COMMUNICATIONS.

I was a victum of "yoga" abuse after a delicious supper last night with Carol and Randy and Sandy.
We were all so full and life seemed happy and I was feeling content but evidently I am missing out by not learning to do yoga.  I am willing to do a little bit everyday and maybe join the old folks class at the church in the fall.

Sandra is happy to have the day off today.  Carol and Panteli will be cleaning their way out of the apartment after making all the decisions about what goes where and when.  They are dropping off a chair at our house on the way to Chilliwack where they will be a good help to Theresa and good fun for Ben and Morgan. 

Kenny and Melina will be off to Brisbane for Hobey's big 18th bash and also to celebrate Mathew's birthday.  I hope that Melina will be able to get rested up.  Being exhausted is not good.  Hopefully Ken's shoulders will heal as they have been very painful with tears in the tendon.

Rick may not make it down to Chilliwack because of a rock slide on the road.  His plan was to come down on Friday.  Then he leaves on Sunday for Saskatchewan.

My thoughts on starting my blog were to help my family know me a little better and for me to learn from their comments.  I like to keep up with their doings.  Comments from friends are enjoyable too.  As I get older I feel more disconnected as I cannot do all the activities.  Dad and I both get tired so much easier now and he has painful feet and knees that drain him of energy.

My aim was communications not controversy which maybe adding my spiritual ideas have stirred up.  I am thinking of just writing a spiritual blog separately.

I was not looking for agreement because I am changing but I love hearing the opinions of others.

LESSONS

This is Wednesday morning.  Looks dull and cloudy not really time to blossom out in our new sunnies!

Yesterday was a very tiring day for both of us.  It took longer than we had expected and I had to go and put more money in the meter.  They did put the drops in and then actually put a little flash camera right in his eye.  The people that work there are extremely nice which helps.  The whole place was crowded and we were lucky to find seats to wait.

We walked to Broadway to have a coffee and then with sun glasses dad did drive home.  Then we both had naps.  Went shopping for supper and early to bed.

I am trying to read more controversial books that Rick would like.

I use to think things would happen to teach me something, maybe even God had a spiritual lessons for me to learn.  Yes, bad things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people and suffering comes to us all in some form or another.  There is some force that is at work in me and around me but I now like to believe that there is not some heavy hand trying to bring me to my knees to get me to confess.

I do need inspiration to help me let go of some of the things that I have been taught to believe.  I do find that inspiration in scripture but with the awareness that language, and ancient customs as well as the authenticity of the writers have to be considered.

I still have many lessons that life will try to teach me especially about being patient and understanding more open and available and more responsive.

THE APPOINTMENT

Dad has an appointment at the Eye Center in Vancouver which I remembered because I had written it down.  We think he does not get his pupils dilated but we will see when we get there.  He prefers to drive home if he can.  Since it is just off Broadway we can go for coffee or lunch if we want the worst thing is the parking that you have to make sure you put enough money in the meter.

Went shopping for summer clothes over to Winners yesterday.  Dad got a really, really nice shirt that was on the sale rake but ended up not on sale but I am glad he got it.  I got a pretty skirt that said large but it was on sale and I am sure I will grow into it.  We both are quick shoppers and are in and out real fast.

Came home and had a visit with Rosanne my neighbor from the New West. apartment.  We have many things in common; our love for our families and our faith in God and our questioning of life,  and our love of reading.  but she struggles with loneliness as her husband died 10 years ago. 

My reading is heavy right now as I am reading "Chasing a Mirage" about the deceit in the violence that has become apart of the Islamic culture which is rooted in political power and need for domination while the spiritual is being crushed.

History continues to reveal the darkness that is in the human soul and certainly the abuse and misuse of religion has allowed freedom to be taken away when our lives are controlled by evil.  Women in many countries are struggling against violence in their own families where they are forced to be obedient.

I admire the bravery of all women who are struggling to become true to themselves and continue to try to better their own lives as they speak out against abuse.

