Okay, so I've been a very bad blogger . . . AGAIN! I tend to read other people's blogs, yet I spend no time talking about me and my life. Truth be told, I've been so busy I can hardly see straight.
Hmmm, where to start? Bex did not make the Waterloo soccer team. So, I called Guelph to register her for house league . . . they were full! Then I made a Saturday trip to Fergus to register her for their inter-city team. I was told the coach would call to let us know when the practice/tryouts were. No call came.
I knew that Kitchener A was looking for players, but as Bex didn't make the B team in Waterloo I figured that might be a stretch (and another blow to her self-esteem) so we didn't bother. Then I noticed that Kitchener B was looking for players. I guess they lost some to the A team. I called the coach and found out that he was all ready to make his final cuts, but he would give Bex a one-time shot at things on Monday night of this week. She was AWESOME!! Honestly, if she'd played like that in Waterloo there wouldn't have been any issue. Anyhow, she made the team. I'm happy for her, but man does this make my life hectic . . .
Monday - Bex westling after school and then soccer practice in Kitchener, Shannon practice in
Guelph
Tuesday - Worship team practice for me
Wednesday - Bex wrestling, Bex referee training 6:30 - 8:00, both girls soccer 8:30 - 10:00
Thursday - Bex practice in Kitchener (this is going to start interfering with youth group!)
Friday - Bex's birthday (she turned down refereeing two games this evening and a social in Kitchener)
Saturday - Youth group Amazing Race
Sunday - Church and dinner with friends (we were also supposed to have students over for lunch, but they cancelled due to exams
Above and beyond all this, I am studying for my Canadian Securities Course, which is like Greek to me. I'm currently in the chapter on economics, thus the time I found to blog! Yep, I'm really having issues getting through this chapter.
Calgon, take me away!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
I WANT to file my taxes
Of course I do, because as a poverty stricken single mother in 2006 (by choice, of course) I am due a rather nice refund. I even qualified for free tax preparation using Quick Tax Web. I have prepared my own return and am ready to net file it . . . except . . . I can't bloody get it to be accepted at the CRA end.
Okay now, I understand that today is February 28 and there will be many companies filing their T4's, but won't there be many more people filing personal income tax returns on April 30? Does this mean they won't be able to do it because the government site can't handle the traffic? It would appear so. I called them last night (when I was first having problems) and they told me everything was working fine so what was my problem. Today, however, I had a sweet girl who tried this line at first "do you have a firewall that is preventing this?". Ummmmm, no, I just paid a bill in my online banking and checked my Mastercard balance so I think I can get into secure sites. Then she puts me on hold and comes back with this bit about the system being rather busy because it's the 28th.
I guess it's a good thing I still have two whole months to file this bloody thing. It just might take me that long to get through!
Okay now, I understand that today is February 28 and there will be many companies filing their T4's, but won't there be many more people filing personal income tax returns on April 30? Does this mean they won't be able to do it because the government site can't handle the traffic? It would appear so. I called them last night (when I was first having problems) and they told me everything was working fine so what was my problem. Today, however, I had a sweet girl who tried this line at first "do you have a firewall that is preventing this?". Ummmmm, no, I just paid a bill in my online banking and checked my Mastercard balance so I think I can get into secure sites. Then she puts me on hold and comes back with this bit about the system being rather busy because it's the 28th.
I guess it's a good thing I still have two whole months to file this bloody thing. It just might take me that long to get through!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
BRF - Psalm 119 (should I call this BRSaturday or even BRSunday?)
Oh dear, a sheepish post is coming. I read the scripture daily, but I cannot put into words my thoughts in full.
All I can say is that I'm really pleased that I was given the challenge of reading this scripture daily. What perfect timing was it to read about the love of God's precepts, laws etc. when I was starting a new job and might forget that God is the sole provide of my needs (both physical and spiritual). Heck, I could read these passages daily from here to eternity and never find a day when they do not encourage or apply to my life and yet I am not even close in verbosity (like this new word of mine? A good scrabble word don't ya know) to the author of this book. I will constantly and consistently fall short of the mark.
Thank you to the ladies who started this group to reading our life manual and thank you God for leading me in this direction. Although I may have nothing of value to say or share about your word, you know that it is "a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path". (Can y'all hear Amy Grant singing right now??? Yikes! I might be aging myself here. I know my girls (11 & 13) know the song, but they have not a clue who Amy Grant is. Yet, I digress!)
