EXPECTATIONS

I am always amazed to see the little sprong crosus coming up/

I. expect my computer to work in the same manner all the time; but it has a mind of it's own.  Or else I am doing strange things I do not even know about.

I do not know what my expectations were going to the doctor yesterday but came away disappointed.
As far as the celiac condition is concerned the doctor is pleased and said I looked better so that is good.  He explain that if the little villi are damaged the damage takes weeks to recover.  He wants me to come back in a year and a half but I do not see much purpose.  He has no answer for the nuausea or tiredness except my iron is low so I should still continue take the pills Dr. Nolte gave me as samples.

My question is I am doing better why am I not feeling better?

I guess I should buy some of the multi vitamins with iron soon.  It seems like when you start something it taked so long to have an affect.  It could explain why I am tired.  So the doctor and I seem to agree I am as good as I am going to get.

Dad and I had a nice lunch out at Milestones and bought a few goodies at Choices.  Then we dropped in to the Safeway because I thought it was 10% day but the good thing was that we had the car to take some of the heavy things home.

The funny thing was that as we were driving I was thinking of the people in our church now facing heart surgery and also the very sick people the doctor has to see.   I really am thankful.  Dad and I both found it a long day.  I went to bed and he watched hockey.  I expected them to win so went to bed at the end of the second period.  Dad thinks they should not have traded Hodgins.

It was funny that my reading in Mark's gospel was about the woman who reached out to touch the hem of Jesus's robe hoping to be heal.  What did she really expect?  She had suffered a great deal under the care of many doctors and was getting worse rather than better.

Not only was she healed by reaching out but Jesus felt power flowing out of him.  He stopped saying I need to know who touched me.  Was she being driven by superstition?    Jesus asks her all about herself and then tells her it was her faith that made her well.

Faith has the power to transform us if we are willing to take risks
I believe Lord just help my unbelief.

I think of Mary and Michael John doing so well in their training to run faster and further, and the fact that are inspiring each other.  Mary ran the5 km in 25 minutes.  Amazing!

So glad I can get up and wrap a heated blanket around me I felt so chilled in bed. 

We have no plans but maybe go the the new library in Surrey or else just our library.

KIND CRUELTY

This is the pattern of the frozen water in our pond.

Reading the words of Jesus they often seem cruel and harsh.  When his mother and brothers come to find him he ignores them and says instead:  Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Maybe a good Jewish boy does not tell his mom he has his own life to live?  But still hurtful words.

I have been reading the book "Little Princess". It is about a young man who goes to volunteer at a children's home in Nepal.  'Child traffickers were promising families in remote villages to protect their children from the civil war-for a huge fee-by taking them to safety".  Of course they families want the children to go to a better place and even be educated.  What happens is the children are abandoned and left to beg on the streets.  The author works at an orphanage with these children.

He decides to travel to these mountain villages to see if he can find their parents.  He finds some of the parents to tell them their children are safe but then he has to be harsh and tell them they must not sell their children because they are ending up being abandoned or sold into slavery.

Child-traffickers are deceiving and abusing both the parents and the children.  This is devastating news to the parents who are glad to know their children are safe, but must face the cruel truth of their deception.

"I watched them come alive when I told them their children were safe.
I watched them die a little as they relived the loss of their child to a child trafficker."
Conor Grennan in the book "The Little Princes."

Jesus says words that seem cruel to me but I think there is a reason for what he is saying.  We live in a world where bad things can happen to good people.  Life can be tough and we must be tough to cope with our own errors and the bullies and deceivers in this world.

I have to learn to stay calm inside when things go wrong.  I dropped a whole plate of lovely cooked fish on the floor, the plate broke and the fish was uneatable.  Actually I did not even have the energy to be mad. 

Anyway this morning I will have a quick walk, a quicker bath and off to the doctor.
I am doing fine just a bit tired.
Dad had a good report at the skin doctors.  Good News !

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CAROL

SAFE

Dad and I had another walk in the park yesterday afternoon.

I feel safe when I walk through the forest with dad or some one else.

I do not walk there alone although I think I would be safe but I would not feel safe.

 I feel safe walking in the morning when it is still dark knowing that as I walk it will get lighter and I meet friends on my way!