LAZY

Dad and I had a totally lazy day yesterday.  He watched the girls world soccer on T.V. with Canada playing Germany, the score was an amazing 2 to 1.  They scored on a penalty shot so it was very exciting.

Then he download pictures from his camera to my blog of Ben and Morgan.

All I did was sleep read and eat.  The book I read was "If the Church Were Christian" which is food for thought when you are staying home from church.  Recommended by Marcus Borg and also Barbara Brown Taylor both a little controversial.  It is more about being a follower of Jesus not a worshipper of his divinity.  A book of humor and insight into some of the contradictions in scripture and down  the road that theologians have taken us in the past.  Anyone who has really studied the Bible will have been
horrifies by some of the things it seems to accept and teach. 

"After all any god who would condemn billions of people the hell because the first couple sampled a bit of fruit seems at the very least eccentric, and at worse despotic."  The words of author Philip Gulley.

Dad and I went for a short walk in the forest where we have gotten really confident that we know our way around the many paths but ended in going in circles.  But the fresh air and exercise did us good.

Oliver and Theresa stopped by on the way to the ferry for Oliver to return to Victoria.  They brightened up our day. 

Today I will walk with Gunty and the lawn needs cutting again and I need to do some shopping.
Feeling much more energetic!

P S  Happy birthday Ben

YESTERDAY

THIS IS OUR STAR HOCKEY -OOPS I MEAN LACROSS PLAYER

HELLO OUT THERE - ITS ME MORGAN!!

HERE WE ARE - OVER HERE!

I THINK I WILL LEAVE NOW!

Dad did an excellent job taking pictures!

We are all so different like the trees in the forest; some grow strait and tall while others go like this one sideways.  They all provide beauty and shade and have their place.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day yesterday, time spent with family is so precious.  Dad managed to take some good pictures that we will put on later.  His feet were very painful yesterday so maybe the walking is not good for him.  I just think it is so important to keep moving and also being out in the fresh air does me so much good.  I was very exhausted when I arrived home and am not sure if I will be able to walk this morning.  Sometimes it does give you energy!

We will go to church today as it is like another family to us.  We will be reminded that Jesus was a good example especially of compassion and humility.  Their is great power in good examples and I know how hard that can be.

Our lives have a significance that I think we do not often see.

I try to get ready for church knowing that it is a special day to gather and say thank-you to Elizabeth and Travis for being youth leaders for many many years.  They have had a positive influence of the lives of many of our young teens.

Feeling a bit weak and dizzy I realize I had best stay home.

For some church just seems boring or an empty ritual.  For me there is spiritual energy that flows out of the words and songs that are more than just repetition; they are a reminder of the grace that flows so freely to each one of us.

EVENING WALK

After meeting Sandra, Carol and Panteli at Sharkie's in Ladner we stopped off at the park for a short brisk walk.  It seemed dark when we first entered but then the sun shone through the mass of trees it gave a mysterious beauty,


To-morrow dad and I will be going to Chilliwack to see Ben play lacross and then go to Morgan's  dance recital.  Sandra and Randy will bre joining us for supper at Theresa and Mikie's.  Rick was invited as where Leah andCraig  and Chris. Oliver will be there too as well as Ron.

Back home Carol and Panteli cope with the stress of moving especially as arrangements are changing.
It will be a full day for us older folks but we looking forward to an exciting time.

Not a great picture of any of us.  

Saturday morning I am up early too excited to sleep.  This day will be a bit of a test for our energies.
But I wouldn't miss it for the world!

DECLUTER

Dad and  drove by this house in Cloverdale one of my favorite houses; on our trip back from our lunch with Carol and Panteli.  I had forgotten all about this house but dad had remembered. I fell in love with it even more when we had walked through it years ago; but is was sold before we could make an offer.  Maybe it was because we thought about it for too  long I cannot remember.  This brings back many memories of times when we were looking for the perfect home and all the different places we looked at.  We are happy in our home here and one big reason is it's location, location!

