WHAT TO BELIEVE?

Carol and Kim HAVE A GARAGE SALE

PANTELI FINESHES HIS ROCKERY

We put a lot of effort into things we believe in.

How worried are we suppose to be about this flu pandemis?
What about the weather change?
Drink more water and all your health problems will be solved?
Stay at home moms don't work hard.
Religion has outlived it's usefulness.
But spirituality is good and liberating.
Old people do very little and live boring lives.
It is a lot easier to have your whole day planned for you
and you just go from one task to the next.
If you have to choose and plan your day to make it worthwhile takes
thought and effort.
Everything you do seems to take longer and requires more energy.

It is harder to have a positive attitude and it is easy to feel that you
have outlived your usefulness even as "religion" supposedly has.

I never go for a walk that I do not see new things that I want to take pictures of.

I do not understand the lifestyle of this younger generation and I know it would be even harder for my parents. Sometimes I just feel very very sad and alone in my faith.

I try to be positive and loving and to be understanding and keep learning.

I feel it must be hard to people not to believe in the Bible that was writen by many people to bring us the good news of God's love and grace.

There are no easy answers and getting older can be a real challenge!

It is not what you do or cannot do but the person you are inside.

All know is that it is hard to fit in a nap every day! !

SOUNDS

Our little pond gently flowing over the rocks in our back yard.

Children having fun the sound of summer

Each season seems to have sounds of its own that add to the enjoyment of life.

We enjoy listening to our water flowing in our pond outside as we sit and enjoy being lazy. Summer is a time when it is okay to just sit and enjoy nature, a good book, or a walk in the forest. I love to hear the children laughing and playing and if I walk over to the park I can usually see them chasing balls and running up and down the slides.

Across the street I hear the rythem of the basketball being thrown up and bouncing down again and again. I enjoyed playing basketball at school and remember well the time I had the famous break-away and scored in the wrong basket. It is funny the things you remember.

Different neighbors have been getting ready and driving away for holidays. I see them making many trips in and out of the house getting ready. Then at the last minute rounding up the children and putting them aboard. I have felt very content being at home this summer. Sometimes I get fed up with my garden it seems to need constant care. My vegtables were not a great success but next year I will do better.

I dig around my flowers and up pops a little worm very annoyed at me disturbing him or her. I look up and see a little butterfly fliting by and I hope it finds the garden we call the butterfly garden.

Every time I hear a police siren or the fire truck siren I wonder what has happened to spoil some ones day. I have gotten use to the noise in some ways but in other ways I always feel distrurbed. I am reminded once again of what is of most value in life and how often it is the small things in life that gives us contentment.

Summer brings the distruction of forests and homes by the awful powerful force of fire; out of control. It must be a horrendous sound that fills the air with smoke and creates it's own wind. The firefighters are courageous as they fight to save our natural world.

I am so thankful for the brave souls in our midst that fight many battles. For some it is a battle against sickness or poverty or feeling lost or worried about some one in the family. We all will have our battles and the good thing is that we all will have our victories.

What do YA say ? WHAT do you say ? What do You say?

This is part of the group that will be taking part in the song John Pain has writen
called Jesus and the Woman in the Courtyard. The words are easy but we have to know when to say them and just the right way Wha' du yu say?I feel very special to be a part of this group. We are good friends and have a lot of fun together. We have many different ideas and come from different backgrounds and we have fun discussing and disagreeing. I know that on Sunday as we play our parts there will be a loving spirit joining in!

Pat will be doing ribbon dancing which is breath taking and the songs will be from the 60's.

Jojn has composed and writen one. If we had a group like the bell center it would be awesome.

MORE PICTURES

This was taken last Wed. Jaz stopped by for a quick visit as she was flying back home that night.

I went for my evenning walk which I try to do most nights. I find as soon as I sit and watch T.V. or try to read I get very sleepy. This was the evenning before the fast so it helped to calm me .

