Heartnut

Wednesday morning we left at 7 am to head off for Troy's appointment in Hamilton with the surgeon that keeps an eye on him.  As a mom I always have my own ideas and thoughts of what we want for Troy.  Not always remembering it is not up to me.  For God only knows the plans for Troy.  None the less I really had the expectations they would considering doing Hamstring lengthening surgery on Troy since he has grown so much and is crouching alot more.  More honestly I wanted them to say she would schedule the surgery.  It may sound strange for a mom to want her child to go into surgery for a third time however I know what his last hamstring surgery did for him and would love for Troy to have that again.

"Hi lovey, I have something special for you at the end of our appointment,"  Dr. Burrow said as she walked into our room. 

I had my battle words ready.  She asked Troy to walk up and down the hall and asked him how much stretching he is doing.  Well stretching is a huge battle but he is getting some stretches with his stander at school.  Up Troy went on the examining bed where she flexed both legs.

"I still see no need at this point for surgery.  More and more we are finding in older kids it is beneficial to do an increase of therapy stretches.  His left leg is surgery material but there is no point doing one leg and not the other.  He would 20% muscle use after surgery,"  Dr. Burrow said. 

How can I argue with that?  How far do I push?  Do we get a second opinion? 

Dr. Burrow continued, "We could try leg casting for a couple of weeks and see how that goes.  Come back the end of March and we can discuss it further.  For now try to get 3-4 hours with his gator on along with his leg brace for really good stretching."

The conversation went further  and was ended as she left the room to get that something special for Troy. "Do you have any nut allergies?" Burrows asked out in the hall.

"No!" I replied thinking yippppy we are getting candy oh I mean Troy was getting candy.

In she comes with a little baggy with nut shells.  "Have you ever heard of the heartnut?" she asked.

"The heartnut?" I asked back puzzled.  In seconds my mouth dropped as she was showing us what the heartnut/shell looked like.

 

Turns out this is an amazing tree and the nuts are very nutritious.  That aside Troy explained to the doctor that I love finding hearts everywhere.  Who knew God was making a tree full of hearts. 

 

My heart then revealed that it was yet another small message from God in those heart shells that He is in control of Troy. Trust Him and do not be in a hurry for surgery.  Just like his last visit we had a rainbow on the way home. 

God we hear you this time.  We will wait!

 

I totally want this tree.

Trying to feel included

Lord be with Troy as he deals with feeling left out.



This morning I stood at Troy's classroom door waiting for the teacher to notice my presence.  "Can I see Troy please for a minute," I asked once noticed. 

Troy comes out of the classroom and we sit on the bench where he has his backpack, outdoor clothing and walker.

Before  I got a word out about why I was there Troy says, "Mom today we were playing basket ball in gym and no one passed the ball to me.  There is no point in my going out if no one is passing the ball to me."  I could see his eyes getting watery and my heart wanted to jump out and wipe his tears.  I asked him if there was a teacher in with them and he confirmed there was.  I then asked if he said something to the teacher about being involved and he said he did not.  

"You should tell the teacher how you feel bud," I tried to say convincingly.  "Or talk to the principal or we can go right now if you would like," I said trying to think of ways to resolve his broken heart. 

"Its OK mom we are starting a new unit, floor hockey.  If it happens with that I will say something." he said like Troy always says. 

He does not want to be the one to always run to the teacher or principal.  As a parent I even find it hard to speak up sometimes knowing that teachers, principals or whoever I am trying to explain something to will always have an excuse as to why it is happening.  Step down to an 11 year old level and they can not figure out why they are all not treated the same.  He wonders if it is because of his special needs that no one wants to throw the ball to him.  He wonders why the teacher would not make sure everyone is involved especially if marks are at risk. 

Often times they just assume Troy is doing what he can but do not really try to include him beyond the scope.   The problem irks me because I know it is not just Troy who feels left out at school.  There are hundreds of kids who get left behind because the focus remains on the easy, high marked, athletic kids.  Or even focus  on just doing a job and adhering to rules passed on.

