A Sunday Song

Many a church probably sang the Doxology today, but none like this. It's a little "Gaither-like" for my tastes, and yet, you can't help praise the Lord as the song exhorts by the final key-change and Amen. Enjoy!!!

When Something You Love Disappears

Growing up, I was a barefoot girl. Would walk around the yard barefoot. Nice soft feet in April. Tough by June. Able to run on gravel by August.

Naturally, I would walk barefoot inside the home too. Unless, of course, it was cold enough to require socks.

Moving to Northern Alberta, Canada for post-secondary education necessitated the re-education of "minimal sock wearing" to include such words as angora, merino wool, and the like.

I still enjoyed walking barefoot or socked inside over the years that followed University - spurning my mother's constant slipper-wearing. Clip, clip, clip. They seemed so noisy. And she even took them on holidays with her - wearing them in hotels, at Auntie Irene's home, or in a camp cabin.

Six years ago we moved to an acreage that had ceramic tiles over much of the main floor and my feet began to ache when I would spend large amounts of time in the kitchen. I discovered slippers reduced the pain and began to search out good, comfortable slippers.

After looking through a few stores, found a pair at Wal-Mart of all places, and they cost just $12 to boot (no pun intended). I noticed after Christmas these same slippers had gone on sale, so I stocked up a little.

And then, last year, they changed the design of those slippers, so that now they flipped and flopped, rather than slipped and walked.

Out I was, looking from store to store, searching for the perfect slippers.

Last trip to Costco, I found some again!!! NukNuuks they are called. They come in pink and grey. I opted for the grey - more practical with all the goop I spill on them.

Well, they have gone missing!! I have searched high and low. Who knows where my beloved NukNuuks have disappeared, but I know we'll be making a trip to Costco soon to get another pair. In the meantime, I have been complaining... the floor is too hard. My feet are cold. Where are my NukNuuks????

How is it that something so insignificant can mean so much?? Oh... sin, I guess. Discontent. Here the good Lord was allowing me to experience a loss - though small, and I have been complaining. The words of Paul ring in my mind, "for I have learned to be content" (Phil.4:11). Maybe that's why my slippers went for a walk.

As I tread today Lord, may I rejoice in the discomforts, knowing that they teach me about You, and allow me to learn a little along my walk.

Got an hour?

For the past 2 months, sleep has been evading me thanks to my dear children. Tonight, everyone is sleeping, and yet, by the mercy of God, I have been awakened by the storm outside... even had to go outside and secure our gate in my bathrobe :)

The blessing of this sleepless night is that I was able to listen to a wonderful sermon pointing to Christ through Numbers 1-10. If you have an hour in the next week... or a sleepless night... or a trip somewhere... consider listening to Michael Lawrence preach at Capitol Hill Baptist Church. A helpful history lesson on the organization of Israel to prepare the picture of God living in His dwelling-place among men... and a helpful reminder of the sacrifice we need to believe in, in Jesus Christ - the perfect blood sacrifice for our sin.

Enjoy!

Raspberries

Being the new pastor's wife has its perks... 2 families have invited me over to pick raspberries in their gardens. It has been delightful and the fruits of our labors have included a few tortes, breakfast treats, etc.

I will try making jam tonight... have never made raspberry jam before, so this will be an adventure. Hopefully it will be worth the work. Will let you know.

To Be Like Jesus

Sovereign Grace Music has released their second children's album, To Be Like Jesus, and I'd like to give my official two-thumbs up. The album offers a nice variety of styles of music, with a focus on the fruit of the Spirit.

My children have been struggling, particularly lately, with experiencing God's peace in the midst of our upturned life due to our move. The album addresses that.

The boys have been fighting and short-tempered with one another... the album addresses that.

Mommy has been struggling at displaying self-control and patience, as she's been working through boxes, on minimal sleep (while baby adjusts to the new home and life), and amidst the dryness of soul that comes when dear brothers and sisters are removed from one's life... the album points to Christ for help with such battles.

There are a few tunes that are a touch "rocky" for me... especially early in the morning, but overall, this is a great album... which explains why it's been in our CD player for almost 3 weeks straight.

Definitely different than Awesome God, but a favorite nonetheless!!

Move is Done

We have officially moved... to a small town... and a darling home... and a new family of believers... ie.church.

Just have 15 more boxes or so, and we'll be ready to make a final trip to the recycling depot to dispose of cardboard.

Plans can now begin for beginning a more regular life, but then, what is regular?

For tonight, regular means going to bed early, as baby was up a lot last night, and I want to avoid those nasty canker sores I get when I'm short on zzzzzzs.

Blessings, my friends.

