Out with the Old, but not all of it!

This is the last day for many things. It is the last of 2009 to be sure, but it is the last of working with some great co-workers for a great company. Although I am grateful to have a contract with the same facility, there are apprehensions with the new governing company, new staff and continuing staff, new policies and procedures.

The last two weeks have been amongst my favourite at work and I am sorry to see their end. Why did GOD decide to save the best until last? I don't know, but it was a treasure. I learned and confirmed wise and wonderful things for future Christmases, for child rearing and educating, for general daily living and for these I am again grateful. The contrast from here will be difficult. There will be no comradery or sense of peace and order, but I hope that I will be diligent to find GOD's hand in all that He gives me in my daily moments. He always does things well; it is I who mangle the opportunities into difficult and uncomfortable minutes, just like I did yesterday over a pair of mittens, a child and an unkind co-worker.

My resolutions this past year have been a list of five statements to remember and will remain so in the coming year:

1. GOD will move heaven and earth to show you His will for your life if you really want to do His will.
2. Trust GOD and He will provide all your needs. Don't look to anybody else. Look to Him.
3. Trust GOD to be your protector.
4. Obey GOD and leave the consequences to Him. Trust Him to make a way.
5. Take GOD at His word. He Who promises is faithful.

Additional resolutions for 2010 will be regarding my most severe short-coming: LOVE

1. Panta stegei - bears all things
2. Panta pisteuei - believes all things
3. Panta elpigei - hopes all things
4. Panta upomenei - endures all things

Onward to 2010 - O Come O Come Emmanuel!
  

The Difference Between Light and Day

Today we have 5 hours and 36 minutes of daylight given to us by a beautiful golden sun.

Sunrise 10:15. Sunset 3:51.

This is an increase of 1 minute and 52 seconds from yesterday.

A total increase of 15 minutes and 20 seconds since winter solstice!

Being so far up yonder, you notice every minute.

My trouble is that I cannot accurately tell the time anymore!

Snowledge

After walking in the cold and snow every day now, I am starting to get to know the temperature and the corresponding effects fairly accurately! (Give or take!)

• 32 degrees -There is a sticky sensation in your throat when you breathe in air below a certain temperature. Snow occurs around this temperature; warmer or colder air brings rains or evaporation.
• 20 degrees - Eyes water. You must cough a few times to acclimate to the outdoors.
• 15 degrees - The air becomes glittery and all objects are covered with white frost. Eyes sting and water rapidly.
• 10 degrees - Frosted objects now look furry and covered with crystal sugar. Your eyebrows and forehead become painful to move. Ears become numb and crunchy. Exhalation vapours disappear quickly into frozen crystals.
• ZERO degrees - Below zero and above zero feels distinctively different. The fountain of tears now falling from your eyes lie in frozen salt tracks on your cheeks. Your nostrils practically snap closed to avoid the painfully drying air. You also discover that you do in fact have nose hair, albeit frozen into stalagtites.

There is so much that I see and discover and enjoy in this white landscape that I find it difficult to put into words. It is as amazing as trying to describe an ocean sunset, an emerging seedling or the birth of a child. You just have to be there!

Post Christmas Plans

It is that time of year again. No; not boxing up decorations or planning resolutions or preparing preliminary tax figures. What I refer to is something monumentally more important and something my sister and I have our own countdown calendar for. It involves strategizing, pen and paper, calculators, catalogues, an art and engineering degree, and dreams that exceed your budget! Every year we dream extravagantly of traditional gardens, then seek each other and our calculators for reality and humour! This year is no exception, and while we cannot share a cup of tea and warm oven offering to inspire us, the distance does allow us to draw up our plans separately, send them off poste haste and see how close we are to a match. Invariably we have a few diferences, but after feeling our ante's upped, and explanations, reasons and motives cross examined, we usually end with identical seed packets picked out with slightly varied garden layouts. So far we have ignored the fact that we could each grow half and share the other. It is too much fun to plan complete gardens and compare notes; this year's garden is no exception! Here is to dreams, seeds, sprouts and the fruits of our labour! Here is to one sweet garden spider making its way to its new home!

How Many Kings by Downhere

Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -
Just a child -
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...



How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?



Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?



All for me...

All for you...

Gleanings and Pickin's

I learned new words, out of the mouths of babes!

Bussfant = nose munchkin

Beezbuh = booger

Re-Educating the Under-Educated

One of the mother's recently asked her son to tell me who invented the light bulb, just to show his recently learned information. He acted shy and declined the spotlight, so I offered that I knew it was not George Washington; he was our first president. (Always put noble examples before children) He still declined the correct answer so his mother helped pitch in. She asked, "Was it Obama?" I was floored. How did we get from George to Barak? It felt that she was trying to intimate that the current president was capable of such enormous contributions and greatness to society. Several times since, she has asked her son other questions and teased him with the same presidential response.

