PREACHERS

            The responsibility for hearing the still small voice is ours alone  
                                  -John Thornton

The first character in the book of John is John the Baptist, the fiery preacher.  Like many great preacher he was marked out in childhood to be a preaching for his time.  Words of chastisements and judgment.  I am trying to feel what they were feeling.  He was passionate about the sins that were dragging people down and by baptizing them he set them free.  He knew that there was some one greater coming.  His words would pierce the hearts of his listeners.  He had great expectations that he would recognize the Messiah by the light of the Holy spirit on him.

He was a preacher for his time.

The first disciples heard John the Baptist say Jesus was the One he had been waiting for and immediately they wanted to follow Jesus,  Andrew filled with excitement hurried to tell his brother

Cephas and Philip would share the news with Nathanial.

If you not only read but enter into the story with your heart and your emotions it becomes new again.  At least for me.

My brother Brian and his wife Traudl called last night.  Brian is a great talker and could have been a preacher but instead lived out dad s dream to be a Mountie.  Their lives have changed with their many health problems but Traudl has kept her sense of humor.  I can hear the laughter in her voice as she tells of the prosthesis bursting in the dryer with a loud pop.  Even Brian saw the humor in it.  The problem was the drive to Cranbrook through the snow and winter conditions.  Just like Nancy and Carl.

Traudl was then fitted with knitted knockers which even had nipples sewn in.  Now that is funny.

They are trying to find the source of the blood  clots  that Traudl is still having so she takes meds for that and to prevent cancer and also for high cholesterol and high blood pressure.  Brian has sinus and asthma problems so has meds too.

I went for my walk and dad for a bike ride.  The sunshine was lovely but it was cold and a slight wind to add to the chill factor.

I appreciate a preacher who has a good sense of humor. 

I believe a good preacher can have an impact of your soul revealing the goods within.

CHARACTERS

My books I am reading and the one falling apart is my Bible.   

I am looking at the gospel of John from the perspective of the characters that are talked about.

Nathanael comes to Jesus with a very negative attitude.  Can anything good come out of Nazareth he questions.  Jesus revealed his knowledge of him as being a scholar as was meant when he said I saw you under the fig tree.  He had a zeal for the law until this encounter broke through the shell that had been his protection from the mystical.  He left in awe and wonder with a willingness to believe.

This is a non-literal reading as suggested by Bishop Spong.  It is interesting to view this reading from a different perspective.

The sad news about the barbaric shooting in the Quebec Mosque is tragic,

This old world is just not getting any better.

Dad and I worked in the yard today although he did the most cleaning up.

John and Pat dropped by and it was pleasant just to talk about happy times.

The one thing we can never get enough of is Love.

And the one thing we can never give enough of is Love.  -      Henry Miller

CONFIDENCE

It was pouring rain as we drove to the church confident that we were both feeling good.  I myself am feeling more alive with renewed energy.  Dad has been doing better but as the service was nearing a close dad could feel the stomach cramping that meant he would have to head home quickly.  Yes we made it in time.  He feels upset because he has been doing so much better.

In the church year this season is called Epiphany a time to see things in a new light,

"Time to open our hearts to receive the grace of God."

A time for worship aware that we might be called by the light of Christ

led by the Spirit and filled with the love of God.  A simple truth filled with hopefulness

and compassion.  The inside world put right by the words of Christ.  Just what I was thinking about.

Some times it is a struggle to see the way forward but I believe one receives strength when you need it.  It was good to be with all the familiar faces and feel loved.

We enjoyed a visit with Carol and Panteli and Haiti.  She comes racing in the door to look for us in the kitchen but not finding us there she raises up the stairs and back down into the kitchen again.  We had to call her name to tell her we were in the living room.  Sh was so funny.

Rick phoned while they were here and we had a conference call.

He is on blood pressure medicine, the trouble is you have to stand in line out in the cold to be able to see the doctor in the clinic.  He did talk to him on the phone but a visit would be better.

"In the midst of hatred, there is love,
In the mist of violence there is peace,
In the midst of hopelessness, there is hope.
In the midst of death there is life
In the midst of darkness there is light
and the darkness will not overcome it."

Each day I hope I can put my faith into action
here at home or with people I meet.

My heart was touch by the living presence hidden from sight but felt in the heart!

INSIDE

Walked over to the vegetable store but other than that I was inside all day.

Good news Joyce is now back at the Home.  I will find out more next week but I think she may have had a fall.

