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Busy, Busy, Busy - 11/25/2008 1:54:12 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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It's a beautiful day, enough snow on the ground to make it pretty, the sun is shinning and it's below freezing so it's not melting and muddy. There were four blue jays at the feeder earlier. They are so pretty but they have a terrible voice where as the little song sparrows are nothing to look at but they sing so sweetly. Most be a sermon in there someplace!!!!
Sunday went well at Candle Lake, I do love that church and the people, they are so giving and so loving. Our son Stephen came out for supper. He says he hasn't been drinking, i hope it's true. We are going to Al Anon once a week.All we can do for him is pray, he's my baby boy and we do love him so much. As someone said at Al Anon when it's your child you bleed.
Our second daughter Lori will be home next week, the new baby is her second grandchild. I miss her and will enjoy her visit.
Yesterday i got busy and cleaned out the fridge. That's one job I hate and I've been putting it off, feels good to have it done. Les and I have been working on a brochure and pledge cards for our commitment Sunday. We're going to take a licking for it, people are already complaining that with the economy falling that they can't give more. I see these same people out for coffee, meals, concerts and so on. Our overall giving at St. Christopher's is terrible, then they wonder why we can't have more ministry time. Our pastor does 60% time now, at lest she's paid for 60% but gives far more time than she is paid for. Thanks for hearing my rant of the day.
I think I'll get my table runner that I made at the class on Saturday finished. Les is curling so I have the afternoon free. Don't know what we'll have for supper - maybe salmon cakes, baked sweet potato and a veggie - there supper is planned.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Busy, Busy, Busy - 11/28/2008 10:16:19 AM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Here I am still in my jammies with so much to do! Our team does a service at the jail this afternoon and I'm on to preach. I have an idea but need to flesh it out. We've worked on a package for "commitment Sunday" all week - not many people realize the time it takes to put something together. We've (Les and I with our pastor's input) have included a brochure on the past years giving and why we give, a commitment card and a comment card. All these have to be created, printed and put in an envelope. Saturday is our church bazaar, I've made a gallon of soup, 6 dozen cookies, and Les is making buns for the bake table also made place mats for the sale table - quilted of course. Today I'm meeting with our pastor and the other two licenced Lay Pastors at noon, jail in the afternoon, tomorrow is the bazaar and Sunday is really tricky - we have church at 10 am, birthday supper for a grandson at 5 pm (in the nearest city about a 40 minute drive) and then the annual memorial service, which I'm leading, at 7:30 pm, again the 40 minute drive applies. If I wasn't so busy I'd probably be depressed so it's all good but I'm really really looking forward to a holiday in January. It will be so nice just to kick back, Les and I love road trips and this will be four days each way. We'll get to visit with our daughter and take a few side trips in an area we've never been in. We have a condo rented for a week of that time with a small kitchen. Love to eat out but we find after a few days we are sick of restaurant food so it will be good to have the option to make our meals.
Les has gone down to set up tables at the church hall for tomorrow, guess I'd better check the buns and then get myself dresses.
Happy Thanksgiving (one day late) to all my American friends.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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Glory to God! - 11/29/2008 5:58:35 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Well one more event over, we had our bazaar, cookie walk,lunch and bake sale today in the church hall. It was a success, I love seeing everyone who comes - it's a real time of fellowship for the church family and for the community.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday in Advent, we'll do a special prayer and light the first candle for hope. I'm so blessed to belong to a denomination that follows the liturgical year. Advent means coming and we celebrate three comings, the baby in the manger, Jesus coming into our hearts and we look for the second coming. Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the birth of the Christ child. It is a time, like Lent, when we examine ourselves and repent of any wrong doing. For me it's a time when, in the midst of the parties and preparation for Christmas, that I can sit quietly in the presents of God and draw close to Him. I have an Advent wreath at home that I'll put out and use for prayer and meditation on the Advent scripture readings.
