Yah PIZZA PIZZA!

This is my pizza that I had recently! Yummy! Below is a copy of the email that I received from Pizza Pizza:

Dear Pizza Pizza Customer:

You had expressed an interest in our Gluten-Free pizza crust, and I'm pleased to announce that we now offer Gluten-Free crust chain-wide in all of our traditional Pizza Pizza restaurants.

Before fully launching, we initially tested this product, and the results of our tests allowed us to further refine our processes before going chain-wide.

I've attached below the press release that was recently issued that provides a little more information.

We appreciate and thank you for your past patronage, and hope to serve you again in the future.

Best regards,
Andrew Martin
Customer Care Specialist

Hot & Fresh Off the Press

Gluten-free pizza makes its debut in Pizza Pizza traditional restaurants

Responding to the dietary needs and trends expressed by consumers, Pizza Pizza will now offer gluten-free pizza at all of its traditional restaurants. The wide-scale introduction of gluten-free pizza by Pizza Pizza follows the favorable results of a recent pilot test of the product in select GTA restaurants.

“The pilot results exceeded our expectations,” said Pizza Pizza’s Chief Marketing Officer, Pat Finelli. “One of our objectives in offering this menu option is to provide a dietary alternative for people that are unable to eat gluten products. The reaction we received from market testing was extremely positive, especially from those with celiac disease. Consumers that had been unable to enjoy pizza were thanking us for introducing this new menu offering and allowing them to enjoy pizza once again.”

Gluten intolerance, or celiac disease, affects an estimated 1 in 133 Canadians, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Celiac Association. It is an inherited immune disease in which the lining of the small intestine is damaged by gluten, a protein found in such grains as wheat, barley and rye. The only therapy for celiac disease is a gluten-free diet.

Pizza Pizza is the first major player in the quick-service restaurant industry to provide a gluten-free crust, which uses rice and potato-based flour as the main ingredient. By choosing the light and crispy rice-based dough – along with toppings from our gluten-free list – consumers can enjoy a delicious gluten-free meal made especially for them. Currently, Pizza Pizza’s gluten-free crusts are available in the 12-inch medium format, the company’s most popular pizza size.

In making the gluten-free crust, Pizza Pizza has implemented a series of procedures and controls to prevent product cross-contamination. Mr. Brian S. Payne, Director, Commissary and Supply Chain Management for Pizza Pizza, says it is no different than handling any other allergen. In addition to having specific utensils for the product, the company has sent all franchisees an updated training guide containing new product information, educational material about celiac disease, as well as cooking and sanitizing procedures.

The gluten-free crust is another in a series of health-conscious innovations by Pizza Pizza. In recent years, the cutting-edge company has introduced whole-wheat multigrain dough, a source of Omega 3’s and fiber, partly skimmed mozzarella cheese and sodium-reduced sauces and cheese to its menu offerings. Pizza Pizza was one of the first in the industry to remove industrially-added trans-fats from its entire menu.

“The introduction of this new gluten-free menu offering is a natural extension of our initiatives in striving to provide our customers with a variety of healthy options that respond to their individual needs,” said Finelli. “We know that a significant segment of the population is gluten sensitive or intolerant, and offering this new menu option is a way of bringing pizza back into their lives and routine.”

For a complete list of allergens and menu options at Pizza Pizza, please visit www.pizzapizza.ca.

Signs of Spring

take a trip through our "signs of spring" with me!
the view from my kitchen window has become greener and the thermometer has been showing higher temps

my begonia is growing away -- it will be put outside to grow all summer

once the threat of frost is gone

my raspberry plants are growing

my herbs are sprouting yet again!

we're taking more "rubber boot" walks

(these are my friend, Susanne's, three boys

-- I "borrow" them once in a while!)the deer are coming closer again

"mr. & mrs. mallard" are visiting for another year!

(and eggs are hatching -- maybe a baby duck?)

our chickens are enjoying roaming around our yard again

my vinca is blooming!

my rhubarb is growing and we've been enjoying rhubarb cobbler and muffins...
(okay, my family has been enjoying them -- they're not gluten-free so I haven't had any...but I do enjoy making them!)

everything is blooming!

including the weeds...

and the best of all?

clean laundry drying outside on the clothesline!
THANK YOU, LORD, FOR SPRING!

I AM

This song has really touched me lately -- I've been going through a bit of a tough time and a friend pointed this song out to me. I've owned the CD for a while but it hasn't been until now that this song has hit me. It's so comforting that, when life doesn't seem to make any sense, God has our times in His hands and HE KNOWS!

I dedicate this to my friend, K. I miss you already. ((( hugs ))) ~ D

I Believe!

One of my favourite songs from one of my favourite artists! With spring all around us and a long winter finally over, how CAN we say there is no God?! Enjoy! ~ D

Donuts

I received this in an email the other day and thought that it was worth posting. Good thinking stuff!

"DON'T LEAVE IT ON THE DESK"

There was a certain Professor of Religion named Dr. Christianson, a studious man who taught at a small college in the western United States Dr. Christianson taught the required survey course in Christianity at this particular institution. Every student was required to take this course their freshman year, regardless of his or her major.

Although Dr. Christianson tried hard to communicate the essence of the gospel in his class, he found that most of his students looked upon the course as nothing but required drudgery. Despite his best efforts, most students refused to take Christianity seriously.

