Mona's World

2010-09-03T14:20:00.000-04:00

Well it has certainly been a long while since I have written and yet I love to write.
However for the past little while I have been pre-occupied and bound within my own thoughts,seraching to hear from God or better yet trying to hear even more than what I think I am hearing forgetting to just rest in Him.
I have been reading books listening to the radio watching tv going to a conference,praying and having conversations with God daily.
Notice the key words in that sentence was I HAVE
Now not to say that what I have been doing is detrimental as I have learned many things, however I want and need more.
I thirst daily and can't seem to quench the dryness that is in my life.
Last night I decided to go to corporate prayer wanting and needing a quiet place with others that understand the deep love of God and that would leave me alone in my thoughts.
What I got was frustration with the noise
What I got was a stronger desire to hear God with the condition He would shut everyone else up so I could hear Him.
Ya not happening
but still I was determined I was going to hear if it killed me.
So I tried to worship but the focus was so much on me the desire for more became frustrating.
However God works in amazing ways
I heard from God even when I didn't think I was.
Scriptures came popping into my head,so I looked them up and wrote them down.
When all was said and done and no more came to mind and my frustration was growing MORE intense
Barry spoke over me and said
"Your nickname is Mo but I see other letters The Lord is telling me you are MORE
More than what you think you are
More than what others see you as
More to me than what you know
and you will be thirsting for more daily and the more you drink of Me the more you will want"
He saw me dancing in a frilly white dress with the Lord I was a princess all sparkley and pretty.He began to laugh. Not quite sure if he was just filled with the spirit or if he was seeing what I was seeing
Me in a white frilly dress.Too funny!
No matter the main thing is I was dancing with the Lord and at that moment my heart was like the Grinch and grew so large in my chest I thought I was going to burst.
It was then the Lord told me He was right hear with me talking to me but I had to hear Him with not my ears but my heart. He told me to re-read the scriptures I had written.
The tears flowed as separately they were words and promises but together they were my thoughts and my story of late with His promise among them.
Here is what He showed me our converstions have been in one long sentence.(separate scriptures)

"You will joyfully draw water from springs of salvation".
I said to myself,Go ahead,I will test you with pleasure and enjoy what is good."But it turned out to be futile"
STOP (your fighting) and know that I AM GOD exalted among the nations,exalted on earth.Consider ships,though very large and driven by fierce winds,they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
Although I once had confidence in the flesh too.If anyone else thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh I have more.
Not that I have already reached (the goal) or am already,fully mature but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

So my lesson here was to Stop
Stop thinking
Stop forcing
Just Stop and rest in Him

When you think your prayers are never going to be answered and the frustration of trying to hear Him is exhausting and the mind will not stop running the Lord is right there saying
Hello I am right here .... No not there..... STOP.... ok now look within.....You got it there I AM..... now sit down get comfortable and just relax and rest in Me...... Ok now what do you want to talk about today?

I want to talk about More of you Lord and less of me

Pay it Forward in Faith Regardless of Fear

2010-06-03T14:45:00.001-04:00

Some things I have been pondering

Stepping out completely in faith.

Obedience

and the dreaded fear that sometimes seems more powerful than faith.

I haven't written in a while

sometimes it's a fear of not being elloquent enough

but today I am moved and it really doesn't matter if this post is elloquent enough for the reader.

It is out of obedience with no fear and it's covered with many blessings to you the reader.

So for some of us the fear of praying over someone outloud because of the lack of experience or the lack of really good Godly words to impress can be worrisome.

It doesn't matter what it sounds like as long as it's from the heart.

A prayer or a simple Blessing to someone can change ones life attitude or be an answere to their prayers.

On our anniversary I went to pick up chinese food downtown and passed a woman sitting begging on the street.

We have all seen her many times and she can be rather scary

Her face scratched and cut from her obsessive behaviour,the knowledge that she has Hep C and the fact she never seems to make an effort to clean up.

Regardless she is a child of God.

As I passed I cringed and a moment of fear condemnation and judgement came into my heart.

when returning to my car I was overcome with guilt that I was eating and she wasn't but kept walking anyway.

As I opened the car door I was consumed with the Lord saying this is my child your sister and I began to tear up and ask for forgiveness.

I was fearful but for a moment and then stepped boldly out and went back to her.

She sheepishly looked up at me and low growl came from deep within and I bent down and prayed over her.

It was the look in her eyes distant but there

It was Hope

She smiled slightly and said these words.

"God Bless you too and Thank you for being kind and generous to me not very many people are"

This has been going over and over in my head and yet I move on in my selfish ways of fear.

I have been struggling alot lately thanking God for this trial and telling Him I am looking forward to all that He is teaching me although not sure what it is.

Today it was confirmed

The simple act of Blessing someone just because you can and because He wants you to.

I received a phone call but a moment ago from a man in our church.

We know each other enough to say hello

I hear him many times during the service

praising God outloud

He called because I must have been on his heart for some reason and to tell me that I am a blessing and that I am loved.

He stepped out fearless and faithful

to bless me

I am truly Blessed with my brothers obedience but also from our Fathers Patience Grace Mercy and most of all

His Love while teaching me with His gentle hand.

Be Fearless and Faithful in God

and

Bless someone today

this simple act can truly change ones life

I am living proof of that.

Just had to post this

2010-05-31T00:03:00.002-04:00

Clinging to my Faith

2010-03-14T23:02:00.000-04:00

This weekend I haven't been questioning my faith but holding on to it tightly.
The recent events that have plague our community has gotten to me.
Missing persons
Murder 4 within the last month
What is happening?
The recent deaths of this past weekend have hit home.
Tracey Hannah and her daughter Whitney,Shannon still in serious condition clinging to life.
Tracey and I went to school together.
Were we close friends No
but our lives did cross paths.
We were in the same classes together
we went to the same parties in Highschool
and her eldest daughter Jamie-Lynne and my youngest son Dave went to school together.
Last month I saw her and we laughed and joked about all the bush parties we went to and how we were getting older and how we couldn't believe our kids have grown so much. We talked about makeup for Whitney for her grade 8 grad and finished with a we should get together for a coffee sometime.
How many times have we said those words never to follow up.

Now I never knew Traceys Married name. My son said I knew her but I just couldn't place Tracey Hannah in my mind,It hit me Friday that could this be Tracey Urch.
Nope couldn't be I was just talking to her.
It was confirmed for me today when they posted her picture on the news.
My heart sank even farther then it had prior to that moment of reality.
Reality
That is when clinging to my faith was the most important thing.
Yes I have questions
Typical ones like Why Lord
or Did you know this is how she would die when you created her?
"For I know the plans I have for you"
Does it include this?
Did it include the young woman hiding in the closet?
Praise God in the Highest for that!
I am reflecting on the Friday this all happened and the conversation that took place in the staff room.
One Christian believing in Capital punishment and becoming so intensely upset about this.
Then there was the non christian saying but what about his rights.
Then there was me praying fervourishly in my head to say the right thing.
Speaking about justice will be served and that even the young man is Gods child.
That God will discipline him beit life in jail but will also be patient for his repentance.
Grace and Mercy
Then I ended this with I say this now because stuff like this hasn't hit close to home.
My flesh feels one way but my spirit feels another way and I needed to concentrate on my spirit not my flesh.
Needless to say
WHAM this morning it hit close to home.
So I am battling the anger (Not with God) of the flesh and clinging to the tiniest of mustard seed that God so lovingly placed in my heart so very long ago.
This mustard seed will be my rock in days to come when the conversations get heated in this city.
I emplore all of you to cling tightly to the slightest bit of faith when things get tough in our lives and God will bring us through it triumphantly.
I know it and feel it and most of believe it that God will bring good out of all that has been happening in this city.
I trust my Father and praise Him for giving me but a moment to know such a lovely young woman.

For Nana Cheryl September 2011

2010-03-06T22:32:00.000-05:00

Most Difficult Change Dying to Ourselves

2010-03-03T14:31:00.001-05:00

In my last post Joyce spoke about change. This has been playing on my heart quite a bit lately.
I am always praying that the people in my life would change their ways.
Desiring them to pick up and get moving forward.
Wanting them to stop wallowing in their situations using it as an excuse to stay where they are.Accepting secular counsel be it from a therapist or a doctor or even a friend as a be all end all answere.This is the way it is accept it,and try and live your life within your "OWN" means.
Really!
Do not accept this. Do not let the world dictate what is or what is not.
Believe in the only One who knows the plans He has for you.
My guess is it's not sitting on your ass waiting for blessings to just be handed out to you because you Believe in Him.
We must have complete faith in His healing from whatever is ailing us,beit laziness,sickness,pride,financial issues and the list can go on and on depending on our lives.
It's time for us to Die.
Die to ourselves our flesh and start living the life He has given us.
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Ok we can say that over and over again and believe it with all our hearts but are we living it.
I know I'm not.
Truth be known I love watching Joyce, I love taking the ISOM course and I love the lessons from our Pastors on Sunday mornings.
My confession I am lazy when it comes to reading the word.I do but not daily or dilligently.
Why because I have allowed others to do it for me.
Yes I am learning but how much more or closer to God will I become when I hear it from the source Himself.
I have changed alot of my ways but this is one I tend to hold on to.
I have been blessed with His grace in this matter and I know He will never forsake me, but it's time for me to die to that one aspect in my life that is holding His plan back.
After all he died for us. What a sacrifice of true love.
The Lord has really been showing me images of the hungry.
Man cannot live by bread alone.
Oh that must mean get out there and help the poor.
Nope this was about me.
God is the greatest! Amen!
I am really hungry and yet I supress my hunger by holding on to the last piece of me that needs to die.Laziness Fear of what I could be in Him.
Proverbs 6: 6-11 was playing on my heart this morning not only for me but for others in this world.
So today I choose to die to myself and walk with the utmost of faith and I believe it is then and only then His plan for me can be fulfilled.

So Long Self it's been fun but........

Felt the need to post this

2010-03-02T12:15:00.000-05:00

Choosing to Change

by Joyce Meyer

How serious are you about wanting change in your life? A lot of us want our lives to change…but we’re not willing to do our part.

If you really want things to change in your life—and experience the fullness of the life Jesus died to give you—here are some things that you need to do.

Spend Time with God

First, examine your priorities and see what needs to change. You can’t think spending 45 minutes or an hour in church on Sunday mornings is all you need to live in victory. Since the devil is alive and well every day, then you need a daily walk with God.

The wonderful thing is, there’s no formula. You can just be with Him. Pray, laugh, cry, talk or sit still and not open your mouth. It’s that easy.

Stand Up on the Inside

Next, you need to get serious about changing your life. Every one of us has an outer life and an inner life. Many of us want our outside circumstance to change while we stay depressed on the inside. But before you can get up on the outside, you have to get up on the inside.

You may have a circumstance in your life right now where you feel like you have no choice but to sit down. If that’s the case, tell yourself you’re going to stay enthusiastic, passionate, stirred up, excited, positive, and full of hope and faith on the inside. Make up your mind that you’re never going to quit.

Get Up and Clean Up!

In John 5 there’s a story about a man who I believe represents a lot of people who refuse to change.
During a Jewish feast in Jerusalem, Jesus visited the Bethesda pool where sick people gathered, hoping to get healed. One of the people waiting to get healed was a man who had been crippled for 38 years. When Jesus saw him, He asked if he wanted to be healed.
To me, the man’s answer tells us why he hadn’t been healed in 38 years. He said, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred.” Bottom line, the man had avoided responsibility.

His second problem was that he blamed others. The man said, “While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”

How did Jesus respond? Jesus didn’t feel sorry for him. Instead, Jesus said, rather sternly, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” In other words, stop being lazy and get on with your life.

For change to occur in your life, it’s not only important that you stop being a prisoner of your circumstances. You also have to choose to become a prisoner of hope. This means being a person who cannot get away from hope. If you’ll do this, you’ll receive double of anything that’s taken away from you. That’s a promise from God.

Never Give Up!

It was a special day in my life when I realized I didn’t have to give up; I could have hope in the worst circumstances. Regardless of what the situation looks like, I believe that God can give me a breakthrough.

