God is your refuge and strength

That was our theme for the Salt blog this week. The timing of this one was important to me. This is my beautiful niece Lucy and 2 weeks ago she had a Grand Mal seizure as a reaction to the MMR vaccination. As the ambulance came and rushed her to the hospital and spent many hours trying to figure out what was wrong, her older sister Brianna sat at Oma and Opa's house praying. She knew that God would take care of Lucy and that God was her refuge and strength and that He would do what was best for Lucy, even if that meant she might die. Praise God Lucy is fine, but the faith shown to me by one 6 year old girl who knew that God was her refuge and strength brought me to tears. The faith of a child and the strength of my God!

On the way back!

Well, we are finally on the way back from a terrible flu bug! I got it at school and passed it on to my whole family. NASTY - and of course with the fear of H1N1, work wanted to be sure that I was clear to work and that it wasn't anything terribly contagious. The kids and Chris were home and sick for a full 10 days before they were well enough to go back to work and school. Thankfully we are on the mend and other than remnants of a cough, we are all better.

But because of this illness Chris and I are trying to figure out if we are gonna get the H1N1 shot or if the kids should get it. There are so many mixed messages out there, I'm not sure what to do. How about you guys? Are you getting it? What are your thoughts on it - any help would be appreciated cuz we're not sure WHAT to do! Gimme your opinion!

Growth

wow, its been waaaay to long since I have last posted. Here is my lo for the challenget that I did for SALT today. Its about Growth - something that I have been struggling with for the last little while. Come on over and check out our blog and participate in the challenge - it would be great to see ya there.

Life has been crazy over here. I am working alot of hours and trying to get so much stuff going at school for the kids that I have been working alot of long hours and my family is complaining about it. Add to that a terrible cold I have been fighting for about 3 weeks now and you can see why I have been missing for so long.

What have you been up to? I would love to get a message from you - I am feeling so out of touch with everybody these days.

Purpose

That was the challenge for "Salt" today. Jeremiah 29:11 was the verse behind the challenge. My lo is about how my purpose in life seemed to be different than God's purpose for my life. I only see the here and now in my life whereas God sees the big picture and knows what he is doing. My purpose has changed since he has become the leader of my life and I don't need to know what He is doing, I just need to follow and trust that He does know what He is doing. Check it out and try the challenge yourself!

Success!!!!

We had a major success this summer - the kids finally learned how to ride 2-wheel bikes. Because of balance issues they were rather agitated whenever it came time to learn how to ride bikes.
They just refused to do it. But one day, they both picked up a

bike and did it on their own. They were so proud of themselves and naturally I was a proud mama too! They over came their fears and their difficulties and they just did it.

On days that weren't quite so nice and warm, we had to find things to do inside, so glow bowling was one of the fun things the kids loved to do. My sisters and spouses and all the kids got together and had alot of fun. Kiana was thrilled because she beat all 20 of us with her high score. I guess Wii Bowling does pay off!

Even though Winnipeg had rain for most of the summer, we were fortunate enough to have a couple of days of beautiful, hot weather so that we could enjoy the outdoors of Manitoba. We managed to spend one day at Birds Hill Park so the kids could go to the beach. They love being in the water and building sand

castles. But more than that, they loved spending time with their cousins. There is nothing better than splashing and chasing each other in and out of the water.

It's over!

My summer, I mean. Yep, I am finally back here after a looooong month away. But we are back from Winnipeg, my parents are leaving Edmonton as we speak and I am preparing for getting back to "real life." Its been a long summer, but a good one. Even though the weather in Winnipeg was crap for most of the summer we had fun with my nieces and nephew and did lots of family stuff. I will be posting photos later today.

I am kinda looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. I am probably going back to work this week too.

Anyway, I will be posting photos in a bit, going to check out everybody else's blogs out now. It is soooooo good to be home. Can't wait to catch up with you all!

Prayer

With the busyness of summer, I haven't had the chance to show you my new challenge lo for the Salt. This challenge was mine to choose and I chose "Prayer". There is no bigger prayer warrior than my girl. No matter how big or small the thought or concern, my little girl always brings it to the Father in prayer and she has taught me alot about that. I wish I had the prayer life that she did. Would love to see you pop by and try to work on this challenge with us - show us what you got!

Summer is going well for us and we are being kept busy with family in Winnipeg. I am hoping that I will get to post a few more los that I am working on this summer. Hope summer is well for you all and I am hoping to check out all your blogs soon. I have really been lacking and I miss keeping in touch with all of you. Talk to you soon!!!