In Mark chapter 4 we come to an unbelieveable story.  I am sure that we have all heard or maybe even told unbelieveable stories.

The disciples had set out across the Sea of Galilee which is seven hundred feet below sea level and just thirty miles across to Mount Hermon.  The cold air from the mountains clashes with the warm air of the Sea of Galilee causing very windy, stormy  thunderstorms/

The disciples got in the boat with Jesus and felt very safe.  Jesus himself fell asleep on a pillow.  Then the storm hits and these brave fishermen are afraid.  They wake up Jesus asking him if he does not care if they drowned.  Jesus is annoyed at their lack of faith but he gets up and rebukes the wind and the waves.  The fishermen of now terrified wondering who Jesus really is if he can control the stormy weather.

"Quiet!  Be still"!

It became completely calm.

Was he asking them "What are you afraid of knowing the dangers they would have to face?

I have to learn to trust Jesus even when life seems stormy.  Things happen over which I have no control.  Can I still feel safe?  Can I still feel loved?  Can I still believe?  Can I change?  Can I share my faith in a way that allows for freedom and joy and acceptance with love and openness?

Is it better to take risks or feel safe?

My computer is acting strange or else it is my brain slowing down?

Dad is off to the skin doctor today.

THE FUTURE

This is the Anglican Church Jane and I visited on Friday.  I love the window that looks out to the outside.  Today at Colebrook we are have Douglas Todd the writer for the Vancouver Sun give us his opinion of the future of the United Church.

Religion is not popular especially if religious people are seen as self-righteous; and they often are.

In Mark's gospel He says "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."  Righteous people believe that they can make themselves right with God by being good or moral.  This is sadly what religion has taught and many have believed.  It should be a safe place for people who have been broken to be made whole.

We see early in the message of Jesus that it stirs up resentment and hatred so that two opposing groups now are plotting to kill him.  The Herodians, supporters of Herod and the Pharisees that stressed living by Hebrew scripture and upheld traditional values.  The Herodians thought they were more modern and moving with the times and had been enemies of the Paharisees.

"The Gospel of Jesus Christ is an offense to both religious and irreligious."
from The King's Cross by Timothy Keller.

Dad and I had a short walk in the woods; using his poles and the softer ground is much better for him. 
Once you get in among the trees, with the eagles circling above, you do not feel the wind.

I can understand why people who have not been in a church feel very uncomfortable there.  I feel very uncomfortable in a place of loud music and a lot of drinking.  The church is doing some things to make people more comfortable.  There has been changes in the music, some good and some not.  I know that there are other changes but the older people do not want to be budged from their comfort zone.

I have found small groups the best way to express my beliefs and also learn about Christianity; from scripture and from the experiences of others.

THE MISTAKE

I

I had lots of time to browse through all the books at Chapters on Thrusday waiting for dad to join me.  I thought I would choose something appropriate for us both, so I ignored the reliion section and the mystery ilse and thought I had found the perfect book.  "The End of Illness".   Just what the doctor ordered or so I thought.

Dad was impressed when he started to read and even started underlining and then decided to look it up on goggle where all the comments were negative and very negative.  I would have taken it back otherwise.  But all hope is not lost we may gain some knoeledge but I think I will stick to the areas I know.

Windy and cold this morning so I will wait and see if the morning improves.

I am still reading the gospel of Mark and I realize how great Jesus was at asking questions and not answering them.  "Which is easier to say to the paralytic your sins are forgiven or take up your bed and walk?  This question has puzzled biblical scholars for centuries.

I believe disillusionment and hopelessness can be very paralyzing so the forgiveness of sin freed the man to be able to believe he could be set free and healed. 

He continues to ask questions as he heals the man with the shriveled hand on the Sabbath asking "Which is lawful on the Sabbath; to do good or to do evil, to save a life or to kill?"

The law can be good when it offers restoration and rest but if it becomes a way that enslaves and demands obedience to prove worthiness it becomes legalistic and will shut certain people out.  I see in Jesus so much wisdom, so much strength, so much power that flows from his love especially for the sick and the poor and the outcasts.  Too powerful and too popular!

It would seem by his actions and questions that the shadow of the cross is falling across the path of Jesus early in his ministry.

