Today is the first day I have actually stopped and listened to these lyrics ... sums up exactly the way I'm feeling. Thank you Jesus!
Relient K - I Celebrate the Day
And with this Christmas wish is missed
The point I could convey
If only I could find the words to say to let You know how much You've touched my life
Because here is where You're finding me, in the exact same place as New Year's eve
And from a lack of my persistency
We're less than half as close as I want to be
And the first time
That You opened Your eyes did You realize that You would be my Savior
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever
And so this Christmas I'll compare the things I felt in prior years
To what this midnight made so clear
That You have come to meet me here
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
In the hope that what You did
That you were born so I might live
To look back and think that
This baby would one day save me
And I, I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Passion
It's amazing how such an insignificant thing has become such an important part of my life ... a plant! Anybody who knows me well, knows my passion for my garden - I absolutely love being outdoors in all kinds of weather - weeding, pruning, planting, etc...
Twenty seven year ago, my parents returned from their first vacation alone ... a week away in Jersey, which is part of the British Channel Islands. My Dad was smitten by this plant which grew in many gardens on the island and as a souvenir, he returned home with a packet of seeds.
He grew them, babied and nursed them, eventually planting them outside in the sunniest and most protected spot in his garden. He'd cover them up on frosty nights and fret and worry over them when the spring arrived - wondering if they'd survived the harsh winter. I remember commenting during that first spring that it just looked like an ugly ivy, climbing up the wall - but I didn't realize what an absolutely fabulous tropical-looking blossom this plant had hidden away for me - especially in a cold and blustery East Yorkshire garden!
Needless to say, 'that bloody plant' (my most recent name for it) is now growing rampant all over the side of the brick-built garage in the garden - now my Mum's garden. It doesn't need any special care or attention at all.
When my Dad passed away, my sister, Sindee, gave me a seed pod from a plant my Dad had given to her. So, I smuggled it stateside in my suitcase - shhhh!
Ten years ago, I started the seeds on my windowsill ... nursed them ... babied them ... heck! I even talked to them!! I dug the plant up when we moved house - it sat beside me in my van, along with other precious cargo which couldn't go into the moving truck. I waited patiently for the blooms - and waited - and waited - and waited ... TEN YEARS!!
This photo is of its very first bloom - ever! I came across it this summer - and the plant bloomed all summer long! I can now consider myself as officially having a green thumb!
I'm soooo sentimental about this plant - its a memory of my Dad, my childhood memories of 'helping' him in the garden and memories of a different life I once had. Sadly, I have memories of my sister who has chosen not to be in my life anymore ... plus, it's been the challenge of forcing 'that bloody plant' to bloom. (I think that the trick was to cut down the 3 spruce trees blocking the sun from its roots - pretty drastic, I know, but it worked :)
There's a biblical story to this plant also - the plant's name is Passion Flower -and a monastic scholar recognized every part of the plant which correspond to Jesus and the Crucifixion - the story is best explained on this website: www.passiflora-uk.co.uk/passion-flower-story.shtm
If any of my local friends would like to try to grow one of these vines, just let me know and I can bless/curse you with a seed pod of your very own!
Twenty seven year ago, my parents returned from their first vacation alone ... a week away in Jersey, which is part of the British Channel Islands. My Dad was smitten by this plant which grew in many gardens on the island and as a souvenir, he returned home with a packet of seeds.
He grew them, babied and nursed them, eventually planting them outside in the sunniest and most protected spot in his garden. He'd cover them up on frosty nights and fret and worry over them when the spring arrived - wondering if they'd survived the harsh winter. I remember commenting during that first spring that it just looked like an ugly ivy, climbing up the wall - but I didn't realize what an absolutely fabulous tropical-looking blossom this plant had hidden away for me - especially in a cold and blustery East Yorkshire garden!
Needless to say, 'that bloody plant' (my most recent name for it) is now growing rampant all over the side of the brick-built garage in the garden - now my Mum's garden. It doesn't need any special care or attention at all.
When my Dad passed away, my sister, Sindee, gave me a seed pod from a plant my Dad had given to her. So, I smuggled it stateside in my suitcase - shhhh!
Ten years ago, I started the seeds on my windowsill ... nursed them ... babied them ... heck! I even talked to them!! I dug the plant up when we moved house - it sat beside me in my van, along with other precious cargo which couldn't go into the moving truck. I waited patiently for the blooms - and waited - and waited - and waited ... TEN YEARS!!
This photo is of its very first bloom - ever! I came across it this summer - and the plant bloomed all summer long! I can now consider myself as officially having a green thumb!
