The girls and I had the coolest and most special night on our last evening before returning home yesterday. We sat down at the beach and thanked God for the blessings which we felt so richly this summer. We get it - not many get to experience 8 weeks away from home at a resort where the average temperature was about 29 degrees daily. But on top of that we felt peace, excitement, relaxation, the beauty which is God's creation, exhilaration of scary surprises, and we witnessed God's amazing timing when a black bear popped up out of the ditch alongside our van and stood on its' hind legs while we snapped pictures. Fear not, he was at least 30' away and my vehicle was still in 'drive'.
We got to cheer on our BC Lions as they beat the Stamps at BC Place two weeks ago. We attended church in my home church in Vernon. We visited places and enjoyed foods/drink made/grown right there. Not to mention picking strawberries and cherries, making strawberry and raspberry jams, canning cherry & peach pie fillings, and eating each of these things fresh as well as frozen (blueberries & blackberries). Nothing like 'from the tree to the table'!
The kids went to Bible camp for the first time and it was only the beginning of things that helped them grow this summer - and me too! God sent Jesus to die for ALL. Not just the pretty or the heterosexuals. Not just those who abstain from illegal and addictive substances or those who are sexually pure. It was a summer of the girls being exposed to people and the things that some are 'into'. Being a parent is about preparing your children to deal with things that come their way and I'm so pleased with how they handled knowing someone they befriended was dealing drugs while another friend had spent time on the streets while involved in prostitution.
Love one another. They modeled it, carefully but boldly. They stood up for what they believed to be right but not in a judgemental way, and they were respected for it. I learn much from my girls. What a blessing they are.
I'm thankful for the lessons learned through the good, different and scary events of our summer. Each lesson transforms us and helps us grow. May we be who God intends for us to be.
May He take you by the hand this day and lead you into it.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Another month down :(
We are truly blessed despite some challenges and scares. I've got lots to get caught up on - hope you're comfy cuz here we go.
Eagle Bay Camp was a good experience for the girls. Katie took wakeboard lessons and while she didn't get up she's learned what's necessary to master the skill so when she next gets the opportunity she'll likely have success. She had been nervous about going to camp - typical questions like, what if no one likes me, what if I'm bullied and what if I don't make any friends... Turns out that none of these things were concerns for her. When I picked her up the first thing she said was that she missed me but right after that she asked if she could come back next year... for 2 weeks.
Emily's experience was a little different in that one of the gals in her cabin professed to be a lesbian, wouldn't look Em in the eye when they spoke and she was also caught going through Em's bag. This wasn't the experience I expected at camp but God loves all, and we need to do the same.
Camp was filled with good food, friends, fun, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, rock wall, paint ball (both kids opted out), archery, skits, swimming and chapel time complete with singing and Bible.
Emergency: When I picked up Emily from camp she had a couple extras... crutches. She had a badly sprained right foot and was on crutches for about 10 days. So, where does one get crutches if they don't want to go to a doctor/hospital? I called the IDA in Sorrento and asked that very question. Turns out there's a lending station there - show up, sign some paperwork, take the crutches and return them when you no longer need them. (Everyone here is so accommodating and has such a great customer service attitude. Even at the grocery store right behind our campground it's like almost every employee owns it - they all carry a vested interest in ensuring you found what you needed and you're shopping experience was good.)
Next up - We were at a Red Robin in Kamloops, seated on the patio enjoying our drinks, minus Katie as she'd popped into the washroom. A slight wind came up and our umbrella began to lift. I grabbed it and returned it to the ground - Scott noticed but his eyes got wide when he looked over my shoulder. The same wind had picked up 3 more umbrellas and they were heading our way. One of them rotated 180 degrees and came at Emily like a propeller, striking her on the left side of her mouth. (If Katie had been there she may have gotten hit in the back of the head/neck.) We headed into the store as Emily looked like she was in shock and was holding her mouth. I took her into the into the family washroom and long story short, Scott used a camera to check the inside of Emily's mouth to see where the blood was coming from. Emily was, naturally, startled by the umbrella and opened her mouth which made room for the tip of the umbrella to enter the rear of her mouth, gouging 2 spots into the muscle beside her uvula. Off to the emergency room we go.
