CONTEMPLATION

The sun and I seem to be getting up at the same time. I contemplate what I am going to do for the day ahead.

"Silence is the great teacher and to learn it's lessons you must pay attention to it. there is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge and stability that comes from knowing how to contact your inner core of silence."
-  -Deepak Chopra

Knowing that all will be well and this day will enfold as others have, starting with a plan then things just happening.

Kim went to Chilliwack on Thursday so I will begin the day after coffee and toast with a walk with Haiti.   The park too, is quiet which is fine by me.  We continue on and I meet one of my old friends

and Haiti sits as we talk for a while.  We have similar stories as she tells me about  her  daughters also adopting two orphan dogs and cats
.

We walk down as far as the creek then head back to home.  I enjoy the peace and quiet of our walk that enables me to be present in the moment.  I breath deeply, in and out, focusing on the happiness that I feel more and more.  It is the joy of being loved and accepted.

Dad and I make a quick trip to the library where I come home with a bag full of books.  We stop by the store to get groceries
the necessities like bread and milk and eggs and cookies for dad.
Kim returns home and goes over to the fruit and vegetable stand near our place.

The day just flies by as first Carol comes for a visit and then is joined by Panteli.  She and Sandra are going shopping for her birthday and they will both enjoy that.  Dad and I will join them for a birthday supper later.

When they leave, our neighbor Linda comes over to tell us her dad has passed away when on holiday in Mexico..  Sad news but not unexpected as he is 95.  Dad and I both enjoyed his friendship and will remember the happy moments we shared.  It was good that Linda could come and share this news with us and I hope it gave her some comfort. 

Dad had also been a good listener to our friend Bob when they had lunch together.

Sharing my day walking in the park with Haiti green grass and blue skies,
and sharing it with visits from family and friends was a blessing.


Love connects us with each other.

Happy Birthday Carol!

APPRECIATION

I am thankful I decided to go to the Appreciation Party at the seniors home because after coming home from visiting I did not really feel like going.   I was glad dad drove me..

Anyway they had a lovely bouquet of flowers for me and another lady because of the many years we have been visiting there.  Nine for her and twenty-five for me.
   
In the morning Dad and I went to Cloverdale to get my passport done but they insisted I have my marriage certificate to prove I am really who I say I am. 

It is good to be appreciated and thanked but I would do it anyway because the people I visit are very grateful.

I am grateful that my health is good and that I can still carry on doing this.  I know it is extremely important that I keep walking or my legs will get worse.  My legs feel heavy and unsteady but better after exercise.

Dad had a bike ride while I was at the home so he was pretty tired too. He also needs to keep active.

 Today he is going out with Bob for lunch.  Bob is a friend from church. whose wife is very ill.

NOW AND THEN

It is hard to find value in reading scripture that is written way back then when traditions and customs were so different.  As we read we find the key is that transformation needs to be at the heart of Christianity!

Yes there are important truths that do apply to our live
 here and now.

A good leader is important.

We are living examples of our faith.

It is important to see what we worship and value in our lives.

Learning together with the desire to learn from scripture and from each other makes it worthwhile.

We are all very human and the same problems arise here and now.  To grow in our faith requires honest soul searching as we digest the words of Paul and realize that it is only by the grace of God we will find redemption and freedom.

Paul is writing to the Corinthians who had a reputation in that ancient world as an unruly, hard drinking. sexually promiscuous group of people.  Many of them became believers when they heard Paul's message but they did not immediately change and have impeccable manners and suitable morals.

Paul spent a year and a half there but when he leaves they fall back into their own ways.  His letters are a form of tough love that is firm but affectionate.

We discuss our own experiences growing up within the church and how things are changing in the way the message is being presented today.  It is very important for our church to be united as we go through a difficult time without our minister.

We had a good turn out at our group which is encouraging.  The girl that led our discussions,  did it for the first time, and it is so rewarding to see how people are growing and becoming more confident and be willing to lead.  She did a great job!

We are a vibrant group alive and faithful to each other and to God.

