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| The truest harbinger of spring! |
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| Feeding of the five thousand feathers from a single loaf of rye bread! |
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| Solitary flight of a Swan |
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| Frozen ocean |
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| Birch Bark |
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| Ice Crystals pushing up in the pond crevices |
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| Kite flying from a local club |
Sunday, May 1, 2011
A Touch of Spring
I believe it is safe to tsay that Spring had decided to move into the neighborhood and stay for a few weeks. Here are the multiple choice options for you to decide which belong to my Arctic Spring, and which does not!
So......which one photo doesn't belong in my Spring?
Walking a Clydesdale
For the past eight days, I have been the owner of a delightful dog and enjoying all the chores and joys that accompany said ownership.
Due to the size of this magnifiscent beast, I discovered more humourous moments than expected, such as this photo suggests:
I never expected to be eclipsed by the shadow of a dog, but he has about 30 pounds on me. When he stands on his hind legs with front paws on my shoulders, I can look directly at his rabies tag. NEAT, considering that his neck still has another eight inches before reaching the bottom of his jowls.
Sam loved, adored and was overjoyed with Morty, the lion cat! Morty, however felt that Sam was more like a mangy giraffe with slobber. Eventually, they did learn to relax around each other, one by toning down the intensity while the other realized there was nothing life-threatening. Here they are playing with a laser dot together.
We played soccer together, ran and walked about seven miles a day, retrieved thrown toys, played hide and seek, watched the clouds float by, listened to birds and enjoyed nature. It has been a lovey week full of laughter and companionship. I will miss you, Sam!
We played soccer together, ran and walked about seven miles a day, retrieved thrown toys, played hide and seek, watched the clouds float by, listened to birds and enjoyed nature. It has been a lovey week full of laughter and companionship. I will miss you, Sam!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Resurrection Sunday 2011
What a glorious sunrise service I had this morning!
First off, I was not expecting to see sun.
Secondly, I had something I wanted to communicate to GOD.
Thirdly, I was overwhelmed by what He communicated to me.
This was my first image of the morning:
1.One day when heaven was filled with His praises,
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—
Dwelt among men, my example is He!
◦Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
One day He's coming—O glorious day!
2.One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected;
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He.
3.One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He.
4.One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore.
5.One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glory will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!
First off, I was not expecting to see sun.
Secondly, I had something I wanted to communicate to GOD.
Thirdly, I was overwhelmed by what He communicated to me.
This was my first image of the morning:
Hymns and verses came up from my heart and out into this Arctic spring morning, all of them with the common theme of the cross, the resurrection, faithfulness, adoration, solid hymns of my faith like Great is Thy Faithfulness, At the Cross, All Glory, Laud and Honour, and One Day.
One day when sin was as black as could be,
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin—
Dwelt among men, my example is He!
◦Living, He loved me; dying, He saved me;
Buried, He carried my sins far away;
Rising, He justified freely forever:
One day He's coming—O glorious day!
2.One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain,
One day they nailed Him to die on the tree;
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected;
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He.
3.One day they left Him alone in the garden,
One day He rested, from suffering free;
Angels came down o'er His tomb to keep vigil;
Hope of the hopeless, my Savior is He.
4.One day the grave could conceal Him no longer,
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore.
5.One day the trumpet will sound for His coming,
One day the skies with His glory will shine;
Wonderful day, my beloved ones bringing;
Glorious Savior, this Jesus is mine!
As I watched the clouds and light shift each moment, GOD's promises flooded through my mind.
- The sun never fails to shine; however, there are objects which frequently block it from our sight. It does not diminish the sun's purpose, but it's presence is not as keenly felt.
- Just as the sun rises each morning, with little thought from us, so too does GOD's presence fill each day, often with little thought from us.
- There were small clouds that displayed rainbow colours, reminding me that GOD has made a covenant of compassion with us.
Lamentations 3:21-25 says
"This I recall to my mind, therefore I have hope.
The Lord's lovingkindness indeed never ceases, for His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning: Great is Thy faithfulness.