Why do I work at trying to prove that I am a good person, because I do.  I want to do what is right but I will always make mistakes.  I am thankful for the grace of forgiveness that allows me even to forgive myself.  I have been for my walk and struggled against the wind when it blew in my face but delighted in it when it pushed me along.

There were many other choices I could have made.  In books or other items.

OPPOSITION

I just got home yesterday from my walk when the rain turned into snow.
 I felt it getting colder as I walked
The snow melted soon after it fell but I always like to see snow falling.

There is a name for people in the Hindu faith in which they are called avatars;
people with a mystical awareness and seem to be able to have a direct knowledge
of the infinite spirit that infuses the universe.
They help the rest of us see what God is like in human form.
This is the Jesus I find in reading the Bible.

Jesus announced the coming of the kingdom of God which is like a light coming through the darkness
to reveal the truth that everyone is now equal and welcome to enter into this kingdom. 

This would mean that there would be a need for repentance, which speaks to me of letting go of the past.  This would mean a time of healing and deliverance from false religion.

Jesus taught in the synagogue and people were amazed at his original teaching, taught with authority which means as if he was the author.  According to Mark's gospel he beckoned people to come and follow him and they did.

He continues to draw big crowds so that four friends of a paralytic man open the roof of the house where Jesus is and lower him in to the room below.
When Jesus says to him "Your sins are forgiven" he stirs up opposition.  Who does he think he is forgiving sins when that is the role of the priest and something only God can do.  Is he claiming to be not only a healer but equal to God?  As a true mystic "avatar" he was a wisdom teacher, a healer and a prophet.  The Holy Spirit was upon him.  Deep wounds had paralyzed this dear man with fear and needed love to restore him to wholeness.

As Emerson said, "He saw with open eye the mystery of the soul."

This world is desperately in need of people of wisdom and compassion because there is so much injustice and cruelty.  Jane and I will be reading as groups of different churches come together to learn and pray for the people of Malaysia.  It is a nation of diversity in unity where Malays, Chinese, Indians and the indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak, and minority communities live and work together.  We learned of a Malaysia women in 1995 who had to fight for reforms in her country as peace does not seem to come without a cost for those who devote their lives to making the lives of others better.

While I was out dad went for a short walk and then went shopping.  First our answering machine broke and now our electric kettle.  He got some good buys which included a jacket for me.  Jane came in and had tea and admired all his purchases.

It was a good day!  Yes the Canucks won again! !

GOOD NEWS

I felt very weak yesterday but enjoyed a lovely walk in the fresh air.  I am very careful about what I eat so I think maybe it was stress.  I am now back to normal!

I was disappointed that I had not made the pancake supper and Ash Wed. Service.  As I was praying in the morning I had a picture of knelling at the feet of Jesus and it was just me and Him; so I think my message is that I may miss some of the community spiritual events that I can find Jesus in my own quiet time.

"The hands of the King are healing hands and thus the rightful king shall be known."
--The Lord of the Rings  by Tolkien.

I  think that the good news that came to life with the presence of Jesus was he restored healing to people's souls and their bodies.  Soul healing being the most important.  I could read every book written about Jesus and end up totally confused and unsure.  He was a Jew aware of the Jewish laws and traditions  he lived in a different time.  But human nature does not change.  I know that I need to feel his healing touch day after day.

I pick up the Bible with a prayerful and teachable spirit and the words touch my heart in different ways each time.  My needs are different and when I feel the most empty I am more open to the spirit.

My neighbor Rosanna brought this paper the Georgia Straight over for me and there was an excellent article about celiac disease.  I look back at the sixteen years I struggle with this disease and was misdiagnosed and because the damage to the absorption surface was so severe they thought it may not grow back.  I am thankful that it has recovered about 75% so I have to be even more careful.  Dad is finding it not so easy as he thought to cut out the wheat from his diet.

I see the internist next Tuesday and dad goes to his skin cancer doctor on Monday.

I visited my neighbors across from us as I know they are having health troubles too yesterday morning..  They are very cheerful.  They have moved their bed down to their dining room.

Went visiting at the Nursing Home.  Jim is extremely negative so not easy to visit.  On the way home I had a good look around Chapters wanted to spend our gift money before I lost it.  Dad thought he could meet me and started out walking but his hip and knee brothered him a lot.

