doing the Noah-thing

Noah & Mrs. Noah, and family
One day in heaven, maybe the four of us will sit down over a great cup of coffee
Noah and his wife, Alvin and I.
Will we do those things in heaven?
I certainly hope so, because I have alto of things I want to ask people.
Like Noah for instance
I am feeling more and more, like I have a lot in common with him.
And maybe the four of us can exchange notes on "The Big Build"
Noah - you know, he built the ark.  Not just any ark, but THE ark!
The one that is talked about in the Bible.
Sometimes I tell people that we (Alvin and I) are doing the "Noah thing"

Here is what I mean.
Noah.
He must have been quite the man - a man of God
because no where do I read, in the account from the Word of God,
no where does it say that Noah puts up a fuss,
or questions God.
he is just simply O-B-E-D-I-E-N-T
and in Genesis 6:22 it says that "Noah did everything that God told him to do!" (exclamation is mine)

Noah
Did
Everything
that
God
told
him
to
do

EVERYTHING

God gave Noah the plan ~ measurements and all
God gave Noah the instructions about taking his family and also about the animals to take on board
Now, I have heard this story over and over and over
And every time I see a rainbow I remember again.
It was a favorite Sunday School story.

It was not just a normal thing to do - building an ark on DRY LAND.  And I sometimes wonder if Noah ever sighed or breathed heavily or wondered aloud "God, are you SURE you have the right person for this job?"
No doubt people asked lots of questions.
No doubt people teased him and jeered (he must have looked like a crazy person building this huge thing)
God asked him to do it - because GOD had the plan - the world had gotten so evil.  And God was sending a flood.

The plan, GOD's PLAN - was way bigger than the ark - but it included Noah, who was a man of integrity and walked with God.

I would like to ask Noah just how he felt - day in and day out - building this big thing because God told him to.
I would like to ask Noah if he just got plain tired from doing the job.
I would like to ask Noah if he would do it again, the same way.
I would like to ask Noah how he handled the on-lookers, the critics and those who perhaps doubted that he had really heard from God.
I would also like to ask him about the encouragement that he got along the way!

Obedience is costly.
And obedience is never easy.
But one thing about it - when God says something, you just have to listen.

I think that often we feel like we are doing the Noah thing for a number of reasons -

• God gave a plan or a "vision" as we call it, and entrusted it to me/us
• He called us to start something that is not a common thing - a retreat bed and breakfast?  (which is why it is ongoing to try to help people understand just what its purpose is and who it is intended for
• Alvin has been working on some aspect of the build (first the barn/shop/loft and now the house, for 2 years.  (honestly, I do not know where the time has gone because it does not seem like two years)  And he likely won't readily admit it but I will for him. he is looking forward to the end!
• Noah had the backing/support/help of his wife and family.  Alvin and I have that as well.  It was our son and daughter-in-law (Josh and Leah) who gave us the idea of selling Anola, to buy and build on Henderson.  Our kids - from the start - believed in what I heard God call me/us to, and are totally supportive of this Vision from God.

Noah - it does not say a bunch about him, but I figure he must have been quite the man!  Because - building something so big, is not for wimps.  Neither is standing up to the pressure of the public - watching, waiting, doubting, encouraging - all of it.  I know, because I stand alongside of "my" Noah, and see how, if it were not for the strength given from God - Alvin would not be able to do this huge build.  Noah - must have chipped away on it - until it was time to shut the door.  Alvin is chipping away on it too (along with the help of our boys) and will do so until it is time to "OPEN" the door.

And for now - I will continue to encourage, walk alongside, make meals for, run errands, and whatever else needs to be done until such time as we are done.  I will also look forward to that great cup of coffee in heaven - when we get to chat.  Then again, at that point - maybe I won't even want to know just how he got the job done and stayed sane!  

As God was the God of Noah - He is also our God today.  

He gives strength to those who need it, whether it is past, or present or future.

He called - we obeyed.

He gave the plan - we are building the plan.