"A woman is careful with judgment, is courteous, has courage and is much given to kindness, support, and respect for other women."

Being  a woman is hard work

Being an old female may mean we were fortunate not to be hit by a run-a-way truck!"
--Maya Angelou

CALM

This is the walk around the park.  It can be a two mile walk if I walk around and walk there and back.

I am thankful for the calm weather we have been having this spring.  My garden needs a bit of rain so that is okay too.

I like to start the day calmly just being thankful for the ways my life has been blessed.  I also like.  This may mean, for me, to push aside things I did not get done or mistakes I made talking to others.

 I have just read that neurotheologians (researchers who study the brain science behind religious and spiritual experience) have none focused on prayer in their lab.  Not only is prayer proving to be incredibly healthy, right up there with eating right and getting exercise, it is rewiring our brains. There has even been a book called "How God Changes Your Brain" by Andrew Newberg.  Wow I have never even heard of it.  He has tested Franciscan nuns and Buddhists monks as well as Christians.  Prayer revs up certain parts of the brain.  Losing oneself in deep prayer for others also strengthens feelings of compassion.

Often I like to walk alone because I use the time to pray and think of others.  I know that worrying about someone does no good but if I can just release them into the goodness of God I can rest knowing that things can change but it may take years.

Thus prayer helps me manage anxiety and can even boast my immune system and help me to be open to new ideas.  A new thought can pop into my head and give me hope instead of feeling hopeless.  I am so happy to find that it is good for your brain.

 

Dad and I had a good visit with Jane and Geof and heard all about the accident. ink of something good coming out of this but at least none of them were hurt and they were able to finish their drive in a taxi.  The message is about what is really important in life.  We have each other!

 

Today I meet with the gals at our Bible study and I look forward to a fun time. Do not think that we all agree but we learn from the differences people express.

WHIRL WIND

Grandpa’s birthday has been a whirl wind of activity and continues with more cards today!  It is wonderful to know our lives have touched so many and that we are so deeply loved and appreciated.

I feel that for me this whirl wind is continuing.  After Carol's birthday March is going to be a very busy month. There is an anniversary party the first day of March.  Then. there is the World Day of Prayer on March 5th .  Later in the month  a big U.C.W. rally at our church where I  give a devotional with Noreen I believe it is on St. Patrick's day.  We are a small group hosting a big group  and none of us our spring chickens!

Dad has his check up on March 3 to see if he can continue driving and he is a little nervous .

After my M.R.I. on March 20 which I hope will give me some answers;  like am I just get old or am I likely to have any more T.I.A.'s .  I am trying to keep my body healthy and fit but want to know how my brain is doing.  (I must get back to reading "How To Heal Your Brain. I keep walking as exercise is very important.

Then we are off to Ucluelete to stay at the Grand Hotel (it will be grand for us that is for sure) for three wonderful days!  Thanks to all our children!

Then back for eye appointments etc.

Dad was surprised when we were invited to attend two new Bible studies that I said I was not interested.  I enjoy my ladies group where we learn as we laugh and joke.  I do not want to enter into any deep discussions where usually I think differently than everyone else.

I know not only that my family loves me and also that I am God's beloved and accepted child.

I know I need to take time to be still and also to pray and read inspiring words.  I know it is important to give to the poor sharing what I have, and meanwhile being grateful for all I have.  Forgiveness  an is on going process as well as humility and honesty.  Some days I do okay but other days I blow it.

Today we are having lunch with Jane and Geof.  They have a new car as there our one was totaled.
The fire engine and ambulances and police all arrived.  We have wonderful new roads but very poorly marked and as it gets dark and in the rain is very dangerous.  Thankfully no one was badly hurt but extremely shaken up.

INCOMPLETE

Yes 80 is a lot of candles.
I think there were 80 balloons too.

Dad said  a few words and then the balloons come falling down on him from the upstairs balcony.  All the rest of them.

Ava said it well in her card;
"All these years you have been someone I’ve respected, enjoyed, and even been a little bit intimidated  by (not any more) and loved very much.
You're one of my favorite people to talk to-and you definitely have the best stories.
Thanks for being in our lives  and loving us back."
 
