Family Day

Wait a minute aren’t you a week and a day late? Why, yes I am, thank you very much for noticing. .. … . as it turned out, all our kids were able to be here for supper last night. So we took the opportunity to use it as our family day.

We started our day off with a delicious brunch of home-made waffles, sausages and scrambled eggs ~ spent time in the afternoon and had a ball playing an engrossing game of Risk: world domination ~ and of course supper ~ where we sat around the table, and ate a sumptuous dinner of meatballs, cheesy spaghetti, garlic toast, coleslaw and for dessert? vanilla ice cream, strawberries, caramel sauce, peanuts, and cookies. {not bad for someone who doesn’t have a lot of extra food on hand - huh?} Then we enjoyed the rest of the evening with some time spent in the hot tub, chatting in the family room and just enjoying each other's company.  It made the evening quickly speed by. {ugh!, the picture I took of us eating supper will not load for some reason - so here's our most recent family photo ~ sorry}

It was sooooooo {each o is multiplied by 1000 on the excitement scale} wonderful to have everyone home ~ it makes this old farm house seem more alive when it‘s full. With laughter echoing through the rooms, extra stuff laying around and having more food being served in one meal that we’d normally eat throughout the whole day, I’d say our time was well spent.

With it being just the two of us for the past several years, I hadn’t realized how accustomed we’ve become to having things fairly quiet and organized around here. To be honest, it did take some time to adjust ourselves to having extra people around, stuff in other places and probably the biggest to adjustment was having people awake and chatting at 3 in the morning.

Would I change it? Not for anything!!!

These family times happen so few and far between that I am just going to cherish each and every moment that we shared these past few days.

Blessings

Celebrating

We gathered together yesterday to celebrate my dad's birthday.

Here's a snapshot of mom & dad with all their grandchildren, plus the two we've grafted into our family. {front & center: Meme & Papa, middle row: Krystle, Gerard, Aaron & Justin, back row: Darcy, Teya, Kyle, Tyler & Braden}

With everyone all over the place and each person having their own schedule to adhere too, it was nice that they all made the time to be together to honour Papa.

Happy Birthday Papa!

Blessings

say sorry

in the classic movie ~ love story, one of the best worst lines ever uttered is:
~ love means never having to say you’re sorry ~

excuse me, uh, what?

in what world is that ok?

if you love me and you hurt me, you need to be sorry, you need to mean it. why do i say “i’m sorry” when i have done nothing wrong? it’s especially wounding when i say it after you have hurt me.  when you should be the one apologizing.

do I feel guilt?

do I feel shame?

do I feel pity?

something in me wants to make you feel better. but what about how i feel? i don’t have to be sorry when i have done nothing wrong. i don’t have to be sorry when you hurt me. i don’t have to accept the feelings of guilt, the feelings of shame, the feelings of pity. those feelings are toxic. i will not allow you to try to make me to feel sorry when i have done nothing wrong.

i’m not sorry and that’s ok.

i have value.

care for me. respect me and my feelings. think before you speak. and definitely, most assuredly, most respectfully, most humbly, most lovingly, say when you are sorry.

in the classic real world:
~ love means always having to say you are sorry and actually mean it ~

that’s what true love is.

blessings

It can be a good thing

Oftentimes, God will use our experiences in life as stepping stones to prepare us for what He has in store next. Scripture tells us that He’ll even take the things the enemy tries to bring against us and turn them around and use them for our good. {Romans 8:28} He is always leading us on a journey of preparation.

If I’m honest, there are times when I want to do things my way and not HIS. I want to hold onto grudges, milking them for all they’re worth. There are times when I simply want what I want and that is to remove difficult people or situations from my life instead of trusting HIM. I have moments when I want to turn the other way instead of walking down the same grocery aisle meeting up with someone with which I’ve had issues. If I’m to live an authentic life, I have to admit there are moments when I would rather side-step those burdens than deal with them.

How’s that for honest?