It's not an ark, but it is a house bigger than we EVER intended to build at this age! (when we are actually closer to retirement age!)

Funny how God changes things up!

4 years - Yet I will praise you Lord

one day last summer, I was thinking about Jay.  I looked out of the cottage door,
and could see a "J" in the trees.  Alvin went and looked to see what it was and found
that this branch had made a perfect "J".   Just another kiss from God
to remind me that He knows all about us, our journey, our little Jay.
Was one of those "kisses" from God that I love getting.

Today is our little Jay Benjamin's birth day.  4 years ago today, just after 12 noon, Jay was born into this world.  He was born silently.  And our world came crashing down.  Our hearts shattered into a million pieces.  Our lives changed forever.

Sometimes the 4 years seems like 4 years since we held him.  But mostly it seems like yesterday, and when I think about it, I can vividly see/hear/and feel the grief that literally seized us.  At the time it felt like we just had to get past this hour, this night, this day.  I remember the way my eyes felt from crying so much.  I remember feeling like something had ripped my heart out of my chest.  I remember walking that dusty gravel road and weeping.

One look at his pictures (again, thank you so much Jeremy) and you can see that he was fearfully and wonderfully made - and absolutely perfect.  As Josh and Leah have had their next two sons, I can not help but wonder how much they would look alike.  They are all such beautiful children.  I think, as I look at Ev and Rogie - that they would all have looked very very much like brothers.  Imagine - three boys in one family.

Today a few people connected with us - some via email, some via facebook, some via phonecall.  Somehow, it is so meaningful to us, to know that other people remember our Jay too, even if they never met him.  It is so meaningful to us, to know that other people still grieve our loss with us.  It is so meaningful to know that people love us enough to get into our space again, and to ask the question, knowing that we may have a hard answer ... "how are you doing today".  Thank you for sharing our journey - our loss with us.  We are carried by you still.

I know that my grandson - I will see him again.  I know that Jay is having the time of his life in Heaven.  But man alive, I wish he was here with us.  I know that God is sovereign, and that He has a plan for each of us, and He had the plan for my grandson.  I don't understand it, and well, likely never will - until I get to Heaven - but I believe that God is in control.  He alone is Sovereign.
So until I get to Heaven - I will continue to miss my firstborn Grandson.  I will continue to look at his pictures and let the tears roll.  I will continue to correct people and say, "I have THREE grandsons, one in heaven and two here with us."

Jay Benjamin Klassen - absolutely beautiful - absolutely perfect - absolutely loved!
I miss you so so so terribly much.
I love you little one!
-Granny


thanks again to Jer for taking such beautiful pictures of our Sweet Jay, if you want to see them again, just click on the underlined sentence, I love to share these beautiful pictures with you.  He was so very beautiful!

completely oblivious

This morning, slightly after 8 am, I got on my bike and took a ride. Bike riding normally comes easily to most people.  I have to admit that I am just re-entering the bike riding world.  I got a sweet cruiser type of bike from my kids and husband for mother's day.  A nice baby blue one - with a basket on it.
They say bike riding is something that you never lose.  I got re-introduced to bike riding last summer, when our family all got on bikes at the cottage to go for a ride together.  Well - I promplty fell not even 5 minutes after I got on the thing!  NOT HAPPY.  But I dusted myself off, wimpered a bit at the bleeding scrapes I got, but was determined that I WOULD RIDE!!  The week later I went for another ride by myself, and after riding for about 20 minutes - I fell trying to muster energy to get up a hill.  I felt so stupid but was glad that I was alone, only to get up and once again and brush myself off.  That was when I looked behind me and noticed this older man looking at me - and asking if I was okay.  How do you say yes, for the most part - except for my pride!! lol

Anyhow, with helmut securely on, I venture out on Henderson Hwy - and actually like the feeling of the wind in my hair!

So it was this morning.  At 8 am there was hardly any traffic.  There were a few "hard core" bikers and I felt quite special that they would nod to me/smile/wave as they drove by.  I wondered what they thought seeing me on my baby blue with basket!!

