A Baby, Yet a King!

Every knee will bow before Me;

Every tongue will confess to God.

Romans 14:11b

Fun Christmas Quiz

Most of you know that I rarely fill out these kinds of things (except maybe to pass on to my sister Melanie) and I rarely forward these emails...so I thought I'd share this one here! ENJOY!

If you fill out the quiz on your blog - please list your blog link on a comment.

Your Name: Dawn

> 1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? – I really, really like egg nog but I also like hot chocolate. I guess I would say egg nog over hot chocolate but I do drink hot chocolate more because it doesn't have as many calories/fat!

> 2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? Around here - Santa is only on some gift tags - especially gifts for me! tee hee Did I ever tell you that I love gifts??

> 3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? – As I get older, I'm preferring simpler and white lights are simpler. Sooooooo...the short answer? White lights on the outside of the house, but I do like the colours all twinkly on the tree inside. NOT flashing lights though - hate those!

> 4. Do you hang mistletoe? – Yes - just a fake one. The kids make a big deal of it and try to get Andrew & I under it. I don't mind!

> 5. When do you put your decorations up? – When the kids were little, we decorated sometime after Suzanne's December 16th birthday. Now, the kids have the tree up and decorated (we have a fake one now) often by December 1! I like having the tree up longer (and we couldn't do that with a real one - okay, not without having a grand mess!). I do like it down quickly after New Year's though.

> 6. What is your favorite holiday dish (excluding dessert)? Hmmmm...I really enjoy the turkey and I used to enjoy the stuffing. Maybe one day I'll try making some gluten-free stuffing - but for now, I'll stick to the turkey. I have to add a dessert here though - I'm a fruit cake lover - but I can't eat it now, although last year I bought a smidgen of gluten-free fruit cake for about $12!!! That's how much I love it!! And I'm NOT ashamed to say it! ;)

> 7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child – Waking up and seeing the gifts under the tree! We never saw the gifts at all until Christmas morning and it was always so exciting. We each had our own 'spot' under the tree where our pile would be. We didn't have extravagant gifts - but lots of little, inexpensive, practical things and one larger gift ($20?).

> 8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? I'm going to leave my friend Mandy's comments here - because they're perfect! What is the truth about Santa? I must not have gotten the memo!

> 9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? – Since we were married, we've opened gifts a few days before Christmas day. Never on Christmas eve (we're too busy getting preparations for Christmas completed). I do enjoy opening them on Christmas day though - as it was a tradition when I was growing up. But we have church on Christmas so it is too rushed.

> 10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?- Helter skelter! HA! All of the decorations have a story to tell, and although our tree doesn't look like a Martha Stewart one (not even close!) - I love it!

> 11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? – LOVE, LOVE, LOVE snow! Bring it on!

> 12. Can you ice skate? – Yes! Love it too. I'm not good by any means - but I can skate and do - twice a week with the kids!

> 13. Do you remember your favorite gift? – Yes - first, my first baby girl Suzanne! (Every year I ask her if I can wrap her up and put her under the tree! - She says 'no' BTW!) My next favourite gift is a Willow Tree figurine that the kids gave me - I always lament that I can't carry the kids on my hip any longer (it's been a while) and the figurine that they bought has a mom holding a baby! I cried when I received it and I will always treasure it.

> 14. What's the most important thing about the Holidays for you? - Again, I'll let Mandy's answer stand: That God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life! “It’s not in the snow, that may or may not fall, and it’s not in the gifts around the tree. It’s in the love heaven gave, the night our Savior came, and that same love can still be found wherever you are, cause Christmas is all in the heart…” Steven Curtis Chapman > ...But I do really like gifts and am like a child when it comes to them!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Mom's pumpkin pie - which I can no longer eat :( . I also love Andrew's mom's trifle - which I can no longer eat...

> 16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Opening gifts together with the kids and sharing time together. And watching a Christmas DVD together after.

> 17. What tops your tree? – A lace angel. We had a beautiful star but it broke. The angel is pretty though.

> 18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? - This is a tough one! I do love giving but I hate the fact that many have forgotten what giving is all about - it's about what someone else wants to buy for you, not what you want (although a good gift-giver will take that into consideration)! That being said, I do put a lot of thought into the gifts that I buy which makes my life difficult sometimes!!! And getting gifts? Well, you know that answer already!

> 19. What is your favorite Christmas Song? – We have an old cassette tape (!!) from Focus on the Family which had a song called 'It's So Good to Have You Home'. If I could ever find that cassette on CD, I'd be so happy. I've looked and looked... Favourite Christmas hymn? I think 'Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus' and 'O Come, All Ye Faithful'. I hate the Christmas dittis that are on the radio over and over at this time of year.

> 20. Candy Canes? – They're pretty, they're tasty but I rarely eat them! I was searching everywhere for one the other day though - made some peppermint fudge and I needed one to smash and sprinkle over the fudge - would have looked pretty, if I'd found one!

Your thoughts please?

I received this as an email and I'm not sure what I think of it. I find it very thought-provoking and it's very cleverly written - the message is straight-forward and good, but then I'm hesitant about it being something supposedly being written by God. Hmmm...what do you think?

RECALL NOTICE

The Maker of all human beings
is recalling all units
manufactured,
regardless of make or year,
due to a serious defect
in the primary and central
component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction
in the original prototype units
code named Adam and Eve,
resulting in the reproduction
of the same defect
in all subsequent units. This defect has been
technically termed
"Subsequential Internal
Non-Morality,"
or more commonly
known as
S.I.N.,
as it is primarily
expressed.

Some other symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction

2. Foul vocal emissions

3. Amnesia of origin

4. Lack of peace and joy

5. Selfish or violent behavior

6. Depression or confusion
in the mental Component

7. Fearfulness

8. Idolatry

9. Rebellion
The Manufacturer,
who is neither liable nor at fault
for this defect, is providing
factory-authorized repair
and service free of charge
to correct this SIN defect.

The Repair Technician,
Jesus,
has most generously offered
to bear the entire burden
of the staggering cost
of these repairs.

There is no
additional fee
required. The number to call
for repair in all areas is:
1-800- P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected,
please upload
your burden of SIN
through the
REPENTANCE
procedure.

Next, download
ATONEMENT
from the Repair
Technician, Jesus,
into the heart component. No matter how big
or small the SIN defect is,
Jesus will replace it with:
1. Love

2. Joy

3. Peace

4. Patience

5. Kindness

6. Goodness

7. Faithfulness

8. Gentleness

9. Self control

Please see
the operating manual,
the B.I.B.L.E.
(Believers' Instructions Before Leaving Earth)
for further details
on the use of these fixes.

