WHERE?

On our quiet drive to Chilliwack the mountain were majestic in their beauty even in the dullness of the day.  The sun is bravely trying to shine.

Our trip there and back went very smoothly and we were especially happy when the road crew where working on the other lane so we were not stopped.

We got to the school and found out the play was not there and we had to ask where is it then?

As the teacher we believe happened to be there at the empty school we had to start from a familiar place before we knew where we were to go.  If we were to search for what is called God we would have to start right where we are and knowing who we are. 

I trust and I believe that somewhere the Great Something is listening and will respomd to the inner desire of my heart.  A step at a time so that even when we feel lost or are actually lost there will be guidance; enough to help us go forward.  I know that on my walks I am able to connect.  Also when I sit down to write I feel a clarity by putting things down.  One thing I try to do is when I think of some one I will get in touch or pray for them.  I trust that God is available at all times.

I know that some will think I am guible or naive but I am not afraid of believing that there is an answer to all the bad news we hear every day.  I want to move toward harmony in my own life and not get tangled in worry.  It is harder to trust when the future will be a time of suffering, which no one wants or are really prepared for.  Lent, the time before Easter, is a time to reflect on our sufferings and on the suffering of Jesus.  Why me Lord?  Why You Lord?

Wed. dad and I were content to have a quiet day.  I had not slept that well wanting to say good-bye to Kim at 3:30 in the morning.  I did work on putting on my pictures and was very please to have a visit with Jane at the coffee shop.  Where was the place that was good for both of us.  We have missed our coffee mornings at Zeller's.

 

I have to remind myself it is Thrusday, visiting day today.

"Faith is a decision.  We then reach out for conscious contact."  -Julia Cameron

SISTERS

Dad and I set out early to  drive to Chilliwack to see Ben perform in the play "The Little Mermaid".
We thought it was at the school and then after we arrived at the Art Center realized we had no tickets.
The principal gave us two tickets to sit with the kindergarten kids.  Ben played his role as the handsome prince very well and the whole production was excellent the costumes very colorful.  We were very proud of Ben singing and acting and dancing.  A wonderful afternoon.  We thought we may see Kim as she had been there putting on make-up, but she had already left. 

Somehow dad and I ended up coming out of the back door of the stage to a burst of applause, not for us but for the director.  All the children were now the audience.  We were trying to connect with Ben not sure what the plan was for getting him home.  Very embarrassing.

We drove over to Theresa's house after to meet Haiti the dog and have coffee with the girls.  A short visit  but Kim was busy getting ready to fly out to Peru to be involved in helping children in an afternoon project.  Yes, she is off on another adventure!  We will miss her bright spirit!

We left about 4 and arrived home just as it started to rain.  Carol and Panteli, and Chuch and Ron and I think Nicole were joining Theresa and Mikie and Morgan all going to the evenning performance. 

It is wonderful to be able to be involved in the lives of our family.  One of the secrets of growing older I believe is to not be too rigid but to bend with the wind of change.

Change your thoughts and you change your world!     --Norman Vincent Peale

Flowers

Beautiful flowers to brighten up out home and give it a spring like feeling.  Thank you Carol and Panteli.  They are off having a busy day with many chores to do and things to organize.  Updated their licenses yesterday and bought a bed on Sunday.  They have furniture that will be arriving and other stuff they have to pick up from storage.

Dad and I will be going to Ben's play in Chilliwack and we are very excited about that as he has a main part and is actually singing.  Kim and dog will return with us.  Dad's feet are giving him a lot of pain so that is discouraging as it has been a long time since he felt like himself.

Had a good time at the Green Lettuce as we have not been there for a long time.  Jeff was pleased to see us all.  It was a real treat from Panteli.


Bumping into God happens when we see beauty in all things.  Nature is especially inspirational.

Last Sunday night as we were waiting  for the opportunity to move our car and head for home.  I looked up at the sky and all the stars were shining as bright as could be.  The sky and the ocean give me a feeling of the vastness of this world we live in.  Life can be full of God moments  when our soul is touched by the spiritual dimension that is the grace of God.  I am watching the birds fly above my head on my morning walks now.  Yesterday as dad and I sat on the porch in the sunshine we think we saw a red-tailed hawk.

I am so thankful for the gift of faith that allows me to see light shining through the ordinary and where a conversation becomes significant as a friend takes time to listen.

I believe in a God not as portrayed in the Old Testament. 

Most people are influenced by other people and the examples they see in their lives.

"In order to work with God, we must assume that God can start any time and any place where ever we are.  God is not waiting to rendezvous with us once we have earned the right to his attention.

God is Waiting for us right now, just where we are." -Julia Cameron.

OVERIDENTIFICATION

A lovely sunny day.  So good having Carol attend church with me.  Dad was still not able to leave the security of home and bathroom.  Thankful to drive to Sandra and Randy's for a delicious supper.

Overidentification is believing that you are totally in the right and the other or others are totally wrong.    The challenge is to find a peaceful way of discussing and respecting the opinions of others. Expressing what you believe is important but also being aware that your words are causing pain and wounding the soul of another is very important.  We all have overidentification problems!

 

Even with loving family members there will always be healthy differences.  I am being reminded that I talk to loud on the phone and I do not take criticism well.  So true.  I will try to over come this.