'The Lord is my portion', says my soul, 'therefore I have hope in Him'.
The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the person who seeks Him."
The life of Jesus from birth to death to resurrection truly is unfathomable in its scope. The truths I am able to distill are indeed marvelous. I am amazed and grateful to think of His sacrifice for me and you. When I think of my own heart, I have never displayed any semblance of love and selflessess on behalf of another when contrasted with the purity of GOD's ultimate gift toward us. Learning to love like Jesus is not a human ability; rather it takes the Divine indwelling to prompt and prick this former heart of dust that has been made righteous through the ultimate act of love and selflessness. As in the parable, because I have been forgiven much, I have no reason not to forgive others. As in the song above, Jesus "dwelt among men, my example to be".
This picture took my breath away as I saw the imagery of Jesus being the LIGHT, dying on the cross and bridging the gap between light and darkness, heaven and hell. I saw the sun beam reaching toward me, could feel its warmth and understood what GOD was trying to convey at that moment.
Just like Christmas, I am grateful that Easter is a 365 day a year celebration!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Preparations
This week has been very thought provoking in preparation for Good Friday and Easter. The symbolisms and cultural contrasts have been very astonishing as I listen to my own thoughts and the conversations around me.
My Korean co-worker, whose church I attended last Sunday, really blessed me as I listened to her purposeful preparations for her heart as she looks forward to this coming Resurrection Sunday. She gave me a list of passages that she is working through each day, mirroring the last week of Christ's earthly life. As she translated each of the passages and topics per day, she choked up and overflowed with tears as she arrived at Friday, speaking of Christ's suffering and imploring me to fast as I think of His suffering so much on our behalf.
I am so grateful for her heart, for her encouragement, for her obvious love, adoration and devotion to our Saviour.
My Korean co-worker, whose church I attended last Sunday, really blessed me as I listened to her purposeful preparations for her heart as she looks forward to this coming Resurrection Sunday. She gave me a list of passages that she is working through each day, mirroring the last week of Christ's earthly life. As she translated each of the passages and topics per day, she choked up and overflowed with tears as she arrived at Friday, speaking of Christ's suffering and imploring me to fast as I think of His suffering so much on our behalf.
I am so grateful for her heart, for her encouragement, for her obvious love, adoration and devotion to our Saviour.
Six Pence
Shave and a hair cut.....six pence.
If you want more than one hair cut, it is around $25 dollars.
If you actually want a specific hair style, say, a lion cut.....plan to spend around $75!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
2011 Arctic Spring Fashion Show
This season, the arctic is sporting natural colours, mostly beige and brown, dusty tones with highlights of graphite dots. Here and there are touches of sparkle and white, with traces of the occasional blue. Green is definitely passe, and pink is ne'er to be seen. Yellow will be arriving late in the season just before summer. As for black, it is not your friend in this season's hot trend.
Weekend sampler
My weekend has been very enjoyeable. The weather is gorgeous, much like Labour Day camping in the mountains with warm sun on the face but crisp cold in the shadows.. I baked, made three varieties of caramel, embroidered, read, candied orange slices, went for a drive and a walk, attended a new church, listened to beautiful classic music.
All of these things are my favourites. Each gives me great delight and pleasure, summoning all my senses. I expressed gratitude many times for the abilitiy to enjoy these things, even feeling overwhelmed by the colour, texture, smell, design and flavour of raspberries. These are all great wholesome delights and yet....I realized that I was still longing for more, like more than just listening to the classical music, I longed to feel it, smell it colour it.
My first thought was that I wasn't being grateful enough, but I could not have been more sincere or appreciative. It made me realize that I was longing for the complete perfection of heaven. It is wonderful to enjoy GOD's abundant gifts, blessings and bestowements on us now but it is healthy to enjoy them with eternity as the backdrop that this earthly pleasure contrasts.
