Candid Moments

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Speak to Your Mountains

2012-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

“And Jesus answered them, Truly I say to you, if you have faith (a firm relying trust) and do not doubt, you will not only do what has been done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, Be taken up and cast into the sea, it will be done” (Matthew 21:21, AMP)

Everyone has gone through seasons when the challenges of life feel overwhelming. During those times, it’s easy to be tempted to talk about how bad things are. Maybe you received a bad medical report, or maybe you’re facing a financial obstacle. But the more you talk about something, the bigger it becomes in your mind. Instead, you’ve got to dig your heels in and say, “No, I am not going to give life to that defeat. I am not going to speak sickness over myself. I’m not going to speak lack. I’m not going to speak fear. I’m choosing a different report. I believe the report of the Lord which says I am blessed. I am favored. I am prosperous. I am healthy. I am whole. I’m a victor, not a victim.

Remember, even if you don’t see how things could ever work out, God does. Speak to those mountains in your life and declare God’s favor over those situations. Instead of talking to God about how big your problems are, talk to your problems about how big your God is! As you speak to your mountains, they will be moved, and you will move forward into the victory God has prepared for you

~ Joel Osteen

Christmas Train 2011

2012-01-02T11:28:00.000-08:00

As part of our Christmas traditions, we get tickets to the Stanley Park Christmas train with the Pue's every year; this year was no different. What was different was the time we went; this year, we were unable to get evening tickets, so we went at 3:30 in the afternoon. I will admit that I was a bit skeptical about the time, but honestly, I loved it. I felt like I saw more than I ever have before and it was not as cold as it is in the evening.

Karter was able to ride in his own car, in his chair, which was much more enjoyable for both of us. Paige loved it as she always does. Here are some of the photos of the train.

We walked around a bit and looked at the light displays and then went for dinner at White Spot. It was another great year at the train.

Christmas Day 2011

2012-01-02T11:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas Day started with stockings and gifts from Santa.

Kurt had to go to work for a few hours, so he left about 9:00 am and we carried on with our morning. We did brunch with my family and Kurt's family at 10am. It was a great spread set out by my mom. Since Kurt was not due back until about 11:30, we set up all the tables for Christmas dinner later that afternoon. We had 26 people coming for dinner, so there was a bit of prep needed.

Here is what the tables looked like (I was SO pleased) I used a few new ideas that I grabbed from Pinterest.

Once the tables were set and Kurt was home, we went over to my parents side and opened gifts with my side of the family.

My parents bought each of the kids a pair of TOMS shoes for Christmas. This was something they all wanted but something that we were prepared to spend the money on as parents; it was a wonderful gift for each of the kids. Even better since they knew that with the purchase of their pair a child in a third world country received a pair as well.

I love the look on Kaitlyn's face

Here are all their shoes...

Here are a few more pictures from the rest of our morning together:

Every year after Christmas dinner, we sing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. This year I made cute little Jesus cookies, instead of cupcakes or a cake. In the end, if you can believe it, time got away on us and we totally forgot about them...booo....so Paige and I celebrated Boxing Day with a song and the eating of the cookies.

It was a wonderful day. It was so great to have both our families together for dinner and the evening. The memories will be treasured for many years to come!

Christmas Eve 2011

2012-01-02T10:38:00.000-08:00

This year, for the first time in almost 10 years, we were together on Christmas Eve with Kurt's family. It was wonderful to have everyone at our place for dinner and gifts.

As we normally do, we went to the Christmas Eve service at church. We attended the 3pm service which allowed us to get home and get dinner on the table before we all fell over with starvation ;-)

Dinner started with shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad

It was then followed by prime rib, twice baked potatoes with steamed veggies and cheese sauce.

Here was our best attempt at a family photo

What a bunch of crazies!!!!

Here is OUR family Christmas photo

Here are Kurt's two brothers with their families:

We opened gifts together for the rest of the evening

Karter opening his new chair from Grandma & Opa

Haley & Tanner with Grandma Witt

Karter in his Canucks shirt from Daddy

Paige opening her gift from Haley & Tanner

Cars 2 YEAH! Thanks Uncle Mike & Auntie Leslie!!!

Grandma opening her Magic Bullet from us

The webkinz pack.."Just what I wanted!"...from Karter

Leslie will be making tea this winter thanks to Mom & Dad W

We got Tanner a fishing rod for the summer days at the lake

Paige and I got matching PJ's with feet!!!!

2012 Word for the Year

2012-01-01T10:35:00.000-08:00

For the past couple of years, I have asked the Lord to give me a "Word" or "Phrase" to focus my year. As Christmas week came upon us, I found myself praying for a word for 2012. Days past and strangely...nothing! Finally, New Years Eve morning , as I was lying in bed determining if I was going to get up or lie there for another hour and let the kids play on their own, it hit me...the word was STILL.

STILL:
Adjective: remaining in place or at rest; motionless; stationary; free from turbulence or commotion; peaceful; tranquil; calm; subdued or low in sound; hushed.
Noun: Silence
Adverb: At this or that time; as previously: (Are you still here?); yet; nevertheless, also, although
Verb: To silence or hush, to calm, appease, or allay; to quiet, subdue, or cause to subside (waves, winds, commotion, tumult, passion, pain, etc.); to become still or quiet.

Although my first though about the word was to STOP and be silent (which is certainly a good lesson for me) I was also struck with the phrase "Still I am God". Although there may be trials, although there are things you may not understand STILL He is God.

It's Moments Like These...

2011-12-16T12:12:00.000-08:00

...when I realize what were are saying and teaching just might be getting through.

Miss P came home from school with this piece of work the other day. It just warmed my heart. Amidst all the decorations, planning and fun activities we do, she really does know what the REAL meaning for all of it is...CHRISTmas!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Ponder This

2011-12-16T12:01:00.000-08:00

Singing At The Christmas Tea

2011-12-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Paige sang with her friend Lexi at the school Christmas tea. They sang "Come On Ring Those Bells". They even got hand bells from the school music teacher to ring during the chorus. They were so cute and did a really great job.

Pinterest Fun

2011-12-16T11:13:00.000-08:00

I will admit it, I am a Pinterest follower. If you have no idea what I am talking about, just Google it! A wealth of ideas and things to look at.

As the Christmas decorating commenced in my house (a tad bit earlier than usual) this year, I found myself catching the creative bug again. So, I put together a few diy projects. (actually there are more than these ones but I forgot to take pictures)

First off, I made these great snow vases. They took maybe 30 mins (that included the drying time). Here is how I did them:

1 picked up the vases at a local thrift store for under a $ a piece. Sprayed them with the cheapest white spray paint I could find (WalMart $2.87) and let them dry. When they were dry (about 5 mins) I sprayed them with spray adhesive (Home Depot $5) and then rolled them in Epsom salts (WalMart $3). I added a few Christmas sprigs that I had picked up someone (can't remember where) and set them on a silver tray I picked up for $.50 at the thrift store. I have tons of adhesive and Epsom salts left for other projects in the future.

We have A LOT of teachers to buy for this year. In Mr K's class there are 7 and Miss P has two teachers plus ballet and piano teachers. So to keep the cost down, we made our gifts this year. Body Scrubs and Lip Gloss.

We made a Cranberry Sugar Scrub (olive oil, sugar and cranberry essence oil) and a Brown Sugar Scrub (brown sugar, olive oil and gingerbread essence oil). Put them in containers I found at the $ Store (2 for $1.25) and added cute tags to them

The lip gloss was equally as simple. Melt Vaseline in the microwave and stir in kool-aid. Pour into containers (I bought pill containers (Wal Mart 6 for $2) and topped them with a homemade label I made cut with a circle cutter and attached with the spray adhesive.

Everything was packaged in clear cello bags with ribbon. I thought they turned out pretty nicely.

Paige's 7th Birthday

2011-12-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it is even possible to have a 7 year old! But we do and we celebrated 7 in style.

A few days before Paige's actual birthday, we had all her girls over for a party. It started out small but the number continually kept growing to a whopping 16! Do you know how many years that can take off your life??? 16 screeching girls in a small space for 90 minutes??? EEEEEKKKK!

At any rate, the theme of the party was "Sweet Shoppe". We had an Ice-cream Parlor where each of the girls made their own ice-cream sundae, as well as a sweet shoppe where they filled take home containers with sweet treats to take home. I ended up sending each of the girls home with their "ice-cream cone" cupcake so as not to overload them with sugar and send them our for the night...

At the party we played a few games, did a craft and opened gifts. By the time we got through all that it was time for the girls to be picked up. Paige had two of her friends sleep over that night for some added excitement.

The next morning, we did a family brunch for Paige. Our family and a couple of our close friends joined us for this celebration. We continued the "Sweet Shoppe" theme with a hot chocolate bar (that I did not get a photo of) and each of the kids filled bags with sweet treats for take home.

Along with my parents, we got Paige as DS for her birthday. She had wanted one for a very long time and we managed to hit a GREAT black Friday sale and scored her one.

If that was no enough festivities, on her actual birthday, as a continued tradition, I signed her out of school at lunch time (Karter too at Paige's request) and we went to see a movie. This years feature was Happy Feet 2. After the movie, we took Paige to various places to spend her gift cards from her birthday. It was a fun little shopping Spree for her. We then met my parents for dinner at Montana's and celebrated with her there.

Miss P, may 7 be a year of great things for you. May you be as inquisitive as ever and may the Lord show you even more glimpses into who you are in Him and who He wants you to be as you grow. We love you!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: When You Make a Mistake

2011-12-09T08:33:00.000-08:00

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” 1John 1:9

When we make mistakes in life, there are three main things that we need to do. Number one, ask for forgiveness. Number two, receive God’s mercy. And number three, move forward with your life. Let it go and press ahead.

So many people today are still beating themselves down over something they did five years ago. They’ve asked God to forgive them a thousand times, but can’t let it go. They go around living depressed, defeated and feeling unworthy. If that’s you, realize today the price has already been paid. The first time you asked God to forgive you, He forgave you. Now you’ve got to receive God’s mercy and press ahead. That mistake did not change who you are to God. My children have never once gotten up in the morning as an Osteen and then done something wrong and gone to bed that night with a different last name. No matter what they did, they’re still my children.

You may have made mistakes today, but because of the blood of Jesus, you are still your Father’s child. You are still the apple of God’s eye. You are still His most prized possession. God may not be pleased with every action, but He is pleased when you receive His forgiveness by faith!

~Joel Osteen

Is Santa Real?

2011-12-05T12:27:00.000-08:00

If your kids are looking over your shoulder while reading this, it is now time to nicely ask them to leave...(wink)

A FB friend of mine posted an article on the "Truth About Santa". I have to admit I did shed a tear when I read the letter...I like the magic...sue me!

Here it is:

A few months back, the Tooth Fairy got busted. She left a note for Alice up on her computer, and Lucy figured the whole business out. The Tooth Fairy cursed her need to write notes in elaborate fonts and tried to come up with a cover story, but it didn’t fool Lucy.

To her credit, Lucy has kept the secret from her little sister, who still hasn’t lost a tooth and deserves to wake up with money under her pillow.

But the Tooth Fairy knew it couldn’t be too long before Santa was similarly unmasked. She didn’t know when or how, but she knew the days of magic in her house, at least magic of a certain sort, were coming to an end.

And the Tooth Fairy—by which I mean myself—was pretty darned sad about the inevitable, which finally arrived last week.

Lucy and I have been exchanging notes since the school year started. We’ve talked about all sorts of things—sports, books we’d like to read, adventures we’d like to have, even stories from when I was in third grade. For the most part, though, it’s been light, casual stuff. Until last week.

I NEED TO KNOW, she wrote, using capital letters for emphasis. ARE YOU SANTA? TELL ME THE TRUTH.

What do you do when your kid asks for the truth? You tell it, of course, doing your best to figure out a way that keeps at least some of the magic intact.

Here’s what I wrote:

Dear Lucy,

Thank you for your letter. You asked a very good question: “Are you Santa?”

I know you’ve wanted the answer to this question for a long time, and I’ve had to give it careful thought to know just what to say.

The answer is no. I am not Santa. There is no one Santa.

I am the person who fills your stockings with presents, though. I also choose and wrap the presents under the tree, the same way my mom did for me, and the same way her mom did for her. (And yes, Daddy helps, too.)

I imagine you will someday do this for your children, and I know you will love seeing them run down the stairs on Christmas morning. You will love seeing them sit under the tree, their small faces lit with Christmas lights.

This won’t make you Santa, though.

Santa is bigger than any person, and his work has gone on longer than any of us have lived. What he does is simple, but it is powerful. He teaches children how to have belief in something they can’t see or touch.

