BRAVE

I am sure dad and I told our children "You just have to be brave"
That is easy to say but not so easy to do.

Yes, dad and I will put on a brave face when Ava and Jeff and little Uhri come for a visit in the morning.

Thankfully I am feeling a little better this morning but dad is not.  He usually perks up with visitors!

It is easy to reach a point of disbelief.
Why belief?
why pray?
Pain gets stronger and weakens our little faith.
In my grief and despair I cry out "Where is God?  Why dad? Why us?

Where is God?  He is with those in need.  We weeps seeing the sick children dying in hospital and he weeps over the youth lost in their worlds of loneliness and pain and drug addiction.  He weeps at the violence and death of the innocent.

He weeps for us all and yet he offers hope that is found always in love.

Create beauty where there is ugliness.  Comfort others who are in pain and you will be comforted.

Bring love into the empty hearts that are near by us all.

Be brave!

Enjoy celebrating New Year's Eve at Sandra and Randy's!
Face the New Year with a brave heart that God is giving to us!

COLDER

Yes it seems a lot colder with frost on the cars and tears in my eyes as I come in from a late evening walk with Haiti.  Kim is off to work tonight and the family went down to the Aquarium.  The children would have a great time,

Kim phone the pest control people for us as it has just becoming more annoying and more than we can handle.  They set traps behind the chesterfield, in the garage and down in the crawl space.  They return in a week.

Dad and I have not felt like doing much.  Hopefully his lip is improving but still noticeable and tender.

Me I have been very tired and slept for another four hours today but if that what my body needs it is okay for now'

 

 

Had a super visit with Oliver and John.  They set some traps but we now know these giant mice are not fans of peanut better.

Ava and Jeff are coming in the morning for a short visit.  I plan to go visiting and then to Sandra and Randy's for New Years,  It will depend on my energy.

So dad and I are not better yet but we keep praying and soon we will both be doing much better!

HAPPY
NEW
YEA
 to all1

MY WANERING CAMERA

I  gave Kim the camera to take Ron"s picture.

Phoned Sandra on Monday and again today,

Dad says his lip is too sore to venture out.

Too bad.

Exterminator coming to=morrow.

MESS

If I could find my new camera I was given for Christmas by my dear patient husband I would take a picture.  This one is cuter

I received many lovely presents in all sizes and I loved them all!     The best one is the time we spent with each other and it has gone so quickly.

I prayed for help yesterday feeling overwhelmed by all the mess that is all that is left.  The socks are being warn, the soap is being used, the chocolates are eaten, the picture is hung, the slippers and bathrobe well worn in now even Christmas cake and several books.  One I bought myself@

Thanks to all!

Help did come with Jonathon stopping by to check things over and leave us some special honey.  Later Carol and Panteli came with Chinese dinner.  Dad eats better when others are around as with me it just says he is not hungry.

We did not get to church but Rick gave me his theological views the morning he left.

Is there a God?  .What does he look like and how does he act?

"Socrates said the key to a fully rewarding and mature life, both for society and for the individual is to "follow the argument where ever it goes" unafraid of the consequences.  Well I have heard the same arguments over and over.

But for one who has been on a spiritual quests for years I must admit often the answers come blowing on the wind, better still  in the kindness of family or friend, or the beauty of nature or music that touches one soul or art that is inspirational.

I still have to deal with my problems and leasrn to ask for help and trust that there is a healing power that is within me and I will soon one day be WELL!

Hockey comes first then day helps to clean up.  What a pair.  The boxes have to be cut up and put out for the garbage man.  Wrapping paper also needs to be thrown away.  The Christmas decorations are fading from view.

God's love goes with me so I can share it with others!

BAGGAGE

Ron Ateah is driving through town and is meeting Kim at Sandra's house for a   short visit.

Dad and I  would have like to see him and give him a big comforting hug.

We are not invited and are both feeling poorly.  My infection has returned with a vengeance
Dad's lip is looking uglier  and it hurts to eat and drink and talk.

I think I will blame our immune system.

We were glad to be at home when Jonathon dropped by with a basket of organic honey ad coffee ad soap!  Woderful!

Back to a time long ago when Mary and Joesph left their home with just enough for an donkey to carry,  I think they would not have much baggage and had been warned to leave their place because it was unsafe.  Many of our refugees would know how this feels.  Little changes over time.

