Have you ever seen the movie ' Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants'? Well, the idea is the pants 'do' something for each of the wearers in a significant way. Not related to their body and appearance but more to their life, in general. Amazingly, they fit each body size (and there are a few differences too)!
Well, I have been wishing those pants could be mailed to me. I have been looking for a pair of slacks to wear that actually fit me and look good enough to wear to a big GALA event. Obviously they would not be jeans but anything that fits good without alterations. That is a dream, girl!
I started a few days ago looking for a fancy dress for tomorrow's event but ended up empty-handed. Nothing fit. Even if it did, what would I wear for shoes? These silly 'orthotics' do not fit into anything other than a big toed shoe or a running shoe - same thing almost! I was lucky in Dec to find a black pair of Skeechers which had some fancy design on the toe to make them 'hip' or 'cool' or 'different', maybe. Anyway, I wear them with EVERYTHING! Summer is coming and my transition will be directly to a pair of open toed sandals that accommodate my ortho. That gives me two shoes.
Anyway, back to the pants. I found some slacks but they are too long and after paying the money for the slacks I would have to go and get them hemmed which is about 15-20 dollars. The sales clerk said these are easy wear and wash pants. They 'cling' to the body which after checking myself out in a triple mirror, decided NO. However, I did take them home hoping they might look different in my dimly lit bedroom but alas, they did not 'do it' for me. I am on my way to return them to the store. I treked across town to Kingsway Mall and found Cleo's was having a sale. I ended up buying a navy suit with a sophisticated ruffled blouse which is what I intend to wear to this gala. It is not a cocktail dress but maybe I can stand beside the men who are wearing suits and I will blend in! The one thing I had to do, of course, was take them to get hemmed. Even though they are petites, they are too long. Just long enough to be baggy and not look good. It's bad enough that I have to wear the orthos with the suit but at least the suit should look and hang right! Thankfully, the little chinese lady said tomorrow morning at 10 am. That gives me a few hours in the afternoon to make sure everything goes nicely together! No turning back now.
I am hoping these pants turn out and look good and will be travellin' to the GALA and will get well worn as they now fit with my shoes. Hope they add new dimension to my life as much as the 'travelling pants' did in the movie world!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
A Special Gift
I received a special gift in the mail yesterday from my daughter. Of course my 60th birthday came and went and although I had received special wishes from her, I did not receive a gift until yesterday. It came in the mail. Don't you love those kind of packages. All wrapped up in brown paper with your name on the front. It's kinda the 'snail mail' thing but who cares? I loved it.
I opened it up to find a black book with my baby picture on the front. It said "Happy 60th Birthday". Inside were these wonderful pages (very professional looking) of me and the kids and the grandkids. Many pictures of John and I together as well. She wrote this wonderful note sharing her thoughts about how she appreciated our times together and how thankful she was to have me in her life. On my 50th birthday she did something similar ... but different. It was more casual with little notes or comments under each picture; this was more polished - more professional. Both are wonderful and I love them both equally!
It is amazing how it warms my heart. I know she had been staying up late working on something but I had taken it to be something for home or a filler while she was feeding Grace. Who knew it was for me. I am forever thankful. This birthday will go down for me as one of my best.
Hope everyone is doing well today. Count your blessings - I am!
I opened it up to find a black book with my baby picture on the front. It said "Happy 60th Birthday". Inside were these wonderful pages (very professional looking) of me and the kids and the grandkids. Many pictures of John and I together as well. She wrote this wonderful note sharing her thoughts about how she appreciated our times together and how thankful she was to have me in her life. On my 50th birthday she did something similar ... but different. It was more casual with little notes or comments under each picture; this was more polished - more professional. Both are wonderful and I love them both equally!
It is amazing how it warms my heart. I know she had been staying up late working on something but I had taken it to be something for home or a filler while she was feeding Grace. Who knew it was for me. I am forever thankful. This birthday will go down for me as one of my best.
Hope everyone is doing well today. Count your blessings - I am!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Hello Friend
I had a good visit with my friend Isla today. I took her out of her room and brought her to our place. We went for a long walk and then had coffee on our deck. It was a cool day but the sun was shining and we were out of the wind. It was almost like summer. I felt bad having to take her back to her place. As she said, 'back to the jail'. I hope that will change. I'm not sure how yet but I know there must be something we can do for her. Thankfully, I enjoy her company, even with her memory loss. I bought her the Edmonton Journal to read and I could tell she has not read for awhile. She was reading one word at a time and sounded 'stuck' on some words although she finally got them out. That is amazing as she has been a teacher all her life! She said she does puzzles and plays Solitare on her computer. She has no access to a paper so she does not read. I think she needs to still have some knowledge of what's happening 'today' and talk about it (hopefully). She was always an avid newspaper reader - front to back! We'll see if she reads this paper or not.
Off to work again tomorrow. Boy, Monday comes around fast!
Off to work again tomorrow. Boy, Monday comes around fast!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Blah Day
It rained or should I say 'sprinkled' overnite. As a result, it is cool this morning and overcast. It is still windy so any moisture we got is getting swept away pretty quickly. A big dark cloud was here this afternoon but it only drizzled a bit. No real moisture but oh that crazy wind....
