A Change of Plans

Our plans for this weekend got changed.

In the past, I used get quite angry when that happened. As I’ve gotten older I have learned to go with the flow and not get so hung up on what my plans are/were and try to enjoy the moment. 

So, back to our plans.

The original plans for this long holiday weekend we were to go Frankenmuth, Michigan. Having never gone before, I was super excited when Gerard & Krystle invited us to spend the weekend with them. Enjoying Birch Run mall shopping, eating at Zehnders, and spend time at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland.

But then different ‘things’ started to pop up and get in the way, and where I used to get frustrated, I decided that it’s obviously just not meant to be and we’ll just make a change of plans.. ... . So today, we’re {Krystle & I} off to the Halton Hills premium outlet mall, for an awesome opportunity of hanging out, chatting, shopping, chatting, eating, chatting and spending some wonderful time together! Looking forward to spending the day with my girl,

even though I do not like to shop… 

Blessings

A Box of Chocolates

Last night, I went to bed at nine o’clock. That’s normal for me, I was so tired and worn out that I had no choice but to head to bed. Sure, I could’ve pushed through another couple hours of work or done something more “productive,” but sometimes the most productive thing I can do is rest.

Some days I feel so useless. With everything that’s been going on around here lately I’ve reached my limit. My body has been refusing to cooperate.

Many days I’m just frustrated. I’m still trying to figure out who I am and what He’s created me to be. I know that ‘when I am weak, He is strong.’ I know that ~ but some days I just want more. I don’t want to be this weak. This broken.

That’s when He gently whispers… “Beloved, I created your inmost being; I knit you together in your mother’s womb.” Psalms 139:13 {paraphrased} And I realise ~ whether I like it or not, God has wired me just the way I am.

Life’s circumstances are rarely consistent. Despite the ups and down in life, it is great to try and learn to be content despite what’s happening around us. God is more powerful and has things under control. We can’t always see or understand how God works. It takes faith. Therefore, I need to choose to “rejoice in my sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character and character hope.” Romans 5:3.

Notice I say, “I need to …” That’s easier said than done.

My God is far bigger than my problems. He’s bigger than my insecurities. Larger than my health issues. He has a plan. {Jeremiah 29:11} So maybe I should start looking at these current obstacles as opportunities. You know, the kind that can turn my life around?

 

Sometimes a difficult day comes out of nowhere, surprising you with its frustrations and challenges. Sometimes, though, it’s just the last day in a line of difficult days, days that have worn you down with their bumps in the road and unexpected troubles. Today was one of those days.

Is there anything that you're struggling with today?Maybe you’re better off giving it up to God and letting Him lead the way.

Blessings

It's Back

The bus came back with just a week to spare.

We were just sitting on the front porch the other day counting down the days till he’d be back bussing. Since we no longer have kids heading back to school there’s no sense in counting down those days; so we count down days until bus!

It’s hard to believe that in March of 2014, Wayne will celebrate his 10^th year of driving bus. 10 Years! WOW! Where did that time go?

The story of how he came to be a bus driver is cool.

After our barn burned down in 1998, Wayne went to work for a landscape & brick laying company. And for 5 years, he loved it, but the final year he was starting to find that putting over 60 hours a week in he was too tired for anything else. Knowing he couldn’t continue at that pace, he was asking for Saturdays off, which the bosses had to think about. Meanwhile, Wayne had been doing some relief milking for a neighbour, to whom Wayne went to ask if he’d {neighbour} be interested in hiring him. Knowing that in the Summer there would be full-time work, Spring & Autumn, would be part-time and in the Winter almost none. And as his landscape & brick laying bosses thought, he was offered the job to be the neighbours’ hired man, which would fit in perfectly his wife encouraged with driving bus. And before Wayne even had his bus license a bus-route became available for him. How cool is that!

And so, as the bus sits in the yard ready for another school year the farmer bus driver is ready.

