Almost

My last night of 47.
I don't much know what to think of birthdays.
Better not to have expectations but almost impossible not to!
So I'll give them to Jesus.
I want to be expectant in a good way about all of life.
Even if there have been dreadful disappointments.
Because God is full of surprises and good gifts.
In the midst of pain He is there.
In the midst of disappointment He is there.
And there is always, ALWAYS a silver lining, yes?
Always.
He is in the midst of me and I am in Christ.
Pretty good situation, situationally eh?
So it's important to remember that.
And that I am, somehow, seated in heavenly places...with Him.
That's pretty fantastic too.

So in the latter part of these 40's I'll try to remain expectant.
Even though I can't see alot right now.
It's been kinda dark and a little bleak as of late.
The enemy trying to press in and rob me again of my peace and joy.
I'd like my faith sparked again as it's been lagging a little.

So, I'll do what Jesus said to do.
Call forth that which is not yet as if it already were.
I'll praise God again for my daddy's salvation.
I'd really, really REALLY love that for a birthday gift!
And just yesterday I read the verse about
Asking and Receiving
Seeking and Finding
Knocking and getting Openings!

So there it is, my birthday request.
Along with a couple of others that I'm putting out there for Him.

Exceedingly and Abundantly
MORE than all we can even ask or imagine.

For my inheritance give me the lost!!
Still want that one too!!

Had a good last 47th day.
Took Mom shopping and she found lovely slippers.
She was delighted about them.
She chooses to point out good things and laugh.
In the midst of blindness and pain.

I found numerous doggy balls.
I was delighted by them!!
So were the doggies when we got home.
Patrice was outside with them when we arrived
Taking care of the yard and her little garden down the hill.

We did some planting.
It's only warm enough for brave little pansies.
And sweet pea seeds went in too.
Mom had some strong advice about my sage plants.
She desperately wanted those shaggy plants moved.
I like them, so they stayed.
Plus it would take a big man to move them.
And there's not one around.

Then we clipped Ladybug bald.
Except for her hairdo and ears.
She's naked and ever so cute.
Patrice kind of did something strange to her tail.
It's wispy and rattish.
Oh well.

Watched Beth Moore teaching revelation.
I'd like some revelation too.
With a big dose of wisdom on the side!!

Watched videos about Jesus healing people,
Showing up to Muslims
People who died and went to heaven.
Came back with a powerful message.

It's good news.
We're only here for a while.
Jesus, please make this next year worthwhile.
Please give me a vision and a hope.

8 is all about new beginnings!!
I'll start that chapter tomorrow!





(that's a little peek into 48)

spring is sprung

Oh the joy of these warm days, oozing life and fresh newness
The many lovely shades of green
Trees shimmering with tiny new leaves
Fields coming alive with color - the cheerful dandelions
Dancing on the carpets of green

I'm so glad for the warmth, the spring
For a new garden and the hope and promise it brings

Sunshine, Starbucks with my sweet sister,
Taxes are DONE and I get a rebate - hee hee!
Errands run and home again
With dear Joey and Jesse accompanying

EXCITEMENT! The season has turned
We can feel it and will enter in with gusto!!


Pizza party on the patio
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!
Digging up strawberries and raspberries
Moving them down the hill to the new garden
Compost finally ready to dig out and mulch in

Seed packets bearing the promise of carrots and peas
String stretched between the apple tree prunings
Straight lines and planting
Water carried down in buckets to set into motion
The miracle of growth

A beautiful day.
Pushing away sadness
Choosing to live in the moment

Carpe diem!
Realizing the joy of the moments
The gift of good friends
Family
God

Shades of Easter

I hardly know where to begin. So many snapshots of an incredible weekend are running through my mind.

As you can see by the photo, our family gathered once again to celebrate up at the orchard.
And, as instructed, they all brought their shades so we could have a fun family photo shoot outside before dinner. We often joke about oma and opa wearing their sunglasses, indoors or outdoors, day or night, in all seasons. Unfortunately eye discomfort is not a laughing matter as I am well aware, but it's always better to take a humorous approach to life so we just all decided to celebrate in style, together.
From the youngest at 8 months to the oldest at 84 years we donned our sunglasses and said cheese!

Four generations gathered to celebrate the Risen Christ. Even if some of them don't yet acknowledge Him as Lord quite yet! Lots of miracles are yet to fall out of heaven onto our family and the bigger family of Christ.
Lots and Lots and LOTS!!
Prayers of agreement are being proclaimed and the harvest is coming in!!

And of course the Lord sent extras to surround the table and spill out onto the couches.
From many corners of God's earth they came... Saudi Arabia, Korea, Cameroon, California!!
Accents, Colors, Cultures...







So much food and laughter and celebration.
And of course the token egg hunt outside with the little ones.



How Good is My God to fill my home with good gifts - His beloved Ones, created in His image.
Lonely ones, broken ones, happy ones, old ones, young ones, sick ones...
We gather at these humble feasts which will pale completely in light of the great wedding feast for which our hearts long.

From the incredible Good Friday Service where we pondered and listened and sang about His death,
to the annual viewing with a dear friend of "The Passion of the Christ"... to the gathering of the saints to celebrate His resurrection it was a good, good weekend.

Pressed Down...

I am so happy to have my dear girl home. What a sweet reunion we had at the airport - welcoming the group with balloons and waves and cheers and of course I had my crazy red Canada flag hat on.
Because Canada is a wonderful, wonderful place to come home to.



Such good friends gathered at the airport to celebrate with us and we continued the celebration with yummy drinks and story time at Starbucks on the way home.
The afternoon was spent on my bed, of course, with Daniel and Patrice sharing their pictures and stories and music.
Always music - such a gift that they both love it so.
And I lay drifting in and out of sleep, surrounded by what I love most in life.
Family and unity and joy.

Ah, my cup runneth over and I am so grateful.

My joy of her homecoming couldn't even be diminished by the fact that I had to do my three hour practicum teaching two days later. Now I have completed that as well and I'm over the ensuing migraine and I can live again!!

Tonight- the house will be full of more family.
A big pot of chili bubbles on the stove and the welcome mat is out.

Rich, rich rich, with the finest of fare...