17 years later

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins"

(1 Peter 4:8).

then and now (we haven't aged a bit)!!!


Yesterday we celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary. Today my brother in law and sister in law celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. I thought, wow, that's quite a milestone. But then I thought again... every anniversary is a milestone! I remember how Paul and I used to celebrate the amount of months that we had been dating ("oh, today's our 4 month anniversary...let's celebrate!") As cheesy as that was, there's something good there. I have seen too many marriages collapse and go through very painful times. Every year (month, day, etc.) with your spouse is a gift from God, and worth celebrating! So, I think 17 years is a milestone, as is 1 year, 10 years, 13 years, etc.!

We didn't officially "celebrate" yesterday, but we did exchange a few gifts, hugs and kisses, and Paul brought home some Cold Stone Creamery ice cream!!! Best gift ever!!

I am so thankful for our marriage, our healing, and a spouse whom I deeply love. I pray that God will bless us for many, many more years together and that we won't take our marriage for granted, but celebrate each day of being together!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker" (Psalm 95:6).

Contininuing to give thanks...
#1721- #1739

It doesn't get much better than this... a night of worship... age gaps minimized... denominational walls broken down... inspiring lyrics... 1 000 people giving praise to our heavenly Father... a night out
-gospel music at its finest http://erniesigsound.com/

-fun gospel music


-live gospel music



-my tulip princess who walked 20 km with me (in 4 nights)


-bubbling with excitement with everything on his class trip

-a real keener

-monkeys (always entertaining)



-amazing animals (one of my favourites)


-a father who shares his love for music with his daughters

-a father who models a godly life by daily example

-a father who is patient

-a father who shares his love for sports with his son

-a loving father

-a Heavenly Father who loves us, not only inspite of our failures, but because of them!

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Saviour" (Habakkuk 3:18).

Coninuing to give thanks...

#1703-#1720
-fishing at the park across the road

-patience while fishing

-excitement to catch a fish


-running hard, no complaints about the extreme heat


-great effort and attitude

-playing with a friend while "watching" his sister


-volunteer soccer coaches (and friends)!

-eager to play and learn

-how boys can make a game/fun out of anything

-hanging around

-ability to impress my kids with my gymnastic moves!

-call from older cousins to come check out the fire trucks

-our neighbour, fire fighter showing my kids (and their cousin) inside the fire truck

-hubby's more flexible schedule

-coffee guests
-Deborah's many new words

-God's beautifully painted sky

-big cousins thinking about their little cousins

The Loop

"The LORD hears the needy and does not despise His captive people" (Psalm 69:33).

A few Sundays ago, we were honoured to have the privilege of being the voice for the voiceless with a Compassion presentation. We spoke at a VERY small church in Flamborough who were just on fire for missions and the work of the Holy Spirit. We were moved beyond words and so grateful to God for the sponsorship of 4 young children who will now have the opportunity to hear the Gospel, learn more about our loving Father, and get their basic necessities of life met. Praise God!!!!

Our area advocate representative from Compassion asked for my permission to post a few of our notes from our presentation on the online advocate newsletter, the Loop. Here's what she included:

http://www.compassion.ca/advocatenetwork/blog.php?intid=516

One Thousand Gifts (Continued)

"Jesus said, 'Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom'" (Luke 12:32).

I am so thankful that my heavenly Father is able to cast away all my fears and doubts. What a loving God I have.

Continuing to give thanks...

#1681- #1702
- the reminder in last night's service, not to be afraid, but to put our trust in our heavenly Father who tells us to "fear not"

-God's provisions

-fruit smoothies

-dinner out (not having to cook) with my sister

-daddies holding their daughters hands

-the simpler life

-markets

-a whole day out with my sister

-fresh flowers

-cooling off

-diving into water

-the way Deborah's nose curls up when she laughs

-our son officially baby sitting (with his cousin)

-our responsible eldest

-early morning visits to Beppe

-Curtis writing to "his" sponsor child

-Nicole, oh so bubbly at 2:45 A.M. on a Sat. morning off to the market with her Daddy (the apple doesn't fall from the tree)

-guitar teachers

-caring, loving speech pathologists

-our niece publicly professing her faith

-outdoor parties/gatherings

-fresh peonies on the counter (arranged by Nicole)

Wifey Wednesday -Date Nights

"From the fruit of their lips people enjoy good things" (Proverbs 13:2 TNIV).

Communication is not always going as well as it should in our marriage. Especially during the spring season, Paul and I need to plan ahead of time (or last minute) date nights. It works out well that we both share similar interests: food, shopping, sports, Christian concerts, etc. Last week, we booked a baby sitter (very last minute-he didn't even have his supper yet), and we went to Costco. Of course, we came out spending way more than what we anticipated and of course we had to look at their garden center! After shopping, we did what we both enjoy so much...we went to the Tim Horton's Stone Cold Creamery and ate the most delicious ice cream in the world!!

This is my favourite- lovin the no oven! Words cannot describe how yummy that is!!!

It was interesting to read Sheila Wray Gregoire's blog post http://tolovehonorandvacuum.blogspot.com/ today about date nights. She and her husband do not plan regular date nights because they spend a lot of time together, talking and doing things that they both enjoy such as playing tennis and taking walks. Paul and I however, have to plan date nights. If we don't go out, we are on our separate computers, or I'm on the phone, he's watching hockey, or we're discussing the children's schedules, our schedules, or my honey do list. We need to leave the house in order to be alone and to have time to communicate with each other without distractions. However, with this nice weather finally, we are able to sit on the deck and have a short chat (before Paul starts drifting off).

Spending time together is so important, yet difficult to do at times. Things get in the way, meetings get in the way, sports get in the way, work gets in the way, schedules get in the way, etc. Some things, however can wait. "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven" (Ecclesiastes 3:1). It's crucial to make time for our spouses/marriages (even if it's just getting groceries together)!!!

I think I need another date night soon (but perhaps one with a little less calories)!!