Thro' a Glass Darkly
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
5 years of blogging ...
it's been 5 years since i started blogging ... 5 years of cyber fellowship with you, my blog buds, who love Jesus and want to be a light for Him in this world of ours ...
i have been on the receiving end of so much encouragement and prayer during this time ... my socks have just been blessed right off my feet - well - almost literally! *smile* ... THANK YOU!!!!
what the future holds for my blog ... i don't know? ... i seem to have taken a break from the computer this past 6 months or so ... my thoughts are sometimes disjointed and i don't get the posts written that i want too ... because of that, i am going to put the comment moderator on ... that way, if you don't have my e-mail address and want to leave me a more personal note - or give me your e-mail address, i can delete your comment and no one else will see it, if you want to keep it private ...
i am truly truly glad that God has placed each of you in my life ... at this time and for this time ... may He bless your socks off too!!!
The little birds trust God, for they go singing
From northern woods where autumn winds have blown,
With joyous faith their unmarked pathway winging
To summer lands of song, afar, unknown,
Let us go singing, then, and not go crying:
Since we are sure our times are in His hand,
Why should we weep, and fear, and call it dying?
It's merely flying to a Summer Land.
~Streams in the Desert
From northern woods where autumn winds have blown,
With joyous faith their unmarked pathway winging
To summer lands of song, afar, unknown,
Let us go singing, then, and not go crying:
Since we are sure our times are in His hand,
Why should we weep, and fear, and call it dying?
It's merely flying to a Summer Land.
~Streams in the Desert
it's been 5 years since i started blogging ... 5 years of cyber fellowship with you, my blog buds, who love Jesus and want to be a light for Him in this world of ours ...
i have been on the receiving end of so much encouragement and prayer during this time ... my socks have just been blessed right off my feet - well - almost literally! *smile* ... THANK YOU!!!!
what the future holds for my blog ... i don't know? ... i seem to have taken a break from the computer this past 6 months or so ... my thoughts are sometimes disjointed and i don't get the posts written that i want too ... because of that, i am going to put the comment moderator on ... that way, if you don't have my e-mail address and want to leave me a more personal note - or give me your e-mail address, i can delete your comment and no one else will see it, if you want to keep it private ...
i am truly truly glad that God has placed each of you in my life ... at this time and for this time ... may He bless your socks off too!!!
Labels: sharing
¶ 2:16 PM 22 comments
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
the Sonrise which makes all the difference ...
our early snowfall really got me down ... well, for a day or two anyway! ...
however, God's word always puts everything in perspective - then prayer allows the feelings to follow ... we walk by faith, not by sight ... sight can also be spelled f-e-e-l-i-n-g-s for me ... and feelings need to be ignored when we know they are sending wrong messages and causing unrest within us ... bad feelings for me are triggered by cold weather and snow - such a downer, even tho' i was born in the land of ice and snow ... and moved to another land of ice and snow!!!
the bible says "in everything" to give thanks ... not necessarily "for everything" !
so this morning, when i watched the sunrise again on another day the Lord had made ... i rejoiced and was glad in it!
blessings on your week!
however, God's word always puts everything in perspective - then prayer allows the feelings to follow ... we walk by faith, not by sight ... sight can also be spelled f-e-e-l-i-n-g-s for me ... and feelings need to be ignored when we know they are sending wrong messages and causing unrest within us ... bad feelings for me are triggered by cold weather and snow - such a downer, even tho' i was born in the land of ice and snow ... and moved to another land of ice and snow!!!
the bible says "in everything" to give thanks ... not necessarily "for everything" !
so this morning, when i watched the sunrise again on another day the Lord had made ... i rejoiced and was glad in it!
blessings on your week!
this was my sunrise, as seen from our living room window
Labels: sharing
¶ 8:41 AM 12 comments
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Canadian thanksgiving
would you believe we got snow for this thanksgiving weekend???!!!! YIKES!!!! i checked my october 2008 posts - and didn't see any snow mentioned anywhere ... so the 10 inches or so that fell last night was a BIG surprise ... just a lesson in being thankful in and for all things ... but snow? ! ! ! ! !
