Love is:
(from a child's perspective)

1. "When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore. So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too. That's love."
- Rebecca - age 8

2. "When someone loves you, the way they say your name is different. You know that your name is safe in their mouth."
- Billy - age 4

3. "Love is when a girl puts on perfume and a boy puts on shaving cologne and they go out and smell each other."
- Karl - age 5

4. "Love is when you go out to eat and give somebody most of your French fries without making them give you any of theirs."
- Chrissy - age 6

5. "Love is when someone hurts you. And you get so mad but you try not to hurt their feelings."
- Samantha - age 6

6. "Love is what makes you smile when you're tired."
- Terri - age 4

7. "Love is when my mommy makes coffee for my daddy and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK."
- Danny - age 7

8. "Love is when you kiss all the time. Then when you get tired of kissing, you still want to be together and you talk more. My mommy and Daddy are like that. They look gross when they kiss."
- Emily - age 8

9. "Love is what's in the room with you at Christmas if you stop
opening presents and listen."
- Bobby - age 5

10. "If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a
friend who you hate."
- Nikka - age 6

11. "Love is hugging, Love is kissing, Love is saying no"
- Patty - age 8

12. "When you tell someone something bad about yourself and you're scared they won't love you anymore. But then you get surprised because not only do they still love you, they love you even more."
- Matthew - age 7

13. "There are two kinds of love. Our love. God's love. But God makes both kinds of them."
- Jenny - age 4

14. "Love is when you tell a guy you like his shirt, then he wears it everyday."
- Noelle - age 7

15. "Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are
still friends even after they know each other so well."
- Tommy - age 6

16. "During my piano recital, I was on a stage and scared. I looked at all the people watching me and saw my daddy waving and smiling. He was the only one doing that. I wasn't scared anymore."
- Cindy - age 8

17. "My mommy loves me more than anybody. You don't see anyone else kissing me to sleep at night."
- Clare - Age 5

18. "Love is when mommy gives daddy the best piece of chicken." - Elaine - age 5

19. "Love is when mommy sees daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."
- Chris - age 8

20. "Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."
- Mary Ann - age 4

21. "I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go out and buy new ones."
- Lauren

22. "I let my big sister pick on me because my Mom says she only picks on me because she loves me. So I pick on my baby sister because I love her."
- Bethany - age 4

23. "Love cards like Valentine's cards say stuff on them that we'd
like to say ourselves, but we wouldn't be caught dead saying."
- Mike - age 8

24. "When you love somebody, your eyelashes go up and down and little stars come out of you."
- Karen - age 7

25. "Love is when mommy sees daddy on the toilet and she doesn't think it's gross."
- Mark - age 6

26. "You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it. But if you mean it, you should say it a lot. People forget."
- Jessica - age 8

27. "Love is that first feeling you feel before all the bad stuff gets in the way."
- Charlie - age 5

Creation Calls

There was the most beautiful sunrise as I drove to work this morning with colours of pink fading to purple and blue all along the horizon. I woke up this morning singing this song, and the sky gave me one more reason to keep singing it...

Creation Calls
Brian Doerksen

I have felt the wind blow
whispering Your name
I have seen Your tears fall
when I watch the rain

How could I say there is no God
When all around creation calls
A singing bird, a mighty tree
The vast expanse of open sea

Gazing at a bird in flight
soaring through the air
Lying down beneath the stars
I feel Your presence there

I love to stand at ocean’s shore
And feel the thundering breakers roar
To walk through golden fields of grain
‘Neath endless blue, horizon’s frame

Listening to a river run
watering the earth
Fragrance of a rose in bloom
a new-born’s cry at birth

I believe . . . I believe . . . . I believe . . .

1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing
CCLI Song No. 1346834

Brian Doerksen(http://www.briandoerksen.com)
began writing this song a few years ago while visiting relatives in Saskatchewan (you'll recognize the lines about the fields and sky). As Les and I were driving back from Edmonton last week, we were awed again by Saskatchewan's sky, and the majestic sunset that brought us home. Sometimes I feel like God paints the sky just for us:)

Worship

A week ago today, Robin Mark taught me alot about worship as we explored an important act of worship in Revelation 5. This chapter confirmed to me that singing (while not our only act of worship) is a big deal. What's sticking in my heart today though are some verses in Genesis 49:9-10 and the thought that every occasion of worship may be preordained...that God is waiting for our worship...that He has ordained it! Oh the thought of the God of the universe actually waiting our worship:)

Worship is our response to God's actions. You do it because He is worthy, not for Him to do something for you. You don't do it to please Him because He's already pleased with you anyway! Worship is more than just praise to God for what He has done though, it's a time of sitting at the table with him and enjoying that intimacy.

In Revelation there is evidence that when we worship the angels join us in our song, and not only them, all of creation worships with us...(imagine the spiders in the baseboards of the walls joining in:)

I was blessed with many opportunities to worship this past week, in a conference, in a church, in a car. In it I was revived and renewed and I learned so much:) I'm looking forward to tonight's occasion of worship, and I feel embraced by the thought that God is actually waiting for it too!

Undeniably pointing to God

Did you know that in the days before Phillip Yancy returned to the Church, when he was questioning whether there even was a God, three things convinced him there was:

- creation (nature, the things that God made),
- music (classical music), and
- romantic love

All I can say is, amen! ...these very same things woo me to Him as well:) I believe it was Chesterton who said one of the sad things about being an atheist is feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude without having anyone to thank.

When your world becomes discouraging, go be around the things that God made (not the things man has made) and it will make all the difference in your heart...Brian Doerksen and I both agree:)

Revival

I've learned and experienced so many things this past week... I will share more when there is more time, but the words to this song really sum up the way I'm feeling right now....

Revival

I hear the voice of one calling, prepare ye the way of the Lord.
And make His paths straight in the wilderness
And let your light shine in the darkness
And let your rain fall in the desert.

As sure as gold is precious and the honey sweet,
So you love this city and you love these streets.
Every child out playing by their own front door
Every baby laying on the bedroom floor.

Every dreamer dreaming in her dead-end job
Every driver driving through the rush hour mob
I feel it in my spirit, feel it in my bones
You're going to send revival, bring them all back home

I can hear that thunder in the distance
Like a train on the edge of town
I can feel the brooding of Your Spirit
"Lay your burdens down, Lay your burdens down".

From the Preacher preaching when the well is dry
To the lost soul reaching for a higher high
From the young man working through his hopes and fears
To the widow walking through the veil of tears

Every man and woman, every old and young
Every fathers daughter, every mothers son.
I feel it in my spirit, feel it in my bones
You're going to send revival, bring them all back home

I can hear that thunder in the distance
Like a train on the edge of town
I can feel the brooding of Your Spirit
"Lay your burdens down, Lay your burdens down".