Back to the scriptures: I love your laws, I love your precepts etc. etc. God, you are awesome! (Anyone who knows me WELL knows I do NOT speak like this) Why not? Because I am NOT in sync with my saviour. I do NOT know Him even remotely like He knows me. I am a mere sinner saved by grace.
Ugh, I'm so off in left field I'm scaring even me!
Bottom line is that I'm reading the scriptures daily now and may or may not have something to write on Fridays (or Saturdays, Sundays etc.) but please know that this is not a failed project. Nothing is truly a failure that has God's word at the centre.
All I can say is that I'm really pleased that I was given the challenge of reading this scripture daily. What perfect timing was it to read about the love of God's precepts, laws etc. when I was starting a new job and might forget that God is the sole provide of my needs (both physical and spiritual). Heck, I could read these passages daily from here to eternity and never find a day when they do not encourage or apply to my life and yet I am not even close in verbosity (like this new word of mine? A good scrabble word don't ya know) to the author of this book. I will constantly and consistently fall short of the mark.
Thank you to the ladies who started this group to reading our life manual and thank you God for leading me in this direction. Although I may have nothing of value to say or share about your word, you know that it is "a light unto my feet and a lamp unto my path". (Can y'all hear Amy Grant singing right now??? Yikes! I might be aging myself here. I know my girls (11 & 13) know the song, but they have not a clue who Amy Grant is. Yet, I digress!)
Back to the scriptures: I love your laws, I love your precepts etc. etc. God, you are awesome! (Anyone who knows me WELL knows I do NOT speak like this) Why not? Because I am NOT in sync with my saviour. I do NOT know Him even remotely like He knows me. I am a mere sinner saved by grace.
Ugh, I'm so off in left field I'm scaring even me!
Bottom line is that I'm reading the scriptures daily now and may or may not have something to write on Fridays (or Saturdays, Sundays etc.) but please know that this is not a failed project. Nothing is truly a failure that has God's word at the centre.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Vacation's over!
Well, I am now an employed stiff again. I have taken the job with BMO Nesbitt Burns as an administrative assistant. I start my new job today. There will be some adjusting to do (like getting dressed in the morning), but I am happy to be back to work. I did not have rent money for next month. It would appear that I will now.
Praise God for His perfect timing!
Praise God for His perfect timing!
Monday, February 19, 2007
New Tribes Mission
Yesterday I invited a missionary couple with their children for lunch after church. They were in Venezuela and are awaiting confirmation of their deployment to Papua New Guinea. The mission they are involved in it called New Tribes Mission (NTM). This group's mission is to reach the many tribes of the world that are not being reached with the gospel at all. This means they have to learn the language of the tribe, transcribe the scriptures into the tribal language, and teach. This can, apparently, take up to 20 years to do with any single tribe. There are still over 3,000 tribes who are not being reached with the gospel. What a huge mission field!
Friday, February 16, 2007
BRF - Ephesians
Oh my goodness! Where do I start? I think we should have split this week into chapters 1 - 3 and then 4 - 6 next week. There's just soooooo much here. I will just share a bit from each chapter. The best thing about the scriptures is that there is nothing that isn't important and nothing that doesn't apply to us.
Chapter 1:13 - 14 says "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession". Again here is talk of a seal. What a wonderful promise this is that we have been marked upon our belief. I love the guarantee. It's not a 1 year or 3 year guarantee, but it is a lifetime guarantee. What an awesome God!
Chapter 2:10 reminds me that although I may not like myself much a lot of the time, God chose to make me as He did. I am His workmanship. He makes no mistakes.
2:11 - 22 describes the new covenant with Christ. During the time prior to Jesus' entry and departure the Jews and Gentiles were quite separate. The cross ended this division. These verses describe peace to you who were far away and peace to you who are near. We are united and all can have peace through the cross.
2:22 describes us as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. I know that much of my behaviour is not at all God-honouring. I must remember that the Holy Spirit dwells in me at all times, even when I'm gossiping, slandering, self-focused etc. I need to clean up the dwelling place of my heart.
3:13 "I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory." I'm not quite sure about this one. It sounds like a statement that would be made to God, but not to other men.
