HONESTLY

I always think I will run out of things to write about but as soon as I wake up I am writing in my mind. I am sure we all want to express ourselves; each in our own way.

We express ourselves in our daily actions while our thoughts remain hidden within.

Even while we have been sleeping thoughts have been expressing themselves in our dreams. Last night I was dreaming that there was something I just had to do. That is about all I remember about dreaming last night. I tend to remember bad dreams in more detail because they seem to express my deepest fears.

I am so thankful for the gift of prayer that allows the soul the freedom to let go and over come fear. One of the fears that I have as I become older is that I am dull and boring. It is more exciting to be busy doing.

But I can honestly say I am finding enjoyment in simpler ways; and feel happy being me.

FRAMING

We frame our picture of life with our experiences, our knowledge, our awareness of who we are and who we are meant to be, and our awareness of others.

Growing up during the war years it did not seem very real to me; even when I went to the movies and saw the news reels. I heard it on the news but could not picture myself being there.

Later I would read war stories and that impressed me because the characters were living out the battles.

Where do our dreams come from? our expectations? our ambitions? our compassion? and our ability to love one another?

There have been making books about Jesus picturing him in many different ways but I always seem to come back to the simple picture of a man of compassion who has given me a real awareness of God.

Yes I did go for a long walk yesterday but wanted to hear all about Janet's trip to China especially with Carol and Panteli being there. No word from them. Anyway I will go for a short walk now and enjoy the birds singing and the fresh morning air! !

IT IS GOOD TO HAVE SOME CHALLENGES IN LIFE!

MY NEW CELL PHONE

AFTER PICTURE

BEFORE PICTURE OF GARAGE

Yes, I now have another cell phone which I put in my purse when I went visiting. I had never heard it ring. Yes, I did expect not to be too long visiting because we planned to go down to the bank when I got home.

Sometimes you cannot control situations and I was there longer than planned. I was making my last visit when I could hear this funny ringing noise that I thought was a new form on intercome. I was impressed with this musical ringing noise and thought what a great improvement on the noisy gong that usually rings and frightens you have to death.

As I was driving home I heard this new noise coming from my purse and the light dawned on me that it was my new cell phone. I tried to find it down in the depths of my purse and flipped it open and said hello but you have to press an answer button. Dad who had been working very hard painting the garage was very annoyed because I had not answered the phone, and thought maybe I had crashed the car.

Consequently we had sandwiches for supper then went to the bank and then on to Glenn's [Cathy's husband] birthday party. The girls always put dad in a good mood. They are always so happy to see us. Just like all our grandchildren.

I am reading about the top global problems which not everyone agrees on. They include climate change, hunger and malnutrition, financial instability, water shortage, lack of education, on going conflicts, government corruption and lack of education and gender inequality. Then their is new deseases, HIV/AIDs and lack of good hospital care and good doctor care in our own country.

I would add spiritual emptiness caused by the abuse and misuse of religion as we know it today. Meeting after meeting is being held in Colebrook Church to reconcile strong differences. There is still a battle about who can marry people in our church. Can the old minister who made the rule only the regular minister can perform the services, now come back because a dear friend wants to be married there.

Sadly he is now forced to conform to his own rule.

Personally I think compared to all these other problems in the world it is a sad commentary on the church and causes more reasons for the failure of our young people to come.

We sing we are the church and we are to love one another as equals created in the image of God.

Anyway Janet is back from China and I will be going for a major walk over to see her. Dad is taking Gracelyn out for lunch so that will be fun for them both.

I now know what my cell phone sounds like. There are lots of bus stops and benches on my way home and I will not have to hurry so I can rest if I get tired coming back!

TIME

THERE WAS A TIME DAD DREAMED OF LIVING ON THIS MOUNTAIN

EVERYDAY WE ARE GIVEN A GIFT OF TIME.

Some days are laid out for us with the things we have to do. My philosophy is that we can usually find time to do the things we like to do and look forward to doing. Yes, I know that most people who work, whether at home or at another job, have certain tasks they have to do.

No matter what we are doing no one can program our minds and tell us what to think. I realize that religion as well as education has a goal of making us think the right thoughts.

God reminds us through the prophets His thought and His ways are higher than ours. Somehow He has the Big picture. Scripture was written in many different historically difficult times. The goal of success was to have God on your side. We are no different today even if we do not think about it. We feel lucky when things go our way. We may not realize it but we are all philosophers making sense of what we are doing and where we are headed. Jesus was a man of inner wisdom whose words can guide us if we study and search for their meaning.

