Spoiled!
She just got back from a 7+ week vacation! I haven't gone on vacation yet this year, but we may get a few days off soon...so I'll live vicariously through her in the meantime:) Yesterday we saw some of the pictures and heard some of the stories:) It is always intriguing to learn what different people choose to see and do when they go places. And she brought me something(s!) back...6 (!!) different fabrics (2 of which are Mary Engelbreit!!!) and some scrapbooking supplies!! Boy do I feel spoiled?!! Thanks again, you really shouldn't have...but I'm so tickled you did! :)
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
A Rational Fear
Yesterday I labeled my fear of falling on the ice as an 'irrational one', and today I'm back to say that I've reconsidered and have decided that it is a completely rational fear for me. You see, when I'm on skates I feel completely out of my comfort zone and out of control. I feel as if I could fall at any moment. And below me is this hard cold ice that doesn't seem pleasant to fall on. Furthermore, I never learned to skate when I was a child and more adaptable and limber. So I've re-categorized it...it's a rational fear!
I'll still keep trying to learn, but IT IS A RATIONAL FEAR!
(There, (sigh), my feeler-heart feels so much better now:)
Yesterday I labeled my fear of falling on the ice as an 'irrational one', and today I'm back to say that I've reconsidered and have decided that it is a completely rational fear for me. You see, when I'm on skates I feel completely out of my comfort zone and out of control. I feel as if I could fall at any moment. And below me is this hard cold ice that doesn't seem pleasant to fall on. Furthermore, I never learned to skate when I was a child and more adaptable and limber. So I've re-categorized it...it's a rational fear!
I'll still keep trying to learn, but IT IS A RATIONAL FEAR!
(There, (sigh), my feeler-heart feels so much better now:)
Monday, August 15, 2005
I Got Skates!
...that's right, it's August, and my husband just finished buying me a new pair of skates?! Talk about a zealous man!!
Friday night we had a 'date-night' to celebrate a recent accomplishment of Les' at work (Way to go, Baby, I'm still SO proud of you!!), and in between the dinner and the movie, on bended knee, he tried skate after skate on my foot... (yeah, he knows how to make me feel like a princess!:)
You see, he hasn't given up on the idea of us romantically skating togeher as a couple (despite the fact that I'm still not a fluent skater and have this irrational fear of falling on the ice!), and the skates I inherited from years gone by not only do not fit right, but are horribly uncomfortable. Les says that a new pair of top of the line CCM's will fix that, and that this is the best time of year to buy skates because you can get last year's top of the line model at a discount as this year's versions begin to be released. So now I have a pair of Sale and Pelletier's that I've been walking around our family room in this weekend.... (The things we do for love:)
p.s. We had a great date night! ...tried out a new sitter with Amanda, who was wonderful ...had a great meal at Tony Romas ...saw a romantic comedy (Must Love Dogs) ...and capped off the evening with Carmel Macchiatos at Starbucks! ...who could ask for more?! :)
...that's right, it's August, and my husband just finished buying me a new pair of skates?! Talk about a zealous man!!
Friday night we had a 'date-night' to celebrate a recent accomplishment of Les' at work (Way to go, Baby, I'm still SO proud of you!!), and in between the dinner and the movie, on bended knee, he tried skate after skate on my foot... (yeah, he knows how to make me feel like a princess!:)
You see, he hasn't given up on the idea of us romantically skating togeher as a couple (despite the fact that I'm still not a fluent skater and have this irrational fear of falling on the ice!), and the skates I inherited from years gone by not only do not fit right, but are horribly uncomfortable. Les says that a new pair of top of the line CCM's will fix that, and that this is the best time of year to buy skates because you can get last year's top of the line model at a discount as this year's versions begin to be released. So now I have a pair of Sale and Pelletier's that I've been walking around our family room in this weekend.... (The things we do for love:)
p.s. We had a great date night! ...tried out a new sitter with Amanda, who was wonderful ...had a great meal at Tony Romas ...saw a romantic comedy (Must Love Dogs) ...and capped off the evening with Carmel Macchiatos at Starbucks! ...who could ask for more?! :)
Biking Shorts
Our biking shorts arrived!! (And no, I'm not posting of picture of us in them!) We had no sooner opened the package on Friday than we put them on and took them out for a test ride. Wow, what an improvement?!!
