2006 - A Year in Review

When I first began to think back on 2006, I thought that not much happened this year. I guess that is the pat answer to "what's new?". But the more I contemplated the last 365 days, the more I began to think about where I was a year ago, and where I am now. In the new year, our church hands out a survey of sorts... asking us where we were a year ago as compared to now when it came to Spiritual things.... our walk with the Lord, our prayer life, our devotions, being involved in ministry etc. As I prepared my thoughts for this post, that survey came to mind.

A year ago... January 2006. I was holding life together, but as in the many years that had passed, I was not happy, and I was not living a life that was pleasing to my Lord. I still attended church, and I was involved to some degree in ministry, but my life did not exhibit His grace and His glory. My devotional life was non existent. My prayer life was shallow. I talked the talk more than I walked the walk. I walked as closely to the line between godly things and wordly things as I could. I was doing the bare minimum to sneak into heaven. Winter passed...

As spring approached, I found myself challenged spiritually. This will be a brief summary, because I have already posted on much of this. Two things came to me though... the first being the realization that by living on the line... doing the bare minimum in my spiritual life was not only displeasing to my Father, but was cheating me out of many heavenly rewards. (See 09/28/06) That fact changed my heart... and the changes in my life followed shortly. I was also reminded of the importance of prayer and meditation on His Word. I had felt like a spiritual failure for much of my life... if I could not do it right, why bother doing it at all. It was through a Focus on the Family airing that I came to understand the importance of being close to Him. He wrote me a very special letter that He wanted me to read. He wanted to commune with me daily. I purchased a prayer journal, and worked out a system for my prayer life. I seemed to need this discipline.. this appointment with God in order to get me started. That said, things did not really get moving for me spiritually until after my trip abroad.

May 2006 was spent in a land that I think of as home... Greece! It has always been a dream of mine to visit where my ancestors came from, and to visit my family still remaining in Greece. It was perhaps one of the best times of my life. I met family for the first time that I found I shared an incredible bond with. I visited the city, the street and the home that my mother grew up in. I fell in love with the sites, the sounds, the tastes... I feel as though I left a part of my heart and soul in Greece... one day I will return and retrieve it! (And may never come back! *S*)

So I (sadly) returned home from Greece, and my spiritual journey took off. A dear friend of mine started sharing parts of her walk with me. She was telling me about the time she spent in prayer and meditation daily. At first, I thought she was just one of those really "spiritual people" ... and that her fanaticism was not for me. That said, I found myself being drawn more and more to spend quality time in His Word. Another friend started going through a rough time... a time where depression was setting in. This was one of those people who always held it together... so for her to admit this really impacted me. I felt that all I could do for her was pray, and pray hard. It was for that friend that many hours, in fact, entire days, were spent on my knees.... my prayer life suddenly had a whole new meaning. My garden became my place of worship... how I miss it now.

Summer ended with a trip to Texas... I sunned while Lo sewed. I swam while Lo stitched. She made my dress for my sisters wedding - what a wonderful job! Many thanks!

Just before leaving for Tx, I got word that I had been the successful candidate for a new job at work. It was (is) a temporary position, but one that allowed me to do something I wanted to do for some time.... become a Youth Sponsor. So since September, my Wednesday nights have been filled with a group over wonderful, enthusiastic High School students. What a blessing! What an opportunity. It is such an honour to be involved in the lives of these kids.... love it! I come away feeling as though I have received more than I have given.


Fall came along with its own struggles. A very dear friend came to me with the news that she was moving away from Ottawa. I was crushed. I remember the same night she shared that with me, I told her about a prayer that I had prayed... based on something her sister had taught me... I prayed that I would somehow become desperate for Him. During this time, through a series of events, another dear friend was brought back into my life. A friend who I had lost contact with years ago... a friend who I never thought I would see again this side of heaven. In hindsight, I can see that God was setting the stage for something.

Things in my personal and family life were taking a toll on me... I was falling apart. It was then that God began to show how to be desperate for Him. It was then that He began to show me obedience... true obedience. During this time the dear friend that God had recently brought back into my life played a key role in my sanity and growth... we talked, cried and prayed together. The struggles I was going through only strengthened our friendship... it was awesome to draw near to God alongside a dear friend.

