We're having Faith Enrichment Days this week. Started on Sunday with a special speaker - Richard Andersen from Northlands, President and CEO and a confident and comfortable Christian. His testimony shows that even with money, fame and power, you can still humble yourself and seek a relationship with God. He used to be the GM of Petco Park and the Executive VP of the San Diego Padres. Check out our church's website for the audio download of his story. http://www.millwoodsassembly.com/
Anyway, last night was the Prayer Walk and various rooms in the building had different settings for reflection and sharing. One room had individual communion settings with scripture readings, one room had singing and worship, another had a listing of the Sacred Roads chapters with sheets on the wall to write what you might have learned from the sessions. It will be interesting to read those comments at a later date. I had a few things to say myself! Another room had information about our children's ministries and the young leaders in it. Many people sat about and prayed for these leaders and the hundred of names of children who came to summer camps and outreach ministries. Still another room had all our missionaries' names and locations on a world map. Info about where they are and what they are doing. Our cafe was set up with large tables of candles which you were welcomed to light on behalf of a loved one you were praying for or in memory of. Chairs were scattered about for you to sit and reflect and pray. One room, had prayer partners in it so you could ask for prayer from them and bring your concerns and requests.
The whole church was 'moving' about. It was active and yet it was very solemn and respectful. Hushed voices speaking to each other or praying. A real reverence...almost touchable. Hard to explain. We all gathered in the auditorium about 8:15 pm and different people spontaneously got up to share about what the church and its people have done for them. Some wanted to pray for the pastors and their families in thanks for all they have done. One genteman got up to the microphone and simply started to sing a praise song to God in which the entire auditorum joined in with him. It was pretty amazing stuff.
Tonight we have another guest speaker, Ted DiBiase, known in the wresting arena as WWF "Million Dollar Man". I recognize his face but don't know his story. Hopefully his story will be on our website too. We finish the week of prayer on Wed night with a Concert of worship and prayer.
Anyway, off to work and the 'real world' many of you would say. Hopefully I can be a 'little light' in it!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Thank you
A special 'thanks' to my brothers who responded right away to tell me NOT to give out $$ information on the phone. I knew it was too good to be true. Although if you watch enough tv and spy movies, I am sure they can reach our computers and be miles away. I still think the guy may have been legit but don't they tell you not to give out your financial info over the phone unless you are absolutely SURE!
My neighbor also said to take it to Best Buy to get checked out. I guess it would be worth it. More than anything, it's the time element. Who has enough of it!
Since the mystery caller's phone call, my computer has been working great. Isn't that always the way? It's like the day you go to get your hair cut....it's perfect that morning. What were you complaining about? Everything is fine. Then the cut...and the colour...and the few days before I can make it do what I want it to do. I can never get it to look the same as the way she does it. There is always a week transition, then two weeks of perfect, then it starts over again!
Ah but I digress...Now what was I saying? Oh yes, my computer.
My neighbor also said to take it to Best Buy to get checked out. I guess it would be worth it. More than anything, it's the time element. Who has enough of it!
Since the mystery caller's phone call, my computer has been working great. Isn't that always the way? It's like the day you go to get your hair cut....it's perfect that morning. What were you complaining about? Everything is fine. Then the cut...and the colour...and the few days before I can make it do what I want it to do. I can never get it to look the same as the way she does it. There is always a week transition, then two weeks of perfect, then it starts over again!
Ah but I digress...Now what was I saying? Oh yes, my computer.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Help
I've been having some issues with my computer for awhile now. Yesterday I got a phone call and they told me they were from the help center and have been receiving messages from my computer about problems. (We have had similar phone calls but due to the language barrier we have not taken the conversation any further than 'thank you, we are not interested'). Anyway, it appears I may have a number of viruses which is causing all these 'messages' to pop up and cause my computer to run slower and slower. Unfortunately, I again could not understand my caller very easily. It took all my concentration to hear her and make out whas she was saying. When I did agree to look at my computer and follow a few of her instructions it did seem on the legit! How was she able to tell me what I was seeing on the screen unless she was seeing it too. When it came to me saying yes to a protocol she wanted me to do....well.....I drew the line there. She then put on her 'superior' who said he was the office manager or something like that and assured me everything was on the 'up and up' and that he was not trying to hack me. "Oh yeah, as if him just saying 'trust me' was enough for me to go ahead!" Anyway, long story short...he did get me to do a few things and I ended up giving control over to him or at least he was able to show me he had control and 'he moved me around the screen without me doing anything'. That's when I really thought the whole thing was legit.