Faithfulness

This week's challenge on Salt was the Fruits of the Spirit and I chose Faithfulness. My opa was one of most spiritual and faithful human beings I have ever met. He epitomized what a true faith in Christ really was. The Sermon on the Mount was a map for his life and he truly was a man of God. When I think of his relationship with God, I kinda think that he might have been a little like King David - a man after God's own heart.

Check out the blog - play along with the challenge. I would love to see what your take on it is.

Your grace is sufficent

So, our challenge for Salt this week was from 2 Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficent for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me."

This was a good challenge for me - it reminds me that even though I'm going through a tough time right now His strength will shine thru my weakness.

Head on over to Salt - check out the work of the other girls. I'd love to see your take on this challenge!

Have a great day all!

Perseverance

Here it is, my next challenge for Salt. The journalling talks about how my kids autism is the path that God has chosen for my life and how I need to "run with perseverance the race set out for me."

In other parts of my life, I am persevering my job these days and feeling I am JUST doing that. Can't say to much, but to my friends who read this, keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I try to get through a really tough situation right now.

I am also looking forward to National Scrapbooking day this weekend - hangin out with all my girls and really looking forward to just being with the girls all day. On that topic, I did the Color me Quiz on Creating Keepsakes. Try it out - this is what colour I am and I think it talks about me to a tee:

Red Scrapbooker
You have a real passion for this hobby. Your pages are colorful, bold, lively and full of adventure. You may enjoy travel and have many vacation photos. You like your albums to reflect your zest for life and the varied experiences you enjoy.

Hope you have a wonderful week everyone! i love ya.

Sheep

that was the theme of our Salt Challenge this week. I used the verse " We like sheep have gone astray" from Isaiah 53:6. I focussed on how we are stupid like sheep and rather than follow the shepherd, follow the other sheep, which can often get us into trouble.

I am really enjoying these challenges - they are making me think outside the box and yet try and figure out a way to instill the Biblical challenges into every part of my life. It is giving me a new look at my life and my relationship with God and taking it to a different level. Check out the challenge and try it - see where it takes you!

Big day!

Today is my daughter Kiana's big day!!! She is competing at the Conservatory of Music's Scholarship Competition. I am very excited for her, especially because of the song she is singing. The song she is singing is about a child's love for her Lord and Saviour - and she is passionate about the song. She is feeling kinda pressured this year because she won "The Most Promising Student" last year. She competed and won against 14 year olds and she was only 10. Don't know who's more nervous - Kiana or me. Oh, well, it will be fun and she will do great.

If you have a moment, please pray for her at 2:30 this afternoon. Pray that her heart is calm and she does the best she can and not stress about her performance.

Don't forget that tomorrow is the new Challenge at Salt!!!

Salt Challenge

The Challenge this week is a layout for Easter. The photo that I used is one of a plant called the "Crown of Thorns" that blooms in the spring around Eastertime. It is called that because it's the plant that is believed to have been used for the crown Christ wore on the cross. TFL!

To My Family

You work so hard every day and don't care what the world thinks. You fight for everything and try to get people to understand you and accept you for who you are. You love each other in a way that most siblings don't. You have taught me so much in this life - much more than I could EVER teach you. You accept the world for what it is, not recognizing color, religion or disability. You take everyone at face value and accept them for who and what they are.

Autism is a family member that we have accepted and have made a part of our lives. Today I pray that others will learn and accept what we have spent the last 10 years working and doing.

Kiana, Malachi and Chris, I love you for what you are. Thank you for showing me a different view of life!

World Autism Day

Spring Break is here

I am so glad that Spring Break is finally here. I am so in need of a break I am truly enjoying it. My heart has been worrisome for my dear friend Kelsey and her husband Jason. Jason has been in the hospital since late Thursday night and they aren't quite sure what's wrong with him but he is really sick. Prayers are needed as the doctors try and figure out what is going on with him.


On a more positive note, this is what I have spent the last few days doing. I am trying to get our Disney trip finished and I think I am getting a pretty good start on it this week. Hope you all have a great spring break. Can't wait to post more layouts as they get finished!

Be Still and Know

Here is the lo for my first Challenge "Be Still and Know that I am God." My understanding of the verse was a little different than everyone else's. In the chaos and wildness of life's trials and tribulations, I hear God's still, small voice saying "Hey, quiet down. I'm here and I'm in control. Don't worry so much." I did enjoy my first challenge. Please head over to SALT and check out the other los. The ladies are talented and did quite a good job I must say!

My first Challenge!

So, my first challenge lo is up at Salt. The challenge was "Friendship" based on Proverbs 18:24 "A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."

Come check out Salt - we'd love to see you there!

I'm a Saltine!

I am so pleased that I can finally share the exciting news. I am officially a Saltine - a member of the Salt faith challenge blog. Come by and check it out. We have challenges every other week based on Scripture. I hope you come by and check out some of our challenges. We also have a special challenge happening on Saturday - come and see what's up over there.

