For the record :)

Each week - we are asked about what we are doing.  So, in my spare time (this has been said “tongue in cheek”) I have decided to write a post on Things you should know about what we are doing: for those of you who still are not SURE about what it is we are building.

This idea is not mine.  It is God’s.  Back in 2000, God entrusted his plan to me.  Not sure why he picked me, but He did.  At first, I wasn’t sure I was hearing him right.  But He made that pretty obvious, pretty quickly, that I was hearing “His” plan for retreat ministry for women.

This idea has been 12 years in the making.  At the time I was working as the Director/Founder of Sugar-N-Spice Kiddie Haven Inc.  (an 80 space childcare center).  In 2001, He made it very clear that I was done there.  Clear - right down to confirming the date.  December 31, 2001 - I walked out of the daycare, locked the door, and closed an almost 21 year chapter of my life.

We incorporated as Women Refreshed at the Well, and in 2001, became a registered non-profit organization with a charitable number.  What does this mean?  This means that if you would like to donate financially to Women refreshed at the Well - then we can issue you an official receipt for income tax purposes.

We have a board of directors.  Currently the board is 8 strong.  4 are official board members and 4 are in the capacity of an advisory board.  We are looking for more board members.

In 2008, God laid an idea on the heart of my son and daughter-in-law.  To be honest, Alvin and I had tossed around this idea a bit.  Josh and Leah suggested that we sell our home in Anola, and buy land just outside the city limits and build a house with a combined living space for us and retreat ministry.

2009 - we (personally) purchased land (which is a God-story in itself) on Henderson Hwy.   That fall we hosted a “come walk and pray” event on the land.  We wanted it to be bathed in prayer prior to turning sod.  People came.  People prayed.

2010 - April - we sold our family home and 65 acres of land in Anola.  

2010 - June - Alvin began the barn/shop.  The reason we did this first was so that when we moved, we could move our stuff from the shop in Anola - right into the shop on Henderson.  

2010 - July 31 - 27 year chapter of our lives closed when Alvin and I left the place at 11 pm,  with one final load, and eyes full of tears.   We began living in temporary housing, which we are still living in today.

2010 - fall - basement dug for the house - and the build begins.  

Did we truly understand what laid ahead - the money commitment - the time commitment - the joys - the hard stuff - the physical and emotional involvement.  Little did we know.  But God did.

Why did we sell and move out of our home before our new house was even started?  Yes, you are likely wondering why - because you see, most people would not leave a home - and actually WANT to live like a gypsy if they really had a choice.  At this point, I am into this gypsy style of living - by 22 months.  What seemed like an adventure at first - has become a weird mix of comfort but also a restlessness to finally live somewhere that has actual rooms in it.

SO WHY DID WE DO IT THIS WAY?

Well - the bottom line is that we wanted to use the money from our Anola home - to build our home on Henderson.  The house - which is approximately 3400 square feet is being built  100% with our personal money.  The land, and the barn, and the house - belongs to us.  Completely.  Only by selling, did we have access to this cash.  (which is quickly coming to an end!)

The house is way bigger than anything that we ever thought we would build. God brought the architect for the project out of our circle of friends/church family.  Jerald Peters was a God-send. (There is a real God-story here too!)  However - because the details God entrusted to us included a space for 5 women to stay at any given time - we needed 5 bedrooms dedicated to retreaters.  That detail in itself adds many square feet on.  We have recently visited a brand new B&B just north of Selkirk that is 10,000.  It is absolutely beautiful - absolutely roomy - and absolutely huge.  Our space is big but thankfully not that big.  The rooms are not huge.  But they are sufficient.  There are other spaces where people can retreat to - either to be alone - or together.

What kind of women will come?

Well ... do you have a sister?

What about a mom?

Or a friend?

hmmm - do you have a wife that needs some time away to renew?  Are YOU that wife/mom/sister/grandmother/friend?

We are hoping that women - from all walks of life - all ages - all professions - students - career people - retired .... this is for women to come and retreat to.

What happens if angry husbands show up at the door for their abused wives?

It seems that in the neighborhood, someone got the wrong impression of what we are planning to do.  So we are slowly trying to dispel the rumour, calm nerves, and explain the concept!   We are not opening up a REFUGE for battered or abused women.