That’s why it’s so important to keep our eyes focused on HIM. We have to trust that when we are submitted to HIM ~ even if we don’t understand ~ HE is ordering our steps. If something is not happening on your timetable, remind yourself, “God knows what He is doing. He has my best interest at heart. God is preparing me.” So while you’re waiting, or living in those difficult moments, don’t make the mistake of trying to figure everything out. If you’re constantly trying to figure things out, that will only frustrate you. Turn it over to God and declare, “God, my times are in Your hands. I’m not going to worry because I trust that You are leading me on a journey of preparation for all the wonderful blessings You have in store for me.”

It requires submission ~ submitting my will to HIS. It is HE who protects, HE who shields, HE who watches and HE who guards me. It begins with living at peace in HIM. Knowing that my only responsibility is to trust in the ONE who has plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans to give me hope and future.{Jeremiah 29:11}.

Blessings

Let go and let God

I enjoy blogging, it serves as a reminder and record of our life. My family says they enjoy it too. Sometimes I think I want it private, I mean anyone can read this thing. I'm sure I don't have to tell you this but there are cah~razzy people out there. Seriously though, some times I think it's really nuts I put our life out there.. . . … .. but then there are other times that I think this is awesome. I am recording all this stuff.

And sometimes when I sit at my computer, hands poised above the keys, I hear it. “You aren’t a writer. You have nothing to offer. You have nothing to say. Just who do you think you are?”

And hey let’s be honest here, I’m not a writer. At least, not in the professional-got-a-degree-in-it-make-a-living kind of way. But I am a writer in that I write. I love to write. I want to write. I need to write. It is a way for me to connect with myself, with what I’m learning, and to connect with other people.

One of the first things God has revealed to me is this. To let go of the old definition of a “writer” and embrace that this is what He has for me, on this blog, right now. So the bravely letting go begins. Courageously opening my hands to release the thoughts of the enemy and receiving what the One that matters says. I’m learning that this requires courage, bravery, trusting that something infinitely better will be there in the letting go.

I’ve got lots of ideas, thoughts and opinions swirling around and so far, not a lot of order. But I’ll just let that go for now. In some way, shape, or form, I’m going to share what I am learning and figuring out about my life.

But, there are sometimes I wish I would hear from those who do read my blog. I know I have a few loyal readers and a few loyal commenter’s. I also know that there could be people who just cruise in from who knows where. Oh, well, I try to let that go too and remind myself that I do it for personal reasons and not for the comments so that's that.

Blogging ~ it's fun, free and therapeutic maybe more people should try it!

Blessings

Family blessings

Oh how I wish we had a family day holiday when our family was younger ~ I always loved those extra days away from school that we as a family could spend together ~ whether we went tobogganing on the hills, made cookies, played games, or just sat together watching movies.

With all the ‘kids’ out on their own our family day holiday doesn’t really look a lot different from any other day.

However, I thought I’d give you an update on our family.

Darcy; 

our youngest son is still living in the studio apartment at the Little Inn of Bayfield in Bayfield. He continues to work as the night keeper and last fall started as the breakfast line-cook. He really enjoys what he’s doing and is quite content to be out on his own.

Kyle;
our other son decided to stay in Orillia. A certain lovely lady helped him make that decision. After finishing two years at Georgian College in the Police Foundations Program, he has secured work as a night security officer at the Georgian college campus in Barrie. He continues to work as a bouncer at the nightclub the TUX ll in Orillia. 

Teya;
Kyle’s significant other is finishing her 3^rd year at Georgian college in Orillia in the Social work program. They’ve been dating for a couple years.

Krystle;
our oldest and only daughter is the centre director of the Herbal One Franchise in Exeter ~ where her and her husband of 3 years live. They’ve become quite involved in the community and at our church.

Gerard;
our son-in-law is a Tool & Die maker and has been working at the same place since his apprenticeship from high school - way to go G!

and of course who could forget the newest member of their family.

Bentley

a miniature schnauzer who is as adorable as any puppy can be and just loves coming the farm to visit his girlfiend Sasha and gigi & poppop.

