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| 19 degrees Celsius - Ottawa, Canada - Dec. 24, 2015 |
Thursday 24 December 2015
Sunday 20 December 2015
Snowflakes, Fingerprints and Cats
Grandma has been sending us her homemade Tribond game lately.
Three words that all have something in common.
Like: horse, shore and salt.
Well here is one of my own.
Snowflakes, fingerprints and cats.
Perhaps we know that every snowflake is differnet, and every fingerprint is different but cats?
I have heard that every tiger has a different creation of stripes, but today I am reflecting on the cat's personality.
We have had a few cats in our time.
A cat that liked to climb, fetch, chase her tail,and stand on her hind legs to say "please"; a cat that liked to walk on the piano keys, yowl, stay outside at night and lay on Dave's feet; and a cat who pretty much just liked to sleep. Our cat right now loves to be as close to you as physically possible, get brushed (she runs and jumps on your lap when you go to the brush drawer), licks everything in sight, flies through the house at 2 a.m. and... walks on the computer keyboard as you are trying to type - leaving a great deal of strange markings in one's writing.///////////ipjm;kjplm
I don't know about you, but I find it amazing that animals have such distince personalities from one antoher.
And it isn't just cats. We fostered baby squirrels one year and even they were all so very different from one another - not just in looks, but in their behaviour! introverts and extroverts, bold and shy, friendly and standoffish...in squirrels!
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him
I think He must enjoy His creation being so unique.
The answer to the Tribond above: is "sea"
Seahorse, seashore, sea salt.
Three words that all have something in common.
Like: horse, shore and salt.
Well here is one of my own.
Snowflakes, fingerprints and cats.
Perhaps we know that every snowflake is differnet, and every fingerprint is different but cats?
I have heard that every tiger has a different creation of stripes, but today I am reflecting on the cat's personality.
We have had a few cats in our time.
A cat that liked to climb, fetch, chase her tail,and stand on her hind legs to say "please"; a cat that liked to walk on the piano keys, yowl, stay outside at night and lay on Dave's feet; and a cat who pretty much just liked to sleep. Our cat right now loves to be as close to you as physically possible, get brushed (she runs and jumps on your lap when you go to the brush drawer), licks everything in sight, flies through the house at 2 a.m. and... walks on the computer keyboard as you are trying to type - leaving a great deal of strange markings in one's writing.///////////ipjm;kjplm
I don't know about you, but I find it amazing that animals have such distince personalities from one antoher.
And it isn't just cats. We fostered baby squirrels one year and even they were all so very different from one another - not just in looks, but in their behaviour! introverts and extroverts, bold and shy, friendly and standoffish...in squirrels!
For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him
I think He must enjoy His creation being so unique.
The answer to the Tribond above: is "sea"
Seahorse, seashore, sea salt.
Monday 7 December 2015
Reflecting (video)
Last Sunday, Anna-Lee and I had the wonderful opportunity of sharing of our experiences in Israel with our church family.
Below is a 4 1/2 minute Power Point slide show you can view to catch a glimpse of a few sights.
So, turn your volume up, hit play, and let your heart travel to Israel along with your eyes. You can enlarge the video to full screen but will lose some resolution.
Below is a 4 1/2 minute Power Point slide show you can view to catch a glimpse of a few sights.
So, turn your volume up, hit play, and let your heart travel to Israel along with your eyes. You can enlarge the video to full screen but will lose some resolution.
Sunday 22 November 2015
One more month
One more month and it will be (almost) Christmas.
I am not one for all the hub bub of the Christmas season. I don't like putting up the tree, decorating, or putting out lights. And I really hate shopping. I don't like parties, and am not into special church services and such stuff.
Bah humbug. Of course, with kids, we do put up a tree, and I at least make out a shopping list for my wonderufl husband to go purchase some gifts.
Over the years we have made Chrsitmas something we can all live with and not get overly stressed about.
I like to write, so I take time to write Christmas letters and cards. And we have friends over at some point over the Christmas season for a nice turkey dinner.
We enjoy games and we visit family.
However, this year, I will look at Christmas as an opportunity.
I read an article last week about Hebrew Education in different time periods.
Always, they used all their feasts and holidays (even their weekly Shabbat) to teach Scriputre.
I will seek more to use this holiday season for the opportunitiy it is - to surround our family with Scripture - likely starting with Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
When Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on a donkey - the people knew this Scripture. They knew He was King.
I am not one for all the hub bub of the Christmas season. I don't like putting up the tree, decorating, or putting out lights. And I really hate shopping. I don't like parties, and am not into special church services and such stuff.
Bah humbug. Of course, with kids, we do put up a tree, and I at least make out a shopping list for my wonderufl husband to go purchase some gifts.
Over the years we have made Chrsitmas something we can all live with and not get overly stressed about.
I like to write, so I take time to write Christmas letters and cards. And we have friends over at some point over the Christmas season for a nice turkey dinner.
We enjoy games and we visit family.
However, this year, I will look at Christmas as an opportunity.
I read an article last week about Hebrew Education in different time periods.
Always, they used all their feasts and holidays (even their weekly Shabbat) to teach Scriputre.