I got up this morning thinking this really not proper June weather at all as it seems dull and cool again this morning.  I think this may be prairie thinking where June would burst out of winter into summer.  After all June is a very popular time of the year for weddings. 

I am thankful we were able to find our tax bill and get it paid yesterday before the deadline.  I am reminded it is time to declutter my computer, our house and my mind.  This may sound simple but it is not.  Where to start is the first question?

I am also trying to declutter some of my religious thinking.  I have valued the teachings of the church but am thankful for the freedom to ask questions and to think for yourself.

THE THREE "R" S

Rite it, Read it and Remember it!

Should be easy and helpful to remember the right date and times.  All I have to do is do it!
We are never to old to need behavior modification which is a good thing.

The Strawberry Tea was delightful.  I was at the book table and believe it or not I think I bought the most books.  People would come over to browse and then tell me what books where good and what I should read!  Lots of fun!

Today I have plans that hopefully dad and I will feel up to a walk in the water-shed park.  In this family plans can easily change.  I am  not sure if I will go visiting but I will go for my walk this morning.

I believe in the creative power of energy that flows from a "larger source of life" that Thomas Moore calls the father spirit.  Living less by controlling and more by yielding to the unfolding of grace.

There are many things that can control us like unforgiveness, anger, grief, pain, pride, insecurity
I have to acknowledge my own feelings and not be judgmental of others.
Letting go is healing and one of the things that Jesus taught.
The more are in control by yielding to what is good the more we can be helpful to others.


I am drinking ice tea and still have a half a cup of coffee during the day.

THE TEA PARTY

Picture is not going on.  But the strawberry tea is!

Anyway dad was pleased to get the D.V.D. of family photos from Panteli that all the family helped produce.  He had not been feeling well all day; very weak and stomach problems.  Hopefully it was just a bug!

Anyway I guess it is finally time to get out our summer clothes but I have to find them first.

Strawberry Tea today is always fun.  Carol said she and Panteli may come.

I am thinking my problem is the inner ear thing I had before so am try antihisamine and it seems to be helping a bit with the nausea and dizzyness.  Also I am drinking tea and not coffee. 

I  will try one more time

SUMMERTIME

Yesterday Mother Nature, bless her heart, teased us with a little taste of summer.  Dad and I enjoyed the drive out of Langley where we met Carol and Panteli on their way to Abbotsford and Chilliwack.  It was a good day for hugs and laughs and story telling.

We will now be looking forward to more walks in the Watershed Park like we had late Sunday afternoon.  Yesterday we came home and actually did sit out and do some reading and the warmth of the sun felt so good. 

My garden has gotten a bit wild but I will not be tackling it today.  Colebrook is having a strawberry tea so dad and I will go over and help set up at 4.  Again we will be in charge of the books.  This will be our first taste on our own local strawberries which are the best!

I am enjoying my mystery story along with my more serious reading.

Reading the stories gives me a chance to enter into a different time and place and yet all the same human emotions are there.  It can make you think and even see the spirit moving in the lives of people often caught up in tragedy.  I can identify with some of the characters and see the good and the bad in even the worse villains. 

Reading scripture is similar where we see people trying to live a good life with the help of God.
Truth mixed with metaphor and myth with the power to transform us from ordinary beings into spiritual beings.

Life is full of paradoxes and flows out of our limited ability to put into words some of our deepest experiences.  Times when I have felt the warmth of the spirit like a gentle breeze blow over me and within me. 

Yes, imagination helps me to believe in the impossible and in the spiritual vision of life.

JOY! JOY! JOY!!!

There are so many reasons to celebrate the joys of life!

My mother's day poppy starts blooming on Father's Day.  It is good that we now celebrate father's as well as mothers.   Each are equally important and I am thankful that I had many years with my parents who lived to be over 90.