I did not sleep well last night worried about him.  I will make an appointment for his complete checkup a week from Tuesday.

Today I go to a meeting of the world day of prayer with Jane and Jean.  I am not sure what I can commit to but they understand.

I know what you mean Ken when you say your head hurts with all you have to learn with your new job.  I bet Matthew likes his kindergarten.

SECRETS

My secret for finding quotes is that I often look in my old books for them so I am not really read a lot.  I usually read something spiritual and something fictional at the same time.  Morning is for the spiritual.  I look at the Bible as Good News and have given up trying to figure out complicated writings about it.  I believed it has shaped the world and helped people to find hope and forgiveness. 

It  looked like a perfect morning for a walk so I was happy as I set off for Gundy's house.  As soon as I got there the stomack ache and the nausea hit and it sure came on suddenly and very painful.  Gundy walked me back home to make sure I was okay.

Then came the phone call from Rick about something inappropriate that had shown up out of the blue on face book which could not be the best for Leah's case.  She was sitting on a chesterfield and I said she looked good.  I meant pretty.  I found this very up settimg and just couldn't understand.  Spent the morning looking for this old picture. 

I did not feel great but headed off to Jet-Lag  bible study.  They are such a good group of friends and after hearing some of their problems my life fell into proper perspective.

I came home and slept and felt a little better but not well enough to go to the pancake supper.  I felt bad about this as I would like to participate more.  I am hoping the doctor next Tuesday may give me some answers.  I am being so very careful as far as diet goes.

Dad  had a wonderful day at the beach with his friend Bob eating Fish and  Chips.  Definitely not gluten-free.  His knees were very sore when he got home.  What a pair!! 

I may just write on my spiritual blog my thoughts on God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit. That has been my intention for awhile.

Ken, loved the pictures of the children !  !

I felt better in the evening but headed off to bed early.

POTENTIAL

I was worried that our neighborhood cat was going to follow Morgan and I are on our walk but it climbed a tree instead and then ran into the house that I think is his home.  \He did not have his collar on.

"Psychiatrist Anthony Stort, concludes  in his book "Solitude:A Return to Self:" some capacity to be alone is necessary if the brain is to function at its best and if the individual is to fulfill his or her greatest potent
Human beings can easily be alienated from their own deeper needs and feelings.

Learning, thinking,innovation and maintaining contact with one's own inner world are all facilitated by solitude.
From the book" Stillness",   Daily Gifts of Solitude by Richard Mahler.

The French 17th century scientist and philosopher Blaise Pascal took this idea a step further when he concluded that:  "all evil in the world" steamed from the inability of the average person to abide in silence".
I know that I feel better if I feel at peace with myself and have enough energy to enjoy life.

There are a lot of good things I would love to do but there are more and more things I am saying no to.
I believe that I have the ability to improve my general health and maybe slow the aging process by keeping
a balance in my life.

A foggy day yesterday on our trip into Vancouver.

To-night I think is the pancake supper at the church to begin the start of Lent.  As a child we always gave up something for lent.  I want to make more of an effort to read the gospels.  Mark may have been a secretary and translator for Peter.  I believe he wrote accurately all that Peter remembered.

I think it is interesting how Jesus was with the crowd around John the Baptist when he made the decision to step forward and be baptized.  John sees the wind of the Spirit blow upon Jesus and he knew within his own mind this was the one they had all been waiting for.  The spirit is pictured as a dove that flutters over Jesus and a voice speaks that this is my beloved son.

Immediately Jesus was driven into the wilderness to face his own demons.  Like all human beings we have two voices inside us; one wanting the approval and success that the world can give us or the other voice that asks for obedience and sacrifice to be a healing presence in the lives of others.  He would be going against the religious and political authorities to carry out his mission.

Mark treats Satan as a very real voice not a myth; a real force for evil.

Jesus has the potential to disturb many people today as he still speaks with authority and awakens our own potentialities to do what is right with kindness.

The Jesus he writes about becomes more than a historical figure, but a living reality.  He begins by telling us Jesus has entered into history as the one who understands human nature but also the one who understands God.

Each day gives me the opportunity to say "Here I am God"
 I want to be open to whatever this day has in store for me.