Putting this into perspective would be like relishing a kindergarten drawing. It is beautiful, exquisite and sensational that little fingers who cannot even put their own hair into a pony tail could grasp the concepts of space and proportions with paper and crayon. We appreciate the quality in light of view of the source. However, knowing that there is something of greater perfection and lasting value, we can enjoy the refridgerator art for this year and the Mona Lisa until earth is no longer.
Heaven is and will be perfection for us. While on this imperfect earth we are to enjoy everything that GOD Himself pronounced "good", but in doing so, our hearts should yearn for the perfect something that only GOD and heaven will afford.
All of these things are my favourites. Each gives me great delight and pleasure, summoning all my senses. I expressed gratitude many times for the abilitiy to enjoy these things, even feeling overwhelmed by the colour, texture, smell, design and flavour of raspberries. These are all great wholesome delights and yet....I realized that I was still longing for more, like more than just listening to the classical music, I longed to feel it, smell it colour it.
My first thought was that I wasn't being grateful enough, but I could not have been more sincere or appreciative. It made me realize that I was longing for the complete perfection of heaven. It is wonderful to enjoy GOD's abundant gifts, blessings and bestowements on us now but it is healthy to enjoy them with eternity as the backdrop that this earthly pleasure contrasts.
Putting this into perspective would be like relishing a kindergarten drawing. It is beautiful, exquisite and sensational that little fingers who cannot even put their own hair into a pony tail could grasp the concepts of space and proportions with paper and crayon. We appreciate the quality in light of view of the source. However, knowing that there is something of greater perfection and lasting value, we can enjoy the refridgerator art for this year and the Mona Lisa until earth is no longer.
Heaven is and will be perfection for us. While on this imperfect earth we are to enjoy everything that GOD Himself pronounced "good", but in doing so, our hearts should yearn for the perfect something that only GOD and heaven will afford.
Passing for a Korean
As I sat near the back of a Korean church today, my heart resonated with this non-English speaking crowd. My heart and eyes swelled with tears as I heard and understood "Hallelujah!". In heaven, every tongue and tribe will be present, with this universal word coming from our redeemed hearts. It is the same word spoken in every hill and dale of every continent and island. My emotions were barely contained as I realized that although I could not understand what was being preached, I knew what was being spoken, from Whom it was derived and to Whom it was offered. It was a beautiful service with the speaker speaking to my heart from his imploring one.
The passage was Luke 22:54-62, and the jist of the sermon was this:
Jesus knew that Simon Peter was going to betray Him and even gave Peter warning and a signal. Peter chose to deny that he was one of Christ's followers. This ties to our every day living where we do not boldly show,proclain, live that we do indeed serve Christ as Lord and Master.
Once the signaling rooster crowed, Simon Peter caught the gaze of Christ, his Lord and Master. Jesus looked directly at Peter. The eyes were not angry but merciful. It was at this that Peter wept bitterly, showing a genuine repentence in his heart. The proof was his dedicated life to the service of his King, even to death. The sum of the serman was poised that Satan does everything possible to keep our gaze off of Jesus so we cannot see His direct gaze of love and mercy. If we did meet His gaze, we would be transformed to follow after God's daily will, abandoning all else that would distance us from Himself.
The congregation wept at this serman. Without fully enderstanding, I too felt tears that the hearts of my fellow worshippers were moved to receive this Heavenly Word.
When I heard the translation afterward,all the pieces fell into place and I saw the whole picture. The translator told me that she did not know who she was translating for, that she thought I was Korean from the back. How dear that GOD does not see us as nationalities but as His Holy and Beloved ones. Through the welcoming arms of this church, I too felt beloved!
I will be back!
By the way...I had my first Korean food. I stuck with the mild non-red dishes and found them rather tasty!
The passage was Luke 22:54-62, and the jist of the sermon was this:
Jesus knew that Simon Peter was going to betray Him and even gave Peter warning and a signal. Peter chose to deny that he was one of Christ's followers. This ties to our every day living where we do not boldly show,proclain, live that we do indeed serve Christ as Lord and Master.