This year, Dr. Christianson had a special student named Steve. Steve was only a freshman, but was studying with the intent of going onto seminary for the ministry. Steve was popular, he was well liked, and he was an imposing physical specimen. He was now the starting center on the school football team, and was the best student in the professor's class.

One day, Dr. Christianson asked Steve to stay after class so he could talk with him.

"How many push-ups can you do?"

Steve said, "I do about 200 every night."

"200? That's pretty good, Steve," Dr. Christianson said. "Do you think you could do 300?"

Steve replied, "I don't know.... I've never done 300 at a time."

"Do you think you could?" again asked Dr. Christianson.

"Well, I can try," said Steve.

"Can you do 300 in sets of 10? I have a class project in mind and I need you to do about 300 push-ups in sets of ten for this to work. Can you do it? I need you to tell me you can do it," said the professor.

Steve said, "Well... I think I can...yeah, I can do it."

Dr. Christianson said, "Good! I need you to do this on Friday. Let me explain what I have in mind."

Friday came and Steve got to class early and sat in the front of the room. When class started, the professor pulled out a big box of donuts. No, these weren't the normal kinds of donuts, they were the extra fancy BIG kind, with cream centers and frosting swirls. Everyone was pretty excited it was Friday, the last class of the day, and they were going to get an early start on the weekend with a party in Dr. Christianson's class.

Dr. Christianson went to the first girl in the first row and asked, "Cynthia, do you want to have one of these donuts?"

Cynthia said, "Yes."

Dr. Christianson then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Cynthia can have a donut?"

"Sure!" Steve jumped down from his desk to do a quick ten. Then Steve again sat in his desk. Dr. Christianson put a donut on Cynthia's desk.

Dr. Christianson then went to Joe, the next person, and asked, "Joe, do you want a donut?"

Joe said, "Yes." Dr. Christianson asked, "Steve would you do ten push-ups so Joe can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups, Joe got a donut. And so it went, down the first aisle, Steve did ten push-ups for every person before they got their donut.

Walking down the second aisle, Dr. Christianson came to Scott. Scott was on the basketball team, and in as good condition as Steve. He was very popular and never lacking for female companionship.

When the professor asked, "Scott do you want a donut?"

Scott's reply was, "Well, can I do my own push-ups?"

Dr. Christianson said, "No, Steve has to do them."

Then Scott said, "Well, I don't want one then."

Dr. Christianson shrugged and then turned to Steve and asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Scott can have a donut he doesn't want?"

With perfect obedience Steve started to do ten push-ups.

Scott said, "HEY! I said I didn't want one!"

Dr. Christianson said, "Look!, this is my classroom, my class, my desks, and these are my donuts. Just leave it on the desk if you don't want it." And he put a donut on Scott's desk.

Now by this time, Steve had begun to slow down a little. He just stayed on the floor between sets because it took too much effort to be getting up and down. You could start to see a little perspiration coming out around his brow.

Dr. Christianson started down the third row. Now the students were beginning to get a little angry. Dr. Christianson asked Jenny, "Jenny, do you want a donut?"

Sternly, Jenny said, "No."

Then Dr. Christianson asked Steve, "Steve, would you do ten more push-ups so Jenny can have a donut that she doesn't want?"

Steve did ten....Jenny got a donut.

By now, a growing sense of uneasiness filled the room. The students were beginning to say, "No!" and there were all these uneaten donuts on the desks.

Steve also had to really put forth a lot of extra effort to get these push-ups done for each donut. There began to be a small pool of sweat on the floor beneath his face, his arms and brow were beginning to get red because of the physical effort involved.

Dr. Christianson asked Robert, who was the most vocal unbeliever in the class, to watch Steve do each push up to make sure he did the full ten push-ups in a set because he couldn't bear to watch all of Steve's work for all of those uneaten donuts. He sent Robert over to where Steve was so Robert could count the set and watch Steve closely.

Dr. Christianson started down the fourth row. During his class, however, some students from other classes had wandered in and sat down on the steps along the radiators that ran down the sides of the room. When the professor realized this, he did a quick count and saw that now there were 34 students in the room. He started to worry if Steve would be able to make it.

Dr. Christianson went on to the next person and the next and the next. Near the end of that row, Steve was really having a rough time. He was taking a lot more time to complete each set.

Steve asked Dr. Christianson, "Do I have to make my nose touch on each one?"

Dr. Christianson thought for a moment, "Well, they're your push-ups You are in charge now. You can do them any way that you want." And Dr. Christianson went on.

A few moments later, Jason, a recent transfer student, came to the room and was about to come in when all the students yelled in one voice, "NO! Don't come in! Stay out!"

Jason didn't know what was going on. Steve picked up his head and said, "No, let him come."

Professor Christi anson said, "You realize that if Jason comes in you will have to do ten push-ups for him?"

Steve said, "Yes, let him come in. Give him a donut."

Dr. Christianson said, "Okay, Steve, I'll let you get Jason's out of the way right now. Jason, do you want a donut?"

Jason, new to the room, hardly knew what was going on. "Yes," he said, "give me a donut."

"Steve, will you do ten push-ups so that Jason can have a donut?"

Steve did ten push-ups very slowly and with great effort. Jason, bewildered, was handed a donut and sat down.