I love the benediction at the end of chapter 3. The statement that He can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine is very strong. I cannot imagine what God can do. I know He has made many promises, but my juvenille human mind cannot fathom the full potential. Imagine if we could live life to the fullest! What would this world be like? It sort of reminds me of all the environmental talk of late. We didn't start trying to clean up our act when Kyoto was enacted because it would cost too much and we couldn't do enough because the US wasn't going to participate. If we had done this when it was enacted we would most certainly be seeing results now. It's harder to act upon now, however, because things are worse. I don't want to delay results for God. It's so much more important in the grand scheme of things. Lives are at stake.
4:29 jumps out at me because I am guilty guilty guilty!! Unwholesome talk is just so easy to engage in. I can change this, but I choose not to. This doesn't only take place outside the church but it may even be more commonplace in the church. Think of how many times we have judged another brother or sister and have verbalized it to another church member or worse yet, to someone outside the church. We must choose our words wisely to build one another up. It reminds me of the old saying about not putting your mouth in motion before putting your mind in gear. I MUST start thinking before speaking.
Chapter 5 is getting even heavier. Sexual impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, coarse talk etc. are all being compared to idolatry. These things are NOT God-ordained. I worship God and yet I also worship idols according to this. Yet another area of duality in my life.
Hmmmmm, seeing a pattern here? Yep, we must focus on God. There are no acceptable alternatives when we have chosen to live our lives for Him. He lived here as a perfect example of the life we should live. I'm so not even close.
Chapter 6 lists the items we need to do battle for Christ. Battle? But we're supposed to have it easy once we commit to Christ aren't we? C'mon now God, I am supposed to have eternal peace now. AS IF! We are in the battles of our lives once we commit to joining God's army. He gives us everything we need to fight the battle. We do not need to go out there unprepared . . . but we do! I think back to last week and my realization that I'd never read Haggai. Why not? It's another piece of the equipment God has given me and yet I don't pick up my sword for battle. The enemy is fully equipped as well and not stupid. I am stupid. God picked me, however, a sinful stupid moron to battle for Him. He makes no mistakes, so I have to believe that I can help to win the battle.
Geez my thoughts are disorganized. I am so NOT a writer. If you got to the end of this, I'm impressed!
Chapter 1:13 - 14 says "Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession". Again here is talk of a seal. What a wonderful promise this is that we have been marked upon our belief. I love the guarantee. It's not a 1 year or 3 year guarantee, but it is a lifetime guarantee. What an awesome God!
Chapter 2:10 reminds me that although I may not like myself much a lot of the time, God chose to make me as He did. I am His workmanship. He makes no mistakes.
2:11 - 22 describes the new covenant with Christ. During the time prior to Jesus' entry and departure the Jews and Gentiles were quite separate. The cross ended this division. These verses describe peace to you who were far away and peace to you who are near. We are united and all can have peace through the cross.
2:22 describes us as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit. I know that much of my behaviour is not at all God-honouring. I must remember that the Holy Spirit dwells in me at all times, even when I'm gossiping, slandering, self-focused etc. I need to clean up the dwelling place of my heart.
3:13 "I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory." I'm not quite sure about this one. It sounds like a statement that would be made to God, but not to other men.
I love the benediction at the end of chapter 3. The statement that He can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine is very strong. I cannot imagine what God can do. I know He has made many promises, but my juvenille human mind cannot fathom the full potential. Imagine if we could live life to the fullest! What would this world be like? It sort of reminds me of all the environmental talk of late. We didn't start trying to clean up our act when Kyoto was enacted because it would cost too much and we couldn't do enough because the US wasn't going to participate. If we had done this when it was enacted we would most certainly be seeing results now. It's harder to act upon now, however, because things are worse. I don't want to delay results for God. It's so much more important in the grand scheme of things. Lives are at stake.
4:29 jumps out at me because I am guilty guilty guilty!! Unwholesome talk is just so easy to engage in. I can change this, but I choose not to. This doesn't only take place outside the church but it may even be more commonplace in the church. Think of how many times we have judged another brother or sister and have verbalized it to another church member or worse yet, to someone outside the church. We must choose our words wisely to build one another up. It reminds me of the old saying about not putting your mouth in motion before putting your mind in gear. I MUST start thinking before speaking.
Chapter 5 is getting even heavier. Sexual impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, coarse talk etc. are all being compared to idolatry. These things are NOT God-ordained. I worship God and yet I also worship idols according to this. Yet another area of duality in my life.
Hmmmmm, seeing a pattern here? Yep, we must focus on God. There are no acceptable alternatives when we have chosen to live our lives for Him. He lived here as a perfect example of the life we should live. I'm so not even close.