Once the signaling rooster crowed, Simon Peter caught the gaze of Christ, his Lord and Master. Jesus looked directly at Peter. The eyes were not angry but merciful. It was at this that Peter wept bitterly, showing a genuine repentence in his heart. The proof was his dedicated life to the service of his King, even to death. The sum of the serman was poised that Satan does everything possible to keep our gaze off of Jesus so we cannot see His direct gaze of love and mercy. If we did meet His gaze, we would be transformed to follow after God's daily will, abandoning all else that would distance us from Himself.
The congregation wept at this serman. Without fully enderstanding, I too felt tears that the hearts of my fellow worshippers were moved to receive this Heavenly Word.
When I heard the translation afterward,all the pieces fell into place and I saw the whole picture. The translator told me that she did not know who she was translating for, that she thought I was Korean from the back. How dear that GOD does not see us as nationalities but as His Holy and Beloved ones. Through the welcoming arms of this church, I too felt beloved!
I will be back!
By the way...I had my first Korean food. I stuck with the mild non-red dishes and found them rather tasty!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Sighted: Signs of Spring
Within one week, my world has changed from daily morning snowfall, to the warmth of afternoon sunshine. Everywhere I look, the snow recedes, grasses limp themselves upward to the newly revealed sunlight, winter indoor critters lie happily in the warm beams, mountains reveal their vertebral spine, the smell of green perfumes the air.
It will be weeks yet before the lawns are green or the trees start unfurling their chloropyhyll umbrellas, but in the meantime I will keep an eager eye for the daily spring revelations waking from winter hibernation.
Here are the last few days of my spring!
It will be weeks yet before the lawns are green or the trees start unfurling their chloropyhyll umbrellas, but in the meantime I will keep an eager eye for the daily spring revelations waking from winter hibernation.
Here are the last few days of my spring!
I fed these ducks (and the twenty surrounding them) my homemade molasses pumpkin ginger cookies. They loved them so much that the females were actually quacking in unison waiting for me to break apart the cookie for them! It was hilarious! The males were the most beautiful I think I have seen; the irridescence was so magnifiscent. Perhaps after a muted three tone winter, their colour was just a premium for my sight!
I saw the cat running to me looking rather scared. I did not know why until I left for work five minutes later and saw the moose in my very own backyard! Thank you to whoever bought me this gift....I named her Emilia and invited her back for pumpkin scones! The irony of Emilia being in my fenced back yard was that just yesterday I posted thanks for GOD's protection. Just one more reminder of His faithfulness!
Morty the cat, enjoying a spring outing without moose in the yard! The snow was receding quickly and soggy grass popping up for fresh air!
Spring weather can be so unpredictable and variable! Above is a picture to the West of the house while the picture below was taken at the same time but facing East. Strange! It was snowing.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Thanksgiving in Spring
It has been eight months now since I first uttered my prayer to GOD for safety from moose during my daily bike ride. My request was to not even see a moose while I was on bike.
With heartfelt gratitude to a GOD who hears, sees and knows my needs before I have comprehension of them myself or formed them into words, I can say that I did not see one this winter while biking.
However, the same week that this truck was loaned to me, I saw my first moose meandering alongside the road. There have been many beautiful moose since, too many to count, but they are all reminders of GOD's faithfulness, His protection and presence in my life.
With heartfelt gratitude to a GOD who hears, sees and knows my needs before I have comprehension of them myself or formed them into words, I can say that I did not see one this winter while biking.
However, the same week that this truck was loaned to me, I saw my first moose meandering alongside the road. There have been many beautiful moose since, too many to count, but they are all reminders of GOD's faithfulness, His protection and presence in my life.
Hearing the Truth
Grace and Truth is one of my favourite websites, offering a banquet for spiritual hunger. www.graceandtruthbooks.com
Modern churches are leaving me with a feeling of anemia and insatiable hunger. With the items I have purchased from Grace and Truth, however, just a few sentences leave me at a standstill, eager to hear again and again the words of truth spoken so powerfully strong. No jokes, no funnies, no dilluted terminology. Pure words that serve as a perfect key in the lock of my heart, opening my soul to GOD in His holiness.
