PREVENTABLE

This is the place on River Road where we went on Labour Day for a little excursion.  Very pleasant.

I hurt my back trying to pull out some roots but they held fast and I landed on the ground.  It was preventable and I had no one to blame but myself.

I would like to believe that God can prevent tragedy that causes us so much pain; and I am thinking of much worse things, but there is a strength and a courage that comes with faith.  As I see it history teaches us that if human beings are determined to do something cruel and destructive, we can not depend on God to stop us.  Sometimes other human beings can prevent evil by becoming involved and helping.

"As the Talmud says, when a person does a good deed when he doesn't have to. God looks down and says, For this moment alone it was worth creating the world."   Harold Kushner

This generation is the first to realize that the earth may become extinct.  Scary thought.  The thought that some fanatical group could get control of the nulclear weapons that so many countries have and destroy other nations.

THE INVISIBLE

There is something about looking at the sky that makes you wonder if this is all there is?  Could there be an invisible world of which we at times sense but cannot really understand.

Maybe that there is some hidden meaning and purpose to all the suffering we have to go through, something beyond the scientific world and yet something real.  I began the day looking through a huge pile of cards that covered many years and many different occasions.  Some happy of course and some sad. 

There are things in all our lives that happen to us that are beyond our control and change the direction of our lives.  Many good things have come out of difficulties and made us better people.

Dad and I had a short walk in the forest and then drove to the Inn on River Road.  It was a perfect fall day and we loved every minute of the sunshine.
As we sat by the river and watched the boats coming and going or just sitting there we both realized that we live in a world of great beauty.  We have enjoyed a fun week-end with Craig and Leah and Stephen and Shanna.  What an extraordinary busy time for Sandra.

Planning a wedding can become such a huge event and we do hope all goes well because it is such a special day.

Today will be an ordinary day for me full of the small details like grocery shopping and cleaning.  Fall activities will be starting soon.  Exciting day for children back to school.

PUZZLING

Life is a puzzle.  How do we free the mind and strengthen the soul and the will?  Are we really fully aware of all that we can be?  What is the truth that sets us free no matter what our circumstances?

A last minute party was planned at Sandra's house to celebrate her birthday; 52 amazing years.  We arrived and Shawna was busy cooking and Stephen did the barbie.  Leah had brought my favorite ambrosia and a fantastic cake.  It all came together beautifully.  We all went home to snore the night away!  Sometimes the puzzle pieces just all fit together.  One piece was missing Theresa and Mikie .

"Until one is committed. there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. . .
          Whatever you do, or dream you can do, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.
           Begin it now."    -W.H.Murray

 For me it is helpful to sit and write.  I am thankful for solitude.  I am thankful for books that help me to express my deepest wondering knowing others have had to puzzle through life too.  I read what others have called the spark, the fire at the center of our being, I call the Holy Spirit that guides me.
We are more than just consumers that need to keep looking for and obtaining more and more.

I find that I do not have the energy to do a lot of shopping and to be truthful I have more than I need.
It gets easier for me to also let go of things, of worries and problems.  It is okay to say "no".

I believe that God is looking for Christians who will say "no" to those preachers who claim that everyone who does not agree with them will go to hell.  I do not call that love.

I believe that God is looking for Muslims who will say "no" to those who speak falsely in His name.
Reading the Koran one can discover there is a God who cherishes life and protects the innocent.

"Wickedness can do a great deal of damage
but ultimately contains the seeds of its own defeat."   - Harold S Kushner

MADELINE

A beautiful name for a beautiful precious great granddaughter who lived only a few months.

 

Yesterday it rained during the night making the morning feel extra cool.  A good day to just stay in your p.j.'s and not listen to the news or make any plans.  A day to relax.  Dad is watching tennis and I decide on a short walk.  I laugh to myself as I think what a good sport Leah is to crowd in the back of the car so they can drive Panteli to the airport.

I decide to go to church although dad is not feeling so good so stayed home.

As I was driving to church I was thinking of the new ta toe Leah has on her foot that has Madeline's name with two wings beside it.  We really have 20 grandchildren counting all the great grandchildren.
I aways remember in my heart the day when Madeline left all who loved her here on earth.

May we always remember the sacredness of all life and that life is like a living stream of compassion.

In the stillness of the service I am reminded that there is rest and peace in the One in whom all journey's begin and end.  Yes it is a mystery that comes silently as we let go of our worries and trust that love is always with us.

REASONS

Happy Birthday Sandra.  You and Stephen look great.  It was fun having a party for you before your actual birthday. 

I have spent an hour trying to put a picture on.  I would put more on but it is not working.

Leah and Craig have just left to take Panteli to the airport.  I have had a lazy day which is good once in awile.  I did go out for lunch with Cathy over to Applewood.  They now make sandwiches with gluten free bread but I had a salad as usual.  We had a real good talking sharing ideas and to recall all the things that happened in the past with our families.

What a great surprise when Craig and Leah arrived.  I think that happiness just seems to happen sometimes like that and I like to enjoy every minute of it.  So I think there was a reason we had left overs from Friday night.

Lets talk on the phone.

HAPPINESS

This is me when family puts a comment on my blog.  I love family and friend comments that update me on how your life is going.  It is all about keeping in touch with family!  I love your comments.  This is the second blog today.

What a dreamer!

Cool wind blew on my face on my walk but the sunfelt good on the way back.  I need another cup of coffee because I did not sleep well.

We will miss Panteli he has been good company and it is fun getting to know people better.

Sandra may go away somewhere today bur they are undecided.  She seems quite happy to be fifty something.

Ken so good to see your comment but how is everyone and when do you go for your trip?

THE LIST

Now I am understanding more and more what it feels like to be getting older and more forgetful and more worried about being forgetful!  I realize that there are many stages in life that are challenging.  The teen-age years for sure.  Then there our relationships with the other sex, which can be interesting.

Proverbs 30 says: "There are three things I do not understand
the way of the eagle in the sky
the way of a snake on a rock
and the way of a man with a woman."

The more things change the more they stay the same! !

I know that I like to have a list of the things I want to get done.  Dad thinks that is a bit strange.
We were laughing over this at supper when Sandra dropped by with Stephen and Shawna.

We had called upon the top chef to cook supper (Pantli) but plans had not been confirmed so Sandra and the children had eaten out in Lander where they had gone to check catering plans.  Panteli had prepared a fabulous supper, which dad and I enjoyed, as we were certainly hungry.  We even had fancy wine and beer! I had understood plans had been confimed but evidently they had not been. My mistake.  They had enjoyed a walk around the bird sanctuary.    It was a perfect day for it.

We went ahead with an early birthday celebration for Sandra, cake candles and all.  I mailed out all the cards early so figured we might as well celebrate early.We had fun!  Lots of good story telling.

They are driving to the Oregon Coast to celebrate her birthday in style.

Dad had a lot of pain from his big day before but that was not surprising.  He and Panteli will drive the car to its storage spot in Chilliwack and later we will take him to the plane. It will be very quiet here without him we have enjoyed his company.

I am having lunch out with Cathy and catch up on all her news.