Em was assessed by the Emergency Dr. as well as an ENT and with the instruction to stay in Kamloops for the night and watch for complications, we were released. It was at least 10 days later before she stopped regularly taking Advil for her pain and at least a week before she could eat/swallow without wincing. Healing is ongoing and we're thankful for it. If the umbrella had dug just a little deeper it could have cut into an artery and we'd have been dealing with a different adventure.
I should add that when the district manager of Red Robin got a call from Scott he had the umbrella's removed from all the patios if they weren't secured down. That was the best thing - they fixed it so that no one else has to go through it. They also covered all of our meals, hotel and medications while we were in Kamloops, as well as giving us a substantial gift card to come back and try again sometime. Further to that we did just that this past Sunday but this time we were in Vernon. The district manager was there and arranged that our tab be complimentary. Great follow up.
Can't leave Katie out. She had a few battle scars from camp and a 3 stripe scar remains on her knee (kind of look like a big cat did it). She's currently on antibiotics for her ears and after only 2 days is already feeling much better.
At the resort: Nothing but good times! Due to hot weather (I think a high one day actually dipped below 30! Okay maybe twice), we've got a fire ban. Seriously it's too hot out for campfires anyways. We're enjoying the gazebo, anti gravity chairs, pool, dock, neighbors, owners, rec room, beautiful mountains around us, etc.
Fruit: Early July the girls and I picked about 17lbs of strawberries which I canned into jam using only good things: the berries, granny smith apples, honey & fresh lemon juice.
Next we bought 10 lbs of raspberries which I used the same jam recipe for.
Finally we (5 of us including our Calgary neighbor), picked 50lbs of cherries in 30 minutes! Insanity perhaps... but that's cuz you haven't yet tasted our canned cherry pie filling. YUM!
Boat: Yup, we got ourselves a 21' SunRay sundeck boat complete with a double biminy - it's been a great addition to our family! We've enjoyed taking friends/family out whether for a pleasure cruise or a tube or simply to 'go jump in the lake'. The girls and I have all been onto Copper Island where we've then jumped off (Katie and I jumped from about 15' and I think Em did about 5'). We've been out to the Shark Shack and Sea Store - very cool indeed. We enjoyed the beauty of a waterfall. We had one scary ride and that was due to a storm complete with 3-4' waves coming over the bow and side of the boat drenching all in its' way, pouring rain (yay double biminy), lightning and even hail. What should have taken 45 minutes to get back to our dock was more than 90. We came across a capsized sailboat and offered help but another boat had gotten there just before us so with a thumbs up we were on our way again. On board at the time was our family, my sister, brother in law, their daughter and her 3 kids, aged 16 months to 6 years. We were all very glad to dock up and begin the process of drying off and warming up again.
Area Attractions: Gort's Gouda - yum (get the parsley variety!). This working farm is complete with a donkey, dog, kittens, calves and cows. They do a self guided tour and if you're timing is right you can watch the process of milking the cows.
Ovino Winery - I know next to nothing about wine but figured "when in Rome"... we checked out this place. Of note for September - come back and see the vines changing color for fall.
DeMilles' - we've been here many times before but it's that good that we come back. They have a petting zoo and full market with local meats, produce and fruits.
Davison Orchards - in Vernon. The patriarch for this working farm went to church with our family many years ago. Today the farm has become a wonderful tourist venue with it's gift and farmers market, petting zoo, kids play area, restaraunt and playground. I started my Christmas shopping here this year so ladies in the office - you're in for a treat and it's not just cuz you'll get to see my bright and shining face soon.
We've got a couple more locations on our list of things to do - 1) Scotch Creek for their blaster boat, mini golf etc and 2) the zoo formerly known as the Kamloops Wild Animal Park. Unless you include our plans for this weekend: BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders, at BC Place. Yup, the girls and I are going! Katie would like to buy a Lulay (BC's QB) jersey so she was doing extra chores for us and now is working for the Resort doing chores so she can afford it.
Scott was here for a month and returned home yesterday. With his departure we pulled the boat out of the lake... sad day indeed. I now have about 9 months to get my boat operators license. Tick tock.
Well I think that will give you an idea of what's been going on around us. Hope you're having a great adventure this summer too.
