As a young wife and mother I used to think of myself as "Cotton
Candy"......sweet and fluffy but not alot of substance. So I began to read and
study the lives of women I admired to see what the "it" factor was.
So much of a woman's identity is caught up in how she looks. We are constantly
bombarded on a daily basis of pencil thin anorexic actresses who are held up as
examples of beauty. We are told if we use a certain toothpaste that our smiles
will be gleaming, and certain shampoos will make our hair irresistable. The
emphasis is helping women look good on the outside. Never mind the inward
reality; go for the "quick-fix" .
I'm fed up with "the secret keys", "the 22 ways", and the surefire plan. I'm fed up with the phony masks of self-styled Christian experts and the dishonesty of those who proclaim one thing while living something completely different. I'm tired of looking at the superficial, the fake, the phony, when "the real thing" is within my grasp.
With each passing day, I become more determined to know nothing except
Christ and him crucified. I don't have all the answers. I haven't arrived. I
don't have the perfect marriage, or the perfect children. I only know that Jesus
Christ has done something incredible in my life. My circumstances haven't changed a bit but I am changed none the less. I used to be at Point A now I'm at Point E. Hey it's not Point Z but it is forward progress.
I may not look perfect on the outside, but I am changing inside. Nothing magical, but I've lost a pound of sin here and an ounce of crummy attitude there. I blow it every day of my life, but I'm not who I used to be and I'm not who I would have been.
I don't want people to look at me and say, "Wow, what a remarkable
woman. What a remarkable Christian." I truly want people to look at me and say,
"What a remarkable God she must serve. If God can work through an ordinary woman like her, maybe he can work through me too."
The woman God can use knows where her value comes from. She is precious because of Who created her. She is valuable because of the One Who dwells with in her, not because of the material he used to fashion her or how he chooses to use her. There you have it...... If you want radiant skin, beautiful clear eyes, and a glowing personality start by working on "inward beauty".
What are your beauty secrets? What feeds your soul?
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
I haven't time to think much less post these days...but today I read a snippet on another blog that is SO worth sharing, I had to find a minute. It's from Daisy's blog. She's someone I found through the Thursday Thirteen group. Here's what she had to say...
Thursday, May 25, 2006
13 TV Shows I Enjoy (or have enjoyed) watching:
1. What Not to Wear
2. Gilmore Girls
3. The Apprentice (although I have to admit that I haven't watched it at all really this year).
4. Hockey Night in Canada
5. The Thirsty Traveller (I've only seen a couple of episodes, but it made me want to go to France and Ireland even more!)
6. Martha (sometimes I watch it while I'm working out Friday mornings after my daughter has gone to school).
7. Rachel Ray (I've seen one on 30 minutes meals a few times that was good, plus I've seen a travel one once that I really liked).
8. Debbie Travis' Painted House (this isn't on anymore, but I liked it better than her current one called Facelift)
9. Reba (occasionally we catch a bit of this before heading to bed. Les says I can sing the theme song just like her?! It's good for a laugh anyway:)
10. Neat (I like getting tips from the host on how to organize things; but I usually end up missing this one...it's just a half an hour but it's on Saturday night and we're usually out and about)
11. Seinfeld (another one that Les and I sometimes catch a few minutes of later in the evening...what I enjoy is Les enjoying this show and quoting it back later:)
12. One Day at a Time (This hasn't been on in years, but it was my favourite when I was a kid.)
13. Deal or No Deal (again one I've only seen a few times...I always think they should take the deal though!)
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Weekend Update
I had a nice long weekend, but it's back to work for me today. Les had to work the weekend again, but he did have Friday off, so we hired a sitter and had a date night on Thursday night. He took me to Earl's (one of my favorites...they were a little bit 'OFF' on Thursday, but a good time was still had). Then we went shopping...clothes shopping actually, and we both got a few new things. I like buying stuff that I KNOW my husband really likes on me:)
Our whole family had Friday off of work and school, so we slept late and headed out for a bike ride together. There is a new pond in one of the parks in our area, so we've been exploring around there lately. Then we did a bit of yard work and showered up in time to take Amanda to her friend's bday/sleepover party. Les and I then snuck off for dinner together. We went to Alexanders where the 'poulet du chef' was excellent! We then headed over to Dutch Growers to look at tall, skinny trees...swedish aspens to be exact. We're thinking about getting three of them for along the fence in our backyard. Then we met a friend for coffee at Starbucks and went for a drive with her looking at condos, as she is looking at moving.