Blessings

And Then...

We had a weekend of full of busy. And while it was all fun stuff, it was busy none-the-less.

Friday, we were invited to our daughter and her husband’s for a delicious supper of BBQ beef kabobs, BBQ corn on the cob, Grilled red mini-potatoes, and the piece-de-resistance, for dessert Chocolate peanut butter cheesecake ~ can you say YUM! We also enjoyed Sangria, something I’ve never had but always wanted to try.

And Then… …

Saturday, we spent the day in Orillia with our son. Between grocery shopping, dollarama shopping, going out for lunch, moving, organizing, cleaning and re-arranging furniture, helping to get him set-up in his new apartment ~ our day was quite busy.

And Then… …

Sunday, after we enjoyed another amazing worship service, we went out for lunch with our dear friends.

I’m almost going to need the next week to get rested for the following weekend; when we are off to Frankenmuth Michigan ~ so excited!

Blessings

Morning?!?

I have enjoyed these summer days. Mornings, however, are by far not my favourite time of day. Always have been. Although ~ I have thoroughly enjoyed these summer mornings.

Since I am not a morning person, getting myself up early enough to see the sunrise is a rare thing for me, but the mornings here have been calm and beautiful. Even today as I stand under the veranda there’s a rhythmic peace listening to the rain.

It’s been easy for me to stay in my pj’s, read for an extended time and not do a whole lot. I’ve just had no energy to get out and do the things that need to get done. My “To Do” list has now become my “Must Do” list and I intend to get it done. Today.  Well, er, um. maybe tomorrow.  I am not sure how long I spent sitting on my front porch yesterday. Where had the time gone to? How had the afternoon day passed so quickly?  

 

I struggle with balance. I think I may have multiple personalities. My pendulum swings from completely lazy to frantically busy. Somewhere in the middle, there must be a happy medium. Either that or I need a new to-do list. 

I’ve been reading “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World” by Joanna Weaver. I’m hoping she will show me how to sit at Jesus’ feet but still have a clean house.
 

In just a couple more weeks, summer will come to a close. And while many others are longing for the return of the school routine, I am . ... ... .. hesitant.

Change is in the air. You can feel it.

And my heart is aching at the thought.

Blessings

Qagaasakuq

Gracias, merci, obrigado, dank u, grazie, tenkiu, eso po you, danke, mahalo.

Are just a few of the ways one can say thank you.

So when Krystle wanted to thank me for working at the centre by giving me the gift of a full body massage from Aldea Spa, who was I to say no. Since she became the centre director/owner of Herbal One/Exeter, I’ve been “working” one day each week, so she can either have day at home, or have time to run errands and have appointments. And while I don’t expect anything in return it is always nice to be appreciated. 

Thank you Krystle, or should I say mange tak!

 

How do you say thanks?

Blessings

lately

in my kitchen:

stuffed zucchini, chicken caesar salad

on my night table:

broken by karin slaugher, the shadow collector by kate ellis, the time of my life by cecelia adams, the dance by gary smalley, the third rail by michael harvey, no time for good-bye by linwood barclay

through my speakers:

bx 93, the beatles on cd 

search engine history:

blogger, facebook, mennonite girls can cook 

readings in my bible:

the book of esther - love it!

enjoyment:

time spent with family, reading, walking

tv shows:

the big bang theory

movies:

it’s complicated, identity theft, the incredibles ~ all borrowed from the library

how about you? what have you been doing... . . ... lately?

blessings

 

Just think

Do you know the story of Esther in the Bible? It’s one of my faves. If you are not familiar with this story, do yourself a favour and take some time to read it.  It’s short but man is it good!

Love it.

Esther was a woman of beauty, inside and out. A woman of courage and strength. She pursued obedience when it wasn’t the easiest or most comfortable thing to do. And she did it in the most graceful way. This is type of woman I want to be. The kind of wife I want to be. The kind of mom I want my kids to see. The kind of friend I want to be. It’s not easy to be this kind of woman. No, not by any means.

