Restoring Joy

He had me pegged across the pool deck. I was minding my own business. My holiday was only 4 days. I needed rest. Our bading suits on, lotion applied books to our eyes. Do not disturb until I'm done relaxing..or so I thought. His hair was grey, teeth applied smile infectious. His body no longer fit and trim. My brothers were in World War 2. I was in college , got myself two degrees. I found my book slipping to the pool deck. a big sigh escaped my lips. Where are you from? Figures he was from Calgary. Whats with us Canadians who are always so darned friendly , anyways? I mean 80 degree temperatures, palm trees and nothing to do could make anybody happy. Still...didn't matter if I escaped for a swim or picked up my book  that infectious smile followed me. Full of friendly chit , chat he was. And I just having to layed to rest another precious grey haired soul found myself drawn to listen. Les was his name. He had travelled the world, spoke three languages. He was happily married and well taken care of by his wife. She was playing bridge. And it dawned on me I was made for such a time as this. My plans focused on myself, His plans to bring joy to someone in need. And since I had been seeking to restore joy to my life I was being nudged to comply.
"Joy is the realist reality, the fullest life, and joy is always given, never grasped. God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given:joy .Something always comes to fill the empty places. And when I give thanks for the smallest of things, I make a place for God to grow within me."

Ann Voskamp

Joy

And having taken a cup when He had given thanks, He said"Take this and share it among yourselves". Luke 22:17
The Eucharist invites us to give thanks for His dying.
The constellation in the dark-grace, thanksgiving , joy.
Giving thanks in all circumstances.
We live in a world of sin injustice sorrow and beauty. The fall of man coupled with the beauty of creation. It is easy to give thanks and walk a life of gratitude in the sunshine of summer breezes, but so different in the injustice of human tragedy. God is in control. He paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Yet the world is full of pain, questions , anxiety. To truly experience joy we must understand what it cost Jesus on our behalf. The pain He bore to bring freedom, joy to us. The responsibility we carry to walk in the footsteps of Jesus. Bearing one another's burdens.Everyday.
Eucharisteo-whenever;now.Joy-whenever;here.
Three things I'm thankful for:
1. NLCC and the study we are doing about the Passion
2.Joy is waiting for me to grasp it
3.Freedom and peace in my country

Garden Thoughts

1. I come to the garden alone,
   While the dew is still on the roses,
   And the voice I hear falling on my ear
   The Son of God discloses.
   • Refrain:
     And He walks with me, and He talks with me,
     And He tells me I am His own;
     And the joy we share as we tarry there,
     None other has ever known.
2. He speaks, and the sound of His voice
   Is so sweet the birds hush their singing,
   And the melody that He gave to me
   Within my heart is ringing.
3. I’d stay in the garden with Him,
   Though the night around me be falling,
   But He bids me go; through the voice of woe
   His voice to me is calling.
4. Her funeral was small but filled with love. The melody of In the Garden sang by two of her favourite singers. She lived a long life and touched many souls with her gentle kind spirit. Sweet Marie as we called her lived up to her name. Her latter years were filled with confusion, she new her life here on earth was temporary. We opened our hearts to her some 20+ years ago and our life's were forever changed.  A small gesture of friendship so many years ago, opened a door to a lifetime of memories. So in your everyday business of life I challenge you to take small steps in changing the life of someone you meet today. Find time in the garden, it's beauty will overwhelm you.
5. Three things I'm thankful for:
6. 1.Saw my first set of flowers popping out of my neighbour's garden on my walk.
7. 2.I can walk.
8. 3. Friends who love me.

Garden Of Gethsemane

So our Church is preparing for Easter and our focus was on The Garden. The Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus took some of his closest friends (disciples) and told them to watch and pray while He went to pray in the Garden. It is hear where Jesus toughest moments on earth were experienced. Here while He was struggling the people He asked for help fell asleep. He was all alone before God, and knew what was to come in His life, and it was here he accepted God's will .Flash forward to our Bible Study. I was asked if I ever felt like I had been in the garden of Gethsemane? My eyes popped open and my tongue rolled out. Are you kidding? My bouts in the garden have been so frequent I own shares in it. My tent that I once erected there is more like a vacation home, complete with cleaning services. Experienced what Jesus did , never? Experienced utter despair ,agony and pain. I'm there. Had people turn there back on me in my hour of need? Of course. Knowing that I had to accept the will of God even though I knew what was coming. Tough .Yes very tough. The Garden of Gethsemane. Where I learn to trust God. Not my will but yours God. No matter what my feelings , despite my circumstances-I will trust God. God can handle my questions and doubts. "If there were no room for doubt there would be no room for me" Fredrick Buechner. God is with me in my Gethsemane. He stays He rests, He waits, He listens, and when the time is right He leads me through it.
Three things I'm thankful for:
1. Peace
2. Stirring of the Holy Spirit
3. Kid's that love me.

Kaiya Turns One

 Isn't it amazing how such a little person can make such a big difference?

 You were never one to brag...but showing off is part of a grandpa's job description.

 You're a wise woman with a wealth of knowledge and a world of experience. And just when you think you'd seen it all...you become a grandmother. And then nothing has been the same.

There's always someone there to remind you that sometimes it's okay to stop and pick the dandelions. Quotes by,Myra Zirkle.
Learning to laugh in the midst of sorrow is also part of my life. God gives me sunshine days to cope with the rain. Laughter to cope with sadness. So tonight Rudy and I celebrated. Our second grand daughter turned one how fun!

Oh, Lord I do not ask for much,
Eternal beauty, or youth , or such.
Just give me a little hand to hold,
And I'll forget that I'm growing old.
I do not ask for cloudless skies,
A life that's free from tears and sighs.
Just give me a little face to kiss,
And anxious moments will turn to bliss.
For what is there, really, that means so much
As little hands that reach and touch,
As little eyes that search and see
Only the best in fragile me?
So let me grow more loving and wise
By looking at life through their wide eyes.
For through these little ones, you have given
This grateful grandmother a glimpse of Heaven.
Author: Barbara Burrows

Saying Good Bye

He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.
Jim Elliot

Picking through the jig saw puzzles of my heart and saying good bye to a lovely lady. My friend Marie went to be with the Lord today. Even though I knew it was coming, I still said good bye with tears. No more coffee and cookies.  No more smiles and questions. Good bye to a lady that embraced life with graciousness and kindness. Who was frugal and witty.Whose mind was lost in forgetfulness and yet still smiled with recognition in her eyes. You were more than a friend, you were the third mom I needed. A step grandparent to my grandchildren. Your life touched everyone you met. So thank you Marie, my life was blessed by you. You are now with your dear Howard in heaven the place you longed to be. RIP Feb 23, 1923-Feb 9, 2013.

The Sun

The sun is literally shinning done on me and dare I say for fear of it's disappearance ...it feels good.

Cinnamon buns in the oven and my front doors unlocked, just waiting for the pitter patter of little feet. Yup survived and enjoyed 9 glorious days of utter turmoil and utter sweetness. My grand babies and me along with my husband squeezed the daylights out of every last morsel of energy we had. And pumped out enormous love into the hearts of those two little babes. And dare I say having a 1 year old and a 2 and 1/2 year old around...well Katie my daughter don't know how you do it. Between potty's and poops, and I wanna eat sumping, walks and drives, bills and housework. Katie my darling daughter and Ben my son in law, hats off to you. Glad you enjoyed your vacation.