tis love that's born tonight!

it just reminded me that Jesus came for everyone ... no one is outside of God's love, or more special than someone else ... we are all sinners ... and can all be saved by grace ... now that is a gift that only the foolish would refuse!

library nativity scene

2010-12-15T14:54:00.000-06:00

i walked into our library the other day and look what they had on display ....

isn't it sweet? one of our local seniors made it ... lots of knitting involved, with whimsical looking charactors ... but it gets the message across ... dont'cha love small towns ... *smile*

* * * * * * * *

Good news from heaven the angels bring

Glad tidings to the earth they sing:

To us this day a child is given,

To crown us with the joy of heaven.

~ Martin Luther

2010-12-12T12:00:00.001-06:00

my aunt was baking ... so she gave me some cookies ... i can't believe she still makes all those cookies at the age of 82 ... and as each year passes, those cookies become more and more special ...

* * * * * * *

Our hearts grow tender

with childhood memories

and love of family,

and we are better throughout

the year for having, in spirit,

become a child again at Christmastime.

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder

tis the season ...

2010-12-06T08:59:00.000-06:00

tis the season for hurrying ... for fretting ... for being tired and cranky ... ?

no no no ... !

tis the season for magnifying and thanking Jesus ... i always have to make a conscious attitude adjustment around the early stages of Christmastime ... to remind myself that i am not super woman ... that it's not a competition between who has the nicest decorations or who gives the best gifts ... rather, it's a time of thanksgiving to the ONE who gave up everything to live among us - us, who don't deserve the lavish love of a forgiving God ... yet it is His free gift to us through Jesus, the One and Only ...

above is a pic of our condo central, taken yesterday ... we do have snow, don't we? ... and again this year - leo and i gave thanx for this condo that God made available to us, 4 years ago ... living in town has been such a huge blessing!! especially during those stormy periods, when the highways have been slippery - i just lace up my boots and walk!!!

well, i walk in town ... but going to the city is another matter ... i was nervous about my first time out on the highways, on wintery roads, last week - thankfully i regained some winter driving confidence - and it went well ... i had to go to the city because of my appointment with the eye specialist ... remember that glaucoma thing i shared about? well, the doc said i don't need lazer surgery - but i may need drops for the rest of my life ... he wants a few more tests done (in march), then we'll see ...

and have i shared that leo will be getting ANOTHER new doctor? i think this will be the 5th new gp for him in 4 years! we hope that this doc is good - and that he decides to make our little town his home ... hope hope hope ...

well, time to unwrap more of this new day that God has given to me ... blessings on all who stop by here!

thank God there is enough!

2010-11-25T08:46:00.002-06:00

as the snow continues to fall in our little corner of the world, i pray that all my american buds have a wonderful and safe thanksgiving day ... blessings on ya!

scene outside my window this morning

"Thank God there is enough.

In God there is enough love to cover every mistake,
enough light to brighten the darkest hour,

enough power to meet every need."
~ anon

a good start to the week!

2010-11-08T07:09:00.000-06:00

i thought i would share one of my morning devotions with you guys ... it's taken from today's reading in billy graham's "Day by Day" ... short thoughts - filled with big truths! it would make a lovely present for someone ... blessings on ya!

"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy . . . " Zephaniah 3:17

The world's millions could come down to the beach and reach out their hands to be filled with sea water. They could each take as much as they wanted, as much as they needed - and still the ocean would remain unchanged. Its might and power would be the same, the life in its unfathomable depths would continue unaltered, although it had supplied the needs of every single person standing with outstretched hands along its shores. So it is with God. He can be everywhere at once, heeding the prayers of all who call out in the name of Christ; performing the mighty miracles that keep the stars in their places, and the plants busting up through the earth, and the fish swimming in the sea. There is no limit to God. There is no limit to His love. There is no limit to His mercy.

... my voice is small on earth - yet heard with love in heaven ...