Revive us, Revive us,
Revive us with your fire!

Copyright © 1998 Daybreak Music Ltd.

100 Years of HEART!

2005 is Saskatchewan's centennial year (http://www.saskatchewancentennial.com/index.asp), and last night I saw an advertisement about it. I knew it was the centennial but must have been under a rock someplace because I didn't know the theme they had picked was....heart?! I've always told Les that we were a 'heart-y' people:)

I Love Figure Skating...

...well, watching it anyway...I'm still working on learning how to actually skate, with last winter being my first real foray into learning. My patient husband says I'm doing well...I'm less convinced. We haven't headed out to try again yet this year. Les says we need to get me some new skates with ankle support. I say, anything to help my ankles feel better when I'm on the ice can't be bad...but I digress...

I have always loved watching figure skating and have taken much teasing from my brother and other 'guys' in my life for years because of it. My husband, however, does not share their opinion, and spent some time watching the 2005 Canadian Championships with me this weekend. Canadian skating is looking very promising this year! My favourite moments of this year's competition include:
- Joanne Rochette skating as in a dream...she could not put a blade wrong
- Jeff Buttle building on Joanne's momentum
- Cynthia Phaneuf's grace as she learned about fear
- Marcoux and Buntin's humility in repeating as pairs champions; they skated well but not as well as they wanted to
- Mira Leung...15 years old with huge jumps and a smile even bigger...she may have a ways to go in presentation, but look out!

As I reviewed the sporting news after the event to get other people's take on what happened, I came across this article... http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/FigureSkating/2005/01/25/909543.html Finally a guy who is not afraid to admit he likes skating (other than my husband, that is:)! Here are some excerpts from the article:

He likes it ... go figure
By MIKE ULMER -- Toronto Sun

I've decided to come out: I love figure skating. I know, the headshot infers a two-fisted, hard-drinking John Wayne type, not some sequin-loving, teddy-bear lutching sissy-boy. I know what you're thinking. "Come on, man. They'll settle this lockout thing and everything will be fine. Don't say something you can't take back."

It's too late. I can't take the lying anymore.
Figure skating isn't stupid. NASCAR is stupid. You can't see the drivers, you can't hear yourself think and they just go around in circles.
The NFL? Stupid.
The NHL? I don't know, I forget.
Baseball. Stuuuuuupid.
Call me unmanly, but I like sports with women, and figure skating has women.......

....Apparently, some figure skaters are gay. Whoa.
Better stay away from that.
While I'm at it, I won't watch a movie, take in a play, and, just to be on the safe side, read a book. Why is it okay to dismiss figure skating because you're comfortable with the sexual preferences of one group of athletes but not condemn the sometimes serial sexual practices of another?

Is skating a sport?
Well, can you do it?

Why is facing a
100 m.p.h. fastball courageous, but having your unprotected head whirled an inch above the ice just a trick?

Why is golf, in which a player has to navigate
his own psyche as much as the course, laudable, but the crucible that is the long program somehow less so?

Why is it that 400-pound guys pulling off
their shirts in sub-zero cold is kind of fun, but grandmothers knitting in the stands between skaters is a sure sign of the sport's illegitimacy?

Sure, no other sport has a kiss-and-cry zone, but is crying so bad? Maurice Richard cried when they closed the Montreal Forum. Lou Gehrig cried when he told the world he was the luckiest man on earth. Wendel Clark cried when he retired. Did that make them any less compelling and human?

Sports is sports.
There are no good or bad ones, no right ones or wrong ones, no legitimate ones and bona fide ones (aside from the Original Stars Hockey League, of course.)
And so I say to you, my name is Mike Ulmer and I love figure skating.
At least until hockey comes back.

Oh how this chorus speaks my heart...

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
Incomparable, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

This is a red porsche boxster. It is my husband's favourite car, and since this post was inspired by him, I thought I'd put it up there. My husband is an excellent driver, and coming from B.C. has driven in alot busier and congested situations than I probably have. And while winters are milder in B.C., there tend to be very slick road conditions when tempertures drop in the rain. Me, I'm a Saskatchewan girl, I drive in the snow most of the year, have since I was 16. I remember the first winter we were married, the amount of snow we got was alarming to Les' parents (who now live here) on their visit, yet I drove them around to all the places they wanted to go, safely. They dubbed my car (a silver cavalier) 'a little tank' as they were surprised at how well we got around.

Before I got married, I never really thought about getting around in the snow. In fact, when I lived in Regina for a few years after finishing University, I would drive to Saskatoon each weekend to see family and friends, and the snow never deterred me. It bothered my father though. He would pace from the moment I left the house until the moment I called him from Regina to say I had made it safely. I always thought that he was overly concerned about this, that he was just a nervous sort...

I have never considered myself to be a nervous sort, nor a backseat driver, but since getting married, I have found myself giving advice to Les when he is driving. I don't mean to. He is an excellent driver. I justify my comments in my mind with the fact that he hasn't driven in the snow all his life, but then we'll be coming up to an icy area, a little faster than I'd like, and I'll say something. I know this bothers him, so I try not to say anything, but he says he still knows...apparently, I squeeze his hand tighter if I want him to slow down, and if I want him to be braking I really squeeze it. And apparently, this doesn't help?! I'm sorry, I don't mean to do it. And as much as I respect his driving and try not to do anything that will bother him, there are still moments when I do them.

I have a far greater concern for safety these days, you see, people I love deeply are in the car... It's not just me any more.

The other day as I drove alone to work I was thinking about this. We had freezing rain the previous day and a big snowfall that morning. The roads were caked with snow ontop of ice, and as I carefully made my way around, I thought to myself, "I remember driving on highways that looked like this sometimes when I lived in Regina..." "What was I, crazy?!", I thought, and then I suddenly understood why my father would pace until he heard that I'd made it home. It was a sign of how much he loved me. He never liked me being on the highway alone even in good winter driving conditions. And this got me to thinking about Amanda. In a little over 6 years she'll be able to drive, and it freaks me out to think of her driving in what I was driving in that morning. No way, she can't have the car on those days!

Every day when I kiss Les good-bye before he heads off to work, I tell him to drive safely...and when I pray for him, I pray for his day and ask God to bring him home safely to me, and if I'm at home before him, I anticipate his arrival time and pray and watch for him. My heart flutters when I see him pull up into the drive-way and I race down the stairs to kiss him hello. I love him so deeply that I just can't help it:)

So drive safely folks, there are people who feel the same way about you!

Dear Lord, please keep us safe in our travels. Help us to never be in such a hurry that we take chances on the road that we don't need to take. Protect us as we drive. Protect those we love. Help the other drivers on the road to be safe too. Thank You for Your love, Your protection and Your grace. Thank You for our loved ones and our lives. We love You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Amanda's 10th birthday is coming up next month, so we have started planning. Amanda has decided that this year will be a DIVA party, and tonight she and I came up with our definition of what a DIVA is for the invitations...