I bought some turkey pies from the best turkey pie maker ever so I must go and put one in the oven for our supper.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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The Lord is my Shepherd! - 12/1/2008 11:16:52 AM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Praise God, Last night we had our "Remembrance Service", I've seen it referred to as a Blue Christmas service. It was wonderful - went very smoothly and many people were very touched. It was also "commitment Sunday" at St. Christopher's, Les and I did up a package with a brochure explaining what level of giving people were at and asking everyone to up their giving by 10%. We've had both good and negative feed back but that's okay - we feel we did what God was calling us to do and we can handle the negative views.
I don't have to take a service for two more weeks, it's nice to get a break and just sit and feed for a while. I am in charge of planning our choir Christmas party - I'm trying to get someone else to MC it. It's an informal meeting and I'd like to sit back and enjoy it. Is this wrong, am I being lazy or I'm I being humble and giving someone else the opportunity to use their gifts, I'll have to pray on it !
I've got two loads of laundry going, our five year old grandson is out for an overnight and I have to go to the Senior's club this afternoon so the day is busy but not overly busy. Christian has gone down to the church with Grandpa to do some work.
We're Grandpa and Grandma to our grandchildren and Poppa and Nana to the great grandchildren, we wanted to let our children be grandma and grandpa to their grandchildren. Our daughter flies in tomorrow night so we'll be going to Saskatoon to met her - about a two hour drive. We'll take a hotel room and drive back Wed. morning. I have a dentist appointment on Wed. for a root canal. We have a wonderful Christian dentist but I still hate going. It goes back to a less than wonderful dentist when I was a child. Please say a prayer for me.
My washer just cut out so I'll go change loads.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: The Lord is my Shepherd! - 12/5/2008 3:01:32 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Wow, I did a lot of work today. Cleaned house, even my sewing room - only because our daughter and granddaughter and baby Mason are coming out for two nights. Put up the tree (even thought Anglicans observe Advent and really don't decorate until Christma Eve traditionally) We are having an early Christmas tomorrow with the kids, grandkids and great grandbabies that live around here since we're going to another daughters for Christmas. The Advent wreath does have a prominent place and we'll light the second candle on Sunday - it's the candle for peace.
We went to a concert last night, our granddaughter Brooklyn was singing in her school choir. It was really good. One church choir was outstanding. They did a medley of carols that was wonderful.
Tomorrow this diocese (area) votes for a new Bishop, I'm a delegate for St. Christopher's so I'm really excited. The clergy and laity vote separate and there has to be 60% in both camps so the voting can go on for a while. It seems we been praying about it for a long time and it's finally going to happen.
"God keep our land glorious and free" this is a line from our national anthem. Our federal politics are in such an uproar right now, to my mind they're all acting like three year olds who aren't getting their oun way. Please pray for order to prevail.
Better get back to my cleaning.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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God can do infinitly more than we can ask or think! - 12/10/2008 11:56:22 AM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Wow!! we have a Bishop Elect, he'll be consecrated on March 6th at the Roman Catholic cathedral just because it's larger than ours and they are very generous to let us use it. The man I felt lead to vote for was elected and I think he'll be an awesome Bishop. He's a very godly man.
We've had a wonderful weekend with family. We had two family suppers, there was 13 of us on Sunday night here and then 10 of us at our granddaughter the next night. I got to sit and hold baby Scott (about three weeks old) and watch baby Mason (four months) charm everyone. Great grandchildren are so special. I'm glad I'm young enough that,God willing, I'll get to watch them grow up.
More exciting news - we get to have baby Summer (in custody of Family Services and care of her mother) with us for Christmas. My daughter ( the grandmother) is so excited. Melissa (Summer's mother) asked if she could come Christmas morning to watch Summer open her gifts, our daughter said no, she could come Christmas eve and have Christmas day with us. I hope this is the beginning of healing and reconciliation and that we can settle custody without an expensive and ugly court battle. Our grandson is not interested in a relationship with Melissa and wants Summer with him, we're trying to talk him into a shared custody arrangement. Please pray that we can do this without bitterness or harm to Summer. We will be holding Family Services accountable for the pain they've caused our family and the unfair way Tony has been treated.
My sewing room is calling and we have to go to the city this afternoon.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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Baby it's cold outside! - 12/13/2008 8:51:17 AM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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It's 7:30 am and -27 C (-18 F) with the wind chill it suppose to feel like -40 which is where the two scales meet so -40 is cold no matter what which scale you use. A good day to spend in my sewing room. I have two sets of place mats to finish and a table runner. I need on set of place mats for Monday's Seniors Christmas party and the other items by Christmas eve.
