what i've been reading lately ...

i love the way God encourages me along through books - books that seem to speak to my heart at exactly the time i need to hear the message they provide ...

i had never read anything by Max Lucado before ... but just "happened" to pick up this book at work (it IS great to work in a library, don'tcha think?!!) ... i am now a fan! he writes in such an easy to read manner, yet is able to leave the reader with mega truths from the bible ...

then i heard about don piper's book "90 minutes in heaven" through a christian talk show? or on a website? i don't remember how ... but i ordered it through inter-library loans (another great perk about my little part time job) ... what a blessing to read this book! it breathed a renewed hope of heaven - and drove home the truth of how brief our "momentary trials" really are ... don shares about his 1989 car accident, when he was pronounced dead, but then got prayed alive again ... he spent time 90 minutes in heaven (heaven has no time, but that was the amount of time he was dead) ... even today - don remains in constant pain (his body was REALLY broken up badly!) and went through much to even walk again ... so to me, the wife of a guy in chronic pain, not to mention my sister maria's current ordeal - it gave me a heavenly perspective on our earthly existence ... and it allowed me to cry my eyes out, in a good way!

and last, but not least - john piper's "don't waste your life" is the book i am reading out loud to leo every morning ... and what a challenging book it is! i think i will have to read it again ... it is a book that holds us as believers accountable for the way we live our lives ... it is definitely not a "i'm all right, you're all right" type of read ... but it is something that 21st century, north american believers need to hear ... in fact i found the book online: CLICK HERE to sample it ...

just sharing books & authors who i think glorify God and encourage believers along ...something i need - as the time is short ....

blessings to you ...

life continues along ...

aren't these daffodils lovely? they cheer up the room ... yet, i think that the little joys aren't quite as sweet when a loved one is suffering ... the thought of their situation is always there ... and prayer always on our lips ...

the annual ice fishing derby was held a week ago ... the weather was beautiful and over 1100 anglers were enjoying the day ... i took my usual pictures, because it is good to continue along - to go for walks - to notice activities around us ...

and on the day of maria's surgery - our fridge conked out! we weren't sad about it, 'cause we didn't like that fridge anyway! (it was noisy, came with the condo and not very energy efficient) ... i was able to pick up this maytag, on sale ($200 less the asking price) from one of our local retailers - who delivered it within the hour and took away the old one ... the freezer is on the bottom ... i had always wanted one of those ... it all worked out and we didn't really have much angst about it - because in the long run, fridges (or anything material) don't really count ...

maria is recovering well ... i haven't been able to speak to her yet (she's still in ICU) and i haven't had an opportunity to go into the city yet (hopefully soon!) - so we rely on my cousin and maria's husband for updates ...

i am glad that i've learned lessons about chronic illness (my leo has had a 26 year long battle with unabating pain - which affects me daily too) ... it has helped me understand some of maria's difficulties better ... yet everything is still so unique to each life ... so i've also discovered how little i know about coping!! make any sense? i'm just saying that life is a learning curve ... i'm glad i have the bible to guide me - and Jesus as my Anchor in every storm ... despite having these spiritual helps, my body betrays me with a tight throat, lethargy and emotions bubbling on the surface ...

i'm just sharing my heart with you ... i feel like a small child ... so very weak ... relying on my Heavenly Father for everything, moment by moment ... at times like this, i cling to verses like "when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 ... but please don't think that i am in despair ... i most certainly am not ... just feeling the weight of being human, of being here on earth ... understanding more and more what paul meant in 2 Corinthians 5:1 "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens". God gives us hope ... He shows us what really matters - it's the souls of our family and friends and neighbours ... to try and live in such a way that others are drawn to Christ ... because at the end of the day ... Jesus, and our relationship to Him, will be our only saving grace ... and our loved ones will be the ONLY things we can take to heaven with us ... all things (even fancy new fridges) will be left behind ...

may you be found in Him today ...

one day at a time

as a family, we have gone through a whole range of emotions during maria's 2009 ordeal ... though i must admit, this heart surgery thing really did shock us ... and i think it shocked maria as well! i thought she already had the market covered on every conceivable medical problem ... but i guess not!