Perspective of an Autistic

Sometimes, as time goes ticking by
I wait for someone to see me
Don’t get me wrong, people see me
Just not the way I feel.
I don’t really wish to talk to anyone,
I just wish I could talk with someone
I live my life just as any other would do
But my home seems to be unoccupied.
The little girl you see sitting in the corner
Lines her popsicle sticks in rows
And sometimes appears to ignore the fact that you have brought her something
She’s just not aware that you are at her side
A the picnic, she slops the sauce all over the table,
“Why” you wonder, “How does a butterfly cause her to lose control?”
The movies lead to passers-by staring
For the five year old covers her eyes
The light is so bright
And holds her hears because its too loud
Her mother cries behind closed doors
Her little girl isn’t like the child she dreamed of having
Her daughter won’t even bake with her
“Please don’t cry mommy, the mittens just hurt my hands too much.”
“I’ll help you stir” your little girl screams and cries
Socks and shoes traumatize her, so barefoot you take her out the door to ease her pain
People stare back at you “ That parent has no control over her child”,
I want to speak “Please please be kind to my mommy, you don’t understand”,
You’re walking through a grocery store, once again she blocked the aisle
Throwing her body down to the ground because she wants to feel the cold floor
She hides between the clothes racks and blankets in the mall
Once again the clerks as you to leave
The parade causes too much movement
This time moving her fingers in front of her eyes and making a screeching sound
“Why, Oh Lord” the mother asks, “do you leave her heart like this?”
I dream that my daughter can fly high in the sky
I wish she could eat carrots and apples like her brother, but she gags
She views the world in a different way
“I can’t go into her eyes and see what the world looks like to her” says the mother
She catches a bubble and screams
She even hugs the construction man she doesn’t know
Because he is wearing a good feeling coat
Her memory so sensitive she can repeat whole movies after seeing them only once
“My dear child, how can I show you that I love you so very much?”
“Dear Lord,” the mother says “I no longer ask why you let her be this way.
Instead, I now know that you picked her to be my little lamb.
Thank you Jesus for giving her to me!”

Wonderful weekend!

Well, this was definitely a fabulous weekend. I was fortunate enough to spend the weekend at a retailer's event this weekend. I met some wonderful people and made some great new friends. I loved hanging out with Julie Comstock and Lindsay Moore from Cosmo Cricket; Erin and Laura from Glitz Design, Lance from Rusty Pickle and Janelle from 7 gypsies. They were fun to hang out with and their classes were great. Didn't get NEARLY enough time to finish all our projects, but they were fun.

Gonna post my projects as soon as I get photos taken of em, but for now I'm off! TTYL!

Trust

"You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast because he trusts in you" (Isaiah 26:3 & 4).

I am so frustrated right now. For the past month I have been dealing with situations at my daughter's school. She has been mistreated (which she is used to and it rolls off her back). The problem is we have been working with the teacher and the teacher's aide to help us solve the problem, but they are missing the mark on this one. It doesn't matter what the students do to Kiana, somehow it ends up being her fault and she has to apologize for it. I know she has retaliated in the past and we have dealt with that. I know she sometimes lies, but we've dealt with that too. I know my daughter isn't perfect, but since when should she apologize for girls in school calling her a bitch. Her teacher's aide went so far as to ask her "are you sure you're telling me the truth?" before Kiana actually got to tell her what actually happened. The other two girls got their stories straight and Kiana was made to apologize for thinking they called her "bitch" instead of "witch".

I posted this verse this morning, because I need to make that my prayer right now. I want this situation to get better without me having to go into school and start yelling at staff. My dh is going in today to talk to them about this situation for the 4th time in a month. I need to trust that God is going to take care of this and help me find the strength and the right way to deal with it. Please pray for us as we deal with this situation and that Kiana's teacher's aide learns how to deal with Kiana correctly and realizes that it isn't ALWAYS Kiana's fault.

Chris is going in this morning - I'll let ya know how it turns out!