On Saturday morning, Les headed out to work and I waited around for the Unversity student painters to come out and quote on how much it would cost to paint our deck. Wayyyyy too much was the answer!! I have a friend who is getting most of the main floor of her house done for less than they quoted for our deck?!! So I guess we'll be doing it ourselves and not hiring a student after all. I had thought this would be a good way to help out a student, but I guess not. If any of you have experience or advice about deck painting, please let me know. I think it's just one of those necessary evils that has to be repeated every three years or so!
Anyway, after the paint quote I had a bit of time to kill before I needed to pick Amanda up so I headed downtown and did a bit more browsing. This is so rare for me...to actually have some time alone to browse and try things on. Then when I picked Amanda up from her party, I had coffee with her friend's mom, which was so good since we hadn't been able to find the time between our two schedules for a while. Also, it was good for me to be in another mother's house and see how she interacts with her children. She's a wonderful mom, but, honestly, I realized in that hour just how easy Amanda has it our house in many ways...which was good because lately I get this big guilt trip back from her anytime I ask her to do anything.
Saturday night we headed to church then out with friends. Sunday morning I snuck out for another bike ride and then cleaned house, and when Les got home, we decided to have a family night IN as he needed some downtime to be the 'king of his castle'. So I made one of his favourites for supper and we caught a bit of the hockey game after that.
Monday morning was about laundry for me and then while I was getting myself together after my shower the power went out, so that definitely limited what else could be done. After Les finished work, we headed over to his parents for super and I got to meet my mother-in-law's childhood friend and her husband who are in town visiting from Kelowna. What I especially enjoyed about it was seeing my mother-in-law giggle with her friend after supper. I want more of that for her!
Well that brings us pretty much up to date. Hope you had a good weekend too:)
I had a nice long weekend, but it's back to work for me today. Les had to work the weekend again, but he did have Friday off, so we hired a sitter and had a date night on Thursday night. He took me to Earl's (one of my favorites...they were a little bit 'OFF' on Thursday, but a good time was still had). Then we went shopping...clothes shopping actually, and we both got a few new things. I like buying stuff that I KNOW my husband really likes on me:)
Our whole family had Friday off of work and school, so we slept late and headed out for a bike ride together. There is a new pond in one of the parks in our area, so we've been exploring around there lately. Then we did a bit of yard work and showered up in time to take Amanda to her friend's bday/sleepover party. Les and I then snuck off for dinner together. We went to Alexanders where the 'poulet du chef' was excellent! We then headed over to Dutch Growers to look at tall, skinny trees...swedish aspens to be exact. We're thinking about getting three of them for along the fence in our backyard. Then we met a friend for coffee at Starbucks and went for a drive with her looking at condos, as she is looking at moving.
On Saturday morning, Les headed out to work and I waited around for the Unversity student painters to come out and quote on how much it would cost to paint our deck. Wayyyyy too much was the answer!! I have a friend who is getting most of the main floor of her house done for less than they quoted for our deck?!! So I guess we'll be doing it ourselves and not hiring a student after all. I had thought this would be a good way to help out a student, but I guess not. If any of you have experience or advice about deck painting, please let me know. I think it's just one of those necessary evils that has to be repeated every three years or so!
Anyway, after the paint quote I had a bit of time to kill before I needed to pick Amanda up so I headed downtown and did a bit more browsing. This is so rare for me...to actually have some time alone to browse and try things on. Then when I picked Amanda up from her party, I had coffee with her friend's mom, which was so good since we hadn't been able to find the time between our two schedules for a while. Also, it was good for me to be in another mother's house and see how she interacts with her children. She's a wonderful mom, but, honestly, I realized in that hour just how easy Amanda has it our house in many ways...which was good because lately I get this big guilt trip back from her anytime I ask her to do anything.
Saturday night we headed to church then out with friends. Sunday morning I snuck out for another bike ride and then cleaned house, and when Les got home, we decided to have a family night IN as he needed some downtime to be the 'king of his castle'. So I made one of his favourites for supper and we caught a bit of the hockey game after that.
Monday morning was about laundry for me and then while I was getting myself together after my shower the power went out, so that definitely limited what else could be done. After Les finished work, we headed over to his parents for super and I got to meet my mother-in-law's childhood friend and her husband who are in town visiting from Kelowna. What I especially enjoyed about it was seeing my mother-in-law giggle with her friend after supper. I want more of that for her!
Well that brings us pretty much up to date. Hope you had a good weekend too:)
Saturday, May 20, 2006
A Heather Meme
Heather tagged me for this MeMe on Friday (sorry I'm late in responding:)
What is your favorite word? Sweet:)
What is your least favorite word? "What!"
What turns you on spiritually, creatively, emotionally?