Dr Christianson finished the fourth row, and then started on those visitors seated by the heaters. Steve's arms were now shaking with each push-up in a struggle to lift himself against the force of gravity. By this time sweat was profusely dropping off of his face, there was no sound except his heavy breathing; there was not a dry eye in the room.

The very last two students in the room were two young women, both cheerleaders, and very popular. Dr. Christianson went to Linda, the second to last, and asked, "Linda, do you want a doughnut?"

Linda said, very sadly, "No, thank you."

Professor Christianson quietly asked, "Steve, would you do ten push-ups so that Linda can have a donut she doesn't want?"

Grunting from the effort, Steve did ten very slow push-ups for Linda.

Then Dr. Christianson turned to the last girl, Susan. "Susan, do you want a donut?"

Susan, with tears flowing down her face, began to cry. "Dr. Christianson, why can't I help him?"

Dr Christianson, with tears of his own, said, "No, Steve has to do it alone; I have given him this task and he is in charge of seeing that everyone has an opportunity for a donut whether they want it or not. When I decided to have a party this last day of class, I looked at my grade book. Steve here is the only student with a perfect grade. Everyone else has failed a test, skipped class, or offered me inferior work. Steve told me that in football practice, when a player messes up he must do push-ups. I told Steve that none of you could come to my party unless he paid the price by doing your push ups. He and I made a deal for your sakes."

"Steve, would you do ten push-ups so Susan can have a donut?"

As Steve very slowly finished his last push-up, with the understanding that he had accomplished all that was required of him, having done 350 push-ups, his arms buckled beneath him and he fell to the floor.

Dr. Christianson turned to the room and said, "And so it was, that our Savior, Jesus Christ, on the cross, plead to the Father, 'Into thy hands I commend my spirit.' With the understanding that He had done everything that was required of Him, He yielded up His life. And like some of those in this room, many of us leave the gift on the desk, uneaten. "

Two students helped Steve up off the floor and to a seat, physically exhausted, but wearing a thin smile.

"Well done, good and faithful servant," said the professor, adding, "Not all sermons are preached in words."

Turning to his class, the professor said, "My wish is that you might understand and fully comprehend all the riches of grace and mercy that have been given to you through the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He spared not only His Begotten Son, but gave Him up for us all, for the whole Church, now and forever. Whether or not we choose to accept His gift to us, the price has been paid."

I Will Bow to You

This is one of my favourite songs! Enjoy! It's sung by Bob Fitts.

Hallelujah!

Here's something special for you! Enjoy -- and MERRY CHRISTMAS! Christ is born!

The Lord is My Shepherd

This is so sweet -- from the mouths of babes! How sweet to hear scripture from children's mouths -- recently I've heard so many young children taking God's name in vain. It really saddens me. But this is refreshing -- enjoy!

For Moms!

If you haven't heard this song, you HAVE to hear it!

Click for more on Anita
Anita Renfroe: Mom's William Tell Overture...what a mother says in a 24 hour period!
All the details on Anita & her career in one place!
Anita's Website
Read about Anita on her own website.
*VIDEO CLIP~~Good Morning America Oct 3 INTERVIEW
The anchors at Good Morning America have fun when Anita Renfroe appears on the show to tell how her Mom Video has affected her life and her career

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxT5NwQUtVM

Here are the lyrics:

Get up now

Get up now

Get up out of bed

Wash your face

Brush your teeth

Comb your sleepy head

Here's your clothes

And your shoes

Hear the words I said

Get up now

Get up and make your bed

Are you hot?

Are you cold?

Are you wearing that?

Where's your books and your lunch and your homework at?

Grab your coat and your gloves and your scarf and hat

Don't forget you got to feed the cat

Eat your breakfast

The experts tell us it's the most important meal of all

Take your vitamins so you will grow up one day to be big and tall

Please remember the orthodontist will be seeing you at three today?

Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon
So you must play

Don't shovel

Chew slowly

But hurry

The bus is here

Be careful

Come back here

Did you wash behind your ears?

Play outside

Don't play rough

Would you just play fair?

Be polite

Make a friend

Don't forget to share

Work it out

Wait your turn

Never take a dare

Get along

Don't make me come down there

Clean your room

Fold your clothes

Put your stuff away

Make your bed

Do it now

Do we have all day?

Were you born in a barn?

Would you like some hay

Can you even hear a word I say?

Answer the phone

Get Off the phone

Don't sit so close

Turn it down

No texting at the table

No more computer time tonight

Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up

Where you going and with whom and what time do you think you're coming home?

Saying thank you, please, excuse me

Makes you welcome everywhere you roam

You'll appreciate my wisdom

Someday when you're older and you're grown

Can't wait 'til you have a couple little children of your own

You'll thank me for the counsel I gave you so willingly

But right now

I thank you NOT to roll your eyes at me

Close your mouth when you chew

Would appreciate

Take a bite

Maybe two

Of the stuff you hate

Use your fork

Do not you burp

Or I'll set you straight

Eat the food I put upon your plate

Get an egg A, Get the door

Don't get smart with me

Get a Grip

Get in here I'll count to 3

Get a job

Get a life

Get a PhD

Get a dose of reality

I don't care who started it

You're grounded until your 36

Get your story straight

And tell the truth for once for heaven's sake

And if all your friends jumped off a cliff

Would you jump too?

