Well it has been some time ... what am I saying.. over a year since I last placed a blog on site. It was a very tough year with a loss of Kevin's Dad Norm just before Christmas and then I lost an Uncle and an Aunt in the past couple of months seemed like there was a real gloomy place in our lives for a while. Norm who was Dad to me as well was sick for over 8 months. We all took turns in caring for him and enjoying the time we got to spend together. I must say I had also become a bit disheartened over a couple of other incidents as well.
Out of all of this I think we have all emerged stronger with the help of God and all of our family and friends. Life has to march on. I had to tell myself multiple times to snap out of this apathetic mode and get in gear! I truly still believe we all have a purpose in how we relate to sharing the work of God and Jesus in our lives.
We have so few young kids at our church that it was very hard to try to get a social area happening there at the church. First the day and time were wrong and then well.. it just didn't happen with only one child showing up thus the bit of downward trend with my activities. But not to digress!
Onward we move. Tanya Douglas, her husband Dave, and my husband Kevin and I have been able to get a Family social club starting with some good results so we will move on with some other events there as well.
During March Break we had a very successful Circus Camp day with 18 kids and plenty of volunteers show. Bible stories, crafts games and clowns made for a really great day! One parent was so happy with the day she made a donation to the church.
On we go! Tanya and I will be attending a Messy Church Fiesta on Saturday in London to learn another way to bring more people with young families to God. I will keep you posted!
Smile Bright and God Bless
Sunday, 23 March 2014
Saturday, 17 March 2012
A bit on the lack side
This week has been an interesting one The ACW ( Anglican Church Women) meeting was a lot of fun as I learnt more about the groups and their purpose within the Church structure The Trinitarians.. this group of ladies has been doing services for catering and fund raising at the church for 50 years this year! Wow.... I am inspired! Now what to think of that a new group could add to this already successful group of ladies.. I will add further information about the other groups soon
Like I said a bit on the lack side this week... bad cold and a bit of other issues is keeping me at bay somewhat. I am having a hard time focusing on things to get done.....
I know I have talked with some about my next aspiration in life to be a clown. My first clown meeting is Tuesday night. I also found this t-shirt on line while doing some other research...Like I was told before. Faith is fun !
Well... so far today a bit lethargic... looking forward to church in the morning and lunch with an old Friend that we have not seen for 10 years.
So have a great day!
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Like I said a bit on the lack side this week... bad cold and a bit of other issues is keeping me at bay somewhat. I am having a hard time focusing on things to get done.....
Well... so far today a bit lethargic... looking forward to church in the morning and lunch with an old Friend that we have not seen for 10 years.
So have a great day!
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Monday, 5 March 2012
Memories and Tears
Today it was memories and Tears as the family and friends were there for my Uncle Bill's funeral service. They did call it a Celebration of Life Service and I am happy to say that most of my tears were of Joy in remembering my Uncle. The officiant was a long time friend of his family and was so personal and joyful it made my heart joyful! There was laughter with the tears and all was good. Introducing some of my family. the top left is my Uncle Bill who is at peace now. Beside him to the right is Uncle Tom, Aunt Theresa (Bills wife) Bottom four are Uncle Harry, his wife Aunt Stella, (who is Theresa's sister) My Mom Irene, and my Dad Bob. I was glad we had this family breakfast back in November to be with them all. Some of them were missing. I actually can say I have Uncles.. Tom, Dick and Harry!
FAITH IS FUN... This is one of the things he said in his offerings of todays thoughts. I found this intriguing! I always am one to say that there should be fun in everything we do and you should bring forward that excitement to interest others in the same. He sparked me. This can so be a motto that I would follow! I often find that the people of Trinity Anglican are FUN but yet they are still so FAITHFUL. They believe and they are good at spreading that joy around and I believe it as well. I am totally hooked on each and every activity to come so I can be a part of the energy that God has given them. Hopefully and I know my purpose.... after all the Father today pointed out that Uncle Bill was an extrevert and I know I am! I think I can make him proud by helping Trinity grow!
As within all families, personal, spiritual or other it is important not to put things off. Think about it as tomorrow is another day but too many tomorrows can interupt what we should be acccomplishing today! Don't leave your ideas and visits with your loved ones or with God until its too late! I got to have this special moment because I did not put it off...
Smile Bright and God Bless!
FAITH IS FUN... This is one of the things he said in his offerings of todays thoughts. I found this intriguing! I always am one to say that there should be fun in everything we do and you should bring forward that excitement to interest others in the same. He sparked me. This can so be a motto that I would follow! I often find that the people of Trinity Anglican are FUN but yet they are still so FAITHFUL. They believe and they are good at spreading that joy around and I believe it as well. I am totally hooked on each and every activity to come so I can be a part of the energy that God has given them. Hopefully and I know my purpose.... after all the Father today pointed out that Uncle Bill was an extrevert and I know I am! I think I can make him proud by helping Trinity grow!