Why do Christians think faith should be at school?  Read the above.  In the bible no one is left out.  In the bible the focus is not on the top people who believe.  No! Scripture after scripture Jesus had faith in tax collectors (disciple), the sick, the sinners etc. This list goes on.  He included them all and expects that from us all.  Jesus just wants people to love each other the best we can.

Many say faith should remain at home and dealt with privately or at church.  The truth is it is hard to teach them love for everyone when they do not even feel like they fully get it from a place they are at 6 hours a day.  Who ever changed the fact that school should only include academics and wean out love and compassion for others.   I am not saying there is none of this at school I believe it is diminishing.  Is it not fair as a parent to say all I want is for my kids to feel loved even at school.  To me a human being feeling loved is so much more fulfilling then A's in school.  We don't get into Heaven with straight A's. 

At the same time we need to prepare Troy for those times when he feels left out.  It breaks my heart when it happens at school when an adult is in charge of inclusiveness. 

Troy and I decided he would type up a letter for his gym teacher to say how he felt.  Awareness is always good.  Reminders are always good.  I know I need them once in a while.  OK I know most days I could use reminders.

Junior kindergarten

As Bella pulls out her agenda after a full day of school she hands me a blue sheet

of paper and says, "Mommy this is for Emma.  Can I fill it out?"  I think to myself for Emma?  Why would Emma get mail from the "big school?'

I told Bella to let me read the paper first.  As I skimmed down the sheet I quickly noticed "junior kindergarten registration is..."  Oh gosh.  I am not ready for big school for Emma yet.  Even though Emma is three years old, four this October she has only been with our family for a year and a half.  It feels like we just gave birth to her.  How could I possibly let our baby go to big school?

More important question I struggle with is why send her so early?  Does she really need to be in school so early?  Does God need her to be in school at only 4 years old, 5 days a week for 6 hours a day?  For me it is more then whether she is ready or not.  Even if she is ready does Emma need school 5 days a week?  Will it really affect her 20 years down the road when she is getting a job?  I think of all the "smartie pants" people in the world (inventors, RIM designers, etc) and they seem OK not having school at 4 years old.

Bella had JK every other day the first year and then our school started to the full day program for her SK year.  We decided it was best not to conform to the worldly decision of what is best for her and still sent her every other day as did a few other parents with their little ones. 

So if Emma goes to JK a decision needs to be made that best suits her needs.  The fun part is I already know God has amazing plans for her with JK or not.  I also know I need to talk to Him and see what he puts on our hearts for His princess.  Not earthly minds thinking they know what is best for a little girl they have never met or read what is on two pages of paper.

I believe that the teachers do an amazing job with what they are given in the classrooms and handed down by the school boards.  I am not questioning teachers and their work. 

I am a mom that has been able to stay home now for over 10 years which allows me the privilege of my children staying home.  I can not say whether or not it would be the same if I worked.  I dare not even begin to guess what working full time would be like.  Part-time work is enough.

Today I grabbed a pen and filled out the registration forms.  The work begins to get Immunization records, birth certificates and the list of her team members like speech, occupational and phsyiotherapists.  How do I write out all her specialities on paper LOL.

The conversation begins well I should say continues with God as He reveals to us what is best for our little princess this September.

Blogging

One of my goals for the new year was to blog everyday.  I am not to far off but not exactly where I wanted to be.

I realize there are so many things that get to the top of my list.  Blogging may be on my list of to-do's for 2014 but what does God have in store for me this year?

While I may feel like I am failing my goal, God reminds me blogging is my plan.  He supports me as I write but He definitely fills up my time the days I do not write.

It can take up to one hour to put my words down and find pictures to go along.  Add to that  distractions and the clock runs longer.

Why to blog?  I feel I have lots to write about and a lot of times what I write down flows out of what God has put on my heart.  Ask me the next day what I write and I may not remember.  My fingers press on the letters and before I know it I am clicking on the spell check.  Will I ever be famous for my blogs, now that is funny.