 Many kind words were expressed in cards and phone calls etc.
   
Yes, it does not seem complete when some people are missing.

Dad and I rested and enjoyed hockey and curling.
    

I walked over to Boundary  Park and had a walk around.
Dad drove over and joined me.  Lots of people and dogs walking.

It would appear that there have been many scholars searching for the historical Jesus and more new books appearing every week.  Will we ever have the complete picture? .

THE PARTY!

A beautiful warm sunny day

A surprised grandpa with balloons and fancy cakes.
Even balloons at the front door.  Darn it I wish I had taken a picture.


Kim busy in the kitchen fineshing putting together what she had prepare yesterday.

Panteli comes down to see what the noise is all about.  Maybe he was hiding balloons up there!
The house looks amazing and we all had a grand tour.

Tasha, James, Chris, Glen, Cathy and daughter Tavia and Ava.   
    
I am a lady of leisure just there to enjoy.

                                                          Dad  talks with Ava

Rick beside daughter Leah the pony tale, Theresa and Mikie and Carol

Justice had broken a bone in his hand playing football.

The other children go swimming as we sit out in the room next door.

What a wonderful party thanks to all our family that came to celebrate with us.  Excellent food from appetizers to lasagna and cake.  Thank you all for all you did.


Dad and I have just arrived home and after watching heartbeat we are very tired and very happy.
Dad was thrilled to be surround by a happy, noisy, loving group that we love so very much.


A  PERFECT DAY!  dad and I were given a trip to Ukulele by our four dear children and we will visit Oliver.

The flu Bug caught a few people.
Ron and Donna
Susan
Desirae and family

STORMY WEATHER

Stormy weather everywhere but here.  Looks like another spring like day here for the gathering of the family and friends to celebrate dad’s 80th birthday.  Down east there has been a historic big chill with tons of snow and ice.  Australia was hit by two cyclones but not near Ken I believe.

Sandra came over and we had lunch together.  She is going to make dad's favorite cake which is just about any one.  Carol and Panteli were putting furniture together and getting ready for us all.

When I got home Kim was in the kitchen cutting and chopping things to take to-day.  I went up to get the bedroom ready for Rick.

It will be an early start for everyone to-morrow.

Signs of spring are everywhere.  The children playing hockey on the road, allergies  that cause itchy eyes, squirrels chasing each other up the tree along with all the new growth.

I am excited to see family we have not seen for awhile.  Even at Christmas we were not all together.

Yes I will take my camera.

The book I am reading is The Evolution of Faith by Philip Gulley.

"But our first step (towards a new Christianity) is long overdue-our simple admission that the church holds no monopoly on truth.  Almost every culture, race, and generation speak of some mystical encounter with the Divine Presence.  Let us apply ourselves to creating heaven on earth for those who suffer."

SURPRISED

These flowers always seem to surprise me when they seem to bloom all of a sudden. 

As I leave for the Seniors home dad is looking woefully out the window at the light rain falling.  It is cold and does not look too inviting for a ride on his bike.  He decides to wait and go later.

I arrive at the home to find all the Korean people streaming to the dining room dressed with party hats to celebrate the Chinese New Year.  After a short visit with Jim I go and ask Joyce if she would like to come and see what is going on.  She is always glad to get out of her room and she walks very well too.

We both sit down at the back when the music starts playing boom,  boom  like for a stripper I would imagine.  Out from behind a belly dancer appears and starts dancing with great enthusiasm.  She had veils used them to fly all around her.  I think Joyce and I were a little shocked but the elderly Koreans seem to respond by clapping and laughing.  Some even got up and danced.

 

We stayed for awhile and then decided we would just as soon visit than watch especially as it was very noisy. 

Last week we were laughing about the baby shower this week it was about the belly dancer!. 

``One must nurture the joy in one`s life so that it reaches full bloom.`` -Maya Angelou
  

POLITICAL

Both dad and I are doing better with our exercise.  He does a long ride on his bike and I am making it to Coyote Creek most days which is a bit further than I have been going.  It helps when the weather makes it pleasurable.