Happy Thanksgiving to all my blog buds!
¶ 4:49 PM 12 comments
would you believe we got snow for this thanksgiving weekend???!!!! YIKES!!!! i checked my october 2008 posts - and didn't see any snow mentioned anywhere ... so the 10 inches or so that fell last night was a BIG surprise ... just a lesson in being thankful in and for all things ... but snow? ! ! ! ! ! Happy Thanksgiving to all my blog buds!
Thursday, October 01, 2009
dry and weary land
"Come, come," He calls you,
When God places a burden upon you,
He places His arms underneath you.
~anon
"Come, come," He calls you,
"O soul oppressed and weary,
Come to the shadows of My desert rest;
Come walk with Me far from life's noisy discords,
And peace will breathe like music in your breast."
Come to the shadows of My desert rest;
Come walk with Me far from life's noisy discords,
And peace will breathe like music in your breast."
When God places a burden upon you,
He places His arms underneath you.
~anon
Labels: thoughts, verse and picture
¶ 1:00 PM 4 comments
Saturday, September 26, 2009
exciting bike ride!
the Lord is faithful ... in all things ... whether it's a road trip to the big city and inner city hospital ... or a bike ride in our little town, where a bear could have easily side swiped me!
just sharing ... blessings on ya!
i was just sharing this little story with leo - i went for a bike ride today ... close to home i was delayed for about 20 seconds because a truck with a loaded trailer was completely blocking the road ... i had to stop my bike and wait for him to back into his driveway -then i continued merrily along ... and because of that little delay- i missed meeting up with a bear! yup ... there were people yelling & clapping at this 300 pound, very healthy, adult bear who was running across the road!!! i told leo about the bear as soon as i got home, after cutting my bike ride short (wouldn't you??) ... but i had forgotten the part about being delayed those few seconds!! if not for those few seconds, i would have been right where the bear was running across the road!!! i wonder if the bear would have run over me? hmmmm? after leo heard the rest of the story, he started singing "angels watching over me" ... indeed!!
yesterday i was able to go into the city and see maria again ... her spirits are good - her body, not so good ... they are now telling her that she will probably be in the hospital for another month ... thank you guys again for praying for her ... she has so many things that are failing in her body - but if her spirits remain up - that is half the battle won!
the Lord is faithful ... in all things ... whether it's a road trip to the big city and inner city hospital ... or a bike ride in our little town, where a bear could have easily side swiped me!
just sharing ... blessings on ya!
Labels: family, our little town, sharing
¶ 2:57 PM 15 comments
Thursday, September 17, 2009
His mercies are new every morning!
i'm ashamed to say that today was the FIRST morning that i got up to take some sunrise pictures!!! when i saw how calm the river was, well i just had to go out to the beach and see the sunrise ... the picture doesn't show how lovely it really was - but you get the idea ... very calming ... very quiet ... a wonderful morning to thank the Lord for everything He has blessed me with ... *huge smile* ...
an update on maria: i was able to visit with her on tuesday ... i got a ride into the city and didn't have to worry about parking in that inner city core area (yay for God's provision in that!)... she had been transferred to a private room, with a beautiful view of the city ... lots of sunshine streamed into her room, making it very cheery ... she said the lights at night were something to see ... she is receiving good care there ... and it was her shoulder area that had a fracture (i had received some wrong info previously), thankfully it doesn't need surgery!!! i don't know how long they will keep her in, her poor body is really suffering with the complications of diabetes ... she wanted me to thank you for your prayers!!!
i'm ashamed to say that today was the FIRST morning that i got up to take some sunrise pictures!!! when i saw how calm the river was, well i just had to go out to the beach and see the sunrise ... the picture doesn't show how lovely it really was - but you get the idea ... very calming ... very quiet ... a wonderful morning to thank the Lord for everything He has blessed me with ... *huge smile* ...