Dad cleaned up a lot of the tree branches but there is still lots to be done.  We both had long naps today although dad's was even longer than mine.  It would have been nice to have a visit or go somewhere but a day of rest is also good.  The sunshine was very weak but any sun is welcomed.

Shocking what D. Trump is doing and sends a chill up my spine. 

The traditional understanding of Christianity is dying but the good news is reading the history of the time in which books like John were written helps one understand the gospel even better.  This gospel reflects the rising hostility between the disciples of Jesus and traditional synagogue believers at that time.

John Spong writes "I find this gospel to be a book not about religion, sin and salvation but about life. and expanded consciousness."  The world has no use for creeds and orthodox rigid belief.

I want to have a heart that is changing on the inside with God's help.

NOW WHAT

Now is the time to start feeling better and I am!   I am thankful to be feeling better and better

Now is the time  I need to get back walking more and further.  I meet a group of about 30 ladies on my walk and I laugh to myself because the numbers will slowly but surely decline.

Now it was time to have a visit with Joyce but when dad and I arrived we leaned  she had been taken to hospitable that morning.  Now was not the time for us to visit there but to wait for more information.  I am thankful she has family.

Now is the time for me to do some deeper reading of scripture.  I will start with the book of John.  Reading bits here and there can be confusing.

Now is the time to enjoy my favorite things in life which is laughing at the silly things that go wrong in a day!

Now it is time for bed for me.

SHOCK

Yes it was a big shock to go to the hospital and find some one else in Don's room.  It was sad we did not say a final good-bye but it was what Don wanted.  So much is unknown about the last hours of some ones life but evidently there can be a sense there is another world.  I have read about the tunnel and a bright light but the amazing thing is the love of a higher power that seems to surround them and be waiting for them.  I do not know a part of ourselves does not die, well that is my opinion.

Love is the guiding light that heals and sets us free and I hope and pray that is what Don experienced.

Don was a unique person and had his own way of living his life and also ending it.

The way we have lived may effect.  A very evil person may experience pain that he made others suffer.  This known by those who have returned to life and changed their lives.

Dad had his shot today and even though it is a big needle it hurt the doctor more than it did him.

We went shopping for a comforter but I was not in the mood and did not make the best choice.  We went to an unknown store that was based in Montreal and a lot of things were in French.

I picked up some branches and dead leaves etc. but we need to buy more brown bags.

Dad and I are both tired to-night and ready for an early bed time too.

Dad was a good friend

DIALOGUE

The heavy snow has taken its toll on our butterfly tree.  Dad spent the afternoon chopping up the branches so they can go out with the garbage.

There is going to be a lot of clean-up as the weather gets nicer.

Meanwhile the dialogue at our Bible study was both hilarious and meaning full at the same time.

We are learning from each other as we share our experiences good and not so good.

"The Bible is an account of ancient sacred dialogue which is initiated , inspired  and guided by God with and among humanity."  -Steve Chaike

"God speaks to humanity in countless ways through friends, music, poetry, film, theater, paintings, nature, dance and even silence."  God's inspiration is everywhere for those who are willing to listen and also dialogue with Him.

To-morrow dad will be getting his first hormone shot at the doctor's and I will ask for my blood form that has not arrived yet.  Again there has been the wrong mail delivered to us that I had to take over to the right neighbor.

After we will visit Don and learn if he will be getting his request granted to end his life.  I have mixed feelings but it is not right for anyone to suffer more and more each day.  It is a reminder to me that each day is meant to be lived to the fullest it can be! 

SIGNIFICANCE

I studied this before I took the picture but it is funny looking.

The last few days have been cloudy and cold.  I have regressed in my walking which annoys me.

So today is a new day and I am looking forward to our Bible study group of intelligence, funny and interesting friends.  Bible study has made my life feel more significant as I try to discover what that means from a spiritual point of view.  What are my values that I am passionate about and how can I share them? We have lots of different opinions but we are not dogmatic!

In our time the Bible has lost it's meaning and influence over our lives and what has been found our go-substitutes.  A well crafted story is an amazing tool for getting our point across and especially when one goes back time and time again and finds new truth.

The Quakers have a beautiful saying "an enemy is one whose story we have not heard."

"The more we give ourselves-in genuine love of God. of family and friends and others-the more we become our true selves."  Steve Chalke

Our lives have meaning and significance!

Our lesson today is about the power of prayer and the significance of the spirit of Jesus in our hearts and prayer.  If I focus on his love instead of the problem something will change, either me or the situation.!