As within all families, personal, spiritual or other it is important not to put things off. Think about it as tomorrow is another day but too many tomorrows can interupt what we should be acccomplishing today! Don't leave your ideas and visits with your loved ones or with God until its too late! I got to have this special moment because I did not put it off...
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Friday, 2 March 2012
The fine Balance of Life
Some days you just don't know where to begin. Hopefully I am learning to begin each day with a prayer to be glad that I am still here thanking God for each day as it comes along and value it.
Where does this thought come from? This week has been a very long one just to say the least.
Church went great and it was good to be back after a couple of weeks. There has been a lot on my mind with 2 uncles who are ill and my mom who is up and down as well. A lot of concentrated prayers went their way this week as they are in my thoughts always.
I ended up in the Emergency ward on Tuesday due to women's issues...low haemoglobin... enough said... on my way to referrals and fixing it up after this 9 hour visit. Jeanette from the Church was there in the emerg and when she saw I was there she was very comforting and a great smile to behold. I really appreciated the fact that our church has a pastoral care program and that a friendly, hopeful, thoughtful time of care and prayer was given to me and to others who were there. There were many others far worse off than me as ambulance after ambulance came and I waited my turn knowing and trusting that the care they received was much needed. I always remember to tell others that these wonderful people in emergency can only work their hardest and they do so be patient.
Wednesday I rested following Dr.s orders, checked up on my mom and watched a whole raft of bad movies.
Thursday bad news reigned as my Uncle Bill passed quietly in the morning after breakfast. Thanks to God that he did not allow this wonderful person to suffer too long. My Aunt said he had a smile on his face and looked like he was sleeping. David my senior who is 81 often remarks that when it is time the good Lord will decide and take you into his care. God bless you Uncle Bill, I am sure you are in his care and you will be missed dearly.
Treasure life people, we have to take life day to day, live it fully and with care. Take the time to talk with people, help others and make your path a valuable journey to your salvation with God. In the end God has plans for us and we can assist in those plans but really will never know where the ultimate ending will be for us. All I know is God isn't through with me yet and I have a lot to learn, do and spread to work towards salvation.
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Where does this thought come from? This week has been a very long one just to say the least.
Church went great and it was good to be back after a couple of weeks. There has been a lot on my mind with 2 uncles who are ill and my mom who is up and down as well. A lot of concentrated prayers went their way this week as they are in my thoughts always.
I ended up in the Emergency ward on Tuesday due to women's issues...low haemoglobin... enough said... on my way to referrals and fixing it up after this 9 hour visit. Jeanette from the Church was there in the emerg and when she saw I was there she was very comforting and a great smile to behold. I really appreciated the fact that our church has a pastoral care program and that a friendly, hopeful, thoughtful time of care and prayer was given to me and to others who were there. There were many others far worse off than me as ambulance after ambulance came and I waited my turn knowing and trusting that the care they received was much needed. I always remember to tell others that these wonderful people in emergency can only work their hardest and they do so be patient.
Wednesday I rested following Dr.s orders, checked up on my mom and watched a whole raft of bad movies.
Thursday bad news reigned as my Uncle Bill passed quietly in the morning after breakfast. Thanks to God that he did not allow this wonderful person to suffer too long. My Aunt said he had a smile on his face and looked like he was sleeping. David my senior who is 81 often remarks that when it is time the good Lord will decide and take you into his care. God bless you Uncle Bill, I am sure you are in his care and you will be missed dearly.
Treasure life people, we have to take life day to day, live it fully and with care. Take the time to talk with people, help others and make your path a valuable journey to your salvation with God. In the end God has plans for us and we can assist in those plans but really will never know where the ultimate ending will be for us. All I know is God isn't through with me yet and I have a lot to learn, do and spread to work towards salvation.
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Monday, 20 February 2012
My body Aches but my spirt is strong!
Wow... this weekend we were in the Honeymoon Bonspeil at the Galt Country Club where we are curling this year. It was such a great weekend. This is what I love about being here instead of the bigger cities. Such good people , such good fun! (though I am sure in the city you can find it too but its easier here to find more friendly people) They raised $1500 for charities doing a draw for prizes on the weekend as well. I know why we are here in Cambridge! I definatly made new friends this weekend and am so excited about this! It makes life so much more interesting. I thank God every day that we have come back to this area and can give more and be more in this community!
