or actually it's my old business blog link...
http://redwagonramblings.typepad.com/my_weblog/
Monday, January 14, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
Friday, January 4, 2013
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
little tears...
It was long past his bedtime when I heard his little feet coming down the stairs. He should have been fast asleep. But he wasn't.
Tears were brimming his beautiful big brown eyes as he clung to his favourite teddy bear.
He came over to me on the couch and buried his head into my arms.
I held him so tightly.
I could feel my eyes begin to get hot with tears, and I began to cry along with him.
All he said was "something really bad happened in the United States on Friday."
I agreed.
He had heard about the shooting in Connecticut. He had heard about the children being murdered while at school. He also knew that teachers died as well as the principal.
His safe little world had yet another crack in it.
He began to sob.
Joel asked if he was scared of it happening here. He replied kind of, but mostly he was sad for the kids and the families.
We prayed for the families.
We cried out for God to grant His peace on the hurting, to comfort those who had lost a loved one.
There has been much written and reported on this tragedy these past few days. It hurts to think about it. Blocking it out of my mind would be so much easier. I can't though. These were children. Teachers. They were all God's precious creation. To mourn with their families seems okay. To pray for them feels right.
Hold your little ones tight. Breathe in their scent. Twirl their hair between your fingers. Thank our amazing Heavenly Father for blessing you with such gifts.
"A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."
Tears were brimming his beautiful big brown eyes as he clung to his favourite teddy bear.
He came over to me on the couch and buried his head into my arms.
I held him so tightly.
I could feel my eyes begin to get hot with tears, and I began to cry along with him.
All he said was "something really bad happened in the United States on Friday."
I agreed.
He had heard about the shooting in Connecticut. He had heard about the children being murdered while at school. He also knew that teachers died as well as the principal.
His safe little world had yet another crack in it.
He began to sob.
Joel asked if he was scared of it happening here. He replied kind of, but mostly he was sad for the kids and the families.
We prayed for the families.
We cried out for God to grant His peace on the hurting, to comfort those who had lost a loved one.
There has been much written and reported on this tragedy these past few days. It hurts to think about it. Blocking it out of my mind would be so much easier. I can't though. These were children. Teachers. They were all God's precious creation. To mourn with their families seems okay. To pray for them feels right.
Hold your little ones tight. Breathe in their scent. Twirl their hair between your fingers. Thank our amazing Heavenly Father for blessing you with such gifts.
"A thrill of hope, the weary soul rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn."
Friday, November 9, 2012
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Day 7
November - Counting Gifts
3 Gifts From My Window
1. The beautiful fall colours
2. My girl
3. My boy
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Monday, November 5, 2012
Counting Gifts
Day Four
A Gift Gathered, Given, and Good
1. Dinner with family
2. Hadley's birthday! A new dog bed and bone
3. Anne of Green Gables with my kiddos
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Friday, November 2, 2012
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
When all that's left...
He's been home for two and a half weeks now.
But really I'm still waiting for him.
My strong, healthy man that left for Honduras ready to take on anything that came his way, is still not really back.
His body is broken. It cries out in so much pain, he doesn't but it does.
Today is not a good day.
Doctor after doctor telling him different things. Tests, so many tests. Drugs. I believe he is on his third now. But still nothing. Every night I go to bed and I tell him that tomorrow he is going to wake up feeling great... but I lie, because he doesn't.
The fevers, the swelling, and the intense pain is beginning to take it's toll on this strong man of mine.
I'm ready for my husband to be back. I'm ready for him to play hockey with my son, and take my daughter on their Saturday morning breakfast dates. I miss our evening walks together and his get up and go attitude.
And then I think of my selfishness. If these are my wants, what about his? But he is a man of great patience. He never complains. I know he is full of peace, such peace that can only come from God. How blessed I am to have such a man to share my life with.
I was reminded yesterday of the importance of giving thanks... in all circumstances.
So I will.
Today I am thankful for:
* Joel. my very best friend. my partner for life.
* my dear children
* family and friends who call and email everyday asking how J is doing and lifting him up in prayer
* my health, that I am strong enough to look after my family
* my dog, who lies beside J, keeps him company when the rest of us are swirling in and out of the house
* Doctors, who are trying ever so hard to determine what is going on
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8
I am choosing to trust. To take refuge in our amazing God who truly does work things out for the good of those who love Him. He is bigger than all of this.
So really, all that's left is to stand on my knees in prayer. To trust and be thankful.
much love,
Larajane
But really I'm still waiting for him.
My strong, healthy man that left for Honduras ready to take on anything that came his way, is still not really back.
His body is broken. It cries out in so much pain, he doesn't but it does.
Today is not a good day.
Doctor after doctor telling him different things. Tests, so many tests. Drugs. I believe he is on his third now. But still nothing. Every night I go to bed and I tell him that tomorrow he is going to wake up feeling great... but I lie, because he doesn't.