I have encourage many people to be readers of the Word. I have had Bible study groups in my home and for those on my street. I have started Bible studues in church for people to learn for themselves what is actually a message hidden within the stories.

Right now I am reading about the time into which Jesus was born. He never taught them their lives would be free of problems if they only believed; he tried to motivate people to make changes in their own lives and to help each other see beyond their difficulties by helping others make changes in their lives.

It is tragic but true that often out of tragedy people see what has been wrong and decide to do something to prevent others from going through suffering.

I did some listening as we ate lunch and a group of men where discussing their philosophy of life with one man doing most of the talking. He was an older man who had gone through problems in his life. I just caught the odd word and would have liked to have been able to hear more.

We left the restaraunt and sat on the bench at the beach. There were three older men, street people, sharing some of their coping skills. They were all talking and laughing. One asked "Well how much money did you take in today?" Life for them in some ways were simple and they had the freedom to be out doors in a beautiful place. They talked about seeing each other later when they would go to have a meal.

The business men left their lunch probably to go back to work. Time spent together with friends was meaningful time for both groups.

Today dad goes to his skin doctor to listen to his opinion and to tell him what he has been doing. Today I go visiting at the Nursing Home. There are very lonely people there feeling very hopeless. Some find a friend and they are the lucky ones. The staff become very important in their lives. All these dear souls have lived interesting lives and sadly they forget most of it. Activities are planned for them to have fun and to keep using their minds. The sad part is when they just stare in space giving up on life.

I did teach a Bible study there for two years and enjoyed studying with them. It takes patience to wait for them to express themselves but it was worth it.I have been told I am a good listener and I think God is too!

"There is a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to be silent and a time to speak" Ecclesiastes 3 abreviated.

I would add a time to dream and a time to let go of what can never be!

A TIME TO DREAM NEW DREAMS.

LOOKING GOOD

The Sylvia

The beach

Drive down

This is the picture of Morgan that looks like she is reading my blog

My lop-sided garden will be waiting for you Sandra.

Your new looking bedroom

You looking good!

Dad rushed this process along; although putting pictures on seems to have become a nightmare evidently I have messed up the whole affair. He wanted to see how his pictures turned out so I went and had a nap.

I am tempted to take my picture off but I guess that is me.

The day down at the Sylvia was delightful and we sat down at the beach taking pictures. Their was a group of homeless guys on the bench next to us telling each other big stories and they were pretty crazy.

Driving home was a big traffic muddle as there was an accident on the Alex Fraser. I am going to see what happens now if I can find my pictures.

Say hi to everyone.

I have my muffins ready for the racoon but I do not think he will come.

I AM FEELING UNHAPPY WITH MYSELF

My garden is lop-sided which is not surprising as I do not know what I am doing. I have messed up the pictures on the computer and all the dates on the pictures have gone. Things get moved and I get blamed but I do not remember moving them. I baked some muffins and then turned out rock hard and I know to take it out early. I think of things I should have done after it is too late. I am impatient dad tells me. The cushions on the outdoor chairs where all wet today but I did not know it was going to rain last night; I should have known because I watered very throughly all evenning.

I was telling some friends of the great joy I have blogging and one lady said "O I am far far too busy to do that! And she is very busy doing a lot of things. Making me feel very small. But I do take good care of dad making sure he puts his eye drops in and takes his pills etc.

Anyway we are going to see Shirley Fowler to-night and she enjoys a visit. We are driving Sandra to the airport to-morrow and maybe we will go down to the Sylvia.

Anyway guys cheer me up. Is anyone there?

A VERY GOOD DAY AT GOLDEN EARS BRIDGE

AS WE ARE ABOUT TO DRIVE ON TO THE SMALL FERRY

A VIEW OF THE BRIDGE FROM BARNSTON ISLAND

LARRY TAKEING A PICTURE WITH HIS SUPER CAMERA HE DOESNT KNOW HOW TO WORK YET

ON THE FERRY FOR THE THREE MINUTE RIDE

BARNSTON ISLAND

The weather was warm and breeze. I had a walk and was so surprised Sandra came over and could not resist doing some work in our gardem.

She is amazing! Then dad; and the good news is that dad is feeling so much better; that is wonderful. drove to have lunch at Milesones, bougjt books at Chapters and took the Barnstone Ferry to take pictures of the new bridge.

cannot seem to find the picture of the driving on the ferry where had had a close call going too close to the edge. Very, Very narrow ramp.

The traffic home was horrific at first and we are so thankful we do not have to face traffic jams every day.

