SACRED PASSAGES

BREAD - WINE - OLIVE OIL - SPROUTING FLOWERS - AND PURE WATER - FOOD FOR THE SOUL - FROM GOD

We all feel the need of spiritual strength, guidance, comfort and healing that flows from the ordinary into our souls when we receive with prayer and faith the gifts of God.

I would say to Mary and Mike that marriage is a sacred passage that is strengthened by their faith in God and their love for one another. I believe that the sources of all life flows from God and He works in all our lives in mysterious ways. When you give your life to another by living together or through marriage you are making a commitment to love one another. There are days when you experience how deep your love is for each other; but there will be times when life demands so much of you that this love fades and needs to be re-energized.

Always remember the good times and let your imagination keep your dreams alive. Put your heart into all you do.

It has often been quoted that we learn the most when we go through difficult times and looking back I can see the truth in that wisdom. The problem is that in the midst of life's unfairness we find it hard to see what God is teaching us.

Personally I would be very happy to live a life free of pain. I am reading books by a Rabbi and a book by a Catholic teacher. I read both from the values and views that my church and my faith has taught me. I think that there is good in all religions but also religion has been used to enslave people and created narrow minded beliefs.

The church uses common symbols to draw us closer to God.
Water [baptism] cleanses and sustains us.
Bread nourishes us and wine gladdens us. [communion]
Oil strengthens us and is used in praying for the sick.
Laying on of hands allows energy to flow through us to one another.
Words of scripture guide us and help us to find the truth. Hopefully they will set us free from the "shadows of our ignorance". Words of love and forgiveness help us build strong foundations.

The Spirit within us responds to the external. It can be a sacrament in the church, a spoken word or a song, or a sign in nature that bring awe and joy within us.

Vibrant joy that seeks me through the ordinary and even through the pain.

"Jesus is our prayer, and he is also the answer to all our prayers. He has chosen to be himself in us the living song of praise, adoration, thanksgiving and intercession, and reparation to the Father in the name of the Whole Creation" Mother Teresa

I am rethinking my idea of the words sacred and holy and salvation. They are meant to be words of inclusion and wholeness and something touchable.

This is why Jesus is so important. He brought "God" down to earth!
He called no one untouchable!

CAROL'S BIRTHDAY WEEKEND

You may join her for dinner and a movie tonight, or go to the Golfcourse to play name that tune, or walk around the bird scantuary in Ladner. Larry and I will probably go Sat. I will have a big rest during the day. [maybe stay in bed all day ha ha].

Had a good chat with Leah on the phone she is recovering from a bad migraine. Nasty things. She did not make any committments. We love to have her join us. I will phone or e-mail Chris to-morrow. Tasha has invited us to come over to her place but it is just finding a good day.

Yesterday I was aching all over and sure the flu bug had cayght up to me but today I am fine so maybe the flu shot did help. It is cold today but not snowing so I will walk over to meet Janet. This afternoon Jane and I have a meeting to take part in a big prayer meeting with many churches.

I am praying that Rick's move from the Tar Sands to Blind Bay goes well and he will stay alert on the road and arrive safely. Kenny says it is smokey there and always the concern about the wind changing and new fires. Melina also had a bad migraine and both her and Ken need more sleep.

Wondering if Mary have had their marriage counceling yet? Larry and I had one short session. I went to church regularly but I am sure the minister hardly knew me.

I am waiting for an appointment with the Women's Osteophorous Clinic in Vancouver.

There is also the choice of getting needles stuck in me or maybe I will go for energy healing which is more my style.

"The blessing in life is not to live without pain [well that would be great] but to live so that our pain has meaning and we have the courage to find new inner strength." Well, I am not there yet but that is my goal. It is pretty idealistic don't you think.

I miss going to the food bank and the people we worked with and met there.

I have to remind myself that I am important to my family and need to care for myself!

THE VIEW

VIEW FROM KIM'S BALCONY - NOT TOO GOOD - GETTING DARK

We enjoyed the view from Kim and Mike's new place, and when we go to Theresa and Mikie's
I like looking for the mountains. Sandra and Randy have beautiful views of beautiful flowers and perfect green grass. Carol and Panteli have a beautiful yard too.

We lost our beautiful view when we moved and it does take some adjusting to be so close to other people. As long as I can see the sky I am happy. As a child I was taught that God lived in the sky in a place called heaven.

The first grief I experienced in life was the loss of my mom's mom who had lived with us when I was very small. Our home was full of sadness and my mother's unhappiness. I realized for the first time that parents had there own problems that I was not apart of. I do not remember how long this lasted because no one talked about death or grief. I knew that soldiers went off to war and were killed and this was apart of life.

Even sadder was the death of my Uncle who died driving drunk. This time with the death came anger. My mom was angry at the pain of her sister and her unhappy marriage with Sam. God did not seem to have apart in any of this from his place in heaven.

I worry about all my children and grandchildren driving in this miserable snow and ice. Dad and I did not go out last night and I will not go visiting to the home today because they will not expect me to come. And they worry about me driving. I will go for a walk I hope I can take a picture of the snowdrops flowering.

