From the mountians

well the secret is out so I can tell you all about what I have been up to now.

Last week I found out that I didn't need to teach for April so I decided to go to BC to visit family. But I wanted to make it a surprise for my parents so I conspired with my sister and two brothers to meet me at Mom and Dad's. So everyone got time off work and made the plan to meet on Friday morning at Mom and dad's. My oldest brother told them he was coming with his family but the rest of us just arrived. Wow were Mom and Dad surprised. It has been a great Easter weekend already. The girls just love being in the mountains. I have hardly seen Ariel for 2 days because she has been off in the bush or by the creek with her cousin. I am just so amazed at how no one is asking for food all day long like they normally do at home. The beautiful thing is the weather, 20 yesterday and today. The bad thing is there are a lot of wood-ticks-IIIKKK. Here are some pictures.... Oh and some time I will have to tell you about the broken down van, 10 hours at Corner Gas which all led to our new 2005 Montana van. and one more thing My kids were the most amazing kids as they were so positive and good natured the whole 2 day trip here(11 and 12 hour driving days)I was exhausted when I arrived. anyway here are those pictures I promised.
full baskets from the egg hunt

checking for ticks

My dad and brothers by the house my parents are building

Driving the three princess

My water broke

Since tomorrow is April Fools day I wanted to tell you all a funny thing I did to Ben the year I was 9 months pregnant with Ariel on April 1. It was about 6:30 in the morning and as usual i was up early because I couldn't get comfortable with the huge belly and all, so i went to the kitchen for a drink of water... I got an idea to spill the water on purpose and then scream to Ben that my water had broken ... trying to keep serious the whole time. Wowzers - he was up quick, he had been sleeping but now he was one leg into his pants running into the kitchen. It was very difficult to keep a straight face for a moment or two but then I burst out laughing and called out April fools. He took it well and went back to bed.

success

It's kinda funny how I can tell all....almost all.... on a blog and yet most of you I would not tell these things so boldly in person.... the wonders of a blog.

I often share my failures but today I was thinking of sharing a success. It's real too. LOL

For lent I gave up staying up late, with the intention of being able to wake up early to read more in my Bible, pray and memorize scripture. I have been able to do all three and I am loving it. I memorized Psalm 32 and am now working on Romans 8 and part of Deuteronomy 12. I hope it will be a pattern I keep with even after Lent is over. I feel energized and inspired.

Sooo I would love to hear how your lent is going. If you chose to lent that is.

"click"

Some of my favorite pictures from the action on the street in recent days.

Jesus outside the IGA

It was just a quick stop at the IGA, who would have known?

Ben ran in for a bag of chips and some batteries, I waited in the van with the girls. As Ben walked into the store an old man, I'd never seen before, seemingly crippled with time and bad experiences came hobbling out of the store, leaning heavy on his cane and with a shopping caddy in tow. He looked awkward and warn-out. For all the detail I noticed, I really didn't look at him long, as soon as my eyes took notice, like a knee jerk reaction, I turned to look at the girls in the back seat. It was intentional, I didn't want to stare or even look- what if I made him feel awkward? or was it more - I felt awkward.
Joelle saw him right away - "Mommy there's a very old man." she watched him walk awkwardly down the sidewalk, not taking her eyes off of him. I turned back to look at him just as he had past the van... "But I still love him" she said, it was the voice of Joelle ..or was it, I instantly knew it was God. A direct shot to my heart. I physically looked up as if i was expecting to see him there and said "Oooh God!" -A plea for a heart like my daughters ....He answered and I felt a flood of love pour into my heart for the man. All in a matter of seconds. Joelle and I watched the man walk down the sidewalk her with a look of innocents and joy, mine of tears and amazement.

Jesus forgive me and make me to love you, truly love you, even when you walk by me in disguise. I pray for those that read this that they too will seek you and find you in the lonely faces and the most unusual places.

You Rock!!

I think I know who you are but your identity will be safe here.
You are such a blessing to our whole family.

To you who have been anonymously CARING for us in the past few weeks with small gifts at the door may God deal with you as you have dealt with us - "God give them small packages at your door."

If you are trying to gift-us so we stay forever it's working. LOL

YOU ROCK! and I don't just say that to everyone.

I hope you find your way here to read this.

to all others - We really have so many of you we are thankful for so I thank everyone in our church who has blessed us over the years, blessed us with prayer, kind words, friendship, food and much more.

Party Time

So it was party time on the street in February... as you read, I turned 30. Well Ben planned a party for me I am sorry if you missed it because it was a ton of fun. Here are 2 pictures

Ariel banged her head and here Deb is looking after her another baby. It was so precious.

Look at all the friends and some that I like to consider my family...I am so blessed.