Granted, I believe there is a need somewhere for that.  But that is NOT what we are doing.  This is a RETREAT/B&B for women.  NOT a shelter.  Not a refuge.  Not a place for RESPITE per say.  We want to provide a place for women to come and just “be” ~ to retreat, to renew, to refresh and to refuel.  While I am a believer in Jesus Christ, women of all faiths, or women with no faith - are all welcomed.  I am hoping that regardless - you will feel warmth, caring and love in our place.  HOWEVER there WILL be some intentional times planned in our calendar that will include "christian" themed retreat times.

Maybe if I am sick sometime - I can come? 

This was the comment one person made to me on the phone.  She thought it was for a place for sick people to come and get respite. Once again ~ we are hoping that if you are sick - you will find a place that can take care of you.  If you are needing a break - a day and night away (or two) - and just want a place to unwind, and to sit and read, or walk, or perhaps even to just sleep ~ then this is for you.

How will you make ends meet?

Well - there will be a cost for your stay.  We are in the process of figuring that out now.

However - NO ONE will ever be turned away because they can’t afford it.  We will have different costs - depending on whether you stay for the day only, the day and night, etc.

We also hope that people will buy gift certificates so that you can gift a retreat day to someone.  Also, we want to establish a fund whereby people can donate specifically to help offset the cost of a retreat stay for someone.  All of this is currently being worked on.

Are Volunteers Needed?

We have already been very blessed through volunteers who have come and helped both Alvin and myself - on various things. And - there will be lots of room for volunteers to help out ~ specifically in the garden!  I love to care for people.  I love gardens.  However, I am not a huge caretaker of the greens!! (just ask my husband how our plants have to literally wilt before I realize they need water!)  A dear friend is currently working on the garden plan - but it will need gardeners to help take care of it!

What else may happen at 5839 Henderson?

There are a number of things I would love to include:

• community gardens
• memory garden
• walking paths
• a prayer shack or a little chapel in the back acreage
• a time each month for women of the community to come together for coffee and dessert
• a massage therapist on site
• a counsellor available if needed
• art space for people to be creative (art therapy)
• the loft will eventually be a usable space for meetings/sessions/showers/parties etc

Why is your business called Season's Song - how does this correspond with Women Refreshed at the Well?  Under the RM of St. Clement - we have taken out a business license under Season’s Song.  This is the name we chose as a family.  SInce the house is ours (our financial investment) we will let God work through us and it.  The main thing we will be doing (front and foremost at this point) is the retreat ministry for Women refreshed at the Well.  Our home will be the site that WRATW uses for retreats.  This likely makes no sense the way I wrote it - but it was after we got some advice - that this is the best way to operate.  

What is the hardest thing right now?

Okay - can I am being brutally honest.  The hardest thing right now is when people say “What - you aren't in the house yet?  You are still building? What is it - a three year project?" 

Yes, I have been asked that.  It was in passing - and I likely gave the person a blunt answer.  Maybe I am a little protective of my husband (not that he needs it) but the thing that IS hard some days, is when we are reminded (not that we are unaware any how) that yes, we have been building SOMETHING since June of 2010.

In less than two years, Alvin has built a 2400 square foot barn/shop with a loft and he has also built the house - which is very close to completion.

Yes, it is taking way longer than we thought.  One component of the build (something we had planned on)  changed pretty significantly right at the beginning and it had a very obvious effect on the build.  Sometimes that happens, and it is out of your/our control. 

Alvin is working every spare moment, believe me.  I am not complaining (although sometimes I do) but THIS BUILD IS OUR LIFE apart from a week away in 2010 and a week away this year.  When he is not at the firehall - then he is here.  

We are very thankful for the help along the way - both family - friends - paid - and volunteer help.  You are part of our story.

My prayer from the very beginning was that we would emerge intact, on the other end of this build.  Intact as individuals.  Intact as a family.  If you want stress ~ just add a build to your lives.  It is really not for the weak kneed or faint at heart.  Really.

Another question that we hear a lot:  When are you going to open?