I think we all struggle with suffering and even like Job feel angry at God. At least we admit that God some how has a part in our living and dying. Jesus taught me that he is present in our suffering and in him is comfort and healing. Jesus also teaches us that to be angry at the injustice and at the unfairness of life does not can stir us up to try to change the world in which we live.

Daily we are hearing of people being shot in our neighborhoods and people are expressing deep anger.

Lent is a time to reflect on the brevity of life and a time to see God so close to us He invites us to enter into the uncertainly of life with Him. We all play a major role in the lives of the people we share. When we are vulnerable can be a time when we are most open to ask questions and explore our faith and search for meaning. As we grow older our memories become more important. I remember taking the four children to a long walk to the beach in Tssawwsen by loading up two in the wagon I pulled while the older ones walked. It was often a long hot walk but the children had great fun when we got to the water. They played together and it was good.

Life is all about learning and relearning and new grow coming out of the earth each spring.

This was not what I meant to write about but sometimes maybe the words flow from deep within us waiting to be expressed. It is time for the soul to express what the mind is not even aware we are thinking of.

What do you think about that?

But nothing stsys the same even the Barenaked Ladies are breaking up.

FEB 25TH SNOWING - HOPE KIM IS OK DRIVING

SNOWFLAKES WITH FLASH FROM FRONT PORCH

8:30 PM THE SNOW IS GETTING PRETTY BAD

Kimberly phoned from her truck to tell us she was on her way to school.

OUR VISIT WITH KIM & MIKE & OLIVER

A LITTLE BLURRY - BUT STILL A NICE PICTURE OF BROTHER AND SISTER WORKING TOGETHER

WHAT A LOVELY COUPLE - EVEN IF I DID CATCH KIM WITHOUT HER PERFECT SMILE - SHE IS BEAUTIFUL!!

We had a very enjoyable visit at Kim and Mike's new flat. Supper was an excellent salad and a spicy stir-fry. They have a very nice view out of their big window and Rick would appreciate Mike's native art. Dinner was served on Kim's pottery plates. She left to go to pottery and Mike was catching up on his work.

I cannot imagine them off to Korea or some far away place but when you are young it is time for adventures.

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

WALKING (DRIVING) TOWARDS THE LIGHT --PICTURE BY CAROL

My life a comedy of errors

I could do a comedy skit just doing my yoga, and I often find myself not breathing when I should be practicing breathing, I keep junk mail and lose the important ones, I wear mismatched socks because they come out of the direr that way, I can never find my cell phone when it rings, I am compulsive about moving things with the intention of putting them in the "right place", I go to the store and forget to take money, and when I have money it just disappears, I would rather be Jewish than Buddhist, I like religion to be funny and then I can laugh at myself and others, I am forgetful and can never find glasses or my purse, I am starting to enjoy children's stories more than the grim best-sellers. Every picture I hang is crooked I think they move when I am not looking.

But in spite of all this I managed to raise [I don't know if that is the right word] healthy, intelligent, loving and caring, insightful and exceptional children. Larry was busy with work and all his many other interests on his way to becoming a millionaire. He was a loving father but maybe a little too busy. I was the one that was impatient and would lose my temper; looking back I was stressed to the max. I went to all their activities to cheer them on and went to all the interviews at the school. I enjoyed being a mom but wish I had had better health.

I did it with love in my heart for each one!

Theresa I am very pleased that you would also like to be like me. I also think all my grandchildren and great grandchildren are amazing!

I believe as children we start with a soft heart but if we allow it to become hard and closed we end up with a broken heart; but that can be a good thing because Jesus is a mender of hearts. He tenderly glues us back together so that we become stronger and more compassionate.

I have put my faith in Jesus and try to live by his teachings.

"Faith, as I understand it, is a recognition that there is something ultimately mysterious and deeply beautiful about the world." Rabbi David Wolpe

Pain is the shawdow that can blot out the light but the light is always there for us.

We walk in light that is redeeming!

LOOK UP

TWO FRIENDS WATCHING THE WORLD GO BY!

Every time we drive to Ladner or Tsawwassen we see the beautiful Bald Eagles

along the highway, we often think about taking a picture - Carol did!

THE SECRET

IT IS SOMETIMES NICE TO HAVE A SECRET

Gramma was not suppose to know that Uncle Kenny was coming on March 3 but I overheard the excitment in dad's voice. It would be lovely if all the family could come but I quess that is not possible. But just in case you need an invitation you are all welcome. I have the extra bed for Jessie and a crib/play pen for Mathew. We could get a high chair. I am not fussing about anything much anymore and I can go and lie down and that helps.

Grandpa would love to visit Rick at Blind Bay. It would be great to see him too.

Saturday at Sandra's and Randy's sounds great. Maybe I will do a pot luck on Sunday and Kim can bring her dish.

The doctor was completely annoyed with me because I have gecome so careless taking the calcium and Atenol but I will now start.

