In the 1st grade of school, I had a teacher that made an impression on me from Day 1. I remember her as being tall with light colored hair and what a first grader would call 'an older lady'. She was somewhat strict, but I loved the order in her classroom. She began everyday with prayer and I remember feeling that she was different from other ladies.

One of the endearing things about her was that around this time of year, she exposed us to the whole world of feeding birds. As a 6 year old, I had never thought that the little birds would need help when the snow was 3 feet deep from November through March on the east coast of Canada, so learning about how to do this was fascinating and she made it sound so easy!

The love of feeding and enjoying the birds has never left me - however, I have not yet been successful in my mind. I have attempted many times to begin a 'feeding program' but have given up after awhile.

You see, I have really wanted more than just a few feeders in the front yard. I've always wanted a Bird Sanctuary, and this year, I think my dream may come true! So, keep watch! I will post my 'Bird Sanctuary Dream Coming True' here - all that I learn, all that I am successful with and even my bads.

Here's a song I learned in church when I around 6 years old:

God sees the little sparrow fall,
It meets His tender view;
If God so loves the little birds,
I know He loves me, too.

He loves me, too, He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too!
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

He paints the lilies in the field,
Adds perfume to each bell;
If He so loves the little flowers,
I know He loves me well.

He loves me, too,He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too!
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

God made the little birds and flowers,
And all things big and small;
He'll not forget His little ones,
I know He loves us all.

He loves me, too,He loves me, too,
I know He loves me, too!
Because He loves the little things,
I know He loves me, too.

At Our Home

Our oldest son, Jeffrey, came home from Seattle. Charisa and her new husband were here. Of course, Andrew, Michael and Halleleyah were here ;) and Rebekah, Jeff and I. The weather was glorious and it seemed like time stood still for awhile.
The food was a fitting match for all who have sweet memories of Thanksgiving Dinners - I think I enjoy making the dressing, watching the Turkey brown, mashing the potatoes and mixing up the Cranberry Jello Salad more than I enjoy eating - but, OH how I enjoy hearing the 'oohs' and 'ahs' of everyone around the table as the first forkfuls reach their mouths! The Thanksgiving Dinner is the 'cherry-on-top' of their wonderful day.
And, wonderful it was! I LOVE hearing and watching my family playing and laughing together! I think I've said once before, "Its like music to my ears." Each person brings their own beautiful, colorful personality to the mix and is loved, appreciated and discovered anew by all. Watching them all yesterday caused me to realize that these are all the same 'kids' I've had the privelege of knowing for all these years and they haven't 'changed' - they've only become more beautiful, stronger, wiser, more successful than ever and I love the maturing of who they are!
To be able to sit and soak up the beauty of who they are is a joy that is beyond words. I could have spent my whole day just hugging each one of them over and over again.
How very thankful I was yesterday - for all that God has blessed my life with - but especially my family - I AM TRULY BLESSED - and THANKFUL EVERYDAY!
Photo courtesy of Rebekah - Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

from

our home

to

yours!

I Will Trust When I Cannot See

It is Sunday morning and I am not in church. I so miss all my friends there, but I still have this 'virus'. Is that what it is after two weeks? I am definitely learning the part where we can remain in His love and we can trust in His care when it doesn't seem obvious.
That reminds me of a song I learned in the days when I attended Prairie Bible Institute - LONG time ago - 1977! A man on staff sang it one Sunday morning and I have never forgotten it.

“I Will Trust When I Cannot See”J.W.P

When I cannot understand God’s leading,
When I do not know the reason why
He should choose the path that lies before me,
Still to Him in faith I can reply:

I will trust when I cannot see,
When I’m faced with adversity,
And believe Your will is always best for me–
I will trust when I cannot see.

When I feel the sting of disappointment
And my dreams lie crumbled in the dust,
When my best adds up to loss and failure
And the things that happen seem unjust:

I will trust when I cannot see,
When I’m faced with adversity,
And believe Your will is always best for me–
I will trust when I cannot see.