We all want instantaneous breakthrough, but it’s going to take time. And you may go through long periods, even years, feeling like you haven’t made any progress at all, but you have.

Most of the time change occurs daily in little increments that you don’t even notice. But if you’ll just look back after a year or two, you’ll realize that things in your life have changed.

No matter what your circumstance or situation is, you can choose to change. You can choose to hope. You can choose to never give up. You can choose to experience the life Jesus died to give you. Now get up and go!

Only Your Best Friend Can Do This

2010-02-10T22:56:00.003-05:00

For I Know The Plans I Have For You

2010-02-01T23:14:00.001-05:00

Tonight on my way home from my ISOM class at the church I started to reflect on my life growing up.
I began to think about what a rebel I was against the church and it's doctrine.
I would challenge anyone with statements like
Proove it!
Why?
followed by statements like What a bunch of Hypocrits
You see that's what I saw as a child.The religiosity,the legalism of man.
I once saw a man kicked out of church because of what he was wearing (The 70's) I was 10 years old and refused to go back to church unless I was made to like Christmas or Easter and even then I grumbled and despised the men who were leading the service.
I then began to think of the children of the church and began to pray that we as Junior High Leaders are instilling the love of God as your friend,mentor and Father.
That Christainity is a relationship with God
My thoughts then lead to the most simplest of prayers
HELP!
and I began to sing and once again reflect on the moment I reached out and was Saved.
I remember the first time I asked Jesus to be a part of my life. I had the most icredible rush run through my body and was joyful beyond description,but what I didn't know then at age 23 was there was work to be done. I was Saved and my name was in The Book of Lambs and that was that,I could still lead the life I was leading.
Yesterday Today and Tomorrow has come to my heart tonight and I am praising God for hearing my prayer from 5 years ago Help Save Me! I want You in my life,but most of all being patient and loving me for 19 years while I wandered, sort of believed and sinned alot until I was broken.
That is when my cry for help was real and He knew it and only then did he pick me up dust me off and hug me so tight that I couldn't help but feel His presence.
Oh we all know He was there all those years but stubborness and pride Feels No Love
His timing is always perfect and for 19 years He waited patiently for one simple word
HELP

Note: Who knew this song would ever have a deeper meaning today in my life than when I was just tapping my toes to a catchie little tune

Who's 6 Today?

2010-01-27T22:33:00.001-05:00

Who's 6 today?

"Me Grandma,Myer"!

I have a cupcake Cake from Deweys

I like the chocolate ones the best Grandma!

I can sing Myley Cyrus Grandma Watch me!

Uncle Dave gives the best Birthday hugs

Steve and I are so Blessed
What a fun evening we had.

Where Is God?

2010-01-24T01:15:00.000-05:00

Well that was the question that was asked to me

"The Christian"

when Haiti was destroyed with the devasting earthquake

My answere was right there amongst the destruction holding on to His beloved children.

but

the more I have been thinking about this

this thought came to mind.

Where are we?

I don't mean in Haiti

God is with us all the time wether we feel Him or not

that is what I call a true friend

but where are we as His friend?

Do we give Him the the time and effort that he gives us 24/7?

Is this a one sided relationship where one wants and takes then complains when things don't go the way we want it to?

Oh sure we are thankful when we are blessed but are we thankful when we are not or when times are rough?

Have you ever asked God how He was doing?

I am sure that sounds quite flippant

but lets just think about this for but a moment.

Have you ever had a friend that never seems to ask you how you are doing?

but always wants to share their joys or misery with you.

or better yet sucks the life out of you with their needs.

Please don't misunderstand what I am saying here.

Worshipping our Father and praising Him is a delight to His heart

but with the question posed to me I am reflecting more on what I am giving back as His child and friend.

Perhaps just asking God how His day was will reveal a deeper hearing of His voice within

Here I am Lord

Your friend

and despite the disbelief and anger in this world towards you I want to give back to you

by asking what can I do for you,my friend?

I hope that you have a had a wonderful and Blessed day

and am looking forward to introducing you,My Best Friend

to all those around me.

Talk to you tomorrow

Love you

Heart Check 101 PT2

2010-01-07T23:47:00.000-05:00

Wow!

God has been showing me so much over the past few days.

His love is never ending.

Giving us His only Son ,so that we may live

I mean really try to put yourself in His shoes.

This selfless loving amazing sacrifice just for us.

For us, the some times, self absorbed self righteous sinners.

Does this not blow your mind when you really sit and contemplate this.

His grace and mercy never changes even if we do

I love that He didn't force us to love Him

but that

He gave us the free will to choose to Love Him

and even for those who choose not to

He loves them as equally as He loves those who do

He never changes

He never gives up on the lost

God you're still You
We are so Blessed to have such love in our lives
Thankyou

Heart Check 101

2010-01-06T00:13:00.001-05:00

I enjoy giving
I also enjoy receiving
but what is more important?

If I give and don't receive and am dissapointed was I really giving out of love?
Was there motive behind the kind gesture?

Have we given our life over to Jesus because we are promised eternal life?
Is that our only motivation for doing this?

Do we do good works to receive a better or bigger piece of heaven?
Is that our only motivation?

We will be rewarded according to our works. Revelation 22:12
Rewards will be based on our faithfulness to what God has called us to do.

story:

An elderly man walks into a villiage
There he discovers the whole villiage has gathered in it's center listening to a young man speak.
This man was beautiful, and strong.
The young man was telling the villiage that he had the most beautiful heart in the world.
It was pink and pumping the brightest red blood throughout his perfect body,not a flaw to be found in it.
As the elderly man heard this he exclaimed
" Young man I beg to differ I have the most beautiful heart"
the crowd laughed at the old man,but the old man stood his ground.
"Old man you are old and weary and out of breath, this shows the sign of an old worn out heart"
"Young man I will prove that I have the most beautiful of hearts"
With that being said the old man took his shirt off and ripped open his chest exposing the heart that lie within.
It was pink in places, and there were holes and chunks of different sizes filling those holes. The heart was mishaped and grotesque to look at.
The crowd began to laugh
The young man then took his shirt off and ripped his chest open and the crowd was in awe by the pinkest most flawless beautiful heart they have ever seen.
" Old man look at my heart can you see the difference between yours and mine?"
"Yes said the old man I can, but mine is still more beautiful than yours"
"How is that replied the young man"
"See these scars,these are scars of my past sins cut out by God and sewn up by His forgiveness, These holes are where I have given my love to others and they in turn did not give me theirs back,the mishaped chunks are pieces of anothers love that they have freely given.
With that being said the old man grasped his heart and tore a chunk of pink flesh out and offered it to the young man.
"May the love of God be with you"
as the young man reached out and received this precious gift,he fell to his knees and looking up he reached into his chest and tore out a chunk and replied
"and also with you"

This story came to mind as I was pondering why we choose to follow God.
How many times have we hurt God and yet He still gives us his heart unconditionally for the taking.
Even if we reject His love He still pours it into our lives.

There is no motive behind His love
He just loves
How incredible is that?

Why is it that we know this and yet we don't always give our love freely to family,friends,strangers?
I desire change for this world
How do I make an impact if only small?
By checking my heart daily, if there is motive in all that I do or say to gain personally then I am choosing not to do it.
I have decided to just love and be obedient to Glorify God
There is no motive behind that as I already have all that I need and want
Unconditional love from my Father could there be a better reward than that?
I think not!

Dog Day Afternoon

2010-01-03T21:11:00.000-05:00

Sunday Football

a time to relax and enjoy the games.

I am banished to the front living room

(asking questions during the game constitutes the penalty box)

Oh Wait! That's hockey

also

I was ousted out of "The Club"

Can two people be considered a club?

I ask

Ohhhhh I get it now

Always did

(wink wink)

It's the simple pleasures in life that amuse me

So as usual I am free to make a few phone calls then have an afternoon snooze

and I woke up to see this

Apparently during half time the boys went for a walk in the field and it was too cold for one of them.

Such a big boy

and Steves big sucky baby

Daddy I'm cold and tired.

Poor Mr. Shivers

aka Reginald

Really!

AVATAR Last Movie Review for 2009

2009-12-31T13:09:00.006-05:00

Last night my son and I went to see Avatar

This morning we are still talking about it.

This movie is the most visually stunning movie I have ever seen.

The colours are so vibrant, at one point I actually thought

God if the colours are like this in Heaven take me now.

As for the 3D effect I was actually tempted to reach out and touch the little white fluffies that were landing on my nose and arms. You will see them in the video clip.

James Cameron out did himself and I predict he will clean up at the Oscars.

The story line was predictable but did not dissapoint.

What I did find interesting though was,the subliminal message of the white man ousting the native man from his home for his own self righteousness and greed.

With that being said,perhaps this was my own thought corelation between the two and yet I some how doubt deep down that I am wrong. I believe there was a message Cameron chose to subliminally remind our hearts of.

We all agreed upon leaving that the self righteousness of man is the self destruction of what could be a peaceful harmony between cultures.

The spirituality of the blue people is truly reflective in and of itself.

The main theme is indicative to what we should all aspire to completely understand in our hearts and minds.

The unity of man despite the differences through "ONE" beating HEART

Watch the video and then play it again and close your eyes.

Some very powerful words.

I've posted the lyrics below

Walking through a dream
I see you
My light in darkness breathing hope of new life
Now I live through you and you through me
Enchanted
I pray in my heart that this dream never ends
I see me through your eyes
Living through life flying high
Your life shines the way into paradise
So I offer my life as a sacrifice
I live through your love
You teach me how to see
All that’s beautiful
My senses touch your word I never pictured
Now I give my hope to you
I surrender
I pray in my heart that this world never ends
I see me through your eyes
Living through life flying high
Your love shines the way into paradise
So I offer my life
I offer my love, for you
When my heart was never open
(and my spirit never free)
To the world that you have shown me
But my eyes could not division
All the colors of love and of life ever more
Evermore
(I see me through your eyes)
I see me through your eyes
(Living through life flying high)
Flying high
Your love shines the way into paradise
So I offer my life as a sacrifice
And live through your love
And live through your life

I see you
I see you

Twas The Night of Christmas

2009-12-25T23:54:00.001-05:00

Twas The night of Christmas and all through my house

not a creature was stirring

Not even my spouse

Football was on TV I can not relate

so off to the kitchen to wash my new plates

A quiet evening I look to enjoy

Then who should appear but my youngest of boys

A Friend by his side a beer in their hands

upstairs they did go clanking their cans

The quiet resumes

then suddenly a clatter

I roll my eyes and go see what's the matter

The gift bags are ripped by are silly old cat

who decided to lie down for her long winter nap

I in my jammies

been in them all day

I'm ready for bed

but first I must pray

Thank you Father

and Happy Birthday

I am thankful for today it brings such delight

Merry Christmas to all

and to all a Good Night

Christmas Eve

2009-12-25T00:06:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve Dinner..... Yummy

Daughters Baking.........Divine

Watching your Grandchildren's faces as they open Presents...........Exciting

Getting them wound up......Our Job

Gathered around listening to your grandaughter read The Night before Christmas...Tearful

Watching my Daughter and Husband Trying to get them to bed.......Funny

The Families gift to us......Priceless

Merry Christmas

2009-12-22T21:31:00.000-05:00

For My Blogging Buddies

2009-12-19T22:15:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas Ladies

Abundant Blessings for 2010

Love you all very much

Bitter Sweet Moment

2009-12-16T12:34:00.000-05:00

Tis the season we think of family.

This morning I was thinking about my mom and dad and how much I miss them.

I miss mom constantly singing the Hallelujah Chorus

with my father following her lead and in a low deep voice

singing King of Kings and Lord of Lords

This is my favourite piece of music as I have heard it since I was just a little one.