I will seek more to use this holiday season for the opportunitiy it is - to surround our family with Scripture - likely starting with Zechariah 9:9
Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
When Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on a donkey - the people knew this Scripture. They knew He was King.
Friday 13 November 2015
Rain
Have you heard the Scripture
"He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Matt 5:45
I used to think these two things were different - sun and rain (one good, one yucky) - and that this Scripture was focused on the righteous. In other words good times and bad times come to His children.
Experiencing Israel, I now understand it differently - from the perspective of those who live in Israel. From the perspective of those whom Jesus was speaking to and who would understand Jesus' comments from this perspective of living in the Middle East.
Rain is good. Rain is a blessing. Rain is life.
The context of the Scripture is God loving the just and the unjust. He shows His love to all. Do with it what you please, but He loves you.
Furthermore, if we are His kids, we need to do the same thing - love all mankind.
So next time it rains - like every day this week - I will be reminded to pour out love.
Matt 5:43-48
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
"He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."
Matt 5:45
I used to think these two things were different - sun and rain (one good, one yucky) - and that this Scripture was focused on the righteous. In other words good times and bad times come to His children.
Experiencing Israel, I now understand it differently - from the perspective of those who live in Israel. From the perspective of those whom Jesus was speaking to and who would understand Jesus' comments from this perspective of living in the Middle East.
Rain is good. Rain is a blessing. Rain is life.
The context of the Scripture is God loving the just and the unjust. He shows His love to all. Do with it what you please, but He loves you.
Furthermore, if we are His kids, we need to do the same thing - love all mankind.
 |
| Oct. 25, 2015 - the first rains in Israel in over 6 months - pouring out His love. |
"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Friday 6 November 2015
The First Week Back
We have finished our Israel blog, but we have not finished our adventure.
I believe what we learned these last two weeks will grow and mature forever.
However, for now, I just need to get through the first week back!
The Doctor's Appointment
Anna-Lee was pretty sick in Israel. A bad cough and very run down. As I look through the photos I can see her gradually looking more and more tired.
So, our first stop on arriving home was the doctor's office.
She has been diagnosed with both pneumonia and mono.
The pneumonia is being taken care of with an antibiotic and she is now sleeping through the night with no coughing. Yay!
The mono, although scary sounding and perplexing, apparently is very common in kids. So common, it often gets overlooked as a flu. Sheseems to be improving on that front as well.
Jet Lag
I believe I am on Newfoundland time by now.
Wiped out by 7:30 p.m. and awake by 3:00 a.m.
So I have made it back across the Atlantic Ocean and only have a couple more time zones to go!
Anna-Lee is doing better, perhaps because she was so sick. She has slept through the night from day one.
Routine and School
Taking the week to recover is where we are at. Yesterday Anna-Lee got back to her ballet class, and picked up her clarinet briefly.
She's read a couple biographies, and done some artwork.
I am trying to get back into the habits of managing the household ie. thinking about what to prepare for supper, calling Para Transpo, and remembering to feed the cat.
Perhaps we will both surface a bit more next week.
Tuesday 13 October 2015
Theatre or Airport?
I have to admit, it has been awhile since we've been to a movie.
Perhaps two or three decades.
Things have changed!
Other than the fact that there were 24 theatres in one place, Dave and I felt like we were in a high security airport, rather than a theatre!
First we were greated by about eight ticket agents behind security glass. They wore headphones and microphones to be able to be heard. Here I felt like I was at the Kenyan money exchange - although it wasn't behind a locked door.
Then it was on to finding the right gate - or rather theatre.
Gate 1 -14 this way, 15 - 20 that way, and 21-24 over there....
Upgraded to first class, the seats have cup holders now, and are quite comfy. The sound is wrap around with noises from all directions. Those lovely red curtains that draw back at show time - still there, but now merely technology on screen rather than the real thing. No dry cleaning involved.
The movie - War Room.
A movie on the significance of prayer.
Remarkably it is in its third week at our local theatre. I believe it was only suppose to run for five days. That is good news!
Perhaps two or three decades.
Things have changed!
Other than the fact that there were 24 theatres in one place, Dave and I felt like we were in a high security airport, rather than a theatre!
First we were greated by about eight ticket agents behind security glass. They wore headphones and microphones to be able to be heard. Here I felt like I was at the Kenyan money exchange - although it wasn't behind a locked door.
Then it was on to finding the right gate - or rather theatre.
Gate 1 -14 this way, 15 - 20 that way, and 21-24 over there....
Upgraded to first class, the seats have cup holders now, and are quite comfy. The sound is wrap around with noises from all directions. Those lovely red curtains that draw back at show time - still there, but now merely technology on screen rather than the real thing. No dry cleaning involved.
The movie - War Room.
A movie on the significance of prayer.
Remarkably it is in its third week at our local theatre. I believe it was only suppose to run for five days. That is good news!
Monday 12 October 2015
A Proud Mom
Today, I saw God's heart shine from my oldest daughter.
She was telling me that her friend was happy becasue she was able to wear high heels agian.
I know that doesn't sound like much but here is the story.
