Blessings in the bathtub

Rearranged some pictures in my bathroom today. Moved my favorite plaque to a spot above the bathtub.

Now,

every day I shower

and

every day I'm reminded

that....

...to unwrap

...to be grateful

...to be faithful

"...I want to sign Your name to the end of this day Knowing that my heart was true..."

Lifesong, by Casting Crowns

A profitable addiction! (and cure for boredom)

This evening I stumbled upon a website that I'm sure will become an addiction for me....no it's not Facebook! Far better.... because the more you become addicted, the more you provide rice for hungry people.

FreeRice was established on October 7, 2007 and has two goals as stated on their website: To provide English vocabulary to everyone for free; and to help end world hunger by providing rice to hungry people for free through the United Nations' World Food Programme.

Not convinced? I always check urban legend type stuff out at http://www.snopes.com/ to determine their validity....and this one is true.

Intrigued? Check it out. Even if you never liked English in school, you'll be hooked. It's free. It's simple. Wrong answers don't matter. You learn as you go, and each of your correct answers add up to another 20 grains of donated rice. Win/win. People helped. Boredom cured.

Disclaimer: May cause addiction.

Click here:

Christmas visitor

I love all God's creatures....sort of....but this visitor to our front porch on Christmas night is a stretch for me to....admire.

I thought I'd met all the city-dwelling critters around our place, so this possum was unexpected. He is much larger and fatter than a cat, more like a small raccoon...but ratlike. MUCH too ratlike. SHUDDER!

To make it worse, he not only ignored the bright porch lights, the frantic dog, and the camera flash on the other side of the window, he actually came up to the window ledge, stood on his hind legs and peered in the window at us! That was downright freaky. Wonder if he unlocks doors?! He really just wanted us to replace the garbage bag full of delectible Christmas leftovers that he had ripped open in that spot just before my husband discovered the mess. So much for the raccoon theory.

I have only ever seen dead possums on the road (or at least they're pretending to be dead...you know they get up later and walk away), and the REALLY dead ones are very dastardly looking. According to my internet research, they hang in trees by their tails and can have a gazillion babies. I admit I was drawn to watching this guy as he lumbered around, not the least bit bothered by us. I suppose I could have stepped out for a really good closeup instead of these poor shots...but, nah.

You know if I'd ditch the birdseed I'd quit getting these visitors I'm sure, but that won't be happening. So after dark now I will be stepping gingerly, with eyes surveying carefully ....and with camera at hand.

Just to know

Sometimes it's a good thing to have just enough light for the next step. If light was shed on everything that we would face in 2008, we might not be willing to step out at all. Perhaps that sounds pessimistic or discouraging, but it is simply the truth.

I attended a funeral just before Christmas, and expect to visit funeral homes twice this week. In 2007 these families did not expect that they would face the death of a loved one before year's end.

Many never knew they would battle serious illnesses this past year. It was always someone else's story. In 2007 it became their own.

Who could have seen a breakup of a family coming in 2007. Could children have fathomed their father, sadly struggling with depression, suddenly moving thousands of miles away from home with little hope of being with him again even rarely, when they were so used to him being a part of their daily activities? How do they sort out their confused emotions when they (the children) love their Dad but know adultery is wrong, but he (the adult) acts like it's okay to walk away from his marriage vow with their mother in order to be with someone else? Who would have seen such a tragedy coming?

Do death, illness, separation, and a myriad of other sad things discourage and disappoint me? Yes. It hurts. It's not fair. It's wrong. But there's a word that has been ringing in my head all through the Christmas season. I got an e-mail in December from an out of town co-worker in which he thanked me for catching an oversight on his part that would have caused hardship for an individual if not caught. He said, 'Thanks Lyn, you're a saviour'. I quickly replied, 'Not quite....we celebrate him on the 25th :-)'. I thought of 'saviour' as a rather uncommon word except in the 'religious' world. From that moment on I couldn't keep the word from my thoughts. The phrase in Silent Night kept repeating over and over...."Christ the SAVIOUR is born...Christ the SAVIOUR is born." It reminded me of hope. It spurred me to do things for others. He came....willingly....to help us. He's the remedy!

Good thing I'm not God, because I wouldn't have bothered coming. Too much pain to endure for all those who would just cast the sacrifice aside, do what they want, and not care. But He sees something in us that to him was worth the price. I don't really get it. But I know I need him. In all the heartache a year can bring, he is there....even on the other side of death.....saving, helping. A saviour rescues and delivers. Just to know he is there for me is enough light for today and gives hope and anticipation for the future.

"Just to know that I can come and
Lay at Your feet
Just to know that I won’t be denied
Just to know that I can call You my “Home”
Just to know….