It was also during this time that I got to know another dear sister. Now this was someone I had known forever... but I never really knew her. I had never known her beautiful spirit... her tender heart... her desire to follow Him with every last bit of her being. While she had been praying for a friend to come along side her, I was longing for the friendship of another sister in Christ. I mean, I had Christian friends, but it seemed like I had no one to really talk about God with... the great things He was doing, as well as the times when I doubted His presence in my life. God provided for both of us... she is such a blessing in my life. She thinks I see her through "rose coloured glasses". I think I see her covered in His blood. Either way, God has blessed me richly with her friendship. He has used her to comfort me and stretch my faith. He has used her to distract me from myself, and focus me on Him. He has shown me much love through her... love towards me and love pouring out of me. I have been blessed.

Fall ended (although you would never know if by the weather), and Christmas was fast approaching. If you have been keeping tabs on me, you already know what kind of Christmas it was... one of joy, one of love, one of greater understanding, and one of many blessings.

So as the year ended, I ask myself the same questions our church asks us to reflect upon. Have I grown in Him? Yes! Is my prayer life any different? Yes! What about my devotions / meditation on His Word? Yes again! Am I serving Him? Am I involved in ministry? Yes! I am still so far from where I want to be when it comes to my relationship with my Lord and Saviour. There are still areas where I struggle - there always will be. But what matters is, am I closer to God now than I was a year ago? A resounding yes!

So what are my hopes and prayers for the New Year? That's another post!

Bye Bye Laptop

Today, well, last night to be honest, was a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. I think I will move to Australia. (And visit my Holly, who I miss terribly!) I was sick. During one of my not so fine moments, I started to feel woozy and faintish. As I sat myself down on the sofa, I spilled my juice. I didn't think it got on my laptop, but apparently I was wrong. It short circuited the hard drive. Lost and gone forever... or so the Dell guy says. He thinks it is a virus, so is sending me a new hard drive. But when my friends brother opened it up, it was full of juice. I am devastated. I know, it is only a piece of electronics, but of course I did not back anything up, so fear I have lost all my emails, my pictures, my music, and my writing. ARG!!!! I feel as though I have been robbed or something! How crazy is that. I have grown so accustomed to having my trusty laptop at my side, that I feel naked without it. So... we can all pray that someone will get this thing up and running soon - not only for my sanity, but b/c I need it for a conference I go to in 10 days.... and also that we will be able to recover what I think is lost. In the meantime... Holly in Australia, here I come!

Ten Interesting Things About CB - Updated!

After reading my ten interesting facts, my friend cb feels she is a blob of nothing. To change her mind, I thought I would post ten interesting things about her. It is hard because some of her interesting facts are locked in the sworn to secrecy vault! Here goes nothing!

1. She has a friend who can shove mini jelly beans (and other small objects) up her nose with her tongue. Although this is really cool, it makes CB gag and wretch.

2. She enjoys kissing mirrors in cars, and writing on them in lipstick.

3. She has a thing for the Prince of Egypt!

4. She has a friend who has OCD, characterized by the need to press the elevator button the number of times of the floor she is going to. CB may laugh at this friend, but really, she knows that she is just as bad.

5. Even though she insists of coloured Christmas lights, it is all for show. Deep down, in the very depths of her soul, she knows that white lights are nicer.

6. Although she has not done it in a while, she is a ventriloquist.

7. She knows someone who has been to Wayne Rosteads house.

8. She used to do bike marathons. And not just that, but she would do them pulling her 17 children behind her in a wagon!

9. She has recorded a jingle and a pilot for a children's show.

10. She enjoys running down young children in the grocery store with her cart.

Ten Things You May Not Know

Inspired by a game of blog tag going around, I thought I would join in the fun and share ten things you may not know about me. Here it goes....

1. I can shove mini jelly beans (and other small objects) up my nose with my tongue. (Don't ask how I figured out I could actually do that.)

2. I can peel a banana with my toes. (I really should be on "Stupid Human Tricks" or something.)

3. My feet have touched the ground in 10 different countries.

4. When I read a book, I read the last page first.

5. I like to (need to?) push the button on the elevator the number of times of the floor I am going to.

6. I have sung for the Queen of England, the late Lady Di, Prince Charles, & Fergie.

7. I have been on the Wayne Rostead Christmas Special. Twice. (I should not be proud of that, I know.)

8. I have performed on stage with Mr DressUp, Great Big Sea, Alanis Morisette, Bob from Sesame Street, Susan Aglukark, The Rankins, Gail Gaven... and Wayne of course, but you know that already!

