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!

To be known....

Let me know you, for you are the God who knows me; let me recognize you as
you have recognized me. You are the power of my soul; come into it and
make it fit for yourself, so that you may have it and hold it without stain or
wrinkle.
-- AUGUSTINE, Confessions

Encounter

Encounter is the new mid-week worship service at our Church. I have been hungry for this for so long, and it has not disappointed me. Last night we attended our second one...the message that stayed with me is that God has brought 'the holy of holies' (the temple) to us (in us)...He is about bringing things together (things torn apart, things in pieces). There was much more to it...along with some interesting exegesis of Revelation 21, but I will stop there for now.

There's a song I've been singing a lot this past week that talks about how God fills the hunger in my heart...He takes my soul by storm...

You Take My Soul By Storm
words and music by Carolyn Arends, Mak Kaylor, and Connie Harrington

There’s an eerie stillness in my soul
A cold complacency
It’s been too long since I felt the Holy Ghost
Stirring in me
But I know it’s just the calm before the storm
Soon a light will pierce the dark
‘Cause Almighty God you’ll move heaven and earth
To move my heart

Chorus
Like the mighty winds of a hurricane
You’ll come rushing in when I call Your name
And let Your love come down
You take my soul by storm
Then I’ll feel Your Spirit moving me
And You’ll lift me up where I need to be
‘Cause when Your love comes down
You take my soul by storm
You take my soul by storm

There’s a strange new fragrance in the air
The promise of sweet rain
I know it won’t be long till the force of Your love
Sweeps me away
Whenever I have let this distance grow
Between Your heart and mine
You have poured out Your Spirit on my thirsty soul
So I know this time

Repeat chorus

(C) 1995 Edward Grant/running arends music (admin. by Reunion Music Publishing) (ASCAP)/Ol’ Lucy Brown Music (BMI)

What a great weekend!

I had a wonderful weekend with my handsome husband! I feel loved, refreshed, happy, inspired and content... Here are a few of the highlights..

On Saturday, we visited with my in-laws, and Amanda got to stay for a two-night grand-parent-spoil-me time. Les and I then did some shopping for things we've been needing/wanting around the house. Later that evening, Les took me to the movies. We saw 'Shall We Dance'. It was a wonderful movie, and oh-so-romantic to see in Les' arms. (Thanks to Donna for blogging about it earlier...I believe Les got the idea from me reading your words:) On the way there, it was a snow-globe world...big fluffy snowflakes fell around us and crunched under our feet...so romantic:)

On Sunday we slept late and lingered over breakfast. Then I did some housework and Les built a new piece of furniture for the living room. He's so good at these things! Then I had the fun of decorating it:) Afterward, we went out for supper at Kelseys and I got to enjoy some shrimp and, more importantly, my precious man. Then Les took me to the Carolyn Arends' concert and we met some friends.

The concert was awesome! I love Carolyn's music...the lyrics, the interesting instrumentals, and the feel of it. But I think the best part for me was how much Les enjoyed it. We had awesome seats in the second row where we had the perfect view of Carolyn and her lead guitar/mandolin/violin/bazouki player (Spencer Capier...what a talented guy...and with his own albumn coming out soon). I think my favourite new song that Carolyn performed last night was 'Not a Tame Lion'...it echoed C.S. Lewis' line from Narnia about the lion, asking if he was safe....'of course not, he's a lion, but he's good.' (Here's a link to the lyrics and Carolyn's thoughts on writing the song...http://www.carolynarends.com/utg/natl.html)

Seeing that concert woke up some personal interests in me...some of the things I haven't had much time for since becoming a wife and a mother (which was the fulfillment of my biggest desires, so I am in no way complaining:). I guess it's because I recognize so much of myself in Carolyn's songs, but I'm going to think about how I can put some of those things back on the burner, even if it's on a really slow simmer...(I know I have a husband who would be oh-so supportive of that:)

Here's a link to an interview with Carolyn that was released last week by Christianity Today (http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2004/carolynarends-1004.html).

Here's a quote from it that struck me big about why her new album is 'Under the Gaze'...