Currently I am listening to The Valley of Vision, narrated by Max McLean. It is a collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions, a compilation of poems and writings written by men like John Bunyan who knew and experienced GOD in a closeness which we in all our pompous luxury and comfortable existence are insulated from.
I pray that my heart will be moved to love and adore my Creator who made me, and my Saviour who secured me to the creature GOD originally designed me to be.
Modern churches are leaving me with a feeling of anemia and insatiable hunger. With the items I have purchased from Grace and Truth, however, just a few sentences leave me at a standstill, eager to hear again and again the words of truth spoken so powerfully strong. No jokes, no funnies, no dilluted terminology. Pure words that serve as a perfect key in the lock of my heart, opening my soul to GOD in His holiness.
I pray that my heart will be moved to love and adore my Creator who made me, and my Saviour who secured me to the creature GOD originally designed me to be.
The Sweetness of a Saturday
A day off, for repose and refreshment.
What were the ingredients for success?
What were the ingredients for success?
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| Proper Tea Service |
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| Tantalizing Treats |
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| Floral Delights |
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| Great Darjeeling Tea |
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| Handiwork for a friend's new arrival |
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| Sweet Refreshment |
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| Pretty accoutrements |
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| Life is so enjoyable! |
Monday, April 4, 2011
Signing your name with an X, an I, or something else
While listening to Casting Crowns "Lifesong", I was humbled by the following phrase:
'I want to sign your name to the end of this day, knowing that my heart was true,
Let my lifesong sing to You.'
Many people sign the day off with an X, just chance, nobody's fault, nobody's responsibility, it just happened as a matter of fate.
So often in my daily assessment, I sign my name to how I did or did not do, while nodding acknowledgement for GOD's enablement, but that focus is very wrong. If I truly want to be an empty vessel, embodying the goodness of GOD's character, then it was not I, but Christ living in me. I should be humbled that GOD would choose me to bear His image, working through me to accomplish what is most glorifying to Him, what showcases His abilities, what allows Him to be seen. My human foibles and insecurities, my very sin nature grabs a few of the glory beams for my own gratification, but ends up as tarnished trophies on the dusty unseen shelves of my heart.
It really is unbelievable that GOD would continue to entrust His work to the next contestant of "Look at me...I've got talent"!
Lifesong lyrics by Casting Crowns
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
'I want to sign your name to the end of this day, knowing that my heart was true,
Let my lifesong sing to You.'
Many people sign the day off with an X, just chance, nobody's fault, nobody's responsibility, it just happened as a matter of fate.
So often in my daily assessment, I sign my name to how I did or did not do, while nodding acknowledgement for GOD's enablement, but that focus is very wrong. If I truly want to be an empty vessel, embodying the goodness of GOD's character, then it was not I, but Christ living in me. I should be humbled that GOD would choose me to bear His image, working through me to accomplish what is most glorifying to Him, what showcases His abilities, what allows Him to be seen. My human foibles and insecurities, my very sin nature grabs a few of the glory beams for my own gratification, but ends up as tarnished trophies on the dusty unseen shelves of my heart.
It really is unbelievable that GOD would continue to entrust His work to the next contestant of "Look at me...I've got talent"!
Lifesong lyrics by Casting Crowns
Empty hands held high
Such small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight
May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign Your name to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You
Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be Your hands and feet
So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You
Hallelujah
Hallelujah
Let my lifesong sing to You
Monday, March 28, 2011
Needing a Cup of Comfort
Standing in line at my job's on-site coffee shop, an employee ahead of me was relegated one step backwards by an intruder taking cuts. He saw his error and quickly offered her spot back in line. The barista said it was okay, that she chould start her drink while checking his items out. The employee stood by unruffled as she announced to him, "she knows what I like".