A few weeks ago a friend of Monica's was in a terrible car accident. She broke multiple bones and had major surgery putting her back together with screws and pins and such. It is a miracle she is alive.
Not only is she alive, but she has gone from bed, to wheelchair, to crutches to cane to walking on her own in a matter of weeks.
Now she is wearing high heels agian with the goal to dance at her wedding in January.
And Monica smiled - "rejoicing with those who rejoice."
Why is that amazing. Because Moncia would love to wear pretty shoes. Monica would love to be out of her wheelchair and make her way to crutches, then cane, then nothing, then high heels. It's been over two decades for her.
And yet she rejoices.
Only God could make a heart so beautiful.
She was telling me that her friend was happy becasue she was able to wear high heels agian.
I know that doesn't sound like much but here is the story.
A few weeks ago a friend of Monica's was in a terrible car accident. She broke multiple bones and had major surgery putting her back together with screws and pins and such. It is a miracle she is alive.
Not only is she alive, but she has gone from bed, to wheelchair, to crutches to cane to walking on her own in a matter of weeks.
Now she is wearing high heels agian with the goal to dance at her wedding in January.
And Monica smiled - "rejoicing with those who rejoice."
Why is that amazing. Because Moncia would love to wear pretty shoes. Monica would love to be out of her wheelchair and make her way to crutches, then cane, then nothing, then high heels. It's been over two decades for her.
And yet she rejoices.
Only God could make a heart so beautiful.
Going Smart
I succumbed!
This week I got my first smart phone.
It makes me feel dumb!
My first text read - "This is complicated"
One niffty thing I do like about my phone is that I can speak into it and have it type out the text. This is good for someone who is visually impaired.
Dave also found a great accessibility feature that increases the font size and bolds it for me.
All in all, this may work.
Of course, to use it in Israel, I will have to have Anna-Lee's help.
She has already mastered these things.
This week I got my first smart phone.
It makes me feel dumb!
My first text read - "This is complicated"
One niffty thing I do like about my phone is that I can speak into it and have it type out the text. This is good for someone who is visually impaired.
Dave also found a great accessibility feature that increases the font size and bolds it for me.
All in all, this may work.
Of course, to use it in Israel, I will have to have Anna-Lee's help.
She has already mastered these things.
Wednesday 23 September 2015
A Glimpse
It's been great to be back at Intercessory Prayer Monday nights. The last couple years I have been at my daughter's ballet classes, so I have had to put it on hold. This year, ballet is being held on other days.
Last Monday I had a brief "glimpse" of God. It was an impression, a brief picture and a concept all at once. It spoke to my mind and heart and spirit - all at once.
Here it is:
The picture was of the universe - well, a section of it. Immense, enormous, magnificent.
The words were "eternal majesty."
And the concept was "How can we have any fear, or worry, or doubt if we truly comprehend His eternal majesty. His eternal sovereignty. His eternal bigness. His eternal past present future massiveness. This is our God.
The heart and spirit of this just keeps coming. There is nothing that comes close to Him in who He is.
Words cannot describe it.
Last Monday I had a brief "glimpse" of God. It was an impression, a brief picture and a concept all at once. It spoke to my mind and heart and spirit - all at once.
Here it is:
The picture was of the universe - well, a section of it. Immense, enormous, magnificent.
The words were "eternal majesty."
And the concept was "How can we have any fear, or worry, or doubt if we truly comprehend His eternal majesty. His eternal sovereignty. His eternal bigness. His eternal past present future massiveness. This is our God.
The heart and spirit of this just keeps coming. There is nothing that comes close to Him in who He is.
Words cannot describe it.
Thursday 17 September 2015
Blue, black, red, white...
Sometimes I read an aritcle and it will peek my curiosity.
After curiosity naturally comes some research.
Here was the comment that took me on a little research tangent this morning.
"Be youself - everyone else is taken."
This quote in an article by Tim Elmore (a speaker and author on leadership especially for youth and young adults), came in his blog post observing how a huge percentage of older adults in "America" want to look young even when they most assuredly are not.
This is contrary to many cultures around the world who embrace the wisdom and importance of the elders.
Tim started talking about the dyeing of hair and the clothing we wear as one means to pretend we are still young.
So, I did a tad of research on the history of dyeing hair.
I came across another quote that I will leave with you to ponder - or not.
Aesthetic tendencies drift with the cultural currents, but our drive to alter ourselves is constant.
Selah...
After curiosity naturally comes some research.
Here was the comment that took me on a little research tangent this morning.
"Be youself - everyone else is taken."
This quote in an article by Tim Elmore (a speaker and author on leadership especially for youth and young adults), came in his blog post observing how a huge percentage of older adults in "America" want to look young even when they most assuredly are not.
This is contrary to many cultures around the world who embrace the wisdom and importance of the elders.
Tim started talking about the dyeing of hair and the clothing we wear as one means to pretend we are still young.
So, I did a tad of research on the history of dyeing hair.
I came across another quote that I will leave with you to ponder - or not.
Aesthetic tendencies drift with the cultural currents, but our drive to alter ourselves is constant.
Selah...
