the bishop's wife

WOW....The Lost Sheep Returns

2008-04-09T09:42:00.002-03:00

Not lost spiritually, only bloggily....errr, lost from the blog? I do not know how to say that but we all know it means that my blog has been *dead* since February. The good news is...*I* haven't been dead!! At least that is good news to me and my family. Blah blah blah.....

Okay, here is the deal....

I am going to New York!!!!!!!!

Just found out yesterday that I earned the trip to NY through my home-based business. I worked hard for this trip. Last year it was Jamaica and the year before was Arizona. I have never been to New York so I am pretty excited about it.

I have lost 70 pounds!!!!!!!!

Actually, 70.8 lbs if you want to know the exact number. Which you probably don't, but people like me are thrilled with losing even a fraction of a pound!!

The Bishop says I look really good now and should stop losing, but I am not satisfied yet. I am looking to lose about 13 more pounds to reach my next goal. I just want to fluctuate between 0-5 lbs at that spot, rather than this one. I will actually weigh less than I did when I graduated from High School two decades and three kids ago!!

The Bishop is going to the Philippines.

He is going in early May so he is busy getting things ready for that. He is teaching Early Reformation History there this time. He heads to India in November but first to the Philippines.

The Kidlettes are all well.

The kids are doing extremely well in the Christian school after two years of home-schooling. Tomorrow is Report Card day....their third one this year and I am expecting good things again. Only 2 months left of school and then home for the summer!!

God

The most important aspect of my life to update you on.....

God is good, as always. He is faithful and true. He brings me comfort and joy in my deepest parts, through Jesus Christ my Lord. I just celebrated my *spiritual birthday* on April 2. I have been a child of God for 20 years now. It doesn't seem that long ago....and although it has been 20 years I am fully aware of how much I do not know about our glorious Lord, how much He has left to teach me, how much more I need to be moulded into the image of Christ.

2008 Check In

2008-02-01T08:08:00.001-04:00

I am a pathetic blogger...I know that too well.

Here it is, exactly one month into 2008

and I am just making my first appearance.

Life has been busy, as usual, but good.

Today one of my sons turned 12 years old....

we are having a sleepover of crazy boys here tonight. Pray for me.

I do not really know what to update about...

nothing has happened that anyone would care about.

My parents visited for the entire month of January,

but are back home safe now; they arrived last night.

The kids got their Report Cards on Wednesday...

all of them have averages in the mid to high 90's,

which ROCKS!!

Especially because I homeschooled them the last two years

and I needed confirmation that I didn't destroy their minds! lol

Our youngest son just started guitar lessons...
Now we have 2 piano players, a flautist & tin whistle player
and the new guitar player....too bad I can't play anything!

On the weight loss front.....
I did gain a number of pounds over the Christmas holiday stretch.
However, I am glad to say that I have those ones all OFF again and then some.
I have now lost 64.0 pounds in total...
I am 0.6 lbs away from my goal.
Now that I am this close, I can see that I still want to lose more.
I feel good and people tell me I look good, which is nice,
but I still see that there is room for improvement.
I definitely want to lose 10 more pounds, without question...
possibly 20 pounds in total.
I would prefer to struggle in that range than the one I am in now.

The Bishop is going to India and the Philippines this year to teach, which is exciting.

That is about it.
God is good, life is good and my business is going well.
I am blessed so much more than I deserve.

Sweet Georgia Brown!!!!!!

2007-12-08T17:42:00.000-04:00

This rabbit has nothing to do with my post. I just love that he is so blooming BIG!!

"Sweet Georgia Brown...."

I really have no idea where that comes from...a song, I think.

In any case, it is something I say when I am excited.

I really draw it out though.....

Sweeet Geeeeeeorrrrrrrrrgiiiiiiiaaaaa Brrrrrrrrrownnnnnn!!!!

Just ask my children!
They are embarrassed when I do it.

This occasion calls for a Sweet Georiga Brown.

No, not because I am finally posting on my beloved blog.

But

because

I

have

finally

hit

the

60

Pounds

GONE

mark!!!!

Actually, this morning marks 60.4 lbs gone from this broken, cracked, clay vessel I call a body.

I started January 1, 2007 and that little episode lasted until December 8, 2007.

I am not finished though. There is more to be done, just another milestone to make note of.

My actual goal is 3.2 lbs away. I had a number in my head that I wanted to reach.

Thing is, I went to one of those lovely websites that you put your age, height and gender in and it told me my *ideal goal weight* should actually be 10 lbs lighter than what I chose as a goal weight. Now THAT was a bummer.

I fall within the NORMAL range for BMI...Body Mass Index.

I used to be OBESE on that thing....not nice.
Homeschooling for 2 years nearly killed me! LOL

I am looking to be lower on the Normal range though.

I can see that I still need to lose,

although I am feeling pretty darn good about myself these days!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

2007-10-07T06:04:00.000-03:00

Okay, let the lovely John Denver song swim through your head for a couple of lines and then we will get down to business!

The Bishop left for the Philippines yesterday morning. We woke at 3 am, which is not nice. One of our deacons was kind enough to pick him up at 4 am for the drive to the airport. It is kind of a tradition now, which I am very thankful for. Gotta love deacons!!

The Bishop will be going from here to Toronto,

from Toronto to Hong Kong,

from Hong Kong to Manila,

from Manila to IloIlo.

That is a lot of flight changes!!

Pray that his luggage does not get lost, especially his notes/laptop/projector.

He will be spending the first week visiting the churches that our church had the priviledge of helping to build. He will be preaching and teaching there, most times with a translater. The churches are located all over the Philippines and most of them are right in the jungle. The Bishop, as always in previous years, is hoping for a real adventure that might include an exotic beastie or two. The following week is spent teaching in the seminary, which does not require a translater. This year the course he is teaching is 19th and 20th century church history.

Now THAT is a Good Question!

2007-10-02T13:33:00.000-03:00

I saw these questions in the signature line of Chemnitz...

from a message board I visit.

I loved them!!

Questions that haunt me:

IF JIMMY CRACKS CORN AND NO ONE CARES,

WHY IS THERE A STUPID SONG ABOUT HIM?

IF CORN OIL IS MADE FROM CORN,

AND VEGETABLE OIL IS MADE FROM VEGETABLES,

WHAT IS BABY OIL MADE FROM?

WHAT DISEASE DID CURED HAM ACTUALLY HAVE?

WHY DO TOASTERS ALWAYS HAVE A SETTING

THAT BURNS THE TOAST TO A HORRIBLE CRISP,

WHICH NO DECENT HUMAN BEING WOULD EAT?

Milestones....

2007-09-29T07:57:00.001-03:00

I have a friend who has been blessed with the opportunity to visit England. I would love to do that one day as well. So much history. So many things to see and *feel*...you know how you just *feel* the history when you visit old places? lol Maybe I am a freak.

In any case....this friend told me how she loved to see the old milestones along the roads. As she went along, she could imagine travelling by horse and buggy 200 years ago and spotting the milestones out the carriage window as she approached London. I think that would be a very cool experience.

Milestones are great, aren't they?

I just hit a significant milestone myself....50 lbs GONE!!

50 lbs was not a goal of mine, it was one step in a long journey.

However, I feel it is a milestone that needs to be acknowledged...it feels good!

I have reduced my bmi by 7.4....I now have 5.6 lbs to go to get to my goal.

Now THAT will be a milestone!!

Nothing Much to Say....

2007-09-22T21:33:00.000-03:00

Except, I am still losing weight...

not as fast as I would like, of course...

However,

I am now down

46.4 lbs

since Jan 1st!!

I am looking forward to hitting that 50 lb mark.

That seems significant.

I am also looking forward to hitting my next real goal...

It is 9.2 lbs away....I will be *normal* when I lose 9.2 more lbs.

Normal sounds good to me.

After that....my next goal will be 8 lbs more.

Nice, reasonable goals.

After that....15 more lbs and I will be like I was in high school!!!

I am not sure I even want to go that low...but it is on the radar for me to consider.

A girl has to have goals, right?!

The Bum Tree

2007-09-12T14:18:00.001-03:00

Boys are different from girls...

no matter what the head shrinkers,

the public school system and Oprah tell you...

they are different!

In our household, we have three children. The girl is 13. She acts like a girl. She is a girly-girl...which I love! The boys are 11 and soon to be 9. They act like ~~animals~~ boys. I have found similar likenesses in various families....so it just isn't *our fault*. I think it is a common experience amongst most parents. They look down at their male offspring and shake their heads, every now and then.

If you can relate to what I am saying, you will also know that the idea of bums, butts, cracks and the like are extremely fascinating to boys. Such words have our daughter scowl in discust, but have the boys rolling on the floor in fits of laughter.

We ran across this interesting tree last year. We re-visited it this year. As you can see, there was great triumph and joy in finding *The Bum Tree* again.

What can I say?

*shrug*

More training is obviously needed...

but we struggle ourselves as jars of clay.

I must confess....

The Bishop & I were equally amused!!

My Empty Nest...

2007-09-06T10:26:00.000-03:00

Talk about tramatic....nobody is home!!!

This morning I had to say goodbye to my three children, as I sent them off to Christian school. I know there are a lot of mothers out there that look forward to school being back in so they can send their offspring back into the hands of others....I am not one of them.

I have homeschooled these kids for the past two years and although there were times of stress, tears and even torment...there were also times of joy. The joy of having my children with me during the day. To hear them playing after their lessons, to hear them laughing, even to hear them bickering. Our house was full of their presence....but now it stands empty, with only me.

I packed up their lunch boxes, filled their new backpacks, prayed with them and took numerous photos of them before The Bishop drove them off to school. I stood on the front deck, bawling my eyes out. There is something about sending my kids off that doesn't make sense. They are mine. I miss them and they have just been gone a couple of hours.

I am making some fresh muffins for their return from school today and I have a chicken all ready to go for dinner. I will be picking them up today and I am looking forward to having them back with me. To hear their stories about their new friends, teachers and classrooms.

I adore our children.

My heart is aching as I type this and of course, true to being me...

I am crying.

I praise God for the blessings He has given to us in those three children....

I can't wait until they are home and my nest is full again!!

The Incredible Shrinking Woman & Stuff

2007-09-04T12:03:00.000-03:00

I have been missing in action....as usual.

I have been rebuked for it...as usual.

I have now lost 42 pounds...I am thrilled!!!!!

I have decreased my BMI (Body Mass Index) by 6.2...

I am thrilled about this too!!

I have been very busy building my business....

it has been growing nicely.

I have prepared our three children to go back to the Christian school

after two years of homeschooling....

they were not wanting to at first, but they are now excited.

I have loved doing all the back to school shopping....

always a favourite thing for me.

My hubby is now a Doctor, Reverend Doctor actually...

he finished his doctorate last week!!!

That updates things for me.

Jamaica Mon!! No Problem!!

2007-07-11T20:54:00.001-03:00

I am back from Jamaica. It was gorgeous. The Half Moon Resort was outstanding, the water beautiful ( I saw all kinds of awesome creatures while snorkling, including a stingray! ), the people were so friendly, the food outstanding, the training for our business was amazing.

Pictures are worth a thousand words so here it goes:

Front Entrance to Half Moon Resort

Rose Hall Plantation - it is said to be haunted! lol

Very interesting historically speaking & beautiful throughout.

Some landscaping on the resort grounds.

The Villa that I stayed in, which was right on the water.

A cool, gnarly tree on the grounds.

A view from my table at one of our lunches.

I Like Big Bibles

2007-06-25T11:25:00.000-03:00

The Bishop ran across this hilarious song on http://www.godtube.com/ the other day. It strikes a chord with us because we first met on the TTC...the Toronto Transit Commission. I was taking the subway to an open air meeting and I was carrying my big, black, leather, KJV under my arm. I was newly saved for only about four months and I was a keener! He saw me and decided to approach me because he saw my bible. Well.....we were engaged in less than four months and then married in less than a year from meeting. Must have been that Big Bible!!

Check it out... Baby Got Book is hilarious!!

Who Am I?

2007-06-20T09:26:00.000-03:00

I struggle with disliking myself....down right hating myself. It is truly a burden....yes, I have issues! I remember, when I was a teenager and before I was a Christian I was feeling depressed. I do not know why exactly, as I look back, whether it was hormones, a particular incident or my Christless state....I just remember that I was depressed. I spoke to my mother about it, who wasn't a Christian at the time either, but I praise God that she is now! In any case, she said to me..."Why are you depressed? What do you have to be depressed about? You are smart, good-looking, you have lots of friends, you are an honours student, you have everything." Well, that was not very helpful to me at the time....nor would that be helpful to anyone else who might be depressed now and reading this.

Self-esteem is a foolish philsophy of this world. We should not esteem ourselves, we should esteem Him who is worthy of our esteem. I know that my self-worth and value comes from what Jesus Christ has done for me, what He accomplished for me and because of His love for me. Although I know this and I find comfort in the fact that Jesus Christ chose me before the foundation of the world, even though He knew what a wretched sinner I was going to be....I still struggle with hating myself.

I have said before that Christianity is a very interesting thing. Never does a person feel so good about recognizing how sinful and wretched they are....because they know that Jesus Christ died for them, inspite of their unworthiness. I praise God because although I am the most unworthy, He sent His Son to die for me personally. Jesus Christ thought of me as He died on the cross. That truth causes me to bow low and worship Him for who He is...and for what He has done for me. That is what brings me comfort.

Here is a link to the video Who Am I? by Casting Crowns. I love it. Listen to it, watch it....it encouraged my heart and I hope it encourages yours and causes you to worship Him for for what He has done for us.

Who Da Thunk It?!

2007-05-01T18:22:00.000-03:00

Who would have thought.....

1) That I would finally re-surface?

2) That I would break away from that initially lovely 30 lbs and hit 33.4 lbs gone after a slight detour?

3) That Jamaica is In The Bag!!!!!!! This is where we are going... http://www.halfmoon.com/

4) That although my business took a devastating hit, I rank 14th in the entire nation. I was in the top 4 at one point, but generally hung around the Top 10. After what I went through, 14th is gorgeous!! I am pleasantly surprised and thankful to be 14th.

5) That I would start to get migraines and unbearable cramps once a month after so many decades of being cramp-free?

6) That there is only one month of homeschooling left!!!!!!!!!!!

7) That I still haven't taken my Income Tax stuff to the accountant and it is now May 1st.

8) That I would be learning Ancient Greek with my children!

9) That my mother would tell me today that her bones are weakening at a terrible rate and her neck vertebrae are 80% degenerated and her hips are 54% degenerated. This is a result of her osteoporosis and her Multiple Sclerosis.

10) That our God is so marvelous, so kind, so merciful, so gracious, so loving that He cares about each and every one of these things...serious, silly or otherwise.

Psalm 103

1 Praise the LORD, O my soul;

all my inmost being, praise his holy name.

2 Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits-

3 who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

4 who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

5 who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 The LORD works righteousness

and justice for all the oppressed.

7 He made known his ways to Moses,

his deeds to the people of Israel:

8 The LORD is compassionate and gracious,

slow to anger, abounding in love.

9 He will not always accuse,

nor will he harbor his anger forever;

10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve

or repay us according to our iniquities.

11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his love for those who fear him;

12 as far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed our transgressions from us.

13 As a father has compassion on his children,

so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;

14 for he knows how we are formed,

he remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass,

he flourishes like a flower of the field;

16 the wind blows over it and it is gone,

and its place remembers it no more.

17 But from everlasting to everlasting

the LORD's love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children's children-

18 with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven,

and his kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

22 Praise the LORD, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the LORD, O my soul.

I Have Surfaced!!!!

