I made Chocolate Chip Cookies,
Blueberry Muffins,
Butter Tarts,
& Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares.
mhm mhmm good!Blessings
Monday, September 28, 2009
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By:
Anita
Baking up a Storm
Mondays for me have become either a day for running around, getting all the errands of the week done or a time to do some baking. With the weather the way it was today, I didn't really feel like being outside doing errands, so today was the baking Monday and as Darcy put it: 'gosh Mom you're baking up a storm'. I guess I did.
I made Chocolate Chip Cookies,
Blueberry Muffins,
Butter Tarts,
& Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares.
mhm mhmm good!
Blessings
I made Chocolate Chip Cookies,
Blueberry Muffins,
Butter Tarts,
& Chocolate Peanut Butter Squares.
mhm mhmm good!Blessings
Friday, September 25, 2009
|
By:
Anita
shhh... quiet
I'm listening, do you hear it?
no?
neither do I....
It's been really frustrating for me as I've been patiently waiting, listening for God and He seems to be silent.
It's confusing to me that God is choosing to be silent as this time in my life. I know there are many things that can unknowingly invade our lives and block our ability to hear God. Television, radio, iPods, cell phones, Internet, email, traffic, and crowded schedules contribute to our noisy world. Every moment is bombarded by noise, both external and mental, that clutters our thoughts and causes us to lose the ability or desire to settle down and really commune with and listen to God. The accumulation of all this noise can contribute to God's silence in our lives. I wonder if sometimes our spiritual routines become spiritual comforts that, instead of pointing us to God, end up replacing Him. I'm hoping and have been praying that by persevering through the silence I can be reassured that it will result in a deeper commitment to Christ.
So until then...
shhh... quiet
I'm listening :)
Blessings
no?
neither do I....
It's been really frustrating for me as I've been patiently waiting, listening for God and He seems to be silent.
It's confusing to me that God is choosing to be silent as this time in my life. I know there are many things that can unknowingly invade our lives and block our ability to hear God. Television, radio, iPods, cell phones, Internet, email, traffic, and crowded schedules contribute to our noisy world. Every moment is bombarded by noise, both external and mental, that clutters our thoughts and causes us to lose the ability or desire to settle down and really commune with and listen to God. The accumulation of all this noise can contribute to God's silence in our lives. I wonder if sometimes our spiritual routines become spiritual comforts that, instead of pointing us to God, end up replacing Him. I'm hoping and have been praying that by persevering through the silence I can be reassured that it will result in a deeper commitment to Christ.
So until then...
shhh... quiet
I'm listening :)
Blessings
Thursday, September 17, 2009
|
By:
Anita
College Paper
There's something new at our church it's called Kingsfield College. Which is not really a program but a place & time that anyone who is ready to grow and learn more ~ more about God, His word and the relationship we were created for can join.
In August Pastor Phil taught the course "Knowing the Old Testament" (part of the Bible & Theology Equipment) which was an overview of the history and message of the Old Testament. Each course that is offered is part of one of the four different equipments: Bible & Theology; Church, Culture & Mission; Knowing Me & Others; Service & Leadership. When you complete 4 courses in each of the 4 equipments you'll receive your certificate. With each course there will be an assignment of sorts to put what you've learned into practice which gains you the required credit for each course.
I joined the "Knowing the Old Testament" course and my assignment was to write an article for the Monday Muse which is a weekly paper that Dianne (the Leader of Pastoral Care at our church) writes. I choose to write the article on my favourite book of the Bible - Esther.
I’ve always been fascinated by the book of the Bible, “Esther”. The fairy tale dream of a young girl, meeting Prince charming, becoming Queen and living happily ever after.
But as you dig deeper into the story you’ll find it’s full of murder, mayhem and revenge.
During the rule of King Xerxes he held a magnificent banquet and after days of drinking he wanted to display the beauty of his Queen (Vashti). He summoned her so he could show her off. Of course as many women might she decided she did not intend to be on display for her hubby and his cronies so she refused. Are you serious? She refused the King? What was she thinking? Obviously she hadn’t thought it through because as a result of her foolish behavior she was exiled from the Kings’ company. A new Queen was to be found so many young virgins were brought to the King. King Xerxes was pleased with Esther (one of the virgins) more than any other girls brought to him and she was crowned Queen.