My muscles will recover and my heart it is growning and full! I want it to keep on growing! Back to Church on Sunday... have to miss Pancake dinner as we are Curling on Tuesday but I hope lots go out for this event at Trinity. Lots to look forward to and now I have to start planning the CARD PARTY in April.
Thank heavens its a holiday today... off to fold clothes and plan a dinner at home finally!
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Laura
My muscles will recover and my heart it is growning and full! I want it to keep on growing! Back to Church on Sunday... have to miss Pancake dinner as we are Curling on Tuesday but I hope lots go out for this event at Trinity. Lots to look forward to and now I have to start planning the CARD PARTY in April.
Thank heavens its a holiday today... off to fold clothes and plan a dinner at home finally!
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Laura
Appreciating things a little more
Life has been just a bit on the busy side for the last couple of weeks. We had a wonderful vacation to the Dominican Republic on the Puerto Plata side. Of course we always as usual feel that one week is never long enough but it was a good week.
We Had the opportunity to be able to take a couple of day outings from the resort to see the countryside and its people. I sit back and think about those outings and know that we are truly blessed to live in the state we do here in Canada. Interesting though that most of Dominicans would smile and wave as you went by and seem to be fairly joyful with life. Its hard to tell because really unless you stay there for some time you really would not have a good read about how they feel about their life style. It is totally relevant as to what you know and grow up with. I think we all could appreciate slowing down, doing without and having less and doing more for others instead of striving for such materialistic levels in our lives. God has given us much and we need to share and spread this. We do do this at Trinity with lots of outbound activities and this makes me want to put more of my heart into this great work. Plus remember to leave tips during your all inclusive vacations. The minimum wages of these people in the resort and outside are very low and they can use a boost... whats a dollar to you?? ( Give up one takeout coffee a week or so!)
Tourism keeps an awful lot of the people stable and they rely on selling their small trinkets to the tourist and taking pride in showing their country. I get really annoyed when others visiting complain about aggressive vendors, the state of the vehicles or just because their food is not perfect and not the same as at home! . I believe that they try very hard and are aware of how important tourism to their country. One lady on the tour climbed on our small bus and in disgust exclaimed 'they call this a tour bus?! ' and right without missing a heartbeat staying positive with a smile I said YES.cheerfully ..Its a tour and its a bus... so its a tour bus.... I am not sure she like me much but she at least curbed her complaining for a while.
Our tour guide said over 95% of the population are Catholic and the other 5% are alchoholics as most of the rum produced in the Dominican stays there... resorts take a good part of that up...
Well we left our share of money there.. left school supplies at the school, rolled a cigar, rode in an open jeep up the mountians, saw a cocoa plantation, sucked on a raw cocoa bean, layed around on the beach a lot, ate too much, drank some but most of all made sure we tipped our staff well and the lovely older lady who cleaned the public ladies room in the evening who I am sure most would forget about. ( somebody looked at me like I was crazy) ( I made sure I did it in front of a lot of people... sorry God but guilt trips work well sometimes)
Next time I look at some peice of clothing made in the Dominican I will look at it a bit differently and not feel uncomfortable supporting thease people. I give a lot of thanks to God that I was able to make this trip and grow myself from the experiance....
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Laura
We Had the opportunity to be able to take a couple of day outings from the resort to see the countryside and its people. I sit back and think about those outings and know that we are truly blessed to live in the state we do here in Canada. Interesting though that most of Dominicans would smile and wave as you went by and seem to be fairly joyful with life. Its hard to tell because really unless you stay there for some time you really would not have a good read about how they feel about their life style. It is totally relevant as to what you know and grow up with. I think we all could appreciate slowing down, doing without and having less and doing more for others instead of striving for such materialistic levels in our lives. God has given us much and we need to share and spread this. We do do this at Trinity with lots of outbound activities and this makes me want to put more of my heart into this great work. Plus remember to leave tips during your all inclusive vacations. The minimum wages of these people in the resort and outside are very low and they can use a boost... whats a dollar to you?? ( Give up one takeout coffee a week or so!)
Tourism keeps an awful lot of the people stable and they rely on selling their small trinkets to the tourist and taking pride in showing their country. I get really annoyed when others visiting complain about aggressive vendors, the state of the vehicles or just because their food is not perfect and not the same as at home! . I believe that they try very hard and are aware of how important tourism to their country. One lady on the tour climbed on our small bus and in disgust exclaimed 'they call this a tour bus?! ' and right without missing a heartbeat staying positive with a smile I said YES.cheerfully ..Its a tour and its a bus... so its a tour bus.... I am not sure she like me much but she at least curbed her complaining for a while.
Our tour guide said over 95% of the population are Catholic and the other 5% are alchoholics as most of the rum produced in the Dominican stays there... resorts take a good part of that up...