It takes purpose, choice, boldness, some grit and a lot of grace.

“And who knows,

but that you have come to your royal position

for such a time as this?”

Esther 4:14 b

Oh yes. Don’t you just love this? Right now! Whatever you are facing, whatever is coming up ...You were born for this time!

God has been preparing you and me for this day. His timing is always perfect. He’s never early nor late but right on time. So be confident and take hold of the truth.

Yes, you were born for such a time as this!

Just think!

Blessings

Day Spa

For the past, mmhmhmm, not sure how many years it's been now; my mom, sister, daughter and I take a mini-retreat from the busyness of our lives and treat ourselves to a day spa.It's been at my mom's house for several years, and last year Krystle hosted, so this year it was my turn.

So we gathered yesterday and feasted on a super yum dinner at Eddington’s of Exeter and enjoyed great conversation with each other. Returning to the farm we decided rather than our tradition of watching a movie, we would spend some time in the hottub.

This morning we were treated to a delectable brunch of Breakfast casserole, fresh fruit {strawberries, bananas, nectarines, grapes, & pineapple},

croissants, granola, yogurt and tea.

Then the spa fun began!

With foot baths, facials and manicures,

we were certainly spoiled. What a treat!

It was such a delightful way to spend the weekend. Our time together sharing each of our lives is so precious. It’s always good that we can come together, listen to our struggles, laugh with one another and support each other throughout our lives.

Looking forward to next year when my sister hosts.

Blessings

Off to the Market

With the Farmer’s summer activities finally slowing down, we took the opportunity to spend a day at the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s Market. 

With so many aisles of craft vendors, booths filled with home baked goodies, boxes and boxes of fresh produce, food booths, purses, scarves, candies, belts, musical artists, and even a clown making balloon animals, our morning quickly flew by.

For us, a trip “down east” is not complete without enjoying lunch at Anna Mae’s in Millbank. This restaurant makes the best broasted chicken dinner, I’ve ever had. {sidenote: as you enter this restaurant, you're to write your name on the dining sheet and as tables become available they call each in name in order to seat you, so for fun, I wrote “Farmer” as our name} As they called “Farmer” and I said that's us, my farmer just smiled. .. . ..

 Even though we didn’t end up buying anything, it was good to have a day away together. 