Eagle Bay Camp was a good experience for the girls. Katie took wakeboard lessons and while she didn't get up she's learned what's necessary to master the skill so when she next gets the opportunity she'll likely have success. She had been nervous about going to camp - typical questions like, what if no one likes me, what if I'm bullied and what if I don't make any friends... Turns out that none of these things were concerns for her. When I picked her up the first thing she said was that she missed me but right after that she asked if she could come back next year... for 2 weeks.
Emily's experience was a little different in that one of the gals in her cabin professed to be a lesbian, wouldn't look Em in the eye when they spoke and she was also caught going through Em's bag. This wasn't the experience I expected at camp but God loves all, and we need to do the same.
Camp was filled with good food, friends, fun, ziplining, tubing, kayaking, rock wall, paint ball (both kids opted out), archery, skits, swimming and chapel time complete with singing and Bible.
Emergency: When I picked up Emily from camp she had a couple extras... crutches. She had a badly sprained right foot and was on crutches for about 10 days. So, where does one get crutches if they don't want to go to a doctor/hospital? I called the IDA in Sorrento and asked that very question. Turns out there's a lending station there - show up, sign some paperwork, take the crutches and return them when you no longer need them. (Everyone here is so accommodating and has such a great customer service attitude. Even at the grocery store right behind our campground it's like almost every employee owns it - they all carry a vested interest in ensuring you found what you needed and you're shopping experience was good.)
Next up - We were at a Red Robin in Kamloops, seated on the patio enjoying our drinks, minus Katie as she'd popped into the washroom. A slight wind came up and our umbrella began to lift. I grabbed it and returned it to the ground - Scott noticed but his eyes got wide when he looked over my shoulder. The same wind had picked up 3 more umbrellas and they were heading our way. One of them rotated 180 degrees and came at Emily like a propeller, striking her on the left side of her mouth. (If Katie had been there she may have gotten hit in the back of the head/neck.) We headed into the store as Emily looked like she was in shock and was holding her mouth. I took her into the into the family washroom and long story short, Scott used a camera to check the inside of Emily's mouth to see where the blood was coming from. Emily was, naturally, startled by the umbrella and opened her mouth which made room for the tip of the umbrella to enter the rear of her mouth, gouging 2 spots into the muscle beside her uvula. Off to the emergency room we go.
Em was assessed by the Emergency Dr. as well as an ENT and with the instruction to stay in Kamloops for the night and watch for complications, we were released. It was at least 10 days later before she stopped regularly taking Advil for her pain and at least a week before she could eat/swallow without wincing. Healing is ongoing and we're thankful for it. If the umbrella had dug just a little deeper it could have cut into an artery and we'd have been dealing with a different adventure.
I should add that when the district manager of Red Robin got a call from Scott he had the umbrella's removed from all the patios if they weren't secured down. That was the best thing - they fixed it so that no one else has to go through it. They also covered all of our meals, hotel and medications while we were in Kamloops, as well as giving us a substantial gift card to come back and try again sometime. Further to that we did just that this past Sunday but this time we were in Vernon. The district manager was there and arranged that our tab be complimentary. Great follow up.
Can't leave Katie out. She had a few battle scars from camp and a 3 stripe scar remains on her knee (kind of look like a big cat did it). She's currently on antibiotics for her ears and after only 2 days is already feeling much better.
At the resort: Nothing but good times! Due to hot weather (I think a high one day actually dipped below 30! Okay maybe twice), we've got a fire ban. Seriously it's too hot out for campfires anyways. We're enjoying the gazebo, anti gravity chairs, pool, dock, neighbors, owners, rec room, beautiful mountains around us, etc.
Fruit: Early July the girls and I picked about 17lbs of strawberries which I canned into jam using only good things: the berries, granny smith apples, honey & fresh lemon juice.
Next we bought 10 lbs of raspberries which I used the same jam recipe for.
Finally we (5 of us including our Calgary neighbor), picked 50lbs of cherries in 30 minutes! Insanity perhaps... but that's cuz you haven't yet tasted our canned cherry pie filling. YUM!
