Little Party at the Lake

This sweet girl of mine just turned 29

What a beauty. 

So full of zest and life and fun.

After the road trip and a rest we headed down to the lake and got a table  overlooking the harbour at a new restaurant in town to celebrate.

The windows were wide open so we could enjoy an outdoor atmosphere and watch the sun set from our seats.

Pretty amazing. 

It was a perfect evening with delicious food, drinks and the best company any mother could ever desire or hope for. 

Praying thousands of prayers for these precious kids that I carry in my heart, that they would know their high calling and destiny and walk in it.

Praying that they would be filled with the knowledge of HIS will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding so that they will be able to discern what is BEST and may be pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Christ Jesus.

And so on.

Interlude of Illness

As I lay down for my daily afternoon rest following that delightful sailing trip I felt an illness descend upon me.
And I was down for the count...
It was an ugly few days of body-aching, feverish headachy, eye burning, and congestion with some nausea and vomiting thrown in.

Haha.  Oh my Word!! I make it sound like a near death experience instead of just mentioning that "I had a cold recently"...
I have so little tolerance for body discomfort and I am rather a wimp when it comes to being sick.
The whole episode was rather unpleasant but I have been slowly coming around.

I took a road trip with Patrice on Sunday before I was completely well and I think that wasn't the best idea, but that's how the timing worked out for her appointment.

The road trip, however, was absolutely beautiful.

Quaint little towns, sprawling ranches, country farms with cows, alpacas and sheep, meandering rivers, trees beginning to turn a lovely gold, mountain lakes and majestic thick pine forests.

We drove to Trail, a cute little town tucked way down in a deep valley surrounded by tall mountains.

It is a lovely city except for the huge industrial smoke stacks jutting out in the centre.  Lots of houses on hills with stairs. 

Very inaccessible. 

I hope I never have to move there.

After doing a bit of sightseeing we spent the night in a cozy little hotel.

Patrice just briefly stepped out in the evening to watch the Blood Moon and to take pictures for me since I had run completely out of steam.  The pictures of the moon were ridiculous (a pin sized spot on a black background) but thankfully I could witness the event on my computer. These significant Jewish High Holidays combined with the signs in the sky have been a cause for much conjecture in the Christian community and I myself was wondering if there would be some sort of a market crash again but thankfully that didn't happen.  I just want to be sure that my lamp is full of oil and my eyes are fixed on Jesus so that I'm always ready...

We took an alternate route home and it was another gorgeous sunny fall day to enjoy incredible scenery through Osoyoos and up the lakes through Oliver and Penticton.  It's amazing that we have the opportunity to jump in the car and zoom away over hill and dale seeing so many gorgeous sights.

I'm grateful for these opportunities to get out and see our lovely land and to spend time with Patrice. 

Especially when she drives and I get to sit back and enjoy.

I"M SAILING!!

Yup, that's me right there, looking cool and everything on a sailboat.

This was one of the things on my "summer bucket list" and it actually happened even though I hadn't pursued it.  

God's just kind to me like that.  

He knows I'm not always so good at following through quickly with things and while I was thinking this wouldn't end up happening till next summer I got in under the wire.  

It was bliss hearing the waves slapping gently on the side of the boat, feeling the soft breeze and moving effortlessly over our lovely lake.

I have been seeing pictures of people out on boats and kayaks and I think how nice it must feel to be able to get into a boat and be on the water.

And just like that I was suddenly hoisted up in a sling, dropped into a boat and I was sailing. 

This was my view as I steered the little vessel out of the harbour. 

They didn't tie me onto the mast like in the movie "What about Bob" when I suggested it.

This was my view looking up. 

Ha.  

Pretty amazing really, that I get to experience so many fun things.

And little Kelowna was left behind...

There was a perfect amount of wind to carry us along and for me to be able to steer into it and get a tiny idea of what sailing is about.

Perfect.

I was allowed to pull the strings and do the sailing bit for the most part which was just amazing.

The guy behind me was a volunteer so he coached me and kept me company.

Shaken but not Moved

This was the official celebration of Mom and Dad's 65th since Vic was here to join us with his friend Ross. They have been building a beautiful new deck in Elsie's back yard.  