Now, I don't know enough about computers and IT addresses and all the rest but he sure sounded legit. Just when I was ready to 'turn over the controls' (which it appeared he already had) he began to tell me about my need for 'extended warranty' and the cost associated with it! 1 year for $190, 2 years $204 and 3 years $299. He would clean out all the viruses I have which were not caught by my newly subscribed to Norton. That did not sit right with me. Maybe it was just because there was money involved as I was definitely believing him up to that point! He again assured me he would put me on a secure line for the financial info I would have to provide. He would not see anything or do anything until I hit the SEND button. This would activate a response in his office computer and he would then begin the clean-up process. Again, he assured me that all the viruses would be removed as they would remove all my files and programs and replace them all after doing a clean sweep. After that, my computer would run smoothly and efficiently again. Microsoft used to provide a 2 year maintenance program with their computers but now when newly purchased there is only a 6 month maintenance. You need to purchase additonal coverage yourself. This is what he was offering me. He had my IT number and all the rest so I am guessing he's telling me the truth.
Now, in his favor, he also gave me a phone number that I could call and verify what we talked about and they could do the same thing he was telling me. He said there were 35 computer technicians in his office qualified to fix these problems and they were there to ensure that the customer (me) was fully satisified and basically, 'not to give Microsoft a bad name'. They would go through the whole system check with me as he had done and I could complete the 'repair' with them. He was only interested in ensuring that my computer did not crash due to the problems I was having and he assured me that it would eventually crash without these repairs.
So, why should I trust him? Perhaps because I have been having problems for quite awhile and there has been a message popping up asking me if I wanted to send the ERROR REPORT which I always used to say YES to and now don't bother as I thought 'nothing was being done anyway' since the problems are still there. I guess that is why they are still there!!! I have not bought the program.
I am just a computer owner who knows a few things about a few programs and basically, I can type! When it comes to the Internet and the workings of it and the workings of my computer, I am totally illiterate. What should I do?
Now, I don't know enough about computers and IT addresses and all the rest but he sure sounded legit. Just when I was ready to 'turn over the controls' (which it appeared he already had) he began to tell me about my need for 'extended warranty' and the cost associated with it! 1 year for $190, 2 years $204 and 3 years $299. He would clean out all the viruses I have which were not caught by my newly subscribed to Norton. That did not sit right with me. Maybe it was just because there was money involved as I was definitely believing him up to that point! He again assured me he would put me on a secure line for the financial info I would have to provide. He would not see anything or do anything until I hit the SEND button. This would activate a response in his office computer and he would then begin the clean-up process. Again, he assured me that all the viruses would be removed as they would remove all my files and programs and replace them all after doing a clean sweep. After that, my computer would run smoothly and efficiently again. Microsoft used to provide a 2 year maintenance program with their computers but now when newly purchased there is only a 6 month maintenance. You need to purchase additonal coverage yourself. This is what he was offering me. He had my IT number and all the rest so I am guessing he's telling me the truth.
Now, in his favor, he also gave me a phone number that I could call and verify what we talked about and they could do the same thing he was telling me. He said there were 35 computer technicians in his office qualified to fix these problems and they were there to ensure that the customer (me) was fully satisified and basically, 'not to give Microsoft a bad name'. They would go through the whole system check with me as he had done and I could complete the 'repair' with them. He was only interested in ensuring that my computer did not crash due to the problems I was having and he assured me that it would eventually crash without these repairs.
So, why should I trust him? Perhaps because I have been having problems for quite awhile and there has been a message popping up asking me if I wanted to send the ERROR REPORT which I always used to say YES to and now don't bother as I thought 'nothing was being done anyway' since the problems are still there. I guess that is why they are still there!!! I have not bought the program.