Chapter 6 lists the items we need to do battle for Christ. Battle? But we're supposed to have it easy once we commit to Christ aren't we? C'mon now God, I am supposed to have eternal peace now. AS IF! We are in the battles of our lives once we commit to joining God's army. He gives us everything we need to fight the battle. We do not need to go out there unprepared . . . but we do! I think back to last week and my realization that I'd never read Haggai. Why not? It's another piece of the equipment God has given me and yet I don't pick up my sword for battle. The enemy is fully equipped as well and not stupid. I am stupid. God picked me, however, a sinful stupid moron to battle for Him. He makes no mistakes, so I have to believe that I can help to win the battle.
Geez my thoughts are disorganized. I am so NOT a writer. If you got to the end of this, I'm impressed!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Exchange email scanning servers
Okay, so this is a little crazy! I sent an email to a certain tuba-playing friend of mine and was quite disturbed by the fact that he didn't respond to me. I thought, "Hey, guess he's a little overwhelmed by me and yet he can't seem to tell me this".
So, earlier tonight I was looking at my sent emails and wondering why I don't have them set up to automatically delete. While scrolling through I accidentally red flagged one. I decided to look at it (in case I had red flagged it previously for a reason . . . AS IF!) and I discovered that the content of the email wasn't there and that my server did not allow the email to be delivered. It says "REASON::= RACIAL DISCRIMINATION".
For the life of me I couldn't understand what, exactly, I said in that email that might constitute racial discrimination and then I realized I had used the term "redneck". Last I knew that wasn't a race. It's almost as bad as the site I tried to set up a log in for a few years ago that wouldn't let me use ajewell (my first initial and last name) because it contained the word "jew" in it. We're getting just a wee bit over-sensitive here, aren't we????
Sheesh! Next thing you know I won't be able to use tuba-player slurs in public either.
BTW, I did apologize to said low brass player for my negative thoughts about him. Of course, I only apologized for the thoughts relating to his lack of reply to my email and not my general negative thoughts about a trumpet player wannabe.
So, earlier tonight I was looking at my sent emails and wondering why I don't have them set up to automatically delete. While scrolling through I accidentally red flagged one. I decided to look at it (in case I had red flagged it previously for a reason . . . AS IF!) and I discovered that the content of the email wasn't there and that my server did not allow the email to be delivered. It says "REASON::= RACIAL DISCRIMINATION".
For the life of me I couldn't understand what, exactly, I said in that email that might constitute racial discrimination and then I realized I had used the term "redneck". Last I knew that wasn't a race. It's almost as bad as the site I tried to set up a log in for a few years ago that wouldn't let me use ajewell (my first initial and last name) because it contained the word "jew" in it. We're getting just a wee bit over-sensitive here, aren't we????
Sheesh! Next thing you know I won't be able to use tuba-player slurs in public either.
BTW, I did apologize to said low brass player for my negative thoughts about him. Of course, I only apologized for the thoughts relating to his lack of reply to my email and not my general negative thoughts about a trumpet player wannabe.
Friday, February 09, 2007
Book Review Fridays - Haggai
Okay, so I'm going to join a growing blogging group of women who are reading a book of the bible weekly and then reviewing on Friday. I think for the most part I am not going to be sharing any great wisdom, but I'll share what God lays on my heart.
First of all I have to say that I don't know that I've ever really read Haggai. I'm a self-proclaimed lazy scripture reader. Maybe this BRF will help me to get to know the scriptures better.
Anyhow, I loved Haggai. Short, simple and to the point. I really felt that the overall message of this book was directed right at me and it was saying "If God isn't the focus of your life, you will not have a full life". Imagine that!
I love how in 1:5 it says "Give careful thought to your ways", in 1:6 he spells out how foolish we are and then repeats in 1:7 "Give careful thought to your ways". It's like talking to a child when we give them a list of duties and then repeat them to be sure they were listening. Sadly, God has to repeat Himself over and over for me and yet I just don't seem to retain.
In 2:12 - 13 it says "If a person carries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, oil or other food, does it become consecrated?' " The priests answered, "No." Then Haggai said, "If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?" "Yes," the priests replied, "it becomes defiled." This is a big one for me. I have a computer addiction, television, and friends who are far from wholesome. It says to me that I will become unclean by my affiliations as opposed to the affiliations becoming clean. Of course, I know this doesn't mean to completely put away those that are unclean (as Jesus, Himself, most certainly did not), but it means to keep yourself pure and clean. This, for me, means a constant reminding of the relationship I have with Christ so that I may not stumble and fall away from Him.