Back in 2009 - I was pretty naive to think that I had a plan - I had a time line.  We were going to build beginning in 2009.  And then the house in 2010.  And we would open in 2010 - fall.  WELL .... “if you want to make God laugh - tell Him your plans!”

This has become our motto!  I really wonder how many times God thinks to himself “there she goes again - thinking she has it all down - well if only she knew”

SO WHEN will we open?  Only God knows.  All I know is that we will know when it is time.  First it has to be finished.  Then we have to finish furnishing it.  Then we have to move in.  (or move in and then finish furnishing).  AND THEN ... we will begin.

Then there is the other famous question:  Do you really think women will come?

Well.  Here are our thoughts.  Alvin and I are in agreement on this.

It reminds me of the movie “Field of Dreams” where the guy (I think it was Kevin Costner?) pulls out all the stops and makes a baseball field - a major field at that.  He keeps hearing “build it and they will come”.   The other story that I keep think of is the story of Noah.  God told him that he needed to build an ark - because it was going to rain.  So Noah worked and worked and worked.  His family helped.  People watched.  People no doubt asked him if he knew what he was doing.  Noah - are you going to need that big monstrosity?  

We have felt like Noah - in fact a couple times I referred to something as my “Noah moment”. 

We have also felt like we head “build it and they will come”.  You know - the real bottom line?  Honestly, it would have been easier to take our money from our anola home and buy ourselves a little condo and sit back and enjoy the rest of our lives.  

BUT God called us to something.  First He called me.  He entrusted ME with a plan.  Not sure why He chose me, but he did. Then He brought Alvin alongside.  Without him, nothing would be built!  God moved Alvin’s heart - and did the convincing about this project.

He called us.

We do not know if women will come/when they will come/how many will come.  BUT what we do know is that we are being obedient to the call of God on our lives pertaining to this ministry.

We do know that He (God)  gave us the vision to build a place for women to just come to - and be pampered - be loved on - be able to renew as they relax and retreat.  That is what we know.

So will women come?  WELL ... we firmly believe this is God’s project.  This is God’s vision.  And the reality is - God doesn’t do things that fail!  SO, we are trusting him on this one.  

What do we know FOR SURE?

We know that we are 54 - and as ALvin said the other day - “I have more days behind me than in front of me at this point.”  We know we are called and we want to be found faithful.  We know that sometimes, we feel like we want to go running back to the comfort of our Anola Home.  We know sometimes that we are so tired, we can barely keep our eyelids open until we hit the pillows! We know that other people would have taken their money and bought something for themselves, instead of investing it into a house that will be used MAINLY for others.

We know that sometimes when we follow God - we don’t see the whole plan until we look back at it.  We are okay with that.  One day it will look complete.  That has always been our experience.  Looking back is always 20/20.

We know that God doesn’t call us to a comfy life - or a safe life, but one where we are called to live all out - on the end - embracing fully what He calls us to - and well ...

even though we are not normally risk takers - it seems we have stepped out on a limb for Him.  And trusting HIM.

Back in 2000 I read a book by John Ortberg called “If you want to walk on water, you have to step out of the boat.”  Well, all I can say is - at this point - the boat seems a long way away - and it is only through God’s grace and mighty hand - that we are walking and trusting Him to keep us dry!

Thanks for reading.

Any questions - please comment here - or send an email to womenrefreshed@gmail.com

This will be posted on our ministry blog as well ~  www.womenrefreshed.com

sometimes

sometimes ...

