FAMILY

Dad and I enjoyed our visit out with Christopher.

We have certainly seen him mature over the years.  He is hard working and full of insight about many things.  It is not easy to be a young person in this day and age.  We hope that this year will be a good one and hope we see more of him too!

Dad worked very hard in the front yard all day and I helped going along and doing some clean up.

I was looking in the window box where I planted some seeds and was surprised that one half is growing little shoots while the other is no sign of life.  I was reminded of the parable that Jesus taught about the sower and the soil.  My seed was not planted on hard ground or along the path so I am wondering if the birds could have eaten some.

The seed is the word of God which takes root in some hearts while in others is met with unbelief and chocked with the worries of life.  The good seed grows strong and produces good fruit.

Dad and I are proud of the good character that grows in our family and has overcome difficulties with effort and hard work.

HONESTY

My day yesterday was a day when          

I started things but never finished,
I went to the store but did not get
what I went for, actually both dad and
I went together.
I planed to cut the grass and dad is going
to trim the edges but neither got done.
I did not wish happy birthday on face book but dropped off a card to Chris.  We are taking him out to supper to night.

Dad did drive me to go visiting and every time
I go the ladies appreciate it so very much.  I am so glad I am not forgotten says Joyce.

Dad met a man sitting outside and they had a little visit.

The fire has destroyed the whole town it would appear.  How can they restore when so much has been lost.  I start thinking we should be more prepared not for a fire but for an earthquake.

Got home and was greeted by aa waging tail and a look it was time for a walk.  She was even happier when I put her leash on her.

So a least I did several things right.

A cartoon shows a picture of an answering machine saying that the voice is being listened to and if I know you and want to speak to you I will otherwise leave a message.  A honest answering machine! 

TRAGIC

The bigger picture.

The news of the fire burning all around Fort McMurray

is frightening and so very tragic.  As they are fleeing the smoke and the flames death must seem very real and very close .I am so thankful for my safe little home and that none of my children are near there anymore.  Rick worked there as did Oliver and Stephan, I think, years ago.

Scripture says when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned.
the flames shall not set you ablaze. 
Do not be afraid for I am with you.   Isaiah  43:3,5

There is no way to know who you really are with your very own strengths and weaknesses unless you have faced tragedy and suffering.  When you are fleeing for your life and the lives of your family and pets you realize what is really important.  A faith in a God of mercy and compassion has the power to fortify even the weakest of us.

My journey's with dad in the airplane with menacing skies above and unsure destinations ahead seemed almost life-threatening as did some of our winter journeys back and forth  to Calgary and Regina.   Very stormy weather!  

 I prayed a lot for courage and wisdom and skill for dad!


Many will be pouring there hearts out for each family as they travel together to find a safe place and to continue to trust that God will be with them in the days ahead.  This does not mean that we will for feel sadness and even anger but express our feelings and find that life carries on.

None of us want to go through fiery trails and certainly not alone. but a loving presence with us in times of tragedy and suffering. and the prayer of others,

I am sure in our hearts we are all praying for them and in the difficult tragic days ahead.

"I'll never, no never, no never forsake"  the words from a loving God
words of faith spoken in a hymn . 

MY GARDEN

Pictures from my front garden.

Early blossoms have died and a lot
of new buds are not yet out, so there is a lot of green.

The yellow rose is just starting to come out as are the rhododendrons.

Right now it is the watering that takes a lot of time although I have a snake hose but it is broken.

This is a bit of a wild area.

Leah and Craig dropped by after both of them had been to work.  They commented on how much help Carol and Sandra had done setting up living room and dining room.  They were both very tired.

Craig got my watch hoked up to the computer.  We ate snacks and drank cool drinks, until Kim came home and made some good food.

It was a warm day with a lightning and thunder storm at night,

.

My family and my garden continue to bring me a lot of joy!

"We are brought into each others lives for a reason,

for a season or for a lifetime."

-  Ram Dass

THERESA'S DEBUT

                                          Reading from her diary at the comedy club.

How exciting and thrilling for her.

Her mom and sister were in attendance.

She is beautiful and very talented.

She was fabulous!

Thank you Kim for taking pictures.

PAIN

Yes no pain no gain is certainly true
when it comes to moving.  I am sure there was a sigh of relief when the last box was unloaded.
Time for a good soak in the tub.

All the help certainly was appreciated by
Leah and Craig.  Now the exciting time
will come when they can set up the baby
room.

Sandra and Carol went the next day to help unpack and organize  They now have room to walk and a few dishes. 

We were pleased that Rick came to church with us and had time to visit over lunch.  I thought of lots of questions later.  He was very proud of the hard work that Chris did and it was a long day for them both.

The church looked very beautiful with the sun streaming in the stained glass windows.  It was a guest minister who talked about visiting Christians in China.  A nice young man but I found him hard to hear.  They certainly have gone through painful times but it has drawn them closer to each other.

To be honest I felt a little empty as it was very intellectual and informal but lacking in emotion that stirs the heart and soul.

I am reminded of the importance of bringing the spiritual into every day living.

"To greet the day with reverence for the opportunities it contains,
even in the doing of little things
with the ultimate purpose of enjoying laughter with friends,
love in my heart, to be gentler and kinder in all things,
to approach the night with a well earned weariness
and new hope for the dawn of the new day"
-  Thomas Deeker

DON'T

Dad has a list of things he does not want me to do.

Don't lift heavy stones.

Don't walk to far and get over tired.

Don't climb on ladders.

Don't carry to many books up and down the stairs.

Don't even think about helping the movers because you will just be in the way,

Etc.  etc.

I think it is too bad religion seems to concentrate on the don'ts.

Take the Sabbath which was meant to be a time of being restful.
I time of beauty with candles and a special meal with the family.
A  time to make an effort for the soul to relate to God
Read a devotional or a hymn or a Bible verse.

"On Friday nights we echo God who looked at His creations and said it was good.
We gather around the table to give thanks and share our week."
--David Gregory

Yes there are things that I may choose not to do so I can be refreshed .

For the beauty of the earth
For the beauty of the skies
For the love which from our birth
Over and around us lies
Lord, of all to Thee we raise\This our hymn of grateful praise!

Happy Sunday!