2007-03-23T09:13:00.000-03:00

I was rebuked in the last threads comments so I thought I better break down and post something before it got violent. lol This is my story:

My home-based business has been keeping me deadly busy since Friday February 16 when I found out that an entire leg of my sales team was being removed because of unethical behaviour by one of my sales leaders. That threw me for a loop to say the least. I had earned the title of Executive Unit Leader way back in October and I had the trip to Jamaica in the bag, as it were. I was coasting along and still building and securing things when it all hit the fan. When that happened, I had to scramble in a way that I never had to before with my business. I have been doing appointments, meetings and training nearly non-stop trying to rebuild. I did it. But it was a lot of work...and now, I have to wait and see that everything that has been put into place works out the way it is supposed to. I am a bit of a control freak with my business, and rightfully so. I have learned that you cannot count on other people and that is the sad reality of it. If it is up to me, it gets done...if it is up to others, I hope and pray!! Bottom line...everything looks good and it looks like I earned my Executive status back, but I won't believe it until the statements run. It has to happen now for me to have my trip to Jamaica...I have this one chance and that is all.

So....between my lovely business experiences, homeschooling three children, running a family and doing the Pastor's Wife thing...it has been a very busy month.

The BEST news of all...for me on a personal level...I have finally hit 30 pounds GONE!!!!!

This last month's weightloss really slowed down but I am thrilled to report I finally hit 30. That was driving me nearly as crazy as my business!! lol However, I still haven't started to exercise and I am thinking that Monday may be the day. I always have good intentions but they are definitely not always fulfilled.

That is my story and I am sticking to it!!!

Checking In

2007-03-04T09:37:00.000-04:00

I have been MIA for a number of reasons.

1) I really do not have anything of substance to say.
2) I have been hard pressed for time lately.
3) I am really scrambling to keep my home based business moving forward.

The best news I have right now is that I am down 28 pounds and there are 18.5 inches less of me than there was before!! All of my jeans are so baggy...it feels great!!

I am still watching my calories but my exercise has been extremely lame. I must confess that I find it hard to exercise when I am still losing weight without it. My schedule has been such that it is the last thing on my mind and when I do think about it....it is late and I am too beat to do it. My weight loss seems to be slowing down, so I might have to add it whether I want to or not. Let's face it, I cannot complain about losing 28 lbs in only 2 months.

I find myself home from church this morning with one of our children. He complained of a stomach ache all last evening. At 3 am this morning, he awoke and vomited profusely. He is very pale this morning so we thought it best not to spread the cootie to others at church. Alas, I am missing another service. I do not like to miss them...but I was actually on nursery duty today.

Homeschool Nightmare

2007-02-23T10:39:00.000-04:00

As a homeschooling parent, the letter below describes a real-life nightmare. This letter is from the Home School Legal Defence Association of Canada, which has an American counterpart. Please consider contacting the people below if you are a homeschooler...or even if you are not but recognize that parental authority out ranks the authority of a pagan government. Although this nightmare is taking place in Germany, international decisions have begun to effect our own laws in various areas. The German government is overstepping their bounds and trespassing on religious and parental freedom.

Home School Legal Defence Association of Canada E-Report

February 23, 2007

Dear HSLDA members and friends,

This month we explained to you what happened to the 15 year old German girl, Melissa, who was being homeschooled, how she was removed from her parent's home by 15 police officers and social workers, and placed into a psychiatric unit at the Nuremburg clinic for school-phobia.

We have now received even more shocking news from HSLDA United States. Last week the German authorities, without consulting or informing the parents, moved Melissa to an undisclosed location. Her contact with her family has been limited to a short conversation once per week. Last Friday the court met to determine further placement of Melissa. The court refused to change its decision but removed the first psychiatrist from the case (Melissa indicated that most of what the first psychiatrist reported was false and that she never said those things). The court is having two new psychiatrists examine Melissa.

Melissa has been moved--for a third time--to a foster home in the country. The first foster family didn't want Melissa anymore because she did not "fit." According to Melissa, the family was apparently bothered by her reading French and translating it into German.

Melissa's father, Hubert Busekros, said he and his lawyer were offered a compromise this week that they could not accept. The authorities wanted the Busekros's to give up custody of their other five children in order to resolve this situation. Hubert said the authorities are considering doing psychiatric exams on the other five children in order to implicate Hubert and his wife as unfit parents and thereby break up the family.

These actions against this homeschool family are an outrage. There are approximately 40 other cases pending in Germany. Many homeschool families have fled to Austria or another nearby country where homeschooling is legal. The German government is persecuting these innocent families without mercy. The German Embassy has indicated they cannot allow "parallel cultures." Christian homeschooling is a "parallel culture" that Germany does not want.

REQUESTED ACTION

1. Please continue to call or email the German Embassy and give them this message:

"Over 40 innocent homeschool families have been prosecuted, fined, and in some instances, had their children removed to state custody. This is an outrage. Many homeschool families are fleeing Germany to nearby European countries where homeschooling is legal. The most incredible violation of human rights is the Busekros family, whose child was put into a psychiatric ward and then removed to an undisclosed location, all for the crime of homeschooling. Germany will not long be known as a free nation if it suppresses the right to choose homeschooling."

The German Embassy in Canada can be contacted at:

German Embassy

1 Waverley Street

Ottawa, ON, K2P 0T8

Tel.: 613-232-1101 Fax: 613-594-9330

Email: germanembassyottawa@on.aibn.com

The embassy can be emailed from its website: http://www.ottawa.diplo.de/Vertretung/ottawa/en/Kontakt.html

2. The Minister of Justice in Bavaria can be given the same message:

Beate Merk

Prielmayerstr. 7

80335 Munchen

Tel. +49 89 5597 1799

Fax +49 89 5597 3580

Email: beate.merk@stmj.bayern.de

3. If you wish, you can also send letters to Melissa and the rest of the Busekros family. Melissa's parents have said they will try to get the letters and cards to Melissa. Their home address is:

Schallershofer Strasse 72

91056 Erlangen

Deutschland

4. Pray for the German situation. Only God can change the situation for homeschoolers in Germany. Attempts by German homeschoolers to organize or to change the laws through court continue to be lost, but with God all things are possible. We ask that you cry out for the German homeschool families.

Thank you for standing with these families and taking a moment to assist them. Please continue to keep Germany in your prayers.

Sincerely,

Paul D. Faris LL.B.

Executive Director and Legal Counsel

Before & After Motivation

2007-02-21T12:20:00.000-04:00

As you may know, I am on a weightloss journey. I have already lost over 25 pounds since January 1st and I am feeling pretty good about myself. My second goal is another 20 pounds...I am working on it!!

If you are anything like me, you probably enjoy seeing photos of *real* people who have *real* stories about *real* weightloss. Not a photo of a stick thin girl who has never struggled with her weight...but a photo of a woman who knows the struggle and has been victorious.
If that sounds interesting to you, then visit this site:
Before and After Pics & Stories

All About Bananas

2007-02-19T21:17:00.000-04:00

Bananas

This is interesting. After Reading this, you'll never look at a banana in the same way again.

Containing three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy.

Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.

Depression:
According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel happier.

PMS:
Forget the pills - eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood.

Anemia:
High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.

Blood Pressure:
This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke

Brain Power:
200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert.

Constipation:
High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives.

Hangovers:
One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.

Heartburn:
Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.

Morning Sickness:
Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness.

Mosquito bites:
Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and crisps. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady. Bananas are ideal

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a "cooling" fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand, for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in "The New England Journal of Medicine,"eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!

Warts:
Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrate, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe its time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, "A banana a day keeps the doctor away!"

That Old Flu Bug

2007-02-18T15:28:00.000-04:00

The flu bug has our youngest. He woke this morning with a terrible headache, he could not stand the light and was nauseated. He has vomited four times today but things seem to be settling down a little. Needless to say, I did not get to church today because I had to stay home to tend to him. He was appreciative and it was very cute....not the throwing up part though! lol

I am wondering if this is going to work it's way through the family. I am hoping it doesn't. I am not in the mood to throw up and feel wretched....I am much too busy for that. Our daughter has been gone for one week, visiting my in-laws. She is having a one week cooking co-op with her grandmother. She will return home on Tuesday with a number of recipes and the actual meals that were prepared and frozen. So...if I do fall ill, the rest of the family will still have meals!! God is good!

Use tissues and wash your hands often.
Words to live by during flu season!!

The Best Advice On.....

2007-02-13T15:07:00.000-04:00

Keeping with my *25* Theme....here is a list of 25 pieces of weightloss/fitness advice from people who should know. I found it on a message board but I have no idea what the original source is. Some of them are great ideas, some I am already doing and some...well...pick and choose for yourself!!

The Best Advice On ... SETTING GOALS

1 Make mini milestones. Break your weight-loss goal into 10-pound blocks.
-- Sherrill S. Lewis, July 1988 (pounds lost: 102)

2 Keep your eye on the prize. Tape a list on your fridge of what you want to accomplish, like fitting into your size-8 jeans or running a mile without stopping.
-- Felicia Kutchel, July 2004 (pounds lost: 75)

The Best Advice On ... SHOPPING TO DROP

3 Create incentives. Give yourself a dollar for each pound lost. Use the money to treat yourself to a new sweater or spa treatment.
-- Margaret McHalsky, Jan. 1983 (pounds lost: 45)

4 Go plate shopping! Downsize your dinner by eating off a smaller dish.
-- Jessica Haber, June 2000 (pounds lost: 40)

5 Buy fitted clothes. Avoid expandable elastic waists that don't let you feel or see those extra inches creeping up on you.
-- Neseebe Ann Denney, Sept. 1987 (pounds lost: 53)

The Best Advice On ... HITTING THE GYM

6 Know you're not alone. Don't be afraid to join a health club because of your size. You'll find a range of body types at the gym.
-- Louise Goldman, March 1982 (pounds lost: 27)

7 Get an affordable personal trainer. Hire one with a group of friends and split the cost-- you'll save money and learn how to burn more calories from a pro.
-- Anna Young, Aug. 2005 (pounds lost: 45)
2006 update The number of gyms that offer 2-for-1 training have risen by 29 percent over the last few years, according to the IDEA Health & Fitness Association in San Diego.

8 Join a gym near your office. Exercising during your lunch break or after work will be much more convenient.
-- Karin Blitte, July 1995 (pounds lost: 59)

9 Pay for a 10-pack of workout classes upfront. That way, you'll have to go or your money will be wasted.
-- Felicia Kutchel, July 2004 (pounds lost: 75)

The Best Advice On ...GETTING SUPPORT

10 Find an R.D. A nutritionist can guide you and offer encouraging feedback as you revamp your eating habits.
-- Susan Rodzik, Aug. 1982 (pounds lost: 43)

11 Seek motivation on the Internet. Get 24/7 support with an online weight-loss group. 2006 update Exchange messages, recipes, even exercise tips with other readers at Shape.com/community.
-- Kathy Rohr-Ninmer, April 2003 (pounds lost: 60)

12 Power up with a partner. Enlist the help of a friend to cheer you on when dieting gets tough.
-- Karen Schreier Paris, Feb. 1997 (pounds lost: 33)

13 Join a weight-loss support group. If you're struggling with emotional eating, seek a program that offers stress-management techniques like meditating or journaling.
2006 update Many employers now sponsor health events. If yours doesn't, gather 3-4 people and learn about healthy weight loss by visiting a Weight Watchers center (weightwatchers.com) -- Lorna Bennett, March 1989 (pounds lost: 93)

The Best Advice On ... EATING TO LOSE

14 Don't be deprived. Treat yourself to a small portion of something sweet each day so you won't crave it and binge later.
-- Kristen Taylor, Aug. 2002 (pounds lost: 70)

15 Crunch the numbers. Know the calorie counts of your favorite meals, snacks and drinks. Resolve to make your daily calorie intake a healthy 1,500.
-- Janet Jacobson, July 1987 (pounds lost: 277)
2006 update Log on to here to create a meal log that calculates your daily calories.

16 Go international. Find a lowfat meal in every type of cuisine -- Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Italian-- so you can still enjoy eating out.
-- Alisa Khaitan, April 1995 (pounds lost: 38 )

17 Make smart eating easy. Start your own file of healthy recipes you've created or picked up from books and magazines.
-- Mary Hukaby, April 1983 (pounds lost: 45)

18 Save the best for last. If you taste food while making dinner, you can take in a huge amount of calories without realizing it; wait until you sit down to eat.
-- Marlene Conner, Jan. 1987 (pounds lost: 77)

19 Nuke your next meal. Microwave convenient, healthful "fast food," such as rice bowls or vegetable chili.
-- Marie Kinlein, April 1988 (pounds lost: 66)

The Best Advice On ... TRACKING YOUR PROGRESS

20 Write before you bite. Keep a journal of everything you put in your mouth. You'll think twice before you eat if you know you have to write it down.
-- Anna Marie Molina, Oct. 1988 (pounds lost: 76)

21 Wear a "track" suit. Put on your favorite bikini once a week to check your progress.
-- Amy Duquette, Nov. 2005 (pounds lost: 30)

22 Chart your success. Weigh yourself each morning and create a graph using the results. It'll help you see the big picture over time.
2006 update Monitor your progress by downloading a weight-loss tracker to your PDA. One to check out: UTS Weight Tracking Program ($10; utracksys.com)
-- Pamela Stolzer, June 1982 (pounds lost: 75)

The Best Advice On ... BURNING CALORIES OUTDOORS

23 Sign up for a run/walk event or bike race. The competition will help you work harder and you'll make fitness-minded friends.
-- Stacey Stimac, Dec. 1993 (pounds lost: 27)

24 Change with the seasons. Snowshoe in the winter, swim in the summer and bike in the spring. Different workouts will keep you challenged.
-- Gretchen Meier, Nov. 2004 (pounds lost: 115)

25 Cultivate your green thumb. Burn 254 calories per hour by doing your own yard work. You can also stock up on veggies by growing them in your garden.
-- Lauretta M. Cox, March 1983 (pounds lost: 122)

I Made my First Goal!!!!

2007-02-12T14:23:00.000-04:00

Twenty-Five pounds are GONE!!!!!!!!!!

Now, onto my next goal.....20 more pounds!

Praising God for His Blessings!!

2007-02-08T19:25:00.000-04:00

Our minivan has been dying a long, slow, painful and expensive death. It has been resuscitated numerous times over the past couple of years. It is a 2001 Ford Windstar with 270,000 kms on it. We had a new engine put into it when it was less than 200,000 kms....mechanic said we had a lemon. Well....sour turned into sweet for us on Monday evening!!! To make a long story short....my dear old dad GAVE us $10,500 for a down payment for a new 2007 Pontiac Montana. Our monthly payments for financing are only $300, which is very reasonable. Without that down payment, we would have been looking at financing of about $600 a month....which we could definitely not afford.

I praise God for His provision.
I praise God that He saved my dad only a couple of years ago.
I praise God because I know this generousity is evidence of his true faith in Christ.

Matthew 7:9 says, "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone?"

I praise God that my father gave me such a glorious loaf of bread.
All praise to Him who gives us so much more than we could ever think or imagine.

Weight a Minute!!!

2007-02-06T19:20:00.000-04:00

How do you like the catchy title of my post? I was rather pleased with myself for coming up with that!! :)

I have been away over the weekend to a conference on prayer...which was very good. It is so nice to have your soul fed...especially when one is cutting back on the body's feeding!! ;)

In anycase...just thought I would check in and report that I am now officially down 18.8 lbs. Hopefully break the 19 pound mark in the morning, but for today it stands at 18.8 and I am pleased with that.

Something curious happened to me yesterday. I was home during the day, as usual, then I had to head out in the late afternoon to meet someone, then have a business meeting. I had only eaten very little by the time I left the house around 4 pm, so when we met up, I had an appetizer sized salad with some chicken breast. It was very small but I have noticed how I am so much more satisfied with smaller portions these days. I was more than satisfied and went on to our business meeting feeling very content.

