Delightful Diversion

Posted on March 19, 2012 by sandi

Our little house resonates with the sounds of good theological conversation, the clicking of knitting needles, talk of books and food and people we love. It is also wafting with good winter cooking; bacon and eggs, Thai chicken and rice, simmering apple sauce and our new favourite; Siobhan’s homemade crackers.

Instead of the usual quietude of indulging in good literature and busy hands at the sewing machine, we are playing Ticket to Ride, hiking the Cable Bay Trail to Dodd Narrows, picnicing at the lighthouse, and catching up on the latest at Regent College. Diversions are most welcome in the final hanging-on days of winter. And are especially special when they involve my kids.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, we have visitors from Vancouver staying for a couple of days and our delight could not be more evident.

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Two Little Ones

Posted on March 17, 2012 by sandi

Last fall I received two emails within two weeks asking for prayer concerning two families who were expected a baby each. Normally that kind of news is something oh so sweet and there was that element. The bitter part of it all was that these two precious babies have a condition called anencephaly. Basically it means that the child’s skull and/or brain does not develop normally and the prognosis is death at birth or shortly thereafter. Heartbreaking.

Both families are people who know and love God. They both felt strongly that abortion was not an option so Karen and Tana have carried and are still carrying their babes until next week when they are scheduled for induced labour. Photographers, funeral directors, celebration of life plans are in place for the anticipated events, one in the Toronto area and the other in Ellensberg, Washington. Fianna and Noah’s siblings know that their little sister and brother are going to be with Jesus very soon. Imagine for just a minute what that birthing experience might look like.

Maybe you don’t pray very often or feel you don’t know how to. It’s okay. I’m only asking a very little thing. Will you pray to the Creator of all things, the Maker of babies and mommies and daddies, the all merciful God who gives strength and grace beyond what we can imagine? Will you just ask Him for a little bit of that for my friends? Thank you.

 

Posted in Faith, Family, News | 4 Comments

Thoughts on Lent

Posted on March 14, 2012 by sandi

Isn’t it annoying when you’re happily following a blog and the blogger takes a sabbatical? I am sorry if that has been your experience here.

Two weeks ago I bought a Blackberry tablet. I am no electronic whiz but my husband is and after a bit of trial and error with the ‘readers’ I settled on the Blackberry because it gave me a few more options with a minimal price bump. I like the size because it fits nicely in my MEC sling bag, keeps my calender nicely nearby as well as all my contacts, bookmarks, mail and documents. It’s a handy little tool and now I’m just a little nervous that it will become one of those things I depend on too much and can’t seem to live without. How does that happen?

On February 22, as I was preparing to give some inspirational thoughts to a gathering of friends, it suddenly occurred to me that it was Ash Wednesday, the start to the 40 day lead-in to Easter, better known as Lent. The sadness I felt over 2011’s Easter Sunday’s pathetic celebrations, for me personally, prompted me to action. Tradtionally people give up something during Lent and since I happened to be on Facebook at the time, I declared my intentions on my status and promptly signed off. Now, that might not be a big deal for you, but it was for me. I am amazed at the extra time I have to read, meditate, pray and experience the wide open spaces away from social media in my each and every day.

I thought I needed to be that connected and came to feel dependence on my daily dose of social interaction and connectedness. Guess what? I don’t. Blackberry or Facebook or laptop or Internet, I really can live without these things. I am reminded in my Lenten readings and meditation that it’s Jesus I can’t live without.

I came across this quote from Thomas a Kempis, “If we do not bear the cross of the Master, we will have to bear the cross of the world, with all its earthly goods. Which cross have you taken up? Pause and consider.”

Easter is before us once again and once again, my soul is refreshed to pause and consider.

 

 

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All in the Family

Posted on February 15, 2012 by sandi

When my husband’s side of the family gets together, which isn’t often enough (!), we laugh a lot. I’m not really sure what’s so funny in hindsight but guaranteed, something always starts it. The banter is ongoing and you have to be on your toes for the ‘come-backs’. The younger generation has learned to be quick-witted in order to keep up with the uncles and now they easily hold their own. Respect is the thread that runs through every word and there’s an unspoken rule not to cross the line. Everyone gets it – and so the boundaries are kept intact while the laughter fills in the spaces.