If I've said it once, I've said at least a thousand times before that

You're too old to act this way

It must be your father's DNA

Look at me when I am talking

Stand up straight when you walk

A place for everything

And everything must be in place

Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about

Oh!

Brush your teeth

Wash your face

Get your PJs on

Get in bed

Get a hug

Say a prayer with Mom

Don't forget

I love you**KISS**

And tomorrow we will do this all again because a mom's work never ends

You don't need the reason why

Because

Because

Because

Because

I said so

I said so

I said so

I said so

I'm the Mom

The mom

The mom

The mom

The mom

Ta-da

.

Paul Harvey and Prayer

I received this via email and thought I'd share it here instead of forwarding it on. I'm not American, but we have the same problems here. Yes, God help us. ~ D

Paul Harvey says:
I don't believe in Santa Claus, but I'm not going to sue somebody for
singing a Ho-Ho-Ho song in December. I don't agree with Darwin, but I
didn't go out and hire a lawyer when my high school teacher taught his
Theory of Evolution.

Life, liberty or your pursuit of happiness will not be endangered
because someone says a 30-second prayer before a football game.
So what's the big deal? It's not like somebody is up there reading the
entire book of Acts. They're just talking to a God they believe in and
asking him to grant safety to the players on the field and the fans
going home from the game.

But it's a Christian prayer, some will argue.

Yes, and this is the United States of America, a country founded on
Christian principles. According to our very own phone book, Christian
churches outnumber all others... better than 200-to-1. So what would you
expect -- somebody chanting Hare Krishna?

If I went to a football game in Jerusalem,
I would expect to hear a Jewish prayer.

If I went to a soccer game in Baghdad,
I would expect to hear a Muslim prayer.

If I went to a ping pong match in China,
I would expect to hear someone pray to Buddha.

And I wouldn't be offended.
It wouldn't bother me one bit.
When in Rome.

But what about the atheists?
Is another argument.
What about them?
Nobody is asking them to be baptized.
We're not going to pass the collection plate.
Just humor us for 30 seconds.
If that's asking too much, bring a Walkman or
a pair of ear plugs. Go to the bathroom.
Visit the concession stand. Call your lawyer!

Unfortunately, one or two will make that call. One or two will tell
thousands what they can and cannot do. I don't think a short prayer at a
football game is going to shake the world's foundations.

Christians are just sick and tired of turning the other cheek while our
courts strip us of all our rights. Our parents and grandparents taught
us to pray before eating; to pray before we go to sleep.

Our Bible tells us to pray without ceasing. Now a handful of people and
their lawyers are telling us to cease
praying.

God, help us.

And if that last sentence offends you, well... just sue me.

The silent majority has been silent too long. It's time we let that one
or two who scream loud enough to be heard that the vast majority doesn't
care what they want. It is time the majority rules! It's time we tell
them, you don't have to pray; you don't have to say the pledge of
allegiance; you don't have to believe in God or attend services that
honor Him. That is your right, and we will honor your right . But by
golly, you are no longer going to take our rights away. We are fighting
back.

and we WILL WIN!

God bless us one and all... especially those who denounce Him, God bless
America, despite all her faults. She is still the greatest nation of
all.

God bless our service men who are fighting to
protect our right to pray and worship God.

2007 will be the year the silent majority is heard and
we put God back as the foundation of our families and institutions...
and our Military come home from all the wars.
Keep looking up.

"AND THAT'S THE REST OF THE STORY"

Keeper of the Home

I used to have this poem hanging in my kitchen and, when I did some spring (summer!) cleaning a few weeks ago, I found it stored in a box. It's a good reminder of the important job of being a 'keeper of the home'. Enjoy! ~ D

Beautitudes for Homemakers

Blessed is she whose daily tasks are a labour of love;

for her willing hands and happy heart transform duty

into joyous service

to all her family and to God.

Blessed is she who opens the door

to welcome both stranger

and well-loved friend;

for gracious hospitality is a test of brotherly love.

Blessed is she who mends stockings

and toys and broken hearts;

for her understanding is a balm

to her husband and children.

Blessed is she who scours and scrubs;

for well she knows that cleanliness

is one expression of godliness.

Blessed is she whom children love;

for the love of a child is of greater value

than fortune or fame.

Blessed is she who sings at her work;

for music lightens the heaviest load

and brightens the dullest chore.

Blessed is she who dusts away doubt and fear

and sweeps out the cobwebs of confusion;

for her faith will triumph over all adversity.

Blessed is she who serves laughter and smiles with every meal;

for her cheerfulness is an aid

to mental and physical digestion.

Blessed is she who introduces Jesus Christ to her children;

for godly sons and daughters shall be her reward.

Blessed is she who preserves the sacredness of the Christian home;

for hers is a divine trust that crowns her with dignity.

"Little bit" of sin?

Here's a devotional that a Christian sister sent to me -- wow, what a good reminder! I need to go do some pruning -- how about you? ~D

Author: Elisabeth Elliot

Source: A Lamp For My Feet

Scripture: Matthew 5:29

You Can't Keep Both Eyes
A young man was delivered from a life of self-destruction in the form of drug abuse. He turned from his old ways, but of course was pursued by the enemy and tempted back. It was clear to him that he could not afford to be lenient with himself in allowing the least indulgence in the old habit. One day he said to his pastor, "Don't ever allow me to use the word 'struggle.' Every time I use it I am excusing disobedience, I am really preferring to 'struggle' rather than to quit."