This is pancake day here now as it is the beginning of Lent. Lent is a time to clean out of our hearts and minds any excess baggage and be free of those tempting goodies that comfort us.

"It is a time to show grace to others, because you have experienced God's grace," a time to strengthen your relation ship with Jesus; aware of His sacrifice and His call upon your life.

Dad and I are going to Kim and Mike's for supper, should be fun.

No pancakes for us either.

HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL

BUT SHE DOSNT GIVE UP - AND HERE WE HAVE THE RESULTS - TEMPORARILY!!

WITH SORE BACK DECIDES TO TEAR HOUSE APPART - MAYBE A LITTLE MORE THAN SHE THOUGHT

It was good to have our happy family gather at Theresa's house for Larry's birthday. Ben is now an avis chess player and played grandpa @ Chris @ Pentali. There was lots of good food but I forgot to tell Theresa she had to actually turn the rice cooker on not just plug it in. Morgan dances around in her little ballet dress and she loves to tell everyone her name is Morgan.

It was a bright day in a spring that for me has seen very drab and slow. I am back to waking up very early which is annoying and I cannot figure myself out.

Yesterday the minister asked for those who wanted to put their faith in Jesus to stand. This was also a call to those who had never done this as well as those who had. So of course I stood up and was among a very few that stood and I was right up front. If it was at our United Church I feel that people would think "Well I've always been a "Christian." I've always gone to church and been a good person.

It is hard to describe something that has been thought of as a Religion with its dogma and tradition as a turning to the light from the shadows. I think the word shadow defines it better than darkness because in the shadow there is just enough light to keep us going but not enough to allow us to see the possibility of an inner change.

Maybe I am just a dreamer but I choose to believe that in Jesus there is hope. Hope that is real and vital and alive.
We are entering the period of the church called Lent, which takes on the journey to the cross. During this time Jesus asked Philip: " Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me?"

I felt like Jesus was asking me that question and I feel reassured that his own disciples who walked with him really did not understand him. All I can do is keep asking questions and try to listen with an open heart. It all comes down to loving those around us because Jesus loves them even more.

Today three of us are off to the doctors. Little Matthew with his roving eye, grandpa with his knee and hip pain and myself with my acking back. We all want answers and hopefully we will get some helpful advice.

Yesterday was a special day with many happy moments. Theresa has made grandpa a beautiful book of memories which he can add to with his own words. I was touched when Mary said "I am most like grama" and then Kim said "no I think I am most like grama"

We are so proud of Chris getting his fork lift license and working so hard. I think that all our family are doing good at trying to improve their lives in many ways.

CHURCH

I CAUGHT THE GLASSY WATER WITH THE REFLECTIONS - HOPE GRAMPA DID ALSO!

Sunday morning and there are a group of people preparing to head off to church. What are these people like you may ask? Well they are often kind, sincere, faithful, introspective or inspiring. They can be energetic, passionate, sensitive, lonely. ordinary, rebellious and erratic. They can be organized or unorganized, moralistic or fun-loving. Many generous beyond description and full of grace.

Many are abused and wounded while others may be controlling and confidant. There is no description that can describe those who are drawn to a place of worship. It can be habit or an awareness of need.


Some are aware of their own inner emptiness and are searching for answers; with a deep desire to nourish the spiritual demension of their souls. The Jesus inhabited want to live with the awareness of His presence in their daily lives. In the moments of joy or sorrow, peace or angst
safe or insecure I want to feel that I am not alone. I am different in what I think and in what I read but I still try to fit into this messed up world.



It takes COURAGE to draw from that inner source of strength and ignore the doubts and failures.



"COURAGE enables us to offer forgiveness knowing there may be no response,"

to give generously of our time even when it drains us of our inner energy and we become weary.

Faith that builds up courage allows us to keep on trying and to love with all our hearts.

Ephesians 3: Clory be to Him, whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine.

Grandpa and I are looking forward to going out to Chilliwack after church to celebrate his birthday. I am so very thankful to have such a loving and forgiving family who have made a place in their hearts for us.

SUNSHINE

LOOKING DOWNSTREAM - THE FISHBOATS PATIENTLY WAITING FOR OPENING DAY

A BEAUTIFULL SUNNY DAY AT THE LADNER DOCK - SOON THE TREES WILL BE BURSTING WITH NEW GREEN LIFE

It is womderful to have a sunny morning. We are going to Shirley Fowler's Tea today at two. She is ninty, so I am especially glad it is a good day for her.

Yes, Ken I am extremely glad to have such good friends. I thought I would make a friend here on the street and people are friendly but there has been no one who is actually a real friend. We talk when we are out in the gardens or shovling snow. They all ask about Larry. He seems to be getting his energy back.

I had to be rescued from my long walk across the highway, but it is up a big hill at the gravel pitt
and I have to get into better shape too.

In the afternoon we went to Ladner to take pictures I am very happy with mine.

Dad was especially pleased at your card from Australia that even Mattthew 's hand print was on. It is a worry about his eye but Jane said that both Jeff and Michael had that problem and it is okay now.