Boat: Yup, we got ourselves a 21' SunRay sundeck boat complete with a double biminy - it's been a great addition to our family! We've enjoyed taking friends/family out whether for a pleasure cruise or a tube or simply to 'go jump in the lake'. The girls and I have all been onto Copper Island where we've then jumped off (Katie and I jumped from about 15' and I think Em did about 5'). We've been out to the Shark Shack and Sea Store - very cool indeed. We enjoyed the beauty of a waterfall. We had one scary ride and that was due to a storm complete with 3-4' waves coming over the bow and side of the boat drenching all in its' way, pouring rain (yay double biminy), lightning and even hail. What should have taken 45 minutes to get back to our dock was more than 90. We came across a capsized sailboat and offered help but another boat had gotten there just before us so with a thumbs up we were on our way again. On board at the time was our family, my sister, brother in law, their daughter and her 3 kids, aged 16 months to 6 years. We were all very glad to dock up and begin the process of drying off and warming up again.
Area Attractions: Gort's Gouda - yum (get the parsley variety!). This working farm is complete with a donkey, dog, kittens, calves and cows. They do a self guided tour and if you're timing is right you can watch the process of milking the cows.
Ovino Winery - I know next to nothing about wine but figured "when in Rome"... we checked out this place. Of note for September - come back and see the vines changing color for fall.
DeMilles' - we've been here many times before but it's that good that we come back. They have a petting zoo and full market with local meats, produce and fruits.
Davison Orchards - in Vernon. The patriarch for this working farm went to church with our family many years ago. Today the farm has become a wonderful tourist venue with it's gift and farmers market, petting zoo, kids play area, restaraunt and playground. I started my Christmas shopping here this year so ladies in the office - you're in for a treat and it's not just cuz you'll get to see my bright and shining face soon.
We've got a couple more locations on our list of things to do - 1) Scotch Creek for their blaster boat, mini golf etc and 2) the zoo formerly known as the Kamloops Wild Animal Park. Unless you include our plans for this weekend: BC Lions vs. Calgary Stampeders, at BC Place. Yup, the girls and I are going! Katie would like to buy a Lulay (BC's QB) jersey so she was doing extra chores for us and now is working for the Resort doing chores so she can afford it.
Scott was here for a month and returned home yesterday. With his departure we pulled the boat out of the lake... sad day indeed. I now have about 9 months to get my boat operators license. Tick tock.
Well I think that will give you an idea of what's been going on around us. Hope you're having a great adventure this summer too.
Friday, July 12, 2013
Relaxed? Or lazy?
Scott is at home working, I'm in the campground and last Sunday I checked the girls in at Bible camp. I'm the one who likes to be busy but this has been quite the switch for me. I've made cards, read a book, read a couple magazines, been on many walks with the dog and even a hike (hiked up and jogged down). I've sat outside in the anti gravity chair both at our campsite and poolside. I even had the whole pool to myself yesterday! I've putzed in the yard deadheading, planting and watering. I've done some cleaning, played some sudoku and have learned that killer whales eat grey whales thanks to educational programming.
In the times of 'just sitting there' I wonder what the line is between relaxing and being lazy. What's the right amount of 'rest' before you're termed a couch potato? I don't know but what I can say is that tomorrow when I pick up the kids I hope they're up for adventure cuz I'm feeling kind of cooped up right now and want to go see and do with them.
I purchased helium filled balloons for their bedroom and have a neon pink welcome home poster made. Less than 12 hours!
Oh, as far as our 2 rental properties in High River go? Still no access.
In the times of 'just sitting there' I wonder what the line is between relaxing and being lazy. What's the right amount of 'rest' before you're termed a couch potato? I don't know but what I can say is that tomorrow when I pick up the kids I hope they're up for adventure cuz I'm feeling kind of cooped up right now and want to go see and do with them.
I purchased helium filled balloons for their bedroom and have a neon pink welcome home poster made. Less than 12 hours!
Oh, as far as our 2 rental properties in High River go? Still no access.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Checking in
High River remains under a state of emergency and residents are not being allowed back in. Our two homes are, from what I understand, still in 'the pond', an area that's not drained. We've heard conflicting reports as to when services will be restored and don't yet if the entire town will re-enter at once, or as areas are ready. Les remains in the house and as such it hasn't any water in the basement anymore, the carpet has been ripped up, and a lot of other clean up has occurred.
We've been excited to have Lynda here with us. As the kids haven't had no school since last Thursday (our school division mirrored the plan of the CBE & CCSD) they've been able to help our teachers 'take down' the school year and my sister has jumped right in there and been an amazing help.