We've been riding our bikes a fair bit this summer, but were getting tired of walking like c'boys when we were done. We tried an array of gel seats to no avail. So Les set out to find some good biking shorts, and in truth, there was really nothing much to be had around here, so I set about researching them on the internet and found an AeroDesign company that makes pro-biking shorts with different designs built for men and women. We did some finageling on price and shipping and saved about $40 in total. The shorts arrived within a week of ordering them and work wonderfully!!
Now at the beginning of this all I had such mis-givings about the whole idea and told Les that I couldn't see myself wearing them, but he said he could ;), and after this weekend, I tell ya, I wouldn't be without them! :)
Our biking shorts arrived!! (And no, I'm not posting of picture of us in them!) We had no sooner opened the package on Friday than we put them on and took them out for a test ride. Wow, what an improvement?!!
We've been riding our bikes a fair bit this summer, but were getting tired of walking like c'boys when we were done. We tried an array of gel seats to no avail. So Les set out to find some good biking shorts, and in truth, there was really nothing much to be had around here, so I set about researching them on the internet and found an AeroDesign company that makes pro-biking shorts with different designs built for men and women. We did some finageling on price and shipping and saved about $40 in total. The shorts arrived within a week of ordering them and work wonderfully!!
Now at the beginning of this all I had such mis-givings about the whole idea and told Les that I couldn't see myself wearing them, but he said he could ;), and after this weekend, I tell ya, I wouldn't be without them! :)
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Let me see...
...let me see, what HAVE we been doing lately?
- One night we headed to Long & McQuade for a look-a-bout. This was my second time in the new store, and I really like it!
- Last Friday night Les and I went to the races. I'm amazed at how many drivers I either know or know of?! I bbq'd some salmon for supper first and then when we got home we were treated to a Northern Lights show from our deck! (I love it!!)
- Visited with both sides of the family.
- Facilitated a lot of 'play-dates' for Miss Amanda.
- Yard work, house work, a walk or two and bike riding.
- Became a second cousin again (my youngest cousin, Crystal had a baby boy, Dominic...he's over 9 lbs and 23 inches...why give birth to a baby when you can give birth to a toddler?! :)
It's amazing how fast the summer seems to be going by. Les has been working a lot, but it looks like we're going to have 4 days off as a family together later this month, so I'm looking forward to that! We're loving our yard a lot this summer, but lately have been plagued with a few un-invited guests on our deck at supper-time...wasps! We can't seem to find a hive/nest, so I don't know where they are coming from, but a couple of them seem to like my cooking, so we're looking for ideas of how we can deter them from the deck at meal-time (any and all thoughts are welcome:)
And on a completely unrelated note, last night I caught a few minutes of 'Crossroads' before Les got home from work. I was flipping around and paused when I heard a familiar song coming out of Martina McBride's mouth...it was 'Promises in the Dark', and then out came Pat Benatar to sing it with her! The whole show was the two of them doing each other's songs, and it was so good! When I was a little girl, my brother was mostly grown and had this big stereo and quite a collection of rock music. I used to borrow his records and then give concerts of my own, often singing Pat Benatar's hits, so seeing this pairing on Crossroads was such a hoot to me! And it turns out Martina McBride used to do the same thing as me?! She says that singing Benatar tunes in her bedroom is probably where she developed her vocal range. The highlight for me though was probably hearing Benatar sing the chorus from McBride's 'Independence Day'. It rocked! It was such a strange but interesting pairing of the rocker and the country star, but these two women have so much in common...they are strong intelligent women with strong voices, both with real partnerships in marriage and both with daughters. I didn't get to see the whole show, but it certainly put Suzi Rawn's reprise of a Benatar song on Idol last week in it's place...that was just all 'Raw'g! (in my humble opinion:)
...let me see, what HAVE we been doing lately?
- One night we headed to Long & McQuade for a look-a-bout. This was my second time in the new store, and I really like it!
- Last Friday night Les and I went to the races. I'm amazed at how many drivers I either know or know of?! I bbq'd some salmon for supper first and then when we got home we were treated to a Northern Lights show from our deck! (I love it!!)
- Visited with both sides of the family.
- Facilitated a lot of 'play-dates' for Miss Amanda.
- Yard work, house work, a walk or two and bike riding.