The fevers, the swelling, and the intense pain is beginning to take it's toll on this strong man of mine.
I'm ready for my husband to be back. I'm ready for him to play hockey with my son, and take my daughter on their Saturday morning breakfast dates. I miss our evening walks together and his get up and go attitude.
And then I think of my selfishness. If these are my wants, what about his? But he is a man of great patience. He never complains. I know he is full of peace, such peace that can only come from God. How blessed I am to have such a man to share my life with.
I was reminded yesterday of the importance of giving thanks... in all circumstances.
So I will.
Today I am thankful for:
* Joel. my very best friend. my partner for life.
* my dear children
* family and friends who call and email everyday asking how J is doing and lifting him up in prayer
* my health, that I am strong enough to look after my family
* my dog, who lies beside J, keeps him company when the rest of us are swirling in and out of the house
* Doctors, who are trying ever so hard to determine what is going on
Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8
I am choosing to trust. To take refuge in our amazing God who truly does work things out for the good of those who love Him. He is bigger than all of this.
So really, all that's left is to stand on my knees in prayer. To trust and be thankful.
much love,
Larajane
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
September
He made the moon to mark the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.
Psalm 104:19
What a wonderful part of the world we live in. We have just endured one of the warmest and driest Septembers down here on the west coast. I love entering into a new season, for every new season we enter is the beginning of something new.
This past month has been a big month of new beginnings. El is now in fifth grade and her final year of elementary school. Connor is in third grade and has developed a huge passion for hockey. He would be on the ice 24/7 if possible! El has begun hip hop as well as gymnastics and is carrying on with cross country and piano.
I have started a new role at our church as the Coordinator of Women's Ministry. I am loving it and God has been so faithful to bring many encouraging women alongside of me.
Joel has just returned from his first Mission's trip to Honduras where he worked with a team to get clean water into a school.
Although our lives are full, my heart is full. God graciously gives me time everyday to dwell in His word and to be challenged to go out into this magnificent world and shine.
Here are some pics from this past month...
and the sun knows when to go down.
Psalm 104:19
What a wonderful part of the world we live in. We have just endured one of the warmest and driest Septembers down here on the west coast. I love entering into a new season, for every new season we enter is the beginning of something new.
This past month has been a big month of new beginnings. El is now in fifth grade and her final year of elementary school. Connor is in third grade and has developed a huge passion for hockey. He would be on the ice 24/7 if possible! El has begun hip hop as well as gymnastics and is carrying on with cross country and piano.
I have started a new role at our church as the Coordinator of Women's Ministry. I am loving it and God has been so faithful to bring many encouraging women alongside of me.
Joel has just returned from his first Mission's trip to Honduras where he worked with a team to get clean water into a school.
Although our lives are full, my heart is full. God graciously gives me time everyday to dwell in His word and to be challenged to go out into this magnificent world and shine.
Here are some pics from this past month...
We started the month on Pender Island
Golf date with Joel!
re-finished a bench
El at her cross country meet
Meet the teacher night!
Traceycakes with my girl!
Shopping!
Connor's hockey game
Saying goodbye to the old farmhouse my BFF grew up in
aka my second home
Early morning walk with Hadley
Homework time with Connor
Much love
larajane
Friday, September 21, 2012
worry
therefore I tell you
do not worry about your life
oh, the number of times I have read this verse.
what you will eat or drink;
or about your body
what you will wear
why have i allowed worry to consume so many hours of my life? so many days? weeks?
is not life more important than food
and the body more important than clothes?
i need to trust.
look at the birds of the air
they do not sow or reap or store away in barns
and yet your heavenly Father feeds them
i need to fill my mind with those things that are good.
i need to not allow these worrisome thoughts to consume me.
are you not that much more valuable than they?
can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?
i do know God loves. He provides. He comforts. He heals.
so what is the difference between worry and genuine concern
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
* worry immobolizes
* concern moves you to action
God loves us more than anyone else does on this earth. why would I not trust Him with my life, my husband's life, my children's lives?
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Salmon Lake - August 2012
This is the second year we have done a McAllister camping trip. There is quite a crew of us! Mom and Dad, and seven families, all with kiddos! It was hot this past weekend, but thankfully there was a pool and a lake full of fish! Here are a few shots from the weekend!
Connor and Hadley
Jack and Silas
Connor
view from our tent
Gavin
Gavin and Amanda
Kate
Connor and Jonas
You can check out Brooke's pics fromthe weekend here... www.brookaphotographic.com
Saturday, August 4, 2012
goodbyes
gym pass
gum
a single glove
an old church directory
hospital bracelet
a hairband of Elissa's from when she was 3
countless lip gloss
pens
Starfield cd
running reflector band
ferry transfer to Otter Bay
realtor business card
hand cream
paint swatch
hair elastics
a pink button from one of Elissa's jackets
red hot wheels car
baby wipes
All of these items were removed from my beloved Volvo that I drove and loved for 7 great years.