• I just want life to be "normal" again  (but then I remember I can't remember what normal feels like)
• I want to be back walking in the "back 40" on Springfield Road
• I want to be able to finally say "this is my home"  PERIOD
• I want to build another "altar" ... seems there are a few things I need to celebrate/lay down for HIM
• I wish I loved being a morning person
• I wish I never had to work ... and could just while the day away with family, and friends
• I wish that our building stage would be over
• I wish that we had never built (I think it is the homelessness affecting me once in a while)  Most times I am so thankful we are building ... how else could we have followed God on this adventure
• I wish I could follow God without always asking him "WHY God"  "WHEN God"
• I wish I could take my family away to somewhere remote/exotic/peaceful and stay there for longer than a week
• I wish that there was no such thing as burn out and stress that seems to manifest itself in many that I know
• I wish that I could take the time to retreat somewhere for even a couple days ... by myself
• I wish that I didn't have to color my hair!  (grey is NOT the in thing for this girl YET)
• I wish that I could win some money!! (NO I don't buy tickets, BUT if I did, and won - I would hire someone to finish everything that needed to be done in the house so that we could move in, I would donate money to Women Refreshed at the Well so that every room was furnished now; I would buy a great espresso machine to make the finest coffees; I would take at least a day at a spa; I would  help some of the missions that do work with the homeless.)  (not necessarily in the right order)
• I wish I could finally write that book that God has been nudging me to write
• I wish I could sit down and have coffee with Beth Moore - who continues to inspire and teach me
• I wish I could cuddle my grandson Jay (actually not just sometimes but ALL the time)
• I wish I could find a bible teacher to truly "sit at the feet of" and learn
• I wish I could go to Israel (this is definitely on our bucket list)
• I wish I didn't have a fear of roller coasters/heights/or water
• I wish I could play the guitar NOW (did I ever tell you that I got one from my kids for Christmas but I seem to forget the chord I just learned the day after I learned it!
• I wish I had more faith so that I could live truly all out for Jesus
• I wish money (or lack of) didn't stop me from doing things I would love to do
• I wish I could swim, zipline, snorkel, para sail (darn fear!!)
• I wish I was funnier
• I wish that I could listen more, and talk less
• I wish that I didn't procrastinate 
• I wish that I was 2 inches taller, and 75 lbs lighter without having to work on the pounds thing
• I wish that I didn't have to re-read things to make it sink in
• I wish I could sit down by my parents and chat
• I wonder what I would have been like if I had lived when Jesus lived on earth
• ....  

Sometimes .....  I hope you get that word.  It is "sometimes" not all the time.  I think we all have things we think of, wish for, wonder about ... sometimes?

I am sure there is so much more - but at least I got all that off my chest!

30 things to celebrate about Leah on her birthday!

Well it seems that this year, I have begun a theme when blogging on my kids birthday's.  SO since today is Leah's birthday, I want to celebrate 30 things about her!


1.  Josh came home from camp, and showed us a video that was taken at FBC that summer.  We began to hear about "Leah" and after a little bit of a name game - we found out the connection.  I went to the same church as her dad, and knew her mom as well.  Small world.  Even though we were not part of the brethren church circle any more - it was amazing how God still brought someone into Josh's life that we knew a connection.


2.   I will never forget the first time I met Leah.  It was at a Thomas Clan Reunion, being held at Faith Bible Camp.  I believe the year was 1999.  She came into the motor home to visit - and we were having burgers from Lester Beach for lunch.  Not a real impressive meal that's for sure - but we got to meet her.  Although they were "just friends" I think


3.  We heard more and more about Leah.  I asked Josh if they could come and help me out at the daycare event.  Leah came.  I remember at first Leah was pretty quiet around us - perhaps trying to figure out who we were and what we were up to.  Scary family perhaps!


4.  I loved the way Ashley and Leah hit it off.  That was so important for Ashley, and for us.  When you only have 2 kids, you always pray that they will eventually have spouses that love the sibling. And Ashley and Leah are best friends.  I love that!


5.  Leah spent many weekends out in the country - in fact - we gave her Josh's old bedroom as hers.  I will never forget the night she went into Ashley's room and said she thought she heard a mouse.  Well in the morning Alvin downplayed it.  I figured she likely had - because living in the country meant there was always at least one token mouse a season!  Sure enough - when I was cleaning up behind Josh's desk - I found a garbage bag with LOTS of old Halloween candy - and well - Mr. mouse HAD been in there.  That was obvious.


6.  Leah is organized.  I often wonder if my un-organized life causes any stress!  I love how organized she is!!  


7.  Leah is a list maker.  I totally resonate with that!!  I love making lists too!  However, Leah often gets hers checked off!! So not only can she make the list - but she can fulfill the list!! (and maybe even do a great job of delagating!)


8.  Leah has such a wonderful hospitable side to her!  People will always be made to feel at home - and at ease in their place!  I love that as a mom-in-law, I also feel very welcome.  I know that is not always the way it is - and don't take that for granted.  


