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It’s just the regular ‘monday’ stuff here, but for some reason we’re on tuesday already. LOL.
Yesterday I thought about what I was reading. I have been on a reading marathon the last little while, and It seems I haven’t researched my choices before purchasing them.
With the hunger to read frivolous and mindless books for a change, I must admit I have made a few bad choices of books in the last little while. It wasn’t that I chose these books purposely, I still will never do that. I just didn’t put the book down when I should have. One was from the dollar store locally, and had one ‘romance’ scene in it with too much detail. The other was a Nora Roberts book from Costco. I had heard of the author, but had never read a book. Needless to say, I won’t be purchasing or borrowing one of hers again. As I finished the story line (skimming the detailed parts), I realized that these books are no more or less detailed than the average chic flick. There is so much description in the books and movies these days it’s unreal. We always think it’s the men in life that have the issues with lust and dare I say the word (soft) porn. I would have to say that many of the books and movies out there that women flock to give us a warped image of romance. I don’t know where I’m going with this yet, but I do know I will be more careful and more thoughtful in my selection of books and movies in the future. I will not allow my girls to watch some of the movies I have, or read these books in the future, so what makes it right for me? I don’t know if I can touch on the topic of Christian Romance books…yeah, I will say, from my experience I have had to eliminate those books from my life as well. They have caused me to have expectations of my marriage and my man that are unrealistic. All good ideas, and all super if they are in a marriage, but when I constantly have ideas and ideals thrown at me from books, it’s really hard not to have those expectations in my marriage and in my man. It’s hard to live in the reality of my life…and savor in the romance we do share.
I think i’ll have to stick to self help books. Mystery books? I’m not sure…
What do you read? Do you find you live in a fantasy world after reading a book? What brings you back to reality after?
life has been taking turns here and there in the last few weeks, and there’s so many signs indicating a change of seasons approaching. have you been noticing the difference? the changes are evident in my life as well as in my surroundings. in case you hadn’t noticed, i’m not talking just about the approaching of spring.
i’ve been feeling the changes tugging at my heart for months, and have been blessed in so many ways already by allowing God to work in my life. i’m praying for the doors of different areas of my life to open up, and the amazing work of God to prevail. i have been blessed in so many areas of life, and i pray that God will strengthen those blessings and allow them to help me grow according to his desires for me. seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you.
we where hanging out in the living room as a family sunday afternoon when the girls suddenly shouted out they saw canada geese! darrell and i questioned them a bit about the specs of what a canada goose looked like, and their description was certainly that of a canada goose. we ran to the window, but saw nothing. we ran to the back window and again saw nothing. i suggested we hop in the van and drive to the nearest open ‘water’ to see if they had landed anywhere. no luck. we didn’t doubt the girls knowledge of what a canada goose looked like, nor that they would benefit from lying to us, but we did have some doubt that it was truly that time of year. that the geese had ventured this far north already. later that day, as i was throwing together some leftovers for a quick supper, i looked out the kitchen window to catch a glimpse of three geese flying in the regular V form south of our place. the husband was there beside me, and witnessed it as well. all doubt of the DD’s sighting was gone. hope of the change of seasons was here! signs of change where in sight!
what are you seeing change in your life? are you in the middle of a change of seasons? what do you look forward to most about spring?
FOR TODAY Monday, January 19, 2009…
Outside my window…bright white snow, and the warmest sunshine we’ve had in a few weeks!
I am thinking…what to do for dh’s birthday tomorrow?!
I am thankful for…my girl friend who got me motivated to work on the retreat we’re planning this saturday!
From the learning rooms…photoshop. just one word to describe that one! LOL. it’s all i’ve got time to learn these days, and it’s a big enough job! 
one of these days you’ll see the results of me learning it, and learning it well!
From the kitchen…left overs. oh my how i need to plan. do you have a plan for the week? can i borrow that plan?
I am wearing…capri’s, sox and shoes, and a t-shirt.
I am creating…um…nothin’ really. i guess i’m creating and organizing a retreat this weekend! (a day retreat)
I am going…to stay home all day today! yehaw!