As I sit here and reflect on our family and the many blessings that they have been, are, and continue to be I realize just how blessed I truly am.

Blessings

The ABC's of me

Age: 45 {yes, yes, I admit it}
Bed Size: Queen
Chore I Hate: Washing the dishes
Dogs: One ~ Sasha
Essential to start my day: Cup of Tea
Favourite Color: Purple
Gold or Silver: Gold
Height: 5’ 4”
Instrument I play: Piano
Job Title: Wife, Mom, Daughter, Sister, Friend
Kids: 3 ~ Krystle, Kyle & Darcy
Live: On a Farm ~ Zurich
Mother’s Name: Sharon
Nicknames: Spunky
Overnight hospital stays: Several
Pet Peeves: People who think they know it all
Quote from a favourite movie: “There's no place like home.” ~ Wizard of OZ ~ 1939
Right or Left Handed: Right
Siblings: 2, older brother, younger sister
Time it takes me to get ready: Half an hour - give or take a few minutes
Ultimate Vacation: Australia
Vegetable I hate: um, none, I really like my veggies
What makes me run late: Nothing, I am an on-time kinda gal
X-rays I’ve had: Several
Yummy food that I make: I love to cook and bake and am very gifted at both ~ just ask the hubs! J
Zoo animal: Tiger

Unfortunately I cannot take credit for this idea, I found it late one night while perusing the many blogs that I follow. This idea is from Stefanie who sniped the idea from Crystal who borrowed it from Beth.

Your turn ~ please share the ABC‘s of you

Blessings

This is love!

I love this precious reminder from scripture about love.

Love comes from God.

God is love.

God loved us so, so much, He sent us His only Son. {John 3:16}

This is love.

This is love.

It is hard to comprehend such a deep love like that. Did you know that the word love is in the Bible 763 times? yah me neither.. .. .. ... . I want to learn from that kind of unconditional love. And so I read scripture to remind to ask myself.... . .. .. .… how is my heart?

A reminder that He wants me to love… am I loving?

Blessings

Hanging on

I try to start each day with a devotional reading from the Max Lucado website. He has written so many books that are memorable, inspiring and quite often life-changing. There a few that are in my own personal library that I enjoy re-reading. His words are quite often timely reminders that I need. Such as the other day's daily devotional reading.

Hang In There
By Max Lucado
Is anything too hard for the Lord? No!
Genesis 18:14

Hang in there. Don’t give up! Is anything too hard for the Lord? No!

Just when you least suspect it - the God of surprises strikes again. God does that for the faithful. Just when the womb gets too old for babies, Sarah gets pregnant. Just when the failure is too great for grace, David is pardoned.

The lesson? Three words. Don’t give up!

Is the road long? Don’t stop.

Is the night black? Don’t quit.

God is watching. For all you know right at this moment … the check may be in the mail. The apology may be in the making. The job contract may be on the desk.

Don’t quit. You may miss the answer to your prayers.

God is faithful—He’s always on time.

I find the coincidence of times like this somewhat overwhelming. Not that I really believe in coincidence - someone once told me that "coincidence is when God chooses to remain anonymous".

Thank you Lord for another gentle reminder of your love for me.

Blessings

Friendship

It’s true that faithful friends are rare treasures, and when you have them you’ll do anything to hold and protect them. However when you move from the area or like us, move to a new church, sadly sometimes those friendships end. It’s something that’s been lost, or you just don’t have that, but you surely want it.

You invest the effort and try, try, try. You make the first move and extend your hand to others. You go to church get-togethers, you join volunteer groups and glance around you looking for that deep connection. You’ve done your level best to strike up conversations and initiate friendships, but you just aren’t connecting with the women. At the party you’re alone in a crowd, so you head home taking little with you but discouragement. You try to read God’s Word and pray, with the question, “Why is this so hard, Lord?” Well, let me tell you, “I’ve been there”. It’s really tiring and not much fun, thankyouverymuch. But God whispers, “Keep on keeping on.” So, when we don’t see friendships right in front of us, we keep searching the horizon for a soul sister.

