So, to update my list...
1. I still have no desire to go to my highschool reunion...
2. Still need a truck...
3. Would never sell my piano...or shoes for that matter (what was I thinking??)
4. I am re-painting the house...that is a story unto itself...
5. Oxygen cover model?? That's alot of work...we'll see how it goes...
6. I am fairly certain now that God has some sort of "let's shift the seasons" humour...
7. I will not be cutting my hair...sorry Tan!...but that one was a 'I'm mad at Tim-and that will upset him' comment!
I have to say that we had a most fabulous weekend! Friday night, Tim and Maury played tennis at the dome and Marla and I visited for a couple of hours. As you will re-call, they are our friends that now live in Calgary. I just love them!! After they left, Tim and I put the kids to bed and watched Arrested Development while eating some chocolate bars. I say some because I beleive that I had 3. You should really try the new Aero Yogurt, people! AD is a pretty entertaining show...quite quirky. I really enjoy it! Saturday was family day and as always, lunch was at Burger King at Preston Crossing as there is a play center there. Tim finally finished our entryway. I should really post a picture. We have had new carpet, tile, an exterior door and mirrored sliding doors for the coat closet added since January. It is finally part of the room! I love it.
On Sunday, we had brunch at our house with Gord and Tracy and Maury and Marla. We sat chatting till 6pm! My face hurt by the end because of all of the laughing. Maury and Marla decided not to go back to Calgary till today, so we chatted and watched a couple of episodes of Arrested Development. It was a wonderful day. Tim and I will remember it for a long time....thanks guys!!
That was my weekend in a nutshell...hope you are all well!
Monday, March 20, 2006
Friday, March 17, 2006
List of things that have passed through my mind this week
1. I really have no interest in my high school reunion this summer (although a friend of mine and I will be in Estevan during it...so we are going to walk around in disguise...pictures will be sure to follow :)
2. Buy a truck so that I could haul all of the junk in our house to the dump...I am spring cleaning like a crazy person...and no, I am not pregnant or nesting.
3. Sell my piano?
4. Sell my shoes?
5. Re-paint the entire house...inside and out.
6. Be an Oxygen cover model?
7. Has God mistaken March for January...again??
8. Cut my hair into a short shag?
Not very life changing, was it? These days, I've got nothing but my thoughts, strange as they are...they are mine...I'll keep you updated on which of these thing I actually carry out.
2. Buy a truck so that I could haul all of the junk in our house to the dump...I am spring cleaning like a crazy person...and no, I am not pregnant or nesting.
3. Sell my piano?
4. Sell my shoes?
5. Re-paint the entire house...inside and out.
6. Be an Oxygen cover model?
7. Has God mistaken March for January...again??
8. Cut my hair into a short shag?
Not very life changing, was it? These days, I've got nothing but my thoughts, strange as they are...they are mine...I'll keep you updated on which of these thing I actually carry out.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
I'm Just a Sinner Saved by Grace....
...and other Christian Myths. That is the title of a sermon that I just listened to...twice. This is a phrase that I have heard thrown around in Christian circles for years and it has always kind of bothered me, however I wasn't sure why. The problem with the phrase, you see, is it is not overly biblical.
Let me back up a little...the series of sermons that Tim and I have are from Ronnie and Janelle...they picked them up in England. There are a few others with equally interesting and though provoking titles such as, "God is so big and so strong, He can't be hurt; The Lord gives and the Lord takes away...always ending with,'and other Christian Myths'. The pastor is Pete Read and he is quite funny and has this wonderful english accent that is positively entertaining to listen to! Back to my point. He begins the sermon with multiple scriptures frankly stating that the word 'sinner' refers to those that are pre-God, outside of relationship with God or independent of God. (Genesis 13, Psalm 1, 25, 51, Proverbs 11, 13, Matthew 9, Luke 5, Romans 5, 1 Timothy 1:5) Biblically speaking, all those that are in relationship with God are called Saints. We, His people, are His saints. Our inheritance is in heaven (Eph 1) and God's inheritance is in the saints. We are His treasure. No wonder He protects and looks after us! It seems to me that it would be offensive to God to keep calling ourselves sinners if God sees us as HIS saints and HIS inheritance! He calls us His holy and righteous ones, we are sacred and set apart. So then, what is the relationship between saints and sin? Acts 3 says that once I have turned to God, my sins are blotted out. But that doesn't mean I don't struggle with sin. When I put my faith in God, I am not still in my sin-I am free. We are freed from the guilt and shame, but also the power of sin over us.
However, there is an important 'tension' to keep in check; the tightrope between justification and sanctification.
1. Justification: having right standing before God. Christ makes this possible through His death and resurrection. It can be a slippery concept on it's own without sanctification-Is it right that someone has terrible things hidden in their heart and keeps sinning because they know that they are 'just a sinner' and God's grace will cover them? NO! It's like having a rich relative of a murderer pay to have that person released...How many of you or how many people do you know that live this out daily? I once had a friend who was involved in perpetual sin and they used to say, "I don't doubt God's grace...and maybe that's my problem." You see, they believed that God would always forgive and cover them if they said sorry, but there was never a true change...
2. Sanctification- cleansing of my inner life, Christ's character being formed in me, being made holy. God does a work in our life to make us clean. Not just to deal with the past, but to give us a power for the future to deal with sin. When we repent, we have to be sure that we allow sanctification, true change, or we are doomed for failure or a life spent trying to live out 'rules' without the heart behind it.