today, she continues the long recovery ... she is awake, though still plied with pain killers ... the tube has been taken out of her throat, so she is able to talk ... and coughing is encouraged (that is an owie when your ribs have been cracked open!) ...

so far, only her husband and the cousin who works at the hospital have been to visit ... but as maria gains a bit more strength, we all look forward to seeing her ...

just wanted to do a little update for you ... your prayers are definitely helping with the recovery!

blessings on ya ...

she made it through surgery!

maria made it through the surgery!!! it was a long day ... started at 8ish and ended after 2 some time ... she has a pig's valve ... and is in recovery now ...

it feels like i've been holding my breath all day ...

thank you for praying ...

and thanx always to our Lord!!!

monday is the day ...

the surgery for maria is scheduled for tomorrow (monday) ...

she already has a heart pump on, exercising that muscle - getting it ready for the big day ...

she has also been awake (they only kept her under for less than 24 hours) ... and communicating via white board with her husband ...

we don't even begin to know the mind of God in these kinds of matters ... but we know that He loves maria ... that Jesus is her Saviour ... all things are kept in the safety of His hands ... and in that we trust ...

we continue to pray ... and again, i thank you, my dear blog buds, for your continued prayer support ...

update ...

this post will make more sense, if you read the previous one first ...

UPDATE on maria:

they sure move fast at this other hospital ... they have sedated maria for a few days, maybe longer, so that they can do the necessary tests on her without increasing her anxiety levels (she remains quite stressed and even fearful) ... they've already done the angiogram ... they know the mitral valve is infected ... they have the antibiotic IV drip going ... 24 hour dialysis ... intubation ... and the surgeon has given her a 50/50 chance ... which really is quite good, considering the weakened state of her body ...

her husband was with her before she was sedated ... and she also got to see one of our cousins (maria is 44 and this particular cousin is close to that age) - who has been her lifelong friend ... i was thanking the Lord for His kindness in giving maria a dear face, of a long loved friend - to look at before going under ... this cousin works at the hospital, and will have access to freely see maria ... which makes us all relieved ...

thank you for your prayer ... maria is now a sleeping beauty for a few days ... if folks dream under sedation, may those dreams be sweet and trouble free ...

...

where to begin with the next news on maria ... as a family we just stoically look at each other with question marks in our eyes ...

the mitral valve in her heart has failed ... she will need surgery to repair it ... the specialist explained it like this ... if a boat has a hole, you can only empty out the water for so long before it sinks ... that hole needs to be repaired ... even though surgery itself is risky because of the numerous health issues plaguing maria ... it has to be done ...

so last night they moved her from the teaching hospital she had been in (it was a HUGE place) ... to the smaller (relative term!) hospital where heart surgery is performed ... she is in the ICU there ... and of course, dialysis is also done at this hospital ...

i was able to chat with maria before the move yesterday ... she had been complaining about the bad hospital food and also boredom of the same old hallways - "be careful what you wish for" she said ... now she has a whole new kitchen, who's food she gets to sample as well as different hallways ... and a new nursing staff to get to know ...

i don't know what else can fail on that poor girl ... but this upcoming surgery (date unknown) is definitely a concern ...

keeping you in my loop ... and maria sent her heart felt (leaks and all) thanks for your prayer!!

another birthday for maria!

morning!

i sang happy birthday to maria this morning ... the first one of the family to do that! *smile*

she sounded good ...

tho' yesterday she had to have emergency dialysis again because she was suffocating in water ... :o( ... but this morning was better ...

she was sharing about the monotonous hospital food ... she was so tired of it ... but her hubby had made her some muffins last night and he was going to bring her one today - with a tim horton's coffee ... she was looking forward to that ...

i reminded her about what we had talked about previously ... that God can use each of us exactly where we are ... then i said "remember life is an adventure ... and none of us gets out of it alive ..." she laughed ...

just sharing another maria birthday - one we didn't think she would see ... God's ways are not our ways ... nor His plans our plans ... blessed be our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! we can safely rest in Him - and isn't that the best place to be on a birthday ... or any day!

blessings on your day!

mid week note

i've been bumping into psalm 23 all week ... i found this wonderful little poster that seems to cover much ground with few words and a simple picture ... plus there is greenery to look at ... *smile* ... yup, this is definitely the time of year that i long for colour ...

it's also the time of year that i go into my shell ... getting ready for rebirth? for spring? maybe ...

my sister maria's birthday is just around the corner ... on march 10th ... she is hoping to be home for that day ... but she hasn't been able to walk the hallway yet, so we'll see ... plus she still has that nasty hospital bug that put her in isolation ... but as always, God amazes my unbelief with signs and wonders ...

time to go think of green pastures ... and lying down ... and rest ...

blessings on those who pass by this way ...

daily light on the daily path ...