I am not writing to be famous.  My writing is not meant to hurt anyone or annoy people.  I write from my heart which my writing group, "Writers Unite" would back up.  No need for slander or nit picking or strong opinions in the comment section.  I may not even get comments.  I write bearing no expectations except on myself to follow the words put on my heart by God.

Yes a lot of my blogs will be faith based.  I pray readers will have an open heart to how we live our life.  I would never force our life upon everyone else.  I can only share how having our faith is our only fuel to keep us going.  I used to live a certain way but now chose to walk away from that and be a better person.  As you click on the button to read my blogs, a choice is then made to either follow the sentences or click on the close button.  One blog you may hate and the next one could really pull at your heart. 

I do not pretend to be a perfect writer.  Having self-published a book, "A Pinky Promise" I know I need an editor maybe two.  It is a fun personal challenge to form my paragraphs and find the right words to relay my topic. Some days my fingers tap the keyboard keys as I brain storm my next line.  Topics are so easy as I have a life with many things going on.  The one that stands out the most that day, confirm with God then typing I go.

Really when I think of it there is no specific way to blog or what to blog on.  I have read poetry blogs, craft blogs, family update blogs, and many more.  I search the ones that mean the most to me.

The long and short is I love to blog and I am only human and love hearing from those who really needed to read something I wrote or just words like, "Great blog today."

Thank you to those who do read my blogs and to those who turn away I hope you check my next blog and a connection can happen.

How to pray?

Do you get offended if people don't pray the same as you?
Do you think people need to have their hands together?
Do you think people need to pray out loud?
Do you think people need to pray for a long time to be heard?

I have a secret:  It does not matter what the heck you think.

Do you think there is a perfect prayer?
Do you think there is a perfect praying time?
Do you think one person can pray better then another?

Let me ask you a question:  (OK another question) "What is prayer for?" See how long it takes for an answer to pop in your head.

Prayer to me is talking.  Talking to Jesus.  Yep a good ole' relationship.  This relationship there is no hiding anything cause He knows me better then anyone.

Our relationship is unique which means it is different then everyone else.  It means in my relationship with Jesus I talk to Him some days alot and other days it is quiet. I talk to Him when doing the dishes.  He also talks to me and puts things on my heart different then anyone else I know.  There are days when I talk/pray to Him I am in tears, or prayers that last a few minutes.  Most times it is a quick thank you or as someone I know pops on my heart I quickly prayer.  Lets be honest if I was to sit down and physically pray for all I know who are going through something right now...I would be praying 8 hours a day.  I talk/pray as things come into my heart.

When I first started my walk I used to love the way others would pray out loud and the big fancy smancy words they would use and could not wait to be just like them.  How wrong was that?  In other words I was asking for the same relationship they had.  Prayer is often times a download from Jesus to us especially when praying for others.  I have learned though that I have my own fun relationship with Him.  He downloads to me what works for Him and I.  He gives me pictures I will get and share.  He gives my fun things only I would get.  All in all anything He can to bring me closer.

Most know Deans brother and their family with six kids lost there home to a fire last week and now their son is the hospital (unrelated to fire) just getting out of critical care because of infection.  I have not felt the need to be on my knees for hours praying.  Instead I have said little prayers as little Isaiah's name flows onto my heart. 

I am OK with where my relationship is.  I do not need to or want to be where anyone else is when they pray.

In the bible Jesus said prayers like, "Be healed," or "Go Forth," and even, "Pick up your mat and walk."  And then there were times He went away for a long time just to be with His father, God to get the downloads He needed. 

What does prayer sound like to you?
How long does it have to be to feel like it is worth something?
Do you have to be in a specific spot?
Does it need to be quiet around you?
Do you only pray at church?
Do you pray with others?
What about praying outloud?
Or is it in the quiet of your own head?
Is your head up?
Are your hands together?
Do you wisper those prayers?
Are you prayers sung?
Do you read your prayers from a book?

If you are praying and talking to Jesus and listening to him it does not matter to me how you answered the above questions.  Nor should it matter to anyone else. 