After our meeting, everyone was going out and I was invited because someone wanted to *treat* me. We arrived at the restaurant and the menus were brought out. I was simply not hungry since I had the salad about 4 hours earlier. I looked at the menu and I could not bring myself to order anything but a Diet Coke...which is a treat in itself because I do not drink pop of any kind anymore, only water/tea/coffee.

I watched all the other ladies eating huge platters of nachos covered with cheese, beef or chicken, salsa and all of them ordered extra sour cream. They polished off a family sized serving each....and they are all overweight. I drank my Diet Coke and chatted away gladly. This morning I woke up with my scale showing a 0.8 lb loss.....what sweet victory. I didn't give into temptation (infact, I wasn't even tempted) but kept on plan....and I was rewarded with a loss. Makes it all worthwhile, doesn't it?

It was just a reminder to me that this is *my* journey. If *they* want to eat unhealthy food, huge portions and keep gaining weight...that is their business. I understand it because that is what I am coming from. But now *I* choose to be healthier, restrict my calories and keep losing weight!!

It was such a victory for me!!! I am still going strong since Jan 1st by never once binging or eating something that I shouldn't. I am SO pleased with that. Self-Control....that is what it is all about on this weightloss journey.

Every Calorie Counts!!

2007-01-31T11:05:00.001-04:00

I have one last day in this month of January. This morning, I am still exactly 17 pounds down in my weightloss, from January 1st. I know I should be really happy about that but this past week has just dragged on without any further loss. I would have loved to have hit the 20 pound mark, you know what I mean?! Being sick as a dog hasn't helped though. I have kept my caloric intake down low, but I didn't exercise for the past week and a half because I was having a hard time breathing! Although I am still sick, I am going to get back at it today. I am hoping this cold is making an exit. The coughing and heavy breathing is still here but at least my face doesn't hurt anymore because of my sinuses.

Weight Loss Tip of the Day

Ice Water:

Drinking ice-cold water makes your body burn calories, because your body has to work to raise the temperature of the water to your body temperature.

Drinking an 8-ounce cup of ice-cold water burns 8 calories.

Drinking 8 glasses of iced water a day at 8 calories each = 64 calories burned per day.

Over a year, 64 calories burned per day equals 2.9 kilograms of lost fat.

I drink about 3 litres of water a day. Most of the water I consume is hot or warm. I have a tooth that is giving me grief if I drink anything too cold. I will try to add some ice water to my intake though to get a few extra calories burned!! lol

That Spooky Bird

2007-01-30T14:07:00.000-04:00

I have always found the poem, The Raven -By Edgar Allen Poe, to be very spooky and creepy. I can recall reading it as a child, perhaps I was only 12 or 13 at the time, and I found it simply fascinating. I was also able to view a short film depicting the poem, which was even more chilling to me, because it was paired with the mournful voice of the narrator. I do not know who read it, but I can still hear that voice as I read over the words, all these years later.

Yesterday was the 162nd anniversary of the initial publication of The Raven.
It appeared in the New York Evening Mirror on January 29, 1845.

You can listen to Basil Rathbone read it by clicking here: The Raven

The Raven
By Edgar Allan Poe

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"'Tis some visitor," I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more."

Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying ember wrought its ghost upon the floor.
Eagerly I wished the morrow;- vainly I had sought to borrow
From my books surcease of sorrow- sorrow for the lost Lenore-
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain
Thrilled me- filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating,
"'Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door-
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
This it is, and nothing more."

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
"Sir," said I, "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so gently you came rapping,
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you"- here I opened wide the door;-
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortals ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken, and the stillness gave no token,
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore!"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!"-
Merely this, and nothing more.

Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before.
"Surely," said I, "surely that is something at my window lattice:
Let me see, then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore-
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;-
'Tis the wind and nothing more."

Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obeisance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed
he;But, with mien of lord or lady, perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a bust of Pallas just above my chamber door-
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.

Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore.
"Though thy crest be shorn and shaven, thou," I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient raven wandering from the Nightly shore-
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning- little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blest with seeing bird above his chamber door-
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door,
With such name as "Nevermore."

But the raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered- not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "other friends have flown before-
On the morrow he will leave me, as my hopes have flown before."
Then the bird said, "Nevermore."

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
"Doubtless," said I, "what it utters is its only stock and store,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore-
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy burden bore
Of 'Never- nevermore'."

But the Raven still beguiling all my fancy into smiling,
Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and
door;
Then upon the velvet sinking, I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this ominous bird of yore-
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and ominous bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion's velvet lining that the lamplight gloated o'er,
But whose velvet violet lining with the lamplight gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!

Then methought the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphim whose footfalls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee- by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite- respite and nepenthe, from thy memories of Lenore!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe and forget this lost Lenore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil!- prophet still, if bird or devil!-
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted-
On this home by horror haunted- tell me truly, I implore-
Is there- is there balm in Gilead?- tell me- tell me, I implore!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Prophet!" said I, "thing of evil- prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us- by that God we both adore-
Tell this soul with sorrow laden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

"Be that word our sign in parting, bird or fiend," I shrieked, upstarting-
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the Raven, "Nevermore."

And the Raven, never flitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And the lamplight o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted- nevermore!

Eat Less, Exercise More

2007-01-29T12:01:00.000-04:00

I am always fascinated by the plethora of diet/weightloss books that are available out there on the market. It seems you can go at weightloss in any way imaginable! You can do low carb, low fat, low calorie, low glycemic, vegetarian, hunter/gatherer, dairy free, Atkins, Weight Watchers, South Beach, SugarBusters, etc, etc, ad nauseum. I have said it before and I will say it again...all of these plans will work...IF you follow them!! The obvious problem we have is the fact that many of us fail to follow the plans that have been laid out. We cheat, sneak, and binge our ways off the plan and end up in despair because we have failed...yet again.

Curious how God tells us what to do, yet we choose not to listen to His advice. We have all heard the phrase, "Every thing in moderation" yet we do not seem to be faithful in applying it to our lives. The Scriptures speak about self-control countless times. My personal desire to lose weight is not just a vanity issue. It is a health issue and it is a spiritual issue. When I made the decision to confront my weight head-on, I knew I had to insure that it was not just for carnal reasons. I chose Galatians 5:22-24 as my motivation...not only for weightloss but for my entire life. As a Christian, I *must* display the fruit of the Spirit and continue to grow daily. I know my *fruitbowl* has become more full over the years, but there is so much room left for more. I want more. I want to have more love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. This is a life long journey of sanctification that we are in as Believers in Jesus Christ. If the Lord wills it, I look forward to having a number of years of seeing that fruitbowl fill up. Although, it will never be truly full until I am glorified (Romans 8:29-31)..but that is another post.

So, what is the answer and what are the best tips for losing weight? I am no authority on this, especially since I am still in the midst of the journey. But from what I can see, if we strive after becoming molded into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ and continue to seek after the fruit of the Spirit, we are going to be well on our way to a healthier life, both physically and more importantly, spiritually.

But the fruit of the Spirit is
love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, gentleness and
self-control.
Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature
with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Galatians 5:22-26

One other note of interest. If you are a sister dieter, then you will have heard that cutting back calories without exercise will lead to muscle loss, which inturn leads to lowering your metabolism. I just read an article that you may be interested in if you sometimes struggle with exercise. I think exercise is very important for me, when wanting to live a more healthy lifestyle...however, for those days where I might miss, this article encouraged me!!
Read it here: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070126/hl_nm/diet_exercise_dc

Counterfeit Beauty

2007-01-27T13:51:00.000-04:00

This video has been all over the web and I saw it months ago. However, I was reminded of it today and thought I would post a link. The perception we have of ourselves is often warped, is a statement that most women can identify with. The thing is, the perception we have of the models and stars out there is also warped. When you see everything that is done before the actual glossy magazine cover rolls out and onto the check-out stand at the grocery store, you will be amazed. I found this video clip to be fascinating and yet spooky, too.

See the *Evolution* here: http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/home_films_evolution_v2.swf

The whole issue of what the world calls *self-esteem* is another story!!

Fast Food...or is it?

2007-01-26T22:22:00.000-04:00

I do not know about any of you, but if you read my blog regularily, even though I am not so regular in my posting, you will know that I made a News Years Resolution to lose weight. To date, I have lost 17 lbs and I am feeling pretty good about myself! In my journey along the way, I have done some reading that led me to this horrific Fast Food Experiment that is posted on YouTube. If any of you have trouble staying away from Fast Food, or you just want to make yourself feel even better about already staying away from it...watch the the following video. Oh yes, show it to your kids too!! It will really make you think twice about stopping for a quick meal at the drive-thru...and it should make you feel really guilty as a parent!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEM0T1Ar5Qo

As to the title of my post...I don't think those fries could be classified as food at all!!!

The Dreaded Scale

2007-01-22T15:12:00.000-04:00

Not many women I know tend to declare their love for the bathroom scale. Most women shy away from it and view it as an arch enemy. The reason that tends to be so, is because it tells the truth. The plain and simple stark reality of one's weight is right there between your toes. No dark colours or flattering style of clothing to fool anyone. The numbers don't lie!!

I am experiencing something that I have not experienced in a long time. I am actually loving my bathroom scale. That beauty measures right down to the decimal and I love it for that feature. Every day I wake with eagerness to step on that scale and see what magic was wrought due to the previous days eating/exercising regime. This morning was no different. I am so pleased to say that I am now down 16.8 pounds!! And good riddance to them too!

For Our Daughters

2007-01-20T07:47:00.000-04:00

Women and girls have so many issues with body image in our society. The statistics are staggering. They reveal things like 40-60% of fourth graders have already been on a diet. Need I remind you that fourth graders are 9 years old.

Here are some revealing facts:

The average woman is 5'4" and weighs 145 pounds.
The average fashion model is 5'11" and weighs 120 pounds.
95% of Real Women do not naturally look like the models we see in magazines.
By graduation, the average teenager will have seen 350,000 advertisements
Advertisers deliberately intensify anxiety about weight because it makes them rich!
Images in ads have been "air-brushed" to remove all flaws, computer-elongated (with legs, torsos and necks stretched on the computer to make them appear longer) and sliced (with thighs, stomach and arms carved away to make them look thinner). We become programmed to believe that the women in ads, no matter how unreal, unattainable or unhealthy they are, are ideal!
70% of college women say that they feel worse about their bodies after reading women's magazines
We buy products that we hope will make us feel better about ourselves.
Teenage girls spend over $4 billion annually on cosmetics alone
Americans spend $50 billion each year on diet products which DO NOT WORK!
40-60% of 4th grade girls are dieting
63% of high school girls are dieting
A dieting teen is 8 times more likely to develop an eating disorder than her non-dieting friend----SO DON'T EVEN GO THERE!
THE PROBLEM IS THE MESSAGES IN THE CULTURE, NOT YOUR BODY!

I got those facts from a great website: http://www.edin-ga.org/index.asp

What got me thinking specifically about our daughters was a comment in my previous post. I also had a link to a Mary-Kate and Ashley Shopping Website appear in my web surfing...which made me shake my head. Why would I, as a mother, want to encourage my daughter to desire to buy clothes from two celebrities who send out the wrong kind of message. Mary-Kate has often been in the media with concerns about anorexia. The last thing I want is for my daughter to desire to look like her. It is such a shame that these girls have been twisted and warped by Hollywood and it's expectations.

Remember when they looked like this?

THIN

2007-01-18T11:47:00.000-04:00

If you would like to learn about a fascinating documentary about Eating Disorders, check out Lauren Greenfield at http://www.laurengreenfield.com . She is a photographer who has captured the essence of western culture in regards to women. You can view the entire documentary online at You Tube...just do a search using *thin hbo documentary* and the 11 parts will come up. It is a very sad thing to watch. The girls are so messed up and are truly lost.

Tips from the Pros

2007-01-16T15:31:00.000-04:00

No, I am not the pro. This tidbit was gleaned from a weightloss website. I am not claiming that they are healthy tips, but they are tips nonetheless.

Water! Drink lots of it.

DON'T stick to one set number of calories; variation tricks metabolism!

If you feel like eating...take a warm shower/bath or brush/floss your teeth.

Frozen Meals are a great way to count exact amount of calorie intake in one meal.

Dont eat one thing constantly! (ex. only apples for a month) [DOH!!]

Take vitamins.

Green tea has been proven to increase the metabolism... drink it!

You know what I find amusing? No matter what plan you follow, which tricks or tips you try to do, the bottom line is always the same....eat less, exercise more, drink water. That about sums it up, doesn't it? Curious how we have such a difficult time doing that though, isn't it?

Since the Golden Globes were on last night, the web is filled with photos of starlets accomanied by comments being made about their hair, their choice of gowns and of course their weight. This photo of Jennifer had the following caption, "Here is Jennifer Love Hewitt, who seemed to make quite the mistake in selecting her gown. She looks beautiful and radiant as always, but the dress highlights all of the weight she has gained in the past year or so." My goodness...if that woman is an example of *all the weight she has gained* there is no hope for any of us!!

As for myself...I am down an even 12 lbs now. :)

Victory is MINE!!!!

2007-01-15T16:01:00.000-04:00

Okay, it is a victory, but I am victorious in a battle...not the war. I spent four days at my in-laws this weekend. Big deal you might be saying. I will tell you, it IS a big deal. The woman can COOK! Not only can she cook, she can bake too. She is the model housewife. The reason I am victorious is because I completely stuck to my diet plan while I was there and did not eat one thing that I shouldn't have. I am SO pleased with myself. I will weigh in tomorrow morning and let you know the official numbers.

One of the most difficult things I have experienced in trying to lose weight over the years, is that events pop up that give me a *reason* to eat things I shouldn't. We tend to *celebrate* everything with food in our family. We have celebrated a bit too much over the years! I have decided to change my thinking. Instead of thinking that I have to celebrate events with food, I am choosing to celebrate in attitude. Having a good attitude about the event while eating something healthy can be more fulfilling than having an attitude of *I deserve to eat this cake*...in the long run, it is an investment in the future, more specifically, in my future health. The other benefit is that I do not feel guilty after the celebration is over.

I have also decided to change my thinking directly about food. Instead of thinking about all the foods that I am missing, I am really trying to enjoy the foods that I am choosing to eat. Being positive about the fruit, the low fat yogurt or the lean poultry is so much more empowering than bemoaning the fact that I cannot eat a greasy hamburger. It is all how you look at it, isn't it?

I read an interesting diet motto once....it said,
Nothing tastes as good as thin feels.
I believe I agree with that...for the most part!!

The Battle of the Bulge

2007-01-09T20:08:00.000-04:00

I have been dieting since New Years, or as I prefer to put it, eating healthy. So far, I have lost 9.6 pounds!!!!!! YAY for me!!! I have reduced my caloric intake drastically and I have started to exercise again. I drink 2.5-3 litres of water daily and basically deny myself anything really tasty! The results have been very favourable though and I will continue on. The Bishop has even hopped on the band wagon and has been trying to eat more healthy and has lost about 6 pounds, so he is feeling pretty good about himself too!

This photograph is something I found online in my search for dieting tips. Since I do not watch television, I just found out there is a reality show called Make Me A Supermodel, on which these two lovelies participated. Well, the woman on the left (Jen Hunter) was told she is too FAT since she is a size 12. A voluptuous, Marilyn Monroe'esque figure it seems to me. The girl on the right (Marianne Berglund), who is only 18, is emaciated and definitely underweight by medical standards...with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of only 16.1. A BMI of 18.5 or less is considered anorexic. Guess which one was praised and which one criticized?

Which one of these ladies do you think is most attractive? Personally, I am hoping to look more like the one on the left than the skeleton on the right, that is for sure!!!