Friday 4 September 2015
Potato Latkes, Sweat, and Lilah TOV
We began our first week of Grade 6 on Tuesday. With our trip to Israel fast approaching our days are filled with getitng ready physcially, academically and spiritually.
For part of school I decided to introduce Anna-Lee to various Jewish and Israeli foods - by having her cook them.
Our first item on the menu was Potato Latkes, so we grated potatoes and onions and we followed a 4 star recipe from some Jewish recipes online site.
It looked quite "interesting" as we mixed and stirred and finally fried it up. Unfortunately, our first recipe was a bit of a flop. We tried a second batch which was a bit better - cooked longer so was a bit more edible, but really, it likely wasn't the way it was suppose to be. Ah well, we had fun. And then made something else to eat for lunch.
We are also trying to get ready for the amount of physical exercise required. Sweat, sweat, sweat. It has been a hot week. Today we made a 5-6 km walk with a little hill at the end. - puff puff puff.
Anna-Lee of course was fine. She went swimming for 3 hours afterwards at her friend's across the street!
All in all, it's been a good productive week of school. We have learned so much history, and Scripture, and geography. We've read biographies of wonderful people who put their lives on the line to help Jewish people during WWII, we have prayed, and even learned some Hebrew words!
LilahTOV! Good night! לילה טוב
For part of school I decided to introduce Anna-Lee to various Jewish and Israeli foods - by having her cook them.
Our first item on the menu was Potato Latkes, so we grated potatoes and onions and we followed a 4 star recipe from some Jewish recipes online site.
It looked quite "interesting" as we mixed and stirred and finally fried it up. Unfortunately, our first recipe was a bit of a flop. We tried a second batch which was a bit better - cooked longer so was a bit more edible, but really, it likely wasn't the way it was suppose to be. Ah well, we had fun. And then made something else to eat for lunch.
We are also trying to get ready for the amount of physical exercise required. Sweat, sweat, sweat. It has been a hot week. Today we made a 5-6 km walk with a little hill at the end. - puff puff puff.
Anna-Lee of course was fine. She went swimming for 3 hours afterwards at her friend's across the street!
All in all, it's been a good productive week of school. We have learned so much history, and Scripture, and geography. We've read biographies of wonderful people who put their lives on the line to help Jewish people during WWII, we have prayed, and even learned some Hebrew words!
LilahTOV! Good night! לילה טוב
Monday 31 August 2015
'Twas the Day Before "School"
'Twas the day before "school,"
and all through our home
was buzzing and busy-ness
wherever I roam.
There are no books stacked
in a backpack with care
only girls in the kitchen
baking with flair.
Recipe books are out
The creative juices flow
Cookies, and soup, and buns
in a row.
Measuring, and calculating
and managing time
debating and serving
And cleaning up grime
Education is now
And it happens right here.
It's fun, and it's real
And accompanied by cheer.
So when the yellow bus comes
it will pass us by
We choose to stay home
With freedom to fly.
“There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
and all through our home
was buzzing and busy-ness
wherever I roam.
There are no books stacked
in a backpack with care
only girls in the kitchen
baking with flair.
Recipe books are out
The creative juices flow
Cookies, and soup, and buns
in a row.
Measuring, and calculating
and managing time
debating and serving
And cleaning up grime
Education is now
And it happens right here.
It's fun, and it's real
And accompanied by cheer.
So when the yellow bus comes
it will pass us by
We choose to stay home
With freedom to fly.
“There is no school equal to a decent home and no teacher equal to a virtuous parent.”
― Mahatma Gandhi
Monday 17 August 2015
Loving
My heart was missing my little girl. She's up at the cottage with Grandma and Grandpa, having fun. Not the first time. She did this last year too.
But, I was missing her. My heart actually felt like it was being stretched toward her. I get the term heart strings. I could feel them.
Dave was missing her too. Actually we missed her before she left, but it wasn't getting better.
So, Dave took a day off. We had support in place for Monica morning and evening.
We hopped in the car once the support arrived in the morning, drove 4 hours to Haliburton and spent five delightful, fun, precious hours with our daughter. Then we turned around and drove five hours back home - we stopped for dinner - to arrive while Monica's evening support was still here.
A glorious day. A day of canoing and kayaking swimming and walking to a nearby rapids. And best of all lots of hugs. lots and lots of hugs.
So incredilbly worth it.
She's so loved.
But, I was missing her. My heart actually felt like it was being stretched toward her. I get the term heart strings. I could feel them.
Dave was missing her too. Actually we missed her before she left, but it wasn't getting better.
So, Dave took a day off. We had support in place for Monica morning and evening.
We hopped in the car once the support arrived in the morning, drove 4 hours to Haliburton and spent five delightful, fun, precious hours with our daughter. Then we turned around and drove five hours back home - we stopped for dinner - to arrive while Monica's evening support was still here.
A glorious day. A day of canoing and kayaking swimming and walking to a nearby rapids. And best of all lots of hugs. lots and lots of hugs.
So incredilbly worth it.
She's so loved.
Monday 10 August 2015
A Flurry of Excitement
God has the steering wheel and He has turned the wheel toward Israel!