It gave me pause for concern that our children are having 'his' name set before them continually, always with the possibility of him doing something magnificent, great and enormously capable.

Let us choose our examples wisely and our inferences carefully. Little ones are watching, listening and learning. As for me, George was a great man, unparalled as a general and president. I choose him for my example.

Traditions, New and Old

This Christmas I have been formulating what I would like my future Christmas celebrations to contain and pertain to. On paper, I have written a theme and flow of what it should look like next year. How exciting to anticipate 364 days from now!

Coming soon to a blog near you!

Christmas Day!

Joyeux Noel!

Merry Christmas

Holiday Ornamentation

The Holidays have arrived. Are you prepared? I

have not been a part of the bustling scene, nor the decorative process this year. There are a few of my own traditions that I have missed, but it also has been sweet to remember that Christmas goes on with or without our customary glitz and glamour. It has taught me that GOD originated over the top, outrageous beauty and splendour as well as breath taking intricate simplicity. Being created in His image, we are merely reflecting a portion of His creative abilities when we decorate, but in so doing, I want to remember to reflect His heart more than any thing else. I have loved having a true white winter to celebrate Christmas. That has been all the decoration I have needed to remind me of the true Christmas.

Jon McNaughton's Masterpiece

How Great You Are

Intelligent Design

As I walk through this landscape, I have often wondered at the function and form of the natural surroundings. Having gone from summer to autumn to winter, I have observed that "He doeth all things well"!! Seeing the slender birch trees and their delicate branching seems astonishing to me that they could survive the weather that is giving my fingertips such grief when ungloved for a few seconds to help the children re-glove, and yet, as I see the effects of varying temperatures, my amazement has turned to grateful wonder that GOD maketh no mistakes.

The colder weather turns the trees to magnets, attracting the smallest particles of moisture to cloak the branches with an insulation of frost while the above zero temperatures attract the snow onto the most slender of branches, each one bearing a load of ten times the branch's girth.

Today there is a breeze which is blowing the nimble branches and shaking the lightest of snow off. Without that slender flexibility, I am sure that the branches would break under the weight. Amazing!

Close Encounters

I followed within a minute or two behind a wandering moose in search of tasty twigs, amidst the swirl of falling snow. While I have seen several within 50-100 feet, I was able to hear this one in the brush along the path. Yesterday, the colder temperatures brought out more moose, and I passed another within fishing rod distance, close enough to smell a delicious steak, I mean appreciate the beauty! His shoulders were hunched and his head lowered as he munched sugar coated branches. I bid him 'adieu' with a watchful eye.

On The Depths of the Mercy of GOD

"Let us give ourselves to God without any reserve, and let us fear nothing. He shall love us and we shall love Him. His love, increasing every day, will take the place of everything else to us. He will fill our whole hearts; these hearts which the world has intoxicated, agitated, troubled, but has never been able to satisfy; He will deprive us only of those things that make us unhappy. He will cause us to do in general what we have been already, but which we have done in an unsatisfactory manner; whereas, hereafter, we shall do them well, because they will be done for His sake."  ~Fenelon~

O Tannenbaum

My perfect Christmas trees!

They are such a delight on my way to and from work or errands. I have never enjoyed holiday trees more, except for the lovely ones on the work property, but then what makes them more beautiful are the white lights glowing through the snow. These pictured are laced with red lights which adds a false sense of warmth to the subzero surroundings!

PROOF that our flag is still here!

Chainlink fencing - Arctic style

Snow makes EVERYTHING photogenic

Natural 'FROST'ing

The World On Time

If your packages do not arrive on time, don't blame UPS...

blame the weather man!

4 X 400

For six hours last night, I had 4 boys, ages 2-7, inside a 400 square foot condo. With snow, cold temperatures and a moose lurking outside, perhaps my neighbors were not as keen or adventurous and perhaps the parents had a few trepidations when driving away. However, within a few moments of introductions between the older two, sharing a meal together and onward to playtime and the promise of a fort, the evening wove moment by moment into a web of friendship and life skills for all.

Inspiring greatness was the common theme throughout the evening and I was amazed to see its profound effect. Seeing both of the two year olds eager to play with a lovely dump truck complete with full tilt bed, and expressing said desires in non-verbal forms of communication, I querried, "Wasn't it kind of Child #1 to bring toys from his house so he could share them with you?". Child #1 looked at the favoured object, walked over to Child #2, laid the toy down and said "Sharing"! I was unprepared for this gesture of kindness despite knowing and seeing that children are in fact capable of being generous. Perhaps I, too, was expecting more mayhem and less nobility.