Another One Bites the Dust

2007-01-03T16:15:00.000-04:00

I despise our egalitarian society. Why can't women be women and men be men? Why can't people just be happy and embrace their gender role without having to fight every thing around them? I know, I know...it is sin plain and simple. I have a sneaky suspicion that it might have something to do with this.

My rant today is pertaining to the Beefeaters of London, England. A 522 year old institution and tradition broken. Why? Because of feminism. Something tells me it is just not going to be the same experience, standing in from of the Tower of London when it is be *guarded* by a female Beefeater. Takes away the historic sense and definitely deprives the position of some major testosterone. Read about it here.

Thinspiration

2007-01-02T15:19:00.000-04:00

Make a decision to lose some weight, decide to do some research online and you will be amazed or horrified at what you find. I have read quite a bit about Anorexia in the last few days. It is a scary thing. Whether it is a choice, an illness or a disease...I have not come to a conclusion yet. However, it is a very frightening thing to read about women who are literally starving themselves to death.

I had set out to find some weight loss tips online when I stumbled upon some scary images. They are called *Thinspirations*. They are images which inspire the Anorexic or Bulimic person to continue to starve or purge themselves. They are also referred to as *Triggers* for those who are trying to overcome their Eating Disorders. Sometimes they will run across an image that triggers or renews their desire to be thin. It pushes them off the wagon, as it were.

With all the images of thin, svelte, under-fed bodies found in our culture I really struggle to see how images such as these are attractive to anyone. Being a healthy, fit weight is one thing...being a skeleton with skin and no muscle is truly another. My heart goes out to the young women and girls whose minds have been captured by the lie that they must be bonerack thin.

Happy New Year!!!

2007-01-01T12:23:00.000-04:00

It is now 2007. We have said our goodbyes to 2006 and, as I told our children last night, it will never be 2006 again. Profound stuff, right? ;) We took the children to an early evening of family fireworks in town, which were awesome. I cried as I looked back over the year 2006 and expressed my joy to the family and my praise to God. It has been a good year. God blessed us, as usual, more than we deserve. The most wonderful news is that all of our three children publically professed Christ as Saviour and went through the waters of baptism. All at different times....with the last one being baptized on Christmas Eve Day..Sunday December 24, 2006. I am humbled by God's grace to our family. In spite of my sin and failures as a mother, He has poured His mercy out upon us. Praise be to our God who blesses us more than we can ever imagine!!!

I generally do not make official New Year's Resolutions. I always have good intentions, but you know what they say about good intentions!! Instead, I am generally a *goal setter*. I know what I desire and I go for it. Generally speaking, I usually reach my goals, by the grace of God. I figure that if I make my goals public...okay, only a few souls actually read my lovely blog, but still, that is more public than my personal journal..I figure that will help me hold to them with more gusto!! So, without further ado, here are my goals for 2007.

1) Read through the entire Bible in a year again.
It has been a few years since I have done this, and obviously I think it is a worthy pursuit.
I am using this plan because I like the way there are 4 different passages every day.
http://www.navpress.com/Assets/PDF/Product/Sample/1576839745.pdf

2) Be more hospitable. We like to have people into our home for meals and fellowship but I think that we can increase the number of people we minister to even more.

3) I desire to be more like Christ. There are so many things I see about myself that need improvement. It can become disheartening. If I could pick just three areas...out of the dozens...they would be:

i) To be more patient.
ii) To guard my tongue.
iii) To love others more.

4) Lose weight, exercise and eat healthy. Yay. How could I not have this one as a goal? Homeschooling has brought many things into my life over the past two years...*more of me* being one of them. Staying home all the time, feeding children meals and snacks all day long, has definitely compounded my struggle. I hope to be able to report my weight loss on here!

So thar ya go!!! It is official. Now, please be a friend and encourage me to hold to these goals!

1 Cor 13 - Christmas Version

2006-12-20T09:47:00.000-04:00

First Corinthians 13
Christmas Version

If I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows,
strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls,
but do not show love to my family,
I'm just another decorator.

If I slave away in the kitchen,
baking dozens of Christmas cookies,
preparing gourmet meals and arranging
a beautifully adorned table at mealtime:
I'm just another cook.

If I work at a soup kitchen,
carol in the nursing home,
and give all that I have to charity;
but do not show love to my family,
it profits me nothing.

If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels
and crocheted snowflakes,
attend a myriad of holiday parties
and sing in the choir's cantata
but do not focus on Christ,
I have missed the point.

Love stops the cooking to hug the child.
Love sets aside the decorating to kiss the spouse.
Love is kind, though harried and tired.
Love does not envy another's home
that has coordinated Christmas china and table linens.

Love does not yell at the kids to get out of the way,
but is thankful they are there to be in the way.
Love does not give only to those who are able to give in return;
but rejoices in giving to those who cannot.

Love bears all things,
believes all things,
hopes all things,
and endures all things.
Love never fails.

Video games will break,
pearl necklaces will be lost,
golf clubs will rust,
but giving the gift of love will endure.

--Author Unknown

Do Not Forget to Accessorize!!

2006-12-19T09:15:00.000-04:00

Is this scary or what? I got a chuckle out of this photo because someone posted it on a message board and I knew all about these fashion statements! The Bishop brought a frog changepurse back from his visit to the Philippines and has it sitting in his office amongst all his strange paraphenalia. It is nasty, but fascinating at the same time.

If you would like one, place your order before his next trip!!

Two More Sons of Canada Gone

2006-11-28T12:31:00.000-04:00

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!
From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

On Monday Nov 27, 2006 we lost 2 more of our soldiers in Afghanistan, Cpl. Albert Storm and Chief Warrant Officer Robert Girouard. The number is up to 44 since our troops arrived in Afghanistan in April 2002.

Keep our military in your prayers. They are in real danger there and we are sending off more in February. There are four men associated with our church who will be going to Afghanistan in the new year....we want to pray for them and all the other brave soldiers representing our great nation in the middle east.

Animal Freaks

2006-11-25T10:22:00.000-04:00

Perhaps not the most diplomatic title, but that is what this post is about....Animal Freaks. I am not talking about Animal Lovers, which are people who really love and enjoy animals. I am an Animal Lover. We have an abundance of loved animals in our home...infact, some people probably think we are excessive. Just so you can relate to the amount of Animal Love that infiltrates our home, I will list our critters:

*aquarium of fish
*hamster
*budgie bird
*lop earred holland rabbit
*black & white DSH cat
*orange & white DSH cat
*tabby extra-toed DSH cat
*terrier cross dog
*siberian husky dog
and last but not least...
*a bearded dragon lizard

Suffice it to say, we love animals. To love or enjoy one's animals is not the same as setting them up as idols or valuing them above human life. However, when I am referring to Animal Freaks, I am speaking about those people. You know, the ones that are in your face about abortion being a right...kill your baby with government money, it is your right....BUT don't you dare declaw a cat or have an outdoor dog! It is really that ridiculous. The icing on the cake for me is when I read this article... PETA Targets Churches

The PETA group is targeting all churches who are using live animals in their *Live Nativity* displays. So, they have a problem with a sheep, cow or mule actually standing in a display with humans. So, so cruel. Imagine, an animal...forced to stand, stand infront of humans, to stand *with* humans....how dare they?! Get REAL!! Oh my goodness, it is so absurd that it just sickens me. These people are so warped in their thinking. Animals should be treated with respect and care. They should not be abused or hurt in any way. However, they are animals. They are quite able to stand in a display, chewing on some hay and be very comfortable. Whether they are standing in their own stall or in the display...they are standing. Guess what? The humans who are participating are standing there too!! Wow. Maybe someone should call the authorities on them....no, wait...they are just human. They can take it, but not the fur bearing animals!!!

I better stop now. I am aghast at the lack of logic of these people. The way they put animals on pedastils and devalue human life. If all the misdirected time and energy they put into these petty issues were re-directed to taking care of humanity, they would be better off. However, I should not be shocked because this is what should be expected from people who have made animals their god. Just like Romans 1:21-23 says:

For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

The Book of Life

2006-11-23T09:17:00.000-04:00

Our God is fascinating. The way He created the heavens, the universe, our world and mankind. As science stumbles along, it continues to discover things about creation which point to a marvelous Creator. Science reinforces what we already know about God, but will never fully understand.

They have just discovered that the human genome varies between people. It was once thought that we as humans were 99.9% identical. Now the scientists have discovered that we are at least 10x more different from each other than previously thought. As a Christian, is it any wonder that our God of Creation included such variation in mankind?

Curious how the scientists refer to the genetic make-up of mankind as The Book of Life. We know The Book of Life to be something very different indeed!

To read the article, click here Genetic breakthrough that reveals the differences between humans

The Nativity Story

2006-11-16T13:37:00.000-04:00

I am very excited about this upcoming movie. It is nice to see a Biblical story put into film so a wider audience might be exposed to the things of God. Go to http://www.thenativitystory.com/ to read about it and to view the trailer. It looks like it is well done and has all the bells and whistles of other *Hollywood* movies....but with a subject dear to our hearts as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Good Wife's Guide

2006-11-07T20:23:00.000-04:00

Okay all you submissive, Christian women out there in bloggerland. Who can say they stack up against the guidelines laid out in the article by Housekeeping Monthly May 13, 1955?

That article could rankle the best of Titus 2 women with some of its expectations. Some of them are good, solid advice...but others really make my hair curl!

Tell me what your favourites are!!

Click HERE to view the article in question

Heart of Gold

2006-11-01T22:26:00.000-04:00

I was searching through some You Tube videos and I came across Neil Young. Oh, what a reminder of my university days before I was a Christian when I used to listen to Neil Young tapes over and over. I just loved them. It has been many years since I have played those tapes. Infact, I do not think I even own them anymore. It is curious how you can play a song that you haven't listened to for decades and still know every single word.

Neil Young.
Canadian.
Music Artist.
Player of guitar, harmonica, piano and organ.
Such a distinctive voice.
A Canadian icon.

This video was made in 1971. I was just knee high to a grasshopper.
Classic Neil Young.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7M1Se-p7uk

Reformation Celebration

2006-10-31T05:27:00.000-04:00

It was Martin Luther (1483-1546) who sparked the Reformation when he nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of the Wittenberg Church. He did this on October 31, 1517...489 years ago. The 95 Theses were a call to discuss how to reform the church and was an attack on papal abuses and the sale of indulgences. This act changed the landscape of the church from that day on.

Other Reformers of note were Martin Bucer (1491-1551), Philip Melanchthon (1497–1560), Ulrich Zwingli (1484 - 1531), William Tyndale (1496 - 1561), John Knox (1505 - 1572), John Calvin (1509-1564) and Theodore Beza (1519-1605).

As Christians, we have something significant to celebrate and focus on when October 31 rolls around. God in His sovereignty gave Christians something real to celebrate on that day...not just a Fall Festival or Havest Party...but the Reformation! We should not be caught up in Halloween and all the evil that is associated with it. No matter how innocent you think your participation is, it is still associated with something that is the antithesis of the Christian life. If there was a day that celebrated something evil like abortion, would we as Christians associate ourselves with that in *any* way. The answer is a resounding NO. So why on earth, would we every choose to dress our children up and send them out to gather candy from strangers, on a high holy night for Satan's followers?

A couple of places to read up a little about Halloween that might change the way you think if it is just *innocent* in your mind....

To read one article Click Here

To read another article Click Here

Enjoy your evening. Just remember what you are celebrating tonight when you choose to participate in Halloween activities or Reformation activities!

Body Piercing

2006-10-30T13:56:00.000-04:00

Don't worry, I didn't go out and get my body pierced. At this stage of the game, after three children and 17 years of marriage, I have doubts that I could even find my belly button! I won't even begin to mention the other areas that people are getting pierced these days!

When I think of the trend amongst the young people today of mutilating themselves, it just sickens me. I think it is so unattractive, unsanitary, unnecessary and it seems to just be another form of rebellion. I find it a very strange thing to go into a store and be served by someone with a piece of metal sticking out of their eyebrow, nose, cheek or lip. Regardless of what that person looks like, all I see is that piece of metal. I stare at it and do not make eye contact with them. It is an eery fascination of looking upon something you find repulsive yet continues to draw you in. Almost like when someone says, "Want to see something gross?" To which you catch yourself responding, "Sure!"

I was reading an article about an 18 year old girl who went to get her nipple pierced. Why anyone would want to get their nipple pierced, I honestly do not know. Especially if you ever want to nurse your children when you have a family. Something tells me though, that the kind of person who goes to get their nipple pierced, is not thinking about future childbearing years at that time! In any case, it is a very sad story of that girl getting an infection and subsequently having to have her entire breast removed due to infection. So, instead of being an 18 year old girl with a pierced nipple, she now is an 18 year old girl with one breast. It is a very sad scenario that will no doubt bring many troubles into her life as she deals with the results of her choice.

Read the article HERE

The most amazing story of body piercing that I know of is found in the Scriptures. It is in Exodus 21:5-7. It is a passage about Hebrew slaves and it paints a beautiful picture for one who is in Christ. It says:

"But if the servant declares, 'I love my master and my wife and children and do not want to go free,' then his master must take him before the judges. He shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life."

I want to be like that slave. A slave who loves his master so much that he will take me to the doorpost so I might place my ear upon the wood. My master would then drive that awl through my earlobe as a sign of his ownership. My pierced ear would be like a badge declaring to everyone who sees me, that I am a slave of Christ. For being a slave of Christ, is to be truly free. Just as the Scriptures say in John 8:36, "So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

I praise God today that I am
a slave to Christ
a servant of the King
a co-heir with Jesus
a sheep in the sheepfold
a priest in the priesthood
a lost coin which was found
a prodigal returned
a sinner saved by grace.

Personality Test

2006-10-27T18:07:00.000-03:00

Someone on the homeschool board I hang out on had posted a link to this site:

Personality Test

I was very excited about taking that test!

Just reading the descriptions, I could already tell you that I am, without a doubt:

A Sanguine Choleric.

Now for the test.....**insert elevator music here**

Oh my goodness....I was just about right on the money.

Official word:

Your personality is Choleric Sanguine.

Melancholy Strength:2 Weakness:0 5%
Phlegmatic Strength:0 Weakness:0 0%
Sanguine Strength:9 Weakness:10 48%
Choleric Strength:9 Weakness:10 48%

I have always wanted to take one of those tests!

I am thinking a Pastor's Wife would do well to have a little Phlegmatic in her....oh well! lol

Take the test and let me know what YOU are!!

Is Nothing Sacred?!

2006-10-25T19:42:00.000-03:00

This is scary. So called *Transgender* Men can use the Women's washroom anywhere on the New York Transit System. As a parent, that just makes my skin crawl. We cannot even have the freedom to take our children into the washrooms without them being faced with a man dressed in drag. We are left to explain that oddity to children who should not yet even be entertaining the thought. Just picture it, George dressed as Georgina freshing up his make-up beside you as your brush your hair. **shiver**

Girls' room his, too

Transgender men free to use ALL of MTA's loos

BY PETE DONOHUE
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER

Helena Stone, formerly Henry McGuinness, stands her ground yesterday outside Grand Central Terminal's ladies' room, which can now be used by transgender men.

The line for the girls' room just got longer.
Men who live as women can now legally use women's rest rooms in New York's transit system under an unprecedented deal revealed yesterday.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority agreed to allow riders to use MTA rest rooms "consistent with their gender expression," the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund announced yesterday.

The group filed a complaint against the MTA on behalf of a 70-year-old telephone repair technician who was arrested for using the women's room at Grand Central Terminal.

The technician, who is assigned to the terminal by Verizon, was born Henry McGuinness but now goes by Helena Stone.

"I'm a 24-hour woman," Stone declared proudly. "I just feel like a woman and I like to wear women's clothes."