If He remains willing, our trip to Israel is a go in just over two months.
Granny, my 11 year old homeschooled daughter, and myself are now excitedly and busily getting ready.
From now on my Israel info will be on my up and running new Israel blog - see in the column to the right above the Compass Rose archives in order to link to it.
If He remains willing, our trip to Israel is a go in just over two months.
Granny, my 11 year old homeschooled daughter, and myself are now excitedly and busily getting ready.
From now on my Israel info will be on my up and running new Israel blog - see in the column to the right above the Compass Rose archives in order to link to it.
Saturday 8 August 2015
New Years Resolution - in August
As a Homeschooling Mom, summer is a time for planning, dreaming, preparing, and resolving to do things well come September.
As a Homeschooling Mom of 20 years however, I recognize that all my planning, dreaming, preparing, and resolving, is about as good as most New Years Resolutions! At best, it gives me some semblance of direction. At the worst, it will make me feel like a failure come the second week of "school."
Does that mean I don't do it? By no means! It is good for me to evaluate and reflect, and if only 20 % of what I hope for actually occurs to my dream standard, that is 20% more than if I did not dream.
So, dream I will, choosing to smile when we hit the mark, while choosing to refocus when I go wide.
Our Agenda:
As a Homeschooling Mom of 20 years however, I recognize that all my planning, dreaming, preparing, and resolving, is about as good as most New Years Resolutions! At best, it gives me some semblance of direction. At the worst, it will make me feel like a failure come the second week of "school."
Does that mean I don't do it? By no means! It is good for me to evaluate and reflect, and if only 20 % of what I hope for actually occurs to my dream standard, that is 20% more than if I did not dream.
So, dream I will, choosing to smile when we hit the mark, while choosing to refocus when I go wide.
Our Agenda:
- Study up for our trip to Israel
- Go to Israel
- Ballet
- A new Language Arts Curriculum
- A new year of Math - Decimals and Percents
- Clarinet, Wind Ensemble, Band
- Half a day a week for her to explore her interests
- Exploring History (her favorite subject) through The Great Courses - continue working on Ancient History, and add a section on Explorers
- Field Trips to the Museum of History on a regular basis
- Bible Study and Devotionals
- Continue with a variety of chores - a sense of responsibilty
- Reading through some selected books on subjects like money management, leadership, and a classic or two.
- Sewing lessons
- Love Learning
- Have fun together
Wednesday 29 July 2015
The Purpose of Childhood
As a
homeschooling Mom for the last 20 years, I have pondered many questions.
- What is the purpose of school?
- What does it look like to be educated?
- What is success in God’s eyes?
Those are
all great questions, but as I am preparing for our next year of homeschooling,
I am thinking about another question – maybe even more significant.
What is
God’s purpose for childhood?
All around me I can see childhood getting consumed with “filling
up” and “dumping out - fill up with academics, sports, music instruction – pre-professional this, and competitive that. Dump out with exams and tests,
tournaments and recitals.
Not
necessarily wrong, but are we missing a more significant purpose for childhood?
Looking to
Scripture I have found a few Scriptures that give me a clearer picture of God’s
true motive for the time period of childhood.
- Drive out folly.
- Learn Scripture
- Grow in Wisdom that leads to Salvation
- Training in Godliness
Proverbs 22
says that folly is in the heart of a child and that through discipline this
folly can be removed. 2 Tim states that by learning the Holy Scriptures from
infancy Timothy became wise for salvation! Proverbs 22 also declares to parents
to train up their children in the way they should go.
These are
the priority purposes of childhood.
As I re-evaluate our focus, time allotment and energy for this next "school" year, I shall endeavor to keep this in mind and not get caught up in what might be "good" at the expense of what is "best."
As I re-evaluate our focus, time allotment and energy for this next "school" year, I shall endeavor to keep this in mind and not get caught up in what might be "good" at the expense of what is "best."
1 Cor 13:11 When
I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a
child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.
Thursday 23 July 2015
On being Grateful
Dave woke up yesterday morning to a cold shave and shower.
Our hot water tank was busted!
But although we miss our hot water we are grateful we have water!
And we are grateful we have electricity to warm our water in the form of kettles and pots on a stove!
As I started thinking, I am also grateful we had someone to call to get us a new hot water tank.
And that they had one in stock.
And that they could send someone out the next day.
And that while it is being installed and we are without any water, I had learned from my parents at the cottage to fill pots so we had water to tied us over.
And now, I am grateful I hear the water flowing once again - even if it is not hot yet.
Tuesday 21 July 2015
Wandering or Aiming
Maybe it's the mid-life crisis thing, but there comes a time when one doens't want to wander aimlessly here on earth just putting in time. I hit that time a while back and God gave me a "life mission" Scripture.
It doesn't tell me where to go or what to do or what tomorrow will look like, but it gives me a good idea of how to be.
1 Sam 2:35
I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind.This promise is for Samuel, but the part that struck me was that Samuel would do according to God's heart and mind. This is my desire.
This allows me to always know when I am off track. This is my constant prayer.
