Tree

I feel like a beautiful old large tree has been chopped down from my front yard. I'm in shock I think....because I didn't ever think it wouldn't be there. I'm terrified. Even if I could plant another one, do you know how long it would take before I ever see another tree as big and beautiful? Trees like that take time. And then, how can I ever trust that the new tree won't be chopped down or taken away too?

I"m not allowing comments on this entry. No comments needed, please. I just needed to vent.

Cousins

Anneka made these two Mario themed keychains tonight as Christmas presents for her cousins Hudson and Evan in Winnipeg!

I think I'll bring this craft along to Winnipeg, as I think all the cousins would have fun doing this together!

Crafty Obsession

My girls have found a new crafting obsession. They are called Perler Beads (Or Fuze Art, or Melty Beads)

They are basically little beads, that you place on these pegboard-type templates. Then you (the parent!) iron the tops so they melt, and fuse together making a shape. You can then make them into ornaments, keychains, necklaces or even 3-D displays.

The beads are inexpensive (I bought a tub of 5000 beads, with a bunch of templates for $8.00. ( You can buy replacement beads, in any color too. This is a great craft for boys too...there are so many colors, shapes and templates.)

I actually prefer the Elmer's Brand beads and templates better, because instead of opaque coloured shapes, they have a clear peg-board, with template cards that you place behind, and simply follow the pattern.

Kids can get very creative. If you Google them, you can find artists who have taken this craft to a new level as in this "Mario Themed" picture here --------------------------->

You can print out patterns to copy from the Perler website as well. So much fun!

Waking Up

My neighbours are Muslim. I love them to pieces! We get along with them so well...it's been such a blessing moving here, and having friends live next door. Their son and Anneka are friends, and we share a trampoline, a lawn mower, and the task of caring for our large joined yard. We really love and admire them.

I am always in awe of the fact that they are called to prayer 5x a day. Now, I have my thoughts about their faith...about where Truth is, and the rest of it. But you gotta admit....Islam puts us to shame when it comes to putting aside time for God. In Islam its part of the rules. No such rule exists in Christianity...but rather an invitation.

Problem? We rarely accept this invitation to time with God. Prayer is seen as a long and boring task. Most of us aren't very good at it.

This week Jason and I were at a wonderful conference, and one of the suggestions they made was what they called "The Daily Office". Its an ancient idea really, something monks still do. It's simply this: Taking a small moment, a couple times a day...to connect with God. Doesn't have to be long. Just a connection time.

I looked at it like when you pick up the phone during your day and quickly call your spouse. You ask how things are going today...you listen to their heart for a moment, share how your day has been, say "I love you!" and then go on with your day.

Because I get so distracted during the day, I wondered just how on earth I could find time, or even remember to do this with God.

It dawned on me as the speaker was sharing. I got my phone out of my purse, and set my alarm to ring every day at 10:30, and 2:30. When my phone beeps, I simply turn off my computer monitor, push myself back from the desk, lean back, close my eyes....and 'check in' with God. One minute. Not long. If I want...I can take more time...but it's not about how long. Its about taking a breath from your day, and communing with the Father. Just being still before Him.

Corey Russell suggests that we stop a few times a day, and simply pray one prayer. "God, wake me UP!" So much of the church is asleep. Unaware. God...wake me up!

It's only been 2 days...but I'm already amazed at how refreshing its been. My very own Call to Prayer, twice a day.

A friend mentioned that she may do it too. Set her phone to ring at the same time, so that we'd be having our Call to Prayer at the same time each day. I thought that was so cool!!

I wondered if my friend in Wpg would want to join us. (Setting her clock to 9:30am, and 1:30pm so that despite the time change, we'd all be pausing at the same time) Wouldn't that be cool? A group of women, called to prayer each day....in unison. How cool would that be!!

Wanna join us?