One Part Inspiration...

I didn't have a clue about her past.  I never knew her when she was running for her life.  When I met Oma, those memories were in her distant past.  But I know those memories shaped who she was when she knocked at my at my door one day, introducing herself to me, just after she found out that her daughter was going to marry my father-in-law. Oma was just a youngster in the years of World War II, and had lived through some very difficult times,  and she didn't take 'the good life' in Canada for granted.  She embraced the moments, and those she loved - with an open heart and open arms.  She willingly shared what she had with those around her, because she knew what it meant to live in uncertainty and to rely on the kindness of strangers. When Oma came over, she usually arrived bearing gifts - clothes and shoes for my children, stuffies, and offers of blankets or anything else that we needed.  In time, I learned that was her way.  Oma offered her...

This week marked the entrance in a great reward for a great man - The great Bud Isaacs.  I am sure there is a typo in Hebrews 11 because it should read: And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon,   Barak,   Samson,   Jephthah,   David,   Samuel, BUD ISAACS , and the prophets,   33   who through faith conquered kingdoms,   administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions,   34   quenched the fury of the flames,   and escaped the edge of the sword;   whose weakness was turned to strength;   and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies..... 39   These were all commended   for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.   40   God had planned something better for us so that only together with us   would they be made perfect. Others have written about Bud's early life and his accomplishments on the var...

April 22 is my Mom's birthday and it always makes me feel homesick. I want to pick up the phone and call. I want to drop by with a bouquet of flowers. None of these have been an earthly possiblity for 13 years. Instead I try to honour her memory by reminiscing:  Mom was the oldest of ten children.  Their family lived close to the Dionne quintuplets, who were the first quints known to survive their infancy.  They had the same Dr. (Dafoe). Mom had jet black hair. As far as I know, she never coloured it.  My memories are only of a salt and pepper look - which gave way to the most beautiful silver gray. Mom was a very practical woman  - this aspect of her personality filtered down in all sorts of ways.  She would save envelopes and write notes on the back of them.  She always used up her leftovers.  She had a routine for housework and followed it.  Mom was a woman of great propriety.  She in...

This has been a week of goodbyes.  Some of these have been permanent [at least permanent on this earth], and others have been given in hopes of seeing each other again in a few months.  Either way, goodbyes are difficult. In my cyber wandering, I came across this version of "When I Get Where I'm Going" and I liked it, so I am sharing it with you.  My favourite line is " But when I get where I'm going, and I see my Maker's face. I'll stand forever in the light, of His amazing grace."

It is very hard to be physically far away when significant events are happening in the family. As I write this post, many of my relatives are attending the funeral of my aunt.  Last week, I got word that she 'didn't have much time'.  Saturday, the word came that she had 'graduated to heaven' (a term a friend of mine uses).  She has been such a special aunt in every way, and I wished so much that I could hop on a plane and surround myself with all who knew and loved her.  Time, money, and practicality would not allow it.  But I have been deep in thought and reflection of all that my aunt meant to me and many others.  I wrote a tribute to her, and I am sharing some of it here - for you who did not know her, but would have loved her, if you'd met her.   When we came back from Ethiopia, our family went through a lot of turmoil.  My aunt, who is three years younger than my mom,  came down for several weeks, to help take care of me and my sis...

This has been a week of remembrance. It was one of celebrating the lives of people who have impacted my life with their passion for their Lord Jesus Christ. At one service, this song was played and sung. It has been going through my mind all week. I am comforted. My Heavenly Father knows. I cling to this knowledge like a tiny little baby who grasps the finger of the loving Father. I need not fear. He Knows My Name.

A victory party was held today. A large celebration, an elaborate display. Crowds had cheered loud, urging her on, She shouted "hurrah" as she burst upon, The finish line. The end of the race. She saw pride written on her Coach's face She'd run it well; she'd fought the fight. A "Well done" received would be her delight. Arms opened wide, and face to the Son, She claimed the prize for which she'd run.