2010-11-02T11:44:00.001-05:00

have you ever had times in your life when it seems that your voice is so small, no one hears it? when you call the maytag repair guy and no one comes ... when your normally speedy internet, just churns and churns, and the provider doesn't care ... when a loved one is in pain, and you can't do anything to help? ...

i have had so many incidents this past while, that it has to be more than coincidence ... it seems i'm under attack ... every day, my "smallness" shouts - "you have no voice ... it doesn't matter, so don't even bother trying!!!" ....

but it does matter - because though i may be small - the God i serve ISN'T ... and it is His battle, not mine ... i just need to keep my eyes on Him who redeemed me ... keep praying and keep reading my bible - which tells me that i was so important to God that He sent His only Son to die for me ...

the maytag guy may not hear me ... but God does! the internet may be slower than molasses on a january morning - but God isn't slow to encourage my heart ...

yup - i need my focus on things that matter ... things that are eternal ... because though my voice is small and muffled on earth - it is heard with love and concern in heaven ...

my morning view

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart, and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. ~ Jesus ... (Matthew 11:28-30)

Operation Christmas Child

2010-10-27T21:54:00.000-05:00

it's that time of year again ... time to pack a shoebox for little ones who don't usually get gifts at Christmas ... samaritan's purse (http://www.samaritanspurse.org) has been doing this for years now ... and so have we ... i love packing a box with school supplies, hygiene products, toys, hard candy - knowing it will be opened in some place like haiti - where the need is great ... samaritan's purse also includes the gospel message with each box ...

mid november is the deadline (there abouts) ... i have my boxes almost ready - i just need to add a few more items ...

if you haven't packed a box before - it is a good project to do with family, friends or just ' cause you want to! ...

blessings on ya!

sisterhood of the travelling scarf

2010-10-23T17:14:00.002-05:00

i have written a few posts at the scarf sisters blog this week ... mrs. mac had asked me to join last year ... but they were cooking and alas - i don't do much of that anymore ... leo gets nauseous at the smell of cooking (really, it's not just my cooking !!! *smile*) - so i had to decline ... however, this year they are circulating a special bible around to each sister in turn - when it arrives in the mail - that means it's that persons turn to share her life/testimony and verses that have helped along the way ... i got the bible in round two and i've enjoyed writing again ...

so if you want to check the blog - here it is sisterhood of the travelling scarf ...

maybe the spark has been lit again and i will start to write more ... i do like to write, which is why i started blogging 6 years ago (it's my anniversary this week!) ...

blessings on ya!

sharing 2 pics ...

2010-10-18T22:35:00.000-05:00

my mom was here last week ... it was so nice to see her!!! she stayed at her big sister's place ... they got the loom set up for my aunt, who will enjoy the winter by making rugs! i'm just sorry my mom lives so far away now!!!! but thankful that at 75, she is still healthy enough to make the 8 hour drive down here ... that is a blessing!

mom also visited with maria's husband ... he gave back to mom the ryju rug she had made for maria, when maria was just a little girl ... mom washed the ryju in the river and hung it up to dry ... it waved so happily in the wind ...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-10T16:12:00.001-05:00

it's our thanksgiving weekend here in Canada ... and what a beauty it has been ... we have been the Canadian hotspot for days now ... last year we must have been the coldest place in Canada (with 10 cm of snow!) and this year it is t-shirt weather ... guess who's not complaining???? *smile* ...

i'm at a loss as to what to share in this post ... it seems that leo and i have turned into this retired couple, whose days are filled with a sweet routine ... i get up first to have my coffee and quiet time ... then when leo is up and about - we have our devotions together ... after that, i go for my walk and leo has his quiet time ... then there are the chores, shopping, visits ... and before i know it - it's evening and time to read the paper, read a book or watch a favourite show or two on tv!!!

i am also still struggling with "a sadness" ... maria's death? leo's continued chronic pain and health decline? i don't know ... just a sadness ... i am riding that tide, talking to my Heavenly Father who knows my heart ... and maybe there can be some sharing of lessons learned - but that would be in the future ... for today - i am just thankful that there is a real place called heaven ... and there, a place is being prepared for me by Jesus - my Saviour ... the sadness i feel today will be left behind ... joy will be the order of everyday ... BUT don't get me wrong, i know God gives us joy in this life too ... and i DO feel His love and joy - even though i am in this other type of season ...

i know - this too shall pass!!!

so on this thanksgiving weekend - i count my many many blessings (blog buds counted!) and share some photo's i took this weekend!

morning view

canada geese practising for their long trip south

out for my walk

Lift up your eyes ...