We frail human beings carry a lot of emotional baggage.  I myself am feeling exhausted and close to tears.  This baggage is harder to stop dragging it where ever we go.  It is also fear, shame, rejection quilt and unworthiness,  discouragement and depression and disappointment.  No walks.

I know how important right believing is, because right believing gives us the motive and enthusiasm to keep going knowing things will turn out for the best,    Prayer when I am able to pray with faith,
with allow my mind to be renewed and my body strengthened.

Do I believe God love's me.
Do I believe good can come out of trials and tribulations.
Do I believe in God's complete forgiveness.
Do I believe I need to be set free from self-absorption.
Do I believe I the healing power of prayer!  Yes!

Especially when we get rid of excess baggage!

ANCIEST SPIRIT

Sorry to miss the games night.  I think it was going to be wild and crazy. I know with Oliver and Kim and Jonathan it would be great hilarious fun!  !
Very good idea of Carol and Panteli.

A good idea also for today is for Sandra and Randy and Stephen to go to the movies.  Star Wars!  The little ones stay home to have a nap and I hope mommies do to.  I had a 4 hour nap boy I was tired. 

I asked Oliver and his friend Jonathon to come and give some advice to dad about the dishwasher which he does not need, so he says.  I know people like to help and only need to be asked.
Kim has gone off to work.  I walked Haiti in the morning.  Jonathon had a few treats to win over Haiti and turn his big ferocious bark into a whirling tail of joy!

The second reason I write is to put down on paper some of what is going on in my brain.  Mainly it is often in pictures

The presence of the here and now is given new life by the Ancient of Days.  He who is and was and will be!

We have celebrated the passionate story of fear, doubt, denial, rejection which proceeds the miracle of new birth!
 Life likes to suck us deep down in to the muddy darkness of a rabbit hole from which there seems there is no escape.
Wait, pause, a miracle happens when powerful words, familiar words take on new meaning and reach us deep into our souls.  The Holy Spirit so quick it cannot be seen by the human eye but is a colorful Spirit bring a ladder that can be seen and climbed.  Hope creates courage which produces faith beyond our wildest dreams.

We are set Free as we climb rung by rug believing the Unbelievable!

BUSY BUSY BUSY

Setting a beautiful table and cooking an amazing dinner where 24 of us sit down to feast is a great noble tasks.  Both Sandra and Randy are great enthusiastic hosts!



Some of the guests are Tasha and Trevor parents of justice
.
Here are Ben and Justice playing battleships.

There were a lot of people helping in the kitchen.

There were Shawna and Susan and Theresa and Kim and Leah and Craig.

People had also brought glutin free stuffing and pies!
 Tasha is amazing as she had to leave early to drive her bus.

Ben and Dad were making sure everything was done just right.

 

I continued taking pictures but my memory card ran out.

 

I am very proud of all our family, the way they pitch in to help and also what good mothers all the grandchildren are.  That includes Theresa as well as Mary and Shawna.  You fathers are pretty great too!  Kenny and Melina too.  Being a parent is a darn hard job.

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL.

 

I had a busy day too cleaning up after critters who now like eating chesterfields.  Rick set traps but I keep setting them off.  All will be well in a few days I am sure!

 

Now for my new slippers and snuggly new house coat.  I have had the old one for years!

SPIRITUAL RTEFLECTIONS

Lincoln is very shy when he arrives.  Mary comes in later with Simone and Sebastian.

Our family has had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas Eve. and Christmas Day.  

Lots of food and fun and presents. 

There was the secret Santa game,  where we had a number to picked a present from a great variety of large and small gifts, and at the end you could exchange the one you had chosen for what you really wanted.  The exchange was grabbing the present you wanted but then some one could grab it from you. We are a noisy family at the best of times but playing games we all get loud!

Christmas Eve found us all too tired to attend church.  I feel it is no use going unless we are all in the mood and happy to go.

Being a family together is the most important part of our celebrations. 
The message is one about the importance of relationships.

"You will find a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manager,"  Luke 2:12

A promise of Holiness become humble and gentle waiting to be found.
The weeks of advent that proceed the birth begin in darkness while one by one candles are lit and we prepare for the glory of the Lord to be revealed once again.