The MTA would not comment on the settlement but Stone's lawyer said it also includes mandatory transgender sensitivity training for MTA employees and a $2,000 payment to the technician for legal fees.

Michael Sullivan, Stone's lawyer, called the settlement of the complaint with the Human Rights Commission a "milestone" toward recognition of the city law that prohibits discrimination against transgender men and women.

But some Metro-North riders at Grand Central yesterday were stunned by the ruling.

"I would not like that," said Gloria David, a retiree from Connecticut. "I have nothing against gay men or drag queens, but they can use the men's room. I just don't want to go to the bathroom next to a man."

One rider feared predators might dress as women and lurk in the women's room.

But Rena Gantz, 23, a college student, shrugged off the settlement.

"It doesn't bother me because it is a reality," she said. "If they believe they are women, they should be treated as one."

The Bishop flies the Coop

2006-10-19T10:11:00.000-03:00

Okay, the title of this post is a little deceiving. The Bishop actually left in the wee hours of the morning for the Philippines. He is teaching at a seminary and will be gone until November 1. We are going to miss him dreadfully!! Another cool thing is that he is going to be able to visit one of our Compassion children while he is there. We sent off a pile of goodies for him to bring to her and her family and it is so exciting to know that he will be meeting the little girl we pray for everyday.

Today, we are taking the day off of homeschool. I have a business meeting this evening and I have a terrible headache that won't go away. I think it may be from getting up at 3:45 am this morning to see The Bishop off. Even my beloved coffee is not curing it! lol

The Bishop will not arrive in the Philippines until Friday evening at around 11 pm. It is a long trip so please pray that it goes well. We will not hear from him this time until Saturday morning. Last year, he had time at his stopover in Hong Kong to email us, but he only has 1 hour in Hong Kong and will be busy getting to his next flight.

It is going to be a very busy trip for him. He is teaching during the day and preaching in the evening. He will be visiting the church building that our church here built. That is going to be awesome. Last year when he went that church was meeting in a bamboo lean to type of thing...now there is a full building for them to meet and worship God in! How awesome that we have the priviledge to be part of that. No matter where believers are in the world, no matter what language we speak, no matter what we look like, no matter how we live, we are brothers and sisters in Christ.

Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.
Acts 10:34-36

Parent Appreciation

2006-10-14T11:05:00.000-03:00

No, this is not an article about how my children should appreciate us more as their parents....that will come in time. This is actually an appeal to all of us as adults, to appreciate *our* parents more.

My parents live about 1600 miles away from us. Actually, we live 1600 miles away from them. It was six years ago that we moved away from them and all of my family. It was a lonely experience, but at the same time, an adventure. Being married to a Pastor brings definite adventures into the life!

My parents left this morning after a 9 day visit. I bawled like a baby. I love my parents. They are good people and have been good parents my sister and to me. Growing up was a good experience in our home. We had two parents, a father who worked hard to provide for us and a mother who cared for us at home. We had a beautiful house, all the necessities of life and then some. We were loved, not hated. We were encouraged, not discouraged. We were cared for, not neglected. Humanly speaking, we had a home life to be proud of. It was not perfect, but it was a good home. Although we had all of that, we were missing something of first importance....Jesus Christ.

I was saved at the age of 19 when I went away to university. It was not until 16 years later that God opened my mother's heart and graciously saved her. Then, the following year, God mercifully saved my father....on Father's Day!! I praise God daily for the mercy He has shown our family. The dynamics of our relationship has changed so drastically since they have become Christians. Not only are they my parents, but they are my brother and sister in Christ. How awesome is that?! My husband baptized my parents, with their three grandchildren looking on. It was such a glorious moment and one of the most precious in my life...to see my parents, who I prayed for so many years, professing faith in Christ and getting baptized in our church.

I praise God for His love and grace to our family. I thank Him for giving me such good parents and for sending salvation into our home. I pray that we will have many, many more years with my parents. Family is a special gift from God. We should take the time to show others how much we appreciate them. I want to do that more.

Cancer Kills

2006-10-12T17:09:00.000-03:00

I am so sad to write about this. My Uncle has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. He is 64 years old. One of his older brothers also died of lung cancer a few years ago, at the age of 64. He has not smoked for years, but that really doesn't matter. It is in both lungs. The oncologist told him today that he is not hopeful. He is running some more tests next week in preparation for surgery. He plans on opening him up to take a look. The doctor said that if it ends up being what he expects...that he is going to just sew him back up again. Not encouraging words.

My Uncle is not a Christian. Over the past few years he has become more open to the things of God but to my knowledge, he does not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Please pray for him. Pray for healing of his body but more importantly, that God will save him.

True Patriot Love

2006-09-23T23:07:00.000-03:00

Canada has lost 4 more of her sons. We thank God for these men and the great sacrifice that has been made while trying to bring stability to Afghanistan.

Private David Byers
Corporal Glen Arnold
Corporal Shane Keating
Corporal Keith Morley

Were all killed Monday, Sept. 18 by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.

Since 2002 Canada has lost 36 soldiers in Afghanistan.

Belief-O-Matic

2006-09-20T19:41:00.000-03:00

I was visiting Jessica over at her blog and was intrigued by the Belief-O-Matic post she had. So, being home sick and all alone I figured...why not?

This is what it claims:

Even if YOU don't know what faith you are, Belief-O-Matic™ knows. Answer 20 questions about your concept of God, the afterlife, human nature, and more, and Belief-O-Matic™ will tell you what religion (if any) you practice...or ought to consider practicing. Warning: Belief-O-Matic™ assumes no legal liability for the ultimate fate of your soul.

My Results:

The top score on the list below represents the faith that Belief-O-Matic, in its less than infinite wisdom, thinks most closely matches your beliefs. However, even a score of 100% does not mean that your views are all shared by this faith, or vice versa.Belief-O-Matic then lists another 26 faiths in order of how much they have in common with your professed beliefs. The higher a faith appears on this list, the more closely it aligns with your thinking.How did the Belief-O-Matic do?

All I can say is.....at least I scored what I am. Although, there were no questions about tulips on there. Good thing I didn't turn out a Secular Humanist after answering the questions!!

If you want to give it a try, go here.

1. Mainline to Conservative Christian/Protestant (100%)

2. Eastern Orthodox (94%)

3. Roman Catholic (94%)

4. Seventh Day Adventist (81%)

5. Orthodox Quaker (73%)

6. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (Mormons) (70%)

7. Orthodox Judaism (67%)

8. Jehovah's Witness (66%)

9. Hinduism (62%)

10. Islam (61%)

11. Mainline to Liberal Christian Protestants (52%)

12. Sikhism (41%)

13. Bahá'í Faith (37%)

14. Jainism (37%)

15. Mahayana Buddhism (30%)

16. Christian Science (Church of Christ, Scientist) (30%)

17. Theravada Buddhism (29%)

18. Liberal Quakers (28%)

19. Reform Judaism (26%)

20. Scientology (25%)

21. Unitarian Universalism (23%)

22. New Thought (21%)

23. Neo-Pagan (20%)

24. Nontheist (18%)

25. New Age (11%)

26. Secular Humanism (8%)

27. Taoism (6%)

Baptism Praise!!

2006-09-18T13:57:00.000-03:00

I have three children and they have all professed faith in Christ. I am so thankful to God for having opened their hearts and drawing them to Himself. What greater joy is there for a parent than to see all of their children embrace Christ as their Saviour and Lord? To see them follow Christ's command to go through the waters of baptism is a glorious experience. The icing on the cake for The Bishop is that he was able to do the baptism himself. What an honour to baptize your very own children!

Our 10 year old son was baptized on July 9 and our 12 year old daughter was baptized yesterday, on September 17. Our other son is going to be going through some baptismal lessons with The Bishop to prepare him. We are waiting until Christmas to baptize him.

Pray that they will continue to grow in grace and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Pray that God will have mercy on us as parents as we stumble along.
Praise God that He works inspite of us.
Praise God that He uses broken vessels like ourselves.
Praise God for His mercy and grace...He is so good to us!!

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.
And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Matthew 28:19,20

The League of Pastor's Wives

2006-09-15T22:22:00.000-03:00

How marvelous....we have an entire *league* of Pastor's Wives. I have joined the honourable ranks of The League and now sport a blogroll of sister PWs who share their thoughts and keep their sanity by blogging.

I do not know these ladies and they do not know me. Some of us have seen each other on The Fishbowl, which is a message board for Pastor's Wives....but other than that, we are strangers. Although we are strangers we do have something in common...we are all married to Pastors. We have similar experiences that only sister PWs can truly understand. We each live in a fishbowl in different areas of the world, with different people peering in. We may be from different denominations, hold different doctrinal positions and worship in different ways...but we all can relate to one another because we are *the Pastor's Wife*. We wear the tag and live the life. We are blessed in ways that others do not know, we are lonely in ways that others cannot understand. We give our lives and our families to the service of the Lord as Pastor's Wives...all to the glory and honour of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I send greetings to my sister Pastor's Wives....please leave a comment so I know you have visited!!

Mama Bear

2006-09-13T13:05:00.000-03:00

We love our children and want to protect them from anything that will harm them physically or bruise their tender hearts. Children can be cruel little beasts and up until now, we have not really been exposed to that reality.

Our children have always attended Christian school. The expectations were high and the students were expected to display appropriate behaviour. There were little to no issues that ever arose while the children attended the school. Last year, we set off on a new adventure called HomeSchooling. We all really enjoy it, but of course, there are no relational issues with other students beyond one's own siblings. That brings us to this summer, infact, only the past month.

We live in a rural location and our property backs onto a forest. We have taken countless family walks through those woods and have discovered some very interesting places. The children are now old enough to explore these woods for themselves. They follow a trail and ride their bikes back to a cleared area that has some small hills. They are able to ride their bikes over some ramp type terrain and have lots of fun.

Our children will bring along a neighbour or two who attend the local public school. They are good little friends to the children and we are glad they have them to play with. Back in the woods though, they have met up with a group of other children. These children know our neighbours from the public school they all attend. However, they are not as nice back there in the woods, as they are when supervised at school by teachers...or at least the neighbours claim.

These *lovely children* have taken to calling names, ridiculing and mocking our children. One of our children is getting called names, in particular, and it really makes me upset. ***Feel the tension rise in the Mama Bear***

I know children can be selfish, wretched, cruel little beasts...it is part of our sinful nature. Children are not as restrained socially as adults usually are. I know all of this but I feel like that Mama Bear wanting to protect her babies. My sinful nature rises up and I want to go back there in the woods and meet these lovely children and give them MY 2 cents....but I won't. I have spent time discussing these episodes with my child. A young, tender heart has been broken...but lessons have been learned. I was asked this question by that child, "Do you think I should minister to them, Mommy?" Praise God!! Even with a broken and bruised heart, the concern was for these lost children.

Mama Bear is behind the bars and the Lion of Judah is doing His work...in that young heart and this old one. How merciful our God is. How wonderful that He teaches us lessons through trials in our everyday lives.

Pastor's Wives are a Curious Breed

2006-09-01T06:06:00.000-03:00

We all have expectations of the *Pastor's Wife*. Those expectations vary from church to church and person to person. Some churches expect the Pastor's Wife to be a *Jill of all trades*. She is expected to fill the gap for any and all ministries that are lacking volunteers or leadership. She should definitely be able to play the piano, sing, organize the nursery, lead women's meetings, lead the ladies Bible studies, teach Sunday School, teach Junior Church, have a perfectly kept house so people can drop in anytime and her children never misbehave. Whoa!!! Okay, maybe things are not that bad and the expectations are not that high in some churches. However, I have spoken with enough Pastor's Wives to think that the *Ideal Pastor's Wife* should definitely be able to check a good number off of that list...if she is worth her salt.

Pulpit Search Committe: So, what does your wife do?

Pastoral Candidate: She serves God first, her husband second and her family third. If she has any time beyond that her spiritual gifts are x, y and z and she attempts to use them for the building up of the body of Christ.

Pulpit Search Committee: Does she play the piano?

Pastoral Candidate: No.

Pulpit Search Committee: Does she sing?

Pastoral Candidate: No. Not solos. She is a congregational singer.

Pulpit Committee: So....what does she do again?

Being a Pastor's Wife is a priviledge. Being married to a man called to be a Pastor is a calling for his wife as well. Where he goes, I go. For those who think being married to a Pastor is the same as being married to a plumber/engineer/teacher/professor/dentist/whatever else, it is simply not true. Our lives are bound up in church life in a way that is different from the members. Our husbands are called to serve God, to shepherd a particular flock, to care for them spiritually and he is held accountable to God for them.

As a Pastor's Wife, I am a helpmate to my husband. I don't send him off in the morning with a kiss and welcome him home for dinner with no contact inbetween. The church is our life. It is not a 9 to 5 endeavor. It does not end when he comes home for dinner. It is ongoing and very much a 24/7 experience. Who we befriend, which people we invite to dinner, how many times we entertain in a month, what our children wear or do...all of these decisions are made in light of him being a Pastor.

As Christians, we are all called to live Godly lives that glorify and honour Him. We have a *Christian Code* as it were and none of us are exempt from it...it is called the Bible. However, there is that subtle, underlying code imposed on those families which include a Pastor. Sometimes it is hard to live up to the code, other times we want to throw it to the wind...most of the time we pray that God in His mercy will give us the grace to serve and honour Him in the way we live, inspite of ourselves.

We are sinners. We are all sinners. You are a sinner too.

Remember your Pastoral family and be an encouragement to them. One of the things that I love the most is when we are at Prayer Meeting and people not only pray for my husband, as the Pastor, but they actually pray for the rest of the family too. We are a package deal...pray for the Pastor's Wife and his children. We are in need of prayer support in a very real way.

It Was So Hot.....

2006-07-20T10:37:00.000-03:00

...that I turned into a tumble weed while in Arizona.

Actually, it was fabulous and I have lots of pics to share, I just have been so busy since my return. My home business is flying through the roof so I guess that Arizona trip did it's job to inspire me!

I will post pics...eventually...but hey, it is summer time afterall. Get off the computer and go outside to play. I will get back into the groove once things settle down here.

How HOT is it?!?!

2006-07-01T20:34:00.000-03:00

I have to wake up in 7.5 hours to begin my journey to Arizona. I am extremely excited about this. I am leaving on Sunday July 2 and I am not returning until Saturday July 8. It is going to be a fantastic week!!

I am going to be staying at a fabulous 5 diamond resort...it looks like this...

We will be visiting the Grand Canyon, catching some local activities, celebrating Independence Day with the Americans and of course....shopping!!!! I have been told that it gets up to 110 F there...quite a bit hotter than I am accustomed to. We are also going into monsoon season, so that should be interesting.

It is a business/vacation combo and I will be traveling with a number of other women from across Canada. I will report back when I return. For those who read my blog, please pray for me....safety and a good time. Pray also for The Bishop and our children...they will have to survive for a week without me. I have never been gone for a week and I already know I am going to miss them enormously.

Happy Canada Day!!!!

2006-07-01T07:31:00.000-03:00

A Bit of History from the Canadian Heritage Pages....

On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord Monck, called upon all Her Majesty's loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1st.

The July 1 holiday was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day.

There is no record of organized ceremonies after this first anniversary, except for the 50th anniversary of Confederation in 1917, at which time the new Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, under construction, was dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and to the valour of Canadians fighting in the First World War in Europe.

The next celebration was held in 1927 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation. It was highlighted by the laying of the cornerstone by the Governor General of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower.

Since 1958, the government has arranged for an annual observance of Canada's national day with the Secretary of State of Canada in charge of the coordination. The format provided for a Trooping the Colours ceremony on the lawn of Parliament Hill in the afternoon, a sunset ceremony in the evening followed by a mass band concert and fireworks display.