- Became a second cousin again (my youngest cousin, Crystal had a baby boy, Dominic...he's over 9 lbs and 23 inches...why give birth to a baby when you can give birth to a toddler?! :)
It's amazing how fast the summer seems to be going by. Les has been working a lot, but it looks like we're going to have 4 days off as a family together later this month, so I'm looking forward to that! We're loving our yard a lot this summer, but lately have been plagued with a few un-invited guests on our deck at supper-time...wasps! We can't seem to find a hive/nest, so I don't know where they are coming from, but a couple of them seem to like my cooking, so we're looking for ideas of how we can deter them from the deck at meal-time (any and all thoughts are welcome:)
And on a completely unrelated note, last night I caught a few minutes of 'Crossroads' before Les got home from work. I was flipping around and paused when I heard a familiar song coming out of Martina McBride's mouth...it was 'Promises in the Dark', and then out came Pat Benatar to sing it with her! The whole show was the two of them doing each other's songs, and it was so good! When I was a little girl, my brother was mostly grown and had this big stereo and quite a collection of rock music. I used to borrow his records and then give concerts of my own, often singing Pat Benatar's hits, so seeing this pairing on Crossroads was such a hoot to me! And it turns out Martina McBride used to do the same thing as me?! She says that singing Benatar tunes in her bedroom is probably where she developed her vocal range. The highlight for me though was probably hearing Benatar sing the chorus from McBride's 'Independence Day'. It rocked! It was such a strange but interesting pairing of the rocker and the country star, but these two women have so much in common...they are strong intelligent women with strong voices, both with real partnerships in marriage and both with daughters. I didn't get to see the whole show, but it certainly put Suzi Rawn's reprise of a Benatar song on Idol last week in it's place...that was just all 'Raw'g! (in my humble opinion:)
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
As I read this piece of prose today, I couldn't help but think of my handsome husband and what we share together...
Now we feel no rain,
for each of us will be shelter to the other.
Now we feel no cold,
for each of us will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness,
for each of us will be a companion to the other.
We are two bodies,
but there is one life before us and one home.
When evening falls,
I'll look up and there you will be.
I'll take your hand;
you'll take mine and we'll turn together
To look at the road we traveled to reach this - the hour of our happiness. It stretches behind us,
even as the future lies ahead.
A long and winding road,
whose every turn means discovery.
Old hopes, new laughter, shared fears.
The adventure has just begun.
God is good!!
Now we feel no rain,
for each of us will be shelter to the other.
Now we feel no cold,
for each of us will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no loneliness,
for each of us will be a companion to the other.
We are two bodies,
but there is one life before us and one home.
When evening falls,
I'll look up and there you will be.
I'll take your hand;
you'll take mine and we'll turn together
To look at the road we traveled to reach this - the hour of our happiness. It stretches behind us,
even as the future lies ahead.
A long and winding road,
whose every turn means discovery.
Old hopes, new laughter, shared fears.
The adventure has just begun.
God is good!!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Gotta Love Starbucks!
OK, I know it's a bit over-priced, but I have to admit a weakness for the occasional treat from Starbucks! This spring, Les and I got a Duetto card and now we earn points toward free Starbucks stuff, which certainly helps! I can't even remember the last time I PAID for a coffee:) And to top that off, the other day when I was in there getting some light fraps for Les and I, they gave me a half pound of the coffee of my choice just for using my Starbucks card! Also when we brought the mail in on the weekend, they had sent us a coupon to have one of their new treats (three different green tea products) on them! All this, and a couple of weeks ago they sent us a postcard thanking us for our business and giving us more $s to spend on our Starbucks card! There must be a catch?! ...the people are even friendly when you go in to order your drinks!! ...and a few weeks ago, when they were having a problem with one of their machines, they gave me a free macchiato just to make sure my 'flavour experience' was the best!! And you know, another thing I like, is that they have healthier options for people's different ways of eating. I order everything non-fat and it's still delicious! My favourite picks are (hot) the grande carmel macchiato, no fat, no sugar, and (cold) the grande light carmel frappucino...mmmm! Gotta love Starbucks!
OK, I know it's a bit over-priced, but I have to admit a weakness for the occasional treat from Starbucks! This spring, Les and I got a Duetto card and now we earn points toward free Starbucks stuff, which certainly helps! I can't even remember the last time I PAID for a coffee:) And to top that off, the other day when I was in there getting some light fraps for Les and I, they gave me a half pound of the coffee of my choice just for using my Starbucks card! Also when we brought the mail in on the weekend, they had sent us a coupon to have one of their new treats (three different green tea products) on them! All this, and a couple of weeks ago they sent us a postcard thanking us for our business and giving us more $s to spend on our Starbucks card! There must be a catch?! ...the people are even friendly when you go in to order your drinks!! ...and a few weeks ago, when they were having a problem with one of their machines, they gave me a free macchiato just to make sure my 'flavour experience' was the best!! And you know, another thing I like, is that they have healthier options for people's different ways of eating. I order everything non-fat and it's still delicious! My favourite picks are (hot) the grande carmel macchiato, no fat, no sugar, and (cold) the grande light carmel frappucino...mmmm! Gotta love Starbucks!
