In a Cabin in a Woods...There are advantages and disadvantages to pre-field, but here is one of the advantages. We drove to Smith Falls via Thunder Bay (think 6 hours to Thunder Bay area on Friday, 6 hours from there to Smith Falls on Saturday). The children were glad to get out of the car and run for a bit when we arrived.Sunday morning we enjoyed the fellowship of a church in the area, and Sunday afternoon/evening we were invited to speak at the church's outdoor service. The children were delighted to be handed nets when we arrived and told to go catch fish! They were pretty quick little things, but we did manage to net a couple!     Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my!We had a great field trip today - the the Metro Toronto Zoo! The weather was perfect - not too hot, not too cold.The highlight of the day - we got to PET Sting Rays! Yup, that's right, we put our hands right into the water to touch their soft (kind of slimy) bodies. Definately a good home school teaching time! I think my eldest (7) would have stayed there all day if I'd let him - he loved it! The baby (20 months) was a little nervous at first - it took some encouraging, but eventually he got down and petted them, too. It's a chance of a life time!     To LOVE is to SERVEWhat is your motivation for Service?Revelation 2:1-7 - God is speaking to the church in Ephesus through Paul. He commends them for a number of things -- Their hard work! -- Their perseverance -- Their solid stand on the doctrine of Christ Wow, they sound like a pretty fantastic church, eh? God must be so pleased with them... but wait... A warning comes... verse 4 says they do all these things that are right, but they have lost their first love. They have forgotten WHY they are doing these things! They are no longer motivated to service (action) by their LOVE for Christ. The Bible doesn't delve into what their motivation has changed to -- is it tradition? is it habit? is it self-fullfilling? is it to please man? The details aren't listed, simply the imploring to turn back - "REPENT" it says. Turn back to your first love - actions motivated by a love for Christ. I think back on the things I do - I care for my children, do devotions, go to church, teach children's classes, even the way I dress for church and the way I act.... what motivates me? Do I do it because that's what's expected? Do I do it for some self-fulfilling resons? Do I do it out of habit? The Bible is clear... our actions are to be motivated by LOVE for CHRIST. I should be doing my devotions because I LOVE Jesus and want a better relationship with him - not because I feel obligated to. I teach my children (and other children) about Jesus because of my LOVE for Him - not because there's no one else to do it! I dress modestly and appropriatly because I LOVE Christ - not because of what someone else will think of me.... I go to church because I love to fellowship and worship with others who also love Christ - not because it's expected of me. What is your motivator? Do you need to get back to your FIRST LOVE? Consider the church in Ephesus - doing all the right things, but still missing the mark because their hearts were not in the right place. Hard work is NOTHING if not done to Glorify Christ alone. The end of the seasonWell, soccer is over for the season. Today was the final tournament for the boys, and the awards ceremony. It has been great to watch how much the boys have improved in their skills over the summer! Their coach was fantastic, really encouraging the boys to have fun and to been good sportsmen - as well as sneaking in some skill learning too! My son couldn't be more proud of his little trophy! This season has only fuelled his interest in the game! (in the picture, he's the one on the right with the red shirt peeking out from underneath his jersey) Trials and troubles go away... come again another day!The trials and troubles in my life have been so minor compared to the experiences of others.Why does God allow trials in our lives? Wouldn't life just be so much nicer if God allowed the lives of Christians to be perfect and struggle-free? Perhaps it would - but if we never had to rely on God for overcoming, how would we come to a better understanding of just how BIG He is? God allows us to experience trials so that we can also experience His comfort and use that experience to comfort others. Do you use your experiences to reach out to those around you and comfort them and introduce them to the Perfect Comfortor - Jesus Christ? James 1:2-4 also tells us that we are to "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." God is still doing a work in our lives - He molds us, shapes us and changes us to be more like Him - if we allow Him to! Praise Him for the trials and troubles that come into our lives, for through them we can become more Christ-like and be a comfort to others - bringing them closer to Christ, also. 'Round and 'Round the Garden Ways my Husband shows me that he loves me
Why do I love my husband?
He is thoughtful. He is caring. He makes me laugh when I'm having a rough day. He is supportive of me. He is spontaneous - I never know what he's going to do or say. He stops at scrapbooking stores for me (alone) looking for creamy vellum, He encourages me. He is gentle. He loves God with all his heart and soul. He is a wonderful Father. He is creative. He is determined. He has goals and vision. He is full of energy. He is loyal. He is dependable. He is handsome. He is the one God chose for me. He is good to my parents. He stands up for me. He loves to explore and try new things. He challenges me to be better then I am. I love him for all that he is, and all that he is not.
Thank you, Lord, for blessing me with such a man!