After our exercise we had a bite to eat and did some reading.  I am reading Carol Higgins Clark who writes mysteries but I do not often read them.  Dad is reading about the dam that was blown up in Germany in the second world war.  Pilots lost their lives as well as a lot of people.  Then he tried to goggle it but could not get close.

Soon it was time to get ready, dad by having a shave and me by putting on make-up and combing my hair and we were off to the Green Lettuce to meet Panteli and Carol.  Jeff the waiter there knows our family and wished dad happy birthday and all of us a Happy Chinese New Year.  We really enjoy the food and talking together.

Dad had a card from Mary and Michael John a lovely phone call from Shawna and Stephen as well as birthday greetings from Shandel and Cam and  others on the computer.  He  enjoyed all the words from you all.  Phone calls from Rick and Sandra too. Greetings from Ken also. Lots of birthday greetings!  Also from our friend Vera and friend Larry Olsen.  Even a secret parcel left at the door.  Yes we found a hidden card from Diane and Rob.

I think that the church became more politically active with the marching of Martin Luther King.  He had a vision of diversity and justice as biblical ideals, as part of our spiritual journey of freedom for all.  Acts of speaking out for justice can be hard and yet in this world there are so many places where there is injustice.  It is about speaking out against worldly wrongs.  It is addressing the greed and prejudice that dwells in the human heart that causes a spirit that demands power and control.

 

"God does have something to say about the way we treat the world, our neighbors, those who are different than us, our environment and our ruling authority."-Rob Terry, Cornerstone Methodist Church.

 

The first church shared everything, freed people from debt by those who shared what they had with all. Jesus calls us to share our bread with the hungry and clothed the naked.

 

"To do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God"   The words of the prophet Micah.

 

We all know the story of Nelson Mandela Who was in prison for twenty-seven years who choose to forgive his guards who would beat and abuse him. Because of this the guards found it hard to beat him.  His freedom was taken from him but he chose to be free from resentment and anger.

 

He was held as a political prisoner and after being released became South Africa's first black president.

EXPLORATION

Yes, it is good to see the early morning light!  

This is dad riding his bike to explore on his 80th birthday!
   
Exploration is more important than indoctrination that is so commonly used by religion.
I want my faith to be alive with the willingness to explore with humility and grace the truth that has been hidden by indoctrination.

"The beauty of Creation, the stunning capacity of the human mind, the complexity of it all are often cited as proof of God's existence; but each of these wonders have scientific explanations that many find more plausible than divine providence."

"If the church has a future, it will lie in the ability to inspire it's members to refuse to uncritically accept the settled answers of the past, resist the pressure to conform, and revere the continued search for meaning."  -Philip Gully

Exploration honors God of the past and God of the future, the One who is much more that we can even imagine.

Exploration is the way for everyone to discover in their own way and time the secrets of the spiritual journey.

Exploration means I will not completely agree with all that others say.
   
Went to the dentist and then off for a drive into the countryside seeing everything from farm animals like fat woolly sheep lying in the sun to sleek horses grazing on the green grass and contented cows that provide ice cream for the shop out at the front of the yard.  Dad and I did not stop this time but next time we will.



  A very relaxing day.  Getting ready for the family gathering on Sat.

Life has been good when you reach the goal of living to 80  and can still ride an electric bike! !

It is hard to believe he is 80!
   
Happy Birthday Dear!

CONFORMITY

The morning sunrise was so welcoming after the gloomy foggy gray that has been our mornings.  I am the only one up, here to see it.  Dad and I had a day of catching up with friends at church and also with our neighbor Colleen who walks three dog and was collecting  for Heart and Stroke campaign,  This is a good way to also visit neighbors.

Kim had a busy day, Sunday, cleaning, shopping, cooking and soccer.

 She is up and out walking Haiti before I am out the door on  my walk yesterday morning.  I had a better walk.
A little cool and windy but it suppose to warm up to 13 degrees.

