HAITI

A warm day with a gentle breeze.

Haiti did come for a visit.

We went for  short walk to the park.

Carol and Pantelie had short visits and left with dad's old golf clubs which I have been dying to get ride of.  They are enjoying their golf lessons.

Why are all the dogs following me?  Could be because of the dog treats in my pocket.

Dad went to get something to make his teeth whiter that he wears at night.  It was from the dentist.

We returned our pants to Mark's so that is good to get that done.

Did a bit of shopping and dad went for a bike rides.  A perfect day for it.

I am thankful to be alive and to have lived my story and found a deeper faith and an appreciation for

for family and friends.

THE WEEK END

                                              Dad and I had a great week-end.               
We enjoyed the visit from Sandra and Randy and learning about what they have been up to.  They were at a thank you barbecue  for the  foster cats and kittens. volunteers. They were hoping to have the kittens returned to them that were birthed at their house with the help of Kim and Hamlet.
Sunday they had to cancel diner at At Carol and Panteli's because the kittens were arriving and had to be fed.

We were pleased to be invited to Carol and Panteli's and get a new cooking tip. We can look forward to having blue berries in the fall as they have planted blueberry plants.  A quiet Sunday as Kim and Ben and Theresa and Morgan had gone to the island to watch Ben'ssoccer coach play.  They may have a visit with their dad too.

We watched Ron share his eggs with a big white bird.  Unbelievable.  Now dad thinks he wants a bird.  I have to give it deep thought.

Rick according to message on face book is off to Alberta and testing the freedom of border crossing with a case of wine.  A humorous thing to do.

Snow on the highway from Kamloops and also in Edmonton causing traffic problems with a white out.

Carol and Panteli are visiting him when they travel his way for a concert.

Ken is extremely busy with his awful shift work.  He will find time to watch hockey I am sure.  It is disappointing to have no Canadian teams in the playoffs.

It was very windy here Friday night and Saturday morning.  I was brave and did go for a walk.  Fallen branches blown down on the road where I walked.  We heard there were a lot blown down in the Watershed Park.  Dad could not ride his bike which he is trying to do regularly.  Trouble is he has been having trouble with the motor quiting.

We did get to church and the message was about the importance of music that has the power to be uplifted and draw us closer to the heart of God.  Music does stir my spirit in ways words cannot.

We also prayed for the tragic shootings  of people being  killed in churches and synagogues and hotels etc. and the battle against the flooding back East in three provinces. while Saskatchewan is having a drought.

One thing about music you can carry it in your mind and soul where ever you are.

DONE

                                            Day is done. Everything important did get done.

                                       Very windy.  The last of the cherry blossom are being blown off.

                                             Bees are buzzen and little white butterfly visiting the flowers.

My journal book is just about done, filled with all my thoughts and prayers and activities.

Very sad to see the flooding in the tree provinces down east.  A complete disaster.  I hope and pray they will find the solution to prevent this again.
Sad to see the churches will be empty this weekend in Sari Lanka because of fear of the bombers.

Why are these bombers so full of hate?

So many things happen that make us question?

I have worked hard facing the truth of the past and by sharing it I hope it is helpful.
But it has been done and it is a bit of a risk.  People will understand dad's idea of the truth being told.
Forgive and forget.

Accept each day as a new beginning.

RELAX

                       Celebrate your flaws and imperfections as a necessary and important part of you.
                                                             -Richard Templar 

For me today was a day full of relaxing moments.  Sitting and reading and enjoying the beauty of our garden.  The weeds can wait for another day.  A day to simply enjoy.

It is easy to think we have to keep busy to give our life purpose.

I do go for a walk and had a nap afterwords this is becoming my habit.

Dad was busy doing the taxes after he had a bike ride.  They are now finished and sent away.

We went out to celebrate  and sat in the sunshine at the patio of the Catus Club.  A lovely young girl serve us and we enjoyed talking to her too.

Too often I complicate my life and my goal now is to keep it simple. 

Find peace within my heart and mind.
           

GARDEN

                                           Today was a good day to work in the yard.
                                                 Cut the lawn and pulled weeds.
                                                      I think they are weeds.

Dad was confined to the bedroom doing our taxes.  It was made harder when last years receipts were mixed up with the ones we need for this year.  I have been so careful not to throw anything out.

This got me started cleaning our all boxes of pictures and letters etc.

Working in the garden is more fun!

INVITATIONS

                                              WE LOVE RECEIVING INVITATIONS.

Prayer means we have been invited into a relationship with someone who hears us in the silence of our needs,  It means some one if listening and hears our anger and our despair; and who rejoices in our happiness.  Faith has brought me a lot of happiness and security within myself.  I am forgiven,

Unconditional love is very healing.

The messageof Easter.