Quotes from "Three Bags Full" about sheep who discover the mystery of their shepherds death.
"You can't really live without a soul. It says so in the book. [the shepherd had read to them from the book]. "A soul was opposite of a thing and helped you discover the world. Something very valuable and very important even if, in the case of humans, it was only a small soul."

It seems a bit strange to be reading about talking sheep but it has some deep thought in it.

UPLIFTING

Every morning I welcome the day with prayer asking God to fill me with a love that is strong and a faith that is thankful. It is so easy to be disconnected to our spiritual self with daily tasks, often so mondaine. I pray for our family as they come to mind. Each one so different but they all bring us great joy.

Watching President Obama arrive was uplifting and I love our Govenor-General Michaelle Jean.
Their smiles and their energy really touches the heart because they have become special to us. I was proud of Harper too and felt he expressed himself better. They have tough jobs so they need our prayers too.

Our front lawn has been looking so ugly and barren but now that I see some signs of life I feel encouraged. I will never have the passion for gardening that Sandra does. She does things right and creates a lot of beauty.

Jane and I had a nice walk to Starbucks for coffee and that too was uplifting as we share together. Good friends are a treasure. Then it was off to the Nursing home. I am enjoying reading a story avout a library cat to Kathleen who loves cats. She worries more about my sore back than her own condition in her wheel chair. She is sure that prayer will cure me. The visiting went well and they are all so dear.

Left at home dad chopped up the Christmas tree to be put in compost, then rode his bike down to Zellers. He made it all the way up the hill. He also does the dishes now, much better than I do, so that is a great blessing.

Today is the long walk with Janet but I really do not want to stop walking and this is a challenge.
I find going for a walk with a friend is a good way to keep in touch, and when I walk alone I like to talk to Jesus.

We are looking forward to seeing most of the family on Sunday for dad's birthday. We are sorry that Michael John will not be able to make it and we will talk to Leah on Sat. He sure is enjoying the new T.V. It is great to watch the hockey games on. Carol went out to see Benjamin in his hip hop class and I would have liked to have gone too.

Oh dear bad news the pond is not running again and the water is freezing cold I wonder if dad will want to fix it. We have some exciting news to share! [I am not suppose to know about!]

Question: Can prayer or meditation lead you into a place where you accept that whatever comes into your life is a gift from God? "The sort of prayer that absorbs all manner of pain, and transforms it into hope." Kathleen Norris

DECISIONS

What a beautiful day for a birthday. We drove to Ladner to have lunch on the dock. Oliver dropped by he won't join us on Sunday also Carol and Panteli.

I have been trying to take the Tylenal 3 once a day but when I do I end up with intense pain and have to lie down. It upsets your stomach. I have decided to see if I can go back to the Women's Hospital where they do through ex-ams and where I went years back. I am hopeful they will take me.

I do not find pain spiritually up-lifting and the only benefit I can see is that I am more compassion to others sometimes. On the other hand I can shut out really listening because I am too self-absorbed.

Yesterday at the U.C.W. meeting the devotional was about looking into your own life; into your soul and discover where you need courage Courage that empowers us to try again when there has been repeated failure. I have been inspired by others in my family especially Carol and Sandra to take responsibility for their own health.

I had a dream that I was at the doctors and when I was called in I was teken from bed to bed full of sick people. I am thankful for the health that I have but I have decided to live with pain if you can possibly help it to heal well you should keep trying.

When I run out of courage I believe that I can ask God for more and that I can trust Him to show me inner resiliency that flows from Him into me.

MY FACEBOOK @ HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD

A BEAUTIFUL CRISP SUNNY BIRTHDAY MORNING - TO COOL FOR COFFEE

Some days when I try to turn on facebook it just does not work. Like yesterday. Dad's facebook goes on the internet which is good.

We are muddling along on plans for dad's birthday and it is now set for Sunday at Theresa's.

Went for one of my longer walks yesterday and was pretty darned tired. It is so easy to get out of shape but getting back is like climbing a mountain. I missed my yoga and my rest because we drove to Langley to look for Chess Sets. Ben really wants to play chess with grandpa.

Today I have U.C.W. at Colebrook Church and then Larry and I may visit Shirley in the afternoon. She will be ninety on Feb. At our book group on Sunday night we had 4 people with birthdays in the next week and three of them on the 25 of Feb.

Tonight we have homegroup and I will have to get a rest in if I am going to go. I do best if I have two rests a day which frustrates me.

Like I read this morning "Accepting the reality of our broken, flawed lives is the beginning of spirituality." I pray every morning trying to turn my day over to Jesus because like trying to have a relationship with anyone we have to take time to talk to them and even more important listen.

I read the old testament I come across holy people who can be good one minute but then "insecure, mentally unstable, unbelieving, shrewd, lying, grudge-holding tyrants the next."

There must be lots of hope for us ordinary, garden-varity believers. I was temped to say sinners. Should I have?