Please just keep talking! That means the communication lines are open!

Today I wear my Courage badge for Isaiah

 Today I really did not want to be at church.  Instead I wanted our family to be in Hamilton visiting our nephew who is in PICU. He has machines doing all the work for him so he can fight off the septic shock he is in. Steve and Megan (Isaiah's parents) took Isaiah in for regular appointments this weekend and well Thank GOD they did. 

We set up Scott's Ipod so we can text back and forth.  As we were getting ready this morning we started to notice the snow outside and the weather advisor on the radio and knew it was safe to stick around at home. 

The visit would not just have been about Isaiah being in critical condition but the fact this family just lost their house to a fire last Monday. 

 

Overwhelming feeling of helplessness as we can not get up to Hamilton.  So off to church we went.   I did not even have the lesson printed out nor knew what it was about. As I took a moment to go the window in our Sunday school room, my emotions got the best of me as I starred out the window to blowing snow.  Before I got to far a friend who I love dearly came in and checked up on me.  God sent her at the right time cause I needed a shoulder to cry on.

She helped me get the notes for class and of course the topic was "Courage."

 

I went in for a few minutes of worship and before long the kids were running off for Sunday school.

Our class was very small today.  We have two and three year olds so our lessons are very simple and fun.  First snack then a game involving throwing popcorn.  The closer we are with God the easier it is to get the popcorn that far.  Then our craft (pictures).  Our courage badge.

 

Gosh sometimes it is hard to be courageous.  If it wasn't for God's word and those around me reminding me to stand strong, be courageous and trust God, we would not be much help to Steve and Megan nor ourselves.  I do feel helpless with worldly needs like not being able to get up to them to give them items they lost from the fire and taking them suppers.  But I remember to pray.  Knowing that we are talking to God on their behalf and along side their prayers is the best thing we could give them right now. 

 

For Isaiah though now there is where courage is.  That little man is fighting with everything God is giving him to take every breath. At three years old it seems so unfair to have endured all Isaiah has in his life already.  He is just so precious and we pray for God to hold him and breath for him the next couple of days. 

 

This week I will wear my Sunday School craft badge of courage in honor of our little man Isaiah.

 

Spirit of Anger

Lord lets identify one of our enemies!

 

Everyone one of us young and old know anger.  Anger has come knocking on our hearts and minds over and over again.  For some that anger has made a home inside of us that last for years.  Each knew home that is planted in us comes with weight.  Weight we should not carry.  I would rather not carry any more weight.  I want to be free.

I had a few moments the other day to interview the Spirit of Anger (let me humor you).

Me:  "Where do you come from?"

Anger: "Ahhhh, your emotions and my boss sends me to work for a long time."

Me: "Who's your boss?"

Anger: "Satan is the one and only."

Me: "What is your job description?"

Anger: "To seek, kill and destroy."

Me: "I know anger is a natural emotion but I see then that your job is then too remind us over and over again about that anger.  Which we then can hang onto for a long time."

Anger: "Oh yes, I love to see people angry at each other for as long as I can.  My boss loves it when couples go to bed angry and family members turn their backs on eachother.  And He laughs at those who or angry for the smallest things.  Friendships fall apart, relationships fall apart.  I can hear His evil laugh now."

Me: "You know you can be stopped?  I have seen that happen and have stopped you before."

Anger: "Oh please, please don't say the "G" word or the "F" word."

Me: "What does it scare you?"

Anger: "Maybe."

Me: "Well you see I have a bigger and more loving boss then you.  And yes GOD is His name.  He has promised me nd the rest of us peace when we FORGIVE.  See we forgive and put our hurt to the cross and our Daddy God then stomps on your boss.  HAHAHAHAH we just have a bigger boss.  People do not deserve to carry their anger for a long time.

In Esphesians 4:26 His word says, "In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry."  We are to begin a new fresh day."

Anger: "My job is so easy as for some reason humans like to carry that anger.  They feel if they give up that anger, they feel the one(s) they are angry at win.  So they hang on and hang on.  It is great.  Destruction we love."