The story of the crucifixtion and death of Jesus is very real and full of powerful emotions.
sHis mother watching him die leaning on the arm of his disciple.  The disciples
afraid   for their own lives running away and hiding.

The woman who comes to the tomb early in the morning, with tearful eyes find him gone.  She does not recognize him when he comes to her and she thinks he is the gardener.  He speaks her name and she is full of wonderful joy.

I believe that miracles do happen more often than we realize.

Faith can move mountains or even a huge gigantic stone.  Well that probably happened with the help of the angels.

We all know dad loves to tell stories, some of them humorous and some about his adventures.

He decided to tell the story of our past painful experiences using different names.  This was a very difficult task for him, very emotionally draining.  Some of the family has read it and responded and his hope is that all the family at some time will be able to read it.

The power of the Resurrection story has the power to redeem us from our sinful pasts and our anxieties for the future.  Sin is just missing the mark because we are all human.

We are invited to have a relationship with Jesus whose love and forgiveness is available for all.

HAPPY TIMES

                 A few pictures that turned out well.  I think.  The others people were looking a little sad.

Each of the gospels tell the story of the resurrection indifferent ways.

"In Matthew the story the resurrections found when we choose to live it.

In Mark  the evidence of the resurrection is found in the way  God has worked in your past, before you realized it, practiced it, and followed God until you can fully believe it.

In Luke resurrection is found in remembrance, choosing to believe in God's grace instead of the shame and guilt of your past."

In John it is hearing God speak your name and realizing God is always with you, despite all your uncertainties."  -Magrey R. deVegan

Easter was a happy day for me just being with family.

A time to express how thankful I am for all the love and support I have received/

THE STORY TELLER

W gather rogether to have our group picture after a declicious supper with barbecus salmon and pumpkinpie and corn on the cob and salad. It is always good to have Shelly joun us.  I would have loved to talk with her more as she is learning about pain control at Langara, with yoga.

After supper Hamlet started to tell the story of Jesus and all the trials he had to go through before his conviction.

Jesus had been taken capture in the garden where he was betrayed by Judas.

Jesus was brought before Annas and questioned.  Jesus was spat upon and struck and beater.Next he was brought to Pilate who could condemn him to a death on a cross.  Pilate did not want to do this but wanted to set him free.  His wife had warned him not to crucify him.  He took him out before the crowd  to ask for a prisoner to be released.  The crowd choose Barabbas.

Jesus was sent  back to Herod where a purple rob was put on him and a crown of thorns.

Jesus was sent back to Herod.  He was flogged and sent to be crucified.

A heavy cross was put on his back but he stumbled and fell and Simone the Syrian was called upon to carry it for him.

Hamlet did a good job.  I had to re read it this morning to refresh my memory.

He asked why the Jews were so persecuted over the centuries.

They had angered other religions because they believed in one God.

Wars are till being fought over whose territory Israel belongs too.

A sad Eastern morning as the news reports 3 churches and 3 hotels rwere bombed bombed in Sri Lanka,  At least 200 killed and 200 more wounded,  Some extreme group targeting tourists and Christians.

We ask Why?

Why was Jesus crucified?
He came as a light to show us a peaceful way.
Those in power plotted to have him killed.

Why do good people suffer?

We live in a violet world where there is hatred and cruelty.

Off to church to celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus who offers us New Life.

GOOD THURSDAY

Dad and I enjoyed a fun time with Carol and Panteli and Kim and Hamlet.We will be joining them on Sat. night.  Some secrets may be revealed about our ancestry.  Do we have any strange people in our history.

Good Friday.
A wet and foggy morning.

Good Friday is a day to share our sadness and our pain.

Our family has felt the pain of loss with the death of Mikie's father earlier this year.

Oliver not being able to go on his trip with his friends.  Lost his surfing board.

Dad and I struggling with misunderstandings that caused us both pain.

A day of reading scripture together instead of attending church.  Reading of the painful death of Jesus and the agony of spirit his disciples felt at this tragedy,

We will miss Rick coming to visit us at this time.  We miss Ken and his family too.

Ben is away at a big soccer tourament in Texas.

Sunday we are having Easter lurch at the home of Sandra and Randy.

We see the flooding back east and how people are working together to protect the homes of those in danger.

We had a visit from Pat and John, our good friends.  They missed us at church today.

We are called as a family to be authentically human,
a good day to do some soul searching.

GIFTS

                                           A rainy day is a gift to my garden.

I am continuing to read about other religions.

"God speaks to us in many ways
in our sacred scriptures
in our deepest selves
and even in the voice of a stranger."  - Thomas Merton

We like to interrupt what meets our own needs.

