ETHICS

Still lots of colorful leaves hanging on.

Now that they are falling the sidewalk is very slippery.

Another reason to walk carefully.

I do not know if it is very ethical to make an appointment for your husband at the doctors when he refuses to go.  I know exactly how he feels but running to the bathroom continually is no way to live and there must be a reason for it.  The main thing is to have everything checked out.  Could be many things but gallstones is not the problem any more.

Jane you have an even tougher situation and I know that things may have to change for you too.

Looking back just think of all the tough times we have gone through and I know we will get through this too.

It would be easy to be ethical if it was only about keeping rules of right and wrong.  Over the years our values have changed and nothing seems black and white to me.    Moses believed that having 10 commandments would solve all his problems with the rebellious mob under his control.  His goal was to guide the Israelite's to the promised land.  This would require a new way of thinking about the value of community and the value of a God of love showing people how to live.

Jesus shone a new light on the law that includes loving your enemy as your neighbor so that what we call ethical is greater love for each other.

If I am doing something with the goal of it being for their well being I see that as ethical.

"The Dalai Lama once summed it up this way: "We must learn the law very well, in order to know how to break it properly. 

Life is not an exam.  We learn the hardest lessons through our mistakes!

CAN'T COMPLAIN

It was a day of heavy showers.

I did not go for a walk but rode with Ev to the church.

Dad went out to buy some needles and thread to prepare for a big job sewing his coveralls.

The pockets are open at the bottom so everything falls through.

My prayer for the morning.

As the earth is soaked with rain,

May my spirit fill the soaking of Your love and Peace.

When my anxious thoughts arise let me give them all to You, Lord.

I am thankful for the small blessings of this day!

What a blessing to see Rick and Chris visiting Leah and Craig and Ophelia.

We had a lot of left over candy and I was wondering what to do with it when Cathy said Glen would appreciate some.  Even dad is being tempted if he can open the packages.  Children always can!

We had a good turn out at our meeting but Jane was missed as well as others like Monica and Jean.

When I ask about the health of a lot of the girls they always say "Can't complain."  It is not in their nature to be complainers but instead are very hard workers with a great sense of humor.  Along with a forgiving attitude a sense of humor is important for women who work together.  Yes we all can be opinionated but that is positive too.

I had a poor sleep so it was an effort to attend but I know it was an effort for others too.  As usual I am glad I attended.  Sandra's comment did not go on so I figure she must have fallen asleep.  I feel bad when others have sleepless nights.

Dad seems a bit better so I am feeling more hopeful.  Some things like regaining health take time.  I hope Carol and Rick are doing better too.

I continue to pray for our family to be open to the loving Presence that brings healing and comfort to us all!

DRESSED UP

I have mixed feelings about Halloween.  We sat in the living room and it was up and down continually answering the knocking.  I like when the neighbor kids come.  The little boys from across the street came first.  The one cannot have peanuts so I made sure to give him peanut free candy.  His little brother piped up that he could eat lots of nuts.  Others were so excited and wanted you to guess who they were.  I guessed two little girls were lady bugs but no the one was a fruit fly.

I hardly had time to test and taste the candy between visits!

We turned out the lights before eight and the fireworks started.  I walked down the street to take a picture of this spider and with all the noise and some sounded like gun shots I was a little nervous in the dark.  I do not like all that noise and you just think it has stopped and it starts again.

Always nice to see a friendly face!

Dad went for a bike ride today and I had a walk which did us both good.

Kim is very optimistic about her car and the boys at college will be a big help.

I am sure they will all love to help her!

I just got home when Cathy dropped by all dressed up in her motor bike suit.  It is a lovely red.  Glen was racing his bike when his bike collided with one that was cutting in on him.  These are old timers having a race, one is 70.  His arm is very badly broken and has pins in it so it will be a while to heal and it is very painful. 

To-morrow I will be attending the U.C.W. ladies group.  Lots of warm friendly faces.

I know children love to dress up and of course love candy so I try to be a happy neighbor and enjoy their visits.  I was thankful dad was able to help but I am glad it is over for another year.  Although the fire crackers are going again to-night.

PACE

I have to go close to take these guys picture.

