Wonderful concert last night! I was really touched by how vunerable Amy can be when she talks about the songs. I think my eyes were full of tears most of the time that she was on the stage, but since I only have a few minutes here, I'll just post one cute story about my husband at the concert.

Les and I took our seats a while before the concert started so we could get a good look at the stage, and, in particular, the guitars on the stage. I correctly picked out the Gibson (special edition, I think) that Amy's lead guitar player (who was awesome) would play (he only used one guitar...Les says, 'when it's a Gibson, you only need one!'...but I digress..). Les pointed out Vince's tele. Les also pointed out the different amps up there...he even thought he saw a vintage Vox, etc. I pointed out Amy's accoustic, a MacPherson (I think Les was impressed that I remembered as this isn't a common guitar). In any case, this is stuff we do all the time. Les loves to survey what others are using in comparison to what he uses. His focus isn't always when he gets to perform for others so much as when he's downstairs in our house jammin' with his Marshall cranked.

Once the concert began, Les seemed impressed with Amy changing off accoustics every few songs...a fella from off-stage would come and exchange guitars with her. Les said that they were likely re-tuning them back stage in between. (If you know my darling hubby, you know that tuning is a big thing to him, so this was all good...and Vince did the same thing during his performance).

Anyway, after one of the songs in Amy's concert, I whispered to Les about how her lead guitar player used his slide in his solo. Les made a few comments back, and then Amy started into her next song, 'Simple Things', which if you know me, you know is one of my songs...I just find Les and myself and our life in there... So Amy's singing the chorus ('I dream of simple things I can believe in, like the feeling this day brings...True love and the miracle of forgiveness, I believe in simple things'). Then the spotlight moves to her guitar player who lets into an amazing solo, after which Les leans over and whispers into my ear, "That's what I need...a spotlight!" I just giggled...Amy's singing about 'simple things', and my unassuming, modest and introverted husband tells me he needs a spotlight for when he's jammin' out at home:) He's so cute!

Amy & Vince Tonight!


I have looked forward to this concert for a long time...probably most of my life...and now it's finally here. Tonight Les is taking me to see Amy Grant and Vince Gill in concert!

Why does that excite me? Well first of all, it's a date with my handsome and amazing husband! That alone would be reason enough to be excited, but you see there is more...I have been a fan of Amy Grant since I was very young and have never seen her in concert. When I was a girl, singing into highlighters in the privacy of my bedroom, more often than not the singer I was singing with was Amy Grant. Then as I got older and my own relationship with Jesus became more personal, as I would drive between Saskatoon and Regina on the weekends, the singer who accompanied me on more of my trips than any other was Amy Grant. I not only sang her songs, but I found myself in them. It was amazing how her lyrics spoke my heart, and in a way discipled me in a time when my faith was maturing. ('Arms of Love', 'Raining on the Inside', 'I Love a Lonely Day', 'Father's Eyes', 'If These Walls Could Speak', 'Ask Me', 'That's What Love is For', 'All I Ever Have to Be', 'If I Have to Die', 'So Glad'...and so many more...)

Now I know there are many out there that simply don't like her music. I know that there are those who don't consider her to be an artist with depth. Perhaps you are more familiar with the exceptions, song-wise, that the rules of what sort of songs she usually writes or records, I don't know. All I do know is that as someone who took music lessons for over 8 years and vocal lessons later on, I see a lot I admire in this artist, and identify more than I can put into words with the lyrics she writes.

There is, of course, another objection that some of you may have...which is that she is somewhat of a 'fallen' person...she's had some pretty public 'failures' by the Christian community's standards. To that I say what I believe Jesus would say, "Let you without sin cast the first stone..." I actually think that I have heard some of her best work since the controversy over her marriage. Legacy, her hymns album from two years ago is one of the best albums I own, and I think I've learned a lot about grace from her recent album, Simple Things, with songs like 'Innocence Lost' and 'Out in the Open'...

They were the sweetest words I'd ever heard
My heart could barely take it in
Like water offered to the lips
Of a tired and thirsty man

Cuz
it's a tangled web I've woven
I don't know all the reasons
But it amazes
me to wake up
To your mercy every morning

So I'm standing here
spinning around
In the fields of freedom
And I'm still alive and
reaching out
And I can feel the healing

Cuz you say
Come on out
come on out
Come on out come on out
Out in the open
Come on out come
on out
Come on out come onout
Into the light
There is no jury
There is no judge
Ready and waiting
Are the steady arms of love

For the sake of never making waves I
Kept my secrets to myself
And no one ever really knew the
Darker shadows of my heart

But I
will be a witness
That there's nothing in me dark enough
The power of
forgiveness
Cannot resuce from the deep

So I'm standing here
spinning around
In the fields of freedom
And I'm still alive and
reaching out
And I can feel the healing

And you say
Come on out
come out
Come on out come out
Out in the open
Come on out come on
out
Come on out come on out
Into the light
There is no jury
There is no judge
Ready and waiting
Are the steady arms of love

Oh how those words have helped me as I've walked beside a friend going through a dark time herself. That song has been like a personal witness of the truths in the Bible as we've read about Jesus and the woman at the well, the prodigal son and even the woman caught in the act.

Probably my favourite Amy Grant song is 'Open Arms'. It's an older one and you may not know it, but it's so personal to me. It's about God's wooing me and always being in His arms...

Guess I've got a lot of learning to do
About the
way that You love.
If it had been left up to me,
I'd given up a long
time ago.
But You've got a way of wooing me,
Tender and true,
And
though I don't deserve it,
I'm falling into Your

Open arms.
Your
love has taken hold,
And I can't fight it;
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.

Only yesterday the thought came the to
me,
Is Your love as deep as they say?
Wonder where those questions come
from.
Soon as I learn, I'll chase them away.
'Cause I've had a taste of
tenderness,
Simple and true,
It drives away the doubting
And draws
me into Your

Open arms.
Your love has taken hold,
And I can't
fight it.
I'm giving in to Your
Open arms.
They pull me to You;
They wrap Your love around me;
I'll rest in Your open arms.

So that's where I'll be tonight...in God's open arms, with the man of my dreams listening to a singer who, through her vunerability over the years, has meant a lot to me, along with her husband who is such an amazing musician... It's going to be an great night!

"Greatest Hits 1986-2004" CD & Video To Be Released October 12th!

"The first “best of” collection from Amy Grant to span her pop career, Greatest
Hits 1986-2004 (A&M/UTV/UMe), released October 12, 2004, also features two
new recordings, “Come Be With Me,” featuring Keb’ Mo’ and co-written by Beth
Nielsen Chapman (Faith Hill’s “This Kiss”), and “The Water,” co-written by Grant
and with husband Vince Gill on electric guitar.

Executive produced by Grant,
Greatest Hits 1986-2004 picks up where her platinum 1987 retrospective, The
Collection, left off. Along with the pair of new tracks are 17 of the best-loved
recordings, each digitally remastered, from one of the most popular, influential
and groundbreaking artists in music. Included are 15 of her Top 40 Adult
Contemporary hits (all but her first two), with nine of those on her scorecard
of pop Top 40s to date (all but her first). ..."

Click on this link to read the rest of this article... http://www.amygrant.com/view_article.php?story=239

Amy's website also reports that on August 27th she headed back into the studio to work on another Hymns project...haven't heard word of a release date yet...it will probably be next spring I'd think.

Isn't Fall Beautiful?!