Great Clips

We went to Great Clips after dinner to get the manes under control. Big boy was having a difficult time giving up the mullet that he's been grooming on the sly. After deciding to "delay" the longer hair until hockey season, he got a nice, respectable crew cut, complete with gel to push up the bangs. As for the longer hair - I'm hoping it will be too hot under the hockey helmet and will not turn into a mullet again. (Is mommy being too manipulative :)

Son #2 got a buzz cut. "Buzz cut.... that sounds like a cool hair cut," was older brother's comment.
Then tonight as the buzzed one was getting into bed, he said, "my head doesn't even feel like it's on with all my hair missing."

What fun is to be had with just a simple visit to the hairdressers!!

Speedy Pizza

When you're strapped for time, but the kiddos would love pizza and you don't feel like heading out for take-out, consider making this recipe for speedy pizza. The crust is somewhat reminiscent of those old Kraft boxes of pizza mix... but I find, this is a nice, quick recipe with standard ingredients that can put pizza on the table in around 1/2 hour....

Speedy Pizza
Preheat oven to 450
2 c. flour
2 tsp.baking powder
1 tsp.salt
2/3 c.milk
1/4 c. oil
Mix into a dough using your paddle attachment (if you have a KitchenAid mixer)
Form into 2 pizzas.
Top with sauce, cheese, meat, etc.
Bake 15-20 minutes
Voila!!

Set Your Minds on Things Above

In Col. 3, Paul teaches us to "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things", that "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God....For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."

As I've been packing up to move, this has been a real battle for me. I have been enjoying listening to my ipod - sermons worth mentioning like What to Do If You Don’t Love God from Capitol Hill Baptist Church)... and in the midst of that dealing with what earthly things to keep, and which to get rid of.

There is so much in my home that is precious for the moment (kid's artwork, cards from hubby, personal journals, sewing machine, dining room set, toys, kitchen tools, etc.etc.etc) and yet there is a point where it becomes too much to keep. How do you determine that point? Do you have a strategy? I am finding that I am throughout the day, pleading with God for wisdom. The conversations run something like this: "Should I keep this glitter glue... We could use it for a homeschool activity in the fall... I don't really have the space for it... Father, HELP!!"

"How about the teacups from Gramma Shirley? They'd make such a special tea time with the elderly ladies of the new church, when they come over to visit.... but I have the set from Oma Weinert, the set from my mom, and the set of cups that came with my everyday dishes.... What do I do, Lord?"

It seems crazy, I'm sure, but I feel like the battle for our home and for materialism is waging an ugly head - worse than I've ever encountered in a mall (which is surprising me). And I'm not sure if it's because I have people and memories linked to a lot of my stuff, since they were gifts. At which point do you give away a gift and feel like you're not becoming a traitor.

Well, I've got to leave it there. I'm limiting myself to 15 minutes per blog post. Love to hear your wisdom on this topic. In the meantime, I will keep trying to think of heaven, and hopefully I'll realize that even the most precious things here, can be let go, "in the light of His glory and grace".

Layin' Around

I was sorting through my digital photos when I came upon this one. Clearly, taken when daddy was watching Johnny P. Guess the little ones will watch whatever we feed 'em...

Coffee Cup Verse Revisited

It's time to dust off the Fighter Verse booklet and get back to memorizing scripture with the kids... so I'll be posting the verse we will be working on each week, and if you'd like to join us, print it off, tape it to your coffee pot, and hide God's Word in your heart. We'll have fun together... and we pray that in the process, the Spirit will speak to us through God's Word.

While you're at it, pour yourself a cup of coffee, in a nice pink mug, if you've got one :)

Breakfast For Tomorrow

Carolyn Mahaney of Girltalk inspired me to try a "make-ahead" recipe for breakfast tomorrow. Since I have day-old french bread and Granny Smith apples, we'll see how it goes. It should mean I could sleep in a little, which would be a treat if baby wakes again this night with teething pain, as of late. It should also mean a special breakfast for the boys. We'll let you know how it goes.

Do you have any "make-ahead" breakfast recipes?

Over at Holy Experience, I came across an interesting idea for family devotions. Since we are planning to move in the next month, I think I'll have to put the idea on the back burner for now. But I am definintely intrigued to try journalling as a family in the fall, possibly.

I've never really journalled, other than a diary I kept during my single years of university. Donald Whitney encourages journalling. Not sure if that will help convince hubby to try :)

Let me know if you've ever attempted such a venture - either alone or as a family. I'd love to hear your experiences.... particularly those that have become holy experiences.

To Be Like Jesus

There's a new children's album out by Sovereign Grace Music... and if it's anything like their previous album, Awesome God, it's sure to be a great way to teach, praise, and raise our children. It's called To Be Like Jesus and samples can be heard here.

Eco-Friendly Laundry Equipment

Over a year ago, after much saving up, we purchased a terrific washer and dryer set from Miele. I had been using a set for the previous 14 years which I had inherited from my Oma, that I thought was getting my clothes clean, but have since discovered, was probably just getting them wet.

This new set is touted as being the latest in energy-efficiency and clean-technology. In my experience with cloth diapers, grass stains, and blueberry jam on Sunday-suit jackets, it has proven to be quite effective in tackling even the toughest stains with minimal effort.