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
We'll definitely be doing that again...
Les and I headed to the races on Saturday night. I've been to Bridge City a few times before I was married with friends of mine, but this is the first time we've ever gone as a couple. And I'd have to say that I enjoyed it far better than I thought I would! I think it's one of those things, like football, that is more enjoyable to watch in person than on TV. Also, the short track makes it so that you can see all the action. That and the fact that many of the races were shorter distances seemed to keep my attention better too. Probably the biggest thing though that added to my enjoyment of the evening was simply being with my precious man! He thoroughly enjoyed the races and patiently explained all sorts of things to me throughout the evening, so now I can kind of follow what is happening even though I can barely hear the announcer over the roar of the engines! It was a fun date-night...and I think I'd like to do that again! (Who'd a thunk it?!)
Les and I headed to the races on Saturday night. I've been to Bridge City a few times before I was married with friends of mine, but this is the first time we've ever gone as a couple. And I'd have to say that I enjoyed it far better than I thought I would! I think it's one of those things, like football, that is more enjoyable to watch in person than on TV. Also, the short track makes it so that you can see all the action. That and the fact that many of the races were shorter distances seemed to keep my attention better too. Probably the biggest thing though that added to my enjoyment of the evening was simply being with my precious man! He thoroughly enjoyed the races and patiently explained all sorts of things to me throughout the evening, so now I can kind of follow what is happening even though I can barely hear the announcer over the roar of the engines! It was a fun date-night...and I think I'd like to do that again! (Who'd a thunk it?!)
Monday, July 25, 2005
Amazing Women!
This weekend was extra-special for two women whom I love very much! Elizabeth Nickel and Gloria Reimer were commissioned as ministers of the Free Methodist Church...(a journey I found myself on just a few years ago as well, but one that is on hold for now:)
Both Elizabeth and Gloria have touched my life in many ways! As I've written here before, Elizabeth has been a mentor, a sister, a friend and even a mother figure to me through the years. She is the Pastor that married Les and I...I believe we were the first couple she actually wed! She has been such an encourager and shepherd in my life, and I wish I had the time and words to really try to explain that more fully!
Gloria has also been a huge encouragement to me in many ways! She is a strong woman and has helped me to grow in many ways through the years (as iron sharpens iron). Gloria is someone who loves learning and seeks to learn through every experience and every person she meets in life. She has made a special place in her heart for my family...and especially my father. I will never forget her prayers whispered in his ear when he was in critical condition, nor her hugs for him when he walks through the Church door. I think sometimes he would try to escape them, but she would never let that happen, and I know he loves her for it!
I wish I had more time this morning to pay tribute to these two amazing women who mean so much to me! My time nor words are sufficient for that though.
This weekend was extra-special for two women whom I love very much! Elizabeth Nickel and Gloria Reimer were commissioned as ministers of the Free Methodist Church...(a journey I found myself on just a few years ago as well, but one that is on hold for now:)
Both Elizabeth and Gloria have touched my life in many ways! As I've written here before, Elizabeth has been a mentor, a sister, a friend and even a mother figure to me through the years. She is the Pastor that married Les and I...I believe we were the first couple she actually wed! She has been such an encourager and shepherd in my life, and I wish I had the time and words to really try to explain that more fully!
Gloria has also been a huge encouragement to me in many ways! She is a strong woman and has helped me to grow in many ways through the years (as iron sharpens iron). Gloria is someone who loves learning and seeks to learn through every experience and every person she meets in life. She has made a special place in her heart for my family...and especially my father. I will never forget her prayers whispered in his ear when he was in critical condition, nor her hugs for him when he walks through the Church door. I think sometimes he would try to escape them, but she would never let that happen, and I know he loves her for it!
I wish I had more time this morning to pay tribute to these two amazing women who mean so much to me! My time nor words are sufficient for that though.