Jesus made this necessity sharply clear when He said, "If it is your eye that is your undoing, tear it out and fling it away; it is better to enter into life with one eye than to keep both eyes and be thrown into the fires of hell" (Mt 5:29).

To struggle--that is, to allow a "little bit" of sin, to be cautious with ourselves, tolerant of a certain amount of plain disobedience, is to try to keep both eyes.

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The End of a Generation

Mabel's 105th birthday, 2006

Last night my mom called to tell me that my great-aunt had passed away. It felt strange to hear -- as if it was just a formality. I mean, Aunt Mabel was 106! We'd known that death was imminent for years. She wasn't sick -- hardly ever was. Just the fact that her body was old and weary. But she kept living. Many, many times she asked us why the Lord wasn't taking her. It became a joke -- how do you answer that question? Why is it that some die young and some live on and on, even when they'd rather be gone? Our world would tell us that it's because they ate well, or didn't smoke or drink, or some other thing that they did or didn't do. But the bible spells it out clearly in Psalm 139 -- "You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed." (vs. 16)

106th birthday, 2007

Mabel came from very 'good stock' -- most of the women in her family lived to their hundreds, some beyond (Aunt Georgie -- her sister -- lived past 102 years *edited: actually, Georgie lived just past 100 years), some almost to 100 (my grandmother, their sister Lillian, lived until 3 weeks before her 100th birthday), and some well into their '80s (Mabel's twin sister, Winnie, died in her late '80s). As a family we got pretty good at celebrating these birthdays, many times with media coverage. We also knew all about the certificates given by the various government officials when one reaches certain age goals. Those plaques were in each of their homes!

I remember when Andrew & I were dating in the 1980s and I told him about my three great aunts and my grandmother. At that time the great-aunts lived together and looked after each other. The youngest was in her '80s and she was 'looking after' the older two!! I was used to the idea but it was hilarious to him! We'd go to visit them and Andrew would laugh at how they were Toronto Maple Leaf fans and how they could tell you how the Leafs were doing and how they could/should improve their game, who they should trade etc. In fact, at the nursing home that Mabel lived in during the last few years, they'd decorate with Toronto Maple Leaf memorabilia on Mabel's birthday, even bringing a Maple Leaf jersey for Mabel to wear! There was a Maple Leaf flag above Mabel's bed in her room!

These women were funny, witty, and very healthy. My grandmother lived in her own home away from her sisters, and she was in her '90s at that time (for a long while my aunt lived with her and then she lived alone). I don't think that Andrew had ever seen so many old relatives in one place! The family gatherings were loud, boisterous occasions -- certainly not somber, quiet affairs!

One thing that I remember about visiting my grandmother and aunts when I was much younger is that, at that time, they all lived one street over from one another. Both of their backyards had an alleyway behind them with a little garage-type building so you could go from one backyard, across the alleyway and into someone else's backyard! It was pretty neat to me as a child. I was always impressed at how they took frequent jaunts to visit one another, admire the flowers growing in their backyards and have a cup of tea together. What a life! They weren't stuck up, serious women but rather funny and fun women. They enjoyed life.

Another memory is how they dressed. Usually they were in simple dresses, "house dresses" if there's such a thing today, but they had strands of pearls (fake I think) or other 'jewels' around their necks. If they liked it, they wore it. It didn't matter if it was in style or not! Often in winter we'd see them with fur coats or some sort of dressy coat. Aunt Georgie especially always had bright nail polish on and red rouge cheeks. Her cheeks were like those countryish dolls that you see, with two round dollops of rouge on each cheek. I'm sure they would have been a cosmetician's nightmare, but they were Aunt Georgie through and through.

Their houses weren't overly fancy but they were cozy. And I'm pretty sure that tea was always on or would be put on whenever someone popped by. It seemed to me that they didn't care how they looked or what they were busy with -- there was always time for a cup of tea.

So now that generation is completely gone. Many families don't have generations lasting for as long as we did and we're so very thankful. It feels strange that all of these ladies have gone on to their eternal lives.

One thing that I didn't see in these ladies lives was a love for the Lord. Not that they didn't love the Lord, but it wasn't evident to me and it wasn't something that jumped at you from their lives. I know that Mabel professed to be a Christian and my grandmother and Aunt Georgie said that they loved the Lord too. But it wasn't something that you heard them speak of or that you saw from their lives. It wasn't something that was unmistakable. I didn't see opened bibles in their homes, but that doesn't mean that they weren't there. I don't ever recall eating a meal there, so I don't recall praying at their homes. They lived moral lives, and grew up in an era where most people were moral, at least from the outside. As far as I know, they all belonged to churches and attended when they were younger, but I don't know how much. I didn't hear them speak of an active church life. From what I remember, these ladies spoke of knowing the Lord and of going to heaven, and we have to rest in the comfort of that.

I just read this prayer on a friend's blog and it really spoke to me -- this is what I wish my life to be. I hope and pray that there may be no mistake about Who I serve. And may there be no mistake about where I'm headed when I die. I always say that I want to know that I know that I know -- about everything, especially spiritual things. And if I become known as a fanatic for Jesus -- what better compliment can there be?