9. I sucked my fingers (instead of my thumb) well into my teenage years.

10. I have a unilateral duplicated collection system. (In layman's terms, I have 2 ureters on one side, both of which (in theory) drain into my my bladder.

Now don't you feel enlightened? And if by chance you actually knew all these things about me... well... that is just plain scary!

Shopping 101

In honour of the Boxing Day Shopping that I did not get to do, I thought I would highlight a few things I learned this Christmas Season while on various shopping adventures with a non-shopper friend of mine. (There is probably only one person who will think this is funny. I myself thought it was very clever... took forever though!)

People who shop at 2am seem less grumpy than those who shop at 2pm.
Really, it does not matter if you shop last minute, as long as it gets done!
If you can't find the size you are looking for, dismantle the display.
Never underestimate how many oranges a family of 17 can eat.
Charging your cart at a kid purposely blocking the isle is good clean fun.
Even if they are really, funny, $25 is too much for a cheap t-shirt. (PhD!!!)

One store (10 minutes) always turns in to more than that (an hour).
Friends who shop together, drop together.

Even tall people cannot reach the back of the top shelf..
Gift cards are only good if the system is up and running!
You can buy basically everything at Loblaws.
Pushing the on buttons to all the singing Christmas toys is fun!
There are some who don't have a system for avoiding stairs at The Shore.

Christmas Blessings

Today was a Christmas Day like no other. For the first time in my adult life, I saw Christmas through a new pair of eyes. Christmas Day truly became about celebrating His birth. It was time spent with family (as always), but also with some of my closest friends... with children... with people who love and worship my God. It was a time of fellowship... a time of prayer... a time of worshipping Him in song... a time of knowing the joy of giving sacrificially. It was a day filled with more love than I have ever experienced on Christmas Day. I thank God for the many blessings I received this Christmas. Here are just a few of them...

• Dear friends who love me like I am one of them - I love you all... you have no idea!
• Seeing the excitement in a young girls eyes as she first laid eyes on Santas offerings - won't soon forget it!
• The opportunity to use one of my gifts to give the gift of song - did my heart a world of good.
• Laughter and joy that came from knowing just a bit more of the whole picture - we pulled it off!
• Seeing the relief in a dear friends eyes - Told you that we would get you through this... He provided.
• A reminder of how precious family is - perhaps it is time for a fresh start.
• Hearing a dear, godly man pray a Christmas prayer - wish my own family was that Christ centered.
• Knowing what it is like to be loved... really loved. - never have I felt this way.
• Getting a small glimpse of His love for me - How deep the Fathers love for us... how vast beyond all measure!

My heart is full. This just touches the surface of it....I feel so overwhelmed by the many gifts and blessings I have received this Christmas. It was a Christmas I will always cherish. Thank you God for the gift your Son... who made a Christmas like this possible.

A Christmas Season To Remember

So here it is... Christmas Eve... the night before the day we have all been waiting for, and perhaps dreading just a wee bit. I am spending yet another Christmas at work. I don't really mind it. I would rather work than know that someone with young children at home is missing out on one of the most magical days of the year. I am taking this bit of down time to reflect on this Christmas Season. It has been one to remember.

Just a few weeks ago, I went through a period where I began to question different aspects of my faith. I know that Christ was my Saviour. I believe that He was sent by His Father to pay the ultimate price for me. Although I cannot fully fathom it, I know I am much loved by my Heavenly Father. I know that His Grace is enough for me. I have spend more time in His Word and in faithful, expectant prayer than I ever have before. That said, I felt empty. Devoid of any feelings of love towards God. Did I love God? I mean, did I really, truly, love God? And if I did, how was I showing it? Or perhaps, this is what made me question my love for Him in the first place.If I looked at my earthly relationships, and the things I say to, do for, or feel for people I love, did it even compare to my what I would say to, do for, or feel towards Him? Could He be more than my Saviour? Could He be my best friend? Would I ever get to the point of complete and utter dependence on Him? Would I ever stop putting my own, human limitations on a God who is bigger than everything?