Another highlight was Canada's Centennial in 1967 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II attended the celebrations with Parliament Hill again being the backdrop for a large scale official ceremony.

The format changed in 1968 with the addition of multicultural and professional concerts held on Parliament Hill including a nationally televised show. Up until 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name "Festival Canada", was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July and involved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well as municipalities and voluntary organizations. The celebration was cancelled in 1976 but was reactivated in 1977.

A new formula was developed in 1980 whereby the National Committee (the federal government organization charged with planning Canada's Birthday celebrations) stressed and sponsored the development of local celebrations all across Canada. "Seed money" was distributed to promote popular and amateur activities organized by volunteer groups in hundreds of local communities. The same approach was also followed for the 1981 celebrations with the addition of fireworks displays in 15 major cities across the nation.

On October 27, 1982, July 1st which was known as "Dominion Day" became "Canada Day".

Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally. Grants are provided by the Department to those committees.

White Water Rafting Pics

2006-06-27T13:02:00.000-03:00

Queen of Rafting
Okay, here are some of the pics from our White Water Rafting Adventure on the Penobscot River in Maine last week. It was an awesome time. I am pleased to say that The Bishop was the first to be washed out of the raft and that I never fell out at all!!! Woo Hoo....who knew I was such an outdoors person, huh?! lol We also have an awesome video taken by the rafting company...if I could figure out how to post it, I would. Well, hear ya go...

Our Crew

On the Penobscot River

Level 4+ Rapids

Watching another Crew

Time to Portage

Trying to *Surf* the Wave

Uhm, Nice Joke!! Doesn't take too much to imagine what that is supposed to be.

Happy 30th Birthday!!!

2006-06-26T20:01:00.000-03:00

The famous Canadian landmark, the CN Tower celebrated it's 30th birthday today. I remember when it was being built and I have visited it many times having grown up in Southern Ontario. If you haven't visited it, do so. I have even eaten in the revolving restaurant in my youngers days when someone was trying to impress me. It wasn't The Bishop!

The 17 Things You Never Knew About The CN Tower

It is 1,815 feet and 5 inches tall.

It opened on June 26, 1976.

Who says lightning never strikes twice?
The CN Tower is hit by a bolt from the blue an average of 78 times a year.

Hold on to your stomach!
It takes between 58 and 61 seconds to go from the bottom to the top by elevator, an average of about 22 kilometres an hour.

Don't worry about falling.
The famous Glass Floor on the indoor observation deck can withstand a weight of 600 lbs. per square inch - or roughly 14 adult hippopotami.

The Tower is supposed to be able to withstand an earthquake measuring 8.5 on the Richter Scale. Let's hope they never have to put that to the test.

It can also survive the worst hurricane, being able to remain standing in a gale blowing 420 kilometres an hour.

The cement needed to build the structure would be enough for a sidewalk that stretches from here to Kingston.

The stairwell originally consisted of 1,760 steps and is the tallest such set of metal stairs in the world. A city firefighter named made it all the way to the top in a record 7 minutes 52 seconds on October 29, 1989.

When the Tower was slightly redesigned in 1996, more stairs were added. They now number 2,579.

It's been the scene of silly stunts, including Ashrita Furman's July 23, 1999 successful bid to "climb" the Tower stairs on a pogo stick, and the equally victorious attempt by two men to haul a 440 lbs. piano up the stairway. It took them 7.5 hours, but they made it.

It took 1,537 workers toiling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for 40 months to complete the construction on time. No word on the overtime bill.

There are many towers that actually dwarf Toronto's landmark, but they have guy wires attached to them, making the CN Tower the largest free standing structure in the world, according to the Guinness Book of world Records.

The Petronius Oil Platform in the Gulf of Mexico is actually higher than the CN Tower's 1,815 feet, 5 inches, but because all but its tip is underwater, its 2,116 feet doesn't make the grade.

Stuntman Dar Robinson jumped off the Tower twice, once in 1979 for the film "Highpoint" and again for the TV show "That's Incredible".

A time capsule containing a letter from then P.M. Pierre Trudeau, copies of three Toronto daily newspapers and a collection of Canadian bills and coins is "buried" inside the walls of the Tower on the Lookout level. It won't be opened until 2076.

The Tower is the only Canadian landmark that appears in the video game SimCity4 and SimCity 3000.

I am Doing What?!!

2006-06-15T20:32:00.000-03:00

It is hard to believe, I know. However, it is true. I am going...white water rafting. lol I am laughing even typing this because I am not exactly an *outdoors type of person*. I am more of an indoor type. A mall type. A get me out of the heat, cold, rain, sun type.

God has blessed our church with a number of young couples who love to do wild and crazy things. This white water rafting trip is a result of these crazy couples. We have been so blessed by their presence in our church. We are always praising God for bringing them to our assembly. They have infused us with new life.....that is the only explanation short of a miracle that is getting *me* white water rafting!

We ride the Penobscot River in Maine this weekend. Pray for us! The Bishop said, if we don't do it now...we never will. We will be too old. Well, he is the old one but I know I have a little bit more life in me! There will be 26 of us from the church going. We are looking forward to some fantastic fellowship, some exciting adventures on the river and God's continued blessing. He is SO good to us.

I will give a report upon our return.

Cat Lovers

2006-06-13T08:24:00.000-03:00

When I saw this photo, I thought it was hilarious!! Hope you do too!

Facing the Giants

2006-06-11T23:46:00.000-03:00

Americans love their football like Canadians love their hockey and Italians love their soccer. Here is a new *Christian Film* coming out in the fall of 2006.

The Story as stated on the website:

From the award winning producers of FLYWHEEL, comes an action-packed drama about a Christian high school football coach who uses his undying faith to battle the giants of fear and failure. In six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He dares to challenge his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a dynamic story of the fight between faith and fear. Facing the Giants is a powerful experience for the whole family inspiring viewers to live with faith, hope, and love!

Watch the trailer at
http://www.sherwoodpictures.com/templates/cusftg/details.asp?id=32007&PID=285809

Visit the Homepage for Facing the Giants http://www.sherwoodpictures.com/templates/cusftg/default.asp?id=32007

Piece of History

2006-06-10T21:43:00.000-03:00

When I was a child of about 10 or 12, I remember reading about the destruction of Pompeii. I was completely fascinated by it for some reason. Looking at those photos of artifacts, the forms of people and of animals preserved in a moment was astounding. It was a curiousity to me as a child but now as an adult Christian I understand more how God's sovereign hand played a role in that piece of history. Pompeii was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Italy in 79 AD.

Here is a wonderful website put together with a Christian perspective on Pompeii. It is a virtual tour and you can click through the pages, viewing actual photos and reading some great history.
Click here to visit it ---> http://www.thecolefamily.com/italy/pompeii/index.html#top

Abundant Provision

2006-06-08T10:30:00.000-03:00

My husband is a Pastor in a small, Canadian, rural church. We have been married for nearly 17 years and it has always been a financial struggle. God has always provided for us and we have always had our basic needs meant plus many extras. However, we will run across times in our lives where we simply do not have enough money to pay unexpected bills....making us like most other people. Odds are, you can identify with what I am saying here. Well, our God is such a gracious and generous God. He gives to us at times and in ways that bring Him maximum glory and that helps us to praise Him all the more. What He gives is not necessarily what you expect. This is one of those stories in our lives....

We have a lovely minivan. It is red....my favourite colour if you have read my previous post on the colour red! ;) In anycase, that is of no consequence. What does matter is that we have had many troubles with this minivan...it was our first Ford...which I have also blogged about before...do not buy Ford! Last year, we had to replace the engine even though the minivan is only a 2001. The engine cost $5,000, plus other additional costs for related items, plus a car rental for a week....end result was us owing $7,000 on this beauty. We managed to charge it and have been paying it off ever since. We dwindled it down to a reasonable amount, if any of it could be called reasonable. We praised God at the time that although it was a financial blow, the whole family was safe and it was caught before an accident took place.

Fast forward to about 2 months ago. We needed some more work done. Over a 1 month period it had to be taken in on three different occassions. Once was for $300, once for $500 which included needed summer tires and the third visit was for $1,500 for a grand total of $2,300. Not fun, but we were able to charge it...again...and we are of course still paying for it.

Fast forward once again to this week. The dreaded engine light came on. Always a horror in our family since the first engine light experience. This happened after a lovely family day at 5 pm on Saturday night. We could do nothing until Monday and hubby was flying out for a board meeting on Monday evening. Hubby brings it in Monday morning. Only $668, which seems like a fantastic bargain considering our history. We drive him to the airport on Monday night and we hear a noise. *sigh* Back it goes to the garage on Tuesday. The verdict: Bring it back in on Wednesday when they have time to work on it. Good news is, it is free because the noise is a result of the previous days work which only cost $668. Hubby flies back in, we pick him up at the airport, we see him for 15 minutes then he is back at the garage for what was supposed to be a 1 hour visit. Well, 4 hours later he returns with the noise still there but more faint. They say it is fine.

You are now up to date and are with me this morning. Hubby and daughter are slated to leave on an 8 hour trip to a weekend conference this morning. Thus the added concern that the minivan is in working order this week! We pack the minivan and say our goodbyes. I am standing in the window waving since is pouring rain outside, hubby puts the minivan in reverse to pull out and *CRACK*. Oh my. He gets out and looks around, gets back into the car and the brake light is on. He will stop at the garage on their way out. He calls a few minutes later as he is driving down the road..."The light went out." At this point I am crying, "Bring it in anyway, you have my baby with you in that car!" Hubby says, "I will, do not worry." We get the call from hubby at the garage, "The rear brake pad had cracked, that is what the noise was." I break out in more tears, "Praise God that it happened in our driveway and not when you were on the highway for that 8 hour trip!!! Praise God that hubby and daughter are safe!!!!" Such thankfulness fills my heart that God in His sovereignty had the brake break (lol) while in our driveway. However, the flesh is weak and I then say, "How much will it cost?" I see the mounting bills in my mind. Hubby say, "I am not sure, but a few hundred dollars for sure." I cry but we praise God again that they are safe. Only a few minutes later I get a call back. Hubby, always the joker, gets the manager of the garage to call me. "I have some news for you....*pause*...we have to replace the brakes but it is going to be ......FREE!! You are under warranty for those brakes still!" Overjoyed housewife says, "HALLELUJAH!!! I am so thankful!!!" I just got the call....they are now on the road and headed towards their destination. Praise God with me.....He cares for His people in such wonderful ways!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine,
according to his power that is at work within us,
to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,
for ever and ever!
Amen.
Ephesians 3:20,21

666

2006-06-06T07:24:00.000-03:00

Revelation 13:18
"This calls for wisdom: let him who has understanding reckon the number of the beast,
for it is a human number, its number is six hundred and sixty-six."

Well, here I am writing in my blog on 06/06/06 and I am living to tell about it. Superstitious people are going to be having an interesting day with it, I am sure.
I have a number of people to get started on their home businesses today so I am hoping they do not see it as a bad omen!
Good thing God is sovereign *every* day, regardless of the date!!

Confession Time

2006-06-05T09:23:00.000-03:00

Merciful Lord,
Pardon all my sins of this day, week, year,
All the sins of my life,
Sins of early, middle, and advanced years,
of omission and commission,
of morose, peevish, and angry tempers,
of lip, life, and walk,
of hard-heartedness, unbelief, presumption, pride,
of unfaithfulness to the souls of men,
of want of bold decision in the cause of Christ,
of deficiency in outspoken zeal for His Glory,
of bringing dishonor upon Thy Great Name,
of deception, injustice, untruthfulness
in my dealings with others
of impurity in thought, word, and deed,
of covetousness, which is idolatry,
of substance unduly hoarded,
improvidently squandered,
not consecrated to the glory of Thee, the great Giver;
sins in private and in the family,
in study and recreation,
in the busy haunts of men,
in the study of Thy Word and in the neglect of it,
in prayer irreverently offered and coldly withheld,
in time misspent, in yielding to Satan’s wiles,
in opening my heart to his temptations,
in being unwatchful when I know Him nigh,
in quenching the Holy Spirit;
sins against light and knowledge,
against conscience and the restraints of Thy Spirit,
against the law of eternal love.
Pardon all my sins, known and unknown,
felt and unfelt,
confessed and not confessed,
remembered or forgotten.
Good Lord, hear; and hearing, forgive.

-Puritan Poem on Sins, from Valley of Vision

Rock On Brothers & Sistas!!

2006-06-01T10:08:00.000-03:00

I thought this was a good article that shows a balanced perspective in how to approach Christian music.

Should I Allow My Child to Listen to Christian Rock Music?
by Al Menconi May 31, 2006

(AgapePress) - - "Should I allow my child to listen to Christian rock music?" This is one of the questions I am most frequently asked by parents. This question is usually followed by something like, "Is it good for my child, or is it a compromise with the world?" If you've been asking yourself these same questions, I want to ask you a few questions before you decide if Christian rock is right for your child.
First, did you know that 85 to 95 percent of Christian youth never listen to Christian music outside of a church setting? Christian young people are on the upper end of that scale, because only 5 percent of Christian young people listen to any kind of Christian music at all! In other words, if your child listens to Christian music, he is in the elite top 5 percent of all Christian young people! Instead of criticizing your child for listening to Christian music, you might want to praise him for identifying with Jesus Christ in this way.
Second, do you understand that when a child listens to Christian music, he's identifying with Christ to his friends? With rare exceptions, the only young person who is going to listen to Christian music is a Christian. Think about it! When your child listens to Newsboys, dc Talk, or Plankeye, he's telling his friends that he's a Christian. Before someone can grow in Christ, he must identify with Him.
Think about it! How much do you identify with Christ in your entertainment? What do you listen to? What kind of movies, TV, or videos do you entertain yourself with? Do you realize that most of today's "mellow" secular music -- including country music -- has philosophies that are against biblical values? Is listening to mellow secular music really better than listening to Christian rock?
Third, have you actually taken the time to really listen to your child's Christian music? Sometimes parents object that their child only listens to the music because it has a beat he enjoys. But is that wrong? He may be listening to good music for the wrong reason. Should you criticize a child because he is immature? Why not listen to his music with him and help him see the spiritual value? You just might find it has something worthwhile to say.
I used to say, "When the volume goes up, the message goes down!" I believed that for a long time, until someone made me sit down and really listen to what I was condemning. I discovered that most of today's Christian rock music touches on issues that need to be examined from a Christian perspective.
I have learned to appreciate and be challenged by much of today's contemporary Christian music. Now, I'm not suggesting we give blanket approval to any and all music that calls itself Christian. However, before we condemn it, why not take the time to listen to it with your children and learn to understand its biblical value together?

To read the whole article, visit http://news.christiansunite.com/Religion_News/religion04535.shtml

What is going On??

2006-05-28T08:06:00.001-03:00

This is not new, but it is the first that I have heard of it. The homosexual agenda and the way we help it along, astounds me.

