Sunday, November 25, 2007

He Knows



I have a maker

He formed my heart

Before even time began

My life was in his hand



He knows my name

He knows my every thought

He sees each tear that falls

And hears me when I call


I have a Father

He calls me his own

He'll never leave me

No matter where I go
He knows my name

He knows my every thought

He sees each tear that falls

And hears me when I call

By Tommy Walker
"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!"

Psalm 139:17, 18 The Bible - New Living Translation

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Never Let Go


When clouds veil sun
And disaster comes
Oh, my soul Oh, my soul
When waters rise
And hope takes flight
Oh, my soul Oh, my soul Oh, my soul
Ever faithful
Ever true
You I know
You never let go
You never let go
You never let go
You never let go
When clouds brought rain
And disaster came
Oh, my soul Oh, my soul
When waters rose
And hope had flown
Oh, my soul Oh, my soul Oh, my soul
Oh, my soul Overflows Oh, what love, oh, what love
Oh, my soul Fills with hope
Perfect love that never lets go
Oh, what love, oh, what love
Oh, what love, oh, what love
In joy and pain
In sun and rain
You're the same
Oh, You never let go
David Crowder - You Never Let Go

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Somethin's fishy




It may be difficult to tell from this picture, but the larger goldfish on the left is 6 inches long and quite plump. He's in a small 10 gallon tank so he doesn't have a lot of room to move. He was an inch-and-a-half long 'feeder fish'.....40 cents....when we bought him and we put him along with four others in our pond in the spring.



This was their home. Three died. That's why we don't buy expensive fish. But these two troopers survived and have been accustomed to living in the murky darkness of the pond beneath floating hyacinths, eating mosquito larvae, bugs I suppose, and plants, peeking up every now and then for some sunshine. I suspect by the occasional rearranging of the concrete birdbath (to the right of the pond), that these fish have escaped the claws of cats and/or raccoons.

Ah...how I loved sitting by that pond! The pictures bring it all back to me. And you wonder why I hate when the warm weather leaves us.....


















As the temperature has dipped below freezing several nights, I have felt guilty just leaving them to freeze to death when the degrees really plummet. Our tiny pond is not deep enough for them to make it. I figure that although we got our 80 cents worth out of these two, they have grown and persevered and deserve a chance to continue living (even if my husband thinks the larger of the two is the right size for frying).

And so, softy that I am, I have scouted out deals on fish equipment, all of which we used to own and had given away. And now, here they live, near the computer, wondering where on earth they are and what are those fishy flakes swirling around? Where's the mosquito larvae and bugs and real life plants, and mud, and snails and wonderful stuff of the outdoors? I suppose they will get hungry enough soon to eat the fish food but the big guy honestly doesn't seem to be interested. He's a little freaked by his reflection that is following him everywhere.



We are undecided whether to introduce them to the pond again in the spring. For now, I will enjoy some relaxation time watching them as they settle into their new home and try to come up with some names for them. Any suggestions??

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Remember



Remembrance Day.

I am actually lost for words today.....except 'thank you'.... and that's just not sufficient for those who gave their lives so I could voice it.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Time to start Christmas shopping!












It may be too early for some, but I've started my Christmas shopping. Yep, I'm perusing the catalogue right now and there's just so much to choose from to buy, I don't know where to start. It's so easy when you can just use your credit card and order online. I have to ask myself how much will I be spending on Christmas gifts this year? And how much of it will be wisely spent as opposed to wasted?

I'm just hung up on whether to buy the piglets, the hens and rooster, the rabbits or perhaps the turkey.... Or even some fruit trees or an aids care kit.



I'm quite drawn to the piglets actually.




To think that for little more than I'd spend for a couple of meals at Swiss Chalet or Kelsey's, or even on Christmas decorations and wrapping, I can change a family's whole lifestyle with my purchase from the catalogue. That is staggering to me!
Can you resist these beautiful models in the catalogue? Check out the World Vision Gift Catalogue and search for the amazing ways you can change lives with some of what sits in your wallet or bank account. Could you even give if you don't have anything extra? Can you afford not to give? Look inside your heart, take a look at those faces, and you'll find the answer.
"When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required..." - Luke 12:48, The Bible, New Living Translation

"All that is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke

Monday, November 5, 2007

Squash soup anyone?