May God bless you in your life. Enjoy it. And know where you're going -- it has eternal consequences.

Lord of immortality,

before whom angels bow and archangels veil their faces,

enable me to serve Thee with reverence and godly fear.

Thou who art Spirit and requirest truth in the inward parts,

help me to worship Thee in spirit and in truth.

Thou who art righteous,

let me not harbour sin in my heart,

or indulge a worldly temper,

or seek satisfaction in things that perish.

I hasten towards an hour when earthly pursuits and possessions will appear vain,

when it will be indifferent

whether I have been rich or poor,

successful or disappointed, admired or despised.

But it will be of eternal moment that I have mourned for sin,

hungered and thirsted after righteousness,

loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity,

gloried in His cross.

May these objects engross my chief solicitude!

Produce in me those principles and dispositions

that make Thy service perfect freedom.

Expel from my mind all sinful fear and shame,

so that with firmness and courage

I may confess the Redeemer before men,

go forth with Him hearing His reproach,

be zealous with His knowledge,

be filled with His wisdom,

walk with His circumspection,

ask counsel of Him in all things,

repair to the Scriptures for His orders,

stay my mind on His peace,

knowing that nothing can befall me without His permission,

appointment and administration

~~Puritan Prayer

Parliament Hill Flag -- to be mine (one day)

Hey -- guess what? YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST! I just ordered my FREE flag from Parliament Hill!!! Either from the Peace Tower or from the East or West Blocks. So I'm marking this down here and we'll see how long it takes for us to get it. The waiting list is -- um, 18 YEARS or 9 YEARS! So I will be 49 years old when we get it OR 58 years!! I'm becoming so patient, I amaze myself!! LOL ... ~D

http://www.parliamenthill.gc.ca/text/faq_e.html

Flag - waiting list
How can I add my name to the waiting list for a Canadian flag that has flown on Parliament Hill?

Send a written request that includes your full home mailing address and specifies which building's flag you wish to receive. (There is currently a 18-year waiting list for a Peace Tower flag and a 9-year waiting list for the East and West Block flags.) As a policy, only one flag is sent per household.

Send your request to:
Public Works and Government Services Canada

Office of the Minister

18A1, Portage III

11 Laurier Street

Gatineau, QC

K1A 0S5

or by fax to: (819) 953-1908 or by e-mail to: Minister@pwgsc.gc.ca

Pray for Heather Please

I don't know Heather personally, but I have gotten to know her a bit through her blog. Heather is a wife and mom and has recently also become a cancer patient. She had problems with her balance and also an ear infection and her doctor sent her for an MRI -- and they found a brain tumour. Her life changed that quickly. She had the tumour removed last week and is now going through chemotherapy and radiation.

Above all, Heather is a Christian and her blog is an amazing testimony to the faith that she has in God. Heather would like to live to see her children grow up and she'd also love to see her grandchildren one day, but right now, all of those hopes and dreams are on the back-burner. Right now she needs to win the cancer battle. Lord willing, that is. Read her blog and be inspired! And please pray -- for her and her family as they go through this valley. May many come to know the Great Physician through Heather's testimony.

You can read more here: http://www.especiallyheather.com/category/brain-stuff/

All gluten-free -- Ahhhhhh! (& HLA DQ2 & 8 testing)

Today I went to a celiac conference! Although I don't have a definite diagnosis of celiac disease, I learned more today about the disease and about the gluten-free diet (which I've been on for almost 2 years now). It was an encouraging day and ALL of the food there was gluten-free. Lots of samples and a buffet afterwards! It was wonderful! I didn't eat the veggies or salad -- I figured I can (and do) eat those a lot at home. I tried new breads and buns and goodies, and various dishes, all made without a bit of gluten. Whoo-hoo! (only someone on this diet can truly understand how exciting this is!)
Annette Hamm from CHCH TV hosted the day and did a great job! It felt strange to go to a conference by myself but I did meet some new people (the couple that I sat with was from the same town AND have the same gastro doctor as I do!!)
The speakers were Bev Ruffo from the Canadian Celiac Association, Dr. Elena Verdu MD, PhD at McMaster University, Shelly Case, Registered Dietician and author of "The Gluten-Free Diet" (I highly recommend her book -- I've been using it as a resource for a while now and it's great!), and on the panel discussion were Valerie Fines, Dr. Robert Issenman (along with the others). A wealth of knowledge!

The best part? The gluten-free buffet! There was quite a stampede to the buffet table which was kind of funny to me!

*****

RE: HLA DQ2 AND DQ8 TESTING: in January I was told by a staff member at the MDS Laboratory in town that they do indeed do the HLA DQ2 and DQ8 blood testing. By that time, however, my requisition form was out of date. (I've been in the process of acquiring a new one from my doctor.) At the conference on Saturday they mentioned that this testing is not yet available in Canada so I was curious about whether my lab gave me incorrect information. I went back to the lab today and asked them again. This time I spoke to a different woman, who checked the computer database and told me that no, they DO NOT do this testing. Ugh.

Celebrating 20 years!

Today is our 20th wedding anniversary and it's been a great ride! Although Andrew & I are opposites in many ways, we are also very much alike in many ways. He inspires me and makes me laugh -- and makes me so thankful to have him in my life! I don't like to think about life without him.

