Hands of God

A new year is about to begin and over this past month the Lord truly has been trying to show me something.
The key word is trying as I have been questioning as apposed to listening.
You know what I mean? Those unsure moments and
alot of Ya but's and what if's and Really?
My way is better for me but is it better for Him?
There are things that "I" have really wanted that are not going to come to pass this year.
Uganda being one of those "I wants"
Finding this reality hard to swallow and yet knowing in my heart it is not His timing.
I am glad God understands my dissapointment and holds me close when I cry at night.
I am glad He comforts me when I feel this is of my own doing and the guilt rises up and consumes my heart.
This year is now coming to an end and He has shown me that I am needed elsewhere.
Where and what is the question we all ask
but it is not the right question.
The question we should be asking is How may I be of service?
The answere was (for me) clean out His temple.
My body being His temple to dwell in.
This was also my answere to why my desires have been put on hold.
I am not healthy enough physically.
I have surgery coming up in February that will strengthen my body.
I am not spiritually ready for His tasks.
This year is a year for healing and spreading Peace among us.
Starting in our own backyards.
My backyard needs to be well manicured and all the weeds of dissapointment envy regret and holding grudges must be pulled from the muck and mire that has bogged down my heart these past few years.
The Lord has given me the tools to maintain His garden.
I've never been a gardener nor have I enjoyed it,although I do enjoy the benefits and beauty of a well taken care of garden.
Selfishness. You work I reap the benefits.
I am now looking forward to the joy of working His garden selflessly with our hands clasped together side by side.
I anticipate the beauty of this new year and all it holds for those I love.
For I am Gods hands
I am Gods eyes.
His will be done.
Not mine.
How He puts up with me sometimes?
God Only Knows.....

Merry Christmas

Thankyou for your Gift

Todays service was amazing.
What is the most precious thing you would give to our King?
God gave His only son Jesus to us
Jesus gave his life for us
The Holy spirit now lives in us.
US.... You and Me
Wow! the thought of such selflessness blows me away everytime I think of it.
This is a gift that keeps on giving through our amazing Pastors.
Kevin and Shari
Todd and Tammy
Mark and Rhonda
Barry and Tammy
and through the elders of our blessed church.
I have so much to be thankful for in every aspect of my life.
Without the Lord leading these fine people to spread His beautiful words of life,I may have not received this gift.
After service today I thought about what would I,me,little old average joe me,give to my King.
What do you give someone who has the whole world in His hands?
A Father that has everything.
I have decided to wholeheartedly throw out all that is not righteous and worthy of such a King and give Him all that I have.
My undying love for Him and my church family.
May God bless you all and thankyou for your support,teachings and words of wisdom this past year.
Merry Christmas
Love
Maureen

Angels Explained by Children

I only know the names of two angels, Hark and Harold.
-Gregory, 5

Everybody's got it all wrong. Angels don't wear halos anymore. I forget why, but scientists are working on it
-Olive, 9

It's not easy to become an angel! First, you die. Then you go to Heaven, and then there's still the flight training to go through. And then you got to agree to wear those angel clothes.
-Matthew, 9

Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else.
-Mitchell, 7

My guardian angel helps me with math, but he's not much good for science.
-Henry, 8

Angels don't eat, but they drink milk from Holy Cows!!!
-Jack, 6

Angels talk all the way while they're flying you up to heaven. The main subject is where you went wrong before you got dead.
-Daniel, 9

When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there's a tornado.
-Reagan, 10

Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then when it gets cold, angels go south for the winter.
-Sara, 6

Angels live in cloud houses made by God and his son, who's a very good carpenter.
-Jared, 8

All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn't go for it.
-Antonio, 9

My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still down here on earth.
- , 9

Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don't make the animals get better, they help the child get over it.
-Vicki, 8

What I don't get about angels is why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them.
-Sarah, 7

And The Angels Cried

They came from near
They came from far
Following a distance star to where He lay
Not being sure of what it meant,
but knowing it was heaven sent
They made their way

And the creatures gathered 'round
And didn't make a sound
And the Angels cried

The angels knew what was to come
The reason God had sent His Son
From up above
It filled their hearts with joy to see
and Knowing of His destiny
Came tears of love

And the creatures gathered 'round
And didn't make a sound
And the Angels cried

I've often thought about that night
And wondered if they realized
That star so bright
Was sent to tell all the land
The Son of God would soon become
The Son of Man

And the creatures gathered 'round
And didn't make a sound
And the Angels Cried
And the Angels Cried
And the Angels Cried

Best Christmas Present Ever

As some of you may know my grandson Myer is Autistic.

Myer is 4 years old and will be 5 at the end of January.

Myer was diagnosed at the age of 2.

He rated moderate in his speech and very high on behaviour.

My daughter Liane knew in her heart that something was wrong and was very persistant with the doctors. She and her husband Luke worked very hard with Myer in his speech and behaviour.

They refused to have him treated as if different.