"God has made me fruitful in the land of my suffering."

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. - But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.

So then, those who suffer according to God's will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continues to do good.

GEN 41:52, 2Cor. 1:3-5, 1Peter 1:6-7, 2Time. 4:17, 1 Peter 4:19

taken from today's reading in Daily Light on the Daily Path - short scripture readings for the morning and the evening ... it has blessed the socks right off my feet ...

hospital reunion ...

it was a good reunion with the siblings ... very quick ... very short ... maybe meloncholy/sad at times ... yet it was nice to see everyone in one spot ... even for a short visit ...

the highlight was maria ... of course ...

we all went into the dialysis ward ... and cheered her along ...

i think as the day progressed, maria became more and more animated (tho' i'm sure we pooped her out!) ... and grinned through her obvious discomfort ...

i even had a chance for a little one on one with her ... while the others went for a bite, i stayed to feed maria her lunch ... and chat a bit ... fetch whatever she needed/wanted ... read some scripture to her ... it felt sweet to me ... it would be wonderful if she were closer - so that the visits wouldn't be so long inbetween ... but life is like that, isn't it ...

i'm just feeling thankful tonight ... and happy to be home here in our little town and condo central ... thank you Lord!

on the lighter side

happy birthday to me ... i am now officially 55 ... *smile*

my westcoast sister sent me the above card ... the caption says "What you eat standing up doesn't count." ... good to know, as i am ordering chinese food today ... yum! ... i've already indulged in some date squares ... i love birthday treats ... !