It was lighter when I went for a walk in the misty and damp rain.  Not so many people out.  When I got home and dad finished his paper we set off to get the gluten-free bread from New Westminster.  Dad will try this instead of my brown rice bread.  I meant to get some for Ken to try.

Can words create reality?

Why do the negative words stay with us when we quickly forget the positive?

Why do I speak without thinking?  Sometimes it is better to keep your opinions to yourself.  Right?

Do we all have inner voices that demand our attention and tempt us?

I have Jet Lag Bible study today and would like to take my own pancake mix to the pancake supper.
I will see how my energy is.  Now it is off with Gundy who has very strong opinions about a lot of things but a heart of gold!

RENEWAL

Life is so much fun when you can twirl around and around on an old tire!

Life did not seem so great yesterday morning after a wonderful busy day, when I woke up with a miserable headache probably stayed in bed too long.  I had no desire to get up or do my blog or even go for a walk.  I decided I would spend the day just resting.  But first maybe a cup of coffee and a aspirin would help.  Forgot to add the coffee.

Then I got busy putting the furniture back in the right place  and putting dishes away.  Before I knew it, it was nearly 7:30 when I meet Gundy and I thought I might as well go and see if she is up to walking.  I knocked at the door and there was no answer so I turn away only to hear the door open and a smiling Gundy all ready for a walk

There are times when it is good to do things with others but also it is good just to rest.

I tried to do some reading when I got home but dozed off. 

I decide to do some re-organizing in my closet and couldn't believe it  when I found the book that the library had insisted I had taken out.  Neither dad or I recognize it so it is still a mystery, but I was very happy to return it to the library at long last.

Sometimes I long for things I do not have.
The energy to run and jump and have fun.
The warmth of the sun.
The ability to be calm and not worry.
To make decisions about what is junk that needs to be gotten rid of.
A strong and healthy husband.  Well at least we are getting older together and taking turns being sick!
If I am honest I have to admit I would like to be doing something more useful and effective with my life.

But then I remember what I do have
A heavenly hug each morning from God., who calls us His Beloved and promises to be with us.
The ability to choose what kind of day I will have.
 If it is quiet I will enjoy the resting but if it is busy do it with a thankful and cheerful heart,
A loving husband and family that are not afraid of being truthful with me.
A warm and caring community of friends.
Good books to read.


Prayer is solitude and prayer is community.
Prayer is longing to be more loving and closer to the very heart of love "God"!
Prayer is taking refuge in the healing of silence.

Today everything looks so much better.  No plans yet but a walk certainly

A child can believe because they have not been taught not to believe.

Heaven I tell Morgan is a happy place where people go when they die.

She was asking who the people were in the picture of my mom and dad,

Where is it?  I do not know but I will when I get there.

how did they get there?  well angels come and take them
Why can't we see angels?

I do not know but I know they help God look after people.

I am reading the gospel of Mark

to help me focus on the words and actions of Jesus before he was hung on a cross. 

My desire is to be renewed and strengthened in my faith and understanding.

DAD'S BIRTHDAY

Dad was thrilled with everyone coming over, and his gofts and cards, and phone calls and thoughts mentioned on my blog that he would have a grand day.  And he did

Dad is tempted to have the birthday cake with gluten but we insisted of he was going to try and see if thius makes his legs and kmess better he has to give it a good try.

Morgan has fun with granie at the park.
 I do wish I had a picture of grandpa reading with Ben.  Ben is reading such scientific stuff.
  They also fineshed a chess game I started.

Everyone arrived with  boxes of food which was a great help to me.  There were even three cakes two gluten free and peanut butter cookies.

Dad was pleased to talk on the phone to Oliver, Mary and Michael John, Chris, Tasha as well as Kenny and Rick and Carol and Kim.  Thank you all for your cards and kind thoughts.

To-morrow I will be walking with Gundy so we go later when it is getting light out.  So no worries.

UNSPOKEN

It is four in the morning and I am Wide awake.  Dad is happily sleeping.  I go to the blog little room the coldest room in the house and then I carry on to have my breakfast, say my prayers and try to read.  I think for a moment of going back to bed but instead put on my warm clothes and open the door to face a windy wet dark morning.  The birds are awake too and having great fun riding the wind and diving up and down.