Spiritually - a sunset, a worship song
Creatively - having the time to actually sit down and be creative
Emotionally - touch and affirmation
What turns you off? When people brag about other's accomplishments using words like "I" and "me" throughout as if to take full credit for what the person has done. (Don't get me wrong, I think a person should take pride in their accomplishements...I'm talking about an extreme here).
What's your favorite curse word? I don't really curse, but I do say "good grief!"
What sound or noise do you love to hear? I love to hear my husband call me the sweet things he does:) And I love to hear him strumming on his guitar.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? A stay at home, full time momma (with one more child too boot!) ...a teacher...and as long as we're dreaming, let's use that magic wand and I'll be a singer too!
What profession would you NOT like to do? The one I'm in...(long story)
If Heaven exists (HELLO! What do you mean "IF"?), what would you like to hear God say at the pearly gates? I want to hear Him call me by name and I want to feel His embrace.
I'm supposed to tag some of you, but as usual I'll just let you tag yourselves...if you read this and want to participate, leave me a link in the comments and I'll visit your site and give you a link below.
Heather tagged me for this MeMe on Friday (sorry I'm late in responding:)
What is your favorite word? Sweet:)
What is your least favorite word? "What!"
What turns you on spiritually, creatively, emotionally?
Spiritually - a sunset, a worship song
Creatively - having the time to actually sit down and be creative
Emotionally - touch and affirmation
What turns you off? When people brag about other's accomplishments using words like "I" and "me" throughout as if to take full credit for what the person has done. (Don't get me wrong, I think a person should take pride in their accomplishements...I'm talking about an extreme here).
What's your favorite curse word? I don't really curse, but I do say "good grief!"
What sound or noise do you love to hear? I love to hear my husband call me the sweet things he does:) And I love to hear him strumming on his guitar.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt? A stay at home, full time momma (with one more child too boot!) ...a teacher...and as long as we're dreaming, let's use that magic wand and I'll be a singer too!
What profession would you NOT like to do? The one I'm in...(long story)
If Heaven exists (HELLO! What do you mean "IF"?), what would you like to hear God say at the pearly gates? I want to hear Him call me by name and I want to feel His embrace.
I'm supposed to tag some of you, but as usual I'll just let you tag yourselves...if you read this and want to participate, leave me a link in the comments and I'll visit your site and give you a link below.
Rasberry Chill
In the comments for my TT, I was asked for the recipe, so here it is:)
Crust:
1 1/4 cups oreo crumps
1/4 cup melted marg
Combine crumps and melted marg in a bowl and then press into a springform pan and chill.
Filling:
1 pkg rasberry gelatin (I use sugar free; also you can use any flavour you want really)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 pkg (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened (I used light cc)
1/4 cup sugar (I use splenda)
1 container of frozen whipped topping (I use low fat and low sugar)
1/2 cup rasberries (optional)
In a bowl, stir gelatin and 2/3 cup boiling water for 2 minutes; cool.
In a food processor (I don't have one so I either use the blender or my hand mixer...takes more effort with the hand mixer, but comes out ok in the end); blend gelatin, cheeses and sugar for 2 minutes (longer if using a hand mixer). Fold in 2 cups of whipped topping. Add to pan. Chill 2 hours. Add remaining topping and fruit to garnish (it's nice without the fruit too).
I sometimes double the filling recipe if I'm using a larger springform pan. The recipe is meant for an 8 inch. If I'm doing a 10 inch or larger, I increase the recipe.
Before reducing the sugar in this recipe and cutting back on fat it is about 340 calories per piece (and 32 g of carb and 8 g of protein)...so even without reducing the sugar and fat it isn't too bad for a dessert. Enjoy!
In the comments for my TT, I was asked for the recipe, so here it is:)
Crust:
1 1/4 cups oreo crumps
1/4 cup melted marg
Combine crumps and melted marg in a bowl and then press into a springform pan and chill.
Filling:
1 pkg rasberry gelatin (I use sugar free; also you can use any flavour you want really)
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 pkg (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened (I used light cc)
1/4 cup sugar (I use splenda)
1 container of frozen whipped topping (I use low fat and low sugar)
1/2 cup rasberries (optional)
In a bowl, stir gelatin and 2/3 cup boiling water for 2 minutes; cool.
In a food processor (I don't have one so I either use the blender or my hand mixer...takes more effort with the hand mixer, but comes out ok in the end); blend gelatin, cheeses and sugar for 2 minutes (longer if using a hand mixer). Fold in 2 cups of whipped topping. Add to pan. Chill 2 hours. Add remaining topping and fruit to garnish (it's nice without the fruit too).
I sometimes double the filling recipe if I'm using a larger springform pan. The recipe is meant for an 8 inch. If I'm doing a 10 inch or larger, I increase the recipe.