WARNING:
Continuing to operate
the human being unit
without correction voids
any manufacturer warranties,
exposing the unit to dangers
and problems too numerous to list
and will result in
the human unit being
permanently impounded.

DANGER:
The human being units
not responding to this recall action
will have to be scrapped in the furnace.

The SIN defect
will not be permitted
to enter Heaven
so as to prevent
contamination
of that facility. Thank you
for your attention! GOD Please assist where possible
by notifying others
of this important
recall notice,
and you may contact
the Father any time by
"kneemail"

Glorying in God's Perfection

Glorying in God's Perfection

"If I live in a house of spotless beauty with everything in its place,

I am a housekeeper, not a homemaker.

If I only have time for waxing and polishing,

my children will learn of cleanliness, not godliness.

Love leaves the dust in search of a child's laugh.

Love smiles at the tiny fingerprints on the newly cleaned window.

Love wipes up the tears before it wipes up the spilled milk.

Love is the key that opens salvation's message to a child's heart.

Before I became a mother, I took glory in my house of perfection;

but now, I glory in God's perfection of my child."

-Author Unknown

A good reminder!

Looking for a job? Hmmm...

Bloggers Need Not Apply
By Ivan Tribble
What is it with job seekers who also write blogs? Our recent faculty search at Quaint Old College resulted in a number of bloggers among our semifinalists. Those candidates looked good enough on paper to merit a phone interview, after which they were still being seriously considered for an on-campus interview.

That's when the committee took a look at their online activity.

In some cases, a Google search of the candidate's name turned up his or her blog. Other candidates told us about their Web site, even making sure we had the URL so we wouldn't fail to find it. In one case, a candidate had mentioned it in the cover letter. We felt compelled to follow up in each of those instances, and it turned out to be every bit as eye-opening as a train wreck.

read the rest here: http://chronicle.com/jobs/news/2005/07/2005070801c/careers.html

Blessed Reformation Day!

October 31, 2006
Luther's 95 Theses: http://www.reformed.org/documents/index.html?mainframe=http://www.reformed.org/documents/95_theses.html

Reformation Day? What's that? Well, in a nutshell, Reformation Day is the celebration of Luther's discovery that justification is by faith alone. After trying and trying to pay the price for his sins and to please the Lord through his actions, as taught by the church at the time, Luther came across verses such as Ephesians 2:8 "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith, AND THAT NOT OF YOURSELVES, IT IS THE GIFT OF GOD, not of works, lest any man should boast." He learned that his salvation depended on God's gift, not on his own works. This was good news and is good news for all of us! Although we do good works as thankfulness to the Lord for His salvation, nothing that we can do can make us right with God. Only Jesus, dying on the cross for our sins pays the price. Nothing else.

Luther's 95 Theses contained more than the above, and if you're interested in reading more, click on the link above.

Man's Gratitude
Heidelberg Catechism
Lord's Day 32
We have been delivered from our misery by God's grace alone through Christ and not because we have earned it: why then must we still do good?

To be sure, Christ has redeemed us by His blood
but we do good because
Christ by His spirit is also renewing us to be like Himself,
so that in all our living
we may show that we are thankful to God
for all He has done for us,
and so that He may be praised through us.

And we do good,
so that we may be assured of our faith by its fruits,
and so that by our godly living
our neighbours may be won over to Christ.

Rom. 6:13; 12:1, 2; I Pet. 2:5-10.
Matt. 5:16; I Cor. 6:19, 20.
Matt. 7:17, 18; Gal. 5:22-24; II Pet. 1:10, 11.
Matt. 5:14-16; Rom. 14:17-19; I Pet. 2:12; 3:1, 2.

The five solas
Sola Gratia ("by grace alone")
Sola Fide ("by faith alone")
Sola Scriptura ("by Scripture alone")
Solus Christus ("Christ alone"; sometimes Solo Christo, "by Christ alone")
Soli Deo gloria ("Glory to God alone")

SOLI DEO GLORIA!

Love's Abiding Joy - coming soon!

I'm excited! I just read that the newest Janette Oke DVD is coming soon! Some would call these 'chick-flicks' but I love them - they are unashamedly good, clean stories! I'm not a movie person at all, but I do enjoy watching anything that is worthwhile and I classify these as 'worthwhile'! Christian Book Distributors says it's due for release on December 19th.

"Love’s Abiding Joy follows the heartwarming story of Missie and Willie as they start raising their family in the Wild West. After a treacherous journey west, Missie and her husband set up their homestead and begin raising a family. Now that the railroad connects the frontier states, Missie's parents make the trek to meet their adorable grandsons for the first time-- but tragedy soon mars the family's reunion. An unforgettable family drama directed by Michael Landon, Jr."

October is Celiac Awareness Month!

I thought I'd post about October being CELIAC AWARENESS MONTH. Most of you know that I have a 'probable' diagnosis of celiac disease and it has been life-changing for me. Mostly in good ways - I am so much healthier now than I have ever been, I no longer have the pain that I dealt with on a daily basis and many other health problems that I had for 30 or so years. But it certainly has changed my social life and our grocery shopping! Here's an article about two people who were also diagnosed:

Going gluten-free*
More people are learning that they have celiac disease, an illness tied directly to food. And not just any food: It's "the staff of life" -- or the flour it's made with -- that makes them sick.
Al Sicherman, Star Tribune
Last update: October 04, 2006 – 5:14 PM

The doctor had good news -- and bad -- when Barbara Wojcik's celiac disease was diagnosed four years ago. The good news: She'd be feeling better than she had in years. The bad news: She had to change her diet. Forever. No more bread, cake or cookies.

And no more pizza, pasta, pretzels, fried chicken, beer, bagels, gravy, crackers nor a whole lot of ordinary frozen dinners, convenience foods and breakfast cereals. At least not normal versions of those foods. No more of anything that contained even a little wheat, rye or barley.

This was going to be difficult. "Food is so important to a family -- traditions and customs, and emotional well-being. It's really all tied in. To have to change something so basic so radically was really quite stressful," said Wojcik, 52, of White Bear Township.

She learned what her ailment was after 18 years of suffering with what doctors had continued to tell her was, in effect, a touchy gut. Along the way, one advised her to eat a lot of fiber -- like whole-wheat bread.

Her case isn't unusual; celiac disease is often misdiagnosed.