It’s a big job, and it’s an important one. Throughout your life, you will need this capacity to believe: in yourself, in your friends, in your talents and in your family. You’ll also need to believe in things you can’t measure or even hold in your hand. Here, I am talking about love, that great power that will light your life from the inside out, even during its darkest, coldest moments.

Santa is a teacher, and I have been his student, and now you know the secret of how he gets down all those chimneys on Christmas Eve: he has help from all the people whose hearts he’s filled with joy.

With full hearts, people like Daddy and me take our turns helping Santa do a job that would otherwise be impossible.

So, no. I am not Santa. Santa is love and magic and hope and happiness. I’m on his team, and now you are, too.

I love you and I always will.

Mama

Is it possible I can get 1 more year of Santa? I guess we will see.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Points to Live By

2011-12-02T08:38:00.000-08:00

Heard a great speaker this week. She had three great points that I think we can all live by

1 - Your circumstances do not change WHO God is!

2 - Lay a foundation on God's faithfulness

3 - Don't be afraid to get messy with your friends. (Meaning if you say you are going to walk along someone no matter what, it might get messy at times. As a friend, you are in it for the good the bad and the ugly)

Happy 7th Birthday Miss P

2011-11-29T08:39:00.000-08:00

Happy 7th birthday my precious!

You are such a breath of fresh air in my every day. I love watching you sing at the top of your lungs and I love how you dance even when the music is not playing. I enjoy your passion for things; even when it means we might go head to head on something. You inspire me with your determination; I love to watch you focus on a new piano piece and not stop until you get it just right. I love your creativity and how you translate that in whatever medium. You are compassionate, I see such a beautiful heart inside of you. You care deeply for others and their needs and always make a way to meet them; I cannot be more thankful for that. You talk a blue streak and yet even though the questions might make me tired, I never tire of hearing your voice. Your laugh can bring me to tears and your hugs melt me on the spot.

I am so thankful that you are part of our family and I thank the Lord for you everyday. May this next year bring amazing things for you, blessing you could never have imagines, dreams you could have never thought and experiences that leave lasting impressions on your life. May the Lord meet you in new and amazing ways and may you continue to seek and love Him even more deeply than you do today.

I love you! Happy Birthday

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Faith Says Thank You

2011-11-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

“O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!”(1 Chronicles 16:34, AMP)

No matter what is going on in life, you can find a reason to thank God. What you dwell on is what you will draw into your life. You can either focus on your problems, or you can focus on your blessings. The question is: do you want more problems, or do you want more blessings?

One thing I’ve noticed is that when you live with an attitude of constant gratitude, not only do you thank God for what He’s done in your life, you start thanking Him for what He will do in your life. You thank Him for opening doors for you. You thank Him for increasing you. You thank Him for bringing the right people into your life. When you say “thank you” to God for the things that are coming, it’s really a declaration of your faith in Him. You are saying in essence, “God, I’m so sure of Your goodness, I’m so sure that You’re working in my life that I’m going to thank You right now for what You are going to do tomorrow!”

Friend, that’s the kind of faith that pleases God. When we trust in His goodness and believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, that pleases His heart so much. So today, have an attitude of gratitude. Let your faith say thank you. Praise Him throughout the day with a humble heart and watch what He will do on your behalf!

A New Addition To The Witt Family

2011-11-23T10:22:00.000-08:00

Sorry to disappoint any of you that thought it might be a child...checkout our newest addition here. SO thankful!!!!

2011-11-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

2011-11-19T09:48:00.000-08:00

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Faith In Action

2011-11-18T11:18:00.000-08:00

"No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God"

(Romans 4:20 AMP)

Just as putting your physical body into action makes it grow strong, putting your faith in action through prayer and thanksgiving will cause your faith to grow strong, too.

I love what this verse says about Abraham: No unbelief made him waver regarding the promise of God. What does it mean to waver? To waver means to go back and forth. It's a very unsteady posture. Spiritual wavering is when we go back and forth in believing the promises of God. Wavering shows up in our words and actions.

Notice this verse didn't say that Abraham never had unbelief or doubtful thoughts. It tells us that he didn't let those thoughts cause him to waver in his words, actions and resolve. He took captive every thought and stood strong through His praise and worship! Remember, praise makes you stable; it makes you strong. Put your faith into action by thanking and praising Him all throughout the day!

~Joel Osteen

2011-11-15T10:46:00.000-08:00

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Girlfriends

2011-11-11T08:14:00.000-08:00

I am currently reading and doing a study on this book

This last weeks discussion was on relationships and their importance.

We watched a short video clip of a speaker who talked about a heard of sheep on the African plains. Let's imagine together that there were 10 of them. 9 of them stayed together and then 1 of the sheep drifted just to the outside of the pack, not far but far enough that they were not in the tight circle with the rest. In the background, there was a lion lurking. When that lion decided to pounce on the heard who do you think she went after? The smallest? The whole heard? No, the lion went for the one who was just outside of the circle. That one was the easiest to get to because he was not protected.

The lion represents the enemy and the sheep us and our community. Simply put, we need to stay close to the pack and not drift away. Even when it is hard, even when we don't feel like it, even when it seems like too much work etc. We need to stay close and protected by our pack - our girlfriends!

OK, I am all about pictures today...what can I say, this is fully my learning style.

Here is the first of valuable word pictures to explain the importance of deep relationships in our lives.

You cannot frame a picture without all the corners, they are the solid support for the picture. Just as in life, we too need to be supported.

OK final one...I like this one too...

God created us with an intrinsic need for, and dependence on, relationships. No one was designed to do life alone.

Here are some points on the importance for relationships:
1- We must remember to have life-giving relationships not life depleting ones
2- We must remember that no one can have and do it all without others
3- We must proactively build those relationships that are a friend to our purpose and destiny.
4- Make sure your relationships are "fruit of the spirit" producing... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness faithfulness, gentleness and self-control
5 Remember the value of having relationships that are all different from each other in personality

There was an example given from someone who called her girlfriends her "S girls" Each one described by a different "S-word". I can totally identify these people in my life ;-), how about you?

Sporty Girl
Smart Girl
Sassy Girl
Stylish Girl
Sweet Girl
Spiritual Girl
Speak-the-Truth-In-Love Girl

In the end we were called to challenge ourselves on a couple of things. First was to make sure we were staying "in the pack", second was to take stock of our relationships to make sure that they were life giving fruit of the spirit relationship and finally we were encouraged to be proactive with our girlfriends, placing time into relationships in the good times so that when the hard times come, the firm foundations and supports are in place.

Go and hug a girl friend today, they are one of life's best treasures!

Halloween

2011-11-10T13:19:00.000-08:00

We had close friends join us at our place for Halloween this year. We had planned to have dinner and take the kids out for a trip down the street and then head over to a fun night at a local church in our neighborhood.

In our neighborhood, there are no stairs leading up to the homes like their were in our old neighborhood. This made things much easier for Karter to be able to participate. This was the first year that he could actual wheel right up to the door with his bag and receive candy and he LOVED it! The smile on his face was huge every time and even the kids commented on how they did not have to get him candy at each house.

We did 1 street of houses and then went to the Willy Wonka night. I think this was the highlight of the evening for sure! (and it was warm for the adults too - ha ha!)

I just love this shot!!!

We came home just before 8 had cupcakes (of course I forgot to take a picture...you have to take my word for it but they were pretty cute!) and then ended our evening shortly after that. It was a ton of fun and the kids will have great memories for years to come.

Harvest Carnival

2011-11-10T13:05:00.000-08:00

The Friday night before Halloween, we took the kids to a local church for their harvest Carnival. One of Paige's "bestest" girlfriends from school was going so we decided to go too.

Here are the shots from the event that they sent us after wards.

Here are some pictures from the rest of the night

2011-11-09T15:54:00.000-08:00

"Faith-full" Friday ::: The Joy Of Giving To A Child

2011-10-28T09:16:00.000-07:00

While reading a book last weekend, I had a small revelation. The book was a memoir of a journey a family had walked after their son was injured in a car accident. The accident left the young child quadriplegic. There was account after account about the blessings this family received from the community of believers around them. A new roof (when theirs was ruined in the storm), a new van (so their son could leave the house and go to church), an intensive rehabilitation program, a life changing surgery and many more things were mentioned in the book.

I was moved to tears to hear how the families needs were provided for and at the generosity of people who were moved to come around this family and provide as they were led. I suppose it hit a bit closer to my core because we too have been the recipients of the generosity of others and we too have had people provide for our needs by God's guidance.

I have said it countless time that I live in the reality that God provides for our needs and that I live in a place where I can fully trust that He will take care of us and make way for us when we cannot see a way. I have experienced it first hand on countless occasions; not only in my life but I have been blessed to watch the same in those around me.

As I read on, I was moved to really think a bit deeper about it. I have honestly had people say to me "you are just lucky" or "its just because you know lots of people" or other reasons why we have received blessings. Although it is true that we have an amazing community of people who love and surround us (we are truly blessed in that there is no doubt) I do not believe that it's luck or any other reason that we receive blessings, but rather the hand of our Heavenly Father.

Actually, I have come to live in a place of expectation that God wants to provide for us; that we deserve His best for our lives. OK so now some of you have got your knickers in a bunch...you are thinking "Who is she to expect anything from God?" or "Who is she to think she deserves anything?" Well instead of getting into a theological debate over prosperity gospel (grin), I will share with you the picture I had.

As a parent, it brings me amazing joy to see my children receive something they have their heart set on. There is nothing that fills a heart with more joy than seeing that precious face when they receive something on Christmas morning that they have been pining for months prior to the merry season. The smile on their face warms my heart like words cannot explain. ...you know what I am saying, right? Alright then, our Heavenly Father, the one who created us, He also desires to receive that same joy when we receive what our hearts desire.

So let me pause here at bit... There is something very key...the debate between wants and needs...

Here is my take on the whole thing... If we are aligning ourselves with the Lord (and by that I mean, if we are taking time to be in communion with Him - through the Word and by sharing quite moments with Him) the product of that is that our hearts desires will be in unison; His wants and desires become our wants and desires. When our hearts are in unison, our passions and our dreams become like minded. That then leaves the needs we have to fall into step with those passions and dreams. Do you see what I am saying? It's not rocket science, it's not even a new revelation. Simply put, when our heart and God's heart is in direct relationship with each other, it makes the things we are expecting become the things that He wants to provide. Things that will bring Him that "Christmas Morning gift giving" joy.

Why would He not want to give us our desires? Do we think that as our Father He sees things differently than we do as parents? Do we think that He desires to see the joy in our eyes any less?

Continuing along that line, something that I started thinking about as I read was that God has entrusted me with HIS children here on earth. My babies, although I gave birth to them, are a direct gift from above, entrusted to me (and Kurt) until one of us take our last breath here on earth. Knowing that my children are His anyway leaves me with a confidence that He will provide for their needs. (Sure takes the pressure off!) For example, in Karter's case, when he has had need for medical service or physical equipment to make his life easier and more successful, it has always been provided for. And when it has been provided, Karter has always received the best. It is just another example that the Father heart is to provide for His children, to grant them the things they need.

I have to admit that I have had moments where I have sat back and felt like I need to apologize for the blessings that I have received or even make excuses for them. That might sound strange to you, but I think I have felt undeserving at times. I see it so differently now. My daughter does not apologize when I give her a gift; she is thankful,she is excited, she is joy filled and she is appreciative. I received joy in giving and she in turn received it with gratitude and joy. I think that is the same way the Father would expect us to be.

I wonder if we often do not receive the gifts that God has for us simply because we do not sit in a position where we feel deserving? If we feel undeserving, then we do not ask or seek those gifts out. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying ask God for a 100 foot boat because it will give him joy to give it to you. I am saying start to align your heart with His and start to seek out those dreams and passions that He has for you and in that, see what He provides along the way.

Grandma Standen's 80th Birthday

2011-10-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

My Grandma turned 80 this past week. She is truly a spectacular woman. She has three children, 7 grand children and 11 great grandchildren.

We were blessed to be able to celebrate her this past weekend
and come together to honor her.

My job was to make the cake and cupcakes that you see here.

Look how cute she is!!! I love you Grandma

Here are some shots of the party. Here are all the great grandchildren sitting together

Paige is telling her all about the card all the Great Grandchildren made for her.

Not the best shot, but you try getting 11 kids to all look at the camera and smile at one time...NOT!

Here she is with Karter, who just adores her.

Here are her three girls!

Happy Birthday Grandma. You are wonderful in so many ways and you have blessed me life so much!

Apple Barn

2011-10-17T13:43:00.000-07:00

On Thanksgiving weekend, we took the kids to the Apple Barn, in Abbotsford with my brother and his kids. This was the second time we had gone. Last year the weather was equally as beautiful.