Extreme Home Makeover

Last night after we put our Dolly to bed, Les & I watched the fall premier of Extreme Home Makeover, which we taped the other night. It was a very touching episode...the Woffards, a Christian family with eight kids that was hit with the most horrible tragedy four years ago. I think I spent most of the show in tears. This family truly deserved a new home, and what the show did was wonderful, but what I was most touched by was how the community pulled together and made it happen, how their very own Church pulled together on this was inspirational! The contractor (a guy from their own Church who had never even built a house before) was amazing, and there were people like teachers from the Church up on the roof joyfully pounding nails. The girls basketball team even came and pitched in! I've seen a few other episodes of this show, and I have never seen them complete construction a day ahead of time, but they did this time (a whole 2 story house in less than 7 days!) The 'design team' from the show kept commenting as well how they felt something else at work here. No doubt that was God and His people:)

...and I've been thinking about that ever since. You see, our Church is pursuing a new building project, and without getting into opinions on it (the size and design of the building, the cost, the financing etc.), I'll just say that it hasn't exactly been smooth sailing. I don't think it would be appropriate to go into detail here, but after watching that show, I couldn't help but think that if this building is God's will, that if our community, our Church (which is the people who make it up) were to get behind this the way the Woffard's did, well that it too would be amazing. I was deeply touched by the picture I saw of what Church really is on that program!

Tea and Giggles


Last night was so much fun...a girls'-night-IN, so to speak. My friends Tami and Arilee (and of course the darling Princess Aurora) came over for supper and to linger. Princesses Amanda and Aurora had too much fun playing Pollys and then Barbies, and Princesses Tami, Arilee and I had too much fun engaging in girl-talk and sipping on Tea of Love! These gals used to be part of my small group and I miss getting to meet with them and talk with them over some tea every two weeks.

Tami is gregarious and full of fun. She adds a touch of the unexpected to my life and reminds me to colour outside of the lines. She has the greatest laugh and an amazing heart.

Most of you who read this already know who Arilee is. She is the 'auntie-extraordinaire'. She's a very creative witty woman...who is a wonderful mom and has been such a cheerleader for me as a mom.

I admire both of these women and learn alot from them. Being with them always encourages me. We need to make more time for evenings like last night. Tea and giggles go well together:)

As I posted on Tuesday: "I guess I'm having a 'book-party' for Party-lite Candles. I went to a candle open house with my mother-in-law this weekend and somehow got roped into this. Actually, I was thankful to find a new consultant since my stock of votives and tealights was getting pretty low...plus I discovered some yummy new scents...belguim waffles, almond biscotti and pumpkin ginger:) If you're needing any votives/tealights and want me to bug you about it, let me know and I'll give you a call. "

Last night, the Party-Lite consultant called me with a special offer that I can extend to anyone who orders anything...

Buy 2 Get 1 Free!

That means if you buy 2 dozen votives, you get 1 dozen free; if you buy 2 dozen tealights, you get 1 dozen free; if you buy 2 candle holders, you get one of a value no greater than the average cost of the 2 free.

When I got home from work yesterday, I headed to the bedroom to change my clothes, and there, on the bed, on top of a heart shaped pillow, was this book, 'Keeping a Princess Heart in a Not-so Fairy-tale World'. (If you've read this blog before, you'll know that I wanted this book:) I cracked open the cover and the inscription read: "To the fairest and most beautiful princess of them all. Love you, Les" I have THE BEST husband! Have I mentioned how much I adore that man?!!

Drum roll please.....

I just learned that the release date for Carolyn Arends' new album, "Under the Gaze" is....TOMORROW! If you follow the links above to her site, there are lyrics and song-bytes from it.

I've been feeling a little bit Fragile lately...

...you know, easily moved to tears, needing a little extra care...and as I sampled Carolyn's new album on my tea-break this morning, the words to the song 'Fragile' really spoke to my heart. Here are her thoughts about writing the song along with the lyrics:

"I was once chatting with a group of good friends from my church about a mutual friend who was absent, and – to the best of our knowledge – had been struggling of late. "I think," one of my friends confided, "she’s always been a little fragile." We all nodded knowingly.

However much we loved our absent friend, in all truthfulness we didn’t label her "fragile" as a complement. It was a nice way of saying something along the lines of "emotional" or "weak". But I got to thinking later about how much we fight our weakness, and how much that fight flies in the face of the Apostle Paul’s promise that it is in our very weakness that God is strong. Leonard Cohen once said "There are cracks, cracks in everything – that’s how the light gets in." So why do we spend so much time trying to cover over the cracks?

I’ve come to think of my fragile friend (actually, I’ve got several, and one of them lives in my own skin) more like fine china – rare, valuable, easily broken and therefore deserving of respect and the utmost care."

(Fine china, eh? ...hopefully I'm a teacup with pink roses! ...SB)

Fragile
Carolyn Arends

Life would be easier in thicker skin
Yours is thin
Porcelain
It would be better if you wouldn’t cry
All your friends
They wonder why

You’re fragile, easily broken
You’re fragile, already scarred
You’re fragile, but haven’t you noticed
All the most precious things are

Well if the eyes are windows to the soul
Yours is blue
And beautiful
You just don’t have the knack for building walls
Whatever comes
You feel it all

You’re fragile, easily broken…

I’ve heard it said there’s got to be a crack or two
For the light to get through
It seems to me that you are meant to be the kind
Who shines

You’re always trying to find an even keel
Somewhere safe
And not so real
But you were made to live the lows and highs
A winter rose
A butterfly

You’re fragile, easily broken…

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

Sometimes we just don't know how to accept a gift...

...or a compliment, for that matter. One day this week at coffee time, I decided to head out to get myself a cup of tea. I offerred to get one for my co-worker as well if she would tell me what kind she wanted (she can't have caffeine, so I needed to know what her favourite herbal was). She fought me vehemently about it and decreed that I better not get her anything! Hmmm...it was just a cup of tea?! I was left feeling like I would offend her greatly if I did bring her something back. It left me wondering if I don't sometimes have trouble receiving a gift as well. I know I can have trouble receiving a compliment sometimes. I've learned to smile and try to just say thank you, but inside something just fights it. Maybe that's not good. I've been thinking about God's grace...how it's a gift...how it is undeserved....and how we must receive it. Do we receive it as fully as we should? Is there more grace that would pour out into our lives when we received it and said thank you if inside we weren't fighting it because we know we don't deserve it? My 'Devotion for Ragamuffins' said this today:

"Against all the canons of prudence and discretion, Jesus announced the dawn of a new age, the inbreak of a higher righteousness, that he had come to save not the just but the sinners. And the sinner is accepted prior to any statement of sorrow. First comes grace (given tenderness), then metanoia. Real sinners deserving real punishment are gratuitously pardoned: they need only accept tenderness already present. Forgiveness is granted: they need only the wisdom to accept it and repent. These are the poor in spirit whom Jesus declares blessed. They know how to accept a gift. "Come on, all you who are wiped out, confused, bewildered, lost, beat up, scarred, scared, threatened, depressed, and I'll enlighten your mind with wisdom and fill your heart with tenderness that I have received from my Father." This is unconditional pardon. The sinner need only live confidently in the wisdom of accepted tenderness."

The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. Ps 145:8

Roses in Me Heart...