What is a DIVA?
She's a girl with light in her eyes, love in her heart and a positive outlook on life. She is comfortable being herself. She is genuine. She believes in herself and is loyal to her friends. She is kind. She can be a girly-girl or a tomboy.

She is D-elightful I-ndividual V-ibrant and A-uthentic!
She's YOU!!

Muffins

I don't make muffins as often as I'd like. It seems I seldom have enough time. Sometimes I pick up some at IGA when I haven't baked them in a long while. They have a couple of really good low fat varieties, an apple cinnamon and a bran blueberry. When I make muffins, they generally aren't low fat (well, except for my raisin bran ones which are low fat and tastey). I make a really good blueberry muffin complete with sugar crusting on top that I don't even want to know the nutritional information on...or I might not be able to eat one again. But this gotten me to thinking... Why is it that something that sounds like it is so good for you, a muffin, often really not? Once in a while, Les and I have gotten fruit explosion muffins from Tim Horton's with our coffee for a treat, but I read the other day that there are actually more calories in one of those muffins than in a donut! You mean I've been skipping the double chocolate in favour of a fruit muffin all this time for not?!

If any of you out there have any good low fat muffin recipes, leave me a note in the comments...

Such a Thoughtful Gift!

Alana is a very creative and caring woman. As I've said before she is more than a friend to me, she's my big sister (in my heart anyways:) Every year we exchange presents at Christmas. She's given me some of the most creative and thoughtful gifts I've received over the years. Every year there is an ornament. Usually there is something she's made, if time permits, and sometimes there's a parcel shaped or wrapped in such a way that I can't even begin to guess what's inside. This year, what was inside was a basket tray with a hot shot water heater/dispenser, tea and the fixings (including Simple Pleasures Almond cookies, my favourite:) Attached to the hot shot was a note explaining that she wasn't sure this was the answer, but she wanted me to be able to have a decent cup of tea at work... So, I've been trying it out this week at work, and it works great (minus the problem I'm having with the outlet in my office and the longgggg extension chord I'm running from across the room, minor gliche)! But more than a decent cup of tea at work, Alana gave me something more precious... You see work has not been my happy place lately, and she was trying to make that better (...tears...)! Such a thoughtful gift:) ...such a precious friend!!

Worship

This morning in Church, Pastor Dean asked us to think about what our answers would be to these 3 questions:

1. What makes you happy?
2. Make makes you content?
3. What makes you feel fulfilled?

My answer to all three questions was the same thing, I was holding his hand and his other arm was around me. How thankful I am to God for him! For a moment I worried though...should that be my answer...I mean, shouldn't my answer be God? Well it is God, in the biggest, fullest sense.... For how many years did I sit in Church each weekend and He was the One who's hand I held and who's arms were around me?! And now for over two years I have been married to the one He brought to me to put flesh on His love in many ways and teach me more and deeper things about His love. It is indescribable! Today, Church was about worship, and if you know me, you know I LOVE worship...especially singing my heart out to God. But I think I realized today in my answers to the 3 questions, that I worship God another way everyday by loving my husband. I wish I could do it perfectly, I wish I could do more... Dean said that when you live your life in a way that fulfills the purpose that God created you for, that's worship. We were made to worship God. Oh Lord, may you be glorified by all that I do and redeem anything in my life that does not glorify You. Thank You for my adoring, strong and handsome husband. Thank You for Your love through him. Please help me to be the wife You desire for me to be for him. Thank You for our precious daughter. May we raise her to grow in love for You. Help me to be the mommy You mean for me to be. I love You:)

Last night, two precious girlies headed out to their first big rock concert! ...for more details go to http://www.auntie.blogspot.com/

In our travels about today, Les and I were listening to Revival in Belfast II. It's one of our favourite worship cds! Robin Mark is probably Les' favourite worship leader, and he would certainly be near the top of my list too.... And just to think, in a few weeks we will blessed to not only worship with him, but to be taught by him:)

Don't you love this song of worship....

I Heard The Sound Of Voices

I heard the sound of voices, from every tribe and nation
As they were walking, singing songs of deliverance
For going on before them, a little Lamb was leading
And I could hear Him singing songs of deliverance.

For out of Egypt you have called Your sons, Your daughters
That they might be a witness to Your holy name
So Father I am walking, Lord can You see me walking
Oh my deliverer, I am following the Lamb.

Where are the chains that bound me, the cords of my oppression?
Jesus the Lamb has loosed them. He's my deliverance.
My heart cries "Abba Father". For He has led me to You
And I can hear You singing, songs of deliverance.

As for me and my house we will serve the Lord
As for me and my house we will serve the Lord
As for me and my house we will serve the Lord
Always.

Copyright © 2004 Integrity's Hosanna! Music.

I love Robin's phrasing in this song, and I LOVE the tin whistle...I may have to learn me how to play one:)

http://www.robinmark.com/RIB2.htm

Today is 10% Tuesday...which means that many of the grocery stores give you an extra 10% off your grocery total. I always try to plan a grocery run on 10% Tuesday each month (especially since my household has grown), and today was no different. Usually I try to go to whichever store advertises the majority of the things I need at the best price, but today we hit more than that.... IGA had an awesome price on lean ground beef ($3.29/kg), and with fresh pineapples for $2.99, we had to stop there. I always enjoy the IGA. They seem friendly, their fresh items (produce, meat and bakeshop) are all good, and they always try and help you out with your order. I don't get there often, but I definitely like it there. Then we headed to Safeway...all kinds of specials there this week, so needless to say, our cart was quite full. As always our cashier asked if we wanted parcel pickup, which we said yes to (something I often do ever since Les has made me see that it is silly not to). But this time I noticed something different... When I said 'yes' and the cashier coded it in, a penny was actually credited off our grocery bill?! That's right, they actually pay you to let them load your groceries for you! I have to say that I really like Safeway. They carry a lot of the brands I prefer, and the people there are always so friendly to me. Les often asks how I know a cashier who wishes me well, and I say, "I don't, they're just friendly." You do have to watch the prices, but if you watch the sales, you can do pretty well there AND they will pay you to let them pack and load your groceries....gotta like it!

Les put the new Amy Grant - Greatest Hits cd in my stocking this year, which was something I very much wanted:) Yesterday I listened to it over and over again as I cleaned and cooked in preparation for our company. I like most of the songs, of course, but the two new tracks are particularly good. There is one called The Water that tells a recent story of hers when she asked to be re-baptized in a river that ran through the yard of a pastor friend they were visiting. The words are amazing...