It’s hard when previous friends burned you. Those wounds cut deep. So I tend to shy away from the warmth altogether or put up walls to keep people out. Walls become a cold cell that tends to shut out warmth and shut in the hurts. I need to remind myself to still invite people in. But it’s hard, you know. 1 Peter 5:7 {New Living Translation (NLT)} reminds us to “Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.” I’m hoping the harder I fight for what I want the sweeter success tastes if when I get it.

We need to remember that God invented community, He knows friendships. Jesus calls us friends, and if He desires them for Himself, He desires them for us. For you. For me. You are not the exception. Just like John 15:15 {New Living Translation (NLT)} tells us “I {Jesus} no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”

Today may be the day a kindred spirit crosses your path. Or not. And if not, that’s okay, tomorrow is another day!


Blessings

as i am

all that i experience

all that i do

all that i have been through

creates who i am

 

God knows
each event in my life
each experience i have
each moment i live

 

and all of it
is what helps me
be who i am
and know who He is

 

i am exactly
who i was created to be
who i need to be

in this moment

today

 

blessings

Unique & Complex

You know sometimes, I want to just feel sorry for myself. I want to stay in the house, surround myself with no-one and have myself a little pity party. A place where I can sit and think about all the injustices done to me and remind myself over and over and over again just how unfair things have been.

I think ~ oh, poor me. I didn’t have this. I didn’t have that, I was robbed, I was cheated, or even more likely. .. .. .. .. … I don’t have this, I don’t have that, and I definitely don’t want this portion. Life is so unfair!

Oh, poor me.

But then the big girl in me says, “Hey, snap out of it!”

And I remind myself that because of all the things I didn’t have, all the memories that aren’t ideal, all the mistakes that have been made, all the experiences ~ whether they were good or bad and all of the challenges I faced and continue to face each day ~ have made me into the woman I am today.

All of it!

And most days, I like me, except when I’m whining, about oh, poor me!

Blessings

On a good day.. .. . .. .

On a good day, I can take my dog and easily walk 5k.

On a good day, I can get a load or two of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away.

On a good day, I can make nutritious, sumptuous meals.

On a good day, I can get the house tidied and even cleaned.

On a good day, I can run errands.

On a good day, I can work away at the business books.

On a good day, I can wash, dry and put away all the dishes.

On a good day, I do not suffer any pain from my illness.

On a good day, I feel like I can accomplish anything.

Today, however, was not a good day.

Blessings

Viva la Winter

Ooooh ~ the weather outside’s been frightful but the fire is mhmhmm delightful and since we’ve no place to go, let it snow, let it snow, let it … .. . ... .. WHAT?!? Wait a minute - it isn’t Christmas anymore! But what a pile of snow we have and it is such a welcome sight . .. yes, I know, I was just in Jamaica ~ but . … . .. . ..

As I was chatting with a friend the other day she called me a ‘snow lover’ I am not sure whether she meant it as a compliment or not ~ I am thinking not ~ but I’ll take it as one regardless. I love the snow, in fact I love each season that we in Canada are blessed with.

Spring with it’s length of daylight rapidly increasing, weather is warming significantly, time of growth, and renewal. During the Summer our days continue to lengthen, getting hotter and drier and for those in school it means a reprieve from all studies. Autumn with it’s rich vibrant colours showcasing the true beauty of it’s season. The time of year we celebrate all our hard work from the spring by harvesting our crops. And last but not least Winter, with it’s crunch of the snow as you walk, the clean crisp air, the magical view of the world all in white. Sure they are pro’s and con’s to each season. I don’t like the mucky rain weather spring gives us, sometimes the heat in the summer can be overwhelming, and the fall with it’s evenings getting shorter and shorter, and of course winter with it’s snow filling the roads making them impassable to get anywhere. But after spending 12 days in the Caribbean ~ which didn’t feel like January cause it was so warm ~ I realized how lucky we are to experience our 4 seasons.