Me:  "Psalm 37:8 Our God's word says, "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil."

Anger: "Umm, ahhhh..."

Me: "Ecclesiastes 7:9 more words, "Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. 

Anger: "I ahhh, need to go."

Me: "Mark 16:17-19 even more words, "And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Me: "Wait one more, Psalm 55:22, "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved."

Anger pooffed and left.

Me:  "Like I said my boss is better.  My daddy God will crush you and your boss.  Anger is back where it belongs."

Life is so much easier without anger and in place peaceful with God.  I do not want to allow anger to run my life.  Not saying it comes easy but in the end we have control and someone who is willing to carry it all.  Sounds great to me.

Saying Goodnight

As adults we long for that moment when our head hits the pillow and drift off to la la land.  I chuckle out loud as I think of all the different places we all drift off to.

Last night ended up being a crazy routine and might I add late night to get the kids to bed.  Three of them at least.

Grabbing the Ipad Dean takes Emma up stairs at 9:00 p.m.  "Brush teeth" the speech program button spoke.  Each task involves her using the Ipad to speak for her.  Along with encouragement to for her to speak the words.  They go through pressing each button; going potty, changing diaper, putting on p.j.'s, reading book, doing a prayer, hug and kiss and lastly turning music on and lights out.

From there it is usually getting Bella to bed but last night that girl did not want to sleep as she had a later nap due to not feeling well.

So off we go down to say goodnight to Troy and Scott.  Troy gets suited up with his leg brace and I pray with him, hugs and kisses and off to his "la la" land he went.  Dean goes in with Scott and prays with him.  Then Dean and I switch boys rooms and steal hugs and kisses. All in the mean while Bella is running back and forth between boys room.

Oh gosh this is going to be a long night.  I grab my tea and Dean goes in to lay with Bella on her bed.  As I go in to say goodnight to Bella between my weary eyes and being hit with a childlike spirit I hear Bella's Mini Pops CD playing and instantly Dean and Bella became my audience as I began what I call dancing.  Gods way of saying at that moment we all needed laughter especially myself.

All of the days many many tasks at that musical moment became obsolete as I danced around Bella's room and Dean and Bella were laughing so hard.  Assuming I was done after that one song I said goodnight and danced out of her room.  But I wasn't done apparently as I grabbed a pillow and all of a sudden pillow up shirt and back I go into her room and then became a pregnant mom dancing.  I am thinking to myself I must be overtired to be doing this but my spirit was telling me just to have fun and make Dean and Bella laugh.  "Ok, mommy is done.  Goodnight Bella" I said as I walked back out.  I could hear them giggling wondering if I was going to come back a third time.   

Again my spirit kept me going cause I went from a pregnant mom to mom with a big tush as the pillow went to the back side.  Back I go.  Dancing like most moms can.  This time I knew I was done and turned the light off and closed the door as I left.

Fifteen minutes later Dean and Bella come join me in bed.  It turns out Dean fell asleep and Bella was still awake.

Bella finally fell asleep and I just thanked God for that moment last night.  He knows I hate serious and love feeling and acting like a child.  No worries, believe everything.  Those dance moves were crazy, on beat, but crazy.  At that moment it was the three of us and God. 

A good reminder life is so short.  Not me being short, life is short.

Re-evaluate

Christmas holidays are a great time to get out of routine.  Not worry about school, work, appointments, preschool, and drama of life.  I love it.  Add to that blizzards, power outages, snow days, frost quakes and the polar vortex and now sickness makes for a great time to re-evaluate what is important in life.  These last two weeks have not been stressful for me.  It is when  life goes back to "normal" as the phone starts to ring and emails begin where I really begin to see the stresses in our life. 

Being sick and not being able to take Emma to preschool has made me re-evaluate the time I have with her at home and the stress of getting her to school and back and the politics that go along with being on the board (which I add is normal for any board). Thanks to mornings like this I realize how much time she truly is missing with things I could be doing with her.  Then my mind says how much she loves going and the social time is important for her. 