The kids played on the huge bouncy pillow, jumping their little hearts out.he corn maze was something new this year. The kids enjoyed going through and finding all the colored pit stops.

We decided not to do the hay ride this year but instead let the kids do the corn cannon. That was a real hit. Each of the kids won a prize - an apple slurpee mmmm!

We got some great family shots and some wonderful shots of the kids as well. It was a great afternoon. Here are a number of pictures of our outing.

Lining up for the corn maze

first pit stop

Karter posing for us

feeding the goats

Paige shooting the corn cannon

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Stir Up Those Dreams

2011-10-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you...”
(2 Timothy 1:6, NKJ)

Do you need some freshness in your life today? You may simply need to stir up what God has placed on the inside of you. Stir up those gifts, stir up those dreams, stir up those talents inside. Start stretching yourself. You were created to be a dreamer and pursue the desires God has placed in your heart.

The scripture tells us that without vision, people perish. If you don’t have a dream or vision for your life, you’re not really going to reach your fullest potential. Maybe at one time you had a dream, but you went through some disappointments or setbacks. Things didn’t turn out the way you planned. But here’s a key: when one dream dies, dream another dream. Just because it didn’t work out the way you had it planned doesn’t mean that God doesn’t have another plan. You cannot allow one disappointment or even a series of disappointments to convince you that your dream is over. It’s time to dig in your heels and hold on to the promises in your heart. Stir up those God-given dreams today and watch Him pour out His favor and blessing upon you and fulfill every desire in your heart!

Family Update

2011-10-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

I know it is totally cliche to say that "time is flying by" but really, the days on the calendar seem to be passing rather quickly. September was an amazing month. With both kids adjusting to school, new teachers, new friends and new activities for the year, the month passed very rapidly.

Paige has adjusted well back into school. She is involved in a few things (maybe a few TOO many things) after school. She is in year 2 of piano and year 5 of ballet (eek); both of those we do Tuesday afternoon. She is doing Pioneer Girlz again this year (that is by far her favorite!) which is Thursday evenings. New to her this year is "Pursuit". It is the new kids club at our church on Wednesday evenings. We felt strongly that we needed to support our church and have her involved there. Because there is a lot that she does in a week, we decided that we would commit until Christmas and re-evaluate at that time if it was too much for her. So far she seems to be doing amazing with it, she really enjoys the social interaction and the bible content (memory verses, stories and songs).

Karter has astounded me. He adjusted to school with such ease. We had just over a week of gradual entry until we started all day, everyday. My fear was that he would not have enough energy to make it through the day. He definitely proved me wrong! I think he has slept once or twice and that was the day he came home sick. He loves his class. The teachers are AH-may-zing! He has a smile in the morning when I pull into the school parking lot and he greets me with a smile at the end of the day. This past week, he has seemed a little more tired afterschool, but for the most part the only adjustment we have made is bumping up his bedtime on those days when he seems really tired. Overall, we are just thrilled with the transition and happy to see that he is enjoying it so much. I cannot believe he is in school!!!

Fall for me has been an adjustment. I do miss the kids for sure and I had to adjust my mindset during the day from full time caregiver to Karter (much harder on me than him) to "career woman". Having both kids at school has definitely changed things for me. I can now sit down to my computer and work, uninterrupted for the full 5 hours while the kids are at school; no more balancing my work hours with kids at home. The Mommy guilt is gone and so is the crazy juggling - PTL!!! I actually found the hardest transition being my attention span. Generally, when I had the kids around, I could not focus on something for more that 20-30 mins before having to adjust Karter's position, give him new toys, feed him, play a game with Paige etc. I had to learn to focus on a task for a longer period of time ;-).

For the first time, I have also had the opportunity to go to "Women By Design" our Wednesday morning Women's group at the church. (I could never go when I had Karter home with me, since I had no one to take him during class time). I am really enjoying that time shared with other women in the word.

I have really had the ability to start to dream again, a process that God really started at the beginning of this year. Although my time has not increased, my ability to compartmentalize each area of my life has. Work time is when the kids are at school. Mom time is after school; cooking, cleaning, driving kids to and from, assisting with piano practice, home reading, spelling words and physio routines. My time is after the kids are in bed; time to read or meet a friend, catch a show on TV or have uninterrupted time with my hubby! There are new opportunities that have started to arise. New dreams coming to fruition. Some dreams that I had never even thought were my dreams (amazing how God brings those things about)...more on that later.

Kurt just got back from a 12 day missions trip to Guatemala. Although I have not heard all the stories, the ones that I have heard so far were good reports. He really enjoyed himself and it was such an amazing opportunity for him. Now that he is back, it is full swing Christmas planning - eek!

That should sum up the past month. We did order the wheelchair van a couple of weeks ago, that info is on Karter's blog.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: The Position Of Power

2011-09-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

“Good sense makes a man restrain his anger, and it is his glory to overlook a transgression or an offense” (Proverbs 19:11, AMP)

Every day, we have opportunities to get upset, be frustrated or get offended. Maybe you had plans that didn’t work out, or someone was rude to you at the office. Maybe you were doing something that should have taken one hour, and it ended up taking three. Life is full of inconveniences, but even though we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our reaction. I heard somebody say, “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond.”

We should always go out each day with a positive attitude, full of hope and expecting God’s favor. But at the same time, we should recognize that most days are not going to go exactly as we planned. Remember, we were created to live in peace. Peace is our position of power. If you get stressed because you got off schedule or upset because your child wouldn’t eat his breakfast, or frustrated because somebody offended you, you’re are giving away your power. Instead, make the decision to release those offenses and disappointments so you can live in peace and enjoy the day as a blessing God prepared for you!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Jer. 29:11

2011-09-16T08:05:00.000-07:00

Meditating on this today...

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Grace through the eyes of a child

2011-09-09T07:31:00.000-07:00

The other day when my daughter was playing with her toys, I heard her talking about grace. She was talking to her dolls and I hear this line "Grace is giving someone something even if they don't deserve it.". I let her play a few more moments and then I asked her again what he definition of grace was. She repeated what she said while playing. Then she elaborated to give me this example. "Mom, remember when we were at the mall and I didn't have a good attitude but you bought me shoes anyway? You knew I needed shoes but I didn't really deserve to have them but you bought them anyway; that was grace" ...floored... Who knew my six year old could understand the concept of grace so easily. Why do we struggle with that so much?

Jesus went to the cross with the weight of all my sins, not because I deserved it. It's actually just the opposite, He went because I did not deserve it. It was the ultimate example of grace; I am so humbled at that. There was no reason for Him to go to the cross for me, Jesus led a blameless life. Instead He offered His love for me in the form of grace. All my wrong doings died with Him, forgiven forever. He rose from the grave and my sins remained in that grave. How I love this realization! I am free because of His grace. I am redeemed because of His grace. What amazing truth to live by.

Karter's School Orientation

2011-09-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

Check out Karter's 1st look at his new class here

1st official day...the verdict in in

2011-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

The verdict is in...the first official day was a success. Paige likes teacher #1 (she is in a co-teaching class) and she met a couple of new friends today.

Here are the pics we took for the first full day. Note that we did not ask her to pose, that is ALL her, little Miss personality ;-)

First Day Of Grade 2

2011-09-07T07:28:00.000-07:00

Grade 2...really...already???

Paige had her first hour of school yesterday, I suppose you cannot really call it the first DAY of school with that limited amount of time, but it was the first day back after summer vacation.

Paige was a little sad when a few of her good friends did not make her class roster, but her teachers seem great and the year will lend itself to making new friends and working to retain past relationships. I think we are in for a great year!

Here are a couple of back to school pics.

Summer Vacation

2011-09-07T07:20:00.000-07:00

If you live on the West Coast, you know our summer weather lacked a bit. The sun was rather limited this year. Because of that, we were extra thankful to have booked our vacation time in HOT sunny Phoenix. We are blessed to have friends who extended an invite to our family so that we could join them at their place there. And thanks to Allegient's economical fares...bingo...an affordable vacation for the family!

We spent 8 days in temperatures topping 118 degrees...have to say I loved it! The kids swam in the pool morning and late afternoon, we did our back to school shopping, we played at various parks, took the kids for dinner & ice cream, had a couple evenings out as adults and just enjoyed our time with friends and family. So blessed! Thanks L&T, we really enjoyed our time. What a great way to end the summer and gear up for CRAZY again!

Here's a bunch of pics to summarize our time away

Pool Fun!

Watching Little Einstein's and keeping cool!

Buddies

Popsicles were melting faster than they could eat them

Ready for a night out with our guys...

A water park where the water is warm...what a treat!

Karter's first experience at a water park

wait for it...

ahhhh!!!

We went to a vintage candy store...

so much to choose from...

Seriously...Canadian Candy bars...$2.50 each!!!

a free treat

Paige & I got feather extensions put in our hair , it was a special girly treat

Ice cream and water parks...in the mall...what fun!!!!

Summer Reading Club

2011-09-07T06:49:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, Paige has done the "Summer Reading Club" at our local library. The idea is that you read a book every night during the summer. Becuase we do this for school anyhow during the year and since Paige loves to read, she was extremely successful with the club this summer. She read over 40 books in 6 weeks.

At the end of the summer, after you have filled your reading sheet, they have a party and hand out the medals for completion. Paige not only got her medal, she also won one of the door prizes; a book bag filled with books and games.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: "I didn't expect life to turn out this way"

2011-08-26T08:02:00.000-07:00

The other day while having a conversation with my daughter, she made the statement "I didn't expect my life to turn out this way". Ok, bold and very grown up statement for a 6 1/2 year old to say. In that moment, I have to admit there was a part of me (the humored part of me) that thought to say tongue in cheek, "Suck it up buttercup, this is life". Quickly however, I realized that she was speaking from the depths of that 6 year old heart and that I had an opportunity for a teaching moment.

Our conversation continued along the lines that life sometimes throws you things you didn't expect; sometimes things you don't like or didn't plan for. But we have choices about how we decide to walk out those times. Just as I had an opportunity to make a choice to be flippant about her comment or use it as a teachable moment, we too have choices in life about how we walk our tough moments.

We could stomp our feet and have a two year old tantrum; it is an option. But have you watched a two year old do that? After they get through it, not only are they totally exhausted, but they are still in the same position. So maybe not the best solution.

Another option is to forge ahead and do it ourselves, with all the strength we have. Honestly, that does work...for a time. Then you come to the end of yourself and you crash, making yourself no good for anyone around you.

Then there is the idea of letting go and letting God. Honestly, although not easy, looking back after walking through tough moments, this has always proved most effective. However, it is the letting go part that it is so hard. Maybe you have been hurt by someone; it is letting go of the bitterness and forgiving in order to move forward that can be hard. Maybe you are experiencing sickness in your body; the challenge is letting go of your control of the situation and letting God, our Healer and Great Physician take charge of your care.

Whatever the journey, we serve a God who has asked us to cast our cares upon Him. He said we can lay our burdens at the foot of His cross. That cross is the place that He took those hurts, those diseases, those trials, those disappointment and died for them. He then buried them and then rose in Victory over them, three days later. He was victorious over all of it, regardless of how it looks today, regardless of if it was not what you expected.

There will always be things in life that we did not expect, things that bring hurt and disappointment. My simple conversation with my daughter was such a beautiful reminder that we have a very big opportunity to choose how we 'walk it out'. Who knows who is watching you in your tough moment. You never know the impact that your choice and your journey will have on them as they watch. It reminds me of one of my favorite verses Genesis 50:20 You (Satan) intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.

No matter what harm the Satan has intended for me, I will no succumb to it because if I make way for my Heavenly Father to work, He will work it out for good. Maybe not the way I dictate, but in the end His ways are higher than mine, He knows better than I do and His plan is always the best plan!

Give Your Faith a Voice

2011-08-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

“And since we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, ‘I believed and therefore I spoke,’ we also believe and therefore speak”
(2 Corinthians 4:13, NKJ)

Every believer has been given a measure of faith. In order to see the promises of God come to pass in your life, you have to give your faith a voice. You must declare what God says about you in His Word. Those seeds of faith inside you are activated when you speak them out into the atmosphere. That’s why the scripture tells us, “Let the weak say I am strong. Let the poor say I am rich.” When you give your faith a voice, you send forth the Word of God, and the Bible says that He watches over His Word to bring it to pass in your life.

The key is not to allow words of defeat or negativity to come out of your mouth. Don’t dig up your seed by speaking against His Word. Instead, water your seed by continuing to declare the Word of God. When you wake up every morning, thank Him that His promises are coming to pass in your life. As you do, you will see those things come to pass, and you will live the life of victory God has prepared for you.

