Sunday, January 26, 2014

Thoughts for January 26, 2014

This morning I was getting ready for church and I didn’t feel very holy.  I have to be up at 8:00 am to make a meal for the potluck after church – I want to sleep in.  These clothes are fitting too tightly – what can I wear?  Am I going to get all the songs into the overhead software so I can make it easy for everyone to read and will I change the slides at the right time? – This is too stressful. 

“I love you” is what came to my mind.  I recognized the voice.  It was my heavenly Father.  “What you are doing is holy because I am holy.  It’s not you – it’s me.”  Yes.

We left for church early because when Brian leads the music he likes the little bit of extra time before the service to center his thoughts and know God’s peace and pray with the music team.  Half way to church I panicked.  Where is the memory stick with the songs for the overhead?  Not in my bag!!  I forgot it at home.  We turned around quickly.  Brian frustrated – me apologizing profusely and beating myself up.  We got to church with only 10 minutes to spare.  My stress level was at an all-time high, already forgetting my earlier conversation with God.  My friend comes and sits next to me while I am desperately trying to get the computer up and running and organize myself.  How can I worship when I have to do this.  “This is your worship, Remember me.”  Oh yeah, right!  Sorry Lord!  I turn my full attention to my friend who is sharing deeply about her week.  We cry together and the music starts. 

“Find rest my soul, in Christ alone.  Know His power, in quietness and trust.  When the oceans rise and thunders roll, I will soar with you above the storm, God you are King over the flood – I will be still and know you are God.”  ~ Rueben Morgan


Selah

January 26, 2014

A little bit of catch up here.  Boy it's been a busy week!  I did manage to take some pictures along the way and so here is a bit of the story in pictures.

Faith was finally done all her diploma exams on Friday and so it was time for a celebratory trip to West Edmonton Mall.  We acted like tourists... it was a good time together!




Faith found a couple of new outfits that were totally her at a couple of stores she loves.



When we got home I was SO done with all the busyness and the Mall noise I did not want to make supper.  So Faith offered to make pancakes... she even cooks with her own personal flair!



Saturday morning was practice at the church for Sunday music.  So I got up early and got all the binders ready for the team Brian leads.  Always a job and a half.  As you can see by the file box, I am slowly getting more organized and streamlined... finally!!



Today was a wonderful celebration of singing praises to our King and Saviour, hearing a thought-provoking challenge from Trefor Higgins and then eating together in celebration of our unity and community!






Here is a youtube link of the songs we sang in church today.  
The ones on the link are song by the original artists.




Tuesday, January 21, 2014

January 21, 2014

I saw 2 moose today.  Did not get a picture since I was driving and if I would attempt that, I'm sure that would qualify for distracted driving!

Went to my Aunt's apartment this morning to look at a couple of computer issues she was having.

I've been going to the 16th floor apartment of this building since 1978.  Lots of history and memories here.


I glanced out of the bedroom window and noticed the sun coming up next to downtown Edmonton.  This was my best shot at a picture through the dusty windows.  With all the rain, and all the wind, I'm sure the window cleaners are going to have their work cut out for them.  But I enjoyed the sunrise, regardless!



Monday, January 20, 2014

January 20, 2014

All good things must come to an end.  I let Brian twist my arm over and over again to keep the tree up but today, I'd had enough.  It had to come down.  Otherwise it would just be getting too close to being a Valentine's Tree... or even worse - an Easter Tree!  (p.s. check closely... the supervisor is on the job!)


January 19, 2014

The verse Mark Gurnett spoke on today among other things was:

"For in Christ, neither our most conscientious religion nor disregard of religion amounts to anything. 
What matters is something far more interior: faith expressed in love." 
~ Paul in his letter to the Galations

Yes... Love.  Something true to meditate on this upcoming week along with another word that came to me yesterday:  Surrender.



The Sunset was spectacular - our delight for sure!



Saturday, January 18, 2014

January 18, 2014

I have had a productive week.  I can always tell by the mess I make.  I am doing the year-end books for our church and my house is small.  What can I say except:  "No one use the dining room table for the next week!"

