Good Morning

I missed getting a picture of that beautiful harvest moon last night. Coming home from the wedding we were attending, we caught glimpses of it between houses and tall trees and by the time I could actually get a good location shot, the clouds covered it up. It was the biggest when it was close to the horizon. Nevertheless, I saw it with my own eye and it is now a memory for me.  However, this morning, I was up early and the sky was clear and the sun was making a paint pot of colour. Blues and oranges, yellows, gold. You name it and it was there! Absolutely beautiful. I did get one of this...

What a Day!

What a beautiful day it is! You just can't get enough of that fresh morning air! Looks like it will be a hot one too! We are heading to a wedding today and I thought I knew what I was going to wear but oops...it did not fit. Guess I moved up a half size! Oh well, got the old standby. Who is looking at me anyway! It's the bride everyone focuses on and she will be gorgeous (as usual). What a wonderful day to begin on your life journey with the love of your life. Congratulations Karyssa & Cody!

Solomon's Song of Songs  3:4 ...I found the one my heart loves. I held him and would not let him go...

Struggles

Though God slay me....yet I'll trust Him....
I shall then.....come forth as gold.....
And I know...that He still liveth.....
For I feel....Him in my soul.......

I get a daily email from 100 Huntley Street. They are doing the bible in one year and I signed up to receive the daily devotional and I simply click on the designated link and I get the bible verses that he (David Mainse) is speaking about. I can even click on the link and it will read it to me as well. That helps when I can't read pronounce some of the words. Routine is good and so is a daily filling up of God's word. 

Anyway, this morning he referred to a song which was printed in 1949 (before I was born) and since we can goggle anything, I did. Jack Coe's "Job's God is True" is an interesting read. Since we are currently reading about Job's struggles in the bible (Job 22-23) it was an appropriate attachment. I have included a u-tube version which displays the words while a couple sings it. It is a bit 'old fashioned' in style but hey, it helps to hear the words and read them at the same time.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAIuwUVoAjE 

I share this because of a meeting I had last night with a friend who is struggling in her marriage. On the outside, you would never know but on the inside, there is so much strife. As a believer, she is praying to God for answers and obviously, a solution or resolution to her marital problems. Yet, when you think of Job's situation, you realize that sometimes God lets things happen to see our faith grow. Sounds like a nasty thing to do but like I said a few days ago... "we are not at our best when we are perched at the summit; we are at our best climbing - even when the way is steep."

As I look outside to see another glorious morning, I realize His blessings are 'new every morning'. We simply need to search them out. I could mention here about an email I was sent from a friend. It is for the purchase on Amazon of Ann Voskamp's book called 1000 Gifts - which for me was a difficult read but I appreciated her intent. I bought the book previously and gave it a try but have not been as successful as I would like. Maybe you can do better. If you are interested...check this out...I have copied and pasted, so not sure if it will work for you. If not, simply go to her site.

" Watch this FREE free session, then we invite you to join other participants in the challenge to start journaling your 1000 gifts from God. In the study guide there is journaling space in your book to make a list of gifts and respond to the study questions. We hope you are blessed by this study!

Ok, well, that was longer than I intended but hopefully, something in here has clicked with you but if not...well, that's fine too...it is my blog!

Friendship

I had a great visit with a friend I had not seen for some time. Both of us busy with other things and she in particular dealing with her health issues. It was good to sit on the deck and just talk. Before we knew it, the morning was gone and the afternoon had begun. A quick sandwich (cause we all have to eat) and some more conversation with lunch and it was time to say our goodbyes. We don't always take the time to just relax and enjoy each other's company without a bunch of schedules or appointments to rush off to. This was that kind of day. Relax, enjoy and be uplifted by friendship. Thanks. I needed that!

Update

Today, the perpetual calendar in my washroom reads as follows:

We are not at our best when we are perched at the summit; we are at our best climbing - even when the way is steep.
Lord, I know that the battles, the uphill climbs must be faced - Help me "Keep to the paths of the righteous". Amen (Prov. 2:20 NIV

A brief update of my sister-in-law indicates she is doing better. She was sitting up yesterday and talking and the general 'feel' is that she is improving. Of course her condition is still delicate but she currently is NOT at death's door - at least not this week. For that...well, we are happy. A change in lifestyle is in store for her. Things will not be the same as before. She needs care and it needs to be regular and maybe even professional. Whatever, she will be seeing some changes.

Getting old is definitely not easy. It is more challenging than when we started out on our own for our first job interview, our first job, our first date, or our first 'anything'. We had TIME on our side. As we get older, we head up the hill and when we reach the summit, well, enjoy, because there is only one way to go, and that is ...down. I'm not saying 'under' just down. 