My Hubby ROCKS!!!

2011-08-15T16:05:00.000-07:00

I mean he does rock in the sense that he is totally amazing, but this time I mean to infer that a bit more literally....

When we did our renovations on the house, upon moving in, we pulled out two gas fireplaces. Since we had them anyhow, we decided that we would install one on the deck. The evenings (even when the summer actually shows up - wink) can get could, so we thought it would help to extend our time on the deck.

Anyhow, Kurt built and enclosure for the fireplace. He took on the task of putting rock on the front of the fireplace enclosure. This was his first attempt and I think he did a great job. Here are a couple of pictures of the work in progress and the finished product.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Standing Firm in Your Faith

2011-08-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind”
(James 1:6, NIV)

Are you believing that God will do something specific in your life today? Oftentimes, when we are standing in faith, the storms of life will blow. Things will come against us that try to knock our faith down. But, I to encourage you to stand strong in your faith and in your thinking so that you can be effective and see your dreams and desires come to pass.

Scripture tells us that if we go back and forth on what we believe, we are unstable and ineffective. Instead, we have to be fully persuaded that the Word of God is true no matter what we see. The way you stand firm in your faith is by staying focused on God instead of your circumstances. Sing praises to Him throughout the day and guard the words that come out of your mouth. When you stand firm in your faith, you have peace. You have a supernatural rest because you know God is in complete control. You trust Him completely. Today, stand firm in your faith, watch your words, and know that He is leading you into victory in every area of your life!

The Adventure of Canning Peaches...

2011-08-08T08:45:00.000-07:00

While we were in the Okanagan for the week, we enjoyed some wonderful orchard fruits. On our way home, we picked up 40 pounds of peaches so that I could try my hand at canning. We pulled up to the orchard store and they were just unloading a truckload that came from the orchard. I am not sure you can get much more fresh and local than that!

So I set myself up to do a bit of canning. I am always up to try something new. I put the peaches in boiling water so that the skins would come off easily.

After taking all the skins off, I cut the peaches into pieces to fit into the jars.

I prepared my canning liquid, brought it to a boil and filled the jars.

Once I had filled the jars and put the lids and seals on them, I put them into the caner.

Here is the finished product. I canned about 30 pounds of peaches (we left the rest of eating). That made 14 jars of peaches. Those will be wonderful in the winter when summer fruit is just a memory.

Krause Farms

2011-08-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

There was an event at Krause a couple weeks back. They had a number of other local farms come and set up booths so you could try their products and see what there was around locally. There was wine tastings, food tastings and events for the kids. Since Krause is only a couple of blocks away, it seemed like something great to take in.

We hit the farm just after church and spent about an hour there. The kids played at the park, colored and built Lego at the Lego tent. It was a fun event and the kids really enjoyed themselves and we enjoyed trying out all the local fare.

mmm raspberries....

Fun at the Waterslides

2011-08-07T20:44:00.000-07:00

We were in Vernon this past week visiting Kurt's parents. One day while we were there, Grandma and Opa took Paige and her cousins to the waterslides. Although it was crazy busy that day, they had so much fun. Paige would get down the slide, hit the water and be out of the pool and up the hill before the person behind her was even in sight. Here are a couple of pics.

Mommy & Daughter Day

2011-08-06T21:24:00.000-07:00

It had been decided a number of months ago that we were going to do a Mommy & Daughter day to the USA to buy the girls school supplies. After a bit of back and forth with schedules we settled on a Saturday afternoon in early July.

We headed down to the States to do a bit of shopping for school. We had a lot of success. Each of the girls got their back packs and lunch kits, school supplies and a few extras. We took the girls for dinner and capped the evening off with ice cream at the dairy. We had a great time together. I think we might need to make this a yearly event!

Swimming Lessons

2011-08-04T20:19:00.000-07:00

We missed doing a set of swimming lessons last summer. So this year, we were back at it. We hired a private instructor and had a number of families come to a friends pool everyday for two weeks. It was a great session for all the kids. Paige did great, we were so proud of her! She managed to complete two levels this session. Here are a couple of pictures of her lessons.

Birch Bay

2011-08-01T21:12:00.000-07:00

We spent a night away in Birch Bay with three other couples; we had been trying to plan something for months. In the end one of our friends arranged for us to all stay for the night at her Grandma's place. We went for a nice dinner on the water and spent the night sitting by the fire laughing and enjoying great conversation. The next morning, we enjoyed a great brunch, more time by the camp fire and some hysterical moments playing Apples to Apples. We all headed for home around dinner time. It was a wonderful time together and a real treat to have some time out without the kiddies (although I missed them).

Since this was Paul's first time camping, we let him get in on the fire building action

"Faith-full" Friday ::: A Simple Quote & Thoughts on Prayer

2011-07-29T10:20:00.000-07:00

Men try to fix problems with duct tape. God did it with nails.

Sit and ponder that reality for a time...it is so very powerful.

I found this great quote about prayer this week. Thought I could share it with you.

Prayer has divided seas, rolled up flowing rivers, made flinty rocks gush into fountains, quenched flames of fire, muzzled lions, disarmed vipers and poisons, marshaled the stars against the wicked, stopped the course of the moon, arrested the rapid sun in its great race, burst open iron gates, conquered the strongest devils, commanded legions of angels down from heaven. Prayer has bridled and changed the raging passions of man, and routed and destroyed vast armies of proud, daring atheists. Prayer has brought one man from the bottom of the sea, and carried another in a chariot of fire to heaven; what has prayer not done!

REST...easy right?

2011-07-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have moment when life seems a bit too raw? When the reality of living here on this earth can become a bit overwhelming? When it feels like at every turn there is something to chip away at you or get you down?

In the past few months, this seems to be a bit of a trend surrounding me. Community is an amazing thing, it is truly a gift from God. However, when your community is hurting or sick or struggling, it effects you too and it effects you deeply. Right now there is lots going on in my village.

One of my closest friends and I were talking, sharing a bit today. As we were chatting, she uttered the words "what is going on?". As we continued our conversation further we talked about the fact that we live in a world that is made up of man; man who is full of sinful nature, who has free will to make choices...good and bad. We live in a world where sickness and hurt are all around us. We reside in a place where people struggle and life in not perfect. Sure makes me long for the place where all of that no longer exists.

Listen, this is not a post of "whoa is me, life is tough", nor is it meant to be a downer or something to draw pity or attention to myself, that is not my intention in the remotest sense. Really, instead it is a jumping off place for me to find the sense in it all. Life is not always roses...well maybe for you it is ;-)...at least if I am being truthful, for me it does not always look that way. Life sometimes throws you a curve ball or doesn't turn out the way you want it to. We can blame, we can point fingers, we can over-spiritualize it or we can take God out of it completely, we can question it, we can be angry at it, we can worry about it, we can dwell on the negative; really we can handle it many ways. But truthfully, all of that really gets us nowhere fast!

I don't have all the answers...wish I did...but I don't...I know your shocked now right - just kidding. Not even sure I can make total sense of it all, I am not sure I am suppose to. But here is what I am being taught in the past month or so...REST. Simple right? REST...sounds easy enough, doesn't it? But have you tried to rest in the midst of turmoil? What is the first thing that happens when you go through a tough time? Generally, your mind races and that causes you to lose sleep or not be able to relax; am I right?

True rest comes when we have an assurance in something, a trust and a peace. Maybe on a nightly basis, you turn on your house alarm. That alarm gives you a sense of security, trust that no one will come to harm you. In that same way as I live my life, I have to put that trust in my Heavenly Father. When He is in control, when I can put my trust in His security, He gives me peace so that I can freely rest. So this is something that I am practicing. Although not a simple or second nature task, it is something I am working on. Ultimately, I am not in control anyhow, so surrendering that control, ...I am working on that daily.. .is His to have anyhow; His burden to carry, His sickness to heal, His hurt to soothe. So as I rest, as I give control and put my trust in Him, He has room to work. So I am resting, trusting and believing that He will work all things out for good for those who serve Him.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: What The Bible Is...

2011-07-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." 2 Timothy 3:16

This book contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the travelers map, the pilgrims staff, the pilots compass, the soldiers sword, and the Christians character. Here paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good is its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is given you in life and will be opened in the judgment and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents. - Souza

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Love in Action and in Truth

2011-07-15T09:46:00.000-07:00

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:16-18).

I am pretty sure that for most people, getting a gift is a wonderful thing. A gift is generally something given from the heart, out of love or a genuine affinity for someone. For the most part, true gifts are given willingly. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, a love gift can also be a sacrifice.

On the other end of the spectrum, I think we have all been in a position to be able to give a gift. I love giving gifts, I plan for it, I see it and I buy something very specific to that person's liking. Sometimes it is a gift of sentiment, other times it is a funny gift, but no matter what, I love to put thought into giving a gift. I suppose gift giving is one of my love languages...

Gifts do not always need to be money or possessions. (Although, if God has entrusted you with much, you are also entitled to give much, just as He gave to you. Luke 12:48) The verse above challenges that giving comes out of action and truth. Okay...so what does that look like? Honestly, we live in a culture in North America, where we have the means in order to buy a gift for someone or give them money out of our own "stores". In the church, we often give of our money; to missions projects, to church projects etc. It really is quite easy to get out your cheque book or your VISA card and give an amount; still just as important and needed, but it has become very easy for us.

Giving in action...that takes time, effort and can take planning. You see a need, you plan for it and you follow it through. Time is something in our culture that is worth much; we are all busy, our calendars jammed full of activities for us and our families. So it can "cost" us more to give through physical actions.

This verse talks about how love is action and truth. Ok, so how does that translate for me? I have been challenged by this verse over the past few days.

The past week has been a bit of a whirlwind for me, lots going on; things that are pushing my faith a bit, crazy schedule etc. I have a number of people in my life, who I love that have offered "action" as a gift of their love.

What did that look like? Well, I had a friend call right at the perfect moment, God had laid me on her heart and she needed to call. She was obedient and walked out the action of love on my behalf - I really needed that phone call, that shoulder to lean on. A couple weeks back, after some tough news, I had a friend randomly drop off a meal for my family - actions of love again. This week, I had a friend offer to drive Miss P home from camp a few days so it would save me a trip and the unloading of K and his wheelchair - actions of love. There are more examples of this over the past weeks. I realized as I reflected on this that love in action and in truth (which I assume to mean it is done with true motive) does not always have to require much of us.

On the other side of it, I am able to offer those simple gestures of love too. A meal for a friend, a surprise treat for someone I care about, offering a play date for one of my kids friends.   Honestly, the 'cost' to me is minimal. What I realize however is that they 'payout' is great! The joy that fills my heart being able to extend love in this way, they way Jesus would want, is far greater than any sacrifice of time or money. Offering a little bit of me, laying my life aside for my friend, that is what we are supposed to do. Being the listening ear, offering a hug or an understanding nod. Being truthful in the motivation of love; SO powerful!

So my challenge is simple, find a way to put love into action. The reward is great!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: God’s Deep Secrets

2011-07-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.’ But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets”
(1 Corinthians 2:9–10, NLT)

Who in your life do you share your deepest secrets with? Most people only share their inner thoughts with those who are closest to them; people they trust or people they’ve gone through experiences with. Do you know who God shares His secrets with? The people who are closest to Him.

God wants to share His deepest secrets with you. He wants you to know what He thinks about you. He wants you to know about the plans He has for you. He wants to show you things you’ve never seen, heard about or even imagined. When you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior, not only are you His child, but you are also His friend. You are His closest companion. He wants to walk with you, talk with you and share with you.

This passage goes on to say, “Who can know a man’s thoughts except his own spirit?” As believers, God’s Spirit lives inside of us, revealing to us His very own heart. What a wonderful, amazing thought — we can know God’s thoughts because we are one with Him. Open your heart and allow Him to share His deep secrets with you today!

Summer's here!

2011-07-04T12:49:00.000-07:00

Paige said to me the other day "Mamma, summer vacation is all about sleep overs and play dates"

SO true my sweet! Here's to sleep overs and play dates, trips to the beach for ice-cream, backyard BBQ's and afternoons at the pool. Let's hear it for no scheduled bedtimes, no more morning routines, no making lunches or tight activity schedules. May we make family memories that will last a lifetime and continue to build relationships that will be forever.

Happy summer vacation!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Life-Giving Water

2011-07-01T09:24:00.000-07:00

“The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters...” (Proverbs 18:4, NIV)

All over the world, there are people who are lonely, they’re hurting, they’ve been through disappointments; they’ve suffered heartache and pain. As believers, God has given us something to offer them. We have life-giving, refreshing water in us. With our words, we can bring healing. With our words, we can lift them out of depression. With our words, we can tell them, “You’re beautiful. You’re amazing. You’re talented. God has a bright future in front of you.” Those life-giving words will break the chains of depression. They will break the chains of low self-esteem. You can help set people free from the strongholds that are keeping them back. You may not know all that is happening, but God can take one compliment, one encouraging word, and use that to begin the healing process and set that person on a brand new course. And when you help break the chains off of others, any chains that you might have will be broken off, too!