I was feeling all 'domestic' today on my day off. (No I don't own an apron like that, nor do I wear one. I prefer to wear old clothes while cooking and just slop all over them). Something about autumn makes me feel this way I think....since it's too hot to cook in the summer. Last week it was a visit to the orchard, followed by apple crisp and apple cider. Today I pulled out the flannelette sheets and threw them in the wash in preparation for bedtime now that the air is much cooler. Then I slid into the car and thoroughly enjoyed spending a few hours scouring the crafty shops in a nearby town, getting ideas for Christmas gifts. The air had that crisp autumn feel. The sun would make an appearance every now and then, followed by a brisk wind accompanied by rain. A brisk wind at this time of year is a good thing to help knock the leaves off the trees so they can be raked before they get blanketed in snow.
After shopping, I drove on to a favorite stop at a farmer's place where I purchased a large hubbard squash, a cabbage and some lettuce. From there I travelled to a poultry place to buy a fresh capon (that would be a large, meaty chicken).
On arriving home, the cooking began in earnest while the sheets dried. The chicken went in the oven along with the squash and some yams. While they were cooking, I made some chili con carne...another one of those comfort foods for cool weather.
I hated squash as a child. Now I just love it. Judging by this picture of the squash soup I made today...maybe I'm reverting to life as a baby (or a senior??).....kinda reminds you of baby food puree doesn't it? But it's delicious and inexpensive. If you're inclined to try it here's how I made it.
If you don't want to risk cutting any of your fingers off, or worse yet, severing your hand from your arm....(you know what I'm talking about if you've ever tried to cut up a squash as required in recipes!!) .....just pierce the squash and bake it in the oven (along with a chicken) for about an hour till it's soft. Then you can easily slice it open, remove the seeds and scoop out that wonderful aromatic pulp. For about 5 minutes, cook a small diced onion, carrot, and a potato or two (you could use an apple instead of the potato for a different taste) in a little butter in a saucepan. Add some chicken broth (from chicken above) or vegetable broth to cover and cook until veggies are soft. Then put the mixture in a blender (I love my Magic Bullet!) along with the squash and blend to the consistency you like, adding more broth as required. Then add some spice to taste. I am partial to cayenne pepper and a little nutmeg. Yum!
Back to work and reality tomorrow. But I shall enjoy my soup for lunch at work and when I drag myself in the door at the end of a long day I'll be thinking about chili with tortilla chips and cheese.
Sorry if you're hungry as you're reading this.......and sorry if you hate squash.

Sunday, November 4, 2007

Happy Birthday Son




Today you are 19. Today it's hard to believe that last year at this time we were struggling with delayed sleep phase syndrome and wondering how you could make it through school. My mornings were often spent battling tears on the way to work, not because you had disappointed me, but because it was painful to see you battle with this condition that wouldn't allow you to do what you desired to do. I am so grateful to God that our prayers regarding your schooling were answered. And in that answer you have persevered....and now you are swiftly moving in on reaching your goal.

I suppose many parents would be annoyed in the middle of the night to hear the sounds of a guitar filtering through the walls and heating vents. But I sincerely love hearing those guitar strains and your voice at any hour...day or night. Too soon you will leave us and the house will be all too quiet. It is soothing to me to hear you sing and play...especially on your acoustic. You have often left pages of your thoughts lying around, lyrics scratched out in the moment. Many of them speak of regrets and brokenness....but all of your songs end in hope, restoration, and renewed commitment.

It's what I love about you. You think deeply....you cut through to the real issue...you challenge the ordinary.... you consider most of your choices carefully. Yes, you have regrets, as do we all...but I hope that you will never beat yourself up over stuff in the past because a better future always starts right now...right here...today...with good choices from this moment forward. A very wise and dear friend told me when I was 19 to never be ashamed of the fact that I am sensitive and easily broken. It is something to be embraced because it's who I am. At your age I hated it about myself because I felt things so deeply. But now I know he was right. After all my (many) years I have realized exactly what Starfield writes in their song that I love to hear you play and sing. It is in brokenness before Christ that we find ourselves complete.

And so to you on this birthday we wish you completeness, patience, blessings, and peace as you allow His plans to unfold in your life. Have a great day today and a new song everyday. We love you!

"I have not much to offer You
Not near what You deserve
But still I come because Your cross
Has placed in me my worth
Oh, Christ my King of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends to call me friend
Your mercy sets me free

And I know I’m weak
I know I’m unworthy to call upon Your name
But because of grace, because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed.

I can’t explain this kind of love
I’m humbled and amazed
That You’d come down from heavens heights
And greet me face to face
Here I am at Your feet
In my brokenness complete

Here I am at Your feet
In my brokenness complete…."


Unashamed, by Starfield