Throughout the evening, I saw many examples of sweetness in response to the call for greatness. My heart was blessed, my eyes opened, and my love and appreciation for these future men was profoundly affected.

Transplanted Seedlings

In just a few days, I will be saying goodbye to two very dear children, brothers, whom I have developed a great affection for. They will be moving far away, and most likely will remain distant during this life. I am very sad to not be near their Little Lord Fauntleroy charms. As I reflect back on my time with them, I wonder if I tended the seed well enough. Did I learn enough from my Master Gardening classes to teach them adequately? Will the boys weather life's storms and delights in such a way to become better men? Will they be receptive to the Master Gardener? My prayer is that I will one day see them transplanted into Heaven.

S.D.G.

   Wouldn't it be great if we were humble, comfortable enough to give credit where credit was due?
   Great things are accomplished by great and small people alike; we focus on the outcome or the contribution to society or ourselves. What if, instead, we gave thanks to GOD for His blessings, His provisions, His giftings to us, His watchful care and mercies? What if we could be as famous and long-appreciated as Bach or Hayden, who ended many of their compositions with the initials S.D.G. Soli Deo Gloria, or, Glory to GOD alone.

"I thank my GOD..." as Paul writes repeatedly throughout his books.

The Greatness of Lowliness

For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. -- Isaiah 57:15

With Thanksgiving

by Cherie Meyers, Michigan

I am folded into
the browns of November.
Under the cusp of the chestnut hull.
Through the russet oak of the tree line.
In a scattering of cones and seedpods hanging.
Beyond the wasp nest, bared.
Under a thousand starlings
resting in the old poplar,
then rising with a leafy wind.
Around wreaths of barbed wire rusting on the fence post.
Under a turkey in the oven,
greasy cracklings and pie pumpkin on the edge.
Seasoned into cordwood
stacked and waiting by the cabin door.

Teach Me Thy Way, O Lord

Teach me Thy way, O Lord,                   

Teach me Thy way;
Thy gracious aid afford,
Teach me Thy way.
Help me to walk aright;
More by faith, less by sight;
Lead me with heav'nly light,
Teach me Thy way.

When doubts and fears arise,
Teach me Thy way;
When storms o'erspread the skies,
Teach me Thy way.
Shine through the cloud and rain,
Through sorrow, toil, and pain;
Make Thou my pathway plain,
Teach me Thy way.

Long as my life shall last,
Teach me Thy way;
Where'er my lot be cast,
Teach me Thy way.
Until the race is run,
Until the journey's done,
Until the crown is won,
Teach me Thy way.

Caramels and Chocolate

Tis the season between two major holidays where my thoughts and plans revolve around the following:

butter

sugar

caramel

cream

chocolate

I have yet to lay out all the pastry and baking plans, but there is a whirr of mental engineering going on as my moments are

cubby-holed with the order of what to do and when!

How exciting to anticipate!

The Nearness of GOD is My Good

NEARER, STILL NEARER

Words and Music by Leila N. Morris, 1862–1929

1. Nearer, still nearer, close to Thy heart,

Draw me, my Savior, so precious Thou art;

Fold me, oh, fold me close to Thy breast,

Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest,"

Shelter me safe in that "Haven of Rest."

2. Nearer, still nearer, nothing I bring,

Naught as an offering to Jesus, my King;

Only my sinful, now contrite heart,

Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart,

Grant me the cleansing Thy blood doth impart.

3. Nearer, still nearer, Lord, to be Thine!

Sin, with its follies, I gladly resign,

All of its pleasures, pomp and its pride,

Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified,

Give me but Jesus, my Lord, crucified.

4. Nearer, still nearer, while life shall last,

'Til safe in glory my anchor is cast;

Through endless ages, ever to be,

Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee,

Nearer, my Savior, still nearer to Thee.

Tonkas, Caterpillars and Bobcats, Oh My!

I have finally decided what I want to be when I grow up!! What better way to earn a living than to play in sand boxes and snow as an adult, although, frankly, the tonkas are much bigger, more powerful, come with flashing lights and best of all, you don't have to make your own noises!

Oh the thinks you can think and the earth you can move!

If all else fails and you really must have a desk job, if pride gets the better of the letters behind your name, or if you just can't afford your own fleet of equipment, at least invest in a smaller version!