Our church would like to conform to the neighborhood but it is now changing with big homes replacing the modest ones.  These are East Indian Homes and although we would welcome any who decide to come their religion is very different from ours and neither can conform to the other. 

We have had community events to try to reach out at least in friendship.  Some with some success!

As I walk up hill slowly I think about our church and the uphill battle we are now facing.  Yes a new minister will come to fill in and there will be changes to conform to his way of living the faith

Dad had a good bike ride enjoying the sunny day.  I had a visit with Gundy and she said I have not come in awhile but we had a good chat.  I do not remember but I like to visit every other week.
Thinking about Ken at the dentist and hope they do a good job and he has pain killers.  I tried to put a comment on but it did not go on yesterday.

Their are days that are difficult and present us with new challenges where ever we are and what ever we are doing.  Now of us has been able to prevent suffering or illness and all of us find strength we did not know we had!

Our world would be boring if our only goal was to conform! 

INSIGHTS

One reason I go to church is to help me discover deeper insights into the Scriptures.  I know I read my perspective into it when I read the words alone.
We are fortunate to have Helen who is a lay minister and very good at giving us new insights as she now is filling in for our minister.  She took the word touched and transform it into many different parts of the ministry of Jesus.  He actually touched the leper and healed him but warned him not to tell others.  We have always wondered about that.  The word of the healing ministry of Jesus now spread so rapidly that he had to preach outside the boundaries of the town because of these great crowds.
So the leper who had been healed was now excepted back into the community while Jesus now became the outcast who had to minister outside the boundaries.
A new insight for me and for others.

Our prayers are that we may find acceptance and love in our worship and healing from life’s uncertainties as the Spirit touches and makes us new.
I have been reading the book “The Dark side of the Rainbow” which tells the story of a black slave and a white farm owner.  The story based on true life events has given me insight into both sides of the oppressions that where faced by the non-white South Africans and the whites as they faced violence and unrest.

No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or religion.

People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate they can learn to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than the other. – Nelson Mandela

Insights into the past help us find new ways to prepare for our futures knowing change is not easy.

COMPASSION

Love is about compassion and commitment learning to be more aware of the feelings of another..  Marriage means sharing the joys and sorrows of life.  This is a maturing process that involves the heart/brain/body and expressing love in small acts of kindness.  Compassion involves caring and sharing that helps us to appreciate the creativity and energy of another.

Love is about allowing emotions to change the brain and mind so that new energy flows through all our daily experiences. Becoming more fully alive knowing who you are and what your purpose is and what you can give to a world that needs love not war to help find peace that we all desire. I write as one still learning and
maturing and my desire is to speak more kindly and become more compassionate.

Compassion means to feel with the other which is the meaning behind the Golden Rule, which is common to all faiths.  It is compassion that brings us deeper awareness of how much we all need to feel loved and accepted.

Had a good day yesterday looked for clothes and went to the library and tired myself out.

Dad and I will probably heed to church in a sedate fashion.

SPEED BUMPS

Yes valentine's day snuck up on me but not my romantic husband.

I realized Valentine's Day was coming when the nurse at the dentist's office asked me what I was doing.  Their family is doing chocolate fondue.

Romance is good for the brain!
   
I admit that I am flying over speed bumps these days because I always seem to be in a hurry to get places on time.  Maybe I am exaggerating a bit but I do seem to be in a hurry.   There are two reasons at least for this.  First I am a lot slower than I used to be.  The second is I can never find my shoes, my purse, my keys etc. when I need them. 
.
Fortunately I could walk to the dentist without my purse which again disappeared at the last moment.
I have to go back on Tuesday the 17th and Ken will also be at the dentist getting his front teeth pulled.  It hurts even to think about it   
.
Our plans for an early visit to see Carol and Panteli did not work out until afternoon.  We arrived there hungry as usual and had a bite to eat with Carol, she had hit a  bump when she did not have the ingredients for what she wanted  to bake in her nice warm oven.  I was sure I smell something cooking on our way there.