Well we left our share of money there.. left school supplies at the school, rolled a cigar, rode in an open jeep up the mountians, saw a cocoa plantation, sucked on a raw cocoa bean, layed around on the beach a lot, ate too much, drank some but most of all made sure we tipped our staff well and the lovely older lady who cleaned the public ladies room in the evening who I am sure most would forget about. ( somebody looked at me like I was crazy) ( I made sure I did it in front of a lot of people... sorry God but guilt trips work well sometimes)
Next time I look at some peice of clothing made in the Dominican I will look at it a bit differently and not feel uncomfortable supporting thease people. I give a lot of thanks to God that I was able to make this trip and grow myself from the experiance....
Smile Bright and God Bless!
Laura
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Comfort Food on a cold day....
I think I am a Hobbit today. One of those Tolkien characters with bare feet, are short and always hungry that have 2nd breakfasts! Eggs before church and a good dose of oatmeal after! This is the strange things I do when Kevin is not around to be comforted! He is back home tonight thank heavens! I miss Norm and Marion and going out for breakfast after church as well. I know they are having a great time and I look forward to seeing them again in the spring!
Serving #1 There was all kinds of comfort food for today. The service was great as the first serving with Rev. Greg doing such a wonderful job as usual. Believe me we are not disappointed when you are up there! He fills our thoughts with great comfort of the kind of food for thought that Jesus is there for us and what we can believe in to make us stronger and to help us 'fish for people' to bring the word to others. Its funny sometimes the Kids part sticks with me so well... you think I may still be somewhat of a kid inside???? We do need to spread the word with our actions, thoughts and kindness and to bring others along for the wonderful ride! So far at Trinity I see so many signs of spiritual food.... actions that feed needy, support outbound causes and bring joy to our hearts as I see so much kindness on the faces of the people here.
Serving #2 The choir was fabulous today. Nice songs to sing along with at the beginning and through the service thanks guys! Love the Caribbean Hallelujahs ... such an uplift to the spirit! I feel very satisfied with raising my voice to God... (no matter how funny it sounds, my apologies to those around me)
Serving # 3 The coffee hour provides us with the food of fellowship and some to tempt the sweet tooth along with it! What a great bunch! The din in the hall was very strong today and joyful as all shared smiles and laughter over a cup of joe! I feel like there was a great participation today. My apologies again to Alice and the others doing coffee... I did wash a few dishes but I just become so overwhelmed with talking and getting to know everyone! I was very happy to meet a couple of new faces today and to share the blog and a smile with them today!
Serving # 3a MY NAME TAG! Thanks John.. I was so excited I bet you heard that Whooooo Hooooooo going on... that was me ... what can I say!
More later... time to think about some tidy up... haven't focused on much of that being stag this weekend... naughty me! Thinking about dinner, satisfying food, good talk with my hubby when he gets home as well sharing the activities of this very busy Christ filled weekend!
Hugs all.... Smile Bright and God Bless
Serving #1 There was all kinds of comfort food for today. The service was great as the first serving with Rev. Greg doing such a wonderful job as usual. Believe me we are not disappointed when you are up there! He fills our thoughts with great comfort of the kind of food for thought that Jesus is there for us and what we can believe in to make us stronger and to help us 'fish for people' to bring the word to others. Its funny sometimes the Kids part sticks with me so well... you think I may still be somewhat of a kid inside???? We do need to spread the word with our actions, thoughts and kindness and to bring others along for the wonderful ride! So far at Trinity I see so many signs of spiritual food.... actions that feed needy, support outbound causes and bring joy to our hearts as I see so much kindness on the faces of the people here.
Serving #2 The choir was fabulous today. Nice songs to sing along with at the beginning and through the service thanks guys! Love the Caribbean Hallelujahs ... such an uplift to the spirit! I feel very satisfied with raising my voice to God... (no matter how funny it sounds, my apologies to those around me)
Serving # 3 The coffee hour provides us with the food of fellowship and some to tempt the sweet tooth along with it! What a great bunch! The din in the hall was very strong today and joyful as all shared smiles and laughter over a cup of joe! I feel like there was a great participation today. My apologies again to Alice and the others doing coffee... I did wash a few dishes but I just become so overwhelmed with talking and getting to know everyone! I was very happy to meet a couple of new faces today and to share the blog and a smile with them today!
Serving # 3a MY NAME TAG! Thanks John.. I was so excited I bet you heard that Whooooo Hooooooo going on... that was me ... what can I say!
More later... time to think about some tidy up... haven't focused on much of that being stag this weekend... naughty me! Thinking about dinner, satisfying food, good talk with my hubby when he gets home as well sharing the activities of this very busy Christ filled weekend!
Hugs all.... Smile Bright and God Bless
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