I laughed with Sandra and Randy as dad walked right by his daughter at the restaurant where we were meeting after church.  Every day is important in our lives so to express our love and appreciation is so important.  We all do it in different ways and that gives life it's color and vibrancy.

Dad and I are happy that Carol has returned home for a visit and we are anxiously waiting to see her.  She was suppose to arrive at 11 last night in Abbotsford.  She will be so excited to see us all as we are to see her.

Wine is a symbol of the joy of celebration.  Jesus loved to celebrate and this is the message of turning the water into wine!  The heart of his message was one of love and calls us to discover the importance of relationships which gives to life it's intensity.  Family and friendships free us from our self-absorption and transform us into  joyous  thankfulness.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Yes we still have the old old chair.  Actually we both share it but I guess one day it will have to go!

Today we will be having lunch with Sandra and Randy after church.

It is good that there is a day to express our appreciation of our dear dads.

My dad could be lots of fun but also was very strict.  He loved me very much!

ATTENTION

It always seems that the troublemakers get all the attention.  Many of us wonder what causes all this rioting, certainly anger, the drive for excitement, rebellion, frustration and down under neath it all maybe hopelessness.  I believe that young people need jobs and education and stable families to help them cope with depression and unworthiness.

In the story of the prodigal son we read about two very different boys; but obviously both wanting to be loved and accepted.  One seeks to please with perfect obedience which seems to go unnoticed.  The other boy rebels against his father's authority and his older brother's superiority and flees.

Both had lost their own identities.

They were probab;y equally loved by a hard working dad who would proved he loved them when they were with him or when they had left home.  Good or bad we all need to feel loveable.

Would the compassionate forgiving love touch both of them and help them to see their need of change.  We need to understand ourselves and apply different reasoning to our problems or we will get nowhere.

As a parent I know that I made mistakes but I now feel accepted for who I am and I do not need to be judmental about myself or about others.  Grace is acceptance and healing love that is freely given.

SO YOUNG

Life changes so much when you marry and start having children.

My children taught me much about life and realizing what is important.

I had much to learn not only about myself but about living in a relationship.

I enjoy being creative in my writing and I realize that happiness takes being disciplined about taking time for myself. 

I believe that the sacred is an important part of life and that there should be a sacred time of day and a sacred place just to be quiet.

THE SOUL

It was more than the reputation of the city of Vancouver that was damaged,
 it was the very soul of those who love to live here.  We who watched on
the T.V. felt sick to our stomachs and broken hearted.

They may have been attacking and rebelling against injustice in their own lives but whether there was an underlying cause they were carried away by emotions and the thrill and excitement of rebelling.

Time for us all to do some soul searching!
Soul healing is a progress of forgiveness and restoration. 

We all need to accept our humanness and to control the negative emotions of anger and bitterness.
There is a cure that in this case involves writing messages of sorrow and regret on the walled up buildings whose windows where broken.  Yes, we want those who did these violent acts to be held accountable.

I think that there was a message to those of us think our city is perfect.  Evidently our young people are acting out the anger and frustration and hopelessness they feel.  To fight for freedom against injustice is one thing but this was meaningless.

"Many of the problems of this world are due to the spirit gone amok" 
-Thomas Moore in Writing In The Sand.

Jesus would approve of the healing wall where people are now writing and expressing feelings of regret.  Healing was soul and spirit.  Psychology is the process that tries to address this issue.

I can get caught up in the wish to be active and involved in the materialistic world and fail to give importance to the spiritual life within.

Testing

Today

I am glad dad has the patience and wisdom to fix my computer problems.  Today we plan to drive to Chilliwack to enjoy Ben's lacross game.

T

FOR BETTER OR WORSE

Years ago this is what we said when we shared our marriage vows but always expecting good things and live to be a great new adventure.  Starting out together your dad and I were very much in love and have managed to come through some difficult times.  I have pondered the inevitable suffering that comes into our lives. 

