New Day

Intimacy comes in any relationship with hard work, tears ans conflicts, joys and sorrows, self respect and kindness,and most of all the sacrifice of thoughtfulness.  Your partner becomes a part of you and when they hurt you hurt.  There are always things to do messes to be cleaned up, meals to think about and  dishes to be done. Misunderstandings have to be cleaned up too!


In times of weakness, failure and brokenness someone who believes in you!

 Sharing your life, heart and soul is a sacred bond.

In all of this I remind my self I am not separate from the life force that created me and sustains me.

Dad had a short walk and enjoyed the football games.  I rested and tried to read and enjoyed watching "Pie in the Sky" our favorite D.V.D. reruns.  Life goes on all around us and within us.

If we go to church we will join others in singing, bowing our heads in prayer and listening to what our minister is discovering on his journey,

THANKFUL EVERY DAY IS A NEW DAY!

MOON LIGHT

I tried very hard but this is the best I could do. Amazing moon light!

Happy aniversary to you and me babe

Thankful for a wonderful life full of memories and stories. We survived a few difficult times but that I firmly believe God in his great love and mercy had a hand in it. We both needed to change and we did,

MY FATE

My thoughts and feelings for the day yesterday.

Woke up feeling good.

Went into the laundry room and a mouse ran in front of me into the furnace area.  I screamed.!

Had my breakfast and disinfected the room.  Maybe dad can find where he gets in.  Maybe I can catch a cat and get some of its hair to put down.

Feeling a bit itchy and tell myself not to scratch.

I tell myself to start walking faster I am walking like an old lady.  Get moving I say!

Missed some good pictures and wished I had taken my camera.

Had a good laugh at a little boy on his way to school running ahead of his mom, climbing fences and picking up stones.  So full of life and energy,

Started feeling sick thinking about going to the dentist and what they will decide..  Picked up my mystery book wishing they would find a dead body to make it more interesting,

We made very good time on our drive down and found a good parking spot.

Trying to be calm, breath in and breath out as we walk in the door to a very nice room and very friendly staff,  Feeling nauseated and nervous.  Redictulous  I know.

Met with the specialist and a group of dentists all so interested in my mouth and x-rays.  It was mutually agreed we would leave things as they are because there is so much old work something new could cause problems.  Problems that could be fix with time and money.

I will carry on as I am doing .

Stopped for lunch.  Very happy to be home.  No body yet so I had better start reading. 

It is our anniversary on Saturday which is today.

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY HONEY.

LEARNING.

It is such a joy to be at U.B.C. and see all the eager young people hurrying across the compass.  What a huge place. At least the library is still in the same place and still full of interesting things. I must admit that dad had a good idea.  I find learning to be a delight and has brought me much Joy!  It is good to be saved from duty and worry.  I slept all the way there and back in the car.

My rash is looking so much better and no new ones.  I suppose it would be good to know what is casing it but it could be nerves or old age or some strange virus.  I think they are going to leave scars.

I have learned  things in this life of mine from books as well as from people and from experiences.  The main thing that haunts my soul is the fact that no matter what I cannot avoid accepting the painful responsibility of my own life.  I must admit I have made some dumb mistakes like everyone else.'

Pain is a part of life from which we seek salvation.  I know that is a terrible word that has been misused over the centuries.  We have the power to save ourselves some pain but not all pain that can be beyond our control. We can try to  help others even in their process of  suffering, especially not to take life for granted.  We can care and we can listen and we can learn and we can pray.

I can learn to be honest about my own feelings and try to be more sensitive to the feelings of others.
I feel the discouragement when I realize that I have not grown as much in this area as I would have liked.  I struggle.  I wonder just what is illusion and what is real? 

My faith wants my prayers to be answered and it is a miracle that happens occasionally.

 The Good Book says "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself in love."  Amen

After all Jesus did say "Can you drink the Cup?"  The cup of suffering from which he drank.  I think we never know until we are in the darkness.

                                                     The rose garden at U.B.C.

Nancy if you kept playing I would keep singing!  Singing is pure joy!

SALVATION

The leaves are falling and we are entering a new season!

I said No! I did not want another biopsy not because it hurt or anything I just felt it was not necessary as the rash was starting to improve. I had planned to go visiting but just in case I had any germs and because it was just such a nice day we took a leisurely drive to U.B.C. Looked int the bookstore and in the rose garden. Had lunch on a patio of an English Pub. Great fun.

Salvation, meaning freeedom, is what is neede in all our lives.
. In my life. in my relationships. In my marriage.
In my religion and in my church. In my community and in my world.
Everyday has the freshness of being new.
I need  resist the urge to think negative thoughts and to I remember the good things.

"You believe what you say about yourself more than what anybody else"
Somebody said that I do not know who.
.
Our words have creative power and are our salvation!

The words we say to ourselves and the words we believe.

"Armand Gamache knew no good ever came from putting up walls.
What people mistake for safety was in fact captivity,
.amd few things thrive in captivity."
from "A Trick  of the Light" by Louise Penny.