Over the past years we have seen quite a few marriages around us crumble and succumb to divorce. We've also seen marriages that are obviously a facade for 'good marriage'. Recently someone said to me that 20 years of marriage is 'nothing' and I have to disagree. No it's not major milestones like 25 years or 50 or 60 years, but in this day and age, every year of a successful and happy marriage is a testament to the Lord's goodness in our lives. And it should be celebrated! For a long while I've longed for a marriage mentoring ministry (where older married couples mentor newly married couples, couple to couple) and maybe one day I will be involved in one. I think that encouragement for marriages is so necessary and sorely needed. And often absent, especially when so many newly-married couples come from broken homes and have not seen a solid marriage at work -- first-hand anyway.

I don't have the answers to what exactly makes a good marriage and a lasting one, but I do know that it takes hard work, patience and a genuine concern for the other person in the marriage. There isn't any room for selfishness or a me-attitude. And having the Lord as the center of everything changes how we view each and every situation that arises. I've told many young couples that marriage can be as good (and I think better!) than those pre-marriage dating days -- when you can't wait to see or hear from your beloved! It's true!

Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox for now and share some photos with you. I was hoping to don my wedding dress today but the weight loss didn't come as fast as the anniversary did, so maybe next year! Here I wore my dress on our 10th anniversay (the kids called it our 'second wedding' back then! LOL).

The Skipping Rope (& update)

I've had a few blog posts in the works lately, but I haven't had much time to post -- life has taken over. There's the post called 'The Apron', and the one about 'The Bicycle' -- both are partially written down, partially still in my brain. I thought I'd post today about 'The Skipping Rope'.

Spring seems to have arrived here (I say seems because I read recently that since they've been keeping weather records around here, there have only been TWO Aprils in Ontario that haven't had the white stuff...) -- but the calendar says so and so do the kids. First it was the temperature watch -- you know, they see that temperature climbing and they get restless to get outside. Their school work gets done very quickly, so they can enjoy the outdoors. Then the questions start -- can we wear sandels? shorts? tank tops?

Inevitably, after we're through the questions, out come the skipping ropes. Every day. Morning and night. The neighbours knock on the door, the girls whisk outside and they're busy skipping. They bring them along most places that we go. A good, portable game. It's been this way for years.

And I remember back, years ago it seems, doing the very same thing. For me it was in the driveway with friends, and at school. We were always skipping (and playing 'jumpsee' -- but that's another post...).

Anyway, the girls came inside the other night, sad. Why? Well, the trusty skipping rope from MY childhood had broken! It made me think back to those fun times. Skipping with all kinds of friends -- sometimes with friends of friends, kids I didn't know. It was a game that surpassed all other games. There weren't a lot of rules and there wasn't a limit to how many could join in. The more, the merrier. We didn't even consider it as exercise. It was FUN!

For me there were the rhymes that went along with skipping. "Apples, peaches, pears and plums -- tell me when your birthday comes..." and many others. Our girls have a book with all kinds of rhymes and fun skipping tricks to try.

It's been wonderful to see my own kids enjoy the very same skipping rope that I did. And although the one rope has now broken, they did find another one -- another one that was mine when I was a kid! They don't seem to make very long ones now -- or we haven't been able to find them. Today we went to quite a few stores, in search of a replacement rope. But nope, all we could find were cloth skipping ropes or Chinese skipping ropes. I found myself saying 'they don't make them like they used to.' I'm getting old!

Thankfully they found another oldie in the shed. We'll keep looking for a replacement rope. When I was a kid, as soon as spring rolled around (and often before spring arrived), the pretty coloured skipping ropes were on display around the check-outs in most stores. I often got a new one for easter. It brings back memories.

Update: Thanks to Susan at jumprope.com, we now have new skipping ropes! Now if only the weather would cooperate! Here Suzanne skips with her friends - while it's snowing!

Missed Opportunity

Today I missed another opportunity. You're probably wondering what kind of opportunity that I'm talking about. I had an opportunity to tell someone about the Lord -- but I goofed, and didn't use the opportunity. I feel awful. I was talking with a non-Christian woman about life and life's three S's -- sickness, sorrow and sadness. She was telling me that life is meaningless, and I agreed with her -- but I didn't go on and tell her how life can be meaningful...with the Lord. I find it difficult to make a segue in many conversations to spiritual things, but I know that the Lord gave me this opportunity and I didn't use it as I should have. Here was a perfect opportunity and I goofed up. I became tongue-tied. I didn't proclaim His name. I am ashamed.

I received this email this week and it really inspired me. The beautiful and loving care that John gave to his father is very, very touching. But what really inspired me was what he did after he left his father's death bedside. Read on:

By John Piper.
Tuesday, March 6, 2007. 2 a.m.

The big hospital clock in room 4326 of Greenville Memorial Hospital said, with both hands straight up, midnight. Daddy had just taken his last breath. My watch said 12:01, March 6, 2007.

I had slept a little since his last morphine shot at ten. One ear sleeping, one on the breathing. At 11:45, I awoke. The breaths were coming more frequently and were very shallow. I will not sleep again, I thought. For ten minutes, I prayed aloud into his left ear with Bible texts and pleadings to Jesus to come and take him. I had made this case before, and this time felt an unusual sense of partnership with Daddy as I pressed on the Lord to relieve this warrior of his burden.