Schools Blasted for Holding Separate Graduations for Homosexual Students
by Jim Brown May 25, 2006 (AgapePress) - -
USA Today reports that a growing number of colleges and universities are holding so-called "lavender graduations" to honor their "gay," lesbian, and transgendered graduates; but one campus watchdog group spokesman says schools should not be making ideological statements by sponsoring these separate ceremonies.
At the lavender graduations, students are often given awards and typically receive rainbow-colored tassels to put on their mortarboards during their commencement activities. But while these ceremonies are often touted as celebrations of cultural diversity and equality, Jason Mattera with the Virginia-based Young America's Foundation (YAF) feels these exercises actually turn true equality on its head.
"I thought the homosexual agenda was just 'Leave us alone,' right?," Mattera observes. "That's what they're saying: 'Oh, we don't want the government involved in our lives. We just want to be treated normally.' Well, here is an obvious example where they're looking for special treatment."
But rarely, the YAF spokesman points out, does any group of students get its own graduation ceremonies as a separate class. "Imagine," he says, "if the Christian club at any of the schools mentioned -- let's take the University of North Carolina -- if the Christian club gathered together and said, 'We want a separate ceremony in which we were going to read passages from Leviticus and passages from Rick Santorum's It Takes a Family.'
"Not only would they have been probably flogged by the diversity deans and multicultural deans on the college campus," Mattera asserts, "but they would be [charged with] hate speech incidents. They would be reported to the human resource department."
In any case, the conservative campus watchdog adds, the idea of lavender graduations is not a very inclusive one, since the schools that hold these separate ceremonies are in effect promoting segregation. Nor, he asserts, do such ceremonies truly respect homosexual students by honoring their achievements.
"I would even think the homosexual students on these campuses should be offended," Mattera says. Homosexual students should consider these separate ceremonies to be a slap in the face, he contends, because the "honorees" are not being rewarded for their academic merits but for their sexual behavior.
Ultimately, the YAF spokesman believes the lavender graduations that are being held by schools like Duke University, UCLA, the University of Georgia, and the University of Washington are rooted in anti-Christian hostility. But even if they are, as some homosexuals claim, simply celebrations of equality, he feels these ceremonies fail on that level as well.
If these and other colleges and universities are truly interested in equality, Mattera suggests, they could show it by doing away with race-based preferences and special rights for certain classes of students. And instead of trying to ring in a new, so-called "civil rights era" for homosexuals, he says, schools need to stop segregating people on the basis of sexual behavior.

Olfactory Memories

2006-05-24T10:03:00.000-03:00

Remember Play Doh? Remember that smell that only Play Doh has? I used to love it as a kid and I must confess, you may catch me giving my kid's Play Doh a sniff even these days!

I couldn't believe it when I saw this online. Play Doh is celebrating their 50th Anniversary so Hasbro released this perfume to help transport people back to their childhood. Hasbro says that Play Doh's smell is one of its most enduring memories. I have to agree with that statement too! Just love it. Not sure I would run out and buy a bottle....but I think I will have to slip into one of the kids rooms and take sniff so I can walk down the ol' olfactory Play Doh lane again! By the way, it goes for $19 a bottle if you are interested in getting some for yourself.

Egypt to Excavate

2006-05-23T10:56:00.000-03:00

An interesting discovery has been made in Egypt that will give further insight into Biblical times. Egypt's Roman era lasted from 30 BC to 337 AD. The Egyptian authorities have given permission for the underwater exploration of the ruins of a Roman city submerged in the Mediterranean, 35 km east of the Suez Canal. The ruins include buildings, bathrooms, ruins of a Roman fortress, ancient coins, bronze vases and pieces of pottery. This should prove to be very interesting and I look forward to hearing more details about what they find.

World Trade Center

2006-05-19T07:24:00.000-03:00

Movie goers are being warned that the trailer for World Trade Center may be too intense. It will be previewed this weekend at the opening of The DaVinci Code. Nicholas Cage stars in it as a New York cop who tells his men to *be prepared for everything* that morning, just like he always does. Little did he know what lay in store for him and his men, the people of New York, America and the world. The movie opens August 9th.

The trailer is intense...because it is true.
Click here to view the trailer for World Trade Center-A Film by Oliver Stone.

Canada Stays in Afghanistan

2006-05-18T09:18:00.000-03:00

Praise God for the Conservatives!!

The members of Parliament voted and the vote was close, but the government prevailed 149-145. It means Canadian soldiers will remain in Afghanistan two years longer than previously planned.

A defiant Prime Minister Stephen Harper led off the debate by declaring he would extend the mission by a year, with or without the support of the House, and would be willing to call an election on the issue, putting the ultimate decision directly into the hands of Canadians.

"We cannot walk away quickly," Harper told the House. "If we need further efforts or further mandate to go ahead into the future, we will go so alone and go to the Canadian people to get that mandate."

Harper said the mission is in Canada's interests and important in the fight against terrorism.

"The events of Sept. 11, 2001 was a wake-up call, not just to Americans but to people in all free and democratic nations. Two dozen Canadians were killed as result of the attacks on the twin towers … Canada is not safe from such attack, and we will never be safe from such attacks as long as we're a society that defends freedom and democracy."

The Conservatives announced the vote for a two-year extension earlier this week, and MPs spent about six hours debating whether Canada's troops should come home next February or stay in Afghanistan until early 2009.

The Bloc Québécois and New Democratic Party voted against the motion. NDP Leader Jack Layton said the mission would see Canada straying further from its traditional role as peacekeeper.

Liberal Leader Bill Graham had said he would wait to see if the Conservatives answered all his questions regarding the two-year extension before deciding which way to vote.

The Liberals allowed their members a free vote and in the end, Graham and 29 other Liberals supported the motion.

But Graham did criticize the government for holding a vote without providing sufficient time to debate the issue. Graham said his party supports the troops and the mission in Afghanistan, but that MPs would be voting "with a gun put to our heads."

Canada has about 2,200 soldiers stationed in Afghanistan, part of the U.S.-led Operation Enduring Freedom.

Previously, Canada was a participant in the NATO-led International Stabilization Assistance Force (ISAF), and it has been reported that Canada could take over leadership of the larger NATO mission in Afghanistan in 2008.

Click here to read the full article on site.

FORD...Built Tough?

2006-05-17T09:44:00.000-03:00

FORD...once an American icon but now a disgrace to the nation and to North American industry.

Click here to read about the Boycott of Ford and why we should boycott that company. There are some disturbing images, ads and video clips on that site to alert you of what Ford is truly promoting.

Click here to read a news report about Ford's affiliation with the raunchy homosexual magazine, OUT Magazine which claims to offer "a gay and lesbian perspective on style, entertainment, fashion, the arts, politics, culture, and the world at large." Articles in the May 2006 issue include titles such as "Nightlife: Party All the Time" and "Porn 2 Go." It also includes a full-page ad from Ford featuring all eight of its automobile brands. Is this the kind of company that we want to support as Christians?

FORD....not for FAMILY!!

And We Said.....

2006-05-16T10:22:00.000-03:00

This is one of those things that people send around in emails and we generally just delete them. There are a lot of good theological responses to the initial question, but it is the spirit of the entire thing that struck me. It is a true but sad commentary on our society in the West. Dear God:

Why didn't you save the school children at ?. .

Moses Lake, Washington 2/2/96
Bethel, Alaska 2/19/97
Pearl, Mississippi 10/1/97
West Paducah, Kentucky 12/1/97
Stamp, Arkansas 12/15/97
Jonesboro, Arkansas 3/24/98
Edinboro, Pennsylvania 4/24/98
Fayetteville, Tennessee 5/19/98
Springfield, Oregon 5/21/98
Richmond, Virginia 6/15/98

Littleton, Colorado 4/20/99
Taber, Alberta, Canada 5/28/99
Conyers, Georgia 5/20/99
Deming, New Mexico 11/19/99
Fort Gibson, Oklahoma 12/6/99
Santee, California 3/ 5/01 and
El Cajon, California 3/22/01?

Sincerely,

Concerned Student

-----------------------------------------------------

Reply:

Dear Concerned Student:

I am not allowed in schools.

Sincerely,

God

----------------------------------------------------------

How did this get started?...

-----------------

Let's see,
I think it started when Madeline Murray O'Hare complained
she didn't want any prayer in our schools.

And we said, OK..

------------------

Then,
someone said you better not read the Bible in school,
the Bible that says
"thou shalt not kill,
thou shalt not steal,
and love your neighbors as yourself,"

And we said, OK...

-----------------

Dr. Benjamin Spock said
we shouldn't spank our children
when they misbehaved
because their little personalities
would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem.

And we said,
an expert should know what he's talking about
so we won't spank them anymore..

------------------

Then someone said
teachers and principals better not
discipline our children when they misbehave.
And the school administrators said
no faculty member in this school
better touch a student when they misbehave
because we don't want any bad publicity,
and we surely don't want to be sued.

And we accepted their reasoning...

------------------

Then someone said,
let's let our daughters have abortions if they want,
and they won't even have to tell their parents.

And we said, that's a grand idea...

------------------

Then some wise school board member said,
since boys will be boys
and they're going to do it anyway,
let's give our sons all the condoms they want,
so they can have all the fun they desire,
and we won't have to tell their parents they got them at school.

And we said, that's another great idea...

------------------

Then some of our top elected officials said
it doesn't matter what we do in private as long as we do our jobs.

And we said,
it doesn't matter what anybody,
including the President,
does in private as long as we have jobs and the economy is good....

------------------

And someone else took that appreciation a step further
and published pictures of nude children
and then stepped further still by
making them available on the Internet.

And we said, everyone's entitled to free speech....

------------------

And the entertainment industry said,
let's make TV shows and movies that promote
profanity, violence and illicit sex...
And let's record music that encourages
rape, drugs, murder, suicide, and satanic themes...

And we said,
it's just entertainment
and it has no adverse effect
and nobody takes it seriously anyway,
so go right ahead.

------------------

Now we're asking ourselves
why our children have no conscience,
why they don't know right from wrong,
and why it doesn't bother them to
kill strangers, classmates or even themselves.

------------------

Undoubtedly,
if we thought about it long and hard enough,
we could figure it out.
I'm sure it has a great deal to do with...

"WE REAP WHAT WE SOW,"

------------------

Count Me In!!

2006-05-15T18:21:00.000-03:00

Okay...May 16 was upon my doorstep so I thought I better get that census thing done. I counted the family in! We are 5 numbers in the big scheme of things. The population estimate as of January 2006 for Canada is 32,422,919. It is growing but definitely not exponentially. I remember back when I was in school that the population was about 30,000,000.

For those of you with that yellow envelope sitting on your kitchen table....just visit http://www.census2006.ca to get Counted In!!

A Masterpiece Created by God

2006-05-10T18:12:00.000-03:00

As happy homeschoolers we left the boys at home today with The Bishop to do their school work and the females had a lovely *Girl's Day* out! I am taking our daughter through Secret Keeper Girl -The Power of True Beauty and Modesty by Dannah Gresh. It includes 8 Great Dates for you and your Daughter and we did Date #1 today - Your Beauty in God's Eyes. We went to a fancy hotel restaurant and shared Earl Grey Tea, Victorian Tea finger sandwiches and rich desserts. I presented her with her first china tea cup (Royal Albert-Cameo Rose) and spoke to her about being a Masterpiece made by God. We dialogued about how God made her precious and how we should live that out in our female, Christian lives.

The Key Verse was Isaiah 64:8 which says, "We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand."

I praise God for creating the Masterpiece that is our daughter. For giving her such a sweet disposition and way about her. I praise Him that He has drawn her to Himself and that she has confessed Jesus Christ as her Saviour and Lord. I pray that He will keep her close and help her to have her eyes focused on Christ as she grows up. I pray that she will grow up to become a godly Christian woman who magnifies the Name of Jesus Christ in her life.

The Pilgrim's Progress

2006-05-09T10:17:00.000-03:00

The Pilgrim's Progress has been called the greatest allegory every written. Reading it is a must for every Christian. It is even more appealing now because it is available in plain, modern English. The Bishop brought it home from church and I saw it sitting in the living room. I picked it up and was hooked right away. I have read abridged versions and children's versions but this one is different. It is the full work in modern English but it also includes a colour timeline, detailed indexes, author biographies and illustrations.

Once I am finished reading it I believe it will become part of our homeschooling reading time together. The kids had enjoyed the childrens version that we have but they are now old enough to glean more truths from this modern version of the classic John Bunyan work.

Seat Belts Save Lives & Marriages!

2006-05-08T08:25:00.000-03:00

The National Highway
Safety Council has done
extensive testing on a newly
designed seat belt. Results
show that accidents can be
reduced by as much as 45%
when the belt is properly
installed. Correct installation
is illustrated below.......
Click on image to see it in action!

Not that our family would need such a contraption. I was just informing the rest of you as a ministry to your marriages. ;)

O Canada!!!

2006-05-06T10:14:00.000-03:00

Canada Most Honoured Nation at Virginia International Tattoo

Over 800 musicians and artists from around the world performed at the Virginia International Tattoo April 28-30, in Norfolk, Virginia, where Canada was celebrated for the fourth time as the Most Honoured Nation. This is the largest Tattoo in the United States. Canada had 200 participants from the bands from 3ASG Gaegetown, 2RCR, 2 CMBG, 222eR, and a flag party and escorts from Royal Military College. Other Canadian participation included the RCMP dismounted calvary drill troop, the Delta Polics Pipe Band from Vancouver and the Schiehallion dancers from Hamilton.

The term "tattoo" derives from the cries of the 17th and 18th century European Low Country innkeepers, who, as the pipes and drums of the local regiment signalled a return to the barracks, would yell, "Doe den tap toe!"- "Turn of the taps!" The sound of the "taps" caused the innkeeper's customers (ie: soldiers) to depart and return to their quarters. The word "tattoo" evolved over time and now signifies a ceremonial performance of military music by massed bands.

What's in a Name?

2006-05-04T15:22:00.000-03:00

Navy Chaplain May Face Court-Martial For Praying
Clergyman Prayed In Uniform Outside White House
POSTED: 4:39 am PDT May 4, 2006
NORFOLK, Va. -- A chaplain stationed at Naval Station Norfolk said he could face court-martial for praying in uniform outside the White House.
Lt. Gordon Klingenschmitt said he prayed at a March 30 protest opposing Department of Defense rules forbidding military chaplains from invoking the name of Jesus Christ.
He's accused of violating an order not to appear in uniform at news conferences in support of personal or religious issues.
The issue seems to hinge on whether his praying at the event was permissible participation at a bona fide religious service. Klingenschmitt is rejecting non-judicial punishment in favor of trial by court-martial.
In addition, he's filing a complaint against the Navy claiming the threat of punishment against him amounts to religious harassment and he's appealing to the White House to end what he claims are the military's attempts to take reprisals against a whistle-blower.

Jimmy!

2006-05-04T06:54:00.000-03:00

I thought this was hilarious. Do you?

One of my sons loves to eat sunny side up eggs. He really got a kick out of this. Expecially since we have raised chickens and they have been around baby chicks.

Free Speech...Ya, Right.

2006-05-03T11:31:00.000-03:00

Pro-Abortion Vandals Desecrate Princeton Group's Pro-Life Display

by Jim Brown
May 2, 2006

(AgapePress) - - Pro-abortion vandals have destroyed yet another campus pro-life display, this time at an Ivy League university.

The student group Princeton Pro-Life had erected a display featuring 347 flags designed to symbolize the estimated number of students who might have been a part of Princeton's class of 2010 if abortion had not been legalized. After being up just three days, the display was destroyed and signs bearing sarcastic pro-abortion messages were put up in its place.

Thomas Haine, president of Princeton Pro-life, says he finds it very ironic that pro-abortion liberals who claim to be proponents of tolerance and free speech so often display little or no tolerance for pro-life expressions. He feels the messages left by the vandals are truly indicative of liberal abortion advocates' brand of tolerance.

"Someone had added 30 cut-up coat hangers strewn around on the ground," Haine says, recalling the damage to the pro-life exhibit. "Our sign was trampled, and there were two other signs attached to ours: one that said, 'Support smaller class sizes -- support abortion'; and the other one that said, '347 coat hangers saved from mangling and mutilation.'"

The pro-abortion vandals' tableau was "a pretty horrific and obscene display," the Princeton Pro-Life spokesman says. "I can't imagine anyone laughing about a coat hanger abortion or proposing that these are good things, or anything. To poke fun at such a practice, even if you are pro-choice, seems a bit heartless."

The purpose of the Princeton Pro-Life's display with its 347 flags, was to give members of the university community some immediate sense of the number of people they were deprived of knowing because of the "barbaric act" of abortion, Haine explains. He feels the flag display was instigating a lot of positive debate on campus until the vandals struck.