If you desire to see this miracle prepare your heart with a simple prayer.

"But when you pray, above all else ask for wings'

Wings to carry you for from earthly bonds into a heavenly space where your very soul is filled with warmth and energy flows through your inner being.  God is within us.

Christmas Eve dinner was prepare by Kim.  Delicious!  And we enjoyed the small children running here and there around our feet.  The children would then go home to have a visit from Santa himself!

Ultimately faith is will!

 

CRISTMAS EVE

What a tremendous job by Kim!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My friend Jane started her day yesterday going to the store and forgetting her purse.  Fortunately some one found it by the garbage.  So back she went to discover oil leaking very badly from her car.  It had to be towed to the garage.  Fortunately a grandson will take them to their daughter's home.

My Christmas mouse is back making a real mess eating the chesterfield and I am not happy.  Will have to wait for Monday to call for help.  Try the traps again.  I have washed and cleaned the kitchen all over again.  Does one have to get used to living with spiders, mice and racoons?  I hope not!

Dad and I did a bit of wrapping presents but managed to get sticky tape all over our fingers.  We stick ourselves to the parcels.

Nice to get a parcel from Ranu.  Thank you!  I love getting books.

My pictures will not go on and my writer will not transfer so I have wasted too my energy with this.

I believe that at any time of the year it is a challenge to let God be who He wants to be

The family are coming for an early supper.  I hope Kim gets here soon.

We may go to church if they all want to go.

I am going to nap and hopefully drop over to see neighbor Mary!

DAY BY DAY

Our handsome host Geof!

Yes sad news to hear about Ron's dad passing but it was expected but not so soon.  Ron and Donna were planning to visit in January.  Dad will phone him to-morrow.


A busy day with our drive out to Langley to see Jane and Geog.  They really appreciated our visit.  They really like their small apartment now and it suits them very well.

We stayed longer than we planned but the time just flew by which it seems to do more and more now.

We drove in the rain and darkness to Tsawwassen just in time to see  the skaters undoing their skates.  They had fun even though there was a fall or two.

The pictures I took have gone in hiding so I will try again to-morrow.  We spend a good evening visiting with the family after a delicious supper.  Nice to see all the children pitch in. 

Kim is busy preparing for Christmas Eve. Dinner at our house.  It will be a full house with Mary arriving with Simone and Sebastian.  It will be fun to see how Lincoln and they inter act.

 

 

Dear God,

Be with us as we remember the gift of love we are celebrating.

Bless all our families as we enjoy just being together.

Thank you for all the stories  that are retold again and again.

The story of the birth of a son to a young ordinary unwed mother

and a kind hearted father remind us again of the mysterious way You work in each of our lives.

 

Thank you for the gift of live and the gift of courage to face the unknown with Your presence  with us.  Thank you God for the gift to be adaptable!

 

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!

 

 

THE SPIRIT

We have a deer instead of a Christmas tree as our plastic one refuses to stand up.

The Skaters will be arriving one by one today.

Oliver coming from snowy Ukulele, Rick driving the snowy mountain road from Kamloops.
Theresa will also be there with Ben and Morgan.
Then off they will go to the skating rink to glide smoothly over the ice.  There will be a few falls I am sure as no one has been skating for years.  What a joy it would have been if dad could have joined in.  He has given his skates away because his feet are so numb and painful.

Dad and are will be driving out to Langley to join Jane and Geof for some turkey soup.  Jane loves to have company that this year helps to forget some of the sadness of the year past.  Dad and I will be happy to enjoy her soup and friendship.

The musicians will be tuning up after the skating.  Oliver and Rick with their guitars.  Kim will join in the songs and merriment after her work at the restaurant about 10. 

They are all sleeping over but I wonder how much sleep they will be getting.

Sandra and Randy are already enjoying Lincoln as he drives his cars and trucks around their feet.

They are looking forward to Mary and Simone arriving on the 24th and then they all come here to enjoy Kim's salmon  dinner.  It would be great to go to church but does not seem possible. 

Santa Clause will be making his first stop at the home of the Wise's
This is one of Randy's great gifts becoming Santa.  He is jolly and kind.

The Spirit of Christmas will surround us all.

Our thoughts also go flying over to Melbourne to join Melena and Ken, Matthew and Jasmine.  We remember the year his family was able to be with us for Christmas.  That was a very good year!