I got a lot of ironing done today. Isn't that the kind of day that you do ironing? I remember mom always seemed to be doing this on a cool, cloudy day. I could smell the moisture from the clothes when I came in from school. Those were the days when you used to dampen the clothes, wrap them in a ball and put them in the clothes basket for ironing later. It kept them moist and easy to iron (I guess). Anyway, I am not talking process but rather the 'feelings' I now get now when I iron on an overcast day. Sometimes, the steam smells the same way. Interesting how memories are reguratated eh? Simply from a smell, a certain action, a scene, or a feeling. Strange. Anyway, these feelings were all warm and fuzzies so that is a good thing!
Going out tonite for supper. Someplace downtown which we have not been to for awhile. A nice relaxing evening with our friends. John has been out for most of the day working a funeral and will be happy to relax with friends.
Hope everyone is enjoying their day to the full! I close with this cute saying on my calendar for today:
APRIL 23, 2010
Do all the good you can.
By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can.
At all the times you can.
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.
---John Wesley
I got a lot of ironing done today. Isn't that the kind of day that you do ironing? I remember mom always seemed to be doing this on a cool, cloudy day. I could smell the moisture from the clothes when I came in from school. Those were the days when you used to dampen the clothes, wrap them in a ball and put them in the clothes basket for ironing later. It kept them moist and easy to iron (I guess). Anyway, I am not talking process but rather the 'feelings' I now get now when I iron on an overcast day. Sometimes, the steam smells the same way. Interesting how memories are reguratated eh? Simply from a smell, a certain action, a scene, or a feeling. Strange. Anyway, these feelings were all warm and fuzzies so that is a good thing!
Going out tonite for supper. Someplace downtown which we have not been to for awhile. A nice relaxing evening with our friends. John has been out for most of the day working a funeral and will be happy to relax with friends.
Hope everyone is enjoying their day to the full! I close with this cute saying on my calendar for today:
APRIL 23, 2010
Do all the good you can.
By all the means you can.
In all the ways you can.
At all the times you can.
To all the people you can.
As long as ever you can.
---John Wesley
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Pondering Eternity
I am home from work today but the work does not stop. Just a different kind. Right? (to all those moms who work outside the home). I have been busy doing the laundry as well as cleaning out my drip coffee pot with bleach etc. Once you start on the coffee pot, you find all sorts of things that need to be cleaned 'again'. It's that time of the year, I think. Seems like Spring always gets us moving. As I stare out the window with my hands up to the elbows in bleach, I can see the willow tree starting to get leaves already. There is a green hue to it. The grass has already turned green and a few 'unsuspecting' flower bushes are already 3-4 inches above ground. They are not even thinking that it is only mid-April and there is a very good chance of more snow before the May long weekend. We know that it is VERY dry here and some rain or snow would be welcomed but hopefully not a killer frost! It feels like summer with these record breaking high temperatures for this time of year. I think it is going to be 'one of those memorable years'.
We had a great Life Team meeting last night. There were 12 of us and two absentees: one was sick and one out of town. Attendance is usually pretty good for this group. Lots of talk about the miracles of Jesus. We found out that Jesus was not 'big' on showboating his miracles. He performed them only out of compassion for others - not to make a big show out of it to impress people or political parties. Interesting enough, even the many that actually witnessed the miracles, did not accept him as the Son of God. The Bible tells that when he did not continue to provide the miracles they wanted to see, many left grumbling, even some disciplies deserted him (mentioned only in the book of John). "He was bringing a hard message of obedience and sacrifice, not a sideshow for gawkers and sensation-seekers". The miracles attracted large crowds and applause, but rarely encouraged repentance and long-term faith. We discussed how Jesus' miracles would go over with our generation. We concluded they would likely get the same kind of responses. To sum it up, we quote Fyodor Dostovesky "Faith does not spring from the miracle, but the miracle from faith."
We know a number of people who have friends or family who are suffering from cancer and going through treatment. Some are even dealing with severe depression and have been hospitalized. We always hear of people needing work, experiencing financial difficulties and other problems and realize how fortunate we are to have our health, our home and our jobs (even our working part-time helps).
As I sit and ponder family and friends and how fortunate I am to have both...I notice today's saying on my perpetual calendar called "Favorite Quotes for Friends" as follows:
There are two things one should know about the direction of life:
First is: Where am I going?
Second is: Who will go with me?
Aside fom my family and friends, I am thankful to say that I am always being led by the One who cares for me the most and has only my best interest at heart - Jesus. I encourage others to experience this peace also.
John 4:6 I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
We had a great Life Team meeting last night. There were 12 of us and two absentees: one was sick and one out of town. Attendance is usually pretty good for this group. Lots of talk about the miracles of Jesus. We found out that Jesus was not 'big' on showboating his miracles. He performed them only out of compassion for others - not to make a big show out of it to impress people or political parties. Interesting enough, even the many that actually witnessed the miracles, did not accept him as the Son of God. The Bible tells that when he did not continue to provide the miracles they wanted to see, many left grumbling, even some disciplies deserted him (mentioned only in the book of John). "He was bringing a hard message of obedience and sacrifice, not a sideshow for gawkers and sensation-seekers". The miracles attracted large crowds and applause, but rarely encouraged repentance and long-term faith. We discussed how Jesus' miracles would go over with our generation. We concluded they would likely get the same kind of responses. To sum it up, we quote Fyodor Dostovesky "Faith does not spring from the miracle, but the miracle from faith."