This past week has felt busier than other year ends and as we've not had students in, I'm not sure what else was different. It's okay though, it's coming together. Our students will go to school for the morning only. I'll work today and tomorrow. With highway 1 west opened again (Cougar Creek flooding at Canmore washed it out), we may just have clear sailing heading to the trailer on Saturday.
The sun is shining (thanks God) and people are working so hard to restore normalcy. Course, as I write this I understand that a train has gone into the river near Alyth yard... and it's containing harmful goods. Deerfoot is shut down in the area.
We're looking to you God.
Blessed be your name in a land that is plentiful, where your streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name. Blessed be your name when the suns shining down on me, where the worlds all as it should be, blessed be your name. Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say: Blessed be the name of the Lord.
We've been excited to have Lynda here with us. As the kids haven't had no school since last Thursday (our school division mirrored the plan of the CBE & CCSD) they've been able to help our teachers 'take down' the school year and my sister has jumped right in there and been an amazing help.
This past week has felt busier than other year ends and as we've not had students in, I'm not sure what else was different. It's okay though, it's coming together. Our students will go to school for the morning only. I'll work today and tomorrow. With highway 1 west opened again (Cougar Creek flooding at Canmore washed it out), we may just have clear sailing heading to the trailer on Saturday.
The sun is shining (thanks God) and people are working so hard to restore normalcy. Course, as I write this I understand that a train has gone into the river near Alyth yard... and it's containing harmful goods. Deerfoot is shut down in the area.
We're looking to you God.
Blessed be your name in a land that is plentiful, where your streams of abundance flow, blessed be your name. Blessed be your name when the suns shining down on me, where the worlds all as it should be, blessed be your name. Every blessing you pour out I'll turn back to praise. When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say: Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
The water is going down... depending on where you are
Spoke to Les this morning from his house on the west end of High River. He and his brother are doing well despite not having septic or power (they're relying on the generator but have enough fuel to last about a week). The water is well below the basement floor now. YAY
As for things in other areas of the town, they won't be so good. Josh still hasn't been in his home but apparently there is still lots of water on the streets in his neighborhood.
Scott is itching to get down there to provide whatever needs Les has and to check on our 2 rental properties. I think that until services are restored, citizens are not being allowed back in. We'll have to wait. One of our tenants left the cat behind and are naturally concerned for its well-being. It will have been able to stay dry but I would think it would need (clean) water and food.
We didn't have school on Friday - they called a snow day for all Calgary schools in our division as the Calgary public & Catholic boards weren't in operation. Tomorrow will be the same. It feels silly for us since there's no risk and hasn't been any risk at our school and it's possible that aside from our Okotoks students, our families were untouched. The good news is that our grade 9s don't have to write their Provincial Achievement Test (finals) and because of that, our grades 7s and 8s will also not be writing their finals.
I broke that news to Emily as gently as I could but immediately after had to send her out for a run as she was over the moon excited. She was to write Science tomorrow, Math on Tuesday and LA on Wednesday.
I'll be heading to the school shortly as I need to send a message to all parents re tomorrow. We're using a new program called Synrevoice which I've heard is great, we just have to experience with it beyond our training a few months ago. Good thing they gave us notes!
Blessings on you.
1 John 5:14,15 God's people can have the assurance that He hears their pleas for help, even if He chooses to let them go through some trial.
Oh, here's a picture of downtown High River taken on Friday. The second picture is of 12 Avenue, facing westbound.
As for things in other areas of the town, they won't be so good. Josh still hasn't been in his home but apparently there is still lots of water on the streets in his neighborhood.
Scott is itching to get down there to provide whatever needs Les has and to check on our 2 rental properties. I think that until services are restored, citizens are not being allowed back in. We'll have to wait. One of our tenants left the cat behind and are naturally concerned for its well-being. It will have been able to stay dry but I would think it would need (clean) water and food.
We didn't have school on Friday - they called a snow day for all Calgary schools in our division as the Calgary public & Catholic boards weren't in operation. Tomorrow will be the same. It feels silly for us since there's no risk and hasn't been any risk at our school and it's possible that aside from our Okotoks students, our families were untouched. The good news is that our grade 9s don't have to write their Provincial Achievement Test (finals) and because of that, our grades 7s and 8s will also not be writing their finals.