and at this grand "old" age, i can truly say "i love Jesus, my Saviour more and more ... He has blessed me above measure ... "

~~~~ thank you for this birthday, Lord ~~~~~

seasons of life ...

Although I have afflicted you, . . . I will afflict you no more. (Nahum 1:12)

There is a limit to our affliction, God sends it and then removes it. Do you complain, saying, "When will this end?" May we quietly wait and patiently endure the will of the Lord till He comes. Our Father takes away the rod when His purpose in using it is fully accomplished.

If the affliction is sent to test us so that our words would glorify God, it will only end once He has caused us to testify to His praise and honor. In fact, we would not want the difficulty to depart until God has removed from us all the honor we can yield to Him.

Today things may become "completely calm" (Matt. 8:26). Who knows how soon these raging waves will give way to a sea of glass with seagulls sitting on the gentle swells?

After a long ordeal, the threshing tool is on its hook, and the wheat has been gathered into the barn. Before much time has passed, we may be just as happy as we are sorrowful now.

It is not difficult for the Lord to turn night into day. He who sends the clouds can just as easily clear the skies. Let us be encouraged - things are better down the road. Let us sing God's praises in anticipation of things to come. ~ Charles H. Spurgeon

* * * * * * *

maria thanks you all for your prayers ... they are appreciated and she says she really needs them ... especially during her dialysis times ... also, the pneumonia may be returning to her lungs (she is on oxygen 24/7 now) ...

here is part of a note i wrote to fam/friends yesterday - after my telephone visit with her:

"we did get a chance to sing some choruses together ... i found my old "youth favorites" and went through the pages to pick out ones that maria knew ... though we must have sounded ODD to anyone listening - leo with his low voice, singing in the recliner - me sort of off key on the phone - and maria in her breathless voice on the other end of the phone! but i'm a thinking that we sounded sweet to the Lord *smile, with a tear* ... "

* * * * *

the devotional note at the beginning of this post, was part of today's reading in Streams in the Desert ... the Lord knew that THIS would be the time i would need all the encouragement that those pages offer ... i am amazed how, daily, there is a word to glean, filled with encouragement for my need ...

dear blog buds - may you be blessed - as you bless me ...

warmer temps and maria news

after beautiful crisp cold days ... we got some rain!!! and my wish for mud ... *smile* ... though i wasn't counting on the roads turning into skating rinks, school closures and many fender benders ... sigh ... careful what you wish for!

i did make the best of it by venturing out in very good boots and a lighter jacket ... i could almost fool myself into thinking that spring was just around the corner ... almost ... but i'm too old to get fooled that quickly! i did feel optimistic though ...

also an FYI on maria ... she was released today from the hospital and we are all hoping that her new routine of dialysis 3 times a week, won't be too tiring on both her and her hubby ... she will get homecare while her husband is working, so she won't be alone ... which we are all thankful for ... and again - may God richly bless you guys for praying ...

UPDATE: maria is back in the hospital ... just a few hours ago ... her blood pressure went really low and the homecare worker couldn't wake her up ... so she was only home overnight ... i don't what they are going to do with her up and down health ... but one thing i can be so glad about - maria does know the ONE who cares for her more than any earthly friend or family - and that is a comfort.

the light still shines ...

picture nasa www

"How close God is to us through His promises, and how brightly those promises shine! Yet during times of prosperity, we lose sight of their brilliance. In the way the sun at noon hides the stars from sight, His promises become indiscernible. But when night falls - the deep, dark night of sorrow -- a host of stars begin to shine, bringing forth God's blessed constellations of hope, and promises of comfort from His Word."

~J.R. Macduff

* * * * * * *

just wanted to share a maria update ... and a prayer request that she asked me to pass along ...

she is getting dialysis 3 days a week now ... though she still has problems walking on her own ... they might release her next week? but we're hoping that they don't yet ... she still has so many many medical issues to deal with ...

during dialysis, she has been getting really bad panic attacks ... and that is what she has asked for prayer about ... that her dialysis goes smoothly, without those anxious fears that plague her during the procedure ... may she grow in grace ... and blessings on you all for praying for her at this time ...

white white white

this past weekend was quite interesting ... weatherwise ... we had 100 km winds on saturday ... then sunday, though nice at first - ended up the same swirling snow way ... a huge drift of snow had grown in front of our garage door - i thought i would have to go shovel (since it was mostly JUST in front of our door!) ... but first thing sunday morning, our sweet & helpful 83 year old neighbour was out there snowblowing ... all before i could even finish my first cup of coffee ... he is a real blessing!

i was able to go for a walk the other day ... and as you can see the scenery is bland in colour ... one has to set their mind to SEE beauty - 'cause believe me, after 2 months, all i would really like is a good melt and mud!