LOVE

We did not do anything on Valentines day because both of us did not feel too well.
Gone are the days of endlessly taking about "love". As a young girl we would talk a lot about falling in love and finding the right person. We were hoping not only for love but for lasting love.

You get married and find that "loving" is something that takes time and effort. We moved away from family and friends to start our own family.

We cannot love as adults until we understand that love will bring joy but also disappointment.

We can never truly love another until we understands what gives them pain. This is why for me the love of God has encompassed me and renewed me. To marry some one who enjoys your company and listens to your complaints. {I am not like dad I have not given up complaining]
deepens and creates lasting love.

My favorite story about the Velveteen Rabbit reminds me that love can outlast beauty and that true love helps us discover who we really are!

CONSPIRACY

OUR NEW TV - IT IS SO CLEAR - AND NOT EVEN WITH 'HD' YET

We had no idea that the family was plotting to all get together to buy grandpa a T.V.
He was so thrilled he was speechless. He was very happy and thrilled as it is just what he wanted. It was a wonderful amd thoughtful idea and got around me saying "well what is wrong with what we have it is fine.

Thank you all not only for this gift but the love and support you show us all year long.
We are truly blessed to have such a lovely family.

I woke up feeling so thankful that God has kept us to-gether through the ups and downs of life.

I would like to plan a little get together for those who cannot come to grandpa's birthday on Friday. I know Mary may or may not be able to and I am not sure about Michael John. Also I know Leah and Chris cannot come. I do not know about Kim and Mike. I do not mind having it hear if everyone will bring the food. I am feeling very tired and I guess we are all so I am open to suggestions. Dad always is happy having pizza.

I will try to e-mail everyone today because many do not read this blog.

We were surprised to hear that Rick is in Toronto doing his masters and we are very proud of him.

SUNDAY

A COLD MORNING - BIG MOON - WAITING FOR THE LIGHT

I'm am always glad that it is Sunday. It will do Larry and I good to go to church today at Gracepoint [Bell Center]. Carol and Panteli were there last night for a comedy play. I will go for a walk this morning first. Sandra and Mary dropped by but I had gone down to London Drugs so just saw them leave. We miss seeing Kim as she was dropping by before going to college here in Surrey.

We are going to our study group with Pat and John etc. Also Doug Graves will be there he is marrying Mary and Michael John. Our study is "Why Faith Matters" and our chapter tonight is "Where does religion come from?"

"Religion has threaded through every age and culture.
"Religion begins in wonder, flourishes in relationship, and is realized through living with an awareness of holiness.
"Beginning with humanity's earliest stories, such as the ancient Sumerian epic of Gilgamesh chronicling a man's failed search for immortality, thinkers and poets have proclaimed death our greatest fear.
"Religion promises that death is not the end."

We are finding growing older a difficult challenge I think because you lose the energy to fight for health and to overcome aches and pains. I have never had a lot of energy but I have had an awareness of the presence of God and his love for me.

Most, religious people engage in innumerable activities of kindness, charity and selflessness. Not because they fear death "far stronger is the impulse to responsibility, to living a sacred life, a life of service."
"Spiritual aspiration is a likelier origin of religion than fear."

"No one knows how the first ancestors of human beings created religion."
"Is religion built into our genes or do we in some deep sense choose to be religious?"
"There remains no good reason to suppose religion is a misfired strategy of survival. Rather, it is a response to a reality beyond us. Far from being trapped in tribal illusions, we are liberated by transcendent truths."

"The resources of the human spirit continually transcend the presumed limitations of biology or conditioning"
"Religion is neither an answer to a question nor the solution to a problem.
"It is a response to the wonder of existence and a guide to life."

"Do we come to God from tragedy or joy, from sadness or from wonder?"
"The answer is both and more, for at the root of faith is not a solution but a relationship."
"Suffering can open the soul; and can enable us to be close to one another in a new way."

"From time to time I realize, speaking to someone in trouble or in pain, that if I can only be quiet, only return the person to himself, that healing can occur."
"To respond is to feel one has been sent."

"Religion is not a fantasy projected upward but a call received." A promise that elevates the human spirit to continue to do better; to do more to bring peace and equality into a world where so many are suffering and feel so hopeless.
"The essential task of religion in this world is to heal, to help, to repair what has been shattered."

DISILLUSIONED

Yes disillusioned and yes disappointed in the abuse of so called Christians. This is because another documentary on the residential schools bring this out and sickens our hearts.

Yes, we are not perfect, we can be stubborn and ambitious and unforgiving and rebellious just to name a few faults.

Yes, a lot of abused people turn to religion and need deep inner healing.
James says we all stumble in many ways and that is so true.

Jesus said, "And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me. But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believes in me to stumble, it would be better to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

Jesus did not preach a warm and friendly message that would please everyone. In fact the good news offended many.

You are cursed by your riches.
You are blessed even when you are poor
Pious prayers mean nothing
Humility is the secret of greatness.
Our own words will destroy us, or set us free.

Jesus got angry when salvation was sold to those with the perfect sacrifice
and the temple was a market place not a place of prayer.