I loved the quiet.  I pedalled and took in the breeze, and the singing birds.  I loved the smells of early morning, and the sight of all the daisies in the fields.  Just a little ahead of me - I noticed someone walking towards me with a dog. I was driving on the shoulder GOING the same way as the traffic and she was walking AGAINST traffic which meant that one of us had to give.  SO, being the "vehicle" I figured I would.   I pulled out far enough in advance.  I pedalled closer to her.  I went by and said hi.
Thing is she NEVER even looked up, we NEVER made eye contact, she was wearing ear plugs.  The thing I noticed even more so however was the dour look on her face.
(I just read that word this morning prior to my ride - and thought it suited her to a T!)

I drove by, and went back onto the shoulder and felt like I had just witnessed an object lesson at her expense.  I could not help but think that she missed something.  NOT THAT I AM SO IMPORTANT but my goodness, to not even look up when someone pulls around you to pass.  I get that she was walking with earphones (so she could not hear me), I get that she likely doesn't LIKE to walk but has to because she has a dog! But what I don't get is that someone does not even lift their eyes up to see!

And it was like God used this to speak to me - about the times when my own stuff blinds me to all that He wants to show me.  When my own stuff PLUGS my ears so that I don't hear Him speaking.  About the times when I just am so preoccupied with my own walk that I am missing out on everything that is moving past me!  It made me sad for her.  BUT it made me sad for those times when I am just so preoccupied with my own self that there is no room for anything else.

I don't want to be so deaf.  I don't want to be so blind.  I don't want to be so preoccupied.
I don't want to miss out on all that God has for me NOW - today - in this moment.  I really want to live life fully - to embrace it fully - and live in the moment - aware of HIS goodness, presence and grace and love around me.  I do not want to be COMPLETELY OBLIVIOUS.

O Lord, please help me to walk with an awareness of YOU in every part of my day!  This is my prayer Lord.  Amen.

dour  (dr, dour) adj. dour·er, dour·est 1. Marked by sternness or harshness; forbidding: a dour, self-sacrificing life. 2. Silently ill-humored; gloomy: the proverbially dour New England Puritan. 3. Sternly obstinate; unyielding: a dour determination.

waiting

The other day I took a picture of our Everett - our sweet little grandson who is 2 1/2.  We actually took him out to the lake with us because we were watching him while his mom, dad and baby Roger went to a wedding.  When we got to the cottage - it was rainy.  Ev really wanted to go on the boat and Poppa was working hard to try to get things done so that we could go out if it got sunny.  Ev had an afternoon nap, and woke up expecting to finally be able to go on the boat since the sun was now shining.

Unfortunately, there were a couple unexpected things - flat tire on the tractor (which pulls the boat into the Lake) and the worst thing was a battery that was not holding a charge.  SAD.  

So after Everett waited (very patiently for a little guy) Poppa told him to come and sit in the boat at least, even if we weren't going to get out into the water!  Everett was really happy with that!  He didn't seem to mind that we weren't going anywhere!

When I looked at the pictures I took and have put here - they made me smile.  

Have you ever thought about the time you spend just WAITING.

W-A-I-T-I-N-G

Let's see, looking back at just today:

I waited for the alarm clock to go off after I hit it once (securing me 7 more minutes before I had to get up out of bed.)

I waited for water to boil for Alvin's porridge (although I could not wait for the whole thing, so I had to turn the almost boiling water off and let him do it himself when he got up)

I waited at the end of our driveway for it to be clear to turn onto Henderson Hwy.

I waited for a few lights on the way to work.

I waited outside of my co-worker's house - as I was picking her up to take her to work this morning.

I waited at Tim Horton's

I waited for ...  well, you see.

We spend alot of time WAITING.

Sometimes I daydream while I wait. (at lights for instance)

Sometimes I get impatient.

Sometimes I just love people watching.

Sometimes I sing

Sometimes I look at my time, and worry that I have waited too long!