Yesterday was a good day to be with family and to share watching the game with Panteli at Sandra's house.  There was a few exciting moments but not much to cheer about.  We thought about others in our family excited and hopeful watching with us in different places of this universe.

I felt sad at our loss but it has been an exciting journey and now we can get on with other projects.
My day began with smashing my finger nail trying to move a rock and that sure hurts.  I drove to the store as I had had my walk but got everything except the main thing I went for.  As I left to WALK home through the parking lot I was thinking I will just stop in at Safeway as I go by on the way home.
Thankfully I did remember before I crossed the street and started up Scott Road. 

Next I cut my finger cutting up the onions and bled all over the kitchen while dad struggled to open a  bandied.  It looked more like a comedy routine than anything. 

After coming home  tried to download my pictures and failed.  I tried for nearly 30 minutes and I have no idea why it would not work.

Today dad is off to the skin doctor for a check-up and I hope to go visiting.

Nice to have a phone call from Oliver when we got home.  Happy Birthday Oliver looking forward to seeing you soon.  Life will now return to normal whatever that is,

ANCESTORS

This picture was found among one of dad's photo albums and we do not know who they are.  Dad is still trying to search out past relatives although at the moment he has slowed down.  It takes a lot of time and patience.  It is not something I can get into.  Now this is a picture of a picture but I am amazed at most of the old photos and how clear they were.

I am reading my "Gluten Connection book and am convinced that this diet could help us
Even the cat!l.  Also a little viniger in water helps acid reflux.
My dad had an sister who was sickly all her life and I wonder if this was her problem. 

Now my challenge is to try new recipes and use things like eggplant, white beans, lentils chard and kale.  Maybe one thing a week.

Dad is having pain with his hiatus hernia so maybe I will try and find out what is good for him.  The pizza seemed to bother him (or was it the hockey game) and yesterday everything he ate seem to cause him pain.  We both seemed to be lukewarm.  We did drive out to Langley and pick up my blog book because I feel it is so personnel I feel I want it back home.

Being open to the stories in the Bible as myths adds power and reality
 that is both subtle and transparent.

"A myth can be a real story either told or lived".  -Thomas Moore

The purpose is to provide a way of relating to the mystery of life that encourages intelligence and imagination to see life with a deeper meaning and more worthwhile than striving to attain what others see as the prize.  We all have our gifts and when we use our own gift however small we bring joy and a healing presence to others.

                              "My Kingdom is not of this world."  John 18:36

Our beliefs do have the ability to shape us but none of us want to be manipulated into what dominates and controls most of the values this world would impose upon us.

If more people said yes to question #10 on our census allowing records to be accessed for researchers like Panteli did it would be helpful.     Who knows in the future who may want to look us up!

      The sun is shining  but there is a very cool wind blowing so back to a warmer jacket today.

THOUGHTFUL

Morgan deep in thought.

I think most of us felt deeply thoughtful at the end of the day yesterday with the loss of the hockey game. 

I woke up yesterday early which has seen it become an ingrained habit and my brain just seems to become active as soon as I wake up.  Started out for my walk but had to return home because of that sickening feeling that I blame on a re-action to some gluten having invaded my innards.  Maybe it was putting out the food the night before anyway I am very fortunate I can choose to have a quiet day.

Had a nice phone call from Carol who was going to be watching the game with some friends.  She will be here next week!  Yah!

I am also learning the benefit of living my life quietly spiritually and thoughtfully.

BOOKS

I have always loved to read and wished there was more time to read all the books I have brought home from the library.  I can never read for longer than an hour because I need to move around and get busy planning and doing what needs to be done.  I usually read a serious book with a mystery or a good story.

I am reading Thomas Moore's book "Writing in the Sand" and am finding new ways to explore the mystery of the Gospels that include the richness of all the searching and studying he has done.  He has devoted his life to the study of theology, world religions, the history of art, world mythology and depth psychology.  He speaks of the words of Jesus as visions and I brlieve once I can get a vision about something it opens the door to new possibilities.  Jesus came to liberate us from our traditions and free us to have new visions of an abundant life.