We also had a meal together at Tante Hilda's - another huge feast prepared with love and we were able to end the evening there with prayer. 

Prayer Prayer Prayer

There is such a need for us to be so connected to each other and to God in these crazy days. 

The spiritual battle rages on around us but we are able to refresh ourselves with these kinds of lovely gatherings.

Always laughter

Always love. 

And talking about the battle, Mom and Ross both had an actual "encounter" with the dark side, both on the same day.  Mom had been taking a nap and she suddenly felt something grab her shoulder and hip and shake her awake.  

Immediately she sensed the darkness and took authority in the Name of Jesus and the peace rolled over her.

That night as Ross was sleeping he was also grabbed by an evil presence and awoken.  

So glad we belong to the Kingdom of light and that we have the Name and Blood of our Jesus to call on.

Because our enemy obviously is annoyed with the prayer that just won't stop going up from this crowd!!

We may be shaken but we will not be moved.

Our everlasting God and Omnipotent Father has us covered.

Here's a picture of how we are tucked into the arms of Jesus. 

(Pupcake continues to "take the cake" when it comes to cuteness.)

Friendly Fall

One of my favourite things is having outings and coffee with people I love. It feeds my extroverted self and it fills up my cup in more ways than one!  It's been looking kinda like this...

Hahaha...

Seriously, that was one delicious drink I enjoyed with my dear friend Gayle.  

So decadent. 

We actually did coffee twice in one day if I"m going to be completely honest here. 

We were just getting into the thick of things, conversation wise, when she had to bolt to get to an appointment.  

As I was driving away Patrice texted me inviting me to pop in to the Streaming cafe where she was working.  

So I did and I invited Gayle to join me.

And she did.  

As I was saying, this needs to be a full time position which I am more than wiling to fill. 

There was supper at the Curiosity with the kids.  

Another favourite thing in my life. Gotta work at keeping in touch with these dear ones who are busy, busy, busy...  Daniel is heading into what appears to be a very intensive semester. 

Oh precious gifts. 

The prayers I carry with me day and night and night and day...

The love that never ends. 

We bumped into Jeremy, a childhood friend of Daniel's and had a super sweet connection.

God's divine appointments.

I'm starting to pray for them every day now.  

Because they provide opportunities to love and bless and encourage and pray...

Lunch with these dear warrior friends was another over the top blessing from God. They are my inspiration and encouragement in so many ways. 

We've all been ground into the dust a few times over, but we are held together by the living God and He keeps breathing life into us.

Then there's this guy, Ollie, who is just plain sweet.  He's been added to my collection of friends over the past couple of years and he helps me find all my points in our Cribbage games.

He usually wins.

And then there is my car coffee shop.  

When I'm too tired or lazy to get in and out of my car I am so very grateful for those drive thru vendors.  

Someone sweet had given me a gift card so I got my favourite Cinnamon Dolce Latte and sat at this lovely locale.

Another piece of paradise.

Lovely Lisa had so kindly offered to run errands with me (being my legs) and we celebrated afterwards with a prayer time at the lake. 

This friend is such a lover of God and has the gift of "helps" which I am often in need of. 

She suffers much and has much compassion.

I'm grateful for ones like this who pray with me and fill my life with kindness.

Together

Yesterday I went down to the lake to witness the baptism of a friend's husband.
The invite was tentatively sent out to our "unbook club" as Donna wasn't sure whether her husband would go through with it or not but we gathered and he did!

There was even "Jesus" from the cast of "Jesus Christ Superstar" getting baptized and the waves and wind picked up just as he went down.
Trusting and praying that those performances will have a Holy Spirit fire on them as a result of his profession of faith!
What a wondrous event.

Nine people giving public testimony to the most amazing thing any human being can do.
Surrender their lives to God... repent of their old ways, receive the forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ, and dip down into the water and come up again to signify this NEW BIRTH and blessed new beginning.
A new beginning that starts now and lasts forever in glory.

The clouds hovered over us and dumped a deluge of rain on us as we watched the people go down under the water and emerge to shouts of joy.
It was a baptism for all of us,
On this "eve" of Rosh Hoshanna.
Here we are with Donna's husband.
All of us soaking wet!