When I looked at the picture of our little grandson, it reminded me about how God has asked me/made me wait.  Not just once in my life.  Not twice.  Not even OFTEN.  He has had me waiting ALOT.

Sometimes the wait is short.  Sometimes it is like it takes forever.  Sometimes I actually forget I am waiting and just carry on with life - and then realize hey - the wait is over!!

It was like that when God entrusted me with the vision for Women refreshed at the Well back in 2000.

Yep - it was 8.5 years before He said - "get the ball rolling now"

WAITING.

WAITING.

WAITING.

Back in 2004 I had a friend who asked me why I just didn't get going - and look for a place to start the ministry in.  (No, it wasn't time)

Back in 2007 I began to feel that God was doing something and beginning to shake me up. (still wasn't time)

Then in 2008 - He said that it was the time.

In some ways - 4 years later - we are still waiting on some things - but we are seeing the progress.

Waiting is hard at times.

But when I believe that God is IN the waiting - it is usually much easier to wait patiently.

Lately, as I have been in the beginning pages of a book title Your Ears Will Hear by Steve and Evy Klassen, executive directors of The Mark Center as well as an online email devotional - I was reminded about God who sees us!!  EL ROI.  It is actually a God thing I think that within the last few days - a devotional on the same thing has come to my attention.  El Roi.  I realize today, and over my lifetime - I have come to realize that God DOES see me.  He cares about me.  He loves it when I come to Him with my praises, my thanks, my chatter, my love for him.  But the thing that I love is that HE SEES ME and loves me - quirky, messy, impatient, all of it!! He sees and loves ME.

When I am impatient in my waiting - HE is patient with me.

HE SEES ME WAITING!!

So, like our little Ev - I will carry on, doing what I can do for Him, and trying to patiently wait along this journey.  It is a journey - that is for sure!  I can wait some more - because I know at the end of the waiting - I will see where HE has been so present in my life.  And that alone makes the WAITING such an exciting part of this journey!  

Guest Post - 54 Things about Mom/Joy

This is Ashley writing on Mom's blog - I posted this on my blog, but since it's all about Mom/Joy on her birthday I thought I'd post it on her blog too. 

Enjoy:

Today is Mom's birthday! And if you follow her blog you'll know that for her kids birthdays lately she's been writing as many things about them as the age they are turning. So, Leah & I decided that this year, we'd do the same for our wonderful Mom. Right now she's enjoying a day full of surprises and things we planned to celebrate her and who she is and how much we love her.

Here are some things you may or may not know about our wonderful Mom...

54 Things about Mom

1.Mom is the best mom - to all 4 of her kids, Josh, Leah, Ashley & Michael. She loves her kids and her 'in law" kids equally!
 

2.Mom has been married to her high school sweetheart for 34 years this fall. She can still remember meeting Dad at MBCI.

3. Mom is a faithful friend. She has so many friends from all different times in her life, and she loves to catch up with them over coffee. She has had her same best friend Josie since they were teenagers.
 

4.Mom and Josie lived together in a house beside MBCI when they were only in Grade 11. This spot was a popular hangout especially for Dad and Uncle Al.
 

5. Mom loves both sets of her parents and had friendships with them. When Mom lost both of her parents in her 30's it was much too soon. She carries a lot of the same endearing qualities and characteristics as Granny and Poppa.
 

6. Mom puts others before herself. She is always willing to give a ride, buy a meal, bake for someone, give money to those in need, give up her time to help out etc.

7. Mom founded a daycare - Sugar-n-Spice and was the Director of the daycare for 25 years. While working there she worked along side many family members - Poppa co-founded & directed with her, Auntie Ruth was the assistant director, Granny & Grandma cooked in the kitchen, as did Auntie Gail. Dad and Grandpa were always there to help fix things and build things, and Uncle Rick worked in one of the rooms as a daycare worker. It was quite the family effort!
 

8. Mom left the daycare when she felt called very clearly by God to pursue a vision he had given her - to start a retreat for women. It was a hard choice to leave a career of 25 years, but Mom trusts God and followed what he was calling her too.
 