My heart began to sink knowing mom never knew here on earth that she had a 3rd great grandchild and my father knowing but never being able to meet him

knowing I won't be tasting moms mince meat pies this Christmas

laughing over Christmas dinner as we wore the silly paper crowns and over tea afterwards, putting together the little toys from the Christmas crackers.

but as always

God prevails when a heart is in pain.

and he does it (with me) with Great Humour

after a good cry and talk with God I went to the computer intending to write

such lovely thankful heart wrenching words about my parents

a tribute of sorts

and an email popped up

My mother was an absolutely witty funny creative woman and my father, well his humour very dry.

He was her wingman.

God really knows how to turn my Sorrow into Joy

J O Y

yes I am doing the actions :-)

What an amazing King of Kings and Lord of Lords

I Had A Charlie Brown Moment Today

2009-12-14T23:22:00.001-05:00

I had a Charlie Brown moment today

and my inner voice came out

not loudly but enough for someone to hear

The hustle and the bustle can create impatience and the occasional angry outburst.

eg. "What do you mean you don't have anymore of this or that it's Christmas"

Humph stomp out of the store

I was thinking Hello Christmas is less than 2 weeks away and it's not like you didn't know it was coming for the past year

but what came out

was

Isn't there anyone who knows what Chrsitmas is about.

Now the person that heard came over and said

"And Lo an Angel of the Lord came upon them"

I immediately knew the line and where it came from

we giggled

and all was well with the world once again

Now Those Are Christmas Lights

2009-12-10T13:29:00.001-05:00

Tis The Season

2009-12-09T07:34:00.000-05:00

Macro Moments In The Snow

2009-12-07T16:46:00.000-05:00

Guess Who's Coming to Toronto

2009-12-06T23:19:00.000-05:00

I am sure by now you have all heard

Joyce is coming to Toronto.

Now this would make for a wonderful girls few nights out.

She will be in Toronto August 5th-7th

Check out her website for all the details.

What do you think Ladies?

http://www.joycemeyer.org/

A Gilbey Christmas

2009-12-03T15:33:00.011-05:00

We are a strange family

and adapt to all moods

Steve doesn't like Christmas anymore

"Too Stressful,It's for the kids and we're not kids anymore"

Bahhh Humbug

Funny considering he loves Christmas music.

Dave is getting older(21) and has embraced the families quirky ways adding a touch of his own humour

He asked for a pony and nothing else

and I

Well I like Christmas

and with bearing all this in mind

I got my tree and humourously indulged my husbands mood

and Dave will discover perhaps a Pink or Blue

My Little Pony come Christmas Morn

to top this all off we have decided to

BBQ T-bone steaks this year

as we relax and enjoy

the simplicity that Christmas brings the Gilbey Family

Music

Laughter

and

Togetherness

on this Blessed day

Feel free to laugh cause we are having a hoot

I just love our Family humour

Yes the tree is Black

Leviticus 19:18

2009-11-27T12:36:00.001-05:00

Do not take revenge or bear a grudge against members of your community,but love your neighbour as yourself;I am the Lord.

Isn't this a hard lesson to apply on crummy days.

When friends are scorned

When lies are spread

or in my case

When somebody smokes my car in the parking lot and doesn't leave a note or report it to mall security.

Imagine my surprise yesterday when I finished a long day at work and walked through the rain and discovered this.

God knew what was coming next

Then He knew I would ask for forgiveness for my cursed words against another.

He also extended His grace for several hours (this morning) until I came to the place in my heart that said let it go.

It's hard to take revenge against another human being who has not only damaged your possesion but also put you in a financial situation where you feel there is no good outcome

But I am hear to say you can take revenge

The revenge is in your heart and through your words of cursing this person to have a lousy day or wish the same would happen to them.

But

In the end the curse is upon yourself for disrespecting your Father and His commands.The curse is anger in your heart that opens the gate for Satan and his little imps to wreak havoc on the playground.

As I spewed cruels words and wishes, my heart began to ache ,my throat closed up and became like razor blades,my head exploded into a migraine and sleep was not my friend.

I have allowed myself to be vunerable to attack.

I am home today when I shouldn't be

I am sick

when I was perfectly fine yesterday up until I noticed my car and began to speak "ill" will against another.

Coincidence?

I think not.......

Why you ask

because I rarely get sick and of late I have been sick twice within two months

the common denominator was

both times I was well and after speaking unkind words and allowing my heart to be extremely offended, standing on what I deemed as my right to be this unforgiving. When I dwelled in my anger, not wanting to ask for forgiveness

I became sick.

I am not saying God made me sick to show me the way

I am saying I allowed myself to be open to the fleshly ways of man and showed the world the chink in my armour that left me vulnerable to sickness

Of Body

Of Mind

Of Heart

It is God that has allowed me to be open to His voice that says

Trust in Me

I will take care of you

and heal you of all your needs.

Physically

Spiritually

Financially

I love it when God gently reminds us of lessons we know but then shows us not only the general principle of the lesson but the deeper meaning within.

Placed in My Heart

2009-11-23T22:49:00.002-05:00

My heart aches
I know not why
The Spirit speaks
I hear His cry
Souls lost
My Children scorned
His voice cries out for those yet born

I Love you
I Love you
I Love you child
Follow me and never die

His heart aches
For His lost
My heart aches for our loss

Fear not my child
what:'s lost is found
beneath the glory
of My crown

King of Kings
and Lord of Lords
I Am here within the thorns

Blessed be you chosen ones
Spread My word
for the time will come
When Heaven and Earth
will become but one

Grace and Mercy
I give my flock
Lay down your sins
upon My cross

For soon will come
The day you await
and I will meet you at
My gate

My arms are open
for those who are weary
death is gone
and life becomes living

Toys For Tots

2009-11-09T22:44:00.002-05:00

Once again we are having a Gala at work for a cause that is close to our hearts.

Toys for Tots

Approximately 1100 children in Belleville go without a Christmas.

All proceeds from ticket sales go to the Belleville Firefighters

Plus Shoppers Drug Mart will donate an additional $5.00 per ticket sold.

Help us Bless the children of our community

wether you purchase a ticket or stop in to drop off a toy.

The main need every year is

Girls ages 9-12

Thanks to All

for helping us support this worthy cause

A Very Proud Family Moment

2009-11-07T20:08:00.004-05:00

Ordination

to the

Permanent Diaconate

Today my big brother Jeremy and 9 others were ordained as Catholic Deacons

Jeremy has been dedicated to his studies for 5 years

and today was a day of pride for our family.

We wished our parents could have been there to see this day

but

as Jeremy so eloquently put as he delivered the graduation speech

"For those who could not be here with us today

they have the best seat in the house."

Preach it brother

Praise God

So here are some pictures of our God filled family day.

Jeremy and his family

His sons

Andrew and Graeme

His wife Claire

Jeremy

and his daughter Emily

Me and my Big Brother

My brother and sister Pat

The 3 of us
Last but not least

My Big husband Steve and my Big brother Jeremy

2009-11-05T12:39:00.001-05:00

True Colours

2009-10-28T22:46:00.003-04:00

I love it when incidents of the day become a blessing.

Leaving work I ran into an employee of the mall and we had a typical end of the day chit chat
(mall talk)

"Must be nice to go home and relax I have to work till close"
It was then I told her I wasn't done my day but was heading to Junior High

"You Go to church? You teach the kids?

What do you teach them?

Hahahaha

They let you?

Wow I am seeing a different side to you

Your true colours who knew?"

Hahahaha

Now you know! I replied

Kinda bothered me a bit

but then

Tonight at JH and Youth we were together we watched a video called Pure

about Jesus and the Samaritan Woman

Well I have never been married 5 times and then lived with #6

but I was far from being pure as well.

Be it of the heart or physically or emotionally

but that was my past and Jesus knew my heart as He knows yours.

Yes we have free will but He is a patient God and His timing is always impeccable.

So even when we don't see our potential in life

others don't see it

God sees it

just as Jesus saw the Samaritans woman's need for self worth and acceptance.

He took the time to go to her and let her know that there is a much greater love in this world than relying on mans

He did this because.......

As I was thinking about this day and the events that happened on my way home

once again

God showed me through music

Isn't He the Best!

A Morning with God

2009-10-23T13:35:00.002-04:00

It was a little brisk walking the dog this morning

but

It wasn't the crispness of the morning air that took my breath away

it was

Being still and seeing

the beauty

through

Gods eyes

THEY walk among us

2009-10-20T16:38:00.008-04:00

Are you one of

THEM?

Main Entry: 1them
Pronunciation: \(th)əm, ˈthem, after p, b, v, f, also əm\
Function: pronoun
Date: bef 12th century objective case of they
1 : they 1 —used as object of a verb or preposition 2 : those —used especially as antecedent to a relative pronoun —used as the subject of a verb chiefly in nonstandard speech and for humorous effect (them is fighting words)

Well Ladies It 's a fact I think very strange things and this is one of them there times.

A Lady is walking through cosmetics and says to me

"I just posted a letter to England and it cost me $1.69. In 1969 when I moved here it didn't cost that much. Can you believe that? What is this world coming to?

To which I replied I think it's kind of amazing that you can communicate with another person half way across the world for only $1.69

Wrong answer Maureen

with a disgusted look on her face she said this

"Oh you are one of THEM"

which got me thinking

What Does That Mean?

Is there a group somewhere I haven't heard of?

How many thems make up a They?

eg: You know what "they" say?

No! No I don't. Who are they? better yet who decided that "They" were right?

Where are these people?

What do "They" look like?

Do "they" lurk among us disguised as regular folk?

All I know is I am now apparently one of "Them"

And initiation consisted of an observation

I am now a part of a secret society!

Do "they" have meetings?

Will I ever be privy to the secret handshake?

This is different from the other thems

because we all know the

The Group thems

As they are recognizable by their cause

and you know this because people call them "Those"

Oh you're one of those

Tree Huggers

those Jesus freaks (heard that more than once)

those Right for Lifers

It's the other thems that have me baffled

so to be safe

I best not think about this anymore

because you know what "THEY" say

"If you think to much your head will explode"

Oh How He Delights In Giving Us Gifts

2009-10-12T22:07:00.011-04:00

Well I have been having some struggles of late but this weekend the Lord with all His glory has really shown me grace and through His grace He has given me wisdom that will be cherished always.

The wisdom was

Hey Mo if you are going to talk the talk you best learn to walk the walk.

I have walked in many shoes,some too big and others way too small.

The one thing that was the same is that blisters were always a given.
Time for me to walk comfortably in the shoes that are meant for me and only me.

Well I have had some issues at work. Management on days can be less than desireable.
The tension is incredible and to have to listen to some real cruels words can be unbearable.
Lord get me through them.
It has been so bad that I wear a security device (which we all wear) ,however I chose pager 91 and the girls know this is mine to wear and they give it to me when I come in.
Why 91?
Psalm 91: The Protection of the Most High
It was spoken over me just over a year now.
The past few weeks I decided to take a situation into my own hands,feeling that I was right in every sense of the way.
Humanly I believed I was
Spiritually Ya not so much.
Went to the wrong authority first The owner.
Then to other management but not to my direct manager after all she was part of the issue.
Well guess what 12 days ago I was called into the office and reprimanded by my manager.
While being spoken to I was praying not to try and justify my actions and definitely not to open my big mouth unless there was kind words waiting to escape.
"Lord blunt my tongue now more than ever"
He Did
I learned responsibility the hard way about the chain of command.
What was really interesting the week prior we learned about this in ISOM.
I decided to pray for my boss to not be afraid to show the inner beauty of her heart instead of
Lord get me out of this place.

Last week we learned about patience in ISOM
I am not always patient with the desires of my heart.
With that being said, now that my kitchen is done I now have the desire
(ladies this is a first for me) to have cute little nicknack's in the kitchen. Just something to make it perfect.
Well I saw it and stared at it for a week.
This perfect decoration had one motive for me and one only.
An in your face daily reminder for my family as my main desire is to have my husband and children come to know the Lord.
Kevin advised me not to preach but to walk in the word and they will notice a change.
Anyhow
I called Steve and he said no it's $32.00 and we don't have the money this week maybe next week.
I wanted it now and was very disappointed cause Mo just couldn't wait,which lead to some anger within I prayed Saturday night as I felt guilty for wanting such a monetary thing when bills needed to be paid.
I told the Lord I didn't need this little thing as my true desire was my family believing in Him.
Sunday I went to work the mood was awesome and it has been since the chat in the office.
My boss and I worked together side by side and everything was calm serene and enjoyable.
As the day ended for her she picked up a few things and was headed out for her Thanksgiving dinner but she had one last stop.