Doubts filled my mind while tears filled my eyes. I did what I have done many times before when I have been at a loss for what to do... I sent a soul searching email to one of my dear, sweet friends. A friend who I admire for so many reasons. A friend whose faith in God is perhaps stronger than anyone I know. A friend who, when she is not as near to her God as she wants to be, falls apart... a reminder of our need for Him. A friend who has held me up, held my hand, and held me accountable. A friend who lets me cry on her shoulder, and then reminds me to cry out to God. A friend who has prayed for me and prayed with me, for things great and small. A friend who, along with her family, has accepted me, loved me, fed me, stretched me, and encouraged me. A friend who, this Christmas, would be a part of God doing something great in my life.

Just as the Christmas Season was starting, I found myself sitting alone at church on a special night... "The First Taste of Christmas". As soon as I saw this same friend and her family, my heart filled up with love. My eyes filled up with tears. In that moment I was so incredibly overwhelmed. I was called down to sit with the "family". I spent the night in tears... I could hardly stand it. It became incomprehensible to me... love... how the love we have here on earth pales in comparison to His love for us.

"How deep the Fathers love for us. How vast beyond all measure."

Days passed. My doubts and feelings of emptiness lingered. Were these feelings normal? I was honest with God and with myself. I told Him of my doubts. I told Him of my fears. I asked Him to fill me... to fill me with His love... to take away the emptiness I was feeling. And He did.

Christmas was just around the corner, and my dear, sweet, faithful friend was struggling. Part of me was torn apart inside. Wondering and praying about what I could do for her. Feeling so incapable of making things better, that at times all I could do was pray and cry. It seemed though, that the more she hurt, the more God filled me. After prayerful consideration, there was something that I could do. It would not change the situation, but it would help.In hindsight, God had been preparing me for this. Kind of a long story, but looking back on the decisions that were made regarding this Christmas, it was clear that they were planted by God. He was preparing to use me. He would fill me with love for Him that would pour out of me, not for my own glory, but for His alone.

What did this Christmas Season bring? It brought me closer to a God whom I know and love. It brought me to His Word - getting to know His heart. It brought me love - never in my life have I felt so loved and accepted by people. It brought me joy - the joy that comes from serving and ministering to others. It brought me humility - even in my very imperfect state, God can and will use me. And ultimately, it brought Him glory. Is that not what our lives are meant to do?

Merry Christmas Eve ....

2 am Adventures

Ok, so I missed blogging yesterday. Ooops. I will try to blog twice today to make up for it. Yesterdays excitement involved finishing up some last minute Christmas Shopping. I am never this far behind. But as of 2am this morning, I can say that I am officially done my shopping! Woo hoo! After spending much of the day at the mall yesterday, a friend and I decided that we would take advantage of the 24/7 Walmart. If you ask me, everything should be open 24/7 - that comes from being a shift worker though! We got there at 10pm. We got home at 2am. No, there were no line ups... we (well, she) just had a lot of shopping still left to do. There was a notable difference between the two of us as we walked through the doors of Walmart: My eyes light up and grow wide with excitement... I LOVE to shop. Her eyes glaze over and she shuts down. She does not love to shop.

One of the highlights of the night was when we were searching for funny t-shirts for some of her kids. Of course, the ones on the rack were all the wrong size. So we thought we would look through the ones on display. You know how they have the t-shirts folded and in those square display cases so you can see the funny sayings? The cases were up way above our heads. Well we totally dismantled three of them in search for the right size. Luckily one of us is tall (not me)... so she reached up and pushed the shirt out of the display box, while I stood on my tip toes with my hands shielding her head as not to let the board inside the t-shirt hit her on the head. It was quite a scene, but all worth while... all of the ones on display were the exact sizes we were looking for!

A few minutes after we got home, we were greeted by her 17 year old son and 4 of his friends. It seems that they were out for a midnight walk...they were all soaked and smelly. The wonderful, cool mother that she is, offered to drive them back to the friends house they were staying at, rather than make them walk. (This after they raided her kitchen for food.) So I tagged along. I laughed the entire time as these 5 teenage boys serenaded us with Koombaya, and then hilarious renditions of Christmas Carols. I thought I was dreaming... does stuff like that really happen?

This morning we are back at it... a little bit of last minute shopping, and then a night of gift wrapping... Will write more later!