When I face the furnace of affliction
And the pain seems more than I can bear,
When I think it strange–this fiery trial–
Still I’ll tell my blessed Lord in prayer:

I will trust when I cannot see,
When I’m faced with adversity,
And believe Your will is always best for me–
I will trust when I cannot see.

Lest any of you think that I put my 'virus' in the category of 'furnace of affliction', I want to be sure to let you know - NOT! ;) It is the whole concept of trusting God when I cannot see what He's doing or when I cannot understand the reasons for what I'm going through - no matter how big or small.
I trust all of you have a wonderful day in the Lord! I pray that you will be touched by His presence in worship, in the teaching of His Word and in fellowship with each other! May you receive all that you need for the coming week and lots of extra to share with everyone you meet!

Singin' the Cold Blues, But Not For Long ;)

I am amazed at how long this 'cold' thing hangs on! I am still low on energy - big time, and my 'core' (ribs, lower/middle back and upper chest) ache most of the time. I can't get enough breath to sing a full line and can only sit at the piano for two or three songs. Its been over a week and I am so tired of feeling below normal!
I've missed some special things too! I didn't lead worship last week, nor will I be able to this week. I missed the first Talent Night at our church (which was my idea) and I'm told it was really a great success! I didn't go to Bible Study last night - WAAAAAAA ! ! ! ! ! ! !
I don't mean to sound like such a complainer - it just seems like this thing has been interrupting my life for a long time! I do have some moments of time when I feel better, but not for long :(
I have been listening to messages, music, doing some writing and sitting on the back deck soaking in the beautiful weather we've been having. I have so many things to be thankful for, and I truly am. I'm just tired of explaining to people why I'm not doing or going as usual and missing out on wonderful experiences with family and friends.
Halleleyah and I made a simple 'Fall-ish Wreath' today. I was pleasantly surprised by her desire to help and interest in the project. She grows more beautiful everyday and I am loving watching the 'woman of God' that is emerging before my eyes.
So...today I can be happy for the beautiful day, a sweet time with Halleleyah, a good supper idea, a dear friend who is willing to lead worship on Sunday, some laundry done, and a newly decorated wreath for the entrance to our home. WOW!
Now, what was I missing? ;)

Randomly Rambling with a Head Cold

Its Saturday night, and very late - 10:41pm. Its late because normally I would be sleeping in anticipation of getting up early on Sunday morning to be at church by 8:30am. But, I don't think I'm going to church in the morning.

Its also late because I am sick with a soggy head cold. That's why I'm probably not going to church in the morning. I should be sleeping, but when you've laid around all day, I don't feel sleepy. I feel tired - but, not sleepy.

I am truly thankful that I didn't 'have' to push myself today. Everyone living in this home is quite able to take care of themselves and so I didn't have to look out for their needs at all. It was a blessed experience, really.

I spent time with the Lord - enjoying His presence - that is a great blessing for the body, soul, and spirit. And, how delicious it is when there is no pressure to hurry and get along with the day!

I discovered a precious video today. "In the Arms of Angels" is a 13 minute video that I found on Netflix. Maybe you can find it and watch it too. Let me know what you think.

Well, I'd better try and get some sleep. They say the body heals when it is sleeping.

So, 'Good night' to all and I'll be back later - hopefully not rambling so randomly ;)

Happy 18th Birthday Michael! ! !

Kisses from the Family Ladies X :) X :) X :)

Birthday Song and CakeEmpty Plate - Great Success! ! ! Merino Scarf from Charisa and David/Funny Card from Rebekah
(Jeff loved the card)

"Oooh...is this what I think it is?!"
WOW! - We scored! The family and Rebekah pitched in to

get Michael an 'ipod touch' thingy ;)

We So Love You Michael! ! !

Photos courtesy of Rebekah Sfair - Thank you! ! !