but there is always hope ... the days are now longer ... YAY!!!

just sharing my neighbourhood with you guys ... blessings on your day!

This is my doing ... 1 Kings 12:24

from www.allposters.com

Streams in the Desert ... February 1st reading ... may it bless your heart, as it has blessed mine ...

This is my doing (1 Kings 12:24)

The disappointments of life are simply the hidden appointments of love. C.A. Fox

My child, I have a message for you today. Let me whisper it in your ear so any storm clouds that may arise will shine with glory, and the rough places you may have to walk will be made smooth. It is only four words, but let them sink into your inner being, and use them as a pillow to rest your weary head. "This is my doing."

Have you ever realized that whatever concerns you concerns Me too? "For whoever touches you touches the apply of [my] eye" (Zech. 2?8). "You are precious and honored in my sight" (Isa. 43:4). Therefore it is My special delight to teach you.

I want you to learn when temptations attack you, and the enemy comes in "like a pent-up flood" (Isa. 59:19), that "this is my doing" and that your weakness needs My strength, and your safety lies in letting Me fight for you.

Are you in difficult circumstances, surrounded by people who do not understand you, never ask your opinion, and always push you aside? "This is my doing." I am the God of circumstances. You did not come to this place by accident - you are exactly where I meant for you to be.

Have you not asked Me to make you humble? Then see that I have placed you in the perfect school where this lesson is taught. Your circumstances and the people around you are only being used to accomplish My will.

Are you having problems with money, find it it hard to make needs meet? "This is my doing," for I am the One who keeps your finances, and I want you to learn to depend upon Me. My supply is limitless and I "will meet all your needs" (Phil. 4:19). I want you to prove My promises so no one may say, "You did not trust in the Lord your God" (Deut. 1:32).

Are you experiencing a time of sorrow? "This is my doing." I am "a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering" (Isa. 53:3). I have allowed your earthly comforters to fail you, so that by turning to Me you may receive "eternal encouragement and good hope" (2 Thess. 2:16). Have you longed to do some great work for Me but instead have been set aside on a bed of sickness and pain? "This is my doing." You were so busy i could not get your attention, and I wanted to teach you some of My deepest truths. "They also serve who only stand and wait." In fact, some of My greatest workers are those physically unable to serve, but who have learned to wield the powerful weapon of prayer.

Today I place a cup of holy oil in your hands. Use it freely, My child. Anoint with it every new circumstance, every word that hurts you, every interruption that makes you impatient, and every weakness you have. The pain will leave as you learn to see Me in all things.
~Laura A. Barter Snow

an update on maria ...

the way i will always picture maria

pic taken while babysitting her, years and years ago ...

a little maria update for my praying buds ...

we had another scare on tuesday ... the emergency dialysis tube they had put in her neck failed ... so she HAD to have surgery to put one in her heart ... the procedure was a success and her dialysis has continued ...

my mom was visiting with her yesterday and was so thrilled to see maria's chin again!!!! the bloating from failed organs is not a pretty sight, and maria's neck had been so thick with built up fluids, plus side effects from the meds she is on - that her chin just disappeared in there somewhere! ...

my sister who lives in the city noted that the puffiness around maria's eyes has gone down ... in fact, her eyes are more than mere slits now ...

of course all of this is making her so very tired ... but her will to live is strong ... and so far, God is allowing her to stay here for a while longer ...

thank you again for praying for maria's comfort and God's will that surrounds her life ... and all of our lives ... blessings on you ...

thinking about eternity ...

i scanned this beautiful picture from the latest Decision magazine ... then this morning i read these verses:

Another reason for right living is this: you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for the coming of the Lord is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is far gone, the day of his return will soon be here. Romans 13:11-13a

it made me think about Noah's day ... when he was building that ark ... his neighbours came to gawk ... to laugh ... and to taunt him about this flood that he was always talking about ... and the crazy boat he was building on dry land ... but he kept on being faithful ... imploring them to think about what he was saying ... to board that boat with him, that boat which would save them, before it was too late ... but they were too busy in their day to day lives ... too busy, except for the moments when they would indulge in some "how dumb is he? how smart are we?" type of talking ...

Jesus said that it would be like the days of Noah ... in those last days before He returned ... life would be going along in a normal way ... people would be concerned about getting ahead in life ... getting married ... socializing ... and not that these things are wrong - they are "normal" ... but they would forget about their spiritual side ... they would laugh at the "religious folks" who thought that Jesus would return again ... "i mean, come on! where was Jesus? it's been a long long time and He hasn't returned yet! such silly folklore ... some people would believe anything ... second coming indeed "...