I am reading…nothing! i finished my john grisham book over the weekend, and passed it on to my sister! it was pretty good!
I am hoping…that i can accomplish everything i need to before saturday.
I am hearing…my girls have a quiet time (nap time hopefully)
Around the house…are many things to do. a pile of this, and a pile of that. a few loads of laundry, and most of all, a clean bathroom! that makes me smile. what makes you smile?
One of my favorite things…the feeling of accomplishment. don’t you just love having had accomplished something?
A few plans for the rest of the week: tuesday is the first moms program in town, wednesday my GF is coming to work on retreat stuff and staying for lunch plus clubs for the girls in the evening, thursday is nothing, and friday is a meeting for the retreat volunteers to wrap up the plans, and get prepared for the event!
Here is picture thought I am sharing… here’s one that goes way back. back to 2005-2006. I have always loved this bedhead morning picture. it just makes me smile!
today i want to share with you how we choose to give of our blessing to others. no, i’m not giving you a financial statement, or suggesting how much we give vrs. others. that’s not relevant, or of importance.
i received an update letter this week, and was inspired by it to share with others the work that goes on in the world to help others, and how we choose to participate in it at this stage in our life. we all need to give of ourselves in some way, and while some do it physically by going out on mission trips, others do it financially by donating sums of money to causes.
we have chosen to support a mission called MCC global family program. it stands for Mennonite Central Committee. they work all over the world, giving humanitarian aide where needed. when there’s been a disaster of any sort (even locally), they will reach out and send in the troops to help.
we chose to focus our support on communities in paraguay. the focus in these communities is on educating children, and young adults in literature and life skills. it’s also focusing on childcare for mothers who need to work or build life skills to meet their families needs (as single parents).
we’ve done this for many years, and one of the main reasons i chose this form of giving, was that it gave to a broader outlook than just a sponsorship of one child. at this stage in life, with children of our own, i would love to consider having sponsorship of a child. this would give the girls some excitement in corresponding, and also educating them in the amazing feeling of giving and helping someone. i see it in our future, as the girls get older and can comprehend the idea of money and it’s worth a little more. this would make the concept of giving sink in. my main issue with some of the organizations who run these sponsorship programs is their high admiministration costs, and the amount of junk mail you sign up for, requesting more and more giving. i know that through mcc there is the possibility of child sponsorship (called indivisual assistance, and can be chosen from any country mcc is in). my second choice would have to be compassion canada.
do you have a way of giving? do you choose to give of yourself, of your finances, or by donating items? it’s amazing what rewards can be received when we think of others before ourselves. we’re blessed beyond measure in our society, and it takes so little to help someone in need. be inspired, and follow God’s leading in your heart to give!
here’s a wonderful story of how someone i know opened her ears and listened to God, and gave. truely inspiring, and truely wonderful!
FOR TODAY Monday, January 12, 2009…
Outside My Window…morning dew on the new growth of life starting to form. ok, i’m kidding. it’s still all white and cold out there.
I am thinking…it would be nice to exercise. one of these days i’ll start. should it be today? maybe i’ll start today. we’ll see!
I am thankful for…a loving husband, who loves me for me.
From the learning rooms…to be more gracious. God is grace, and if i want to be more like Him, i need to extend grace more.
From the kitchen…today is menu planning day, but i REALLY want to make cauliflower soup again. hmmm, it was SCRUMPTIOUS last week!
I am wearing…my pj’s.
I am creating…cleanliness. my house is a disaster, and if i want to possibly do a girls coffee tonight, i’ll have to clean this joint up first! 
I am going…to drive the kindergarten girls TWO more days…then i’m done for another week! oh the joy that fills my soul! LOL.
I am reading…my John Grisham book. getting further and further…one chapter at a time. i also want to finish reading my book for bible study (that’s starting up again on thursday) by philip yancey called what’s so amazing about grace.
I am hoping…and prayin’.
I am hearing…the laptop cooling plate, doing it’s job. this thing’s been working SO much better since i started using that thing. who’de have thought?
Around the house…lets not talk about it, ok? maybe tomorrow i’ll be able to talk about it again. we’ll see how much i actually get done today!