Today, choose to speak encouragement. Choose to speak life. Tell others what they can become, give compliments, and live life as a healer. Pour out that life-giving water with your words and watch it come back to you in abundance!

~Joel Osteen

My Grandma's Tea Set

2011-06-30T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have always loved my Grandma's tea set. It was part of her China set. When she passed, we were all to take something as a memory of her. I was fortunate enough to end up with the tea set that I loved so much. As soon as we arrived home from her funeral, I carefully unpacked it and set it up in my China cabinet. The tea cups and saucers, the tea pot and the dessert plates all fit beautifully inside on the top shelf for display.

I have been itching to use it. I was thinking of planning a girls night just so we could have tea and dessert. But in the meantime, Paige had a sleepover and as I was preparing the morning snack, I passed the china cabinet and thought it would be wonderful for them to enjoy a tea party together.

So I set it up. I brewed a little Passion tea (because it is pink and what girl does not love pink). I put together a cute little snack full of finger foods and I set it out for them.

Their eyes lit up when they saw it. They were so excited. I heard Paige tell her friend Miss K, "This is Great-grandma's tea set, she passed away, so it is really special" That warmed my heart, even brought a little tear to my eye as I thought of how special this was and how it really does honor my Grandma's memory. It is exactly what she would have done; served tea along with a little snack.

Her tea pot...such a beautiful reminder of who she was, what she was about; caring for and serving others. Grandma, I know you would have loved to see the delight on these girls faces today as they sat at the table drinking tea from your precious tea cups, giggling and talking about life. Sort of reminds me of all the times we used it that way.

End Of The Year: Awards

2011-06-29T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well we are officially on summer vacation! Not sure who is more happy, me or the kids. No more lunches, no rushed mornings, no rush to get the kids in bed, no schedules...yeah!!!!!

This last week was full of activities to wrap the year up. Tuesday morning was the awards ceremony at the school. Each of the children are given an award. Anything from citizenship to gym, from math or science to reading or writing. Each of the teachers in the Grade 1 level presented each of their students with an award.

Paige's achievement award was in reading.

After the Grade 1 awards assembly, they also gave out awards for reading and kilometer club in the classroom. Paige ran 64km this year and read at least 200 minutes each month for 6 month. We are very proud of her achievement, and I am pretty certain she was feeling pretty proud too ;-)

After the awards portion, we watched a slide show presentation of the Grade 1 year, I am not sure but I think some people cried (not me though of course ;-) ) At then end of the awards, the class mom's put on a little soda station for the kids. They all got to make an Italian soda - such a nice treat!

Paige has expressed her sadness more than once that Mrs. Warriner will not longer be her teacher. She has told me how much she is going to miss her. As we were talking about it many words were expressed to describe Mrs. Warriner; things such as kind, loving, fun, wonderful were amongst some of the things Paige expressed.

Today, as Paige was preparing to leave the class for the last time, Mrs. W. grabbed a chair and sat on it so that she was right at kid level and asked Paige to come over. She looked Paige in the eye and started to speak wonderful words over her as they said their good-byes, this was followed by a hug and the presentation on her report card. She proceeded to do this for each of the children in the class. This is just a small example of why she was such a wonderful blessing for Paige and all her classmates this year. We are going to miss you Mrs. Warriner!

Year End Party

2011-06-27T09:52:00.000-07:00

Paige's year end party was a pool party at one of her classmates place A wonderful lunch spread was put out for the kids. A scavenger hunt and pinata were a few of the activities that filled the day in addition to the wonderful time the kids had in the pool. Here are some pictures from the day that one of the other mom's took.

the girls loading up their lunch plates

Lifeguard giving instructions for using the pool

the cupcakes I made for the party

Mrs. Warriner accepting the class gift

the pinata

May & June - A Month In Review

2011-06-25T20:34:00.000-07:00

I am about a month behind in my posts. Actually, if I were to be honest, I am a month behind in a lot of things.

Today after hosting a sleepover and driving to and from a birthday party, I spent the afternoon catching up on multiple loads of laundry, cleaning house, washing floors and scrubbing toilets. This evening, I am reserving my place on the couch to catch up on a few things that have gotten away from me. We rented a movie for the kids and we are all sitting here watching it together as I load pictures and type away.

Paige's Ballet Recital

This was Paige's fourth recital. This year there was less skipping around the stage and more dancing (grin), it was a beautiful thing to watch; I was one proud Mama.

I had thought that this was going to be her last year of dance but she has really shown interest in doing another year. After seeing her dance, I think we will continue again next year. Here are a number of photos of the show.

This year each of the children brought a gift that will be sent to Bulrushes Orphanage in Zambia. Each child presented their gift in baskets as they opened the show.

This was Paige's classes dance. It was called "The Lord Is My Shepherd" I just love the emotion on her face here.

This was the finale, all the dancers came on the stage for this one.

Edmonton

We did the road trip to Edmonton so that we could attend me Grandma's funeral. It was a beautiful time of celebration with the family. All my Aunts, Uncles, cousins and their children were all there. It was an amazing time of celebrating Grandma's life, sharing memories and catching up with everyone.

The graveside service was a private service just for our immediate family. It was a wonderful time of refection and saying good bye. As families we all had a chance to gather around her casket and say our memories or reflect together on her life. There were many things shared but the few that came up the most were memories of her amazing cooking, her faith and how much she loved all of us. She left a rich legacy grounded in the Lord and we are all product of that. After each of our families had our time around her, we all joined hands as a whole family and prayed together, it was a very intimate moment together, one that will be treasured forever.

After the graveside, we all went over to the church for her Memorial. It was a beautiful service. Two of my cousins had prepared a tribute that they each read, my other cousin prepared a video slide show, my aunt shared the eulogy and her sister shared some memories about Grandma. I had been asked to sing but knew that I could not do it live, so I recorded a song that was played at the service. My Uncle tied it all up with a message at the endnand when it was over there was a luncheon in the gym. It was the perfect way to honor her memory and celebrate her life.

We stayed out at my Uncles farm (about 45 minutes outside of Edmonton) in the log cabin. On Saturday all of the family came together for a BBQ. This was something that we do every time we were all together whether it was for one of Grandma's big birthdays or someone's wedding. This time however, there was a very important chair that went unfilled.

We had a Pig roast. My uncle had dug a pit and they prepared the pig early in the morning so that it could roast all day. It was a real experience for our kids to see.

After we ate, one of my cousins brought out a water balloon launcher. The kids tried at first to see how far they could launch the balloons, in the end they thought it was more fun to have the adults launch the balloons at them.

My cousin Steven had brought a number of quads to the farm for us all to ride (the family has a shop that sells ATV's and skidoos - "boys toys" ). Everyone took turns riding them, the kids all had a great time. Even Karter got to have a ride, he really enjoyed it!

After the kids were done, all the guys took the quads out and found mud (boys will be boys) and had some fun of their own. Here is a video of Kevin and Kurtis in the mud.

At the end of the evening, all the siblings came together for a few photos. It was a really special evening and much more a wonderful weekend together.

Take One - not quite ready...


Getting there!

Ah there we go! These are all my Grandma's kids and their spouses.

Stanley Cup Final

This playoff hockey season was such a ride. It was so fun for our family. I think we watched every game this playoff season. Some nights it was just our little family, on the couch at home cheering on our own. Other nights were spent with friends in various locations. The final game however called for a big event. We ended up spending the evening at friends in the backyard watching on the big screen. Although the outcome was not in our teams favor, it was still a great night together.

Preschool Graduation

Karter had his preschool graduation this past week. I did a post on his blog, you can check it out here.

I think that takes care of it, all caught up! Now just hoping that the rain will stop and the sun will make an extended stay so that I can enjoy nights on the patio and BBQ's with friends - bring on the summer!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Value What You Have

2011-06-24T09:08:00.000-07:00

The owner of a small business, a friend of the poet Olavo Bilac, met him on the street and asked, “Mr. Bilac, I need to sell my small farm the one you know so well. Could you please write an announcement for me for the paper?” Bilac wrote: "For sale: a beautiful property, where birds sing at dawn in extensive woodland, bi-sected by the brilliant and sparkling waters of a large stream. The house is bathed by the rising sun. It offers tranquil shade in the evenings on the veranda."

Some time later, the poet met his friend and asked whether he had sold the property
to which he replied: “I’ve changed my mind. When I read what you had written, I realized the treasure that was mine.”

Sometimes we underestimate the good things we have, chasing after the mirages of false treasures. Look around and appreciate what you have: your home, your loved ones, friends on whom you can really count, the knowledge you have gained, your good health. And all the beautiful things of life, that are truly your most precious treasure.

Ask of God at every moment that our problems and concerns never degenerate into feelings of sadness and anxiety. Be in union with God, who will provide the courage needed for victory in the struggle; because God gives with abundance what we need.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Accelerate

2011-06-17T11:08:00.000-07:00

I had been talking with a friend the other week who had been going through the thick of it. We were talking about how there are times when you are standing for something that can be harder than others. Some weeks are faith filled; others feel faith-less. This was a lovely reminder that God's timing can make the things that seem impossible and so far off change in an instant.

Your life can change for the better in a single moment.

You can be going along, doing your best, living a life that honors God, but feel like you’re getting nowhere.

Or you may feel like no one’s noticing. You may be tempted to start giving up on your dreams because at this rate, there’s no way it could come true. That’s where God comes in!

In one moment God can accelerate your life and change everything!

In the Bible in John 2, Jesus is at the wedding celebration of some friends when the party runs out of wine.

Instead of wedding joy and bliss, this setback could have ruined the feast and damaged relationships. And as you know, you can’t make new wine fast. It takes time...a long time.

In fact the process of planting the seed, growing the grapes, harvesting them, producing the wine and then letting it age takes between five and seven years! And for the best wines it can take 30 years.

But in one moment Jesus accelerates this process and does in seconds what normally takes 30 years!

This is not merely a story about what happened a long time ago. It’s a picture of God’s love for you and how He wants to accelerate your life today!

If you’ll step out in faith, if you’ll believe that God can do anything and stay faithful where you’re at, one day you’ll look up amazed and say, “I can’t believe I got here so fast!”

You may be facing disappointment, pain and setbacks today, or even criticism from those you love, but don’t get discouraged. Adversity could be the very thing God uses to take you to new levels.

Remember, God can turn your life around in a moment and move you “further and faster” than you ever dreamed.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Heaven and Earth

2011-06-10T11:24:00.000-07:00

"He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end." Ecclesiastes 3:11

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world. Alas! How we forget that we are but strangers and pilgrims on the earth; that we are journeying to our eternal home, and will soon be there! Remember, heaven is not here, it's there. And the nearer anyone is to heaven, the more earnestly he desires to be there, because Jesus is there. A man cannot look up to heaven and look down upon the earth at the same time. Heaven must be in you before you can be in heaven. Martin Luther once said, "I would not give one moment of heaven for all the joy and riches of the world, even if it lasted for thousands and thousands of years." Pray this also is our experience and confession. If we were given all we wanted here, our hearts would settle for this world rather than the next. God is forever luring us up and away from this one, wooing us to Himself and His still invisible Kingdom, where we will certainly find what we so keenly long for. May it please God to teach us more than ever that He is the fountain of happiness; that likeness to Him, friendship for Him, and communion with Him, form the basis of all true enjoyment.

"Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in.

Aim at earth and you will get neither" (CS Lewis).

He who thinks most of heaven will do most for earth.

Robert Souza

Celebrating A Wonderful Woman

2011-06-05T21:50:00.000-07:00

On Friday morning, my precious Grandma, Lydia Eckert, went to be with Jesus. She was 96 years old. She is an example of strength, grace and beauty but what I loved most about her was her faith and that her life was grounded in the Lord.

My grandma was a fighter. She was a strong woman, who was able to overcome many adversities. When she passed, she was still living in her own condo in a retirement community. Only three years ago did she move from her self sufficient condo, into the retirement community. I admired her so much for her persistence in life and for her independence!

There are so many things that I loved about my Grandma. There are so many memories that I hold close. She was an amazing cook! Her bread and homemade jam was always something we looked forward to when we visited. She also made the most amazing pies. Usually there was more than 1 type to choose from. She also made fantastic cabbage rolls and cheese blintz'. Until a few years ago, she would still cook an entire turkey or beef feast for us each time we came to visit. We used to joke about how she always made us eat. She would tell Kurtis he did not eat enough and then bring out more food and force him to eat it.