Blessings

#65

I've made it to #65 on my reading list, and this doesn't even include the books I started to read and didn't finish.
#1 Triplets - Molly Gregorie
#2 Acts of Malice - Perri O shaunessy
#3 Secrets - Danielle Steel
#4 Extreme Measures - Michael Palmer
#5 Angles Flight - Michael Connolly
#6 Low Pressure - Sandra Brown
#7 Up Close and Dangerous- Linda Howard
#8 The Trophy Wives - Kristin Billerbeck
#9 The Drop - Michael Connolly
#10 Shiver - Karen Robards
#11 Eyes Wide Open - Andrew Gross
#12 Full Disclosure - Dee Henderson
#13 These Things Hidden - Heather Gudenkauf
#14 Broken Harbour - Tana French
#15 Double Blind - Brandilyn Collins
#16 The Truth about Dandelions - Hayley Linfield
#17 The Lawyer’s Lawyer - James Sheehan
#18 Last to Die - Tess Gerritson
#19 Guilt - Jonathan Kellerman
#20 Vanished - Irene Hannon
#21 The Last Victim - Karen Robards
#22 Cut to the Bone - Jean Boswell
#23 Trust your eyes - Linwood Barclay
#24 Don’t cry now - Joy Fielding
#25 Murder on the mind - L.L. Bartlett
#26 Sweet revenge - Lisa Jackson
#27 Touch & go - Lisa Gardner
#28 No way back - Andrew Gross
#29 All she ever wanted - Rosalind Noonan
#30 Best kept secret - Amy Hatvany
#31 Wedding Night - Sophie Kinsella
#32 The Silence of Bonaventure Arrow - Rita Leganski
#33 The Storyteller - Jodi Picoult
#34 Six Years - Harlan Coben
#35 Family Pictures - Jane Green
#36 Daddy’s gone a hunting - Mary Higgins Clark
#37 Another Piece of my Heart - Jane Green
#38 Reconstructing Amelia - Kimberly McCreighton
#39 Twelfth of Never - James Patterson
#40 A Wanted Man - Lee Child
#41 The Next Best Thing - Jennifer Weiner
#42 Not by Sight - Kathy Herman
#43 Forgotten - Catherine McKenzie
#44 Revenge wears Prada - Lauren Weisberger
#45 Honeymoon - James Patterson
#46 The Lakehouse - James Patterson
#47 Unspoken - Lisa Jackson
#48 The Professional - Robert Parker
#49 Ready to Die - Lisa Jackson
#50 Whispers & Lies - Joy Fielding
#51 Fractured - Karin Slaughter
#52 After You - Julie Buxbaum
#53 While my sister sleeps - Barbara Delinsky
#54 The Racketeer - John Grisham
#55 Stay Close - Harlan Coben
#56 Unseen - Karin Slaughter
#57 The Deepend - Joy Fielding
#58 The Innocent - Harlan Coben
#59 Time of my Life - Allison Winn Scotch
#60 Shattered - Karen Robards
#61 Second Honeymoon - James Patterson
#62 Always Watching - Chevy Stevens
#63 The Innocence Game - Michael Harvey
#64 Takeover - Lisa Black
#65 Guilt by Degrees - Marcia Clark

Krystle issued this challenge and I made it long before the deadline.  But now my own personal challenge is to read 100 books before the year is over.

Wish me luck!

Blessings

Beloved

I’ve watched that Dove video about women who think they’re uglier than the world sees them countless times. And as the tears streamed down my face, I totally got it. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get weirded out when people say positive things about my looks. Because I do. Every. Time.

Am I the only one?

We know that our worth does not come from how we look, or what we do. We go to church. Read and study scripture. Bookmark Christian websites. Pen our faith in our journals. Proclaim it with our lips, in our homes, and even online. It’s too important to forget, yet remembering is so hard.

Why…is.. that…?

Is it simply that knowing with your head doesn’t equal believing with your heart?

We see the talents of others and stamp them Better. We compare ourselves to family, friends, even strangers and assign them a greater value because they’re doing something we cannot, will not, have not or may not even want to do!

When it feels like everyone around you seems to be achieving greater successes; or doing greater things; or enjoying the blessing of great marriage or having children or finding the perfect job; or maybe it seems like you don’t have any talent whatsoever, nothing unique to offer … whatever it feels like …

It’s not about what you do or don’t do, say or don’t say, or even how you look ~ God doesn’t love you any less or any more.  He simply does and it is enough!

We. Are. Beloved.

I presume you know these things but sometimes we need to be reminded.

 

Blessings

Four letter word

I hate the word busy.

I’ve learned the hard way that over scheduling myself with a packed day is not only counter-productive, it’s a horrible way to live. I don’t like for my schedule to be 100% full. And, I have gotten myself into situations where I invited trouble that just didn’t need to be there. Especially in the area of saying yes to something when I know I should say no.

I know with my mind I should say no. I know with my heart I should say no. I know deep down in my soul I should say no.

But then my mouth will betray me, and say, “Yes, of course I will do that.”

And then?
I feel the weight of overload.
I am afraid that I will disappoint someone.

Here’s what I keep reminding myself of:
Just because I can do something doesn’t mean I should do it. Maybe, before saying yes to one more thing on my schedule today, I should ask myself…

Am I trying to prove something?
Am I trying to impress someone?
Have I thought through the cost of saying yes?

I don’t want my life to be so overscheduled that there’s no time for the spontaneous. I don’t want to miss out on opportunities for God to lead because I scheduled away our availability.

I’m constantly reminding myself that saying no isn’t a negative thing, that it can be one of the most positive choices that I make.

When’s the last time you said no with intention?

Blessings

Shine your light

We’ve been spending time with the grand .. … . puppy that is. ... .. while our daughter and her husband are on much needed get-a-way up North with friends at their cottage. Needless to say having two dogs in the house is a lot more busy than having only one. But it’s been fun. Busy, but fun! Adding to that too, is the fact that I also worked at the centre for 9 hour days the past three days; making me realize again that I am not cut out for work. It's been busy, fun, nope just busy! But if it helps them out I’ll do it.

Giving our kids a hand every now and then is something we enjoy doing, whether it’s puppy sitting for Krystle, moving Kyle ~ again {in the next few weeks, this will be move #6 in the past 3 years!}, helping Darcy clean his apartment, working for Krystle, baking desserts for the boys or having laundry service available for them, and the list goes on. .. .. .. after all isn’t that what family is for? It’s a value that my parents instilled in me. Shortly after we were married my dad would come to the farm and “help” with everything and anything needed and in fact just the other week, my mom was here helping me turn bushels of apples into applesauce. .. ..

I think it’s important to help each other out. Maybe it is mundane at times, but maybe that’s only because I’m not thinking about it with the right attitude. The one of grace. It’s easy to get caught up in our lives and not realize how much impact we can have on the lives of other. A little thing can go along way. After all, it takes just a few minutes, to do a kindness for another person. It can be something small or the start of something big. But putting a smile on the face of someone is one of  the best gifts.  

Life can often be difficult, we all know this, but if each of us remembers to help one another, we’ll be doing our part in making life a bit more enjoyable for everyone.  There aren’t a lot of things you can do that can match the feeling you get when you help someone in some positive way.

Matthew 5:16

{New International Version (NIV)}

“In the same way, let your light shine before others,

that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Shine your light and let the whole world see.. . .. . … ..

 

Blessings

Psalms 23:1

Psalm 23:1

New Living Translation (NLT)
 

The Lord is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.

{photo credit - Annaliese ~ For everything a season}

 

I needed this reminder today - how about you?

 

Blessings

Checklist

I am a list person. When I know I need to get things done, I ask myself what has to be done that day, make a list of those things, and get to work. In fact these days, since I am just so exhausted, I need a list to get anything done. It helps to give me some sense of accomplishment to see that, yes!, I actually do contribute around here.

I know a lot of people who function this way. Sometimes it’s not even a written checklist, but a mental one instead. This needs to be done; that needs to be done; and so does that other thing. And we plan and schedule and plan some more.

We don’t just do this with our days, though; we do this with our lives. How many of you are guilty of this?

We mentally tally everything we should do, and have a timeframe by which to do it. We’ll graduate college at 22, get married that same year or the next, have kids two years later. Now that her kids are out on their own she should be working.

But these checklists? This “should” mentality? They aren’t healthy. Because not only do they frame our shoulds for our own lives, but they project our shoulds onto other people’s lives.

If we all should graduate college by 22, why is she still in college at 25? If we all should be married by 25, why did she wait until 30? And if we all should have kids within a few years of being married, why has she seen her seven year wedding anniversary pass without even announcing her first pregnancy?

When we draw these lines, we draw compassion and understanding right out of the stories God has given us. When we point fingers and say someone should be doing a particular thing, we point grace and empathy right out the door.

I don’t want to do that anymore!

I’ve doled out my own fair share of shoulds. She should’ve stayed single for more than two hot seconds instead of jumping into another relationship. She should’ve stayed silent instead of saying that to that person. She should, she should, she SHOULD.

I don’t want to do that anymore!