Myer was enrolled like "Normal" children in sport activities.

There were times when he definately was treated as an outcast,but his parents persevered through looks of disgust and under the breath comments.

Liane often asked why God would do this?

" Mom you said God makes no mistakes?" this was asked when having a rough day.

"He doesn't Honey,God chose you and Luke to raise Myer and Mackenzie and nobody else in the world could do this. He chose you." was always my response.

I am so proud of my daughter and her husband. Their patience is amazing.

Trust me as a Gilbey when we lack patience it's mahem in the household.

Liane is no exception. She gets that from me.

However through prayer I have asked that the Lord give us all patience and healing in our family.

Well God is soooo Great.

He has taught us to be patient during the past 3 years and has now given us the

BESTEST GIFT OF ALL.

Myer has finished going through intensive behaviour therapy and had to have another assessment.

The results have come back.

MILD AUTISM.

Praise you Lord for covering us with Your love and patience with my family,but most of all the healing of my grandson.

This truly is a Merry Christmas

What Were They Thinking?

Did They Really Think I Wouldn't Find Out

Tis the Season

Reading through the blogs today and seeing posts of Jenna's Little Drummer Boy and Shari's Christmas lights and Roxannes beautiful backyard,I thought I would post a must gift for all this season.
Rick Warren touches the heart with the true meaning of Christmas.
Working retail and seeing the irritability of the shoppers, Yes in retail it is called Tis the season to be Cranky and we actually dread this time. It's physically and mentally exhausting.
I found this book a beautiful reminder what Christmas is truly about.
Not that I didn't already know,but now after reading it I find I am not so edgy with the attitudes given.
I was asked what I wanted for Christmas by a customer and I came right out and said I already have my gift.
Salvation and I need nothing more.
To which she replied Does it come in Blue?
"Nope only in Red"
and then I went and grabbed the book and handed it to her.
I didn't say I wasn't feisty and bold just not edgy this year.
and no she didn't buy the book she just walked away.
If all people would only remember or know the True meaning of Christmas perhaps celebrating the season would be a joy rather than a task.

Just for Fun

Where is your cell phone? being charged
Your hair colour? Brown with blonde highlights
Your mother? Probably talking Jesus's ear off
Your father? Right beside my mother telling her to leave the Lord alone he has work to do.
Your favorite thing? hugs and kisses
Your dream last night? Interrupted by a call from BGH at 4:12am Pray for my father-inlaw please
Your dream goal? To quit smoking permantly. Tired of being weak
Room you're in? Dining/computer room
Your Dream Goal? Missions in Uganda
Your hobby Don't really have one but desire one perhaps writing.
Your fear? Spiders
Where do you want to be in 6 years? Sitting in church for the 6th year in a row worshipping with my husband
Where were you last night? BGH
What you're not? In my 30s anymore I'm with you Jen on that.
One of your wish-list items? To have my kitchen finished
Where you grew up? Born in Trenton moved to Germany and then back to Belleville at the ripe old age of 8
The last thing you did? Talked to my Big Backrow Brother Wayne
What are you wearing? Jeans and a black sweater
Your TV? is actually off
Your pet? Reginald (The dog) is stretched out on the couch and Lizzie (The cat) is upstairs sleeping on Steve
Your computer? On as usual
Your mood? pretty tired...and yet somewhat calm
Missing someone? My Mom and Dad
Your car? just ran me $2000 to be fixed It's a tradition in the Gilbey household everytime at this time of the year one of them has work to be done,this year we were blessed with two
Something you're not wearing? Makeup Yes it is true Eleanor Rigby keeps her face in the jar by the side of her bed on occasion.
Favourite shop? None to speak of
Your summer? Was great got to go visit my son and his family in PEI
Love someone? Not just one but many
Your favourite colour? Red
When is the last time you laughed? Tonight at my exhausted incoherent husband. Just go to bed already you're tired.
When is the last time you cried? Early this morning when I saw the look on Steves face when we drove to the hospital.

Todays Enlightenment.

Do you remember the last time you were not in a Rushed state?
We Rush to get where we are going.
Try leaving the house earlier.
We Rush to answere the phone/cell phone.
If it's important they will leave a message or call back.
People today are always in a rush.
FOR WHAT?
To get your refund on the 11th hour of the 11th month.
Were these two minutes of your life so important that you couldn't lose them?
Not even for those who gave you the Freedom to be in a Rush.
Sad but true this happened today in the mall.
When I heard through the tears of this mall employee of the womans Rush of harsh words,her Rush to judge this young girls convictions,the Rush to complain,the Rush for the longest two minutes of her life to be over so she could go on her merry way.
I suddenly imagined this soldiers mother and father.
I could see them in a Rush
to see their son walk
to talk
to see his 1st day at school
to see him graduate
to see him married
and to see him become a Father
What I can't imagine was their Rush to see him die.

The only Rush we should have in this life is the internal and eternal Rush of the Holy Spirit filling us with the undying love of our Saviour.