Campus police brought the damaged pro-life display in to dust for fingerprints. However, Haine believes the investigation of this act of vandalism is very low on the police's priority list.

Creation/Evolution & Who is in Charge

2006-05-02T12:32:00.000-03:00

I have a Bachelor of Science degree . I was saved in my first year of university so I was able to look at things as a new creation of Christ as I passed through those four years of education. One of my favourite classes was Evolutionary Biology. What a hoot! I did extremely well, even with the challenge of writing papers and doing exams without saying that I believed any of it. I recall giving a presentation infront of my classmates and a number of the biology professors regarding the age old mystery of the dinosaurs. After giving my presentation and showing all the data that I collected I gave two possible scenarios widely accepted by the scientific community at that time. Then that moment came...

Professor: So, which conclusion have you come to after your studies?
Me: I do not accept either one.
Professor: What do you mean?
Me: I believe there was a world wide flood and that is what caused the demise of the dinosaurs.
Professor: Ohhhhh. You are one of *those*, are you? How can a smart girl like you be one of *those*?! (Read distain and mockery into the word *those*)
Me: Yes, I am one of those. **sweet smile**

I ended up getting 95% on my paper and presentation....even if I am one of *those*.

I praise God that He created ex nihilo, out of nothing. I also praise Him because He is sovereign over all things, even the dinosaurs and what happened to them!!

Here is a fantastic Creation site....http://www.answersingenesis.org/

The Creation Museum is an outreach of Answers in Genesis, a non-profit ministry located near the Cincinnati International Airport, in northern Kentucky, USA. This 50,000 square foot facility will proclaim to the world that the Bible is the supreme authority in all matters of faith and practice and in every area it touches on. Scheduled to open in 2007, this “walk through history” museum will be a wonderful alternative to the evolutionary natural history museums that are turning countless minds against the gospel of Christ and the authority of the Scripture. Our family can't wait to go and visit this museum!! Read more about it here...http://www.answersingenesis.org/museum/

Can't Resist DaVinci

2006-05-01T00:28:00.000-03:00

What?! You haven't read it yet? I was told about it over two years ago at a banquet where I brushed it off as pagan dribble. However, I was intriqued and challenged to find out more about it's contents. So, like a good bookclub member, I ordered The DaVinci Code plus I received Angels and Demons at a reduced price! For those who are not aware, Angels and Demons precedes The DaVinci Code chronologically in Dan Browns writings.

I am an avid reader and must confess that I actually enjoyed the book as a piece of fiction. It did anger me with the way it presented lies as fact, the way it could be used to mislead people into doubting the Scriptures and mistrusting the church. The distortion of church history and the lies that Dan Brown wove throughout the work. Those who lack discernment and those who do not know Christ as Saviour could experience a hardening of their hearts after reading this book. Now that I say that it really is curious how we are attracted to things like this. The early church fathers would be appalled that we can find entertainment in such heresies.

That was over a year ago and I find it fascinating that there is such a buzz now that the movie is coming out. Let's face it, Ron Howard directing and Tom Hanks starring = a blockbuster hit, right? I want to see the movie and so does The Bishop. We will not necessarily be heading out on opening weekend, but we will be there within the month of May.

Here is an interesting website for you to check out. DaVinci

I Have Now Seen it All

2006-04-27T12:53:00.000-03:00

Okay, this is killing me.

Times have changed.

You can get:
Kid's Bibles
Men's Bibles
Women's Bibles
Nurse's Bibles
Archaeological Study Bible
Family Bibles
Bride's Bibles
Dog Lover's Bibles
Cat Lover's Bibles

But really....the icing on the cake...The Menopause Bible. Nice.

RED is my Favourite Colour

2006-04-26T10:07:00.000-03:00

If you ask my children what my favourite colour is they will say RED.
If you ask them why, they will say, RED for the BLOOD.
This has long been my mantra whenever I speak of the colour RED.
RED for the BLOOD.
The BLOOD of my Saviour who died for my sins.
The power's in the BLOOD.
RED is bright, vibrant, passionate, filled with emotion and truth.
RED is my favourite colour.
RED for the BLOOD.

When I was a new Christian, I was introduced to Christian music. I was not very fluent in contemporary Christian music at the time, not to say that I am now either! However, a young man in my husband's first pastorate, introduced us to Petra. He gave us a homemade tape with a number of Petra tunes on it. I recall not being overly impressed with many of the songs because I found them too rocky at the time. I would probably love them now! lol In any case, there was one song on there that I simply adored. It was The Coloring Song. That tape is long gone now but on occasion I think of that song.
Here are the lyrics...Click here to listen to the music while you read the lyrics.

The Coloring Song
Artist: Petra
Written by: Dave Eden
(c)1981 Dawn Treader Music

Red is the color of the blood that flowed
Down the face of Someone Who loved us so
He's the perfect man, He's the Lord's own son,
He's the Lamb of God, He's the only one
That can give us life, that can make us grow,
That can make the love between us flow.

Blue is the color of a heart so cold
It will not bend when the story's told
Of the love of God for a sinful race
Of the blood that flowed down Jesus face
That can give us life, that can make us grow
That can keep our hearts from growing cold.

Gold is the color of the morning sun
That shines so freely on every one
It's the sun above that keeps us warm
It's the Son of love that calms the storm
That can give us life that can make us grow,
That can turn our mornings into gold.

Brown is the color of the autumn leaves
When the winter comes to the barren trees
There is birth, there is death, there is a plan
And there's just one God, and there's just one man
That can give us life, that can make us grow
That can make our sins as white as snow

That can give us life, that can make us grow
That can turn our mornings into gold.
That can give us life, that can make us grow
That can keep our hearts from growing cold.
That can give us life, that can make us grow
That can make the love between us flow.

Home Sweet HomeSchool

2006-04-25T07:52:00.000-03:00

I praise God that we are legally allowed to HomeSchool our children. There are changes in the wind but at this point we still have the *right* to school our own children. I am especially thankful for this when I hear stories about others and what they are going through in the public school system. I am thankful that yes, my children are sheltered, but sheltered from the things that they should be! Not from what a stranger in some boardroom says they should be. Nor are they exposed to things they shouldn't be. Things that the government and public schools have re-defined as good and have brought it upon themselves to indoctrinate children with. Please read the following, real-life example of parents being robbed of their parental rights, their influence on their own child and rendered impotent within the school system their child is enveloped within.

Massachusetts Elementary School Shows Its Rainbow Colors

This is taking place in a Grade 2 class. One of my sons is in Grade 2. We are talking about 7 year old children who are being exposed, no, indoctrinated with this twisted propaganda. A second-grade teacher's decision to read students a book about homosexual romance and "marriage" in class is being defended in Massachusetts. The book King & King, is a story about a prince who spurns a number of eligible princesses to marry another prince. The story ends with the two men marrying and sharing a kiss.

When the parents of one of the children complained, they were told no parental notification was required, nor would it be given before future discussion on homosexual "marriage." The school officials basically told the parents "We're not going to give you notification on this -- we're not even going to tell you after it happened, and you can't opt your child out."

Remarkable. Do you see what is going on here? It is one thing for them to teach this in the public school system but then to say that a parent cannot opt their child out, that they do not have that right as a parent, is astounding.

I praise God for HomeSchooling and for Christian Schools where the truth of God's Word is taught to children. Guard your children's minds, parents. It is a scary place out there in the world and although we are in it, as Christians, we are not of it.

You may read the full article here

Out with the Old

2006-04-24T15:48:00.000-03:00

Okay, I have come to realize that cleaning should not be left until Spring. I have discarded some very curious items from my fridge today. They would have passed quite well as science experiments for the kids homeschooling science class. Needless to say, I will be checking for invaders in those leftover containers more frequently.

We did very well with our Yard Sale on Saturday. My daughter raked in $40 and I passed the $130 mark. It was all good!!! We packed up the remaining goodies and will have to schedule another Yard Sale for June.

I am off to my office to try and gather up my paperwork to send off to the accountant. Tax time always creeps up on me and I am anxious to get some cash back!! Off to the dungeon.....

True Patriot Love in all our Sons Command

2006-04-22T18:59:00.000-03:00

The four Canadians most recently killed have been identified.

From top:
Cpl. Matthew Dinning,
Lieut. William Turner,
Bombardier Myles Mansell
and Cpl. Randy Payne. (National Defence)

"These men were working to bring security, democracy, self-sufficiency and prosperity to the Afghan people, and to protect Canadians' national and collective security." and "....had made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan..."
Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada

Canadian Casualties in Afghanistan:

Cpl. Ainsworth Dyer
Hometown: Montreal but family lived in Toronto
Age: 24

Pte. Richard A. Green
Hometown: Mill Cove, Nova Scotia
Age: 21

Pte. Nathan Smith
Hometown: Porter's Lake, Nova Scotia
Age: 27

Sgt. Marc Leger
Hometown: Lancaster, Ont.
Age: 29
All four were killed and eight others wounded in a friendly-fire incident near Kandahar on April 18, 2002. A U.S. F-16 fighter jet mistakenly bombed the Canadians, who were on a training exercise.

Sgt. Robert Alan Short
Hometown: Fredericton
Age: 42

Cpl. Robbie Christopher Beerenfenger
Hometown: Ottawa
Age: 29
Both were mortally wounded in a roadside bombing southwest of Kabul on Oct. 2, 2003. Three others survived the blast.

Cpl. Jamie Brendan Murphy
Hometown: Conception Harbour, Nfld.
Age: 26
Perished in a suicide bombing on Jan. 27, 2004 while on patrol near Kabul. Three others were wounded.

Pte. Braun Scott Woodfield
Hometown: Eastern Passage N.S.
Age: 24
Died when the armoured vehicle he was travelling in rolled over on Nov. 24, 2005, near Kandahar. Four soldiers were hurt.

Glyn Berry
Age: 59
A Canadian diplomat and the only civilian casualty, Berry was killed and three Canadian soldiers were wounded in a suicide bombing near Kandahar on Jan. 15, 2006.

Cpl. Paul James Davis
Hometown: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia
Age: 28

Master Cpl. Timothy Wilson
Hometown: Grand Prairie, Alta.
Age: 30
It happened just a few weeks ago. Davis was killed when his armoured vehicle ran off a road in the Kandahar area on March 2, 2006. Wilson later succumbed to his injuries. Six others were injured.

Pte. Robert Costall
Hometown: Thunder Bay
Age: 22
Costall perished during a fierce firefight with Taliban insurgents north of Kandahar on March 28, 2006. Several others were wounded in the battle.

Cpl. Matthew Dinning
Hometown: Richmond Hill, stationed in Petawawa, Ont.

Bombadier Myles Mansell
Hometown: Victoria

Lieut. William Turner
Hometown: Toronto, stationed in Edmonton

Fourth, unidentified soldier

All were killed April 22, 2006 by a roadside bomb near Gumbad, about 70 kilometres north of Kandahar.

Her Royal Majesty turns 80!

2006-04-21T11:59:00.000-03:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Queen Elizabeth II

You must visit This Website where you will find a plethora of information regarding the Queen, her reign and everything Royal.

Spring is in the Air

2006-04-21T11:08:00.000-03:00

We have had rain for 20 days out of a possible 21 so far this month. Of course, April showers bring forth May flowers but it would be nice to see the sun a little more. Today is beautiful so far and tomorrow, the weatherman promises, is to be sunny with 0% chance of precipitation. You know what that means, don't you? Yard Sale time!!!

Once HomeSchooling is finished today my daughter plans on being busy cleaning, organizing, bagging and pricing all her old treasures. She even intends on selling her brothers treasures too, just don't let them know that! This girl of mine is a true entrepreneur...the apple does not fall far from the tree.

I better get moving and do some more cleaning myself. It is amazing the amount of stuff we collect and keep for no real reason. I am going to spread the joy and put out my offerings at her Yard Sale tomorrow too. I wouldn't mind having a bit 'o cash myself!

Disorder in the American Courts

2006-04-20T07:10:00.000-03:00

Another Pastor's Wife shared these on a message board and I thought they were hilarious....hope you do too!!

Actual comments between Attorneys and Witnesses, made in American court.

Att.: Are you sexually active?
Wit.: No, I just lie there.

Att.: What is your date of birth?
Wit.: July 8th.
Att.: What year?
Wit.: Every year.

Att.: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?
Wit.: He said, "Where am I, Cathy?"
Att.: And why did that upset you?
Wit.: My name is Susan.

Att.: Now doctor, isn't it true that when a person dies in his sleep, he doesn't know about it until the next morning?
Wit.: Did you actually pass the bar exam?

Att.: Can you describe the individual?
Wit.: He was about medium height and had a beard.
Att.: Was this a male or a female?

Att.: Doctor, before you performed the autopsy, did you check for a pulse?
Wit.: No.
Att.: Did you check for blood pressure?
Wit.: No.
Att.: Did you check for breathing?
Wit.: No.
Att.: So then, it is possible that the patient was alive when you began the autopsy?
Wit.: No.
Att.: How can you be so sure, Doctor?
Wit.: Because his brain was sitting on my desk in a jar.
Att.: But could the patient have still been alive, nevertheless?
Wit.: Yes, it is possible that he could have been alive and practicing law.

The Celebration Goes On

2006-04-18T11:28:00.000-03:00

It was a very busy weekend with lots of worship, food, praise, food, fellowship, food, singing and did I mention food? Back on the old wagon and trying to eat right again. The house has been purged of all forms of chocolate, whether they be eggs, bunnies or butterflies! We now have an obligation to eat egg salad sandwiches and deviled eggs for a couple of days....healthier eating than chocolate but without the same taste experience.

Easter on the calendar is over but I praise God that Christ is risen and that Resurrection Sunday is but a reminder to us as we live our Christian lives daily. Jesus is alive year around and forevermore.

He has Risen Just as He Said!

2006-04-16T07:22:00.000-03:00

Jesus Christ did not stay in the tomb after being placed there following his crucifixion. He was raised from the dead by the power of God that Easter Morning. We serve a Risen Saviour!!

Matthew 28

The Resurrection

1After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.
2There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.
5The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you."
8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

The Guards' Report

11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

The Great Commission

16Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

What is so Good about Friday?

2006-04-14T02:52:00.000-03:00

Read for yourself why Friday is so very good!

Mark 15

Jesus Before Pilate
1Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.
2"Are you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
3The chief priests accused him of many things. 4So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."
5But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
6Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested. 7A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising. 8The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.
9"Do you want me to release to you the king of the Jews?" asked Pilate, 10knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
12"What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?" Pilate asked them.
13"Crucify him!" they shouted.
14"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
15Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

The Soldiers Mock Jesus
16The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the Praetorium) and called together the whole company of soldiers. 17They put a purple robe on him, then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on him. 18And they began to call out to him, "Hail, king of the Jews!" 19Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Falling on their knees, they paid homage to him. 20And when they had mocked him, they took off the purple robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him out to crucify him.

The Crucifixion
21A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). 23Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. 24And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get.
25It was the third hour when they crucified him. 26The written notice of the charge against him read: THE KING OF THE JEWS. 27They crucified two robbers with him, one on his right and one on his left. 29Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads and saying, "So! You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, 30come down from the cross and save yourself!"
31In the same way the chief priests and the teachers of the law mocked him among themselves. "He saved others," they said, "but he can't save himself! 32Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe." Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

The Death of Jesus
33At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
35When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."
36One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.
37With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.
38The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. 39And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and[d] saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son of God!"
40Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. 41In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

The Burial of Jesus
42It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, 43Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus' body. 44Pilate was surprised to hear that he was already dead. Summoning the centurion, he asked him if Jesus had already died. 45When he learned from the centurion that it was so, he gave the body to Joseph. 46So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb. 47Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.