About a month ago, however, my dryer passed out for the second time. The high tech heat sensor was shutting down the heat in the unit. The technicians came out twice and confirmed it was the ducting we were sold by the appliance company. "Simply not appropriate for such a powerful machine."

Today I was doing laundry, while waiting for the repair man to arrive, and was once again drying the clothes outside. I have come to love the fresh smell of laundry from the outdoors, and have developed a "smooth" system to deal with it over the past 2 months. This afternoon, while I was hanging up the clothes in the beautiful sunshine, I paused to be thankful for my drying rack.

When I was shopping for a drying rack around 4 years ago, (my old wooden rack from Wal-Mart had disintigrated due to poor materials and poor manufacturing), I was determined to find something a little "sturdier", larger, and more attractive. After scouring Zellers, Sears, and 3 or 4 other stores, with nothing better to offer than the Wal-Mart unit, I grew discouraged and faint in hope of finding what I was looking for. At that point, I came upon a nice rack one day, while grocery shopping at Superstore. Expandable. Collapsible. Attractive. Only $24.99. It seemed a good fit for my requirements. I took it home, but was a little learie whether it would last since it was from Superstore.

Today, I was reflecting on that hunt and subsequent purchase, so glad that God provided such equipment for me. And that I might use His fresh air to dry the clothing He has granted us to cover our nakedness. What a terrific piece of eco-friendly laundry equipment!

Reviving the Keyboard

It's been quite a while since I sat down to type a post, but lately I've been thinking about ways to stay connected with friends after we move. (Post on this to come later this week). As a result, it is my goal to post on this blog, and allow dialogue to continue via blogger. I hope you'll keep commenting and that we will be able to grow in this way.

Grace and Peace

Last week I started working my way through Colossians and I've been struck by the phrase in verse 2: "Grace to you and peace from God the Father".

The word, grace (karis in Greek) has several nuances.
GRACE:
that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, like grace of speech
GOOD-WILL, LOVING KINDNESS, FAVOR:
of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues
WHAT IS DUE TO GRACE:
the token or proof of grace, benefit
THANKS:
(for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

Although all of these befit God's grace towards sinful mankind, I truly see Paul's desire of the "good-will, loving-kindness and favor" to rest on the saints and fellow brothers in Christ at Colossae.. and through the generations, to all believers.

May I walk with a glimpse of such favor upon me. Surely this will change me today... How can I complain? How can I despair? How can I but help to praise my God and my Redeemer!!

Thank you, God, for giving your grace for today. Please help us walk in grace and be ministers of grace to every soul you bring our way.

Coffee Cup Verse

Psalm 77:13-14

Your way, O God, is holy.

What god is great like our God?

You are the God who works wonders;

you have made known your might among the peoples.

Heart-smart Carrot Muffins

Tried a new muffin recipe this morning (trying to use up my frozen carrots before the garden provides us with a whole new orange mountain :). It's a heart-healthy option in many ways - let me know what you think.

1-1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup brown sugar (I substituted honey... for my honey... who's on a honey health plan:)
1 cup shredded carrots
1/2 cup fresh, plain yogurt
1/8 teaspoon each of cinnamon and ginger
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup raisins
My method:
1. Preheat the oven to 175 C (350 F).
2. Mix the oil, sugar, carrots, and yogurt in a mixing bowl.
3. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and spices in a separate bowl and mix them .
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet and combine them well.
5. Mix in the raisins and walnuts, then later add a few more if you like, after you scoop the batter.
6. Scoop out the batter, one ice cream scoop at a time, into a lined muffin pan.
7. Bake for 25 minutes or until the muffins puff up and their tops look golden brown. 8. Let them cool until they reach room temperature, then store in a cool, dry place.
Eat them up in 4 to 5 days, and refrigerate them in warm weather, as they contain yogurt. Enjoy!

Simplicity

Love. Faith. Believe. Simplicity.

These words are all over the place. In gift shops. In homes. In spas. In medical offices.

Just this morning I saw "Simplicity" in a gift shop at the Kananaskis Lodge. And then, interestingly, I opened my bible this afternoon and read Proverbs 1:22 (NKJV), "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? For scorners delight in their scorning, And fools hate knowledge."

The context of this verse is the introduction to Proverbs, where King Solomon is pleading the case for Wisdom. He is reminding that

• v.1 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge


• v.20 Wisdom calls aloud outside; She raises her voice in the open squares


• v.33 whoever listens to me (Solomon/wisdom) will dwell safely, and will be secure without fear of evil

In contrast, he gives "simplicity", or "naivete", as some versions say. The warning for those that stay in "simplicity" rather than pursuing "wisdom" is given in v.32: "For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them."

May we avoid the "simplicity" which the enemy of God is trying to entice us with, and may we seek Wisdom, because as Proverbs 2:4 says, "If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God."