A Stop to my counter to give me the desire of my heart.

The tears flowed and the Praise and thankfulness began

He gave me the desire of my heart through the most unlikely person.

My Manager

He showed me the goodness in her heart and he taught me that I need to go to Him first

for answeres.

He showed me the Chain of Command

He showed me Praying for others in authority, for their job isn't as easy as we think it should be.

First of all,I urge that petitions,prayers,intercessions,and thanksgivings be made for everyone,for kings and all those who are in authority,so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

1Tim 2:1-2

but most of all

He showed me the shoes that I need to be walking in, are the shoes He purposely and with love picked out for me.

The shoes of Faith and Trust.

When in those shoes no matter how wobbly I am He will never let me fall

3 Trust in the LORD and do what is good;dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.4 Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.5 Commit your way to the LORD;trust in Him and He will do this:6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.Psalm 37: 3-6

Red High Heels

Is The Way I feel

Got The Sways and Reels

But I know I am Going Home

What Are You Thankful For?

2009-10-09T17:39:00.003-04:00

Well it's Thanksgiving weekend

and I have to work

Needless to say this morning I woke up very irritable

My poor Husband

My poor dog he didn't get to share mommies breakfast with her like he does every morning

Grrrrrrrr

That was from me not the dog.

As I got into the shower I was thinking about why I was so miserable.

It hit me hard

Today is the 4th anniversary of my mothers passing.

I knew this because I spoke about it all week as I couldn't believe it has been that long

but

it hit me hard

a wake up call of sorts.

I cried like I had Thanksgiving Day 2005 the day she passed.

Needless to say my irritability was carried to my work place.

I felt angry and jealous listening to customers well wishes for the weekend and their family plans.

Long story short

God is sooo great!

He gently reminded me that

many children grow up without mothers or fathers

I was blessed.

So I am thankful to God for

choosing my mother for me

for giving her patience through the teen years

for speaking to my heart

for loving me when I am miserable

for gently correcting my attitude

for forgiving me of my selfishness

for giving me courage to share my heart with you

for my beautiful family

for placing people in my path to lead me back to Him

for all my new found friends

for forgiving me of my past

for teaching me there is a better life

for allowing me to speak into the lives of others

for allowing me to be a mother or grandmother to the children of our church

for the Pastors of Desert Stream

and their wives

for their love grace and patience with me during my walk

and boy have they been patient!

for loving me for who I am in Him

but most of all for giving His only Son

so that I may live

There is so much to be thankful for

Almost Finished

2009-10-08T21:14:00.004-04:00

Well we are almost done.

The flooring came today

The hallway, staircase and door was finished last night.

Now it's just the little things

trim on the walls

new light fixtures

some 1/4 round along the floor

and of course

a new coffee maker and toaster and tea towels and cannisters and perhaps a special kitchen decoration

to match of course.

I know you ladies understand that.

So how many years do you think I'll have to wait to do my back-livingroom?

I know I know One Blessing at a time.

2 In 150 A Mother Daughter Moment

2009-09-30T16:56:00.004-04:00

So what do you get a daughter for her 30th Birthday?

Well a decision was made

A girls day

Spa Nope

Hair Nope

Shopping Nope

Something unique and different

of course this isn't for everyone and truthfully I didn't think it would be for me either.

But

It was something close to our hearts

we took a deep breath

swallowed our fears

clasped hands like Thelma and Louise

and went for it

1 in every 150 children born are diagnosed with Autism

We have 2 in our family

and what blessings they are

This is for them

and

This is a day Liane and I will never forget

Mini Preview for Vickie

2009-09-26T12:17:00.003-04:00

Cupboards are up and painted
still have to paint the wall board and put up trim
and finish the hallway
Oh did I mention I told Steve you can't have a new look to a kitchen if the hallway connecting it doesn't match.
Our new flooring is being installed Oct 8th woohoo!
I will post more pics after all is completed

Quotes Worth Remembering

2009-09-15T22:40:00.007-04:00

"A Person that cannot forgive

is a person

that has forgotten

what they have been

forgiven of "

"Jesus forgave us

before we ever said

I'm sorry"

The Kitchen Timer

2009-09-11T18:04:00.006-04:00

Have you ever prayed for something and gave up after what you would consider too long of a wait?

On May 19th 2005

my husband tore apart our kitchen, then decided fixing the outside of the house to be more important.

He didn't do that either.

I prayed for patience with his skills

for his stubborn pride

and for

Strength not to hurt him.

I am sure he prayed for me to stop whining

May 19th 2008

the phone rings a message left

"Hi Steve it's me the kitchen just wanted to wish you a Happy 3rd Anniversary"

(My daughter has the best humour)

Steve did not agree

June 2008

It Hit me

and hit me hard

I have

cupboard doors

BUT

I have food

My impatience and whining for 3 years completely

STOPPED
and

I started to Praise God for what I did have

a well intentioned man

who does all the grocery shopping

and

fills my doorless cupboards

with food

Yes my kitchen is ugly

and

torn apart

but I am content

and now am blessed

Tomorrow

September 12 2009

My husband is taking me kitchen renovation shopping

Woohoo

Out with the old and in with the new

Praise God, for His timing is always perfect

I know what I have learned during this past 4 years

and that is much more valuable than

any old kitchen or new for that matter

Looking forward to sharing the finished product with you

Grandma's Little Blessings

2009-09-09T22:00:00.001-04:00

Owen age 3
Mackenzie 11
Myer 5

Out Of Our Heads

2009-09-07T22:19:00.004-04:00

It may just be me but I have noticed of late alot of
negativity
rudeness
and just plain cruelty of words not only in the enviroment I work in but I hear how parents speak to their children,children to their parents and how strangers react to each other.
The news is full of horrific doings and death
I see more shows on television about the occult and ghosts and "The Unexplained"

I am not sure if I have just started to notice as my heart gets closer to God and to what is right or if I have ignored the world and have finally just had enough.
I am not sure why I really felt the need to share this with you either but the one thing I know of late is that my heart aches for this world.
My eyes have been opened and there are days I just want to scream.
I cannot and will not allow the world to dictate who I am or what I am supposed to be.
I allow Christ to dictate and show me who I am in Him and Him alone.
He has shown me and I pray that He will show others wether through the the body of Christ or directly by His hand that it's time we all got Out of our Heads and into our Hearts
for that is where He lives.
My prayers are not only for this city but to be shouted out to every corner of the world.

My appologies if the first part of this video offends anyone but it's the world we live in.

God's Tapestry

2009-08-24T23:58:00.011-04:00

The Finest Tapestry takes paitence

and the ability to wait for each thread to support the bigger picture and the larger purpose

And in the fearless reckless pursuit of intimate love

It is not the destination

It's the journey

Once again through music I ponder.

Concentrating on the lyrics above.

I imagine the tapestry of my life.

I imagine God sewing into me day by day His Glory and unconditional Love

Making me into His perfect Tapestry

(The first two lines)

His Love and patience unimaginable

Then I picture the next two lines and how we as humans have searched for the perfect intimate Love.

Fearlessly and recklessly

This is when we focussed strictly on the "destination" in our lives getting lost along the way and never knowing the greater purpose for our lives.

Imagine not having God in your life to mend the hurts the pain the love or the lack there of. What would our tapestries would look like?

I couldn't sew a stitch or mend a rip on my own,but with guidance and patience from The Great Teacher I imagine all the possibilies

Now Imagine those who deny or who need physical proof there is a God.

We try to sew into their lives and sometimes we manage a stitch or two,other times we drop a stitch or two and it can be so frustrating.

Have you given up sewing because of this?

Perhaps sometimes

What does God see when we do that?

What happens to their tapestry?

Better yet what happens to our tapestry?

I take comfort in knowing that God will mend the dropped stitch with His Grace and teach us once again how to sew with patience but we must try to focus solely on our teacher.

For we are His threads that support the bigger picture.

Two Things That Never Change

2009-08-20T20:25:00.005-04:00

I have noticed things have changed of late.

Some for the good

others not so good

I have changed

for the better

and sometimes not (eyes weren't focussed this past 2 weeks)

I knew this and fought to re-direct my eyes

but then

my mouth got the better of me

What I noticed was 2 ways people responded

Non Christians at work said Woohoo the old Mona is finally back

The one Christian I work with made the comment of

What can I pray for you?

She noticed without me saying a word to her

OUCH!

Talk about thinking if you noticed then Father has really noticed

DOUBLE OUCH!

However regardless of my mouth and thoughts coming to light the two things I felt deep within was

How Much God Loves me

and

How Much I Love God

I know this to be true because He always seems to show me things through music.

I was given a simple yet powerful word

LOVE

as usual I tried to make that word more complicated than what it really was,

getting frustrated instead of sitting back and actually listening for five minutes

I decided heck with it put on some music

and not worship music either

I needed some fun stuff

(I associated secular music with fun)

Fun: contemplating on anything but God

Definition found in Mo's mind

He on the other hand had a different agenda

CD goes in the computer

CD jumps from 1st song to 8th

and well here are the lyrics

Oh and I have listened to this for days contemplating

the two things that never change

His Love for Us/Me

and

Our/My Love for Him

Despite the setbacks in our walk

Love Is My Witnes

Amanda Marshall

I've been thinkin about us

I've been turning it round and round

Even buried my head in the sand of the Holy Land

That claims my name

And I am not a liar

when I say that I LOVE YOU

I just take one look in those ruby eyes

And I see the light

So I raise my hand

Love Is My Witness

And I am guilty for alot of things I've done

But if I'm the holy daughter, you're the Holy Son

And my heart says

Love Is My Witness

Don't run away

Don't let'em plant that seed in ya

Emotions are deeper than the empty stares that Dissaprove

Life is a diamond

At first surrounded by the coal

It takes more than words

More than words to make us whole

So I raise my hand

Love Is My Witness

And I am guilty for alot of things I've done

But if I'm the holy daughter,you're the Holy Son

And my heart says

Love Is My Witness

And If you want to make God laugh,tell Him your plans

Cause that won't take you to the Promise Land

So I raise my hand

Love Is My Witness

And I am guilty for the things I've done

But if I'm the holy daughter,you're the Holy Son

And my heart says

My Heart Says

Love Is My Witness

30 Years Ago Today

2009-08-16T22:57:00.005-04:00

August 16 1979

at 6:55am

My Beautiful baby girl was born.

Weighing 8pound 4 ounces

and only 19 inches long.

She was my little butterball.

How quickly 30 years have past

and during these years we have watched her

become the beautiful woman she is today.

Her tenacity is incredible

Her compassion is a delite

Her love for her family Amazing

Her Strength Unbelievable

This is my Baby Girl

and

Always will be

Happy Birthday

We Love you So Much

xoxoxo

Mom and Dad

Newest Blessing to the Family

2009-08-12T12:51:00.006-04:00

At 7:28am August 9 2009 Mickara Paula Marlene Cochran came into the world weighing
9lbs 15oz 23 and 1/4 inch long.
This is Steves cousins third grandchild and she is a beauty.
Her big sisters Addison (holding the baby) and Rowen were telling me aka Maursey all about her on the phone.
Boy things have changed Mom and Dad and babe were home Sunday morning before Grandma and Grandpa and the girls got back from church (early service) at 10:30am.