 

There is a healthy balance if while we remain true to ourselves we can be open to others.

 

In traditional Judaism, the book of Leviticus says:  do not curse a deaf person. which later rabbis explained to mean that the gift of speech is for blessing and uplifting our lives, not for degrading ourselves or other people.  Even if a deaf person can't hear the hurtful words, the basic misuse of our own gifts is wrong.  Employing our minds and our intelligence not to prove what is right but to heal is a way we can encourage one another.

Our church is built on a foundation and a belief in prayer that flows from thankful hearts that flow from the heart.  The Jewish prayer Sh'ma Yisroel Eloheynu Adonai Ekhad is a prayer from the heart that is saying:  Listen, wake up you who seek to understand and connect with God, Adonai, the Eternal One who has been present since the beginning of time and who expresses Love and Wisdom by entering our hearts and to create energy and unity with all things.

My prayer is that I can develop a deeper connection to this loving energy day by day, prayer by prayer.  For me scripture has a depth of meaning that actually transcends words.

MORNING

Kim and dog Haiti are recovering after a long journey to Theresa and Mikie's.
Happy Birthday Mikie!

Plans are up in the air for today but I plan to go to church and supper I believe is going to be at Sandra and Randy's.  We really want to see Kim but a long drive to Chilliwack and not sure if dad feels up to it.

I have read that the morning ritual can be the most crucial in making the day a lot more purposeful and satisfying.  I never knew that Tai Chi Chaun is an ancient body movement ritual that is soft flowing movements that shift the energy in the body, mind and breath into a harmonious state.  Yoga is another way to awaken your spirit each morning with great aliveness and focus. 

"In Hinduism the word Yoga literally meanings to harness oneself to God, seeking union with the divine."  I like to do my walking and praying to remind myself that I need to grow and learn each day and especially not to harm anyone.

My morning walk helps me to breath in fresh air and a fresh sense of purpose enjoying nature and the wonder of being alive and well.  I sometimes go over what happened the day before especially times when I felt insecure or angry or self-righteous.

"If you want to find out how well you are living up to your spiritual values look at how you react in times of disagreement and frustration."   Rabbi Mordecai Finley

Dad was very pleased that Randy came over to hep[ take the spring off the top of the door, especially since he was not feeling so good.  I cleaned out cupboards to see if there was any evidence of mice.

Then we lay on the bed and watched a funny movie together.  I would have loved to go to Chilliwack with Carol and Panteli but it was good we had not gone.  Waited all day until Kim finally called.  Both her and Haiti are recovering from their long trip so that is good news.  They got through the border fine only having to fill out a form.  They arrived at Theresa's at 3 in the morning.

 

All is well that ends well!   Lovely sunny morning!  !

 

 

CURED

Most of us want to have answers for all our questions and cures for all our diseases.   Science seems to promise that all our diseases can be cured, which seems like a good thing.  One thing I have learnt as I have gotten older is that their our lessons to be learned and that I can become a better person by

learning through times of poor health and disappointments.

 

I now believe that something stronger has to grow within us that is stronger than our disease; even as we learn to cope with the problems that are caused by illness.  My goal is to become first of all more patient, then more loving and eventually wiser.  I believe that there is a hidden wholeness in each one of us.  When I see others struggling with poor health I also see the potential for courage and a greater awareness of the value of all life.

 

Life seems to continually become a challenge that we face everyday.

I am always amazed at the stories I hear from the elderly people I visit, like Helen who spent time in a prison camp during the war, and is still able to be cheerful and accept changes in her living.  Their stories remind me of what is important in life.  Some things are cured while others we have to learn to live with.

My thoughts are with Kim and her dogie travelling so far and in such stress.  I know once you have an animal they become just like family.  It is heart breaking when something happens to them.

All is quiet at our house even the mouse.

THE PARTY

Morgan really wanted to come to Grama Carol's party.  She phoned to say Happy Birthday but Carol was out shopping for some warm clothes.  When the cake was lit we phoned to get her to sing along with us but she was not at home.  Too bad.  Dad and I were thrilled to have Carol here for her birthday and dad had gone to the Store and order a beautiful cake for her.  Our singing was not thrilling but love expressed around our small table.  How time flys it just seems now that she was leaving and here she is back again.  Also back to her old job as is Panteli also.  Their apartment will be ready on Monday so lots of work ahead for them both.  Moving and settling in is very stressful.

Ben has come down with a bad cold and he is in a big play next week.  We are all going.  I do hope he can rest up and feel better.  It was a extremely cold day when he was playing soccer last week-end.  They are giving out prizes this Sat. and I am not sure who is going out to Chillliwack maybe Carol and Panteli.

Theresa is driving down to Seattle to pick up Kim and her dog to-morrow in the late afternoon.  I hope she has a good map and the drive goes well for her.  My thoughts and prayers will be with her.

This Friday morning I am reflecting on yesterday and also on all the parties we have celebrated and there will be many more in the future.  I have been blessed with happiness.

"If the world were to end to-morrow and they would tell me that.  I would still plant my apple tree today.  That is, each day has an intrinsic value that is worth investing in.  There is no guilt from yesterday, there is not supposed to be worry about tomorrow, so you plant a tree today." -Luther

Sometimes it is good to listen to advice but other times you listen to your own hopefullness and believe!