  Dad showed me all the work he had done and how he has improved by doing it.  It always feels good when you learn or relearn  to do something.

Carol shared the story about the young man raising money for cancer after he has had two brain operations.  Amazing!  Dad shared his experience being in the hospital with a young boy facing an cancer operation filled with fear.  He was able to share a special experience with him sitting looking at the stars on the roof of the hospital on the  last night of his life.

Lots to think about as we drove home through a gray cloud of rain.

"I believe that the heart is the most forceful, impactful element in our lives."  Maya Angelou

I believe that the more we understand what is in our own hearts the more we can connect to others.

Happy Valentines Day.  Be creative, be active, be happy.

BRAIN OVERLOAD

Ideas pop in and out of my head, sometimes it is something some one says, or a memory comes to mind or something I read so I  a write a lot done but do not use them all.  I have always felt the urge to put my thoughts onto paper.  It is good to have something written too  for the days when my brain seems blank.  It feels so blank I feel like I have blown a fuse.

 Yes I am reading a lot of brain books

One is called "Think Like A Freak" so I think that should be easy for me.  One suggestion is to think like you are a child again.  One with imagination and wild ideas.  Freaks like to have fun and children know how to do that.  Sadly most business firms have frown on this.

Why do we have trouble saving money?  Spending it is sure a lot more fun.  I have fun trying to think up a new idea to write about and I have even more fun with your comments.

A growing body of research confirm that even the smartest group of people tend to seek out evidence that confirms what they already think.  Also most people do not take time to think especially when it comes to rethinking what we have already thought.  A child is not embarrassed by what they do not know so neither should we be.

Learning to rethink.
Learning to let go of conventional wisdom.
Letting go of artificial limits that hold us back.
Letting go of negative habits especially when it comes to our thoughts.
Seeing failure as a friend not an enemy.
Think a bit differently, a little bit harder, a bit more freely.
Outside the lines!

Time to read my next brain book. "The  Brain That  Changes Itself".

Only no time yesterday dad to read,  and I drove into town to Lynn Valley to return something he had bought on line.  What a morning traffic accidents everywhere.  We managed to escape by taking different routes.  Bridges sure attract accidents.

Then I went visiting.  Jim had just returned from hospital.  He had fallen out of bed Sunday during the night and hit his head and help took a long time coming.  The only redeeming feature was everyone had missed him and he had to tell them all his story.  He is looking very weak and was glad to have his milkshake.  I visited several ladies and one lady named Joyce and I had a good laugh as they were having a baby shower for one of the girls who work there.  She was delighted to think of a baby shower in a Seniors Home. When I got home I  was too tired to go out for Chinese food, sometimes just a sandwich is good.

 

Today I am going to Ikea with Carol and dad will do some more electrical stuff.

TEAR DROPS

It seems like spring but we know that we can still have snow.
Spring rains are like                                  
 “Tear drops Of Growth”
       - Joyce Ruff

The birds are chattering, dawn is chasing away the blackness, rain is light like tear drops not like winter's harsh heavy downfall
that cause great steams of water to overflow our drains and make the grass all soggy to walk in.

The air is fragrant with earth smells.  Little brave green shoots have started to appear having left their home where they were protected in the warmth of the earth.1!  Dew drops on barren branches will soon start to bud.

                                              Renewing our Hope and  faith in all that is good!

I walk by daily to see new life emerging, all green and fresh, ready to begin a new season!

COLOURING

It seems to me that it is time to learn to colour outside the lines in all area's of our lives.  Including politics, religion, science and health issues.  Everything is changing.

As a child I would sit and concentrate very hard to colour inside the lines.

Now everything is changing.

Do Christian beliefs still matter?

Do they real change and transform us so that we in turn are committed to trying to bring change into our world of confusion and injustice.

Do people outside the church know of the many outreach issues we have been involved in.  The United Church is known for its focus on justice issues and right now we are focusing on child poverty.  This means learning more about it and doing what we can to try and change it.

The central message of Christianity has always been about self-sacrificing love.  This means speaking out for those who have no voice.  Giving generously to others who support areas where food and clothing are lacking.  Reaching out to help the helpless.