With this being said I did feel the Rush of judgement come over me followed by the Rush of conviction for those thoughts.
This is when I Rushed to pray.

Tonight I didn't feel the rush to share this with you but the NEED to share this with you.

Today could be the Day He comes.
It's time to stop Rushing and instead be filled with Anticipation.

The Prayer

Praying for our soldiers.

Worthy Cause with a Shameless Blog Plug

Shoppers Drug and The Belleville Fire Department

Presents Toys for Tots

November 12 2008
Location: Shoppers Drug Mart Quinte Mall
Time: 12-9pm

Help Make A Childs Christmas Special
Bring in a toy
And Receive 15% off your Cosmetic Purchase
Some restrictions may apply

Refreshments
Draws
And a special thank you gift for your support
Don’t miss this One Day Only special event

Happy Birthday Chicken!

This is a day in my life that I will never forget.
A true Blessing of God.
The Birth of my first grandchild.
11 years later I still recall that morning and Praise God for His miracle of life.
Let me explain.
Mackenzie Lydia May Fair was due December 8th 1997
Liane had become (overnight) highly toxemic, what we thought were labor pains was actually her liver shutting down.
Her blood pressure was 210/172 and her body was not recognizable over the swelling.
Drs. immediately decided to deliver Mackenzie to save the life of my daughter.
Their fear was she would not only siezure but also have a stroke and yes possibly die.
A mothers worse nightmare
but through prayer and begging the Lord to save my daughter and grandchild ,He gave us the most wonderful Doctor and Nurses.
In the wee hours of the morning Mackenzie was born weighing 4lbs 7ounces.and 18 inches long.
She was just a little squab hence my nickname for her Chicken.
Thankyou Lord for the miracle of life.
Happy Birthday Mackenzie
Grandma loves you.
Footnote: Little Miss Mackenzie is now taller than me and wearing a womans size 9 shoe.
When God does things big he really goes all out.
Good job Lord! She's perfect.

Happy Hallowed Be His Name

'What is it like to be a Christian?'
'It is like being a pumpkin.'
God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you.
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.
Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'

Happy Hallowed Be His Name

Thankyou

A little girl was running late for Sunday school

She was praying as she ran

"Jesus please help me not to be late"

As she ran she kept repeating this

"Jesus pleeeeeze don't let me be late for Sunday school"

Suddenly she fell and tore her sunday dress and ripped her leotards,her knees were skinned and bleeding.

She got up and brushed herself off and began to run again

She arrived right on time and looked up and said

"Thankyou Jesus but next time please don't push me so hard"

Sometimes Jesus can push us hard to become closer to him.

This morning when I awoke,after a long night spent in the past, I asked the Lord if he could kick my ass in church today. Yep I did!

Ask and you shall receive.

Today I skinned my knees.

and boy did it hurt but He kissed my wounds and is healing them.

His healing came through truth spoken through our passionate Pastor Kevin and Pastor Shari.

A wounded heart can become infected with chains of bondage. With OUR own process of healing we can imbed the chains and create more infection.

Have you ever been running to God but don't seem to be getting any closer?

Have you ever wanted your wound of bondage healed but were afraid of the pain of healing,because the 1st pain you have learned to endure?

Knowing that, to open an old wound for cleansing may just be extremely painful,more painful then the original wound.

The Lords medicine, Truth hurts but is well worth it.

You just have to be willing

I think I have just matured if only to a teen.

Looking forward to growing from childhood in Christ to full maturity.

Notice the little girl didn't like the severity of the push but thanked Him anyway.

Thanks for the Boot Lord and the great catch after the fall.

An Oldie but a Goodie

One evening, an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside all people. He said, "My son, the battle is between the two 'wolves' inside us all. One wolf is Evil: It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority and ego.The other wolf is Good: It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth and compassion."The boy thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?" The old man simply replied, "The one you feed."

An email from my Daughter

This is an email sent to me from my daughter.

Some of you may not be aware that I have two grandchildren with Autism/Aspergers.

There are days when I am not even aware because I am not in the daily battle.

I am Grandma. I visit,I spoil, I just love them.

I don't notice because they are my grandchildren and their funny little ways are just them.

My battle comes when my daughter cries and my ability to fix her pain is out of my control as a mother.

So I pray and love.

However this email reminded me of the battle, of not only my daughter and her husband on a daily basis but the battle of all parents who's children are autistic.

The green writing is her comments.

If given the opportunity I suggest you rent Autism the Musical.

It is a brilliant documentary. You will laugh and you will cry.

These children are a Gift from God

and I thank Him daily for our blessings.

Hello.

Allow me to introduce myself to you. My name is Autism.

Perhaps you know me or know of me. I am a condition, a "disorder" that affects many people.

I strike at will, when and where I want. Unlike Downs Syndrome or other birth "defects," I leave no marks on those I strike.

In fact, I pride myself on the ability to infiltrate a child’s life, while leaving him or her strikingly handsome.