an update on maria: i was able to visit with her on tuesday ... i got a ride into the city and didn't have to worry about parking in that inner city core area (yay for God's provision in that!)... she had been transferred to a private room, with a beautiful view of the city ... lots of sunshine streamed into her room, making it very cheery ... she said the lights at night were something to see ... she is receiving good care there ... and it was her shoulder area that had a fracture (i had received some wrong info previously), thankfully it doesn't need surgery!!! i don't know how long they will keep her in, her poor body is really suffering with the complications of diabetes ... she wanted me to thank you for your prayers!!!
Labels: family, verse and picture
¶ 1:59 PM 13 comments
Friday, September 11, 2009
a week has passed!
but then i had a little "mishap" ... last saturday, the side door to our garage slammed hard on my finger!!! can anyone say owie? ... i was going to go visit family, and maybe have a sauna - but instead i was dripping blood and wondering if i needed stitches ... poor leo, i had just left the house, only to re-enter with my bashed up finger! i wrapped it with paper towels and decided to walk across the street to the ambulance bay (we have the paramedics close by - if needed!) ... the young EMT (that is what they are called here - emergency medical technicians) - took a look at my finger, and said that he didn't think it would need stitching - and he bandaged it up for me ... but since it was my right hand, i was so limited in my activities for 2 full days ... no saunas or bike rides ... i also couldn't do much typing - just some one finger pecking!! thankfully, it is healing nicely ...
but my little mishap is nothing compared to maria's latest medical challenges ...
maria at 4
blessings on your weekend ...
* * * * *
again, time has gone by so quickly ... i have composed at least 4 posts - but only in my head - they didn't get on the "printed page" ... what is up with that, eh???
the weather has been just beautiful here in our little corner of the world ... leo has even gotten out for 2 walks ... i was so happy about that ... and i've been bike riding around town ...
the weather has been just beautiful here in our little corner of the world ... leo has even gotten out for 2 walks ... i was so happy about that ... and i've been bike riding around town ...
but then i had a little "mishap" ... last saturday, the side door to our garage slammed hard on my finger!!! can anyone say owie? ... i was going to go visit family, and maybe have a sauna - but instead i was dripping blood and wondering if i needed stitches ... poor leo, i had just left the house, only to re-enter with my bashed up finger! i wrapped it with paper towels and decided to walk across the street to the ambulance bay (we have the paramedics close by - if needed!) ... the young EMT (that is what they are called here - emergency medical technicians) - took a look at my finger, and said that he didn't think it would need stitching - and he bandaged it up for me ... but since it was my right hand, i was so limited in my activities for 2 full days ... no saunas or bike rides ... i also couldn't do much typing - just some one finger pecking!! thankfully, it is healing nicely ...
but my little mishap is nothing compared to maria's latest medical challenges ...
maria at 4 she had been doing quite well over the summer ... they had really gotten into a rhythm with her dialysis, home care people, doctors appointments, etc. ... her husband had even taken her on some outings (he gets his work out pushing that wheelchair!) ... but then on tuesday she was admitted to hospital again ... multiple problems ... her rheumatoid arthritis was taking a toll on her ankle, really infecting it - that was the initial reason for being admitted ... but just an hour ago, i found out that she has a compound fracture of her left arm!!! she had fallen on tuesday and broken her arm - but they didn't diagnose that until just today ... poor thing was talking about a jarring pain in that arm, no wonder! there are other problems too (that is usual with chronically ill folks), so if you think of her - could you ask the Lord to just strengthen her and give wisdom to those who are taking care of her ...
i'll close on a sweet note ... maria's best gal pal became a grandmother for the first time ... this gal pal's daughter named her brand new daughter "sofia maria", in honour of maria ... maria doesn't know yet - but she will be just tickled when she finds out ...blessings on your weekend ...