Don't Give Up Because

2009-08-09T22:51:00.003-04:00

This past couple of weeks I have been bombarded with many a phone calls from desperate friends and my son's friends searching for advice.
Subjects from affairs,miscarriages,divorces and parental depression.
I am grateful that I turned to the Lord for not only wisdom but the healing of my past so I could testify that He is
The Way
The Truth
The Life
The one common belief all have in common is that their worth is only dictated by the worlds standards.
If you are depressed You are Crazy
If you committ adultry you are A Whore
If you lose a baby you are less than a woman
And if you divorce you are a failure.
These lies lead to behavioural changes to suit the words of man.
The lies that Satan places in them is a battle for us that know Gods truth.
They are Loved
We are Loved
GOD IS LOVE
He has been my Strength through this and I pray that the world will soon know He is theirs as well.
Unti Then......
Don't Give Up

Saturday Flashback 2

2009-08-02T19:13:00.004-04:00

Oh the music of the 70's
These were the days musicians actually played instruments.
Big difference from todays artists or should I say vocalists.

Saturday Flashbacks The 70's

2009-08-01T14:06:00.004-04:00

Oh how things have changed over the years.
Saturday morning television just isn't the same.
American bandstand was a given every Saturday as was Soul Train.
I was 11 years old and remember watching this.1974
Oh the memories of dancing around the house with my brother and this Album was a must have in our household.
So my first Saturday Flashback post is a must,for this was when all was not tainted by the world.
Be Cool as there will be more to come
Far Out!

Body Image: Satans Wicked Plot To Destroy Self Worth

2009-07-31T10:59:00.009-04:00

The other day while at work I overheard two women talking.
This was their conversation
"She's been here a long time"
"Ya I remember her from when she worked at shoppers downtown"
"Boy she's really packed on the weight"

At that moment I just wanted to walk over and say
"yes my butt is bigger my breasts are droopy,and I am now sporting an inzie belly button but my hearing is impeccable just like that of a bat.
And speaking of bats....... If I take off my sweater look out! as I have no control over my wing span and you may get hit"

Needless to say I went home that night and told Steve as I felt frumpy and ugly and very hurt.
His response was laughter followed by this comment.

" You look great, and you know how I know this? I don't see the buzzards following you to work anymore,I finally have something to hold on to"
Later that night as we lie in bed Steve rolls over places his arms around me and whisperes in my ear
"Night Tubby I Love You"
Oh the witt of my man he cracks me up. We giggled till we fell asleep.

However over the past few days I have been feeling very self concious and have let the words of strangers get to me.
Satan played on those fact stated words.
Yes, I have gained weight so what?
But my mistake was I allowed my body image to dictate my self worth as a woman.
I must not be attractive if I am over weight
Does my husband still think I am beautiful
Don't look at me when I change
Oh great! another dimple soon my butt will look like a golf ball.
Four! everybody duck mommas in the room.

Seriously, love of self and others isn't about physical beauty
I actually fell into the trap and have eaten very little over the past few days
and Guess what?
I am really hungry.
Hungry for food but mostly hungry for God.
and God placed a moment of affirmation in my heart that I am His and I am beautiful wether am 123lbs
(yes I lost 10 from not eating much this past few days) or 723lbs because I have Him in my heart. His Love and Wisdom is what makes me large as life not the excess cookies.
He confirmed this with an email this morning
and so I share this as I eat my icecream bar.
Personal note: I do need to be more physically active and that is my goal but I do not need to be societies poster child of the perfect body.
For the only Body that counts is the body I am in The Body Of Christ
Can I get an Amen!

¨THIS SUMMER DO YOU WANT TO BE A MERMAID, OR A WHALE?¨

A middle aged woman, whose physical characteristics did not match those of the woman on the poster, responded publicly to the question posed by the gym.

To Whom It May Concern:

Whales are always surrounded by friends (dolphins, sea lions, curious humans). They have an active sex life, they get pregnant and have adorable baby whales. They have a wonderful time with dolphins -stuffing themselves with shrimp and other delicacies of the sea. They play and swim in the oceans, seeing exotic places like Patagonia, the Barents Sea and the coral reefs of Polynesia . Whales are excellent singers and have even recorded CDs. They are incredible creatures and virtually have no predators other than humans. They are loved, protected and admired by almost everyone in the world.

Mermaids don't exist. If they did exist, they would be lining up outside the offices of psychoanalysts due to an identity crisis. Fish or human? Human or fish? They can't have a sex life, because they kill the men they lure close to them. Therefore, they can't experience the joys of motherhood. They are purported to be exceedingly vain and capricious. Not only that, who wants to be near a girl who smells like a fish store?

The choice is perfectly clear to me; I want to be a whale.

P.S: We are in an age when media puts into our heads the idea that only skinny people are beautiful, but I prefer to enjoy an ice cream with my kids, a good dinner with a man who still makes me shiver and a coffee with my friends. With time, we gain weight, because we accumulate so much information and wisdom in our heads that, when there is no more room, it distributes out to the rest of our bodies. So, we aren't heavy; we are enormously cultured, educated and happy. Beginning today, when I look at my backside in the mirror, I will think, "Good gosh! Look how smart I am".

The Soloist

2009-07-29T22:32:00.000-04:00

Fact: There are 90,000 homeless people in Los Angeles.
This movie is one man's true story.

As you know I am a movie critic at heart. I love a good thought provoking story.
I found in this movie there were subtle yet obvious poignant symbols of the one man who was truly lost in this world.
The music symbolizes words not spoken. Every note was simplistic in it's statement of freedom.
Listen closely with your heart to every note and you will see the blessing of God to one man. A man so loved by the Lord even when the rest of society cannot find it in their hearts to love.
The symbolism of the doves blew me away and my tears rolled freely.
Absolutely brilliantly told and visually compelling.
Nathaniel Anthony Ayers Junior a true blessing in this crazy world we live in.
May the Lord bless this man and keep him safe and I will forever keep him in my heart.

Note: It will be released this upcoming Tuesday

Salute to my Blogging Buddies

2009-07-26T22:04:00.004-04:00

Just sitting re-reading the blogs from my friends and family and I just love the differences we all have.

Holly shares her garden

Teena shares her innermost thoughts

Bryna shares world events.

Pat (my sister) shares funny pics of cats

Jeremy (my brother) shares the quest for the perfect burger

Rhonda shares a great question

Jen shares her talent

Amy shares nakedness

Juls shares her memories

Tammy shares special occasions

Nana Cheryl shares the word

Cindi shares her addiction

Karen shares her adventure

Sarah shares her faithfullness

And some haven't shared for awhile, for their lives have been busy and contrary to popular belief it is actually summer and vacations are being taken,but I know they will be back and I will be ready to read.

As for me I share my thanks and salute my friends and families differences.
I enjoy checking your blogs daily. They make me laugh cry ponder but most of all they fill my heart with Joy as I am privy and blessed to be included in the sharing of your lives.
The best part is
Tomorrow or perhaps days from now each one will share something different.

You are my Bits and Bites
every reading is a whole new ballgame.
(Please tell me someone remembers that commercial)

My Son Has A Little Girl

2009-07-19T22:38:00.004-04:00

My son couldn't wait to have his little girl

and

She is sooo Beautiful and Blue

A Purebread Blue Dane

she has no name yet and is 8 weeks old.

Mike and Momma (Tommie Girl)

Mike and his pet family
Cat (Yes thats it's name) Abby -Jean (on the blanket)
Newest addition and Capone

Here she is and yes her eyes are that blue

Sleepy little girl

this isn't what I had in mind but I'll take this one cause she is sooo cute.

Someone is Sleeping In My Bed

2009-07-02T23:31:00.004-04:00

For the last 26 years of marriage Steve and I have a routine in the morning.

When the routine changes one notices.

Not necessarily me

Every morning (Unless I work at 8am)

Steve gets up goes downstairs has his breakfast and comes upstairs and showers.

After his shower he comes into the bedroom to get dressed for work.

When he is done he leans over the bed kisses me goodbye and leaves.

Of late our new addition comes upstairs meows as daddy has left her then watches him from the window as he drives away.

She then hops from window to bed and cuddles with mom.

Purring her little heart out.

This morning Steve did not kiss me goodbye and the sound that came from the cat was more of a something is wrong meow.

I rolled over to comfort her and that is when I discovered what her problem was.

96lbs of Reggie in Daddies/Lizzies spot.

The nerve!

Seriously she was so upset she stomped down the stairs meowing all the way.

2009-07-01T10:16:00.001-04:00

Happy Canada Day
Have a Safe and Wonderful Day
God Bless

Your way or the Highway

2009-06-30T11:53:00.004-04:00

Have you ever followed?

Who do you follow?

Man or God?

When something is wrong with the picture what choice do you make?

Do you stick with the crowd or do you follow what is right in your heart?

It's so easy in situations in our lives to be swayed by the crowd,by their opinions.

I think we tend to do this because we fear rejection of man.

Perhaps this is in our nature

but

What does God want us to do?

Have you taken the time to sit back and ask?

I ran into a situation yesterday not of my own but of anothers.

As I listened to what they had to say I was hearing what they were not saying.

They were saying things have changed

I also heard they had changed because of anothers opinion.

Although this was never stated out loud.

This person was lost and couldn't see why.

The hadn't recognized that they were inadvertently choosing a belief or side that was not of their own but because of care and concern for the others hurt.

They were just being supportive.

We have all done this at one point or another in our lives and the odds we may do it again are great.

Proverbs 26:17

" He who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a dog by the ears."

Have you ever grabbed a dog by the ears?

I have and the scars have been deep.

Not from the bite but of the time I have missed with God.

People and places change over time.

Some for the better some not

but regardless

God wants us to put him first not man.

Do you praise God because of it

or praise despite of it?

We are to do both.

Is life all about you and what you want?

or is it about what God wants for your life.

Is it your way or the highway

or is it

His way and all the highways will be yours to travel.

We miss being comfortable

We hate it when friends change for better or worse

sometimes they leave us

and sometimes they come back.

Perhaps they leave for the greater good

or perhaps they leave because it's their way or the highway.

Regardless of their calling or choices

they are missed in the family of God.

Last question

Do you do Gods work by lifting the hands of our leadership

or do you rely on the man to lift your hands?

A Desert Stream Family Moment.

2009-06-11T22:53:00.006-04:00

Today I witnessed one of Gods children at his finest. I won't say who but will give you a hint at the end of this post.

As I was walking back to the staff room a gentleman was standing at the post office speaking boldly lovingly about His Lord and Saviour with such passion I could hear him half way down the isle. When I approached the back I could see people rolling their eyes in line behind him. The young lady at the counter was smiling politely and serving him and unbeknownst to the rest of the line he was serving God. I however knew and pride filled my heart knowing he was my brother in Christ and a fine member of the church I attended. I was connected to this man although we don't know each other on a personal level but a fellowship level.

This hit me right in my heart so hard I could hardly breathe.

We have the same Father and this was my brother standing there unashamed of our Dad.I immediately started praising our Father for giving me such a wonderful brother.

One lady looked,rolled her eyes and mouthed Jesus freak.

So what did I do. I said Hello loudly,and then said to the lady That's my brother in Christ Praise God.

"Hello Kiddo what a great day"

But the story doesn't end there. Later on in the day I went back to the staff room punch out for the day and the young lady that was at the counter said Do you know that man,he is such a wonderful man and he sure loves God and isn't afraid to talk about him.There was another young lady sitting there and she said what did the man look like did he look like this?

Yep you described him right and she began to tear up and said when he came to the front cash he stopped for a moment then looked and said God wanted me to tell you that you are a blessing and you are beautiful.

My heart was so filled with love for God as the young lady said I was having such a ick day and felt really down and worthless,this man made my day. Do you really think God told him to say that?

You bet sweetheart! and He will use even a stranger to let you know how much He loves you.

She smiled and said I guess I have forgotten I think I should start thanking Him and praying to Him again.

Just when you think your day is just an average uneventful day God pops into Shoppers Drug Mart and says Hey just wanted to let you know I am here and I Love You.

Thankyou Father for remembering all of us even when we sometimes forget about you but most importantly thankyou for teaching us what true obedience is through our brothers and sisters in Christ.

GLORY!

I Love This Man

2009-06-06T22:12:00.003-04:00

I Love this Man

Today I just finished my first week back to work and I am in pain.

Not from the surgery but the lack of muscle use while I was off.

I stand all day

My Neck back legs and even my arms are sore.

My husband works much harder than I. He delivers freight in Picton all day long.