"One enduring theme in my music is the idea that you can't compartmentalize life.
All of it belongs to God, and what we do with it is our gift back to God. There
is no detail that he's outside of. I have to keep remembering to see all of life
that way and not create these little compartments, the things I think God is
privy to and the things he's not—or the things that should matter and the things
that don't. It all matters; it's all sacred.

For some people, depending
on their perception of God, the word gaze feels like "scrutiny" or "glare." But
I think of it as a really warm image, like gazing into someone's eyes, or a
lover's gaze—though I'm not casting my relationship with God in those romantic
colors. But it's just this idea that he wants to watch over us, all the time,
forever. That's the kind of affection he has for us, and, to me, that's just a
massive idea. And so I finally sat down and wrote that song, and it almost
instantly felt to me like, Okay, this is what this album is. It's all under his
gaze.

And that thought gave me a green light to explore anything I want
on the record, because it is all sacred. It gave me freedom to go a lot of
different places—even musically. So if I want to go bluegrassy over here, I can.
If I want to be springy piano-ey over there, I can. It's all part of it. It's
all sacred."

Come Be with Me

This song is swirling through my head today. It's full of meaning for me...from a time of hurting and waiting, to a time of fulfillment. Last night during worship, I went to the spot at the altar...the spot where I poured out so much hurt again and again years ago...the spot where I prayed so many prayers...and the very spot where just 2 1/2 years ago I knelt with Les in the darkened sanctuary the first time I told him I loved him. Old hurts be gone, waiting over, prayers answered...I thanked God for His amazing love and treasured up in my heart God's man, my Les. Face streaming with tears, I opened my eyes and saw the pastor's Bible open under my arms, I turned it around and my eyes fell on the very passage in Ephesians 3 that God gave me just before Les entered my life....

For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches
he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being
rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (v.14-19)

...and then the verse that He gave us both as we came together despite all barriers...

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more
than all we ask or imagine, according to
his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in
Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever! Amen. (v.20-21)

Come Be with Me
Written by Amy Grant, Co-written by Beth Nielsen Chapman

Baby this life can break your heart
Everyone hurts to some degree
So while this world is falling apart
Why don't you come be with me?

Don't you know that life can be so cold
When you're without the one you need
How much longer do I have to go?
Waiting for you, come be with me

Love can be so simple when you let it flow
Keep it in your head, feel it in your heart
Send it through your soul

Look up at the stars burning bright
Listen to the wind whisper sweet
Heaven and earth know the moment is right
Why don't you come be with me?

(Repeat Refrain)

Look up at the stars burning bright
Listen to the wind whisper sweet
Heaven and earth know the moment is right
Why don't you come be with me?

Heaven and earth know the moment is right
Why don't you come be with me?

I'm Getting Excited about this...

Encounter starts this week, and I just had a look at the outline of weekly topics for the next 8 weeks...it is looking good! It looks like the focus will be Ephesians...

Encounter
Lakeview's Wednesday Night Service
Every Wednesday from October 20 - December 8 @ 6:30 pm, come out for a different kind of service, with more in-depth teaching and worship.

Also, kids won't want to miss "Adventure Club", the new kids program being offered for kids birth to grade 5 during the service.

The first season of Encounter will deal with the book of Ephesians. Here are some details of the following weeks to come in this series.

October 20
“Gathering, Listening, Learning, Worshipping”
Introduction to Encounter

October 27
“You Can't Get Closer Than In”
What it Means to be "In Christ"

November 3
“Keeping Our Head On Straight”
The High Calling of the Church #1

November 10
“God Dwells Where?”
The High Calling of the Church #2

November 17
“Behind Curtain # 3... Revealed!”
The High Calling of the Church #3

November 24
“The Weakest Link”
God's Call to Live Like Him

December 1
“When Death Becomes Life”
Baptism Service

December 8
“Battle Cry”
The Armour of God

For more information follow this link... (www.lakeviewchurch.com)

Parenting is not always easy, is it?!

I haven't mastered the art of creatively correcting my daughter yet without risking the scorn of her not liking me (at least momentarily). I know, it's not about being 'liked'... As my dear friend Alana continues to remind me, 'They need a mother, not another friend!' ...and I get that, I do... and I am willing to risk my daughter's scorn if it's a matter that goes to character. I am willing to endure it for her because she's worth it...so worth it!