I Was Lost, But Now I'm Found

... in more ways than one! Today after work I thought I would hit the Home Depot and pick up one of my last few gifts. On the way there, I used my cell phone to check my home messages. I was in and out in about 15 minutes. When I left the store, I realized that I no longer had my phone. I checked the car, thinking that perhaps I had left it there. Nope. So I went back in to the store and looked around. Nothing. I called it a few times from the Courtesy Desk, hoping someone would pick it up. Wrong again. So I left my name at the desk, and decided to head home. As I put the car in to drive, I started crying. I knew my phone was lost in there somewhere! So I went back in again and called my mom. I had her call and call and call while I walked around the store searching. Home Depot is really big. I was pretty upset. Picture it. Here I am crying, walking around the store, searching for my phone - which by the way calls my name when it rings - and praying out loud "Lord, please help me find my phone. Lord, please help me find my phone...." I am pretty sure everyone thought I was crazy - which I may very well be, but that is beside the point. So I went to leave, but called my mom on the way out first. She told me that someone had answered it, and it was at one of the cash registers! They had been paging me overhead in the store. I was so focused on finding my phone, that I did not even hear it! All that to say, my cell phone is home. It was lost, but now is found. Phew!

I think I will hit the Walmart... gotta love the open all night thing! I will leave my phone at home!

Pay It Forward

Sometimes life enables you to do something really great for someone else. And when it does, go for it! Sometimes God puts crazy ideas in your head... ideas that may not make sense at the time, but when He allows you to see even a glimpse of the bigger picture, makes you realize He has something great in store. Sometimes we just have to take these crazy ideas... these thoughts of greatness, and run with them. Pray about them, see where God wants you to be used, and then go there. We have been shown grace... we should therefore show grace to others. We have been forgiven, we must forgive. We have been so loved, we are called to love others. Pay it forward... it has a whole new meaning now.

For Unto Us

I just returned home from a night at the NAC, where I attended my first Handel's Messiah. I have sung it several times before, but had never just gone and watched it. I must say that the second half was better than the first, but only because we changed seats. We were initially in the Mezzanine, where I had a hard time hearing the soloists, and found there was a lack on energy. I was not sure if it was real, or if it was me being a bit sad, and missing my good old choir days. What I would not give to have those back! But when we moved to the third row, my heart was lifted. The sounds, the faces, the energy... it was all there. I think I even cried at the Hallelujah Chorus! It was very hard to not sing along to the whole thing, but I managed.. for the most part! *S*

I love that perhaps the most famous of all Christmas presentations is something that talks about our Messiah... the real reason for the season - sorry, I know that sounds cliche, but it is true! The words quoted directly from Scripture! I wonder how many non believers even realize that!

It was wonderful... I am still singing ... For unto us a child is born!

This One's For You

I am a doer... a fixer. I encourage people when they are down... or just when I think they need it. I pick up the slack where it is needed. I try to find something I can do to make someones life a bit easier... a bit happier. When I am doing that, I am happy. I truly believe that it is not for my own glory... but rather for His... to show His love. I don't have to think about it... I just do it. It is not a sacrifice... it is just... me.

One of my dear sisters is going through a rough time. Stress is taking its toll on her both mentally and physically. I cannot take the stress away... I wish more than anything that I could. Sometimes I feel like all I can do is pray - and perhaps that is where I can be most effective. I pray that God would give me the words of encouragement she needs to hear. I pray that He will show me the little things I can do to make life a bit easier on her. I pray that He will provide for her, the way He always has, and that she would trust in that. I know that He has placed us each in each others lives for a reason. I know that there was much prayer behind this divine appointment of friendship. So I have to trust that He will use me in her life in whatever way He sees fit.

About a month ago I was going through a rough time myself. This same friend took me under her wing and took care of me. One evening we went shopping for Christmas decorations. She quickly learned 2 things that usually cheer me up... Christmas stuff and shopping. While in the Christmas Decor section of Canadian Tire, she pushed the "on" button of every single one of those dancing / singing / moving / really annoying stuffed Christmas things. The whole wall danced and sang. All I could do was stand there laughing. Who does that? Well, my dear friend, her sister (also a dear friend), and me.