I'm at Candle Lake the 21st and the 28th and need sermons for both dates. I've got to get both Sundays taken care of before we go to our daughters for Christmas. This is our oldest child who had a birthday yesterday. She's 46 years old and was our Christmas baby when I was 19, the years have gone so fast. At 19 I couldn't imagination that we'd have five children, 14 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, I never dreamed that we'd live in Northern Saskatchewan or certainty never in my wildest dreams thought I'd pastor a church. What blessings and joy God has given me.
Our Christmas shopping is almost done, still have to wrap everything. I'm looking forward to seeing our little great granddaughter open her gifts. She's our gift from God and is so special to us all.
I can smell the coffee so I'm going to get a cup. Les is up and has taken Barney (dog) for a walk, hope they don't freeze.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Baby it's cold outside! - 12/15/2008 11:47:10 AM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Is it cold or what? the temperature with the wind chill is below -40 - why oh way do we live here? It makes us tough. It was so cold yesterday that our pastor didn't come out, she lives in the city about 35 minutes away. There's nothing that panics me like finding out at 9 pm Saturday night that I need a sermon for Sunday morning. I ignored the Scripture readings and copied and pasted teachings on Advent from past sermons, it wasn't what I would have preached on given time but a lot of people seemed to find it interesting - at lest they were very kind about it. Even with extreme weather there were over forty in church, The next two weeks I'm in Candle Lake and then we're off on holidays. This week I need to write two sermons as there will be no time Christmas week. I did a bulletin for the 21st yesterday and will email it to the girl who prints it for me.
Today is our Senior's party, roast beef supper, whice is a nice change from turkey, mind you I love both turkey and beef so I can't lose. Thursday night is the curling banquet, weight loss around here is a joke, maybe when the holidays are over!
One of our granddaughters has voluteered to stay in our house while we're away. She'll bring her baby out and stay, her husband will come out when he has days off. It will be nice to know that someone is watching things, we have friends who will check the house but that's not the same as having someone here all the time. With the extreme temperatures so many things can go wrong. So far no frozen pipes and our garage keeps the car warm enough to start easily.
Les is down at the church, last week we (friends and Les and I) painted the church office and reorganized it with new furniture. The furniture, of course, had to put together. The office looks terrific but the desk was missing parts so Les is trying again to get it together.
Son Stephen is going to the oil fields to work, he's a chef and will be gone for at lest three weeks maybe longer. We're hoping to have lunch and give him his Christmas gifts on Wednesday. We'll be gone when he gets back so it will be at lest the middle of February before we see him again.
I think I'm avoiding starting on a sermon so I'd better make myself get at it.
In His love and mine,
Today, is our senior's supper
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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Joy to the Worlld - 12/20/2008 9:07:46 AM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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It's 7:30 am, the temperature is -26 C (-15 F) - it's been cold for the last week with no let up in sight.According to the news it's cold everywhere, I guess we have an advantage - our homes are warm, our cars pulg in, and we have warm clothing. We know how to drive in snow and ice. We went to the nearest city yesterday, it was snowing and cold but we are finished shopping. We did want to buy a new chair for the living room but couldn't find anything suitable, we'll look again when we get back from holidays.
I'm ready for this Sunday, I'm preaching on Mary and her visit to Elizabeth. "My soul shall magnify the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savour"- I wonder how many would obey God like Mary and take the risks she took. I haven't really started on Dec. 28th sermon but I have today fairly free.
We are going in to our youngest daughters on Monday for a gift exchange and supper. Two of my great grandbabies will be there, they are so nice to play with and cuddle Our youngest daughter Kelly is our adopted child. We fostered her when she was two months old and she just never left. She's Cree Indian and she's been a blessing in our life. She is married and has three kids. Her husband works in the oil fields of Alberta so he's only home for five days every two weeks. They would like to move to Alberta but with the economy the way it is they're worried about his job.