So many wonderful memories encapsulated in this vehicle.
It took my wee ones to preschool, our family down the coast, over to Pender Island, up to the Okanagan and everywhere in between.
It faithfully carried my camera equipment all over the Lower Mainland and was a treasured resting place after a grueling hot yoga class or an 18km run.
But life changes. Seasons come and go and kids grow up. Families have different needs.
This fall will bring a flurry of activity for our family. The kids will be in activities nearly everyday, our church is now on the other side of town, and where I am working in Women's Ministry will take me throughout the Lower Mainland on a weekly basis.
The Volvo was getting on and the kilometres were piling up. The increasing price of gas and filling up every week was not sitting well with me. So last week we said goodbye.
All is well.
Life is good.
much love,
larajane
gum
a single glove
an old church directory
hospital bracelet
a hairband of Elissa's from when she was 3
countless lip gloss
pens
Starfield cd
running reflector band
ferry transfer to Otter Bay
realtor business card
hand cream
paint swatch
hair elastics
a pink button from one of Elissa's jackets
red hot wheels car
baby wipes
All of these items were removed from my beloved Volvo that I drove and loved for 7 great years.
So many wonderful memories encapsulated in this vehicle.
It took my wee ones to preschool, our family down the coast, over to Pender Island, up to the Okanagan and everywhere in between.
It faithfully carried my camera equipment all over the Lower Mainland and was a treasured resting place after a grueling hot yoga class or an 18km run.
But life changes. Seasons come and go and kids grow up. Families have different needs.
This fall will bring a flurry of activity for our family. The kids will be in activities nearly everyday, our church is now on the other side of town, and where I am working in Women's Ministry will take me throughout the Lower Mainland on a weekly basis.
The Volvo was getting on and the kilometres were piling up. The increasing price of gas and filling up every week was not sitting well with me. So last week we said goodbye.
All is well.
Life is good.
much love,
larajane
Monday, June 18, 2012
{community}
They come prepared.
Buckets.
Nets.
Rubber boots.
They are on a mission. Children from the ages of 4-10 gather at the "pond." Together they work as a team. They build bridges. Bridges that stretch from one side of the pond to the other, but are so narrow that when one yells "emergency!" the rest clear off so they can get through with their catch. They are collecting tadpoles.
I admire their perseverance. Their teamwork and camaraderie. They encourage and build each other up. They celebrate when a team member has a great catch.
When one goes down and needs to go home because she is soaking wet from head to toe, they all pack up and go home with her.
Our young children have figured out the importance of working together and how to celebrate each other's wins!
They give me hope for the future. They give me hope that one day these children will be strong leaders in the church. They would be encourager's and doers. They will work together for the kingdom of God.
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
Buckets.
Nets.
Rubber boots.
They are on a mission. Children from the ages of 4-10 gather at the "pond." Together they work as a team. They build bridges. Bridges that stretch from one side of the pond to the other, but are so narrow that when one yells "emergency!" the rest clear off so they can get through with their catch. They are collecting tadpoles.
I admire their perseverance. Their teamwork and camaraderie. They encourage and build each other up. They celebrate when a team member has a great catch.
When one goes down and needs to go home because she is soaking wet from head to toe, they all pack up and go home with her.
Our young children have figured out the importance of working together and how to celebrate each other's wins!
They give me hope for the future. They give me hope that one day these children will be strong leaders in the church. They would be encourager's and doers. They will work together for the kingdom of God.
Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. 3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.
-Eph. 4:2-6
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
14 years
Here we are in the lovely month of June, with only a couple more weeks of school and schedules. It's been dreary, wet, and even a wee bit cold. But that it ok. It is ok, because life has been full and my heart is full.
I turned to Joel randomly in the kitchen the other day and asked him if he was happy. His eyes smiled back at me, he put his arm around me and said, I have great kids, a great job, a roof over my head... and I have you. Yes, I am very, very happy. How his words filled my heart with joy, how his arms surrounded me with love, and how he reminded me of this sweet boy 14 years ago that met me at the end of the aisle and said with tears in his eyes "I do."
Anyone who has said those words knows that marriage isn't easy. I saw this the other day and wanted to share. In a world where we are always told the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, I thought this was a good reminder of what God calls us to in marriage.
much love
larajane
I turned to Joel randomly in the kitchen the other day and asked him if he was happy. His eyes smiled back at me, he put his arm around me and said, I have great kids, a great job, a roof over my head... and I have you. Yes, I am very, very happy. How his words filled my heart with joy, how his arms surrounded me with love, and how he reminded me of this sweet boy 14 years ago that met me at the end of the aisle and said with tears in his eyes "I do."
Anyone who has said those words knows that marriage isn't easy. I saw this the other day and wanted to share. In a world where we are always told the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, I thought this was a good reminder of what God calls us to in marriage.
much love
larajane
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