The first people I met are those brave souls waiting for the bus.  I think of Ken going off to work at 3:30 in the morning.  Then I meet the dog walkers who are walking fast too cold to chat.  Then come the joggers jogging up behind me looking so happy and full of life.  They smile and wave and probably think they will never be old and slow like me.  Nearly home the walkers start to come out and start their journey.

Today will be a short walk.


Nearly home I start to think of things I need to pick up at the store.  The vegetable soup is cooked and dad likes it and Theresa will be bringing her excellent potato soup and Craig and Leah desert.  The table is set and enough chairs for us all.  I hope dad enjoys his day.

I will miss church and have a little nap instead.  Common sense?

There is a healing presence that surrounds me
 and I believe that God provides healing for our souls when we stop being preoccupied and anxious.
This is a learning process for me.

God is like an old friend that speaks with unspoken words in many ways
.The soul receives what the brain does not have to process or even trying to put into words.

I see the brave little shoots of flowers coming up and am reminded that life continues on.
 Today we celebrate as a family 77 years out of which many stories have been written.
Our love expressed in the many thoughtful kind deeds we do for each other.

I believe that all of us were loved by God before we were born; and we will be loved long after we die.

FUN

Yesterday was a fun day.

What a surprise when this basket arrived with so many goodies for dad on his birthday,  It is so pretty it seems a shame to open it up but I usually find a way to sneak in the back.  It is great fun to have surprises!

It was good it arrive just before we were going out to the church for a special valentine/s tea.  I had a special plate of cheese and crackers and fruit just for me.  Yes, I am spoilt.  The ladies at the church make such beautiful goodies, from scones to shortbread cookies and lemon squares and tarts.  I must admit it is tempting but I know that I will pay for it if I give in to temptation. 

I guess that is the thing with temptation that you always end up paying for it in the end.  So the solution to not let that cloud of self-pity form around me I take things with me or I come home and bake myself a cake!

Temptation can also be doubting who you really are and feeling a sense of self-rejection and unworthiness which has nothing to do with our success in life or our popularity.  Accepting the unconditional love that is the gift of grace frees us from our self-doubts.

It was fun to hear the stories of people going on dates and meeting the people they married.  Our story could have been driving from Regina to Moose Jaw to Saskatoon in a raging blizzard.  We started out with a flat tire and then drove into huge snow drifts and complete white out conditions.  They were urging people to turn off at a small town about half way and go to the hotel but we though we should not go to a hotel being not married!  I believe we were the only car that made it all the way.  It was very frightening but of course your dad is a good driver from the prairies.

We are going to a gospel concert Saturday night, to-night and to-morrow night there is a birthday party for the three of us that have birthdays in Feb.  More cake and goodies but I will be prepared.

The family is coming here about one on Sunday and we are happy Theresa and Mikie, Ben and Morgan will be here two.  The more the merrier.  Things will be simple so we can all enjoy just having fun.

There is also a thank you dinner next Friday for volunteers at the Nursing home but there again I wonder about the food.  I guess I should ask "what are you serving?"  Or I will let them know I cannot ear wheat and find out if that is a problem.

Last night we had a walk around the block after the heavy rain stopped and it did both dad and I good except his feet complained a bit.  All in all a fun day!  Sunday will be fun too!

1
There were three more tables loaded with good goodies. No wonder dad was tempted.

CARING

It is good to be able to share my chocolates with others/
It is good to share our gifts and talents and to share our worries and concerns.

This is a story that I found written in my notebook.  Actually it is a myth but like many stories or myths there usually is a message in it.  So once upon a time there was a humble monk who wanted to be used by God to help people.  But he did not want to be praised or worshiped.
The angels heard the desire of his heart and answered his prayer by having his shadow bring good things to happen as he went about doing his daily tasks.  He was not aware of what was happening so felt no credit belonged to him.

I think that is a lot like what we all do as we go about doing simple things unaware of some of the good that comes from sharing and caring.

Dad drove me to see Jim and he was ready and waiting by the front door.  He asked if I could go to the Post Office to get a the tax form.  We drove over but they were out of them.  He was very appreciative of us doing this.