So then, how do I live? Eph 4:24-"Display a new nature, because you are a new person created in God's likeness: righteous, holy and true." We should think of ourselves as ex-sinners, saints who might occasionally sin. If I live like a sinner (saved by grace), I live with a certain inevitability hanging over me. We live up to who we believe we are. If I believe I am a sinner grasping to the grace of God...but know I will still make it to heaven one day...I will live it out. I will always struggle...I am just a sinner. Chances are: I will crash.
1 John 1: 5: "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you, God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him, yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, His son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the Truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
God doesn't expect us to sin, yet so often we expect it! We live in a state of just waiting to slip and fall. I want to encourage you with what has encouraged me:
Become what God says you are: A SAINT, A HOLY ONE, SET APART for HIM...
...if you do sin: confess, repent, be cleansed and restored.
Let me back up a little...the series of sermons that Tim and I have are from Ronnie and Janelle...they picked them up in England. There are a few others with equally interesting and though provoking titles such as, "God is so big and so strong, He can't be hurt; The Lord gives and the Lord takes away...always ending with,'and other Christian Myths'. The pastor is Pete Read and he is quite funny and has this wonderful english accent that is positively entertaining to listen to! Back to my point. He begins the sermon with multiple scriptures frankly stating that the word 'sinner' refers to those that are pre-God, outside of relationship with God or independent of God. (Genesis 13, Psalm 1, 25, 51, Proverbs 11, 13, Matthew 9, Luke 5, Romans 5, 1 Timothy 1:5) Biblically speaking, all those that are in relationship with God are called Saints. We, His people, are His saints. Our inheritance is in heaven (Eph 1) and God's inheritance is in the saints. We are His treasure. No wonder He protects and looks after us! It seems to me that it would be offensive to God to keep calling ourselves sinners if God sees us as HIS saints and HIS inheritance! He calls us His holy and righteous ones, we are sacred and set apart. So then, what is the relationship between saints and sin? Acts 3 says that once I have turned to God, my sins are blotted out. But that doesn't mean I don't struggle with sin. When I put my faith in God, I am not still in my sin-I am free. We are freed from the guilt and shame, but also the power of sin over us.
However, there is an important 'tension' to keep in check; the tightrope between justification and sanctification.
1. Justification: having right standing before God. Christ makes this possible through His death and resurrection. It can be a slippery concept on it's own without sanctification-Is it right that someone has terrible things hidden in their heart and keeps sinning because they know that they are 'just a sinner' and God's grace will cover them? NO! It's like having a rich relative of a murderer pay to have that person released...How many of you or how many people do you know that live this out daily? I once had a friend who was involved in perpetual sin and they used to say, "I don't doubt God's grace...and maybe that's my problem." You see, they believed that God would always forgive and cover them if they said sorry, but there was never a true change...
2. Sanctification- cleansing of my inner life, Christ's character being formed in me, being made holy. God does a work in our life to make us clean. Not just to deal with the past, but to give us a power for the future to deal with sin. When we repent, we have to be sure that we allow sanctification, true change, or we are doomed for failure or a life spent trying to live out 'rules' without the heart behind it.
So then, how do I live? Eph 4:24-"Display a new nature, because you are a new person created in God's likeness: righteous, holy and true." We should think of ourselves as ex-sinners, saints who might occasionally sin. If I live like a sinner (saved by grace), I live with a certain inevitability hanging over me. We live up to who we believe we are. If I believe I am a sinner grasping to the grace of God...but know I will still make it to heaven one day...I will live it out. I will always struggle...I am just a sinner. Chances are: I will crash.
1 John 1: 5: "This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you, God is light. In Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with Him, yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus, His son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the Truth is not in us, but if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."
God doesn't expect us to sin, yet so often we expect it! We live in a state of just waiting to slip and fall. I want to encourage you with what has encouraged me:
Become what God says you are: A SAINT, A HOLY ONE, SET APART for HIM...
...if you do sin: confess, repent, be cleansed and restored.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Mexico 2006
As requested by the lovely Kristin, I shall finally sit down and write about our trip to Mexico. First of all, I have to say that our flight times definitely were a bonus when factoring in how much time you actually get to spend at your resort. We traveled at night 1:30 am flight from Edmonton (which actually left at 2:30). We were at our resort by noonish as the drive was about an hour and a half. The highways are much better than ours here in Saskatchewan....and they have some very nice charter buses, so there was no nervousness on our travels for me...plus I slept some of the way. And when we left Mexico, our flight wasn't until 11:20 pm, so we didn't have to leave the resort until 6:30 pm...We had a whole extra day there!
It is a massive resort that is actually 3 in one, all created by the Gran Bahia Principe group. Ours, the Coba resort, just opened in November of 2005. It is behind one of the others-so not beachfront, but only a ten minute walk. Or if we preferred, we could catch one of the little buses that went straight to the beach. Our room was beautiful and after looking around, I have decided that ceramic tile and marble tile must be inexpensive in Mexico as it was everywhere!
The foliage was gorgeous...there were 'Birds of Paradise' flowers everywhere I looked. They are one of my favorite flowers!
Saturday the 11th was my birthday. It was a gorgeous sunny day, about 27 degrees, and not a lot of wind. Tim and I had breakfast, which let me tell you...I have to rave about the food after I tell you about this day...and then we grabbed our snorkel gear and headed for the beach. At this particular location, there is a very large reef right off of the beach. You pretty much walk six feet into the water, put on your gear, put your face in the water-and fish everywhere! I found it so neat that the water is so clear and that there are lots of little (some big) colored fish swimming all around me. That was pretty much the most fun thing I have ever done on my birthday.