I hope we all have fun just being together and also remembering happy times in the past!

To-morrow I will just add a spiritual prayer to the lively spirit of joy and happiness!

BABY JESUS

I took out the manager scene and when I had it all in place baby Jesus was missing.  Morgan noticed right away he was missing.  I know too often he is missed out of our celebrations.  I have found him in the simple acts of kindness that flow from generous hearts.  When I am shopping and carrying a basket that starts to get heavy people offer to carry it for me.  Dad was given a place in the front of a long line in the dollar store.

I found the special on T.V. too intellectual and preachy.

The pope's message was one of speaking of Christian virtues to be practiced in the holiday and coming year. like honesty, humility and sobriety.

I would add authenticity, charity, compassion, courage, gratitude, inspiration and patience.  Curiosity and imagination.

People in many places like Bruni are not allowed to celebrate by putting up tress, singing religious songs or light candles.  For many non Christians Christmas is about the holiday decorations and over-eating and drinking.  We all can get carried away with the trappings of Christmas and forget we are celebrating a birth that is life-changing!  At least for me.


            A baby touches all our hearts and there is a warm feeling of love that flows within us.

They know we are Christians by our LOVE not by our religiosity.

All went well at the hospital for me.  Everyone was so kind and friendly.  Dad and I were very happy to be home where it was warm and dry.  When we arrived home it was evident Kim was already setting things up for the 24th.  he is very organized.  Now she is off to work.

FUN! !

A fun day for me not so much for

 dad.

I had fun going to the park with Morgan and Kim and Haiti.
Believe it or not there was a lady there taking a picture of our little tree and then she wanted a picture of us.  So far everything is staying the branches  on which surprises me with the wind we have been having.  And now lots of rain.

Morgan had a fun visit with her gramma Carol going to the art gallery and then skating on the ice rink in the downtown.

Dad was up to cook breakfast for us which was very thoughtful except the French toast stuck to the pan.  Time to change to eggs!

Kim and Morgan left for Chilliwack and dad went to do a little shopping.  He got a few extra things as we are not sure who will be here.  Very useful and warm mittens etc.

I walked over to see Gundy.  She was in a good mood and talked about her childhood memories.  We even had a few laughs.

I left a note for dad but he thought he would drive over to the Safeway where I was going afterward my visiting but I had a long visit and dad could not find me at the Store. I was not concerned as I expected him to see the note and have a rest after his expedition. He was tired and annoyed when he found me.  I felt bad and said I was sorry.

Tuesday I am in White Rock at the hospital for my Cystoscopy at 1:15.  Should be quick and I will be glad when it is over.

The decisions have been made about the 24 and we are happy every one will come over to our place.

Welcome Shawna and Stephen and Lincoln!   Having fun now you are here!
What are you doing?

Yes I too remember the fun of Christmas's in my past.  It is good when you remember the goof times and have let the bad memories fly away into the darken.. Living in the light of the love of Jesus is more fun!

EVIDENCE

Very wet at the park right now evidence of all the rain we have had.  I hope the few decorations I put on the little Christmas tree will cheer some one up.  I went over today to check on it because of the high wind we had last night.

While I was there Glen drove by and saw me.  We had a talk and he decided to visit dad and watch the hockey game with him.  I continued on to the store to pick up a few things.

I always look forward to the Christmas pageant the children put on at our church.  I like our church because of the healing presence of love  I feel being there with many old friends.  I am happy to see more little ones coming too!

Today of course there was a great amount of noisy excitement.  This is a picture of one of the small ones practicing her part!

I did miss the reading of scripture although the story was the same with both Mary and Joseph hearing from an angel.  A star show brightly and little angels sang with joy at the birth of the baby.    Love is what makes the angels sing and we are reminded it began with this holy child.  This year we had a real baby!

If one reads the scripture searching for love and evidence of the Holy Spirit one will find evidence of it all through the old and new Testament.  The love that is foretold in the old comes alive in the new!

"Faith is awakened by the message."

After church we had a visit from Randy having pain in his ribs again and our A student Sandra.  They are busy getting ready for the family visits.  I think Carol picked up Morgan and Kim is taking her back on Monday.  I am not sure many plans seem to be changing.