Two weeks ago I was wearing my bathing suit and today I sit here with long underwear on under my pants, two sweaters, woollen socks, slippers and I’m still cold.

Viva la winter!

Blessings

Jamaican holiday

After uploading the photos from our recent holidays, I sat at the computer reviewing each and every one and thinking to myself - why are there so few photos from our 12-day holiday in Jamaica? 

In fact, there are only 29 photos ~ that’s not even 3 pictures a day. Was it, that I forgot to take my camera with me? No. Did I forget to take pictures? Obviously, no. Was it that we didn‘t do anything? Again the answer is no. Was it that we’ve already been to the Caribbean before and I already have pictures of the beach, the pool, the restaurants, the bar, Wayne playing volleyball, me sitting by the pool? No ~ well maybe. Could it be that as I was about to take a photo that I had to quickly run through my mind whether or not I can come up with a blog post title? YES! That’s it!

So I sit here looking over my photos and while they do bring back the memories of our stay, I do kind of wonder what I was thinking as I took each one. To be honest I am not a photographer ~ I have an idea in my mind’s eye of what I think it should look like and it almost always, never turns out the way I want it too. My camera doesn’t seem to capture the ambience of the scene. At least I have a digital camera, giving me the option to preview any photos before the printing process. It seems that many photos are just not print worthy these days.

So, of the 29 photos that I did take, let me share a snippet of our Jamaican holiday!

The Lobby

 The Courtyard.

 A flower in the garden.

The Evening Show.

The Pool.

 The Beach.

   Walking the Beach.

Our initials in the Sand.

Embarrassing I know!

Blessings

To encourage you

Just a few words of encouragement!

You are beautiful, you are worthy, you deserve to dream, you hold life in your hands. It’s okay to choose you! It’s okay to shine! Give yourself permission to be, who you were meant to be. Go confidently towards your dreams.

Blessings

Boundaries

Sometimes, I have to say no. And while it can be extremely difficult ~ it’s important for me to do so.  It’s being true to what I am really feeling.

So I say no ~ not today ~ not now ~ I’m sorry, I can’t. But then I struggle with the guilt, it washes over me and floods my thoughts.

Ugh!

How can I say no?

They need me, need my help, need my service and maybe need God through me.

So the thoughts keep spinning that I’m just being selfish and would it have really hurt me to drop what I’m doing to add more to my plate? Would it have really hurt me to give one more afternoon because people give to me and so shouldn’t I give back?

All that I have?

All that I am?

But then I remember what I can be like when I don’t take care of myself. The tailspin that can create the emotional withdrawal, the physical decline. 

Setting boundaries and establishing limits makes me MORE able to help, more able to be present, more able to be me in those times that are appropriate. And that dear friends is the woman who they were asking for in the first place.

Blessings

A new month

I love the 1st day of each month!

It's a chance at a fresh start ..... again!

Too often I get caught up in the fact that new chances or changes can only happen on New Year's Day. It makes me think that I have to stay in the mold or rut I am in because it's not a "new year", only a new day.

But that's just it isn't it. It IS a NEW day.

We're given a fresh chance everyday to become a better person than we were the day before. Living out our lives day to day can be pretty monotonous; doing what we've always done. Why is it then, we are so astonished to get the same end result as before? Seems kind of obvious, doesn't it? If you want different end results you need to make some changes. But what to change? Where to start?

Another Chance by Helen Steiner Rice

How often we wish for another chance
to make a fresh beginning.
A chance to blot out our mistakes
And change failure into winning.
It does not take a new day
To make a brand new start,
It only takes a deep desire
To try with all our heart.
To live a little better
And to always be forgiving
And to add a little sunshine
To the world in which we’re living.
So never give up in despair
And think that you are through,
For there’s always a tomorrow
And the hope of starting new.

A new month ... .... .. a new beginning .. .. .. a new opportunity!

Blessings