He lifts and loads and unloads freight from 7:30- sometimes 6:30 at night Mon-Fri

The man has arthritis and gout in his knees and is constantly in pain.

AND YET

when I arrived home tonight, he met me in the driveway and came and hugged me when I got out of the car.

It was quite the sight as we were both limping and laughing towards eah other at our not so graceful aging process.

He was also BBQ-ing potatoes and porkchops and the garlic bread was ready to go.

He offered to pour me a drink and when I walked into the house it was immaculate.

He even borrowed pledge from the neighbour.

And even with all he did today plus mow the lawn and walk the dog.

He took the time tonight and rubbed my back shoulders and feet while watching the hockey game because he knew I had a long first week.

Sometimes we look for blessings in our lives and we can often tend to think they will be

Big and Bold and Obvious

but

it's the simplest acts of selflessness that are truly the Blessings.

God has given me an amazing Blessing

and his name is Steve

and I want for nothing more

There are Candles and There are Stars

2009-06-03T22:19:00.007-04:00

Every church has Candles and Stars.

Candles can be our ushers,maintenance people,kitchen help. They are there in the background,unassumingly glowing gently as they serve the Lord

Stars can be our Pastors,our Elders, they are in the forefront doing what they do best shine the light of God upon us as they too serve.

Now

We have all heard the saying Children should be seen not heard.

What an injustice this is to them.

Children have plenty to say and are so filled with wisdom.

The problem sometimes is that children do not articulate as well as we would like them to.

We become frustrated and try to hurry them along in their thoughts and it is then we miss what they are really trying to say,we miss the profound wisdom that is within them.

At the other end of the spectrum children tend to think adults know all.

Yes we may be wiser sometimes due to experience but don't discount their experiences.

Some things we have been through and can understand but now aday there are things we can only try and relate to.

The world has changed since we were young and I pray that more will come to Christ and see that there is goodness in this world.

Tonight was an amazing night at Junior High and Youth.

I have helped lead for almost 2 years now and I have heard alot out of the mouths of these beautiful babes but most importantly I have been taught many things from the children of our church.

Tonight I was blessed to hear not only with my ears but with my heart Mackenzie Martins testimony of her personal moment with God.

She taught us all about LOVE

The breaking down of walls we may have that prevent us from loving fully.

The fact that God can love us no matter what so why can't we love each other the same way.

Just when you think you have it down pat a child speaks in a crowd and the doors of enlightenment and hope open up within you.

Praise God for Mackenzies courage,boldness and obedience for not only trusting Gods love in her and of her but to show us how much she loves us with a trusting heart.

Bless you Mackenzie and thank you for speaking a message to not only my heart but to all that God placed in your path tonight.

We all had the privelage of witnessing a beautiful star tonight and she shone so brightly many wept as the Holy Spirit filled us with words of love from this child.

Our children are the Stars of this world listen to what they have to say.

I promise you,you will be filled with wisdom age cannot give
but
God can through our most treasured gift.
Our Children

Bless you Mackenzie and thank you for a night I will cherish in my heart always.

Love you lots

Grandmo

Ladies night out PT2

2009-05-31T21:36:00.003-04:00

No this is not a confused Chevron

but

a strike

The strike belongs to this lovely lady
Bradonna

Strikes a pose

the best strike of the night

At the end of the night we all celebrated with good food and great company.

Looking forward to spending more time with friends

Thanks ladies I had a great time.

DSM Ladies Rock and Bowl

2009-05-30T23:41:00.004-04:00

Oh No!

Here comes some wild ones

Excuse me Ladies

but

Nudity is not permitted in the Bowling Alley

The DSM Alley Cats

These Gals are in a League of their own

I Scored!
Five Hole

right through Mona's legs

I once was Lost and now am Found

Was blind and now

I still am get that camera out of my face

Speaking The Truth

2009-05-28T12:43:00.009-04:00

I am having a moment here and yes I am actually in tears.

I feel angry hurt and very dissapointed.

Perhaps I should not write.

Perhaps I should just go into prayer longer than I have

Perhaps I should just ignore this moment

but...........................

I won't

Because I have something to say about open forums and what people have to say on them.

It's a free world and we have free speech and most importantly Free will.

I am choosing Free will right now because I believe this is important.

Take this as you please forgive me if you must but I implore you to think about what I have to say.

I received a message from a very close friend today. When I saw it I cried ,became angry and then dissapointed.

My heart is aching right now.

It was a post that someone allowed on their facebook with disreguard for others.

Private messages are for a reason.

Use them.

Do you think your facebook is safe from the outside world?

Well it's not!

I got rid of my facebook because of crap like this.

Was it appropriate for my friend to send this to me? You can be the judge of that.

but before you decide know this,it was sent because we are in agreement always that we need to be in prayer for our friends every day.Even when we don't want to be.

Amy wrote a post on Grace and it was brilliant and from the heart and I read it often.

What erks me is that we don't always realize there is a difference between Grace and Grace with enablement.

Choosing sides when friends have issues.

The He said /She said BS

For example:
When a marriage breaks down there are two sides of the story. Yes it's difficult when they are your friends and want to vent. So what does one do?

Lets face it we tend to want to choose sides.

Depending on which story at the moment makes one more of a victim than the other.

Come on we know it's true we have all done it!

Does this mean we were never really a friend to the other partner?

Does it not say in the bible when a brother/sister sins we are to go to them and if they don't listen we are to go with another?

What does one do when you abide by the laws of God and they still don't listen.

You work very hard to extend grace from within yourself.

That's really difficult at times.

But you don't enable either party to walk around and hurt others be it willingly or not.

Their issues can effect you wether one sees it or not.

You can become different and if you don't think people notice You are mistaken because they do.

Do you realize allowing cruel posts can effect your integrity?

The issue then flows over to others.

What does this show our children, because they are watching our every move.

What does this show our friends.

Have you now put them in a position of choosing your friendship over the conviction they perhaps may feel in their hearts?

I am feeling conviction right now.

How I am going to handle this. I am not sure and would love your advice.

Seriously now, Is this really my issue to handle or yours or better yet theirs

Well because of the indescretion on public forums it has now become mine.

Why?

Because I love and care for all parties involved and I see how it is effecting others around them including myself.

I am hurt by the lack of compassion for others and it angers me that it is now flowing over and hurting my friends around me.

The saddest part of all of this is we claim to be Christians and we spread the word and we love and extend Grace Blah Blah Blah.

Well we can talk the talk but can we always walk the walk?

or do we choose our moments of Christianity?

I don't know about you but I am so going to try even harder because

You/I/We are not the Judge

but we are being watched daily from the Highest judge of all

God.

Forgive me for my bluntless
My intention of this post is not to inflict pain or hurt on anyone it was to make us all think about what we allow to be posted on any public forum.
and
To make us think, God extends Grace to us all and we need to follow in His suit regardless of our own personal feelings.

I speak this because I have lived it and I tell you the truth when I say I chose accountability over enablement. I chose God over sin.

Praise God for His Grace and Mercy and Forgiveness

and I Praise Him in the Highest for giving me true friends who extended me Grace without enablement. For placing friends in my path that take accountability to the highest level.
If they hadn't I would probably be posting crap like that too.
Free Will Choose Wisely

A Special Day

2009-05-24T22:54:00.003-04:00

Just one more pic?

Ok go get ready!

Whewww

The bride hasn't arrived yet

The Beautiful Princesses: Chance and JaynaIt's Official!

Congratulations Teena and Troy
The day was beautiful

The Lord was present

and

May you both be blessed always

Our 26th Anniversary

2009-05-19T22:13:00.006-04:00

Remember your wedding day and how special it was.
You wished the day would never end
The first year went by fast and you could hardly believe you were starting on your second year.
Oh so in love the honeymoon would never end.
Then you were blessed with children and things did change.
Sleepless nights,smelling like baby spit-up was the only fragrance of choice
and he didn't mind
And just when the baby weight came off and sleep was your friend again you find yourself tired and mornings become nauseated.
#2 is on it's way
Repeat above cause here comes #3
Time alone was far and few between
I remember my 7Th anniversary. My mother watched the kids and I said I am kind of nervous going out.It's been a long time.
"Why?"
"Because I don't know what we will talk about mom"
her reply
"What all married couples talk about..... The kids"
That we did, and as much as the anticipation of getting away from them for a few hours was strong, the anticipation to get back to them was even stronger.
My mom laughed at me when we arrived home after about 2 hours.

10 years came and a night away was planned.Funny how we think differently.I was uncomfortable leaving the kids Steve wasn't.Come morning I was relaxed and comfortable but Steve wasn't and so up we got and were home before lunch.
Well Tomorrow May 20Th is our 26Th anniversary.
Since the 10Th we have gone through the teenage stage, we became in laws and grandparents. We have had financial difficulties and admittedly at times lost that lovin feeling and just co-existed.We no longer felt we had many things in common.
However
The "Honeymoon" stage we thought was over has actually just begun.
Even though the lingerie has changed :-)
Oh come on ladies we all have our favourite flannel
In the past 26 years we have
laughed and we've cried.
fought and made up
respected and disrespected
We have beat the odds of a teenage pregnancy turning it into a life long commitment
all because of
The Grace of God,The unconditional Love of God be it seen or unseen,felt or not.
After all He loved us before we loved each other.
He hand picked Steve just for me.
Thank you Lord. Good Choice! now for the next half of our lives could you please stop his snoring?
By the way ladies I've never snored Hahahaha
The second half of my life with my husband has just begun.
Now That's the honeymoon stage!
Why because I am not just "in love" with my husband I LOVE MY HUSBAND
Now and forever.
In Sickness in Health
For Richer or Poorer
with snoring nights or not
Till Death DO US Part
Happy Anniversary
xoxoxo
PS. I have Junior High tomorrow night and you have your ball game to finally watch in silence see you when I get home.
Now that's Love

Below are pictures of my Grandparents wedding day
Followed by my Mother and Father's wedding day
and finally how Steve and I look today after 26 years of marriage 3 kids and 3 Grandchildren.

I was 17 going on 18

2009-05-16T22:09:00.006-04:00

Oh a blast from the past.
This was sent to me from my Aunt Daphne in England.
Can you believe I was a mother of a 1 year old?
Better yet?
Can you believe those pants and hair?
I showed Steve this picture and he said

"Oh I remember those pants and I also remember hating them"

to which I replied

"Really!Cause I thoughtI looked hot in them"

His reply

"Remind me again of the world you live in"

I love my husband so much he cracks me up.

May 15 2009 To Be Blessed or not to be Blessed

2009-05-15T12:08:00.005-04:00

21 years ago today I was blessed with my third child David.
David is my Bob Newhart of the family. Very dry sense of humour.
This pic was 2 years ago
This is David this morning with his best friend Chantelle since Grade 7
Chantelle is a blessing in Daves life and ours.She turned 21 on the 13th of this month.
She keeps him in line and we joke about her being the bossy wife.
"Hurry up Dave if you want me to take you for lunch"
This pic was taken in the bathroom as Dave was trying to get ready.
Fortunately for Dave he was dressed when she barged in.

This is not a blessing that God has bestowed upon me.The art of Baking.Getting the lumps out of the cake by hand because your hand mixer is gone awol.

When life hands you lemons you make lemonade.

When hand mixers go awol you use.......

However God has a sense of humour 2 blenders wrong top. By the way the ShamWow doesn't clean up cake mix.

With all this being said this is my favourite day as Dave only likes home made cakes and every year I mess it up.

Last year I ripped the top off the cake trying to ice it. I cried because I really wanted to make it perfect. I told my son that I really tried hard and that to remember when he saw it that I made it out of love for him.

and when he saw it his response was.

"LOVE! Oh that's just great mom now it's too sweet"

Oh I can't wait for his one liner this year and No I am not showing you the outcome,but I am looking forward to another moment with him laughing as we always do.

By the way, while writing this I realized failing home-ec is a blessing.

It's just in disguise.

Happy Birthday Dave

I love you.

Hope that's not too sweet for your liking and you like the way I wrote Happy Birthday with my fingers in the icing. Not beneath me ladies.