"In relating to the Gospel;s, we should be as intelligent and open-minded as possible, receiving their message as a challenge to our lazy habits of thoughts,  a complexity offering a way to make sense of life and save us from neurosis and anxiety that make us aggressive and narcissistic.  A source of healing."

Religion that is viewed with apathy and distrust has never really been practiced as establishing as a call to wake up, to care for others, to be a healing force where you are and a calming presence. 
Certainly our emotions need to be stirred and controversy welcomed before we can learn the lessons of life.

I agree "it is a matter of being rather than believing"  The Buddhists would call this becoming empty not attached to and imprisoned by dogma and religioiousity. 

We have a very interesting group that met in our home last night that has grown through listening and learning from each other as well as the different books we have studied.  We ended up with lots of goodies as both dad and I went to the store to buy things.  At least we bought different goodies. 

I am tired today but I should be use to that.  Yesterday was a good day with lots of laughter and love!

SECRETS

It is no secret that this bush has bloomed so amazing this year. Neighbors and friends have commented in passing our house.

The memorial service for Eileen, at Colebrook Church, was very meaningful and expressed the happiness that she lived every day.  It was a good idea to have yellow balloons and for people to wear yellow her favorite colour.

It is no secret that some of our spiritual truths have been built on illusions  from centuries of past interpretations  and on the difference between metaphor and fact.  What is the secret of discovering a life-giving spirituality?  I have the highest regards for the gospels and for other religious teachings when the message is one of grace and compassion.  Jesus did apply the teachings of many world religions but hidden in his teachings are secrets and wisdom of all the ages.

You do not have to be a church goer to seek for truth and one does not even have to be a Christian (even the definition is debatable) to make the gospels an important source for spiritual life.  That said I do enjoy going to church and learning from writers of books as well as the gospel writers.

Do you need to be a believer to be a follower? 

There is so much richness in the stories as told by the disciples of Jesus, subtle and profound, that when we dig deeper " we will find the secret messages that have been there down through the ages".  that have given to my life not only deep meaning but a source to express deep emotions.  It would appear that as human beings we have much to learn about how to live and let live.  I believe that knowledge is to transform and renew us!  As I bring the wounds of my spirit I discover healing in the songs of worship which bring an awareness of the love of Jesus wrapping around me and the breath of life flowing like a gentle breeze upon me. 

Thomas Moore writes about applying contemporary ideas from depth psychology and literature, and also his knowledge of world religions, to write about the soul of spirituality in his book "Writing In The Sand."

My first rose blooms and it feels lioke summer this morning. 
Dad chose to go to Gracepoint Church, as he is uncomfortable with communion.
I enjoy the worship music there as it is a little more lively.  I like both ministers.

HARD WORK

It was hard work winning that hockey game but so exciting.  I am glad different people are scoring the winning goals.  We enjoyed Sandra coming over to help eat up our left-overs and fill in details of their trip back East.  I can't wait to see everyone in September it is going to be a blast!

What a blast walking down Scott Road hearing all the honking horns and seeing so many happy and excited people.  Dad and  happily waved and talked to people out walking.  We did not get as far as 72 and a lot of cars did not either.  The police woman was doing a great job turning people around.  We came home and put our shade deck lights on.

All in all it was a great day and having a nap mid morning sure helped.  It was good to talk to Ken on the phone and I don't know how they are coping with all their different shifts and two very active little ones.  A time of great joy but also much fatigue and hard work!

I am thinking about starting yoga but will wait till next year and join a group.  I appreciate that it is very good for you even if it is hard work.  I took a class many years ago for two years and my children probably did not even know. No one ever asked "what did you do today mom?" 

Discovering the spiritual joy that can be found in "religion" is a challenge and a learning experience.
Belonging to any group helps one to learn together always with the goal of keeping it simple and not losing the sense of awe that has captured my heart over and over again.