LISTENING PRAYERS

I was awake very early, wide awake listening.  I realized it was an intense spiritual listening.

I stared at the cycling for awhile and then at the clock  and tried to pray until I realized I needed to wake up and take out some of my old prayers from my Chaplin days.

Thank you Lord for walking with us with Your unconditional love and gentle spirit.

God of life and death,

We know that one life ends and another begins.

There is always hope that comes from feeling Your touch Lord.

Our goodness lives on in the hearts of our loved ones and our friends

Your heart includes every one and the amazing thing is You never stop leave us or forsake us.

Even in times of despair and sickness You are there.

We all have times of uncertainty.

We suffer the pain of loss and emptiness but

knowing my prayers help to bring others comfort as I have

experienced comfort.

I am wide awake praying for all who I know are having a difficult time.

"Be still and know I am God." is what I hear in the stillness.

TOOLS

A beautiful sunny day with no clouds in sight but I was disappointed in the length of my walk.  Dad on the other hand did some work on the car and went for a bike ride and visited Don again.  They are reviewing his case on Friday.  Doctors like to cure people and it is difficult to end life although I believe it can happen in B.C.  A counselor from Hospice was asked to come and see him.  His only brother  has passed away and other than that he has a cousin who has visited him.

I did some work in the garden and had a visit with Linda my neighbor.  She said Real Estate is picking up and they are hoping to get 800.0

Whether it is fixing the car or working in the garden we need the right tools.

I have found that we also need tools to help us understand the Bible or else we are just sticking our head in the sand and ignoring the difficult parts.  We cannot ignore the brutality and oppressive teaching and violent behavior in the Old Testament.  Jesus got under the skin of the religious teachers because he opposed these teachings.

" Was Jesus rejecting bits of the Bible or dismissing immature, over-simplified and legalistic understandings and applications of it's ancient text.  If look at as a journey of a people away from violence to discover the true nature of God who is love."  -Steve Chalke

One of the tools I use is to judge the Bible is

by the words and message of Jesus.

Did he allow a woman to be stoned to death or the Sabbath to be used in unloving ways.  As a Christian I have to continue to look at my motivation for doing what seems like good.

 

HEAVEN

Too bad the mountains do not show up. 

There was a lovely sun rise again this morning before the day turned dull and dreary.

Dad and I did not get to church nor to the birthday party nor to Carol and Panteli's for supper.

Carol came and took us to the hospital and Don was extremely happy to see her and appreciated her talking to the nurse about hospice.  We are not sure just what will be happening.  Don looked bright but very thin and his voice very low so it was hard to hear him.

Dad volunteered that I would pray for him.  I joked that it looked like he would get into heaven before us.  He has a good sense of humor so that is good.  My prayer for him was to feel the love of God and Jesus who accepted him just as he was.  My picture of heaven is an open door waiting for us and from this door there radiates a beautiful light. 

The thing about the human condition is that it cannot always be explained or understood so death is an even greater mystery.  The fact that he said yes to my praying for him meant to me he was open to the spiritual dimension that is available to us all.

Talking about doors when we tried to open our front door it was not working.  After several tries it decided we were bad people and no way would it open.  It has a code and we were getting cold and desperate when it finally unlocked.  This is when you are sorry the house is so well burglar proofed.

When we arrived home and after a rest got ready to attend Yuri's 7th birthday party the car made a horrible noise as we drove down the street.  We returned home and dad had a look.  A bolt was missing and it was not safe to drive.

I am reminded that it is by grace that we are saved or welcomed into heaven not by our good works or feelings of entitlement. 

It was a comfort and a blessing to have Carol go with us.  She thought she had met Don before and she told him she remembered him.

Dad plans to go again on Monday but it depends if the car is driveable.

I keep thing of the song Stairway to Heaven!

WALKING

The new rescued cat looks longingly out of the window but it will run way if it is let out.

I went for a good walk in the morning and I was thinking of all the friends and family who have walked side by side with me. 

Growing up walking to and from school was the way you made friends.  If a boy want3ed to walk you home that was something else!  I am trying to maintain a constant steady pace but the last few blocks are a challenge.  It is wonderful to be out in the fresh air.  A man at the park teased me wanting to know where my dog was and had she run away.  A lady stopped to say she loved the Christmas balls that I had put on the little Christmas tree.

My stomach was upset and I am so thankful for having more than one bathroom.  Hard to believe all my growing up years we just had one like most people.