After leaving said friends house this evening, I hit the drugstore. I came upon a display of dancing / singing / moving / really annoying stuffed Christmas things. I looked around to make sure no one was watching. I thought... this would make her smile... and I pressed the button on all of them. There were elves peeking out from santa hats, singing Christmas trees, and dancing snowmen. I laughed. I know she would have too!

Christmas Baking

Today was the day to really begin my Christmas baking. With Christmas Carols blaring, I made over 9 dozen Kourabeithes (Traditional Greek Christmas Cookies), Sucre de la Creme, Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge, 4 dozen Truffles, and Almond Cashew Peanut Brittle. And all in 5 hours...not bad! Now I have to divide it all up and hand it out so that I don't we don't eat it all ourselves! *S*

Marriage Proposal

I am on my second marriage proposal of the year. The first one was when I was in Greece. Actually, I was not proposed to formally in Greece... we just got married after he asked if I was single. I think that counts.

The second proposal happened tonight at work. Tis the season for Christmas Parties and the like... so we all brought in treats to share in the PICU. I made Gingerbread Cookies from one of my closest friends "secret family recipe"... ok, so it is not my real family, but they may as well be! The cookies were not as good as the last time I made them... a bit flat. But I was told that it is the taste that counts. The comments included: "They remind me of my grandma" .... "They are better than my Grandma Roses"... and my favourite ... " If I were not already married, I would marry you!" I think that counts as a proposal... don't you?

Thank you for the secret family recipe. That is what I called it all night when people asked for the recipe. Tee Hee...

Mud Sliding Anyone?

If me peeing on my sweater made you laugh, just wait until you read this!

So I leave my house this evening to go to work. I set the alarm and lock the door, only to realize it is pouring rain out. I decided to run back in to get my umbrella... I did not want to ruin my hair. When I opened my front door, I set off my house alarm. Ooops. So I was a bit late for work after sorting all that out.

I had a large box of clothing to bring in to work, so I met a friend of mine in the parking lot so she could help me carry it in. I drop my friend and the box off at the door and go to park my car. Before getting out of the car, I tuck my pants in to my socks. Being on the shorter side of things, my pants drag in the puddles... this way they stay dry. Here is where it gets good. Picture it, if you will.... I am carrying a grocery bag of candy, a grocery bag with my knitting, my work bag and my keys, and the umbrella as not to ruin my hair. All of a sudden I slip while walking down a small, muddy hill. My feet come right out from underneath me, one of my shoes (Birks) goes flying, and I land on my butt in a mud pile. I compose myself and get up. I am hopping around trying to find my shoe -barely holding on to my knitting - and I slip again, this time falling forward... yes, in to the same mud pile. I am soaked! I gather up my knitting - which had now fallen out of the bag, and the book that flew out of my work bag, and try to make my way to the door. Meanwhile, my friend keeps sticking her head out of the door to see where I was. She finally saw me and thought "oh... she stepped in a puddle". Stepped in a puddle? I am soaked! And muddy! I am laughing, but I kinda feel like crying. When I get closer, I turn around and say "Look at me arse" - which is of course covered in mud. I am not sure we have ever laughed so hard!

My pants are soaked - which is fine because I can get another pair from the OR. My shoes are covered in and filled with mud. My yellow socks (which by the way match my yellow bra and soaking wet, mud-stained underwear, as well as the brand new yellow sweater I am wearing), are soaking wet. My hair is dishevelled, and work is so busy that I just have to deal rather than go home and get dry clothes.

Lets just say that everyone at work has gotten a really good laugh. I cannot wait to get home and wash the mud out from between my toes!

What was that our mothers used to say? Never leave home without wearing clean underwear... just in case you get in to a car accident? *S*

Look at me arse!

My Own Countdown to 30

I was inspired to start my journey in to the world of blogs after a dear friend began a blog on the last year of her 20's. Today marks the beginning of the last month of my 20's. Sadly, I will beat this dear friend to the big 3 -0. How am I taking it? Well, seeing as my birthday is usually one of the worst days of the year, I am not looking forward to it. I just keep thinking... " I was supposed to be married with 3 of my 6 kids by now!" I guess God had other plans. I am learning to trust in Him and wait on His perfect timing. So to mark the last month of my 20s, I will try to blog every day until the big day. I said "try"... so give me a break.