Overall there is a theme in this book that if we do not focus on God then we will not reap full rewards. Hey, ain't that the truth! What a great book Haggai is to return our focus to the One who created us and who sacrificed so greatly on our behalf. If we keep our eyes focused heavenward, then we will be fully blessed with His riches.
First of all I have to say that I don't know that I've ever really read Haggai. I'm a self-proclaimed lazy scripture reader. Maybe this BRF will help me to get to know the scriptures better.
Anyhow, I loved Haggai. Short, simple and to the point. I really felt that the overall message of this book was directed right at me and it was saying "If God isn't the focus of your life, you will not have a full life". Imagine that!
I love how in 1:5 it says "Give careful thought to your ways", in 1:6 he spells out how foolish we are and then repeats in 1:7 "Give careful thought to your ways". It's like talking to a child when we give them a list of duties and then repeat them to be sure they were listening. Sadly, God has to repeat Himself over and over for me and yet I just don't seem to retain.
In 2:12 - 13 it says "If a person carries consecrated meat in the fold of his garment, and that fold touches some bread or stew, some wine, oil or other food, does it become consecrated?' " The priests answered, "No." Then Haggai said, "If a person defiled by contact with a dead body touches one of these things, does it become defiled?" "Yes," the priests replied, "it becomes defiled." This is a big one for me. I have a computer addiction, television, and friends who are far from wholesome. It says to me that I will become unclean by my affiliations as opposed to the affiliations becoming clean. Of course, I know this doesn't mean to completely put away those that are unclean (as Jesus, Himself, most certainly did not), but it means to keep yourself pure and clean. This, for me, means a constant reminding of the relationship I have with Christ so that I may not stumble and fall away from Him.
Overall there is a theme in this book that if we do not focus on God then we will not reap full rewards. Hey, ain't that the truth! What a great book Haggai is to return our focus to the One who created us and who sacrificed so greatly on our behalf. If we keep our eyes focused heavenward, then we will be fully blessed with His riches.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Grrrr
I just wrote a long and clever post only to have it disappear on me. Now I'm going to have to try to remember all of that wisdom to rewrite.
Hmmmm . . .
Oh yeah, I have another job prospect. The person who had offered me employment previously passed my resume along to another employer while I was away on vacation. I interviewed two weeks ago and had a call back late last Friday (testing my lack of patience) to say they would like to further pursue hiring me. I am meeting with them again today. Praise God for his timing!
I have been continuing my weight loss battle and so far I am winning. I'm officially down 46 lbs now. I bought a new pair of jeans a couple weeks ago and was feeling particularly good, so Bex took a couple photos.
Church has been wonderful! I have been singing in the praise group weekly. It seems I am the only soprano in the bunch (there are at least six altos!!). I am getting this week off, though. The timing is perfect as Luke, Jenn and I are hosting some University students for lunch after church. I'm really looking forward to getting to know some of them a bit better.
I have been going to the women's bible study on Thursday nights while the girls are at Reach. It's been a good fit as the girls love their program which starts right after school and both end at 8:00.
Last week I got to play trumpet for the Prime Time group. They are such a wonderful group of people. I was honoured to have been given the opportunity to perform for them. It didn't hurt that they fed me a lovely lunch either.
In my spare time (when???) I've been running the girls to soccer practices. Right now they have practices as follows:
Sunday 4:00 - 5:30 - Bex in Waterloo
Monday 6:00 - 8:00 - Shannon in Guelph
Wednesday 8:30 - 10:00 - Both girls in Guelph
Friday 6:00 - 7:30 - Shannon in Waterloo
There have also been a few Tuesday night Waterloo scrimmages for Bex and there are a few Saturday morning practices in the near future for Shannon.
So, there's the monthly update on me and my life (or lack thereof).
Friday, January 12, 2007
Monster Truck Safari
On Tuesday of last week I got to go on a Monster Truck Safari from Higuey into the country side. It was wonderful to see the beauty of the Dominican, but terribly depressing to see the poverty. The trucks we were in are like this. We had a police escort with us throughout the trip, thankfully.The company that runs the excursions uses the money from the tourism to open schools to educate the impovrished.
The truck would stop every so often to offer us
tourists beverages and the occasional photo
opportunity. The first time we stopped we had
some visitors hoping to get candy or money.