The lights went on and reminded me of all the times when I have stood in line, gotten up early, been on budgets, but still was determnied to get my hands on a steaming cup of something. It isn't the caffeine, or the warmth we are able to derive from a four dollar drink. Rather, it is the purchase and exchange of recognition, a smile, being known by someone, having someone know your likes and dislikes and when it might be okay to surprise you or change things up a bit. It is filling one of our greatest needs in life....being valued. We are missed when we do not stop by the coffee line. We are remembered! We are anticipated!
I have been in coffee shops that know if my schedule has changed because I am an hour later or earlier, or they have my drink ready for me three cars back because they know what I drive. You cannot sell or train for that kind of marketing strategy. It is heart to heart.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Saturday, March 12, 2011
The Week in Startling Contrast
This week I experienced the fringe edge of death, near death and pending death.
Though I did not know any of these people personally, I found a unique life bond with each one. All were sandwiched around my age bracket, all were unexpected, all left families behind, all were theoretically preventable. This and more lended a deeper gravity.
The one that caused me to reflect the most was a thirty-seven year old. After her organs were harvested, I awaited the Medical Examiner's arrival. When we unzipped the body bag to identify her and sign the release paperwork, I was unprepared for the flurry of thoughts that raced. Here are the two most profound:
In life, we identify each other by our face, colour of eyes, hair colour, facial features and their corresponding shapes, te reputation of the person's name. In death, we identify each other by a usually hidden toe, and an attached tag with an impersonal name.
The entire body was shrouded in a vinyl bag. I was struck by the contrast to those temporary vinyl bags we store our clothes in. Death is very much like this vinyl. For those who have never known GOD intimitely, their death is like being zipped in a body bag, but as believers in our Saviour & Redeemer, our death is more like the temporary garment bag, merely holding our outer garments.
Profound thoughts. Weighty issues. Joyous discovery! Grateful praise!
Though I did not know any of these people personally, I found a unique life bond with each one. All were sandwiched around my age bracket, all were unexpected, all left families behind, all were theoretically preventable. This and more lended a deeper gravity.
The one that caused me to reflect the most was a thirty-seven year old. After her organs were harvested, I awaited the Medical Examiner's arrival. When we unzipped the body bag to identify her and sign the release paperwork, I was unprepared for the flurry of thoughts that raced. Here are the two most profound:
In life, we identify each other by our face, colour of eyes, hair colour, facial features and their corresponding shapes, te reputation of the person's name. In death, we identify each other by a usually hidden toe, and an attached tag with an impersonal name.
The entire body was shrouded in a vinyl bag. I was struck by the contrast to those temporary vinyl bags we store our clothes in. Death is very much like this vinyl. For those who have never known GOD intimitely, their death is like being zipped in a body bag, but as believers in our Saviour & Redeemer, our death is more like the temporary garment bag, merely holding our outer garments.
Profound thoughts. Weighty issues. Joyous discovery! Grateful praise!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Two Months Ago...
Just befor Christmas, I wrote my last entry. Although sixty days have elapsed, I have no way to capture each moment that seemed significant, but here are some of my highlights:
Nevertheless, I wish to say that I am always grateful for GOD's provision, His goodness and mercy, His presence and faithfulness, His reminders to draw near to Him and long for something greater than this world offers!
1. Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary's mountain.
Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.
2. Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me.
(Refrain)
3. Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o'er me.
(Refrain)
4. Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river.
(Refrain)
- The smiley face of the golden moon boomeranging the horizon.
- The lengthening of daylight each day
- Amber sunshine spotlighting the land and skyscape
- Sunrises and sunsets in every shade from liquid gold to crimson
- A big Chevy truck to at my disposal
- Sad moments that brought teachable lessons
- Unexpected joys
- Unkindness that gave pause for thought
- Kindness of people
- Snow flakes, in all sizes, patterns and shapes
- A shy cat learning to trust me
Nevertheless, I wish to say that I am always grateful for GOD's provision, His goodness and mercy, His presence and faithfulness, His reminders to draw near to Him and long for something greater than this world offers!
1. Jesus, keep me near the cross;
there a precious fountain,
free to all, a healing stream,
flows from Calvary's mountain.
