ahhhh coffee

these two little peanuts make me laugh right out loud :)....

however, because of them I go through a lot of this :)!!

wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!!

Psalm 121

Why worry :)?

Because it is the easiest thing to do in all the world!

I can so quickly worry about all sorts of things - present things, future things, past things. My God-given imagination runs wild as my human nature wrestles with the realities of this world. What if what if what if.

Sigh.

The events of our summer have reminded me - uncomfortably - how things happen very differently than you expect sometimes. That is something I struggle to reconcile. I want things to be safe, secure, free of pain and harm.

And sometimes the LORD permits a reminder that He is in charge and I am not.

And then I ask - Dear LORD, how should I pray in all of this? Where are you in all this worry :)?

And slowly, carefully, surely the answer comes...

I lift my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

He will not let your foot slip - he who watches over you will not slumber;

indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The LORD watches over you - the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The LORD will keep you from all harm - he will watch over your life;

the LORD will watch over your coming and going

both now and forever more.

Psalm 121

Oh LORD. Forgive my worrying heart.

Back in blogger world

Somewhere between the end of April and the end of summer, life jumped into fast forward mode. And here we are. Shorter days, cooler nights and school just around the bend. Autumn is my favorite time of the year. Right next to winter and spring. Summer, I admit, with its looser structure and shifting routine sends me into a bit of a tailspin. What can I say :)? I love the color of autumn, the cozyness of a great cup of coffee, my favorite old sweater and my brand new slippers :). As for winter? Well, with snow flakes falling, and Boney-M christmas carols in the background - who can argue with that :)?

Life is good. Full, but good.

And tonight I am counting my blessings and naming them one by one.

At the end of June, we had a baby girl. She was born on our bathroom floor. That is a very long story (well, actually a very QUICK story since her delivery took less than an hour from start to finish!!) - I can assure you that was not in the birth plan - but all in all it is a dramatic story with a happy ending :).

Then we had some very serious health concerns with baby Kezia. The drama continued, and life started tumbling and bumbling about. While only time will tell all the details, as it is with most worries in our lives, our little girl is healthy, happy and a snuggly little bundle. We love her dearly!

I continue to be amazed at the little personality that is just bursting out of our Mikayla. At 20 months, she is a live wire, a fire cracker her daddy calls her, and it is true true true. Life is never dull when she's around.

My hubby, my own mommy :), and many dear friends who journeyed with us as we waited in doctors offices, waited for phone calls, waited for test results. God's waiting room, my mom calls this, this place where the answer is not yet "yes" or "no" but "my grace is sufficient for thee".

My LORD. The One who stands before me, behind me and beside me as I grasp and grapple with the issues of this life. He meets me where I am, messiness and all, and loves me enough to lead me on.

Then there are the simple pleasures of life that truly make each day special...
...that familiar old song on the radio that takes you back a million memories
...a great cup of something hot and tasty (coffee is best, but anything warm and soothing will do in a pinch!)
...dancing around the kitchen with my gals (every so often their daddy joins in too!)
...snuggling with my wild animal of a pooch (he's the only puppy I've truly ever loved, and he's mighty lucky about that because I am the one who gives him his hair cuts!!)
...dear friends who keep me laughing and sane and looking for all the good this world has to offer
...sun-ripened tomatoes from my garden, freshly picked for tasty tomato sandwhiches
...a few precious moments to myself to gather my thoughts, offer my worship and to stretch and dream just a little :)

Life is good. Full, but good.

And tonight I am counting my blessings and naming them one by one.

Time for a little ha ha!

How long has it been since you laughed until tears rolled down your cheeks :)?
Even one day is too long in my opinion!!
Today I had the opportunity to laugh and laugh and laugh.
And how WONDERFUL it felt!
I hadn't quite forgotten, but funny (pardon the pun!) how something so simple often gets pushed to the very back of life.
Unfortunate, don't you think :)?
The topic wasn't exactly stand-up comedy material - I was chatting with a bunch of moms, and describing how a young mother felt when she had to walk to the crib every 10-15 minutes for TWO hours in the MIDDLE of the NIGHT! We aren't exactly pretty at that point! And we laughed! We related! And we all went home a little lighter!
Hope you are able to find some LAUGHTER in your day!
Sometimes - we take ourselves FAR too SERIOUSLY!!

Great Date!

Last night I went on a date with my sisters and my mom for my mom's birthday. We always have a awesome time when we go out. We met at the Forks, http://www.theforks.com/ went for supper, and then spent the rest of the evening walking around the shops, having coffee and - trying on these hats!

Mom looks so great for her age - which is a huge encouragement for us girls for our future! Leah is 6+ months pregnant and is doing so great, has tonnes of energy despite her sleep deprivation since having a baby 16 months ago! Tanis is a tonne of fun too as she finds laughs easily and is adventurous.

I am so, so, so blessed to have these amazing women in my life!

We are family....

We are sisters....

We are best friends!

BIG STEP!

This is the last look at the damaged goods before the FIX 'ER UP!