* * * * *
Trusting even when it appears you have been forsaken; praying when it seems your words are simply entering a vast expanse where no one hears and no voice answers; believing that God's love is complete and that He is aware of your circumstances, even when your world seems to grind on as if setting its own direction and not caring for life or moving one inch in response to your petitions; desiring only what God's hands have planned for you; waiting patiently while seemingly starving to death, with your only fear being that your faith might fail - "this is the victory that has overcome the world"; this is genuine faith indeed.
~George MacDonald
¶ 7:51 PM 14 comments
~George MacDonald
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
a river runs through it ...
our town sits on the banks of a very wide and fast moving river ... it is also a watery highway for all kinds of crafts ... like this float plane ...
the condos we live in, aren't the only ones that have sprung up in recent years ... the ones in the pic above were the first built in our little town .... they were almost home to us after we sold our cottage ... but with no elevator and 10 steep steps to the second floor unit we were thinking of buying, we passed on it ... the view was spectacular but the steps would have really been difficult for leo ... i'm glad we prayed much and didn't buy it just because we had no where else to move!!! the Lord was teaching us that old "patience" lesson - which i find most difficult to learn ... you would think i would have no troubles with patiently waiting since the condo He picked out for us has absolutely suited us to a T ... we even have a garage which the spiffy waterfront ones don't ... yay Lord!!!
i love the long boardwalk/dock that anchors our town beach ... most days there are fishermen at the end of the dock ... trying their luck - or just shooting the breeze ... folks from across the river use the berths to dock their boats and walk into town to do their shopping ... we did that too when we lived on the other side, took the boat into town to shop or just pick up our mail ...
our town beach is small ... but much appreciated !!! leo and i walked there yesterday (yes, leo finally got out for another walk - he had a bit of a set back over the summer, but we hope to get out more again) ... there are usually young moms sitting on the beach, picnic lunches stored in coolers on their blankets - all the while they keep their eyes on little munchkins who busy themselves with sandcastle construction - or wading in the water ... such inexpensive, wholesome entertainment for families ... if you had that type of a childhood - then you are indeed blessed!
our town sits on the banks of a very wide and fast moving river ... it is also a watery highway for all kinds of crafts ... like this float plane ...
the condos we live in, aren't the only ones that have sprung up in recent years ... the ones in the pic above were the first built in our little town .... they were almost home to us after we sold our cottage ... but with no elevator and 10 steep steps to the second floor unit we were thinking of buying, we passed on it ... the view was spectacular but the steps would have really been difficult for leo ... i'm glad we prayed much and didn't buy it just because we had no where else to move!!! the Lord was teaching us that old "patience" lesson - which i find most difficult to learn ... you would think i would have no troubles with patiently waiting since the condo He picked out for us has absolutely suited us to a T ... we even have a garage which the spiffy waterfront ones don't ... yay Lord!!!
i love the long boardwalk/dock that anchors our town beach ... most days there are fishermen at the end of the dock ... trying their luck - or just shooting the breeze ... folks from across the river use the berths to dock their boats and walk into town to do their shopping ... we did that too when we lived on the other side, took the boat into town to shop or just pick up our mail ...
our town beach is small ... but much appreciated !!! leo and i walked there yesterday (yes, leo finally got out for another walk - he had a bit of a set back over the summer, but we hope to get out more again) ... there are usually young moms sitting on the beach, picnic lunches stored in coolers on their blankets - all the while they keep their eyes on little munchkins who busy themselves with sandcastle construction - or wading in the water ... such inexpensive, wholesome entertainment for families ... if you had that type of a childhood - then you are indeed blessed!yup ... that is the river that runs through our life here ... it's the river i ride my bike beside ... and it's the river the Lord uses to still my heart on the sad days when life seems to be only filled with much sighing and soul searching prayers - it's on those days He opens my eyes and lets me see the dancing diamonds on the water - the everyday blessings all around me ... those everyday blessings have eased my burdens and God has caressed my face, with His Fatherly hand ... i am eternally thankful to be His child ...