The other day I had a word picture that has helped me.
Picture me with my foot on the accelerator, but I am handing the steering wheel to God.
Trust.
Movement.
Hope.
Adventure.
This will lead me to say yes to going on a mission trip to Guatemala, and the Lord being the One to stop it if I am not to go. He did.
Or me saying yes to going to Israel and leaving it up to Him to stop it if I am not to go.
Uncertain as to the result of that one yet.
I knew a man who lived for God fully. He was a full blown evangelist. You know how we might pray, "Lord, if you want me to talk to someone about You, point them out to me." Well, he'd pray, "Lord, if you don't want me to talk to someone about You, then point them out to me, because otherwise I intend to."
This was a man who had his foot on the accelerator and handed the steering wheel over to God.
On my epitaph, you can write - God finally put the brakes on.
Until then, metal to the floor - doing the heart and mind of God.
It doesn't tell me where to go or what to do or what tomorrow will look like, but it gives me a good idea of how to be.
1 Sam 2:35
I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind.This promise is for Samuel, but the part that struck me was that Samuel would do according to God's heart and mind. This is my desire.
This allows me to always know when I am off track. This is my constant prayer.
The other day I had a word picture that has helped me.
Picture me with my foot on the accelerator, but I am handing the steering wheel to God.
Trust.
Movement.
Hope.
Adventure.
This will lead me to say yes to going on a mission trip to Guatemala, and the Lord being the One to stop it if I am not to go. He did.
Or me saying yes to going to Israel and leaving it up to Him to stop it if I am not to go.
Uncertain as to the result of that one yet.
I knew a man who lived for God fully. He was a full blown evangelist. You know how we might pray, "Lord, if you want me to talk to someone about You, point them out to me." Well, he'd pray, "Lord, if you don't want me to talk to someone about You, then point them out to me, because otherwise I intend to."
This was a man who had his foot on the accelerator and handed the steering wheel over to God.
On my epitaph, you can write - God finally put the brakes on.
Until then, metal to the floor - doing the heart and mind of God.
Saturday 13 June 2015
the absurd
Monday 1 June 2015
I thought those days were over!
I wasn't sure whether to focus on the fact that I am grateful our homeschool is flexible enough to allow us to learn subjects like responsibility and child psychology hands on, or to focus on keeping young.
So, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves of how we spent our morning in "school" today.
So, I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves of how we spent our morning in "school" today.
Monday 18 May 2015
Oh Boy!
There are some moments when you look out the window and realize things are not the same.
Your little girl who you used to push in the swing is now....
...DRIVING THE LAWN TRACTOR!!!
Your little girl who you used to push in the swing is now....
...DRIVING THE LAWN TRACTOR!!!
Friday 8 May 2015
Found it
Anna-Lee and I have gone exploring our backwoods "trails" - more like deer paths every day.
Yesterday, we went farther than we have every gone before - forging our way over roots and rocks and low hanging branches, uphill and down through muddy pathces, and dried up meadows.
Well, we found it. The burned out area described in a recent blog where fire engines went racing past our house to the end of our street. It must have been at least a kilometer from the regurlar path. How the firemen got back to that area quickly with all their gear is amazing.
Indeed they did and must have done a remarkable job to extinguish the fire quickly as very little damage was done - but boy did it stink! We are told that they carry in a special pump they put in the lake in order to access water.
We carried on far past that point, seeing parts of the lake we had never seen before. Now not only do we know where the turtles come to sun, we know the chickadees nest, and many other landmarks Anna-Lee had to locate in order to get us both back home. Great training for guiding Mom in Israel which we are told is quite uneven ground.
Yesterday, we went farther than we have every gone before - forging our way over roots and rocks and low hanging branches, uphill and down through muddy pathces, and dried up meadows.
Well, we found it. The burned out area described in a recent blog where fire engines went racing past our house to the end of our street. It must have been at least a kilometer from the regurlar path. How the firemen got back to that area quickly with all their gear is amazing.
Indeed they did and must have done a remarkable job to extinguish the fire quickly as very little damage was done - but boy did it stink! We are told that they carry in a special pump they put in the lake in order to access water.
We carried on far past that point, seeing parts of the lake we had never seen before. Now not only do we know where the turtles come to sun, we know the chickadees nest, and many other landmarks Anna-Lee had to locate in order to get us both back home. Great training for guiding Mom in Israel which we are told is quite uneven ground.
 |
| This is not shadow - but rather the burnt out area 4 acres apparently |
 |
| A tranquil area |
Thursday 7 May 2015
It Made the News
The other day we heard sirens. For some of you in cities that is not big news, but out where we live it is highly unusual. More unusual was that more sirens kept coming, and then they went buzzing by our house! Pumper trucks, little engines: four in total that we saw. When Monica went to walk the dog she said at the end of our street were ambulances, police cars and at least four fire engines! Something more than a kitchen fire was in progress.
Then we got the call from Toronto: Our little street was in the news! A brush fire at the end of our lane!
Over the last couple days my daughter and I have been exploring our forest trail to see if there was any damage. So far we have not found any.
Instead, butterflies and squirrels and snakes oh my!