I plan to go visiting with dad to-morrow after church and then on to a birthday party for Assie.  I think he is about 6.  All of Cathy's family will be there so it will be fun.

I always felt when I was a lay chaplain it was a privilege to walk through the final days of some ones life.  It had the potential of being a spiritual experience just being present in the room with them.  They still have physical and emotional and mental needs and a hug is nearly always a blessing.

"Walk in love, as Christ loved us, and died for us" - Ephesians 5

I believe Jesus shared our humanity so we could share his divinity.  His death gives us hope that there is life beyond death.

Love is stronger than death!

RESCUERS

Dad and I came to rescue Sandra who was very busy looking after Ophelia.  They both looked so happy in the rocking chair.

She even stayed asleep when Sandra put her down.

I really wish I could be of more help but as I am realizing more and more it is now my time to receive help.  Not always an easy thing to do.

Dad and I went out for breakfast as he left home to drive over without a bite to eat.  Actually he had a hamburger which he really enjoyed.  I went home to have a nap, something I know I need to do or I get cranky.  I realize it is not always what I say but my tone of voice.

"Original sin is the one verifiable Christian dogma."

We all make mistakes and recognizing our weaknesses is so important.

Dad went down to see his friend Don who is now in hospital close to death.  He is hoping he will be able to be freed from his pain and suffering.  Dad talked to the doctor and will be going in again in the morning.  They have great memories and laughed over some of the tricks they played at work.

One of there mates bought a new car and liked to brag about his gas mileage and so one fellow decided to top up his gas every day he came to work.  He could not believe haw great his mileage was.  Then they decided to take some out and he was heart broken.  A mean trick they had to confess too.

Jesus came to deliver and rescue us from our false assumptions about God as a strict task maker who is quick to punish.  Instead the goodness and mercy of God can absorb our sinfulness when we fall short of the mark of being loving and kind to others.

TOUGH

You really have to be tough to take on getting older.  If it is not one thing it is something else but we know we are not alone. 

Dad and I went to see his prostate doctor a very nice young man.  He laughed when dad said he agreed to take the hormone treatment because he was all ready to give a big speech about his advice on doing this.  I go in with dad because we find we do not always hear or understand what the doctor has said.  It is important to have some quality of life even at our age.

The worst thing was coming out and finding we had a ticket on our car.  It would appear it was put on the car when dad was inside the hospital buying the ticket.  We had managed to get back in what we thought was time only to find the ticket already there.  Dad may fight it.

We dropped by to see Leah and Ophelia on the way home she was fast asleep when we arrived.  She woke up and I was able to feed her.  The two dogs Molly and Sophie were excited to see us.

I had a walk with Haiti before we left and we just got home and where heating up the shepherds pie that Leah had prepared for us, when Panteli arrived to have a quick visit and take Haiti home.  We thought she may be having a sleep over.

So even tough words that we know we need to hear can play a part in our healing!

DIZZE LIZZE

.Dizziness....this is a result of iron over-load and should pass soon.  I get another blood test next week.

I did go for a good walk still being very careful.  The fresh air is wonderful.

Dad did the shopping today which was a great help. 

Our friends Pat and John came by for a visit.  They always like to be up-dated on the news from Colebrook. I was reminded of the important role the church has played in all my life and I believe even though I am not all that active there is a silent support I may not know about but I can feel.  We surround each other with prayer and encouragement often with random acts of kindness.

Sandra do not take in any rescue parrots because they can be trouble makers.  Saying wrong words at the wrong time and teasing the other animals in the house.  This parrot named Sara steals bones and toys and rips things apart.

Dad goes to the prostate doctor to-morrow and he may have to make a decision because the P.S.A. is climbing. 

We are a great pair but at least we have each other! 

DEPRESSION

Everyone is happy for the rain to start to wash away the snow but it has great beauty and the sunshine is a wonderful plus.
Today has been dull and so drab with rain on and off.  I think January can be a very depressing month because of the grayness of the day.

I did go for a longer walk and will make an effort to keep trying to improve. 

Dad and I went to the library and I got some good books.  Two very funny ones.  "The Parrot Who Thought She was a Dog." and "Death Taxes and a Satin Garter".  I also found a book about pilots flying in the war for dad.  It is good we can bring them home and see if we enjoy reading them. 

That is my good news but the negative news is all the depressing tragedies that are a part of our news every night.  Mostly about family murders and then there is political scandal.  I do not have the capacity to comprehend and process it all. 

Glad there is tennis to watch and hockey again to-night.