"The Water"

Quicksand, my heart is sinking
I try to run but I can't stop thinking
I'm climbin' walls, I'm on the ceilin'
Its gonna take a miracle to heal me

[Chorus:]
I'm starin' down into the quarry
I see a stone for every sorry
I'm on the edge, I'm goin under
And after I die I'm gonna rise from the water

I wanna blast off,
let gravity disappear
I'm tired of fallin, fallin, fallin
from the weight of fear
Come and lift me up
into the clean and clear
I'm waitin' on you Jesus in the water here
So come and wash me clean

The sky is red, there's blood on my hands
Cant deny, you're clear where I stand
The burn of sin, I hear them shoutin'
Send me a river to drown this mountain

[Chorus]

Wash me clean...
Let it wash me, let is wash me, let it wash me clean

[Chorus]

I wanna blast off,
let gravity disappear
Come and lift me up,
into the clean and clear

Let it wash me, let it wash me, let it wash me clean

Here's a link to a recent interview with AG (http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2004/amygrant-1204.html)

New Year's Day
by Carolyn Arends

I buy a lot of diaries
Fill them full of good intentions
Each and every New Year's Eve
I make myself a list
All the things I'm gonna change
Until January 2nd
So this time I'm making one promise

Chorus:
This will be my resolution
Every day is New Year's Day
This will be my resolution
Every day is New Year's Day

I believe it's possible
I believe in new beginnings
'Cause I believe in Christmas Day
And Easter morning too
And I'm convinced it's doable
'Cause I believe in second chances
Just the way that I believe in you

This will be my resolution
Every day is New Year's Day
This could start a revolution
Every day is...

One more chance to start all over
One more chance to change and grow
One more chance to grab a hold of grace
And never let it go

Repeat chorus

© 1997 running arends music/New Spring Publishing, a division of Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP)

My New Teapot



My dear husband was thoughtful in many ways this Christmas...this is just one of them, the Debbie Mumm teapot he gave me:) There is a scripture along the black rim from Psalm 57..."May Your glory be over all the earth..." He is such a thoughtful husband!

Speaking of thoughtful, our dear friend, Arilee, presented Les with a very thoughtful gift as well... it was a red eyelash scarf for me?!! My husband adores me in the lilac one she made me last Christmas and had commented that he'd sure like to see me in a red one too...his wish was granted;) Arilee, you're the best!

A good thing...

So far, Christmas celebrations have been mostly about family this year. We had both of our families in on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. On Boxing Day we met my family for a quick supper as it would be the last time to see my sister before she went back to Lloydminster, and on New Year's we will be having both families over again (well, except for those that are heading to the Blades' game...) Les has pretty much worked every day of the holidays, and I think I've cleaned my house 3 times this past week and need to do it again before New Year's. My friend Tami asked me if I was 'crazy' having the families over again for supper on New Year's. She's right, I end up spending most of my time in the kitchen and running around after them all day, but it's tradition to have family in on New Year's and I told her that she is welcome to join us. My employer gives me a ham at Christmas each year and I cook it on New Year's. Tami said, 'no thanks'...she's had enough family so far this year (no offense meant and none taken:)

So far we've only had one opportunity to be with friends over the holidays... Arilee and Aurora came over for supper and games the night before last. It was so much fun (and nice and laid back). As we were talking, Arilee brought up how sometimes she feels closer to some friends than family. I can relate. It's not that I don't love our extended family, it's just that I share some pretty deep bonds with several kindred friends...they are familia to me:) Somehow I can just relax more in their presence. They build me up and fill my heart. Now I'm looking forward to lunch with one of them tomorrow. 'It's a good thing!'

Kelly and Brooke (and Molly) Graham are blogging again at http://www.the3grahams.blogspot.com/

...and Brooke's mom, Donna has a thought provoking post today that you should check out...here is a excerpt:

"The good old dictionary tells me that content means "happy enough with
what one has or is, satisfaction. Then contented is "not desiring something more
or different". In an odd sort of way, I found it interesting that "contention"
was followed by content in the dictionary...."contention - verbal strife,
argument, dispute....struggle" How many of us are actually content with our
place in life, where we are at, what we look like, what we have or do not have?
It seems the norm to want more, do better, be thinner, look better. Our friends
have it all, so I need it too.....the grass is always greener, right? here is a
little Donna-deal...I am in need of a new couch...our poor fella has seen a lot
and is looking a little more than shabby. I have noted over the past few months
that wouldn't it be nice to have a new couch for Christmas when all the family
was here. But the funny part was not one person noted that the couch was not so
new, we sat and chatted enjoying each others company just the same on the old
couch as we would have on a new. Now, don't get me wrong...no one was sitting on
the floor because the springs have given out on that old couch....so we were
comfortable. It wasn't about the couch it was about the presence of friends and
family

.....contentment lies in my heart knowing I am happy and satified with my
life as it is, for the moment, in the moment. A little note here, strive and
strife are also not that far apart in the dictionary. Striving for what makes
you "think" will bring you happiness just may be the cause of the strife in your
life. Satan is known as the "divider" for a very good reason....and I think that
he placed certain definitions of "want" into our vocabulary for a
purpose.....because when I looked up the word "want" in the dictionary...I was
surprised at the pictures that ran through my head. Want - to lack, crave, to be
destitute or impoverished. I may not have the biggest house, the best car, all
the "toys" that others have....but, I am content. I lack very little! "

For more go to http://donnamnakrayko.blogspot.com/

Today's devotion (http://www.intouch.org/myintouch/devotional/index_76096.html) really spoke to me personally:)

Merry Christmas!

I know it is December 27th and my wishes are sounding late, but let me set the record straight.... Christmas is not over after the 25th. On the Church calendar, the 25th is really just the first day of Christmas...Christmas carries into January and the Feast of Ephiphany (celebrating the visit of the three kings). But at our house, I heard my own dad pronounce, after the presents were opened, 'well, it's all over for another year!'... Nope, not even close... Because even beyond the Church calendar, there is how we carry Christmas in our hearts every day:)

Christmas has been busy again this year, but really good. Les worked an early shift (unfortunately and fortunately he's working almost every day over the Christmas break), so that shifted a few of our traditions, but it was all good. We were still able to have both sides of the family over for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas Eve we attended the service at Emmanuel Baptist Church... What a wonderful place that is! Our dolly was part of the service. She and her dance class performed 'Breathe of Heaven'... which was breath-taking and had me in more than a few tears! Then we had our families over to our house for munchies and fun.

On Christmas morning, I got up early when Les left for work and did my devotion in the quiet of the early morning. Then Miss Amanda got up and discovered that Santa had been here! She got a note from Rudolf and you'll never guess where Santa left his key. She opened her gift from Santa and her stocking from Mom and Dad, and then we headed downstairs to light the advent wreath. The two of us sang every Christmas carol we knew that talked about Jesus and lit all the candles. Then we read the Christmas story in Luke and Matthew. Amanda played and I made brunch for us and busied around getting the turkey in the oven and making cranberries. Les got home around 2 and then the three of us did some of our family traditions and shared our gifts for one another. We gave Amanda a cd boombox for Christmas, and she spent the next hour performing in her room along with Hillary Duff (singing into her hairbrush!...oh that brings back memories:) Les' folks came over and then my folks along with my brother and sister. We were all spoiled wayyyy too much.

There were nine around my Christmas table this year, and I was very grateful it was nine not eight. It was the first Christmas in many that my sister made it home...and the first one that Amanda has spent with her. I'm very grateful for how close to peaceful the families came together...and also for the fact that the turkey and fixings turned out:)

After dinner we visited more, went for walks and played games...t'was a good day indeed:)

Candlelight and PFK...

This is what my husband and I enjoyed on our date night last Thursday before he took me to see 'Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason'.

'French cuisine?' you ask. No, no... PFK is KFC en francais! I was getting over a sore throat that day, but Les was still eager to take me on our date. Earlier in the day though, he asked me if I really felt like eating out. I said, "Whatever you would like dear..." He suggested that he could pick up some KFC and we could eat at home before the movie...that way I wouldn't have to cook. I wriggled up my nose (just a bit) and said, "You don't really want KFC, do you, hun? We should probably choose something better for us..." He moved on to something else, but less than an hour later, with a glint in his eye he suggested that he pop out and pick up some chicken for us to enjoy while we watched a program together. I had just finished all my work, and in that moment I realized that to him this was as big of a treat as a bento box at Earls is to me, so I said, "Sure:)"

While he was out, I ran downstairs and set up the card table diagonal to the couch, then I set the table, and then I lit the candles. During our meal, Les pointed out that we were dining "en PFK"..."Oui," I said, "Poulet frit a Kentucky!" He said, "It sounds better in French!'" Mais, oui!

The Edge of Reason was a very good movie (apart from a bit of the language). I enjoyed the character development. There is something about Bridget that I think almost every woman can relate to...especially if she was single until after she was 30. I think her self-esteem developed in the film as she became more comfortable with who she was. Mark Darcy continued to like her 'just as she is'...love her even:) Which is every girl's dream...to be loved for who she really is. It's funny, during the first Bridget Jones, she and I were both single, and by this one we had both found the 'one'! It's interesting to hear others opinions on which of the two leading men they would choose. For me, it's no contest...Mr. Darcy, of course (he shares so many great traits with my handsome hubby), but I have friends who would choose Daniel Cleaver... I don't get it...don't think he's even cute (a person's heart so much affects what I see, I guess). But there will always be those girls who like those bad boys... I, for one, am happy that they portray this movie's good guy, Mr. Darcy, with a bit of an edge though...he's good, but he has an edge (remember Bridget's comment in the first movie...
Bridget: "Wait a minute... nice boys don't kiss like that!"
Darcy: "Oh yes they do!!"

"I truly believe that happiness is possible... even when you're thirty-three and have a bottom the size of two bowling balls." Bridget Jones

I have an hour...

...an hour alone...Amanda is at a sleepover and Les is at work for another hour. I have just gotten home from dropping Amanda off and picking up milk...I should be doing laundry or housework, but instead I'm sitting here, soaking my feet for a few minutes, perusing a few blogs to catch up on how people are doing. For the next hour I'm going to indulge me a bit...I don't remember the last time that happened. I'm going to soak for a few more minutes, then I'm going to pamper with lotions, then I'm going to paint my toes red for Christmas. Yes, I know Christmas will come without me doing that, but I'm thankful tonight for have these few minutes for me...and even more thankful that at the end of them, I'll get to spend some time cuddled up with the man who continues to capture my heart:)

God, time and a princessheart...

I've been reflecting on how we can't even fathom how God and time interact, and how the past, present and future are seen by Him, the author of our lives, almost in a different dimension. Last night I was reading more in my princessheart book :) ...and there was a great quote from C. S. Lewis that gave me a new perspective. Lewis said that when he is writing a story, he may write that a woman was journaling about something and then suddenly someone entered the room. For his character there is no break, she is journaling and then immediately someone walks in the room; however, for the author, that is not all there is with regard to time. The author may have paused in the middle of his character's two actions and thought about her for three hours. She may not even be his main character, but he can move in out of the story he's telling to focus on her and how the events will affect her...past, present and future. Interesting.....I've been thinking about God like that this morning...as the author and creator of me (and you). I've long understood with my mind that nothing happens to me that isn't sifted through His hand, but perhaps this gives me a fuller perspective on the matter...the thought that God, as the author, spends time focused on me throughout the story He causes to (and sometimes lets) unfold...my heart finds this a precious thought:)

Mike Gingerich (http://mikegingerich.blogspot.com/) has a post on holiday eating that made me laugh...if only, if only....

Sometimes I wish I wasn't so emotional....

...like this week when it got the best of me and I broke out in tears after a meeting, in front of my boss. Oh how I wish that hadn't happened, but I can't take it back. I try to be so professional at work and try to get my point across through logical debate...making myself fit into the male world I find myself in. I just got so frustrated and stressed and my feelings got the better of me. I don't think I said anything that wasn't fair or true, but if I could take that moment back, especially the tears, I would. And now a couple of days later, I keep focusing on my weaknesses (even those that weren't part of that situation) and I feel insecure. In truth, I don't really wish I wasn't so emotional...it's a part of me that God put there...but oh how I wish I hadn't shown it there. Pray for me, if you think of me, that God would make everything ok.

This song spoke to me this morning...http://www.carolynarends.com/utg/fragile.html

OneHouse posted this quote from Henri Nouwen today which I thought was profound for advent and for life...

A waiting person is a patient person. The word patience means the willingness to stay where we are and live the situation out to the full in the belief that something hidden there will manifest itself to us. Impatient people are always expecting the real thing to happen somewhere else and therefore want to go elsewhere. The moment is empty. But patient people dare to stay where they are. Patient living means to live actively in the present and wait there. Waiting, then, is not passive. It involves nurturing the moment, as a mother nurtures the child that is growing in her. Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary were very present to the moment. That is why they could hear the angel. They were alert, attentive to the voice that spoke to them and said, “Don’t be afraid. Something is happening to you. Pay attention.”

Amanda worship-danced at Emmanuel's childrens Christmas Party last night. It was beautiful!

I think I need to get out more...

Last night I went to the women's Christmas event at our Church with my longest-living-friend, Caroline. My friend and sister-at-heart, Alana, reserved a whole table, and we had so much fun! It's been a long time since I was out with 'the girls'...and I think I need to do that more often. Alana has often told me that it's good for our families when we go out because then 'they appreciate us more afterward'. Well, there was evidence of that when I got home last night...

In my absense, Les took Amanda to dance class and out for supper afterward. I made one small request of them before I left. I asked Les if he would please make their lunches for today. And I have an awesome husband (a cute one too!), so, of course, that was handled by the time I got home. He made Amanda's lunch and actually managed to get her to help fetch a few things for it (how'd he get her to do that without complaint?!) For his own lunch he packed an apple, a granola bar and said he'd buy the rest of his lunch at the caffeteria at work (which is fine with me, he deserves a treat once in a while too). Then he commented to me that 'it's a lot of work making lunches every night'. He seemed surprised at how long it takes. He also mentioned that Amanda even commented while having her bedtime snack that that was a lot of work?! (A lot of work, eh? try doing it every night after you've worked all day, made supper and cleaned-up the lion's share of the kitchen mess... I am not complaining... I lovingly choose to do these things for my family everyday because I adore them, but it did my heart some good hear that they understand now just a little bit more of what goes into all of that... It's nice to be appreciated:) I think I need to get out more...

If you have been doing the 'Follow the Star' advent devotions that I have been, you might have encountered a problem this morning...for me, only the headings came up, no word of God, etc. If this happens for you, re-enter the site and instead of proceeding with the day's devotion, click on 'archives' in the lower left hand corner, then pick the current date on the calendar and begin the devotion. I don't know why this works...just that it works:) I've been really getting alot out of following the star...

Couldn't resist posting these...

Amanda was a cat this past hallowe'en, and I just got the pictures back...such an adorable cat!



Aurora was sleeping beauty, and Les took the two undeniably adorable best friends treating...

Sunflower Girlies!

(Yes, that is the Auntie-extraordinaire that you see in there!)

Aurora-flower!


Amanda-flower!

This is Who You Are

I know I post a lot of lyrics on here at times...lyrics speak to my heart. If you tend to skip over the lyrics and skim on, I'm asking you to slow down today and read the lyrics because this is who you are...

Who You Are
Carolyn Arends

Built from clay and breath of God
This is who you are
Made to house eternal love
This is who you are
Matter and spirit combined
This is who you are
Temple for the Lord Most High
This is who you are

Echo of creation’s song
This is who you are
Remnant of the Chosen Ones
This is who you are
Ember of a holy fire
This is who you are
Object of the King’s desire
This is who you are

Who you are, who you are
Who you are, who you are
Heaven sings this song to you…
This is who you are

Little lamb who wanders off
This is who you are
One the Shepherd won’t leave lost
This is who you are
Rescued by His sacrifice
This is who you are
Now the hands and feet of Christ
This is who you are

Who you are, who you are…

Hear the Father call your name
Shine with His eternal flame
Bear His image in your soul
This is who you are
Listen ‘til you finally know
This is who you are

C 2004 Songs of Peer, Ltd / Mr. Marley's Music (ASCAP)

Today I discovered a wonderful online advent devotional...just click on the banner below...

"My friends, watch out for the little fellow with an idea." - Tommy Douglas

Canada, here are your Top 10 Greatest Canadians, in order of votes received:

1 Tommy Douglas
2 Terry Fox
3 Pierre Elliott Trudeau
4 Sir Frederick Banting
5 David Suzuki
6 Lester B. Pearson
7 Don Cherry
8 Sir John A. Macdonald
9 Alexander Graham Bell
10 Wayne Gretzky

For more on the results see http://www.cbc.ca/greatest/.

Auntie's Angels!

Amanda had a sleepover at Aurora's on Friday night, and when they surfaced at church on Saturday, they were twins?! Well they might as well be twins, they are pretty much inseparable when they are together... only three days later and Amanda is already asking, 'when do I see Aurora again?!' ...precious girlies! **Big thanks to the Auntie-extraordinaire (http://www.auntie.blogspot.com) for blessing our girl as you always do!)

Happy Birthday Les!

Today is my amazing husband's birthday! He is working evenings all week, so we started our celebrating on the weekend. We are about mid-way through Les' birthday celebration week now!

On Friday night we went out for a wonderful supper at The Granary. Afterward we went for a drive in the country under the stars before settling in at home to watch a movie by candle-light. On Saturday we got the rare opportunity to do some shopping, just us two, and this was followed by sharing ice cream sundaes even! On Sunday morning our family had chocolate chip pancakes at Les' request and Amanda got to shower her dad with birthday wishes. Later in the day we headed over to Les' parents for a family birthday supper. Last night I tried to make things special for Les again when he got home late from work, and today we are meeting for lunch as he has to leave for work as soon as I get home from work (not only today but all this week). He's going to take the other half of the the chocolate peanut butter cheesecake I made him for his birthday to work tonight so he can celebrate there again and share it with his co-workers, but it won't end there, this weekend we will have another family dinner for Les with my folks and my brother.

Les is an amazing man and deserves all this attention and much more. He is loving and intelligent, strong and sensitive, creative and practical. He is a good father and a good son. He is a great husband and is my best friend...and he continues to capture my heart everyday!

Happy birthday Les! I love you more than words could say!

______________

In honour of Les' birthday, I thought I'd post a few of Les' favourite things (in no particular order)....

- guitars (Gibson guitars in particular...and more specifically the Les Paul)
- skies
- turtles (the chocolates)
- making music
- holding my hand (I think:)
- the colours orange and burgundy
- our home
- worship (especially with Robin Mark)
- peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- our living dolly
- cranking his Marshall
- bowling shirts
- Porche test driving
- spending time together
- Celtic music
- making people laugh/smile

This list is nowhere near complete. It's just a few of the things that I thought of when I thought of Les today:)

Speaking of festive colours...

My last post got me to thinking about what I consider a festive colour and what I don't and why... Don't get me wrong, I have seen lovely white Christmas trees with pink ornaments, lovely, but they just don't say 'Christmas' to me. Christmas to me is rich greens, deep reds, country blues. Our neighbour across the street has their tree in front of their window as do we, and it's covered in white lights as is the fashion these days, but multi-coloured lights shine Christmas to me. Don't get me wrong, I love lights no matter the colour and am thrilled that more and more houses are lit up at night as I drive by these days...

I guess I have this folky, old fashioned idea of Christmas, and I don't really want to change it. I like green trees with coloured lights, angels or stars on top, homemade decorations, folky decorations, angels, gingerbread.... and of course, there has to be a navity underneath:)

(Note: credit for image above goes to... http://www.heartwarmingholidays.com/)

No hockey:(

Not only has the lock-out meant no hockey night in Canada each week, but it seems to have crept into the festive spirit at Tim Hortons this year. As I went through the drive-thru to get my tea on the way to work this morning, I received my first festive take-out cup of the season. Usually Tim's cups this time of year depict a Canadian winter scene of children playing hockey (on a frozen pond last year or in a rink in years gone past...) This year the festive cup is orange (orange? is that a festive colour? not saying it's not a lovely shade, but not exactly festive...) with some snowflakes and handwritten words about friendship randomly brokaid on the cup in a slightly darker shade. What's up with that?! I miss the kids playing hockey:( (Side note to the NHL-PA: would a salary cap really be so bad?)