Monday, July 18, 2005
Scrapbooking
I guess I'm getting in on this a little bit late, but better late than never, right?! I've been interested in scrapbooking for some time, but always pushed it off as "too expensive" or "something I just didn't have time for". Well this past birthday, my husband and brother set me up with a few supplies, and this weekend I did my first three scrapbook pages! I'm really enjoying this new hobby and hope it is something I can follow through on. I've started working on a portrait scrapbook of Amanda. I'm calling it, "Amanda, Portrait of a Living Dolly!" This way, I have a resting place for all those portraits of our girlie each year (once they have been displayed in a place of honour for their due time:)
I'd love to hear from any of you who are scrapbookers about suggested themes, free resources, etc. I love looking at other people's scrapbooks, and I've been getting books from the library periodically to peruse. I think what I like best about scrapbooks is that they are more than just picture albums, they tell stories! ...Well, back to working on Amanda's story...
I guess I'm getting in on this a little bit late, but better late than never, right?! I've been interested in scrapbooking for some time, but always pushed it off as "too expensive" or "something I just didn't have time for". Well this past birthday, my husband and brother set me up with a few supplies, and this weekend I did my first three scrapbook pages! I'm really enjoying this new hobby and hope it is something I can follow through on. I've started working on a portrait scrapbook of Amanda. I'm calling it, "Amanda, Portrait of a Living Dolly!" This way, I have a resting place for all those portraits of our girlie each year (once they have been displayed in a place of honour for their due time:)
I'd love to hear from any of you who are scrapbookers about suggested themes, free resources, etc. I love looking at other people's scrapbooks, and I've been getting books from the library periodically to peruse. I think what I like best about scrapbooks is that they are more than just picture albums, they tell stories! ...Well, back to working on Amanda's story...
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Summer's Good
Things have been busy, but good (or should I say, work has been busy, home has been good?!) We've been outside a lot enjoying the weather...bike-riding, gardening, bbqing.... Speaking of gardening, this past weekend, Les and I took on a little project and carved out a couple of perenniel beds in the backyard. Boy, that was more work than I figured, but they turned out well. In the first bed (along the side fence) we've planted a rose bush (yes, a rose bush!! deep pink and all in bloom!) and some perrenials (salvia, fox glove(?), bees balm (funky pink daisy like flowers) and...oooh a ground cover with purple flowers that I can't think of the name of). Most of the perenniels came from the church sale in June. In the second bed (along the back corner of the fence) we planted more perenniels (most of which were adopted from Alana:)...painted daisies, a lilly, and iris and some type of ground cover. Hopefully they will all like their new home and bloom! We also bought one new plant...a huge purple cornflower (Echinecea) which is already in bloom, and we rescued some white daisies from homelessness in the back-alley behind our fence (they are also in bloom!) Of course, we picked the hottest part of the hottest day of the weekend to do the majority of the work. Oh well, it feels good to have it done!
Amanda is blooming in her own way this week too. Yes, my tween is taking part in "Fashion Camp" each day and loving it! She's already painted jeans, made a belt and purse and all sorts of jewellry, and that's only after the second day!
Les has been working tonnes, and since we tend to work opposite schedules, I took this past Monday off to spend his day off with him. He, in turn, took me to Earls for lunch (mmmm, I had my bento box even!) We had an awesome day together!!
Yes, overall, summer is good!
Things have been busy, but good (or should I say, work has been busy, home has been good?!) We've been outside a lot enjoying the weather...bike-riding, gardening, bbqing.... Speaking of gardening, this past weekend, Les and I took on a little project and carved out a couple of perenniel beds in the backyard. Boy, that was more work than I figured, but they turned out well. In the first bed (along the side fence) we've planted a rose bush (yes, a rose bush!! deep pink and all in bloom!) and some perrenials (salvia, fox glove(?), bees balm (funky pink daisy like flowers) and...oooh a ground cover with purple flowers that I can't think of the name of). Most of the perenniels came from the church sale in June. In the second bed (along the back corner of the fence) we planted more perenniels (most of which were adopted from Alana:)...painted daisies, a lilly, and iris and some type of ground cover. Hopefully they will all like their new home and bloom! We also bought one new plant...a huge purple cornflower (Echinecea) which is already in bloom, and we rescued some white daisies from homelessness in the back-alley behind our fence (they are also in bloom!) Of course, we picked the hottest part of the hottest day of the weekend to do the majority of the work. Oh well, it feels good to have it done!
Amanda is blooming in her own way this week too. Yes, my tween is taking part in "Fashion Camp" each day and loving it! She's already painted jeans, made a belt and purse and all sorts of jewellry, and that's only after the second day!
Les has been working tonnes, and since we tend to work opposite schedules, I took this past Monday off to spend his day off with him. He, in turn, took me to Earls for lunch (mmmm, I had my bento box even!) We had an awesome day together!!
Yes, overall, summer is good!
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Girls' Night!