TO READ MORE: http://www.startribune.com/438/story/720995.html


Gluten-Free Recipes: http://www.startribune.com/436/story/720997.html
More Celiac Information: http://www.celiac.ca/EnglishCCA/eceliac.html
Gluten-Free Diet Information: http://www.celiac.ca/EnglishCCA/egfdiet.html

Gluten-Free Blogs: http://www.celiacchicks.com/
http://www.gfzing.com/
http://www.dermatitisherpetiformis.org.uk/dhocblog/index.html
http://vegetarianceliac.blogspot.com/
http://glutenfreegoddess.blogspot.com/2006/09/housekeeping.html

THIS ARTICLE SHOULD BE READ BY EVERYONE! Dangerous Grains should be read by all health professionals and their patients who are attempting to find answers to puzzling ailments that are unresponsive to treatments. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0ISW/is_2003_July/ai_104259163

Clergy, Miriam & Organs!

Now aren't you curious with that title!?
Just a few little tidbits for you today...I'll start with ---

Did you know that October is CLERGY APPRECIATION MONTH? Since three out of seven of my brother-in-laws are ministers - this one is close to my heart! I'm sure that all of you show your appreciation for your minister and his family all the time - but remember him especially this month! A note of encouragement, a kind word - these are the things that encourage all of us!

~~~

Remember Miriam? Well, she has a post on her recovery Blog that she wrote HERSELF! I cried when I read it. Thank you so much for all of your prayers for her and the other girls. The Lord has blessed them with amazing recoveries. We know that not very many people who are injured so significantly end up recovering like Miriam has and we praise the Lord for that! Read Miriam's post here. http://miriamfluit.blogspot.com/

~~~

And HAVE YOU SIGNED YOUR ORGAN DONOR CARD?
When our family needed to get new health cards earlier this year the receptionist asked me point blank if I'd like to donate my organs. I'd pondered it for a while but always held back at doing the actual signing. Why the hesitation? I don't know! So when I was put on the spot I jumped at the opportunity. Decision made. Done! I don't know about you but thinking about donating means thinking about death and sometimes that is difficult. However, when you think of all the families that can be helped because of one person's donations (upwards of 75 people can be helped with one person's donations!) -- it just doesn't make sense to not sign. THINK ABOUT IT!

Here's some stats:
~ Every three days in Ontario, one person dies waiting for an organ transplant.
~ Canada's organ donor rate hovers around 13 donors per million people and has stuck at this level for more than a decade.
~ According to the Canadian Organ Replacement Register, donations in Canada increased by 258 between 1995 and 2004, but 1,400 more people were on the list.
~ A 2001 Environics poll reported 96% of Canadians support donation, but fewer than 45% had signed donor cards.

Organs that can be donated:
According to Trillium Gift of Life, one donor can save the lives of up to seven people through organ donation and enhance the lives of up to 75 others through tissue donation.

Organs that can be donated after death include, liver, lungs, heart, pancreas, kidneys or small bowel.

Examples of the tissue donation are ocular tissue (eyes), cardiovascular tissue (heart valves, pericardium), bone and connective tissue (ligaments and tendons) and skin.

Important reminder:
Once you've signed your card, let your family know about your decision. Make it clear to them. They have the final say. Even though you've said 'yes', they can say 'no' when/if the time comes. It's very important to make sure that your family knows your wishes. Make that final gift to another family in need.

I've signed my card. Have you?

Eternal glory, Earthly Sadness

I received news on Sunday that my friend Gina's oldest son, Nick, had passed away suddenly on Saturday night due to an accident. He was 20. I can't imagine what it must be like to have to bury your child. As parents, we think that our children will outlive us, but for some, that isn't so. As a mother, I am so saddened to think of the sadness that must come when you have to bury the child that you bonded with before they were even born. The bonds that have grown through watching them go through the changes in life - and eventually growing wings and flying away.

Yet I also know that God doesn't make any mistakes. That all of our times are in His hands. What a comfort that is for those who know the Lord.

I didn't know Nick but from reading Gina's blog (see link on sidebar) I know that he was a fun and giving person. And even in death, he is still giving. Doctor's say that Nick was able to help approximately 75 people with his organ and tissue donations! Amazing! So there are some very happy families out there who received word that an organ or tissue donation has been found for them! And I'm sure that they also felt sadness, knowing that they were given a new lease on life due to an unselfish family who allowed this incredible gift.

Please pray for Gina and her family as they grieve their loss. Please pray for them as they prepare for a memorial service. I wish that I could give Gina a real hug, but virtual hugs will have do to. We're praying for you & your family Gina. May God bless and comfort you in this time. ((( hugs )))

Kathy is in heaven now

Just wanted to tell you that our friend, Kathy (see July, 2006 - "A Short Chapter to Eternal Life'), passed away this past Saturday - September 16. She leaves behind a 12 yo. daughter and husband. Please keep them in your prayers. Kathy's pain is over, but she leaves behind a void in the lives of those closest to her. I am thankful that she loved and served the Lord and is now with Him.

Kathy's memorial photos: http://www.mem.com/movie/MovingMemories.asp?ID=1517333&mm=0

Snug Harbour Community Church - Parry Sound, Ontario

This is the church that we go to when we're on holidays near Parry Sound, Ontario. It is located on Hwy. 559 near Killbear Provincial Park and although it is a small church, we have enjoyed the services there. We planned to visit them again last week when we were away but we couldn't find any information (service times) on the internet so I thought I'd add that info here.

Services are at 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Join me? 31 Days of Prayer

I'm inviting you to join me in this - 31 days of prayer for your husband, father, son, son-in-laws (or the ones 'to-be!') - the men in our lives!!! May God raise a Godly generation of men - and leaders for our homes and families! Of course this is something that we should be doing all the time - but a special time of concentrated prayer is a wonderful idea!!

http://riverbend-ramblings.blogspot.com/2006/08/31-days-of-prayer-for-your-husband.html

Wild Corn Cam?

Have you ever checked out some online cams? Some are pretty neat - of places where most people would never visit, of animals that most of us would never see (except in a zoo perhaps!), but CORN CAM? Check this link out - and watch the corn grow! http://www.iowafarmertoday.com/corn_cam/
Gives new meaning to boredom!