We had lunch and then chose a spot by the pool and layed in the sun and read. It was so nice...and the pools are beautiful! We had a lovely supper that night at one of the a la cartes. We were allowed four of these during our stay and there were about 11 different restaurants to choose from. I'd have to say that at all of them, the food was equal or better than any place in Saskatoon. Heck, ever the buffet blew us away. At breakfast, you could have made to order omelets, waffles, pancakes, fruit, cereal (Tim loves Cocoa Crispies...basically chocolate rice crispies...and they aren't sold here!) They had milkshakes and basically any kind of breakfast meat you might want. I do not think that a buffet really exists in this town that would match the "Kukulcan" Very nice....it's a wonder we both didn't gain 20 pounds?!
Valentine's day began with a 30 minute massage outside on the deck at the spa...pretty nice! Another great day by the pool and a wonderful steak dinner...couldn't have been more perfect! On one of these nights...can't quite remember which one, we went to one of the shows. They were pretty well done...things like 'Broadway', 'Cats', 'Illusion'...on this particular night, It was Michael Jackson. All of the singing was Michael Jackson recordings and then they lip synched, but the costuming and the dancing were spectacular...honestly, the guy impersonating Michael was perfect...it was like being at a concert (back in 1996 when he wasn't quite so weird...)
We did have some cooler weather for about 3 of the days...kind of depressing until we found out that it was -40 degrees here...OUCH!! I think that we would go in March next time as many of the locals said that March is usually perfect. It was quite windy while we were there which made ocean playing not an option most days....but it still looked really nice!
On Thursday, it rained...so we took a cab into Playa Del Carmen and shopped the famous 5th avenue. There were some amazing little stores...lots of jewelry stores with things that I have only seen in In Style magazine. I know that I should have bought something, especially as you could basically offer them thirty percent of the price and as long as you took out your cash, it would be sold...but unfortunately, I wasn't in a buying mood. Next time...
Playa Del Carmen is right on the beach. Tim and I decided next time we go to Mexico, we will fly to Cancun and then stay at a hotel in Playa and go on adventures everyday. There is some amazing snorkeling close by and pyramid ruins that we would like to see. By the end of the trip,we were ready to come home and see the kiddies. We also found that we got a little bored by the end as we both like to 'do' things. But, this time, this was exactly what we needed. We spent lots of time laying in the sun, or sitting in the lobby drinking coffee just talking. It was a fabulous holiday that was perfect...It was the honeymoon we had never been on...
Now...some random pictures...
It is a massive resort that is actually 3 in one, all created by the Gran Bahia Principe group. Ours, the Coba resort, just opened in November of 2005. It is behind one of the others-so not beachfront, but only a ten minute walk. Or if we preferred, we could catch one of the little buses that went straight to the beach. Our room was beautiful and after looking around, I have decided that ceramic tile and marble tile must be inexpensive in Mexico as it was everywhere!
The foliage was gorgeous...there were 'Birds of Paradise' flowers everywhere I looked. They are one of my favorite flowers!Saturday the 11th was my birthday. It was a gorgeous sunny day, about 27 degrees, and not a lot of wind. Tim and I had breakfast, which let me tell you...I have to rave about the food after I tell you about this day...and then we grabbed our snorkel gear and headed for the beach. At this particular location, there is a very large reef right off of the beach. You pretty much walk six feet into the water, put on your gear, put your face in the water-and fish everywhere! I found it so neat that the water is so clear and that there are lots of little (some big) colored fish swimming all around me. That was pretty much the most fun thing I have ever done on my birthday.
We had lunch and then chose a spot by the pool and layed in the sun and read. It was so nice...and the pools are beautiful! We had a lovely supper that night at one of the a la cartes. We were allowed four of these during our stay and there were about 11 different restaurants to choose from. I'd have to say that at all of them, the food was equal or better than any place in Saskatoon. Heck, ever the buffet blew us away. At breakfast, you could have made to order omelets, waffles, pancakes, fruit, cereal (Tim loves Cocoa Crispies...basically chocolate rice crispies...and they aren't sold here!) They had milkshakes and basically any kind of breakfast meat you might want. I do not think that a buffet really exists in this town that would match the "Kukulcan" Very nice....it's a wonder we both didn't gain 20 pounds?!Valentine's day began with a 30 minute massage outside on the deck at the spa...pretty nice! Another great day by the pool and a wonderful steak dinner...couldn't have been more perfect! On one of these nights...can't quite remember which one, we went to one of the shows. They were pretty well done...things like 'Broadway', 'Cats', 'Illusion'...on this particular night, It was Michael Jackson. All of the singing was Michael Jackson recordings and then they lip synched, but the costuming and the dancing were spectacular...honestly, the guy impersonating Michael was perfect...it was like being at a concert (back in 1996 when he wasn't quite so weird...)
We did have some cooler weather for about 3 of the days...kind of depressing until we found out that it was -40 degrees here...OUCH!! I think that we would go in March next time as many of the locals said that March is usually perfect. It was quite windy while we were there which made ocean playing not an option most days....but it still looked really nice!
On Thursday, it rained...so we took a cab into Playa Del Carmen and shopped the famous 5th avenue. There were some amazing little stores...lots of jewelry stores with things that I have only seen in In Style magazine. I know that I should have bought something, especially as you could basically offer them thirty percent of the price and as long as you took out your cash, it would be sold...but unfortunately, I wasn't in a buying mood. Next time...
Playa Del Carmen is right on the beach. Tim and I decided next time we go to Mexico, we will fly to Cancun and then stay at a hotel in Playa and go on adventures everyday. There is some amazing snorkeling close by and pyramid ruins that we would like to see. By the end of the trip,we were ready to come home and see the kiddies. We also found that we got a little bored by the end as we both like to 'do' things. But, this time, this was exactly what we needed. We spent lots of time laying in the sun, or sitting in the lobby drinking coffee just talking. It was a fabulous holiday that was perfect...It was the honeymoon we had never been on...