Well, that's a whole different topic but I just wanted to say how happy we are that she is doing better. For now, we'll take it, one day at a time. 

Waiting

We are waiting for more news. My sister-in-law was taken to the hospital on Sat night with chest pains and general weakness. She is now in ICU. She is fragile. She has been that way for some time. The loss of her husband this past January after a long struggle with cancer put much stress on her as well. Her own health issues have always been there (high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes) but she has battled them for years and well, I guess we all just accept them as part of her life. And she did too. I spoke with her at length on Sat and she seemed well. Of course, things happen in an instant, don't they? One moment, all is fine... the next... the glass is shattered. 

Having just lost your dad and now maybe your mom .... How do you take all that in and remain focused, and strong? Our niece is taking 'one day at a time'. What else can you do?

I guess we pray...

2 Corinthians 12:9,10 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

http://christypovolish.wordpress.com/2011/02/15/when-i-am-weak-you-are-strong/

Enjoy the Moment

The perfect fire

We had a great time last night. About 27 C and it cooled off to about 20 C by the end of the evening. We had a campfire at our friends and the evening was absolutely b e a u t i f u l !!!! The night sky, the peaceful atmosphere, the smell of birch smoke (even this morning in my hair!) and good friends and conversation. Very nice. It's strange that you get some or all of those ingredients all summer long but then occasionally, they ALL seem to come together at one time! Sometimes, it is beautiful outside, but you have things to do inside, or you meet with friends (great) but the weather is not nice (ugh) or you have a fire (beautiful) but the wind is blowing (too smokey) and the bugs are out too! You know what I mean. Last night was PERFECT! 

Anyway, as I sit on my deck and look at our backyard, the cooler weather this morning and overcast sky has reminded me of what our backyard will look like in a few months...I'm just saying...

Brrrrrrrrrr

Heavenly Home

The 104 year old mother of our friend Marlyn passed away today. Our thoughts are with the family as they rejoice and yet, they are left with this huge hole in their lives. 

My own mother (in law) Bobbi is 104 years old, as well. She seems like she can keep going and going and yet we know that is not the case. She is the link between the generations, the prayer warrior who lifts up each one of us daily in prayer and the undeniable example of what it means to have faith in God. 

Life is fleeting...unless you are 104 and waiting to 'see my Jesus'. Mom wonders why she is still here...well, it's because each one of us needs your continuous prayer!! Thank you, Bobbi.

Psalm 90:15 Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

Humidity

They say it is 23 but feels like 28 with the humidex. It is overcast but oh so hot! Definitely high humidity here today. Early morning was wonderful but not so right now. I am staying inside today.

Did two loads of wash, changed the sheets and remade the bed and cleaned out the downstairs washroom and shower. How did it get so grimy? I never use it but I guess I should clean it more often! Yuk! But, looks brand new now! I will have to remember to 'stay on top of it' from now on! Housework! I admit it does give some sort of satisfaction when it is done and you see the difference. YOU see the difference, usually no one else notices it. They says it always looks clean. Yeah right!

Going out for supper tonite to the Melting Pot. I can't see it being a 'light' meal but we haven't been there for quite awhile. I am sure it will be a nice evening. Will definitely need a shower first!

D-Day

I had to go to the Doctor this morning. You know those kind - the "annual" visit! I wondered at first why I didn't sleep well last night and then remembered 'the doctor appointment' for 8:30 a.m.  It all came back!

Not that I had or have any problems. Only a few things listed on my sheet of paper. I have taken to writing down my ailments and bringing the list with me so that I don't forget to mention them. I guess the ailment can't be that bad if I need a reminder about it!  Anyway, I checked off my list and she gave me the forms I needed so I could go get my blood work etc. I had anticipated this, so I did not have breakfast and only had half a cup of coffee - black. Usually I have cream and sugar but I figured I might be needing to fast and I wanted to be "ahead of the game". She told me "the caffine will not affect the results of what you are having done but don't tell the lab - they are 'sticklers' for what fasting should be". I went for x-rays first and made sure that my time frame was adequate for 'proper fasting' just so that I knew the results could not be disputed. I didn't want to second-guess myself, in case something came back 'off'.

Anyway, everything is all done and I am back at home enjoying my cup of coffee with cream and sugar! Somehow though it never tastes as good as the first cup in the morning. 

While sitting in the waiting room, I was thinking how each one of us there had already been to a doctor to get the requisition form and were now waiting to get 'answers' to our ailments. Technology is sure something! In the old days, I guess you just put up with your ailments or I imagine mothers did all the doctoring that needed to be done. 