And then there is the love that warms our hearts and makes life not so depressing. 
A wonderful cure for solitude and uplifts the soul!

FRIENDS

I have been thinking about our church and one of the best thing about attending church is the friendships I have made there.  It is not easy to make friends in our lives today.  My neighbors are friendly and helpful but we do not have what I would call a personal relationship.  I have not been too involved in the Future Ministry because I trusted others to value this part of being a church community.  I think that many things will change as our congregation ages and faces up to what to do next.  It is easy to see the negative but have we really looked deeply into alternatives.  One thing it would be good to do is to use our building more to be a outreach to the community.

This morning I was up early and woke up dad saying "okay let's get it over with early".  Not me he said and he pulled the covers up over his head.  "Well I am going to walk over and you can drive when you feel like it but do not forget no breakfast".

Yes, we were both going for blood tests and now will process the results.  Evidently my iron level is sky high because I am not absorbing it.  I wish I felt like I had more energy but after getting my hair cut and going visiting I was exhausted as usual.  I like to think if I keep going I will be able to keep going.  Happy to have got things done!

I guess I have not turned into an iron bionic woman!

My mind has been very much thinking about friendships that have been an anchor for my soul. 

My values are my love of family, friends, of life and of God. 

DOUBTERS

                                     The path to the park is very dangerous.

The sunny half of the park where the snow is melting.

Dad and I went to church today but he had to leave early.  Dad liked the new minister who seems like a man with a good sense of humor which is important when trying to live out what you believe.   stayed for a meeting after our short service.  There was a lot of facts presented to make us realize that our church can continue.  Our numbers are dwindling and the majority are older seniors.  A lot of the functions we used to put on we cancelled this year due to lack of support.  Of course the same group of workers can not continue to do all the work.

We give money to missions but also to

Doubters can be changed into believers when we put our effort into keeping a on going effort to come up with some new ideas.  We are a group of very loving and caring souls.  We collect food for the food bank and clothes for families in need.    We collect money for famine and earth quake relief etc.  The community always takes part on our big rummage sale. 

I know that spiritually I feel inspired when I come together with other believers, a source of strength and endurance during times of trails and sickness.  We care for one another by being good listeners as well as being faithful by praying for each other.

"Love does not just make good sermons but love is something you live and walk and talk."  -

Judah Smith

Love can transform doubters into believers!

STABILITY

This picture is one dad took when he came to pick me up at Boundary Park.  We had looked at homes there, actually town houses.  We were disappointed at the time but missed out on purchasing a home there.  We are now happy here in a very stable neighborhood.

Dad drove me to the White Rock Hospital for my last iron infusion which turned out to be another four hour one.  Dad spent the time visiting Carol at the White Spot and then over to visit his friend Don.  He enjoys dad's visit even in his very frail condition.

I was down to the last half hour when a younger woman came in and sat across from me beside an elderly gentleman.  It was her last treatment too but she has found them very difficult.  The nurse had a difficult time threading the needle into her views.  This is always hard on both the nurse and the patient.  Finally she was all hooked up and was able to enjoy a visit with the elderly man who like to tell everyone about his heart operation.

Both he and I finished our infusions at the same time and she was going to be left alone.  She was unhappy but then his blood pressure was up and they would not let him leave.  They wanted him to stay until they saw it going down.  He was very cheerful about it all and said he felt fine.  I felt better leaving as she would have company for a little while longer.

It has been good meeting people and sharing a lot in common.  She made a good friend at her last treatment who she has become good friends with, so you never know where or when you will meet a friend!

I can relate to her need for inner stability and security.  Sometimes we lose this security because we have too high expectations. There is no one who is stable emotionally and physically who can meet our needs.  For me that means my relationship with Jesus becomes the most stable because he can relate to us humans not as a rescuer who removes all our problems but as a friend who stays with us to encourage and support.

THE GOOD LIFE

The huge mountain of snow at Sandra's house.

Hard to believe people are not cleaning off their sidewalks.

Still looks and feels like our winter.

Dad and I were very happy to be invited over for lunch.  We were both feeling good.  Lunch was chicken pot pie made with gluten free crusts.  A real treat!  Dad tried both the pies with and without the gluten.  Good to see him eating more.  I agree with Sandra that he has to make any effort to eat more.

We had a good visit and got caught up with family news.

A special treat to see Lincoln at the skating rink with his baby brother and mom and dad.  As a hockey mom and wife I have spent a lot of time at the hockey rink.  The hot chocolate was a must treat!