Many people may not even know that I am there. They blame the child for what I cause him or her to do.

I am Autism and I do as I please.

I am Autism. I strike boys and girls, infants and toddlers. I find my best victims to be boys around the age of 2, but any child will do.

I like children and they are always the true victims, though I take hostage the others in the child's family as well.

It is a bit like getting two for the price of one. I affect one child and infect the entire family.

I am Autism.

I strike rich and poor alike. The rich combat me with education and therapy. The poor shut their children away and cannot afford to fight me.

I am able to win in the lives of poor children more than I am of the wealthy, but I will try to take root anywhere.

I am Autism. I am an equal opportunity disorder. I like whites, blacks, Mexicans, Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Slavs, Japanese, Koreans and Fins. In fact, I strike everywhere on earth. I know no geographical bounds.

I am Autism. I do not discriminate based upon religion either.

I strike Jews and Christians, Muslims and Buddhists, Atheists and Agnostics, Hindus and Rastafarians.

I do not care what religion a person is or what beliefs he may hold. When I strike, there will be little time for any of that anyway. When they find me, they will question everything they believe in, so why would I strike any one group?

I have affected followers of every religion on the planet.

I am Autism and I am strong and getting stronger every year, every month, every day, every minute, and every second.

I am concerned that money might be allotted to combat me, my takeover of children, but so far I have little to fear. Some countries, like Kuwait, are spending quite a bit of money to assist those who I have targeted and some, like the United States, would rather spend money on such ludicrous things as discovering the number of American Indians who practice voodoo, as opposed to combating me.

In an atmosphere as that, I can flourish and wreck havoc at will. In places such as that, I rub my hands with glee at the problem I can cause to children, families and to the society at large.

I am Autism.

When I come, I come to stay. I take the dreams and hopes of every parent and trample them with glee. I see the fear and confusion in the eyes of my victims and I see the formation of wrinkles, worries and ulcers and the pain on the face of their parents.

I see the embarrassment their child causes because of me and the parents unsuccessful attempt to hide their child and, me.

I see tears and the parents cry and feel the tears of their child.

I am Autism.

I leave sorrow in my wake.

I am Autism.

I take and give nothing but bewilderment and loathing in return. I take speech and learning, I take socialization and understanding. I take away "common sense" and if I am allowed to flourish, I take away all but their physical life.

I am Autism.

I fear nothing except courage, which I thankfully see little of. I fear those who take a stand against me and attempt to fight me and bring others into the fight as well. I fear those who try to make it safe and easier for my victims in the community, and their families. I fear those who push ahead, despite the fact that I am in tow. I fear the day that I will be eradicated from the planet.

Yet, I do not fear too much right now.

There is no need.

I am Autism and I bet you know me or know of me.

If you don't, you probably will soon. I am marching forward faster than I ever have before. I am looking for new children all the time. I dread the day I will be looked on with pity, or worse yet, understanding, for that day, is the day I will begin to die. But, I don't think that will happen for a long long time though, do you?

In the meantime, I prowl onward, looking to cause pain and suffering wherever I go. I have so much work to do and thankfully, no one is stopping me.

Hello my name is Autism.

Perhaps you know me or know of me..................


I saw this and thought everyone might like to read this. I thought it was so sad, but it's the truth. We deal with this every single day, but we are so blessed to have such magnificent children. We could all learn something from these children, my children. So if you ever decide to help out for a cause, maybe this will be the one you think of. Spreading awareness is just one of the many things we can do to help.

Please be aware that autism is everywhere in all shapes and sizes. So next time your at the supermarket or the toy store and you see a child struggling, give the parents an encouraging smile instead of a look in disgust, because you have no idea what could be going on with that family or child. Not everyone has thick leather skin all the time, not even me!! LOL

Liane

The Passing of Common Sense

'Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

Knowing when to come in out of the rain;

Why the early bird gets the worm;

Life isn't always fair;

and maybe it was my fault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).

His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.

Reports of a 6-year-old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate;

teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch;

and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.

Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children.

It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an Elastoplast to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband; churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than their victims.

Common Sense took a beating when you couldn't defend yourself from a burglar in your own home and the burglar could sue you for assault.

Common Sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot.

She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust;

hiswife, Discretion;

along with his daughter and son, Responsibility and Reason.

He is survived by his 4 stepbrothers;

I Know My Rights,

I Want It Now,

Someone Else Is To Blame,

and I'm A Victim.

Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.