2010-09-18T08:37:00.000-05:00

i once read that it takes more faith to believe that there is no God ... than to believe that there is One ... God's handiwork, displayed in nature, is just so awesome! it speaks in CAPITOL letters of it's Creator God ... somedays i could weep for all the wonder i see ... just in my own backyard ... only a fool would think that this "just happened by chance" ...

last week, i took a picture at our town beach ... just a teenie little patch of sand, with a very ordinary river lapping at its edges ... yet the everyday beauty of it, was just breathtaking to me ... see if you agree when you look at that pic i've posted below ...

for you who read this post - may our amazing Creator God give you a day full of bounty and joy in all you see and do!

expectantly waiting ...

2010-09-02T15:06:00.000-05:00

our little beach was so busy this year ... always full of young families ... but this week it has gotten much quieter ... the weather has cooled and school starts next week ... folks are busy ...

which made me think of my life ... i hope i never get so caught up in the everyday, that i forget Jesus promise to return ... one day ... at a time when we least expect ... and the time i least expect is the one i am taking this breath in ... so it could be before i press the publish post button ... ! we don't know ... but we are told to watch for it ... and to be ready ...

even so Lord Jesus ... come ...

the scarf sisters ...

2010-08-29T14:58:00.000-05:00

mrs. mac has invited me to join the scarf sisters (http://travelingscarf.blogspot.com/) ... i know that i have been quiet on the blogging front lately, but ? i wrote my intro post on that blog today (if you want to check it out) ... maybe my blogging routine needs to have a little shake up!

this week has had some more summertime R&R moments ... which to me means sauna & swimming & visiting ...

i did get some bad news last week ... i have glacoma starting up in my right eye ... the doc seems to think that a little lazer surgery will help that situation ... so being canadian - i will wait for a few months before i get in for that (since the doctor didn't seem to think it was an urgent case) ... i am glad she spotted the narrowing of the particular area that creates glacoma ...

i have been missing maria lately ... i think that is the way grieving goes ... you miss your loved one more as the weeks go on - until you get used to the fact that they aren't here anymore ...

this pic was taken in april ... during one of her hospital stays ... see her smile - she was always smiling ... her joy despite circumstances - was something everyone who knew her talked about ...

just a little chitchat ... blessings on your new week ...

chitchat ....

2010-08-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

it is a quiet sunday morning, here in our town ... and also, here at condo central! it seems that i don't get an opportunity to concentrate on posts these days, partly because this open living concept takes away from my solitude and time for writing ... but this morning - my sweetie is still snoozing - so i'm a tap tapping away! *smile*

what a warm summer it has been! i am thankful for the swims i've had ... above is the proof - my wet footprints on the dock ... i don't like to swim alone, and all my swim buds have been growing up! they don't have time to have a sauna and swim in the summer ... sometimes i feel like the only "kid" left!!! then someone will surprise me with a phone call, saying "we're out here, come over and swim with us!" ... that makes my day ... *smile*

we celebrated our 36th wedding anniversary last week ... i picked up some chinese food for us and we enjoyed a quiet time at home ... leo wasn't feeling that great (because the humidity was high) but he didn't complain and we thanked the Lord for our many many blessings! ... would you believe that the balloon in the picture was an anniversary gift from maria - some 19 years ago!!!! it has kept it's shape and we take it out on our anniversary every year ... this year we just thought of her - enjoying heaven's sweetness and waiting for the rest of us to get there too!