Haman, one of the King’s men, was given a new rank that was higher than all the important men and all the royal officers were to bow down and kneel before him to show him honor. Mordecai was the cousin that adopted Esther as her mother and father had died; he refused to bow and kneel before Haman because he was a Jew who followed the Book of Law given by Moses (Exodus 20:4). Because of Mordecai’s refusal, Haman was angry, very angry, and therefore devised a plan to not only remove Mordecai but all the Jewish people. The King listened to Haman’s request to remove a ‘certain sect’ of people who were not obeying the King’s laws. Haman was purposeful in his deceit of not telling the King that it was the Jews he wished to be rid of. The King allowed Haman to do what he thought was best, unknowingly condemning his Queen to the same fate because she too was a Jew. So a letter went out with the Kings’ name and sealed with his signet ring “to destroy, kill and completely wipe out all the Jewish people.”
Mordecai then convinces Esther to step before the King and request help to prevent this massacre. Mordecai knows he puts Esther’s life at risk; according to the law it was instant death for any who came before the King without being summoned. But Esther was willing to risk her life by going to the King without being summoned in order to plead for the lives of the Jewish people. As Mordecai reminds her “who knows, perhaps you have been chosen queen for just such a time as this” (Esther 4: 14b). Would I be able to do something like this? Would you?
Esther tells the King the whole story and he becomes enraged at Haman. The King condemns Haman to die on the gallows that Haman originally intended for Mordecai. I’m sure King Xerxes must have felt quite duped at this time that he was not aware of what was going on throughout his Kingdom.
Mordecai and Esther wrote a second letter under the King’s name and sealed with his signet ring allowing the Jews to protect themselves on the day of execution. I always thought it would have made more sense to revoke the first letter? We learn later that there is great importance of using the King’s name and sealing it with his ring as the letters can not be revoked or canceled.
When the second letter went out the Jewish people were allowed to defend themselves and many were saved from a horrific death. Mordecai was then elevated to second in importance to the king; therefore, he was an important man among the Jewish people. So Mordecai wrote everything down that had happened and sent those letters to all the Jewish people. The Jewish people are to remember and celebrate those days each year as a reminder of how they were saved from total annihilation. The Jews call this Purim.
The book of Esther. It’s a rags-to-riches romance, though you have got to wonder how much romance could occur when the guy you’re married to could chop off your head if you popped into his office without an appointment. But that’s what she did. She took a chance at saving her nation. She’s quite a lady this Esther. I admire her courage, and love this story. One thing that’s difficult to figure out is that God’s name never appears in the entire book. His actions do. His thoughts do. His plan does. His fingerprints are on every page, but not his name.
This book challenges and reminds me that we are placed in this time of history to fulfill God’s purposes, not our own. Just like Esther, we might not understand why things are happening or what our role might be, we only have to trust in the one who made us and desire to do His will for the glory of His Kingdom.
Please leave your comments, I'd like to know your thoughts.
Blessings
In August Pastor Phil taught the course "Knowing the Old Testament" (part of the Bible & Theology Equipment) which was an overview of the history and message of the Old Testament. Each course that is offered is part of one of the four different equipments: Bible & Theology; Church, Culture & Mission; Knowing Me & Others; Service & Leadership. When you complete 4 courses in each of the 4 equipments you'll receive your certificate. With each course there will be an assignment of sorts to put what you've learned into practice which gains you the required credit for each course.
I joined the "Knowing the Old Testament" course and my assignment was to write an article for the Monday Muse which is a weekly paper that Dianne (the Leader of Pastoral Care at our church) writes. I choose to write the article on my favourite book of the Bible - Esther.
I’ve always been fascinated by the book of the Bible, “Esther”. The fairy tale dream of a young girl, meeting Prince charming, becoming Queen and living happily ever after. But as you dig deeper into the story you’ll find it’s full of murder, mayhem and revenge.