I broke that news to Emily as gently as I could
I'll be heading to the school shortly as I need to send a message to all parents re tomorrow. We're using a new program called Synrevoice which I've heard is great, we just have to experience with it beyond our training a few months ago. Good thing they gave us notes!
Blessings on you.
1 John 5:14,15 God's people can have the assurance that He hears their pleas for help, even if He chooses to let them go through some trial.
Oh, here's a picture of downtown High River taken on Friday. The second picture is of 12 Avenue, facing westbound.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Day 3
The water in High River is receding and the area that used to be the hardest hit may have gotten off better than many others.
Authorities are denying access to the town and are arresting those caught trying to get in. Lynda made it out today and is at our home... she just can't go home yet. Les & his brother Ed are still at the house.
We're pretty certain that our homes on the far east side have a significant amount of water in the basement. Scott was hoping to get down there tomorrow to take fuel, food, batteries and drinking water to Les & Ed, and also to check on our houses, but we've been told there's no way he'll be permitted in. I wish I knew the logic behind not permitting help. Maybe authorities are concerned about looting. Apparently there's been some of that going on already.
Josh was able to get to his home today (right beside one of ours) and his basement is 'full'.
Decimated. That's the word Scott used the other day as he looked at pictures of the High River flooding.
The sun is shining and we're hoping that will continue. Wind would be welcome as well to help dry things up.
At least 4 fatalities but people are being searched for even yet. If you're from High River and haven't checked in please do so. Manpower is potentially being used to find you when it could be used for those actually missing.
Authorities are denying access to the town and are arresting those caught trying to get in. Lynda made it out today and is at our home... she just can't go home yet. Les & his brother Ed are still at the house.
We're pretty certain that our homes on the far east side have a significant amount of water in the basement. Scott was hoping to get down there tomorrow to take fuel, food, batteries and drinking water to Les & Ed, and also to check on our houses, but we've been told there's no way he'll be permitted in. I wish I knew the logic behind not permitting help. Maybe authorities are concerned about looting. Apparently there's been some of that going on already.
Josh was able to get to his home today (right beside one of ours) and his basement is 'full'.
Decimated. That's the word Scott used the other day as he looked at pictures of the High River flooding.
The sun is shining and we're hoping that will continue. Wind would be welcome as well to help dry things up.
At least 4 fatalities but people are being searched for even yet. If you're from High River and haven't checked in please do so. Manpower is potentially being used to find you when it could be used for those actually missing.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Flooding update
I've just heard from Lynda via text:
"We are doing ok. Keeping a supply of fuel for the generators has been a challenge. We have had little contact with the outside world but it would seem many are worse off than us. Four fatalities in town. Ed (Les' brother) is stranded here with us. Stories of people being rescued off their roofs make us feel so blessed and grateful”
She sent a picture of the front and back yard and it doesn't look like water is touching the home anymore. The burm, added after the 2005 flood, has definitely helped because the river is still raging on the other side of it.
The photo below is of the neighborhood which are 2 rental properties are. One of the tenants got close enough to see the water at the top of the exterior stairs. The basement isn't finished but aside from whatever they are storing, it houses the usual things like the furnace, hot water tank, washer and dryer.
Here's High River's 7-11 in the heart of the downtown.
"We are doing ok. Keeping a supply of fuel for the generators has been a challenge. We have had little contact with the outside world but it would seem many are worse off than us. Four fatalities in town. Ed (Les' brother) is stranded here with us. Stories of people being rescued off their roofs make us feel so blessed and grateful”
She sent a picture of the front and back yard and it doesn't look like water is touching the home anymore. The burm, added after the 2005 flood, has definitely helped because the river is still raging on the other side of it.
The photo below is of the neighborhood which are 2 rental properties are. One of the tenants got close enough to see the water at the top of the exterior stairs. The basement isn't finished but aside from whatever they are storing, it houses the usual things like the furnace, hot water tank, washer and dryer.
Here's High River's 7-11 in the heart of the downtown.
It's tough not to obsess over this devastation. It feels so much like 9/11 when we caught ourselves going back to the media over and over again to see the chaos. Clenching our teeth and wondering whether it could happen to us. I'm not concerned at all about rising water at our home but absolutely sick about those who've been faced with it. Kinda brings it on home right? So often when destruction/war/natural disasters strike we're not victims and it's not near us - we don't know anyone who've been personally affected yet we can empathize. Our 'sorrow' doesn't seem to last though and perhaps we forget it happened. This event doesn't allow that for us here - it's all over the papers, online, in texts and emails. Those who live through this won't ever forget it happened. Those people (ourselves included,) are trying to decide if it's better to rebuild or repair. Time will tell.