Les just wandered out of the bedroom so I'll go and pour coffee.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Joy to the Worlld - 12/23/2008 7:31:30 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Still cold but clear and bright. We leave for our oldest daughters tomorrow for Christmas. It's about a two hour drive. We'll have our small great granddaughter there for Christmas - not sure why her mother is being so generous but we feel blessed.
We had a big Christmas dinner last night with children, grandchildren and greats who live around here. Two babies so I've had my fix. I hate missing the Christmas eve service here but we can't be in two places at once. The Christmas eve service is special and always crowded. There's a service of carols and scripture readings and then an Eucharist. Some people always leave before the Eucharist but I feel that just the carols and readings are an outreach to the community.
I'm pretty much ready to take the Candle Lake service on the 28th and then I'm taking a complete break from writing sermons, doing bulletins and the like. By the time we come home I know I'll be ready to start again - I really love what I do and am so grateful to God that he has called me to it.
Well must run.
In His love and mine.
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Joy to the Worlld - 12/26/2008 6:12:25 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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The Lord has come!! He is so good to us, we had a wonderful Christmas with our oldest daughter and her family. We even had our small (18 months) old great grandchild. She is incredibly cute and has a good vocabulary for such a little girl. She'd stand in front of a "village" display our daughter has up and say, "Summer, no, no, no". She know she wasn't suppose to touch and was reminding herself.
I pray that custody of Summer can be done without a ugly and expensive court battle. We'd like a shared custody with our grandson having her half the time. I think that the mother's involvement would get less and less. She is an alcoholic and I think Summer badly hinders her social life. I would really like for Melissa to get some more education, I have a lot of compassion for the girl, she's really had a tough life. God knows what is best in this situation and I'm trying to leave it in his hands.
Sunday I take the service in Candle Lake and then we're out of here - on holidays for about five weeks. Going west to Vancouver Island where our second daughter lives. Nothing to do but what ever we want to do. I'm so looking forward to it.
Must think about supper,
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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Just one more sleep! - 12/28/2008 2:53:43 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Just one more sleep and we're off on holidays, I feel like a kid who can hardly wait. Our granddaughter and her baby will be out today so we can give her instructions - living in the country is a little different from city living!
We had a wonderful, blessed service at Candle Lake this morning. My sermon was a challenge to increase and improve our prayer life in the new year. They are building unto the church and I suggested we pray that God will increase their attendance and that the Holy Spirit will move through the community bringing many to a saving knowledge of Christ. Now I have a holiday, no more bulletins or sermons until Feb. I'll be ready to get back into it by that time. I do love the people there and I love what God has called me to do.
Our pastor at the Anglican church I belong to has had a rough time. Her little daughter (age 6) has singles. She got them Christmas eve and has been hospitalized - her face is infected and there is concern for her vision. Please pray for Katie.
We're all packed and ready to go - Les likes to leave early, like 6 - 7 am. We don't push ourselves when we're on holidays and usually get a motel by 3 pm. We expect to take 4 days travel to our daughters. We'll be on the road for New Year's Eve, not that we usually do much anyway. Neither of us can make it to midnight unless we're at someone's home. This year we'll go out for a nice supper, wish each other Happy New Year and likely be in bed by 10 pm.
Laundry is finished must go and fold and pack it. I'll keep my blog up on my laptop whenever I can get the Internet.
Best wishes for a happy, healthy and blessed New Year,
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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We're here! - 1/4/2009 3:52:23 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
Status: offline
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We're at our daughters in Port Alice, B.C. It was a long tiring trip, the road conditions, through the mountains, were awful and the weather here is not nice but predicted to improve. Right now it's very windy and raining with sleet but the temperature is 2C or about 34F, a long way from the -40 F that our daughter is reporting at home.
It took a lot of prayer to get over the mountains. How anyone can look at the mountains and not see the hand work of God is beyond me. They are so awesome.
More later when I have time.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: We're here! - 1/10/2009 5:01:07 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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It's raining and raining and raining, that's par for the course here in the winter.I really don't mind the rain and I haven't had my winter coat on since we got away from the prairies. I love looking at the ocean and the mountains but I miss my friends and my churches.
I've always been able to find God in nature, even before I saved I always thanked God for the beauty He has created for us.