This weekend, Alana passed along to me an illustrustation she once heard a speaker use that has really got me thinking. She said to imagine that you are preparing your child for a trip in 18 years and that you have to help make ensure that they have what they'll need in their suitcase by then.

I've been thinking a lot about what I want in Amanda's suitcase (in about 9 or so more years). I want her to have an intimate relationship with God, not just knowledge of God, but a deep relationship. I want her to have confidence in herself and knowledge that she can do anything. I want her to have a compassionate heart and a willing spirit. I want her to be self-motivated and have good common sense. I want her to be able to take care of herself (and her someday family, if God so chooses). I want her to be a good friend and be able to sometimes take care of her friends when they need it. I want her to know how to be safe but not end up being totally closed off. I want her to be brave and to hold tight to her values. I want a lot of things for her... and in the end I want her to know that there are two people in this world who will always think she's such a living dolly, who will love her no matter what, but who love her way too much to ever let her compromise.

Oh this parenting thing...they're right, you know, when they say that when you become a parent you start walking around with your heart on the outside... not easy no-sir-ee..

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....


I know, you probably don't get it...why am I singing?! ...because it's snowing!...the first fluffy soft snow of the year! And while that will mean shoveling (in the not too distant future...later this morning in fact), I can't help but be excited... I love snow, expecially the first snow of the year. I love how it feels and how it crunches! I love how it looks at night...everything twinkles! Winter has always been my favourite season (despite the odd -40 degree day). I love snowflakes on my cheeks, snowangels on my lawn... I love snow covered branches, snow cornered windows... I love how cozy it feels inside, sipping a hot cup of sumpin' (tea, cocoa...)! So this morning I'm singing, enjoying a caramilk coffee and eating warm oatmeal, homemade with cinnamon, raisens and brown sugar. There's nothing like hot oatmeal to warm you inside and out! I've got bread in the oven and will serve it with homemade soup for lunch when Les gets home. I think I'll throw some chicken in the oven for supper, but for now, I'm going to head out and play...er, I mean shovel...well, maybe play a bit. I think my scarecrow needs his own snowflake to hold and our lawn...er, snowbank, needs an angel!

Come on, get in the spirit....

• make your own snowflake here (http://snowflakes.lookandfeel.com/)
• play some snowflake yahtze even (http://www.papersnowflakes.com/)

...let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!! :)

Lord, thank you for the beautiful snow, please open our hearts to enjoy it and find You in it, and please keep all those traveling and those driving around today safe (and patient) on the roads. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

I think most people would consider me a fairly patient driver, but even my patience was tested today when the right lane was closed on Circle Drive. They seemed to have set up the signs a long way from where the work was actually being done on the side of the road, and we were at a complete standstill much of the time, making us late for our trip to the pumpkin patch at Dutch Growers. I could handle being a few minutes behind if it just affected our plans, but you see we were over 15 minutes late in meeting some friends, and I really don't like to inconvenience others that way.

Still, I was doing pretty good really, until I started noticing the steady stream of fancy half tonnes that kept whizzing past us in the right lane...that's right, the lane that was closed... They would speed past the halted traffic and then squeeze back into the left lane at the point where the roadwork was being done...thus making those of us who had been waiting a long time, wait even longer. I kept thinking to myself that I shouldn't be so frustrated by what they were doing, but honestly, I kept thinking that if one of them even tried to merge back into the left lane in front of me, I wouldn't let them... Guilty thoughts then emerged...I mean, what happened to 'the first shall be last', what happened to my usual patience about such things? ...and then I heard this coming from the seat behind me where Amanda, my 9 year old daughter, was sitting, "All right already! We're getting old here!!" I couldn't help but laugh out loud, it had even gotten to my darling 9 year old daughter and was aging her in the process... (She's too cute, don't you think?!!)

Now there's a place I haven't been to in a while...

...Dutch Growers (http://www.dutchgrowers.ca/)... The other day my friend, Alana, was able to pop by there, and now I have a hankering to go and linger there a bit, maybe share some tea...so it's official, on Saturday my friend Arliee and I are taking our girlies there before we head to church so they can explore the pumpkin patch...