I finished and lay down. Good. Thank you, Lord. It will not be long. And, grace upon grace, hundreds of prayers are being answered: He is not choking. The gurgling that threatened to spill over and drown him in the afternoon had sunk deep, and now there was simple clear air, shorter and shorter. I listened from where I lay next to him on a foldout chair.

That’s it. I rose and waited. Will he breathe again? Nothing. Fifteen or twenty seconds, and then a gasp. I was told to expect these false endings. But it was not false. The gasp was the first of two. But no more breaths. I waited, watching. No facial expressions. His face had frozen in place hours before. One more jerk. That was all. Perhaps an eyebrow twitch a moment later. Nothing more.

I stroked his forehead and sang,
My gracious Master and My God
Assist me to proclaim
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of thy name.

Daddy, how many thousands awaited you because of your proclamation of the great gospel. You were faithful. You kept the faith, finished the race, fought the fight. “Make friends for yourselves with unrighteous mammon that they might receive you into eternal habitations.”

I watched, wondering if there could be other reflexes. I combed his hair. He always wore a tie. The indignities of death are many, but we tried to minimize them. Keep the covers straight. Pull the gown up around his neck so it looks like a sharp turtleneck. Tuck the gappy shoulder slits down behind so they don’t show. Use a wet washcloth to keep the secretions from crusting in the eyelashes. And by all means, keep his hair combed. So now I straightened his bedding and combed his hair and wiped his eyes and put the mouth moisturizer on his lips and tried to close his mouth. His mouth would not stay closed. It had been set in that position from hours and hours of strained breathing. But he was neat. A strong, dignified face.

I called my sister Beverly first, then Noël. Tearfully we gave thanks. Get a good night’s rest. I will take care of things here with the doctor and the nurses and the mortuary arrangements. I will gather all our things and take them back to the motel. “I wish I had been there,” Beverly lamented. Yes. That is good. But don’t let that feeling dominate now. In the days to come, you will look back with enormous gratitude for the hundreds of hours you gave serving Daddy. It is my turn to be blessed.

The nurse came to give him his scheduled morphine shot. As she walked toward me I said, “He won’t need that any more.” “Is he gone?” “Yes. And thank you so much for your ministry to him.” “I will notify the doctor so he can come and verify. I will leave you alone.” “Yes, thank you.”

The doctor in his green frock came at 12:40 and listened with his stethoscope to four different places on Daddy’s chest. Then he pulled back the sheet and said, “I must apply some pain stimuli to his nail base to see if he reacts. Then he used his flashlight to test Daddy’s eyes. “The nurse supervisor will come and get the information we need about the mortuary.” Thank you.
Alone again, I felt his cheeks. Finally cool after the fevered and flushed fight. I felt his nose, as though I were blind. Then I felt mine. I thought, very soon my nose will be like your nose. It is already like your nose.

The nurse came. No thank you, an autopsy will not be necessary. Mackey Mortuary on Century Drive. My name is John, his son. My cell phone is . . . . “You may stay as long as you like.” Thank you. I will be leaving soon.

Now I just look at him. Nothing has changed in his face here in the darkness of this dim light. Just no movement. But I have watched his chest so long—even now, was that a slight rise and fall? No, surely not. It’s like sailing on the sea for days. On the land the waves still roll.

He has four-day’s beard and dark eyes. I lift an eyelid to see him eye to eye. They are dilated.
Thank you, Daddy. Thank you for sixty-one years of faithfulness to me. I am simply looking into his face now. Thank you. You were a good father. You never put me down. Discipline, yes. Spankings, yes. But you never scorned me. You never treated me with contempt. You never spoke of my future with hopelessness in your voice. You believed God’s hand was on me. You approved of my ministry. You prayed for me. Everyday. That may be the biggest change in these new days: Daddy is no longer praying for me.

I look you in the face and promise you with all my heart: Never will I forsake your gospel. O how you believed in hell and heaven and Christ and cross and blood and righteousness and faith and salvation and the Holy Spirit and the life of holiness and love. I rededicate myself, Daddy, to serve your great and glorious Lord Jesus with all my heart and with all my strength. You have not lived in vain. Your life goes on in thousands. I am glad to be one.

I kissed him on his cold cheek and on his forehead. I love you, Daddy. Thank you.

It was 12:55 as I walked out of room 4326. Just before the elevators on the fourth floor in the lounge, a young man in his twenties was sitting alone listening to his iPod with headphones. I paused. Then I walked toward him. He stopped his music. Hello, my father just died. One of the greatest tributes I could pay to him is to ask you, Are you ready to meet God? “Yes, Sir.” That would make my father very happy. You know Jesus is the only way? “Yes, Sir.” Good. Thank you for letting me talk to you.

As I drove out of the parking lot, I stopped. The moon was a day past full. It was cold—for Greenville. I looked at this great hospital. Thank you, Lord, for this hospital. I will probably never lay eyes on it again.

~~~
I want to use these opportunities for Him. It makes me feel awful to know that someone might die, not having heard The Message. I could have said that even the bible talks about life being meaningless (Ecclesiastes) but that through Jesus' death on the cross, we CAN have meaningful lives AND eternal life.

I'm sorry Lord. I know that you would have given me all of the words that I needed. Help me to trust You more. And to not waste the opportunities that you give to me.