I am just a computer owner who knows a few things about a few programs and basically, I can type! When it comes to the Internet and the workings of it and the workings of my computer, I am totally illiterate. What should I do?
Monday, January 23, 2012
At the Sink...
I'm doing a study on Prayer (Does It Make Any Difference) by Philip Yancey. Of course, since I started it everything I see reminds me of Prayer and the book and the questions that arise from it. This morning I am listening to a cd which I have not heard before and as I was doing my dishes, I heard a part of the song which distinctly said 'praying through' my burden to You. Of course, it caught my attention. I said to myself 'praying through, what does that mean? praying 'through the night? till answers come? praying all day? or praying through the difficulty or situation until it is resolved? praying till the answer comes and is recognizable to me? or praying till the peace comes to my heart and soul? praying till it's over? or finished? or I can pray no more? praying in spite of the pain ?or rejection? even through the perceived unhearing? the anger? or revenge? praying no matter what my feelings are at the moment? ....just continue praying and I will be heard?
A lot can happen at the kitchen sink! Like many other things once your mind is set on something, things around you seem to "pop up" related to it. As an example, when we were talking about new siding for the house, every house I looked at was considered 'a sample' that I either liked or disliked. It was removed from my mental list. When you are looking for new winter boots, it seems like you check everyone else's boots. Or a new car, or a new coat, or what exercise video is best, what do YOU use? Comparisons. That same goes for my bible study! Everything becomes part of it.
Well, I checked out the web and googled " praying through" and got many hits. Here's one: What it means to prayer through by E.J. Dabney:
Answer:
Praying through has been giving many meanings. Some are more complicated than others. Here is an answer applicable to born again Christians. Many of the old time people, (Pentecostals or those with a charismatic background), used to pray through. It involved earnest prayer to God and seeking Him. And as the title suggest it means praying through or past some spiritual barrier. This barrier in most cases is a state of backsliddeness but can also be some other condition. Maybe you feel that your prayers are not heard, you have a problem you should not struggle with or you do not feel Gods peace or the presence of the Holy Spirit. In such conditions the person goes into prayer and pray through a problem until he/she feels peace, Gods closeness, the presence of the Spirit or get the answer or peace to a specific problem prayed for. This type of prayer usually is but does not have to be accompanied by fasting.
That's it for right now. I have to head to work and so all 'questions' must end for the moment. I can get back to it after work or maybe on lunch. I am sure there are a variety of answers to this and I would like to get more.
A lot can happen at the kitchen sink! Like many other things once your mind is set on something, things around you seem to "pop up" related to it. As an example, when we were talking about new siding for the house, every house I looked at was considered 'a sample' that I either liked or disliked. It was removed from my mental list. When you are looking for new winter boots, it seems like you check everyone else's boots. Or a new car, or a new coat, or what exercise video is best, what do YOU use? Comparisons. That same goes for my bible study! Everything becomes part of it.
Well, I checked out the web and googled " praying through" and got many hits. Here's one: What it means to prayer through by E.J. Dabney:
Answer:
Praying through has been giving many meanings. Some are more complicated than others. Here is an answer applicable to born again Christians. Many of the old time people, (Pentecostals or those with a charismatic background), used to pray through. It involved earnest prayer to God and seeking Him. And as the title suggest it means praying through or past some spiritual barrier. This barrier in most cases is a state of backsliddeness but can also be some other condition. Maybe you feel that your prayers are not heard, you have a problem you should not struggle with or you do not feel Gods peace or the presence of the Holy Spirit. In such conditions the person goes into prayer and pray through a problem until he/she feels peace, Gods closeness, the presence of the Spirit or get the answer or peace to a specific problem prayed for. This type of prayer usually is but does not have to be accompanied by fasting.