We know a number of people who have friends or family who are suffering from cancer and going through treatment. Some are even dealing with severe depression and have been hospitalized. We always hear of people needing work, experiencing financial difficulties and other problems and realize how fortunate we are to have our health, our home and our jobs (even our working part-time helps).
As I sit and ponder family and friends and how fortunate I am to have both...I notice today's saying on my perpetual calendar called "Favorite Quotes for Friends" as follows:
There are two things one should know about the direction of life:
First is: Where am I going?
Second is: Who will go with me?
Aside fom my family and friends, I am thankful to say that I am always being led by the One who cares for me the most and has only my best interest at heart - Jesus. I encourage others to experience this peace also.
John 4:6 I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Relaxin'
Saturday morning and I should be relaxing but I am busy getting organized for the guys who are coming to help John re-shingle the garage roof! John got a good price on shingles and now we only need the manpower. This morning four guys showed and have been working steadily since 9 am. We broke for lunch and John cooked up sausage and kobasa and we had potato salad and fresh vegetables and dip. Throw in juice, freshly baked brownies, a cup of coffee and you've got a great meal (and a great excuse for a mid-afternoon nap!!!). They broke for about 45 minutes and are back at it again.
I can now sit for a few minutes as I have cleared away all the dishes and put things away and everything is in the dishwasher. First time I have used it for awhile! I thought I would take a minute to say what I have been up to.
I had to go to the west end yesterday to pick up our income tax returns so I decided to stop in on the way to pick up my friend, Isla. She was just getting up (11:35 am) because the staff were encouraging her to do so! She tells me there is nothing much to do so might as well stay in bed! Well, I arrived at her room and asked if she wanted to run around with me to do errands and she said 'YES!" So away, we went. We stopped for lunch (as she had not had breakfast or her morning coffee). We went into Tokoyo Express and had a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl each with a cup of iced tea. She said she quite enjoyed it. Then, we went to Costco while I picked up a few things for today's 'work bee' and then off to Sobey's to get a few smaller items and home to put everything away. John was working on the garage roof with a friend so we all stopped to have coffee and cake for a coffee break. She seemed to be quite fine and enjoyed chatting with the guys and just being outside. I had to take her back to her room about 3:40 pm and I felt like a heel doing so! Of course, I know that will be the last time she will be out until another friend or family member comes for her. If it depresses me, what does it do to her? She was so thankful that I came. How can I not????!!
After a light supper, I headed to my Ladies 'Rest Easy' group event at a friend's place just down the street. Only 7 of us ladies showed up tonite (out of 13) but we had a great time. Each of us brought a little something to snack on and we played a game (Buzz Word, I think) and generally just chatted, laughed and at the end of the evening had a great prayer time. There are so many needs. The end of a wonder FULL day by 11 pm. Slept like a baby until 7:30 this morning.
It is a beautiful day today. Perfect for shingling a roof! It is so nice to have friends who can help out. Count your blessings if you have lots of them. As I sit here writing this, I am wondering about Isla. If I could zap her here I would. I guess life for her will never be the same now. She said she didn't think she was forgetting things but thinks others do. She didn't know for sure. She does repeat herself but then so do I. She definitely would like to know where her clothes are and why she is in this facility and her son is in her house! No wonder she sleeps in!
Well, I guess I will do what I can, when I can and I guess that is how it has to be for the time being. Need to learn about about this disease and what is important and can help and what can't. If I were in her place, I would want her to care about me.
I think Psalm 142: 1-7 would adquately cover Isla's call for help. My friends and I pray for God's mercy in her situation.
(vs 1: I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. And vs 7: Set me free from my prison that I may praise your name.)
I can now sit for a few minutes as I have cleared away all the dishes and put things away and everything is in the dishwasher. First time I have used it for awhile! I thought I would take a minute to say what I have been up to.
I had to go to the west end yesterday to pick up our income tax returns so I decided to stop in on the way to pick up my friend, Isla. She was just getting up (11:35 am) because the staff were encouraging her to do so! She tells me there is nothing much to do so might as well stay in bed! Well, I arrived at her room and asked if she wanted to run around with me to do errands and she said 'YES!" So away, we went. We stopped for lunch (as she had not had breakfast or her morning coffee). We went into Tokoyo Express and had a Teriyaki Chicken Bowl each with a cup of iced tea. She said she quite enjoyed it. Then, we went to Costco while I picked up a few things for today's 'work bee' and then off to Sobey's to get a few smaller items and home to put everything away. John was working on the garage roof with a friend so we all stopped to have coffee and cake for a coffee break. She seemed to be quite fine and enjoyed chatting with the guys and just being outside. I had to take her back to her room about 3:40 pm and I felt like a heel doing so! Of course, I know that will be the last time she will be out until another friend or family member comes for her. If it depresses me, what does it do to her? She was so thankful that I came. How can I not????!!
After a light supper, I headed to my Ladies 'Rest Easy' group event at a friend's place just down the street. Only 7 of us ladies showed up tonite (out of 13) but we had a great time. Each of us brought a little something to snack on and we played a game (Buzz Word, I think) and generally just chatted, laughed and at the end of the evening had a great prayer time. There are so many needs. The end of a wonder FULL day by 11 pm. Slept like a baby until 7:30 this morning.
It is a beautiful day today. Perfect for shingling a roof! It is so nice to have friends who can help out. Count your blessings if you have lots of them. As I sit here writing this, I am wondering about Isla. If I could zap her here I would. I guess life for her will never be the same now. She said she didn't think she was forgetting things but thinks others do. She didn't know for sure. She does repeat herself but then so do I. She definitely would like to know where her clothes are and why she is in this facility and her son is in her house! No wonder she sleeps in!