The birthday party was right next door at Chelsey Gardens.  Shirley was looking very smart and so pleased to see everyone.  I hope I am that good at 93.  Dad's voice got sore so he left early and I had a ride home.  I brought him some cake which looked good.  I enjoyed the pickles! !

There is another tea at Church today.  Pat would like dad to go so she can tell her husband, Bob, there will be at least one other man there.

Anyway share your ideas and thoughts with me.  I enjoy readingg them.  I am not typing so good because I am very cold this morning so off to have some warm breakfast wrapped up in a warm blanket,

FAVORITES

I am trying to put some pictures on of some of my favorite things I like to take pictures of daily.
                          

Clouds

Flowers

                                                                        Water

                                                                    
                                                                                                  Trees

Leaves etc.

                                                                        Family

I was trying to capture Ken's air blowing out on one of our cold days.  We talked to Ken on the phone.  Jasmine had just colour the walls, herself. the chesterfield, and blinds  with unwashable crayons.  Hope they were able to get it out some how.

Sometimes in life we just have to take a deep breath and then slowly let it out. 

I had another bad night with uncomfortable bloating and nausea and I know that once again that sick feeling that comes from eating  something with gluten.  I am very grateful for all the good things that are being made available to celiac sufferers like me but I wish more people really understood.  Annoying reminder for me to be more careful.

I had two walks yesterday, first on my own and then with Gundy..  We meet some of our old regulars and they are so happy to see us walking together again.  It is good to make new friends and the fresh air helps me feel better.

Dad received two birthday cards, one from Larry Olson and one from Rick which gave him a good laugh,

Today I will visit Jim and then dad and I will be off to Shirley Fowler's 93 birthday party.

Tasha, grade 12.  below is Leah, nurses aid grad and Mary, grad as a child care professional! 

SURPRISED

I was surprised when I was reminded it was Valentine's day. 
I had remembered the night before then I forgot in the morning. 

I suppose the story of creation is really the first love story between two young people.

I was surprised when I was out walking to met Gundy, she had been feeling a little down so had not been walking.  So we will be back walking together to-morrow.  This was a surprising admission from her as she also has appeared very strong and self-reliant.

Came home to a lovely surprise of a beautiful box of chocolates that dad had so lovingly picked out for me.
Hearts remind me that when a person sees your heart then you are seen as you really are.

 Valued for your uniqueness is a great gift of love.
Then Jane phoned and we planned a lunch out at the North ViewGolf Course.  It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day and it was lovely to be sitting viewing the greenness all around us.  We talked and talked until we realized that they were starting to set up for dinner.  Thoroughly enjoyable for us all.

"Prayerfulness can be a matter of the heart, mostly unspoken that reveals itself in gentleness, peacefulness, humbleness and compassion and all the gifts of the fruit of the spirit."  -Henri Nouven.

To know that someone is thinking of me prayerfully brings warmth to my heart.

To receive a beautiful box of chocolates is an expression of Love!  In fact there was another box when we arrived home.  Surprised again!

CREATION

HAPPY VALENTINE'S  DAY.

Reading the book of Genesis reminds me of the story of Creation when this wonderful Creator created the world in a brilliant burst of love.  He called it good, very good especially after he created human beings.  Did he have any idea what havoc we were going to play with our own lives and with his creation.

It must have been a wonderful feeling to look to the sky and feel that we were the center of it all, with all the rest of the Universe revolving. around us.  It is still hard for me to believe that our sun is one of many in our galaxies. 

How humbling for the human ego to learn about the immensity of the universe, the vastness of the macrocosm
and even more difficult the unimaginable small world of subatomic particles.

The church has had a hard time admitting it was wrong.  First believing it was flat.  Realizing we are not the center of the Universe but just one planet among many,  Then Joseph Kepler came up with the dismissing realization that the orbits of the planets were not circles, but ellipses.  We want to cling to our original beliefs and fear change instead of welcoming it.

Faith, my faith is built on wonder.  The mind of God is beyond our understanding and so is invisible.

"All the pain, all the laughter, all the birthing and living and dying and glory, all our stories, without exception, are given dignity by God's awareness and concern."  From Genies The Trilogy by Madeleline L"Engle

Just think we have the responsibility to care for this earth of ours.