Meese

I saw moose this morning on my way to work! Actually, it was on the corner of the property to work and I was about 40 feet away. I noticed the security vehicle parked on the road where that path intersects, and then spotted the Mamma in all her grandeur! WOW are these beautifully magnificent creatures! They made a second appearance next to the play yard right as we were heading outside. So glad that a very handsome fence and a vigilent security guard allows us this visual luxury!

Heart Rending Cries

Why is it that I have heard many children's cries, yet the one that gets me most is the one who calls out "Luvie"? Is it because she is called by the name I have chosen, and calls me that name in turn when she needs my aide?
Today I felt unmerciful toward a staff member who was frustrated and somehow hurt her. Once my "Luvie" started to cry in that infantile voice, my co-worker reprimanded her and said that it couldn't have hurt that bad. Luvie called out "Luvie" to me which put me on high alert and made my co-worker state that I wasn't going to help her. (She always says this when children cry for me, so what does that say about her, the children or myself? Hmmmm I am beginning to wonder!!) My initial thought was "NEVER tell a child in my care that I am not going to help them!" You better believe I was going to help her! After debating a moment about over-riding my co-worker, and after hearing the continued pleas for "Luvie" and knowing the confused and hurt heart from whence it came, I scooped her up, as you would have done had you been there, asked her to help me get my snow clothes, and held her close.
Knowing GOD loves me infinitely more than I could possibly love this child makes me secure in the knowledge that ANY tear or pain or turmoil or sorrow I face will be heard, will be attended to, and that I will be loved with an everlasting love!! How blessed is that? My Luvie could be in her native land, but instead, GOD chose to bring her and myself together at this time, just so He could help me catch yet another of Heaven's glimpses.

II Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name humble themselves and pray, and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now My eyes shall be open and My ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place."

CONFUSION

DOUBT

ENDURANCE

Divergence

Bewildered:    to confuse hopelessly; to cause to be lost
Confusion:     to fail to see the difference between; perplexed
Perplexed:     full of doubt or uncertainty
Doubt:     to be inclined to disbelief; an unsettled matter

There are times in life that these words are a prevalent part of our daily vocabulary. The path is unclear; decisions need to be made; choices seem 50/50. We are caught in the traps of fear, anxiety, lack of surety.

Here is what I read from Psalms 16:11 "THOU wilt make known to me the path of life; in THY presence is fullness of joy; in THY right hand there are pleasures forever."

Although the path may seem unclear, I know the One Who holds my hand, guides and directs me, makes my feet like hinds feet, girds me with strength, trains my hands for battle, enlarges my steps, makes me great with His gentleness, and makes me blameless. He is worthy of my trust.

He has walked the path before, which lead to a tree, where he made sure that I would find my way to Him, so that He could lead me through this life into eternity.

Keeping Rhythm with What?

Last night, I attended a three hour seminar after completing an eleven hour work shift. Although I was skeptical of the content and was exhausted once I felt that chair beneath me, I kept an open mind and felt that there would be concepts or principles at the very least that I could apply or alter and then apply in my work days.

Here is something I learned:

We did an exercise where the attendees stood in a circle around the room. The instructor divided half the group into a unit and gave them a clapping rhythm to perform. She then took a third of the remaining group and gave them a second rhythm. Finally she gave three people a rhythm while myself and a remaining lady were given the final pattern to clap. We were all supposed to keep clapping, then start to mill around the room into a tighter unit, then re-disperse back to our original groups, then stop clapping. Then she asked each group to individually showcase their rhythm, then asked us what our thoughts were on the exercise, and how easy or difficult it was for each group.

I was abundantly pleased that I had faithfully maintained not only the rhythm, but the speed of the beat by closing my ears to the others and being in tune and accurately reflecting what I had been taught. But I was the lone reed. Although I heard them and smiled as I mingled, my inner thoughts were fused to the teacher's request.

What I WAS supposed to gain from this exercise was how to blend with the others, how to appreciate the other rhythms, how to blend into a homogenized version of USness.

The problem that I faced with this scenario, is that I was viewing it with a Biblical perspective of standing firm in a higher calling, not of my own or others making. We are called to be set apart for GOD's use, not for political purposes and I found myself very grieved that the pull of education is to get us into a world thought pattern of honouring diversity and tolerance, just as long as it is skewed toward things not Godly. While they want me to honour them, the reverse is not true as they continue to put down Biblical values and look with disdain at me. All the film clips were slanted this way, all the table discussion scenarios were weighted this way. It was the lone reed needing to be 'learned' in the school of acceptance. There is no seminar that gives the scenario of honouring a GOD fearing lady.

Fortunately, I am convinced that GOD wants me to honour him in every thing I do, which includes my interactions with those that I share this world with and every action or thought I conduct in private.