Today, at work, I peed on my sweater. Yup. Almost 30 and I peed on my sweater. It had those long ties that were apparently in the way. Oops. So I came home from work a bit early, and only mildly embarrassed... which is obvious because I am sharing it with the world. I am always up for a good laugh. Spent the evening with friends and their kids visiting none other than Jolly Ol' Saint Nick. One kid smiled like it was old hat. The other one cried until it was over... then he ran away laughing. Too funny!

So all in all, a good first day of the last month of my 20's. Will write again tomorrow.

Christmas Cheer Was Spread - My Heart Was Blessed!

Tonight was the Met Youth annual "basket delivering night". It is a night that I remember looking forward to when I was in highschool, and that same excitement was obvious amongst the kids in the group. We arrived at our first house to see a man sitting by the window.... Mr P. It was clear that he was awaiting our arrival. We piled into his living room, and he began to tell us all about his life and the ministries he was involved in. It was fascinating. He arose from his chair with some difficulty, and puttered off to a nearby room. A few minutes later he returned with a large case. Inside the case was Denny. Mr P had been a ventriloquist back in the 60's. The kids took turns trying him out, and then Mr P showed us how it was really done. All of our eyes were wide with amazement... I am not sure any of us has seen a real, live ventriloquist.

One of our girls (who is studying opera) started off our carol sing with a beautiful rendition of O Holy Night. We then asked Mr P what he favourite carol was so we could sing it. His response? "All of them!" He, again, stood up from his chair, wobbled a bit, then said..."Let me go get my harmonica." He returned, harmonica and extra Christmas Songbooks in hand, and treated us to a few of his favourite carols, one being Silent Night. Again, we were all amazed. It was so great to see these kids in awe of this wonderful, godly man. And it was clear that our visit made his day. I think it made all of our days!

In my 5 years of basket delivery as a highschool student, as well as my first as a Youth Sponsor, one image sticks in my head. It is an image of something that I think I have seen in the home of nearly every single one of these godly men and women. I see an old chair - a comfy chair... covered in a blanket or two... sometimes with a pillow. A chair where many hours are spent. Beside the chair is a table with a lamp - the light directed at the chair. And on that table is an old, well used, much loved leather bound Bible. It is a beautiful sight. I can only imagine the hours that have passed as these godly figures, men and women who have been the backbone of our church, spend time in His Word... reading it... meditating on it... searching for answers... finding comfort... getting to know God's heart.

I hope and pray that one day, many, many years from now, a keen group of highschool students appear on my doorstep. They come bearing gift baskets and singing songs of the Christmas season. They will listen to me talk about my days as a youth sponsor. I pray that they will see that same beautiful sight... an old, well worn Bible, and have their hearts lifted as mine has been. I have been blessed.

Am I a Christmas Tree Snob?

A few of my very dear friends think I am a Christmas Tree Snob. Why? Because I have stated that if and when I do have kids, they will have their own tree to decorate with their handmade ornaments. They can even have coloured lights if they want. But their tree will be in the basement. Not that I won't cherish everything they make, but... Having some degree of OCD means that my tree is yes, themed. Silver and Blue. And white lights. Only white lights. I strongly dislike coloured lights. (These same dear friends are coloured lighters too!) My roomie loves the way our house is decorated at Christmas... of course, I don't let her do any of it! On the rare occastion that I allow her to put her ornaments on the tree, they go at the back.

Does this make me a Christmas Tree Snob? ( I know at least one of you are OCDers as well... support me here will ya?)

Just Around the Corner

Christmas is fast upon us. My tree is up... I have received my first Christmas cards in the mail... my gifts are coming along... we even have a bit of snow on the ground. Last evening our church had our "First Taste of Christmas". It was like an old fashioned night of Christmas Carolling - soloists, instumentalists, and congregational singing. It was a wonderful, yet overwhelming night. The atmosphere, the people, the love, as well as a bit of lonliness filled me with so much emotion. In fact, I pretty much cried through the whole thing. Christmas is one of those time where my emotions become exagerated. When I am upbeat and excited about Christmas, I am hyper, giddy, and full of enthusiasm. But I tend to fall apart a bit when I get over tired, become overwhelmed, or feel at all lonely (which for me is pretty easy to do, despite them many people around me who have shown me more love than I could have imagined). My prayer this holiday season is that I will somehow see Christmas in a new light. I am not sure what that means yet, but it is my prayer nonetheless.