Labels: our little town, sharing
¶ 8:26 PM 13 comments
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Psalm 94:18-19
when we find ourselves in a fog ...
when we find ourselves in a fog ...
look up ...
God's vision is always clear ...
Labels: verse and picture
¶ 11:52 AM 7 comments
Monday, August 24, 2009
for those tears . . .
For Those Tears I Died
Words and Music by Marsha J. and Russ Stevens
© 1972 Communique Music, Inc.
You said you'd come and share all my sorrows
You said you'd be there for all my tomorrows
I came so close to sending you away
But just like you promised, you came here to stay
I just had to pray
Chorus
And Jesus said,
"Come to the water, stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied
I felt every tear drop, when in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you,
It's for those tears I died"
Your goodness so great, I can't understand it
And dear Lord I know now that all this was planned
I know You're here now and always will be
Your love loosened my chains, and in You I'm free
But Jesus why me?
Chorus
And Jesus said,
"Come to the water, stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied
I felt every tear drop, when in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you,
It's for those tears I died"
Jesus I give You, my heart and my soul
I know now without God, I'll never be whole
Savior, You opened all the right doors
And I thank You and praise You from earth's humble shores
Take me I'm Yours!
Chorus
And Jesus said,
"Come to the water, stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied
I felt every tear drop, when in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you,
It's for those tears I died"
* * * * * *
i was out walking in the rain this evening ... feeling sad ... overwhelmed and hemmed in by life ... i prayed as i walked along the familiar streets of our little town ... talking to the God who never leaves me, who understands my cry - even before it leaves my mouth- i just spilled all my frustrations out to Him ... He knows exactly what i am thinking all the time - so i may as well be completely honest! and the thing i love love love about my Heavenly Father ... about Jesus who has saved me ... and the Holy Spirit who lives within me ... is that They comforted me ... and not only did i find comfort, but it became a 2 way conversation ... i didn't hear voices - but i did "hear" verses that i've memorized ... verses that were exactly the encouragement i needed ... when i got back home, i was feeling better ... i'm glad that God continues His work in me ... yay Lord!
For Those Tears I Died
Words and Music by Marsha J. and Russ Stevens
© 1972 Communique Music, Inc.
You said you'd come and share all my sorrows
You said you'd be there for all my tomorrows
I came so close to sending you away
But just like you promised, you came here to stay
I just had to pray
Chorus
And Jesus said,
"Come to the water, stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied
I felt every tear drop, when in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you,
It's for those tears I died"
Your goodness so great, I can't understand it
And dear Lord I know now that all this was planned
I know You're here now and always will be
Your love loosened my chains, and in You I'm free
But Jesus why me?
Chorus
And Jesus said,
"Come to the water, stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied
I felt every tear drop, when in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you,
It's for those tears I died"
Jesus I give You, my heart and my soul
I know now without God, I'll never be whole
Savior, You opened all the right doors
And I thank You and praise You from earth's humble shores
Take me I'm Yours!
Chorus
And Jesus said,
"Come to the water, stand by my side
I know you are thirsty, you won't be denied
I felt every tear drop, when in darkness you cried
And I strove to remind you,
It's for those tears I died"
* * * * * *
i was out walking in the rain this evening ... feeling sad ... overwhelmed and hemmed in by life ... i prayed as i walked along the familiar streets of our little town ... talking to the God who never leaves me, who understands my cry - even before it leaves my mouth- i just spilled all my frustrations out to Him ... He knows exactly what i am thinking all the time - so i may as well be completely honest! and the thing i love love love about my Heavenly Father ... about Jesus who has saved me ... and the Holy Spirit who lives within me ... is that They comforted me ... and not only did i find comfort, but it became a 2 way conversation ... i didn't hear voices - but i did "hear" verses that i've memorized ... verses that were exactly the encouragement i needed ... when i got back home, i was feeling better ... i'm glad that God continues His work in me ... yay Lord!
Labels: sharing
¶ 8:27 PM 10 comments