This is the day the Lord hath made, we WILL rejoice and be glad in it.
Flooding
For some reason as I open this page, the song "Tiny Bubbles" is playing through my mind. Southern Alberta has again been hit by significant flooding.
Thankfully our home here in Calgary is unaffected but countless others have. In High River, Lynda's place has 1.5' in the basement but I've heard they are still there and have the coffee pot on. YAY for generators. Others from their neighborhood have been welcomed into their home as well.
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Video+High+River+Flooding/8559309/story.html is a pretty sad video of what's been going on in High River.
The Stampede grounds are under 8' of water and the Calgary Stampede kicks off in 2 weeks. We'd planned for a professional photo shoot for our family on Sunday but as the park is bordered by the river I can only imagine the water sitting/running through it now. No worry though. We're truly blessed.
Our newest home in High River was moved into this past Saturday - welcome to the Town of High River! Those wonderful folks are now set up in front of our Calgary home in a travel trailer, waiting on word they can go home. We've heard there isn't any damage in their area so that too is a blessing.
Memory making in progress.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. II Peter 1:2
Thankfully our home here in Calgary is unaffected but countless others have. In High River, Lynda's place has 1.5' in the basement but I've heard they are still there and have the coffee pot on. YAY for generators. Others from their neighborhood have been welcomed into their home as well.
http://www.theprovince.com/news/Video+High+River+Flooding/8559309/story.html is a pretty sad video of what's been going on in High River.
The Stampede grounds are under 8' of water and the Calgary Stampede kicks off in 2 weeks. We'd planned for a professional photo shoot for our family on Sunday but as the park is bordered by the river I can only imagine the water sitting/running through it now. No worry though. We're truly blessed.
Our newest home in High River was moved into this past Saturday - welcome to the Town of High River! Those wonderful folks are now set up in front of our Calgary home in a travel trailer, waiting on word they can go home. We've heard there isn't any damage in their area so that too is a blessing.
Memory making in progress.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. II Peter 1:2
Sunday, May 26, 2013
JEK conquer another 10k
This morning when the alarm went off (at 5:45 - yuck!) the temperature on our front porch was a mere plus 1. How do you dress for a 10k with that sort of temperature?!
Our race, part of the Scotiabank Marathon in downtown Calgary, started at 7:30 and I'm pretty sure we did it in under 90minutes. (Last year Emily & I did it in 1:24 - I beat her by .02 seconds :)) I've done a few races at this distance, Emily now has 2 and this was Katie's first. Kudos especially to Katie as she felt like she was going to throw up several times starting before the 'go' horn and throughout the race. She stuck with it though and the three of us crossed the line holding hands.
Our race, part of the Scotiabank Marathon in downtown Calgary, started at 7:30 and I'm pretty sure we did it in under 90minutes. (Last year Emily & I did it in 1:24 - I beat her by .02 seconds :)) I've done a few races at this distance, Emily now has 2 and this was Katie's first. Kudos especially to Katie as she felt like she was going to throw up several times starting before the 'go' horn and throughout the race. She stuck with it though and the three of us crossed the line holding hands.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Summer's a-coming!
Hello family!
Over the Easter break we headed to the Salmon Arm area to scout out something different. As you likely know, we spend 5-6 weeks each summer travelling with our truck and trailer but this year we thought we'd give a single campground our time. We found Blind Bay Resort and have secured a site for a year (until April 2014).
This coming weekend our hope is to take the trailer out, get it set up, enjoy the night and then to return home because at present, there's more to do here... such as finishing school. That being said there are only 48 more school days.... :)
Anyways if you're looking for us this summer you'll know where we'll be. There is B&B nearby as well as park models available in our campground - come stay awhile.
Over the Easter break we headed to the Salmon Arm area to scout out something different. As you likely know, we spend 5-6 weeks each summer travelling with our truck and trailer but this year we thought we'd give a single campground our time. We found Blind Bay Resort and have secured a site for a year (until April 2014).