That's it for right now. I have to head to work and so all 'questions' must end for the moment. I can get back to it after work or maybe on lunch. I am sure there are a variety of answers to this and I would like to get more.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Back to Winter
It's January and it is snowing again. December was an unusal month with little or no snow and unseasonably high temperatures. It was nice to drive around without snow and sand and muck everywhere BUT the grandkids missed tobogganing but lucked out with lots of skating as it was warm - well, not hot, but warm. Reminded me of when I was in Grades 6 and 7 (hard to believe as it was so long ago) but the memory is clear as can be. Going out after supper with your skates over your shoulder, walking to the skating rink across the road, down the hill, through the ravine and up the other side! Nobody drove us in those days! Putting on your skates OUTSIDE on a bench and then skating for the entire evening. Freezing as you were heading back to take off your skates and walk the long walk home! At least it seemed a long walk. But...it was so much fun. Lots of exercise and fellowship and just being outside and not inside watching tv! That wasn't something you did a lot of in those days. Mind you, the tv wasn't that great but we didn't know any better at the time - who knew or even though of HD in those days! Grainy was in! As long as you could see the pic it was ok. Actually black and white was probably sharper too.
This morning at 4 am when I was up to visit the washroom, it appeared clear. By 7:30 it was snowing and had been for awhile. A couple of inches or more fell this morning. A white, winter wonderland. Now, that's more like what we are used to in Edmonton at this time of the year. I am glad I washed my car last week when it was nice outside and fortunately (this time) it did not rain, or snow and my car is still clean. I haven't been out much the past few days but the roads have been dry so it remained dirt free. Today will be a different story I am sure as they sand the roads and clear them. I guess it is not as bad here as they experienced on the coast in Washington. Always be thankful for what you have - it could be worse!
What a difference a few days can make.
This morning at 4 am when I was up to visit the washroom, it appeared clear. By 7:30 it was snowing and had been for awhile. A couple of inches or more fell this morning. A white, winter wonderland. Now, that's more like what we are used to in Edmonton at this time of the year. I am glad I washed my car last week when it was nice outside and fortunately (this time) it did not rain, or snow and my car is still clean. I haven't been out much the past few days but the roads have been dry so it remained dirt free. Today will be a different story I am sure as they sand the roads and clear them. I guess it is not as bad here as they experienced on the coast in Washington. Always be thankful for what you have - it could be worse!
What a difference a few days can make.
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| Jan 4, 2012 |
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| Jan 20, 2012 |
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| Jan 20, 2012 (back yard) |
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Computer problem, not me!
Well, a week has gone by and I am just now thinking about my blog. I haven't been too creative lately or maybe I have not had the time to just sit and ponder things. It's been a busy week. My computer still gives me issues and that makes things take twice as long to do and then I am upset and not whimsical at all. I tend to like the philosophical bent on things rather than the straight and narrow. To me, there is always another side to every story.
I had an interesting 'error' happen this week. We had a meeting set up for tonite which I had sent out a reminder to all concerned back before Christmas. I had even meant to send another reminder on the weekend but ran out of time. Last night, I got an email from one of the attendees who was asking whether or not the meeting was still on. Of course it is on, I sent the email! But, I replied graciously and said "yes it is and yes, I had sent you an email before Christmas but I'm still looking forward to meeting everyone again". Well, just to prove my actions, I began the search for that email. It was a search too. Amazingly enough, I found it in my 'DRAFTS' folder. I had not sent it! I did intend to send it but it was during one of those times when my computer was lagging behind time, that little 'time capsule' just sitting there, not doing anything! I clicked once, I clicked twice, maybe even three clicks and finally, the message was gone (or so I thought). Gone yes...but gone to Drafts! I think the problem was that when I completed the message and went to hit SEND, right beside it is "SAVE DRAFT". With all my clicking, I guess I 'clicked' the wrong one!
I forwarded my 'Draft' message to everyone with an apology and all but one made it to the meeting. However, I was 'eating crow'. They laughed about it tonite, and when asked about another item I had said I forwarded and some did not get...in unison, they told me it was probably in my 'Drafts' file! Guess I will be hearing that one for the next few months! (l still blame it on the computer!)