Now...some random pictures...
Monday, February 06, 2006
February Events
Hmmm...well, it is only 3 more sleeps until Tim and I leave for Edmonton to hop on a plane that is going to take us to Mexico. We are very excited! Tim has been to the tanning beds and I have been applying tanning lotion as I have decided after last summer that I would like to look like I am 27 till I am 60 (at least). My point being-I don't want to glow like some kind of whitey mcwhite white while there, but want to save my skin so...that's what I am doing! This past weekend Tim and I were in Edmonton visiting some friends of ours. Jason had tickets to the Edmonton/Vancouver game, so we got to go for free (a perk of working for an insurance company!) Soon after we got there, and a random security search for Tim-he looks scary, eh?, we took our seats. I nearly teared up with excitement and then the oddest thing happened......I fell in love with live hockey. I know, I know...Jenn is not really all that into sports...I pretend to play them and have fun, but watching them sucks! Not anymore! I am now a hockey fan. I need a team and despite my inner erge to be a thorn in Tim's side, I will not chose Toronto. Any suggestions would be welcome.
So...I don't have a job anymore. I up and quit on Thursday half way through my shift. That kind of behavior is not something that I condone, but enough is enough! I won't say much here as I don't want to create trouble (I know that some of my students read this!) But I will say that it was not a hissy fit on my behalf. It was a valid 'quit' and one that was encouraged by Tim. I'll miss the students, but I couldn't do it anymore. Needless to say, I am now on the hunt for a new job...preferably one that has some administration requirements, although in the mean time, I can re-do the room in our basement and have massage patients here. I hear there is good $$ in that :)
You know, I never did tell you about Ethan's birthday party...it was
the coolest and the kids are still talking about it! It was a pirate party with Tim and I in costume, eye patches and pirate hats for all of the kids, walking the plank, a treasure hunt and cupcake islands. Here are some pics...ENJOY...and call me if you need a party planner...I can't put pics of all of the kids as I know that some parents would not apporve of that...they were all sooooo cute!
So...I don't have a job anymore. I up and quit on Thursday half way through my shift. That kind of behavior is not something that I condone, but enough is enough! I won't say much here as I don't want to create trouble (I know that some of my students read this!) But I will say that it was not a hissy fit on my behalf. It was a valid 'quit' and one that was encouraged by Tim. I'll miss the students, but I couldn't do it anymore. Needless to say, I am now on the hunt for a new job...preferably one that has some administration requirements, although in the mean time, I can re-do the room in our basement and have massage patients here. I hear there is good $$ in that :)
You know, I never did tell you about Ethan's birthday party...it was
the coolest and the kids are still talking about it! It was a pirate party with Tim and I in costume, eye patches and pirate hats for all of the kids, walking the plank, a treasure hunt and cupcake islands. Here are some pics...ENJOY...and call me if you need a party planner...I can't put pics of all of the kids as I know that some parents would not apporve of that...they were all sooooo cute!
Monday, January 23, 2006
Thoughts.....
The last few weeks have been flying by and I just know that it'll seem like no time at all until I am laying on a beach with a margarita in hand (sidenote: to possible Elim staff reading-insert virgin infront of margarita...) Anyway, things at work have been fairly interesting and I cannot decide what I want to do about it. The administrator (the position changed from a male of 38ish to a young girl in Oct/Nov) is 23 and she is dating one of the students in first year. It makes for a tense and awkward environment when the students are asking my opinion of things (I always say that I don't have one). My job isn't really affected, although she tends to say one thing to one person and something else to another...can't really know what the truth is or what she thinks. I know that the owners of the school in Calgary aren't that great with $$ management and there always seems to be unpaid balances with other companies. Anyway, my point is: the students feel like they are graduating with a crackerjack box diploma that they paid 14, 000 for. They are known as the 'trouble-bubble', but I am actually quite fond of them. I would like to find a new job, but part of me doesn't want to leave them high and dry with no one to chat with or glean support from. Anyway...comments? suggestions?
Here is the crappy part of my week: my sermon note/journal was taken from the church 2 weeks ago Tuesday and the journal turned up in the mailboxes for the children's ministry workers. The person I chatted with said that it turned up the Thursday of that week. Yay, I have my book and pen back...but someone decided that they wanted my journal. All of the pages that had been written on were torn out. I have been journaling what God has been doing in my life since about September...and now it is all gone. Who on earth would want my sermon notes and journal but not the book??? It's very sad for me...
Anyway...I have to go and be a massage therapist for a friend at their house now...hope to hear from you all soon!!
Here is the crappy part of my week: my sermon note/journal was taken from the church 2 weeks ago Tuesday and the journal turned up in the mailboxes for the children's ministry workers. The person I chatted with said that it turned up the Thursday of that week. Yay, I have my book and pen back...but someone decided that they wanted my journal. All of the pages that had been written on were torn out. I have been journaling what God has been doing in my life since about September...and now it is all gone. Who on earth would want my sermon notes and journal but not the book??? It's very sad for me...
Anyway...I have to go and be a massage therapist for a friend at their house now...hope to hear from you all soon!!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Till I See You...
The greatest love that anyone could ever know
That overcame the cross and grave to find my soul
And till I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You
I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You
You alone are God of all
You alone are worthy Lord
And with all I am, my soul will bless Your name...
Joel Houson and Jadwin Gillies
That overcame the cross and grave to find my soul
And till I see You face to face and grace amazing takes me home
I'll trust in You
I will live to love You
I will live to bring You praise
I will live a child in awe of You
You alone are God of all
You alone are worthy Lord
And with all I am, my soul will bless Your name...