Well, I guess I will do what I can, when I can and I guess that is how it has to be for the time being. Need to learn about about this disease and what is important and can help and what can't. If I were in her place, I would want her to care about me.
I think Psalm 142: 1-7 would adquately cover Isla's call for help. My friends and I pray for God's mercy in her situation.
(vs 1: I cry aloud to the Lord; I lift up my voice to the Lord for mercy. I pour out my complaint before him; before him I tell my trouble. And vs 7: Set me free from my prison that I may praise your name.)
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Morning Tea
I went to a Ladies Morning Out 'Tea' today at the church. A few years ago I used to be one of the leaders and now I have been 'invited' by a newcomer!! Anyway, I was pleased to go. It is nice to attend where you don't have to setup, cleanup, washup, etc. I just enjoyed. I always enjoyed the Ladies Morning Out in the past years but just found it too much with working Mon and Tues and then going out Wed morning and off to Stephen Ministry Wed nite. Also, I started training on Thurs nites for SM so it just got to be too much (of a good thing)!
I came home and tried to start working on cleaning up my spare room and have decided that I definitely need to reorganize my stuff. I do need a printer for my laptop and that will be my next priority I think. We have a printer on the hard drive downstairs but it is a pain sending my stuff 'downstairs' all the time! I would like a nice 'office setup' in the spare room upstairs. So, that's what I am now planning. It would be nice to have a bookshelf for all my books as well as a long flat tabletop so I can 'spread out' stuff. Under the table could be file drawers or pull out drawers or baskets. I have seen this on 'Renovation' channels. Not sure how I can do that but I might take a trip to IKEA. They seem to have everything. Maybe I just need to look around a bit.
Well, it has been windy today but the sun is out and there is no snow around so that has got to be a good thing. They are calling for temps around 17 for the weekend. Wow. Must be spring. Looking forward to that but don't want the buds to come out too soon. It is only April, right? Then again, who can argue with Nature?
Psalm 1:1,3 Blessed is the man....He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
I came home and tried to start working on cleaning up my spare room and have decided that I definitely need to reorganize my stuff. I do need a printer for my laptop and that will be my next priority I think. We have a printer on the hard drive downstairs but it is a pain sending my stuff 'downstairs' all the time! I would like a nice 'office setup' in the spare room upstairs. So, that's what I am now planning. It would be nice to have a bookshelf for all my books as well as a long flat tabletop so I can 'spread out' stuff. Under the table could be file drawers or pull out drawers or baskets. I have seen this on 'Renovation' channels. Not sure how I can do that but I might take a trip to IKEA. They seem to have everything. Maybe I just need to look around a bit.
Well, it has been windy today but the sun is out and there is no snow around so that has got to be a good thing. They are calling for temps around 17 for the weekend. Wow. Must be spring. Looking forward to that but don't want the buds to come out too soon. It is only April, right? Then again, who can argue with Nature?
Psalm 1:1,3 Blessed is the man....He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday Morning
I know that Spring must be on its way as yesteday morning I was getting ready for church and though all the windows in the house are still closed because of the weather, I could faintly hear something in the air. What is that I thought? Yes....I think it is....(I opened the window carefully and listened...) A robin. Singing! what a delightful sound. I am not sure what that poor robin will eat as the ground is still frozen unless he likes frozen worms! I am sure he will eat seeds etc for the interim. Spring is officially here so it is not long till the weather will change. This morning as I got ready for work, I heard the same delightful sound. Chirping! What a beautiful song.
So, that started me day off very nicely. I was contemplating yesterday as I made my lunch for work. I went to visit my friend who has Alzheimer's. I know she did not recognize me for sure when I saw her in the rec room but she was willing to go with me when I offered to take her 'out for a coffee'. Anything to get out of this dungeon she said. I understand her feeling. Anyway, for something different, I took her to Southgate Shopping Centre and we went into the mall and had a coffee at Bear Mountain. A cute little shop there and then sat in the open area and watched people. Well, I should say, I watched people. Isla was not in the least interested in observing anyone - just me. She talked directly to me and I don't think she noticed one thing around her, except me. It is very flattering but...definitely she does have a problem. She carried on a great conversation and we laughed a lot and she did not want to go back but we did. I promised her I would come again and we would go walking and I definitely will keep that promise. Her mind seems, well, O.K. but...She can carry on a conversation no problem...but you still know something is not quite right and so does she.
Another friend invited me to a Ladies tea on Wed and I am wondering if I should invite Isla as well. It would be good for her to get out. John thinks it would be too much for her but I am still thinking I might. I will have to check with her son, perhaps the place where she is staying too might offer something. It is so unfair for her to be locked up all the time. I will ponder this a bit more..
I am reading and trusting in Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Have a good day everyone.
So, that started me day off very nicely. I was contemplating yesterday as I made my lunch for work. I went to visit my friend who has Alzheimer's. I know she did not recognize me for sure when I saw her in the rec room but she was willing to go with me when I offered to take her 'out for a coffee'. Anything to get out of this dungeon she said. I understand her feeling. Anyway, for something different, I took her to Southgate Shopping Centre and we went into the mall and had a coffee at Bear Mountain. A cute little shop there and then sat in the open area and watched people. Well, I should say, I watched people. Isla was not in the least interested in observing anyone - just me. She talked directly to me and I don't think she noticed one thing around her, except me. It is very flattering but...definitely she does have a problem. She carried on a great conversation and we laughed a lot and she did not want to go back but we did. I promised her I would come again and we would go walking and I definitely will keep that promise. Her mind seems, well, O.K. but...She can carry on a conversation no problem...but you still know something is not quite right and so does she.