Les is napping, I'm wasting time playing computer games and just hanging out. We're thinking about taking another three or four day trip. It's hard staying in someone else s house for a long time even if it is family.I really wanted a holiday but I'm almost ready to get back to my normal life.
Our little great granddaughter is now home with her mom, she was with our daughter for two weeks. The agreement her mother signed with family services is up this week, we're hoping she'll sign an agreement with our grandson for joint - a custody fight will be expensive and ugly. Tony (grandson) will agree to let mom keep the Child Tax Credit so that should be an incentive to sign an agreement. I really hope this is the end of Child and Family Services involvement in the baby's life. We are going after them for the shameful way they have treated Tony. He went for the alcohol treatment they insisted on and has been officially declared NOT an alcoholic, Melissa has had no counselling and is an alcoholic, the whole thing has been so unfair and our concern is that other families are not treated in this manner. All we're asking for is apologies for lies told and a review of their policies. We'll see what happens.
Wonder if I can find something to read, guess I'll go look!
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: We're here! - 1/20/2009 1:13:37 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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As I type this I'm sitting at the dining room table at the beautiful condo we've rented for ten days. Out the window is the Pacific ocean, there is fog at the moment but it will burn off.
We had a great visit with our daughter and son in law. Lori works as a Home Care Aid and travels over a fifty mile radius on some very twisty roads - I pray that the Lord will keep her safe. Our son in law got a promotion while we were there so that was a cause for celebration.
Sunday was interesting - we were looking for a church in a small city, found one in the phone book and attended. When I looked at the bulletin the priest in charge was a friend who had served at the church we attended before we moved to the lake. We had a great visit with him and his wife.
This is such a beautiful place and I'm so glad to stay in one place for a few days. Travelling is fun but we were so ready to settle for a while. We have a full kitchen so we can fix our own meals (I love eating out but get sick of restaurant food). We have a queen sized bed that is very comfortable and a nice living room with a fire place. The grass is still green here and the ocean is beautiful. I'm not going to want to go home but I do miss both church families. I do need to prepare a sermon for Feb. 8th I've looked at the readings but haven't done any more than that. God is good and has never failed me!
Must get dressed before Les comes back from wandering the beach.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: We're here! - 1/27/2009 2:50:14 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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We're still in our little rented condo on Vancouver Island - it's windy and cool today and the waves are pounding in. It's a thrilling sight for a landlocked prairie girl!
We attended church on Sunday, the service and the sermon were great but it was a sad Sunday. The congregation is preparing to leave the National Anglican church - they can't live with the position of their Bishop any longer. The Anglican church is falling apart and I think there will come a point where there will be a show down and a lot of congregations will leave. The powers that be have choose to fight this on the grounds of same sex marriage but the real issue is the authority of Scripture. To my thinking either Scripture has authority or we may as well throw the Bible out and all believe whatever we choose. We are so blessed to belong to a very conservative diocese with a God fearing Bishop. I love the worship of the Anglican service and have always worshipped as an Anglican it breaks my heart to think of the church breaking up.
We have three more days here, then three days in Victoria and then we leave for home. It's been a great holiday but I'm starting to miss family and friends at home. I take services at Candle Lake on the first Sunday after we get home. My sermon is on prayer and the importance of drawing apart and worshipping God in solitude and quietness. God know what he was doing when he ordered a Sabbath rest. Our lives are so busy we often forget to take time to draw apart and spend time with Him.
It's our granddaughters birthday tomorrow, she'll be ten. Ten years ago Les and I had a newborn for six weeks - it was quit a shock to us. Our daughter Kelly had an infection in a surgery wound and ended up back in the hospital. Our daughter is a Cree native, adopted when she was little. When we took her back to the hospital a nurse said she'd go call Family Services, I asked her why and she replied that they'd find a foster home for the baby. I was really upset and angry and told her that there was no way they were placing the baby anywhere, we'd care for her ourselves. There is so much bigotry here, we have a large native population in the city near us. Kelly was treated very differently when I was with her in hospital then when I wasn't there. The idea that we wouldn't care for our grandchild just blow my mind. She's a beautiful little girl now, Kelly has married and Dan (her husband) has adopted Brooklyn as his own. They have two more children Erica, and Christian. They are great kids and the joy of our lives.