For Today

Outside my window... is a cold dark morning
I am thinking... how wonderful it is not to be working today
From the learning rooms... I am learning how to deal with Kiana in a way that will be productive and not cause a meltdown of volcanic proportions
I am thankful for... my husband, who spoiled me immensly this weekend
From the kitchen... I am having coffee with a smidge of Cappucino flavoured whipping cream
I am wearing... sweats and a tshirt
I am reading... Scattered Minds - A New Look at the Origins and Healing of ADD
I am hoping... that I will get some new ideas on how to deal with my darling child
I am creating... layouts for my kids scrapbooks
I am hearing... background noise from the tv
Around the house... little bit to tidying today
One of my favorite things... coffee in the early morning before anyone else is up
A few plans for the rest of the week... getting ready for Memories Wholesale event
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

For Today

Outside my window... it is foggy
I am thinking... how the weekend is far too short
From the learning rooms... God is teaching me to talk less and listen more
I am thankful for...life
From the kitchen... sounds of hubby making breakfast
I am wearing... black jeans and a red shirt
I am reading... Girls of Riyadh
I am hoping... for a positive week with my students
I am creating... layouts for my niece's album
I am hearing... the conversations of my children
One of my favorite things... reading on the corner of my couch
A few plans for the rest of the week... birthday party for my daughter's best friend
Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

The Answer to Hostility

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh words stirs up anger." Proverbs 15:1

Before Christmas, I hung out with a great group of scrapbooking girls. We hung out all the time and had alot of fun. Then there were angry words and friendships have been destroyed, possibly permanently. I want to be a person of substance, I don't want to be angry and bitter, so I stepped away from a few of those relationships. It is so hard when they try to suck you into a fight and become very confrontational.

God really spoke to me in His word this morning. This is the verse that he gave me and I feel at peace. My nasty words will make things worse - and what kind of witness is that for the Father? I will continue to pray for them and hopefully their hearts will change. Until then, I will surround myself with people who love me and are healthy people to be around. God will take care of the rest.

For today,

Lord, restore to me the joy of your salvation" (Psalm 51:12)

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... it's only -5 today - what a beautiful day

I am thinking... about history being made in the U.S. this week

I am thankful for... a family of love and support
From the learning rooms... Set your hearts on things above, not on earthly things
From the kitchen... my refrigerator is broken and I am waiting for the repairman
I am wearing... my favourite white sweater
I am creating... some layouts for a DT call
I am going... to work
I am reading... my Bible
I am hoping... my meeting with my principal goes well today
I am hearing... my kids chattering
Around the house... everyone is getting ready for a new week
One of my favorite things... sleeping
A few plans for the rest of the week: seeing a movie with a friend and getting my kids Disney albums finished
Here is picture thought I am sharing... I love my kids school picture this year

Canada's Justice System SUCKS!!!!!

I'm sorry - I know I probably sound like a child, but that's how I feel right about now. Criminals need to be punished for their crimes and in Canada you get to kill someone and then walk away - almost!

In 2005 my cousin Shawna was involved in a car accident. The guy that hit them had a suspended license, he stole a car and then proceeded to drive it (stoned and drunk) into my cousin and 3 of her friends. He killed one of her friends and injured everyone else in the vehicle. And a sentence of dangerous driving causing death and 3 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm got him 18 months in jail.

I am so angry!!! How is that fair? And after all is said and done, this guy's girlfriend turns around and threatens my cousin with her life. Are you kidding me? This is our justice system - doesn't that just make you proud?

Another day

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

Back to the regular grind

So, here we are - its January 5th and time to get back to real life. Getting out of bed at 7 a.m. was EXTREMELY difficult today after 2 weeks of sleeping until 9. Some days I really dislike going back to reality. But, I guess the bills need to be paid.


FOR TODAY January 5

Outside my window... the weather has warmed up and the car is being warmed up
I am thinking... how little I want to go to work and how much I want to go back to bed
I am thankful for... my health
From the learning rooms... how to depend more on God's strength and less on my own
From the kitchen... I am getting my lunch ready for work
I am wearing... jeans and a sweater
I am creating... my kids Disney albums
I am going... back to work today
I am reading... my Bible right now
I am hoping... that a friend's boyfriend recovers from pneumonia
I am hearing... my son singing
Around the house... is the buzz of routine starting again
One of my favorite things... my hot coffee
A few plans for the rest of the week... starting to work out again
Here is picture thought I am sharing... a great photo of a silly friend




















So, you saw my last post about my word for 2009. I was wondering - do you have a word? Did you make a resolution? I'd love to know what it is.



Have a good day!

A New Year

"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).

I have spent the last couple of days contemplating 2008 and looking toward 2009. What do I want for 2009, what really matters to me? I decided that I want my word of the year this year to be "conviction". Conviction is a fixed or firm belief. Conviction is also the state of being found or proved guilty. This year is about both .

I have been convicted - over and over again and I still continue to dishonor Him and behave in a way that proves me guilty. This year is a year about HIM. I want my life to show my conviction in HIM rather than about what I have done. I want this year to mean something - if I die tomorrow, what will my legacy be? I want my life to be a legacy in which people say they were better off because they knew me - THE REAL ME! I want my life to be a legacy that says they knew HIM because they knew me.

I have decided to focus less on this life and more on the life that is to come!

CONVICTION