BEAUTIFUL

Christmas is a beautiful time of the year.  We must make sure we find time to enjoy the beauty.
Sparking lights try to outshine the stars.  The heavens will always be a place where we marvel and the different colors and shapes that travel across above us. 

Hopefully space will be a place of peace.

Our homes take on warm colors of red and gold and green.  Brilliant colors that have faded and fallen from our trees. 

It is a stressful and busy time and although I do not have a lot to do, but  it is enough.  I should go grocery shopping but will wait for Monday.

Carol is also busy planning a skating party for Dec. 23 and a games night for the 26.  So there will be a lot of fun family time going on all around and with us.

Today we are dropping off things for the refugees and visiting Jim.  The refugees have lots of clothes etc. so  we brought them home again.  The visit with Jim was worthwhile but exhausting.  He cannot walk now and is in a very old place that is getting run down.  Most of the people are senile.

Home again now and Kim has made us a great supper!

We are blessed.

LAUGHTER

One of the most delightful gifts we have been given along with the ability to cry and to get angry etc.

I awoke with the intention to do a good cleaning in case anyone should drop by.  Yes, so it is like closing the barn door after the horse has escaped.

First there was the walk with Haiti.  Cold but sunny and all the snow has melted.

Home to a omelet cooked by dad, very delicious, and he cleans up too.

Time to start vacuuming and I peter out quickly.  I blame these darn meds.  But then I think when I stop I will feel like a new person!

Laughter is an import thing in my life.  Dad has always been humorous and a good story teller.  Then along came four noisy, active, mischievous but adorable (some of the time).  The good thing was the times we laughed and told jokes together.  Ken always thought his jokes were the funniest.

So I have stopped to write this.

Later I think it will be good fun to hang some Christmas decorations on a small tree at the park.

REALITIES

This world can be an unsafe place especially if you are a mouse.  I was finding evidence of the mouse in more and more places.  We had put out nice safe traps but the mouse was not impressed,
I insisted we get some new traps.  DAD was not happy but neither was I.

Anyway we baited the traps, shut the lights off and went off to be.  We heard noises downstairs during the night but ignored the,  In the morning the traps were gone and no sign of a mouse.

It was hiding behind the door crippled so dad let it go into the garage.

The next step is the exterminators.

After a walk with Haiti in light snow fall dad and I drove to Ladner to visit this cute beautifully lit store.  We bought a few presents.  We need a present for the game.

Sandra phoned for Carol's address and Ken phones for Sandra's.  The reality is I am not as good as I used to be but I do have the addresses now.

Hard to believe it is so hot in Melbourne.  Good the children are on vacation and Kenny and Matthew could go see Star Wars together.  I hope Melina is not working too hard even though it is part time the hours are long.

"This above all to thine own self to be true.."  Shakespeare

LOVE

All year we are all living in an atmosphere of love that hopefully
helps us over come the negative.

At Christmas time it seems that love is shared so much more openly and frequently. 

I have received so much love all year long and am feeling very blessed.

Cathy dropped over last night just after 6 and I was in my pyjamas already. I love soft warm pyjamas on cool evenings. So good to have a visit from such a loving friend.  Lots of laughs!

This morning our old neighbor Cathy dropped by and it was a delight to have a visit with her too!

It was awfully icy this morning so I was glad I did not have to go for a walk.  Haiti had several walks with Carol and Panteli, one long one along the road by the sea.  She would be very happy.

I was thinking how our idea of love changes over the years.  How exciting it was when you first fell in love!  What a special time of life.  Now it is the little kind thoughts and deeds that make me feel loved and special.

Christmas is a time when love comes softly in the light of a manger and the cry of a wee babe.

God's love is unconditional, unfailing, unbeatable and unending.

A gift of forgiving race and deep compassion for all!

A gift for today and for ever and ever.

 
Jesus the greatest gift of love!

UNIQUENESS

What would my life look like if I felt inspired and passionate about what I do each day?

How could my goals and dreams have a positive effect on others.

"Choosing to discover and cultivate my passions is one of the greatest gifts I can give myself."
-Michael J. Chase

Today I was very thankful when Carol dropped by to help me walk Haiti.  Kim is away for a few days for a break from school and work.
I found that if I take my meds. I feel so nauseated it is hard to walk Haiti although it is something I enjoy doing.  I have decided not to take my pill until closer to noon.  That will mean taking one later in the evening and hopefully I will be off to bed so it will not matter.