Before reducing the sugar in this recipe and cutting back on fat it is about 340 calories per piece (and 32 g of carb and 8 g of protein)...so even without reducing the sugar and fat it isn't too bad for a dessert. Enjoy!
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
13 GOOD Things (that have happened or are going to happen) this week...
1. Date night, Thursday night's date night! Since we missed our date a couple of weeks ago due to baby-sitter problems, we've booked one for Thursday night as we all (including Amanda) have Friday off!
2. Having Friday off together:)
3. My husband made supper Tuesday night as I had to work late.
3. My husband made supper Tuesday night as I had to work late.
4. Wednesday night Les and I went for a nice bike-ride together:)
5. Yesterday I received flowers, for no reason, at work, from a DEAR friend!
6. The Pink Shadows (Amanda's airband group that performed last Thursday at the school assembly) WON the whole competition!! (The results were just announced today!) Pretty good for the youngest competitors in the event! I'm so proud of Amanda and her friends!! (They performed to Hilary and Hailie Duff's version of Our Lips Are Sealed... Amanda was Hilary, of course!)
6. The Pink Shadows (Amanda's airband group that performed last Thursday at the school assembly) WON the whole competition!! (The results were just announced today!) Pretty good for the youngest competitors in the event! I'm so proud of Amanda and her friends!! (They performed to Hilary and Hailie Duff's version of Our Lips Are Sealed... Amanda was Hilary, of course!)
7. And I was able to sneak away from work to see The Pink Shadows' BIG performance!
8. Relaxing experience last Sunday morning (which I already blogged about:)
9. The words in the card my husband gave me for Mother's Day:)
10. We were able to get our deck stairs fixed today.
11. Amanda's going to a b-day party/sleepover for a sweet friend this weekend (I really have a soft spot for this particular friend:) But then again I have a soft spot for most of her friends:)
11. Amanda's going to a b-day party/sleepover for a sweet friend this weekend (I really have a soft spot for this particular friend:) But then again I have a soft spot for most of her friends:)
12. Small group went really well this week and my rasberry chill cake was a hit (low fat and sugar and people still loved it?!!! :)
13. I'm pretty sure that Les and I will make it to Starbucks sometime on Friday...yeah!
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)
* Margaret * Catherine * Yellow Rose * Emily Rose * Lazy Daisy * Wendy Wings * Mrs. Cranky Pants * Laci * Mandy* Undercover Angel * Chaotic Mom * Norma * Carmen * Lisa * Green Family * Wystful * Kelly * Heather * Sonya * Faith * Mar * TLC * Lifecruiser * Susan * Stacey * Rashbre * Eph2810 *
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
ABC Meme
I caught this one through Eph2810...
Accent: I, of course, don't really think that I have an accent, but the odd person through the years has said there's a bit of an English one in there.
Bible Book that I like: My favourite book of the Bible is the Gospel of John....John wrote what things FELT like:) Also, Psalm 73 is MY Psalm:)
Chore I don’t care for: Cleaning the bathroom.
Dog or Cat: I love both, but don't have either right now (have had both at different times in my life)
Essential Electronics: Hmmm, I can't think of any that I think are ESSENTIAL.
Favorite Cologne: Fieldberries from Fruits & Passions.
Gold or Silver: I like and wear both at different times.
Handbag I Carry Most Often: I usually only have one...right now it's a brown leather one that has a nice feel to it. I can't do large handbags though.
Insomnia: Not usually unless I'm very worried or upset about something.
Job Title: Manager of Finance and Administration
Kid(s): One daughter, age 11.
Living Arrangements: We have a home in a newer area of Saskatoon. It's a sandcastle coloured bi-level with shutters and a cobble-stone walk. I live with my loving husband and daughter.
Most Admirable Trait: Do I have one of these??
Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: In grade one or two my mom told me I could invite a few friends from my class for my birthday party at the end of the week. When that day came, so did my whole class. I had invited them all because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings or leave anyone out. Boy my mother was mad and she still tells the story today!
Overnight Hospital Stays: Fortunately, I've never had one.
Phobias: ??
Quote: "She who does the best her circumstances allow, does well, acts nobly, angels could do no more." (Mrs. Meeds)
Religion: Free Methodist
Siblings: a sister and a brother, who are both quite a bit older than me.
Time I Wake Up: 6:46 a.m. most weekdays...and later if I can on weekends.
Unusual Talent or Skill: My daughter might say that I have a mysterious talent for knowing when something is UP that she doesn't want me to know.
Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: parsnips.
Worst Habit: I don't take compliments well (even though I'm trying not to, I often deny them or ask the giver 'why')
X-rays: The last one was more than 10 years ago when I had pnemonia.