Thoughts on the Previous Post...Questions

2009-05-11T23:22:00.004-04:00

I love the comments about what you see in these photos.
From Fluffy Pom Poms to Jack in the Beanstock.
From Eww a Bee to an ants perspective.
From a great hum of a song to a scary one Hahahahaha Holly too funny!

Well here are my thoughts.
First off it's the same plant.Different angle.
I love the second one with the thorns the best.
Why?
It reminded me of my walk with Christ. That was my immediate thought when I saw it.
Perhaps it reflects every Christians walk?
The stem is our path
The thorns our obstacles
But look past them looking up and what do you see?
The beautiful blue sky
OR
The obtainable light from the darkness below,the light that directs our hearts to Jesus
but careful now.......Keep focussed on the beauty of the light for we are not there yet as hovering ever so quietly to your top right of the picture is the bee. (2nd pic) look closely you can see it's belly.
Is it just a bee or satan trying to sting our happy thoughts of Jesus.
Do we always know the difference?
Notice it is hovering on the beautiful purple flower. (1st pic)
The pretty purple flower to me conveyed temptation.
Are all things beautiful good for us?
Would you reach out blindly and pick that flower discounting the power the little bee has?
How many of us have just reached out and have gotten stung?
It's hard to constantly keep focussed when temptation comes a callin but fortunately for us the bee is no match for the Epi Pen we carry with us in our hearts.
Every day we will face the thorns and the bee, but, where there is the will there is .........
TheWay
The Truth
The Life

Questions

2009-05-07T12:10:00.006-04:00

I took these pictures last summer.

My questions are, describe what you see and how it makes you feel?

I am interested in how photographs make us feel visually, emotionally and even spiritually.

My thought process to follow.

The Wonders of the World Await

2009-04-27T10:56:00.006-04:00

Come to me like a Child.

Oh how we tend to forget as we get older.

Where does that passion for the smallest of wonders go?

Are we so into mans world we forget the simplest of creations?

Have we lost the ability to appreciate the smallest of creation once discovered as a child?

I desire to be full of wonder again

I no longer want to appreciate because of the obvious beauty that surrounds us,but to discover the beauty once again in all things we sometimes take for granted.

This is my Grandson Owen. His first discovery of a Badybug. Yes a Badybug!

God always thinks big and starts small,creating beauty in it's true form.

Simplicity.

Tale of the Three Trees

2009-04-11T11:08:00.001-04:00

THREE TREES

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. I 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 the 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, 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, God 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.

John 14:27 Happy Easter

2009-04-09T23:03:00.007-04:00

"Peace I leave with you.My peace I give to you.I do not give to you as the world gives.Your heart must not be troubled or fearful." John 14:27

Easter always gives me mixed emotions.Sad knowing what Jesus went through for us and Joyful that He loved us soo much that He was willing.

Reading tonight I came across this passage and thought of the movie Pay it Forward.
God gave us the gift of His son
Jesus gave us the gift of Peace and Eternal Life.
We can give the world the gift of His "UNDYING" Love

Praise be to God in the Highest

What Does Your Wedding Dress Look Like

2009-04-07T11:47:00.007-04:00

Sharing a dream

With being off I promised I would write in my journal but I have been delaying for whatever reason. Talking to my cousin today I was telling her about the wonderful visions/dreams I have been having. I say vision as it starts as I rest and continues in my sleep. I 've decided to share this particular one with you as it has now become a daily thought, sometime brief and other days consuming and very visual.

Some of us have pictured our dresses since we were little girls. My dress wasn't that, it was a pink 3/4 length skirt with a white blouse because we were married at the Justice of the Peace in Century place almost 26 years ago. I chose that because I was afraid of looking silly in a mall in a wedding gown.No regrets just laughter now at the ensemble and how young we both were. I was 20 Steve was 22

In My dream I saw myself sewing my wedding dress. I had to laugh as I failed home-ec so this had to be a nightmare waiting to happen. It wasn't it was really rather beautiful. As I lie partially awake I thought what the heck is this all about and tried to think of something else,but to no avail. Apparently I was going to be sewing this dress all night long and surprisingly the rest of my life.

It was the feeling I had as I sat on this old wooden stool sewing. It was peaceful and serene.The surroundings reminded me of Sleeping Beauty but without the spinningwheel. The thread I was using was silver and I was sewing from the inside out. Some stitches were perfect and others needed to be pulled out and done over. This was a constant happening and yet there was no frustration within in me. There was only determination smothered in patience. Me patient! It had to be someone else sewing. The dress was very plain just white crisp cotton nothing special at all,no frills no beading just white.

When I awoke I had this overwhelming feeling this was about the Fruit of the Spirit.Every stitch was a lesson a new way of Life.

There were Threads of Truth and Honesty,Threads of Love,Threads of Forgiveness,Threads of Repentance but most importantly Threads of Forgiveness.

Was I alone sewing my dress? I don't think so...

This was my dress as a bride of Christ. This dress had to be perfect and ready for the day I meet my Groom.

I know now I will be sewing daily till my wedding day and I strive to have all stitching just perfect.

My question: What does your Wedding Dress look like? Remember One does not have to be married to prepare for her wedding day.

Now for the ending. This plain white dress turned into beauty beyond description.

A hand reached down and covered it in the most beautiful beading,diamonds rubies,saphires,emeralds all stitched with the most beautifull silver threading.
I was at total peace.

Note: As I was sharing this with my cousin today she got very quiet and said she felt the Lord was speaking to her she told me that her brother had a chemical burn on his foot and has to go to the hospital for treatment weekly.

Do you know what they put on his burn for healing.

SILVER

Angelina Update

2009-04-04T12:23:00.002-04:00

Praise God in the Highest!

I just received an email on my 2nd cousin Angelina. My last post in February stated that her little vocal cords had been damaged and she was only making little squeaks. Angelina will be 1year old this month.
Well she went for a visit to Grandma and Grandpa (My Aunt and Uncles home)
This was their first visit as it is a distance away.
Well the family was so excited they were coming 14 of them gathered to see her.
With 14 people in the house you know there is going to be lots of noise.
In Angelinas home it is quiet very rarely is the televison or radio on.
As the noise around her was going on she took in a breath and a noise came out of her mouth. All were amazed and then Praise God she started jibbering away like crazy. The stimulation of her surroundings enabled her to gab away.
She wanted to join in the family conversation How Obvious :-) Nobody likes to be left out of good family fun.
After the weekend my Aunt Daphne called later in the week and she could hear Angelina cooing up a storm in the background.
It struck me as I was reading her email that Gods timing is always perfect. It is we that are in such a hurry for an answere a miracle or to hear a word from Him.
We are His children and part of the best family ever why wouldn't He want this miracle to happen in the midst of the most precious place ever.
A loving home surrounded by family.
What a great Father we have giving gifts to His children.
Thank you Lord for your perfect timing.
And thank you all for keeping my little cousin in your prayers.

Mona the Film Critic.

2009-03-30T21:53:00.004-04:00

Well Ladies in the past 5 weeks I have watched many a movie. My family are real movie critics.Steve and I took film study in highschool and our children have followed suit. When the Gilbeys watch movies we tend to watch every aspect of them,from the scenery to subtle movements or objects that play perhaps an underlying signifigance in telling the story.Then afterwards we tend to discuss, sometimes in depth till an argument ensues. Imagine being in our household on those evenings. I personally love to watch movies that way so every hidden meaning unfolds. A downfall perhaps at times but for those who know me well you can see why people say I think way too much. I just enjoy every aspect of every movie, conversation, life in general. I hope you all enjoy my reviews and let me know what you think about these movies if you have seen them. If you enjoy this post I will post weekly on other movies from past watchings to present. If there is a particular movie you think I should watch let me know.

Seven Pounds: Finally a movie I was not expecting. Very different story line and yet somewhat predictable if you watch carefully within the first minute of the movie.Symbolism

Will Smith can do no wrong in my books. Even if one of his movies is terrible his performance is always good. Mr. Smith did not let me down once again. The story line truly tugs at your heartstrings. Doing what one man thinks is right and how he goes about atoning for his sins but in the end it left me wondering if his actual way was a sin in itself.

Brief sex scene

Not innapropriate for teens but watch with them.

Two Thumbs Up!

The Wrestler: If you or your man are looking for action then don't waste the rent. This is an amazing character study of two people. It delves into their insecurities of life and who they have become to survive, only to discover that with each other they can love as themselves.

Sex and violence not appropriate for young ones.

Two thumbs up

Slum Dog Millionaire: Worth all 8 Academy awards. This a portrayal of a young man and his destiny. Through trials and tribulations he stays true to himself and his one true love.

The filming was brilliant and heart wrenching seeing the slums of Pakistan. Blew me away.

Slow at first with subtitles but persevere and the story unfolds between his relationship with his brother and the relationship with this young mans love.

Some violence. Young teens could watch with parental guidance that's if they can get through the subtitles.

Brilliant: Two thumbs up!

Ahh Milk, Sean Penn in one of his best performances ever. This is the true story of Harvey Milk a gay activist the becomes elected to government. A heart wrenching story of his life and how the country viewed gays in the 70's.

On a personal note: As a christian it is the sin that is wrong but one could not help but to be taken back by the strength and determination of one man. I admire this man's determination to stand by what he felt was right regardless of the ridicule and persecution of his lifestyle.

His story needed to be told

Violence and explicit sex scenes.

Not appropriate for children.

If I had 3 thumbs they would be way up!

Twilight: The Romeo and Juliette of Vampires. This is not a horror film in anyway but a forbidden love story. Definately geered for the teens. Some violence but no sex in this movie.

I read all 4 books in the series and they were all very captivating. Stefanie Meyers geered this to her tween/teen audience. Not unlike many of the young ladies who have read these books I too was enthralled by Edward the main character. He stays true to his Prince Charming persona.

I give this 1 thumb up only as the movie had a low budget and some subtle key points were left out.

Suggest mom and dad watch this first not because of the love story but for the fact that we are dealing with Vampires and this may not be appropriate material in some homes.

In Sickness And In Health

2009-03-18T23:07:00.003-04:00

I"m not healthy and he is just plain sick.

Now that's the true meaning of In sickness and in health in my home.

Awww the test of almost 26 years of marriage.

As you all know I have had surgery so needless to say I am not feeling up to par.

My stomach has been cut from hip to hip and that beautiful man that I am standing with enjoys making me laugh and cry at the same time.

Seriously though I never thought the day would come when my husband would have to shower me,dress me and help me up on the doctors table during an appointment.

When I sleep I feel his presence over me and he gently feels my forehead to check if I'm ok.

There have been moments of total humiliation and yet he never says a word and just loves me.

However in between these moments his humour comes out.

Examples of this:

Once I woke up and there he was and he looked at me and said just checkin to see if you were breathing.

And?

And you still are guess I don't get my couch back anytime soon.

At one point I was starting to get spasms in my legs so he decided to get me some heat packs and rub my calves. How sweet Right!

In the midst of it he says to me where's Lizzie? (our cat) to which I replied outside suddenly he jumps up and says Good Lord is that your legs! I thought the cat was under the blankets.

and then promptly handed me the pillow to place over my stomach while I laughed till my stomach couldn't take it anymore.

Can you feel the Love?

I could cause that's my man.

They say laughter is the best medicine and when he gets me going till tears run down my face he looks at me and says no pain no gain.

I swear some days he is trying to kill me with humour and I suspect as I am still pondering the true meaning of In sickness and in health he has moved on to Till Death do us Part.

But I am truly Blessed with a wonderful caring funny man and I praise God daily for choosing Steve before I did to be my husband.

In our Sickness of mind and in Health of our bodies.

Until Death Do Us part

Thanks

2009-03-02T01:20:00.005-05:00

They say at one point we begin to look like our pets.

First off who exactly are "they"?

and secondly who are "they" to be right?

I am home and very sore. And yes I sit like this.

It is 2:02am the wee early hours of March 2nd and I cannot seem to sleep as I can't get comfortable.

Surgery went well. I was in the operating room for almost 5 hours as apparently my body had gone farther south than Portabackyarda, which is where Steve and I vacation every summer.