"In the midst of a turbulent, often chaotic life (when one almost burns themselves with the gas flame burning away) we are called out to reach our innermost self, with courageous care to our fellow human beings (who are only trying to be helpful and not just run away with our hurt feelings.)

A good day but now I am saying "is it bedtime yet?  "Is it bedtime yet?  Is it?
To-morrow is the dentist in town.

HISTORICAL

THREE PICTURES IN ONE

 

 

Dad and I feel like we have some Bug or other,

 

At least I went to the doctor and dad has not gone.  I got some cream that is helping the terrible itching.  I am actually frrl  coming up not coming down. I finally see some healing of my open sores. 

 

Yesterday I went for my walk with my eyes closed most of the time.  I have recently been typing with my eyes closed too!  I am sure you have noticed the mess I am making of it.

 

Dad did go for a bike ride.

 

Cathy had a lovely ladies evening where we gathered to eat and make merry.  She shared a little about all she had been through as a single mom with serious issues of her own and how so many friends had helped her and most important she left God was with them through it all.

 

We all live in a time of momentous historical change that to me feels a lot like chaos.  It can be exciting or exhilarating.  Many writers in contemporary religion and spirituality are arguing that a new way of looking at our beliefs and are faith in the church and scripture needs to change.  This means that  it is also a time of endings.

             

                       The Future happens whether we are ready for it or not.

 

|It makes it easier if we realize that spiritually over the years many changes have taken place and so it is important to have an awareness, that includes a sense of purpose and creates new possibilities,knowing that things have to change.

 

"To awaken spiritually means that we develop a new awareness of God's energy in our world."

"Christianity after Religion"  -by Diana Butler Bass.

 

It is good to have the freedom to think for yourself, critically, and also examine yourself to find what may be hidden in the darkness of our doubts.  It takes courage as any philosopher will tell you.

 

Two things,  I know as a mother I always want to be able to be there for my children;

When I feel run down and exhausted I do get emotional and need just a little more loving.

I know this is when I can do or say stupid things this is when the woman in me is most visible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DREAMING

It was fantastic to just look around and see everyone. It was fun but parties are for the young who have so much energy and life. I would have liked to have more one on on time with each one. Parties for me are exhausting and although I dream about our getting together; and after it is all over it seems just like a dream, the joy lasts within my heart for ever.

Today I am sending loving thoughts to you all.  A perfectly imperfect family that knows how to laugh together and share their dreams. 

Dad did go for his walk and we went to the library to pick up s book we had ordered.  Supper was over at The Wise's home and Shawna made her famous lagany(please tell me how to spell it.)  I am tired and my mind is confused. Yes I think it is lasagna It was fun to be with them and we will miss everyone but time for life to get back to normal.

Today I am sending loving thoughts to every cell in my body wanting to be healed.

I would love to live in a dream world where there is no pain, no regrets, no unhappiness, no sickness; and yet I know that some emotional pain never leaves. This is why we have compassion for others because we know that their dreams have not come true. I am aware of the many dysfunctional things I do that are so annoying but they annoyed me even more. If I were to put into words my feelings it would be like a blazing fire within my heart has become just ashes. They need to be stirred and brought to life again. There is within us a heart that needs to be protected from hurt and dealt with the same tenderness as love and kindness.

INTIMATE

 

 

 

This is as intimate as I get with our neighbor's cat.

 

 

"There is a new for spiritual vitality....."

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

 

These words were written by a man in prison during the time of Hitler.  What is needed is a intimate relationship with Jesus who was a man of humility but also one who taught with authority. 

 

It is so easy to fall into a belief gap when we read or hear what others believe.  It has driven many away from faith in God by making a idol of the Bible or the Church or even the minister.  How can one describe the experience one can feel when you are aware of the presence of pure love.  I have discovered that it is more about living in an awareness of this intimacy in our daily lives than it is about believing.

 

Masses of people now reject what has become what is now acceptable for a Christian to believe.

Partly it is because they say they cannot believe in the God that this beleif is founded upon.  This has lead to disillisionment.

 

I know that right now I neeed some quiet time to heal and reflect and find a spiritual balance for myself.  All the excitment and intense expectation about the marriage celebration, although I have not been involved, somehow has drawn me into the quest for prefection.

 

Each marriage of our children and especially the more recent ones of our grandchildren have been emotional and exciting experiences. rich experiences reminding me of God's grace.

 

 

GOOD BYES

I have been doing a poor job but am feeling very tired; had another outbreak on my neck so maybe this is why or else the antibiotics make me tired. We had a family farewell breakfast on Monday. Sandra looked exhausted and Shawna a bit tired too.

 

 

 

 

EXHAUSTING FUN

There was a tremendous amount of thoughtfulness put into this very touching wedding.  Dad and I were so thrilled to be there.  The tent was decorated like a magical wonderland and was awesome.  Everyone look so beautiful and Stephen had special designer clothes and looked smashing.  So much work and energy and imagination made for a very impressive ceremony.

Rick arrived at our place Friday night and he and I discussed books. He was hurting with a pain in his side which I hope is now okay or he has gone to the doctor. I am reading Henri Nouven who wrote the Prodigal son and also the Wounded Healer and he says it is much easier to teach people what to do but is often hard to follow your own advice.  Which applies to us all.