I'm soooo sentimental about this plant - its a memory of my Dad, my childhood memories of 'helping' him in the garden and memories of a different life I once had. Sadly, I have memories of my sister who has chosen not to be in my life anymore ... plus, it's been the challenge of forcing 'that bloody plant' to bloom. (I think that the trick was to cut down the 3 spruce trees blocking the sun from its roots - pretty drastic, I know, but it worked :)
There's a biblical story to this plant also - the plant's name is Passion Flower -and a monastic scholar recognized every part of the plant which correspond to Jesus and the Crucifixion - the story is best explained on this website: www.passiflora-uk.co.uk/passion-flower-story.shtm
If any of my local friends would like to try to grow one of these vines, just let me know and I can bless/curse you with a seed pod of your very own!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
PMS? ... no, PAG!
Yesterday, I heard a song on the radio. I've heard it many times before but I usually just tune it out.
The reason? Its by Amy Grant. I just don't like her songs. Never have done. Too middle of the road or something like that for my taste.
Anyways, she has this new-ish song called "Better than a Hallelujah" - its the usual kind of sound for Ms. Grant, so for months I've not paid attention to it ... until yesterday. You see, I heard a line of the song when I was washing dishes - and, well, it literally turned me into a crumpled mess ...
The line is - "We pour out of miseries, God just hears a melody"
In fact, the whole of the chorus touches me:
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
I instantly got the picture - God rejoicing and dancing for happiness as we put our trust in him and open our hearts and bare our souls to Him.
The song came on the radio again during dinner with my husband and my daughter. The lyrics of the whole song are very sweet. I was trying to explain how it touched me ... and then it came out all garbled and squeaky as I was choking back the tears!
My daughter, who recently saw the Miley Cyrus movie asked if I had PMS - apparently there's a joke in the movie where a little boy thinks PMS means Pissed at Men Syndrome (and I do think that there's some truth to that, but that's for another day) ...
I answered her question ... No, I'm just Pissed at Amy Grant!
The reason? Its by Amy Grant. I just don't like her songs. Never have done. Too middle of the road or something like that for my taste.
Anyways, she has this new-ish song called "Better than a Hallelujah" - its the usual kind of sound for Ms. Grant, so for months I've not paid attention to it ... until yesterday. You see, I heard a line of the song when I was washing dishes - and, well, it literally turned me into a crumpled mess ...
The line is - "We pour out of miseries, God just hears a melody"
In fact, the whole of the chorus touches me:
We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah
I instantly got the picture - God rejoicing and dancing for happiness as we put our trust in him and open our hearts and bare our souls to Him.
The song came on the radio again during dinner with my husband and my daughter. The lyrics of the whole song are very sweet. I was trying to explain how it touched me ... and then it came out all garbled and squeaky as I was choking back the tears!
My daughter, who recently saw the Miley Cyrus movie asked if I had PMS - apparently there's a joke in the movie where a little boy thinks PMS means Pissed at Men Syndrome (and I do think that there's some truth to that, but that's for another day) ...
I answered her question ... No, I'm just Pissed at Amy Grant!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Checking the Visa Statement
Yesterday was my paperwork day - urgh! I hate catching up on all the bill paying and such like after the Holidays. I'm a procrastinator and I'd put off paying many bills until the kids went back to school.
With it being Christmas, we had several Amazon purchases and Paypal items. I'd noticed one item I didn't recognize on the Visa Statement.
Hmmm ... I thought - had somebody gotten a hold of our visa number? Had Craig bought me something 'special' and forgotten to give me it? I wondered and wondered about it.
So, last night, I asked Craig to go through our Paypal account online. As I said, there were several Paypal purchases. We went down the list. The final one was from the vendor in question ... the Visa statement said "FILLYOURBRA" - so you understand where my curiosity was coming from!
The vendor was actually "FILL YOUR BRAIN" - I imagine that you can only have so many characters on the statement!
Well, I laughed so hard that I cried! Craig didn't get the joke, so I handed him the Visa statement. When I explained that it had been on my mind all afternoon, he got the giggles too! Then he went into the garage to show me my 'gift' ... it was just a book about tiling!
With it being Christmas, we had several Amazon purchases and Paypal items. I'd noticed one item I didn't recognize on the Visa Statement.
Hmmm ... I thought - had somebody gotten a hold of our visa number? Had Craig bought me something 'special' and forgotten to give me it? I wondered and wondered about it.
So, last night, I asked Craig to go through our Paypal account online. As I said, there were several Paypal purchases. We went down the list. The final one was from the vendor in question ... the Visa statement said "FILLYOURBRA" - so you understand where my curiosity was coming from!
The vendor was actually "FILL YOUR BRAIN" - I imagine that you can only have so many characters on the statement!
Well, I laughed so hard that I cried! Craig didn't get the joke, so I handed him the Visa statement. When I explained that it had been on my mind all afternoon, he got the giggles too! Then he went into the garage to show me my 'gift' ... it was just a book about tiling!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
My New Fave Salad
Golden Raisin Smoked Turkey Salad (from Essential Diabetes Cookbook by Pamela Rice Hahn a.k.a. my other "Bible")is a winner!