I love to browse around places like Dutch Growers and look at the plants and flowers, home decorations, Christmas decorations, etc... (I do miss the crafts though...they used to have a wonderful craft supply section...) They even have a bistro, and it's painted so beautifully...just a wonderful environment to be in!

If I were to ever have a store of my own it would be a craft store/book store/tea and latte spot. Remember the feeling of walking into the old Willow Wisp store (the one that was in the old Johnny Appleseed location)? I'd love an old fashioned two story location with a big front porch. When you walk in you smell grandma's kitchen. There are cozy places to sit and nestle in among the crafts with books on crafty shelves throughout. You can sip your cider, tea or latte as you look...all cups have saucers and there are safe places to set them down as you look. Music is playing in the background...sometimes it's folky like Carolyn Arends, other times it's celtic-y, and other times it's my favourite Bach string concertos. You feel welcome to linger, taking it all in...go ahead and find a spot and sit down and read to your heart's content (afterall, if it's a dream, we don't need you to purchase the book to keep our doors open...) This sounds like a place where I'd like to be...but coffee break is now over, so it's back to being an accountant for me!

Well the turkey-bird is in the oven...we are celebrating Thanksgiving today. Les is off at work right now, and I am making the cranberries for our feast. Soon both sides of the family will be here. It will be a busy day, but I don't want to loose sight of what it's meant for.

My heart was struck this morning when I did some research on how Thanksgiving came about in Canada. I found out (as highlighted in my last post) that Parliament, when declaring the second Monday of October as Thanksgiving in Canada, marked it as a time of giving thanks to 'Almighty God'...and I have a lot to be thankful for...

Here's a partial list:

- God's love and His grace, abundant and true

- my handsome husband... I waited what seemed like a long time for him, but God was faithful, and Les is everything on my list of what I wanted.

- my living dolly, who made me a mommy:)

- our home, a warm place where we live and grow in love

- our friends, people like the Henry's who have been such examples to me of God's family... Alana, who has been my heart's sister, who taught me to be brave and who encourages me so much... People like Caroline, who have been there for us and shown constant and unconditional love. People like Arilee who have lifted me up as mommy and helped me along...

- our extended families... Les' folks who moved here to be closer to us (well probably Amanda), who've had such a tough year... my folks, who have had to let go of their little girl...

- our jobs... although I'm feeling too much stress these days, I still thank God that I have a job and pray His strength through it

- our church... my role has changed so much in it over the last two years that sometimes I don't know where I fit, but I am thankful that they take me where I am, and I'm thankful that Les and Amanda have each found a place there. I'm thankful for Encounter and Adventure Club which will be starting later this month, for the timing of it and that there is something for each member of my family to look forward to and grow in.

- the beautiful sunshine streaming through my windows right now, the gorgeous fall trees, the sunsets I've been seeing all week, the feelings I have inside, and once again, the God who paints this all just for me (well maybe not just for me, but sometimes it feels that way:)

The Canadian Thanksgiving Day came about because of a combination of
traditions. Before the first Europeans arrived in North America, the farmers in
Europe held celebrations at harvest time. The farm workers filled a curved
goat's horn with fruit and grain to give thanks for their harvest having been a
good one. This horn was called a Horn of Plenty.....or a Cornucopia, and the
farm workers who started a new life in Canada took this tradition with them.

In Newfoundland in 1578, the English navigator Martin Frobisher held a
ceremony to give thanks for surviving the long journey. He was later knighted
and had an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in Northern Canada named after
him.....Frobisher Bay. As other settlers arrived they continued these
ceremonies.

In 1621, in what is now the United States of America, the
Pilgrims celebrated their harvest in the New World. By the 1750's settlers
moving to Canada from America had taken this celebration to Nova Scotia. At the
same time, French settlers arriving in Canada with the explorer Samuel de
Champlain held thanksgiving feasts and shared their food with their Indian
neighbours. After the seven years war ended in 1763 the citizens of Halifax held
a special day of Thanksgiving.

At the time of the American Revolution,
the people who remained loyal to the Government in England moved to Canada and
spread the Thanksgiving celebration to other parts of the country. Other English
settlers were also used to having a harvest celebration in their churches every
Autumn.