Amanda and I have been having lots of girls' nights this week while Les has been away working. Tonight we made Chinese for supper and watched the movie "What a Girl Wants". We had seen it together before in the theatre, but that was a couple of years ago, so when it was available at the library, we thought we'd see it again. Our favourite line from the movie was when a friend of the main character's said to her, "Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were made to stand out?!" Amanda and I talked quite a lot about what that meant and about what good advice that was. Also, as far as I'm concerned, you can't complain about a movie with Colin Firth in it... (Guilty confession time, I think he's delightful as far as actors go...I mean you can't go wrong with a cross between Mr. Darcy and my own dear hubby?!!) The movie had a happy ending...daughter reunited with father; father brings charming boy that daughter likes back to her; father and mother deeply in love...you know, your typical "happily ever after". As we cuddled tonight Amanda and I talked about how we are living our own happily ever after:) We talked, we laughed, we shared chai lattes and cherries with pits...gotta love girls' night!!
On another note, this afternoon we went bike riding, and I just have one question for you... How is it that you can feel so good bike-riding...feel like you could go on forever and then, the moment you get off the bike find yourself to be overheating a bit?! It must have something to do with the wind and velocity keeping you cool, but both Amanda and I felt that way. Oh well, at least it was a nice day for a ride:)
Amanda and I have been having lots of girls' nights this week while Les has been away working. Tonight we made Chinese for supper and watched the movie "What a Girl Wants". We had seen it together before in the theatre, but that was a couple of years ago, so when it was available at the library, we thought we'd see it again. Our favourite line from the movie was when a friend of the main character's said to her, "Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were made to stand out?!" Amanda and I talked quite a lot about what that meant and about what good advice that was. Also, as far as I'm concerned, you can't complain about a movie with Colin Firth in it... (Guilty confession time, I think he's delightful as far as actors go...I mean you can't go wrong with a cross between Mr. Darcy and my own dear hubby?!!) The movie had a happy ending...daughter reunited with father; father brings charming boy that daughter likes back to her; father and mother deeply in love...you know, your typical "happily ever after". As we cuddled tonight Amanda and I talked about how we are living our own happily ever after:) We talked, we laughed, we shared chai lattes and cherries with pits...gotta love girls' night!!
On another note, this afternoon we went bike riding, and I just have one question for you... How is it that you can feel so good bike-riding...feel like you could go on forever and then, the moment you get off the bike find yourself to be overheating a bit?! It must have something to do with the wind and velocity keeping you cool, but both Amanda and I felt that way. Oh well, at least it was a nice day for a ride:)
An 82 Year Old Man
The other day at work I met an 82 year old man who happens to own a few shares in the company. He's been residing of late in Africa and was in town for a quick visit, so he popped in to see the CEO right around coffee time, and I am so much richer for getting to sit with him in the coffee room and hear his stories of what he's been doing in Kenya.
This is a very unassuming man. I'm not sure what he did for a living earlier in his life, but from things he's said in passing, I think he worked with farmers. He's lived in Ontario and Saskatchewan, and then he and his wife retired to B.C. Unfortunately, his wife passed away a few years ago. When she was alive they had always wanted to go and work in Africa, but he says "the doors were never opened."
Well a couple of years ago, this man went on a tour over there, and he's been there ever since. He talks in a disheartened manner of all the NGO's that we hear of and support and how they really do little there to help reduce poverty...that little of the money actually gets to the people who need it. He has an obvious passion to see these families be able to get out of the cycle of poverty.
One of the things that struck him the most was their need for water. You would never have a farm here without a well so he started finding ways to help groups of farmers build wells. On a sabatical trip back to B.C. a while ago, he says he was praying for specific incite of how to find water for these people and not waste effort on dry holes. He believes the Holy Spirit lead him to his closet, and within a few minutes he had fashioned these two "L" shaped tools. He lifted them up to show us and then he walked around our coffee room. The two rods would stay apart as he walked and then suddenly they crossed over each other (without his hands directing them to). At that point he said, "there's a stream here". He then asked the rods how far down the water was and they counted out the feet. He said that he knows they look like silly rods, but that he believes they are talking to him and that it's been incredible how accurate they have been in finding water for these people. To date he has been part of the construction of over 300 shallow wells. (By the way, he also passed the rods over two glasses of water - one with 10 grains of salt in it and one without. The rods crossed themselves only over the unsalted water, further showing the accuracy of his tool.)