Today dad and I will be going to a memorial service for a very dear and much loved lady from our church.  Her death saddened us all but Eileen lived a life that blessed many, many others.  We will miss her cheerful smile.

I am continually being inspired by my own family as they go through good times and hard times.

  My friends and my neighbors also inspire me.

Dad is actually laughing as he reads this book.    

SLEEPLESS

Sleepless in North Delta

There was no heart-stopping hockey to watch and keep me awake.

No worries about the raccons tipping over my garbage pail.

Not noist out side and the temperature is just right for sleeping.

The light was on dad's side (which I should be used to) but he was chuckling over the funny parts.

Guilty feelings.  Not even that

I have almost finished my chapter that we will discuss Sunday night at our house.

I did my visiting at the care home and made everyone happy with long visits.

No late night coffee

No over-due books at the library.

Proud of myself trying some new recipes sooo healthy!

No babies to keep waking me up so really there was no reason except getting older.

Hope I can stay awake for the game tonight.

Good morning for a walk.

WASTING TIME.

Dad seems happiest when he has a project so I suggested he clear space in the garage for some of my garden fertilizer and other garden necessities.  He actually took to the idea and got busy and cleaned out the garage and found some paint in the paint cans he was going to return to the recycle depot but got painting instead.  He actually accomplished a lot while I decided to look through recipes for healthy meals and some muffin recipes.  I then had to go back to the store because you never have everything that you need.  I did not accomplish much and seemed to just be wasting time.

Words from the past.  Einstein wrote:

"A human being is part of the whole, called by us the universe, a part limited in time and space.

He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest--a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness.  This delusion is a kind of prison for us
restricting us to our personal desires, and to affection for a few persons nearest to us.

Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion
to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty."

"The most beautiful emotion we can experience is the mystical.  It is the sower of all true art and science.  He to whom this emotion is a stranger--is as good as dead."

"Human beings never achieve perfect knowledge, because anything we know at a given moment is invariably revised later."  British philosopher Bryan Maggee

Am I wasting time trying to read through this chapter on Atheism I don't really know.  Darwin would call himself an agnostic and his findings did challenge dogmatic faith,  forcing what some people saw as having to choose between the myths of religion and the truth of science.  Unbelief has become a variable and sustainable option.

Science is about facts and faith is that which may seem beyond belief.

I have faith that one day the real warm weather will come and stay.

I have faith that the Canucks can win the next game although the two bad losses do shake your faith. 
Will the best team win? 

I understand that atheistic critique of religion can in fact deepens one faith even as adversity's can make us stronger.

I believe in divine inspiration that has the power to create loving human beings who are totally imperfect ! !

Happiness is living with an open door and a full day.  My day started as usual with my cup of coffee as I wrote on my blog.  I enjoyed a brisk walk by myself which is okay.  A walk in silence enjoying the beauty of nature and deep in my own thoughts are a blessing.  Then it is home to water my hanging baskets and cut the lawn and even pull a few weeds.

My elderly neighbor Mary came outside after being shut away behind closed doors all winter.  I went over to have a talk and spied a plant that I was not sure was a weed or a flower.  She was shocked because somehow she manages to keep her front garden weed free so I was told it definitely was a flower.  Oh oh I think I had just pulled some up just like that.

I did a few things in side to tidy up the house, made a few phone calls and then it was time to do our big shopping because it is 10% day off.  Having to put It all away is a nuisance.  I had promised to pick up a package of some new bread mix my friend had gotten for me and visit with an old friend Pearle.  It was just like going to the natural path as she was telling me about the right vitamins etc. to take.  The time passes very quickly while I was there but by the time I arrived home I was all worn out.  I had done all I had planned to do so felt very happy with myself.  Dad had cut and trimmed the back yard and repainted the logs in our front yard.  He was sitting on the front porch waiting.

Some one said friendship is the key to happiness and I have found that to be true.  I lead a very ordinary life certainly and I do not seem to crave the exhilaration of travel or feel the need to run off and join others in a quest for illumination. 