One of my favorite things…order. next to order would have to be contentment. i love feeling content with my surroundings, my faith, myself, my family, and most of all, my everyday. i have a wonderful life.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: monday is girls coffee night (if i plan it i guess), tuesday is ladies meeting at church, wednesday is the girls clubs program at church, thursday is bible study, and friday is off to winnipeg for the weekend for two nights. oh what a FUN and full week! what are YOU doin’?
what are YOU doin’?Here is picture thought I am sharing…
messy baby enjoying her first baby cracker
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FOR TODAY Monday, January 5, 2009…
Outside my window…the glistening glow of pink snow as the morning sun stretches out over the world with it’s bright radiance and glory.
I am thinking…and praying for a smooth transition back into routine for the whole family.
I am thankful for…the wonderful holidays in the past two weeks for all of us!
From the learning rooms…back to the old grind of learning how to completely and wholey serve my family in my daily routines and meanderings.
From the kitchen…cleanliness, and simplicity. we’re hoping to have sandwichs for lunch and taco soup for supper. off to get the last one started to simmer for me this afternoon.
I am wearing…cozy pants, and a green shirt (inside out…is that still style? cause i strive to be in style while working at home), and cozy grey sox.
I am creating…routines…ones that we can accomplish and succeed at!
I am going…NO WHERE today! i don’t have to drive kindergarten kids today! yeah!
I am reading…still the john grisham book….still don’t know the title. i am further than chapter one tho!
I am hoping…and praying that dh has a great first day back at work after two weeks of holidays. and that his job security remains as God sees fit.
I am hearing…my laptop cooling plate doing it’s job without the laptop on it. LOL. i’ll set it back on there once i’m done typing.
Around the house…chaos. simple, pure, distinctly messy chaos. i’de be out of a job if it wasn’t so!
One of my favorite things…silence. i won’t have that till much later today…but i can’t wait! is it 9 pm yet?
A few plans for the rest of the week: driving the kindy kids, enjoying being at home on routine, picking up my not sold items i brought to a consignenment store (time’s up), pulling a tooth. (literally, LOL)
Here is picture thought I am sharing…
(edited using PSE and some action i downloaded from a website called coffeeshopphotography)
thanks for stopping by!
- it was REALLY cold, but we braved it, and had loads of FUN!
January 1, 2009. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
WOW, isn’t it amazing how the years fly by as you get older? I’m not old by any means, LOL, but they sure don’t drag like they did when I was just a wee little tike!
I look in anticipation at the events scheduled in the new year, (it looks kinda empty, but I know each week will fill up fast)
Family Birthday’s (our oldest turning 6, and the youngest will turn 1. Dh and I will both turn 33)
New Family pictures (here’s to dreaming!)
Weekend getaway to the City with friends
All the regular scheduled appt.’s (dentist, doctor, chiro, etc)
Kindergarten for the second daughter (wow, that didn’t take long…i’m kind of scared actually)
A day retreat with the Ladies of the Church
The Kids Clubs Program resuming it’s weekly event
Camping with the kids…and all of us enjoying it!
Dh’s work continuing, or the Lord providing a new alternative
More time with my parents and DH’s parents
Renewed relationships with sibblings. (and more effort and interest on everyone’s part)
And most of all, making memories in the everyday things. Memories that will last a lifetime.
I remember with fond memories some events from the last 365 days:
The first day of kindergarten.
Putting our first child on the school bus for the first time (as much as it scared me, I pray for her to grow and learn)
Birthday’s (dh and my 32!)
The birth of our third daughter
Camping with a new baby
The purchase of a van (still can’t really believe how I convinced dh…well, i shouldn’t really take the credit, it goes to his good friend Pete) Thanks Pete
A quick recovery after our third child.
My health, and my families health.
Our annual trip to the Hills for a ‘hike’ and picnic with friends.
The valuable time my children have had with grandparents and aunts/uncles
Taking a road trip to my sisters and BIL’s for Easter with my family
Taking a weekend getaway to Grand Forks as a family.
And so much more! Take some time to browse this year in review collage! Ask me if you have any questions!
not in cronological order, just random shots of the year
Luke 2 (King James Version)
1And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.