Between Fight and Flight

Have you ever had a moment where you felt the need to Flee?
There are days when the ways of the world can imbed itself strongly into your heart.
The pain the suffering.
The deceit
The politics of the secular world aka "The Norm"
Somedays when work is tough and people are cruel and the past rears it's ugly head are days when I feel the need to Flee.
I just want to be normal again.
But what is normal?
Bowing down to the ways of the world.
Living an empty life.
I have discovered that once Christ is in your life nothing is ever"Normal" again
The discovery in Blessings in every awful thing becomes clearer as I walk daily.
Is it always easy to see?
Absolutely not!
However the closer I become to the Lord the less of the "Norm" there is plaguing my life.
Does this mean I am turning a blind eye?
No my sight has become clearer even when my understanding has not.
There are days when I want to fight it with my own power of my mind.
And those are the days I lose hope.
The Flesh verses the Spirit.
The battle is tough but God prevails always.
Usually it takes a few days with me but I praise the fact that He is a patient God.
My hope for this world returns through the love of my Father.
For He shows me
Between Fight and Flight is a Blind mans Sight.

For My Friend and For All

When I listen to this song I imagine Jesus the night before His crucifixion. I imagine Him singing this to His disciples and His many followers.To Help them understand and know He will always be with them even in death.
I now imagine Him,singing this to us,the World, wether we be lost or found to comfort us through times of despair or lost hope.
Come to Him as a child and rest in His arms tonight and every night Dear Friend.
Our Fathers arms are strong and loving enough to rock us gently to sleep.

What a Great Reminder

For Amy..... The World of Macro

Christian the Lion

Happy Birthday Amy!

Singing the Praises

Have you ever noticed sometimes spreading the word of God isn't as simple as it seems?
Sometimes as Christians when we speak of His Glory we can face critisism or negativity or are told to keep it to ourselves,and yet these same people want to know why we are so happy or upbeat all the time.You tell them why and some scoff or roll their eyes and on occasion you get an inquiry perhaps privately when nobody can see them.

Have you ever noticed when you get a song stuck in your head you just can't get it out no matter what?
But when you share it with others they get it stuck in their heads.
Perhaps it's time to Sing The Praises of God instead of preach it.
( I say preach as I don't always hear how I sound )
Do you know how you sound?

I write this, as I came into work and everyone seemed to be grumbling as usual in the staff room and me,well,I had this song stuck in my head. I love this song and I like to listen to it every day and sing it with everything that I am to my Lord.
Anyway I started to sing it and the next thing I know someone else joined in with the next line,followed by another and then another and the atmosphere in the room changed.
By days end I had almost everyone singing it throughout the store.
The mood went from cranky to giddy with a simple little song.
It was so great to see the negativity disappear.

What if we sang His praises with a song or a smile even when there is not one to be found within ourselves? There may be no actual scripture within these simple things but our actions of the Love we have for God may just touch another.
And someone just may ask
How can I be that Happy?
Time to Let God out of the Box

Here is the song I was singing.
I dare you not to smile and tap your feet.

More Vacation Pics

Here Kitty Kitty!

Back away from the nice Kitty This was around 7am as we entered Quebec
It rained so I took Photos
God is Good

Grandma of Green Gables

Well Grandma of Green Gables is home!

It was an amazing vacation

We didn't get to do all the things we wanted to do,but the most important thing was being blessed with being able to visit with Mike Rachel and Owen (The grumpy little shelf elf).

Owen didn't take well to grandma, I wonder why? Must have been the pigtales.

He shared his cars with Steve and I but he played shy the whole visit.

That's the hard part of being so far away from your grandchild. You are really just strangers that love you. Kinda freaky for a two year old.

Wait till he grows up and sees the pictures I took of him and I when he was asleep. I was getting my cuddles,even if it meant he had to be unconcious. Hahahaha

It rained every day and instead of being down about it I took the opportunity to enjoy the simple blessings around us that we tend not to notice.

A simple drop of rain.

And after a rainfall, my father once told me that the fairies like to come out and play,so I went hunting for them.

I did not find them,perhaps PEI fairies live in the land of red potatos.

Vickie I know where all the red ones are.

Anyway I am glad to be back and as I was telling Roxanne, I now feel comfortable with the kids being so far away. They have a wonderful life on the Island complete with wonderful friends.

They are Happy and as parents we are truly Happy for them as well.

Gods Timing and Blessings

Well ladies there was not a thing on Tv last night so Steve and I ended up watching the home run derby on TSN.
Boring............ Until I overheard while in the kitchen making popcorn a young man speaking of a dream he was shown by God.
Steve was ready to turn the channel when I said Don't you dare!
I just had to see what this young man was all about.

Well here it is.Josh Hamilton was speaking of his addiction to heroin.
When he was signed to the major leagues he received a four million dollar signing bonus. His new found wealth lead him to the party life and into the hands of Satan.
He blew the 4 mil on heroin and booze. When he hit rock bottom he decided to turn to the Lord for help and after 8 trips to rehab the Lord showed him in a dream that he would someday be in Yankee stadium in a homerun contest.
What was amazing is he never told his story publicly until last night.
Then it was his turn at the plate.
He broke the record in the first round with 28 homeruns.
No he did not win the final but he won the battle.

I was in tears for he had the undivided attention of 53000 people and his final words were.