Muslims and Jews and Christians have much in common because Abraham is seen as being  the father of their religion and their scripture is based on the same words but with different meanings.
 The Buddhists also stress the role of suffering in our lives and the need for compassion.

New information can be unsettling as I find I am examining my faith with new eyes as I search for the truth.  Some truth has become tradition and stresses the role of the church.

The tragedy of the burning of the high pellars  the Nitre Dam Cathedral was a sad sight for all os us to see.  Money is pouring in to rebuild it if they can.

Tragedy hits each one of our lives at different times and different ways.  Even our relationships.  It can be hard to see the gift it brings.

How sad to hear about the death of the mother cat in the care of Sandra and Randy.  She went to heaven with many good memories of rhe time she had in their home.  Her job was finished.

Like many things we say or do,  we wish we could do things differently and  prevent suffering.

For me the cross is a message of how Jesus enters our pain.

Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God being present with is now.

:This is the Kingdom of God.\
The Kingdom of danger and of risk.
The eternal beginning and eternal becoming 0f open spirit and of deep realization
the Kingdom of holy insecurity."  Martin Buber

We search for answers but find new questions.

We accept the gifts that bring peace and comfort in the midst of our darkness.

Good news we have been invited to supper at Carol and Panteli's.

NEIGHBORHOODS

                                      Driving home from Carol's and Penteli's on Monday,

Monday was a busy day for dad and I as we went to Joanne's house for a Block Watch party,  It was good to meet some new people in the neighborhood.  There has been some concern about some break ins and also kids doing drugs and lighting fires.  The police man encouraged every to report any things we see that may look suspicious.  His maun advice was to take responsibbility for our own properties by locking doors and cars. 

I thought Sandra lived in a safe neighborhood but Kim's car was vandalized in the front driveway.
The policeman also stated that there will always be prople driving through who will try to find some place to break into.  Very depressing for Kim.  Hamlet had things in the car which were also taken.

Dad and I are taking turns cutting the lawn and today was my turn.

We try to keep our yards up to the standard of the neighborhood.

Then dad drove downto the beach and we ate at theboathouse.  It was very quiet there and the service was excellent.

After we ate I dropped in to see Joan at her new Care Home.  She was very down but cheered up by the time I left.  The workers are so very kind and patient and as I left I remarked on this and this was very appreciated.

It seems Easter plans have been decided.  Sunday at Sandra and Randy's.

BEAUTY

I am discovering the beauty in many different religions.

Examining the faith of others is the best way to aappreciate your own.

I had a bad night so woke up feeling miserable.  We did not attend church and I did not go for a walk.

Not a good start for my day.  I spent time reading about finding God in other religions and discovering spiritual lessons and questions that challenge me.

I believe that religion has the power to open the door for us to our own humanity and when it is all said and done that is what it should do/

We can learn from the faith of others.

We find God in different places in our own time.

Our belief is shown by our actions especially towards others.

No religion has all the answers but should stir up questions.

The beauty in life is shining on us at all times.

Even in our dark moments.

I remind myself to be thankful!

  We are not alone.

FAITH

Yes we had lunch out on our back patio surround by cherry blossoms and flowering shrubs.

I nice day after the rainy dull day the day before.  We picked up some muffins in White Rock and had cheese and fruit.  Nice easy lunch.

Earlier in the day I dropped bu the Seniors Home to pick up a little present thanking me for the many years of visiting.  I felt bad telling them I was not coming back, at least for awhile.  They all love me so much there and I have good memories of different people I have visited.  Two girls stood on the steps and waved good-bye to us.

After lunch dad rode his bike in the Watershed.  He sat on the bench on the top of the hill.  A eagle flew over him as he flew around in circles.  He was watching dad watching him.  He had trouble getting up off the bench where he had been lying down.  Getting old is no fun.

"Faith is what stretches us motivates us and keeps is going.  It calls you to take a risk and even leap into something unknown."   -Magery R. deVega  Who knows what will come next.

We have moved the chesterfield closer to the T.V. to watch hockey.

STRANGE

It felt strange to enter the church crowded with people I did not know.  I search to look for a few familiar faces.
 
  It was great that our daughter Sandra came to pick us up and get us to the church on time.
The street was lined with cars and she dropped us off and hurried to catch up with us.

It was time to hear some new and some old stories of Geof as told by his children and wife.  They shared the moments that they had experienced him in his different roles.  His partner, another doctor shared his friendship over many years of working together.

  I tried to give Jane a hug before we left but she was surrounded by many others.

It is strange getting old and feeling unstable and weary.  I feel like a weary traveller who started out with a huge back pack while has gradually become to heavy to carry.  I take out what I do not need and share my load with others.  Talking on the phone to Carol earlier in the morning was encouraging. 

There will be moments of sadness but my goal is to become softer and kinder.