Today seems to be testing my happiness. I woke up with a headache and the racoon got into our garbage and made a huge messy mess. I cannot find my pills for my osteo, that I now take monthly so that will have to wait till to-morrow.

I will take it easy today and read. Right now I cannot find my better glasses. O well.

WHAT HAT SHOULD I WEAR TODAY

FIRST i HAD TO DECIDE WETHER TO LIE AWAKE IN BED OR GET UP?

Now should I go for a walk or weed the garden or put on the water sprinkler. Once you start weeding you can never stop.

Should I worry more or pray more? Thankfully I have no big worries, that I know of, right now. Praying can take time too.

Should I clean the house or write letters?

What should we have for supper? Do I need to shop for food?

A BETTER PICTURE

MY BEAUTIFUL WORLD

DAD HAS NOW MADE ANOTHER WINDOW BOX

THIS IS THE PICTURE RIGHT SIDE UP

Michael John's Garden

This is the beginning of Michael John's Garden

We join Sandra and Randy for a little party for Justice.

Here is a picture of the beginnings of Michael John's garden.

Mary is showing us her acceptance paper.

Randy works in his new outdoor kitchen making excellent hamburgers etc.

GRADUATIOM DAY

An uplifing and inspiring day!

The sun shone beautifully on Leah's special day. She looked very serious as she received her diploma, very gracious and lovely. There was a huge group of graduates all very happy and excited. She has shown us an incredible human spirit facing life's challenges and overcoming tragedy As we walked in the door Susan and Keith where right behind us. Kim had driven down with us which as good of her to come after work.

Dad's face finally looked like it is clearing up and with make-up you could hardly notice. Just a real miracle it looks so much better. Thanks to so many who prayed for him and thank you Lord too
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I bought Leah a present which I had not planned to do but had not got her flowers we had planned getting. I had a short rest after walking to Zellers with Jane and then went visiting. I tried to rest for a few minutes before getting ready and was feeling too tired to eat.

There were a lot of lengthy introductions of those on the stage. This gets boring. Keith and Kim went close to get pictures but I do not think we did too good. I was so happy we could go and we were all so proud of her and felt such love seeing her there. She has worked hard and we wish her a very happy future.

The message was "work hard, enjoy life , learn every day, and be true to yourself. Oh and dream Big!

She joins many others in our family who have also climbed some big hurdles and keep going.

My stomach is unhappy this morning do not feel like eating but will try to go for a short walk. On top of this I cannot find my wallet. Did I give it to Leah by mistake, did it drop out when I took my sweater out of my big purse. Today we go to Sandra and Randy's for a picnic to celebrate Justice's birthday. It is not the money it is the driver's license and bank card. Both dad and I could do with a big boots of energy. I feel very much like a scatter brain that never seems to catch up with what I have planned.

One extra activity a week is about my speed.

We really are proud and happy for Leah I cannot say that enough!

I just found my wallet. When I lose things I feel so very confused and completely miserable.

CHURCH LADIES

YES THEY ARE AMAZIMG

CLOUDS

These are Tuesday night pictures These are Tuesday's night picture when I did not feel like an evening walk.

Taking the pictures made it fun. Last night I enjoyed going over to Gracelyn's birthday and it was a very small group such Cole's gram ma and Cole were there. Glenn directed me to some down their long driveway but I was so worried driving out he drove for me. I am sure I would have hit the garbage cans at the end of the drive-way. We had really good cheese cake and sat outside in the sunshine until about 8. I felt bad leaving dad he said he had a headache and also he has been having stomach aches. He did paint the bench outside and put two little edges around the window on the side which makes that bare garage wall look better. That tired him out.

The U.C.W. women are the doers planning a bake sale, a strawberry tea and a fun night where other churches come and do funny skits. Where do they get all the energy and ideas from. I will help set up at the tea and serve. for fun night we are doing a skit with Jane as the Queen coming with Camella and the rest of us will be serving with little dollies on our heads and aprons on. Jane really enjoys acting so it will be fun although I did not really commit myself to anything. I am sure it will do me good. They also suggested us doing Y. M. C. A. but I think it would not fit in. All the other churches do skits too.

I took a good picture of the sunset so I hope it turns out.

Today is a bit day going downtown to Leah's graduation Dad really wants to go. He will just have to wear a big bandage.

It feels like spring is really hear and my radishes are growing. Maybe I should try lettuce. I have one tomato plant.

I will do a quick visit to the Nursing Home because I want to have a bit of a rest before we go. We are so excited and happy for Leah. We hope we see more of her now she is closer.