A break over the holidays from stretches and wearing braces.  No homework.  No photocopying for hot lunches and no scramble for drum lessons or meetings for brownies.

The joy of having the power off to play games, do rainbow loom bracelets, talk, read felt so good.  Seeing family and having our two nieces overnight was so fun. Tobaganning and messages with friends from a far.

Life is so fast paced and and I truly want my life to be spent doing what brings Glory to God and peace to me.  In one second of any day my life could change.  And it is at that moment when I would evaluate the life I had.  The choices I make right now can make or break that moment.  At that moment I might be given a second chance or it could be my last.  If it is my last moment I do not want my wings to be weighted down with regret or spending those precious moments asking for forgiveness.

Time should not be wasted.  We waste our time on so many worldly things and worldly documents.  Time is wasted on being selfish and trying to look good or make the most, better yet trying to have the most.  Anger and bitterness take up oodles of time.  Dare we talk about how much time fear takes up?

Life is all about listening and learning.  I chose to listen to the only person and words that will guide me the best.  (My mom helps too :) )

 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21 NIV

Snow day fun

The big blizzard of  2014.  Now moving on to day three of this lovely snow, wind and very cold temperatures. 

Schools were cancelled and our computer room became the home of a fort.  The front room became a pretend campfire outing with blankets and stuffed animals and it was an official p.j. day.

All that happened after we sat at the computer watching a YouTube video on how to make rainbow loom beaded bracelets.  So fun.  Can be tricky but we all made it through.

The kids have their own rubber bands and I have a big stash of rubber bands to make bracelets for Bringing Heaven to Earth Inc. our not-for-profit corporation.

Each bracelet we make gets packaged up and sold for our Corporation.  Dollars are raised to assist families by funding equipment, therapy and recreational items they need.  Our family knows well the cost of simple items that children with special abilities need.  One outdoor scooter with two foot boards cost us $170 from B.C.  No funding for these.  Troys bike was $1000 -no funding.

Scott and Troy by bed time were figuring out their own designs and writing them down.

Two of the kids found their way out into the snow and came in with the rosiest cheeks but loved every minute out there.

While three of them wanted to be at school, having them home was fun.  However, it is great to have them at school so I can have a little mom time.  I ventured to the gym tonight but heck that is not mom time.

If only Dean did not have to go out in this and join us at home.

Stay safe for day two of the cold.
Wondering if the kids will be home again tomorrow.

Be an Eskimo for the day

As I get ready for bed I peek out the window once more in awe of the weather.  A good old fashioned blizzard.  Our family is very grateful we have a home with a  furnace and each other to keep on living while the world outside is crazy. 

 

Weather has been out of sorts lately, maybe even the last couple of years.  Storms seem to be intensifying.  Could it possibly be God sending signs?  A little question that intrigues me but definitely do not think about it too much.

 

Instead I wonder how simple it is for the Eskimos to live in this kind of weather especially the freezing cold temperatures.  The average temperature of the Arctic in January is -40 degrees and winter temps can drop below -50.  We are possibly -30 and have warnings to stay inside.

We shelter ourselves with houses and have warmer temperatures.  Yet they have bone chilling temperatures and build snow houses (Igloos).  For some they live in tents made of seal or caribou skins sewn together.

 

Clothing for Eskimos made from animal skins.  They wore waterproof sealskin boots, hooded fur jackets called parks and fur trousers made of pelts from seal, caribou, fox or polar bear.  Waterproof jackets were made from seal gut.  We have everything rubber and make shift material.  Unless you have lots of money and can afford expensive clothing that may be better.  Is it as good though as animal skins?  And a lot of it is not even made in Canada.

 

Of course transportation for Eskimos is snowshoes and dogsled and boats.  Ours again rubber tires on our cars/trucks/vans.

 

Why are we not prepared just in case?  We are so used to materialistic things in our lives.  Ice storm hits, power goes out and even at our house it is oh gosh now what? 

 

I would love to experience a day in an Eskimo's fur trousers and sealskin boots.  Be fun to make an igloo.  Maybe it would help us prepare more for nights like tonight.  Or last weekend with the ice storm.