This man not only helps the people he works with find water, he's taught them how to come together and help each other. He'll get three farmers working together to construct wells for each other so it costs less, and he's taught them to sell their rice from one day's meal in the market each week (and eat vegetation that day) to save up for the tools needed. He's still working out a way to get the cost of tools down, he says.
I was amazed by this man's stories and the pictures I saw. Then someone else asked him the exact question that was on my heart. "How do you finance your work? I mean, do you have the covering of any church or organization?" The answer was "no". He does not have the covering of any organization. He finances himself.
I was touched by this man...by his stories, his example, his heart and his faith. That was the best thing that happened at work this week:)
The other day at work I met an 82 year old man who happens to own a few shares in the company. He's been residing of late in Africa and was in town for a quick visit, so he popped in to see the CEO right around coffee time, and I am so much richer for getting to sit with him in the coffee room and hear his stories of what he's been doing in Kenya.
This is a very unassuming man. I'm not sure what he did for a living earlier in his life, but from things he's said in passing, I think he worked with farmers. He's lived in Ontario and Saskatchewan, and then he and his wife retired to B.C. Unfortunately, his wife passed away a few years ago. When she was alive they had always wanted to go and work in Africa, but he says "the doors were never opened."
Well a couple of years ago, this man went on a tour over there, and he's been there ever since. He talks in a disheartened manner of all the NGO's that we hear of and support and how they really do little there to help reduce poverty...that little of the money actually gets to the people who need it. He has an obvious passion to see these families be able to get out of the cycle of poverty.
One of the things that struck him the most was their need for water. You would never have a farm here without a well so he started finding ways to help groups of farmers build wells. On a sabatical trip back to B.C. a while ago, he says he was praying for specific incite of how to find water for these people and not waste effort on dry holes. He believes the Holy Spirit lead him to his closet, and within a few minutes he had fashioned these two "L" shaped tools. He lifted them up to show us and then he walked around our coffee room. The two rods would stay apart as he walked and then suddenly they crossed over each other (without his hands directing them to). At that point he said, "there's a stream here". He then asked the rods how far down the water was and they counted out the feet. He said that he knows they look like silly rods, but that he believes they are talking to him and that it's been incredible how accurate they have been in finding water for these people. To date he has been part of the construction of over 300 shallow wells. (By the way, he also passed the rods over two glasses of water - one with 10 grains of salt in it and one without. The rods crossed themselves only over the unsalted water, further showing the accuracy of his tool.)
This man not only helps the people he works with find water, he's taught them how to come together and help each other. He'll get three farmers working together to construct wells for each other so it costs less, and he's taught them to sell their rice from one day's meal in the market each week (and eat vegetation that day) to save up for the tools needed. He's still working out a way to get the cost of tools down, he says.
I was amazed by this man's stories and the pictures I saw. Then someone else asked him the exact question that was on my heart. "How do you finance your work? I mean, do you have the covering of any church or organization?" The answer was "no". He does not have the covering of any organization. He finances himself.
I was touched by this man...by his stories, his example, his heart and his faith. That was the best thing that happened at work this week:)
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Highlights of the Last Few Days...
This past weekend Amanda was on a sleepover so Les and I had some extended 'date' time:) On Friday night we went to the Jazz Festival where we sat in the Bessborough Gardens and heard Theresa Sokyrka perform (along with others). Man, her voice is a lot more impactful in person than I realized. She sang quite a few new songs that she had written in the last few months. I particularly liked one called 'Riverbend'.
Saturday morning we actually got to sleep in a bit and then headed out for a bike ride together. It was a beautiful morning (much nicer than the weather network said it would be). The sun was shining, birds were singing... Afterward we did a bit of yardwork and then enjoyed our lunch al-fresco. It's so nice to be able to eat on our deck these days. We only recently got a patio set, so it's a new experience for us, but we sure like it. With the huge trees lining the view beyond our yard, it doesn't even feel like we are in the city. It's more like a mini-vacation everytime we are out there.
Sunday was a great day too. We had some friends in for a potluck bbq. I love having people over! We visited, we ate, we played games, we had pie. It was all good!
This past weekend Amanda was on a sleepover so Les and I had some extended 'date' time:) On Friday night we went to the Jazz Festival where we sat in the Bessborough Gardens and heard Theresa Sokyrka perform (along with others). Man, her voice is a lot more impactful in person than I realized. She sang quite a few new songs that she had written in the last few months. I particularly liked one called 'Riverbend'.
