Since my last blog entry, Walter and Daniel have returned from their adventure in Jacksonville.  By the photos and accompanying narratives, I think they had a great trip!  The story and architecture of St. Augustine sounded like a special piece of American history.  The Zoo is always a highlight of any trip Walter takes.  They had Pandas, which looked adorable.  And they enjoyed some BBQ and Joe's Crab Shack as restaurant experiences.
Then we jumped into the SUV and drove up to Prince Albert for a couple days.  The temperature was so cold!  I had tried texting Dave and Joanna, our neighbours at the NCEM office, who would turn up the heat in the suite for us.  But somehow I had the wrong number and so we arrived to a very chilly living space!  We unpacked, cranked the heat and even turned on the oven to thaw the suite. Then we went over to the office to putter around and warm ourselves up!
Office life is challenging for us as we are more free spirits and used to setting our own hours.  We want to connect with people and office hours are built more for task orientation.  So we make adjustments and hope we can accomplish both people ministry and administrative tasks.  I think that is what tires me out - the switching back and forth!
We had our staff Christmas party for the Prince Albert and office folks.  It was a wonderful evening of potluck ethnic foods, Christmas carols and a devotional by a guest pastor.  We had time to visit, which was nice and relaxing.  As usual, we were almost the last to leave!
The next day was our monthly Executive meeting, which lasted all day.  I entered the office building in the dark at around 8:20 am.  I don't think I went upstairs once during the day - the boardroom is in the lower level of our two-story building.  So as the meeting adjourned and I emerged from the windowless boardroom, I saw it was dark again. 
I stepped outside and breathed in the northern Saskatchewan chilly air.  Refreshing.  A feeling of peace and satisfaction that it had been a productive day settled over me.  I needed to refocus on people, and the Lord! 
Today...I look back at those couple of days with our NCEM team at the headquarters office.  I appreciate what they do.  I wouldn't want to do their jobs, just as they are glad NOT to have our responsibilities!  The office team is a uniquely gifted group who are obeying what God has shown them to do in service for the kingdom.  Their lifestyle is much more "9-5", but they go above and beyond when needed.  I am thankful for their faithfulness and diligence and heart for prayer!  I wish we weren't missing the "Day of Prayer" today but we weren't able/willing to be back up to P.A. for this week again.  Limitations of our human bodies and emotional energy, as well.
THANK YOU Lord, for calling each of us to serve where You want us, and for equipping us for the tasks and ministry styles needed in Your kingdom.  Fill us all afresh with Your Holy Spirit, both in NCEM and Healing Hearts, as we strive to point the way to Jesus, the Saviour, born for us all. 

Another week flies by...another week at home which has been so good!
I am thankful for the restfulness of routine. I've been able to get some Christmas shopping done, my new book mailed out, and even tried baking a new shortbread recipe.
Walter and Daniel left early this morning for their annual NFL guys weekend.  Jacksonville, FL this year.  Mark has gone with them a couple of times, but his work schedule and availability don't always work out!
So a quiet weekend?  Not likely.  Even though I am still trying to slow down and focus on rest, I have some pressing things going on.
A dear woman helped me with the editing of my new devotional book and I want to thank her.  I am taking her for lunch tomorrow.  Swiss Chalet.  So glad for all Pat's help in fine tuning and finessing my words.
Then tomorrow night is the Parliament Community Church's Christmas Tea.   A lovely way to focus on the reason for the season with my sister, my step mom and my daughter. 
My Mom's sister, Auntie Katherine, has been undergoing chemotherapy and had surgery for cancer.  Now she is awaiting the next phase of treatment: radiation.  So I've tried to visit her when I'm in the city and I have a Scrabble date with her Saturday afternoon.
Sunday is church day.  Always.  It is a special service, with several of our church folks taking the step of baptism!  One is a young girl who Caylea has been mentoring in the youth group.  So exciting!
Today I had procrastinated in doing some computer/email work.  I cleaned up the kitchen, then I finished wrapping the presents I had bought.  But I made a cup of tea and settled in to do some work.  Usually I am not a night person, but Caylea was gone and our boarder, Kaila, also had left for the evening.  So I eventually buckled down and got three projects finished in a couple of hours.  Wow!  I impressed myself.
Now, I'm treating myself to a Christmas movie.
I am thankful for the blessings the Lord has given me.