We've been praying a lot this past year at our "club".
Specific prayers and faith filled prayers.
I just love this group of women that I've been privileged to journey with for many years now.  In fact, Sue M hosted Patrice's baby shower so that puts us at 24 years at least! That's a pretty great track record.
We don't see each other often but the bond is tight and there is a commitment that runs deep.
A seriousness about running hard after God together.

We shared communion at the lakeside.
The sun broke through and warmed and dried us.
We prayed for Donna's husband.
We prayed for each other and the Holy Spirit showed up and there were prophetic words given and encouragement shared.

What an absolutely perfect way to spend a Sunday morning.
"Church" is so big and beautiful.
His Body - His Bride growing in grace and spreading the good news.
We are learning to move together.
Alignment and Family once again.

Betty and I had lunch together afterwards at the old Train Station Pub and she shared her journey and need for prayer covering in the strategic places God has posted her in this year.

There are many more amazing miracles and stories unfolding here.
We will continue to watch and pray and play.

Fiery Foursome

Another glorious fall day where the apples are hanging thick on the trees and the sun is reaching it's warmth down onto the valley and lake.  And another God ordained spontaneous gathering of the saints occurred when I pulled together this fiery foursome for another prayer and praise outing.

It's actually a fivesome including little Pupcake who plays a large roll in cheering everyone up and filling the car with his cuteness and love.  We went to our favourite "Gasthaus" where Oma and Tante Hilda are always very excited to have the nachos!
Mexican food at the German diner.  It's all good and we're just flexible like that.

We sat beneath the grapevine enjoying the lake view and sunshine.  So grateful to our beautiful Jesus for His provision of strength and mobility and the glorious setting. 

These lovely warrior women who love God and each other so very well are an absolute gift.  We move in out of prayer and conversation and worship seamlessly and are all in one accord.  

Alignment and Family.

The Gasthaus was celebrating Octoberfest in September and there was a pig on the spit who looked like he was trying to run for the hills with his fancy ear decor.

He looked remarkably happy considering his circumstances.

We left him in peace and enjoyed the drive along the lake on our way home. 

It was a little smoky again from some fires down south but still incredibly lovely and peaceful. 

Pretty perfect Saturday.

Faith Booster

Sometimes days just seem to fall out of heaven.
Yesterday was one of them...

Dear Barb was in town and the day opened up for me so it felt like the Lord swept us up into His goodness.

Special drinks & a picnic at the lakeside happened where we caught up on where God's taken us since our last rendezvous at the gathering.
We started talking Munich and are trusting God to show us if that is actually something we should move towards together.
That right there was an answer to prayer as I felt like I might need to lay that dream aside.  And if God doesn't want me there then I certainly don't want to be there.
But oh oh oh...if He does want me there and I can go???

After some dreaming and praying we headed over to say a quick hello to Daniel and to bring him our picnic leftovers.  Somehow a window of time opened up for him as well and before we knew it he was sipping on a blueberry milkshake WHILE getting a massage from Barb on the side of the road.  Nice way to break up an afternoon of studying anatomy and physiology for him and a treat for us to get a little visit in.

How convenient to have a registered massage therapist as a friend of the family.  She is always more than willing to "lend a helping hand" so to speak.

Next we headed over to look at an electric wheelchair together.  That has been on my "to do" list for about a year now, but it's one of those little "mount everest's" that I just couldn't seem to get up and over.  But with Barb anything seems possible.  Her faith and bubbliness is a tonic for me and before I knew it I was zipping around trying out an electric chair with Barb coaching me on and laughing in the background.  She even took a zip around in the chair to try out her skills.

Anything is possible with God and He provides friends to give us courage to do the hard things.

The day ended up with a very spontaneous dinner on the patio with Gord and Jan.  The evening was perfectly beautiful, the pizza delicious and easy and the company was sweet. We caught up on all sorts of news, shared our hearts and ended the evening with a beautiful time of prophetic and prayer.

I was so touched by the encouraging words that were spoken over me and about how this place is a "sanctuary" for others.  It was also beautiful to see how God had something for everyone around that table.
We invited His presence and He came.  We feasted on His goodness and went away encouraged and refreshed.