So today a thought came to mind..
What really does a "new year" mean? They say out with the old and in with the new, but as the years pass by this seems harder to adjust to. It seems to be a test of faith. What lies ahead? Do we keep plodding along with our daily tasks or do we seek out new adventures? Do we live with purpose?
I think this will be our challenge this year.
Life seems to be getting shorter and why not live it to the fullest!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Constant Change
After a recent phone chat with a friend from the East we were reminded that we need to update our blog more often. We will try and do better in the new year.
The Christmas season was full of activity.
Our plans to stay in Alberta for Christmas changed when we recieved word that David's daughter, Allison would be marrying her longtime beau, Erik, on Dec. 19th in Amhurst, NY. So we flew to Toronto and then drove down for the wedding. She looked beautiful and we are so thankful that we were able to share in this event in her life. The next day we headed to Burlington, ON. to enjoy a Biehn Christmas. It was so good to connect with the brothers, sister-in-laws, neices, nephews and their kids.
After that celebration we made our way to New Hamburg, ON. for a quick overnight visit where we finally got to see our godkids, can't believe they are now teenagers!!
Christmas eve we were back in Alliston, ON. at Sonya's sister's place with the entire family there. We all attended a Christmas Eve service together at Stephanie and Tom`s church and then came home to relax. Abit of a flu bug seemed to hit various members of the family so things were more low keyed than usual. Christmas day was filled with excitement as we enjoyed the children opening their gifts with enthusiasm.
Sunday the 27th we flew back to Alberta. Yes, we were 2 of the approximate 400 people who were in the security line ups at Pearson Airport...what an experience of patience! Thankfully, even though we were an hour delayed, our flight arrived back in Edmonton and the cool, crisp, freezing wind was waiting to greet us. It was back to work on Monday and the week has slowly carried on since then.
No big plans for New Years...yet.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
We are Alive
Wow...can't believe that we have been such bad bloggers!! Where has this fall gone? Even our neice (2yrs) and nephew (1yr)have been growing quickly! It has been crazy busy!!.
David has continued to work his full weeks at the Totem hardware store, and Sonya has been catching part-time hours at superstore gas bar, while keeping her school scheduale quite full. We also have been involved with many church functions. Working with one vehicle turns everyday into a planning event so as to avoid having to walk..
Here in Alberta we have had our cold snap and this week we saw the temperature fall down to -35 degrees...whew...thankfully the prairie wind remained calm or it would have been unbearable. Today we are enjoying a balmy -27 degrees. LOL.
Christmas is right around the corner and although we thought we would be staying out west our plans have changed. David's daughter, Allison and her beau Eric, are getting married in Amherst, NY on Dec. 19th so we will be arriving for that big day and then spending Christmas in Ontario with family. Then returning back to west on the 27th so time will go quickly.
If we don't get the chance to write again before Dec. 25th, we wish you all a Merry Christmas. Be safe and be blessed.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Our Actions
This was recently posted on a friends blog and we found ourselves quite struck by the impact of our actions in everyday life.
Although it is probably everywhere already, I loved the video Dave Carroll created in the aftermath of United Airlines failure to respond appropriately after “breaking his Taylor guitar.”
Watch the video, laugh as I did, and realize the power of these words, “Keep your behavior excellent in the world…that on account of your good deeds, they may glorify God.” The world is watching…just ask United (almost 3 million viewers have seen United Breaks Guitars).
For the first time in history, we have communication methods that are instant and incredibly extensive. “No one will really know…so it doesn’t matter how we respond” is not an option. At a cost of about $150, the songwriter and guitarist recorded a music video and posted it on YouTube. And then people like you and I repost it for our friends to see. Uh-oh, United, now everyone knows.
We have never lived in a vacuum, our actions have always mattered. But perhaps they were never made public as quickly as today. The actions of churches and individual disciples are constantly being observed, just as those of businesses are. It is time to let our light shine…so that the world can see our good works, and glorify our Father. What we do matters. While a Taylor guitar is a rare piece of musical craftsmanship, you and I are created in the image of God and our everyday actions must reflect His care and compassion.
Just a thought as we continue on the journey of life seeking to encourage others to experience more of Christ.
Although it is probably everywhere already, I loved the video Dave Carroll created in the aftermath of United Airlines failure to respond appropriately after “breaking his Taylor guitar.”
Watch the video, laugh as I did, and realize the power of these words, “Keep your behavior excellent in the world…that on account of your good deeds, they may glorify God.” The world is watching…just ask United (almost 3 million viewers have seen United Breaks Guitars).
For the first time in history, we have communication methods that are instant and incredibly extensive. “No one will really know…so it doesn’t matter how we respond” is not an option. At a cost of about $150, the songwriter and guitarist recorded a music video and posted it on YouTube. And then people like you and I repost it for our friends to see. Uh-oh, United, now everyone knows.
We have never lived in a vacuum, our actions have always mattered. But perhaps they were never made public as quickly as today. The actions of churches and individual disciples are constantly being observed, just as those of businesses are. It is time to let our light shine…so that the world can see our good works, and glorify our Father. What we do matters. While a Taylor guitar is a rare piece of musical craftsmanship, you and I are created in the image of God and our everyday actions must reflect His care and compassion.