Most run and work on my sermon for Feb. 8th
In His love and mine.
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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We're home! - 2/4/2009 5:26:49 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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Yes, we are home, arrived about 12:30 pm. The house looks good, we had a big cleaning job when we got here. Not our granddaughters fault who was watching the house but the fault of a frozen pipe leading out to the collection tank. Used water backed up into the bathtub and toilet, nasty nasty, fortunately our son-in-law was home and his family owns "Roto Rooter". They got the pipe running again. It's such fun living in the country!
The trip home was uneventful, much better roads over the mountains than when we went over them before. It's good to be home, I missed friends, family and my churches. I go to Candle Lake on Sunday. My sermon needs more work and I need to prepare other things. Apparently Bible Study has started up again on Fridays so I'll try to get to choir practise and Bible Study this week.
Drier is beeping at me so better go rescue my clothes.
In His Love and Mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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Called to Service - 2/7/2009 12:44:25 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
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I've only been home three days and already I'm feeling stressed by the number of things, meetings, events, etc. I have lined up for next week. I've got to really pray about what I'm suppose to do, what God wants me to do. I get so stressed when I realize that I'm going to have very little free time in the next week.
I've just "acquired" two more jobs. One I know is the Lord's will for me. I've been asked to be Rector's warden for the next year. In the Anglican church that I'm part of we have a Rector's warden, a people's warden and a Vestry. The rector's wardens job is to support and help the Rector the people's warden does the same for the congregation. In fact both wardens have their finger on the pulse of the church and are considered "fair game" for complains etc. The vestry is the board that runs the physical side of the church. The rector's warden is an appointed position, appointed by the rector. The people's warden and vestry members are elected each year at the annual congregational meeting which is happening on the 15th of Feb. following the service. These meetings are "interesting". I'm sure other churches have their problems, in fact at the church I pastor someone said to me, "It's hard to believe that the people i just worshipped with are the same people at the annual meeting." I'm praying that this meeting stays pleasant, things have been going well lately so maybe it will be okay.
The other job I've taken on is speaking at the World Day of Prayer service - not really a big deal but takes time. I want more time for prayer and Bible study and to make quilts. I know that God will lead me where he wants me and I know I can do all things (that he wants me to do) through Christ...
We're off to the city today, I haven't seen my daughter, granddaughter or grandchildren since we got back so I need a fix plus we are badly in need of groceries. I've got to loss some weight!!! I put on about 8 lbs over holidays and need to lose about 40 lbs, I'm serious about it this time. I've started a pot of chili with lots of beans and little meat in my crock pot for supper - maybe I'll cook brown rice to go with it.
Better go and get ready to leave.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Called to Service - 2/21/2009 9:57:52 AM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
Status: offline
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Help we're up to our "ears " in bathroom renovations, it wouldn't be so bad but we only have one bathroom in our little cabin home. We've been thinking of redoing the bathroom for a while and were forced into action when we noticed that the toilet was leaking. What a mess, we've set up a temporary toilet (port-a-pottie) and are using the kitchen sink for hand washing etc. "This too pass away" but not soon enough for me. We have bought a nice new toilet, vanity, and floor tile - it should look when it's done.
My brother, sister and I own our family farm, we've had it rented for a number of years now. The renters just told us that they're ready to buy it for the price that we've put on it. It's good news but I'm feeling really sad about it. Our parents have been gone for a number of years now and the farm is the last link. I keep reminding myself that the memories are what I have and they can't be taken away and the land is just that land. It's just something I'm going to have to work through with God's help.
My computer is doing "funny" things so I'll continue this in a further message after I've turned my laptop off and restarted it.
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Called to Service - 2/23/2009 3:40:47 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
Status: offline
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My computer is being "friendly" again, sometimes the cursor jumps while you're typing and drives me crazy.