When you know you have to do something you just put your mind to it and get on with it.

It feels like the evennings are already getting dark so much earlier but it is good to be cooler for when we are sleeping.

MORE! MORE! MORE!

Why do we all want more of something? Well, for one thing their our new and better products coming out every day. We have advertisements everywhere you look.

We certainly want more answers to the suffering of life. Why are some people healthy and others struggle all their lives. Why do some people survive a tragedy while others do not.
I had one day of mini starving with jello and a little consumme and it is a very miserable thing to be hungrey.

More religion or a new form of religion? Is religion more than just ethics? If science could answer all our questions would we be happy? We will always need more answers. But most of all we need more immagination. We need to keep on believing in the goodness of humanity and our ability to help one another.

"Are You listening" is the beginning of prayer that opens the way to faith and to love.

A GOOD CHECK UP

Everything is fine and it is always a releif if you have any worries. We all admit we have worries that cross our mind,but often just push them aside.

So my colonosopy was 100%. The nurses were very kind and it was over before I could even believe it had started. But it is suppose to be a good thing for people to do every 5 years.
Not me. The medicine made me very sick to my stomach so threw up the last batch I thought holding your nose and drinking it fast was a great idea.

So am thinking just what should I do with my life; the rest of my life. Maybe some act of grace will guide me and help me.

"What is the new mystery that is calling me? "

BREAKFAST IS BEING SERVED

Trees shelter us with a multiply of leaves; and green is a calming color; and they grow so tall. We can eat all the fruit off them we like so life has improved since the days of so many "Thou shalt NOT". Unless our ears have just gotten deafer! I have many choices where to sit and enjoy my water.

Well I can drink a glass of water first or have my coffee. I decided to drik the water then spill the can of coffee on the floor. I will not have to worry about meal planning for today. or cooking so it is just like I am on a holiday,

I am now learning to spell the word colonoscopy which is really not that difficult but it is not one my frevent words that I use.

Life is all about enjoying the moment so I am enjoying this moment. The morning is cool but the sun is shining. I slep in until 7 which was unusual.

I know I have some junk to clear out of closests so that probably would be a good idea. I am sure if I water the garden it will just keep me running in to the bathroom. I have never drank 8 glasses of water in the morning and in the afternoon. I thought 4 was beyond the call of duty.
Part of my personality is a stong sense of duty, which can be positive or negative.

Had a visit from Jaz. It is hard to think of this lovely young lady shooting people from an airplane, or whatever her secret mission is. Took har home and found out Cathy had a colonoscopy yesterday so I think it is becoming most popular. We laugh and we hug.

Oh by the way Sandra owes me a hug she picked up her study book and was on her way home to hubby before I could think.

Why is there a story about two adams in Genesis and does it really matter? People can make a big deal of it. They represent the teo dimensions of our individual struggles. We can be creative, dynamic, active and responsible or we can be dreamers who see the holy in every bud and blossom, in the morning breeze or the stillness of the evenning sky shining with the moon and stars,

My walk will be short today bu I should be able to finesh one book. I guess after 46 years I should not complain about having to repeat this test; after all it should do me another 46 years.
I wish I knew how to put fuuny people on like Stephen or Jessie but I am asure I can find a tree in my picture collection.

Had a good talk with Melina and Ken and Matthew. They have had a lot of windy weather but should enjoy their visit to Brisbance for Tyler's birthday bash. Maybe Ken will even get his birthday present! Onw most always live in hope!

MORE SENSITIVE

The wind seems strong enoufg to blow mw over.

I like being in the midst of thses big stong trees. They cover you with their leaves and promise to give you some of their strength.

There are so many different colours of trees it amazes me.

Back home my angel waits and sings over my garden. I know it is not real but that does not mean that I do not have my own garden angel close by.