The way the golden raisins and smoked turkey combination sweeten the rich and creamy sauce ... the crunchy texture of the broccoli and cauliflower ... a hint of onion ... the tang of vinegar ... Mmmm Mmm :) Plus, I get to add leavy greens = Heaven! (said with just a hint of sarcasm) When I want to feel FULL, then this is what I eat. It's really good, give it a try:
4 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups chopped cauliflower
3 shallots, chopped (I use green onions, or red onion, chopped really small)
1 1/3 cups golden raisins (or craisins)
1 cup 1 percent cottage cheese
1/4 cup Hellmanns/Best Foods Mayo
1/4 cup firm silken tofu
3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar (I just add a pinch of dried tarragon to 3 T white wine vinegar)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (or less) brown sugar
1/4 pound smoked turkey breast, chopped (good, flavoursome deli smoked turkey breast - just ask them to slice you a good 1/2 inch sized steak)
Freshly ground pepper
4 cups salad greens
Combine broccoli, cauliflower and shallots in a large bowl and stir in raisins.
In blender/food processor, mix cottage cheese, mayo, tofu, vinegars, brown sugar and pepper until smooth.
Toss the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Add turkey.
Season with pepper. Chill until ready to serve, over salad greens.
Makes great leftovers and sandwiches.
What to do with the rest of the silken tofu, I hear you asking??? Make more of this salad!!!
Or, take 1 cup unsweetened soy milk, 1/2 cup silken tofu, blend, heat in microwave until hot. Add a Starbucks Via sachet or a teaspoon of vanilla, cocoa, or just drink it plain - hot, sweet and frothy!!
The way the golden raisins and smoked turkey combination sweeten the rich and creamy sauce ... the crunchy texture of the broccoli and cauliflower ... a hint of onion ... the tang of vinegar ... Mmmm Mmm :) Plus, I get to add leavy greens = Heaven! (said with just a hint of sarcasm) When I want to feel FULL, then this is what I eat. It's really good, give it a try:
4 cups chopped broccoli
2 cups chopped cauliflower
3 shallots, chopped (I use green onions, or red onion, chopped really small)
1 1/3 cups golden raisins (or craisins)
1 cup 1 percent cottage cheese
1/4 cup Hellmanns/Best Foods Mayo
1/4 cup firm silken tofu
3 tablespoons tarragon vinegar (I just add a pinch of dried tarragon to 3 T white wine vinegar)
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (or less) brown sugar
1/4 pound smoked turkey breast, chopped (good, flavoursome deli smoked turkey breast - just ask them to slice you a good 1/2 inch sized steak)
Freshly ground pepper
4 cups salad greens
Combine broccoli, cauliflower and shallots in a large bowl and stir in raisins.
In blender/food processor, mix cottage cheese, mayo, tofu, vinegars, brown sugar and pepper until smooth.
Toss the dressing over the broccoli mixture. Add turkey.
Season with pepper. Chill until ready to serve, over salad greens.
Makes great leftovers and sandwiches.
What to do with the rest of the silken tofu, I hear you asking??? Make more of this salad!!!
Or, take 1 cup unsweetened soy milk, 1/2 cup silken tofu, blend, heat in microwave until hot. Add a Starbucks Via sachet or a teaspoon of vanilla, cocoa, or just drink it plain - hot, sweet and frothy!!
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Nightly Reading
I have several books I read in bed at night. I have quite the collection of little books on hand. They simply quieten my heart and allow me to count my blessings and feel peaceful.
Last night I came across this little gem ...
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days;
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
(Frances Ridley Havergal)
Immediately upon reading this poem, I identified the words with a worship song. I could hear my friends beautiful voice singing those words. (She really does have the voice of an angel). AND I was still hearing her voice this morning as I got the kids ready for school!
I simply wanted to share this poem with you today and hope the words touch you as they have me.
Here's a YouTube video of the song performed by Chris Tomlin:
Last night I came across this little gem ...
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days;
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
(Frances Ridley Havergal)
Immediately upon reading this poem, I identified the words with a worship song. I could hear my friends beautiful voice singing those words. (She really does have the voice of an angel). AND I was still hearing her voice this morning as I got the kids ready for school!
I simply wanted to share this poem with you today and hope the words touch you as they have me.
Here's a YouTube video of the song performed by Chris Tomlin:
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Overwhelmed by Photos
I've spent days and days viewing my summer pics - there are so many good ones, thanks to Cadence!
So, I'll begin at the start of summer, when my Mum (Muriel) was staying with us. We visited Vancouver Island and Buchart Gardens. This was at the end of June. I felt that the Gardens weren't really at their peak. Another month, and they'd be fantastic. I'm not one for lots of pretty annual flowers - planted en-mass. But I enjoyed the landscaping, architectural structures and watching people from all over the world:)
This was a girls day out - Craig had planned a fun day for himself and Curtis - a zipline adventure! Of course, there are no pics of them, but they had a blast!
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