Then we got the call from Toronto: Our little street was in the news! A brush fire at the end of our lane!
Over the last couple days my daughter and I have been exploring our forest trail to see if there was any damage. So far we have not found any.
Instead, butterflies and squirrels and snakes oh my!
And beautiful trilliums!
 |
| Hundreds of Trilliums |
Wednesday 6 May 2015
Hamilton, Homeschool, and Help! Part 2
On our way to the Family Concert: it came
The Call...
"I'm on my back in the backyard and my wheelchair is flipped on its side! Help!"
Well now, that's a fine pickle. Certainly something that has never happened before.
"Are you hurt?"
"No, just stuck. What do you want me to do?"
"I suppose the miracle assistance dog can't flip your chair back upright and drag you back into it?"
No, I didn't think so.
We hung up and tried calling a friend but she wasn't home, so we called the next best thing.
911.
Again.
Yes, this is now the third time 911 has been called for Monica.
However, it turned out that our next door neighbour just happened to look out her window and see the power wheelchair lying on its side. She then looked around and saw Monica lying on her back! So, she flew out the door and ran over.
How she did it I do not know, but she managed to upright the wheelchair, get Moncia back in, answer Monica's phone (the paramedics calling on route to see how she was). Our neighbour answered their questions, assured them all was well with Monica, and that they actually did not need to come.
She got Monica inside, cleaned her scrapes up, put aloe on her many welts (likely ant bites), and that was that.
We carried on to the concert, now very late, only to get caught in construction and ended up later. But not so late that she couldn't rush in, get her clarinet put together, and go on stage to play with her group.
The Call...
"I'm on my back in the backyard and my wheelchair is flipped on its side! Help!"
Well now, that's a fine pickle. Certainly something that has never happened before.
"Are you hurt?"
"No, just stuck. What do you want me to do?"
"I suppose the miracle assistance dog can't flip your chair back upright and drag you back into it?"
No, I didn't think so.
We hung up and tried calling a friend but she wasn't home, so we called the next best thing.
911.
Again.
Yes, this is now the third time 911 has been called for Monica.
However, it turned out that our next door neighbour just happened to look out her window and see the power wheelchair lying on its side. She then looked around and saw Monica lying on her back! So, she flew out the door and ran over.
How she did it I do not know, but she managed to upright the wheelchair, get Moncia back in, answer Monica's phone (the paramedics calling on route to see how she was). Our neighbour answered their questions, assured them all was well with Monica, and that they actually did not need to come.
She got Monica inside, cleaned her scrapes up, put aloe on her many welts (likely ant bites), and that was that.
We carried on to the concert, now very late, only to get caught in construction and ended up later. But not so late that she couldn't rush in, get her clarinet put together, and go on stage to play with her group.
 |
| Songs played were Themes from "Judas Maccabeus" by Handel, and Poco Loco by Bruce Pearson |
Tuesday 5 May 2015
Hamilton, Homeschooling and Help!
If I could have a penny for every butterfly....! Or I suppose it is a nickel these days.
For the last many months I have been steadily preparing to speak at the Ontario Homeschool Conference held in Hamilton. The topic was to be Homeschooling our children with Special Needs: a broad topic indeed. As the weeks grew closer the butterflies started the migratory pathway appearing in little groups here and there.
THE weekend finally arrived, the people were in place here at home to take over all the tasks normal to "Mom and Dad." Dave and I took off bright and early Thursday morning in our 14 year old car with the newly non-functioning air conditioner helping us to reminisce about our very first car 28 years ago - a Honda Accord with no air conditioner.- and bopping down the highways with the windows wide open.
Once we arived at the hotel, it felt a bit like the day before a final exam. Looking at my binder that held my notes, I decided I had spent enough time preparing though and set it all aside choosing to pray, spend time with Dave, and just let thoughts roll around in my head.
Friday, another batch of butterflies started arriving. Ignoring most of them, Dave and I went for a nice quiet walk in the morning - and saw a sweet brown bunny in the grass. Arriving at the Conference we got our package, (if you choose to accept this mission... oh wait! I already had accepted it!), and we both went to a couple of other people's sessions as I wasn't speaking until later that afternoon. Great sessions, learned a lot. No matter how many times I go to a Homeschooling Conference I always come away with some nuggets of truth, inspiration and ideas.
Sitting outside in the warm sunshine after lunch with a good friend who was also there to do a session was quite a lovely way to relax before the talk - however now the butterflies must be in season! It was time to head up to the classroom. My greatest concern was that I would not be able to answer the questions that would be asked, primarily because special needs is such a wide topic and every household and every person is different. What works for one does not work for another - thus the beauty of homeschooling!
Who would have thought - before I could even start my session the first snag came! The person in charge of recording didn't show up! I just would not have thought of that as a possible concern!
After the time keeper texted and went searching the hallways - he finally arrived. I had used the extra time to get to know the attendees - how many were homeschooling now, how many just thinking about it, how many had preschool, elementary, middle or high school kids that were special needs...