If you see a family looking furry going down our street with a dog sled instead of a snow mobile that is us LOL.

Stay safe everyone, keep warm. 

 In all circumstances God is good.

 

Neighbors

Love Neighbors Lord

What does it mean to "love your neighbor as yourself"?

Do you know that "neighbor" comes up in at least 141 scriptures?  Of course in many different forms.

Some would say how I live my life.  I see a young lady who is a drug addict sitting outside of Value Village looking for money I stop and ask how she is and wait for her story and buy her lunch.  It honestly doesn't take much to love all our neighbors it is a matter of whether we do it.  Put our selfishness and self pity aside. 

When I see someone who needs help I do not step over the chicken line because I pity them it is because of love and knowing I am not perfect either.  While I may not be a drug addict I have my own sins and people and Jesus love me no matter what.  The people I meet deserve that just the same. 

I love this Good Samartan Parable in Luke.
²⁹ But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
³⁰ In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. ³¹ A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. ³² So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³ But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. ³⁴ He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵ The next day he took out two denarii^[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

³⁶ “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”

³⁷ The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.”
Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.”

Some have been angry or upset with me because while I help one friend they wonder why I have not helped them.  While I try to love all neighbors and friends I also wait for a heart nudge from the Holy Spirit.  I ask, "Lord should I organize meals for that family?  Should we invite them for supper?  Should I go to the hospital?"  He has the final answer. 

I also know how powerful prayer is and we must remember it always isn't about doing doing doing.  For people (neighbors) to know that I have prayed for them is power in itself.

Loving is not always an easy task but it will never get easier if we do not even attempt to start.  I honestly just think people deserve to be loved just like I have been loved in my very difficult times.

Maybe with all this snow it is your chance to show a neighbor love.

Hes reminding me!

Thank you Lord for the early morning reminders.

Every morning I check my email to read a daily scripture and devotional.  As I wrote my blog yesterday I had many questions about my moms friend Joanne and what Gods plan is for her.  Why 2 years in the hospital?

Gotta love my scripture today:  Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. – Matthew 4: 23.  Great He heals every kind of disease and illness.  Why not Joanne?

Then I read the devotional and a scripture within reads: "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? "So don't worry about these things, saying, `What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." (Matt 6:25 & 33-11)

Then this scripture comes to mind: "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." Matthew 6:34 "

Truth is I can not give an answer for everything nor should I expect one.  I feel uncomfortable telling people I have a answer to their questions and pretending  will rob me of  my faith.  Before I can tell someone else I need to look in the mirror when I have tough questions of faith and wonder how things are going to turn out when there is no definitive answer, look myself straight in the eyes and say out loud, "I do not know, but God knows and that is my final answer."

Praying for a miracle in 2014

Lord, thank you for Joanne

I wish I had more time to go to Listowel to see my mom's long time friend Joanne.  When I do visit Joanne it is not in the comfort of her and husband's Glens home.  I pull into the parking lot and wait for the parking arm to go up.  Making sure I have $2.00 to get out I walk across the road and into the emergency entrance at the Listowel hospital. 

Walking the quiet halls to her room I still find my self questioning God what his plan is for Jonne.  "Lord it is almost two years.  What are you waiting for?  Is there something I am not doing?  Should I come up to pray more?  Is there something her family should do?  IS there something Joanne needs to do?  Why not just heal her? Why not bring her home?" I ask quietly as I approach her room.

I can not help but remember the vision/dream where I walked into Joannes hospital room and she was sitting up in bed looking healthy and ready to leave that hospital forever. 

Joanne had a major stroke almost 2 years ago.  The stroke has left her the ability to slightly move her head and bat her beautiful eyes.  Her eyes are what show there is lots of life in her to I am frustrated and being stubborn.  I feel as though if arms could extend out the pupils they would grab my shoulders with the request of "Help me."