Refrain:
In the cross, in the cross,
be my glory ever,
till my raptured soul shall find
rest beyond the river.
2. Near the cross, a trembling soul,
love and mercy found me;
there the bright and morning star
sheds its beams around me.
(Refrain)
3. Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
bring its scenes before me;
help me walk from day to day
with its shadow o'er me.
(Refrain)
4. Near the cross I'll watch and wait,
hoping, trusting ever,
till I reach the golden strand
just beyond the river.
(Refrain)
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Words of Strength and Hope
Morning Devotion
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
"I will strengthen thee." {#Isa 41:10}
God has a strong reserve with which to discharge this engagement; for he is able to do all things. Believer, till thou canst drain dry the ocean of omnipotence, till thou canst break into pieces the towering mountains of almighty strength, thou never needest to fear. Think not that the strength of man shall ever be able to overcome the power of God. Whilst the earth’s huge pillars stand, thou hast enough reason to abide firm in thy faith. The same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply thee with daily strength. While he is able to uphold the universe, dream not that he will prove unable to fulfil his own promises. Remember what he did in the days of old, in the former generations. Remember how he spake and it was done; how he commanded, and it stood fast. Shall he that created the world grow weary? He hangeth the world upon nothing; shall he who doth this be unable to support his children? Shall he be unfaithful to his word for want of power? Who is it that restrains the tempest? Doth not he ride upon the wings of the wind, and make the clouds his chariots, and hold the ocean in the hollow of his hand? How can he fail thee? When he has put such a faithful promise as this on record, wilt thou for a moment indulge the thought that he has outpromised himself, and gone beyond his power to fulfil? Ah, no! Thou canst doubt no longer.
O thou who art my God and my strength, I can believe that this promise shall be fulfilled, for the boundless reservoir of thy grace can never be exhausted, and the overflowing storehouse of thy strength can never be emptied by thy friends or rifled by thine enemies.
Now let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah’s arm their song.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
"I will strengthen thee." {#Isa 41:10}
God has a strong reserve with which to discharge this engagement; for he is able to do all things. Believer, till thou canst drain dry the ocean of omnipotence, till thou canst break into pieces the towering mountains of almighty strength, thou never needest to fear. Think not that the strength of man shall ever be able to overcome the power of God. Whilst the earth’s huge pillars stand, thou hast enough reason to abide firm in thy faith. The same God who directs the earth in its orbit, who feeds the burning furnace of the sun, and trims the lamps of heaven, has promised to supply thee with daily strength. While he is able to uphold the universe, dream not that he will prove unable to fulfil his own promises. Remember what he did in the days of old, in the former generations. Remember how he spake and it was done; how he commanded, and it stood fast. Shall he that created the world grow weary? He hangeth the world upon nothing; shall he who doth this be unable to support his children? Shall he be unfaithful to his word for want of power? Who is it that restrains the tempest? Doth not he ride upon the wings of the wind, and make the clouds his chariots, and hold the ocean in the hollow of his hand? How can he fail thee? When he has put such a faithful promise as this on record, wilt thou for a moment indulge the thought that he has outpromised himself, and gone beyond his power to fulfil? Ah, no! Thou canst doubt no longer.
O thou who art my God and my strength, I can believe that this promise shall be fulfilled, for the boundless reservoir of thy grace can never be exhausted, and the overflowing storehouse of thy strength can never be emptied by thy friends or rifled by thine enemies.
Now let the feeble all be strong,
And make Jehovah’s arm their song.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Addition and Subtraction
Subtract snowfall, Add snow.
Subtract sunlight, Add lamplight.
Subtract temperature, Add windchill.
Subtract noise, Add serenity.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving
Proclamation Establishing Thanksgiving Day
October 3, 1863
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
A. Lincoln
October 3, 1863
The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years, with large increase of freedom.
No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American people. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquillity and Union.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the seal of the United States to be affixed.
Done at the city of Washington, this third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the independence of the United States the eighty-eighth.