Joel Houson and Jadwin Gillies
Monday, January 09, 2006
Life Since Christmas Production 2005
So, to satisfy the promptings by e-mail for a new blog (by my husband....seriously Tim, you could talk to me at home!), here it is. Christmas was fabulous...very relaxing. I love having parents take care of me. I think that Tim and I fell asleep on the couch together every day! We saw a good friend of ours that we typically get to see about once a year...I love how time seems to stand still with those kind of people...you can just pick up where you left off. I personally have know this friend for almost 25 years now...long, eh? He is getting married in April and is probably eloping...I think that is neat! The kids were spoiled by their grandparents again...I think that there is a fuse of common sense that shorts when people acquire grandkids....it's like, "oh, they want that....then we should buy that for them". Ethan has a new Harley Davidson leather jacket...that is how extravagant things get. And oh the toys...I do like to clean their rooms out and give stuff to community living before holidays or birthdays hit. I was absolutely spoiled. I received a pair of Lululemon pants and a jacket, socks, the best coffee mug ever from Starbucks from Tim. Oh, did I mention...he gave me a beautiful white gold and diamond ring Christmas morning away from everyone. I'll take a pic and post it one of these days It is funky, but so beautiful. I like it a lot...
So, now for the big news...Tim and I are officially going to the Mayan Riviera on Feb. 10. We got a deal for an all-inclusive five star resort that has everything...even a free half hour massage!...white sand beaches and blue water, here we come! I am pretty sure that we will re-new our vows while we are there...very exciting. Here is an example of how excited I have gotten (and how much of a loser I am). I have already packed...just to make sure that we can fit everything in two carry-ons. I mean, how much does one need to take? Bathing suits and nice evening attire, right? I cannot wait to snorkel and just lay on a beach with no cares in the world!
As a sidenote: we have been having "spiritual renewal days" at church this week. The first 2 services have been amazing with the choir being true examples of a worship leading choir. I am not sure that I have stopped crying in 24 hours (if you know me, you know that I don't really cry) I woke up last night and I could barely see the alarm clock cause my eyes were so sore and puffy. Sam Farina is the speaker and last night he prayed for all of the pastoral staff and then they prayed for every person there...very powerful time! He presented very vividly how we have to keep coming to God over and over...that things aren't often a one-trip to the alter fix. I was reminded by one of the pastors that prayed for me that we call out to God again and again because He is faithful. Anyway, it is interesting how after time like that, attacks occur. Tim and I woke up with in a minute of one another last night (3:30 am) to be exact and both of us felt as though we were under attack to each of our deepest fears and insecurities. We prayed together...but tossed and turned until about 7 am. That kind of sucked and I am tired today, but it won't stop us from going back and pressing in to what God has for us. Well, I suppose that got to be a pretty long sidenote...sorry!
Love you all and I'll post some pictures soon!!
Jenn
So, now for the big news...Tim and I are officially going to the Mayan Riviera on Feb. 10. We got a deal for an all-inclusive five star resort that has everything...even a free half hour massage!...white sand beaches and blue water, here we come! I am pretty sure that we will re-new our vows while we are there...very exciting. Here is an example of how excited I have gotten (and how much of a loser I am). I have already packed...just to make sure that we can fit everything in two carry-ons. I mean, how much does one need to take? Bathing suits and nice evening attire, right? I cannot wait to snorkel and just lay on a beach with no cares in the world!
As a sidenote: we have been having "spiritual renewal days" at church this week. The first 2 services have been amazing with the choir being true examples of a worship leading choir. I am not sure that I have stopped crying in 24 hours (if you know me, you know that I don't really cry) I woke up last night and I could barely see the alarm clock cause my eyes were so sore and puffy. Sam Farina is the speaker and last night he prayed for all of the pastoral staff and then they prayed for every person there...very powerful time! He presented very vividly how we have to keep coming to God over and over...that things aren't often a one-trip to the alter fix. I was reminded by one of the pastors that prayed for me that we call out to God again and again because He is faithful. Anyway, it is interesting how after time like that, attacks occur. Tim and I woke up with in a minute of one another last night (3:30 am) to be exact and both of us felt as though we were under attack to each of our deepest fears and insecurities. We prayed together...but tossed and turned until about 7 am. That kind of sucked and I am tired today, but it won't stop us from going back and pressing in to what God has for us. Well, I suppose that got to be a pretty long sidenote...sorry!
Love you all and I'll post some pictures soon!!
Jenn
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Christmas Thoughts
I have officially finished Christmas shopping...I hear bells ringing, I think! Anywho, I must say that had a wonderful time doing it and probably spent way too much money...especially on Tim. I got him...oh, you though that I was gonna tell, didn't you Tim? No way!! I actually felt like I was buying him gifts this year, not buying stuff for him with his wages...it was kind of fun, I must say! The kids, of course, get spoiled yearly...but it's fun.
On another note, I have really been enjoying teaching at the school and I am quite sad that I don't get to teach after December as the teacher I am filling in for is coming off of paternity leave. Great people to work with...and as a side note, the rink across the street has the best wonton soup ever!! It has chicken and sprouts and cabbage and onions and tonnes of wontons...very yummy!! (it is sad that I like to go to work because of the food-although very Ukranian of me)
Finally, what I really want to write about: The Elim Christmas Production. It was awesome. I think it is the best in the city (and perhaps the province...in my non-biased opinion) A choir, a symphony orchestra, a cane and some dancers...I mean who doesn't like Christmas music and with a full orchestra, no less?? Honestly, who? If you can find someone, I promise that we will go out and I will humiliate myself by karaokeeing a "Pink or Shania" song of your choice!! It was so great, people...if you missed it, your year is worse off. I did find out many things at the production...70 people co-ordinated in blue and white looks cool, not corny, Tim is apparently great with a cane (who knew?), Pete does stand-up!?(double who knew?), and snow machines are the coolest...I would like one in my house! Just imagine...cooking or cleaning with a gentle falling of evaporating snow...how picturesque. The soloists were fabulous, the set was gorgeous and the choir was awesome...I think some pics may be in order here...