In 1879 the Canadian Parliament declared the 6th November as a
day of Thanksgiving and a national holiday. Over the years the date has changed
with the third Monday in October being the most popular time. Finally on the
31st January 1957 the Canadian Parliament proclaimed that....

'A Day of
General Thanksgiving to Almighty God
for the bountiful harvest with which
Canada has
been blessed.....to be observed on the second Monday in October.'

From... http://www.crewsnest.vispa.com/thanksgivingcanada.htm

Interview with God

Having watched the Father's Love Letter again recently, I was reminded of this: http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/ (check out the presentation:)

The poem it's based on goes like this, but you really need to see the pictures as well...

THE INTERVIEW WITH GOD

I dreamed I had an interview with God.

“So you would like to interview me?” God asked.

“If you have the time” I said.

God smiled. “My time is eternity.”
“What questions do you have in mind for me?”

“What surprises you most about humankind?”

God answered...
“That they get bored with childhood,
they rush to grow up, and then
long to be children again.”

“That they lose their health to make money...
and then lose their money to restore their health.”

“That by thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget the present,
such that they live in neither
the present nor the future.”

"That they live as if they will never die,
and die as though they had never lived.”

God’s hand took mine
and we were silent for a while.

And then I asked...
“As a parent, what are some of life’s lessons
you want your children to learn?”

“To learn they cannot make anyone
love them. All they can do
is let themselves be loved.”

“To learn that it is not good
to compare themselves to others.”

“To learn to forgive
by practicing forgiveness.”

“To learn that it only takes a few seconds
to open profound wounds in those they love,
and it can take many years to heal them.”

“To learn that a rich person
is not one who has the most,
but is one who needs the least.”

“To learn that there are people
who love them dearly,
but simply have not yet learned
how to express or show their feelings.”

“To learn that two people can
look at the same thing
and see it differently.”

“To learn that it is not enough that they
forgive one another, but they must also forgive themselves.”

"Thank you for your time," I said humbly.

"Is there anything else
you would like your children to know?"

God smiled and said,
“Just know that I am here... always.”

-author unknown

Have you ever watched the Father's Love Letter?

If you haven't here's a link... http://www.fathersloveletter.com/fllpreviewlarge.html

I remember the first time I saw it a couple of years ago, my eyes were just so full of tears... :)

What I'm singing these days...

Ever since the concert, I can't get this song out of my head or heart. I've been singing it every day...kinda feeling like I'm Laura...

Saved By Love

Laura loves her little family,
And she's the kind of woman who loves them with her life.
But sometimes in the evening,
When the world rests on her shoulders
With four walls closing in,
She'll close her eyes.

Oh....

It's not like she misses being younger,
Though she never was in Vogue magazine or on TV;
Her husband loves her dearly,
And the morning shows her clearly,
Kisses her little baby girl.
Laura, she's the queen of the world.

Can't imagine ever leaving now,
Now that she's been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love.
Listen to her quiet heart singing loud.
Laura, she's been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love.
I know that she's been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love.
Saved by love.

There's nothing quite like my family's love to warm me,
And nothing short of death's gonna ever leave me cold.
Well, still at times it's lonely,
But through it all it only
Makes me love Jesus more,
And this is what He came here for.

I can't imagine ever leaving now.
Now that I've been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love.
He's gone and turned my crazy world back around,
And I've been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love.
I know that I've been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love....

Oh, I'm never leaving now,
Now that I've been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love.
He's gone and turned my crazy world back around,
And I've been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love.
Amy, she's been saved by love,
Saved by love, saved by love....
Saved by love.

I'm saved by love.

That's right.
And nothing I can say,
Nothing I can do, nothing I can say.

We're all just saved by love.
Nothing you can say, nothing you can do.
Only love can say, only love can do,
Only love can say.

Only love can say, only love can do,
Only love can say.

I'm say-yay-yaved by,
I'm saved by, by,
Nothing you can do, nothing you can say,
Only love can say....

I think I'm missing something...