My grandma knew more about politics and current event that I ever did. She could debate with the best of them. She knew the bible too and I loved to talk about Jesus with her. I knew that she prayed for me and my family all the time.

She had great style; she loved to shop and she had great taste. I loved shopping with my grandma. There was a time when I remember not being about to keep up with her because he would walk so fast.

My grandma outlived my Grandpa by 25 years. In those 25 years she traveled many places and lived quite a social life. The family changed a lot in that past 25 years. All of her 10 grandchildren had married and out of those unions 11 great grandchildren were added to the family. My grandma had an amazing way of knowing what was going on in everyone life and would share that with the whole family. If you ever wanted to know about how someone was, Grandma was the go to person.

I am going to miss her so much. There will always be an empty place in the circle when the family is all together, the place where she should be. We will be traveling to Edmonton this week to celebrate the life of this amazing woman. I know there will be many tears, lost of laughs and many memories shared. I rejoice in the fact that my Grandma is where she wanted to be; heaven! I can imagine her with a huge grin on her face, singing in her German accent. I can hear her laugh and see her eye squint shut as she laughs and turns her head to the side. So much of who I am has been passed down from her, for those things I am so grateful.

Grandma, I love you and I will miss you so much. I look forward to seeing you again one day in heaven!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: From Mother Teresa

2011-06-03T08:17:00.000-07:00

If you are successful,

you will win some false friends

and some true enemies.
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,

people may cheat you.
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,

someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness,

they may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today,

people will often forget tomorrow.
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,

and it may never be enough.
Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,

it is between you and God.

It was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Birthday, Blessings and Balance

2011-05-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

Today is my 35th birthday. Saying "35" sounds older than it feels. Actually, I feel pretty great! I have loved my 30's; they have been the best years of my life. They have been stretching, challenging, shaping and amazing all at the same time. I would not trade any of tough times for anything and I would not trade my life with anyone.

I love my my kids to pieces and I have the most amazing and loving husband. I have an unbelievable group of close friends and a community of people who I am so happy to do life with. I am blessed with a loving family and I have a great job that allows me the room to do my favorite and most important job - being a mom - I am blessed!

I am learning to celebrate life, good times & tough times. I think I lived too many years wishing them away. "I can't wait until..." or "When I am "x" years old..." 35 seems like a milestone year. Half way past 30 and half way until 40. I did not really celebrate 30; I was VERY pregnant with Karter, rather large and just not feeling like celebrating the milestone it was. I made Kurt promise there would be no surprise parties - actually no parties at all; instead I made him take me away to Whistler for a quiet weekend. It was where I was at and it was the perfect way for me to ring in 30.

This year felt different. This year, I am celebrating a lot of things. I am celebrating what God has brought me through, I am celebrating who He has made me to be, I am celebrating all He has provided for me, I am celebrating all the miracles in my life and I am celebrating all the blessings around me and I am celebrating the expectancy of the great things that are on the brink of happening. I made changes this year that have allowed me to feel better in the body I am in. I am strong, I am healthy and I feel pretty happy in who I am. So this year, I am celebrating.

Yes, there are tough days, tough circumstance, rough patches in all areas of life, I would be giving you a false picture if I did not share that truth. But today, I am choosing to look at the blessings. Today, I celebrate all that is good!

...ok so there is the touchy-feely part... now to something a bit more well...faith filled....

This week in my quiet time God has been challenging me in something...BALANCE. Yikes!!! What does that even mean God? I have always pictured balance and a juggling acting. Sort of like you throw everything up in the air, juggle it around and hope nothing hits the floor. If I am to be honest, that is how I live my life most of the time. Although it has worked out ok, it is certainly not the balance that I think God is calling me to.

The balance He is showing me for entails prioritizing not only how much time I spend on things but also what those things are. I am working through this currently, so I am in no way an expert nor do I see mastering this anytime soon.

Here are the thoughts I am working through...

In my week there are things that are non-negotiable. I work about 20 hours each week, if I don't work, I don't get paid - no check - no food....(you get it) OK, so that is time that does not give; fair enough. I need to sleep too, otherwise this Mama is not someone you want to be around - LOL. There are pick ups and drops off and various meal making and house things that are part of the everyday. In the end, I am left with a an amount of time in my day/week for all the other stuff.

So this is what I am thinking...I can't do much with the non-negotiable time, but I can do something about the extra time and how it is spent. (assuming however that the non-negotiable time is non-negotiable - working through that too!) Here are the things I think for me are important in the balance - body, mind, spirit and soul, they make up the whole of who I am. My family, my church/community and me...all very important in my mix.

I have started taking stock in where my time is going. In doing that, I am making mental notes on the things that seem to take up the most of my time and the things that are just getting "squeezed in"; this is where I can see the inconsistencies of my balancing act. I am asking the Lord to reveal to me the things that are out of balance and the things that need to come into balance.

I think I could drive myself crazy thinking "I spent 1 hour with my kids/hubby, 1 hour with God, 1 hour with friends etc, etc" Life is not like that, plus we do not live under that sort of condemnation. But I think that God is trying to reveal to me the things that are really important that need to come into balance. This week He has showed me four things. These things I CAN achieve in my "extra time". That is where I am going to start.

I think really what this has done for me is just reminded me that there are things that can start to become dominant in my life, robbing me of the time that is meant to go other places. This is NOT balance. All things have a place in my life, they are just not meant to dominate my life. Maybe for you that imbalance is TV or the computer, maybe it is a hobby, maybe it is your health or an exercise routine; whatever it is, reign it in, balance it out with the other parts of life. I think we can find balance without feeling like we have to throw everything up in the air and hope for the best.

So in this 35th year, I am starting by setting everything on the floor and trying to change how balance looks in my life. God's shoulders are much bigger than mine so as He leads and guides I am working to change the picture of balance in my life.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: That You May Be Healed

2011-05-20T08:05:00.000-07:00

“Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results”

(James 5:16, NLT)

Relationships are so important in the eyes of God. As His children, He desires that we live in unity and stay connected with one another. When we are transparent and pray for each other, something supernatural takes place. We open the door for God to pour out His abundant blessing and healing in our lives. When we walk in love and unity, our prayers become more effective, and His power is released through us.

Living in peace and unity doesn’t mean you have to agree with everyone around you all the time. It means you look for common ground. It means you reach out to others; you pray for them and help meet their needs. When we put the needs of others first, God will make sure our own needs are abundantly supplied. When we live with a servant’s heart toward others, it opens the door for God’s complete healing — physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Joel Osteen

"Faith-full" Friday ::: The Three Trees

2011-05-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. could be decorated with intricate carving and everyone would see the beauty." Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull." Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches, and think of the heavens and God and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."

After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees. When one came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter" ... and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree a woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special from my tree so I'll take this one", and he cut it down."

When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end.

The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams. Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on it.

The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going your way, always know that God has a plan for you. If you place your trust in Him, He will give you great gifts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are always best.

-unknown author

A Reminder for Mother's

2011-05-09T14:21:00.000-07:00

I read this today. It was a beautiful reminder once again about the Father heart of God.

"Each bed-time, I would beat myself up for not being a perfect Christian mom, for not spending enough time with God, for failing to accomplish more for Him,” said my friend Suzanne. “I thought this nightly scolding ritual would help me grow spiritually, but instead I became more dissatisfied, inflexible and tired. “Then while studying the Old Testament one autumn, I read Zephaniah 3:17.
The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.”
And to my surprise, I sensed God accepting me instead of reprimanding me for not being good-enough yet. It was my turning point.”

It’s Mother’s Day week! And time for us Moms to enjoy some emotional, mental and spiritual rest and relaxation. If you’re like Suzanne and me, you’ve probably discovered that trying-too-hard-to-make-it-all-just-right can backfire on you and start to dull your soul.

Mommy, during the next few days, remind yourself that God sings over you, just the way you do when you want to calm your children or share smiles with them. Here’s an idea: Write the words of Zeph 3:17 on a sticky note and put it where you’ll see it often. Maybe on your computer, ipad, mirror, kitchen counter or steering wheel.

- Joan C Webb

School Mother's Day Celebrations

2011-05-08T21:09:00.000-07:00

Both kids had a Mother's Day celebration at school. Paige's was on Wednesday morning. When we arrived, we sat at our children's desk and they sang a number of songs for us. Paige even had a duet with one of her friends at the end of one of the songs they did (it was so cute!) They also did a couple poems and had a video presentation for us. It was wonderfully put together and so special for all of us Mom's. They ended the morning by serving us a little snack. I love being a Mom everyday, but these special things just remind me again why I love my job even more! Love you Paige, you are such a treasure!

Karter's Mother's Day celebration at preschool was on Friday. The kids did a little concert for us Mom's and then we all went to stations where we made necklaces, got a hand scrub, picked up our painted gift the kids made and made a snack; it was a lot of fun. I love watching Karter in his classroom environment, it is so fun to see how he interacts with the kids and how they interact with him. What a wonderful morning to be honored. I love you little man, I could not be more proud of you!

High Tea

2011-05-08T21:00:00.000-07:00

As a Mother's Day celebration, I took both our Mom's and Paige to High Tea at Tracy Cake's. I took Paige out of school early and we headed into Fort Langley for our special date.

When we got there, we each got to order a pot of our chosen tea. Then a delicious tower of food came out. It included three types of sandwiches, the most amazing scones (with Devonshire cream and jam), fruit and sausage rolls. The mini filled poppy seed muffins and cupcakes just topped off the amazing spread. We ate until we could not longer eat another bite - it was wonderful ;-)

When we were finished, we took a lovely stroll through the shops, looking at antiques and the great little boutiques along the street. It was a wonderful afternoon for just us ladies. We will definitely be doing this again!

Easter Weekend Fun

2011-05-08T20:47:00.000-07:00

We had lots of fun on Easter weekend. It was full of chocolate, friends, family and many great memories! We had a small-ish egg hunt on Good Friday. Paige looks forward to this every year. Here are a couple of pics of the festivities.

The kids Easter baskets this year were filled with Canucks apparel, candies, a Webkin for Paige and a DVD for Karter. I loved the look on Paige's face when she saw the bunny, it was priceless. Such fun!

We had a family dinner on Saturday night at K & J's house with the cousins, my parents and my grandparents. Sunday morning we went to church (I sang on the worship team). There is nothing better than celebrating the fact that Jesus is alive! Monday afternoon we had the PraiseCharts family over for dinner and a hunt for the kids. It was a full but wonderful weekend!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Nothing Wasted

2011-05-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

"After everyone was full, Jesus told His disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted"
(John 6:12, NLT).

The Bible tells of a time when Jesus fed a crowd of five thousand with only five loaves and two fish. That day, everyone had more than enough to eat, and there were still twelve baskets full of bread and fish leftover—more than what they started with! We serve a God of abundance! I love that Jesus told the disciples to collect all the leftovers "so that nothing is wasted." With God, nothing is ever wasted. He'll never waste an experience, He'll never waste a hurt, He'll never waste a dream, He'll never waste even a single piece of bread.

If you've felt like you've wasted years of your life in the wrong job, hanging around the wrong people, doing the wrong things, God will gather those years and restore them back to you. He'll take those experiences that the enemy meant for your harm and turn them around for your good. He'll make you stronger, wiser and better off than you were before. He can launch you further into your destiny than before. Be encouraged today because with God all things are possible and nothing is ever wasted!

- Joel and Victoria Osteen

"Faith-full" Friday ::: Find Rest

2011-04-29T07:25:00.000-07:00

"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls”

(Matthew 11:29, NIV)

Sometimes the day-to-day pressures of life can cause unnecessary stress. In fact, many people lose sleep worrying about things or people in their lives. But God doesn’t want us to live stressed out and overwhelmed. He wants us to live a life of rest and peace.

When Jesus walked on this earth, He took time for Himself. He got away from the crowds. He spent time with the Father. That’s how He found rest. He was gentle and humble in heart. Do you ever notice that when you are stressed out or worrying about something, you’re less tolerant of others? You’re more likely to say something you don’t really mean. Today, God wants you to cast your cares on Him and live with a gentle and humble attitude. When you release your burdens and follow the example of Jesus, you will find rest for your soul. You will be rejuvenated and refreshed! You will find peace in your heart, and you will move forward in the abundant life God has for you!

- Joel Osteen

"Faith-ful" Friday ::: Be A Dream Releaser

2011-04-22T07:28:00.000-07:00

“Be devoted to one another in love...”

