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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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?"