Back to this am I

I feel like every small task is a chore these days, I really lack joy and purpose it feels. I have been here before, this is a feeling I know and I think I am on to what the root of the problem is..... I need some God juice to motivate me, I've been slacking off on my time with the king and it's starting to show.
Time with God is so important I know this but yet to take the time is so difficult, there is a constant battle within me. Pray for me.

30

As I throw up a toast to the turning of thirty. All glory to Jesus, the one who has walked with me and brought me this far. I want to greet, my next thirty years(if the Lord wills)with hope and anticipation. These years will be the best years ...I just know it. As i stand on the edge I wonder....
what do you hold for me? adventures? joyful years? sad years? new opportunities? wrinkles? grey hair? wisdom? freedom 55? many blessings? son inlaws? grandchildren? many surprises? a little of everything I am sure. Whatever will come I will say "blessed be the name of the Lord!"

More on the environment

I thought i might tell you all why I was led to post The one ton challenge post, since it got some great discussion going. I saw an article on John Travolta's Florida home and rather than feeling envious (many would and like part of me wants to feel)I felt like it was an outrageous use of the world resources and flagrant overconsumption. People say well it's his money to spend spend it how he likes, Yes it is his money to spend but it is one world we share. If He or rather we(the west) live this way the rest of the world is going to suffer from the lack of resources. This led me to think I could be frustrated with this and do nothing or I could take a hold of my own use of the world resources and encourage others to do the same. I can't make others change but I can live in a way that is responsible. It's not like I think one should devote their entire life to saving the world resources I just think we can all take a part in the solution no matter how small our part amy seem. and maybe it is not actually about the amount we actually save but the fact that we will not live to over consume but be resonable and responsible. Maybe I am out to lunch but I am willing to take that chance.

surrendering of your rights

When we surrendered our lives to God, when we chose to follow Christ, when we said I no longer live but Christ lives in me, what rights did we release? Did you ever think of it? Jesus says come follow me, When we accepted Jesus' offer to take our place, what really happened? or as we surrender each day or season in our life what rights do we really surrender? Do you know What I am asking?

I am looking for your answers.

one ton challenge

I added a link on the side board. I want to encourage myself and you to get back to the one ton challenge. The government may have scraped the idea but it seems we still need it. When the challenge came out last year it did change the way we did a lot of things, I started to hang dry clothes, we bought energy efficient lights, we composted, we recycled more, I rode my bike to work almost all winter. This year I have totally bombed. So I think I need a kick in the pants. I took this test and it shows we almost need three earths to sustain my standard of living. take the test and see where you are at. Who is with me?

For starters I am going to turn off the lights during the day.
If you want to have some ideas of how to reduce check the one ton link.

Read-a-thon

Ariel, Joelle and Seraya are all in need of read-a-thon sponsors again. If anyone is interested in helping their school with this fundraiser please e-mail me. The funds will go to upgrading school equipment and feildtrips.

You asked for it

Questions you are asking about Cuba
1."so what was the best part about Cuba?"
2."Did you smoke a Cuban and drink their famous Cuban rum?"
3."How's Fidel?"
4."What was Cuba like?"
5."Did you go into a city?"
6."Was the weather nice in Cuba?"
7."Are you all refreshed ?
8."Adjusting back to normal life?"

Here is my Answer

1. The best part of Cuba was being pampered at an All inclusive - what a rush to dine and dash 7 days in a row. We also loved meeting the locals and the other Canadians and English on their holidays. The ocean was a top feature as well. There was so much fun and enjoyment it is really overwhelming to answer your first question.
2. No we did not smoke a Cuban but we sat with a friend who did, does that count? and the rum has good reason to be famous.
3. By the fact that you ask this question I think you know more about Fidel than I do..:) ... honestly the Cubans avoid talking about politics.
4. Cuba is warm sunny and beautiful and warm and did I mention it is warm...OK well we really only saw the resort and from that I can hardly answer this question. The resorts are paradise but I understand it is quite the opposite where the locals live. Our resort was very far from population because the government has forbidden locals to live on Cayo Coco, they travel by bus for at least an hour every day to come to work.
5. that answers this
6. ditto
7. Yes it was wonderful and relaxing.
8. Trying to, but it was really hard to readjust from queen to servant again... really hard though. can't I just live on my holidays?

One more highlight to share

I was able to give my Bible to some Cubans that worked at the resort because they saw that I was different and they wanted to know what it was. I was thrilled that they could see Christ in me. Glory to God because if it wasn't for Him they would have had nothing to comment on. I do wish I could of had the courage to speak with them more about their questions, but I have chosen not to dwell on the coulda-shoulda-woulda's and instead pray that God will work through the scripture as he has been doing for centuries.

picture replay

first we stopped in Montreal for the night and saw a whirl wind tour of the city with Uncle Paul and Shanda .... ate at the best Indian Restaurant ever and on the way home we had Montreal smoked meat and a poutine ---- yahoo!