Steve has been amazing this past few days but that is another post I am working on called.

In Sickness and In Health.

I just wanted to thank you all for your prayers,calls emails flowers and visits to the hospital.

I am blessed with such good friends and family.

Well the pain killers are starting to kick in and I am going to head back to the trusty couch and attempt to seek comfort while the sweet sweet sound of Anderson Cooper from CNN sings me to sleep with another foreclosure lullaby.

The Blessing of Children

2009-02-19T23:00:00.007-05:00

Thursday Night was a very special night in my life and one I will always hold dear to my heart.

I have been blessed with being able to assist and teach the Junior Highs of our church
These children are very close to my heart.

They all affectionately call me GrandMo as I am the oldest at 52

Right Brittany hahahaha.

The children in these past few weeks have been excited about doing devotionals.

They all have been fabulous.

Thursdays devotional was on Healing through Faith.

Brittany McFaul chose to do the devotional as on Tuesday I will be going into hospital for a hysterectomy/ bladder lift basically a gettin up there overhaul.

Brittany's devotional was amazing, she spoke of being healed by His stripes and about having faith in the Lords healing.

She did a wonderful job presenting her devotional.

Britt even anticipated my apprehension and a tad bit of fear and ensured me all will be just fine for God is taking care of me

"Even when you don't feel His presence Grandmo,He is there."

A gentle reminder when fear can sometimes over shadow Faith

The children shared with us their experiences of when God had healed them.

Wow Praise God!

Britt asked her peers to be intercessors for me when I might feel to tired or too sore to pray.

At the end of this she asked me to sit in the middle of the room and gathered the others around me.

There I recieved many prayers for a speedy recovery.

I love these children so much and I recieved their prayers with a truly believing heart.

The fear was gone for I truly knew in my heart that I would never be alone.

The Holy Spirit filled me with not only His love but theirs as well.

I am so blessed.

The children of our church are so amazing and their pure hearted faith alone is a testimony we should all experience.

Just watch them sometime.

That's what caught my attention the first time I attended Desert Stream

It blew me away the passion for God that emminated from our Youth

Blessed are the Children

Thanks Britt for such a wonderful night in my life.

and Thankyou Junior Highs for your unconditional Love.

I Love you guys very much and will miss you over these next few weeks.

Blessings to you

xoxoxoxo

Grandmo

Enthusiasm 2009

2009-02-17T21:28:00.004-05:00

AmenThank you Father

Was browsing the blogs as I do several times in the evening and was inspired by Holly's.

Holly has a passion for gardening and I enjoy seeing her pictures throughout the Spring and summer seasons and watching her garden grow.

Her anticipation and enthusiasm for Newness in all things beit flowers or growth in the Lord inspires me.

Holly I feel that from you between each line of your writings.

I got thinking what am I truly enthusiastic about in my life?

I have to say the only thing I could think of was the Lord.

Not a bad thing at all as that is where I am in my life right now.

However I hope I can find something in this secular world that I am this enthusiastic and passioned filled with as much as my spiritual growth.

Perhaps writing, I do enjoy that but don't take the time.

Admittedly a bit fearful of writing my thoughts down.

Those who know me,know I have many uncontrolled thoughts that just seem to be shot from the hip.

So I am going to try and capture these down in a journal.

Hey who knows maybe a best seller one day. Just hope it's not in the horror section hahahaha.

So I ask this question

What are you enthusiastic about doing in 2009?

Joyful Joyful... Thinking Of My Mom

2009-02-12T23:21:00.008-05:00

Well these past 10 days have been a really freeing experience for me.
It's taken many a year but I learned 10 days ago there was a difference between forgiveness and holding on to offense.
Praise God the two finally connected.
I have done both.
I should be posting the video Thick as a Brick hahaha
However my heart is so filled with Joy in the Lord.
His timing is always perfect and should not be questioned.
Learned that one too.
Anyway sitting here enjoying some worship music and it hit me really hard that I wish I could share this moment of revelation with my mother.
Heart feeling a tad heavy and once again the Lord placed this one word in my head.
WHOOPIE!
and it hit me Sister Act.
My mother loved these movies and I swear she thought she was Whoopie.
Well she is now, in the presence of the Lord.
Pat and Jeremy I know you are picturing this and giggling like we always did.
I bet you're both in an uproar :-)

So God and Mom
This ones for you.
Thanks for giving me Joy.
You Go Girl!

Powerful Statement

2009-02-08T21:55:00.005-05:00

"The Creation of the world cost God nothing,but the creation of the gospel cost Him everything.

It cost Him His only begotten Son."

Studying for my ISOM exam tomorrow and teared up reading this statement.

It just so happens it was the section on the power of the Holy Spirit.

Wow!

What an awsome God we have.

Sometimes I have moments when the comprehension of this fact is needed and welcomed with open arms.

Followed always with tears of Joy.

Thankyou Father God.

10 Months Later.... Angelina Update

2009-02-03T23:11:00.004-05:00

Oh My How the Lord is Sooooo Good.

This is an update on Angelina.

Angelina is my second cousin she was born April 11th 2008 only 24 weeks and 6 days into moms pregnancy.

You may remember my post for prayers for her.

At 59 days old she required heart surgery as she had chronic lung disease. The surgery was to help her breathe properly without a ventilator.

She managed to get off the vent but has another breathing aparatus.

In the past 10 months of her life she spent 138 days in hospital.

The surgery for some reason has damaged her little vocal cords so she just makes little squeaks but we are praying into that.

I believe one day she will be able to speak as well as you and I.

My feeling is this child will have lots to say when she grows up.

Angelina weighs a whopping 14lbs now and as you can see by her smile she is truly being taken care of by our Father.

What a little doll.

Our God is an awsome God

My Little Birthday Boy

2009-01-27T20:53:00.001-05:00

Today is my grandson 5th birthday
Happy Birthday Myer
We Love You
xoxoxo
Grandma and Grandpa

May I Have This Dance

2009-01-25T22:22:00.007-05:00

I love it when God shows us things in the manner in which only we the individual can understand.

For some it may be a feeling others a vision but for me God uses music.

I find joy and understanding in all types of music.

Since I was child I could go off into whatever land I imagined perhaps with green skies ,blue grass, purple moons.

I believe for me He teaches me not only with His word but with tools He knows Only I will understand at that moment.

We have all heard the saying music soothes the savage beast.

Well there has been a beast inside of me that I clearly recognized today during the sermon of Hope.

The beast that we all deal with and that is, our own will.

As I spoke in another posting it is my time to start at the beginning,time to weed His Garden.

I must say I feel embarrassed in front of the Lord when I have to hand the same old same old things over. I guess I figure How many times can He possibly stand to listen to pain and dissapointment in my heart. I feel that know matter how much I learn and know in my heart,my head gets the better of me.

Today I once again laid it at the cross.

My offenses, My envy, My covetting, My lost desires of my heart smothered by anger.

But are they really lost or are they just not right at this time in my life?

Father Knows Best and that's all I need know.

I left today feeling I had done the right thing handing it over but there was still that feeling of hopelessness in my heart.

Kevins words rung strongly in my mind

Hopelessness is a slow death.

Wow

Fruit of the Spirit kept playing in my head. Followed by the words Child of War

Am I child of God that is in a battle for freedom from my past my present but mostly myself?

Is this a war we all face daily?

Am I alone in this?

I couldn't stand to think anymore so I turned on the radio UCB ya No I didn't want to hear a worship song as I was in a pity me mode.

So I switched to CD mode.

Steve had put a CD in that he made and the song started

Here are the lyrics.

The Song is called The Third Hoorah!

Hoorah!

WarChild, dance the days and nights away ---

sweet child, how do you do today?

When your back's to the wall,and your luck is your all,

then side with whoever you may.

SEEK that which within lies waiting to begin

the fight of your life that is everyday.

Dance with the WarChild ---

Hoorah!

WarChild, dance the days and nights away ---

sweet child, how do you do today?

In the heart of your heart, there's the tiniest part

of an urge to live to the death ---

with a sword on your hip and a cry on your lips

to strike LIFE in the inner child's breast.

Dance with the WarChild ---

Hoorah!

WarChild, dance the days and nights away ---sweet child, how do you do today?

May I have this dance?

It would be my pleasure Lord.

Thankyou for asking when I didn't have the courage to.

When Cats Attack... (The Grocery Bags)

2009-01-18T20:37:00.002-05:00

Plan B

2009-01-15T23:09:00.003-05:00

I am feeling the strong need to share with you my past week at work.
I wish that I was writing about the humour of retail but this is not the case.
I would like to start off with making a statement

We were first conceived in the mind of God.

Three young girls throughout this past week came to my counter to pay for their purchase.
The first girl said as she placed her product on the counter
"Don't judge me"
The second "Oh well He's paying for it"
The third just hung her head in shame.
Three different attitudes in the same situation.

I was filled with many thoughts:
Sadness
Despair
Anger
Hope

You see Plan B is an emergency contraceptive aka The morning after pill
We now sell it. It is placed nicely within our contraceptive section.
My hands are tied for I am not allowed to comment but they can't stop me from praying immediately.

This product seems to the "B" all "END" all product for the times we live in.
You see for less than $40.00 you can terminate a potential pregnancy and mom and dad need never know.

Really!
Seriously Really????

Now with all that being said my attitude was different back when I was their age,back before I knew my best friend and His plans for me.
You see ladies my daughter is 29 years old and I am 45 years old.

This struck me tonight while at Junior High.
As Brandon Maracle delivered a beautiful devotion on faith, I looked around the room at the children and their thirst for God,the innocence in their faces and wondered
Will satan tempt these fine young children as they grow physically in maturity.
I wondered how Mark and Rhonda see their youth growing in this world.

How can we spread the word to our young ladies and gentleman that they are worthy and are truly loved despite their need for perhaps physical love in their lives.

There will be times when they may question the need or desire for physical touch as apposed to being blessed with the unseen true loving touch of God.

Why do we all at some point think physical touch is the B all end all?
I admit I thought that at 15
This is not to say I have regrets in anyway shape or form
"For I know the plans I have for you"

I know that now and am grateful for His love and strength throughout the rough period of ridicule and judgement I endured.

So my question is how do we minister to these young kids in the world?
God is not permitted in school anymore
He is not allowed in the work place

I wonder though where we might be today if Mary had chosen plan B
So I pray for the children of this world that we are able to share that

GOD IS THE BE ALL END ALL

Visual of Weeding His Garden

2009-01-10T23:01:00.010-05:00

It was hard for me to write to describe my first week of not smoking so I thought I would post some visuals.
I thank you all for your prayers

DAY 1 ASKING FOR HELP

DAY 2 Trying to Tempt Me

DAY 3 Very Accurate

Day 4 Had to have a chat with my Best Friend

Day 5&6 Phillipians 4:13

Day 7
I am the one sitting in the backrow and I don't smell like smoke
Can I get an AMEN?

Pulling The First Weed

2009-01-03T22:48:00.004-05:00

Well ladies if you read my last post
I spoke about tending to the Lords garden in His temple.
Well I pulled the first weed out tonight and now I ask for prayers of strength.
Tomorrow (Sunday) will be the first day weedless.
Well at least one weed.
Many more to tend to but this is my first step to breaking the bondage of addiction.
He gives us free will in everything we do.
My choice is
LIFE

Hands of God

2008-12-30T14:01:00.004-05:00

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

2008-12-24T13:42:00.000-05:00

Thankyou for your Gift

2008-12-21T15:23:00.005-05:00

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

2008-12-19T23:32:00.004-05:00

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

2008-12-17T07:41:00.000-05:00

And The Angels Cried

2008-12-09T13:49:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-03T00:41:00.003-05:00

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?

2008-12-01T12:11:00.002-05:00

Did They Really Think I Wouldn't Find Out

2008-11-28T12:38:00.003-05:00

Tis the Season

2008-11-26T15:53:00.002-05:00

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.

2008-11-22T21:31:00.002-05:00

2008-11-22T21:31:00.001-05:00