Calm and Beautiful

A QUIET STROLL ON A PERFECT DAY

WE ARE SO FORTUNATE TO LIVE HERE!

OUTDOOR PATIO OVERLOOKING CITY

EASTERN (WORKING) AREA OF HARBOUR

We celebrated our anniversary at Queen Elizabeth Park. It was a world full of magical beauty!
Flowers of all colors everywhere surrounding an amazing varity of trees and rocks and waterfalls; so vibrant and alive! The view of the city was awesome and we were impressed again at this beautiful world that was the gift of the Creator to bring joy into our lives.

Our waiter was from Russia and we had an informative talk with him. There were people of all ages, a young couple with a dog let him wade in the pool. A small child about three was chasing after his little brother, two, who was running off ahead of their mother. He caught him and held on to him. Their were elderly people enjoying lunch and a perfect day.

Meanwhile the stock market was failing and many people are suffering and worrying. What will happen next? We know it will affects us all. We who have been so fortunate may have to change our lifestyles.

We enjoyed being away from all the talk of greed and confusion and for a few hours feel inspired and hopeful. The sign on the way home read "Prayer is the bridge from panic to peace."

We do need to pray for our leaders and for our country.

AS MORNING DAWNS 52 YEARS LATER

THE FRESHNESS OF YOUTH

THE RAVISHNESS (MALE ONLY) OF 52 YEARS

I love the early morning when it is quiet and the world awakens slowly around me. Slowly the light brightens the new day and stirs within the spirit of thankfulness.

Yesterday we had a great time at Sandra and Randy's for a Salmon barbecue. Carol and Kim and Michael John and Mary and Ben and Morgan. Morgan stole the show sitting on the potty seat in the living room so happy and excited about the diaper fairy that has taken her diaper's away and she is now growing up.

Ben enjoyed soccer with Michael and gave him a big run around the back yard.

Morgan danced to an East Indiam exercise video and she was so cute.

Yes, we discussed Christmas and giving to a local charity although I still like the idea of giving chickens or goats or books to those who have so little and struggle every day to feed their children and educate them

Yes today is our anniversary I think we will be entering our 53 year. I remember how hard all our family worked to put on the 50 anniversary tea. We still have the words that Theresa printed out for us; so probably a good time to reread them. I pray that our love for each other will become stronger as our bodies become weaker. Lord, give us strength and wisdom.

My back and neck are still painful, although I have days when it appears to be going. This will limit our plans for today but I am sure well make up for it when we are both feeling better.

I am beginning a spiritual quest to understand what Jesus was really telling us. His life and his words show us the strength of compassion and gentleness that is more powerful than riches and fame.

Jesus died to transform the ugliness of sin into the beauty of redemption.

I find myself feeling lost and out of touch with the world that looks for happiness in other ways. I have no wild stories to tell except the joy of my spiritual faith.

CHRISTIANITY UNDERPINS MORALITY ?

Christopher Higgins, an author of "God is Not Great" argues that we should be acting out of mutual interest and sympathy towards one another because we choose to; not because we fear punishment or selfish reward. And we do not need God to make us moral people.

I know that going to church does not make you a better person unless you are willing to see that your life needs changing. I believe; that when people come together to question and search for answers to the daily problems we all face, we can find in faith a new life that teaches forgiveness and grace that heals and restores our hope.

Christianity reveals God as a creating spirit of love and that love was best expressed in the love of Jesus. If we could learn to serve one another as Jesus did and speak out against abuse and power that corrupts; we would help make this world a better place.

I am still searching for answers and have found that meeting with others discussing the Bible and learning and praying together has enriched my life in many ways. I have made great friends and I have met people I admire who inspire me and have touched my heart.

I have also experienced hurt and disappointment that I have had to grow from and through.

Jesus has been the greatest inspiration that keeps me searching and listening because I believe his spirit still speaks to our inner soul daily. The Holy Spirit annoints each one of us with the amazing love of Jesus that fills the emptiness within.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

I spent all morning waiting to get into see the doctor in the clinic; but was not surprised to hear that the nail showed a fungus infection. I am so thankful for Larry [dad] who made me go to Kay Kennedy and for her wisdom. Now, this doctor does not think it is the root of my pain but I will be taking the meds. and the proof will be in the pudding, or something like that.

Dad had a visit with the dentist in town and all went well. Very friendly bunch of guys.

Tomorrow is back and hip x-ray and then off to Chilliwack to see our favorite scoccer player Ben. Carol is picking us up.

Dad has ordered me to rest now as I am having pain so being the obedient wife I am I will now rest.

I feel very hopeful which is good because I was thinking I was a little crazy having pain when there seemed to be no reason. Life is good!

THINGS ARE GETTING BACK TO NORMAL, ALMOST!

Linda and Chris were asking who was the latest baby picture. That cute little guy is Matthew, Melina and Ken's baby. We are missing comments from down-under but I know they are busy. The picture of me in the hat was taken by Theresa when she came to visit with Ben and Morgan last Friday.

Yes Rick, Kim is back from tree planting! Kim is coming over every Tues. night because she has a pottery class in Surrey. We get a nice visit with her in the morning.

Larry and I took the clothes to Oak Ave. United to be given to the children. Lots of moms and tots there. Had a visit with my friends at the Food bank and I may start back. I am doing my visiting at the Nursing Home and Colebrook Bible study has started and our home group is also meeting here again. Our non-religious religious book club went all summer meeting casually.

Larry has his good days but other days are a challenge. Yes, we know we are getting older.
The stairs seem to be harder for both of us to climb at night!

Heard about a new web site http://www.cancerfungus.com/ which we are checking out. I am still having some neck and back pain which tells me to slow down because rest does help.

I can't say I miss the Late Night Life because I have never been too good at that.

The world situation seems to be getting pretty bad so we may all be having to change our life-styles. But we all take it a day at a time and our thankful for all that we have.

Good news! Carol and Panteli have fineshed painting their house! Michael Jonh and Mary are planning Thanksgiving dinner. Sandra keeps adding things to her suitcase even though she wants to travel light. Maybe Rick could help her.

No news from Stephen, Shawna, Oliver, Leah and Bobby and Cameron. But I am not getting much news from face book now that it has changed.

BREAKFAST WITH CAROL AND KIM