9. After leaving the daycare, God surprised Mom by opening up a calling for her to serve at McIvor church. She started helping first with reception, then was an interim Pastor of Church Ministries, and was then given a permanent position as the Pastor of Church Ministries. She served there for 7 years, and built many valuable relationships. She was effective in her areas of ministry, and was even able to preach a few times!
 

10. In 2008 Mom decided to get the ball rolling on the retreat house vision. Since then, it has taken a lot of trust in God, time and effort, finances and flexibility to work on this project!
 

11. When God gave Mom the vision for the retreat house, he gave her the specifics as well, the name - Women Refreshed at the Well; the number of bedrooms - 5, and other specifics.
 

12. Mom heard God speak audibly one day in our house in Anola. Talking about it still makes her arm hair stand on it's end!
 

13. Mom and Dad moved to Anola, into a house that Dad built when she was pregnant with Ashley. They lived there for 26 years, where they farmed and built relationships with their neighbours.
 

14. Mom loves going for walks. Her favorite places to walk were on Springfield Road in Anola, in the back 40 in Anola, and at the lake. Mom & Dad have started going for walks along Henderson now as well.
 

15. Mom relearned how to ride a bike last year, and showed her perseverance when she got right back up after a couple of falls the first time we rode bikes together at the lake last year. We got her a bike for Mother's Day this year, complete with a basket!
 

16. Mom LOVES being a granny to all 3 grandsons, and is already faithfully praying and loving on the grandbaby that's on the way!
 

17. Mom is a woman after God's heart. She loves spending time in prayer and reading her bible. She loves to learn and study under people like Beth Moore and Larry Crabb, and she is constantly seeking to know more about God.
 

18. Mom loves to sing and worship. She is not afraid to raise her hands in worship and to weep. She loves to sing!
 

19.Mom loves singing to Everett and Roger. She is known for her song "The birdies in the treetop sing their song, the angels chant their chorus all day long. The flowers in the garden blend their hue. So why  shouldn't I, why shouldn't you, praise him too!" Everett loves when Mom sings that song to him.
 

20. Mom was in a band when she was a teenager. She played the triangle! The band was called "God's Children" but they changed it to, "Some of God's Children" because they didn't want anyone assuming they thought they were the only children of God's!
 

21. Mom also plays the organ, and as a kid I (Ashley) remember her playing once and awhile on Saturdays.
 

22. Mom almost died once. When she was in the hospital with a very bad infection. Auntie Heather worked at the same hospital, and had a feeling from God that she should go visit mom. When she got here, Mom's lips were blue and she was extremely, dangerously low on Oxygen levels. Auntie Heather alerted the nurses and they were able to resolve the issue. We are so glad Auntie Heather followed that nudging!

23.Mom is the middle child - she has two older sisters, Maryann & Heather, and two younger adopted brothers, Bryan and Tim. When Mom is with her sisters, there is a lot of laughter!
 

24. Mom loves to laugh! She laughs a lot with her family and her friends. Sometimes her and Dad get going about a joke and they both end up crying since they are laughing so hard!!
 

25. Mom loves to shorten words, which we tease her for. We tease her when she says "I'm a DSR at CBS" even though that is what she is! She is a good sport with our teasing!
 

26. Mom loves her job at Canadian Blood Services. She has already made some great friends there that she loves to work with. She is a friendly face for those who come to donate.

27. Mom is a generous gift-giver. She loves to buy special things for those she loves and tends to go all out on holidays! Mom's care-packages are over the top and she loves to show up with a surprise treat or  bunch of flowers. The stockings at Christmas are the sizes of big garbage bags...seriously!

28. Traditions are very important to Mom. Every Christmas she likes to try to make rice pudding and every New Years Day she makes New Years cookies.

29. Mom is very nostalgic. She tends to keep special little things tucked away...like a tin of ginger that was her Mom's!