I remember lugging a big pumpkin in and the mess of cleaning it out and then cutting a face.

This is a real work of art!

I started out Sunday full of good feelings but by the time I got home from church and driving someone home I was feeling tired and cranky.  I was thankful dad had lunch ready to put on the stove.  I felt shaky driving which was not good. 

They are talking about children with allergies so I got some new candies, but carrying my basket I knocked over a whole display.  I was tempted to just walk away but instead knelt down to start picking them up.  A kind lady came over right away to help me.  She said: "I bet these just jumped off the shelf at you."  We laughed together.  One of those moments you know what life is all about.

Dad went to the garage with Kim as she had a small accident with her car.  The car in front of her started going through the light and then stopped.  She was in a hurry to teach a class.  The hood and the lights were damaged and will be very expensive to fix.  She will have to decide what to do.  She is such a good driver and has had no accidents until now.

"Kindness elevates the simplest moment into something bigger.

Beyond this kindness has a transcendent power!"   Laura Schroff

One more rest until the little voices yell Happy Halloween at the door.

KINDNESS

The morning is calm and the sun is making an appearance.

No time for a walk as I am trying to get to church on time.

I am thankful for the quiet grace of the spirit which adds so much to my life.  I love the early morning and it is so easy to sense that there is a loving presence that is shining away the darkness.  I slept better too although fire crackers were going off in the park near us.

I love the banners that creative people hang up for different times of the year.  Helen took the service with the help of Ken and his granddaughters.  They helped light the Christ candle and help take the offering.  The littlest one was taken to the back, she is about 6 months.  All of a sudden there is movement under my feet as she crawls underneath the pews to the front.  I think back to when I had my children in church and how I would try to keep them still and quiet. 

There were only the three children and we were wondering is people want their children to be taught if that is the reason they are not coming.  Any children that come are greeted with friendly faces and kind words.

Some ladies at the church have knitted a beautiful prayer shawl especially for dad.

It is so soft and warm and knitted with loving prayers and kind hands.  We are so blessed.

Faith for me is the spark of light and life that soaks into to me as I pray at home and then at church surrounded by loving kindness!

TREATS

An all day rain.

Tine to get treats for Halloween

and try not to eat too many before Monday.

Sandra and Peanut came to cheer us up and share the breakfast dad was cooking.  He has taken over feeding people as I have resigned.  Usually there is some food available but I do not want to make anyone sick eating my food.  Maybe I will find some new enthusiasm by reading new recipes.  I have fun looking at the pictures and drooling!  Their home will be liveable by Sunday and Sandra is extremely happy with her new floor.

Had a visit with Theresa and Morgan on the phone.  Morgan likes the little kittens she is fostering.

They checked with Sandra who is the expert now.

Earlier in the week we talked to Ken back at work.  He sent a picture by phone of Matthew with a hose chasing some one who had better run fast.

Also talked to my brother Brian and wife Traudl  and they are battling health problems too.  The drive from Invermere to Canmore is not good now that the weather is getting worse.  They had their last appointment there last Friday.  Traudl will be having knee surgery in the spring.  She is still taking treatment for cancer prevention.  She has a good attitude and they are fortunate to have each other. 

Later in the afternoon dad and I drove over to see Pat and John and came home with apples and kale. 

and kale.  We met them separately Pat at Colebrook and John went to Niagara years ago.

My computer is jumping around or maybe it is just me.  Time for bed and hope to be off to church in the morning.

Happy Sunday!

HUMANITY

Nice to see sun shine.

Yes we have had a lot of rain but I really appreciate any sun that shines.

This is the early morning sun that delighted me on my walk.  It was a short walk with a slow pace but

it is not about how far or how fast but just trying to regain my strength.  I am doing well.

Peanut did come for a visit and she watched some T.V. with us while Sandra and Randy did some errands. She was restless but did lie down for awhile and whimpered quietly.  On top of losing her best friend the house is a very confusing place.  The stuff that is sealing the floors is very smelly.

They went home for the night but will return in the morning.

Our next study will be in the New Testament for which I am thankful for.

The humanity of Jesus reminds us of how important relationships are and the potential that is available for us all.