2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
20And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
I’m not really a Santa person, but I’ve somehow always loved this story…and the excitement and anticipation it has to it.
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Twas the Night before Christmas Poem Clement Clarke Moore (1779 – 1863) Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house The children were nestled all snug in their beds, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow With a little old driver, so lively and quick, “Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, |
Who I Am In Christ
| I am accepted… | ||
| John 1:12 | I am God’s child. | |
| John 15:15 | As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ. | |
| Romans 5:1 | I have been justified. | |
| 1 Corinthians 6:17 | I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit. | |
| 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 | I have been bought with a price and I belong to God. | |
| 1 Corinthians 12:27 | I am a member of Christ’s body. | |
| Ephesians 1:3-8 | I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child. | |
| Colossians 1:13-14 | I have been redeemed and forgiven of all my sins. | |
| Colossians 2:9-10 | I am complete in Christ. | |
| Hebrews 4:14-16 | I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ. | |
| I am secure… | ||
| Romans 8:1-2 | I am free from condemnation. | |
| Romans 8:28 | I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances. | |
| Romans 8:31-39 | I am free from any condemnation brought against me and I cannot be separated from the love of God. | |
| 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 | I have been established, anointed and sealed by God. | |
| Colossians 3:1-4 | I am hidden with Christ in God. | |
| Philippians 1:6 | I am confident that God will complete the good work He started in me. | |
| Philippians 3:20 | I am a citizen of heaven. | |
| 2 Timothy 1:7 | I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind. | |
| 1 John 5:18 | I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me. | |
| I am significant… | ||
| John 15:5 | I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life. | |
| John 15:16 | I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit. | |
| 1 Corinthians 3:16 | I am God’s temple. | |
| 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 | I am a minister of reconciliation for God. | |
| Ephesians 2:6 | I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm. | |
| Ephesians 2:10 | I am God’s workmanship. | |
| Ephesians 3:12 | I may approach God with freedom and confidence. | |
| Philippians 4:13 | I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. |
“The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!”
(From Victory Over the Darkness , by Dr. Neil Anderson)
FOR TODAY Friday, December 12, 2008…
Outside my window…cool crisp air, and a beautiful soft snow on the ground.
I am thinking…heading to town today to run a few errands and pick up the kindergarten kids.
I am thankful for…MIL who will watch the girls tnight while we and the baby head to dh’s work banquet.
From the learning rooms…i’ve been creating a few christmas cards using my MDIS program (microsoft digital image suite), and it’s been SO fun learning…and it’s amazing me more and more how easy its getting to do digi ’scrapping’ and designing. i want PS so badly now (photoshop)
From the kitchen…no cooking tnight! but the week’s been kinda slack in that area as well. i WILL be more productive in the kitchen next week.
I am wearing…the armor of the Lord
I am creating…a negative atmosphere in the home…i need to work on that.
I am going…to stop being so ’short’ and give myself some time before responding to ANY situation.
I am reading…nadda. nothing. i really should, like i always say, or maybe i should just erase this question. LOL.
I am hoping…that the baby will behave tnight at dh’s work banquet. i really was hoping she would stay with someone…but we have noone who she isn’t shy with. 
I am hearing…the baby waking up and the middle dd watching toons. oh, the fridge just kicked in too. good thing, cause i like my milk COLD.
Around the house…things are ok. finished laundry, and will do the dishes today. i won’t talk about all the things i want to change. really, i won’t.
One of my favorite things…is a brandnew house. then i wouldn’t have to whine about all the things i would like to ‘renovate’
A few plans for the rest of the weekend: well, we have a free movie matinee this weekend, and Horton Hears a Who is playing. can’t wait to see that with the dd’s tmorrow. we have our second family gathering on sunday. looking forward to that. my oldest sister is coming out saturday, looking forward to that. dh’s banquet tnight, kinda looking forward to that. what are YOU doing?
Here is picture thought I am sharing…
loaded on dh's truck is his iceshack floor and one wooden wall, and the frame for the canvas 'garage' he's using as the other 3 walls. 10x10, should have room for the whole family!
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