I can only share my feelings which may be very common feelings as we get older and feel more vulnerable and sensitive. I am happy and I am very thankful Life is good. I have had so many blessings in life I cannot count them all. First will always be my family!

WAS THERE AN UNIVITED GUEST?

i WAS SURE THERE WAS STILL MORE OF THE CHOCOLATE BAR LEFT.

I THOUHJT MAYBE SANDRA HAD COME TO BORROW A BOOK BUT THEY WERE ALL ON THE TABLE.

DID WE LEAVE ALL THE LIGHTS ON?

WE ARRIVED HOME AND THE FIRST CLUE WAS THE OPEN GARAGE DOOR.

WE HAD BEEN IN A RUSH OVER TO SEE SHIRLEY

IT WAS GETTING COOL OUTSIDE.

YES THIS WAS OUR EXPECTED GUEST.

WE WERE SURE WE HAD CLOSED THE GARAGE DOOR AND TURNED OUT THE LIGHTS?

I came in to look for clues that someone had been here. I found none but still had a funny sense of wondering.

A lot of people want proof of God; they want to see him. Yet the way I know God is the way I know myself-from deep within.

To believe in God we need to believe he believes in us.

For many creative people words or songs or artictic works seem to take over and be expressed through them. The true source is beyond and is more than we know ourselves to be. Maybe this does not make sense.

At times I experience a presence that I cannot see; not only when I enter a house that seems strange. but when I least expect it. I turn to see if some one is behind me. I listen because I think I hear a noise. When I write unexpected words seem to flow.

MOST PEOPLE PASS BY

TOO BUSY, NOT INTERESTED, JUDGMENTAL AND CRITICAL OF THOSE PEOPLE WHO NEED RELIGION BECAUSE THEY ARE WEAK OR BRAINWASHED.

THE OPEN ROAD SEEMS MORE INVITING AND FULL OF ADVENTURE. AFTER ALL CHURCH PEOPLE ARE DULL AND BORING. ANY YES THAT CAN BE TRUE.

WHAT A SURPRISE TO HAVE A SHORT VISIT FROM THERESA AND MIKIES. MORGAN AND BEN.

THEY ARE ANXIOUS TO GET TO THE PICNIC AND HAVE SOME FUN!

There is a Jewish teaching that the soul is like a rare and valuable coin that can become tarnished and lose its luster without proper care. And when our soul--our true self--shines we are happy. We are just ordinary people who go to church every Sunday and we have all the same problems as other people. We experience sadness and confusion. We can feel lost and alone but coming in touch with dear friends week by week; sharing our lives, and in the process discovering who we really are and how we are truly one with God.

When I visit at the nursing home I would like to spend more time with people and yet I know for the short time I am there we enjoy each other. Each week we share a deeper level of relationship and I am welcomed with love. I have learned to make my simple, ordinary life interesting and that stirs up memories in them. Every week Audrey asks me how old I am and how long I have been visiting and why I do not like cooking. She tells me how much she enjoyed it. We share our love of family and often I take along a story to read.

People passing by the rooms with very sick elderly people will never learn the story of their lives. Even when we do not talk much their eyes tell me they are glad to have me there.

Jesus has promised to never leave us so I leave the door to my heart open.

THE OPEN DOOR

AN OPEN DOOR ASSURES US OF A WARM WELCOME

FINALLY GOT THE FIVE GIRLS TOGETHER FOR A PICTURE!

They are Jazz, Ava, Gracelyn, Tavia and Deserae.

We have known these girls since Tavia was one running around the nursury at church. Later Gracelyn came along to add her sense of humor to this lively group. Over the years I would go over and give Cathy a break and they would put on plays etc to entertain me. My own grandchildren Mary and Kim also got to know them a little bit.

We enjoy when the girls come over for a visit. Our door is always open to them too!