a milestone - my sweet mom has just turned 75!!!! this pic was taken at the end of June ... doesn't she look great for that age??? or any age ... *smile* ... she lives up north now ... about an 8 hour drive from our place ... i know our visits will be few and far between - but i am glad we are able to chat daily through e-mail or on the phone ... makes the distance seem shorter ...

just some moments from my life this past while ... i think all of the family have been dealing with maria's death in different ways ... i've just been quieter - reflecting on life and my own mortality ... thankful that Jesus is my Saviour and Lord ... that He gives me that assurance of a home in heaven ... and with the apostle paul i can say "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. ... But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Cor. 15: 55,57) ... YAY for a risen Lord - one day, we too will rise with Him!

the little red car ...

2010-08-03T20:31:00.000-05:00

guess who pulled up into our driveway today? terry (Canadian Blogger) and her hubby bernie, in their little red car!!!! she said that they would stop in for coffee this year ... and yes indeedy - they did!

it was wonderful to meet them in person ... terry is as sweet in real life as she appears to be in her blog ... and bernie was her perfect partner - they completed each others sentences ...

terry is also the first blog bud that i meet - face to face ... and it was like we had known each other for years ... and i guess we sort of have - we've been reading each others blogs for 5 years now ...

it was great to chitchat and just share stories about people who we know in blogland ... really a very positive experience ... *smile*

they are on their way home now - terry took lots of pics, so it will be fun to see the visit through her eyes ...

blessings on your week!

a month today

2010-08-02T08:52:00.000-05:00

it is a month today since Maria left this world - and opened her eyes and saw her new eternal home ... it seems like so much longer ... yet - like only yesterday ...

thought i would share a very uplifting e-mail that i received from dayspring this morning - it blessed my heart - hope it blesses yours too!

* * * * *

Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Psalm 68:19 KJV

Today is your best day because you can grow a little more in your faith, a little more in your maturity, and a little more in your intimacy with Jesus. Today you can take another step higher as He takes you from glory to glory.

Corrie Ten Boom once said, "God doesn't have problems; He only has plans." God doesn't make bad days for you and good days for you. God makes each day fit perfectly into His plans for you.

There are two ways that we can walk through a day. One is to walk by sight, and the other it walk by faith. To walk by faith means to walk in the truth of God's word and the presence of the Holy Spirit who lives in you.

Excerpt from Today is Your Best Day by Roy Lessin, DaySpring co-founder and writer.

maria's in heaven ... and i'm on holidays ...

2010-07-25T21:40:00.000-05:00

i didn't even realize how burdened i was for maria ... until she slept away ... it seemed that she was always on my mind - heavy on my heart ... it was a continual praying for her comfort and the Lord's mercy ... then she got to heaven first ... and though there is that earthly grieving - my burden is gone ... i know that all her suffering has ended ... in that regard, my heart doesn't feel the weight anymore ...

and i don't have to think of her as " my poor little maria" anymore ... for that, i am so thankful ...

this past 3 weeks has been filled with the ordinary things of summer ... walks, swims, visits ... celebrating birthdays ... but i have also wanted to just be cocooned and quiet too ... my emotions are near the surface - but the peace remains ...

hoping you all are having a really blessed and sweet summer experience ...

Here She Comes

I am standing upon the seashore;

a ship at my side spreads

her white sails to the morning breeze

and starts for the ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength

and I stand and watch her until at length

she hangs like a speck of white cloud

just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says, "There! She's gone."

Gone where? Gone from my sight - that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar

as when she left my side,

and just as able to bear her load of living freight

to the place of destination.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says,

"There! She's gone."

there are other eyes watching her coming

and other voices ready to take up the glad shout,

"Here she comes!"

... and that is dying.

~ anon ~

thank you ...

2010-07-10T17:11:00.000-05:00

thank you so much for praying for our family ...

we have said our formal farewell to maria ...

the memorial service was on friday ... it was a sweet time of remembering and crying and even laughing together ... friends and family ... some came thousands of miles ... others drove for hours to be there ... even leo came along with me, for my support, and to honour maria's memory ...

i felt at peace during the service - the Lord definitely surrounded us with His love and assurance that maria was now pain free and with Him ... we are so thankful ...