  

Two computers on the go because the laptop is so old and slow (but it's the church computer with the book keeping software) and my personal computer- because hey!  I still have to check facebook every once and awhile and it is a lot quicker for researching any questions I might have as I do my job.

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I am always thankful each and every day that I have the best live music to accompany my tasks.  There really is nothing like it!



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On another note, it's been so warm around here you'd think it was spring come early!  Even though I love the warmth and having to put on a lot less outer wear, I am never ready for the other thing that comes with living in our cabin... BUGS!

Here is a little creature running for his life across a chair in the living room.  Run! Run!  Okay we won't kill you this time - you're just too cute!





Thursday, January 16, 2014

January 16, 2014

K, the days are flying by.  It's been busy here that's for sure.

Faith's diploma exams need to be written at an approved writing centre which for us just happens to be 45 minutes away on the West End of Edmonton.  And she has four of them to write on different days spread out over 2 weeks.


Then yesterday we had record breaking weather here in Edmonton and area.

It was +9.7C before 5 am yesterday morning.  This is what it was when I got up:  +7C!


And not only that, the same day we had record breaking gusts of wind.  One was even recorded at 120 km/h - that's the force of a Hurricane level 1!!  What is happening.  At least we didn't experience too much damage like trees falling, or vehicles tipping, but our house felt the blast and decided to let go of the flashing along the roof line.


And through it all our cat Diago had the most fun of all!  He ran around inside the house all spooky-like for most of the day and then crashed:








Tuesday, January 14, 2014

January 13, 2014

Today I made Turkey Soup from the leftovers at Christmas.  So nice.  So comforting.  It tasted a lot like the soup I remember having on Sundays back when I was a child and very much like at my Beppe's when we would drop in to visit her at her apartment.  You could smell it the moment you stepped off of the elevator.  Nice, comforting memory.


Sunday, January 12, 2014

January 12, 2014

It was the weekend.  I missed a couple of days on here.  Oops!  Friday evening Faith left for the Camp Nakamun Winter Youth Retreat for the weekend.  Brian and I decided to celebrate our Anniversary in style and stay in Westlock on Saturday night, go to church with Brian's mom and dad on Sunday and then pick Faith up from Camp Nakamun Sunday afternoon.  We had a nice a relaxing weekend.  It's always great going to Barrhead Alliance Church, too.  We are welcomed with open arms and it always feels like a wonderful homecoming.

A few pics for fun:

At the carwash



oh my!  Is the car windshield really cracked that bad?  ouch!


Driving the prairies between Barrhead and Edmonton:

Back in the big, busy city once again:


Had to grab this picture with my phone today.  Brian's mom is doing so well and looking amazing!

Thursday, January 9, 2014

January 9, 2014

Today is our 27th Wedding Anniversary.  I am amazed at how well these past 27 years have gone.  Really.  Living with a person for 27 years takes a lot of patience, forgiveness, saying I'm sorry, give and take, lots of giving.... and more giving.  But at the same time, it's so neat to be able to always have a friend in your corner.  Always.  Someone that will rub your back at night so you can sleep, someone to make breakfast and lunches so you can go to work everyday to provide for your family, someone to just get a hug from, someone to glance at you across the room and you know what they're thinking, someone to pray with you when your nightmares are terrifying, or when you start fearing the future of your child.  I am so thankful.

Brian, for the man you are, the life we share, 
and the way you make me feel... 
For the little things, the loving things, the only-us things we do -- 
I know I'll be in love with you forever! Loving 27th Anniversary!



And now for a little treat picture.  I was walking to the mail when I noticed this... so beautiful!


It fit perfectly with what I was pondering this morning after having watched an inspiring video.

You think this is just another day in your life
It’s not just another day
It’s the one day that is given to you – today
It is given to you
It’s a gift
It is the only gift that you have right now
And the only appropriate response is gratefulness…..



