DECISIONS

 

                                                    A sunny day.

                                                     A good day for Panteli to a drive me to the hearing aid office.

                                                      After talking things over I decided to keep the ones I had in and

                                                     have them turned up a bit higher.  He also gave me a box of batteries

                                                    as I had used up the few I had.

                                                    I go back in two weeks.  I can change my mind.

                                                            I have two months to decide.

                                                   I am hearing better now but now the T'V' is too loud.

                                                  Dad is watching the hockey game and I am up stairs.

                                                           "Know yourself to better your self."

                                           Life is full of  wonder. Everyone is unique.  We. make decisions every day'

                                       We can choose what to believe and who to believe.  Some days I feel to old to                                           cut the mustard. Other days I feel young again. Every day is different and we                                          start each day free to make decisions.

limitations.

                                                Facing our limitations.

                                                     Yes this is a big part of aging.

                                                               A time to face the truth.

                 I also believe that part of what religion is trying to do is to help us face out spiritual limitations.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  Psalm 119

We need light to see our way forward.  We need light to face the darkness in our souls.  We need light to help us grow and understand what it means to be a disciple of Jesus.  He told them if they believed on him and continued in his word then ye are my disciples indeed.

That he would grant you, according to the richness of his glory to be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man.  Growth is an important part of being human and my faith is being rooted and grounded in love.  Ephesians 3: 16, 17

God never turns this light off.  Our doubt, our fears, our weaknesses, our pride and self-rightness can blind us and we are in a fog and may not even know it.

Dad and I know we are getting weaker and we need to work at regaining our strength

We need prayer for ourselves and for others who our failing.

Happy Sunday!  So happy for Stephen and Shawna.  Hold a new little one in your arms fills our hearts with LOVE.  We love you guys!

LESSONS

                                                 Still learning lessons.

You can only watch so many T.V. adds for pizza before you feel like you really want a pizza.  Dad suggested we go to the Pizza Hut in Ladner The fog was still hanging around and we were hoping the fog would be lifted there. And it was.  

We were surprised that our hang out was no longer there.  Oh well lets have fish and chips.  We had masks but my first mistake was leaving my purse at home.  No I D. and no passport.  Dad had the past port on his phone but without  I.D. no entrance.

We decided to enjoy a drive through Lander We came home to sunshine and Ken on the phone.  He had got his T.V. working.

We were happy to have a break from T.V. before the hockey.  It was a good game except it would have been more exciting if the score had been closer.

The phone rang just before we were going up stairs to bed.. Always good to talk to an old friend especially one who tells funny stories.  She was a twin and growing up her and her brother got into a lot of mischief.  It got to late to go on my blog.

Lessons are good when they help us learn from our mistakes.

It is good to have goals and even desires but we need to be prepared that things do not always work out.

"Our deepest calling is to grow into into our authentic selves and find find joy as we all travel on the path together.."  Parker Palmer

Lessons teach us to be come what we were meant to be.  This takes time and patience. 

AWARENESS

                                             Exciting news hearing about Ben's future.

Time seems to be passing very quickly.  Too bad some in our family have caught the virus.  Hope they will recover quickly and completely. 

I am aware that I am not feeling great the last few days.

I do not like the fog and am thankful the sun is now out.

I tried to do a bit in the yard but aware of how easily I can fall I quiet.

I phoned Tavia to ask if she could come and help me for a day.  We would pay her as she is not working right now.  

I had a shorter walk today and was happy when dad appeared to drive us home.

We had a nice visit with Lucas on the phone.  He was surprised to hear from us.  I wanted to let them know their cards had arrived.

I met my friend Joeann on my walk in the fog and I was interested to hear her views on the state of the world.  It is good to be aware of what other people are thinking.  It is good to laugh with others.  She can be very funny even when she is serious.

Laughter can be very healing as well as spiritual.
 

NORMAL

Normal?

Stay home and stay safe!

If we listen to the news we are vulnerable to catch this virus.

I wave at people passing by.

I wear my mask as we have a quick visit to the store.

If Laura is here we can send her.

Our relationships are being tested as we spend so much time together.

Others say the same thing.

Today we were delighted and Pleased to get Christmas cards from Lucas and Ranu.

I always love to get some thing in the mail besides bills and requests for money.

That still is the same.

It is a stressful time that can be draining..

"The personalities we are born with make a huge difference in how we process life."

Even in normal times some of my friends have developed panic attack.

They are staying home and not allowing visitors.

Having any little visit can be so important to our mental health.

"Negative thoughts can be addicting"

Will this ever end.

Will life ever be normal?

 

 

MEANING

A  very foggy cold day.

As usual Spenser and I head out into the cold fog morning 

I was feeling extra  tired as I

had slipped getting back into bed

and banged my head on the night table by my bed.

That woke dad up and he came around to help me up

I told dad exactly where I was going so he could drive and pick me up

I was thankful I did because I was tired out and even the small hill on the way home

seemed like a mountain..

.

I was not going to mention it to any one but dad mentioned it when we had a short talk to Rick.

I hope Rick had a good talk to the engineers in Australia.

I think Rick has a very meaningful job.

You have to know what you are talking about  with  the experts.

Talking to Pat she expressed the fact that she found meaning in the Spiritual

but had grown away from Christianity.  We all know the experiences we have

when we walk in a forest and feel the beauty of nature all around us.

I believe that one can feel the awe of the supernatural in a church.

Surrounded by friends and there is an energy that flows into the mind and heart of a believer

.

We may be in a different place in our walk with the Creator.

We are on a journey together and some are up ahead of me and others come behind.

We each have a role to play.

We bring meaning into the lives of others along the way.

The road at times seem difficult but if we take time to rest and pray

we keep going.

Faith can even have times of doubt and uncertainty. "

An unthinking faith is not worthy of the gift that God gives to seekers

who want the truth and peace and assurance.

Faith and fellowship give my life meaning.

 

POSITIVE

                                         One positive thought can change your day.

                                          "My life is a book, make it a best seller."  -S Gret

We  had a good visit with Carol and Pentali and Sandra.as we shared supper with them.

Sorry Randy could not be there.  He had painful dental work done.  Will phone tomorrow to see how he is.

We were talking about happiness.  This morning I wrote about things that made me happy.

Walking Spenser,  a good funny joke, when I am free of pain, visits with family and friends.  Pat and John dropped by today and it was good to see them.  We are planning to have them come over with our friends Nick and Dorena in Feb.

Today dad actually found me when he drove out to pick me up.  I really was happy to see him.

Yes I have a few stories I could add to my book about me.

I have raised four amazing children with dad's help of course. 

I acted quickly when I smelt smoke coming up from the basement.  I took the children to the neighbors       and phoned the fire department and grabbed the hose to spray on the flames.

I have flown in a small plane.  I was very afraid but tried to be brave.  

I have driven through blizzards with dad when we could not even see the road.

I have loved and been loved.

My faith has brought me joy and peace and courage when I have needed it most

I have wonderful memories.  I pray every day for my loved ones.  I am happy Carol is on her way to visit grand daughter Alba. I feel closer to those far away when I pray for them.  This is the way I keep them close and in my heart. 

 

A STUMBLE

Never let a stumble on the road be the end of the journey.

So happy Carol does not need any treatment at this time.

So Sunday she will be flying down to to Kim and Hamlet and Alba.

Happy birthday to Hamlet. 

We are happy that you are you.

Happiness is a beautiful thing.

Enjoy every moment of it.

One worry is over but before you know it, another one pops up.

I am thankful dad and I have each other to love and to encourage each other.

Many people stumble over religion because they want scientific assurance.  I believe faith is a gift we can all receive.  It takes us beyond the reality of the known into the reality of the unknown.  Faith has enriched my life in many ways and experiences.  My faith comes from scripture and especially the words of Jesus. Faith is trusting God's love is real and powerful.

It is warm and sunny today.  There is no snow left except the huge hills at the parking lot.

Sandra is picking dad and I up and driving us over to Carol and Panteli's.

We are looking forward to our visit.

Dad can drive but getting a ride is great too.

Now I will take Spenser out as our friend will not be walking him at 5.. 

 

BEGINNERS

New life is beginning to appear in the garden.

I am happy to begin to write on my blog again.

Sandra dropped by to help.

Yes I do not know much about computers.

I do not know why you have to sign it twice.

But I am now signed in!

To be honest it is a little hard to begin again after the break I have had.

We are encourage in scripture to enjoy life.  That is n Corinthians.

I was brought up to think the main purpose in life is to achieve success by working hard.

There is a story about a busy bee saying to the flower why it was not busy doing any thing.

The flower answered that is was busy just being beautiful.

I think it is good to stop and enjoy the beasty that is all around us.  The beauty of nature and the beauty in family and friends.  The beauty of laughter.  The inner beauty we all have.

This is a life long process that begins new each day.

It begins with humility and honesty.

It begins with thankfulness.