Hmmm, A deeper look into me right now would tell you this...I missed singing in the Christmas production... although the fun thing is that I got to bring a few people with me and just enjoy watching this year. I did have a blast filming it on Monday night...so tempting for Kevin Pierce and I to do a "director's cut commentary", but we refrained...funny stuff, people...funny stuff!
I felt as though Christmas season had finally arrived (even though my tree has been up for quite some time, now) Infact, I felt the need to express my festive outlook in a very festive festivus festivy sort of way....Now if antlers and a flashing red nose don't do the trick...then what does? 
I was quite fond of the set this year, good pick on the white Martha Stewart trees Blaine, so I thought that it would be fun to utilize the backdrop for some romantic pictures. This is one of them...pretty nice, eh? I like it quite a bit...
Anything you want to hear about? Any details of the production? Comment and I shall answer or create an answer with my over-active imagination...could be fun...
On another note, I have really been enjoying teaching at the school and I am quite sad that I don't get to teach after December as the teacher I am filling in for is coming off of paternity leave. Great people to work with...and as a side note, the rink across the street has the best wonton soup ever!! It has chicken and sprouts and cabbage and onions and tonnes of wontons...very yummy!! (it is sad that I like to go to work because of the food-although very Ukranian of me)
Finally, what I really want to write about: The Elim Christmas Production. It was awesome. I think it is the best in the city (and perhaps the province...in my non-biased opinion) A choir, a symphony orchestra, a cane and some dancers...I mean who doesn't like Christmas music and with a full orchestra, no less?? Honestly, who? If you can find someone, I promise that we will go out and I will humiliate myself by karaokeeing a "Pink or Shania" song of your choice!! It was so great, people...if you missed it, your year is worse off. I did find out many things at the production...70 people co-ordinated in blue and white looks cool, not corny, Tim is apparently great with a cane (who knew?), Pete does stand-up!?(double who knew?), and snow machines are the coolest...I would like one in my house! Just imagine...cooking or cleaning with a gentle falling of evaporating snow...how picturesque. The soloists were fabulous, the set was gorgeous and the choir was awesome...I think some pics may be in order here...
Hmmm, A deeper look into me right now would tell you this...I missed singing in the Christmas production... although the fun thing is that I got to bring a few people with me and just enjoy watching this year. I did have a blast filming it on Monday night...so tempting for Kevin Pierce and I to do a "director's cut commentary", but we refrained...funny stuff, people...funny stuff!
I felt as though Christmas season had finally arrived (even though my tree has been up for quite some time, now) Infact, I felt the need to express my festive outlook in a very festive festivus festivy sort of way....Now if antlers and a flashing red nose don't do the trick...then what does? 
I was quite fond of the set this year, good pick on the white Martha Stewart trees Blaine, so I thought that it would be fun to utilize the backdrop for some romantic pictures. This is one of them...pretty nice, eh? I like it quite a bit...
Anything you want to hear about? Any details of the production? Comment and I shall answer or create an answer with my over-active imagination...could be fun...
Monday, December 05, 2005
Christmas is Coming!
Just wanted to tell you all about this. If you live close to Saskatoon...you had better be there! Make sure that you come early because we seem to 'pack out' every year...it'll be awesome, people. It's just the thing to get you into the Christmas Spirit (and ironically enough, it is called, "Spirit of the Season") Hope to see you there!
Friday, November 25, 2005
Too Long...
Honestly not a whole lot has happened on the Barnstable homefront. Why? you may ask...well, when one is too busy, there is no time for anything to happen!! As many of you know, my tree is up and I have finally completed it except for the tree skirt. My dilemma: I finally have the $$ to buy one this year (they are like 40-45 bucks, people!) BUT I, for the life of me, cannot find one that I love... And yes, those are gifts under my tree...I have kids and they will find them if I don't wrap them. On another note, Tim and I have picked out a carpet that will be installed on January 2! It is that 'new' shag and it's color, you ask? Fudge bar is the name and it as rich and dark as you are imagining! Love it...Well, something that I wanted to show you a few months back, but didn't have a camera, is the play centre that Tim made for the kids. Pretty nice, eh? Although, I feel as though I should have parents sign a waiver before their kids can play on it...honestly!
Well, I have to go to teach at the school soon, but I do have to mention that I had a great 'last weekend' with Alison...so glad we could bless you with a surprise baby shower...thanks, Kristin! You look great, Alison...
Monday, November 07, 2005
It's Been, One Week Since I wrote to You...
Well, it is almost complete...my Christmas tree, that is. I like to put the ribbon and beads on it and look at it for a few days to do all of the 'adjusting'. Then I add the decorations...that is the easy part, although you know I'll be moving ornaments around for a couple of weeks...Yes, I am such a looser! Bet you didn't know I'd be that anal with a Christmas tree, did you? And yes, you have guessed correctly...there are no "made at school" ornaments, Spiderman as Santa or My Little Ponies on my tree...those are for the lovely 'down stairs tree'. You all better be gearing up for the Elim Tabernacle Christmas Extravaganza (and I wonder why they don't let me name it??!) It is going to be absolutely fantabulously excellent! Hmmm...two Christmas albums to own...Denver and the Mile High Orchestra Christmas album and Clay Crosse's Christmas album (very big band, jazz club dinner music) Apparently Heather Clark has a Christmas album coming soon...that would be interesting...I'll let you know when I get it...