The beach was awesome. We went swimming everyday.

We played a lot of water games and crazy games put on by the entertainment staff. Nice shot Ben.


We made a few friends along the way too. We had a ton of fun together.

The entertainment staff put on nightly shows ...

The beach party....

The whole resort was gorgeous... here is me recommending the Blau Colonial, Cayo Coco, Cuba

Beautiful architecture.


Lots of character.

Ben on the beach

Ben eating - we never went hungry or thirsty and the service was really great, we love the Cubans.

and finally a token picture of me...I was really there!


There are a few more pictures to come so check back in a few days for more.

..and the weather for the week is....

Please read this in the best weather reporters voice you can

"The weather forecast for Manitoba this week is very cold, it presently is at minus thirty two with temperatures dropping into the minus forties and staying very cold all week, this is in great contrast to the balmy temperatures of plus twenty seven in Cuba, where Ben and Cindy will be spending the week relaxing and keeping warm in summer wear. and that is the weather update for tonight folks, enjoy your week and don't forget to check back here on the street in a week or so to catch to photo replay, bye bye folks."

And the winner is.....

Wild Child




wow I was so thrilled with how many of you voted...thanks.
"wild child" was the winner and "love it" and "swing'n into summer" where tied for second.





We will be getting those pictures blown up and displayed in our home for the year. Now I get to begin again with taking the best pictures of the year, so look for this event again next year.

Vote for the best Photo of 2006

Announcing the 3rd annual best pictures of the Year.

vote for your favorite photo by placing a comment







January "Fun in the snow"












February "Waiting for Spring"













March "Ballerina"














April "Wrestling"













May "Wanna Hug"













June(1) "Sweet smile"












June (2) "swing'n into Summer"












July (1) "You can run but you can't hide"














July (2) "Wild Child"














August "Happy Birthday"















September "Looove itttt"









October "A new and strange species has hatched"











November "Open house"











December (1) "Little Mary-Joe and the Infant child"










December (2) " Settling in for a long Winter"











vote for your favorite photo by placing a comment

Joy to all

I hope you all had a joyful Christmas season. We had a very nice Christmas, we are so blessed. Many of you have felt for us as we have missed our family - thank you for your concern and a special thankyou to those that had us into your homes. Love you lots.

Not always Happy

can i just ramble today?...will you let me just dump my thoughts?......I really need to .....I love Christmas time and the best part is seeing how much fun the kids can have. I join in the fun too sometimes, so mostly you'll see me enjoying the holidays but I have to be honest i am not always happy about this time of year. We always have a lovely christmas with our 3 girls, we are growing together but I have to be honest it is a time I notice what a huge sacrifice we have made as a family. While every one has their mom and their dad, siblings and grandparents around them, we do not. We came here more than 3 years ago and no place on earth could feel more like home than here but why is it that it is still so hard... my thought is that family has a bond that can not be created in people, it takes the growing-up together, living under the same roof together, like I have with my brothers and sister and parents.... we really have a good time when we are together..... I miss them sooo much.

oh I know you mean well when you ask but i think one too many people asked me today - "Are you going home for Christmas this year?" and as you know the answer is "NO".

Thanks for letting me babble and actually reading it LOL I am having a wonderful Christmas because the girls love this time. and it all depends on the angle.

**post time does not reflect the written time--I wrote it last night.**

For His good pleasure

Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure."
I found Seraya on hands and knees, having a good time, bucking and tossing her body around the floor, all by herself....or so I thought... LOL .. at one point it even looked like she had her hands pinned behind her back. Well upon asking the obvious question " What are you doing?", She answered, "Wrestling God."
and in that moment I wished I was a child again. I want to have fun with God like that.
LOL... I also thought... ya I wrestle with God a lot too and he usually has me pinned.
God is so fun .... if I can learn how to put a video clip here I will, because I got it all on tape.



Seraya




speaking of wrestling ....
Joe and Ray have discovered a new pass time, .... play fighting. The princess image just doesn't seem to fit them anymore when you see two girls go at eachother with fists and legs.

Images of life on my street

I just wanted to share some pictures with you.


#1 little dinosaures coming to life

#2 Just the regular party guests -sometimes we party daily -join us anytime.