This coming weekend our hope is to take the trailer out, get it set up, enjoy the night and then to return home because at present, there's more to do here... such as finishing school. That being said there are only 48 more school days.... :)
Anyways if you're looking for us this summer you'll know where we'll be. There is B&B nearby as well as park models available in our campground - come stay awhile.
Saturday, January 26, 2013
Who is God?
He
is Elohim Creator, the Omnipotent who rules.
He's the Sovereign King of Glory and earth is His footstool.
He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.
He sends forth lightening that later checks back in with Him.
He speaks worlds into existence and spins them out in space.
He gives orders to the morning and shows the dawn its place.
He prophesies the future then orders it fulfilled.
He bears fruit from a landscape that man has never tilled.
He feeds the beast of the field from the palm of His hand.
He watches while they bear their young and teaches them to stand.
He gives the seas their boundaries and hides His creatures deep.
He teaches eagles how to fly and nest upon the steep.
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on wings of wind.
He champions the victim and brings proud men to end.
He is Emanuel, God with us, come to earth through Christ.
He is the Kinsman Redeemer who paid the slave man's price.
He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and worthy is the Lamb.
He holds the keys to life eternal where the dead in Christ now stand.
He is enthroned between the Cherubim and great is his reward.
The devil, His defeated foe, the weapon, His swift sword.
The story has a moral so I'll hasten lest you tire.
Whoever you perceived He is...you might aim a little higher.
Author unknown
He's the Sovereign King of Glory and earth is His footstool.
He is the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End.
He sends forth lightening that later checks back in with Him.
He speaks worlds into existence and spins them out in space.
He gives orders to the morning and shows the dawn its place.
He prophesies the future then orders it fulfilled.
He bears fruit from a landscape that man has never tilled.
He feeds the beast of the field from the palm of His hand.
He watches while they bear their young and teaches them to stand.
He gives the seas their boundaries and hides His creatures deep.
He teaches eagles how to fly and nest upon the steep.
He makes the clouds his chariot and rides on wings of wind.
He champions the victim and brings proud men to end.
He is Emanuel, God with us, come to earth through Christ.
He is the Kinsman Redeemer who paid the slave man's price.
He is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords and worthy is the Lamb.
He holds the keys to life eternal where the dead in Christ now stand.
He is enthroned between the Cherubim and great is his reward.
The devil, His defeated foe, the weapon, His swift sword.
The story has a moral so I'll hasten lest you tire.
Whoever you perceived He is...you might aim a little higher.
Author unknown
Sunday, January 20, 2013
A new twist on the Lord's Prayer
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
- Spend some time praising God
- What are you thankful for?
- Tell God how awesome he is.
- Ask God to have His will in your heart, life and future
- Ask God to have His will in your family
- Ask God to have His will in your friendships
- Ask God to have His will in your school/workplace
- Ask God to provide Spiritual food:
- Knowledge?
- Wisdom?
- Love?
- Kindness?
- Patience?
- Courage?
- Confidence?
- Soft hearts?
- Ears to hear?
And forgive us our sins,
- What sins do you need to confess to God? Tell him.
- Who do you need to forgive?
- Who are you mad at?
- Who do you dislike?
- Ask God to hlep you see that person through God's eyes.
- Ask God to keep us from the temptations of our lives -
- Inside temptations: distraction, laziness, boredom, hard feelings, bad attitudes, selfishness.
- Outside temptations: gossip, pornography, cheating, swearing
Thursday, January 10, 2013
Jealousy quote
I don't know who came up with this but I thought it was good.
Jealousy is when you count someone else's blessings
instead of yours.
Jealousy is when you count someone else's blessings
instead of yours.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Happy New Year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
New Opportunities to live out the
New Life we have in Christ because of the
New Covenant of His Blood leading to our
New Birth thanks to His mercy and grace making us a
New Creation called to live out a
New Command to love as a fruit of the Spirit in our
New Nature as we await the promis of a
New Heaven and Earth, with Him in glory forever!
New Opportunities to live out the
New Life we have in Christ because of the
New Covenant of His Blood leading to our
New Birth thanks to His mercy and grace making us a
New Creation called to live out a
New Command to love as a fruit of the Spirit in our
New Nature as we await the promis of a
New Heaven and Earth, with Him in glory forever!
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