Visits I have prayed with and for Joanne have been emotional for her.  My visit today while I didn't pray outloud I noticed Joanne was just not herself.  However I was pleasently surprised as she mouthed, "Bye" and "kay" when I shared we are praying for her.

I wish I could be there everyday with her to sing worldly fun songs and worship songs.  Pull out a book and read it to her.  Put ear phones on her and let her drift off with her favorite songs.  Make the ultimate speech program for her to communicate more.

Yep I have a huge prayer list especially a miracle in 2014 for Joanne.  As a good friend reminded me it is all in Gods timing.  I must trust and wait.  In the mean time I do what I can to be there for Joanne and follow the nudges I get.  My good friend also said, "For God two years is nothing but for us it feels like eons."

Rob Ford

Oh Lord be with me on this one...and more so those who read it.

Rob Ford

A word on a page can be hurtful and hateful.  Back in 2013 many papers and talk shows all over the world discussed, put down and joked about Rob Ford.  Controversy over a man who is supposed to be Toronto's Mayor.  Drugs were in many articles and behavior in some videos.  Even accusations of sexual innuendos.  For many Rob Ford should step down from office.  Grace is definitely not an option for thousands nor forgiveness.  How can you respect someone like Ford who is running a whole city?  I stay clear of politics at all costs.  Just personally find it hard to trust any of them as they are all human just like me.  Kneeling down on his knees for forgiveness is what Christians request.  Like them I do agree that this man needs a relationship with Jesus as do we all.  May Ford get a second chance?  Nice to know that our heavenly Father gives us more then second chances.  Observing from Heaven,God watches every one of us sin day after day.  Perhaps my heart is telling me he deserves to be in office again. Quoting future Headlines they would read, "Rob Ford has redeemed himself and a surprising number of votes are in his favor." in November.  Re-election papers were signed January 2 and only time will tell how many supporters if any he gains.  Satin will not win on Ford's life.  Uttering prayers for a lost man deserving of God's love is part of my walk.  Victory into Heaven is a treasure every human can have.  Willingness to accept that all sins are equal according to our daddy in the sky is what we all need.  X-rays of Rob Ford reveal the same make God used for all of us.  You take a look in the mirror and see if you have a perfect reflection.  Zapping Rob Ford with the Holy Spirit deep into his heart, soul and mind as he enters into 2014.

Angels

Angels?

 

Lord let those who read this have open minds and open hearts.

 

 

"Girls get your coats on and go wait over by Snowy Owl," I said to our 12 brownies.  We had just finished learning how to synchronize swim at the old Elmira pool.  I quickly reached for my coat as a chill ran down my whole back from my wet hair.  As I shoved my second arm through the coat sleeve and reached for the zipper a piece of whiteness caught my attention through the corner of my eye.  Distracted now from doing up my zipper my eyes began to zig zag and focus on what appeared to be a feather.  From where though?  We were at a pool.  I grab the little feather and squeezed it between my thumb and pointer finger.  I cocked my coat hood around my neck to check for feathers on it.  None to be found. No holes in my jacket and last I knew it was not a feather coat.  I glanced at all the Brownies around me and the coats left on the coat rack and no feathers to be seen.

 

That feather has not been the only one that has fluttered from behind me.  A friend found one on her couch months ago after a group of us gathered  from church.  Conveniently where I had sat.  Over this Christmas holiday one was around me at my in-laws (no coat involved).  They are all the same delicate little feathers.

 

Could it be feathers from an angels wings?  Are they a sign from God?  My guardian angel? Is it my wings growing LOL (so not ready to fly yet)?  How could they appear in three different places?

 

I tried google but man oh man brain overload. Lots of non-Christians bashing Christians, one church bashing another church and then sites saying they can help contact angels or do readings.  Oh Lord help these people LOL.  After 5 minutes I moved my cursor to the little x and closed down google. 

 

Really who cares?  What matters is what my heart is telling me.  And like child like faith it is so simple.  As I see every feather that angelically floats down around me, my heart does a dance, my mouth forms a smile, my brain says thank you, my eyes look up, my ears shut out the "world"and my whole body feels peace.