(Romans 12:10, NIV)

Think about the people God has placed in your life. They’re not there by accident. God brings people to you for a purpose. We should live with this awareness that, “I am here to add value to people. I am here to help them succeed.” Don’t go around always thinking, “I wonder what that person can do for me. I wonder what they have to offer.” No, we should have the attitude, “What can I do for them? How can I help them come up higher? Can I teach them something I know? Can I connect them with someone who can help them?” Don’t make the mistake of going through life ingrown. Instead, be a dream releaser. Use your talent, your influence and your experience, not just to accomplish your goals, but to help release a dream in someone else.

Remember, there is nothing more rewarding than to lay down at night knowing that you helped someone else become better. You not only fulfilled your purpose for that day, you did your best. It may have just been a two-minute phone call where you encouraged someone; but when you live as a dream releaser, you’ll see your own dreams come alive as well!

-Joel Osteen

Creating ::: Easter Subway Art Project

2011-04-18T13:58:00.000-07:00

I have been bitten by the creating bug this past week. I love to craft, I just don't have a lot of time to do it. But this past week, well...ok so I let things slide in order to do it; I won't lie ;-)

I wanted a few little things to make the house look 'Spring/Easter-ish" for a couple of upcoming events I am hosting here. I stumbled upon this Subway Art post, it was redirected from another blog I like to read.

I picked up an unfinished wood frame from Dollar Tree last week for $1 (I may paint or stain it later, just not sure yet) and then printed the picture and sent it off to Costco online for $1.89. So for $3, here is what it looks like. (The flowers were a hostess gift from our dinner guest the other night - how I LOVE tulips)

And now it sits at the center of my kitchen table...I love Spring!

Hound Fever - GO Hounds GO!

2011-04-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

Last night was the CLA Hounds (the team Kurt plays on) final game. It was the Championship game - the Stanley Cup of church hockey!

The game was at 8:00 pm. So the kids and I dressed in our red hounds supporting gear, painted our faces and went out to the game to cheer the team on. There were about 5 kids in our cheering section and they were outdoing the other teams cheering squad bar none! They had so much fun!

The game was fantastic, a real nail biter all the way through. It was tied at 1-1 and went into overtime. Unfortunately, the TWU team managed to crowd the net and sneak in a goal about half way through the 1st OT. We are so proud of our Hounds and we are looking forward to next year! You played like champs. You played hard and you definitely were the dominating team last night.

GO HOUNDS GO!

Creating ::: Easter Treats

2011-04-17T07:59:00.000-07:00

There are many things I look forward to each year. Easter is one of the tops on my list. This year, I am hosting a work party at my place and we are doing an Easter Egg Hunt for all the kids. I went out last night and picked up some things from the Dollar Tree in the USA (my go to store for these types of events). Here are a couple of things that the kids will be hunting for that day.

I will also be doing another hunt with my kids that weekend and here are the treats that we made for that hunt

Here are a couple of the treats that will be in my kids basket this year.

Creating ::: Spring Wreath

2011-04-16T08:11:00.000-07:00

Since returning from warmer climates, I have refused to go back to Winter. I packed all my sweaters and warm clothes away and brought out all the Spring stuff that has been hibernating since last Fall.

One thing I had not done was removed the Winter wreaths on my front double doors. With very little extra money to go buy new wreaths, I looked around for some inexpensive ideas for a Spring wreath. I found one made out of coffee filters, dyed in Spring colors. I had a couple friends make these at Christmas and just leave them white (they were gorgeous!).

Mom picked me up two wreaths from Dollar Tree in the USA for a total of $2. I had a Costco pack of coffee filters already in the cupboard as well the food coloring from various cakes made in the past years. I went to Michael's and bought their sale ribbon for $3 and two stems and flowers for $1.49 and voila, for under $10, I made myself TWO wreaths!

Here is what they look like.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: What God Can't Do

2011-04-15T07:32:00.000-07:00

1.God cannot lie.
2.God cannot change.
3.God cannot recall our sins

after we've asked for forgiveness.
4.God cannot be the author of confusion.
5.God cannot leave us or forsake us.
6.God cannot go back on His promises.
7.God cannot revoke His gifts.
8.God cannot be pleased without faith.
9.God cannot be defeated.
10.God cannot be too big for our problems.
11.God cannot be too little for our problems.
12.God cannot prefer one person over another.
13.God cannot break His covenant.
14.God cannot revoke His calling.
15.God cannot be unjust.
16.God cannot do anything

contrary to the scriptures.
17.God cannot bless a lie.
18.God cannot love sin.
19.God cannot give anything

to a double-minded man.
20.God cannot be forced into

an impossible situation.
21.God cannot ignore the

praises of His people.
22.God cannot be our problem.
23.God cannot be

overcome by the world.
24.God cannot be late.
25.God cannot be neutral.
26.God cannot be weak.
27.God cannot bless doubt.
28.God cannot withhold wisdom from

those who ask in faith.
29.God cannot be against us.
30.God cannot be limited or confined.

"My Traditions" Poster

2011-04-10T13:40:00.000-07:00

As part of Paige's final term Social Studies mark, she had to do a project on family traditions. We talked about some of the things that are special to her, things that we do year after year. There were quite a few, so she chose her favorites.

We sent some pictures off to Costco, picked up a poster board and raided the scrapbooking supplies I had in the basement and we went to work. We printed up some headings (since I am SO not good a drawing those type of things) and Paige colored them. We cut up pictures and glued them to the board. Paige decorated with various stickers and wrote about each tradition. It was a great collaboration and I think it turned out pretty well for our first school project!

She will have to present the poster to her class tomorrow. She was exceptionally cute while she did the practice run for me. Here is the finished product.

Spring Shopping List

2011-04-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

In a couple of weeks I will be doing some shopping for Spring in the States. I have been going through my closet little by little and weeding out the clothes that are too big, the clothes that I no longer wear and making a list of a few things I would like to add for the upcoming warmer seasons. I have been saving $20 a month since September so that I had some money stashed away. Plus, I am hoping that maybe with a little convincing, I can negotiate some early birthday money ;-)...

Most of my wardrobe is fairly neutral. I am in desperate need of tops but find that mostly everything out there right now is loose and flouncy...not a good fit for me, it just makes me look boxy, which is NOT the look I am going for these days. So I am looking for some tailored tops, a new fitted blazer (the loose boyfriend fit just does not do this body any justice). I also would like a light cardigan to wear over tank tops. A new purse and shoes, although not a necessity, would be a lovely addition; there is nothing like new shoes to make you feel great!

I have been working really hard at trying to get my body to a place where I feel good in my clothes. So the prospect of shopping is pretty exciting now!

Here is a shot of some of the things I am looking for. Most of them I found at H&M and Forever 21 but the bag is from Aldo.

"Faith-ful" Friday ::: Sitting Under The Tree Of Life

2011-04-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

I had some new revelation this week about a few things. The cross, my sin, how God has created my nature. I am so pleased to be able to say that Jesus is the one that provided my freedom. He is the one who chose to take on my sin, die with it on his shoulders, take it to the grave and HALLELUJAH, leave it there!

Genesis 2:8-9; 15-17 And the Lord God planted a garden in Eden, in the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made to spring up every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil........ 15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat shall surely die.”

When God created Adam and Eve and set them up to live in the garden of Eden, He established there the tree of life. Not only was the tree food baring, it was also symbolic of the fact that God was, and is, the source of eternal life and blessing. Adam and Eve were to have their life centered in Him, even as the Tree was in the center of His Garden. We can assume that before they sinned Adam and Eve ate from the tree of life.

The tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil or as the Hebrew refers to it "Tree of Conscience" was also in the middle of the garden, however God forbade eating from that tree.

When God created us, He created us with a will to choose, He created us with curiosity. He knew this when He created us, it was no mistake. Knowing that,I would think that God was not surprised when Adam and Eve succumb to their nature.

Have you ever told a young child not to do something? I know I have. What is the first reaction of that child? Generally speaking, the child forges ahead and has to try what you told them not to. This is true of Adam and Eve (and frankly it is true of the human race). It was in their make up to see how far they could push the line. Unfortunately for them, it brought huge consequences. It separated them from God. They no longer could walk and talk freely with Him in the garden, they no longer had a covering. They had opened themselves and their descendants up to much suffering.

Luckily for us, Jesus broke that curse at the cross. He was the sacrifice that once and for all paid the price. He redeemed us and made us new creations. I am so thankful for that! When Jesus was on the cross, all my sins, all your sins, were there with him. When He died and was buried, so were our sins. When He rose again three days later, he did not pick up those sins and rise with them. Romans 6:4 says: We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

We have NEW life! That means that OLD sins are gone; they are in the grave, they no longer belong to us. We are FREE of them! Jesus redeemed us so that we could live holy and blameless before God. So that there would be nothing that would separate us from the Father. Think about that for a second. We no longer have to drudge up past failings and feel guilty about those, we are forgiven; Jesus redeemed that for us. There is nothing that stands between us and the Father.

Don't go searching and digging up things that Jesus has already paid the price for. How many times have we done that; sat and thought about all the things we have done wrong, really searched for them, felt guilt for them, time and time again? I am not talking about the things that God brings to our attention that need some work. I am talking about things in the past, things that you have presented to Him, things that were forgiven when you gave your life to Him. Those are dealt with, they are no longer yours to bare. If we continue to dig those up, we are then letting the lies become what we sit on, feed off of, feel condemnation for.

Instead of feeding off that false sense of insecurity or condemnation, I want to sit under the Tree of Life, the one that is full of life, full of forgiveness, full of freedom, full of hope and full of the promises of God. The place where God inhabits and sits waiting for us; with nothing to separate us from Him. This is where I plan to set up camp!

I hope that this can penetrate your heart like it did mine. I am so thankful that Jesus took down the wall between myself and God. Jesus made it so that my life's journey could be about gaining new revelation about Christ, not having to work to acquire forgiveness. Be blessed today!

"Faith-full" Friday :::True Success

2011-04-01T09:10:00.000-07:00

“...Freely you have received; freely give”
(Matthew 10:8, NIV)

There are a lot of people who are successful in this world. They’ve accomplished their goals in the public eye. But being successful isn’t just about what you make happen for yourself, it’s about what you make happen for others. It’s when you realize, “God has blessed me not to just sit on my throne and let everybody see my accomplishments; God has blessed me to be a blessing to others. God has helped me to win so I can help somebody else win.” In other words, it’s when you realize, “God helped me overcome this addiction, now I’m going to go find somebody and help them overcome.” Or, “God has blessed me with a happy family. I’m going to go find a family that’s struggling and help them get back on track.” That’s what being successful is really all about.

Today, look for ways to help others succeed. Reach back and give freely of the talents and abilities you’ve been given. As you do, you’ll rise up higher and live in the fullness of the blessing God has prepared for you!

Maui Top 10

2011-03-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a wonderful vacation to Maui. We feel so blessed for the ability to go away and recognize that it was God given time. There are so many things to highlight. Here are my top 10.

10 - Mornings at the beach

9 - Mini Golf and Activity Center

8 - Whale watching trip

7 - Shaved Ice at Local Boys

6 - Time at the pool reading my book while Paige swam
5 - Power walks on the beach with my little boy
4 - Watching Paige snorkel for the first time

3 - Deep breath....exhale...relax...regroup...
2 - Renewing our vows and a night away with my hubby

1 - Uninterrupted, unscheduled time spent with my kids and hubby...not sure if there is really anything better than that!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: But The Greatest Of These Is Love

2011-03-26T09:49:00.000-07:00

And now these things remain: Faith, Hope and Love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Cor 13:13

Faith -

Confidence or trust in a person or thing: faith in another's ability.

Hope -

The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best.

Love -

A profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person. A feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection, as for a parent, child, or friend.

I was struck by this verse last week. The whole chapter is famous I have read it 100's of time, but this last phrase really struck me this time. I certainly do not I have an intense insight into the verse for I am no biblical scholar, but I do have a couple thoughts on it.

My first wave of thought has to do with Faith and Hope. I live in a space of reality where Faith and Hope are part of my everyday, I think most of us do in some way shape or form. Both of those things I and coming to understand and I am growing in. Both are things I put great weight on. (Maybe that is why this verse struck me like it did.) Faith and Hope however, are both things that we look at 'in the future' they are not necessarily things we see in the moment. They are things that we project our feeling onto. Love however, is something that is tangible and in the moment. Although Faith and Hope are important, it was intended that Love be held with greater importance.

It is not that I do not know how to love or receive love; I do, both from people and from my Heavenly Father. I think maybe I was just struck again by what place it is to hold in our lives. Sometimes, I think maybe I spend more time trying to do it 'all right', in order to see the outcome. For example, I exercise Faith and Hope in certain situations so that I can see what I believe for come to fruition. That is certainly not wrong, it is what we are called to do; more so, it is God's desire for us. I guess what I read here is that substantial effort is to be put into loving and being loved.