That's what this site would be translated into pirate talk?!

http://www.mediocreminds.com/03q3/misc/pirate_translator/pirate_parser.php?target=http%3A%2F%2Frosesinmyheart.blogspot.com&mode=quick&sensitivity=2&submitTarget=AAARRHHH%21%21

It was too close for me to call last night when Theresa and Kalan performed for the final vote. I was especially moved though by one performance...

In tears, I watched Kalan Porter sing the song of his choosing, 'I Can Only Imagine'. What a beautiful performance! I am so proud of him for picking that song and bearing his soul that way. I completely disagree with the commentary of the judges, who appeared to not be able to understand.

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By Your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When Your face
Is before me

I can only imagine

{Chorus}:
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for You Jesus or in awe of You be still
Will I stand in Your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever ... worship You

I can only imagine

Well, tonight's the night...the finale of Can-A-dian Idol. I'm really looking forward to it. What started out as a program I watched with/for my daughter became something I've looked forward to the last couple of months...yes, because I could share it with Amanda and Les, but also because there have been some truly wonderful performances and some truly wonderful talents. Tonight it is down to Kalen and Theresa. Most people are predicting that Kalen will win, and that wouldn't upset me, but my heart is rooting for Theresa, the Saskatoon singer with so much heart...and being from Saskatoon, myself, I know that anything is possible...this is a generous province and I'm sure her voters will be out in full force. Whatever happens, I am sure that both Kalen and Theresa will have wonderful careers ahead of them. Each of them will sing 3 songs tonight: one they've sang before, a new one they choose, and the Can-A-dian Idol single which will be released shortly after the show. Each of these singers have given us a lot of wonderful performances, so I'm not sure which songs they will choose to repeat. I'd kind of like to hear Theresa do 'Good Mother' by Jann Arden again. We'll see... :)

I’ve got money in my pocket
I like the color of my hair
I’ve got a friend who loves me
Got a house, I’ve got a car
I’ve got a good mother
and her voice is what keeps me here

Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Facing forward
Be yourself
I’ve never wanted anything
No I’ve, no I’ve, I’ve never wanted anything
so bad...so bad

Cardboard masks of all the people
I’ve been
thrown out with all the rusted, tangled
dented miseries
You could say I’m hard to hold
But if you knew me you’d know
I’ve got a good father
And his strength is what makes me cry

Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Facing forward
Be yourself
I’ve never wanted anything
No I’ve, no I’ve, I’ve never
wanted anything so bad...
so bad

I’ve got money in my pocket
I like the color of my hair
I’ve got a friend who loves me
Got a house, I’ve got a car
I’ve got a good mother
and her voice is what keeps me here

Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Facing forward
Be yourself

Heart in hand
Feet on ground
Facing forward
Be yourself
just be yourself
just be yourself

Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Feet on ground
Heart in hand

3-2 Whooo-hooo! Canada wins!

I don't agree with Lacavalier as MVP, but why swabble when we won! (Maybe that stands for Made us Vunerable with a Penalty in the semi-final?!)

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/article.jsp?content=20040914_191752_4624

Jacob Hoggart (top 3 finalist in Can-A-dian Idol) or rather his band has a web page. He has even written some prose in journal entries there....

http://www.hedleyband.com/

Well, Princepessa Amandalena had her first ever dance lesson last night! She's taking Worship Dance. It is offerred at Emmanual Baptist Church, and is taught by a wonderful woman who is, herself, a dancer. She teaches the girls various styles of dance including some ballet, jazz and even some hip-hop. Amanda is in a group of grade 4 to 8's, and it's so different to see her not be the tallest girl in her group:) When we came to pick our girlie up at the end of class last night, she was already doing a new dance she had just learned. Les said that he couldn't tell who liked Amanda's dance class more, her or me! I guess this look overcame my face as I watched her. I love dance! I wanted to be a ballerina when I was a little girl, but never got lessons, so a few year's ago, I enrolled at Juliet's School of Dance for the adult class. It was wonderful! Last year, I encouraged Amanda to try ballet, but she wasn't as interested, so I didn't push. Then this class came up this year and it's perfect. Amanda is so excited, and I'm just thrilled for her:)

Next, I'll have to make her a circle skirt....

Words mean alot to me, and these lyrics are so personal they are hard to share...

Anyway
Nichole Nordeman

Bless the day
This restoration is complete
Dirty dusty something must be underneath
So I scrape and I scuff
Though it's never quite enough
I'm starting to see me finally

A gallery of paintings new and paintings old
I guess it's no surprise that I'm no Michelangelo
Every layer of mine hides a lovely design
It might take a little patience
It might take a little time

But you called me beautiful
When you saw my shame
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway

You who have begun this work will someday see
A portrait of the holiness you meant for me
So I polish and shine
til it's easier to find even an outline of mine

But you called me beautiful
When you saw my shame
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway
Anyway
And you placed me on the wall
Anyway

I'll admit, I was hesitant to try it, being the true tea-girl that I am, but I tried one today and all I can say is mmmm, Tim got it right!

New Steeped Tea!

"Over the years, the one thing we’ve learned about making tea, is that there’s no improving on tradition. Tim Hortons is proud to introduce a new way of making tea using a time honored tradition – loose tea leaves. Why loose tea leaves? The secret behind great tasting tea is allowing the water to flow freely, surrounding the tea leaves and coaxing out every last drop of flavor. But we didn’t stop there. We asked a third generation tea master to design the ideal machine for making perfectly steeped tea, cup after cup. A lifetime of tea experience went into our new tea steeper. It gently steeps Tim Hortons own unique blend of orange pekoe tea leaves for consistently full-flavored results. So tea lovers, try a fresh cup of our new steeped tea."

Now if only it came in that cute cup with the spout in the picture...it's just not right drinking tea from a disposable cup (with NO saucer I might add)!

Upcoming concert dates to remember:

• September 30th - Amy Grant & Vince Gill - Despite the fact that it falls between the two day crazed inventory count at work, I'm excited about this. This will be Les & my next date. I'm very excited. I have never seen Amy in concert but have listened to her music probably since I was 13. Les is also pretty excited about Vince Gill. I don't think Les is a huge country music fan, but Vince is an amazing guitar player, so Les is pumped!
• October 24th - Carolyn Arends - She is probably one of my very favourite artists. I love the way she writes. Her lyrics express my heart:)

He said he was taking me out on Friday. I didn't know where, but when I got dressed, I just felt like dressing up. I put on the strappy black dress. He seemed to like it:) He took me to The Granary. We sat in a booth. Candle-light, dinner, the eyes of the man I love... When we got home again, my husband went down on one knee and asked me if I'd marry him all over again! YES!

(10 days from today is the second anniversary of the first time he asked me:)

Back to School

I loved this time of year when I was a child! I loved school! I was always excited to find out who my new teacher was...I loved teachers (even wanted to be one!) I loved getting new supplies...new pens, notebooks...kind of like a fresh page to start again:)

Yesterday was registration day for Amanda for grade 4. Afterward, we stole a little time alone for another 'Mom and Me Having Tea' time. Amanda's big prayer request these days is 'confidence...heading back into the new school year.' Here is this adorable girlie who is bright and imaginative, who is respectful and attentive, who is at a reading level grades beyond her age, and yet she is still a bit nervous about a new grade. I remember feeling that way too. We've been praying for Amanda's new school year that she would get the perfect teacher and the right class for her.