A. Lincoln
Madman or Angry Moose?
These were my choices.
To my left was an icy road with little traffic, but enough open space to pedal fast and allow a wide girth to dodge any angry moose. However, there was a madman who sped up as he passed me, cranked his steering wheel and did a complete cookie right in front of me.....on purpose, no less, and then headed back my direction.
To my right was an even more ice laden sidewalk, hedged in by a wall of plowed snow on the road side and delicious tasting trees and brush for moose to hide in and feast upon to the other side
On this particular night, I chose the zamboni slicked sidewalk without the ability to escape moose. My logic was that GOD could reason with the moose to keep them away from me, naturally. A madman on the other hand, well, it appears that he willingly relinquished that Divine Voice of reason!
To my left was an icy road with little traffic, but enough open space to pedal fast and allow a wide girth to dodge any angry moose. However, there was a madman who sped up as he passed me, cranked his steering wheel and did a complete cookie right in front of me.....on purpose, no less, and then headed back my direction.
To my right was an even more ice laden sidewalk, hedged in by a wall of plowed snow on the road side and delicious tasting trees and brush for moose to hide in and feast upon to the other side
On this particular night, I chose the zamboni slicked sidewalk without the ability to escape moose. My logic was that GOD could reason with the moose to keep them away from me, naturally. A madman on the other hand, well, it appears that he willingly relinquished that Divine Voice of reason!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Favourite Moments From Today
- Waking to a ten degree, clear blue sky morning.
- Hearing birds outside enjoying the golden arctic sun.
- Seeing the slant of sunshine cast very long wands of light across the snow-scaped earth.
- Observing little critters footprints in the snow.
- Feeling the sun, wind and bracing air on my face.
- Having GOD capture all my tears and record from whence they came!!!
Put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Gripping Action
After weighing my options and weathering two weeks of snow and ice, I have finally purchased studded bike tires to replace my nearly bald tires! The fellows at the tire store seemed a bit amused at my cream stockings, grey wool breeches (knickers), how I stayed clean and perhaps that I was the only lady in the shop.
(As a side note, after a heavy snow fall my co-worker and I arrived simultaneously at work, he, commenting on the difficult commute, adding that it separates the boys from the men, but since I managed the ride as well, he couldn't say that! I will take that as a compliment!)
After selecting Nokian studs with temperature adjusting rubber, and having them mounted for me, I was off and running, or rather riding, or rather, sliding. It was no easy task, however, due to the rigidness of the ride and the independent stearing action between the front and rear wheel. I had to completely slow the whole process down until I could get a feel for the new ride. It felt like I was riding one of those extra long fire trucks with the driving rear end. It also felt like I was a woodpecker hammering the ground; I felt positively jarred by the end of my day!
These new tires are definitely going to take some getting used to, but hopefully with the deeper tread and the little ice picks I will maintain good safety this winter.
In addition to the tire safety, I also purchased head and taillights, and my favourite....TireFlys!!! Isn't that a sweet name? They are valve stem covers that are action activated lights, highlighting the wheel movement. When I have seen a few others with them, they stand out more than the head/taillight combo due to the motion and uniqueness of the lights which is quite helpful in a winter climate. Truth be told, I bought them especially for their name!
Covenant Promises
Yesterday, I arrived home five minutes prior to my land lady. She informed me that she had seen two moose on the drive on to the property and was wanting me to be careful. I smiled in my heart, knowing that this was proof of GOD's Providential Hand of keeping me safe. He was honouring my prayer to not even see a moose on my biking excursions. How blessed I am to have such a Father who faileth not, despite my own faithlessness.
Just like the the rainbow covenant, where GOD placed the bow into the sky that whenever we see it we may be reminded of His promise not to destroy the earth by flood again, so is this near encounter with a mother and young moose pair.
Just like the the rainbow covenant, where GOD placed the bow into the sky that whenever we see it we may be reminded of His promise not to destroy the earth by flood again, so is this near encounter with a mother and young moose pair.
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