Small Matters, Big Consequences

This week I have had a small but deep split on my right thumb tip, caused from 30 seconds without gloves here and there in the freezing temperature, the continual use of bleach and cleaners, and about 60+ hand washings per day. The entire tip is swollen, painful and unable to be used effectively. SO SMALL, and yet the consequences are far reaching. Every part of my daily functions are affected because of this 2 millimeter area.

As I pondered this whole conundrum, I realized many things:
--How much I have provided such tender care, rubbing salve onto it every couple of hours (Difficult in a hand washing, perpetually cleaning environment)
--How much I have tried to use other fingers in order for the split to heal. (Difficult in an infant and toddler environment)
--How much I have tried to minimize my freezing exposure time (Difficult in an infant and toddler environment)
--How much 'little' lies, deceptions, distortions, gossip, slander, and many other sins are just like this split. They seem so innocent or reasonable to the person in action, but the pain and effects are far reaching.
--How everything my thumb touches in a day is a reminder that something is wrong and needs to be guarded and protected.
--How much more time and consideration I have given to this very small opening in my body, but do I apply the same consuming care to areas in my own character that need far greater care, even surgical removal?


I was pretty humbled by this eye-opener. Even though my thumb is worse for the wear and the care, I hope the same cannot be said of my heart and soul.

Gratefully, I serve a GOD who is compassionate, slow to anger and is also the Great Physician.

The Short End of the Scarf

My little Luvie was dressed and ready to go outside, standing at her cubby and watching me put on my own winter ensemble. As I wrapped my neck and face in my large wrap, she took a few quiet steps forward, pointed to my scarf and said, "warm". She remembered that she had borrowed this scarf during the first winter freeze. I asked her if she would like to share. She smiled and nodded. I wrapped my scarf around her head and face, leaving the little eye peeks for her, and then wrapped her scarf around my neck. She smiled and said "sharing". Doesn't that just melt your heart?
My co-worker thought it wasn't very advantageous of me, siting that I had the short end of the scarf, but warmth can come from many sources, and a child's happiness, trust and appreciation could melt polar ice caps in my world!

The Great Thing About 0 Degrees

What I have discovered to be a fantastic benefit to

walking outdoors in such cold weather, is that you can take along ice cream in your pack for those hungry moments, and it remains in a more solid form than inside your freezer, PLUS it stays frozen while you eat it! There is only one drawback................you cannot lick the spoon!!!

Uncommon Valour

In the preschool class one day, a boy clad in knights costume came up behind me, clutching my clothes in dramatic fear and saying with Shakespearan expertise      "Save me. Oh save me from the evil dragon." I turned my head and said "Oh brave and noble King, I am but a lady. Will you not protect me from this evil beast?" He hopped out from behind me, brandishing sword in hand and stated in marblesque pose               "I'll          do          my          best"!         

Louder Than Words

Although we view language and words as a precise communication instrument, there are times where the actions we perform and the attempts to communicate can speak more volumes than any grouping of specific letters of fugures.

I was handed one note after another from two little four year old girls. They knew exactly what they had written, even though many of the scribbles resembled shaky mvvmvmwwm's. Even their efforts to copy 'real' letters from the surrounding walls were in their minds the 'real' thing.

Do you know how I read them? Pure love!! I read them from the degree that they were able to communicate. It was Lovely. Delightful. Meaningful.

Romans 8:26 "And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

Unbecoming a Woman

Nothing makes me feel more like a lady than when I am dressed like a lady, carry myself like a lady, speak as a lady, with the final touch of wearing pearls.

Nothing makes me feel more unfeminine than to step outside in the cold, breathe in a few breaths, and discover that I have frozen nostril hairs.

Turtle Fur

 Woven with wool in Vermont

The North Face

Montana Gloves

Warm Discoveries

Keeping warm can be challenging in any climate, but for the snowy Northern climate, here is what I have discovered with great delight!

• After snow dressing and before going outside, I drink about 4 ounces of warm water to hydrate and give a quick burst of warmth to combat that initial shock of the open door!
• Spyder brand snowpants are comfortable, warm, delightful and come with a very nifty spider embroidered on the back of the pant leg, pewter looking web embossed buttons at the ankle and a pretty spider and web button at the waist. Besides these fun details and comforts, I found them brand new at a thrift store for a few dollars and happens to be in my favourite colour: navy!!!
• Turtle Fur hats are knit in Vermont - I do believe they are familiar with cold there! - made out of wool and lined at the band with their famous turtle fur soft lining. The attached turtle tag makes it charming and I am sure adds to the warmth somehow!
• The North Face Montana Glove is marvelous and ingeniously designed. The label describes it as thus:
• Soft chamude nose wipe on thumbs
• Articulated molded fit
• Integrated goggle finger wipe
• External zipper stash pocket
• Removable leash
• Hyvent Waterproof Insulated
• Lifetime warranty
• Wearing a backpack keeps my back completely insulated, even hot, so that my spine is always warm.
• Wearing wool very gently rubs the skin to keep the capillaries from shutting down in the cold. It is also breathable so that you don't overheat, causing the body to try to cool you down at 20 degrees.
• Of course, there is nothing that makes me feel more toasty than knowing that I have a baggy full of dark M&M's to eat in an emergency, but then again, emergency can be relative, I suppose!

