Christmas Family Gathering

We enjoyed the company of Scott & Brenda (and kids) on Christmas day, as they are all part of the 'Whatley' Family. Nathan read the Christmas story for us, then we took turns and passed out our gifts to the people whos name we had. There is so much to be thankful for this Christmas Season.

My Birthday Boy

The best day to squeeze in Shane's birthday celebration was December 23rd with Nathan and Tim & Kathy being gone by the 27th. What a day it was! We headed to Tim's by 8:30 A.M. to work on his place, back by 3 P.M. to give me two hours to make dinner and get everything ready for 5 P.M. We ate, had cake, and opened presents to leave by 6 P.M. for Owen Sound to see Narnia! I think that was the quickest birthday party I have ever been to!

Sights of Durham

Here are a few pictures I took around town this week. It gives you just a little glimps of what can be found in our town of 2,500 people. : )

Stampin' Up Night

FINALLY! After cancelling two times, I finally was able to have my party. : ) My friends from church, Phyllis and Hetty, came and one other student from here who goes to Clifford Community Church was there as well. We had a lot of fun and laughs! Here are a few pics.

December Update Photos

Out of the three cute little boys, can you tell which one is my wonderful husband?? : )

December 3rd Snowfall

This is what we awoke to this morning! Isn't it pretty! : ) Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....

Student Lounge Update

I continue to do little odds and ends around the student lounge. : ) The wording is with the different piano hammars, and the mug holder is the main hammar 'bar.' I left every 6th one attached for the mugs to hang on. The large contraption on the wall, holding up a window is the main holding frame for all of the hammars. When the piano tuner needs to replace a hammar, wood, or felt, they can pull this whole thing out, do the work, and put it all back in.

Winter Wonderland

Practical Side of Life

Being a woman means that I am a bit more connected with my feelings. : ) However, I think that most people when they are getting older experience what I have been experiencing lately.

A lot has happened in my life over the past 5 years. Not that hard things didn't happen before that, like a brother dying when I was 12, but kids adjust to these changes faster and easier than adults. They "roll with the punches." Well, being hit with the fact that my mother had Alzheimer’s was a devastating blow. I had seen and experienced first hand the changes to my life and the life of my family through Alzheimer’s and care giving. I would sit and shake my head thinking, "I'm too young at 29 to be experiencing this!" There is deep loss in loosing someone you really love. The mother and family that I knew changed drastically. It would never be the same. As most of you know, my mother passed away July 6th of 2004. My heart has ached for my father as he adjusted to life without being a caregiver any more, and without having a wife. What tough times those are for a person who had a wonderful, loving relationship with their spouse. Today, my father has a friend. A good Christian woman, who loves the Lord, and is involved with her church. This friendship has been a tremendous blessing. Although I am supportive in thought, it has made me miss my mom more than I have ever missed her. Relationships change with life. I can only begin to imagine the heartache of divorce for countless kids, and adults around the world. In all this I am drawn closer to the Lord and His will for my life. My life is not about me, but about glorifying God. Please pray for me as I seek to shine God's glory.

Another area I struggle with is not having children. That is a pretty big one; the biggest I've every dealt with in my life. Around the world, the general thought is that with marriage come children. In the Old Testament this was a major hardship for women of the Bible. We have a number of examples. Might I add that the Lord did give them children in the end, but in our case, who is to say that God will. There are many of us women out there who in the end, never are given children. Somehow our mind needs to turn from what we are missing out on and long for, to the benefits that God has in store for us. It is a major hurdle to overcome and I have not 'arrived.' I long to 'get over it' and move on. I'm finding that it is not that easy, but part of a long process of ups and downs, learning your boundaries and ways to reach out. I constantly have to come back to the truth. "All things work together for good to those who love God." God's love is so great for me, I need to trust that because of this great love that the pain I suffer is because of my adjustment to His good for my life. My life is not about me, but about glorifying God. Please pray for me as I seek to shine God's glory.

I'll stop there for today. Many other issues flood my mind as I live in this imperfect world. I am learning to look forward to the gracious gift of death that will bring me into the presence of my Lord and Saviour.

Our time with Mandas!

It was great to see Mandas again. Shane and I got to do some shopping all day Friday, Saturday we watched Kimmy's home schooling state championship basketball games. Her team took second place. The team had a super attitude and good sportmanship. Way to go Kimmy! Sunday we attended a missions conference where Mandas were one of the guests. The main speaker was Bruce Scott and the message for the week was titled "Discerning the Times." It was really good! We left after church to return Manda's daughter, Kristen, back to Jackson. Once in Jackson we had a super visit with Laurie Cork too! It was so nice to visit with former students again, and to hear what God is doing in their lives. What a blessing! We look forward to seeing what God has in store for their lives.