Laser Eye Surgery was at one time totally out of the question for me. Then my wonderful sister-in-law Susie introduced me to a company moving to Winnipeg LASIK http://www.lasikmd.com (many other locations in Canada) that was offering a special for the first 300 people to call in. So, I thought - wow, 1/2 price sounds pretty good to me. Last week I went in for my initial consultation. It went pretty good. I kinda didn't like the part about them mentioning that they are gonna slice a layer off my eye ball, fix 'er up, and then flap it down. But I'm thinking - how bad can it really be? Tonnes of people are having it done, and this company if very reputable etc. So, I booked my surgery date for May 24th. Today I learn that - they have an opening - tomorrow!! What to do?...


So, I'm in. I will be going in for laser eye surgery tomorrow morning. I'm not even that nervous (I'll save that for tomorrow!)


How AWESOME it will be to get up in the morning, and instead of groping for my pathetic glasses to tide me over to my contact lenses - I'll be FREE!! No excuses for tripping into the bed, door jam, and vanity now, but I'll get used to it !


I am pretty excited. And as per usual my ADHD is kicking into high gear. I can't really focus on one thing for more than - 30 seconds.


So, if you think of it - I could use the prayers for tomorrow!

Spring is here!

Yahoo!! The snow is allllmost gone and spring is here! With this comes a few undesirable chores - like scraping rocks off the lawn - but many, many wonderful possibilities! I am thrilled because many of the tulips I transplanted last fall are coming up. This is exciting because - not being much of a detailed type of gal - I'm never sure if I've read the instructions right (if I've read them at all!!), if I've planted things properly and if they will thrive in my care.

However, this hardy sign of early spring is sprouting all over my garden, and I am pleased!!

It also feels like spring inside. Winter items have been put away and I've dusted off the wind chimes and started the yearly freshening process :). It feels good to be here.

There are so many things to look forward to:
- watching Mikayla toddle around in her rubber boots
- having the first fireside of the season (complete with hot dogs and marshmallows!!)
- after dinner walks with my family
- garden.... experiments :)
- getting ready (with great anticipation!!) for the arrival of our second baby
- enjoying a different pace of life with family and friends

How do you celebrate the arrival of spring? Do you engage in a cleaning frenzy :)? Do you make sure you're outdoors as much as possible? Do you simply enjoy the longer daylight hours and cozy evenings?

Thank you, Father, for spring seasons!!

Book Review - Quaker Summer

As you may be aware, this is a blog hosted by sisters. It just so happens that myself (Robin) and my sister (Leah) are avid readers of Lisa Samson, and have recently been sent a book Quaker Summer.

Robin:
It never fails- I pick up a Lisa Samson book, and I am hooked, focused and inspired every time. I take pride in the collection of them that reside on my bookshelf and often go back for a re-read when looking for some comfort. What I find is a very honest hard look at life circumstances, and another pushing the envelope type of issue. These are real issues, for real people. This latest book Quaker Summer moved me in a whole new way. Through following Lisa’s blog over the last months I can see some of this taking place in her own life. The main character Heather is at the crossroads of discovering her true call in life. Currently maintaining the all American Dream she is challenged on a deeper level, to take a look at meaning of it all, and what really matters. There are two options for her really: one is to continue what she’s been doing for the last several years- make the checkmarks on the lists, do what is supposed to be done, or she can take the risk taking and rewarding alternative. The scenic route if you will. It is often easier to stay on the road most traveled, but Heather takes the plunge and enters a whole new world of new priorities, people and challenges. Inspiring really, and another good opportunity to ask myself what road I may be on. What kind of challenges have I taken, comfort zones broken through, or taken an opportunity to invest in another persons life? Kinda reminds me of what a very wise Man once said: “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” -Jesus.
Thank you Lisa for being the voice behind so many people. For speaking out what most of us are too ashamed to say or admit to otherwise. In doing so we find growth and healing.

Leah:
Ever since Robin introduced me to Lisa Sampson's work through Women’s Intuition, I've been hooked. Why? Her novels are real, thought- provoking, emotional - both laughter and tears - and draw my attention back to the Almighty God. I connect with the characters and can relate to their stories. She does much justice to the genre of Christian Fiction. She is a remarkable story-teller - clever with language, plot and character development. There is no fluff here!!
Quaker Summer is no exception. In our individualistic, self-serving age, we need constant reminders that living out Micah 6:8 is a necessary part of the Christian life. What trappings do we use as an excuse not to live as Christ did? What does it cost us to make the necessary life changes? What people does God bring into our lives to draw us to Himself so that we may worship Him and live lives that reflect His glory? Deep issues handled with crafty brilliance in a story that is witty, insightful and clear in its challenge!
And where else can you find a story that includes a drug dealer, a materialist, a 90-year-old woman who still gets jailed for her protests, a 15-year-old son, a crusty nun, a woman who used to take prayer requests on a 1-800 number and a strung-out upper class project planner? Oh Lisa, where do you come up with these characters!?
"It's funny how these two women have such a drastically different slant on the same God. Anna relies on the Spirit, has such a gentle, ethereal faith that works itself out in the sadness of others. Liza has jumped into Jesus' arms and said, "Let's go, good buddy!" And they gallop off together in search of the most awful places where their presence will make the most difference. Doing justice, loving mercy, walking humbly with God. That's the sisters. And isn't that in the Bible somewhere? Can I be a little of both someday, Lord? Someday when I grow up? A little of Anna, a little of Liza - and a little of my dad. I want to be like my dad too."