I was hoping that I would feel like studying my book "The Case For God", but I could not stay awake.  Actually it is getting more interesting as we are moving more into the present time and the beginning of evangelical Christianity.  This meant a return to biblical authority and a personal commitment to Jesus away from learned philosophers and scientific experts. 

"A religion of the heart rather than the head."  Where they in fact throwing the baby out with the bathwater?  Rugged individualism that started with a rebellious reaction to establishment! 

I looked at the clock and it was only 7:30 and I had even had a short snooze watching the news.
The morning time seems to speed right along and it is time for my walk before I know it.

Happiness is being able to do what is important in your life and as I get older I find I know what that is.

HERO'S

We made them into hero's but they are only human after all.  Lady luck seems to play a hand in the way a game goes and the puck pounces.  I feel sad that our hockey team lost and I find the poor sportsmanship and bad temper even more upsetting.  They have a fight on their hands which continues to make it exciting.  Never think you are better than some one else because you may be wrong.

Yesterday when dad and I dropped by to see Carol, who has recently lost her husband, her daughter had just phoned to say she was in am ambulance on the way to the hospital.  It turns out she is okay
but something like that truly shakes one up.  Life takes courage as we never know what is around the corner.

Today is a gray morning with a cloudy sky so it will probably rain.  The good thing about that is I do not have to water the garden and wrestle with hanging up the big heavy hose.  I do not do it as nicely as dad.

Shopping this morning and pick up some new bread mix from my friend Pat.

Hero's have to have courage and determination to face opposition.  It takes a lot of courage to lose gracefully and to know that you have to keep trying.

Happy Birthday to Kim who will be 25.  She is having a big block party at her house with a lot of people coming.  Probably a lot of work but also a lot of fun.  I am sure they will party into the wee hours of the morning!

MISSED

Dad and I missed church so that I would not be too tired to enjoy Cliff's recital at a heritage home in Vancouver.  He was absolutely amazing singing classical German  Dicherliebe by Robert Schumann (1810-1856).  It was helpful to have an English translation of the 16 songs.  He was accompanied on the piano by a very talented pianist.  He put his heart and soul into the singing and has an excellent voice.

This was a beautiful little sun room off both the bedrooms.

This is better.  The whole house was delightful and I wouldn't even mind going again just to have a second look.

Enjoyed reading your comments on my blog which I always do.  I think you enjoyed reading each others too!

I am learning that whether I am happy about it I have to pace my self; which means I miss some things I would like to do but I am so thankful to have so many interesting choices.  I am learning to cook strange vegetables and even how to pronounce the names with lots of help from others.

I find I go to do something and get caught up and distracted by something else.

I found out what others do on Sunday morning while we are at church.  They cut their lawns and have garage sales and drive into town!

I think I am learning to think for myself and not just regurgitate.  I think I am.  I still love quotes and the words sung yesterday were full of all the joys and sorrows of love which is life.  Faith does not prevent me from having moments when I feel sad and misunderstood. 

Christians are strange creatures and we are all so different so you can never judge one by some one who does not the least bit Christian.  I think that it is important to free ourselves from the past generations especially when it involves tribal and religious bigotry. 

Laughter always is the best medicine and I have to laugh at my stupidity or I will go crazy, which I have moments when I think I am but at least I can laugh or try to laugh about it.  Took some money out of the drawer for our adventure yesterday and left it on the bed, but when I started looking in my purse where I was sure I had put it I was upset because I thought I had dropped it outside.

My question to myself yesterday was why have I believed the writers of scripture to be infallible?  Dad and I always remember things differently.  The main thing is that I am blessed to have a good, but sometimes infallible man, in my life to match my foolish ways.

I loved the wee children's things and there were even little outfits and old fashioned hats etc.

Dad really like the old fashioned dresses!

 And last but not least the bathroom,

No shower but a nice big bathtub!