"I would like to thank My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ"

God gave him a vision of what could be and it came to fruition with Obedience and Faith.
This man single handedly spoke the truth to 53000 people.
I wonder how many lives were changed in that moment?

I came to bed in tears praising our Lord for the miracles in this world that we take for granted. I praised him for giving the world this man.
Miracles don't have to be the moving of Mountains, the parting of a sea ,the true miracles are the moving of our hearts to change.

Thank you Father for never leaving us when we are down and rewarding us with your unconditional Love.

Here is part of the write up too bad the media didn't share the real story behind the homeruns.

Justin Morneau was the champ. Everyone watching was a winner.

Hamilton's unbelievable 28-homer first-round outburst was the highest first-round total of all-time, and it will be the lasting memory of the 2008 Home Run Derby, as the Rangers star showed off his amazing power, belting 500-foot home runs and showing why he is the best story in baseball this season.

Morneau topped a tired Hamilton 5-3 in the last round, giving him the title. But the night belonged to Hamilton, a first-time All-Star who put on a dazzling power display worthy of The House That Ruth Built.

"The whole stadium, the way people responded, higher and higher — you can't beat it," Hamilton said. "Them chanting my name and getting louder, it makes you more focused."

Back from eight trips to rehab for drug and alcohol addiction that derailed his career, Hamilton broke Bobby Abreu's mark for one round. Abreu hit 24 home runs in the first round in 2005 at Detroit's Comerica Park.

My Little Shelf Elf

Well the countdown is on
Only 19 days before we leave for PEI and I am getting so excited to see my grandson Owen and of course my son Mike and his girlfriend Rachel.
I have only seen Owen 3 times since he was born and he will be 2 August 26th
Rachel sent me some pictures today.
They live in a 1 bedroom apartment and Owen is still in their room.
Apparently when lights are out, they can here him giggling as the crib rattles.
Owen has found a new place to sleep.
I just showed Steve the pictures and his response
"Honey what is the shelf life on a baby?"
Welcome to my world...... :-)

Note From God

To: YOU
Date:TODAY
From: GOD
Subject: YOURSELF
Reference:LIFE

This is God. Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day.
I love you.


P.S. And, remember...
If life happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do Not attempt to resolve it yourself! Kindly put it in the SFGTD (something for God to do) box. I will get to it in MY TIME. All situations will be resolved, but in My time, not yours.
Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold onto it by worrying about it. Instead, focus on all the wonderful things that are present in your life now.

If you find yourself stuck in traffic, don't despair. There are people in this world for whom driving is an unheard of privilege.

Should you have a bad day at work; think of the man who has been out of work for years.

Should you despair over a relationship gone bad; think of the person who has never known what it's like to love and be loved in return.

Should you grieve the passing of another weekend; think of the woman in dire straits, working twelve hours a day, seven days a week to feed her children.

Should your car break down, leaving you miles away from assistance; think of the paraplegic who would love the opportunity to take that walk.

Should you notice a new gray hair in the mirror; think of the cancer patient in chemo who wishes she had hair to examine.

Should you find yourself at a loss and pondering what is life all about, asking what is my purpose? Be thankful. There are those who didn't live long enough to get the opportunity.

Should you find yourself the victim of other people's bitterness, ignorance, smallness or insecurities; remember, things could be worse. You could be one of them!

Have a nice day.
God

My Favourite Worship Song.

The words are beautifully simple in and of themselves.
I often sing this in my head when having a moment of fear doubt or just plain confusion in my daily walk with God.
Perhaps you could post your favourite worship songs so we may inspire each other on a daily basis.

Gods Symphony

Many a post ago I had written about how my father would take me fairy hunting.
How we would look at the things around us (falling leaves ) and then he would play music and ask me to picture the leaves dancing.
Since those moments when I was just a babe (4-6) I have always seen the beauty in everything. When older I would say to people see the music.
Well of late I have been dreaming alot about truth.
Sometimes my dreams would be filled with music and others just the Lord and I speaking truth to each other.
It has been the last few days I felt the need to write about Gods symphony.
Pastor kevin had spoken about worship time not being about the music but your personal time with God.
Sometimes I think the music and the lyrics are an added bonus when one may perhaps lack the words of praise to Him.
However I am seeing of late it is about our personal words to him to others, kind or cruel that make up the music to His ears.
The words of our lives are our personal symphony to Him.

Have you ever listened to a piece of classical music and some of the instruments and their sounds make you feel something wether it be joy or sadness or fear.
Has a piece of music ever made you cry? The notes alone.
Think about each instrument and their sound as the words we speak to others on a daily basis.
Anger: The kettle drums
Strength and power: The horns
Fear:The cello
Joy and Sadness: The violins

A piece of music can bring forth many emotions and so can our words.
How we choose to treat others through our actions or use of our words are the notes of our personal symphony to God.
He hears our anger fear joy and love.
When God calls us home what will your symphony sound like to Him?
The symphony will be our lives replayed.
Make it Beautiful music to His ears.
Choose to play and speak the instrument of Truth.