Maria ... 1965 - 2010

2010-07-05T17:31:00.002-05:00

taken on June 9th ... i had such a good visit with Maria on that day ...

Maria passed away this morning (July 5, 2010) at 11:00 a.m.
she had been transferred to St. Boniface Hospital on friday ... they were going to do more heart surgery (an infection at the source of the last surgery was found late last week) ... but she was too weak to undergo what would have been her 3rd surgery in two weeks ... her body had had enough ...
i got to the hospital at 10:30 a.m. today, not knowing that her earthly life would end in only a few minutes ... they had hurriedly called her husband in and they were worried that he wouldn't arrive in time, but God was merciful and he made it ... we were both there as Maria took her last breath ... it was peaceful ... it was sad ... yet precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints ... she is finally pain free ...

thank you for all your prayer on Maria's behalf ... they meant so much to me and the family ...

in recovery

2010-06-25T22:32:00.000-05:00

maria was always in a hurry to get somewhere ...

we found out today that the surgeon thought maria would not survive the operation ... and if she survived the operation - he did not think she would recover ...

this evening mom and my younger sister were at ICU helping maria eat her supper ... my sister combed maria's hair and they were thankful that AGAIN maria was defying the odds ... when they asked her a question, she was able to answer them ... and she definitely didn't want mom to leave, she wanted her to stay ... i take all those as positive signs ...

i just want to thank you guys for keeping maria in your prayers ... our times are in God's hands ... we all leave this world at some point ... yet - everything in God's time ... and for God's purpose ...

update on maria ...

2010-06-23T08:56:00.000-05:00

just updating you on maria ... things had been going well ... she was doing "good"... then - her blood pressure started to drop low, for no apparent reason ... and she had a serious fall on sunday, causing a spiral fracture of her L elbow ... she was rushed to the hospital, where they discovered a major infection in that foot of hers (which they had declared free of infection and healing slowly, just a week ago) ... the end result was amputation of her leg beneath the knee ... that happened yesterday (tuesday) ... the surgery was a success (if one can call losing a limb successful) ... they are keeping her asleep until some time tonight ... maria will need prayer to accept this latest event in her life - she had been so happy with the good news of last week ... after she heals from the amputation, they will still need to put pins in that elbow fracture of hers ...

sad news is never fun to share ... but we KNOW that in ALL things, God is with those who trust in Him - and He comforts His children ... after all, didn't He send His Son, Jesus, so that we could be saved through Him ... i guess we need to view all of this through eternity's eyes - rather than our mortal ones which focus on earthly things ...

trusting in God's grace!

the goodness of the Lord ...

2010-06-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

this morning i was reading Psalm 33 and a notation i had made during one of my previous readings of it, made me smile ... verse 5 says: "He loveth reghteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord." ... after which i saw my note - "Look for it!" ... most of the time God's goodness is soooo obvious that a blind man can see it ... but sometimes we are focusing within - so we miss all the blessings around ... i'm glad today is one of those days when His goodness is easy to see!! but i STILL always LOOK FOR IT!

things that endure ... things that don't ...

2010-05-29T13:57:00.001-05:00

much happens in the course of a month ... doesn't it?

i just want to share one thing that happened during this past 4 weeks (can i only share one? let's see at the end of this post!!) ...

when leo and i were just 2 starry eyed kids ... we built a house ... we cleared the land, made a road, put in the septic field, dug a well ... then our church family came out for an old-fashionged barn raising - or house raising! it was truly an exciting time in our young lives ... we'd been married for 4 years and leo had been a christian for a year ... we were enjoying our little country church and the warm, loving folks who made us a part of their family ...

and we really loved our chalet type home ... we entertained A LOT in those days ... all kinds of people ... from all walks of life ... we had dedicated our home to the Lord, so it was open to all ... when we sold it - we walked away with tons of good memories ...

this is what our home looked like then ...

and this is what it looks like as of a few weeks ago ...

our old neighbour called to say it had burnt to the ground ... even though we had sold it decades ago ... it still felt sad to have this labour of love gone in such a horrible way ... thankfully no one was at home and no one was hurt!

which made me think of Jesus words: "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" ... "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." ...

the old saying of "here today, gone tomorrow" sure does apply to the material things of this world ... it was a very good time for a heart inventory ... where am i storing my treasures?

the flowers appear on the earth ...