Just to know all my hopes rest in Your heart
Just to know You won’t forget
Just to know that I am on Your mind
Just to know….

Just to know that You are always near
Just to know all Your promises
Will stay, right here.

Just to know that I won’t be alone
Just to know that You can hold me
Just to know in You I find my home
Just to know,
Just to know."

'Just to Know'

Written by Rita Springer and David Ruis

Found on Rita's album entitled "Effortless"

A Box of Chocolates

This Saturday we are hosting, along with our next-door neighbours, a 'Cul-de-sac Christmas' open house in our home for those who live in and around us. My neighbour and I travelled house-to-house the other week with tins of goodies and an invitation to welcome the neighbours. I was reminded how many there are who are lonely and experiencing illness....several would have loved us to stay much longer and visit. I have asked myself... just how difficult is this to take a little time on a weekend to visit in a willing neighbour's home? Not very. And yet it is so appreciated by the lonely! My mind went back as it does every year to my favorite little story I have shared in previous blogs....favorite because it's a true story....and it is a poignant reminder that you never know who sits behind a door in your neighbourhood who is just waiting for someone to care enough to share some time with them. Below is that short story. Merry Christmas everyone!!!

He lived across the street from us, sometimes peering out from behind the curtain of his window, sometimes observing the neighbourhood activity from the front porch. Stan kept to himself – not unfriendly, but nevertheless aloof. He was elderly and He lived alone. No cars ever seemed to enter his driveway.

As Christmas was nearing, my husband and I took some Christmas goodies to Stan’s next-door neighbour – an elderly lady whom we hadn’t seen since the weather turned cold. She was overjoyed at our visit. We learned she was nursing her brother who was sick, “dying of cancer”, she whispered, as if to not let him hear from the next room where he lay in a bed. She spoke of deep faith in God and how He gives strength to the weary.

She also spoke of Stan and how she prayed for him. I felt uplifted and thankful she knew the Christ whose birth we celebrated. We could not know as we left her home that in a few short years I would stand by her hospital bed as she would die of the same disease as her brother.

The week grew busier as Christmas approached, but I could not glance at Stan’s house without feeling we must visit him as well. Christmas Eve arrived, and as this was a year b.k. (before kids), we did not have the same bustling activity that we have known since then. Though the fire was cozy, and home was comfortable, we bundled up and made the trek across the street.

There was a dim light in the window and the sound of the television from behind the door. The shuffle of slippered feet followed the doorbell. Stan opened the door and his face lit up as he looked at his young neighbours standing with goodies in hand, wanting to visit him on Christmas Eve. He welcomed us almost with disbelief.

I do not remember if his home had any Christmas decorations or gifts, but I do recall how sad I felt that Stan wore a shirt and tie, dressed up as if expecting company but no one had come. He told us he had a grown son, but the two of them had not spoken in years. The bitterness was evident in Stan’s voice as he abruptly stated his son 'does not come home for Christmas'. He talked and we listened as time slipped by. He thanked us with tears in his eyes as we left, and how thankful we were that we had crossed the street to see him, and perhaps given him the only gift he would receive for Christmas. A short time out of our life had meant the world to him. Stan did not live to see another Christmas.......

Years later, I still think of Stan especially on Christmas Eve. Travelling with our children to Grandma and Grandpa's house that’s always filled with laughter, food, and gifts, Stan has become my reminder. As we drive down city streets, my eyes wander to windows which are darkened, lit only by the flickering light of a television. I wonder what heartaches lie in that household, and if someone sits alone at Christmas and throughout the year, wishing someone would bring some light, some hope, into their world.
Stan reminds me that I’m as busy as the town of Bethlehem was, when a Saviour quietly arrived on the scene… too busy doing nothing of importance to notice the only thing that matters. Christ was so willing to step into our world in spite of an unfathomable sacrifice on his part. Yet shamefully, I am often too busy to step outside my world into someone else’s, even though the sacrifice is miniscule and the reward so rich.

.........We heard a faint knock on our door the Christmas morning after we visited Stan. There stood Stan shivering in the cold, almost breathless, cheeks red, and eyes glistening. He stretched out his withered, trembling hands to offer us a box of chocolates which he had obviously bought that morning at the variety store down the block. “Merry Christmas”, he said, clasping our hands. “God bless you. Thank you so much!”.

A simple box of chocolates….but Stan could not know that years later his gift to us has been of more infinite worth than any others we have received!

Basket case

Imagine filling a school bus full of non-perishable food. Then picture doing it about 8-9 more times. Then try unloading these buses of all of the food and sorting it!