Saturday morning we actually got to sleep in a bit and then headed out for a bike ride together. It was a beautiful morning (much nicer than the weather network said it would be). The sun was shining, birds were singing... Afterward we did a bit of yardwork and then enjoyed our lunch al-fresco. It's so nice to be able to eat on our deck these days. We only recently got a patio set, so it's a new experience for us, but we sure like it. With the huge trees lining the view beyond our yard, it doesn't even feel like we are in the city. It's more like a mini-vacation everytime we are out there.
Sunday was a great day too. We had some friends in for a potluck bbq. I love having people over! We visited, we ate, we played games, we had pie. It was all good!
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
I'm a "Cool" Mom Now!
I was royally treated for my birthday this weekend. My husband romanced me, family and friends visited me, there were cakes and and cards and presents and laughs and fun. Amanda went to extra lengths to get me just the right present. Apparently the first store she went to was actually sold out of what she wanted, and a substitute just wouldn't do. Was I ever surprised when I opened her gift...earrings from the Stuff by Duff line! She wanted me to finally have something from Stuff by Duff (her favourite line;). I guess, I'm the "coolest" mom now! :)
I was royally treated for my birthday this weekend. My husband romanced me, family and friends visited me, there were cakes and and cards and presents and laughs and fun. Amanda went to extra lengths to get me just the right present. Apparently the first store she went to was actually sold out of what she wanted, and a substitute just wouldn't do. Was I ever surprised when I opened her gift...earrings from the Stuff by Duff line! She wanted me to finally have something from Stuff by Duff (her favourite line;). I guess, I'm the "coolest" mom now! :)
Thursday, June 16, 2005
The "I CAN'T!" Girl, COULD, and She DID!
I have battled many times with my darling daughter this last year (and the years before that) over the words, "I CAN'T!" ...hoping to banish them from her vocabulary. Fighting for her to believe in herself more and see all the wonderful things God made her to be and all the amazing things she CAN do. There have been more than a few tears from my Dolly when she started a new math section and in frustration declared that she just "CAN'T" do this! They broke my heart (and secretly lead to a few of my own tears) because she is such a bright and delightful child who CAN do anything...as I've told her over and over again. I've also told her many times that I don't want her to be perfect (we all make mistakes and much of the learning comes from there), but I do want her to try and to always do her best... I think I've shared some of this with you before...
Well, today we celebrate my girl who "CAN". This is Amanda's news more than mine. She is the one who did the work and who tried her best, and so it is with great pleasure that I let you in on the result. This morning Les and I attended an assembly at Amanda's school where she received The Honour Roll!!
Amanda, Daddy and I are VERY proud of you! ...not just for the grades though (or the Honour Roll), but for all the trying and the doing your best and the coming to believe in yourself (and in what we told you) more and more. You CAN do anything! We believe in you! Always believe in yourself and know that your best is always good enough! You are very bright and so imaginative and so creative and sensitive and caring....and we love you SO much!!
I have battled many times with my darling daughter this last year (and the years before that) over the words, "I CAN'T!" ...hoping to banish them from her vocabulary. Fighting for her to believe in herself more and see all the wonderful things God made her to be and all the amazing things she CAN do. There have been more than a few tears from my Dolly when she started a new math section and in frustration declared that she just "CAN'T" do this! They broke my heart (and secretly lead to a few of my own tears) because she is such a bright and delightful child who CAN do anything...as I've told her over and over again. I've also told her many times that I don't want her to be perfect (we all make mistakes and much of the learning comes from there), but I do want her to try and to always do her best... I think I've shared some of this with you before...
Well, today we celebrate my girl who "CAN". This is Amanda's news more than mine. She is the one who did the work and who tried her best, and so it is with great pleasure that I let you in on the result. This morning Les and I attended an assembly at Amanda's school where she received The Honour Roll!!
Amanda, Daddy and I are VERY proud of you! ...not just for the grades though (or the Honour Roll), but for all the trying and the doing your best and the coming to believe in yourself (and in what we told you) more and more. You CAN do anything! We believe in you! Always believe in yourself and know that your best is always good enough! You are very bright and so imaginative and so creative and sensitive and caring....and we love you SO much!!
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
What is Your Theological Worldview?
You scored as Evangelical Holiness/Wesleyan. You are an evangelical in the Wesleyan tradition. You believe that God's grace enables you to choose to believe in him, even though you yourself are totally depraved. The gift of the Holy Spirit gives you assurance of your salvation, and he also enables you to live the life of obedience to which God has called us. You are influenced heavly by John Wesley and the Methodists.
What's your theological worldview? created with QuizFarm.com |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)