I have enclosed my favourite scene from American Beauty.
This scene makes me cry everytime I watch it as I can see the music in the simple things in life. The beauty of the words spoken.

Three Two For

Was just sitting here checking my messages and having a quick chit chat with Roxanne before bed and suddenly felt overwhelmed with numbers in my head.
324 to be exact.
In fact I feel rather overwhelmed and tearful (but in a good way)
I feel the need to share with what hit me so plain and clear.

The number 3:

Three Wise men
Three Years of Preaching the Gospel
Three Crosses
Three days before Jesus rose
Father Son Holy Spirit the trinity.

Then came two which has "3" ways of spelling Two To Too
but it was the number Two that was in my mind.
Two eyes to see Him
Two ears to hear Him
Two hands to serve Him
Two feet to walk righteously


These two numbers are truly important numbers in this world, However the next number Four looked different and seemed to be the most important.
I couldn't figure it out and then He showed me.
Not Four but For

For You
Forgiveness
Forever

I thought I would share this moment with all of you.
May these numbers Bless you

Perspective

I Have been thinking about how we as humans may percieve things in this world.
We sometimes covet or envy the people and things around us.
Beit friendships,or monetary happiness.
However do we look close enough at these things and really understand the depths of a friendship or a possesion? Do we see the cost involved or are we oblivious to our own selfishness?
If we did would we envy or covet these things?
What do you see,Hydro poles or Gods energy?
Look how the hydro poles are shaped.
Is this Gods way of showing us he is here with us or just coincedence?

I guess that's a matter of Perspective.

While pondering this today I received this email.
I love the way God works and confirms the questions I have in my mind.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country
with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live.

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family.

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, 'How was the trip?'

'It was great, Dad.'

'Did you see how poor people live?' the father asked.

'Oh yeah,' said the son.

'So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?' asked the father.

The son answered:

'I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night.

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.'

The boy's father was speechless.

Then his son added, 'Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.'

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

The Real I

i am: worthy
i think: I've got the hang of this
i know: I have only begun my journey.
i want: to die laughing.(agreeing with Amy)
i have:His Blessings
i wish: I had more patience.
i hate: the lack of common sense
i miss: my parents
i fear: no evil for thou art with me
i feel: I am on the right path
i hear: you
i smell: Steves good cooking
i crave: a Timmies
i search: for the good in all things.
i wonder: if I'll be remembered
i regret: Nothing because I've learned from my mistakes
i love: The Lord
i ache: for todays world
i care: about my friends and family
i always: think too much.
i am not: who I used to be.
i believe: in Fairies
i dance: all the time
i sing: all the time
i don’t always: take the time to listen to His words
i fight: like a girl
i write: because I like to.
i win: when I do take the time to listen His words
i lose: when I think I have control
i never: well rarely ever dump a timmies
i confuse: lots of people
i listen: with my heart and hear with my ears
i can usually be found: at work or at home
i am scared: of spiders.
i need: to save for Uganda
i am happy about: being saved

i am: covered in spots
i think: I am going out of my mind
i know: I have chicken pox
i want: to stop itching
i have: Benadryl
i wish: I was kidding
i hate: that I can't reach to scratch
i miss: the fellowship this Sunday
i fear: it will spread to more unreachable spots
i feel: itchy
i hear: my husbands laughter
i smell: Calamine lotion
i crave: a comfortable sleep

Angelina Update and Prayer request

Just wanted to update you on my 2nd cousin Angelina
As you recall I posted she was very premature.
She is now a whopping 2pounds 7ounces.Her eyes are now open and the palms of her hands are about the size of the ball of your thumb. I am picturing how tiny that is.
Yesterday her parents got to hold her for the first time. She is now 6 weeks old.
I can only imagine the excitement.
However she needs to have surgery on her heart as there is a flap that hasn't matured and her oxygen level is not on par,this surgery will help the blood flow and restore her oxygen levels to normal. The doctors are also going to put her on steroids to help her lungs.
Maria her mother has had a set back and is suffering from more than post partem depression. She is suffering from psychosis.
Her moods are very eratic and she is becoming paranoid.
I ask that we pray for Angelina for a successful surgery and that Maria heals mentally and that the Lord bestows the utmost of patience to my cousin and Maria's husband Mathew.
Thanks for your prayers.

CAUTION: May Cause Flashbacks

What you are about to see is a re-enactment of what can happen while celebrating on the Bouquet.
I have witnessed first hand the after effects of this drug on a friend while sitting in church today.
After effects of this drug can be passed on to others if sitting within close range of the affected.
This may cause chronic giggling and eccessive toe tapping.
Major risk factors You'll be humming songs like this till someone in your household yells STOP IT. Hahahaha

Happy Anniversary Amy
Next year Let's Groove Tonight.
By the way they sell these shoes at Aldo.
I think Mike and Steve would look great in them but first we have to be high on the bouquet to appreciate them (The shoes that is)

The Day God Dropped His PaintBox

Steve and Maureen Flintstone

This is so Steve and I.
Today is our 25th Anniversary
God has blessed me with a husband that has
A wonderful sense of humour
The patience of Jobe (when it comes to his wife)
A forgiving heart
and Unconditional Love

Thank you Father for protecting us over this past 25 years from the ways of this world,for holding our hands through good times and bad and mostly for blessing us with 3 Beautiful children.