I Corinthians 13:4-8 4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
A 3-celebrations Day...Today as we drive home we will be remembering THREE special events...First... My Auntie Pauline's birthday is today! She is my mom's little sister, but you'll have to ask her if you want to know her age... My auntie Pauline and I had a very special relationship growing up. She always lived quite a ways away, but I knew when she came to visit (or when we visited her) that I'd be treated like a princess. She did my hair up, painted my fingernails and always treated me in a special way. When I was a teenager and interested in make up she is the one that taught me how to use it (with moderation) and what colours would compliment my skin tone. When Auntie Pauline and her family were visiting, it was always fun. On the telephone she and my mother are very difficult to distinguish between. What wonderful memories I have of my Auntie Pauline!  Second.... It is Jeffrey and my 11th Anniversary. Wow! 11 years! I can hardly believe it has been 11 years. I look back to the day we were married. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday my Dad walked me down the asile towards my waiting groom... Other times if feels like we've been married FOREVER... (in a good way, of course!) As I reflect on the past 10 years I am amazed at how much we've grown and changed as individuals and as a family. I could never have predicted, 11 years ago, that we'd be as we are... I think I expected the children to come, but to have worked as a pastor and wife in three churches, to have six pregnancies, to be on our way to the missionfield, to be homeschooling, on and on and on... wow! In 10 years God has done so much in our lives. How much more does He have in store for us in the next 10 and more years? I am excited to see how much He is going to work through us and change us to be to His Glory!  Third... It is the 7th anniversary of my son's open heart surgery. The beautiful (handsome), smart, funny, thoughtful boy I see before me is such a miracle. Six years ago today I sat, along with my husband and both of our parents, in a little waiting room. I took a book to read, but couldn't concentrate on it. I took crocheting to do, but my fingers didn't seem to want to work the hook properly. I took a notebook but my mind was blank to write. All I could think of was the little tiny baby lying in the operating room fighting for his life. God pulled him through in the most amazing way - more perfectly then we could have imagined! Today as I pull him close and feel his heart beating strongly against me I praise my God once again for His gift - the gift of a son.  So, it's a big day today! Celebrate with us as we remember God's goodness and mercy.  It's KNOT here anymore!My poor daughter (4) has inherited a problem from me -- her hair is so fine that it KNOTS and TANGLES very badly. I can empathize with her tears! We've tried conditioner and spray in tangle spray, but it still seems to be be painful for her.... so I've CUT IT OFF! I sat her down and took six inches off her hair! It's still long enough to braid or put into pony tails, but I'm hoping it will help with the tangles to get some of that fine baby hair off the bottom. I really love long hair but the tears and pain just isn't worth it. Hopefully as it grows out again it will be thicker and easier to manage.In the mean time, I think she looks pretty cute -- it actually makes her look older! (well... except for the dirty face)   A Magnetic PersonalityMy daughter, at 4, seems to have a magnetic personality.When she goes outside all the neighbourhood children just seem to be attracted to her! Today she wanted to play with playdough that she and I had made yesterday. We set up her little table outside under the tree. She brought out two chairs -- "Just in case someone wants to play with me" She said.  Sure enough, within about 5 mins there was another little girl outside with her.... and in 5 more mins she was inside getting more chairs....  10 mins later she asked for more playdough since their wasn't enough for everyone.... Then another table and more chairs... then more playdough! She attracted 12 neighbourhood kids to come and play with her -- even giving up her own seat and playdough to make sure that everyone had some. I was so proud of her! They all played so well together, sharing and enjoying the shade.  Meeting the Dad behind the Legend!Tonight, following my sons soccer game, we took the children out for ice cream. To our surprise Walter Gretzky, father of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, came into the line just behind us! We got our ice cream and had a chance to talk to Walter - to my frustration, it was the first soccer game that I'd not brought along my camera! My son came home and looked up the stories that we have of Wayne Gretzky -- it's amazing how much interesting those stories are when they come alive!Walter and Wayne Gretzky together
 "The Great One" Himself -- Wayne Gretzky  A finished project!I have been working on a pair of socks, made from beautiful Knitpicks wool since the beginning of the summer. They have been my "soccer project", simple pattern for taking to soccer games and practices - and I'm pleased to say I've completed them! They are SOOOO soft and comfortable -- almost makes me wish for winter to come so I can wear them! Now to find another sock pattern.....