2010-05-01T20:35:00.001-05:00

"My beloved spake, and said unto me, Rise up, my love, my fair one, and come away. For, lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth; the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land..."
Song of Solomon 2:10-12

i like this verse ... the flowers are indeed appearing in my little flower garden ... i was so anxious to see those green shoots sprouting and tulips blooming ... God's promise of better things to come ...

the verse also speaks of the birds singing ... which makes me think of maria ... her happy little voice as she called me from home after being sprung from the hospital! the 3 hour angioplasty which she endured, opened up 3 blocked arteries and they were successfully fitted with stents... now she has more pep and zip then i've seen in years ... that makes me thankful ...

lately it seems that there are joy stealers in and around me - floating in the very air i breath, wanting to land in my life ... but i will try to read scripture which keeps things in the proper prospective ... amen? amen!

blessings on your sunday!!!!

odds and ends

2010-04-18T17:06:00.001-05:00

the week has just flown by ... it seems i get up and it's already time to go to bed!!! i've meant to post a few times, but then leo and i get chatting or something else happens that my poor blog gets neglected! though you, my blog friends, are in my thoughts quite often ... i guess cause you are dear to my heart ... *big smile* ...

another dear to my heart person - maria - is in the hospital again ... she had a mild heart attack last tuesday and so they have kept her in for observation and to try and figure out what is causing her woes this time ... i thank you guys for praying for her - as the Lord brings her to your mind ...

on the lighter side of my life ... here are some pics that i took ...

can you see the sign of the fish in this one? i thought it was cool ... it was one of the first things i saw one morning ... it made me smile ...

we opened the front door (with the screen door closed to keep indie in!) ... and indie just stretched out, all content to finally have some real warmth hitting him ... he was twirling and purring for quite some time ... he made me smile ...

my mom gave me this little tapestry recently ... it was one of my parents' wedding presents - way back when ... it reminds me of the family unit that once was and simpler times in the finland of my childhood ... i put it up in the hallway the other day and when i see it - it makes me smile ...

* * * * * * * *

If you smile when no one else is around, you really mean it. ~Andy Rooney

chitchat saturday ...

2010-04-10T20:43:00.000-05:00

it's a quiet saturday evening, here in our little town ... i'm sitting in leo's big recliner, working on the laptop ... it's so nice to look outside and see the free flowing water - rather than a frozen river - and to anticipate new buds appearing on the bushes and trees - soon ... there are some buds sprouting in the flower garden ... i am always happy to see GREEN ... my favourite colour!

leo's doctors appt. went so very well on tuesday ... again, like the others, this doctor was kind and friendly ... he did go one step further than our other doctors - he suggested that maybe leo might like to see a neurosurgeon again ... leo doesn't think it'll help, but is ok with the idea ... we'll see what develops as we continue to trust God in ALL things ... i love the Lord so much ... :o)

it was a busy week ... i took our car in for an annual check up on thursday ... it was a good 50 minute drive from our place (everything is far, 'cause we live in a little town!) ... unfortunately, i came home with a rental ... :o( ... our car needed some repairs that took time ... i was sort of expecting something ... not because the car was acting up, but because we did some extra giving (by faith), and you know that old saying about no good deed going unpunished ... however - our joy of giving wasn't taken away by something unpleasant happening right after, and we even had to smile because the amount of the car repair was exactly the same as the amount that we had given!!! well there was a 42 cent difference - but what are the odds? the timing of it all was suspect! this has happened to us a number of times, in different areas of our life ... ever happen to you too?

last night we had some company ... they came bearing fish!!! pickerel ... yum ... my favourite ... leo used to catch me a fresh panful whenever i wanted it ... those were our "good cottage years" ... then his health began declining - and the fishing became less and less ... so whenever someone thinks to bring me fish - i am so so thankful ...

just thought i'd chitchat a bit ... and also wish you guys a most blessed sunday .... and week to come!!!