What a cute group. We had MANY more visitors
along the road, however.
As we stopped in this area where many locals and escaped Haitians work in the sugar cane fields we had a throng come begging. This was the last stop on the tour and I knew that it must be the visit to the witch doctor. Being a Christian I was not looking forward to this part of the trip and so I stayed on the truck with the security guard and the driver. I was so overwhelmed by the faces and the desperation that I was a sobbing mess. I had no money with me at all and no food. All I could offer was my hat.
This woman gladly accepted my hat and did her
best to get me to stop crying. I managed to
eventually, but I pray that my heart will not
stop crying when faced with the pleas of those
who are less fortunate than I am.
This has had a great impact on me. I pray that
it will not just be something I've experienced and
seen, but that it will continue to dwell in me. My
intention is to live a simpler life. We are so very blessed to live in this country.
May we truly be mindful of the needs of others!
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Feliz Ano Nuevo
I'm baaack! What a week in the Dominican it was. It had many high and low points which I will try to share over a few posts. At the moment I just want to tell about the first real high for me there. The resort had a New Year's Eve show including a band, dancers, magician etc. It was quite a fun evening. The band was hot . . . particularly that trumpet player!!
What a thrill to have had this opportunity. It's amazing what you'll do in a place where nobody knows you! Improv's never really been my thing, but I nailed it and had chops galore. I've been offered the spare room of the percussionist if I should choose to move there. Of course, my fiancé Fernando might object. He's the lead singer who proposed to me that night.
More to follow . . . with more proposals!!
What a thrill to have had this opportunity. It's amazing what you'll do in a place where nobody knows you! Improv's never really been my thing, but I nailed it and had chops galore. I've been offered the spare room of the percussionist if I should choose to move there. Of course, my fiancé Fernando might object. He's the lead singer who proposed to me that night.
More to follow . . . with more proposals!!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Church Home
Well, it would seem that I have FINALLY found a church home. I have been attending a church where I really enjoyed the teaching, but there was no fellowship for me. I would stand in the foyer after the service waiting for my children and scanning the faces to see someone I recognized or someone to strike conversation with, but I never managed to be successful. I joined the singles group, but found that the entire focus of the "studies" was how to find a mate. I really wanted in-depth discussion and just found this to be a disappointment.
I tried attending the church my parents go to, but I found that although it has a very vibrant senior community, there was little for me there.
So, I decided to try Crestwicke Baptist Church. I have been going for two months now. I have met more people there than I ever met at my previous church home. I am involved in the praise group both singing and on trumpet. I feel at home there as the music is a combination of hymns and praise.
I know many people have prayed for this for me. Thank you so much for your prayers. God is good!
I tried attending the church my parents go to, but I found that although it has a very vibrant senior community, there was little for me there.
So, I decided to try Crestwicke Baptist Church. I have been going for two months now. I have met more people there than I ever met at my previous church home. I am involved in the praise group both singing and on trumpet. I feel at home there as the music is a combination of hymns and praise.
I know many people have prayed for this for me. Thank you so much for your prayers. God is good!
Saturday, December 09, 2006
The Nativity Story
Went to see The Nativity Story last night with the kids and my parents. It was fantastic! We really enjoyed ourselves. Too bad the only showing time at the theatre was the un-family friendly time of 9:45 PM, which was prefaced by 15 minutes of commercials and trailers.
By all means, if you can stay up late enough to go see this movie (I napped before going) do it. It's a great way to remember the reason for the season.
Clouds to share with Paul
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Dominican Republic here I come!
Yippee! My girlfriend Margie is taking me to the DR from December 30 - January 6. I am sooooo excited! We're staying at the Riu Taino Hotel. I've started shopping for new summer clothes as all mine are too big right now. They might not be after a week at an all-inclusive resort.
What a week!
This week has been just full of ups and downs. On Monday my cousin Tawnya called to say that she and my aunt Janice were going to fly from Saint John to visit us from Wednesday to Friday. We were so good at keeping this a secret from Mom. I drove to Hamilton Wednesday morning to pick them up and drove like a mad woman to get them to Guelph quickly. To our surprise and dismay, Mom wasn't even home when we got here. She was extremely surprised, however, when she came in and was greeted by Janice. Good fun I tell ya.