i believe that Jesus is coming again ... He is my Saviour ... my sweet Lord ... i don't know the hour or day of His return ... but the signs of the end are posted everywhere ... in nature ... in government ... in the persecution of the saints all over the world ... i don't want to ignore that ... and i don't want to deny what i believe ... because if truth be told, i am longing for His return ... this world doesn't hold a candle to it's Creator God ... this world is not all that there is to LIFE ... LIFE is in Jesus ... and one day it will be Eternal - to those that have believed in Him, who trust Him for the forgiveness of their sins ... it will indeed be Heaven ...

this day my heart is thinking about eternal things ... this day my tears are shed in joy because i see that Heavenly City in my mind ... this day i pray - even so, Lord Jesus, Come!

aroma therapy ...

have you ever read a familiar passage in the bible and had it POP in your brain ... seemingly new ... a life application ...

that happened to me today ... it was the scripture passage that RBC used:

"But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume. Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing. To those who are perishing, we are a dreadful smell of death and doom. But to those who are being saved, we are a life-giving perfume." 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 (italics mine)

i pictured this Christ-like fragrance ... coming through, being noticed - wherever we go ... even if we say nothing, just our very actions and demeanor should be a life-giving perfume ... or to those without Christ, a desire to have what we have ...

when you enter a coffee shop ... you know it's a coffee shop by the smell of coffee brewing ... with donuts thrown into the mix ... you want to sit and enjoy a cup ...

when you walk into a florist ... you know it's a flower shop by the exquisite fragrance of the many different blends of flowers ... intoxicating ... there is no mistaking where you are ...

when you walk by a garbage dump ... well you get the aroma picture ... you know what that is too!

the passage in Corinthians reminded me that as believers, there should be no doubt Who's children we are ... there may not always be opportunities to share our faith with words ... therefore, our daily actions and attitudes should be the Christ-like fragrance that pleases God and blesses man ...

an update ...

the Lord wants to carry ALL our burdens, doesn't He? i am so thankful for the promises that are mine, in God's word ... it just encourages my heart daily ... and keeps me from fretting ...

thank you again for praying for my sister maria ... her health continues to be a matter of much daily prayer ... she had to have emergency dialysis yesterday ... she was so uncomfortable and i think her kidneys were on the verge of totally shutting down ... diabetes is such a mean disease ... i keep praying that she is comfortable ... and during this time, i hope she will experience the nearness of Jesus - who loves her so much ...

picture copied from 'net

may God Bless all of my american blog buds - as you experience another peaceful change of presidents ... may you truly be ONE Nation Under God ...

He goes before ...

nothing can touch us - before it goes through God first ...

we are hedged around by His protection ...

the things that are allowed in our lives are for a purpose ... for our spiritual maturity and growth ...

i write these words from a point of grace ... most of my readings this week have all touched on the sovereignty of God ... and it truly does comfort my heart ...

though here on earth, there is always something to pray earnestly about ... case in point, my sister maria was hospitalized again on tuesday ... we knew she had been discharged too soon ... but at least she is once again getting the type of care she needs ... for that we are grateful ...

we don't have to worry and fret - because we are not like those without hope ... in Christ we are ever hopeful and confident that He hears our prayer ... that all things will work out in the manner our Heavenly Father thinks is best ...

Matthew 10:28-31 (New Living Translation)

28 “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it.

30 And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.

31 So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.

watch for that jam ...

in this day of safe guarding ones privacy, it seems everyone has a shredder ... they are so handy ... until they get jammed!

and sometimes that jam isn't always easy to fix ...

our cheap walmart shredder had been doing it's job just fine ... until something got into one of those little chambers and just didn't want to come out ... it got a first class jam happening ...

after unplugging (duh! of course you say ... *smile* ) ... i took a knitting needle and tried to clear all the spots ...

the knitting needle was fine for the easy to get pieces, but for one little stubborn chamber it was just too large ...

so next came the straightened out paper clip ...

i went in there from every angle, considered getting a tweezer to pull out the concrete like jam ... but eventually (after forward/reverse ... more poking ... more forward/reverse) ... it gave way!

i couldn't believe how just one itty bitty chamber could cause the rest of the chambers to fail ... you'd think that the majority, would release the gunk in that lone minority ...

it got me thinking about the so called itty bitty sins in my life ... how something that i think is "nothing much" ... or "just human"... can still make the rest of my spiritual life stall and sputter and jam up ...