I was thinking last night how important we are to each other and how as we get older a spirit of humble courage and sense of wonder is  so vital.  Our church is going through a difficult stage with so many people facing serious health problems; but we continue to live by faith.

Dad is getting his energy back after a long time and cleaned out the garage and it sure needed it.  I was extra tired and did not see the end of the Canucks game but believe they won.  Today we may go for a drive but right now it looks like it is raining.

Nenri Nouwen writes, "Life is just a little opportunity to say to God   "I love you too!"

GENTLE WISDOM

It is good to have a day where you just relax and enjoy each other's presence.

Let go of stuff that has been bugging us and just appreciate each other.

I went off to church and dad stayed home still having a bit of a cough and not really like communion.  I found the service very meaningful and peaceful; came home and Sandra and Randy dropped by to see how we were doing.  We passed!

Yes life was going along smoothly until I decided we should make a lemon pie, yes together.  My heart was not really in it but thought if we did it together it would work.  I should have realized that the tennis was not finished and I should have realized that mixing was harder than I had anticipated.

I was very, very angry at my self and frustrated with continued failure.  I was not proud of myself and knew that I needed someone to come to my rescue.  I was ready to throw it away and walk away miserable.
Sometimes it is okay just to let your emotions out which seems easier for us women.

Men can be so sure, calm and in control that it can  be infuriating.
Dad did come and give a helping hand but he couldn't get it to work either, but this did not bother him one bit.

Did God really know what a miserable mess we can make of our lives?

I think we all know what kind of person we would like to be but we fail more often than we like to admit..

"What is going on in your innermost being is worthy of your whole love."  -Rainer \maria Rilke.

I think I will stick with my blueberry muffins instead.

BETTER AND BETTER

Found some of my missing lids that was a good start to the day. lol

We both felt better as the day progressed.  My stomach settled down and I put the steamer on for dad and he had a better night last night,

The cat came over for a visit, what a lovely cat, and watched me in the garden before settled in the chair for a nap.  I am just picking up dead branches and dead leaves but doing a little bit at a time is okay.

I had a short visit with Rosanna who is back here for a few days.  I am so thankful for my family when she talks about hers and how she would like to see them more.

Then dad and  have a good walk in the forest which did us both good.  But I come home and ask him what should we have for supper and he has no ideas.  That is not helpful.

This is one entrance to the park, the place where dad and I usually go.

Not many different pictures for me to take.  There is water through the trees but the camera does not show it.

We had odds and ends for supper watched Heartbeat and the hockey game.  I even stayed up until the last minute of over time.  Both goalies were so good it was a shame some one had to score.

Left the porch light on and the hidden key in plain sight but no Oliver.

Looking forward to church today and even making a lemon pie!

I am like Linus dragging my blanket around with me,I

ANNOYED

The little black and white cat now likes to sleep on the cushion by our front door.  It gets very warm and sunny there and it is very comfortable.  No, we are not annoyed.

I  have been doing little annoying things lately like making messes and losing the tops of jars.  Annoying to both of us.  Dad is feeling better and did a good clean up in the kitchen.

Dad and I drove by where we use to live.  Sad to see the changes.  We think they are going to tear are old house down.  We had some great family times there!

Stopped to take the view.  It was a dull day.  This was taken from the corner of our old street.  Dad and I do miss the view, the neighbors, the walk in the little forest next to our house which the grandchildren loved so much.

Drove on to Milestones at White Rock the restaurant I really like.  I enjoyed it very much.

Trouble was last night dad had problems coughing, very annoying and tiring for him;
I was up in the night throwing up which annoyed me but I was thankful dad did not hear me because he had finally got to sleep.

I do not think I will go for a walk this morning feeling a little out of things, maybe dad and I will go to the park later.

Nancy I will write about my family in more detail but to start we have four marvellous children, very loving and thoughtful.  We have about 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren I think.

We just had a visit from Stephen and Shawna from Edmonton.  Stephen is Sandra's oldest.

Oliver, Carol's   oldest son may visit this week-end.  He works in Edmonton but would like to work on the water on the Island.

My desire is to have a more authentic spiritual life and I think by asking questions, learning from other, and from reading and prayer.

JASMINE

Dad and I know we should be extra kind when we are both not feeling that great but sometimes it is hard for me to do.  But I know I feel happier when we are doing things together!