THE ROAD

I LOOKED TO JESUS, AND I FOUND IN HIM MY STAR, MY SUN, AND IN THAT LIGHT OF LIGHT I'LL WALK UNTIL TRAVELLING DAYS ARE DONE. --- BONAR

As a child we had no car so I would take the bus or ride my bike. Our holidays would be journeys on the train. I never got over the excitment of reaching out to the conductors hand as he helped me up those huge steps into the train. We travelled with our lunch but had breakfast and dinner in the dining car. We slept in bunks with everyone scurrying back and forth to the bathroom.

But the things I loved best was looking out the window and as we slowed down through the small towns I would see places I would love to live. I loved small houses with big yards and often saw children playing with dogs and I thought how wonderful that would be. We were not allowed to have a dog but I read every dog story in the library.

So even today as I go for a walk I see places that I just feel my heart responding to; just because I like to dream. I am very happy in our home now and I like our neighbors and friends. The barking dog is barking much less I think because new people moved in the other side of their house and maybe complained. These neighbors do not speak to us so it is hard to befriend the dog.

I want dad to walk along the road where Janet and I walk because there is something about an open road that is invigorating.

It would have been great fun to wlk along the road with Jesus and talk and laugh with him. Jesus showes us that faith is like a road that we travel that is apart of our lives of discovering the sacred in ourselves and in each other. The road is not always smooth and at times it seems very long and we feel very exhausted but we discover new strength in ourselves and new hopes and dreams.

OPENNESS

An open door is inviting. It is so good to breath in the morning freshness. No cat to greet tme this time.

A clear blue sky has warmed up the day. I see new things every day on my walk.

A little shade is welcomed

Yes, the water shed park is open with restrictions. My neighbors with their three dogs will be extremely happy. I am sure there will be many happy dogs as well as the walkers and bikers.

An open heart, an open mind, a open spirit like an open window or door allow the freshness of the air revive us. The soul does not need judgment but freedom to explore the world and see with new eyes each day.

Holliness is imprinted on our souls in our everyday simple acts of kindness and generosity; and in our willingness to be honest and open.

GUILT

These trees have character when you look at the trunks and see the knot holes; which at first may seem ugly.
But they have grown tall and have produced lots of green leaves.
Now that I am taking pictures I am more aware of beauty in places where I would have just walked by.
The Jewish mother is famous for instilling guilt; but all mothers can easily do that. Yes, I certainly did. Personnally a little guilt never hurt if we learn from it and keep growing.

I never walked on grass when the sign said keep off, but I have touched the paint where the sign said do not touch. I have done things which I should have asked first and didn't. I went a tiny bit inside the water shed park just to take a picture; the trees inside the park where much greener.

God, well I really do not know what else to call "him" but He is referred to in the Bible somewhere as She. I like the term Ancient of Days, Creator, Spirit, Supreme Being, Gracious Lord. Life Giver, Great Spirit, Lover, Name Above All Names, etc.

I feel that the whole Universe is longing to reach out and draw inside the beauty that is Holiness and that the ache that I feel at times maybe is God aching to comfort me. Everyone feels a sadness at times, and it can be unexplained but it comes upon your soul with deep emotion that cannot just be brushed away.

I try to think of others who are feeling sad and it helps me to say a prayer for them. Prayer reminds me that I am not alone and others are praying for me too.

I felt guilty because I had forgotten the birthday of one of my old friends at the Nursing Home. She was not upset but I was. I had brough her a small cold drink of 7 Up which she throughly enjoyed. She loved hearing all about the Theater Under the Stars so it was a happy visit.

I was grouchy when I got home and did not really feel like going to Tssawwsen to the Golf Club to watch Carol and Panteli and Dad practice hitting balls. I was glad when I got there and we sat out on the patio and enjoyed the peaceful setting. Dad did well so he was happy and I am so pleased he is able to do more things now.

I forgot my camera for the second night and missed some beautiful scenes, but I am thankful I did not miss going.