A Word About the Election Results

I am a Canadian citizen and have not been politically 'active' for many years, which means I haven't had a voice in the elections by the privelege of voting since I moved to the United States. That doesn't mean I am oblivious or insensitive to those around me who have dealt with the issues solemnly and prayerfully. Over the years, I could see the concerns in their eyes and the effects of being put between a rock and a hard place when it comes to deciding who to support for leadership. Honestly, I don't know how the majority of people make a choice, especially if they have no foundational truth in their lives to draw on.
Since the week prior to November 4th and since the results of the election, I've witnessed and heard about the intensity of people's reactions like never before. Those who voted for President Elect Obama are dancing, cheering, heaving great sighs of relief waiting for him to keep all of his promises. The majority of people who voted for John McCain are in despair, are fearful and struggling with anxiety about the future of their economics, the morality issues and their freedoms.
There are many in this nation whose lives consist of 'being close to the action'. They practically live at the White House, know all the political figures like they were family and have their minds saturated with the history, the laws, the trends, the implications of every decision that is made. I greatly respect those who are the 'watch dogs' keeping a hand on the pulse of what is happening in the inner circles that affect all of us out here.
Again, I am not politically active or an activist, which leaves me at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to all the legistics involved in the election of the President of the United States, and the valid concerns about who sits in the Oval Office. However, there are some thoughts I have for those who are my dear brothers and sisters in Christ regardless of what color your political party banner.
Whether you are estatic or in despair, ask yourself, "Are my emotions revealing that my trust is in the 'man' who is in office and not in God who sets up and removes men in leadership?" Do you put alot of weight of expectation on what President Elect Obama will do for you, or for the country? Are you throwing your hands up and laying down as dead or as if God is now dead, because John McCain isn't in office to save you and your issues and your country? Is that where our trust should be?
Dear heart, the man in office is not the one who controls your world. Remind yourself that Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords and His Kingdom will not pass away. As my husband said yesterday, "God didn't slip off the throne when Obama was elected." Jesus didn't turn the keys of provision and security over to Obama when he became president. Don't let the circumstances overwhelm you or cause you to lose caution and become presumptuous! You cannot put your trust in the man in the office!
At a time like this, whether you supported Obama or McCain, I believe we need to be on our knees. This is an opportunity for us to draw close to God and exercise our prayer life like never before. President Elect Obama needs prayer! Paul exorts us to pray for those in leadership - 1Timothy2:1-3. Pray for God to give him wisdom, help, light in the darkness of the problems he has to work through. If you agree with President Elect Obama, do not let your guard down. Pray for him and all his advisors.
The election results revealed the heart cry of this nation. People are very concerned about the economy, security, wastefulness of tax dollars and health care. This country and the whole world is in a time of unrest, instability and people want to find someone who will take care of them and all their worries.
As Christians, we KNOW the One who is the perfect, absolute answer to the needs that they have. We can lovingly point people to God who is the Provider, the Lover of their souls, the Healer. This is an opportunity to share our testimonies of our experience with the living God who holds our world in His hands.
This is also an opportunity to show the love and life of God by being gracious to whomever you come in contact with. Ask God to fill you with His love, joy and peace so that His face will shine brightly through yours. Look for opportunities to give, to support, to comfort. Ask God for wisdom when speaking with people. Allow Him to speak through you a word from His heart that contains power to change lives from the inside out!
We have a mission that is not affected or altered by the circumstances around us. We are to let our lights shine in the darkness of this world. We are to be salt to bring palatibility people's lives, and to excite their appetites for more of Him.
Beloved, this is not a time to give up or to become complacent. If 'your man' got into office on November 4th, you are not home free. If 'your man' didn't get into office on November 4th, all is not lost and you have no business throwing the baby out with the bath water! God is calling us to pray. This is a time when we could see a revolutionary change in our country - not because of who is president, but because Christians are on their knees seeking the heart of God, being changed by the Spirit of God and moving the hand of God like never before.