Backtracking a little to Halloween...Like I had said in my last blog, Tim and I were going to Dracula on the 29th. It was awesome! We dressed up, which in case you don't know me, I love to do. I even had false eyelashes from the MAC counter. They were fun...you should try them out, girls, for your next big occasion. Very dramatic. I wore a black dress and black stiletto boots and upon inspiration from Alison, some very classy fishnet hosiery. They were from Winners, DKNY...very nice. Tim dressed up too...much less of an ordeal. But he looked great (he wore my fav shirt that he wore for the Christmas production last year...It is from Le Chateau...guys, you should be shopping there!) We went to the Keg which is always yummy and then we went to the ballet. It was quite intriguing as there wasn't any dialogue. Wonderful costuming and effects. At the end, Dracula was skewered on a very large wooden stake. they placed it in the ground, standing, with him splayed over top of it...very cool. I would recommend it next year!
I cannot believe how quickly the fall has passed. Tim and I had all of these plans to take a trip or two and it seems that that won't be happening...Tim is quite busy with the Christmas production and I seem to work all of the time...which I am hoping will change soon (the working part, that is) We'll have to see if we can get away in December sometime...there is a possibility of that...we'll have to wait and see.
I am not sure if I have written about this, but we were looking at houses and the market in Saskatoon is definitely a 'seller's market'. Way too expensive. Hello people, we aren't in Calgary!! (Just look at our water system...Kristin educated us on that) So, we decided to refinance our home and do a little "adding on". Our bedroom will have a en-suite and a walk in closet (cause Tim has so much clothing and shoes...hee hee) And we will finish our kitchen and maybe get our long awaited hot tub...Yes, you may all come over lots to use it! Anyway, we will have the house exactly how we want it and it will be like 75,000 less than buying what we want! Seems only logical to me!
Anyway, have a wonderful short week....yay...my sister and bother in law are coming to visit this weekend...very exciting as we don't see family very often. Till next time....
Backtracking a little to Halloween...Like I had said in my last blog, Tim and I were going to Dracula on the 29th. It was awesome! We dressed up, which in case you don't know me, I love to do. I even had false eyelashes from the MAC counter. They were fun...you should try them out, girls, for your next big occasion. Very dramatic. I wore a black dress and black stiletto boots and upon inspiration from Alison, some very classy fishnet hosiery. They were from Winners, DKNY...very nice. Tim dressed up too...much less of an ordeal. But he looked great (he wore my fav shirt that he wore for the Christmas production last year...It is from Le Chateau...guys, you should be shopping there!) We went to the Keg which is always yummy and then we went to the ballet. It was quite intriguing as there wasn't any dialogue. Wonderful costuming and effects. At the end, Dracula was skewered on a very large wooden stake. they placed it in the ground, standing, with him splayed over top of it...very cool. I would recommend it next year!
I cannot believe how quickly the fall has passed. Tim and I had all of these plans to take a trip or two and it seems that that won't be happening...Tim is quite busy with the Christmas production and I seem to work all of the time...which I am hoping will change soon (the working part, that is) We'll have to see if we can get away in December sometime...there is a possibility of that...we'll have to wait and see.
I am not sure if I have written about this, but we were looking at houses and the market in Saskatoon is definitely a 'seller's market'. Way too expensive. Hello people, we aren't in Calgary!! (Just look at our water system...Kristin educated us on that) So, we decided to refinance our home and do a little "adding on". Our bedroom will have a en-suite and a walk in closet (cause Tim has so much clothing and shoes...hee hee) And we will finish our kitchen and maybe get our long awaited hot tub...Yes, you may all come over lots to use it! Anyway, we will have the house exactly how we want it and it will be like 75,000 less than buying what we want! Seems only logical to me!
Anyway, have a wonderful short week....yay...my sister and bother in law are coming to visit this weekend...very exciting as we don't see family very often. Till next time....
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Christmas, Vampires, Love, Trust and Fire...(odd, I know)
I have officially begun putting my Christmas tree up. Tan, I know that you are beating your chest saying, "Noooooo". Sorry!! Hey, at least it can be a spectacle and all the people can drive by slowly and say, look at those people that have their tree up...what kind of people are they??? I could dress my kids in elve's costumes and send then out to play in the front yard...Hmmmm...Don't worry, I won't! Hee hee. I have only put up the tree and the lights...no official decorations, yet. I wanted Tim to have some time to adjust to the whole thing (he usually enforces the "no tree until after nov 11" rule) Why have I done this, you ask? Because it makes me happy-and that is good enough for me. I have been listening to the Christmas production and it is so so good-I just love it...and not being involved this year in choir/music,has made me very sad-so up my tree went. It has helped! Now about that Christmas house banner that Blaine promises every year...
Tim and I are going to Dracula (the ballet) this weekend. I am very excited about it. First we are going to the Keg for supper as we love it and have not been there in quite some time. Then we will proceed to the ballet. It is going to be such a great night...I feel all "high-class" or something...first having dinner and then going to the ballet. We haven't been on a grand-scale date for quite some time, so I can hardly wait! On the topic of Tim, I just wanted to say what a wonderful guy he is. You know, I don't know many humans like him on this earth. People are usually so non merciful and fickle in their love. He has truly shown me Jesus over the last few months. He has even been reading Captivating to better understand women and how to deal with and treat me and also Gracie, his little girl. He truly adores us...not just loves and puts up with, but adores his family. Everyday he tells me how beautiful he thinks I am. Even when I feel like the butt area has gotten a little larger, he says I am perfect and when I look at him, I know he isn't just saying that cause that is what guys should say. He actually told me the other day that I am captivating. Me? I said (I can hardly believe him) Almost daily, he tells me how much he appreciates everything I do around the house and always thanks me for dinner. Sometimes when I look into his eyes I can see how Jesus feels about me. He looks past my outer appearance, through my faults and sin, and sees the woman I was created to be. Those are very overwhelming moments (that I usually run from and joke about...I get all squirmy with that kind of unspoken intimacy) So, now that most of you are barffing, I will quit. I just wanted you to know what an amazing man I am married to. I love him! Plus, as an added bonus, he has great hair!