After our walk dad and Carol went to the thrift store to look for skates.  She was very pleased to find some.  Dad picked up a better wheel-chair so is preparing for the future.

Later dad and I went to the library and then into Sharkie's for a light lunch.  So another good day for us both.  When Carol left she took Haiti home with her for a few days.  Dad and I miss her already as there was no excited tail waging greeting for us when we returned home.

I find that connecting with nature and walking is a great benefit for me.

I find that my interest in spiritual truth keeps me from feeling bored on days when I am not as active as I would like to be. 
Feeding my mind with spiritual and inspiration books is a habit I have already formed.

I want to create a sense of wellness by thinking kind thoughts about myself and about others.

I am fortunate to have the positive energy of my loving family!

"Self-trust is the first secret od success" -Ralph W. Emerson

"In this life we cannot do great things.  We can only do small things with great love." M. Theresa

The Dalai Lama once said, "My religion is very simple.  My religion is kindness."

I am enjoying the Christmas music and the Christmas lights with a new appreciation now.

ORDINARY

Yes it can be a sad time for many.  It can trigger many emotions.

It can be an effort to be cheerful.

I had a very ordinary day.  I cannot change the past but I can attempt to be a kinder person now
I am trying to be honest.

Can an ordinary life be an inspiration?

I  was reading the story of the "Other Wise Man" and I was struck again by this story about the unbelieving wise man who had refused to go with the others to find the King knowing the sign that was in the heavens was meant to guide them.

He was in a hurry to find them when he came across a dying man who he realized maybe he could stay and help.  He arrived tow late for his friends had departed and also the child he was searching for.  He would continue to find the conflict of faith with the impulse of love.

In the end he found peace even thinking he had failed.  He had given away the precious jewels that were meant for the new king.

"A religion without hope would be like would be like an alter without a living fire."

In the end he was told that all he had done for others was the greatest gift of all.

DRAMA

Life can be awfully difficult some times and we all want everyone to be happy.  Those little kittens sure found a home in your hearts.  Just a pair of softies you are!

Hopefully the family problems will work out but may take time.

I must admit I was feeling pretty down about missing church and also a concert at Pat's church we had been invited to.    I have missed several events which for me give the season life and energy.

"Every act of kindness that others This is what I read so I went down to visit Gundy.  I expected her to have benefited from being in the hospital but she found she was behind lock-doors in the area she was in.  Not good.  When she found that out she desperately wanted out and went to bed with her own clothes still on and refused to put on a hospital gown.

She now has home help coming every day which she does not think she needs.  I hope I cheered her up a little by telling her I had it when I came home from hospital.  It was a frustrating visit that I was not prepared for.

Dad and I went to Chapters just to get out for awhile.  Coming out there was a brilliant sunset that was truly amazing.

When ever I see the story of the birth of Jesus I am reminded that his birth and life and death are a spiritual drama.  I like to be drawn into this life as it some how gives my life meaning and purpose.

I think it is more than a fairy tale but a powerful message of redemption and forgiveness and revelation.  I was thinking how one can read scripture and make it be what you want a God to be.

We all try to do our best in life but it can still be awful! 

A good day is like a miracle of God's grace and amazing love! 

The Nativity reminds us that life can be good and bad, happy and sad.

GOODNESS

Seeing the goodness in others and also in myself.

Forget looking for faults.

Thankful that I am on the road back to health even if it means these nasty little pills that actually make me feel sicker.

I woke up in the dark listening to the heavy rain and gusting wind and thankful I could snuggle down in my warm bed for a while longer.

Grateful that we still have power and the heat will come on as I turn up the thermostat.

Laughing at Haiti as she prances around to let see me and she is ready to go for a walk.  We come home soaking wet but dad meets us at the door with a dry towel for Haiti as  rush to the bathroom!

I enjoy watching the happiness of others.  The wonder and excitement on young faces.  Watching Kim preparing chowder for our supper even though she will not be here.  She puts a lot of energy into making it just right.  How good to share it with Carol who drove through a dark and windy night to be with us.

Every act of kindness that others do for me is a joy to receive.

Too sick to my stomach to be at church. 

I think that it is important to live out your beliefs and in doing so there is healing for the heart and soul!