It is strange how we choose a path for our lives and yet in some unfathomable way the path has chosen us

Wisdom comes as we journey on.

One thing I know there will always be messes we have to clean up as I dropped all the coffe grinds on the floor.

TOO MANY TO COUNT

I was putting my Mother's day cards away and started looking at all the loving words.



















It is hard to throw them out. So I took a picture!

We drove to the library yesterday and then found a quiet booth to have a bit to eat at White Spot. Dad has two new spots and that is discouraging.
He does not want to hear "Maybe you should go to the doctor again? It is tiring for both of us.

It took such a great effort to go for a walk last night but I came back for my camera and took pictures of kids playing road hockey and lots of the clouds. The sky is amazing.

Today I have U.C.W. which I may or may not go to; then the birthday cake at Gracelyn's; which we may or may not go to. We really want to go to Leah's graduation to-morrow night.

We would like to visit Kim or Theresa but no one wants to be with us "spotty ones." We have had trouble with our tap dripping but I guess Kim and Mike have had some real problems with pluming.

LET's START TALKING

IN THE BEGINNING

IN THE BEGINNING THE WORLD WAS FILLED WITH THE LIGHT OF GOD'S PRESENCE AND HIS LOVE!

I think the whole point about the story of Genesis is that God wanted to start talking. He went to all the trouble of creating an amazing world and to create human beings so that they could talk to Him and also create like Him.

I am wondering about this blogging. It was fun when others answered and it was a way to let everyone know kinda how we were doing.

Now we have face book and of course e-mail as far as talking to each other.
The funny thing is that people pray and wonder if anyone is listening and I think God is speaking and wondering if anyone is listening.

We have always though that if we are created, male and female. in His image we need to be perfect. Could it possibly be that God is not perfect.
God is above all our understanding and yet the mystery is that He wants to know us and pour His love into us.

Growing up people did not talk about what they believed about a personal God and what He meant to them. I believed my parents prayed for us but they never said so. Grace was said before every meal but the same words repeated for me became more a routine.

Our parents never said they loved us but you just believed they did. I guess Mother's Day was invented so that people could express this love.

I use to go in and kiss you good-night until you were teen-agers. Does anyone remember? I can only hope you felt loved even when it was not expressed.

Now it is important to say "I love you" and for me to hear you also tell me.
I have learned this from you guys and the grandchildren.

I love reading your comments! Dad is not up yet but I am sure he will be a wee bit better. I will make him come to the library today. I think he is a lot less noticeable. I am so fortunate that the singles appeared on my forehead and in my eyebrow and one by my nose because the redness is till there. It could have spread to my checks rtc. The anti-viral sure helped.

Dad can go to the doctor if he does not feel it is getter better.

A PERFECT DAY

It is wonderful to have a perfect day with warm sunshine, flowers blooming and friendly neighbors doing their gardening. It is like a blessing from heaven that reminds us that God's promises keep us believing even in difficult times. Spring always comes and children our out drawing on the side walk and playing hockey in the driveways and dad had some energy to paint the shed. We remember it is good to be alive!

Finally the infection seems to have stopped spreading and we both feel a little more hopeful. Our friend Bob light a candle and said a prayer for his friend Larry and I felt so grateful. I would say without a doubt to look into the beautiful eyes of caring friends is seeing the love of God expressed.

Meanwhile over at the Wises's house Mary, Randy were helping Sandra spread the dirt around. We have to take their word for it how big this pile of dirt really was. When I arrived Mary was just going to have a shower, Sandra looked like she needed one too; and Randy was staring on a new project to house their barbecue.

No word from Carol and Panteli. Rick cut his lawn for the first time after letting it grow long. Ken and Melina were hosting Mother's group and Matthew is busy walking all over. I am sure they will be continuing to "baby proof" their place. He will be learning more about the restrictions that keep him safe.

As parents we did our best to protect our children.

It would be nice if we could look back and take back some of the words that were hurtful but we cannot. Children cannot understand the stress that parents are facing but a part of growing up is letting go and looking up. We are all in the process of being life long learners. Punishment and rewards have shaped all our lives, our hardest lessons can be painful.

God has not promised us lives that are filled with perfect happiness but gives us courage to face illness and sadness. Pain can shut us into ourselves but with hope in the healing process we can once again see the beauty in the world around us.

One thought seems to lead to another and it is hard for me to keep it short.

"Existence, the sheer, exhilarating fact of existence, is miraculous."

Why Faith Matters - David J. Wolpe