* * * * * * * *

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Easter Monday

2010-04-05T10:56:00.000-05:00

hope you all had a really good Easter weekend ... enjoying the many blessings God has surrounded us with ... i shake my head in wonderment when i stop to count my own blessings! wow!

i was able to sit down for a meal at my aunt's place on sunday ... surrounded by cousins, and their in-laws/out-laws ... was really great ... leo and indie stayed at home ... i'm glad little indie is good company for leo!

the pic i've posted was taken at my aunt's ... we got this great wind/rain storm while i was there - marvellous cloud formations passed through ... i loved it ... made me think of the song "the days of Elijah" ... i was humming it to myself ... smiling ...

well tomorrow is another doctor's appt. for leo ... and would you believe that we will be seeing yet another new doc ... yup ... we're not sure if the fellow we saw for a year will be coming back or not ... we have really liked all the new doctors, but i am praying for some stability in that area ... i find it stressful to meet someone who is a stranger to us, and doesn't know leo's case ... but in all this, God knows, so i either have faith ... or i don't have faith ... right?

and if you are wondering about maria ... she is doing well ... some bumps in the road, but her spirits remain good ... they changed her cast on that ankle, so far they have not mentioned amputation again ... we are thankful along with her ...

just saying hello on this day the Lord has made ... may you be blessed in it!

so glad Jesus came ... understatement, eh!!!!

2010-03-31T14:19:00.001-05:00

yesterday was passover (according to the calendar) ... so leo and i decided to have communion ... it was good to read the account of Jesus celebrating passover ... and His words, as He broke the bread and blessed the wine ... it was a sweet moment in our morning devotions ... thanking Jesus for all He has done for us ... INDEED - What a Saviour!!!

blessings on your Good Friday and Easter celebrations ...

Voices of the Faithful

2010-03-24T11:12:00.001-05:00

i've been reading "Voices of the Faithful", compiled by Kim P. Davis ... inspiring stories of courage from Christians serving around the world ... and the story i'm about to share has stayed with me through the past couple of days ... here it is:

One smart donkey

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us in whtever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him." 1 John 5:14-15 (NASB)

It was harvest time when Mrs. Tendai's (ten-DIES) donkey went missing. She searched everywhere and even reported the missing animal to the local police. When it was evident that her donkey had simply disappeared, she began praying that it would return.

Due to lack of good seed, fertilizer and sufficient rain, Mrs. Tendai's harvest that year was small, and she had little money to buy food for her family. Several months later, her prayers were more about God providing "daily bread" than finding the donkey. The family's maize meal supply was depleted. Would God answer her prayers for food?

The next morning, when Mrs. Tendai walked out of her hut, she was amazed to see her donkey standing there with a 100-pound bag of maize meal on its back! She was happy to see the donkey but afraid to use the maize meal since it wasn't hers.

Eventually a story was pieced together that a man had stolen her donkey and used it to do his labor. One night after grinding his corn, he went to the beer hall to drink, leaving the donkey burdened down with the maize meal outside. The donkey realized that he was not far from home and decided to return to where he would be taken care of and fed. The thief, wishing to remain anonymous, did not claim his maize meal, so Mrs. Tendai was able to use it to feed her family. God had answered both of her prayers in a very unusual manner! - Donna, Central, Eastern and Southern Africa

this story really hit home with me because God already knew that mrs. tendai would be praying for the family's daily sustenance in the very near future - He had the answer to her prayers prepared ahead of time ... even though the story started out with a bad experience, the stolen donkey ... ... it reminded me of our condo search ... i really did cry a river one night when the condo i thought was perfect for us, was taken off the market! i thought "why, Lord??" that was the one i wanted!! ... but we needed to journey along, pray earnestly and live in a rental- experience some things before God opened up the condo we are now in - which is quite perfect in all ways ... thank you Lord!

patience, prayer, perseverance ...