there is no such thing as a small sin ... sin is sin ... and we need to confess it ... and walk away from it ... to clean out the hidden crevices, so that our hearts and minds filter everything that comes through correctly ...

yup, a little inner paper jam - can create havoc ... until we clear it out with the paperclip of confession ...

may your day be jam free!

If we claim that we're free of sin, we're only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won't let us down; he'll be true to himself. He'll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing. If we claim that we've never sinned, we out-and-out contradict God—make a liar out of him. A claim like that only shows off our ignorance of God.
1 John 1:8-10 the Message

open paths ...

my daily readings from Streams in the Desert (by L.B. Cowman) have been so timely ...

here is a portion of yesterdays devotional:

When you pass through the waters . . . they will not sweep over you.
(Isaiah 43:2)

God does not open paths for us before we come to them, or provide help before help is needed. He does not remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are at our point of need, God's hand is outstretched.

Many people forget this truth and continually worry about difficulties they envision in the future. They expect God to open and clear many miles of road before them, but He promises to do it step by step, only as their need arises. J.R.M.

leo had an appointment today ... with a new doctor ... we had believed and prayed that it would be all right ... yet beforehand, there were still those bits of apprehension ... "Lord, not again! this is stressful!" ...

but it went well ... he was compassionate ... open and friendly ... and willing to take leo on as a patient ...

God prepared the way ... and we are ever so grateful!

and even better news ...

i just got home from work, checked my e-mail and read a really encouraging note from my mom ... in fact, i could hardly believe it!

they had taken maria's breathing tube out ... she is once again breathing on her own! and she was was ABLE to STAND ...

unbelievable good news ...

she is still a sick girl - but so far - it is amazingly great news! :o)

we call her our energizer bunny!

thank you , SO MUCH, for praying! i am ashamed to admit that i didn't want to bother you all - but it seems i should have done this last week already ... shame on me ... and blessings on you!

maria update

maria had a good day today ...

she still has the breathing tube in, but they are giving her some meds that they hope will make the lungs function better ... even tho' maria couldn't talk, she wrote little notes to her husband ...

that was all good news ... :o)

it sounds like she's not in distress ... she even had the restraints on her hands removed - but when she got tired and was ready for a snooze, she had motioned for the nurse to put them back on (she tends to pick on the tubes/iv's/etc. in her sleep) ...

thank you so much for praying ... maria still has many hurdles to overcome ... but this has been the best day since she went in ... and for that we are thankful!

a concern

i'm sorry that my first post of 2009 is a sad one ... i have such a concern for my sister maria ... i just had to share, my heart is really heavy regarding her health, which has been very poor the last year (or two ... or three!) ...

she is still so young ... 11 years my junior ... the first child from my mother's second marriage ... i was the "little mother" to her during those early years ...

if you want to read more about maria: click here

the concern is that she is in the hospital again ... this is her second stay in 3 weeks ... we thought that the early december, emergency stay, was just the "tune up" she needed ... we all hoped that she'd be "fine" for a while ... not so this time ... she was rushed back in, during the early hours of december 26th ... she has water in her lungs and has had that uncomfortable tube in her throat for quite a few days now ... she is in and out of reality ... she is only 43 ...

there are many other complications that her 40 years of diabetes has inflicted on her ... she truly has a brave heart within that ravaged body ...

we keep praying that she will be comfortable ... i personally pray that she won't be in any emotional distress ...

can she bounce back again? she's done it so many other times ... we'd think she was at death's door ... and the next thing you know, she's at home - bumping into furniture because her eyesight is so poor!

if you could pray for maria ... as the Lord brings her to your mind ... i would be very grateful ... thank you ...

just a thought for the new year ...

"... God's grace is not only sufficient - it is inexhaustible. Remember the story Roy Gustafson told of the little fish who said, "I am so thirsty but I must not drink too much . The ocean might run dry." Or the little mouse in the granaries of Egypt who said, "I am so hungry. But I must not eat too much. The grain might not last." Or the little swallow, soaring and dipping through the sky, thinking, "I must not breathe too deeply; I might use up all the air."

Whatever the need, whatever the situation, "he giveth more grace"
(James 4:6). ..."

taken from Legacy of a Pack Rat by Ruth Bell Graham ...


to you my dear blog buds ... i wish a new year that is so full of God's grace - for every and all situations - that your cup will continually run over ... so you may glorify HIM, who redeemed us ... that the world will know we are different and children of the Most High ...

O Lord, you are my lamp.

The Lord lights up my darkness.

2 Samuel 22:29

snowy walk