Guilt was the first negative emotion experienced in the Bible. I think it has many redeeming qualities. I think the odd twing of guilt reminds us of how imperfect we really are. It is so easy to say something thoughtless that can even hurt some one else.

Beauty around me quiets the negative emotions whether it be guilt or more likely anxiety.

Others so often say just what I would like to put into words.

"Replace everything with joy. With confidence. With faith. With love."

----Christina Baldwin.

IT WAS A MAGICAL EVENNING

CLEAR BLUE SKY AND WARM EVENNING

It was a perfect night to go to Thestre Under the Stars to see Annie. A very special way to celebrate my birthday with dinner at the Slyvia and we even got home before the stoke of midnight. We knew where we were going but got a little lost driving around the park but it is such a magnificent place with all those trees and the water etc.

I am glad Annie has a happy ending and I wish everyone could find such joy. I even felt sorry for the mean lady who had to take care of all those noisy children who sang and danced at night. I f only she had learnt to be more playful and not take life so seriously. She had had her hopes and dreams die amd deepithin herself she carried her own heartache. She wanted a home and family as much as each of these orphans did.

Everybody needs someone to love. Everyone needs to have fun and live their own life their own way and find their own joy; and share it.

We need to forget the bone-weary times; because they are a part of life. We all have to do things we don't won't to do. In the hard strugles and in the joyous celebration we are getting to realize that God is with us in it all.

I am still learning to be more patient; but I am ever so thankful that God is a million more times patient than I am. At least that is what I believe. He is patient with my mistakes but deeply hurt when we hurt and abuse one another.

"Faith will conguer darkness

Thy power throughout the universe displayed."

The crippled man by the pool struggles to his feet and all of heaven rejoices.

The poor lady gives her last little coin and the power of God is displayed.

The lost son returns home to be selcomed by his faithful father who had never given up hope but ran to meet him with tears of joy.

We have the power to love one another and that is the greatest power in the Universe!

And there is some one near us all that need our love.

THE ROCK

This is the big heavy rock Sandra wants Randy to help her move. We did not stay but she will post it somewhere. I am thankful I have such good editors and commentors.

TOO MANY CLOSED DOORS AND MINDS

Even the water shed is still closed

Most doors we see are closed

This one looks beautiful

This is the path to the park where there usually are chidren playing.

I wish that churches could expressed the feeling that the door is wide open. That all are welcome. One of the shame that took place in Sodom and Gormorrah was the hatred of foreigners which caused anger to be stirred up.

I think about what Jesus said "I am the door" and I believe he meant an open door. When we enter someones house we may be curious what is inside and find different cultures decorate differently

I was reading today that one of the most important teachings of the Jewish Rabbis was that the Torah was written not in black ink on white parcharment but in black fire on white fire and that the white fire, the blank spaces, were waiting in every generation to be read anew.

Midrash means searching into the spaces between the letters, between the words, between the verses for the hidden treasures always to be found there.

Jesus tells us the door is open and he tells us stories for us to find out the real meanings. One day we see one thing but another day we see it differently.

This helps us see God as the breath of Life that moves and nothing is ordinary but has a sacredness about it. A simple glass of water both healing and refreshing.

No comments on our visit to your place?

I AM COMPLETELY WATER LOGGED. BRAIN AND ALL

I did my best to drink lots of water. Turn the page take a drink, read some nore, drink some more.

A little light reading as I drink my water.

The trees are beautiful and as I breath in the fresh morning air I am reminded of the quote "I breathe in what the trees breathe out, the trees breathe in what I breathe out. We breathe each other into life." Joan Chittister.

The miracle is the breath of God that fills this universe, is breathing too. The Water shed park is till closed so I walk through the park

It is getting late before I realize it. I meant dad coming out to look for me. I had intened a short walk but the time goes by so fast. Dad is mad so I crawl into bed and into my self. I am so sorry that I have caused him to worry.

I do not feel any fear when I am walking. The beauty restores my weary soul.