Yummy Stuff I Cook: Greek food, grilled chicken, rosemary potatoes, spinach salad, lasagne, chilli, shepherd's pie, swedish meatballs, cheesecake, cappucinos... My husband says I'm a good cook:)
Zoo Animal I Like Most: Elephants (though I've never seen a real one live and in person)
Now I'm supposed to tag someone, but I'll just leave that open to you...if you want to do the ABC meme, leave a comment and I'll visit your site.
I caught this one through Eph2810...
Accent: I, of course, don't really think that I have an accent, but the odd person through the years has said there's a bit of an English one in there.
Bible Book that I like: My favourite book of the Bible is the Gospel of John....John wrote what things FELT like:) Also, Psalm 73 is MY Psalm:)
Chore I don’t care for: Cleaning the bathroom.
Dog or Cat: I love both, but don't have either right now (have had both at different times in my life)
Essential Electronics: Hmmm, I can't think of any that I think are ESSENTIAL.
Favorite Cologne: Fieldberries from Fruits & Passions.
Gold or Silver: I like and wear both at different times.
Handbag I Carry Most Often: I usually only have one...right now it's a brown leather one that has a nice feel to it. I can't do large handbags though.
Insomnia: Not usually unless I'm very worried or upset about something.
Job Title: Manager of Finance and Administration
Kid(s): One daughter, age 11.
Living Arrangements: We have a home in a newer area of Saskatoon. It's a sandcastle coloured bi-level with shutters and a cobble-stone walk. I live with my loving husband and daughter.
Most Admirable Trait: Do I have one of these??
Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: In grade one or two my mom told me I could invite a few friends from my class for my birthday party at the end of the week. When that day came, so did my whole class. I had invited them all because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings or leave anyone out. Boy my mother was mad and she still tells the story today!
Overnight Hospital Stays: Fortunately, I've never had one.
Phobias: ??
Quote: "She who does the best her circumstances allow, does well, acts nobly, angels could do no more." (Mrs. Meeds)
Religion: Free Methodist
Siblings: a sister and a brother, who are both quite a bit older than me.
Time I Wake Up: 6:46 a.m. most weekdays...and later if I can on weekends.
Unusual Talent or Skill: My daughter might say that I have a mysterious talent for knowing when something is UP that she doesn't want me to know.
Vegetable I Refuse to Eat: parsnips.
Worst Habit: I don't take compliments well (even though I'm trying not to, I often deny them or ask the giver 'why')
X-rays: The last one was more than 10 years ago when I had pnemonia.
Yummy Stuff I Cook: Greek food, grilled chicken, rosemary potatoes, spinach salad, lasagne, chilli, shepherd's pie, swedish meatballs, cheesecake, cappucinos... My husband says I'm a good cook:)
Zoo Animal I Like Most: Elephants (though I've never seen a real one live and in person)
Now I'm supposed to tag someone, but I'll just leave that open to you...if you want to do the ABC meme, leave a comment and I'll visit your site.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Here's a link to Joan's blog. She had a post on Mother's Day about 'mean mothers' that really hit home for me as I read it.
Sunday, May 14, 2006
Mother's Day
Mother's Day comes with mixed emotions for me this year. As many of you know, I had a "different" relationship with my mother growing up...the kind that Hallmark doesn't really make a card for, and as an adult I work to maintain a relationship with my mother, and I do truly love her, but I have come to accept that there are some things that no matter how much I want or need them will just not come from her and that's just that. So when I got married, I longed for my relationship with my mother-in-law to fill in some of those wants and needs that I mentioned earlier, and while I value my relationship with mother-in-law, it just isn't that way. In fact, I find these days that I am generally the one doing a dance to try and meet both my mother's needs. There's a lot to be said for inter-family dynamics, you know (?!), but nevertheless I love both of them.
So I'm sure it would come as no surprise to you that long ago I had vowed to myself to be a different sort of mother to my own children and that I would fulfill those wants and needs I've mentioned in their lives....
...and by God's grace, today I'm blessed to be the mother of an eleven year old daughter that I gave birth to when she was seven. Now giving birth to a seven year old isn't as easy as you might think, but I am her mother by love (just not blood). And I adore her, but there have definitely been some bumps in the road of late and it's been so hard on me to sometimes have to give her what she needs (but doesn't necessarily want)...and there has been some attitude in return, which does not sit well with my heart. Don't get me wrong, Amanda is such a good child, bright, creative and sensitive. And I suppose what we've been going through is completely normal, but it doesn't always feel very good to me. It is tempting at times to give in, but God assures me that she needs a mother not another friend and that her character is worth fighting for...and I just love her too much to settle for anything less.