I took Amanda to her first day of classes this morning and stayed through the shuffles as they sorted out who goes where. At first Amanda was in a straight grade 4 classroom, and I was pleased because she's been in a couple of splits the last two years. I'd also heard good things about the teacher in this room, but before anyone could get too comfortable there, they announced a list of grade 4's that would be going into a grade 4/5 split. Inside I was kind of disappointed at first. I followed behind the kids as they walked up the stairs carrying some of their heavy stuff. It turned out that the 4/5 split is being taught by Ms. Buckley, Amanda's grade 2 teacher, and I saw Amanda relax into the comfort of being with a teacher that she had loved. The next thing I noticed is that the kids who formed a bit of a clique in her class last year did not come along to the split class, and my heart relaxed a bit more that maybe, just maybe this would be a really good class for Amanda this year. It may mean making some more new friends this year, but I'm thinking that perhaps God did answer our prayers for Amanda's teacher and class this morning. Oh there still could be changes and shifting, so we'll wait and see, but I left our girlie there with a strong sense of how much she is growing up...

Grade 4...no printing, there was handwriting on all the walls in the classroom...Grade 4...no more cloak-room, she'll have a locker...Grade 4...our girlie is growing up and it looks like it's going to be a great year!

(Now I have to look into hip hop classes as Amanda thinks this is what she'd like to do this fall...any suggestions out there?)

I'll bet this looks pretty simple to most of you. It is a sketch of this weekend's sewing project...my first-ever dress. Actually, it's for Amanda, and I'm so pleased with how it turned out! Amanda chose a Mary Engelbreit fabric with cherries all over it (and I should note that she chose Mary with no coaxing from me...) And now Amanda finally has an ankle length dress (as the stores don't make them that long for my tall-girl). She's in love with it, and that makes it so worth it! I actually enjoyed making it and have a sense of satisfaction that I actually figured out the lining and the ties in the back:)

The last couple of days have been filled with sewing (a dress plus hemming at least 5 pairs of pants for Amanda before she heads back to school), baking (scones, bread and cookies for back to school), cooking (homemade soup) and, of course, cleaning. The evenings have been filled with time with my beloved Les, church, and Amanda came back from the lake late yesterday afternoon. In the mornings I've been reading more in The Ragamuffin Gospel over a cup of tea. Life is good:)

Today, it's back to work for me...management meetings, sales meetings, budget worksheets, month-end.... and coffee breaks..speaking of which, this one is now over, so I better get back at it!

There's no such thing as a bad prayer...

In the Ragamuffin Gospel, Manning tells the story of a child of 3 or 4 who receives a colouring book and crayons for his birthday and who presents his mom with his first completed picture the next morning. He has colored the sun black, the grass purple...he has made squiggles and embellished where there was no picture. His mother, of course, thinks he must be a genius...echos of a young Van Gough....

"A little child cannot do a bad coloring; nor can a child of God do a bad prayer." Brennan Manning

"Can-A-dian Idol" Update

Well our Dolly went off to the lake for a few days with her bestest girlie-friend, Aurora, and Auntie-extraordinaire, Arilee...which means that she missed "Can-A-dian Idol" last night. (It's ok, we taped it for her). It's funny how hooked Les and I have become to this show through Amanda watching it, but honestly, I believe the talent pool this year is so much better than I've seen on any other idol show (including last season's American Idol).

We had a fun evening last night. First we met my 'longest living friend', Caroline (nicknamed that because we've been the closest of friends since way back in high school) at Earls for supper. What a treat?! (I hardly ever get out like this these days:) I had a Japanese Bento Box (sushi rolls, wananbe beans, peel & eat shrimp, and salmon....mmm). And we all shared dessert. We bumped into some other friends there which was nice. Good friends, good food, good conversation and then we headed home to catch 'Can-A-dian Idol'.

I felt like I had to make a post about Idol today because lately I've been getting alot of visits on this site from people doing searches for Theresa Sokyrka, Kalan Porter or Jacob Hoggart. I'm sorry folks, you are probably looking for a fansite, and the reason my site pops up is that a couple of weeks ago after one of their performances I posted about how talented I think these three are. I would be happy if any of them won it, and I think all of them have big futures in music....and last night's performance only confirmed that. Here is how I would rank each of the remaining five based on their performances last night:

1. Theresa Sokyrka...she sang 'Cruisin' so well...her voice is amazing!
2. Jacob Hoggart...he really shone last night...very distinctive vocal performance.
3. Kalan Porter...this wasn't one of my favorite performances of his, but he can sing anything...he may just be the best singer in the group; however, last night's song choice didn't showcase that.
4. Shane Wiebe...he sang well...I have to say I'm impressed by his range, but he did make a few flubs that make it hard for me to put him higher on the list.
5. Jasan Greeley...I know lots of the girlies like him, with those dimples and all, but he really isn't greatest singer of the bunch (or dancer for that matter...stamping your foot and snapping your fingers isn't dancing!) I think he certainly is an entertainer though.


Here's the chorus from Theresa's song last night...I just keep humming it this morning...

"You're gonna fly away
Glad you're going my way
I love it when we're cruisin' together
Music is played for love
Cruisin' is made for love
I love it when we're cruisin' together"

I discovered a great new blog today... Christy is blogging about her life as a singer, runner, mother and wife! I love it when people tell their stories!! Christy has a wonderful way of describing things. I related so much to what she's written so far, and even caught myself giggling a couple of times:)

Inspired by Donna, here is a list of 10 things you may not know about me:

1. I cracked my right wrist in grade 8 throwing shotput.
2. I was a candy-striper at the hospital all through high school. I preferred to work on the geriatric ward, and didn't care to work on the broken bone ward (got too shy around all those high school jocks in traction).
3. I am actually a pretty shy person (until I know people).
4. I took organ lessons for years and years. I wanted piano lessons, but we had an organ.
5. I took voice lessons in Regina while I was articling for my CA and told nobody who could possibly come about my recitals.
6. When I was 11 I decided that I wanted to be a child psychologist when I grew up so 'no child would be as misunderstood as me.'
7. When I'm laughing really hard, you know, the kind where you can't stop and your breathe starts to get short, I involuntarily wave my right hand in front of my face to try and catch my breathe. (I don't think it works, but it does amuse my longest living friend, Caroline, who teases me mercilessly about it!)
8. I grew up performing concerts in my bedroom to imaginary audiences. I would sing into my hair brush...and later my highlighter pen. I still do this sometimes when I'm alone in the car (without the microphone prop, of course).
9. I enjoy watching weighlifting at the Olympics.
10. When I'm really hungry and don't have time to make something, I like to eat a spoonful of peanut butter straight from the jar.
    

Feeling like a princess...

Remember the story of The Princess and the Pea and how high the mattresses were stacked? Remember how in the movies about princesses, they always have these very high beds (or at least high to 5'2" little ol' me!) Well, I now need a step stool myself to get into our bed.

Les & I have been looking for a headboard and bedframe ever since we got married, but usually everything we liked was too much money, so we kept putting it off. Well, last week, we went looking again and Les bought me this beautiful medium oak bed frame with headboard and footboard. It is really lovely. He negotiated an awesome deal on it too, and we set it up on Friday night. You wouldn't believe how high the mattress is... I think it's at least as high as my waist?! (Of course, at 6'4", it isn't quite as high on Les). They never look that high in the pictures?! Les says I need one of those springboards that the gymnists use when mounting the balance beam just to get into bed! But I love it! It's so nice to finally have a frame as the mattress and boxspring no longer shift as much, and I just feel like a princess laying in our new bed! :)

(I couldn't find a picture to post...but it's something like this one, except a nice rich wood with slats and a thick frame.)