Of course, traditions are honoured, like the goofy gift exchange, and outdoor picnics on the beach, family vacations when there were just 11 of us, and the high place our Patriarch holds as the Bank, or so we tease. We like to eat together so we cram elbow-to-elbow around the table, passing each dish in the same direction because it’s important to keep order. Seasonal gifts are what we have come to expect from one another; a photo of the little ones in Winnipeg, a BCAA membership from the grandparents, Turtles for the in-laws, always something homemade from the Pender Island crew and enough books to cozy up to for the entire year.

Faith tradition is strong among us and although some adhere a little differntly to it than others, it’s still foundational. That means saying grace before every meal, even at the White Spot.

I have come to love this family and especially, I think, becasue of the way they love me even though I am imported. I know I stretch them with my candid openess, my affection, and the unconventional way I choose to live. They love me as I am. It makes it so I can join in the fun without fear of being ridiculed or condescended to or ignored. Nope, they are gracious and kind and the most genuine people I know. They help me laugh at myself and that’s good medicine.

Just in case any of you crazy family members read this, and you know who you are, I love you more than words could possibly convey. Thank you for being my family.

Posted in Faith, Family, Holidays | 6 Comments

Choices about Chocolate

Posted on February 8, 2012 by sandi

There are many things I would not do. I would not litter.  I would not poison my neighbour’s well, if he had one. I would not steal someone’s baby. I would not injure a person, especially a child. I would not stand idly by while a person was beaten. I would not overwork someone to the point of death. As much as I love chocolate I would not trade it for someone’s freedom.

Remorsefully, these are all things I have done. Not intentionally, for sure, but every time I use my purchasing power to buy a Hershey Bar or Toblerone I support people who do terrible things to other people and most often, children.

I watched a YouTube video this morning. I recommend it. I want it to help me make more informed choices and keep the chocolate experience thoroughly and far-reachingly sweet.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y882AajKo1s

Posted in Community, Food, Musings, News | 2 Comments

Rest for the Soul

Posted on February 5, 2012 by sandi

It’s Sunday today. In the age-old Christian tradition and around here that means a day a little less like the others with a focus on rest.

In his growing up years, my husband’s memories of Sundays recall 2 church services, morning and evening, a delicious roast beef lunch, sometimes afternoon visits with other families but more often hours spent bored to tears. That is, Sundays meant not doing the things little boys like to do; mainly running around in rambuctious play. By the time I came along, he was well out of the habit of doing little and his Sundays looked much like other days of the week. So did mine. Now that we are middle age and value a slower pace, we also see the value in setting aside one day a week that really is a little different.

When I read about Jesus’ thoughts on Sabbath, which indicate that people were not made for it rather that it was made for them, I wonder what activities are appropriate for this day. What is restful for my body and soul? I try not to make it about what I don’t do but what I do do. I go to church because I love to worship God. Being there with my church family is restful and refreshing in the same moment. Listening to my pastor encourage me in my faith is a source of great joy and rest for me. Getting outside and letting the wonder of creation fill me with gratitude and awe is restful. So is sharing a meal with loved ones. Sometimes creating is restful so I incorporate some of that in a Sunday. Singing is also restful and so I make time to sing and listen to music. Someone I know places a twisted piece of driftwood shaped together by three separate and distinct parts into one on his dining room table on Sundays to remind him of the Godhead, three in one: Father, Son and Spirit. It’s a good idea and prompted me to keep a lighted candle on a central table as a reminder of the same.

In this day and age of hurry up and go, go, go, I wonder how each of you finds rest for your soul. I pray that this day is the day you discover true rest in a peaceful and rejuvenating relationship with our Creator.

Shalom, friends.

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Waiting for Brie

Posted on February 3, 2012 by sandi

Posted in Creativity, Family, Grandparenting, Home, knitting, sewing | 3 Comments

Thoughts on Being Nana

Posted on January 31, 2012 by sandi

Being a Nana has opened up a floodgate of conversation within a realm to which I am a newcomer. I thought people would be surprised that I have a grandchild since I look so young (apparently another of my illusions). Alas, they nod and smile and say something like, “isn’t it the best thing, EVER?” And it is.