So, given this all, I come into this Mother's Day a little bit weary. I was teary-eyed through much of the Church service last night, and again several times this morning, but still, God has found a way to pull me from my busy-ness this morning and find some time for me, and it has been good:)
Les headed off to work very early this morning, and since I wasn't sleepy, I asked him if he thought it would be ok if I headed out for a bike-ride around the neighbourhood while Amanda slept. He did, so off I went, without guilt. I explored gardens and parks, found new perenniels I want to plant and felt great in the sunshine and breeze. I did a bit of gardening when I got home and admired the blooms on our ornamental apple tree. Then I sat on the deck with my coffee and flipped through a magazine (an actual magazine?!...don't know when I last did that...cover to cover, even!) until Amanda got up. I had her come out on the deck with me for her breakfast and listened to her dreams from last night. When she headed off to watch a program, I made a cake for small group tomorrow night, but kept being tempted to head back out into the sun, so I took a cup of tea, a scone and a book I've been meaning to look at for more than a year and went back out onto the deck. The songs of the birds really struck me... You know birds never wake up and decide not to sing for a day...they never decide to just pull down the shades and stay in their nest...they sing every day. All the sights and scents I experienced this morning on my bike ride and in the yard just made me so thankful to God for His love and creation, and I remembered something that Graham Kendrick once said... He said that all of creation was made to worship the Creator, but only we were given a voice to give it words... So here's a song about that...Happy Mother's Day!
Creation's King (sheet music is here)
All creation is a song
Waiting to be sung
All of nature like a prayer
Waiting for a tongue
For who will give it voice
And make its anthem ring
Or rise to lead a choir
Of all created things?
Lord hear your people sing
Blessing honour glory power
To Creations' King
Songs of earth and songs of heaven
Join as one to bring
Blessing honour glory power
To Creations' King
All the nations are a song
Waiting to be sung
Every instrument and voice
Created for the One
The Maker of all things
The Majesty above
Who bought us back from death
With such a costly love
What praise could be enough?
Paul Baloche & Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 2005 Integrity's Hosanna! Music 1000 Cody Road, Mobile, AL 36695 and Make Way Music, PO Box 263, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 5AP, UK.
All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission
Mother's Day comes with mixed emotions for me this year. As many of you know, I had a "different" relationship with my mother growing up...the kind that Hallmark doesn't really make a card for, and as an adult I work to maintain a relationship with my mother, and I do truly love her, but I have come to accept that there are some things that no matter how much I want or need them will just not come from her and that's just that. So when I got married, I longed for my relationship with my mother-in-law to fill in some of those wants and needs that I mentioned earlier, and while I value my relationship with mother-in-law, it just isn't that way. In fact, I find these days that I am generally the one doing a dance to try and meet both my mother's needs. There's a lot to be said for inter-family dynamics, you know (?!), but nevertheless I love both of them.
So I'm sure it would come as no surprise to you that long ago I had vowed to myself to be a different sort of mother to my own children and that I would fulfill those wants and needs I've mentioned in their lives....
...and by God's grace, today I'm blessed to be the mother of an eleven year old daughter that I gave birth to when she was seven. Now giving birth to a seven year old isn't as easy as you might think, but I am her mother by love (just not blood). And I adore her, but there have definitely been some bumps in the road of late and it's been so hard on me to sometimes have to give her what she needs (but doesn't necessarily want)...and there has been some attitude in return, which does not sit well with my heart. Don't get me wrong, Amanda is such a good child, bright, creative and sensitive. And I suppose what we've been going through is completely normal, but it doesn't always feel very good to me. It is tempting at times to give in, but God assures me that she needs a mother not another friend and that her character is worth fighting for...and I just love her too much to settle for anything less.
So, given this all, I come into this Mother's Day a little bit weary. I was teary-eyed through much of the Church service last night, and again several times this morning, but still, God has found a way to pull me from my busy-ness this morning and find some time for me, and it has been good:)
Les headed off to work very early this morning, and since I wasn't sleepy, I asked him if he thought it would be ok if I headed out for a bike-ride around the neighbourhood while Amanda slept. He did, so off I went, without guilt. I explored gardens and parks, found new perenniels I want to plant and felt great in the sunshine and breeze. I did a bit of gardening when I got home and admired the blooms on our ornamental apple tree. Then I sat on the deck with my coffee and flipped through a magazine (an actual magazine?!...don't know when I last did that...cover to cover, even!) until Amanda got up. I had her come out on the deck with me for her breakfast and listened to her dreams from last night. When she headed off to watch a program, I made a cake for small group tomorrow night, but kept being tempted to head back out into the sun, so I took a cup of tea, a scone and a book I've been meaning to look at for more than a year and went back out onto the deck. The songs of the birds really struck me... You know birds never wake up and decide not to sing for a day...they never decide to just pull down the shades and stay in their nest...they sing every day. All the sights and scents I experienced this morning on my bike ride and in the yard just made me so thankful to God for His love and creation, and I remembered something that Graham Kendrick once said... He said that all of creation was made to worship the Creator, but only we were given a voice to give it words... So here's a song about that...Happy Mother's Day!