There are those who think I'm crazy anyway and they may be right. I've been "arguing" on some of the forums about Lent. It makes me sad that so many of the "newer" (for lack of a better word) denominations seem determine to claim that Scripture doesn't support keeping lent and therefore it is wrong and of no value. My experience is that a time of cleansing and preparation for Easter is of great value. I feel I can explain it any number of ways but they go back to the giving up of something is what it's all about. Nothing could be further from the truth. Giving something up (for me computer games) and spending that time in meditation and prayer is valuable and will help me draw closer to God. Yes, we can and should do these things all year but having a season is meaningful. Actually we have two seasons that we can use intentionally to cleanse our hearts before God - Lent and Advent. I love the liturgical year and following the life of Jesus in this manner. I have no problem with Churches that don't take this approach but for me it brings Jesus life, death and resurrection closer and more real. That's my rant for the day!!
My bathroom is still under construction, new problems keep popping up. My whole house is fill of drywall dust, Les did clean out the tub so I could have a shower this morning but the toilet is still not installed. Tomorrow we have to go to the doctor's appointments - a half hour each way and be back by noon so Les can curl, so very little work will happen tomorrow. I'm hoping Wed. it can be finish, at lest enough that we have a working toilet and sink and that I can start and clean the house. I know it's stupid but I just can't function in a mess.
I need to start and prepare a short reflection for the World Day of Prayer. Thankfully I have three weeks before I take the service at Candle Lake.
Must run and get supper started in my dirty kitchen.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Called to Service - 3/2/2009 12:05:58 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
Status: offline
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Been a while since I've written here. We're trying to get custody settled for our small great granddaughter. I get to do it because, "you don't have a job Mom/grandma and you have time." I WISH but I did go talk to a lawyer and it was interesting. It seems that our grandson is not considered the father even through his name is on the birth certificate and Summer has his last name. The lawyer also advised us to try to get the mother to sign an agreement naming our grandson as the father and setting out conditions of custody. He suggested our best route is too offer her money, in other words bribe her to sign. The mother has stated she doesn't want to go to court and our grandson says she scared stiff to go to court (we don't know why) I just wish it was over and Summer was receiving proper care and the love and care of both parents.
It's cold, cold, cold for the 2nd of March. It was -18C or 0 F this morning. It's time to warm up!!! Usually our snow starts to melt about this time of year. The long range forecast is predicting a hot summer but they're often wrong. O well I'm looking forward to going to Jamaica in April with our oldest daughter and her family.
I've got to get busy on a reflection of the world day of prayer - I kind of know where I want to go with it but need to get it down on paper. Our pastor did an excellent and challenging sermon yesterday. It is a lenten series and she challenged us to grow in our faith by committing to extra Bible reading and prayer. I hope to develop this theme for Candle Lake Community Church next time I take a service over there.
We're going to the city (about 35 minutes away) to help our youngest daughter get her house ready to sell. Her husband has been working in Alberta (about a five hour drive) and Kelly and the kids will be moving out there. It's going to be a sad day for us when they go, we've seen those kids every week sometimes 2 or 3times a week since they were born. Brooklyn is ten, Erica is 9 and Christian is 5. We'll miss them terribly.
Best get to my reflection. Bless all of you who take the time to read my ramblings.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Called to Service - 3/5/2009 4:44:58 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
Status: offline
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It's finished - my reflection that is! I couldn't get it down on paper finally this morning I cried out to God that the World Day of Prayer is tomorrow, help me please, He took me in a completely different direction and it's done. The Lord always comes through for me but sometimes he makes me wait until the last minute.
There is a storm going on outside, snow and wind, choir practise is cancelled and I'm warm and cozy in my little lakeside home. There is a beef stew bubbling on the stove. I'll make dumplings for the top - just right for a cold stormy night.
The bathroom is finished and looks wonderful or at lest much better. I love the vanity that we choose and the large mirror.
Hope the storm lets up before tomorrow, there's the World Day of Prayer in the afternoon and then we're consecrating our new Bishop tomorrow night. I get to robe and process as a Lay Minister. It will be a wonderful event - full of tradition and ceremony. All the pastors in the area have been invited to process with us and sit in the reserved setting. I hope a lot of them will come.
Barney (our dog) has just had a hair cut and a bath, he's only about half the dog he use to be. He's a cross Wheaton Terrier. His colour is different but he has all the other characteristics of that breed. He got really matted when he was at our daughters and it's impossible to get the mats out without cutting them off. We have to drug him to cut his hair so he'll be out of it for the rest of the day.