9.  Leah's house is her palace (as the saying goes) and she is a very good homemaker!  Leah loves to be at home.  That is very obvious in the way she is.  


10.  Leah is the No. #1 Kindergarten teacher!!  I had the opportunity to help out in her room (on three occasions) while teaching at Calvin Christian.  It was so clear that the kids loved her, and responded to her kind, gentle, loving but firm way of teaching.  It was so much fun to learn with Mrs. Klassen!


11.  Leah is a good sport!  Sometimes she has been rooked into doing things that were not exactly her thing, but she went along, participated, and had fun.  


12.  Leah loves sunglasses!!  She has a sense of style that is unique to her!! Everett loves wearing his mom's glasses.


13.  Leah loves to laugh!  Sometimes when Josh gets going, and everyone gets laughing - Leah is the one that is cracking jokes right alongside of him.  I love the sound of laughter from her.


14. Leah is a woman who loves God!  I have often witnessed Leah reading her Bible, or have had discussions around some aspect of God.  I love that she is not afraid to ask questions that strengthen and challenge her walk with God.


15.  Leah is a gift from God for my son.  From the time Josh was a baby - I prayed that God would send a woman that would love Josh, but would also love God.  This was so important.  I am so pleased that Leah is that gift to Josh, but to us too!


16.  Leah is a wonderful mother of 3 boys.  Jay lives in Heaven.  Everett and Roger live here.  Leah loves that she has 3 and that they are 3 BOYS.  And well, we love that too!


17.  Leah will celebrate their 9th anniversary this year.  She looked like a princess when she walked down the aisle toward Josh.  Their relationship is very giving and I have learned alot by watching them grow more and more in love.


18.  Leah has a good sense of style - not everyone can wear leggings and a jean skirt and rock it!  


19.  Leah loves to read!  


20.  Leah and Josh worked with the youth for a portion of time until the youth pastor was hired.  The youth respond well to Leah and Josh.  When they worked at FBC they made a good team - with Josh working the front line, and Leah working hard behind the scenes making sure everything was in order and ready to go.


21.  Leah loves tulips!


22.  Leah embraces us as "parents" and I am so thankful.  I love the conversations we can have, and even love it when the phrase starts with "Mom, what do you think about ..."   


23.  Leah loves to travel.  We have enjoyed some family travel together, and she has also travelled with her girlfriends (prior to getting married) and has also done a mission trip where she, Josh and Ashley built the cinder block septic tank for the house in the D.R.  Leah and Josh have also traveled on their own.  However, some of the most favorite times for Leah have been spent at the lake, where she grew up enjoying her summers, and where now we enjoy time together at our cottage, and also at her family's cottage.  


24. Leah has great taste and sense of design and decor.  In fact - in our new house, there are a few things that we copied from their old house.  


25.  Leah lives a very disciplined life style.  I admire and appreciate that - and wish I was more like her!


26. Leah once told me that she likes to play it more "safe" than to take a "risk"  (this came out in a discussion about paint color choices.  That being said - she loves life fully!  


27.  I will always think of when Leah was singing the song "testify to love" with full hearted enthusiasm.  She loves worship music.  Come to think of it - she loves music PERIOD.


28.  Leah is a great dancer!  Leah and Josh love to dance!  It is no wonder that little Everett loves to dance too!  He quickly makes everyone come and join him.  Dancing is such an expression of joy.


29.  Leah is contemplative!  I see this - how she thinks and rethinks things, and all the possibilities!  


30.  Leah loves her family.  The biggest smile on her face can be seen when she is with her boys and Josh.  The love oozes.  They are blessed!  


Leah on this birthday I just want to say I am so glad we get to share it with you.  You have taught me a lot through your example.  You are a wise woman - and I love you.  I am thankful that you are my daughter-in-law!  It is my prayer that this birthday year will be most wonderful for you - and that God blesses you with more than you could ask for, think of or imagine!  You dear one, are greatly loved.

Happy 30th birthday Leah!!

Love 

Mom K.