I know many good Christians and I know that many good deeds have been done in the name of Jesus.
I know many lifes have been changed and I know we can be liberated by the truth if we are willing to search for it, believe and try to live it.

Happy Valentines Day I hope we all feel loved and lovable!

FRUSTRATION

ONE OF THE MORE FRUSTRATING OBJECTS IN OUR LIFE!

I have to admit I often get frustrated with things that do not work. Some days worse than others. Life can be struggle to find the energy to look after yourself as well as others.

Faith matters because it is through the prayer of faith that I feel thankful for each day and except the frustrations as a part of being alive. Blessings come in many forms that bring me back to that place of thankfulness during the day.

Last Sunday I read the scripture and I am so thankful that all the ancient wisdom that we can find to renew us each and every day. Jesus was a real person who taught us to search deeper into the scriptures so that he continues to live on in our lives today. Peter and John healed the blind beggar in the name of Jesus.

"It is Jesus' name and the faith that comes from that has given this complete healing".

I am trying to live with faith that questions and seeks to see what the physical eye cannot see.
Yes, God works in mysterious and powerful ways, that I do not completely understand. Often I feel a burden when I pray for others and I wish I could do more to help. As I pray I am reminded that faith is trusting God to work in all our lives and give strength that flows out of humility and grace.

We can find music healing when we allow it to touch us emotionally. That is why songs can bring back memories and emotions we are not always aware of. I believe also that scripture has the power to emotionally engage us and deepen our faith.

Faith does not end my frustrations but helps me grow beyond them.

ALL LITTLE WHITE PILLS ARE NOT THE SAME.

I had a little bottle of white pills by my bed for bladder control and when Morgan came over I put them up high on a shelf in the bedroom. I have been trying to take the unused pills over to the Safeway to be disposwed of. Somehow and I cannot figure out how I took down the wrong bottle and took the other one to the store. Then I started getting a re-action and I decoded to look at what I was taking. I still cannot believe how I mixed these bottles up when I have been so careful not to keep the "nasty ones" that make me feel so sick.

I feel very unsettled by this because I have been trying to be so careful. It is a warning that I have to be even more careful. Now I have to rebook an appointment to get the other ones and I just do not want to go to the doctor, maybe Larry could go for me? ?

Now I know why I was feeling nauseated.

I am having more and more sympathy for older people who feel confused.

I have just got the right ones by going to the pharmacy and they are little blue pills.

Have you ever pick up a spray bottle and aim it at yourself? I would feel a little better if I knew others were doing the same things.

UP AND COMING ATTRACTION

AFTER A POOR SLEEP - A PRETTY ROOM TO HAVE BREAKFAST AND CONTEMPLATE

LARRYS FIRST GO AT YOGA - WILL GIVE UPDATES IN HIS PROPER YOGA ATTIRE NEXT WEEK

Larry doing his yoga.

Had a terrible night sleep. Tried to chase the racoons away from the garbage. They kept trying to drag the garbage can away under the bushes. Keptwakeing up with the hick-ups. It is very hard to lean out over the edge of the bed and drink from the far side of the cup. So far I have not fallen out but it has been close. If I fell asleep I had bad dreams.

Anyway this morning I have to do my ladies Bible study for noon. I usually do not leave it to the last minute. This morning Jane and I will go to Zeller's for coffee and a walk.

Feel free to leave some encouraging comments for Larry'a first try?

- I like the focus on breathing in Yoga and on relaxing.
Every breath breathing in the spirit of God and reminding us of all we have to be thankful for.
Breathing in the good and letting anxiety, fear, doubt and sickness flow out as we breath out.


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WILD FIRES IN AUSTRALIA

WHILE OUR FRONT PAGE VIVIDLY SHOWS THE HORROR OF THE SUFFERING TAKING
PLACE IN THE STATE OF VICTORIA AUSTRALIA WHERE THE OTHER HALF OF OUR FAMILY LIVES

A COOL REFRESHING MORNING IN DELTA

"Tales of tragedy, fear and narrow escapes transfix the nation, as images of towering flames
dominate television and newspapers'" At least one fire set by serial arsonist makes it even more tragic.

We are very worried about Ken and Melina and the boys and the family. We are praying that the wind will not change and send the fire in their direction. Even 30 -50 km away is to close.
People have been forced to save themselves by jumping into pools etc.

Kenny and Melina we are so proud of you and what you are doing to help.
We love you and are praying for your protection.

It makes all our little problems seem so small.

Our minds are funny things as I was thinking back to some of the difficult things my parents faced. Especially the stroke that left mom helpless, not able to talk or eat, or move. except one arm. She used that arm to signal for help and to wave good-bye. It is time like this that only faith can comfort and give us courage. I think of mom as I sit by some one at the Nursing home and hold there hand. I look at the beautiful pictures of when they were young and now I look at the beauty of gray hair and wrinkled faces. It is easy just to give in to despair but so few of them do. They are my hero's.

"The blessing we seek in life is not to live without pain. It is to live so that our pain has meaning."