Butterflies kept coming however the recording person came and handed me all the technology, assuming I of course knew what to do with it. I had to explain that I was visually impaired and really didn't see all the gadgets he was handing me! I put one thing on upside down, then dropped it as I was trying to flip it! I couldn't believe my hands were actually shaking! I think it was a reaction to adrenaline!
And then I was off and running and the butterflies never did catch up. I actually enjoy speaking to a group of people. It's just wanting the audience to be blessed and feel that they are receiving what they need that has me feeling the pressure.
Email me if you want more details of the Conference...
Sunday was a music concert with the wind ensemble my 11 year old daughter is a part of. We were running a bit late due to church ending late, driving the older daughter home and getting her set up with lunch, going back to church to pick up four girls, stopping at Subway for lunch and then...
the call
"I'm lying on my back in the backyard and the wheelchair is flipped on it's side. Help!"
To be Continued in the next blog...
For the last many months I have been steadily preparing to speak at the Ontario Homeschool Conference held in Hamilton. The topic was to be Homeschooling our children with Special Needs: a broad topic indeed. As the weeks grew closer the butterflies started the migratory pathway appearing in little groups here and there.
THE weekend finally arrived, the people were in place here at home to take over all the tasks normal to "Mom and Dad." Dave and I took off bright and early Thursday morning in our 14 year old car with the newly non-functioning air conditioner helping us to reminisce about our very first car 28 years ago - a Honda Accord with no air conditioner.- and bopping down the highways with the windows wide open.
Once we arived at the hotel, it felt a bit like the day before a final exam. Looking at my binder that held my notes, I decided I had spent enough time preparing though and set it all aside choosing to pray, spend time with Dave, and just let thoughts roll around in my head.
Friday, another batch of butterflies started arriving. Ignoring most of them, Dave and I went for a nice quiet walk in the morning - and saw a sweet brown bunny in the grass. Arriving at the Conference we got our package, (if you choose to accept this mission... oh wait! I already had accepted it!), and we both went to a couple of other people's sessions as I wasn't speaking until later that afternoon. Great sessions, learned a lot. No matter how many times I go to a Homeschooling Conference I always come away with some nuggets of truth, inspiration and ideas.
Sitting outside in the warm sunshine after lunch with a good friend who was also there to do a session was quite a lovely way to relax before the talk - however now the butterflies must be in season! It was time to head up to the classroom. My greatest concern was that I would not be able to answer the questions that would be asked, primarily because special needs is such a wide topic and every household and every person is different. What works for one does not work for another - thus the beauty of homeschooling!
Who would have thought - before I could even start my session the first snag came! The person in charge of recording didn't show up! I just would not have thought of that as a possible concern!
After the time keeper texted and went searching the hallways - he finally arrived. I had used the extra time to get to know the attendees - how many were homeschooling now, how many just thinking about it, how many had preschool, elementary, middle or high school kids that were special needs...
Butterflies kept coming however the recording person came and handed me all the technology, assuming I of course knew what to do with it. I had to explain that I was visually impaired and really didn't see all the gadgets he was handing me! I put one thing on upside down, then dropped it as I was trying to flip it! I couldn't believe my hands were actually shaking! I think it was a reaction to adrenaline!
And then I was off and running and the butterflies never did catch up. I actually enjoy speaking to a group of people. It's just wanting the audience to be blessed and feel that they are receiving what they need that has me feeling the pressure.
Email me if you want more details of the Conference...
Sunday was a music concert with the wind ensemble my 11 year old daughter is a part of. We were running a bit late due to church ending late, driving the older daughter home and getting her set up with lunch, going back to church to pick up four girls, stopping at Subway for lunch and then...
the call
"I'm lying on my back in the backyard and the wheelchair is flipped on it's side. Help!"
To be Continued in the next blog...
Wednesday 29 April 2015
Turtles and Peepers and Geese Oh My!
The weather has been glorious these last couple days, so Anna-Lee and I have been out on our friendly neighbourhood yellow brick path walking, and for Anna-Lee biking.
Our newest trail leads us to the "hidden lake," and if you know where to look, to turtles sunning themselves on a log.
The sun was undecided yesterday afternoon and every time the sun went behind a cloud the peepers started. As soon as the sun came back out they became silent once again
.
Flocks of geese honking non stop sun or cloud, swimming in the lake, chipmunks sassing,woodpeckers pecking and most of all the humans!
Humans humans and more humans! Out in full force enjoying the spring weather after months of cold.
And we were definitely two of them!
 |
| Anna-Lee on her bike on the new forest trail near our house |
Our newest trail leads us to the "hidden lake," and if you know where to look, to turtles sunning themselves on a log.
 |
| Every year the turtles come back to the same log |
The sun was undecided yesterday afternoon and every time the sun went behind a cloud the peepers started. As soon as the sun came back out they became silent once again
 |
| Probably around 60 - 70 geese in our little hidden lake |
Flocks of geese honking non stop sun or cloud, swimming in the lake, chipmunks sassing,woodpeckers pecking and most of all the humans!
 |
| These guys are out in full force right now. So cute. |
Humans humans and more humans! Out in full force enjoying the spring weather after months of cold.
And we were definitely two of them!
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