Another friend invited me to a Ladies tea on Wed and I am wondering if I should invite Isla as well. It would be good for her to get out. John thinks it would be too much for her but I am still thinking I might. I will have to check with her son, perhaps the place where she is staying too might offer something. It is so unfair for her to be locked up all the time. I will ponder this a bit more..
I am reading and trusting in Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.
Have a good day everyone.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Shopped Till I Dropped
I walked into the store with dread in my heart as I could almost say for sure that I was not going to find anything. Ah hah, I was right! Perhaps it is the negative attitude that I hold towards shopping for clothes. I have found that in the past 10 years, well, maybe 3 years, since I started wearing orthotics because of my foot problem, clothes don't interest me that much. Also, they don't fit the way they used to either. Well, for that matter, I don't look the way I used to so that might be the main problem. Nothing looks right.
May 1st we have this big 'formal' dinner that we are to attend. My definition of formal is long dress. That is a good thing in some ways as the shoes I have to wear now with my orthotics are not very attractive. They should be hidden under a long dress! Also I don't want to be the only one wearing a long dress either, since perhaps 'formal' may mean something totally different these days. It has been awhile since I have gone to anything formal! Even weddings are so casual that the only ones dressed up sometimes are in the wedding party. No one seems to make a big deal about it anymore. Dress down is the motto or so it appears!
So, I checked out the dresses and didn't see anything I really liked, nothing jumped out at me and the colours (except for one long dress in dark majenta) didn't suit me either. I settled on looking for a cute little sweater jacket that I could wear OVER a strapless dress I got for our 'formal evenings' on the cruise we went on a few years ago. I like it and can wear it with other things. It might be a little too 'heavy' for the flimsy dress but 'what the hey' or so I say right now. I came home, threw it on the bed and proceeded to see if I could find something to nibble on as I missed lunch. Perhaps, I say, 'perhaps', that is the problem. The function is three weeks away from today. Could I lose 3 pounds and find something 'just before' the event? I am hoping that is the answer. I will 'solicit' comments from some others who are going to make sure I actually need a long dress. If I don't, that will make things a little easier. Guess I should get 'onto that' right away.
On to something totally different. The wind last night was so strong that this morning when we went out we noticed the north side of the garage had some damage to it. The wind tore off the drain pipe and gutter. Literally, ripped it way from the garage roof. So, it now lies half on and half off. Guess that will be a job for when the wind actually dies down which should be tomorrow. It is still blowing pretty good and it has not warmed up much. At least it is not snowing like in other parts of the province.
Well, back to my dilemma. Guess I should go try that dress on with the new sweater top. I am not thinking positive about it yet so maybe I will take a moment to have something to eat first before I tackle it! Choices, choices! Something tells me that might not be a good idea!
May 1st we have this big 'formal' dinner that we are to attend. My definition of formal is long dress. That is a good thing in some ways as the shoes I have to wear now with my orthotics are not very attractive. They should be hidden under a long dress! Also I don't want to be the only one wearing a long dress either, since perhaps 'formal' may mean something totally different these days. It has been awhile since I have gone to anything formal! Even weddings are so casual that the only ones dressed up sometimes are in the wedding party. No one seems to make a big deal about it anymore. Dress down is the motto or so it appears!
So, I checked out the dresses and didn't see anything I really liked, nothing jumped out at me and the colours (except for one long dress in dark majenta) didn't suit me either. I settled on looking for a cute little sweater jacket that I could wear OVER a strapless dress I got for our 'formal evenings' on the cruise we went on a few years ago. I like it and can wear it with other things. It might be a little too 'heavy' for the flimsy dress but 'what the hey' or so I say right now. I came home, threw it on the bed and proceeded to see if I could find something to nibble on as I missed lunch. Perhaps, I say, 'perhaps', that is the problem. The function is three weeks away from today. Could I lose 3 pounds and find something 'just before' the event? I am hoping that is the answer. I will 'solicit' comments from some others who are going to make sure I actually need a long dress. If I don't, that will make things a little easier. Guess I should get 'onto that' right away.
On to something totally different. The wind last night was so strong that this morning when we went out we noticed the north side of the garage had some damage to it. The wind tore off the drain pipe and gutter. Literally, ripped it way from the garage roof. So, it now lies half on and half off. Guess that will be a job for when the wind actually dies down which should be tomorrow. It is still blowing pretty good and it has not warmed up much. At least it is not snowing like in other parts of the province.
Well, back to my dilemma. Guess I should go try that dress on with the new sweater top. I am not thinking positive about it yet so maybe I will take a moment to have something to eat first before I tackle it! Choices, choices! Something tells me that might not be a good idea!
Friday, April 9, 2010
Easy Listening
I was listening to my son-in-law's sermon this morning from March 28th at Tenth Avenue Alliance Church. He was talking about Community Life (within the church). He references 1 Cor. 12:12 and goes on from there. If you are interested, I added the link to the sermons for this church. He does not speak regularly but occasionally. Actually there is a sermon from Dec 27, 2009 (Longing and Fulfillment) in which he and Brandy spoke together. It was very good. Of course, we were in the pew listening at that time. Didn't realize Brandy would get up to share with him so we enjoyed it that much more! They invited 5 people to speak (3 others) and then they finished with their sharing. Interesting.