This generation of women has seen a transition from a time where women were expected to fulfill a cultural checklist to one where we have permission, so to speak, to forge our own paths. We’re faced with decisions that we wouldn’t have been blessed with only a few decades ago. And instead of basking in that freedom, we’re still wielding a checklist, and we’re continuing to measure women, including ourselves, by that standard.

We don’t have to do that anymore!

We don’t have to measure ourselves by a standard of shoulds. We don’t have to measure other women by a standard of shoulds. In fact, we don’t have to measure anyone by a standard of shoulds.

And we shouldn’t.

Because the only thing we should be doing is living lives for His use, filled with His grace, poured for His glory.

Blessings

Viva la Friendship

What determines friendship? Some of the women we see every day we would no sooner call our friends than fly to the moon. Then there are other women that we have just met and there's something there you can't define. Something inside clicks. We can't specify it ahead of time, but we know it when we feel it.

Most of us aren't looking for just any friend. Life is too busy, and we don’t carve out time for anything that doesn't impact us. We are looking that special person with whom we can pour out our hearts. A safe place where confidences are held carefully. Girlfriends bring out so much in us, they understand us, cry with us, shop with us, laugh-`til-we-pee.. . . ..

Friends that claim to always be there for you, as you are for them, but never seem to be around when you actually need them - are not good friends. You need to believe in their actions, take the blinders off and see things for what they are.

Then do something about it or not.
Seriously, you can accept empty words and promises from someone you care about. Just know that there will probably be no follow through and getting angry or becoming sad at the situation is a waste of time.

People will show you exactly who they are, by their actions. They will also show you exactly what you mean to them the same way. Actions speak louder than words. For words without action become meaningless. Be sure to follow through on promises, do what you say you are going to, be the friend you claim to be. If you keep getting angry and hurt, but continue to let it go, well then what does your actions say to them?

Live with integrity and expect it from those you surround yourself with.

Maintaining a friendship is tough. It takes a lot of work, planning, and thought. And so if you feel like you’re the only one making the effort, it’s important to consider how much the other person actually values the friendship.

True friends are a gift from God. They love us, laugh with us, comfort us and encourage us. And be mindful, friendship is a two-way street.

Viva la friendship!  

Blessings

A new month

As I turned over the calendar, today, to the new month, there was that one moment, when all I felt was deep apprehension.

Why?

mmhm good question.

I really do 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 mould 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.  It seems like only yesterday we were on the brink of summer with its slower schedules, warmer weather, and now, here we are already halfway through it.

While we still had kids at home this time of year meant spending our days; playing outdoors, biking, going to the park or to the beach, having campfires, sleepovers, staying up late, bbq dinners, enjoying min-vacations - like Marineland without being governed to the rhythm of a clock.

How quickly the years go by.

We no longer have kids living at home and therefore no one will be heading back to school, resulting in no need to go back to school shopping, nor do we have to get back into the routines of, well, routine. Since I am no longer employed my days won't change a whole lot, and yet. ..

Why then, this apprehension .. . …

This summer was quite different from the previous ones. With the decline in my health I was limited to what I could do and knew that I needed to slow my life down even more. So I took more time to sit, more time to rest, spent a lot of time reading and soaking up the sun, made simpler meals, accepted help from others and learned to let the little things go. .. ..

It takes me time ~ a lot of time ~ to put these ideas together. I typically need uninterrupted space, for hours, to really sort things out and put them together and string words into phrases and meanings.

Me? I love writing. I love reading. I absolutely adore being home, by myself, with my computer, rationalizing and thinking and mulling over ideas and pieces. But lately, I've been struggling with the way I define myself.

“Live in each season as it passes; breathe the air, drink the drink, taste the fruit,
and resign yourself to the influence of the earth.”
~ Henry David Thoreau

Time passes by so quickly, so enjoy each of the moments you find yourself in because one day it will just be another memory. Change happens all around us everyday; we can either embrace it or reject it, it’s up to us.

Blessings