I can't believe I haven't written since April!
But God has been faithful as the busy spring turned into summer and we have not been idle.
We have continued to travel, but the last blog entry with our trip to Manitoba to visit NCEM missionaries marks the last of our staff visits. It took two years to see each missionary (that we were able to connect with) across Canada. What a privilege!
The biggest take-away from connecting with our staff face-to-face is that these are modern-day heroes of the faith. They were so excited to show us their communities, to meet some of their First Nations friends and to worship with them if schedule worked out that way! And their perseverance through trials, sometimes opposition to sharing the Gospel, gave Walter and myself inspiration that everything we face is also worth it to serve alongside these warriors of Christ!
In May, we met with other ministry leaders serving/directing in First Nations mission fields across Canada and the U.S. The fellowship, the discussions, the sharing and prayer and the worship through music were rich times that we treasure each year. Again, these leaders face pressures, opposition and discouragement and yet press on! We are blessed to have such friends and colleagues to share the burden of leadership with in Christ.
June was very busy for us...we had a week of interviews, reports and meetings with NCEM and a joint board meeting with Healing Hearts, as well. God sustained us and continues to affirm our leadership role leading two organizations. We need WISDOM and God has provided great support around us.
Then we took a much-needed break out at our cabin. Sigh! It was glorious. Hot temperatures, fresh saskatoon berries, demolishing our old deck and rebuilding bigger and better. It was a wonderful two weeks of rest, relaxation, working on a project together and campfire, lots of staring into flames.
Our next big event is the Joint General Conference in Pinawa, MB, where both our NCEM and HHM mission families will meet for fellowship and encouragement. It is both exciting and exhausting to plan and prepare. I'm sure God will meet with us in a special way and we desire to glorify Him!
Have a great day!
Sunday, 4 August 2019
Monday, 8 April 2019
Now where are you headed?
This week we are off to Manitoba.
Last winter we had travelled to destinations such as Puvirnituq, Quebec , Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Labrador and Ft. McPherson, NWT. The flying adventures to extreme locations really stretched this Saskatchewan prairie girl's perspective! Walter and I both felt so blessed to visit the missionaries who live in such remote places and serve Christ to share His Gospel.
So when I say Manitoba, no one gasps or asks, where? But to us, this trip is as important and adventurous as any other we have gone on thus far in our NCEM and HHM travels. Why? Because God has called the missionaries we will visit to just as challenging and interesting communities as any other.
John - has served in various locations within NCEM's regions. He has been in maintenance of camps and headquarters facilities for over twenty-five years. Now, he has some health challenges and is playing more of a support role to a local camp in his home area of Ashern, MB. He is hardworking and faithful.
Fran - has served in her home area at the very Bible Camp she attended as a child. She lives year round at Fisher Bay, a Metis/ non-status community. She has filled many roles at the camp from cabin leader, cook, craft director to "Tuck Lady" (runs the canteen). In the off-season, she leads AWANA (kids Bible club) and is involved in the local church (Riverbend Community Church) that is located between two First Nations reserves, north of Winnipeg about two hours. Fran has served for over thirty years.
Dennis & Amanda - have been married for forty years and been in ministry that entire time. Dennis began ministry at The Pas, MB as a single man and brought a wife into the picture sometime after. They have served in churchplanting and have a wonderful church called Riverside Bible Church. They now have running water and flush toilet but only in the last fifteen years. Wow!
Ed & Karen - are originally from the United States and have been in Norway House, MB their entire missionary career. They raised four kids in this northern Cree community. Walter will be able to preach on Palm Sunday in the church they pastor. They have served the Lord in this place for over thirty years, as well.
Peter & Charlene - have been married for ten years or so. She is a Mennonite from southern MB and Peter is Cree from The Pas. They met in The Pas and were involved in a Christian Gospel Band in music ministry for a season. As they had been serving in Riverside Bible Church, they felt called to Bible School. After moving away for school, they returned to their home community and have been co-pastoring with Dennis and Amanda. Holding down jobs right now, they eventually plan to go more full-time in ministry. But for now, their jobs open doors into the community and into homes on the reserve that enable them to be well-connected.