"No quality is more essential for a well-lived life than courage."

"Freedom is a gift given to us by our willingness to be brave."

These quotes are all from Rabbi David Wolpe Making Loss Matter.

HAPPY HELPERS

SANDRA LOOKS UP FROM HER LABOUR

MARY SMILES AS SHE HELPS GRAMA

Saying a wee prayer for Ben as Theresa takes him to get another shunt put in.

Yesterday I was so thankful when Sandra and Mary came to help me clean up the fron flower garden. What an awful mess I had gone out to do it and came in and laid down. They did a wonderful job and I sure appreciated it.

We are unique but not self-sufficent we need one another.

I did not realize that the reading at church was just part of Isaiah 60 so I mentioned the verse that says God had been angry with them. God's anger did not stop Him from loving them and shining His light upon them. This is the God of compassion that I put my trust in.

Life would be boring if we were perfect and life would be dull without all the questions we face.
Goals and dreams may change but hopefully we are progressing in our knowledge of ourselves and each other.


Anyway Larry and I are off to the doctors and then going out for pancakes after to celebrate! He was craving pancakes, but for the most part he has lost his appetite.

We will put pictures up later.

SIGNS OF SPRING

THE RISING SUN - PROMISING NEW LIFE THE WARMTH IT NEEDS

THE BUDS LOOK SO SOFT AFTER THEIR BATTLE TO SURVIVE THE WINTER

Everyday when I go for my walk I am now looking for signs of spring. Not many buds are brave enough yet to start appearing. This is the time of year I wish I had put lots of daffodils and tulips in so that they would be pushing their way through snow and all. At least our days have more sunshine and most of the snow is melted; except the huge pile in the parking lots.

Larry will not be going to church today and he slept well without a lot of coughing.

I will put on my Sunday best; well I am not sure what that is; and be off to church. [a funny aside when we went to the five star nursing home the word was that people had to dress appropriately at all times and I was not really decked out. Because I had just got back from my long walk with Janet and Mary and Sandra came in the door I just grab my nearest clothes and rushed out the door because Jane was casing a traffic jam at our little corner of the road. Jane and I got lost because of detours but we had fun. We went out for Vietnamese food and really did not know what we were ordering. I often wish I could just say well I will have what those guys over there are having. Kim is very good at these places.

I was pleased to be asked to read. "Arise, shine for your light has come and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.- -- the Lord will be your everlasting light." Isaiah 60

I think that it is amazing that these words written so long ago are still being read today. The Spirit of the living word invites us to become a part of the story. Instead of the cartoon of the little man with the cloud over his head, we have this picture of light shining upon us.

I am glad to be reading good news knowing that I believe it to be true.

We are expecting Chris and Belinda Today.

RESCUED

SANDRA CHECKING UP ON GRAMPA - MORNING PHONE CALL

Once again we are reminded how good it is to be surrounded by a loving family.
Sandra and Mary went and got a steamer for dad, some cough medicine and some boast.
I was putting kettles on and did intend going to the store. Dad had a better night last night
but being sick and continually coughing is extremely miserable.
He has an appointment with the doctor on Monday and I would hope if there was any thing that showed up on the x-ray we would be informed. But you never know.

Meanwhile Jane and I drove to Langley to see an old dear friend in a 5 star Nursing Home. We have been trying to arrange this for about a month. I would never want to stay in a place like this although it is so beautiful there is not the friendly atmosphere that there is an the Newton Regency. But in both places it seems difficult for people to make friends and that is the sad part.
Betty regrets being so far away even in her perfect hotel like setting.


Rick, can you shorten your report to two simple sentences I seem to get lost trying to read it?


"Study can lead us to great spiritual insight and bring us comfort in the midst of deep suffering"
I quote this because to try to be "spiritual" by prayer or even attending church and reading our Bibles does not always answer our questions nor heal our deepest inner sadness. I believe we all carry some regret and some doubt that needs wisdom.

AMAZING PICTURES

OUR LITTLE GNOME WAS SAD AND LONELY - I GAVE HIM SOME COLOR

Kenny those where great pictures of Melina and Jessie on her birthday. I am glad Matthew woke up to give us a toothy grin. Have you got Matthew doing more crawling? Most be hard because you do not have much room.

Dad's cough has gotten much worse so he may go back to the doctor. Yesterday I took our friend Shirley [90] to have some x-rays and then we had lunch out so that was good. Then I went to visit at the Nursing Home and my back started to complain.

Sandra may stop by to give me some advice on my garden it looks pretty sad. I am going out to plant primroses before she comes; also Friday is my long walk day with Janet. I had better go make the bed quick or I will be tempted to crawl back in; sleeping was restless with dad's coughing.

Jane and I may drive to Langley to visit a lady from the church who has moved into a nice nursing home but finding it lonely.

Life is good even when we do not always have good feelings. I laughed when my dear little old lady friend Shirley questioned the waitress, "where was our food?" Good for her!