A person should be thankful when they don't have aches and pains and should not be complaining if they don't have any life-threatening diseases. We could all be worse off than what we are. What's that expression? "Walk a mile in someone else's shoes". No thanks.

Morning Freshness

There is nothing like the early morning fresh air. I love to sit on our deck and just 'take in' the coolness and freshness of the day. Somehow it is never the same in the middle of the afternoon or the evening. The morning has a quietness and a freshness to it. The air seems filled with dew without being wet. I love the distant sounds of cars rushing here and there. I guess mostly I am thankful that I am not in the rush of it all (yet). It's relaxing. I now hear the birds chirping. I must have disturbed their routine as it was quiet when I was sitting outside. Now, their voices are rising and falling with the sounds of the traffic in the background.

Guess I have to get ready for work now. What a great way to start the day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhWOKhGdUZY

So Sad

I went to see my friend who has Alzheimer's this afternoon. I have not seen her for awhile. I wanted to...just never got there. Today I was fortunate to find a parking spot (without having to pay) right across the street. I only had to drive around the block once. I thought that was a good omen! 

I was able to walk in the locked ward with a nurse who was right in front of me. I thought that was 'good' also. I went looking in her bedroom but she was not there. I checked the hallways, the end corridor, then finally the TV room where most of the residents it seemed were sitting in chairs watching cartoons. I did not see her. I finally went to the nurses station and interrupted their meeting to ask if they knew where my friend was. One of the nurses excused herself and came with me to help locate her. As it happened, she was lying down on the couch and I never even saw her. The nurse said she does this often. She occupies the whole couch and everyone else sits on chairs around her! In control, even when she isn't!

The nurse helped me to wake her up (a bit) and helped me walk her to another TV room to chat. I did the chatting. Once or twice I thought I heard her say something or she opened her eyes when I tapped her face. She was much more intent on sleeping than she was in saying anything. However, I got the distinct feeling that she was talking to me in her head - the words were coming out - they were just silent words. Oh my dear friend...

As I was leaving some time later, I was waiting for the elevator. A younger man and his middle aged or older dishevelled father were standing at the elevator. He was telling his dad to remember to floss and to brush his teeth, comb his hair. He dad replied that he would. I heard the son say as he was leaving "I love you, dad" to which the father mumbled back "I love you too". Once the doors closed, and the son looked at me, the tears welled up in my eyes and I can't tell if his eyes were full or not. 

It is so sad...what a terrible disease.

Teen Years

Joshua Lewis - age 13

I am so excited for our oldest grandson Joshua Lewis who is turning 13 today! Wow! It just seems like a few days ago he was born. Where did that time go? Anyway, 13 years ago today we began the journey of 'grandparenting' which has been wonderful!  Those little people get to you in ways you never thought could happen. I was always pretty strict with our daughter (not that my parents were strict with me, since I was the baby of the family; at least that is what my brothers tell me..."You were spoiled"!) Since I was 'single parenting my daughter for a few years, I felt discipline was important so I guess she may have gotten 'more than she needed' since she was a pretty darn good daughter and didn't need many rules anyway.

Ah, but I digress. What I wanted to say was that Josh has been a delight since day 1. He has always been a polite boy and asked great questions of gramma and grampa and had us wrapped around his little finger from the beginning. I guess there is some 'magic' in the first grandchild. Each one is special but I guess number 1 is the FIRST TIME and you just can't get the same feel again. Numbers 2, 3 and 4 were excitment to the max and anticipation each time but like the first time you ride your bike without help, or use the curling iron yourself or figure out multiplication or division...well, there's nothing quite like it!

I could write something special about each one of our grandkids and it would be unique and a story in itself but today...it is Josh's special day. It's HIS birthday and a special one at that...13. A Teenager! Look out world!!

H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y big guy!!! Hope the teen years are the best! Love you to pieces!!

Been a while...

Ok, ok, it has been awhile. I've been busy. Since the last blog we have been on summer vacation. Enjoying Radium and Mount Robson. It has been a few years since we drove the Jasper - Banff highway and it was absolutely beautiful. I wish we had given ourselves more time to stop, look and listen as we went but we were in a race to get to the campground to check for openings before our time ran out. As it turned out, we could not get into Whistler or Wapiti so drove another 80 km to go to Mount Robson. It was absolutely worth it. We camped there last year and it was definitely worth going back.

Kinney Lake is a 7 km walk to the campground which you can see at the opposite end of the lake. We only walked to the lake itself - about 5 km. It was beautiful. Lots of ups and downs but the path was usually wide and the weather was beautiful too. 

Mount Robson is worth looking at whenever you can see it. Most often it is in a shroud of clouds but we were fortunate to see it clearly for most of our visit there.

Just thought I would share these few pics. Some of the kids coming up next!