Anyway, he is talking about the giftings of each person and how like a puzzle, we all fit together. None is better than the other, as we all have something that we can share. His demonstration of handing out everyone a 'piece' of the puzzle to demonstrate later in his sermon how we 'connect' as a unit was very interesting. So often we feel that we might be 'left out' of the gifting area! Perhaps thinking someone speaks or writes or sings or runs or plays better than us. However, according to Paul in the scriptures, he says we all have something UNIQUE to offer to each other. There are no duplicates; none can be easily discarded. Without YOU, we would not be what we could be or should be. Anyway, you will have to listen for yourself.
Lousy weather showed up last night. Quite the storm we had. It continues this morning only in the appearance of winter once more. Supposedly, more snow later today. Weather was worse in NE Alberta and into Sask. so guess we should not complain. We did not get the volume of snow they got. Calgary too got more snow than us and Drumheller didn't get any. I did mention to John yesterday that we are 'rushing' Spring a bit as it is only early April. I think I have said before that we are often headed to Jasper for the May long weekend and sometimes the trees are not even out or budding yet and often we have snow on the ground or get "snowed on" during our weekend stay. So, I am not surprised that we have this weather today. I am just glad I did not wash my car!
Today will be a 'stay inside and clean' kind of day. Hoping I can get through it. Guess I should start doing it and get off this computer, however, it's so much easier doing this and so much more enjoyable too!
PS Not sure if the linking for the posts is working so if you are interested go to:
http://tenth.ca/resources/audio
The best portions of a good life are the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love we do for others. ~~ William Wordsworth
Anyway, he is talking about the giftings of each person and how like a puzzle, we all fit together. None is better than the other, as we all have something that we can share. His demonstration of handing out everyone a 'piece' of the puzzle to demonstrate later in his sermon how we 'connect' as a unit was very interesting. So often we feel that we might be 'left out' of the gifting area! Perhaps thinking someone speaks or writes or sings or runs or plays better than us. However, according to Paul in the scriptures, he says we all have something UNIQUE to offer to each other. There are no duplicates; none can be easily discarded. Without YOU, we would not be what we could be or should be. Anyway, you will have to listen for yourself.
Lousy weather showed up last night. Quite the storm we had. It continues this morning only in the appearance of winter once more. Supposedly, more snow later today. Weather was worse in NE Alberta and into Sask. so guess we should not complain. We did not get the volume of snow they got. Calgary too got more snow than us and Drumheller didn't get any. I did mention to John yesterday that we are 'rushing' Spring a bit as it is only early April. I think I have said before that we are often headed to Jasper for the May long weekend and sometimes the trees are not even out or budding yet and often we have snow on the ground or get "snowed on" during our weekend stay. So, I am not surprised that we have this weather today. I am just glad I did not wash my car!
Today will be a 'stay inside and clean' kind of day. Hoping I can get through it. Guess I should start doing it and get off this computer, however, it's so much easier doing this and so much more enjoyable too!
PS Not sure if the linking for the posts is working so if you are interested go to:
http://tenth.ca/resources/audio
The best portions of a good life are the little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love we do for others. ~~ William Wordsworth
Thursday, April 8, 2010
A Great Evening of Faith
I had a great meeting last night at Stephen Ministry. Everyone was there and everyone had input which is great. We were asked to share any books, songs, passages of scripture, magazine articles, devotional thoughts, poems, etc that might have helped us in ministering to our care receivers. It was a very moving evening as there are such unique circumstances for each Stephen Minister. When you are sharing in a person's life which is in caos and often you can only watch and encourage through prayer, it is a blessing to find a scripture verse, a book or 'something' that encourages YOU as the SM and your CR at the same time. It is often by 'divine appointment' that this is given to you. You may be reading a book yourself, and a line stands out from the page as to the circumstance your CR is facing; a scripture verse may jump out at you during your own devotions or a comment or sharing of an experience from someone else which can help your CR is shared.
Each of us shared something. They were all unique and offered a way to care without being intrusive, yet offer direction and guidance or strictly emotional support and love. From a song by Selah called "Unredeemed" to Max Lucado's "Grace for the Moment" or a hymn "As the Deer Panteth for the Water" drawing the SM near to God before he or she begins the challenge of caring for others, to a book called "In the Shelter of the Most High" when you are looking for safety and security and finding rest and peace. Another shared on those experiencing anger at God for situations in their life and expounding on a piece from R.C. Sproule's "Exposition on John" (Ch. 10) where he refers to each of us as sheep and God as the Good Shepherd. Further, the hymn "Ninety + Nine" where God leaves the 99 in search of the one! The one could easily be you or me. One SM commented that we should seek to glorify God in death - citing the example of her father-in-law. She also shared a devotional which spoke of the fact that we all will die (Hebrews 9:27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement..) and so to live our lives in the knowledge of that.
I shared the number of books which we have purchased for the SM library on caring and encouraging, death and dying, dealing with suicide, reading the Psalms etc. Everyone is so busy these days that sometimes reading one more book is a challenge. Yet most took one. We hope to have each person who reads a book, to do a mini book report so that others can determine if this is the book they need to read to help themselves or their CR.