#3 family game night -Cat in the Hat monopoly

tossing in a stone

Listening prayer - Some of you may be familiar with the idea - to others this will be very strange. ( After reading, If your feeling confused it's ok, I would be confused too, You should start by reading Brad's book "Can you Hear me?" or at least check out his website or Blog)

I figure God gave us and imagination for a reason(many reasons I am sure) and that is why the things I have learned form Brad Jersak really resonate with me.
Jesus and I we have a place we meet; a beach. This morning I found Jesus standing by the waters edge tossing small stones into the water, so I walked up, picked up a pile of stones and joined him. We stood for a while beside each other throwing the stones in the calm water and watching the ripple effects. After awhile I asked Jesus," What does this mean?" and he said "Like throwing stones in the water and getting a ripple effect, is the seed of my love you plant in the lives of people around you, especially the refugees you now closely affect. Though it is a small thing now the ripples carry on to affect after many years." then I saw many stones being tossed in and many rippling affects and Jesus reminded me that the ripples of other peoples stones before me and around me are also affecting their lives.
This blog is one stone, I suppose, the ripples go where they may, only God knows it's effect.
and to you - toss your stones into the waters of others lives and watch the ripples.

Let him be

This morning I was reading in Mathew and the command to love the lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and mind and to love others as yourself stood out. I meditated on it for a short while and then went on with getting the kids ready to go to the dentist(big family dentist visit this morning..fun) . I have had a busy week and Ben has had a busy week and we both have taken our turns being..well.... edgy and irritable. This morning, I noticed Ben was.... well still stressed and as I am sure you can guess I was very sympathetic because I have been there too..NOT... sorry to burst your wonderful opinion you had of me but selfish me is all thinking "Why can't he just get over this funk and be happy so my day can go better..I'm feeling great today because my stressful parts of the week are over and so he should just suck it up and move on." Lucky for me my mouth stayed closed and the Holy Spirit drew me back to the words he showed me only an hour or so earlier..... my selfish nature shrank back and I thought what if that where me, if I was stressed and he was haven a good day? I heard God say(in the subtle voice of God) "let him be and instead ask him how you can help him deal with the stress, for his sake not for yours."

It's a good thing I let God drive this morning. I really notice when i take time for God and how that affects my day.

Please remember this command next time you meet me and I'm edgy and irritated. LOL

Ask why

As part of a class I am taking we did a learning style survey, I have done these surveys before but this time I really came across something. I realized asking WHYis part of my personality .... it has really been an important question all my life. And through this survey I see finding purpose in everything is part of my personality.

I ask....
Why do I do what I do?
Why do I wake up on a Sunday morning and go to church?
Why do I care about people?
Why are we pastors?
Why should churches unit and work together?
Why am I teaching English?
Why do I write in this blog?
Why do I exist?

And I don't always settle with the pat answer.

I question it all and I like to find the purpose for living and exisisting in every situation. Sometimes I am sure I have irritated people .. sorry(but not too sorry). I have found it very freeing to ask. And you can't even imagine how freeing it has been to find out why I ask why so much LOL one question I have been asking of myself for ages.

I don't know the answer to all the why's but I will ask it till I die. I don't only ask why of myself but I do of others too, not in a judging kind of way but in a challenge to learn and grow.

I ask of you:
Why are you reading my blog?
Why do you care about me?
Why do you go to church every Sunday? Why don't you?
Why are you friends with who your friends with?
Why do you exist?

Sometimes the answer is simple and other times the answer is more complex or even impossible(for the time being) to know.

And by the way asking "Why do I/you exist?" for me is not a negative doubting we have purpose in life question ... I know there is an answer and I sincerely ask.

You don't have to answer me but think about it, and ask why?

celebrate

Where was I this evening?
I have exciting news for you! He's a boy a beautiful boy. One of the the women that arrived with our new arrivals this week was fully loaded with baby and now she has him in her arms - he is so cute and cute and really cute. I was there in the room when he was delivered. I gave birth to 3 children and now I saw the whole thing from a different side, wow, the miracle of a birth. Celebration in the street today.

Busy

Well if you hadn't noticed from my lack of time here I should tell you I am very busy right now I am hoping for a Sabbath real soon.
I have been helping arrange the details for these refugees that are arriving in 3 days. Plus doing an EAL course and teaching 2 nights a week and keeping time with my family and husband and all the other things I do. CRAZZZYYY life. I haven't had a real good devotional time in a month I think. I have spent a few minutes reading my bible and praying ... And praying throughout the day but I want to have some time again to just not care about time when I am with the King.

I Started memorizing Isaiah 53. Not sure if I should say it is going good or bad. I have the first verse memorized but it's taken me more than a week to do it. But I don't plan on giving up so I am still facing the right direction. It says " Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the lord been revealed. He grew up before him like a tender shoot a root out of dry ground." I hope to make it to the end of the passage someday.

proud

My parents are building a house in the mountians

I wish i was there.

here is a picture of it so far.







I am so proud of them.