Christy was right this tea is amazing!


See....http://www.celestialseasonings.com/products/holiday/gbs.php

Last night was a big grocery shopping night for us...we were out of almost everything, so we went to Safeway (10% Tuesday) and Costco. My reward for the trip was buying some 'Gingerbread Spice' tea that Christy (http://christy_z.blogspot.com/) recommended last week. Les and I each sipped on a cup after we got our haul put away and our dolly to bed.... mmmm, it does taste like someone melted a gingerbread right in your cup! Tea with my hunny, it doesn't get any better than that! :)

This is too cool...


Now you can build your own Gibson Les Paul in the Gibson Custom Shop online....see http://www.gibson.com/products/custom/flash/byo/byo.html
(It's kind of like some of the games on websites for kids, but this one 's for grown-up who like to play:)

Favourite things...
(in no particular order)

hearts
hugs
small gatherings of people dear to me
snowflakes
stars
walking at night, everything twinkles
sitting by the Christmas tree with only its light shining
sunsets
bedtime prayers as a family
worshipping
when my husband takes me in his arms
candles flickering
tea with Thee (or thee or even just plain old me)
country ragdoll angels
words
being swept off my feet
when God's word speaks to me
cuddling
music
my husband making music
dancing
romantic movies
romance
sentiment

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas...

...around the Brophy house anyway. Usually we decorate the first weekend of advent, but this year Les said we could do it one week early...so yesterday was spent decking the halls inside, and today Les and I ventured out to hang garland and lights outside. I love Christmas!

Last night was all about worship...

...and I was struck by the words to this chorus:

Majesty, Majesty
Your grace has found me just as I am
Empty handed, but alive in your hands
Majesty, Majesty
Forever I am changed by your love
In the presence of your Majesty

"Empty handed, but alive in your hands"...wow, those words resonate in my heart... As I've posted before, the references to 'being' in God's hands throughout the Bible are so real and so personal to me.

One other song really affected me emotionally last night, and it doesn't usually affect me that way (well it probably should). We sang the classic hymn 'Great is Thy Faithfulness', and as always, the words are so true. Last night as we sang my friend and sister, Alana, was up at the altar during the song and I was kind of praying for her from where I was...and as we sang 'strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow...blessings all mine with ten thousand beside...', the tears just started streaming down my face. Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow was my prayer for Alana, and I was struck by God's faithfulness in the news she'd received about her health that day. I went and knelt beside her in 'the spot'..the spot I've prayed so many prayers that God has faithfully answered and I held her up to Him one more time thanking Him for His faithfulness. And as I did I was struck by how much I've learned about God's faithfulness through her...how I've seen His strength in her...and just how much I love Him and her...well I'm probably babbling now...don't know how to put into words what is in my heart...but God is faithful:)

A Few Favourites....

A few days ago Christy did a post about Oprah's favourite 'things' show where she gives a gift bag of her favourites to her audience. Christy posted her own list of favourite 'things' on her site (http://christy_z.blogspot.com/), and I thought it was fun. Now I don't watch Oprah, and my list of favourite 'things' would mostly be items that couldn't possibly fit in a gift bag (many would be quite intangible and not 'things' really at all...things like sunsets and hugs...I'll post that list on another day:), but I still thought it would be fun to think of some of your favourite products that you would include if you were able to give out a gift bag full of your favourite 'things' and small indulgences. Here are a few of my favourites:

Fruits and Passions Products (http://www.fruits-passion.com/en/index.asp)
I was a fan of Fruits and Passions before the store even opened here. Fieldberries is my scent. I love their perfume, bubble bath, lotions and room ambience sprays, and just walking into their shop is a feel-good experience. And I love how they wrap your purchases in pretty tissue that they spray with your scent!

Square necked black tee
Square necked black shirts are a staple in my wardrobe. I like the square neckline and how it fits under sweaters, blazers and other tops, and not only is black flattering, but it goes with almost everything!
Nutcracker Sweet Tea
This is a special indulgence available only at this time of year. You all know that I love tea...well this one smells and tastes like Christmas!

St. Ives hand cream
This is an inexpensive hand cream, but I love how rich and indulgent it feels...and it smells wonderful!

Home Companion
You knew Mary had to make my list, didn't you?!

Lindt Truffle Balls (http://www.lindtusa.com/chocomania-tasting.cfm)
Mmmm...these are my absolute favourite chocolates...decadent!

Tresemme products (http://www.tresemme.com/)
These used to be an indulgence. They used to only be available at salons, now you can even find them at Walmart! Great value for the money. I love the 'green' line! I use the shampoo, conditioner, mousse and spray.

Ivory body wash (honey)
Once again, a very reasonably priced item, but don't let that fool you, it leaves your skin like silk after your shower...and the scent...heavenly:)

Sheer pink nail polish by Sally Hansen
Lots of people ask me about what I use, and this is it. I paint my nails once a week with one coat of Sally's sheer pink polish (which is actually meant to go over a french manicure, but I skip doing the white tips since I don't have the time). I top it off with one coat of Sally's Quick Dry product and I'm good to go.

Eyelash Scarves
This past winter I was given a violet eyelash scarf from my dahling friend, Arilee. She made it herself and it's the best! It's soft and fun and pretty all in one. My friend Tami has eyelash scarves in almost every colour. I love my violet one, but I think I'd like a red/burgundy/fushia one too...decisions, decisions....guess I'll need to learn how to knit!

Donna (http://donnamnakrayko.blogspot.com/) has an awesome post today about her son coming home for a visit and what she wants for her kids...how it doesn't matter what they end up 'doing' for a living...here's my favourite quote from it:

"I want my kids to expand their hearts as well as their minds. (please note....heart first). I have invested much love and time into our children, when I leave this earth they will remember me for how I lived my life, not for the material things I gave them...There is the legacy I want to leave them with, to hand down to their children. "to love unconditionally"

...wise words from a wise-hearted woman...I couldn't agree with you more, Donna!

...and another thing....

...I ended my last post without telling you about the new site Amanda and I discovered this week...ME Kids (http://www.maryengelbreit.com/mekids/home.shtml)! That's right, Mary Engelbreit has designed a children's site with online games, colouring pages... It even teaches kids how Mary draws! And it looks like a paper doll section will be added soon! I'm not sure who will like this more...Amanda or me:)

It's out! It's finally out! ...