I had an interesting 'error' happen this week. We had a meeting set up for tonite which I had sent out a reminder to all concerned back before Christmas. I had even meant to send another reminder on the weekend but ran out of time. Last night, I got an email from one of the attendees who was asking whether or not the meeting was still on. Of course it is on, I sent the email! But, I replied graciously and said "yes it is and yes, I had sent you an email before Christmas but I'm still looking forward to meeting everyone again". Well, just to prove my actions, I began the search for that email. It was a search too. Amazingly enough, I found it in my 'DRAFTS' folder. I had not sent it! I did intend to send it but it was during one of those times when my computer was lagging behind time, that little 'time capsule' just sitting there, not doing anything! I clicked once, I clicked twice, maybe even three clicks and finally, the message was gone (or so I thought). Gone yes...but gone to Drafts! I think the problem was that when I completed the message and went to hit SEND, right beside it is "SAVE DRAFT". With all my clicking, I guess I 'clicked' the wrong one!
I forwarded my 'Draft' message to everyone with an apology and all but one made it to the meeting. However, I was 'eating crow'. They laughed about it tonite, and when asked about another item I had said I forwarded and some did not get...in unison, they told me it was probably in my 'Drafts' file! Guess I will be hearing that one for the next few months! (l still blame it on the computer!)
Friday, January 13, 2012
Computer gliche
I'm having difficulty with my computer. Of course, I have no idea why it is doing what it is doing. It takes F-o-r-e-v-e-r to move from one program to another, from one email to another within the same program, and sometimes it doesn't move at all. NOT RESPONDING has become it's mantra!!! So, what does a person do?
I have been shutting it off and waiting 15 minutes and turning it back on again. Sometimes that works. It just means that MORE TIME is involved in waiting........ I thought these machines would save us time but in fact, they add more time to everything you do. I have found that it is a 'game' we play. I pretend I am not in a hurry when I sit down because if I am....somehow IT knows it! Then, the 'games' begin! Have you ever noticed that when you ARE in a hurry is when your computer acts up! or slows down! I have restrained myself a number of times from throwing my mouse through the kitchen window! Restraint I say, restraint! I am practising it regularly now!
On a different topic, it snowed last night. Of course it did as I washed my car. This morning the ground was covered white. Beautiful. Now, I just need to wait until the sun dries up the road so I can go out and do my errands but I am NOT going until the roads are dry. Why spend $10+ for a full car wash and then go out and have it covered in sand and salt! I will wait. Yesterday, the weatherman said it would not snow until Sat nite - possibly 15 cm. I figured by then my car would be fully dry and it would be cold so the snow would not matter. Hah! it is +1 C right now and it is melting. We likely had a couple cm's as we did have to shovel but hopefully it will not stay and I can go out this afternoon. Seems like the odds are against me. How do they know I washed my car?
I have been shutting it off and waiting 15 minutes and turning it back on again. Sometimes that works. It just means that MORE TIME is involved in waiting........ I thought these machines would save us time but in fact, they add more time to everything you do. I have found that it is a 'game' we play. I pretend I am not in a hurry when I sit down because if I am....somehow IT knows it! Then, the 'games' begin! Have you ever noticed that when you ARE in a hurry is when your computer acts up! or slows down! I have restrained myself a number of times from throwing my mouse through the kitchen window! Restraint I say, restraint! I am practising it regularly now!
On a different topic, it snowed last night. Of course it did as I washed my car. This morning the ground was covered white. Beautiful. Now, I just need to wait until the sun dries up the road so I can go out and do my errands but I am NOT going until the roads are dry. Why spend $10+ for a full car wash and then go out and have it covered in sand and salt! I will wait. Yesterday, the weatherman said it would not snow until Sat nite - possibly 15 cm. I figured by then my car would be fully dry and it would be cold so the snow would not matter. Hah! it is +1 C right now and it is melting. We likely had a couple cm's as we did have to shovel but hopefully it will not stay and I can go out this afternoon. Seems like the odds are against me. How do they know I washed my car?
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Thanks be to God
I have spoken with a few people today that I know are going through some difficult times - health, marriage - you name it. I guess we all go through cycles of problems in our lives. I have been VERY fortunate in my life. I have had some things go wrong - mostly my fault - but somehow have worked through them. I am happy to say that I am happy...very happy.