An Early Birthday Present for Les...

The other night, my darling hubby and I stopped in at one of his favourite stores, Long & McQuade, to replenish his stock of strings and picks as he's playing at Church this weekend, and we learned some wonderful news... Long & McQuade is moving to a new store in Saskatoon. It will be the huge building that used to be Crafts Canada (River City Centre). The guys at L&M say it will be nicest store in Canada, and it should be ready in late November/December....just in time for Les' birthday! Needless to say, we here at the Brophy house are thrilled!

It is interesting to me how many businesses have opened a location in Saskatoon or expanded in some way since Les moved here. When Les & I were first dating, I didn't know what a London Drugs was, yet it was a place he frequented back home. He moved here, we got married, and now we have two. When we were dating, Saskatoon didn't even have its own Starbucks....now we have several. This L&M news seems to be following that trend. Can an IKEA or White Spot (our favourite restaurant in B.C.) be far behind?!

It's not about US...

“It’s not about you. The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were made by God and for God, and until you understand that, life will not make sense.”
— Rick Warren

Great news...

...well at least I think it is... A dear friend told me that the Church is going ahead with plans for a mid-week (Wednesday night) worship service starting in October, AND that the new children's ministry leader is planning an AWANA-type program for the children at the same time! I've been longing for more worship (and teaching), so this is indeed good news, AND even better, I've been looking for an AWANA-type program for Amanda ever since she finished VBS this summer because she loved it so much. It would be awesome if this all worked out because often there are activities I'd like to attend or volunteer with at the Church, but I can't do it because of childcare needs or because it gets too late for Amanda (school-days are back soon and that means 8:00 bedtimes). I'm going to wrap this one in my prayers...first with thanksgiving, of course!
http://www.awana.org

Another personality type test was pointed out to me this morning. I'm a sucker for these things. I think there's alot to some of them (like MBTI). I think the greatest value that these sort of things provide for me is in understanding other people. I don't know how accurate this one is, but here's what I came out as... (If you take the test, let me know your results too.)


free enneagram test

"Dear Lord, grant me the grace of wonder. Suprise me, amaze me, awe me in every crevice of your universe. Delight me to see how your Christ plays in ten thousand places, lovely in limbs, and lovely in eyes not his, to the Father through the features of men's faces. Each day enrapture me with your marvelous things without number. I do not ask to see the reason for it all; I ask only to share the wonder of it all."
Joshua Abraham Heschel

Les finally had a day off yesterday, and what did he do with his first day to himself in a long time(?)...he spent much of it being thoughtful and romantic toward me(!)... And when I got home from work, I was greeted with this amazing card ("sometimes I don't think you realize how deeply you are loved...") and a treasure box to open. Inside was a Debbie Mumm teacup (did you know she made teacups?!)...with a scripture on it (Ps 57:4 "May your glory be over all the earth." ...from the 'all things grow in love collection')!

This was definitely a jewel from God. You know, sometimes you wonder if you really are making as much of a difference as you want to. I love Les sooooo much, and I just want to be the best wife to him (and the best mom to Amanda)... The words in Les' card affirmed and encouraged me about the difference I make...and if I am the things he put in the card, then that is all because of The Father, so I lift that up to Him.

I'm so blessed to have Les in my life! I waited and looked for him for a long time (or so I thought), but he is ALL I waited for!
"I found THE ONE my heart loves!" (Song of Songs 3:4).

I love having people over....

Last night we had our dear friends Arilee and Aurora over for supper. I love having people over! We had supper, we visited, we had tea. I wished it didn't have to end, but girlies have bed-times... Arilee (auntie-extraordinaire!) is taking Aurora and Amanda to the parade today, so Amanda headed home with them for a sleepover last night so that they could get a good start on the morning.

Good morning! I'm just eating my breakfast (a mixed-berry scone) and scanning the news, then it's off to work for me. I just learned that there may be a new series starring Valerie Bertinelli this fall...I think it's called 'Sorry Charlie'. Last night as I was folding laundry, I caught the last five minutes of a program she was in, so I checked to see if that was perhaps the pilot for a new series...it wasn't...in fact, what I saw was the tail end of a movie she made in 2000. But in any case, it looks like she's set to star in a sitcom on FOX (a channel that I don't get) this fall...might be interesting. I grew up with shows like 'One Day at a Time', 'Sydney', and 'Cafe American', so I'm kind of interested in what the new series might be like.

I've been reading more of 'The Ragamuffin Gospel'...good stuff on grace. Last night I was struck by how much grace there is around us in the oridinary things of life:)

Yes, we've been watching Canadian Idol around our place. Our favourites are: Kalen Porter, Jacob Hoggart and of course, Saskatoon's own, Theresa Sokyrka...in no particular order. I am really impressed with the talent of these folks...although I can't help but be a bit biased for Theresa since we're both Saskatoon-girls. Last night might not have been her best performance (Joplin was a hard choice to sell), but she's got the pipes, and I just hope that no matter what happens that she will gain enough exposure from this experience to take her career to the next level. I pray this for each of these three...what phenomenal talents! ...makes me proud to be Canadian:)

http://mlb.csnnow.com/images/stararticle.JPG

Random thoughts and a Quote for the Day

For once the date and time stamp on this post is right...I made sure, which is something I barely ever do! I've been up since before 6 this morning, and since I am not a morning person, well I want it duly noted. I've already done my workout and had my shower. I'm just eating breakfast now and then will carry on getting ready for work.

In other news, my teapot has finally arrived! OK, I know it is 'just a teapot', but I can be a little thankful that it's finally here, don't you think.

Lastly, I'll leave you with this quote from Nicole Johnson that I stumbled upon. I think it makes some good points:

"Whenever I'm traveling by air I'm always amazed by the number of people who need to be the first ones to get on the plane. These are people who need to be first at everything. You run into them in the grocery store as they hurry to get into the express line ahead of you. You see them racing toward the elevator to beat other people on. It means so much to them, and I'm not exactly sure why. Like they think someone is going to hand out hundred dollar bills to the three people who get there first. There is, in fact, great freedom in not having to be first—not in being late or in being left, but in being free, in waiting, and trusting. There is freedom when you are not afraid to be wronged, not afraid to be misunderstood, not afraid to be forgotten for the moment. When you can trust that being last doesn't mean you are a bad person or unloved. That is true liberty and peace. Then you don't have to prove your point, be first on the plane, constantly defend your actions, or demand your rights. You are free to quietly trust, and that will change our hearts."

Princess-heart

Princess-heart is something that Les started calling me when we were first dating. He has several names for me that just make me melt:) As we were browsing through books at Blessings this weekend, one title really caught my eye..."Keeping a Princess Heart: In a Not so Fairy Tale World". Blessings had the companion guide to the book, but not the book, so I looked it up at www.christianbook.com today on my coffee break. Here is the description given:

"Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. Every little girl grew up hearing the stories of "happily ever after" but is that the world in which she exists today? Keeping a Princess Heart is a deeply thoughtful exploration into the tension of the two worlds in which a woman lives - her dream world and the real one. Discover how to apply scriptural truths to help reconcile the ideal life with reality. You will be encouraged to laugh at yourself as you take a deep trusting dive into the wonderful world of fairy tale to find the hope to reclaim your hidden treasure: a princess heart."