i took these pics a few days ago ... but the walk i had today was very similar ... a light snow ... and milder temperatures ... very tranquil ... *smile*

it was a picture postcard type scene everywhere ...

kids were out with their new sleds ... and the older kids were out on snowmobiles!

it was a great walk ... until i wiped out! ... owie!!!! just checking out my almost 55 year old bones! ... my feet just flew out from under me and i landed on my hip ... i know i'll be sporting a bruise ... i shoulda worn my walking boots ...

we had a quiet Christmas eve ... Christmas day ... and boxing day ... leo and i watched some Christmas movies ... visited via phone with family ... and just enjoyed the lights of home ...

I wish we could put up

some of the Christmas spirit in jars

and open a jar of it every month.

~Harlan Miller

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)

He who has not
Christmas in his heart
will never find it
under a tree.
~Roy L. Smith

“Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires; but what foundation did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded an empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him.”
~ Napolean Bonaparte

40 below fashions ...

tips on how to dress for the elements ...

first you double or triple all the clothes you have on underneath your coat ...
add a vest over the layers, for a little extra ...
a touque on your head is a must ...
lastly, secure a scarf around your face - the mummy look ...

then with only eyes showing, you are ready to head out the door ... which is a bit frozen and you have to tug on for a while before it finally opens ...

this is how i have been dressing for the past few days ...

with the windchill, it is a bone chilling 40 below ... brrrrrrr ... and ho ho ho !!!!

Winter is the time for comfort,
for good food and warmth,
for the touch of a friendly hand
and for a talk beside the fire:
it is the time for home.
~Edith Sitwell

i take, He undertakes!

if you are still wondering what to get someone for Christmas ... i strongly recommend "Springs in the Valley" by Mrs. Charles E. Cowman ... even tho' it was first published over 50 years ago, the truths in it are timeless and timely!

here is yesterday's reading ... may you be blessed by it!


"He is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:23)

God's power will keep God's promises! Promises for the soul, promises for the body, promises for others, promises for our work, promises for our business, promises for time and for eternity: these are all ours! It is not your weakness that can defeat God's promise, nor your strength that can fulfill the promise: He that spoke the Word will Himself make it good. It is neither your business nor mine to keep God's promises: that is His grace.

The signed check is given us. How foolish if we fear to present it! Never yet has one single check been dishonoured! "He is faithful that promised."

I take; He undertakes!

We may pray much over a promise, and yet never obtain it. Asking is not taking. Beseeching is not claiming.

I clasp the hand of Love divine,

I claim the gracious promise mine,

And add to His my countersign.

I take, He undertakes.

I simply take Him at His Word;

I praise Him that my prayer is heard

And claim my answer from the Lord.

I take, He undertakes.

~Dr. A.B. Simpson

'tis the season for ... cookies!

look at the lovely homemade cookies my aunt gave me! i am just so blessed .... *smile* ... and now with my lower cholesterol readings, i can crunch away in true enjoyment - not fearing what the numbers will be!

then we received a package from my west coast sister ... there were all kinds of wrapped up gifts ... plus homemade surprises ... it made me smile ...

may the simple things in life - bless your heart today ...

I always believed that

the true spirit of Christmas

demands thought and effort

on the giver's part,

not just lavish spending.

~Inez Hogan

the good way

Ask where the

Good way is, and walk

in it, and you will find

rest for your souls.

- Jeremiah 6:16, NIV

talking about food ...

i got some good news last week ... my cholesterol is now perfectly NORMAL!!!!

YAY!

i was glad that a change of diet was all that was needed ... i was eating too many lean cuisine type meals ... leo doesn't eat normal at all - and the aroma of something cooking can actually make him nauseous - therefore i got lazy in preparing meals for myself ... the result - elevated cholesterol ...

now that i'm back on track, i can enjoy some Christmas treats ... not too many - but some!

YAY! thank you Lord!

Vegetables are a must on a diet.
I suggest carrot cake, zucchini bread, and pumpkin pie.
~Jim Davis

tis the season ... to get our hearts ready ...

pic copied off 'net

There had been no peace on earth since Adam fell. But, now, when the newborn King made His appearance, the swaddling band with which He was wrapped up was the white flag of peace. That manger was the place where the treaty was signed, whereby warfare should be stopped between man's conscience and Himself, man's conscience and his God.
~Charles Spurgeon

December 1st ...

i know it's not officially "winter" yet ... but with the outdoor reading at
-20C, it doesn't have to be "official" here in our little town - it's here!!

thought i'd just update you on leo's doctor situation ... in case you were wondering ... he has an appt. in january with yet another newbie physician ... this will be his 3rd NEW doctor in 2 years ... tho' i must give thanks on this point - each one has added something positive to leo's overall care ... we keep praying ... and the answers always seem to come in the oddest ways and means ... must be "God thing" ... His ways just aren't our ways!

blessings on you!