My sister-in-law Jenn was here with the babies to see Jan and Tawn, but she really wasn't feeling well, nor was Mercy, her daughter. Jen went to the clinic that afternoon and was told she had pneumonia. I convinced Luke that it wouldn't be wise for her to join us for dinner as she was not well. I think he was a little hurt and thought it was a personal thing, but the girl was just not well I tell ya. He soon discovered this when she fell when trying to get into their house because she was so weak.
Luke brought Nadja and Mercy to us so he could take Jen to a clinic again. We took the babies and headed to Swiss Chalet. While there, we noticed that Mercy was extremely unwell. Her eyes were rolling back into her head and she was quite fevered. Mom packed babies up and she and Dad went searching for Luke and Jen. They found out that Jen had been seen and was told she probably didn't have pneumonia, but to go home and rest.
Thursday Luke took the day off to take care of his family. Sometime during the day Jen went to the hospital to have Mercy looked at. She was pale, limp, not breathing well and her eyes were watery and glazed. Apparently, the staff at the hospital told Jen she'd better register as well because they didn't think she looked well and they wanted to run tests on both of them. By 2:45 Luke was told that Mercy was being released, but they were keeping Jen. We all (me, Mom, Janice, Tawnya, Luke and Nadja) piled into Mom's station wagon and dropped Luke and Nadja at the hospital to pick up Mercy and his van. He had to get meds for the kids, so Dad went out to Luke's house to help him for the evening.
Friday we found out that Jen has Influenza A and was being moved to a room. I started out at 8:00 am to drive Jan and Tawn to the airport along with Mom, only to get a call that their flight had been cancelled. Around we turned to get home and find that Nadja had just thrown up and Luke was feeling miserable. I took Nadja's temperature which was well over 39. I took her to hospital to be checked out. They put us in a room immediately that was completely enclosed. They said she likely had the flu, but that it wasn't bad enough for her to require being admitted. I got in the car with her to head home and squeezed some hand sanitizer out of the bag I keep in the car, only to have it explode all over me. I was well sanitized as was the interior of my car!
I got home and told Luke that he and his girls needed to go home to get well because I really didn't think it was wise for them to stay at our house and guarantee that we all get it. Dad has been there taking care of them and Mom's been back and forth. Jen's still in right now as her blood pressure is still too low for them to release her.
I've taken bleach to the house and am praying that the girls and I don't pick this up. Jan and Tawn's rescheduled flight was cancelled yesterday as well and they were finally able to board a plane this morning and go home. Their visit was not nearly what they expected, I'm sure.
Please pray for our family that those who are ill will recover quickly and that the remaining healthy ones do not get this illness.
My sister-in-law Jenn was here with the babies to see Jan and Tawn, but she really wasn't feeling well, nor was Mercy, her daughter. Jen went to the clinic that afternoon and was told she had pneumonia. I convinced Luke that it wouldn't be wise for her to join us for dinner as she was not well. I think he was a little hurt and thought it was a personal thing, but the girl was just not well I tell ya. He soon discovered this when she fell when trying to get into their house because she was so weak.
Luke brought Nadja and Mercy to us so he could take Jen to a clinic again. We took the babies and headed to Swiss Chalet. While there, we noticed that Mercy was extremely unwell. Her eyes were rolling back into her head and she was quite fevered. Mom packed babies up and she and Dad went searching for Luke and Jen. They found out that Jen had been seen and was told she probably didn't have pneumonia, but to go home and rest.
Thursday Luke took the day off to take care of his family. Sometime during the day Jen went to the hospital to have Mercy looked at. She was pale, limp, not breathing well and her eyes were watery and glazed. Apparently, the staff at the hospital told Jen she'd better register as well because they didn't think she looked well and they wanted to run tests on both of them. By 2:45 Luke was told that Mercy was being released, but they were keeping Jen. We all (me, Mom, Janice, Tawnya, Luke and Nadja) piled into Mom's station wagon and dropped Luke and Nadja at the hospital to pick up Mercy and his van. He had to get meds for the kids, so Dad went out to Luke's house to help him for the evening.
Friday we found out that Jen has Influenza A and was being moved to a room. I started out at 8:00 am to drive Jan and Tawn to the airport along with Mom, only to get a call that their flight had been cancelled. Around we turned to get home and find that Nadja had just thrown up and Luke was feeling miserable. I took Nadja's temperature which was well over 39. I took her to hospital to be checked out. They put us in a room immediately that was completely enclosed. They said she likely had the flu, but that it wasn't bad enough for her to require being admitted. I got in the car with her to head home and squeezed some hand sanitizer out of the bag I keep in the car, only to have it explode all over me. I was well sanitized as was the interior of my car!