That sounded interesting, so I went on to read the reviews. Here is an excerpt:

"Gifted author and actress Nicole Johnson explains that the secret to Keeping A Princess Heart is for women to put their faith in Christ, who knows and bestows the deepest desires of their heart:
(1) Recognition (the desire to be recognized)
(2) Adoration (the desire to be loved)
(3) Consolation (the desire to know that all will be well)

Understanding and addressing these wishes will help women discover their Princess Heart. Validating these desires will help the men in their lives help restore the girlish innocence needed to approach the throne of grace. When a woman puts her trust in Christ she will be able to transcend the world’s shallow aspirations of life and discover her untainted heart of wonder, joy, and love. Keeping A Princess Heart grants every woman her fairy tale ending by accepting the hand of her own Prince...of Peace."

I hope that doesn't sound too hoakey to you. It actually sounds a bit refreshing to me... with all the pressures in this world and (as I posted a few days ago) my heart really wanting to be at home... You see, my personality is somewhat of an idealist (enfj)...so I tend to see the world the way it should be rather than the way it is, and reconciling the two can be very discouraging to me. Thankfully, God's love is relentless and tender, and he has given me a husband who is the fulfillment of so many of my dreams. Still, life can sometimes be...well...not quite a 'fairy-tale'...some days the world's realities try to crush my heart, but they will not win. I don't know whether I will get this book or not, I want to finish reading my "Ragamuffin Gospel" first, but I felt encouraged today just reading the review.

What We Hope For
words and music by Carolyn Arends and Connie Harrington

I remember waiting up till it got dark
Searching till I found the brightest star
Making my wish with all my heart
But we grow up and so do all our dreams
Somehow without us even noticing
We set our sights on lesser things
Oh, to go back when we still believed

That what we hope for
Is not too much to ask for
And what we pray for
Isn’t nearly big enough
‘Cause what we dream of
Cannot compare to God’s love
And what He wants for us is so much more
More than what we hope for

We start out so innocent and wise
Before we cut the world down to our size
We still have that wonder in our eyes
So maybe that’s why Jesus said to come
With the faith we had when we were young
Trusting in a world beyond this one
Letting our imaginations run

‘Cause what we hope for
Is not too much to ask for
And what we pray for
Isn’t nearly big enough
What we dream of
Cannot compare to God’s love
And what He wants for us is so much more
More than what we hope for
More than what we hope for

Good news...Jackie is back to the world of blogging! ...and the first thing that I learned when she returned is that I've been spelling her last name wrong (should be Reimche)...sorry. Welcome back!

I have the best husband, have I mentioned that?! Last night he took me for a walk by the river. It was so beautiful! I love walking and holding his hand. We don't get down by the river as often as we did when we were dating, so this was a treat! I love it when we get to spend time together...just 'be'ing:) Every day I fall more and more in love with the man God gave me! I'm so thankful for his strength, his compassion, his character, his love:)

Well tomorrow is back to work for me. I've had the last week off. I haven't really 'done' anything...well I've done things, but normal, routine things...yard work, housework, groceries, cooking, baking...mostly spending time with/taking care of Amanda. Les worked evenings pretty much the whole week. That's actually why I picked this particular week to be off...because if I'm working days and he's working evenings all week, we don't see each other. At least this meant we got to see each other each day. I'm trying to enjoy my last day...not rush it. So far I've done my workout and a bunch of laundry...exciting, I know!

Yesterday, after picking up some groceries, we went for a drive and saw some new houses. All that did (and all that ever does, for me) is make me love our home more. They say that 'home is where the heart is'...my heart is so at home, it's hard to think about going back to work again. I know all will be well though, just am praying that I don't get swept away by pressures right away.

One sweet little jewel God gave me this week came on Saturday. I had asked Les if we could leave early for Church on Saturday and stop by Blessings. It had been so long since I'd had a chance to take a look there. I used to be in bookstores and buying books or music quite regularly...now, it's a very special treat to go and look, and God had an extra jewel for me there on Saturday. I've been wanting Brennan Manning's 'Ragamuffin Gospel' for quite some time, and I found it in the used books along with a daily devotional, also by Manning. The combined price of the two books was less than either one of them would have been new. I haven't had much time to read yet, but I have cracked the spines and am enjoying what I see. God is so good to us:)

This is one of my favourite love songs to God:)

There You Are
written by Carolyn Arends

I was hoping you would write to me a message in the stars
As if the stars themselves were not enough
And I awaited your arrival here from some place very far
As if I couldn't feel your constant touch
Why did I think that you'd send thunder
To wake me from my slumber
When anytime I open up my eyes

Chorus:
There you are - loving me like crazy
There you are - though I am unaware
There you are - when my heart is doubting
Even there you are

I was waiting for a miracle and hoping for a sign
As if each breath I take is not a gift
And I was acting just as if the way you gave your life for mine
Didn't have my foolish heart convinced
What did I think could cause this hunger
Did I ever stop to wonder
Why every time I open my eyes

Repeat chorus

I was hoping you would write to me a message in the stars
As if the stars themselves were not enough

A Tea-Party Week
 

 
This seems to be the week for tea-parties.  I hosted a tea party lunch for Amanda and her friend, Brianna, earlier this week, complete with sandwiches without the crusts (cucumber and tomato and dainties for dessert).  The girlies really seemed to enjoy themselves.  They had played so good that morning that I had time to unpack the teacups and luncheon plates my mom brought over to me.  She has a small collection of Amercian Beauty (by Royal Albert) that she doesn't ever use, and I was touched that she chose to pass it on to me since I love everything about tea, so I couldn't resist serving the girlies with Nana's collection. 
 
My own collection of formal tea-ware is really a collection of mixed cups and saucers from dear friends and relatives over the years.  I also have a precious old silver teapot that belonged to my friend Marsha's grandmother.  That teapot is full of wonderful memories of tea and small group meetings at Marsha's place before she moved away.
 
I've also been working on my brewing of tea this week...well iced-tea.  I think I've just about got the recipe  down to the way my handsome hubby enjoys it best.
 
Tomorrow will be another tea-party, and Amanda is quite excited.  You see, we're doing "Mom and Me, Having Tea".  It's a time for just us two.  I've been baking today for it.  I made teapot shaped cookies, with tea in them (wildberry tea that is), ginger snaps and blueberry scones.  It will be high tea, late in the afternoon, and we will do a devotion together.   Afterall, I think God enjoys a good tea-party too!

Falling Short
 
I have been grappling with something that I did which is wrong.  I have confessed and prayed and am trying to make things right.  I know that God has forgiven me, His word tells me so, but I am having such a time letting it go.  And what is more, I find it hard to pray for Him to help me as I step through this because I feel that I don't deserve it because I was wrong.  My dear friend Alana, redressed me about that saying, "so you can only ask for God's help if you're perfect?!'  Her words, of course, made me see how ridiculous my feelings were, but they are nevertheless my feelings.  She and my husband have been so supportive and encouraging through this, and I have a hard time receiving that because I know I was wrong.  I could go into more details here about what I did, but I won't because I don't want to get into justifying it.  Instead, I want to share about what I am learning from this all (all-be-it slowly).
 
The last few nights I've felt pulled to pick up a Brennan Manning book that I read a couple of months ago.  This is what has struck me:
 
"The sorrow of God lies in our fear of Him, our fear of life, and our fear of ourselves...God's sorrow lies in our refusal to approach Him when we have sinned and failed...
 