30. Mom LOVES the beach. She loves feeling the sand in between her toes, loves the warmth of the wind, loves the sound of the waves, and loves looking at palm trees. Vacations to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Cuba, and Thailand have been real highlights for Mom. She says that when she thinks of paradise, she thinks of tropical beaches. Mom believes that heaven will be full of palm trees!

31. Mom holds possessions loosely, figuratively and literally. We kids tease Mom about losing things (especially in her car!)...but in all honesty, it is a beautiful thing that she doesn't hold on too tightly to her possessions. She is always willing to give and to share and tends to forget if she's loaned things out.

32. Mom has a fear of deep water. She almost drowned when she was a child at Faith Bible Camp. Even though she loves the beach and likes being in the boat, you won't ever catch her water-skiing behind the boat!

33. Mom isn't afraid to try new things and isn't afraid to embrace new ideas. She is always willing to grow and be teachable. She has a very open mind and tends jump right in to new things. She's quite an  artistic, free-spirited woman!

34. Mom likes to "fly by the seat of her pants" as she puts it. She likes to improvise and think on the spot. Leaving things to the last minute doesn't seem to bother her too much. That being said, deep down  with the important stuff, she likes to "have all her ducks in a row." :)

35. Mom loves to travel, especially with her family. Last year she travelled to Alaska with Dad and some friends. She'd also love to go to Europe and Israel one day.

36. Mom spent her early years, teen years, and adult years being involved at Faith Bible Camp. Her Mom and Dad were instrumental in starting it up and running it. Mom was the secretary for the camp for a number of years.

37. Mom loves to read. She loves fiction and non-fiction. Often she has a bunch of books on the go, with lots underlined and written in the margins!

38. Mom is a writer. She writes on her blog, she journals, she wants to write an autobiography, I think she's even written some fiction stuff!

39. Mom loves to get pedicures and massages. One quality that we loves about her is that she knows how to kick back and relax.

40. Although Mom loves people, she is an introvert. She likes to have peace and quiet and needs her space sometimes.

41. Mom likes to have baths!

42. Mom used to be a cheerleader! She also used to run track and play baseball!

43. Mom is a fearless cook and welcoming host. Mom can whip up something out of nothing, bake without proper ingredients, invite people in spur of the moment, and make everyone feel happy and relaxed. Mom lives her life with such warmth; people are drawn to her because of her gentle and peaceful spirit.

44. Mom doesn't sweat the small stuff. She cares about people, not things. When she has people over, she is focused on THEM not herself.

45. Mom is a hard worker...sometimes she works a little too hard!

46. Mom is still VERY much in love with the man of her dreams. Mom loves Dad and Dad loves Mom. It is very clear to see that they are best friends.

47. Mom hates going to the dentist!

48. Mom has compassion and love for those that others would consider unlovable. When Mom was working at McIvor church she befriended a homeless man that often came to the church during the week. His name is Barry, and she would go out of her way to show him love and kindness.

49. Mom LOVES coffee! There is always a full pot of coffee on at her place.

50. Mom has a signature smell - her perfume "Karma" from Lush. 

51. Mom has had the privilege of performing the marriages of a few couples that she loves! The most recent one was for Kara, the daughter of two of Mom & Dad's best friends, Al & Janet. 

52. Heard of a new gum? Chances are Mom has it in her purse! We like to tease her about the fact that she is so quick to try the new kinds, but us kids have been known to help ourselves to a piece or 2 of that gum.. :)

53. When Mom was a kid she was helping her Mom bake, and she leaned over the bowl while the hand mixer was going. Mom had long brown hair, and her hair got caught up in the beaters, and the mixer went right up to her head. But Granny was very patient, and took the time to untangle all of Mom's hair. Mom has that same patience that Granny has!

54. Mom is so loved. By Dad, her husband of almost 34 years (in September), her 4 kids: Josh, Leah, Ashley & Michael, her grandsons: Jay, Everett, & Roger and even her grand baby on the way. :)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM! WE LOVE YOU!!

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