“Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” Isaiah 43:18,19
Christmas 1994
Although it’s only November my heart already thrills at the prospect of Christmas. A season when we energetically focus on Jesus and on showing our love to Him and to those he has placed around us. A time to celebrate Jesus – to worship Him as we listen to carols, wrap gifts, bake goodies and prepare for his “birthday party”! It’s a blessing to have kids around the house to share this exciting message with.
Once again, I have much to be thankful for as I glance back over 1994. God continues to show His faithfulness to me 0 although at times this journey of life is less than “comfortable”. I have found that God’s purposes are much greater than just giving us a comfy ride through life! And I am so grateful that I have Him as my Companion and as my ultimate Goal! But before I start talking about heaven, I’ll get back to the blessings that God has already surrounded me with, a little bit of heaven one earth…
Ron and I started out the year with a little “getaway” and we boarded a jet for Jamaica! The amazing thing about the trip was that it almost didn’t happen. I was astounded at my ability to forget which day it was and to miss our flights entirely. Wonders never do cease! And I used to consider myself quite organized and on top of things. This aging business is hitting me a little earlier than I thought it would. However the Lord graciously rescued us from my blunder and we were soon on our way with new flights at no extra charge. We had a lovely time exploring the island with a good friend of mine who is there on missions. Unfortunately somewhere along the line I acquired a nasty little intruder on my bottom (otherwise known as a pressure sore) so I came home from my trip and had to spend a number of weeks “relaxing” in bed while it healed. It’s the first time I’ve had a close encounter with a pressure sore and I truly hope it will be my last. It’s one thing to go on a holiday willingly, but these forced retreats can be a little unsettling.
The spring brought Patrice’s 3rdbirthday, which she enjoyed. She continues to be an energetic, curious, bright, noisy, delightful and often very aggravating child. (Have I covered all the bases?) I believe I am receiving just retribution for any difficulties I put my mother through when I was a young child, and perhaps even more. I have now discovered what it is to have a strong willed child. However, we truly do enjoy our little princess and I believe that we will have a very helpful and kind girl once all this energy is harnessed and channeled. As my sister says, “Once she gets in shape she’ll be just great!” (Yes, I’ve gotten several of James Dobson’s books and other good “How to Parent without losing your Mind” books”).
Ron and I have decided that we previously have been far too quick to pass judgment on other people’s children. Smile… We are learning a little more about grace, patience and laughter. And we are so grateful for all the laughs our daughter brings into our home. The other day I heard her singing in the back of the car “thank you Jesus for my sins”. I of course tried to correct her, but somehow I have the feeling that sometimes she really does feel that way! Some of the activities that I would classify as “sins” probably brought her great delight at the time. (For example, finger painting on the bathroom wall with Vaseline or doing some creative writing on her sheets and carpet with a black crayon…) Patrice also really enjoys preschool, dance class, and playing with her big brother whom she adores!
Daniel just turned 8 in October and he has had a full and fun year. He’s much quieter than his sister, but still a lot of fun. Ron and I thoroughly enjoy him! He has continued with his violin (which he would definitely NOT classify as a fun activity) and he is doing quite well at it.
His favourite winter sport is snow mobiling with his daddy and he was eagerly awaiting the arrival of winter even while it was still summer so that he could pursue the sport! Spring and summer activities included biking, swimming, playing kick the can and of course, his other favourite, baseball. Ron decided to try his hand at coaching this year and he turned out to be very good at it! Daniel’s team ended up winning first place and the final game just happened to be on coach Ron’s birthday so we had ourselves a fun celebration in the park with all the kids. Daniel is now in grade 3 and he has a wonderful Christian teacher. I think his bible knowledge is almost better than mine was at 12thgrade. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to send him to the Christian school. They have also implemented a physical education program that gets the kids running on a regular basis. Daniel came home proudly announcing that he had run 14 km’s one day. The boys tend to get a little competitive at times. I only wish I could benefit from all that running.
As a family we traveled down to Calgary in the spring to be at my brother’s convocation. He received his degree in Social Work and we were very proud of him! I also made a couple of trips to Vancouver with my Mom and the kids to see Elsie. She’s doing really well and the kids always love to spend time at her place. My father has done a lot of work in making her place accessible for me and I enjoy having her home as a little holiday destination. I am incredibly grateful to God for giving me the family He has. They are all so good to me – another little taste of heaven…
We are also very thankful to have Ron’s family in town. His mom continues to keep the kids supplied with beautiful sweaters and our table supplied with cinnamon buns! Unfortunately she broke her ankle at work this fall so that slowed her down a little, but she still accomplishes more than most women half her age. The kids love playing with their cousins who also all live in town.
As I write I have to smile, my life almost sounds like something off “Little House on the Prairie”. Winter cabins, cinnamon buns, home knit sweaters, brother’s working together, family gatherings… Maybe I should start my own series…”Ron and Karen in the Little valley” or should I make it “Little Ron and Karen in the Big Valley?” You can write in with your suggestions! (How’s that for getting you to write back?)
There’s been a little time lapse in my writing and it is now Dec. 10th. Ron and I just returned from a “Renewal camp” at the YWAM base in Kona Hawaii. I decided it was finally time to go back and face the scene of the accident and Ron agree, somewhat unwillingly. (Although it’s a little difficult to be unwilling to face Hawaii!” The blessings far outweighed the tears that were shed as we went back to the place that holds so many memories for us. We met many wonderful people there and were incredibly ministered to by the times of teaching, worship and prayer. The Lord did a healing work in our hearts and we are so grateful to Him. The verse at the start of this letter was given to Ron at the Camp and we are believing God for continued healing and times of refreshing! (Even at home here in snowy Kelowna!). It was an extra bonus that my brother Vic and his family were also at the YWAM base in Hawaii where they are taking a Crossroads Discipleship training School. We had fun times snorkeling and sightseeing with them.
We pray that your Christmas will be a time where you will focus on Jesus and feel His presence as you worship Him. Many blessings to you in the Name of Jesus!
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