It is one thing to feel loved by God when our life is together and all our support systems are in place.  Then self acceptance is relatively easy.  We may even claim that we are coming to like ourselves...But what happens when life falls through the cracks?  What happens when we sin and fail...What happens when we come face-to-face with the human condition?...Do (we) have a strong sense of self worth? Do (we) still feel like the beloved child?  Or does God love (us) only in (our) "goodness" and not in (our) proverty and brokenness as well?  Nicholas Harnan wrote,

'This (brokenness) is what needs to be accepted.  Unfortunately, this is what we tend to reject.  Here the seeds of corrosive self-hatred take root.  This painful vulnerability is the characteristic feature of our humanity that most needs to be embraced in order to restore our human condition to the healed state.'

The fourteenth century mystic Julian of Norwich said, "Our courteous Lord does not want his servants to despair because they fall often and grievously; for our falling does not hinder him in loving us."  Our skepticism and timidity keep us from belief and acceptance, however, we don't hate God, but we hate ourselves.  Yet the spirtual life begins with the acceptance of our wounded self....
 
God calls us to stop hiding and come openly to Him.  God is the father who ran to His prodigal son when he came limping home.  God weeps over us when shame and self-hatred immobilize us.  Yet as soon as we lose our nerve about ourselves, we take cover...But God loves who we really are -- whether we like it or not.  God calls us, as He did Adam, to come out of hiding.  No amount of spiritual makeup can render us more presentable to Him...
 
"Come to me now," Jesus says.  "Acknowledge and accept who I want to be for you:  a Savior of boundless compassion, infinite patience, unbearable forgiveness, and love that keeps no score of wrongs.  Quit projecting onto Me your own feelings about yourself.  At this moment your life is a bruised reed and I will not crush it, a smoldering wick and I will not quench it.  You are in a safe place."
 
These words are still sinking in for me.  This morning, God's word to me was from Isaiah 43:
 
"Fear not for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.  When you pass through the waters I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers they will not sweep over you.  When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.  For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior, I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead.  Since you are precious and honored in my sight and because I love you."
 
I'm trying to stay in the present right now and not keep replaying the past nor projecting the future.  God's grace is truly amazing.  He has answered so many prayers for me today, and I just praise Him and give Him glory.

I'm having tea...

I should be working out, and I will get to that in a bit, but I'm enjoying the sunshine and my tea this morning. It seems like forever since I had the house to myself for a morning. Don't get me wrong, I love having my husband and daughter around, but it is nice to have a few moments to myself this morning. I just finished having breakfast...toast and peanut butter with jam...a guilty pleasure, I must say. It, too, is a treat, you see, a long time ago Les issued an edict that there shall be no peanut butter and jam in the house at the same time ('the kiss of death,' he says!) So we have just stocked peanut butter as Amanda loves it, but last week in a romantic gesture, Les insisted that I pick up some triple fruit strawberry jam because he knew I was craving it. (Thank you, honey:)

In other news...in case you were wondering about my teapot...well, I didn't get that one afterall...the supplier didn't receive her shipment when she thought, but in developing news...

...this one (the 'oh so breit' tea blossoms teapot by Mary Engelbreit) should be en-route to me! Happy belated birthday to me...thanks to my in-laws!  (I won the auction for it at an amazing price...birthday money well spent, I think:)

One of my dear-dear-dearest friends (one of my heart's sisters) is going through a time of uncertainty and I wish it weren't so...she's faced this twice before and is one of the bravest and most caring people I know.  I pray she doesn't have to face it again.  I pray that it is a false alarm.  I pray that God will fill her doubts with His peace.  I pray that should she ever find her faith shaken that I can have faith for her, that I may hold up her arms.  I pray God's Spirit over her and in her and that nothing can touch her.  Please pray with me...in Jesus name, Amen.
 
Father, Thy Will Be Done  
by Carolyn Arends

When I cannot ask for more - Father, thy will be done
When I rail at heaven's door - Father, thy will be done
When my faith in you is strong - Father, thy will be done
When my strength is almost gone - Father, thy will be done

Chorus:
Father, thy will be done
Father, thy will be done
I want to see your kingdom come
Thy will be done

When I cry to you in prayer - Father, thy will be done
When I don't believe you're there - Father, thy will be done
When I feel your gentle hand - Father, thy will be done
When I just don't understand - Father, thy will be done

Repeat chorus

When I'm walking in the light - Father, thy will be done
When my heart is black as night - Father, thy will be done
When you give what I desire - Father, thy will be done
When you take me through the fire - Father, thy will be done

Repeat chorus
(C) 1997 Sunday Shoes Music (ASCAP)

She's a Gramma!

Sweet news today!...Brooke and Kelly Graham have become parents to a precious little girl...Molly Elizabeth Graham has arrived!!  I am just tickled for them, and tickled for the new Gramma! :)

I guess I'm not "sparkling" today?!
 
...that's what one of my staff said this morning...he said, "you're not your sparkling self today..."  I don't mean not to be...and I certainly didn't think that anyone else could tell how I was feeling...  I've been going through some parenting 'challenges' that I don't think are best to share here.  But despite my efforts, I'm feeling discouraged.  Maybe it's just me and those big feelings...maybe if I was more of a 'thinker' all would be well...afterall, from a logical point of view it is, but that doesn't make my heart 'feel' any differently.
 
Oh well, I'm reminded of the words of Mark Lowry.  He says that his favourite Bible verse comes from the New Testament where Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem for the census.  The verse begins, "It came to pass..."  It didn't come to stay, "it came to pass."

Today's verse

Much too much going on today. I just took a quick break for lunch. Work is very busy today, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. But as I paused, today's VBS verse came to mind:

"Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds."
Heb 10:24

(I'm not really sure how to accomplish that at work today...but I am looking forward to being at home tonight:)

Lake Girl!

Here's a picture of our living-dolly at "the lake" on the weekend (after she washed the dishes even!)

Les & I were talking last night about what a great place Saskatoon is to live. You read so many things these days about how much more there is to do in larger centres, but we really feel blessed to call Saskatoon our home...and really, if you are creative, there is no shortage of things to do here.

Certainly, for Amanda, living in Saskatoon means there are more things she CAN do. If Les & I had chosen to make our home in Vancouver, there are many opportunities that Amanda would not have. We live in a nice house in a good neighbourhood that is affordable...in B.C. the words affordable and housing do not go together. And by virtue of where we live, Amanda is in walking distance of a good school where she's made wonderful friends that she can play with outside of school. She can also play down the block, go out and ride her bike around our crescent, and the little girl down the street (Miss Britney) is always knocking on the door to see if Amanda can come out and play. This is quite a contrast to Vancouver where you can't let you child walk to school and the teacher releases the children each day directly to their parents only. In grade one in Surrey, Amanda was in a class where she was the only caucasian girl, and the other parents wouldn't let their children play with her outside of school because of that. In Vancouver, there is no chance that you can let your 9 year old out to ride a bike around the crescent or to walk three doors down the block to play on a neighbour's front lawn.

I see how Amanda is flourishing here, and I feel very blessed indeed. She came here as a very shy girl to the outside world, and I have seen her open up so much. I see her get to try new things and imagine and play to her heart's content. When she grows up she wants to be a teacher, and I really think that growing up in Saskatchewan will be a great advantage for her in that because of all the carefree experiences she will have. She's not as shy as she used to be, and I just think that growing up in this environment will provide her with even more in terms of experiences that will mean alot for her as a teacher (perhaps even more than a university education can provide).