Just a thought as we continue on the journey of life seeking to encourage others to experience more of Christ.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Waiting Waiting
Has anyone else ever experienced the test of one's patience while waiting for a repair peron to show up? I feel like today has been the longest day of waiting.
Soon our internet will be working much better...that is if someone ever shows up.
Ok, enough of the rant.
Today I heard about my dream job. You know how much I enjoyed caring for the 3 kiddos this past summer. Well there is another nanny job opening. The commute again would be a distance but it would be worth it, and David said it would be ok with him as long as he could come down and golf...LOL. Donna in North Carolina is looking.
www.donnadowney.com
Hey now a girl can dream!! You just never know what those dreams will lead to.
Soon our internet will be working much better...that is if someone ever shows up.
Ok, enough of the rant.
Today I heard about my dream job. You know how much I enjoyed caring for the 3 kiddos this past summer. Well there is another nanny job opening. The commute again would be a distance but it would be worth it, and David said it would be ok with him as long as he could come down and golf...LOL. Donna in North Carolina is looking.
www.donnadowney.com
Hey now a girl can dream!! You just never know what those dreams will lead to.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Adjustments of Life
As we prepare to head into the fall we have been thinking about what this new season will look like.
Our student from Hong Kong, Brian, has arrived and been with us for about a week. It was fun meeting his Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, Grandfather, Father and Mother. Brian's English is quite good, actually better than we had expected so that has helped in the transition. He will be starting high school on the 31st and his mother is planning to stay for a few more days until she is certain that he is settled. It is going to be a fun year having him here with us. One of the girls, who will live downstairs has also arrived just today and then the other we will pick up at the airport on the 31st. Soon everyone will be in the settling mode.
Our house is looking more in order and cozy. Trying to set up a work space for scrapbooking is still on the "to do" list and we are planning to do abit more painting and yardwork. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished.
The next adjustment will be the second week of Sept. when things get going at the college again. Sonya plans to take 3 courses this fall. The reading and writing paper assignments will soon commence and we will head into fall full swing.
Our student from Hong Kong, Brian, has arrived and been with us for about a week. It was fun meeting his Aunt, Uncle, Cousin, Grandfather, Father and Mother. Brian's English is quite good, actually better than we had expected so that has helped in the transition. He will be starting high school on the 31st and his mother is planning to stay for a few more days until she is certain that he is settled. It is going to be a fun year having him here with us. One of the girls, who will live downstairs has also arrived just today and then the other we will pick up at the airport on the 31st. Soon everyone will be in the settling mode.
Our house is looking more in order and cozy. Trying to set up a work space for scrapbooking is still on the "to do" list and we are planning to do abit more painting and yardwork. There never seems to be enough hours in the day to get everything accomplished.
The next adjustment will be the second week of Sept. when things get going at the college again. Sonya plans to take 3 courses this fall. The reading and writing paper assignments will soon commence and we will head into fall full swing.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Random Thoughts
OK, ok, we will admit we have been terrible bloggers this summer but hopefully things will change once we get into our fall routine,
Since I got back to Alberta it's been full push ahead trying to get our new little house in order. We plan to have 3 students living with us this fall. 2 girls will be downstairs in the basement suite and 1 young man from Hong Kong will be living upstairs with us. We have always enjoyed hanging out with young adults so we are really looking forward to it. However before they arrive there seems to be a pile of boxes to go through and organize and we are in the midst of a bathroom reno. (No pressure here...yikes) With determination we will be ready.
David has really enjoyed his first year at Totem building supplies. It's hard to believe but yes, we have now been in Camrose for a full year. He survived the storm that hit Big Valley Jamboree. There was quite abit of damage in our whole community but it was a real amazing thing that not more people were killed. There has been alot of support for the family of Donna Moore who was killed.
Soon school will be starting. I'm abit mixed in my emotions about school again this year. I guess as an adult you know that there is life after school and I so want to be just living that life...but I know I have to finish this course. Maybe when I'm not studying there will be time for scrapbooking again?! As I've been unpacking my supplies I am feeling a creative urge coming on.
Well, thats it for now. David and I celebrated 13 yrs this week. We will try and post again soon.
Since I got back to Alberta it's been full push ahead trying to get our new little house in order. We plan to have 3 students living with us this fall. 2 girls will be downstairs in the basement suite and 1 young man from Hong Kong will be living upstairs with us. We have always enjoyed hanging out with young adults so we are really looking forward to it. However before they arrive there seems to be a pile of boxes to go through and organize and we are in the midst of a bathroom reno. (No pressure here...yikes) With determination we will be ready.
David has really enjoyed his first year at Totem building supplies. It's hard to believe but yes, we have now been in Camrose for a full year. He survived the storm that hit Big Valley Jamboree. There was quite abit of damage in our whole community but it was a real amazing thing that not more people were killed. There has been alot of support for the family of Donna Moore who was killed.
Soon school will be starting. I'm abit mixed in my emotions about school again this year. I guess as an adult you know that there is life after school and I so want to be just living that life...but I know I have to finish this course. Maybe when I'm not studying there will be time for scrapbooking again?! As I've been unpacking my supplies I am feeling a creative urge coming on.
Well, thats it for now. David and I celebrated 13 yrs this week. We will try and post again soon.
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