Canadian Cams:
Kingston, Ontario
http://www.cityofkingston.ca/cityhall/webcam.asp

Parry Sound, Ontario
http://www.parrysound.com/webcam2.php

Sudbury, Ontario
http://www.cjtk.com/webcams.asp

Toronto, Ontario LIVE webcam
http://www.rctccorp.com/webcam.html

Sharbot Lake, Ontario webcam
http://www.centralfrontenac.com/yc/township/departments/it/www/webcam/

Lake Simcoe Area webcam
http://72.142.30.52:8080/

Sarnia, Ontario webcam
http://www.mnsi.net/~jhlavac/#SARNIA

Port Burwell, Ontario Pier webcam
http://deepsecretfishing.com/harbourcam.htm

Ontario ski resorts
http://www.skiontario.com/ski_cams.htm

The Peace Bridge cam
http://www.map-online.it/webcam/mondo/quebec.htm

Ottawa, Ontario cams
http://webcam.city.ottawa.on.ca/trafficvideo/list_en.htm

Hamilton, Ontario cam (coming soon...)
http://members.tripod.com/~HamCam/


Other Canadian cams ( http://www.mnsi.net/~jhlavac/canadacams/#Ontario )


Banff, Alberta cam
http://www.banffgondola.com/live_cam.asp

British Columbia webcams
http://www.bigwavedave.ca/webcams.php

Halifax, Nova Scotia webcam
http://www.halifaxwebcam.ca/live/

Champlain Lake, Quebec
http://www.immigrer.com/webcam/

Fredericton, New Brunswick webcam
http://www.fred-ezone.ca/webcams/


Other cams:
National Geographic Wildcam - Botswana (this is a favourite!)
http://www9.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/wildcamafrica/index.html

Kwa Maritane Cam, Eagle Cam, Osprey Cam, Polar Bear Migration Cam, Lightening Cam
http://www.wildcam.com/

Venice Beach Cam
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/utah/saltlakecity/

Times Square Cams
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/utah/saltlakecity/

San Francisco Cam
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/utah/saltlakecity/

South Padre Cam
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/utah/saltlakecity/

Capitol (Washington) Cam
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/utah/saltlakecity/

Trafalgar Square Cam
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/utah/saltlakecity/

Moscow Cam
http://www.earthcam.com/usa/utah/saltlakecity/

Enjoy!

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Yesterday was Sunday and as usual, we went to church. I was feeling a little melancholy - I always feel this way at the end of summer. (I absolutely love fall, but I have to first mourn the passage of summer - get into the transition into fall - and then I embrace fall.) The clang of tent poles (those old tents with the strong poles...) meaning "pack up - the summer is over!"... back-to-school stuff everywhere... flowers looking bleak... leaves turning colour... cooler nights... all those things that I wanted to get done during summer but didn't get done... back to routine ... back to busyness...

Anyway, back to church...we were just beginning our pre-service hymns (we sing two) and I glanced behind me - and there I saw Miriam being wheeled into church!!! Wow! I choked up. This was the first time that I'd seen her since before the accident. For some reason I really looked at her on the Sunday before the accident and noticed how pretty she looked. She had an ivory blouse on and it looked really pretty on her - I never considered how things might change for her and our church family during the week that followed...(see July 2006 'Please Pray for Miriam & Friends'.) Anyway, the organ & piano were playing the hymn intro and I glanced down & began to sing..."What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!! What a privilege to carry, EVERYTHING TO GOD IN PRAYER!' Wow!! How true! That's where I lost it. Not tears of sadness - but happiness. It's comfort. It's gratefulness. My unworthiness. His amazing gift. His amazing love. It's knowing without a shadow of a doubt that there are no accidents, only divine appointments!! And knowing, again without a shadow of a doubt, that God's hand is in every part of our lives and that HE IS IN CONTROL! What a comfort that is! I often wonder how non-Christians deal with life and it's big and little bumps. Without the Lord? Impossible!

Then I read this morning that Kathy (see 'A Short Chapter to Eternal Life') is now at a local hospice. Her health seems to be deteriorating quickly. My heart aches for Kathy's husband and their 12yo daughter. Just aches.

Yet, GOD DOESN'T MAKE ANY MISTAKES! What a comfort that is. That even though the situation looks bleak - the Lord is working His will in Kathy's life. I've already seen Kathy's faith evident in her attitude and life. I'm sure that others have too.

Big and little bumps. Without the Lord? Impossible.

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer!

~~In His arms He'll take and shield thee, thou wilt find a solace there.~~
(Joseph Scriven, 1820-1866)

Blogging & the Christian

This post has been simmering in my mind for a while... I've been Blogging for about 6 months and reading Blogs for much longer than that. At first, reading them felt like I was peering into people's private lives - but then again, they were the ones making everything public so I was not intruding! I enjoyed reading - finding out what friends and acquaintances have been up to - the kind of things that aren't always mentioned when talking to them. Little things mostly. The daily 'grind'. Sometimes I learned what things were bothering them - what they were thinking but not talking about - difficulties they were facing. Enlightening and sometimes a big waste of time.

I read Blogs from people that I didn't know, Blogs written by local people and people far away. Blogs written by young people and older people - some I knew, some I'd never met. Even came across Blogs written in other languages - so I could only enjoy their pictures. And while I've been working on getting the bugs figured out to get our internet filter working - I even came across a terribly BAD blog - one with pornography and other awful things. (Goes to show how dangerous surfing can be without proper eye and mind protection.) Blogs can be used for lots of good (keeping in touch, health updates such as the Miriam Blog, encouragement, recipes, household hints, money management etc.) but also for bad.

There are so many needy people online. I guess they're everywhere in this world - but are more open online. Recently I came across a Blog which mentioned a praise song that I was searching for the words for. The Blog writer was impressed with the song when he heard it - but labeled himself an atheist but he was pondering the stirring inside of him about the words of the song (which was a paraphrase of Psalm 23). This gave me the opportunity to comment on his Blog and encourage him to look to the Lord - who is The Shepherd (another Christian had also commented before my comment!). I have no idea who the Blog writer was - he lives far away from me - yet we connected over a computer & a bunch of wires! I prayed for this guy and told him that I was praying for him. I don't know where it led, if anywhere. But the seeds were planted. Opportunities like this are awesome! Does this ever happen in the shopping mall or grocery store? Rarely. What an opportunity!

But what has really been on my mind is the amount of 'Christians' Blogging but their language and topics aren't much different than the non-Christian. Sure there are the references to a good sermon, a good bible chapter read, a praise song that touched them, prayers needed or prayers given - but I've asked myself that if I wasn't a Christian, would I notice anything different about some Blog writers and those who refer to themselves as Christians? Tough question. You see, I feel that Blogging is a fun thing - but a definite privilege. With privilege comes responsibility. Where else can we share our faith so openly and the reasons for why we are different? Where else can we make these differences known to so many people? Where else can we share the Good News so publicly, and without major ridicule? Sure many Blogs don't get zillions of readers - but who knows? It's a tool that can be used for good or for bad.

Aren't Christians a changed people? If we call ourselves 'Christians' then we are saying that we are a follower of Christ Jesus. Would you say some of the the things that you write - in front of Jesus? Would you still have the same attitude if He were right here (and He is!)? Would you maybe be a little kinder? Would others see your faith more? Would anything be different?

Yes I know that we all use words that we shouldn't - sometimes it is because of naivete and sometimes ignorance. But if we say it, we should know it's meaning or where it came from. Or we should look it up. None of us is perfect - I'm very much included in that category!! But we are still responsible to the Lord and the name 'Christian' for both our words and actions. Serious stuff!