I've discovered I live in a very caring community! My husband and I had fun this evening, as we did last week, with many other people helping sort food for the Christmas baskets for needy families within our community. There have been busloads and ambulance loads full of food donations - schools, businesses, and groups provided so very much. I've never seen so much generosity in one place. We formed assembly lines to empty the bags and boxes, group the food, then pack into boxes ready to be distributed to the food bank and to Christmas baskets. I only wish I was available to actually deliver those baskets to families, but it will be done during daytime hours when I am working. I would love to see their faces and know the joy of helping a family in need.

Yes the Christmas spirit is in full swing. But I must remind myself at this season....what about the other 11 months of the year? People still struggle and are needy....at any time. The workers and donations are few at other times of the year.

Note to self: Ask myself monthly, "Am I finding opportunities regularly to donate time to individuals in need, the food bank, and other community endeavours? If not....why not??"

Cool!

The first light snowfall just doesn't cut it. Doggy snow angels are difficult when the leaves didn't get raked and there's barely enough snow to roll in!


















Ahhhh. That's more like it!

















Mmmm. Delicious. Bring on winter!!

Editor's note: The opinions expressed in the preceding article are not necessarily those of the producer, and in fact the preceding poor quality pictures were taken by the wimpy producer through a frosty pane from the warmth of the kitchen.

Storms

This picture is deceiving. The chipmunk is actually looking over the edge at one of the most spectacular views in the world (and he has very good balance!). I took his picture on a mountain in Jasper, Alberta on a day I will never forget. It was a beautiful, warm summer vacation day in Jasper and our family set out to travel on "Canada's longest and highest aerial tramway".

From the upper station...complete with restaurant, gift shop, washrooms....(untouched nature!)... you overlook 6 mountain ranges as far as your eyes can see, glacial-fed lakes, and the Athabasca River - impossible to take it all in with a basic digital camera!

Incredible views. No mountain climbing apparatus required!

At 2277 metres above sea level you become aware of how barren it is....there are suddenly no trees....even the shrubs disappear. All that remains are rocks and beautiful tiny alpine plants. We decided to walk to the summit of Whistler's Mountain - perhaps a 30 minute trek, plus stops to catch our breath as the air got thinner. My son really wanted to say he had stood on the top of a mountain, and of course we wanted to see the scenery from the other side.

Though the sun was shining and it was relatively warm, I noticed a black cloud over another mountain range.

We continued, stopping to take in the views, when we realized that black cloud was quickly advancing. We hoped it would pass by us.

We were a little over halfway to our destination when suddenly the warm summer weather changed instantly to a freezing windstorm! The darkness settled in as the cloud descended over us. The wind howled with such force we had to hang onto each other to keep ourselves upright as a mixture of hail, sleet, and freezing rain beat down on us. I instinctively crouched over my daughter trying to cover her with my light jacket as she shivered on a boulder. I suddenly realized just how bleak it was on that mountain without any protection from the elements, unless of course you were a chipmunk or marmot who can dive into a rocky crevass. Suddenly, a blinding flash of too-close lightning cracked the air, followed immediately by a DEAFENING boom of thunder that reverberated over and over again throughout the mountain ranges. Screaming and PANIC!!!People began to run down the mountain towards the station. I looked up at those whose sillouettes were barely visible at the very top of the mountain and I feared for their safety. I wondered how you get medical help up there fast enough for someone struck by lightning. At that point, I was glad we hadn't made it to the top. People went slipping and sliding by us with flip-flops and sandals on their feet. (I'm sure they were specially made 'hiking' flip-flops...). You could easily spot the seasoned mountain climbers. They were the ones in hiking boots who had pulled protective gear from their backpacks...ready for any weather they would face on the side of a mountain. It's one thing to be on the ground and frightened in a lightning storm. But I have never felt so vulnerable in a storm as that day....to be at such a height that you were actually 'in' the cloud next to the lightning...and having absolutely no shelter close by....it was a terrifying moment.

Why DO storms have to happen anyways? I understand the need for rain...but why the ferocious storms that knock the wind out of you and terrify you? I don't have an answer. But I know the rain falls on the good and the bad....sometimes bad stuff happens to good people.

My mind goes to that story of Jesus....sleeping in the bottom of the boat in the middle of the storm, while his buddies were terrified and wondering why he didn't care. I'm thinking he shook his head at them as he got up and spoke to the wind and the waves to calm down. And they did. (Wow). He was disappointed in them for not just trusting him. I want to be like the seasoned mountain climbers, prepared as best they could, and not surprised at the storms. I want that kind of peace that trusts....no matter how bad the storm that's swirling around me....even if I die in the storm.....a peace that can't be understood is available for those who trust...in the One who speaks to storms and they stop when he wants them to.

"...soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!” The Bible (New Living Translation) Mark 4:37-41

"Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."

The Bible (New Living Translation) Philippians 4: 6-7

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

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

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??

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.

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

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.

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