Interview with Lisa Samson:

Robin: You are truly an inspiration to me and many, and your characters seem so real! Are they based on personal life experiences, or case study?

Lisa: Some of Heather's experiences are mine, particularly cutting rot off of tomatoes and getting caught singing Pink at the soup kitchen. But the characters themselves, at least in this novel, aren't based on anyone in particular. Except for Sister Jerusha. I saw a documentary called Sister Helen, and I utilized that dear departed nun's basic personality for my book. It's a great movie, by the way. Salty language, but it really showed me that God uses anybody who longs to be used by Him. I highly recommend it.

Robin: Who is Heather C. to you?

Lisa: Heather is every woman who feels chained by her life choices and her possessions. Who asks, "Why did we have to get that new car (or house), up our payments, when the old one was fine? Why do I make bad choices? Why do I give my life for worldly possessions and get in my own way of serving God?" Heather's every woman who wonders why all the bible study, prayer, serving in church still doesn't make her feel any closer to God? In short, she's a lot like me in that way.

Robin: How has your own walk/ growth in life changed or inspired your topics that you write about?

Lisa: The general experience of changing life from one of insular churchiness to one of "putting yourself out there" is a journey our family took, and is still taking, as well. We sold our big suburban home and moved to an urban area so we could be confronted by issues of need more regularly. I'm still reeling from it, but I'm certain it's where God led us.

Leah: How do you weave characters into multiple books?

Lisa: I have a basic story idea, and then sometimes, I think, "You know, [insert name] would be a great supporting role here. Let's resurrect her!" The people who read my books are always glad when I do that. I like to give them the emotional hit, and I like reacquainting myself with old friends. The fact that I limit my books to mostly Baltimore, Lexington and my fictional town of Mount Oak, really helps me do that as well.

Leah: Where is your favourite spot to write? Do you use a laptop or old fashioned paper and pencil :)?

Lisa: I use a laptop for the most part. Every once in a while I get out pen and paper. My favourite spot to write is a cabin we have in Red River Gorge KY. No internet. I can be a writing fiend there. Here in town, my ADD mangles up all my plans most days. Sometimes I write in the car just to get out of the wireless zones. There isn't a coffee shop in Lexington now without wifi, so those days are gone.

Leah: Do you have a favourite character from your books?

Lisa: Charmaine Hopewell from Songbird is my favourite protagonist. She jumped into my head fully developed. Mildred LaRue and Prisma Percy are my favourite supporting roles. I really love my mentor characters. Although, I have to say, Anna and Liza, the mentors in Quaker Summer are dear to my heart, as well as Uncle Geoffrey from Straight Up. Leslie Summerville from Women's Intuition . . . well, you can see, I just love these people!

Leah: Where do you come up with some of this stuff?! A kangaroo in Baltimore!? (is it literal or figurative!:)? )

Lisa: Oh, literal! In fact, I got the idea from a news story a few years ago, where a kangaroo had gotten loose in Michigan or someplace and hopped into this lady's barn where it was finally captured. It was being transported to a zoo or something. So I know it sounds crazy, but, hey, it really could happen! Also, this was one of those rare occasions when I wanted to employ a God in the Machine device, and I wanted that to be unmistakable. Normally that's bad form in writing, but sometimes, in real life, God steps in so clearly, it might as well be a kangaroo. I decided to go over-the-top so the reader would know exactly what I was doing. Sometimes we can throw aside subtlety and it's okay. I try not to do that often, though!

Thank you so much Lisa! You are an inspiration and your writing is truly a gift!
God Bless
Love,
Leah & Robin.

You can find Lisa's book at http://www.amazon.com/Quaker-Summer-Lisa-Samson/dp/1595542078

Also - Check out Lisa's blog at http://lisasamson.typepad.com/

some times....

some times gary larson says it all :)
he truly inspires me....
... and makes me laugh out loud.
a winning combination.

some times i take the self-help thing just a little too far....
.... i fix
.... i fidget
.... i focus
.... and my brain starts to hurt!!
and.....
i am learning.....

some times the best thing to do is simply .... acknowlege
.... and rest in my Lord ....
.... and maybe work on a craft instead :).

Do a little dance...

To dance is such a great way to express feeling, praise, emotion, release stress and just let your hair down.

I sometimes forget to dance. Like when I'm just too busy to turn up the music and remember to not take life so seriously! I felt like that today, when my list of chores out weighed my list of fun, and those chores didn't seem too fun. I don't like it when I life gets like that, and sadly by the time a relise it, I have been that way for too long.

So - I may not look like anything special. But tonight I put my summer skirt on and did twirls around the living room (and into the dog - poor guy!) But we have fun!

I'll vaccuum when the dancing is done....

Or - I'll dance while I vaccuum!