Growing up here, I had those experiences. I never knew anything different, so I guess I took them for granted.

This week Amanda is off at Vacation Bible School (VBS) in the mornings (Son Games)...together with her bossom-buddy from school, Brianna, and they are loving it! God sure knows what He's doing! Right from the moment Amanda moved here, He has placed such wonderful girls around her to be her friends. I couldn't ask for better friends for her! Brianna is actually older than Amanda, but they connected because Amanda ended up in a gr.3/4 split this year. VBS is at Brianna's church, and Brianna's mom is helping me out this week by having Amanda over to their house after VBS each morning. She's a wonderful woman who is always so encouraging to me...which is yet another way that God is blessing us these days!

"Know that the Lord is GOD. It is He who made us, and we are His. We are His people."
Ps 100:3 (Today's VBS memory verse:)

"The Lake"

We went to "the lake" yesterday. Amanda had gone out the day before with Arilee & Aurora, and so we headed out yesterday to enjoy the day and pick her up. It was a good day, although it would have been nice to spread the day out a bit (driving two hours each way makes for a full day!) The Herman's have a marvelous campsite, and we were spoiled to get to be with such wonderful friends for the day!

It's interesting the different things that being at "the lake" brings out in different people. For instance, at home, Amanda generally tries to avoid chores (like all normal 9 year olds), but at "the lake" she has no problem helping to get water or even doing the dishes! At home, Amanda is quite squirmish about things like bugs, but at "the lake" she went fishing for perch with Auntie using minows for bait...she was even quite proud to bring the fish back to her water bucket in her own net! It was quite something to see!

On the drive back home, Les and I talked about our views of "the lake." I don't think either of us are big campers, and while it would be nice to get away to "the lake" once in a while, our schedules just never seem to work such that we both have 2-3 days off in a row.

As we drove, we talked about our views on tents, campers, motor-homes and cabins. I'm afraid we leaned to the more expensive choices, and when you divide that over how infrequently we would use it, well, that pretty much makes it non-viable from a financial perspective. (Too bad we don't have friends with a cabin or motor home that we could rent once a year!:) ...we had to scratch camper from the list because we don't have a vehicle that could pull it.)

Before Les & I got married, I used to go to Family Camp each summer at Arlington Beach (this year's camp is happening right now). That was "the lake" to me. I went for about five years in a row, camping a different way each year. The first year I stayed in the lodge with a friend (shared bathrooms and showers on the floors; cafeteria type food). The next year, some friends and I rented a cabin together (no shower, but running water). The next year I stayed at the lodge alone, but ate and hung out with friends in the campground. The next year, I tented. And the last year, I rented a cabin that is lived-in year round (hence it had a shower etc.) I'd have to say that this last experience was the best to me. It was a beautiful location (lakefront), and I could watch the sunset over the water each night!

Every so often I get teased by die-hard campers that 'that is not camping at all'! I know they are teasing, but they seem to imply that if I would prefer to be able to blow-dry my hair in the morning when I'm camping rather than just putting on a ball-cap that there is some kind of moral problem with me. Maybe there is? I like to feel fresh in the morning and have a shower. I enjoy fussing a bit. I often dress casually, but I still like things to match and be free of holes. I like to make things nice. Even the year that I tented, I had a welcome matt for my borrowed tent and a flower pot just outside of the door. I guess this is part of how I relax. I'm just a girly-girl.

As we continued driving home last night, God painted the most amazing sunset for us, and Les and I both agreed how much we like home, and how we'd just like to find a way to be able to press pause more often and have some of those 'lake'-type moments at home.

Maybe I will still get it after all!



In my last post, I talked about the 'teapot that got away'. Well, in developing news... I emailed the seller after the auction ended to ask whether she had another one of these teapots. I explained how I narrowly missed the end of the auction and offerred her $2 more than the ending price on that auction should she have another 'Oh-so-Breit' teapot. I received a reply yesterday. She is expecting to receive a new shipment on Friday which will include another one of these teapots AND she indicated that she would sell it to me for the price I offered! I know it is only a teapot, but I'm tickled:)

I was sooo close to having my very own Mary Engelbreit teapot...the 'Oh-So-Breit' teapot! I had been tracking it on ebay, and it was going for well below its retail value (Mary prices it at $45US, and on ebay it was below $20US). So, I discussed the teapot with my delightful husband who encouraged me to get it. I had received some money from my inlaws and my parents for my birthday that I still haven't spent. So I was all excited to actually get something that I've wanted for so long (and never really thought I would get). The auction was to expire last night. When I left to take my daughter's friend home, my bid was winning, but then when I dropped Brianna off, I got chatting with her folks and didn't want to be rude and rush out of there (especially for something that isn't nearly as important as another person). Anyway, we got home at 9:13. The Auction ended at 9:11. And, yes, someone swooped in and stole my bid:( I know it is only a teapot, but I have to admit to being disappointed. There is another one up for bid, but with a starting price of $29.99US...I'm not interested in that because I almost had this one for much less. (sigh) I hope the high bidder enjoys my teapot. I hope they have friends over for tea and, in turn, bless them....

"...I will bless you; ...and you will be a blessing."
Gen 12:2

I enjoy Margaret Wente's columns in the Globe. I don't always agree with her, but I find she has good insight, and I enjoy the way she writes. Here's a link to Saturday's column. Last Thursday she also had an interesting one on Iraq.

Oh the theology of a song!! It is truly amazing how God can touch me with a lyric and how I can find myself right there in someone else's words. I've met Carolyn Arends, and she truly is a kindred spirit:)

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

Happy Belated Canada Day!

Looks like I've been remiss in my postings! It's not as if I've been too busy really. I guess I just haven't felt inspired to write anything the last few days. It's been a quiet long weekend at the Brophy house. Les is working evenings all weekend. Amanda and I have gone on a few outings. Last night we rented Little Women and watched it together...one of my favourites! Tonight she is playing outside with a friend.

I had my appointment with the Specialist for my ear on Friday. It went very well...even Les commented this morning that my ear mustn't be as plugged as he heard me singing and singing...all sorts of songs! To sing again...that is good:) What struck me most about Dr. Stafford's office was that there was no waiting area and no wait. I've become very accustomed to waiting at the Doctor's office, so this was a pleasant surprise!

It seems like everyone is about to head off on some exciting holiday within the next little while. I have friends who are already on their way, and some who will leave very soon (I miss them already!) We have no plans to get away this summer as Les has to work...and that's ok with me. I don't always long to go somewhere...I love home, but I do long for special things to look forward to while I'm here. It always helps me to know when my next date will be our when our family can have a day to go to the lake or something.

Amanda will have many adventures this summer. Next week, she's going to visit with Grandma & Grandpa for a few days, and they are taking a trip to Regina where she'll meet a Great Aunt & Uncle and a cousin (who is around her age) that she's never met before. Then the following week, she has Son Games (Vacation Bible School). She's really excited about going to that with her great friend, Brianna! Oh to be a child again...schools days were great, especially those summers off!

I have to admit that I'm pining a bit for that. It's hard for me to have to work when Amanda is off, and often Les' days off are during the week when I'm at the office. It's hard to not always do what your heart wants...but nevertheless I know that God is good and has blessed us in so many ways.