Something I'd like to share with you...

I was reading Rev's blog today and saw a post from Dec 14 that I'd like to share with you. Click here. You may have seen this before but it's worth another read.

Winter Wonderland

We have received a lot of snow over the last 24 hours. Even though the roads are bad and people are complaining about all of the snow...you really should step back and look at the beauty. Seasons are wonderful and living in Canada we get to experience all the different seasons. I find winter time quite beautiful when the fresh snow lays on the tree branches and the sun glistens off the white snow. A December snow fall like this tends to put me in the Christmas spirit.

Great Friends and a Great Riding Season!

I haven't blogged in a few days because I really didn't know what to blog about. This week has been quiet and fairly uneventful. One thing that did happen was I put my bike away for the winter. A few friends from church came over Wednesday night and helped me get it ready. We took my mileage for the mileage competition at church and for my first season riding I completed 2888 kms. Not bad for a first year.

This was a great riding season. I had so much fun and learned a lot. My first long trip was to Alexandria with a couple of friends, Chico and Debbie and my husband, Ken and on that day we did about 320 km. We went to the St. Raphaels Ruins in Glengarry. If you've never been, it's a great ride and a beautiful church to see. Throughout the season I went on some smaller rides and made a trip to Kingston to visit family. One ride in particular I remember is with my friend Bob. We went on a fall colour ride toward the end of September. We rode through Richmond and North Gower and Manotick. The colours were beautiful! All in all it was a wonderful season. I look forward to next season. We are already planning a trip to P.E.I and the Cabot Trail Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia!

I'm grateful today for my friends. They are always willing to offer a helping hand and of course, are always up for a ride.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 (New International Version)
9 Two are better than one,

because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,

his friend can help him up.

But pity the man who falls

and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together,

they will keep warm.

But how can one keep warm alone?

Update on Mindy

We found out on Friday that our cat Mindy has a tumor in her stomach. Her symptoms and the blood count point to cancer. The x-rays showed a large mass in her stomach and two shadowed areas where there could be more tumors. The vet said she could possibly have Feline Leukemia. We could do more tests even surgery but ultimately there is not much we can do to cure her. She is an old cat (10+ years). We have decided that we will need to put her down. At the moment she is on medication to help with the vomiting and to make her comfortable and able to eat and keep food down. Since being on the medication Friday night she has kept her food down and seems in less distress. This is difficult for us because Mindy is part of the family. It will be a very sad day when we have to say good bye to her.

Feline Leukemia is a virus. See the link for more information. Also, more info on the Gastrointestinal Neoplasia (Cancer).

A Poem for Ken

Early in my relationship with Ken I sat down and wrote a poem for him. I remember the day in our Kingston home on Victoria Street. I was inspired to write and I curled up in a chair in our living room and started writing. That was almost 15 years ago now and he still keeps a copy in his wallet. I coupled the poem with a photo his mother took and framed it for him as a gift for our anniversary. I love how it turned out and so did he. The poem sits on his dresser with a picture of the two of us.

The Unconditional Love of a Pet

I have two babies, Mindy our cat and Faith our dog. We’ve had Mindy for just over eight years and she pretty much runs the house. Your typical cat – personality and attitude all wrapped up into one sassy package. She’s beautiful with her blue eyes and creamy brown fur. Mindy is not well these days and I have to take her to the vet today…second time this week. The vet said she may have mild diabetes or she may be suffering from something more serious. He found a large mass in her stomach and x-rays today will help to determine what it is. Her white cell count is down which is not good news.

It’s amazing how our pets know when we need a cuddle or “comforting” from them in some way. Those of you that have pets will know what I’m talking about. They have an unconditional love that I’ve not experienced from any human being. I believe that they can be filled with the Holy Spirit and can bring us God’s love. Just one of the many ways God lets us know that He is with us and watching over us. This brings me to Faith, my little bundle of joy and energy. She came to me during a difficult time in my life from my friend Carrie. I was inspired to name her Faith to remind me to constantly have Faith that things would work out. I was driving home from work one day and I was praying about my situation and I asked the Lord to help me with this new little puppy. My husband and I were separating and I had so much on my plate, I wasn’t sure if I could handle taking care of a 6 month old puppy. In my conversation with Him I said she didn’t have a name yet and I was struggling with what to call her. Faith immediately came to mind and the reason why and it fit perfectly. From that point on she was Faith. She has brought me such joy over the last year and half. When times were tough and stressful all I had to do is look at her and I was reminded to keep the Faith. Now I enjoying her playfulness and she makes me laugh. She truly is a God sent and a blessing.