So many different situations and so many hurting people. It is sometimes hard to be in the middle of it constantly. One of our SM works for a funeral home and this causes her to be constantly surrounded by death. Although she is strengthened by her faith, the many who do not believe whom she has to deal with can be a drain on her emotional and spiritual strength. We all have moments of questioning and doubt, yet when our group comes together to support each other, these doubts are laid to rest.
What a great ministry this is and continues to be. A new SM shared that she felt the comraderie of the other SMs and knew that this ministry was helping her CR simply by being able for her CR to share her concerns and be supported in prayer by another believer. Although her CR is facing a crisis of faith due to her circumstances, she is still willing to hear how God can make a difference in her life. As well, she is actually seeing what God can do when she reaches out to Him. This is a blessing not only for the CR but for the Stephen Minister as well. Our faith is enriched and restored at times too!
The end of a beautiful evening. It was sad to close. I love the books, the articles, all the words of the poems. I love the older devotionals which I too had shared with everyone. I had a book from my Aunt Elva with first printing dated 1947 and which contained a myriad of uplifting devotionals about all different circumstances. I find myself always turning to it for my own inspriation and for strengthening others.
Hebrews 9: 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Each of us shared something. They were all unique and offered a way to care without being intrusive, yet offer direction and guidance or strictly emotional support and love. From a song by Selah called "Unredeemed" to Max Lucado's "Grace for the Moment" or a hymn "As the Deer Panteth for the Water" drawing the SM near to God before he or she begins the challenge of caring for others, to a book called "In the Shelter of the Most High" when you are looking for safety and security and finding rest and peace. Another shared on those experiencing anger at God for situations in their life and expounding on a piece from R.C. Sproule's "Exposition on John" (Ch. 10) where he refers to each of us as sheep and God as the Good Shepherd. Further, the hymn "Ninety + Nine" where God leaves the 99 in search of the one! The one could easily be you or me. One SM commented that we should seek to glorify God in death - citing the example of her father-in-law. She also shared a devotional which spoke of the fact that we all will die (Hebrews 9:27 Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgement..) and so to live our lives in the knowledge of that.
I shared the number of books which we have purchased for the SM library on caring and encouraging, death and dying, dealing with suicide, reading the Psalms etc. Everyone is so busy these days that sometimes reading one more book is a challenge. Yet most took one. We hope to have each person who reads a book, to do a mini book report so that others can determine if this is the book they need to read to help themselves or their CR.
So many different situations and so many hurting people. It is sometimes hard to be in the middle of it constantly. One of our SM works for a funeral home and this causes her to be constantly surrounded by death. Although she is strengthened by her faith, the many who do not believe whom she has to deal with can be a drain on her emotional and spiritual strength. We all have moments of questioning and doubt, yet when our group comes together to support each other, these doubts are laid to rest.
What a great ministry this is and continues to be. A new SM shared that she felt the comraderie of the other SMs and knew that this ministry was helping her CR simply by being able for her CR to share her concerns and be supported in prayer by another believer. Although her CR is facing a crisis of faith due to her circumstances, she is still willing to hear how God can make a difference in her life. As well, she is actually seeing what God can do when she reaches out to Him. This is a blessing not only for the CR but for the Stephen Minister as well. Our faith is enriched and restored at times too!
The end of a beautiful evening. It was sad to close. I love the books, the articles, all the words of the poems. I love the older devotionals which I too had shared with everyone. I had a book from my Aunt Elva with first printing dated 1947 and which contained a myriad of uplifting devotionals about all different circumstances. I find myself always turning to it for my own inspriation and for strengthening others.
Hebrews 9: 23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Not the usual day...
I had to start work at 8 a.m. on Monday. It has been awhile since I have had to do that. Our main girl was taking a vacation day so I came in for her timeframe. By 10 am I was sure it was time for lunch. I get a lot of razzing by the guys here as they say they can come in late and still beat me! Guess they don't know I don't have to start until 9 a.m. That's why I am retired!
Even at 9 am I have to rush to get out the door. Just what I am doing is always a mystery to me but somehow I am starting something or just finishing it and needing 'just one more minute'! Anyway,being here 8 to 4:30 sure made the day long! I had to stay up and watch 'Dancing with the Stars' last night too so I was tired by bedtime. Not sure if Kate should be voted off yet but she sure cannot dance. I think I am feeling sympathy for her as she is accustomed to wearing a stone face because of media and her up-side-down life. Then when she has to show emotion (on the show) it was hard to chip away at it. Maybe one more week and we can see if she can change otherwise, 'she's outta there'!
It's hard to believe that hockey is still going on. Since the Gretzky left the Oilers (how many years ago?) I guess I haven't paid too much attention to it. Then when we started losing...well...enough said. Usually we are watching a playoff game when we are away for the long weekend in May in Jasper. It may still be on then but this year we will be in Phoenix for a week at a Shepherd's Care conference. I am hoping the weather is nice and the wives don't have to attend! Just kidding...usually I like attending the meetings. I know...I'm strange.
Well, it is now Wed and I have not published this yet. It is old news and yet it is what has been happening. Yesterday (tues) I had to work again but it was regular hours. I started at 9 am and because it was slow, I left at 3:30 instead of 4:30. That was good as I had to get home to get gas in my car and to clean up for our Life Team meeting which started at 7 pm. We had 2 new people join us and it was a very good night. Different ideas and approaches to life. We all have gone through something so it was ... informative! We have one other new person who joins us next Tues. That will make 14 of us and usually all of us attend so it is a full house in our little abode!