MORNING MOON

Glimpses of GOD's Grace

There are times where we so poignantly see glimpses from heaven's view with that 'Ahh, I see now' glint of understanding. Such was the case this last week.

One little French girl is so dear, equally mingling the stubborness of doing things her way, with disregard to instruction, and an infantile fragileness and incomprehension toward relevant one and two year old developments. As I go about my day, diapering, playing, feeding and just being a presence, I frequently scoop her into my arms, kiss her forehead and tell her she is my 'Lovie'. The first few months she stood with blankness on her face, but eventually started smiling back, then slowly started integrating the use of the word when she was around me whether hurt or out of curiosity. She would stand before me, straight faced and searching, saying "Lovie". I would reassure her that yes, she was my 'Lovie' and plant my kiss on her forehead.

A few weeks ago in freezing weather, I pushed the children on a buggy ride instead of playing on the playground. Although they were overbundled according to the other staff, I had wrapped them well and covered them in blankets. In addition to my precaution, the moment we stepped outside, I checked every child's face to see their reaction to the cold. The little French girl was not breathing, and had gone as stiff as a board. I locked my eyes onto hers, got her out of the seat and held her sheltered in my arms until she regained her breath. Placing her into a different seat where she and I could see each other and after nesting her entire head with my wrap, leaving an eye slit, we resumed our walk, eyes locked. I smiled the entire trip, talking and pointing out several beautiful things, stopping every five minutes to be even nearer and 're-check' her, but all she could do was seek my face in reassurance until the ride was over. Since then, I have monitored her carefully outside to reassure her that her well-being and comfort is continually my focus.

This week, while playing outside in 20 degree weather, the children were having difficulty keeping mittens on in their attempts to move about and grasp sleds and other snow toys. Her mittens had somehow come off and due to her ultra sensitive nerves, she was crying like a six month old who is in severe pain. My heart was immediately anguished for her and I wanted to swoop like a hawk and rescue her, but a teacher from another classroom stepped in, marched her over to a chair and told her that she had to rest her body since she was supposed to keep her gloves on. The little girl was unconsoleable, frozen, and unable to comprehend what the other teacher was saying. The whole time she was following me with her eyes crying out "Lovie" to me. My heart was so broken.

I realized at that instant, that GOD sees us like this every day. In anguish we seek relief. Is GOD busy or ignoring us or glad we are getting punishment? NEVER. I felt more tender and endeared for this child who was dealing with punishment than I ever have in moments of colour crayons and paint brushes. We can trust GOD to watch over us, love us, have compassion on our frailties, and allow hardships so that we will call out to Him as our Father, "Lovie, come help me!". I was so grateful for this glimpse of GOD's grace.

After this little girl's sentence was served, her gloves were put back on and her feet made their way to my side. Where else could my arms go but enveloping her body as her tears subsided. Once again I kissed her forehead and reassured her that she was my 'Lovie'. Sweeter still is that she stays near my ever-watchful gaze! What a delight it is to be called on for help!

How much more wonderful is a GOD who is perfect in His ever-watchful presence as Comforter.
I Peter 5:7 'Casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you.'

Singing, In Spite Of...

Praise you in this storm



------Casting Crowns

words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms







I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.



Chorus:

And I'll praise you in this storm

and I will lift my hands

for You are who You are

no matter where I am

and every tear I've cried

You hold in your hand

You never left my side

and though my heart is torn

I will praise You in this storm


I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away



Chorus



I lift my eyes onto the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

I lift my eyes onto the hills

where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth



Chorus

Some Wildflowers in my Heart

In the novel Some Wildflowers in my Heart, Jamie Langston Turner builds her story around two main ladies who are diometrically opposed. A delightfully beautiful book dealing with how we as adults become who we are because of or in spite of our past or present circumstances, the story also accurately exposes how we treat each other based on our perceptions. Enter then the aspect of a Christ centered, selfless love in contrast to a self-preservation mentality.