Creation's King (sheet music is here)
All creation is a song
Waiting to be sung
All of nature like a prayer
Waiting for a tongue
For who will give it voice
And make its anthem ring
Or rise to lead a choir
Of all created things?
Lord hear your people sing
Blessing honour glory power
To Creations' King
Songs of earth and songs of heaven
Join as one to bring
Blessing honour glory power
To Creations' King
All the nations are a song
Waiting to be sung
Every instrument and voice
Created for the One
The Maker of all things
The Majesty above
Who bought us back from death
With such a costly love
What praise could be enough?
Paul Baloche & Graham Kendrick
Copyright © 2005 Integrity's Hosanna! Music 1000 Cody Road, Mobile, AL 36695 and Make Way Music, PO Box 263, Croydon, Surrey, CR9 5AP, UK.
All rights reserved. International copyright secured. Used by permission
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
13 Movies I Love...
1. Walk the Line
2. The Mirror has Two Faces
3. Pride & Prejudice (both the new and the old)
4. You've Got Mail
5. While You Were Sleeping
6. Just Like Heaven
7. A Beautiful Mind
8. When Harry Met Sally
9. Little Women
10. Goodwill Hunting
11. Gidget
12. Elizabethtown
13. Bridget Jones
Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)
* Sonya * Nikki * Lazy Daisy * Undercover Angel * Matt * Mandy * Janice * Mar * Cheryl * Tricia * Denise * Carmen * Nancy * Margaret * Nicole * Leanne * Wystful (it's her anniversary today, so go and wish her well:) * Heather * Pink Chihuahua Princess *
Get the Thursday Thirteen code here!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Young Love
(Doll Reader Magazine, August 2003 cover)
This is what my husband had for me when I came home from work yesterday:) No, not a magazine, but the doll pictured. She's a Marie Osmond exclusive, hand numbered and signed by Marie herself. The title of the doll is 'Young Love' and has won awards and is no longer available for purchase. I've always loved dolls, but I never dreamed I would own one so exquisite...and it's even more special than that because it's from my love:)
(Doll Reader Magazine, August 2003 cover)This is what my husband had for me when I came home from work yesterday:) No, not a magazine, but the doll pictured. She's a Marie Osmond exclusive, hand numbered and signed by Marie herself. The title of the doll is 'Young Love' and has won awards and is no longer available for purchase. I've always loved dolls, but I never dreamed I would own one so exquisite...and it's even more special than that because it's from my love:)
Tuesday, May 09, 2006
Shining God's light...
Last night at small group, we continued our study of Phillipians and at one point we were talking about shining God's light wherever he puts you...whether that be at a job that you like (or one that you don't like) or at home raising children or in chains as Paul was - and to see the possibilities God has for you where you are. Well, that led me to thinking (and sharing a bit) about a sermon I read a few years ago that really hit my heart right where I was at, so I dug back in my archives today to give it a re-read:
Last night at small group, we continued our study of Phillipians and at one point we were talking about shining God's light wherever he puts you...whether that be at a job that you like (or one that you don't like) or at home raising children or in chains as Paul was - and to see the possibilities God has for you where you are. Well, that led me to thinking (and sharing a bit) about a sermon I read a few years ago that really hit my heart right where I was at, so I dug back in my archives today to give it a re-read:
Whew! I just finished reading Pastor Dean's message from this weekend. Because Les & I were away, we missed it. But so many people have been saying good things about it, I had to go and read it, and it was GOOD! He was talking about marriage, and he started out by using Deut. 6 to explain that God's main plan to pass on His love, hope and grace to the world is through families. The thing that Dean said that really spoke to my heart the most though was this:
"Now folks, I want to be the 1st to tell you that, if you're married, the very best way you can help shine God's light on this earth, . . . is to have a strong marriage . . . the way to honor God the very most with your life, and the way you can get the most work done for God is this . . . by simply giving yourself fully to strengthening and developing your marriage over a lifetime because if your married . . . strengthening your marriage and family is what God has called you to do you don't even need to spend time looking for something else to do for God . . . until your marriage is strong and your family is growing spiritually . . . that's the work God has called you to do, and it is a huge responsibility and high calling . . . it is the centre piece for his strategy of saving the world!!