And my current bigger project is a vest from Moda Dea wool and silk yarn -- I think it's turning out rather well! It is an exercise in Cabling for me, since I haven't done much of that before (I've been intimidated). Strangely enough I've had to frog the tops of both front pieces -- but not because of the cables, they were the "easy" seed stitch parts!   A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words PRAYER REQUESTAs we continue on with our pre-field assignments and raising support, it is becoming increasingly more clear that we will not be able to properly complete our tasks and raise our support by January if my hubby continues to work a full time job as well. We are trying to reduce our living expenses as much as possible so that our income can go directly into missions related activities instead of housing, hydro, etc. We are currently living in a three story town house (it's been very nice, lots of space) but we would like to give it up and move to a place that is smaller (Preferably furnished so we can get rid of our furniture now instead of later), and much much cheaper. It would only be temperary housing (leaving in January, we hope).So, the request is this -- that God will allow a place for us to move into temporarily so that my husband can quit his job and we can go full time support raising... or that He would provide alternate funding so we will stay where we are and still go full time support raising.... or that He would move in some other way that we haven't imagined so that our support can be brought up to the necessary level. God often moves in ways that we never thought, so I don't want to limit Him by my own limitations! Thank you for your prayers! Outdoor FUNGirls Day OUTI have some special girl friends - we've know each other since grade school. We planned a special day today -- just us Girls. Thankfully the grandparents were gracious when called upon for babysitting today!Two of us scrapbook (Laura and I) and Catherine is interested in learning, so we headed to a local store for the morning and enjoyed sharing our pictures with each other. We then headed down town to a little cafe that was new to all of us... and enjoyed a delicious lunch together -- with NO kids! Imagine that! What a wonderful refreshing time to catch up on each other's lives. I really can't remember the last time I did that. We sat and talked until it was time to pick up the children -- we were each reluctant to leave. What a blessing to have good "old" friends. (we've been friends over 20 years - that's hard to imagine, and really makes me feel old!)  Prayer Cards Have Arrived!It seems like we've been waiting since February for them -- and finally they are here! Our new prayer cards have arrived! We officially ran out of the old ones about two weeks ago, so the timing couldn't be better -- God's timing is always perfect, isn't it??If you've been waiting for a prayer card - let me know, I'll get one off to you. If you have our old one and want a new one (with the whole family) let me know and I'll get one off to you, too :) Thank you to all of you who pray for us so regularly. Your prayers give us strength. It is such a blessing to know that we are upheld at God's throne. Happy Birthday, Moe!My nephew has turned SEVEN and we went along today to help him celebrate!  Oh, They Sailed Away.....Our friends, The Kings, leave this week for England! They are going by Ship - how lovely! A chance to relax for a couple of days between packing up to move OUT of Canada and INTO England. We are so excited for them, and look forward to working in a city not too far away... We can get together to celebrate Canada Day and Thanksgiving, I hope!Our thoughts and prayers are with them.  VBS Wrap UpIt's been a fun and busy week with VBS!Today was the big "wrap up" for the week -- and it was water night! The kids had so much fun with a water fight, water hockey and the ultimate water slide. It was a little cool, but that didn't stop them from getting as wet as they could! The children are exhausted (and so are many of the leaders) but it was a good week. Thank you to those who prayed! Summer EXTRAVAGANZAIt's VBS time at our church this week! I'm the Grade 2 & 3 teacher and my husband is one of my helpers. I'm SO excited to be able to be a part of it -- I love VBS! I've really missed teaching the children and being involved in this way, so I'm really looking forward to sharing the Gospel with them. My eldest will be in my class, and my Mother has offered to care for the baby during the running time -- what a sweet lady!Pray with me for the hearts of the children who come. Pray that they will be open to the Gospel and that the Holy Spirit will grant understanding. Pray that the message is clearly presented. Praise HIM for this opportunity. In Uniform - In UnisonAfter a busy work week my hubby needed some peace and quiet today as he prepared his message and heart for speaking tomorrow. When my parents "dropped in" on us in the morning (with strawberries!) the children and I hitched along with them for the day - they are so kind! There was a bit of a party happening down town, so we went to check it out. My children saw a marching band close up and my son was amazed by the drummers quick movements! He did come home and practice...  An Intern PositionWe are blessed to have been asked to work as Intern Pastor and wife for the summer in an active little church who's senior pastor has recently retired. They are in the process of hiring a new pastor and need someone to step in for a short while. What an honour to be asked! My husband is so excited to be planning and preparing sermons again - it is truly his joy and passion! As he stood in the pulpit and spoke to the congregation I could see the light in his eyes. God always knows just what we need -- not just to sustain us, but also to encourage us, and this is an encouragement! It will be a busy summer as he works full time, interns and also works on missions stuff, but he is a hardworking man and I know he can do it. I am so greatful that he steps up to a challenge.Please pray for him as he plans to speak - that God will touch this congregation through him. Scrapfest PIcturesBack in the spring my good friend, Laura, and I attended SCRAPFEST - an afternoon and evening of scrapbooking, shopping, prizes and good fun! Here are a few pictures (taken off her camera - that's why they are posted late)Obedience -- what more could I ask for?As we got ready to go out I instructed the baby to "Go get your shoes in the cupboard and put them on" (not really expecting much) as I gathered drinks and snacks. A few moments later I looked around and couldn't find my little man - but I noticed my older children pointing and giggling. Upon investigation I realized that he had really followed my instructions - perhaps a little mixed up... but obedient, none the less... He had gotten his shoes and was IN the cupboard putting them on (or at least trying to). What a good boy! Completed Projects baby jaquards knit accessories set blanket and basket crocheted for my husband's cousin's wedding gift Patons stretch socks with pattern "Lacy socks" in the new stretch socks book! I wasn't thrilled with the way the pattern and yarn look together.... however, they are SOOOO comfortable! Absolutely wonderful!!   Happy CANADA DAY!!HAPPY CANADA DAY!!