Like my Mother does (missing Mom these days)

 Last Sunday was Mother's Day and I was able to celebrate it with my kids and grandsons.  I am so thankful.  The one thing I did not do though, was to go to the cemetery where my mom is buried beside my dad, at Balsam Bay.  Nor did I go to lay flowers on my mom-in-law's grave site at Glen Eden.  I used to go to Balsam Bay all the time on Mother's Day.  However, even though I did not lay flowers on Mother's Day ... I did think of my Mom and Mom Klassen.  I in fact, had been thinking alot about my mom, as the week before marked 16 years since I last kissed my mom good-bye, as she slipped into the arms of the Almighty.

I will never forget that day, exactly the Sunday before Mother's Day would be celebrated.  As we walked out of the hospital, I will not forget the words my little brother Tim said.  "Mother's Day will never be the same again."

My mom.  If I could sum her up in a short concise manner, it would be this.  She was gentle.  She was loving.  She was one of the greatest prayer warriors in my life.  She was an encourager.  She was there for others, and often put herself last.  Not even often.  Actually ALWAYS put herself last.  She would rather send money to missionaries for a treat for them, instead of buying a new dress for herself.  She had enough.  She was the one who would apologize to the nurses when they could not find her veins!  (go figure).  She had a reputation that went before her, and has lasted after her.  I would often find my mom with her Bible open in front of her, or with her head bowed as she prayed.  My mom was not "flamboyant" in her outward exuberance.  She never honked the horn (guess where I got that from!)
She never yelled.  She often "turned the other cheek" in situations.  She went the extra mile - listened well - encouraged with a note or with a phone call (never ever got into the computer scene!) She loved to lavish the odd gift on us!!  She always bought the CASE of almonds that the kids were selling! (AND EVERYTHING ELSE).

Lately, I would love to call her up and just share our lives with her.  Although her life in heaven - she would not trade in for anything!!  I would love to tell her the stories ... share the ideas ... get her to pray.
I would just love for her to call me "sweetheart" or "honey" one more time.
I have also wondered though, what my legacy will be.  What will I be remembered for.
And it is my prayer that I will also be described in the same way, because let's face it - my mom lived a life that brought honor and glory to God, and that is my prayer for my life too!

Anyhow, shortly after Mother's Day, I heard this beautiful song!  Made me think of my mom ... and made me hope that this is what I have been, at least in part, for my kids.

entertaining angels unaware

I have come to realize that lately, my life has been flying by.  Simply flying.  Does it always seem like that?  And, why is it, the older I get, the faster it seems to fly.  I have been working less these days.  With some changes in hours - it seems that the staff with more seniority and a bigger number of guaranteed hours, are getting the shifts.  I am averaging about 1-2 shifts a week.  Which is okay (although I will be honest, the income that I make helps a little to pay our bills as we build).  The other day my son Josh said "Mom, when are you going to quit your job.  You realize that soon, Dad is going to "pass the baton" to you and you will have to go running with it."  SO I guess it is in the back of my mind - the end date of my employment.  ANYHOW ... that is not what I was planning to write about.

Life whizzing by.  These days we are getting a little more grand baby time in - and I am loving that.  Our Ev never ceases to amaze me with the things he says, or does.   How can kids be SO much like EACH of their parents!!  I just have to laugh sometimes.  Other times I get this weird deja vu feeling, as something he does takes me back to raising Josh!  SO FUNNY.

Roger, or Rogie as we affectionately call him.  (I am not usually a fan of putting IE on the back of kids names, but this sure suits our little peanut).  We thought that Everett was a good baby ... but Roger absolutely takes the prize.  The other day I helped Leah and it basically went Wake-up (smiling and talking)  Going into his room, once he sees us, he gets a big smile!!  Pick him up - change his diaper, take off his sleep sack.  Leah nurses him.  Then we burp him, and he plays for about an hour.  Then back in his sleep sack and a short cuddle and he is asleep again.  Lay him down in his crib, tuck blanket around his waist and shut door.  The whole day went like this.  What I love is that Leah KNOWS his patterns so distinctly.  And if we follow the few basic guidelines, it works like a charm!  I am so blown away by how well Leah knows the boys.  Babysitting them has always been good, because we have such good detail on what to expect.  Ev used to have a fussy time about 11 pm.  Rogie - well, he goes down at 7:30 pm and sleeps till about 5:30!