The sports have changed but we are very proud of all our grand children and love to watch in their different activities.

Our emotions are a big part of who we are and trying to be honest about our feelings is important.  I realize that others do not always understand me but that is okay.  I do not always understand myself.

This all adds up to the good life with diverse personalities and opinions that are created as we live in relationship with one another.

This all adds up to the good life!  !  !

HEALTHY

The shade is not fitting well but hey the little lights in the bottom are on and so is the big light.

Today I was trying to make sure I am eating healthy.  I guess fruits and vegetables but what about protein and iron?  Of course there are many different opinions about what is healthy.  Fat used to be considered bad but not any more.  I start with a healthy breakfast usually an egg with spinach and my brown rice toast.

Haiti came for a visit today and I had a good walk with her.  Still some icy spots where I had to go very slowly.   The sun shine made the effort so enjoyable and I wished I had taken my camera.

I am also trying to be healthy inside my heart and soul.  I know that a part of this is the enjoyment of nature in all it's beauty.  I also think that taking time to rest and relax is important more than rushing around trying to fix a broken world.  There are things that I am responsible for which contributes to healthy relationships.  It is important to say yes to life but also to say no at times too.

"In our fixation with keeping busy and keeping rules that we may think is appeasing God we are in danger of losing one of the fundamental keys to a healthy soul: that of rest and relaxation and taking time just to enjoy His Presence." 

 A healthy soul enjoys rest and relaxation which has been the opposite of what we have been taught. 

MYSTERIOUS

There is hardly a more gracious gift that we can offer somebody than to accept them fully, to love them almost despite themselves.  Elizabeth Gilbert

Certain things in life simply have to be experienced-and never explained.

Love is such a thing.  -Paulo Maetub

I was happy to have Ev pick me up for our Bible Study at the church.  She is great fun and a person who likes to help others.  I found my book but did the wrong lessons.  We were talking about evil and how Jesus was able to heal and cast out evil spirits.  I remember years ago our minister Ed White had phoned and asked me to come to the church.  There was a young woman there who was convinced

she had an evil spirit in her.  Ed and I listened to her talk and then prayed for her deliverance.  I do not know whether she was mentally ill but she was lonely and afraid.  After more talking and prayer I was feeling tired and uncertain not knowing what else to do, so Ed decided to take her home for the night.  I wonder what his dear wife Anne thought.  She was better by morning and left by bus.

Faith ponders the spiritual dimension of our existence.  I believe in the healing power of prayer that can replace fear with love and acceptance.  Our group shares openly with one another as we all have families that worry us at times.  There is a spiritual energy in our sharing and our laughter and our caring.

We call things that happen in our lives coincidences but there is a mysterious force that is at work within each one of us and around us too.

Dad went out shopping to his favorite second hand store and brought hoe a broken lamp which he took great delight in fixing.  It has no lamp shade so I am back again needing a lamp shade.  Maybe Sandra is getting rid of one?

Thanks Nancy for the affirming words about the pills it is helpful.  Also one of the girls had an iron infusion years ago and she has been fine since then so that also was affirming.

Faith like love is also mysterious and yet can be experienced as a sense of peace and security joy , renewed strength and hope.  Looking at the stars tonight so bright in the cold clear air and I feel a sense of wonder at all the mysterious vastness of our universe!

It was a good day but now my feet are cold and my brain is ready to shut off so I will say good night and sleep well.

LAST

This is on the way home from Langley where I had an appointment with the Urologist.
Dad came in with me and the lady doctor really liked him.  They agreed while  I was not happy being told things would probably not get better but I can try some new pills.  I go back in three months.  I think maybe it is a waste of time.

Today I was looking everywhere for my study book for the Jet Lag study.  I think there is an unwritten rule of the universe that you find things in the last place you look, when you are ready to give up.  So today that happened and yesterday it happened when dad was looking for his tool kit.

Today we also looked through some books to decide which ones to give away.  Both dad and I started to read from them so that slowed us down.

Dad had a bad stomach day today but is better by evening.

"The art of love is largely the art of persistence."  -Albert Ellis

At Chapters I found a beautiful book called "Daily Love.".
I will be quoting from it.

The question from my study book I found starts out with how do you deal with failure in your life?


_

MOTIVATING

Great pictures of two of our special grand kids!  I love the cards from Australia and the excellent printing in side!

I walked over to the park to take the decorations off the tree before they got blown away.  The wind was horrific the night before.  All the balls were removed and I think maybe someone took them so that is fine by me.