Wednesday, January 8, 2014

January 8, 2014

What would you do if you got a text like this in the middle of the day?

"Hey babe, can you bring me a coffee while Faith is at piano?"

So I dropped Faith off for piano, ran over to Starbucks to get some coffee and headed further into Edmonton.  Brian is installing cabinets in a beautiful condo 16 stories up.  The view from up there is spectacular since it overlooks the North Saskatchewan River, Canada Place, Shaw Centre, etc.



On the way back home Faith and I stopped to grab a picture next to our community's new sign:



January 7, 2014

Today was a special day.  My girlfriend had been planning this for awhile for sure.  I was to meet her at Cora's for lunch.  It was wonderful - we ate, drank tea, and visited for 2.5 hours.  Then the next part of her birthday surprise for me was for both of us to go for a pedicure!  Neither one of us had ever done this before and we were in for a treat.  1.5 hours of pampering.... and giggling and relaxation.  Our feet never felt this good before.  What a special day.  What a special treat.  What an amazing friend!!  Thanks Diane ♥


Monday, January 6, 2014

January 6, 2014

Happy Birthday to me!  I turned 47 years old today.  For some reason my mind went back to one of the first memories I have.  My mom teaching me Psalm 9 before I went into Grade 1.

"With all my heart I thank Thee Lord
Thy wondrous deeds I will record
Thou art my joy, in Thee I'll glory
With psalms most high, I will adore Thee."

The beautiful bouquet from Brian today:


So much.  Beauty and Thankfulness.

I did do a few things today besides reading all the lovely Facebook Birthday greetings!  Wow!  This is what makes birthdays so much more fun... it's a community of sorts... and I love it.

I made some muffins.  They turned out despite the fiasco with the blender.  That didn't work so I transferred the whole mess to my mixer.  Flourless muffins - not bad at all.




Sunday, January 5, 2014

January 5, 2014

It is cold.  So cold I do not want to go outside to take any pictures.  I went to church this morning, but even that was a stretch for me.  I'm frozen - even with long johns on in my house.  The floor is so cold, I've doubled up on socks and slippers and I cranked up the furnace some more.  I'm at my limit.  So as a result of that, this is the only picture I could think of taking today.  -35C with a windchill of -42C.


I'll cheer myself up with thoughts of the movie we just went to see.  Named appropriately for sure:  FROZEN

Here is my favourite scene with some stellar imaginative creations:  (great song too)


Saturday, January 4, 2014

January 4, 2014

This morning I watched the sun hit the frost-covered trees across the street as it came up.  We are enjoying a very sunny day today... -26C with a windchill of -30C.  Can't beat the beauty of a cold frosty day!!


And I thought I'd invite the neighbours over for a hot toddy on our deck later today - in true Northern Canada fashion!




January 3, 2014

Sometimes you just need a cat.


Thursday, January 2, 2014

January 2, 2014

+ 2 C and raining!  We just came through -32C with a windchill of -40C... really hard to figure out what's going on this winter.  

Since Brian is taking a couple of extra days off we just had a chill day today.  Faith's friend, Austen, is visiting from Saskatoon so we thought it was a good day to bring out the video games.


Next, Brian and I decided to make the New Year's traditional Oliebollen.  The house now smells like a greasy restaurant but it really is worth it!



Wednesday, January 1, 2014

January 1, 2014

Happy New Year!

The challenge to myself this year is to post a picture everyday documenting my story in 2014.  We will see how far I get :D

Last January we started a new tradition and decided to keep a "Thankful" Box.  All was going well until we started renovations and everything got put away.  This morning Faith reminded us about this box and we decided to find it and read what was in it.  Not much.  A few entries from us in the beginning of the year and that was it.  I really hope we can be a bit more disciplined this year with the tradition.  It was great to read the few entries that were in there... like:  thankful for Faith getting her drivers' license last January, etc.


My New Years' Resolution for the year is to be more thankful.  To start everyday with a thankful heart and even naming the things I'm thankful for.

I am especially thankful for my two favourite people: