Each year
Pastor Phil gives those who attend
Zurich Mennonite Church a 'spiritual check-up'. Taking the 4 statements of the churches mission statement he proceeds to help us look back through 2009 and to look forward to 2010.
1)
No one gets left behind...helping us to remember those babies that were born and those who were gathered to the Father;
2)
Our Leaders Lead...teaching us to remember to pray for our leaders, to remind us that we are influenced by those around us and that we influence others too;
3)
I am a disciple of Jesus and I contribute to His kingdom...to grow into spiritually mature followers who share of our gifts and talents;
4)
We exist for the world our Lord came to save...that we are not to be complacent of the goings on in our community but to be the change we want to see in the world.
The questions asked are thought provoking and a one hour church service does give enough time to process all the answers. So I'll be spending a little more time at that.
Meanwhile my physical health had been slowly deteriorating, so much so I finally had had enough. I started to do some research hoping to find the answers, even ended up getting blood work done, but to no avail. The medical profession couldn't or wouldn't (so it seemed to me) find anything wrong with me. I have started seeing a naturopath and after my first visit
(two hour), I learned a few things. Some good, some not so good. I'm now on several different combinations of things to get my body back into responding properly. The Dr. told me that for next five weeks I have to give up all dairy products, eggs, all nuts but especially peanuts, oh yeah and sugar.
Excuse me - did you say sugar? yep he did! Talk about a complete dietary change. oh well, I guess there are two good things that will come out of this
1) I will start to feel better and
2) I'll likely lose weight.
!hoorah! Blessings
Now the tough decision of which dress do I wear. I realize that most of the focus that day will be on Krystle & Gerard, but I still want to look nice.
what was i thinking? did i really think it would go away or that the magical bookkeeping fairy would find my house and do it for me? 
please find my house, little tinkerbell
and we're in the midst of renovating Darcy's room. 
I should learn to do a few less reno's at a time. I do not do well with chaos. While the bathroom was 'under construction' we had all the contents in every other place but which they belonged. ugh! Needless to say I was quite happy when everything finally got back to the proper place, bringing a sense of order again. Now, with all the contents of Darcy's room in the upstairs hall, my room, and some in the dining room, it seems as if their all over the place. Did I mention I don't do well with chaos?
I finally remembered my camera so I could catch a glimpse of the wonderland around me. 
I just love this weeping willow tree at the neighbours. 
With the gloomy, dark, long days of winter, I used to find this season somewhat depressing. I've since learned to look for the beauty during this time. Time to nestle in with family, to 'hibernate' and spend time regrouping for the busy seasons to come. While Autumn is still my favourite season, I'm learning to appreciate winter too. 
After all, where else would you see weeds looking this nice.
Meanwhile my physical health had been slowly deteriorating, so much so I finally had had enough. I started to do some research hoping to find the answers, even ended up getting blood work done, but to no avail. The medical profession couldn't or wouldn't (so it seemed to me) find anything wrong with me. I have started seeing a naturopath and after my first visit (two hour), I learned a few things. Some good, some not so good. I'm now on several different combinations of things to get my body back into responding properly. The Dr. told me that for next five weeks I have to give up all dairy products, eggs, all nuts but especially peanuts, oh yeah and sugar. Excuse me - did you say sugar? yep he did! Talk about a complete dietary change. oh well, I guess there are two good things that will come out of this 1) I will start to feel better and 2) I'll likely lose weight. !hoorah! 
It has been so stormy these last couple of days, that it makes me ever-so thankful for the stove we have in the family room. Which makes not only that room, but most of the house is warm and toasty. 
A New Year....I get excited when I think of all the new things that will happen in the next year; like our cruise vacation; Krystle & Gerard's wedding; our annual holiday at Chesley Lake with the family; celebrating my moms **th (let's just say it's a biggy ^.^) birthday, to name only a few. As much as I or any of us like to plan we cannot even begin to know what this year will hold, or how much things can change in the course of one year. 
As each new year begins, I'm delighted to look back throughout my journals, seeing how much has changed in my life and those I love. It gives me great joy that I take time to record memories, journal my prayers, and write down my thoughts, it's like giving myself a gift that can be opened again and again.