COURAGE

 Nothing worked because  the mouse did not work, I could not get on my blog to write on it.

Dad tried to fix the mouse and I tried to get on my blog,

It was frustrating day,  

We did take Spenser to get a hair cut,

I had been putting it off.

I seem to be good at that, putting things off,

I have been meaning to phone some friends and  was so pleased to have a call from Cathy and Joan.

Two very dear friends.

They both have been an example of courage and strength and faith.

"Courage is very important.

It is like a muscle.  It is strengthened by use."  Ruth Corden

I woke up this morning and prayed for help.  I did not expect an answer without making an effort.

The mouse started working.

I had trouble getting on my blog but I finally succeeded. 

I have found that it takes courage to keep going when you have failed many many times.

"With a new day comes new strength and new thoughts and renewed courage.  " E. R.

Be Brave!  Try one more time. 

REFLECTIONS ON FAMILY AND FAITH

 FAMILY

I am writing on the computer Sandra has installed for me,  I have had a difficult time finding my blog,

I think maybe the fog that we drove in to reach the 

dining place has seeped into my brain,

Penteli drove us into Van, to meet Ben for brunch,

It was a lively fun time finding out all that Ben is doing and will be doing.

It was also a celebration of Carol and Paneli's wedding anniversary,

The love we share in our family is very precious to me,

FAITH

It is through reading the words of scripture, with the eyes of faith, that we find values to live by,

We carry in our hearts and souls the very presence of the Holy Spirit who teaches and guides us deeper into the meaning of life.

As a follower of Jesus I am finding hope that shines on my path.  There are many paths and we follow what inspires us to value all life and to support and have compassion for the poor and the sick.

I have written another blog called Adventure that is more spiritual.

SURPRISED

W

WOW

                                                                           WHAT A SURPTISE

                                                           Sandra arrives with a big box under her arms

.                                                             and it is a new computer for me.

                                                              I am excited and amazed

                                                                        I am concerned about learning a new key board,

                                                              I am making a lot of mistakes,

                                                      it is good to learn something new,

Thank you Sandra,  I can now check my e mail,

I am a slow learner,

We are having lunch with Carol and Pentali and Ben tomorrow,

Always fun to see our grandchildren.

Sunshine!

Yes a beautiful sunny day,

Dad and I were eating breakfast when our friend Jan drove by on her little machine,

She is amazing,  She has been in and out of hospital and had two toes amputated,  The next moment we see her stop her machine and carefully get off it and carry in our garbage pail,  She is laughing and we are amazed and start to laugh too. We run out and have a talk with her,

She is doing better and now able to walk her dog,

What a character!

What a friend,

A sunny day full of love and friendship!

Talked to Cameron and Shandel and thankful they were not too sick,

Talked to Jane and they are in shut down.  Meals in room, No going out,

Carol and Panteli asks us for supper but we were over-tired and declined,

I was looking forward to going but we know we will be invited again. 

A beauifu sunny day,
 

Bah Humbug

I feel bad that we are all having problems,  More family members with Covid -19,  Aches and pains etc,

I was miserable all day yesterday and happy just to be grumpy,  No hearing aids in,  Blessed quiet!

Today I will go for a shirt walk,  /the sidewalks are clear,  Our library books are due,  They nave been renewed and renewed,

I am so happy Laura is here to clean up our mess.,

I am so happy to have a home and a family!

 

WONERING,

 

Nice to have some sunshine yesterday,u

Laura walked Spenser this morning,   Phone a lady abut Tuesday,

Left a message,

I really miss going for my walk in the morning

but I do not want to worry any one.

Carol is going to the hearing man with me to-day,

We will have a visit with Carol and Panteli after,

Did any birthday cards arrive in Australia?

I get confused if it is today or to-morrow,,

Life is a challenge for us all but it is harder when you get old,

We try to do our best but we can be forgetful,

That does not mean we do not Care.

Life is good when we continue to wonder!

BALANCE

The lights have all been taken down,

The snow is disappearing,

The sidewalk is bare but the road is very icy,

At least where we are,

The young boys are now playing basket ball not road hockey.

Spenser had a good walk with a lovely young lady,

She looked about Morgan's age,

We had a nice visit after,

I was very unhappy not to have a walk,

It was just as well I did not have to go as I lost my balance

and fell against the hard arm of the chair and hurt my ribs,

It is harder and harder for dad to keep his balance,

I find that life seems to be out of balance,

Is it just me?

 

GRACE

God's gift of Grace comes to us like an unopened Gift.