Better go stir my stew,
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Called to Service - 3/11/2009 6:37:44 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
Status: offline
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IT'S COLD, COLD,COLD - this morning it was about -32 C. (-26.6 F) This is the middle of March, we've had a really cold winter. Not many storms but just bitter cold. It's got to end soon I'm so sick of boots, heavy jackets, gloves etc. and want to go out into warm weather. We're going to Jamaica during the Easter break with our oldest daughter and her family. I can hardly wait. The fight down will be an ordeal, we travel through three airports and all night but it will be worth it.
Our Bishop has been consecrated and installed. It was a wonderful service. The procession was wonderful in itself. All kinds of bishops, archbishops, priests and laypastors and pastors from other denominations. We sang a lot of the old Anglican hymns, there was a Cree choir that were really good. All in all a great event and we thank God that we have a faithful God fearing Bishop who will keep our Diocese strong in the faith.
This Sunday is my Sunday to go to Candle Lake and take the service. The Gospel reading is Jesus cleansing the temple - John 2:13 - 22. I'm preaching on how we need to cleanse the temple of the Holy Spirit. I'm also preaching at our jail service on Friday, not sure yet what I'll preach on. I try to keep it short and leave them with something to think about.
My dear dear friend, who lead me to Jesus, has breast cancer. She asked me to meet her for lunch yesterday and told me. I'm scared for her and very worried. Of course the church will pray for her and we'll anoint her with oil as laid out in James. Please Lord we need her here! She's a cradle Christian and loves the Lord and I know he'll uphold her through this.
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things and endures all things. 1 Cor. 13:7
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Called to Service - 3/15/2009 3:38:55 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
Status: offline
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I'm sick - a stomach flu or I ate something that didn't agree with me. i was sick yesterday and still am today. I took the service at Candle Lake today but felt really rotten and didn't do as good a service as I like to do. Had to leave for the bathroom at one point in the service. One of the choir members took over and it was okay but I feel bad about it.
Les has gone curling so I'm all alone which is a good thing. Kids are coming out for supper and I'm not looking forward to it. I just want to lay down and bury my head. I've got a beef roast so I'll put that in the oven and have mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, corn for the kids, cole slaw and Kelly is bring pie and ice cream for dessert. I just feel like a lot of noise and confusion but I'll live through it.
I have a few free weeks now, no sermons to write until the end of April, a bulletin to do every week for the church here but that's not a big deal. I really hope to get into my sewing room. I want to finish a lap quilt for my dear friend with breast cancer and make a bug quilt (a quilt with bugs on it) for baby Summer who we call Summer Bug.I won't send it home with her to her mother's because things that go there never are seen again - she can have it at her Daddy's house (our grandson). I love that little girl so much!
Think I'll go lay down for a while.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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RE: Called to Service - 3/17/2009 2:31:51 PM
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PastorPatricia
Posts: 171
Joined: 8/6/2005
Status: offline
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Well my stomach finally feels better. Yesterday I got my quilt layered and now I'm quilting butterflies on it. For those who don't quilt - a quilt is three layers, a pieced top, a batting and a back the actual quilting is the sewing it together.
We're about half way through Lent! I just can't seem to get myself motivated to do anything either physical or spiritual, don't know what's wrong with me - no energy at all. Winter is becoming a real drag, still below freezing and mountains of snow. Sometimes i just want to move somewhere with a more moderate climate. I never use to mind the winters but this year it's really getting to me and we were away all of January.
This morning I messed around on the computer way to long. Finally I did get busy and put our parish list in a spreadsheet, something I've been meaning to do for a long time. We have year round parishioners, summer people, and some Lutherans that belong to a church in the nearest city but often attend St. Christopher's. We need to be able to sort them out for numerous purposes. We love them all and welcome all but it's helpful to be able to see whose who.
Les is curling - the curling season is almost over, Thursday night is the banquet - I love banquets!! This afternoon our choir is going over to the nursing home to sing St. Patrick's day Irish songs with the residents. Should be fun.
In His love and mine,
_____________________________
But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Is. 12:24
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