What makes me so happy? My husband - who is a friend and a helpmate - it's not just me and what I have to do but he is a part of everything I do; although we only have one child - she has provided us with a wonderful 'son' (in-law) and four fabulous grandchildren. What more could a person ask for out of life? I have worked wonderful jobs, met great people, learned new skills and continue to do that as I take on different jobs since I retired 26 years ago! I have two great brothers and three great brothers-in-law and although no sisters...I have 6 great sisters-in-law. I have great friends who share their lives with me and who I know pray for me and I for them.
I have a faith in God that keeps me stable and on the right track. I have been on the 'other' side of the tracks too and I don't want to go back there!
Perhaps it is the beautiful weather we are experiencing right now - in the +'s and it is January and we have basically no snow. I am hopeful that we will get some and I am sure we will but for right now, it is nice to walk outside without boots, or heavy jacket and no snow shovelling and no getting stuck.
Yes, life is pretty good. Thank you, God.
What makes me so happy? My husband - who is a friend and a helpmate - it's not just me and what I have to do but he is a part of everything I do; although we only have one child - she has provided us with a wonderful 'son' (in-law) and four fabulous grandchildren. What more could a person ask for out of life? I have worked wonderful jobs, met great people, learned new skills and continue to do that as I take on different jobs since I retired 26 years ago! I have two great brothers and three great brothers-in-law and although no sisters...I have 6 great sisters-in-law. I have great friends who share their lives with me and who I know pray for me and I for them.
I have a faith in God that keeps me stable and on the right track. I have been on the 'other' side of the tracks too and I don't want to go back there!
Perhaps it is the beautiful weather we are experiencing right now - in the +'s and it is January and we have basically no snow. I am hopeful that we will get some and I am sure we will but for right now, it is nice to walk outside without boots, or heavy jacket and no snow shovelling and no getting stuck.
Yes, life is pretty good. Thank you, God.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
January 1, 2012
The first day of 2012 and it is sunny, blue sky and -8 Celcius, no wind, calm and clear. That's a good start to the new year.
As for me, my nasal drip turned into a cold and I now trying to heal myself with lots of Cold-FX, some Sinutab, hot water and soup. Things are brearking up quite nicely. Thankfully, I do not work until Tues which I hope by then will see me healthy again.
We had a nice party last night with friends even though my head was pounding. We did not make it to midnight and missed the fireworks. I did see them light up in our bedroom but did not have the energy to get up and watch. Just closed my eyes, and turned over and I was gone!
So...2012. What to make of it? At this point, not too many plans. Our life team starts up again on Jan. 10, a new training session for Stephen Ministry begins Jan 12, our ladies morning out begins Jan 18. Those things alone will take up my time with reading, planning and training. Will we get away to some warmer climates in the next few months?? Still planning. Maybe this is the year we stay home, relax and just enjoy our home, family and friends.
May you all enjoy a year full of good times, adventure, thoughtful moments and a closer relationship with each other and with God. As Timothy Cratchet, better known as Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, says, "God bless them every one".
As for me, my nasal drip turned into a cold and I now trying to heal myself with lots of Cold-FX, some Sinutab, hot water and soup. Things are brearking up quite nicely. Thankfully, I do not work until Tues which I hope by then will see me healthy again.
We had a nice party last night with friends even though my head was pounding. We did not make it to midnight and missed the fireworks. I did see them light up in our bedroom but did not have the energy to get up and watch. Just closed my eyes, and turned over and I was gone!
So...2012. What to make of it? At this point, not too many plans. Our life team starts up again on Jan. 10, a new training session for Stephen Ministry begins Jan 12, our ladies morning out begins Jan 18. Those things alone will take up my time with reading, planning and training. Will we get away to some warmer climates in the next few months?? Still planning. Maybe this is the year we stay home, relax and just enjoy our home, family and friends.
May you all enjoy a year full of good times, adventure, thoughtful moments and a closer relationship with each other and with God. As Timothy Cratchet, better known as Tiny Tim from Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, says, "God bless them every one".
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