During the rule of King Xerxes he held a magnificent banquet and after days of drinking he wanted to display the beauty of his Queen (Vashti). He summoned her so he could show her off. Of course as many women might she decided she did not intend to be on display for her hubby and his cronies so she refused. Are you serious? She refused the King? What was she thinking? Obviously she hadn’t thought it through because as a result of her foolish behavior she was exiled from the Kings’ company. A new Queen was to be found so many young virgins were brought to the King. King Xerxes was pleased with Esther (one of the virgins) more than any other girls brought to him and she was crowned Queen.
Haman, one of the King’s men, was given a new rank that was higher than all the important men and all the royal officers were to bow down and kneel before him to show him honor. Mordecai was the cousin that adopted Esther as her mother and father had died; he refused to bow and kneel before Haman because he was a Jew who followed the Book of Law given by Moses (Exodus 20:4). Because of Mordecai’s refusal, Haman was angry, very angry, and therefore devised a plan to not only remove Mordecai but all the Jewish people. The King listened to Haman’s request to remove a ‘certain sect’ of people who were not obeying the King’s laws. Haman was purposeful in his deceit of not telling the King that it was the Jews he wished to be rid of. The King allowed Haman to do what he thought was best, unknowingly condemning his Queen to the same fate because she too was a Jew. So a letter went out with the Kings’ name and sealed with his signet ring “to destroy, kill and completely wipe out all the Jewish people.”
Mordecai then convinces Esther to step before the King and request help to prevent this massacre. Mordecai knows he puts Esther’s life at risk; according to the law it was instant death for any who came before the King without being summoned. But Esther was willing to risk her life by going to the King without being summoned in order to plead for the lives of the Jewish people. As Mordecai reminds her “who knows, perhaps you have been chosen queen for just such a time as this” (Esther 4: 14b). Would I be able to do something like this? Would you?
Esther tells the King the whole story and he becomes enraged at Haman. The King condemns Haman to die on the gallows that Haman originally intended for Mordecai. I’m sure King Xerxes must have felt quite duped at this time that he was not aware of what was going on throughout his Kingdom.
Mordecai and Esther wrote a second letter under the King’s name and sealed with his signet ring allowing the Jews to protect themselves on the day of execution. I always thought it would have made more sense to revoke the first letter? We learn later that there is great importance of using the King’s name and sealing it with his ring as the letters can not be revoked or canceled.
When the second letter went out the Jewish people were allowed to defend themselves and many were saved from a horrific death. Mordecai was then elevated to second in importance to the king; therefore, he was an important man among the Jewish people. So Mordecai wrote everything down that had happened and sent those letters to all the Jewish people. The Jewish people are to remember and celebrate those days each year as a reminder of how they were saved from total annihilation. The Jews call this Purim.
The book of Esther. It’s a rags-to-riches romance, though you have got to wonder how much romance could occur when the guy you’re married to could chop off your head if you popped into his office without an appointment. But that’s what she did. She took a chance at saving her nation. She’s quite a lady this Esther. I admire her courage, and love this story. One thing that’s difficult to figure out is that God’s name never appears in the entire book. His actions do. His thoughts do. His plan does. His fingerprints are on every page, but not his name.
This book challenges and reminds me that we are placed in this time of history to fulfill God’s purposes, not our own. Just like Esther, we might not understand why things are happening or what our role might be, we only have to trust in the one who made us and desire to do His will for the glory of His Kingdom.
Please leave your comments, I'd like to know your thoughts.
Blessings
Sunday, September 13, 2009
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By:
Anita
Front Porch Views
The country band Lonestar sing the song "My Front Porch Looking In".
I'm sure you've heard it.
While I do love the view from my porch looking in, as it reminds me of family & home, I also love the view looking out. Here's one such picture.
We are very fortunate to live out in the country where we have the most fantastic sunsets. Great opportunities to enjoy the out of doors in our own backyard.
The other day while sitting on the front porch reading, I noticed a baby morning dove bird sitting on the railing.