Yes, we can have fun! Yes, we can joke. But is the joke at someone else's expense? Are you ruining - or messing up - with someone else's good name? Are you hurting anyone in your writing? Is it really innocent? What message is it sending to others? What are they learning about YOU? Are you showing respect for those that you don't really like? Those who aren't very nice? To those who are older than you? To non-Christians around you?

The bible speaks very clearly about what we should be involved in and what we shouldn't be involved in. It sets many guidelines and checks. Here is one passage that is a good guideline.

Finally brothers, whatever is true,

whatever is noble,

whatever is right,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is admirable -

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy -

think about such things.

~Philippians 4:8~

P.S. Funny but the spellcheck here suggests 'flogging' as a replacement word for 'blogging' - hmmmm...

Together we're 80!

Finally got together with my friend Diana today for her 40th birthday!

She turned 40 on April 1.

We went to Swiss Chalet for lunch.

Find us Faithful

by Jon Mohr
II Timothy 4:7-8

FIND US FAITHFUL

~Steve Green~

We're pilgrims on the journey
Of the narrow road
And those who've gone before us line the way
Cheering on the faithful, encouraging the weary
Their lives a stirring testament to God's sustaining grace

Surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses
Let us run the race not only for the prize
But as those who've gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness passed on through godly lives

Chorus
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave
Lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey
Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful

After all our hopes and dreams have come and gone
And our children sift though all we've left behind
May the clues that they discover and the memories they uncover
Become the light that leads them to the road we each must find

Repeat Chorus

Our House Guest

A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small town. From the beginning, dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later.

As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family. In my mind, each member had a special niche. My brother, Bill, five years my senior, was my example. Fran, my younger sister, gave me an opportunity to play 'big brother' and develop the art of teasing. My parents were complementary instructors - mom taught me to love the Word of God, and dad taught me to obey it.

...But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spell-bound for hours each evening.

If I wanted to know about politics, history, or science, he knew it all. He knew about the past, understood the present, and seemingly could predict the future. The pictures he could draw were so life-like that I would often laugh or cry as I watched.

He was like a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bill and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars.

The strange was an incessant talker. Dad didn't seem to mind, but sometimes mom would quietly get up - while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places - go to her room, read her bible and pray. I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave.

You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt obligated to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house - not from us, from our friends, from our adults.

Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four letter words that burned my ears and made dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted. My dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in his home - not even for cooking. But the stranger felt like we needed exposure and enlightened us to the ways of life. He often offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages.

He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He talked freely (much too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatent, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I know now that the stranger influenced my early concepts of the man-woman relationship.

The stranger began to discuss personal issues and ailments without regard to the tender ears that might be listening or the fact that it was mealtime. Some of the topics caused mom to leave the table! Time after time he opposed the values of my parents. Yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave.

More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in the with young family on Morningside Drive. He is not nearly as intriguing to my dad as he was in those early years. But if I were to walk into my parents' den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk, and watch him draw pictures.

He never told us his name - we always used his initials: T.V.

~ source unknown ~

"I will walk within my house in the integrity of my heart.

I will set no worthless thing before my eyes;

I hate the work of those who fall away;

it shall not fasten its grip on me."

Psalm 101: 2-3 NASB

DOWN MEMORY LANE

From top:
~Alyssa
~Suzanne & mom
~Andrew Jr. & mom
~expecting Alyssa

~the young family!

Time flies! It really does!

August MIRIAM UPDATE

(this was our wedding text - a friend made this picture for us - thought it was appropriate here)

This really struck me as so amazing! Obviously our Lord is not bound by any man-made charts or statistics!

From Rebekah's blog... (Miriam's sister)

things i learned today
when anyone undergoes a severe tramatic experience, they are measured by what's called the "glasgow scale". this scale is measured out of 15--15 being like us...very much alive, and 3 being pretty much dead. miriam was measured at a 4 at the accident scene and later at the hospital. this is how it's broken down...

Glasgow Coma Score
http://www.trauma.org/scores/gos.html
The GCS is scored between 3 and 15, 3 being the worst, and 15 the best. It is composed of three parameters : Best Eye Response, Best Verbal Response, Best Motor Response, as given below :
Best Eye Response. (4)
1. No eye opening.2. Eye opening to pain.3. Eye opening to verbal command.4. Eyes open spontaneously.

Best Verbal Response. (5)1. No verbal response2. Incomprehensible sounds.3. Inappropriate words.4. Confused5. Orientated

Best Motor Response. (6)1. No motor response.2. Extension to pain.3. Flexion to pain.4. Withdrawal from pain.5. Localising pain.6. Obeys Commands.

*Note that the phrase 'GCS of 11' is essentially meaningless, and it is important to break the figure down into its components, such as E3V3M5 = GCS 11.
*A Coma Score of 13 or higher correlates with a mild brain injury, 9 to 12 is a moderate injury and 8 or less a severe brain injury.
Teasdale G., Jennett B., LANCET (ii) 81-83, 1974.

*90% less than or equal to 8 are in coma
*Greater than or equal to 9 not in coma
*8 is the critical score
*Less than or equal to 8 at 6 hours - 50% die
*9-11 = moderate severity*Greater than or equal to 12 = minor injury
*Coma is defined as: (1) not opening eyes, (2) not obeying commands, and (3) not uttering understandable words.

Rebekah's blog link: http://www.blogbybeck.blogspot.com/

~~~

Miriam remembers her family - she remembers names - she remembers her Lord - she can speak - she can stand (which she shouldn't do but did!) - she's healing both inside and out! AMAZING! Please continue to pray for her.

We serve an awesome God!

PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW!

A SHORT CHAPTER TO ETERNAL LIFE

Recently I received an email giving me an update on a friend's health. Although we'd lost touch over the last few years, we had recently reacquainted in a small way this past spring. Her email touched my heart - here she is, diagnosed with possibly terminal cancer and her hope and joy lies in her salvation and trust in her Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ. What a testimony!

I'm sharing (with her permission) her words below - and in praying for her health, I am also praying for YOUR spiritual health. As Kathy says,

'this earthly life is only a short chapter to eternal life.'

"Most of you know I have battled with melanoma off and on for 18 years now. It has come back for the 4th time and the prognosis is not good. There is no cure though there is radiation, chemotherapy and steroid treatment to help lesson swelling; it is on my brain very similar to a cancerous form of meningitis. It is quite unusual and the location is unusual too. Surgery is not an option. We are all realistic, HOWEVER the most realistic thing in all of this is the Lord and that we are in His will. My terrific doctor hates to admit he can be wrong but is the first to do so. I am not sure that he knows the power of God’s will and the holy spirit but I do know by the time this is done, one way or the other, I want him to know some of it from our family, what ever the out come is. I am praying for first, God’s will, I will accept what ever that is, I want a cure, I want [my husband and daughter] to have peace and I want the grace to go through this with peace and happiness no matter what.

I am not scared for myself. I know my [husband and daughter] will be fine because I know God is in control. I am holding out for remission! What I want each and every one of you to think about is your salvation. It comes, not from doing good works, so unfortunately no matter how many lovely home cooked meals you make me…and you know how we love home cooked meals (hint hint), the good Lord will not take you to heaven on your culinary skills! Find out who Jesus is. The Son of God who died so you could have eternal life. Sounds weird to some of you in this high tech world, but that is the key. Ask him to forgive you for your sins and accept that they have been forgiven because he was forsaken for you. Then…this earthly life is only a short chapter to eternal life!" ~Kathy

