"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you..." Jeremiah 29:11-13
I sit at the desk once again, gazing out over beautiful snow covered mountains and low hanging clouds pondering this most awesome task of compressing our year onto one page. For some this poses no problem, but it seems that I am one of many words and I want to share soooo much, therefore I must exercise much self control and efficiency in this matter!
Firstly I want to say that I am so full of thankfulness and peace - knowing in greater measure every year the most incredible kindness of our God and longing for the day when I will see Him face to face. I know that we all have our different trials and tribulations dow here but it really gives me perspective and hope to remember that the best is yet to come for those of us who are in Christ!
It's been so fun watching the kids exclaim delightedly over the freshly fallen snow. Daniel has been regularly phoning Big White to find out what the ski conditions are as Ron bought ski passes for the first time this year. I had an amazing opportunity to go skiing last winter in a little ski bucket with skis on poles attached to my arms. ( I can imagine you may have some difficulty picturing this because I'm having problems explaining it...). Anyways Patrice came up with me so I was able to learn to ski along with her. Two kind gentlemen taught us and assisted me on and off the lifts. I found it to be quite a workout, but being up on the hill on a gloriously snowy day made it all worthwhile. Daniel is now hoping that I will repeat the performance with him, but maybe I"ll just go and cheer them on instead.
We also had a great time down in Disneyland for a few days last February. My Mom and Tante Hilda came along which doubled our fun. Patrice got braver each day and was going on the wild rides with Ron and Daniel by the end of the week! I even managed to get onto a couple of roller coaster rides so that I could have that starry-eyed look and wind blown hairdo! We made lots of special memories and it was so sweet to watch Patrice and Daniel interact with all the Disney characters. Tante Hilda and Mickey really hit it off too - he chased her down for that last big hug. She really is irresistible!
Spring was a very busy time for Ron. He was managing a renovation of a local restaurant and he did a magnificent job. He received many accolades from the owners and managers and has been eating free there ever since! The kids were busy as well with Patrice in soccer and Daniel in baseball. The fellow who had been working our orchard quit in May so Ron had the overwhelming privilege of "farming" it himself, (I think that's sometimes synonymous for paying to work??) and as much as he loved being out on the land he's now convinced that we have to cut down most of the big trees out there. I joke that when we finally cut down all our trees, we'll have to buy a new orchard so we can start all over again. We're also still talking about building up there and Ron's planning to start next Spring. the tricky part has been finding the right house plan.
We spent many wonderful evenings out at the Orchard this summer with lots of good friends, having picnics, making bonfires or inventing games to play with the fallen apples. I really cherished the times of fun and fellowship out there.
The summer also saw us make a trip to Kananaskis Park near Banff where we had fun sighting wild animals, 'hiking'. and admiring magnificent scenery. I've never in my life been so in awe of God's creation as I have been this year...my eyes have often been on the clouds and sunsets and mountains around Kelowna. Up at the orchard we have a beautiful view of the valley and I do look forward to moving out there one day (God willing" where I can see it often.
I"m actually enjoying most parts of getting older - everything seems to get richer and year by year I'm gaining my own personal history with God, finding Him to be so amazing and faithful. I've recently been taking a Bible Study class where we've been reading through and studying the Old Testament books of poetry and prophecy. It's been a stretch getting back into writing essays again, but I've so enjoyed getting deeper into the word and I am amazed at the treasures I keep discovering there.
I continue to be so thankful for the privilege of being a Mom. Daniel turned 12 in October and is now in seventh grade. I feel a distinct sadness as I see my 'little' boy maturing in so many ways, so quickly. He still loves animals, (added hedgehogs to the collection this year, but got rid of the fish) enjoys school, has some really good friends and has now joined the Youth Group at church. At the first youth campout (aptly named 'Beyond Wild') he was the youngest but fastest to climb up a mountain using ropes. He was much less impressed with the mealtime that involved the kids getting a lively chicken to the not so lively "soup" stage. He informed me that he did not partake of that meal! He's still taking piano (he talked me into it being his last year somehow...) and he's taking flute in school. He's an absolutely delightful boy - generally easygoing (unless he's with his sister) and has a great sense of humour.
Patrice is our other delight. Without her our house would be incredibly quiet. She sings and dances and laughs and screams and lets her presence be known in a mighty way. (smile) She is in second grade and also enjoys school. We've got her taking tap dancing lessons and her gymnastics finished in time for the ski season to begin. We find that it's most profitable for all of us to keep her busy and entertained! This month she is in three different Christmas productions which is lots of fun for her. Tonight she'll be sining a solo part so we're excited to go and watch. She's an extraordinary, sensitive, strong-willed girl and we pray for much wisdom to point this little power house in the right direction so that God's plan for her will be realized.
Ron's been away in Vancouver a lot this fall co-managing a construction job, but we took a week for just the two of us to head down to Post Falls Idaho recently. we were at a place called "Eliajh House' for an amazing time of counseling and encouragement. It was probably one of the most profound and important weeks of our married life and I'm so grateful for answered prayers. On that note I want to close, encouraging ou to keep seeking Him and keep on praying because...
"He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power at work within us, to Him be the glory."