Dad had misplaced his drill so that was the motivation for cleaning out closets etc.  Our bedroom closet has some tools still being kept safe so I started in there.  Over Christmas things sorta just get shoved out of the way.  I am trying to think about getting rid of some of my cards from years gone by.  I have boxes of them.  Also some old pictures that bring back memories.

Carol with her swim team.  She was doing very well.

My visit with Sandra in Spruce Grove.  They lived on acreage and it was great fun visiting.

I will be very motivated to-morrow because it is a big mess right now.  I want to take my time going through things before I put them back.  The good news is dad found his drill.

Carol has printed out the questions from the nature path which is with walking distance.  I think she is hoping this will motivate me!

It was very enjoyable to have Carol and Panteli stop in for a visit.  Dad's stories motivated a few from Panteli.  Both great story tellers.

"To love and be loved is the most empowering and exhilarating (and motivating) of all human emotions."  Jane Goodall

RESTFUL

Dad and I had a very restful day, well especially me.  I had a very long afternoon nap and I know that it did me a world of good.

We did go to church but it was an effort.  It was good to see the new minister.  I think we are going to like him.  I was very pleased the way he talked with the young children.  It is up to the congregation to also make an effort to welcome him.  It has not been easy with all the different ministers but our church is full of capable people who carry the load of keeping things going.

Carol invited us over for lunch but it was kind of her but I know I was just too tired.

Love inspires us

challenges us

and changes our lives in

immeasurable ways.

It was a day to just enjoy the quiet restful moments

and thankful over and over again for our loving family.

.

FAITH

Jasmine, Cathy's oldest daughter and her son Azzie dropped by in the morning for a visit. 
He has been busy making   Lego  but before they leave Jasmine is going to pray for me.

I know that I could use an infusion not only of iron but of faith.

Jasmine has been healed of some major health problems with prayer and the laying on of hands.  She is full of joy as she relates her experiences.  When you have experienced something like she has it fills you with faith and the desire to pray for others.

Faith is a funny thing and no words can explain the mystery of the healing power of prayer.

Faith is often ridiculed by some as escapism, or avoidance or delusion. 

The truth as I have experiences it is more the fact that prayer demands we face the truth emotionally as well as physically.  I want to put my faith into the reality that I can trust and believe in.

I am reminded that God is a constant presence that is with me in times of prayer but also in times of mundane chores. 

Going to church can be inspiring for those willing to continue to learn to live by faith. 

Prayer can be an answer to a dream or a longing or it can challenge one to be open to new possibilities.

Thank you Jasmine for your loving words of faith!

ANTICAPATION

Yes a little bundle of joy arrived along with bags of groceries.  What a wonderful surprise.  I think everything was picked with love and care.  We certainly were not anticipating anything like this.  Ophelia  is smiling and talking but I did not catch her smile.  There is nothing like these first sounds she is making.  Leah has to leave for work to try to keep her hours up as a LPN.  Craig had the day off but it will be a busy day for him too.

Thank you a lot we are so grateful!

Thursday we had a visit from Haiti and I did a few walks around the block with her.  We do enjoy having her and then Kim stay for a visit when she picked her up. 

Both days gave us a new sense of positive energy and security.

THE MESSAGE

Our road out to the main road is just like a skating rink.  The trick is to go slow.

This is a picture of Joyce who is a joy to visit.  She cannot remember what happened over Christmas but I know her son and daughter did visit.  They may have taken her out but she has no memory of it.

Kim stopped by for a visit and to pick up some warm clothes that she had left here.

She is taking French so that will be a challenge.  She is good we think with languages. 

Talked with Ken to wish him happy birthday.  It is hot there so they are off to the movie and supper.

He is on holidays now and it will be good if he can relax and rest for a change.

The message of Jesus was not one of offering us an escape from reality but a message of transformation.  A message to help us experience heaven here in the midst of our ordinary life.

YES

Happy Birthday  to our New Year's baby, Ken.
Warm and sunny spending time by the pool!  Lots of big splashes!

  

                                               Sun is coming out here too!

Yes we enjoyed shopping together.  We each had a buggy to help keep our balance We came home with a trunk full of bags. 

Yes I am willing to say yes to help when I need it.

Dad and I will drive to Cloverdale to Papa Chucks to drop off Morgan's school book she left here.

Stopping for a little visit with Joyce first.  Dad has to go on the web for a project for Carol.

Yes I want to say yes to life.

Yes to the joys and the sorrows.

Yes to my own limitations and weaknesses.