~~~

For by grace you have been saved through faith,

and that not of yourselves;

it is the gift of God,

not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8

~~~

If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus

and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead,

you will be saved. Romans 10:9

~~~

Brian Doerksen - Your Faithfulness

I don't know what this day will bring

Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?

I don't know what tomorrow holds

Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

I don't know if these clouds mean rain

If they do, will they pour down blessing or pain?

I don't know what the future holds

Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

Certain as the rivers reach the sea

Certain as the sunrise in the east

I can rest in your faithfulness

Surer than a mother's tender love

Surer than the stars still shine above

I can rest in your faithfulness

I don't know how or when I'll die

Will it be a thief, or will I have a chance to say goodbye?

No, I don't know how much time is left

But in the end, I will know your faithfulness

When darkness overwhelms my soul

When thoughts and storms of doubt

Still I trust You are always faithful, always faithful

Certain as the rivers reach the sea

Certain as the sunrise in the east

I can rest in your faithfulness

Surer than a mother's tender love

Surer than the stars still shine above

I can rest in your faithfulness

I don't know what this day will bring

Will it be disappointing, filled with longed for things?

I don't know what tomorrow holds

Still I know I can trust Your faithfulness

WHEN YOU SHEPHERD ME

Psalm 23 - one of my favourite songs, by Brian Doerksen ~

~ When You Shepherd Me ~ Listen
When you shepherd me, I have everything that I need
When you make me rest, beside the peaceful stream
My soul is restored, my strength is renewed
When you shepherd me
When you shepherd me, your rod and staff comfort me
As you guide my steps, I can trust your lead
Even when I walk through the valley shadowed with death
I will not fear for you are with me
I am overwhelmed by love, over taken by your mercy
Lord your goodness without end
Will be the house in which I dwell
I am overwhelmed by love, over taken by your mercy
Lord your goodness without end
Will be the house in which I dwell
When you shepherd me, you prepare a bountiful feast
Even when my enemies are closing in on me
You annoint me with oil, my cup overflows
When you shepherd me
I am overwhelmed by love, over taken by your mercy
Lord your goodness without endWill be the house in which I dwell
I am overwhelmed by love, over taken by your mercy
Lord your goodness without endWill be the house in which I dwell
When you shepherd me
Lord you shepherd me
~ by Brian Doerksen ~

BYE BYE 39

This year marks 40 years of my life!

AUGUST 4, 1966

In less than 30 days I will say goodbye to my '30s! Hard to believe and yet, when I look around me I say 'of course!' My kids ages combined adds up to more than my own age, I'm beginning to get wrinkles around my eyes, my husband is already 40, I have bifocal contact lenses, I longingly look at little babies and dream of grandchildren, our nephews and nieces have their own children, every once in a while we discuss 25th anniversary celebration ideas, I have a child who drives, I have kids who have jobs, my son is the same age that my husband was when we began dating, my 'baby' is 12 now...Yes, I'm on the precipice of 40! BUT, there are things that make me wonder if I'm not 40 - my son turns the music down on ME (I admit it - I've always liked to crank up the volume!), I'm still a paper delivery 'girl' (I love the exercise), I still love birthdays, gifts and Christmas, I still get excited when snail mail arrives, once our kids waited for us at the entrance to an amusement park - because WE lost track of time...

I don't remember 1966 much :) so I researched it and here's what I found:

- Indira Gandhi was the PM of India
- Art treasures were ruined during severe floods in Florence
- The first solo voyage around the world was made by Francis Chichester
- Australia won 105 medals at the Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica.
Movies in 1966: Georgy Girl (Alan Bates, Lynn Redgrave) and Born Free (Bill Travers, Virginia McKenna) - and some other ones that I don't recognize!
Music in 1966: Green, Green Grass of Home (Tom Jones), Monday Monday (Mamas & Papas), I'm a Believer (Monkees), Yellow Submarine (Beatles) - and much more that (again) I don't recognize;
Lots on TV: Dr Kildare, The Avengers, Lassie, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Andy Griffiths Show - again, these are ones that sound familiar to me (even though I grew up without a TV!).

Canadian Things in 1966:March 12 - Bobby Hull sets the record for the most goals in an NHL season; May 18 - Paul Joseph Chartier is killed when a bomb he is carrying goes off on Parliament Hill; October 1 - The CBC becomes the first Canadian television network to broadcast in colour; December 31 - The Centennial flame in front of Parliament Hill is lit;
Grey Cup - Saskatchewan Roughriders win 29-14 over the Ottawa Rough Riders;
Stanley Cup - Montreal Canadiens win 4-2 over the Detroit Red Wings. Stephen Leacock Award: George Bain, Nursery Rhymes to Be Read Aloud by Young Parents with Old Children.
Star Trek premieres starring Montreal actor William Shatner.

Other Canadians who turn 40 this year: Jeff Healey, musician (March 25), Belinda Stronach, politician (May 2); Gary Roberts, politician (May 23); Kurt Browning, figure skater (June 18); Joe Nieuwendyk, ice hockey player (September 10); Peter Milkovich, field hockey midfielder (October 17); Wendel Clark, ice hockey player (October 25); Kiefer Sutherland, actor (December 21).

I share my birthday with:
1792, Percy Bysshe Shelley W r i t e r; 1901, Louis Armstrong M u s i c i a n; 1904, Antonio Vivaldi C o m p o s e r [ d. 1741 ]; 1947, Klaus Schultze M u s i c a l A r t i s t; 1952, Maire Ni Bhraonian M u s i c a l A r t i s t; 1955, Billy Bob Thornton A c t o r; 1958, Ian Broudie M u s i c a l A r t i s t; 1962, Roger Clemens A t h l e t e; 1962, Paul Reynolds M u s i c a l A r t i s t; 1981, Marques Houston M u s i c a l A r t i s t.