I'm not big on McDonalds. I mean left to me, I don't think we would ever eat there, but Amanda adores their Cheeseburger Happy Meals, and so occasionally we find ourselves in line at McDonalds after a skating lesson or dance class. It's sad, I know... I think that Amanda's fondness of that place has more to do with the marketing than the food though (but she'd never tell you that). I think it has more to do with the toy of the week. When I was young, restaurants didn't give out toys or treats with meals...not even McDonalds. A few weeks ago Amanda was disappointed when Grandma & Grandpa took her out for supper and they went to Montana's...no toy to take home. Likewise when we took Amanda and her friend Britney out to Denny's before the carnival at the Church a while ago, she was disappointed again...no toy... Both times she would have preferred McDonalds even though I'm positive she preferred the food at Montana's and Denny's.

A friend of mine recently mentioned the movie,
'Supersize Me'. I hadn't heard much about it, but did check out the website and a blog on it this weekend. I actually think I'd like to see this movie, but I'm not so sure my daughter would like me to see it...as it may reduce the number of McDonalds trips she gets...afterall she already has enough toys.

Here's a quote from the blog:

"Morgan Spurlock went on a 30 day McDonalds only diet. 3 meals a day. Only food that McD's sells over the counter. And he must supersize the meal if they ask him. He started off the diet in perfect health, and at 185lbs. He got the help of 3 doctors a nutritionist and a personal trainer to monitor he progress...and for health reasons. For a man his size they recommended 2500 calories a day. The figured that he was eating 5000 calories a day.

A couple of finds:

- a regular Yogurt parfait + granola has more calories than hot fudge sundae
- only 7 things on the menu contain no sugar – french fries, hashbrowns, iced tea, coffee, diet coke, chicken mcnuggets, and sausage….even the salads contain sugar
- “results for liver are obscene beyond anything I would have thought” – one of his doctors, after 21 days

The final report:

He suffered from massive headaches when he didn’t eat McD, mood swings, and felt depressed and exhausted most of the time. His medical tests showed that he had 2x the risk of heart failure and heart disease, his liver was fat, his cholesterol was 230 and he gained an amazing 24.5 lbs. Oh, and mentioned that his sex drive was “worthless”. He also said that he had massive cravings for McD's when he wasn't eating. Overall, he ate 30lbs of sugar, 12 lbs of fat, and took him 5 months to lose 20 lbs after the fact.

Watch the movie. Think about what you are eating. Crazy, crazy stuff. Basically, the doctors told him to stop 3 weeks in because his body was (especially liver) was very sick. Insane.

Oh, he puts some of the burgers into glass jars for a few weeks to see how they decompose. After 10 weeks he throws them out. The fries look like they were bought that day. No mould. No fungus. He wanted to see how long they could go, but his intern mistakenly threw them out. Very creepy."

I find this very interesting. If you've read my blog for a while, you know the disappointing news that I learned last spring about aspartame and how it actually makes you gain weight... So as hard as it was I've given that up...

And I think everyone knows to avoid trans fats, another sometimes hidden ingredient that actually addicts us to certains foods and adds to our girth. This is something I've always been very careful with.

Well, the latest thing I've been reading about is glutamates (including MSG), which are in so many foods (not just fast food) and so hidden that I don't know how I could eliminate it from our pantry... Apparently, glutamates are very addicting and cause us to eat more of certain foods than we should (this was also shown to be a factor in 'Supersize It'). Also, glutamates fall under all sorts of names on food labels. I don't understand how food manufacturers and restaurants can continue to put ingredients into food that are so bad for us and also be able to hide them in their ingredients list...

I miss the days of Weigh Down (a Bible focused weight loss program that I did really well on). It taught me to trust my body that God made, to get in tune to it's signals of hunger and fullness and give the rest to God. Now-a-days, every time I turn around I'm forced to focus more on the food and make sure it has no artificial sweetners, trans-fats or glutamates. When I was in Weigh Down I didn't focus on the food at all, just ate whatever I wanted when I was hungry and stopped before I was full. I would focus on God and thank Him for all the jewels He sent my way. I did exercise when I could because it felt good not because I was trying to control how many calories I burned that day. Now I run around feeling guilty if I miss a day of weights or the gazelle and have to take special care reading labels to make sure the food is righteous before I put in my mouth. I think I'm missing something...maybe we all are...