Yes to small moments of happiness that break into my routine.

Yes to the promise of hope and security.

Yes to the presence of all that is holy and good.!

ERRORS

Still lots of snow and very cold and icy.

I am very fearful of walking but try to walk around the block.  The funny thing is I fall getting out of the chair in too big a hurry.  Just pulled a few muscles so nothing major.  I thought I heard dad fall so I rushed out my chair to see if he was okay.  He had not fallen and was not a happy camper to find me lying on the floor looking and feeling very foolish.

Today I am saving my energy to go to the store as we are getting low of a lot of things.  Dad is not feeling too good either although we are trying to do the right things.  I thought I was getting better but today everything seems like an effort.  Our bodies seem to have a mind of their own so I guess we are not listening.

Yes we can order groceries and many have offered to go to the store for us, but I feel it is important to keep making efforts.  It is the same with my computer it keeps telling me there are errors, errors and more errors.  It may decide to turn off any moment.

I am just amazed and how kind people are, not only our family but many others.

I believe that most humans are by nature kind hearted and feel it is a privilege to help others.

Kindness is simple and is often spontaneous.

Our actions become more meaningful based on love and caring and compassion.

PLANS

The view Carol and I had as we travelled to the ferry to pick up Kim.  The cold makes for beautiful sunsets.

Dad and I did not make it shopping yesterday as we need to do a bit more planning.  First dad has to eat bigger means and more often and include the right foods.  A macaroni lunch and some work that dad needed to do on the computer and a mystery novel that I wanted to read led us astray.

Icicles certain remind me of my childhood and puting it in my mouth and having it stuck on my tougne and how that hurt.  You just had to be patient and let it melt before removing it.  They are sure beautiful.  The snow is melting but will freeze again at night time.

QUIET

The snow seems to  make the world quieter but  also the fact that less cars are starting to drive off for work.  It had snowed during the night and quiet neighbors shoveled off our sidewalk and a path to our door.  There was about 2 inches and the trees look beautiful with white frost on their branches.

We had a quiet New Years Eve sleeping quietly, not even hearing cars honking or horns blowing.

Yester day we drove from our snowy part of the world to Tssawassen to enjoy some delicious soup with Carol and Panteli. 

What a different world the fields are brown not white.  It is still very cold.  I went with Carol to pick up Kim from the ferry she had been visiting friends in Victoria to celebrate New Years.  As people came streaming off the ferry and went out the door they all reacted to the blast of the cold air.

This is Haiti sitting so close to Kim so happy to have her home again.

She did not even want to go for a walk with Panteli.  Partly because of the cold.

Dad and I are going to try to change to a more healthy diet by adding some good fresh vegetables and fruit.  We really do need to go shopping.  The store might be very busy today.

Another reason our Sunday had been quiet was that church had been cancelled.  It would be too dangerous for people to attempt the ice and snow.  Missed the uplift from the music and the message.

I was reminded that life challenges us to put aside our own pain and listen and comfort those around us whose lives have been touched by tragedy.

Faith in the quiet healing presence of Jesus is what we all need.

Faith takes us into a deeper place in our heart and soul beyond reasoning.

LIFE AND DEATH

Dad's picture/

It started snowing  while I was in getting the infusion and continued all day.

                                                                   A winter wonderland

Arriving at the room where I was going to have my treatment an older man was brought in looking very near death.  He took all the attention of the two nurses.  Even going to a hospital makes one aware of life and death. 

I chat to the lady next to me who I meet last time I was there.  She is having a very rough time and her husband looks deeply concerned.

Dad is visiting Don Begg knowing he is dying.  They laugh together at old memories of working together.

In life we will become aware of death.

I was anxious to get started so we could go for lunch with Carol and Panteli and have a fun visit.

Arriving home we hear the news of our dear friends death of two grandchildren in a plane crash.  They were about the same age of Ben and Morgan.  We are deeply shocked by the news.

They at least will share their grief with their loved ones and the loving prayers of friends and most of all they will know that God's love will surround them and help them bear this tragedy.

Life can take us down dark roads at times but I like to believe there is a part of each one of us that is indefinable and changeless.  We are born with an authenticity which is part of the way we choose to live and will be with us when se die.

I hope at the end of life I will become more genuine, more accepting of my faults and failures

as well as less judgmental of others.

Our lives are precious and we have an opportunity to share our gifts every day we live.

I live by faith that in death there is life!

This year will be a time of learning to live by grace!

Happy New Year!