I've never met any of those people but I do know a few people who share my birthdate - my sisters-in-law's sister Dorothy, Lou-Ann from church, and Missy - who I know will be 10 this year because she was born on my 30th birthday! TIME FLIES! HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYONE! Treasure the moments that God has blessed you with - and 'SEIZE THE DAY'!

Remember your Creator while life lies before you

Remember His only Son who gave His life for you

And think on His laws, and see life through His eyes

Then you'll know that you're

Walkin' wise!

(Judy Rogers)

UPDATE - Miracles do happen!

NOW UNTO HIM WHO IS ABLE TO DO IMMEASUREABLY MORE THAN ALL WE ASK OR IMAGINE, ACCORDING TO HIS POWER THAT IS AT WORK WITHIN US, TO HIM BE GLORY IN THE CHURCH AND IN CHRIST JESUS THROUGHOUT ALL GENERATIONS, FOREVER AND EVER! Amen. Ephesians 3:20

It's been a week since Miriam, Marissa & Selina's accident and the recoveries have been remarkable! We know that this would not be possible except by the Hand of our loving God. We praise Him for His work in the girls' lives - many have said that when comparing the day of the accident to one week later it seems like the girls rose from the dead!

Here is an update from the Miriam Fluit blog (you can read more here http://miriamfluit.blogspot.com/ )

Friday, July 07, 2006
One week
Wow. Its hard to believe that it was exactly one week ago that we all rushed to the hospital in Hamilton after finding out about the accident. I don't think that any of us really imagined last Friday night that we would get as far as we have in just a week, including the doctors! Looking back at everything that the Fluit family, Leanne, myself and all the family and friends have gone through, it's just amazing to be able to recognize so clearly the strength that God gave us when we really needed it. God truly is an AWEsome God!Tonight we once again have the blessing of being able to look back at the day and confidently say that things are looking up. The recent reports from the doctors really have been optimistic in that Miriam will recover in due time. The doctors have expressed that even though they will not be able to thoroughly assess her until she is more awake, Miriam's recovery thus far is remarkable. But we all know that Miriam's recovery thus far is more than remarkable; it is a miracle.God has truly blessed us through these difficult times and we trust that He will continue to provide what we, and expecially what Miriam, will need on the long road ahead of us. We are so thankful for all the love, support and prayers that so many friends and family members continue to express and it is our prayer that God may continue to be glorified by us all.Peter, Leanne and Fluit family