After mulling the plot over while working with difficult co-workers, I have tried to exemplify Birdie Freeman's character and approach, and have found the result to be startlingly similar; things have become more difficult and strange at work. I remember that Margaret Tuttle was so taken back just with Birdie's name and wanted to know who would name their child that and was her name really Birdie. Birdie just smiled and flapped her arms bird style and nodded enthusiastically. Some times I do or say the silliest things just to keep peace, but inside I feel the scalding tears of rejection and disgust. My smile is genuine, although it has to be purposefully initiated at times; my questions of concern are heartfelt, even if they are rebuffed and quashed. It is difficult to keep on keeping on without reprieve, leaving me to feel depleted and questioning what I am doing so offensively.

However...GOD is my resource and as I seek His face and His good pleasure, I know that what others mean as discouragement or displeasure or disgust is not entirely directed toward me. What I mean is that what I hope they see is a heart that loves GOD as well as a heart that loves children and others by exhibiting GOD's love through me. Of course, by all means they have the right to be intolerant of my human foibles, of which there are many! Rather than focus on what I may or may not be doing right or wrong, I long to have my focus be on what GOD requires of me, and that should be enough.

I Kings 2:3 "And keep the charge of the Lord your GOD, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, His commandments, His ordinances, and His testimonies, according to what is written in the law of Moses, that you may succeed in all that you do and wherever you turn."

Micah 6:8 "And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your GOD."

The Beauty of Simplicity

Simple really can be magnificently beautiful, even breathtaking, delectable, in fact.

Take shortbread, for example. Usually contains three basic ingredients with the potential to add a few more for flavour or texture variations. Simple, yet extravagant.

Now add packaging. What do you wrap the world's most famous simple delicacy with?
     Paper of course. Parchment paper preferably, as it is the baker's choice.

With what do you secure the package with?
     Naturally, one would choose the robust string attached to the top of a new flour bag.

What about a little something or other for ornamentation or colour?
     Ask your sister to gather beautiful Oregon fall leaves and send them to you. Slip one under the string.

VOILA! Parcels of love that display extravagance in its simplistic form.

Lightening the Load

Yesterday, I pulled four two-year old children in two sleds simultaneously. Although they sat quietly, except for the occasional plea to go faster, I knew they enjoyed the ride. On the sidelines, there stood a little French girl who watched my circular route, seeming to just take it in without giving any indication of pleasure or concern. I finally pulled up next to her with an empty sled and asked if she would like to ride as well. She climbed in hesitantly and sat down. I started pulling slowly, getting the rhythm of three sleds and five children just right, when I heard the most delicious giggle coming from the newest addition. She was so delighted that I suddenly was able to run around my route, forgetting my heavy load and the increased heart rate!

I thought of how often, GOD pulls the weight of our burdens, making the day more enjoyable, but do we break into that glorious giggle that says 'WOW! Thanks! This is great!'

As I completed my last lap around, I watched the final touches of the sunset's canvas, and smiled, thanking GOD for lightening my day in so many ways.

Trusting the Providential Hand

Where do the northern birds find food and shelter in this frozen landscape?
How do those tiny bodies stay warm?
How do they know to be efficient or persistent foragers or whether they are wasting time in their pursuits?

"For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?
"Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?" Matthew 6:25-26

Obviously we have responsibilities to attend to, and it is resourceful to plan and provide for the upcoming days we may be given. However, first of all, I need to remember to check my plans, intentions and methods with GOD's will and purpose and then rest in His Providence! Secondly, I need to remember to look beyond my life and body and see things from GOD's perspective. For me, that means to see others as more important than myself, to give graciously, to love with selfless GOD-inspired love, and to wear my presence as an ambassadorial representative rather than a one man band.

A Song in the Air

Friday afternoon, I was sitting cross-legged on the floor with a child in my lap, two children beside me and three complete sets of snow gear in varioous stages of zips, snaps, foot insertions, hand uncrumplings, tears, childish attempts of 'do it myself' and frustrated pleas of 'help please'.
To the tune of 'Head and shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes' I sang the following words:

Hats on heads and boots on feet, boots on feet,
Gloves on hands and boots on feet, boots on feet,
Get our snow suits on so we can play outside,
Hats on heads and boots on feet, boots on feet.

(YES, they did in fact need the multiple reminder to keep their boots ON!)

All children's eyes were on me, frustrations dismounted and the rest of the dressing smoothed out. However, my co-worker did not seem to be amused and I questioned my propensity to break into song whenever the one year old tensions start gaining full speed!