I think our young people like to be involved in causes and that there are lots of these around.

The churches style of worship does not attract most younger people.  Who wants to get up early on a Sunday morning when you have been up early all week?  There are many places where inspirational messages can be heard.  I believe that a lot of these have been influenced by the words and actions of Jesus. 

For me I do need a time that is spiritually renewing through music, art, words and prayers.

The Bible says "Be still" and I need time to be silent as well as being active.

Yes God is everywhere so we do not need to find Him/Her in church but to make room for His presence in our own hearts.

Too often the church has been like the sign keep off the grass when it is trying to now become even more welcoming.  To walk inside a church can be frightening or friendly. 

Church means to joyfully come alive to the best in ourselves and in others and to even dance and laugh and be colourful outside the lines!  Being part of a team with common visions and hopes and goals.

Christianity can be one person, helping one person to be fed, another to find work  or to become educated.

So today dad did more electrical stuff at Carol and Panteli's and I worked at home.

Today I will be going to Bible study where I know there will be some colouring out of the lines because we have so many different opinions.  Light rain on my walk.

GOOFY

My computer is acting up.  Dad took this picture of our happy host and hostess at their home.

Maybe you think this picture is goofy too,  Dad and I snuck in before Randy could lock the door on us.  Ha ha

Dad and I have return home with tummies all full of turkey and all the trimmings.  Carol joined us for a relaxing evening so we were a small group because the turkey was small too.

Even had pumpkin pie dad's favorite.  Strawberries for me my favorite.

Came home and Kim is watching some goofy shows on T.V.

A friend from church dropped by and had a long visit.  I think we are all feeling strange with what happened at church.  We all agree it is for the best and that our minister will be getting counseling from four different areas including a psychiatrist and social worker.  We are hopeful that his mental health will improve.

This is a picture of Randy's new Hemlock desk and as you can see he is at work already.

We were able to see Stephen and Shawna and Lincoln of Skype.  Both Shawna and Lincoln had red noses from a bad colds..  Lincoln  chasing the cat but did not feel up to doing his goofy dance after waking his parents up early at 4 in the morning.

Another time.

Christmas in Feb. may seem a little goofy but we sure enjoyed every bite.

TIME OUT

“We look to see the creating Spirit in all things.”

“We come to sing Creation’s song and to work joyfully with the creative power of the Sacred Composer who calls us to be a part of the symphony of creation”

Free us from restless worry, the build up of guilt, the busy mindedness, which leaves us no room for the Sacred  song of creation, the song of grace that plays in all our hearts.
Open  us to Your Grace and your Powerful Word!

Beautiful words meant to speak to each one of us at church as we sit in our pews.  Yet it is hard to absorb them when we have been told our minister is taking “a time out” a stress leave as depression has weighed down his soul so that these words are just intellectual and the  the beauty of the Sacred  cannot seem to  penetrate the darkness of his soul.

We have known  he battles with depression but it is sad to hear this news.  This is from a kind and caring person who cares deeply about all the members of his church and visits regularly and cheerfully. His troubles are increasing and affecting his preaching so everyone realizes that he needs time to overcome stress and worry.  Extremely brilliant people can be perfectionists. 

Someone will come to replace him and the congregation that is a community will support each other.

Dad and I go out to lunch with Bob whose wife is very ill and so far they cannot find out what is wrong.  She too is exhausted. 

Jane and Geof experience a front end collision when she was driving in the darkness of the rain to Geof's birthday party.  Thankfully no one was hurt.


After church dad and I take Haiti for a walk in the forest.  She visits with the dog behind the fence.

Haiti knows all about time out as she is put in the laundry room when she is naughty.

Got a nice phone call from Shawna checking up and cheering me on.

Sandra phone to invite us to dinner.  Good news!

HAPPINESS

Would finding a fossilized, very ancient apple enhance the mythical story about Adam and Eve in the garden of Eve.