GOOD MORNING

It is hard to believe what a difference one little pill makes. After two days of constant coughing Larry had a much better sleep last night and I did not need to escape to the spare room. We are so fortunate to have doctors and medicine while others in poorer conditions have to live with this suffering. Larry has gotten very weak and has no appetite. He will get the results from the x-ray on Monday and we hope the news will be good. The concern at his age is pneumonia but even that is so cure able now.

Ben has to have new shunts put into his eyes as he has bad infections. He has a difficult time after he wakes up from the anethetic so we hope this time will be easier. Very difficult on Theresa as it is especially hard to see your children suffer.

Looking after children is truly exhausting and I remember the days of being numb with tiredness. The blessing is that they bring so much joy into our lives and energy will return as we cope with added responsibilities.

We all have our hopes and dreams for our children; yet they must find their own dreams and fulfill them.

There is a lovely legend about the angels objecting to God placing a Divine Spark in humans. They agreed that this divine spark would be hidden and human beings would have to search for it. The angels think and search for the perfect hidding place and finally agree to place it inside the human heart.

It is this divinity within us that creates our uniqueness and the courage to love one another. We only truly love someone else when we know not only what makes them happy but what causes them pain. It is in sharing both that we grow closer in our love for each other.

ON SICK LEAVE

NOW SHE IS GETTING DOWN TO WORK

GRAMA GETS INTO THE PRE-YOGA POSE.

I am trying to take care of Grandpa who is feeling very ill, short of breath and coughing a lot. We have a doctor's appointment today at 1.

Did my yoga and here is my pictures.

We have missed hearing from you. Happy Birthday to Melina and so sorry she is exhausted so will really pray for hwe. It is a stressful time. These little ones have such strong will very early and know what they want. What I did with you guys when you where in your own bed was rub your back until you went back to sleep. It was very tiring but it pays off in the end. I do realize you are both busy.

We left Sandra's because dad's throat was sore and my stomach was upset. I was sick all night and now dad is coughing all night. Finally I moved to the spare room. He should have gone to the doctor yesterday.

We are also worried about an elderly friend that we visit Shirley Fowler who was having hip pain but now there is no answer. I will try again. I wonder if they have put her in hospital. I took some flowers and sandwiches over on Sunday and she did not look good but her daughter was coming and spent the night. She will be 90 on Feb. 20.

I am still feeling week but much better. I am cutting down on Pain pills and I am sure the yoga helps and all the prayers.

What an exhausting time for you both, I wish you could get some help.

Dad is going to live down so I will go for a short walk.

Love you and will be praying. Love mom and dad

One comment is better than none.

Sandra, I answered on the comment sheet. Dad is very sick with a bad cold.

I went for a walk but did not do yoga I have to figure out when to schedule this.

I am off to the library now

P. S. I sniped a bit of a rose bush so you had better come and help me pretty soon. Maybe good therapy after seeing Dr. Nolte!

FORTUNATELY

We have been so lucky escaping all the nasty bugs that have been making others ill. Just when life seemed to be going well and it was some nasty germs upset my stomach and attacked Larry's throat and now he has a bad cough.

I wasn't at all happy about this when the plans had been made for Theresa, Ben and Morgan to come over, meeting Carol and Kim and Oliver here. I couldn't get hold of Theresa to change the day and when we finally connected they were all packed and the children all excited about coming. They had already been sick so they were not concerned about catching anything.

I enjoyed the children you just never know what they are going to say. or do! Grandpa Larry was on his computer going back in time to his days in Nicaragua. He had found some old pictures and it brought all the memories back. Especially the truck ride where he was quashed in with a hundred or was it two hundred people; and they just kept climbing on board to get to the festival in the city. It was unbelievable.

Our lives here are so different than so many others who live in such poverty and with so much sickness. What is the most important to all of us is our families. Even when we make plans and they do not always work out. Who would think I would walk out on a Sunday dinner at the Wise's. Unbelieveable. Who would think dad would have too sore a throat not to be able to talk.

All our experiences help us to feel a little of what others may be feeling.

I am reminded that faith is such a beautiful gift that allows us to appreciatte the good days and accept the difficult ones with some effort at grace. I am sure a little grumbling is good for the soul!

The main goal is to keep your heart open.

We are so blessed to have a grand daughter that drives all the way from Chilliwack to see us.
Kim came for a short visit but the others didn't. When Theresa and I got tired we lay on the chesterfields and turned on cartoons. This gave us a little break.

MISERABLE

I think I have some stomach flu and dad has the reflux acid problem so we were pretty miserable last night.

The football game was great and we had fun over at Sandra and Randy's.

We felt very stupid leaving but sometimes life does not give you choices.
Yesterday, the whole day seemed like an effort.
Today we will just take it easy.

TOO CHICKEN

It is raining almost snowing so I will not go for a quick Sunday walk. I am a bit stiff from Yoga so that means something is feeling new life.

Church at Colebrook this morning, then maybe over to Kim's and Mike's. Sandra and Randy have also invited us over and it would be good to see Mary and Michael John again.

I am reminded that I am embraced with the love of God and know His presence is with me.