I did however recall to mind how often GOD provides a song throughout our day if we would but listen. The music is always playing, whether through a songbird, the whistling of wind through a tree, the rustling of leaves, babbling brooks, the quiet of snowfall, a child's restful breathing, the percussion of rain and thunder, the visual symphony of sunrise or sunset. We are surrounded with GOD's music, and additionally find His eternal song written on our hearts.

Being created in GOD's image, I realized that as I sing songs of the moment to little babes, I am merely reflecting GOD's attributes.

With this in mind, I look forward to Monday's gloves, boots, snowsuits and whatever else threatens peaceful living with a song!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Bon Appétit | October 2002


This needs to chill overnight, so plan accordingly.

Yield: Makes 12 to 16 servings


Crust
9 whole graham crackers (about 4 ounces), broken
1/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

Filling
4 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 15-ounce can pure pumpkin
1 cup whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves


For crust:

Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 350°F. Wrap double layer of heavy-duty foil around outside of 10-inch-diameter springform pan. Combine graham crackers, sugar, and cinnamon in processor. Blend until graham crackers are very finely ground. Drizzle butter over. Using on/off turns, blend until crumbs begin to stick together. Press crumbs onto bottom (not sides) of springform pan. Bake until crust is slightly golden, about 10 minutes. Transfer to rack and cool while preparing filling. Maintain oven temperature.


For filling:

Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and sugar in large bowl until smooth and fluffy. Beat in eggs 1 at a time. Add pumpkin and remaining 7 ingredients. Beat just until blended. Pour filling into prepared crust. Place springform pan in large roasting pan. Add enough water to come halfway up sides of springform pan.

Bake cheesecake until slightly puffed and softly set and top is golden, about 1 1/2 hours. Transfer springform pan to rack and cool. Cover and refrigerate cake overnight.

Using knife, cut around sides of pan to loosen cake. Release pan sides. Cut cheesecake into wedges and serve.



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A Slant of Sunshine

Here up in the North Forty, I am continually astonished to see the weather variations, the sun and moon variances and the way the shadows swathe the landscapes folds.

Perhaps the most lovely to see is the sun's effect on all it touches. The papery bark of the birch tree is haloed by luminescent rays, the wispy limbs remain dark veins across the sky while the whole tree's silhouette lays long and lank in shadowy form on the ground.

As I walk outdoors, the sun is ever present at eye level, keeping time with my footstep, piercing my vision and filtering all I see through its brilliance. This of course is caused by the effect of the earth's tilt on its axis, the location of the far north in relation to the yearly rotation, and the constancy of the sun as a fixed, immovable light source. Is not GOD our fixed and immovable source of divine light, and is He not gracious enough to rotate us off of perpendicular so that we are only able to see Him in all His brilliancy?

All the way

All the way my Savior leads me;
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my Guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,
Cheers each winding path I tread;
Gives me grace for every trial,
Feeds me with the living Bread.
Though my weary steps may falter,
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the Rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.

All the way my Savior leads me
O the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages—
Jesus led me all the way.

Resonating in Oneness

"And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; and He who searches the heart knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for all the saints according to the will of GOD. And we know that GOD causes all things to work together for good to those who love GOD, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:26-28

My inner and outer tears have been real, but my joy has been equally genuine as I lift my petitions and praise Heavenward. There have been moments where words could not be formed, but there is always a heart's cry and a pervasive acknowledgement to seek Him in everything. How wonderful it is to have my own personal translator speaking on my behalf so accurately when words cannot be found.

Today, GOD's grace and kindness rained down through several people and in several essential categories, providing the encouragement necessary to sustain me through the next few steps of stepping heavenward.

As morning dew softly refreshes the ground, so my soul is refreshed with today's dew drops!

Winter Chores

Winter is waiting in the wings for the pace of life to slow down and provide opportunities to pour through the seed catalogs, organic gardening techniques and any other pertinent reading. While the ground sleeps, the plans are sprouting!

Clattering Hopes Hanging in the Wind

As I ventured out my front door, a north wind clattered the few remaining dried leaves clinging to the trees. We too face seasons in life where we are left parched, withered, discouraged, hanging on to the hope that life will come again to nourish, restore and sustain our weary lives. Looking up at the leaves, I was again reminded that as life runs its course of seasons, each is beautiful and glorious in their own right and each serves an on-going purpose of beauty and function.

If we yield to the Master Designer and Creator, we will find a renewed source of life to thrust us into the next season. He will sustain us with His mighty right hand.

Psalm 1
1)How blessed is the man who does not walk in the council of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers!
2)But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.
3)And he shall be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season, and its leaf does not wither and in whatever he does he prospers.
4)The wicked are not so, but they are like chaff which the wind drives away.
5)Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgement, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.
6)For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.