Truth is important but myths can lead us out of the ordinary into a realm that is beyond words and pictures of this life.  The sight of an apple can make us feel hungry just as the unseen makes our souls hungry for a glimpse of the inaccessible. 

Truth is what ennobles our lives when our happiness depends on what we believe to be true and base our actions on these truths.
I cannot say in all honesty that moments in church have been my happiest.  There have been times of disagreement but those are also times of learning and growth.

There have been times when in the silence of my own thoughts I have felt like their was the presence of an angel flitting by and that my sorrow is somehow being shared.  Also, although it raises many questions, I have found  hope based on a common dignity helpful.

Happiness for me has always been walking.  Whether it was walking to school or to work or to the store or to the beach has always given me great pleasure.

I walked to church about eight blocks with two children in the buggy and the other two walking beside.  I walked to the beach in Tsawwassen  pulling the wagon with several of the children inside and the oldest given me a hand.  A hot and dusty walk but we all had a fun time once we reached the water.  The kids plashed about and I read my latest mystery novel.

Unhappiness and quarrels forgot.

Later with the grandchildren we would walk down the hill beside our home into a forest of many threes, broken branches, spiders and snakes and lots of ants.  The further we walked the noise of the street became silent and it was like another world.

Coming home I would grab a big stick to use as a walking stick not quite up to running up the hill as the children could do.  Many happy memories and many new walks to look forward too!

Dad and I had a good visit with Carol and Panteli and went out for lunch.  Now the next job is curtain rods and curtains.

Came home and Kim had left some appetizers out for us.  We are so fortunate to have her living here with us and her presence gives us great happiness!

BOUNDARY PARK

A cold rainy windy day and there I was home reading my book called
“The Dark side of the rainbow”
 about two boys growing up in South Africa one dark and one white.”  A story based on true life events of white owners of a ranch with black labourers.  There are lots of tragic stories of a young 10 tear old girl raped because of the belief that sex with a virgin girl cures aids, an alcoholic womanizer who destroys his life and the life of his family, a black preacher who sons are kidnapped in retribution  when he refuses to hold subversive meetings in his church.  It is one of those stories you get caught up in.

Dad went in to help Carol and Panteli as there seems to be lots to do.  There new stove was not working so they had a repairman out to fix it.  They had to drive back here to get a part and stopped in to see if Kim and I wanted to go for pizza.  Kim went.

I had finally got motivated to walk to Boundary Park about 1 kilometer which I use to do regularly; but I came home with my legs aching a lot.  My energy level is better so it was disappointing to feel so tired out afterwards.

But I had my book to return to.

"A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge"
Thomas Carlyle

CATCH UP

When heart/brain/body communication, it is associated with feeling of  emotions long associated with heart such as care, appreciation, compassion, love forgiveness and gratitude.  -Howard Martin
The heart sends measureable signals to the brain, which then responds. – Rollin McCraty

Wed. was a busy day.  I was off to U. C.W. where we discussed child poverty and wrote letters to the Prime Minister and out M.L.A.
Dad had his hormone shot with the big needle, which the doctor did while reading the instructions on how to do it.  Then dad felt like fish and chips at Speedy’s in Ladner.  We then had a walk down the streets of Ladner which has many quaint stores.




Another rainy day!

Salvation is about transformation.  Marcus Borg.

The root meaning of salvation is being saved or rescued.

Salvation is a biblical theme that describes the spiritual journey of the soul.
Salvation in the Jewish tradition was a political and economical as well as religious.
Salvation has been misused to mean being saved from hell.
Salvation is moving out of darkness into the light.  Light heals and transforms us.

Paul saw salvation as meaning freedom.

Thursday it was pouring rain in the morning but Kim puts on her boots and sets off with Haiti.  She does not seem to mind the rain. 

Dad gets up and is feeling a bit gray and we think it is his shots.  He is remembering why he hated them so much and this is just the beginning.  We sit eating our eggs in silence as big raindrops splash on the picnic table outside.

It is visiting day and as usual people are so pleased to see me.  Dad went for a short ride when the rain stopped but it soon started again and was pouring home on my drive home.