Last night at church Rev started a new series on Christmas and asked a question at the end: ‘how does God show us that he cares?’ I believe that blessing us with these animals is one way. The unconditional love that they give us and the healing power that has been shown to exist when people with illness can be around an animal is amazing. God shows us in many ways that he cares; this is just one of them. Lo-Boy also has some thoughts on this question on his blog.

On my grateful list today I would definitely list Mindy and Faith. I am grateful for being at church last night and hearing Rev’s message; for having the time to spend with Ken at church and with my friends; for having a new day today and the freedom to choose how I live it; and for hearing from Kevin that he is still okay in Afghanistan.

Giving Thanks - A Gratitude List

I really am a blessed person. On this day when the United States celebrates their Thanksgiving, I pause to reflect on my life and what I have to be thankful for today. Even though we had our thanksgiving a month ago, I think if we get in the practice of giving thanks daily we will be more positive people.

A friend of mine describes this as a gratitude list. Lo-Boy comments that we take so many things for granted in our lives, such as clean water and air, a roof over our heads, the lack of war in Canada, etc. When doing a Gratitude List we are able to get a perspective of these gifts God provides us.

I am grateful for so many things – the basics of food, water and a roof over my head; the love of my family and a wonderful daughter; for having my husband who loves me dearly back in my life; being blessed by having good friends; for having a good job that allows me to provide for my family; for having a community within my church that supports me in good times and difficult times; for good health; I could go on and on.

I have much to be thankful for and it is for this reason that I choose each year to work with a group of women within my church to fundraise in order to support families in need at Christmas time. I know what it is like to be poor and not have enough money to provide for your family. I’ve been on welfare and had to use the food bank in order to have food on the table. I remember how it feels and I don’t wish that on anyone. Last year we supported one family and this year we are on target to support two families. My goal next year is to support three or more families.

Reflecting back on this year, I would have to say I have everything I need and want. This year things came together for me. Even though I had the car accident and have spend nine plus months getting better, life is good. Twenty years ago I started to get my bike license and buy a bike. Things happened and my priorities changed and now after all those years I have my bike license and bought my bike in the spring. To some that may seem trivial but to me it is finally accomplishing a goal. I’m in a position to be able to afford to do this and that is another accomplishment. I’ve come a long way and it feels good. I will always have challenges and struggles along the way, that’s just life. God has given me many blessings and for that I am grateful. In return, I serve him by helping others less fortunate.

Ephesians 5:20 (New International Version)
20always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Matthew 25:40 (New International Version)
40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Let's give this blog thing a try...

Writing is something that has always come easy to me. I can write reports, assignments, even articles for a school newspaper many years ago, but when it comes to journaling my personal thoughts and feelings oh boy - I go blank. I've been seeing a therapist since April 2007 to help with all of the turmoil I've been experiencing; past issues and my current marriage. One of the things my therapist wanted me to do is journal. I tried but it was one of the most difficult things to do for me. Perhaps getting in the habit of writing something, anything in my blog will help me overcome this stumbling block.

If you choose to follow me - welcome and I hope you enjoy the ride. I plan to include some of my poetry, photography and tid pits about my family and pets. These last two years have been a wild roller coaster of a ride. My husband and I have gone through a lot - separated and found our way back to each other. He's working hard to overcome his personal challenges and together we are striving to make a better life for ourselves. With the help of friends and family, our own commitment to our marriage and each other and by the grace of God, we will be successful.

Thanks for stopping by to visit and I'll post again soon.

(Be sure to visit my brother in laws blog... http://kevinskabul.blogspot.com/ His name is Kevin Rumsey and he is tasked with helping Afghans to get water and sanitation to desperate and displaced Afghan people.)