Love as a whole is not one sided, which leads me to the next thought I had. Love is giving AND receiving. When we love others, we in turn receive their love back. When we love God, we in turn receive HIS love back. His love is the greatest, most intense and intimate form of love there is. When you truly experience the love of the Father, there is no denying it. When He takes you into his grasp and surrounds you with His love, you will never forget it. It stays with you and you cannot sit on it, you have to give it in return, both to Him and to others. When we have truly experienced the Father's love suddenly the need to please others and find worth in things seems less important. Our insecurities are pushed aside and the void where they once were is now filled with His love, His approval, His pleasure in us.

Doesn't it make perfect sense then why such an emphasis is to be put on the importance of love? Certainly it is so that we can love others, that was the evidence of what Jesus' life was here on earth; it is a model we need to follow and share with those who know Him and also those who do not. But it is also so that we can love Him and in turn receive from Him the truest form of love.

The greatest gift Jesus gave us was love. In human form that love was offered as His life for ours. He made the ultimate sacrifice for us; He loved us that much! Freely we can receive it and freely we can give it away. What an amazing gift!

Vow Renewal – Photographer Pictures

2011-03-19T00:33:00.000-07:00

We got our pictures back from the photographer today. Here are my favorites.

"Faith-full" Friday ::: I am What I am

2011-03-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

"But by the grace of God I am what I am." 1 Corinthians 15:10

Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother took the small boy to a Paderewski concert. After they were seated, the mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to greet her. Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way through a door marked "NO ADMITTANCE."

When the house lights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that her son was missing. Suddenly, the curtains parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage. In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard, innocently picking out "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star." At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in the boy's ear, "Don't quit, keep playing." Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part. Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obligatio. Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience. The audience was mesmerized.

That's the way it is with God. What we can accomplish on our own is hardly noteworthy. We try our best, but the results aren't exactly graceful flowing music. But with the hand of the Master, our life's work truly can be beautiful. Next time you set out to accomplish great feats, listen carefully. You can hear the voice of the Master, whispering in your ear, "Don't quit, keep playing." Feel His loving arms around you. Know that His strong hands are playing the concerto of your life. Remember, God doesn't call the equipped, He equips the called.

Vow Renewal – Proposal Story

2011-03-16T21:23:00.000-07:00

It’s been a whirlwind few days. If I am to be honest, it has been completely surreal and a bit like a fairy tale.

Let me back track a bit. The day Kurtis and I got married, I told him that although he would be the only one I ever married; this would not be our last wedding celebration. We have talked for years about getting re-married on the beach. We talked about almost seriously when we hit our 10 year anniversary, but with all that was going on at that time, it got shoved to the bottom of the pile of priorities.

The other morning we took a snorkel and whale watching trip with the family. Although it was a great trip, I got a bit seasick for about 30 minutes. Once things calmed down, I went to sit outside at the front of the boat, just to feel the sun on my skin and the breeze on my face. Kurt came out and joined me. Sitting beside me a conversation started and went something like this:

K – So, would you want to marry me again?

C- Sure, I would.

K- How about 3:00 tomorrow in the afternoon on the beach?

C – (not thinking he is serious) Sure!

K – OK, I have it all planned.

C – Really? Are you serious? (Totally stunned)

K – Yes, I am serious! We are renewing our vows tomorrow at 3pm, I have it all planned.

Here is the only pictures we have of the event (they were through a window inside the boat), certainly not the most flattering since I had just been snorkeling and was in my wet bathing suit, but none the less, it is documented (thanks Mom!)

After this point, I must have asked him 10 times if he was really serious. I could not believe that he had it all organized and was able to keep the plan from me for all these months. My parents were let in on the plan a month back, and they were going to watch the kids for the night, after the vow renewal so that we could go stay in a hotel up island; a second honeymoon of sorts.

I was in complete shock! I think it took about 6 hours for it all to soak in. After the cruise had finished, we went straight to the mall to look for a dress. In just over an hour we had found a fantastic dress. Kurt actually found and picked it out – boy did he do well! The dress made me feel like a million bucks!

Vow Renewal – The Main Event

2011-03-16T21:16:00.000-07:00

March 15, 2011 3:00pm Makena Cove Maui, Hawaii (an interesting fact that we realized after the fact...this date was very close to the half way point to 25 years of marriage)

We were on our way by about 2:35 to head to the location that Kurt had planned for our vow renewal. My parents, Paige and Karter were all with us. When we were almost there, Kurt told me that the directions for the exact location were in the glove compartment and asked me to grab them. I opened it and saw a very famous ‘turquoise bag’. Inside that coveted bag a turquoise box with a white ribbon, inside that box an extraordinary Tiffany’s bracelet; one that we had looked at “just for fun” a few nights prior. This moment just elevated the intense feelings I had already had.

I went into this whole day felling so blessed. Not only blessed but spoiled! (OK here is where I have to brag a bit about my hubby). I always knew I had someone so amazing. Someone just made for me; my precious gift from the Father. The past few days, however has just proved it even more. I would marry Kurtis a thousand times over and over, he has had a huge hand in walking with me and supporting me to become the person I am today. All these feeling were so elevated in the moments leading up to and including the wonderful vow renewal we shared.

We arrived just before 3:00, unloaded the kids and walked down to the cove. We met the minister there.

Our ceremony was on the beach out on a rock point.

The minister started with a traditional Hawaiian song.

He then moved into a lei ceremony. We exchanged leis with each of our kids (Karter slept through the entire ceremony, bless his heart) and then we exchanged leis with each other as well.

We had found our own vows and recited them to each other. This is what they said:

Kurtis/Charlene, you are my beloved husband/wife, my hero and my best friend. 12 years ago we made a pledge before God and all those we hold dear to be committed to one another and love one another for life. And today my heart rejoices as we celebrate that promise that has only grown stronger as we have traveled down life’s road together. I am so lucky to have you in my life. You are still the best part of each day. You still have the power to surprise me with your love and consideration. You still make me laugh until my sides hurt. And it is my heart’s prayer that in another 12 years we will still be celebrating all of these things. You have made my life complete and secure, through good times and challenges, and helped me become a better person. Thank you for making my dreams come true. Thank you for being the most special part of my world. I promise to always be beside you as your loving and devoted wife/husband and give you the very best of me. I love you with all my heart…and I always will.

After the vows and a prayer, my parents each did a reading. After a sweet kiss and the signing of the vow renewal certificate, we concluded the ceremony.

Kurt had arranged to have pictures taken (the minister was also a photographer) at this point. We got a few family pictures and then the rest of Kurt and I.

It was such a precious few minutes for us. It felt like the world stopped, if just for a moment, so that we could celebrate our love for each other. Although, the first vows we took 12-and-a-half years ago were extremely meaningful, there was something more intense about the words we spoke to each other that afternoon. There was history to base them on, triumphs, challenges and a deeper love and trust that has overcome the tests of time since our wedding day. Not to mention, there is a deeper rooting in Christ that has helped us to see successes and failures, victories and challenges.

I don’t think I can express to you in words how blessed I feel. Not only because I think I am the luckiest woman in the world to be treated to such a surprise, (OK a little more bragging about my hubby – but seriously, he deserves it!) but because God has granted us each other. We have faced challenges that break many marriages apart. But with Christ, we have stood on His promises and we chosen to love, honour and respect each other until our dying day. The Lord sees favourably upon that and has blessed us for that.

At the end of the day because our marriage is grounded in the Lord, no matter what happens, I go to bed with a trust that my relationship with my husband is rock solid. Love is a choice, of course. It is a feeling, yes. But Christ-centred love is a gift, something that is not easily shattered. It is a three stands woven together, which is not easily broken.

Kurtis - you are my best friend and my love. Thank–you for this precious and amazing day that you planned. Your hard work and efforts did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. You get enough brownie points for this to take you another twelve-and-a-half year (wink). I would never do life with anyone but you. You made me feel like the princess I know you think I am. I love you!

Vow Renewal – After the Ceremony

2011-03-16T21:10:00.000-07:00

After our ceremony, we went for dinner as a family. There is a great Mexican restaurant by where we stay that we chose to have dinner at. Although we could have chose something that was a little more `fancy`, our day was as much about our kids as it was about us. We went and had a fun dinner together and it was a perfect finish our time together.

After dinner, Kurt and I dropped the kids off with my parents at the condo and headed up island to our `2^nd Honeymoon` destination.

We checked in about 6:00pm. Upon checking in, the front desk attendant asked me why I was so dressed up. Kurt told her that we had just renewed our vows. At that point, we got upgraded to a gorgeous ocean view room on the 2^nd to the top floor. We were given complimentary Sparkling Wine and two certificates for Brunch in the morning (just another example where God was raining down His favor upon us).

The resort was breathtaking! The view from our room was just gorgeous. The tropical foliage all around was just like an oasis.

Here are some pictures of the grounds and of our room.

In the evening, we went for a nice walk along the Ka`anapalli boardwalk. We walked the beach a bit and watched the waves crash into the shore.

In the morning, we had the most fantastic Brunch at the Swan's Court. We ate ourselves into oblivion – but enjoyed EVERY moment of it (wink).

We then went to the pool and sat in the sun for a few hours before we had to leave to come home. It was an amazing time. A perfect 2^nd honeymoon! A perfect end to a perfect 24 hours!

"Faith-full" Friday ::: PUSH

2011-03-11T10:03:00.000-08:00

A man was sleeping at night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the savior appeared. The Lord told the man he had work for him to do and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin. The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with all his might.

The man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from sun up to sun down, his shoulders set squarely against the cold, massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind: "You have been pushing against that rock for a long time, and it hasn't budged. Why kill yourself over this? You are never going to move it." This gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man. "Why kill myself over this?" he thought. "I'll just put in my time, giving just the minimum effort and that will be good enough." And that is what he planned to do until one day he decided to make it a matter of prayer and take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord, he said, "I have labored long and hard in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all your strength, which you have done. Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it. Your task was to push. And now you come to me, with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms ar strong and muscled, your back sinewy and brown, your hands are callused from constant pressure, and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have, yet you haven't moved the rock. But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom. This you have done. I, my friend, will now move the rock."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants is just simple obedience and faith in Him. By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God who moves the mountains.

P-ray U-ntil S-omething H-appens

(devotional by Robert Souza)

Compassion is taught in so many ways

2011-02-25T13:49:00.000-08:00

Part of our morning routine on the way to school is to pray in the van. Generally, I pray for the kids. Pray that they will have a great day, they will be protected. I give thanks for the amazing opportunities that they have scheduled in the day, I release joy and protection over them and when I send them on their way, I know that they have a beautiful covering resting on them.

This morning, I asked Paige to pray for Karter's day. She happily prayed for him; prayed that he would not fall asleep during class (grin), that he would learn lots of things and that he would not be bullied. It was a wonderful prayer, so thoughtful and full of love. I prayed for her and then we started chatting about her comment in Karter's prayer about bullying. This was anti-bullying week at school, so we have been talking about it a bit at home, as I am certain they have been at school.

I asked her if there were kids that say unkind things to her. She responded telling me 'no' (to which I was as relieved as any mother would be). She then went on to tell me about a boy in her class, (let's call him Billy) that has autism. I have met him and he is just lovely, he brings joy to my heart in ways I cannot explain. Paige talks of him often and shares his triumphs with me and the things he is learning...ok I digress.... Paige proceeds to tell me that she plays with Billy often at recess and lunch. One day, an older boy came up and forcefully started to tell Billy that he had to get off the swing. Knowing that this older child was being unkind to Billy, Paige told Billy that it was time for them to go play somewhere else. So they both got off the swings and went to play on the field. When I asked Paige why she did that, she said that she wanted to protect Billy because he did not understand what was going on. She wanted him to be safe and did not want someone to be unkind to him.

We continued our conversation for a bit and then Paige said something that just touched my heart. She said that Billy was a lot like Karter, he sometimes does not learn the same way as she does. So she feels that she needs to help him and teach him so that he understands. I was moved to tears. I was struck in that moment with the amazing gift Karter to has been to all of us. Without a single word, he taught his sister compassion. Compassion that extends to others.

I can try with words to explain to Paige about being kind with our words and walking out love in action. I know it is important and I know that those are skills that will get her far in life. But Karter and who he is, gives Paige life experience that few get. She sees daily his need for her help, her attention, her love. She is key to his growth and development. She is integral in his social times. He needs her, just as Billy needs her on the playground or the grade three boy who hurt his knee needed her to wait with him until the teacher came to take him to the office.

Compassion is taught through so many ways! I am just happy to have been able to witness the evidence of it in our lives, this morning.