Anyway, the main theme of what God has been teaching me about lately is trust. I saw a picture today of a little girl on a swing. You know how fun and carefree you feel on a swing, almost like you are transported back to a time of no cares....it's just you, the swing and the blue sky that you can almost touch! Kristy-Anne, I know you know what I am talking about! As I felt flooded with all of those emotions, my eyes moved up the picture and saw that the swing wasn't hooked to the swing-set, but the chains were held in the hands of Jesus. It said, "do you trust me?" I actually said out loud, "yes". I believe that I won't fall off the cliff. I believe that God has all of my days numbered and that He has a plan for me. This is a place that I have not been in 20 years. I have always felt as though I was on God's List of Things to Do and He just hadn't quite gotten to me yet. I know that He loves me. Just 3 weeks ago we were sitting in church and I told God that I feel useless, just a shell of a person...that I have no purpose. Eldon had us all hold hands and pray for eachother. I was trying, but really wondering if He heard my prayers. At the end Tracy (she was sitting next to me) was talking to the woman beside her and that woman told her to tell the "young girl" (me) that she really felt God was telling her that He has purpose and a plan for me. Hmmmm...that hit me like a tonne of bricks cause I didn't think that God had heard me and if He did, dismissed me cause what I felt was silly and childish. But no, He cared enough to tell someone so that they could tell me. On the same note, thanks Jenny for reminding me of what Steve Osmond said that day 4 years ago...I had forgotten...
So, the sky in more blue, I welcome the snow and I love everyone around me...I will apologize now if I go around hugging you all....just put up with it...besides, who can't use a hug?? What does all of this mean to me? Well, it means I am more peaceful, more content and I have the slight flickerings of joy in my spirit...embers, really...but the Holy Spirit is fanning them and I know that embers are all you need to start a raging fire...
Tim and I are going to Dracula (the ballet) this weekend. I am very excited about it. First we are going to the Keg for supper as we love it and have not been there in quite some time. Then we will proceed to the ballet. It is going to be such a great night...I feel all "high-class" or something...first having dinner and then going to the ballet. We haven't been on a grand-scale date for quite some time, so I can hardly wait! On the topic of Tim, I just wanted to say what a wonderful guy he is. You know, I don't know many humans like him on this earth. People are usually so non merciful and fickle in their love. He has truly shown me Jesus over the last few months. He has even been reading Captivating to better understand women and how to deal with and treat me and also Gracie, his little girl. He truly adores us...not just loves and puts up with, but adores his family. Everyday he tells me how beautiful he thinks I am. Even when I feel like the butt area has gotten a little larger, he says I am perfect and when I look at him, I know he isn't just saying that cause that is what guys should say. He actually told me the other day that I am captivating. Me? I said (I can hardly believe him) Almost daily, he tells me how much he appreciates everything I do around the house and always thanks me for dinner. Sometimes when I look into his eyes I can see how Jesus feels about me. He looks past my outer appearance, through my faults and sin, and sees the woman I was created to be. Those are very overwhelming moments (that I usually run from and joke about...I get all squirmy with that kind of unspoken intimacy) So, now that most of you are barffing, I will quit. I just wanted you to know what an amazing man I am married to. I love him! Plus, as an added bonus, he has great hair!
Anyway, the main theme of what God has been teaching me about lately is trust. I saw a picture today of a little girl on a swing. You know how fun and carefree you feel on a swing, almost like you are transported back to a time of no cares....it's just you, the swing and the blue sky that you can almost touch! Kristy-Anne, I know you know what I am talking about! As I felt flooded with all of those emotions, my eyes moved up the picture and saw that the swing wasn't hooked to the swing-set, but the chains were held in the hands of Jesus. It said, "do you trust me?" I actually said out loud, "yes". I believe that I won't fall off the cliff. I believe that God has all of my days numbered and that He has a plan for me. This is a place that I have not been in 20 years. I have always felt as though I was on God's List of Things to Do and He just hadn't quite gotten to me yet. I know that He loves me. Just 3 weeks ago we were sitting in church and I told God that I feel useless, just a shell of a person...that I have no purpose. Eldon had us all hold hands and pray for eachother. I was trying, but really wondering if He heard my prayers. At the end Tracy (she was sitting next to me) was talking to the woman beside her and that woman told her to tell the "young girl" (me) that she really felt God was telling her that He has purpose and a plan for me. Hmmmm...that hit me like a tonne of bricks cause I didn't think that God had heard me and if He did, dismissed me cause what I felt was silly and childish. But no, He cared enough to tell someone so that they could tell me. On the same note, thanks Jenny for reminding me of what Steve Osmond said that day 4 years ago...I had forgotten...
So, the sky in more blue, I welcome the snow and I love everyone around me...I will apologize now if I go around hugging you all....just put up with it...besides, who can't use a hug?? What does all of this mean to me? Well, it means I am more peaceful, more content and I have the slight flickerings of joy in my spirit...embers, really...but the Holy Spirit is fanning them and I know that embers are all you need to start a raging fire...
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