Prayer Requests
*Please continue to pray that the breathing tube may be removed as soon as possible
*Pray that Miriam will have patience and strength in the days ahead of her
*Thank our Lord for the miracles he has preformed in Miriam, Selina, and Marissa's lives. We stand in awe.

~~~
The photo above shows Miriam (at the back of the boat) and her sister Rebekah.

KEEP PRAYING FOR THE LORD'S WILL!

WHO AM I?

I did a lot of driving today - mainly down country highways, and the view was spectacular! The sun was shining and I saw wild flowers at the side of the road, crops growing wonderfully, trees adorned with luscious leaves - some with flowers too - and the sky was HUGE! Bright blue, with tons of multi-coloured clouds. (It was a picture-taking day - and I'd forgotten my camera - this pic is from another gorgeous day.) I was amazed at the sight before me - how beautiful this world is, and how small I am! Made me think of all of the concerns of life - and how I fret about them - and yet GOD IS IN CONTROL! What a comfort that is! The events of last week - the accident - and how small we truly are when life goes out of control - even when we think we are in control! And yet, GOD CARES! About the big things AND the little things!

I drove along and Casting Crowns began to sing one of my favourite songs -

Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.

Chorus:
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you've done.
Not because of what I've done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean, (ocean)
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I'm calling,
Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,
And you've told me who I am.
I am yours.I am yours.

Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.

Chorus 2x

I am yours.I am yours.
Whom shall I fear? Whom shall I fear?
'Cause I am yours.I am yours.

PRAISE THE LORD!

PLEASE PRAY FOR MIRIAM & FRIENDS!

It's been quite a while since I wrote here. A lot has happened. My heart is heavy now - has been for a few days. You see there was an automobile accident on Friday, June 30th and two girls from our church were in it - as well as one of their friends. All three girls are 17 years old. Young. New drivers. The same age as our son. We've known two of the girls for all of their lives - and it just breaks my heart to hear and see them suffering so badly. Our own kids are saddened. Our church is saddened.

Please pray for Marissa, Miriam and Selina. They are all hurting. Miriam & Selina are in the hospital battling head injuries and other physical injuries. Marissa is at home, recovering from the accident too and battling a broken heart. They all need loving arms to surround them and their families.

Read here about Miriam: http://miriamfluit.blogspot.com/

OUR ANNIVERSARY!

It was 19 years ago today (April 11, 1987 actually) that I became a married woman! Time has flown! Looking back I can see lots of good times and some bad times - but overall, it's been a wonderful journey.

It was in 1981 that I met my future husband. Our family had gone to a new church and I recognized this guy who also went to the same high school as I did. We got to know each other, became good friends, but I wasn't allowed to date until I was sixteen. I was fifteen at the time. So we did things with groups of friends - went out for coffee, played sports, went to various activities with our church's youth group. And sometimes, after school, we'd swim together in our school's pool. Sometimes we went to 'Burger King' for a drink and chat.

On August 4, 1982 I turned sixteen! Our first official date was on August 30th, at Canada's Wonderland, near Toronto - it was magical! He held my hand and asked if I'd go 'steady'. Of course I said 'yes' - I knew a good guy and this one was great! It was up there on one of the fake mountains that we made this agreement! And I've never looked back!

In October, 1985 he put a ring on my finger - we were engaged! And on April 11, 1987 we were married! Life was grand! And has been since.

Corny eh? But it has been. No it hasn't been perfect. I've been mad at him; he's been mad at me. We've 'let the sun go down upon our wrath'. We're not proud of that. But overall, we've had such a great ride! We've laughed instead of crying, but we've also cried. (I think we've done more laughing!) It's important to laugh in life isn't it? I tend to be overly serious. Dear husband can sloff things off - I have to analyze them to death. Both ways can be annoying. Both ways can be good. Balance - it's all about balance, right?!

I read this recently in Karen Kingsbury's book called A Thousand Tomorrows, and these are my sentiments today:
Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres - Love never fails. (I Corinthians 13.)

If I have ten years with you, or a hundred, our time together would never be enough. With you, I'm something I've never been before. I'm whole because you complete me. My love for you means I'm no longer sure where I end and you begin. I promise you everything I am, everything I have, as many days as we share together. No matter what tomorrow brings, I will be here. I will stand by you and stay by you. I will be strong when you cannot be strong, and I will hold you up when you cannot stand. My love, my life, is yours.

Love is not measured in years or decades, but in smiles and dreams and shared bits of laughter, in quiet walks and tender embraces and late-night talks. I will stand by you in your dreams and stay by you in spirit. I will be strong in heart when you cannot be strong, and I will hold your hand when neither of us can stand. My love, my life, is yours.

I do believe that Andrew completes me. I believe that we were destined to be together for life. I thank the Lord for Him. What a blessing!

Our vows ended with "Henceforth you go down life's pathway together, and may the Father of all mercies, who of His grace has called you to this holy state of marriage, bind you together in true love and faithfulness and grant you His blessing." (CRC, Psalter Hymnal, 1976).

HERE'S TO MANY MORE WONDERFUL YEARS TOGETHER!

THE LORD'S HAND

The Lord's hand in our lives ... I was talking with a group of friends lately and one asked about times in our lives where we visibly saw the hand of God. I've been pondering this for a while. I've seen Him in many, many places, many, many times, but, when asked, I couldn't think of any big times. Lots and lots of little times. Times when He has provided what we needed - whether it was monetary or something physical, or even strength to get through something that seemed too tough. Times when His hand surprised me - even though I know that He is there with me day in and day out. 24/7 as they say today!

There were many times when I needed to find a certain item for our children but money was tight. I needed to stay within our budget and it seemed that I would never be able to do just that. But sure enough, I found what was needed and many times it was way better than what I expected! I was assured that He cares about EVERYTHING in His people's lives. Even the seemingly insignificant.

At church this past Sunday I thought of a significant time. It was at my dad's funeral. I was 24, he was almost 54. He was in Northern Ontario, deer hunting with a friend. He was due to arrive home soon. In fact, he came home on the same day that he was due to come home. But he was dead. He and his friend had drowned. We will never know for sure what happened but from the Ontario Provincial Police investigation and his autopsy, they think that his friend broke through the ice while crossing a body of water and dad tried to help. They both drowned.

We were told that they were 'missing' first. That was a Tuesday night. On Thursday morning our fears were realized. They'd both drowned. They'd recovered the bodies. We were told that they would have gone fast. Hypothermia would have set in fast. Within fifteen minutes they would have been sleepy. Then they would have slipped under the water and drowned. That death came fast was some comfort - but every time that I saw a body of water after that, I cringed. Somehow I'd always imagined my dad growing old with our family. I'd never considered that I might never see him grow bald or grow weary in old age.

Now about God's hand - how could anything good come from something so terrible? I was numb at first. I wasn't angry - it was too unbelievable. (Even now it sounds so unbelievable when I tell the story to someone who doesn't know about my dad & his friend. ) On Sunday we sang a hymn which is based on the book of Revelation and the Lord's second coming. How things will be in heaven - seeing the Lord and rejoicing! It talks about the saints being reunited again. The hymn is called 'By the Sea of Crystal' by John Vanderhoven, 1933. (listen to the music online: http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/t/btsocrys.htm )

"By the sea of crystal, saints in glory stand,
Myriads in number, drawn from every land.
Robed in white apparel, washed in Jesus' blood,
They now reign in heaven, with the Lamb of God.

Out of tribulation, death and satan's hand,
They have been translated at the Lord's command.
In their hands they're holding palms of victory;
Hark! the jubilant chorus shouts triumphantly:

UNTO GOD ALMIGHTY, SITTING ON THE THRONE,
AND THE LAMB, VICTORIOUS, BE THE PRAISE ALONE.
GOD HAS WROUGHT SALVATION,
HE DID WONDROUS THINGS;
WHO SHALL NOT EXTOL THEE,
HOLY KING OF KINGS?"

What a picture!

How would I be able to sing this at my father's funeral? Sure I was happy that my dad knew the Lord (so did his friend) and I knew that they were in a 'better place' now. But sing THIS?? We did. I belted it out! Tears streamed down as I sang. This was THE LORD giving me the words. Yes, it was hard. But my comfort was in the Lord.

No, I couldn't explain how the Lord could make any good come out of this. I was left without a father. My mom was now a widow. Grandchildren were left without a grandfather. How could any good come of that? But it did.

The church was packed for the funeral. My dad was a bus driver and the transit commission brought a busload of his fellow workers to the funeral. The gospel was preached. Many were touched by our faith. A gift from the Lord. The service was focused on the Lord. Not on my dad. Yes, we remembered dad - but we remembered his Lord more.

Years later (this happened in 1990) I still hear about his funeral. Or about how 'tragic' his death was. His death touched many lives. Even now when I retell the 'story' people gasp. Dad was 'in shape'. He jogged daily. He ate well. His blood pressure was low. But he didn't live to a 'ripe old age'. He died quite young. He was ready.

THAT was and is a comfort to us.

The Heidelberg Catechism, Lord's Day 1 says: "What is your only comfort in life and death?

A. That I, with body and soul, both in life and death (Romans 14:8), am not my own (I Corinthians 6:19), but belong until my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 3:23, Titus 2:14), who with His precious blood has fully satisfied for all my sins (I Peter 1:18, 19, I John 1:7, 2:2, 12), and delivered me from all the power of the devil (Hebrews 2:14, I John 3:8, John 8:34-36); and so preserves me (John 6:39, 10:28, 29, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Peter 1:5) that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head (Matthew 10:30, Luke 21:18); yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation (Romans 8:28), wherefore by His Holy Spirit He also assures me of eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22, Ephesians 1:14, Romans 8:16), and makes me heartily willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto Him (Romans 8:14, 1 John 3:3)."

How did I see the Lord's hand? Mainly from the comfort that He gave me and my family. The peace that we had. The joy that we had during one of the lowest times in our lives. I was fragile at that time - Dad went missing exactly one month after I'd almost died myself (see previous post re: my first miscarriage). I was just beginning to feel hope again. I was finally smiling again. And then this! Later I realized that because of my miscarriage, I was able to have one last time to see dad. You see, dad brought mom over to look after me after I came out of the hospital. Our last visit was a tender one - and they usually weren't very close or tender. Dad joked a lot but serious moments were few. He was glad that the Lord had spared my life. We shared that. And I never saw him alive again.

The Lord was with me through many 'hurdles' surrounding dad's death. Helping mom choose a casket. Helping mom choose his clothes for the visitation and funeral. The visitation. The funeral. The burial. It seemed so cold to leave him there in the ground. The quietness after it all. The anger when the rest of the world was intent on celebrating Christmas and I wasn't ready to (Dad died November 13 and they found his body on the 15th). Through all of the 'hurdles' I had peace. I knew that Q&A in Lord's Day 1 was true. The Bible told me so. And I knew that the Lord's hand was in my life and that He makes NO mistakes! What a comfort that is!