I got home and told Luke that he and his girls needed to go home to get well because I really didn't think it was wise for them to stay at our house and guarantee that we all get it. Dad has been there taking care of them and Mom's been back and forth. Jen's still in right now as her blood pressure is still too low for them to release her.
I've taken bleach to the house and am praying that the girls and I don't pick this up. Jan and Tawn's rescheduled flight was cancelled yesterday as well and they were finally able to board a plane this morning and go home. Their visit was not nearly what they expected, I'm sure.
Please pray for our family that those who are ill will recover quickly and that the remaining healthy ones do not get this illness.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Bad brownies??
Becky worked hard by herself to bake brownies today. She needs them for Wednesday for a bake sale at school for band. I'm telling you, the entire house has smelled like brownies since around 6:30.
Well, she cut them up at 9:00 and tried to lift them out of the pan only to have them come out unevenly thus rendering them useless for the bake sale. Awwwww! A good mother would feel really bad (and I do on some level I'm sure), but man they are good. These are wicked chocolate brownies that, if they don't disappear soon, will cause me to have a bad weigh in this week.
Of course, being the good mother I am, I have promised to make her some chocolate chip cookie dough tomorrow so she can make cookies after school since we're going to our first ladies choir rehearsal at church tomorrow night. Here's hoping they turn out or I'll be making a trip to Zehrs to buy baked goods for her to sell.
Martha, care to Purolator some of your muffins this way??
Well, she cut them up at 9:00 and tried to lift them out of the pan only to have them come out unevenly thus rendering them useless for the bake sale. Awwwww! A good mother would feel really bad (and I do on some level I'm sure), but man they are good. These are wicked chocolate brownies that, if they don't disappear soon, will cause me to have a bad weigh in this week.
Of course, being the good mother I am, I have promised to make her some chocolate chip cookie dough tomorrow so she can make cookies after school since we're going to our first ladies choir rehearsal at church tomorrow night. Here's hoping they turn out or I'll be making a trip to Zehrs to buy baked goods for her to sell.
Martha, care to Purolator some of your muffins this way??
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Dilemma
Okay, so I'm done my courses but I'm not officially done until March. So, I thought maybe I should start looking for a job. What's the worst that can happen right? I can get a job and start paying OSAP back sooner.
Well, I sent a random resume out yesterday to a company that didn't even have a job listed. Lo and behold I had a call back that they had a job and wondered if I might be interested. Today I met with them, gave them a rather high salary estimate considering the scope of the job and they didn't bat an eyelash. They just want me to get back to them tomorrow.
So, here's the dilemma. The job is not my dream job, but the company has room for advancement. Also, I'm not sure that less than 24 hours of prayer is adequate. I just don't know that I should be rushing God's answer. Perhaps I already have the answer, but I dunno what it is. Ack!
Who'd have thunk?
Ange
PS Down another 2.8 for a total of 21.6. Oh yeah!!!!
Well, I sent a random resume out yesterday to a company that didn't even have a job listed. Lo and behold I had a call back that they had a job and wondered if I might be interested. Today I met with them, gave them a rather high salary estimate considering the scope of the job and they didn't bat an eyelash. They just want me to get back to them tomorrow.
So, here's the dilemma. The job is not my dream job, but the company has room for advancement. Also, I'm not sure that less than 24 hours of prayer is adequate. I just don't know that I should be rushing God's answer. Perhaps I already have the answer, but I dunno what it is. Ack!
Who'd have thunk?
Ange
PS Down another 2.8 for a total of 21.6. Oh yeah!!!!
Monday, October 09, 2006
Survivor
I love the show Survivor. I have often thought it would be a good experience (and a wonderful diet) to have the opportunity to try to survive in the wilderness. For some reason, this isn't what comes to mind for me.
Wonderful photography skills of my daughters
The benefits of a digital camera are many, not the least of which is the ability to delete pictures like these.
Shannon was so enthralled with the fall colours (which were somewhat muted in my opinion) that she was snapping pictures left right and centre. Think I'll have to wait until she has forgotten the day to delete them.
Shannon was so enthralled with the fall colours (which were somewhat muted in my opinion) that she was snapping pictures left right and centre. Think I'll have to wait until she has forgotten the day to delete them.
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