Got that - your marriage is not something that can take a back seat to anything - it must always be of the highest
priority . . . because working on your marriage is working on something for God
. . . and that is a really big deal . . . "
Dean's words were very affirming to me! You see, since I've been married I haven't been able to be involved in 'formal ministry' at the Church as much as I used to. There were times before when I would be at the Church or doing something for the Church almost every evening, but that is not possible now with a husband and daughter. Sometimes I feel inadequate because I can't do all the things I've done before, but I know that God has called me to make my husband a priority and our family. I know without a doubt that God created me to be Les' wife, and so the primary ministry God has called me to is Les and our children, and it is so encouraging to hear that affirmed by my Pastor:)
Monday, May 08, 2006
Well, I just couldn't resist and I did some planting this weekend. It was so beautiful out and I was aching to get my sunflower seeds in. I hadn't intended to plant any bedding plants, but we had picked some up on Friday and by Sunday they were looking so dry in their tiny containers (even though I'd watered them on Saturday), so I put some in the dirt. Now here's hoping that we don't dip down to freezing any night. When I looked at the weather forecast yesterday it all looked good, but now I see there is a possibility of hitting zero celcius overnight on Wednesday...hopefully they'll revise that in my favor or else I'll be moving pots in and covering beds up that evening. I know what some of you are thinking..."You don't plant before the May long weekend in Saskatchewan!" But what can I say...I couldn't resist!
BTW...any and all advice/encouragement from you greenthumbs out there is appreciated:)
Oh, and I just wanted it to go on record that gardening can be an excellent workout...my thighes and buttocks are proof of that this morning!
BTW...any and all advice/encouragement from you greenthumbs out there is appreciated:)
Oh, and I just wanted it to go on record that gardening can be an excellent workout...my thighes and buttocks are proof of that this morning!
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
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1. Friends coming over for a BBQ Thursday night (one of them being my dear friend, Lynn, who is expecting and who is in town from Chicago!) 2. The arrival of Lynn and Sandy's baby girl, Nevaeh (that's heaven spelt backwards)...expected on or around July 24th! 3. The date my debonair hubby is taking me on on Friday night (that is if we can find a replacement babysitter)! 4. The return of springtime weather (it actually snowed here on Wednesday?!) 5. My flower garden:) 6. A wedding this August for dear friends of our family! 7. Going to Starbucks with my honey on Friday between our running around. 8. Getting a chance to scrapbook some more (it's probably been more than 9 months since I've made time). 9. That elusive 'someday' when we'll actually head off on our belated honey-moon to Ireland:) 10. Taking Amanda to the movies (just she and I) next weekend. 11. Having a few days off of work. 12. Breakforth next year! 13. Growing our family...
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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Grace and Ice Cream
Last night at small group I heard grace be described a different way, and I liked the illustration used. It went something like this...
If your friend punches you in the face and you decide not to retaliate...that's MERCY.
If your friend punches you in the face and you decide not to retaliate and you tell him that it won't affect your friendship...that's FORGIVENESS.
If your friend punches you in the face and you decide not to retailiate and you tell him that it won't affect your friendship AND you buy him an ice cream cone...that's GRACE.
Last night at small group I heard grace be described a different way, and I liked the illustration used. It went something like this...
If your friend punches you in the face and you decide not to retaliate...that's MERCY.
If your friend punches you in the face and you decide not to retaliate and you tell him that it won't affect your friendship...that's FORGIVENESS.
If your friend punches you in the face and you decide not to retailiate and you tell him that it won't affect your friendship AND you buy him an ice cream cone...that's GRACE.
Monday, May 01, 2006
You know what's discouraging? I was at a shower yesterday (that was delightful not discouraging) with a bunch of women (again, delightful not discouraging) where punch and snacks were plentiful. And, as usual, I did not have hardly anything and tried to keep to my eating plan and limit and balance those carbs with protein. I didn't even have a sip of the punch that everyone raved about, knowing it's sugar content would just be too high (and as usual there were no lower sugar beverages available, not even water?!), and I felt horribly guilty when I had a sliver of the ice cream cake at the appointed time(even though I had tried to balance it with some protein from the snack table, which was hard to find). The shower was a Hawaiian theme and we were all given hula skirts to wear when we came in, and in my hula skirt I was painfully aware that I was the largest woman there (hula skirts aren't particularly flattering for the hips, you know?!) I envied the others as they enjoyed all the treats they wanted and as they talked about chocolate and candy fetishes that they shared, and I wondered for about the bazillionth time in my life, "Why can they eat that and I can't?" Sometimes it can be discouraging trying so hard...
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