This morning I am off to visit a fairly new friend who I have not had chance to see for awhile. It will be good to catch up on things. Her life has gone through a transformation. She has been 'seeking' and has now found a new strength in her faith. Her husband has not but she hopes he might come to believe some day. She said (and I have observed) a real change in her so perhaps he will see that too and ask a few questions. In the meantime, she has had to go through breast cancer, a masectomy and then recently chemo. She is still smiling and thankful for life. She is an inspriation for me.
I was reading Mark 4:24 this morning and it caught my eye as a result of a conversation I had with one of the group last night. He mentioned that his mom is a believer but tends to 'pick up' on anything from anyone and make it her own belief. He has been trying to tell her to be more discreet and to search the scriptures for herself to confirm these new ideas people are sharing with her. When I read this verse it popped out at me. It is important to know them for yourself so that you can be aware and discern what is truth and what is man-made truth too. The Holy Spirit does give us discernment. We need to use it.
Mark 4:24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you -- even more."
Any comments?
Well, enjoy your day - the sun is shining and Spring is coming.
Even at 9 am I have to rush to get out the door. Just what I am doing is always a mystery to me but somehow I am starting something or just finishing it and needing 'just one more minute'! Anyway,being here 8 to 4:30 sure made the day long! I had to stay up and watch 'Dancing with the Stars' last night too so I was tired by bedtime. Not sure if Kate should be voted off yet but she sure cannot dance. I think I am feeling sympathy for her as she is accustomed to wearing a stone face because of media and her up-side-down life. Then when she has to show emotion (on the show) it was hard to chip away at it. Maybe one more week and we can see if she can change otherwise, 'she's outta there'!
It's hard to believe that hockey is still going on. Since the Gretzky left the Oilers (how many years ago?) I guess I haven't paid too much attention to it. Then when we started losing...well...enough said. Usually we are watching a playoff game when we are away for the long weekend in May in Jasper. It may still be on then but this year we will be in Phoenix for a week at a Shepherd's Care conference. I am hoping the weather is nice and the wives don't have to attend! Just kidding...usually I like attending the meetings. I know...I'm strange.
Well, it is now Wed and I have not published this yet. It is old news and yet it is what has been happening. Yesterday (tues) I had to work again but it was regular hours. I started at 9 am and because it was slow, I left at 3:30 instead of 4:30. That was good as I had to get home to get gas in my car and to clean up for our Life Team meeting which started at 7 pm. We had 2 new people join us and it was a very good night. Different ideas and approaches to life. We all have gone through something so it was ... informative! We have one other new person who joins us next Tues. That will make 14 of us and usually all of us attend so it is a full house in our little abode!
This morning I am off to visit a fairly new friend who I have not had chance to see for awhile. It will be good to catch up on things. Her life has gone through a transformation. She has been 'seeking' and has now found a new strength in her faith. Her husband has not but she hopes he might come to believe some day. She said (and I have observed) a real change in her so perhaps he will see that too and ask a few questions. In the meantime, she has had to go through breast cancer, a masectomy and then recently chemo. She is still smiling and thankful for life. She is an inspriation for me.
I was reading Mark 4:24 this morning and it caught my eye as a result of a conversation I had with one of the group last night. He mentioned that his mom is a believer but tends to 'pick up' on anything from anyone and make it her own belief. He has been trying to tell her to be more discreet and to search the scriptures for herself to confirm these new ideas people are sharing with her. When I read this verse it popped out at me. It is important to know them for yourself so that you can be aware and discern what is truth and what is man-made truth too. The Holy Spirit does give us discernment. We need to use it.
Mark 4:24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you -- even more."
Any comments?
Well, enjoy your day - the sun is shining and Spring is coming.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Easter Sunday
It has been a great day. We enjoyed a wonderful Easter service (although I had to work at the Info Desk) and went for lunch with friends which we never expected to do. After lunch, we went for a drive in the country. Spring is coming but then again, it is only April 4th. We have been heading out on the May long weekend (21 or 22nd) and found the leaves still not opening up and snow on the ground. So, it may seem like Spring now, but I am sure we are in for another snowfall in the weeks to come. Or, perhaps it has come early this year and that is all there is to it.
Prepared a wonderul meal for ourselves tonite. John made gravy while I did the roast. Sweet potatoes, boiled potatoes, and broccolii and red onion salad. For dessert, we are still looking forward to it - pumpkin cheesecake. Looks wonderful. We had a very nice afternoon and early evening too.
We both are working tomorrow so it will be an early morning but everything is looking great. The sun is shining, the weather is warm and the food was great. Relaxing now and waiting for dessert. How much better can it get? Happy Easter everyone!
John 11:25 "I am the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Prepared a wonderul meal for ourselves tonite. John made gravy while I did the roast. Sweet potatoes, boiled potatoes, and broccolii and red onion salad. For dessert, we are still looking forward to it - pumpkin cheesecake. Looks wonderful. We had a very nice afternoon and early evening too.
We both are working tomorrow so it will be an early morning but everything is looking great. The sun is shining, the weather is warm and the food was great. Relaxing now and waiting for dessert. How much better can it get? Happy Easter everyone!
John 11:25 "I am the Resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
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