Okay ... I got sidelined again.  But I love talking about my grandbabies!! WHICH by the way - I should add, we are excited about our anticipated new arrival - our 4th grand baby - who will be born to Ashley and Michael in November!!  WOOHOO!!  They got to hear the baby's heartbeat last week! So exciting!!  Their little one, and Rogie will be in the same grade at school!  I can already just picture our little ones waiting for the bus at the end of their shared driveway (since they will both be building side by side this year and next year).

SO .... to recap - my life is whizzing by.  YES.
I often have to be reminded of that, because I can get very caught up in the moment, and can very easily get off - balance (much like an old washing machine) and sometimes can get overwhelmed, or sometimes I just get sick.  Which is the point I am at now.  I guess my resistance was down, even though I thought I felt so good - energy level at a new high since I was doing the class at the Wellness Institute and exercising 5 x a week! (and finally shedding some weight!) And then ... I think I picked up my cough from my little Everett AND the last almost week has been awful.  I actually THOUGHT it was over yesterday and today it came back with a vengeance.  (insert SAD FACE here)   I am really hoping I am not contagious any more - because I am watching the boys tomorrow - and that would not be good.  I just need to get rid of this cough.  (Oil of oregano please do your job!!)

The thing that happens with me - when my life gets whizzing a little too quickly - I am afraid that I am missing the fingerprints of God in my life!  Usually I like asking God to make me aware of where He is - and what He is showing me through out my day.  I haven't intentionally asked him that lately.  I am so thankful that He is at work regardless of whether I am too busy or not!! However, today, I had a couple of those moments when God spoke to me through something that I saw.  In fact, God really caught me off guard when I was on my way home.  I drove down Logan, crossed Main Street, and noticed that two people were in the middle of the lanes, one person was down in the middle, and the other guy ~ well I could not really figure out if he was helping her or making the situation worse.  ANYHOW she was down, not flat out, but on her bum, and not getting up very quickly.  I was a few cars back, and was taking this all in - and my thoughts were:  'oh my goodness, she is going to get hit '  'I can't believe that people are going around them as if they aren't there'  'is she hurt or is she drunk?'  'should I call 911? '  'what in the world is he doing? He looks like the drunk one.  Where is he pushing her walker?'

At this point some cars had honked.  Some cars had actually driven around her.  I was getting closer and thinking that maybe I should just park it in the middle of the street and jump out and help her up.'
And just as I got up to where they were, she pulled herself up, and grabbed onto the walker that her buddy had finally corralled and pointed in the right direction, and she walked across to the side from where she came.  That is when I noticed her face.  The sadness.  But most of all, the tears flowing down as she walked.  I waited till she was across, as did the other cars (no one else was honking at this point thankfully) and I drove off and onto the Disraeli .  And then it happened. I wept and wept.

Oh Lord, you love that woman as much as you love me.  Your heart breaks for her and her situation.  Perhaps some times we may refer to such as "the least of these" and try to figure out how to help out ...
but today, I actually think that perhaps I entertained angels unaware.

With that - I am going to sign off of this post.  I know, it rambled all over the place.  But perhaps the ending has given you some food for thought.  Maybe you have also entertained an angel unaware!
Love to hear about it.

May 1

May 1st - how does that happen.  That no sooner has the calendar turned over to a new year - and we are already in the fifth month!  Why does it seem that time flies even faster as I get older.  Does everyone experience that?

Today the rain fell, the sun shone, the rain fell again, AND the sun shone until it set in the west!
I went to work.  I went to the gym.  I went to the store.  I came home!
Alvin and I went for a nice long walk along Henderson.  It smelled so wonderful.  We saw some Canadian Geese that were sitting in a field - no doubt on some eggs.  Soon we will see fuzzy little yellow goslings walking across the road.  Almost like they are playing "chicken".

We walked.  We held hands.  We talked.
It felt good to spend time together outside - breathing the spring air.

Then we headed into the house - and I got a first hand look at some of the work that happened today.  And made some mental notes of what was needed for purchase still.
And we sat on some lawn chairs in the newly framed sun room.
Then we came in -
to make phone calls
to do dishes
and now - to just relax for a few moments before bed.

Today was not a blue day.
I am thankful.