A Flashback to May 15th 1988

It was 2:21am May 15,1988 when I awoke with a sudden twinge in my back. I got up went to the bathroom and headed downstairs. I was in labour.
However silly me didn't think so even though my due date was the prior week and I could feel no contractions in my stomach.
Just another annoying backache I suspected.
So I made myself a cup of coffee pulled out the heating pad and lied down on the couch,only to arise within minutes.
Nothing was making me comfortable.
I didn't want to wake my snoring husband and middle son Mike, he was 3 at the time.
Fortunately my eldest Liane went to the cottage with her Uncle to spend the night with my inlaws.
3am and I was pacing still thinking it was a backache.
I started to do the dishes and clean up the kitchen from dinner as I was too tired earlier to do so.
After that I laid on the floor trying to stretch my back out to no avail,still not thinking I just may be in labour.
You see my others were frontal labours and this was no where near the front but all in my back.

Did you know in 1988 at 4:30am on channel 9 The Waltons were on?
By 5am I was hating the fact that those little brats were wishing each other a goodnight. Just shut up for petes sake and go to bed.
Irritability had set in.
By the way Who names their kid Johnboy?


I yelled for Steve to wake up and proceeded to call my brother-inlaw (who was a block away)to come over and watch my lovely 3 year old.
32 rings and that bleepin brother-inlaw still wouldn't pick up.
"Later he said I don't pick up that early in the morning"

Steve finally awoke only to discover Mike had wet the bed so he had to wash my poor little sleepy man up and get him ready.I called my father as he was my labour coach.
It was now 5:30 in the morning.
Dad lived in Bayside.
Steve came down stairs with sleepy child in arm and said ok lets go.
I wanted to wait for my Dad but Praise God for better judgement and a huge jolt in my back.
Steve was anxious and started to yell come on and that is when I grabbed him by the front of his jacket,he thought I was going to yell at him and began to appologise profusely.
That was not the case I fell to my knees and began to push.
The look on Steves face was priceless.
I had to let my father know I was leaving so I left a note on the door in Lip liner as I couldn't find a pen. ( even back then I had a lipliner in my purse,handy little things.)
Out the door we go Steve drops the keys to the car and starts to panic then the car wouldn't start.
He turned to me and called me a name to which I responded with a laugh saying I haven't heard that curse name since 1977.
Oh he was so scared.Me I couldn't stop laughing.His face was priceless.
By time we got the car started we arrived at the hospital at 5:45am,Steve ran to get a nurse and she sauntering out to the car opens the door and says "So your husband says you are in labour" She's obviously seen pannicced husbands before.
To which I reply the heads out.
She ran for a doctor (another priceless look)
Now picture a 3 year old hanging over the back seat sayin Mom are you having the baby and is Dr. Fry gonna be there?
I didn't want to yell and stayed calm and replied yes Honey.
Next thing I know Dr. Truman was at the car door,I tried to swing my legs out only to have him push me back ,head under steering wheel and pants to my knees.
Still hearing a young boy with curiosity in his voice asking if Dr.Fry was coming.
I can't see my husband all I can see now was Dr. Truman grabbing the ambulance attendents gurney.
At this point I was no longer laughing but keeping my eyes on my son and soothing him so he wouldn't get scared and cry.
God does give us strength in moments like these cause I wanted to yell get this thing out of me NOW......
I see the attendents and they worked with my dad and all I see is Ian McCullough looking in and then looking down and he says Hi Maureen How you doin?
Great I replied kinda busy we should have coffee sometime?
No time to be humiliated.Pants at my knees dads friend could this get any funnier?
The next voice I heard was Bill another attendent asking Mike if he wanted puppies?
I saw Steve but briefly as they wheeled me up to the maternity ward and was crying out I am sorry my waters broke on the front seat of the car,don't be mad.
He wasn't
Next thing in comes Dr. Birchard (he delivered my 1st Liane)and said Ok momma lets do this. I began to push and start to hear the nurse yell you can't come in here.
Dad had arrived wearing the sweatshirt I gave him that said Labour coach.
I yelled Back it's my dad and my labour coach.
He made it for the last couple of pushes,Steve was still downstairs filling out paperwork as dad ran by him.
At 6am (yes ladies 15mins since arival) I gave birth to a 23 inch 8lb 12.5 ounce baby boy.
David Gordon Gilbey
And tomorrow he turns 20 May 15th.
Happy Birthday Dave
Dave loves this story as do I and I just wanted to share contrary to popular belief there is humour in giving birth.