...the Christmas issue of Mary Engelbreit's Home Companion (http://www.maryengelbreit.com/MEHC/index.htm), that is, and it is full of the most delightful things! There are gift cards from Mary to tie on your Christmas presents, an interview with Christopher Radko (I have to remember to call Nancy about that one), wonderful breads and spreads to make for Christmas, and even a link for making these adorable victorian paperdoll ornaments (http://www.victorianornaments.com/)! Now I just need time, time to explore it all! I've barely even had time to explore this issue and I'm already inspired! I want to decorate for Christmas tonight, but it will have to wait until the first weekend of advent as is our tradition...to begin preparing for Christmas when advent begins. Even though I'm not even half finished my shopping, maybe I could just wrap a few presents tonight though...afterall I just read that "in Japan wrapping is an art form. Gifts are symbolic of giving your heart." I like that! (but then again, you knew that, didn't you:)

Shall we dance?

Last evening, as we got home from Amanda's dance class and were bringing the groceries into the house (Les and I did a grocery run during Amanda's class), we had to pause because the sky was dancing for us. After we got the food into the house, we all headed out to our deck where the northern lights danced over our heads. How majestic?! The heavens declare His glory!

This was Amanda's first time seeing the northern lights...usually Les and I have caught them once she's in bed. I guess this is a true blessing of the sun setting earlier this time of year. Amanda made the connection last night of the northern lights being the auroras, and she had to call her bestest friend, Aurora from underneath them so she could see them too. Amanda thinks that Aurora is the perfect name for her friend because she so like the beautiful auroras dancing in the sky last night.

I then called my mother-in-law so she could see them for the first time too. Yesterday would have been a tough day for her. From what we saw, she did so well though. Yesterday was the anniversary of the passing of Les' brother. Yet somehow the stars seemed brighter and God made the sky dance. Perhaps it was a sign.

God has always done spectacular things in His sky that affirmed and assured me of His presence and love. The sky was one of the biggest things that Les loved about Saskatchewan when we were dating (before he moved here). I still remember the first time he saw the northern lights...t'was quite the romantic night for us! When we were engaged we kept driving out to the area we now live in at night, not to look at more houses, but more to see God's sky, the sunset, the stars and on special nights like last night, the nothern lights! My anniversary gift to Les this year was a telescope, something he's wanted his whole life, so he can explore it all even more. His love (and God's love through him) has given me so much, I just wanted to give him back a piece of the sky:)

Happy Anniversary Baby!


Two years ago today, I married the one who my heart loves, the man of my dreams, everything on my list, my handsome prince, my precious man...and today, I adore him even more than on the day I said 'I do'.

I Could Not Ask for More

Lying here with you
Listening to the rain
Smiling just to see the smile upon your face
These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
And these are the moments I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more

Looking in your eyes
Seeing all I need
Everything you are is everything in me
These are the moments
I know heaven must exist
And these are the moments
I know all I need is this
I've found all I've waited for,yeah
And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true
Yeah, right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Here with you here with me
Yeah

These are the moments I thank God that I'm alive
And these are the moments I'll remember all my life
I've found all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more

I could not ask for more than this time together
I could not ask for more than this time with you
And every prayer has been answered
Every dream I've had's come true
Yeah, right here in this moment
Is right where I'm meant to be
Oh, here with you here with me
No, I could not ask for more
Than this love you gave me
Cause it's all I've waited for
And I could not ask for more
No, yeah
No, I could not ask for more

As you can probably tell by the small number of posts this week, my week has been very hectic. I've worked late most days, and while I haven't been pulling all-nighters by any means, when you put that into the mix of my life and those of my husband and daughter, it's been a full week. The auditors will arrive at work on Monday and I think I'm ready for them (prayers are always appreciated:)... Things will continue to be busy for a while, but I think that the biggest part is behind me.

In view of how much I've been running the past several weeks, what happened to me yesterday was extra-special. And in view of all of the changes in my life the past 2 years, what happened to me yesterday was precious and beautiful.

Les and I will be celebrating our 2nd Wedding Anniversary on November 7th and my handsome husband gave me an early gift yesterday. He sent me to Bev Ashdowns for a Chocolate Pedicure! Now I don't go for many pedicures, but let me just tell you that I think they are the most relaxing experience, and if you add chocolate to the mix...well, I've never been so pampered.

I arrived for my appointment, and they put me in a dimly lit room with soft music. The put a warm neckroll around my neck and had me recline back in a pillowed chair while the soaked my feet in a white chocolate milk bath. They served me a hot chocolate mocha and a small cinnamon roll pastry. After 10 or so minutes a lovely girl came in and pampered my tootsies. She used a coffee scrub that smelled so good and a white chocolate parafin wax wrap, but the absolute best was the massage...she massaged my feet and legs with this rich smelling chocolate lotion...I smelled like chocolate all day! ...and then of course she painted my toes...pretty in pink, of course!

I felt so pampered, and like such a princess in my heart! What a prince I have to spoil me so royally?!!

Mandolins Sing!


I love the sound of a mandolin. Thankfully, so does my husband, and playing the mandolin is his latest venture into music. He's got so many creative ideas and just a beautiful feel on the instrument. Mandolins are instruments that just sing! They are beautiful to look at and listen to, and they aren't just bluegrass instruments either...they are wonderful in folk and celtic music, and I think they are great in worship....(and knowing my husband mandolins can probably rock too!)
http://www.mandolincafe.com/
http://www.banjolin.supanet.com/
http://www.mandolinmagazine.com/

I've been working late a lot this week, so yesterday I missed Les jamming on mandolin with Carolyn Arends on this (one of my favourite tunes)...

Dance Like No One's Watching
Carolyn Arends

I want to sing just like the sparrow 'cause the sparrow knows
That your eye will be upon her everywhere that she goes
I want to shout out like the mountains 'cause they say those rocks
Love to lift up their praises and they never stop
I want to chase you like King David till it's all that I can do
To sing and shout and laugh about the way you made me new

I want to dance like no one's watching
Dance like no one's watching
Dance like no one's watching
Nobody but you

I want to grow just like the lilies dressed up in your best
'Cause they stretch toward the sun and trust in you for the rest
I want to climb up like a daughter on her daddy's knee
Who is laughing 'cause she knows that she is loved abundantly
You said that I should come to you just like a little kid
And maybe even kick my heels the way that David did

I'm gonna dance like no one's watching
Dance like no one's watching
Dance like no one's watching
Nobody but you

Well heaven knows I worry and those worries tend to keep me
Bottled up so tightly in my soul
So spill me like the perfume that was poured upon your feet
And then fill me till at last I overflow

That's when I'll dance like no one's watching
Dance like no one's watching
Dance like no one's watching
Nobody but you

I want to chase you like King David till at last you capture me
And then I’ll sing and shout and laugh about the way you set me free

I want to dance like no one’s watching
Dance like no one’s watching
Dance like no one’s watching
Nobody but you

c 2001 Songs of Peer, Ltd / Mr. Marley's Music (ASCAP)

...oh I love those words!