During one of those dialogues last week, a friend told me he never says ‘no’ to his grandchildren. They want chocolate? Yes. They want TV? Yes. They want this and that and everything in between? Yes.

I asked my daughter today, who is restricting computer exposure for her 13 month old because it makes our little one techno-crazy, if she wants us to say no to computers too. I want to respect my daughter as a parent and she also respects and understands the softer role of a grandparent so we work through things because we want to be supportive of one another and do the best for our baby.

Sometimes that means saying no to Gabrielle. As always, it’s hard on the no-sayer, moreso than on the child, even when I was a parent. I remember deciding long ago in the thick of things that consistency, reason, and loving boundaries were important in providing our children with a sense security and trust. A child who has little experience with loving discipline can become an adult who struggles with self-discipline. And the battle is hard enough without coming into it completely green.

Boy, am I thankful I am no longer the primary source of discipline in my kids’ lives and I certainly don’t intend to take on that role in my grandkids lives – ever. I will, however, applaud and support our kids’ parenting by cooperation – in my soft (and youthful) Nana way.

 

Posted in Aging, Family, Grandparenting, Musings | 1 Comment

Just for Fun

Posted on January 27, 2012 by sandi

I wish I understood poetry. Sadly, the meaning of most soars right over my wee head. So, I write poetry because at least I can understand my own. Let’s see if you can.

My Gig

My hide is pink; I know I stink.

I am a pig, and that’s my gig.

 

Or how about this one?

The Lowly Slug

It rained at dawning hour, upon my summer flowers.

Kissing marigolds; a temperate sunrise shower.

But what there?

Upon emerging buds?

A slug!

A box of salt in one hand, a glove upon the other,

All mercy for the flower, the pest will not recover.

You may ask what’s fair, concerning bugs,

Especially a slug.

I acquiesce in memory, with respect; for dignity.

If I must, a eulogy…

For the lowly slug.

Ugh!

 

And here’s my final attempt:

Two Bees

A humble, bumble, tumbled down

A saucy, mossy slope.

Followed by another bee

Intent upon elope.

A wing, a sting, a tousled thing,

A soggy, boggy landing.

Now comes along the other one,

Upon his knee, is standing.

A ring in hand, his gestures grand,

Entreating, oh so sweetly.

Her slightest nod, there on the sod,

He kisses her completely.

Two fuzzy, wuzzy, buzzy, bees,

Fly high a’honeymooning.

What do I see, atop the tree?

Two chick-a-dees a’swooning.

 

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Turning Point

Posted on January 23, 2012 by sandi

35 years ago today was a Sunday. The weather was much like now; rainy, cold, blowing. I slept in, wrote in my journal, didn’t have breakfast or lunch and spent the afternoon at my friend, Sharon’s house. At 6:00 p.m., in her parents’ borrowed orange VW bug, we drove along Boundary Avenue, turned right onto the highway, left onto Estevan and into a large parking lot. We entered an institutional-type building with a wide foyer, red carpet, and high ceilings, then through double swinging door into an auditorium. Friends waved Sharon and me over to sit with them. I didn’t really know anyone.

Over the course of the next hour, while sitting in my red plush seat amongst 20 or so teenagers and 350 others, I listened to a woman speak from behind a podium about a person who lived a long time ago. Her words were ordinary but their meaning was anything but.

That evening I stood up, alone, in front of all those strangers and declared my intention to surrender my life to Jesus Christ.

In the weeks that followed I was assured that I was in a phase, something new that would prove to be false and I ought not to bet my hopes in. My friends did not understand why I no longer had interest in partying. I’m sure there were many who hoped I would forget the entire thing and get back to my old self.

Here I am, 35 years later and by the grace of God, still daily surrendering my life to Jesus. Turns out, it’s no phase.

Gloria in excelsis Deo.

Posted in Aging, Faith, Musings, Travel | 3 Comments