KINDNESS

Thanks Randy for lighting up your house so that we could find it.  You and Sandra sure have the Christmas spirit.  Dad took these pictures as my camera battery was dead.

You both are also very kind hearted folks that have given to us much happiness.  We look forward to having Christmas dinner at your place.

Have fun at your Christmas party.  Sandra will dance the night away that we know for sure.

Kim and Theresa are going to a Christmas party in Chilliwack and it will good for them to have fun in the midst of their studying.

Gunty has come home from hospital and I will go and see her to-morrow. 

I am experiencing some side effects, nausea and aching all over from the meds.  I know I just have to bear with it for 10 days.  I am not sure about going to church it will depend on what to-morrow brings.

Kim has made us a soup for supper so we have asked Carol and Panteli over to keep us company.

I find that people seem extra kind at Christmas time as we remember the message that God is With us!  A time to remember with love those who are hurting or ill with kind and gentle thoughts.

IN THE MOMENT

I think I am living too much in the moment.

I end up with things I should have done yesterday piling on top of what I have to do today.  Whatever it all turns out for the best.
I was actually ready for the gang when they arrived right on time.

Everything went well until it was time to decide what kind of tea we should have.  A couple very adventurous ones wanted Egyptian Licorice (which I did not even realize we had) instead of the Red Rose brand.  I left the kitchen to let them decide and yes I know we could have just made it a cup not a pot full.

No one seemed to want to leave so I think we all  had a fun time.

Dad and I were a little anxious to be on our way to Sandra's house.  The kittens certainly were center stage as they are so cute and curious.  Justice had a great time playing with them.  It was good to have a short visit with Justice and Tasha as we do not get to see them often.  This Christmas they will be coming to join the family at Sandra and Randy's house.

We enjoyed a home cooked meal at Sandra's.  We left before Randy arrived home from work fighting traffic all the way.

"The secret of making something work in your life is:
First of all the deep desire to make it work
then the faith and belief that it can work
then to hold that clear definite vision in your consciousness
and see it working out step by step
without one thought of doubt or disbelief."  -  E. Caddy

I was very tired by the time we arrived home but very content that every moment had been worth the effort.

UNEXPECTED

It is great when unexpected things happen and make our lives more enjoyable.

We had two unexpected phone calls.  One from Sandra to invite us over Friday to have a visit with her and Tasha and Justice.

Thursday Carol phone to say she was dropping by.  We all realized we were getting hungry so Carol droves us over to Apple wood Tea Shop.

A cozy little place where there are just a few tables and the young girls are so very pleasant
A good place to go with daughters or grand- daughters.

To-morrow will be a busy day again.  Today it was doing my visiting at the Senior's place.

The "gang" of two couples will be coming over for afternoon tea.  It is often nicer to have a small group where we can hear each other and have conversations that are meaningful!

The unexpected happened for Michael Chase when he stopped traffic on the freeway to help a slow moving turtle across.  "Helping this turtle felt so darn good" and proved to be life changing for him. 
Later he wrote in his journal that kindness creates happiness.  He then wrote a book about kindness.

How unexpected that the long awaited Savior would be a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.  How strange for the swaddling clothes and the manger to be a sign of segregation, poverty, oppression and need.

The unexpected of the unconditional love of a heavenly father revealed is mysterious ways beyond our human understanding!

SUNSET

This is the choir that Morgan sang in.  She really puts her heart into her singing it is a joy to watch.  She was the only little red head so pretty easy to spot.  We were so proud of her!
The play was about the Partridge in a pear tree that needed help to come down.  The grades 1 to 3 acted in the play while the older ones were the choir.
The little ones are so adorable and this year like every year we think it is the best play ever.
Ben is at another school and he was taking part in a jazz band and plays the trombone.  Dad and I would have loved to be at his performance too but it was just two much all in one day.
It turned out to be a bright and sunny day although the wind was strong and wanted to push our car off the road.


Ben  and Morgan enjoyed pizza's with us at a trendy coffee shop.  They are getting so grown up!

We  probably passed Carol and Paneli coming as we were driving into the setting sun.  The drive home seemed long to me but what a surprise to come home to the house all clean and tidy by Kim.

All in all a fantastic day full of laughter and happy chatter! 

What a sunset!