Everyone was very busy doing last minute chores and Sandra looked a little stressed but beautiful. Dad and I are so proud of her. She will make a heavenly mother in-law which she has already done with Michael John and Mary. We were so pleased that Mary is looking so well after all she has been through.Mary is not up to her running best as of yet,   Michael John is bursting with energy as usual and busy with his course at college.




Theresa put up a special display which is a big picture frame and took funny pictures of us all.

She had already taken Ben and Morgan to their soccer game early in the morning.  An awesome mom who does so much with her children and is pursuing a career as a teacher's assistant.

This is Oliver who quickly posed for me before she had all her props set up. He came on his moter-bike and is a hard working young man with two jobs. He will be going back to Alberta to make some very good money there this week-end A funny story about Alberta. When dad and I left home we left the garage door side open with all those of valuables tools etc and the door to the house was open. We phoned our good friend Glen to see if he could pop over and close it and he said he would but he was in Alberta working. We managed to get hold of Rick and Chris while they were passing by so they did it for us.  We were all pleased that Chris joined in the celebration.

Shandel is very precious with amazing gifts of insight and the ability to do yoga as a real pro. Dad and I love her dearly as we do them all. I appreciate the fact she reads my blog.

Randy gave a very touching and humorous speech and did not even look nervous. It meant a lot to Shawna and Stephen as  he spoke from his heart all the words we all wanted to express.

Mikie was not able to attend as he drove miles to go to his good friends wedding where they use to live. We were able to have a visit with him as he drove all night to get home for Sunday. Another awesome young man who is very supportive of his wife and family and also his parents.

Rick enjoys the fireworks.

 

The fire works

 

Oliver with sister Theresa.

Stephen with his young sister

Cameron and Shandel with the older little one. The children adore both the boys. Cameron was looking very happy and smart. They make a unique pair, so different but so much in love.

 

The only picture I have of Mary who looked lovely in this lush lacy dress.

 

Rick and family

Shawna and her mom

The ceremony was full of wise words for Stephen and Shawna to take to heart; and their vows full of meaningful words.

ROMANCE

The busy, talented and very beautiful mother of the groom who put so much effort to planning this special day.

A very proud husband who adores his new daughter-in-law.

They came by air, and by land and by sea. Ron and Dona so pleased to be with us all.

Has it really been a year since they were married and still looking like love birds.

Lots of beautiful color, just took your breath away!

Man talk

We stood to watch the beautiful radiant happy bride on her dads arms.

We were pleases to see Craig make it after a very busy weekend.

a family group

Morgan and friends on the wale of a rock.

Ben enjoys a rest.  He was a good help clearing dishes and he looked after his grannie so very well getting me things.  on also got me a warm blanket as it started to get cold.

Dad is waiting for me as we have to change all the bandages.  Our friend from church Diane dropped by with glutin-free goodies which there were lots of at the dinner!

I feel very spoilt and loved!  !

The day has finally arrived and I hope and pray for a little sunshine. Yesterday was foggy and darn cold. It is very good that there is a large log cabin where the family with be cooking and eating and sleep. I am sure that Shawna is bursting with excitement and and ha[piness;  that she will be a beautiful and radiant bride. Stephen appears very calm but I am sure this day means a lot to them both. Rick is here and will be picking up Chris and we are pleased he will  be able to come.

Openness and honesty between two people who have a mutual respect for each other, and who are able to share their hopes and dreams, but also have a mutual respect for the other's uniqueness. I think it is very important to take time to be with other and to have fun together !What a beautiful way to now make a commitment of love together before your family and friends. Yours a very special Love Story that God has already begun in your lives.

We love you and wish for a happy healthy life ahead for you.

THE DAY BEFORE

PREPARATIONS

MICHAEL jOHN JOINS IN THE FUN!

 

 

Shawna and Shandel take time to give me a hug and then it is back to picking flowers for the tables.

HONESTY

                                               This is one of my neighbors

Yes we have a wonderful family and I am sure we will have a lot of fun just being together. I honestly feel a little left out but know they are doing well without my help.
I know I could never keep up with all the running around and planning the girls are doing.
 It is just one of those things you wish you could do but you know you cannot.

I also have a very slight temperature so I feel the cold and I also feel tired.

Some wounds are inflicted upon when harsh words are spoken there are no band aids for this accept forgiveness and prayer and honesty.  Psychology can be helpful but does it really heal? 

Some wounds are the dysfunstion that can be within our bodies.  We do not understand why all of a sudden things are not working properly and we feel sick.  I would imagine that there are several reasons that our bodies do not fight off this disease but allows it.  I believe that there can be healing energy that renews us from within but I also know that this does not always happen.

Yuk these ant-biotic pills make me feel sick.

I arrive at Sandra and Randy's thinking they would be lazying around in P.J's so I wore mine.

 They were all very busy packing the trucks with food and decorations clothes etc.  Mary and Michaek John had taken Peanuts to the vet with a bad toe nail.
  They flew in late the night before and Shandel and Cameron had driven done.