It waits to be opened,

It is a miracle,

Pure unconditional

We do not hear unless we put the sea shell to our ears and listen.

God speaks when we stop listening to our own thoughts.

Not to what others may say or believe about us

It is a soft whisper,

For my ears alone to hear!

Not with human words,

I cannot see into the future and maybe that is just as well,

I know God can.

We do no expect to see him with our bodily eyes.

because it is only by the  His Spirit,

We will go together,

He has been with me in the past and I know he will be with me as I journey onward,

I appreciate  the help

dad has been giving me,

We are both very tired but if we both can do things together that is ggreat.

I am finding getting old tough,

In the past I have gone through hard times.

I have found they will gat better or I have to learn to live with it,

I believe it is import to live by faith,

MIXED

I am trying to be positive!

I pray and I meditate and I read,

I believe that there is an amazing spiritual dimension to our heart and soul.

Prayer helps me to find comfort and strength,

I believe we are responsible for what we choose to believe,

I am finding it is taking a long time to know myself\sd I really am

not how others think I am,

We all have a story to tell and sometimes we can share it

other times we can keep it to ourselves.

I believe I have been created in the image of God even I do not understand what that means.

There is a divine energy that at times I feel or sometimes I dream about beauty and light

that awakens me with a peaceful spirit,

Today dad took Spenser for a sort walk,

We have a name of a dog walker is we cannot do it,

Tonight the dog walker came and took him for a long walk,

The two dogs look happy as they walk down the path together,

We did not go out at all,

"So when life is sweet  say thank you and grow,

When life is a bitter disappointment say thank you and grow."

-Shauna Niequest

I find most days there is a bit of both,

 

 

I AM BACK

Snow and cold are back,

More snow to-night,

The power is back on and so is the Y5.

Sorry Ken we did not phone on your birthday,

It would not be fun when you are feeling miserable and so is everyone.

Our power was out and dad and I are feeling old,

Thankful the lights in the kitchen working so we could cook

and read 

It felt like we were in a "Cone of silence."

We have enjoyed receiving cards and phone calls and visits.

It is hard to type when you are dizzy,

Just a few more days of my bladder medication.

Carol drove here to take me to the hearing msn,

A very friendly office.

I need to leave my hearing aids in all day,  Yuck,

Do not laugh you will be having your own experiences soon,

Dad has started watching a T.V, show so I will join him now.

Sandra has arranged for some one to walk Spenser in the morning.

Hard walking very cold and very icy.

We are trying to stay happy and warm and sane,

Lots happiness.

Enjoy what you can right now in this moment of time,

 

APPRECIATION

Christmas is over,

Lights are disappearing,

A sad time for some of us,

Disappointments seem hard to bear at this time of year,

We all want to be jolly and merry,

I missed seeing Leah and Craig,

Hope Astrid had a Happy Birthday,

They are both growing up so fast!

The rain is washing the snow away,

It will be easier to walk,

We appreciated the delicious turkey dinner cooked by Carol,

and her helper Panteli,

We were a small fun group,

Opening Christmas presents is always exciting,

Hopefully we will do better buying gifts next year,

We appreciate the visits from Sandra and Randy. Carol and Panteli,

We are enjoying the cookies and muffins they made for us,

We appreciate all the hard work of cleaning the snow off our driveway,

Thanks Sandra and Randy and Panteli,

Thanks also to Hilary doing some shopping for us,

Also for Sandra driving me over before she left from visiting dad,

Carol did a great job driving me over to get my third shot,

Everything went very smoothly,

I just sat in the car and rolled up my sheaves,

I had a lively visit on the phone with my brother,

His boys are being very helpful.

Cleaning the chimney and the driveway and bringing food,

He always says a prayer for my family, much appreciated,

We do not know what the New Year will bring.

We are praying for better health for all,

We need renewed energy and stronger faith,

God's love has the power to transform and heal even our broken hearts,

Dad and I are so thankful we have each other

and our family and friends,

A calm morning after a very windy night.

the big branches did a wild dance against the windows,

 

VERY THANKFUL FOR THE COMMENTS

Usually happy to have another quiet morning

but not this morning I am feeling a little sad,

Worried about those who are not well,

Rick, 

Ken.

Carol

Dad,

Have not hear from Leah and Craig,

Missing our special relationship,

Also thinking about Tasha and Justice,

Both have stressful Jobs,

Spenser is now awake and coming to be with me!

We will go for a wake over to the Safeway

Looking forward to a visit from Carol and Panteli!