Thursday, August 30, 2007

Uncharted Territory

It's been SO long since I've written a post. I've really lost touch with the blogging world in many ways. Right now as I type, I am listening to one of my many new favorites for music:

Today
(Brian Doerksen)

Today I choose to follow you
Today I choose to give my'yes' to you
Today I choose to hear your voice and live
Today I choose to follow you

As for me and my house
we will serve you
as for me and my house
we will spend our lives on you

Wonderful counseler , Everlasting Fa-ther E-ternal King ,
Lord of hosts willingly we fol- low

Life has been extremely hectic for our family this past while. And life as we've ever known it in this humble abode and city, has changed this fall. Yesterday marked a brand new chapter in our family's life...all three kids entered the school doors. So now begins the learning of what life was like for me before homeschooling came about. Noted though, I don't think I will completely remember that, because His plan is for me to chart a new course in this chapter. Regressing to the past wouldn't really be a hugely great plan...it would underplay all the life learning which has went on between then and now. It's also the beginning of a new ministry year and that brings chaos in itself. Then there's the future to look towards...to search out what His call might be for our family and each of us individually as well.
I have been beginning each day with the words from Brian Doerksen's song and also from Chris Tomlin...

Forever
(Chris Tomlin)

Give thanks to the Lord
Our God and King
His love endures forever
For He is good, He is above all things
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
With a mighty hand
and outstretched arm
His love endures forever
For the life that's been reborn
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever

From the rising to the setting sun
His love endures forever
By the grace of God
We will carry on
His love endures forever
Sing praise, sing praise
Sing praise, sing praise
Yeah
Forever God is faithful
Forever God is strong
Forever God is with us
Forever
Forever

He's such a loving and faithful God, even when we might not be so faithful to Him. Life's good...stressful sometimes, feels like we're charting unmarked territory at times and simply learning to adapt to what's around each corner. Yeah...signing off for another unknown chunk of time.


Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Lake Michigan

On our second day travelling back, we drove along the shore of Lake Michigan at more than one point. We ended up having lunch at a spot where the town is right on the shore. It was a cool spot to stop...after lunch, we took a walk along the beach and then a man made path, until we made it to a light house.

It was an awesome view and really peaceful as well.



Here was the view of the lighthouse as we began our trek from the picnic spot. The waves were rolling in, as it had been raining up to that point.

The trees were the spot where we started our walk from. This was the beach we walked along. It was the neatest sand...some was soft, but as soon as you got closer to the water, it was hard, or so it appeared. All of sudden, the sand would crack and you would begin to sink. The kids thought that was pretty cool.

Here was a picture of the lighthouse, taken as we were beginning our walk down the man made path towards it.

There would be my brood walking down the path, exploring all the huge rocks on each side and marvelling at the power of the waves crashing in.

Here's the lighthouse as we finally got to it.

The kids posing for a picture on the lighthouse...right beside the warning sign about loud signals sounding.

The rock path, which lead back to the walking path to go towards the picnic area.

Friday, August 03, 2007

My Reading Log



These are two of my must reads before the summer is over, along with some pretty good fiction reads from Francine Rivers and Lori Wick. Then for the fall, I would like to read some C.S. Lewis and whatever else might fall at my feet.

I made a very interesting observation before I left on holidays. I couldn't remember the last time I read an entire book, let alone even allowed myself a little time to read. Another observation was that it wasn't all because of lack of time, but that I couldn't hold my concentration at all when reading. This was an extremely hard observation to make, as reading is one of my staples, right along with listening to music and writing. It helps to ground me, grow me and take me away from everything for a brief reprieve.

So, one of the decisions I made as we left for holidays, was that I would deliberately make time for me to read, write, listen music and also to simply just be quiet. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know that this might be the key to take a lot away and make me a better woman to my family and friends.

Just one of many observations and promptings experienced throughout the past while.

Paths


But I'll take the hand of those who don't know the way, who can't see where they're going. I'll be a personal guide to them, directing them through unknown country. I'll be right there to show them what roads to take, make sure they don't fall into the ditch. These are the things I'll be doing for them—sticking with them, not leaving them for a minute.
~ Isaiah 42:16 (MSG)

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Pouring Out

Well, it's taken me a while to post any pictures at all, and I'm sure it'll take a while for bits and pieces to come up. Vacation is always a good thing in my mind. It takes you away and allows you to look back in at life from the outside. I tend to see things away that I never would have saw while I was in the midst of things.

Had a time to finally just sit and read, actually read for an extended length of time. I finished two and a half books while I was away...that's unheard of in the past while for me.

I would love to say that things are calm as ever now that we're back, but that would be a blatant lie. Life with three kids, a job to work, a house and family to care for and especially in the summer...it equals hairiness for our family on a variety of levels.

Here are some pictures of Niagara Falls...the falls which are considered the Canadian falls and also the falls which are considered the American falls. There is also a picture of the CN Tower in Toronto, which we took as we drove by...we opted out of actually going up the tower when we saw the cost...took the kids to the Science Centre and the Imax for less money, so it was still an awesome day in Toronto.

Here we are posing for a family picture with the American Niagara behind us. Getting a decent picture of us all is quite rare, but we came home with quite a few this time.

Here is a picture of the Canadian falls, right at the mouth. This was such a picturesque day...I had a hay day taking pictures ;D!

We were marvelling at the colour of the water by the falls. It was a beautiful colour.


Another picture of the shores leading up to the Canadian falls, with the bridge in the distance. The Canadian/American border falls at the mid-point of the bridge.


The American Falls...I just love the way the water falls onto the rocks. They were really neat to see up close on the Maid of the Mist ride.


Here's one of the many Maid of the Mist boats beginning the trek down the waterway towards the Canadian falls. They begin by going by the American falls and giving a really awesome history of Niagara.



I took this one from the walkway above, as the Maid of the Mist drew closer to the Canadian Falls.



A zoomed in close up of the Maid of the Mist and it's occupants.



The CN Tower
Well, that's all the time I have for now. We are still settling in...I've been battling headaches and fatigue. We have a long weekend coming up, so are trying to get things cleaned up, so we can enjoy some time visiting with my family when they get here.
There will be more to come at a later date...pictures and reflections about God's power and beauty.