Joy and sadness are both gifts from God to help us grow and mature in compassion.

I know that there is life beyond this life and that there is a mysterious force that surrounds us with healing grace.

I am feeling refreshed and renewed within my soul which is strange but wonderful.

CHAOS

                                         Early morning sunshine promises a sunny day.

Monday we enjoyed a family dinner with Carol and Panteli and Kim and Ben.  A lively conversation did us a world of good.

Dad has a good day riding his bike in the Water Shed Park.  I attend my Bible Study at the church.  We all seem ready for a break.  I leave with two big bags for the Food Bank which we will deliver to-morrow.  We are always challenged to find hope in every situation.  Hope is the shape of the future that will guide us daily.

I am reading an article about chaos which seems to be very much in the politics's of today.

The newspaper lady arrives late and upset.  A car ran into a pole in front of her house and the power lines were down.  The police did not want her to drive her car out but she insisted she had a job to do.
She is a very determined lady and is always kind to us giving us extra papers.

It is junk week for our garbage and extra small trucks keep diving up and down our quiet streets.

On Sunday dad and I drove to White Rock to find my friend, Joan,  from Newton who was transferred there.  The street we were on ended in a dead end but a man walking by helped us find the way.  Joan was very happy to see me but it was sad for me to see how she is failing.

We may no like chaos but life does not always go smoothly and new ideas can evolve.
We discover what is important and worth making an effort to achieve.

NAIVE

                          It is fantastic to be a part of a family where there is freedom to express yourself.
                                I need to be reminded to check if my lens is clean. 

I grew up in a different time with different values.  Tidy and clean.   Do not express your feelings.  My brother rebelled I did not. I  had to learn some difficult lessons about life.

I was naive thinking that people are basically good
No one wants to hurt you
The use of force was wrong.
I still like to think the best of people.

I realize now that because I was naive I was a perfect victim to be abused.

This has caused me to feel a great amount of anger
remembering  this trauma.  And grief was expressed as anger.
Anger can be a good emotion but it can frighten you also.

There is good and bad in all our hearts.

Speak your mind and demand respect.

I am finding a new role that is freeing me from the past.

"What once seem such a curse has become a blessing.
All the agony that threatened to destroy my life
now seems like fertile ground
for greater trust and truth, stronger hope and love!
Henri H Nouven

PURPOSE

                                            Every life has a purpose.  Share your stories.

                                                Circumstances change and so can you.

We take risks when we marry and we take risks when we have children.  I would say that both of these take courage and the willingness to continue to grow and to change.  It is important to value the same things and be willing to make sacrifices because love is the goal and the purpose.

Last night, Friday we met Joanne and a new friend at the Greek restaurant to enjoy sharing stories and laughter.  Joanne is a friend I meet on my walks and she has told me a lot about her life.  She would like to share some of the painful lessons she has had.  She has done a lot of writing and we now have a binder full of stories to read.

I have looked back at myself at age fifteen and I was naive and gullible.  I was not a part of the wild crowd.  My friends and I all attended church and I sang in the choir.  I liked to think the best of people and I still do this today.

We have many lessons to learn but always expect others to respect you and listento you.

FIXED

Carol and Kim cleaning up after supper.  They did a great job and we enjoyed having supper and apple pie with them!  Both had busy a busy day, Carol at her counseling office and Kim at school teaching.  We are always happy to be invited.

Looking forward to our date with Sandra and Randy on Sat. for supper.

It was a busy day for me too.  A meeting at the church abut wellness which is always about diet and exercise and less stress.  The lady also sold vitamins.  A lot of talk about the importance of digestion.

Came home and had a muffin before meeting Jane and her cousin for a late lunch.  Jane is doing her best to cope with the sadness of Geof"s illness with failing mental health and now his death.  It is still a big loss and her heart fills empty.

She cheered up as we shared some happy memories.

The service will be at out church on Wed. at 1:30.

The day finished with supper with Carol and Kim and a brief chay with Ben.

Our days consist of light and darkness andall we can do is to keep on being who we are and accepting others for who they are.  We know the past is fixed and cannot be changed and I hope we know the future holds greater possibilities.

BELIEVE

 Believe that you will emerge from this healthier, with greater knowledge and respect for your self and for others,

The garden seemed to invite us outside to dig and weed and trim.  A lot of work to be done.  Dad did the most work and we both ended up with sore backs.  Dad's feet were also sore.

We are attending a talk on wellness at the church tomorrow and after wards going to lunch with Jane.  She is here to discuss the funeral service with the minister.

"I believe life is a journey from pain to compassion
from fear to faith."
I believe that we all have experience sadness
that has wounded us deep within
but healing comes as with love and time.
We move from weakness to strength
from offense to forgiveness."
Rabbi Alvin