Today we celebrate Canada's 141st Birthday. Since my hubby had to work, the kids and I met my mom and Aunt downtown and we walked along the river, enjoying the day, the company and the scenery. It was just delightful! The children were SO well behaved. My son later told me that his favourite part of the walk was seeing a Mother duck and her 8 little babies right up close as the swam down the river, and waddled up for a break and a snack. He walked with a camera, taking pictures and making mini movies of everything he saw. At the end of the walk we had 87 pictures.... good thing it's a digital camera! Along with the 87 pictures.... I came back with a pretty good sunburn on my neck and arms. The children escaped with nothing, but the baby got a little tiny burn on the tops of his feet around his shoes. I forgot to reapply that sunscreen!  We did have RED foods for lunch and supper and after our walk we enjoyed watching on tv the festivities that were going on at Capital Hill. I AM A PROUD CANADIAN And if the Devil doesn't like it he can sit on a TACK!Friday morning the baby had a doctors appointment and a needle (he's been sick for about a month now). Early Saturday morning we took a sobbing 4 year old into the emergency room to discover that she has a severe double ear infection -- AGAIN. Saturday evening the baby took a tumble down cement outdoor steps, scraping his forehead and swelling all the way down his nose......This morning we were to drive 3 1/2 hours to visit in a church for the day. If ever there was a Sunday that I felt like staying home and not fighting with cranky kids, this was this was the one. As I looked back over the past few days I realized that if it were only ONE of these things I wouldn't think twice about going - but everything combined had left me tired, cranky and wanting to stay at home. My hubby encouraged me. Perhaps the Devil is trying to keep us home for some reason.... I am SO glad that we all went! After an enjoyable Sunday school and service (in which the baby actually went into nursery and was willing to stay), we headed to a church members home for lunch. The family who hosted us is a homeschooling family with 8 children ages ranging from 23 down to 6. Six of them still live at home. What an Amazing family! The children were so thoughtful and kind, taking my children right away and making them feel comfortable and right at home. I felt taken in as well as I was greeted with a hug and a smile. I spent the afternoon basking in the warmth and knowledge of this experienced Mom. I hope I didn't drive her crazy with all my questions! What a wonderful, unexpected blessing!! I left feeling energized, encouraged, blessed, and amazed again - God always knows just what I need. I'm so glad we went. Contentment - Am I really?
Am I content?Of course I am! The Bible tells us that we should be content in our circumstances, no matter what they are... Take Paul, the apostle, for example, in Philippians stating that he is content whatever the circumstances - and he had lots of "circumstances" to deal with! Philippians 4:11-12 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Have you seen the rain outside? Why is it raining again? We've got so much rain already, we certainly don't need more.... and on and on and on.... ooops..... did we complain? how about... It's SO hot, I just hate the heat! Can't wait until it cools down! This heat makes me so miserable.... and on and on and on.... another complaint? (don't worry, when it cools down, we'll complain about that, too) What else do we complain about? - kids - job - housework - vehicle - extended family - other people's kids - church - those in authority over us - our house/clothes/food/etc. and so much more As we tear down those around us, and complain about the things that God has provided for us, we teach our children to complain, too. How shocked we are to hear them whine and complain about the things we do for them, or the wonderful things they have! But they are simply outputting what they are hearing from us as we not-so-subtly express our frustrations and disappointments. Do we want our children to strive for Godliness? 1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
If we want our children to strive for Godliness we much teach them to be content with what God has given them - this does not mean that they should not try to better themselves through hard work and discipline, but instead that they should be content WHILE they are striving to reach their goals. Our best method of teaching? EXAMPLE Hebrews 13:5
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Recent EntriesIn a Cabin in a Woods...Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh my! To LOVE is to SERVE The end of the season Trials and troubles go away... come again another day!
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