2010-03-21T11:01:00.002-05:00

ice fishing weekend

2010-03-14T17:14:00.000-05:00

we have had the most amazing week ... weatherwise, it was way above seasonal with a rapid melt happening ... today it was 13C or 55F here! WOW!!! leo and i have literally been watching the snow disappear!!!

the annual ice fishing derby was on this weekend ... about 1000 or so fishermen took advantage of the great weather and still solid ice conditions! we have front row seats from the condo to watch the coming and going ... even indie was by the window for an hour or so, wondering where all these people came from!

spiritually, we have been refreshed and blessed and growing ... God's word is something we share and discuss ... and there has been a sweetness around the house, that i would like to keep around forever ... life and chronic pain can sometimes chase away the gentle moments - so when they stay for longer periods of time i feel so blessed ...

here are pics taken of all those ice fishing folks! and also a little scene taken during my walk - the snow should be gone the next time i venture on the trail ... blessings on your week that is yet to be!

chitchat on a sunday afternoon ...

2010-03-07T14:44:00.000-06:00

this pic made me smile ... poor kitty, eh!!! ...

i have been an absent blog bud again ... it seems that the days have gotten shorter (though we know it's the other way round!) ... and what do i do all day, you might ask? ... well, i am an early riser, i love those first quiet hours ... they are so important to me and my time with God ... i read my devotions, while sipping coffee that leo prepared the night before ... then when leo gets up, we spend time reading together (currently it's billy graham's, "approaching hoofbeats") ... then my daily chores, groceries, etc. need doing ... and i've gotten quite religious about my walks - they are a must in my schedule ... later in the afternoon, more time chatting with leo ... then the phone calls to family and friends (maria still has her cast on and though she is getting antsy with spring around the corner - is doing well other wise... relative term!) ... and before you know it, the day is almost done ... i do fit in bits and pieces of time on the computer, e-mails and such ...

plus, even though my blog doesn't reflect it, leo and i are news hounds ... we follow all kinds of current events - whether on tv, newspaper or internet ... though i like to step away from that on sundays!!

who knew that retirement would be busier than my working days ever were? i am not complaining at all ... just marvelling at how full my days have become ... days that used to contain lonely moments - especially during those long winter months at our cottage ...

so i am still blogging ... just in a haphazard sort of way ... sending out a HELLO and Lord bless you guys - may your sunday (and the week to come) be peaceful!

i know Who holds my hand

2010-03-02T08:24:00.001-06:00

I know Who Holds Tomorrow

words and music by Ira Stanphill

I don't know about tomorrow,

I just live from day to day.

I don't borrow from it's sunshine,

For it's skies may turn to gray.

I don't worry o'er the future,

For I know what Jesus said.

And today I'll walk beside Him,

For He knows what is ahead.

Refrain

Many things about tomorrow,

I don't seem to understand;

But I know Who holds tomorrow,

And I know Who holds my hand.

Ev'ry step is getting brighter,

As the golden stairs I climb;

Ev'ry burden's getting lighter;

Ev'ry cloud is silver lined.

There the sun is always shining,

There no tear will dim the eyes,

At the ending of the rainbow,

Where the mountains touch the sky.

Refrain

Many things about tomorrow,

I don't seem to understand;

But I know Who holds tomorrow,

And I know Who holds my hand.

I don't know about tomorrow,

It may bring me poverty;

But the One Who feeds the sparrow,

Is the One Who stands by me.

And the path that be my portion,

May be through the flame or flood,

But His presence goes before me,

And I'm covered with His blood.

Refrain

Many things about tomorrow,

I don't seem to understand;

But I know Who holds tomorrow,

And I know Who holds my hand.