After Sasha found it she was determined to make it move so she barked and jumped at it for for quite some time and this little guy wouldn't budge. It was cool to get that close to take the picture.
Blessings
I'm sure you've heard it.
While I do love the view from my porch looking in, as it reminds me of family & home, I also love the view looking out. Here's one such picture.
We are very fortunate to live out in the country where we have the most fantastic sunsets. Great opportunities to enjoy the out of doors in our own backyard.The other day while sitting on the front porch reading, I noticed a baby morning dove bird sitting on the railing.
After Sasha found it she was determined to make it move so she barked and jumped at it for for quite some time and this little guy wouldn't budge. It was cool to get that close to take the picture.
Blessings
Saturday, September 12, 2009
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By:
Anita
Jazz it up!
At the beginning of September, I started to get back into the routine of daily exercise. I walk on most days, but I was finding that after work I was often too tired and not quite so dedicated. I am trying each morning to walk on the treadmill (that Wayne got me for Christmas last year) for about 20 minutes. Grabbing a book makes the time on the treadmill pass so quickly that before I know it I'm done.
I also joined a jazzercise class this week. Jazzercise classes combine cardio moves to enhance endurance and burn mega calories, strength training to define muscles, and stretching to increase flexibility. We also use hand-held weights, giving us a total body workout while having fun! I just love it!
If you're interested in joining we meet twice a week (Wed 7pm & Sat 9am) at the public school in Zurich.
Blessings
I also joined a jazzercise class this week. Jazzercise classes combine cardio moves to enhance endurance and burn mega calories, strength training to define muscles, and stretching to increase flexibility. We also use hand-held weights, giving us a total body workout while having fun! I just love it!
If you're interested in joining we meet twice a week (Wed 7pm & Sat 9am) at the public school in Zurich.
Blessings
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
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By:
Anita
Anniversary Celebrations
Wayne & I celebrated our 23rd anniversary on Sunday September 6.
We enjoyed the day spending time in the quaint little town of St. Jacobs. (if you've never gone before it's definitely worth the drive)
We had lunch/brunch at the Stone Crock restaurant and spent the afternoon touring the shops, well, I toured the shops while Wayne tried out all the different park benches that the town was thoughtful enough to have strategically placed throughout the town >.<
At Vidalia's Market & Grill we grabbed a small bite of supper before we headed to the Leisure Estates Bed & Breakfast for our overnight stay. This place was amazing!
With it's private guest entrance, beautiful rooms each with their own en suite bathroom and 50 acre property with walking trails throughout the bush it was a great get-a-way.
Spending the last 23 years together we've said alot of things to each other, some nice, some not so nice ~~ thankfully nothing quite like this video.
Enjoy!
Blessings
We enjoyed the day spending time in the quaint little town of St. Jacobs. (if you've never gone before it's definitely worth the drive)We had lunch/brunch at the Stone Crock restaurant and spent the afternoon touring the shops, well, I toured the shops while Wayne tried out all the different park benches that the town was thoughtful enough to have strategically placed throughout the town >.<
At Vidalia's Market & Grill we grabbed a small bite of supper before we headed to the Leisure Estates Bed & Breakfast for our overnight stay. This place was amazing!
With it's private guest entrance, beautiful rooms each with their own en suite bathroom and 50 acre property with walking trails throughout the bush it was a great get-a-way.Spending the last 23 years together we've said alot of things to each other, some nice, some not so nice ~~ thankfully nothing quite like this video.
Enjoy!
Blessings
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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By:
Anita
Champagne Birthday!
We celebrated Kyle's 21st birthday today. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of Parmesan Chicken, Garden Salad and Bacon & Cheddar Potatoes, finishing off with 'angel food' cake & ice cream.
We gave Kyle a gift certificate to get the windows of his car tinted, a couple lottery tickets and his new friend, a monkey aptly named "Steve". (sorry papa, he will have to stay at our house)
Gerard joined us for dinner and gave Kyle a FOX jacket and the movie The Fast and the Furious.
Can it really be 21 years already? my how time fliesBlessings
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