Our prayer is that we will encourage these faithful servants. We desire to listen well, to hear their hearts, to offer hope and support. We want to tour their communities, sit at their kitchen tables, take them out for a meal and be part of their lives for an afternoon or a day or a weekend.
THANK YOU for praying for us as we seek to serve the servants. These folks are the lifeblood of NCEM and are on the frontlines of the battle for souls. Each one matters to us, whether we fly in to their villages or drive only a few hours from our home in Regina.
See ya' in a week!
This week we are off to Manitoba.
Last winter we had travelled to destinations such as Puvirnituq, Quebec , Happy Valley/Goose Bay, Labrador and Ft. McPherson, NWT. The flying adventures to extreme locations really stretched this Saskatchewan prairie girl's perspective! Walter and I both felt so blessed to visit the missionaries who live in such remote places and serve Christ to share His Gospel.
So when I say Manitoba, no one gasps or asks, where? But to us, this trip is as important and adventurous as any other we have gone on thus far in our NCEM and HHM travels. Why? Because God has called the missionaries we will visit to just as challenging and interesting communities as any other.
John - has served in various locations within NCEM's regions. He has been in maintenance of camps and headquarters facilities for over twenty-five years. Now, he has some health challenges and is playing more of a support role to a local camp in his home area of Ashern, MB. He is hardworking and faithful.
Fran - has served in her home area at the very Bible Camp she attended as a child. She lives year round at Fisher Bay, a Metis/ non-status community. She has filled many roles at the camp from cabin leader, cook, craft director to "Tuck Lady" (runs the canteen). In the off-season, she leads AWANA (kids Bible club) and is involved in the local church (Riverbend Community Church) that is located between two First Nations reserves, north of Winnipeg about two hours. Fran has served for over thirty years.
Dennis & Amanda - have been married for forty years and been in ministry that entire time. Dennis began ministry at The Pas, MB as a single man and brought a wife into the picture sometime after. They have served in churchplanting and have a wonderful church called Riverside Bible Church. They now have running water and flush toilet but only in the last fifteen years. Wow!
Ed & Karen - are originally from the United States and have been in Norway House, MB their entire missionary career. They raised four kids in this northern Cree community. Walter will be able to preach on Palm Sunday in the church they pastor. They have served the Lord in this place for over thirty years, as well.
Peter & Charlene - have been married for ten years or so. She is a Mennonite from southern MB and Peter is Cree from The Pas. They met in The Pas and were involved in a Christian Gospel Band in music ministry for a season. As they had been serving in Riverside Bible Church, they felt called to Bible School. After moving away for school, they returned to their home community and have been co-pastoring with Dennis and Amanda. Holding down jobs right now, they eventually plan to go more full-time in ministry. But for now, their jobs open doors into the community and into homes on the reserve that enable them to be well-connected.
Our prayer is that we will encourage these faithful servants. We desire to listen well, to hear their hearts, to offer hope and support. We want to tour their communities, sit at their kitchen tables, take them out for a meal and be part of their lives for an afternoon or a day or a weekend.
THANK YOU for praying for us as we seek to serve the servants. These folks are the lifeblood of NCEM and are on the frontlines of the battle for souls. Each one matters to us, whether we fly in to their villages or drive only a few hours from our home in Regina.
See ya' in a week!
Thursday, 28 February 2019
A lot has happened since I have taken time to sit down and type a blog.
Walter and I, along with the Executive members of NCEM, went to Phoenix for a 4-day series of workshops on leadership. The couple who facilitated the workshops have been in First Nations ministry over 25 years and have excelled in personality profiles and team dynamics. The four couples met and discussed 7 different topics, beginning with our DISC personality assessments.
Wow, are we all created uniquely!
As we put up sticky notes on the diagram to identify our specific personality traits, we saw how well-rounded we are as a team. Those with dominant and strong personalities balanced those with quiet and sensitive characteristics.
Then we looked at team roles and found again, we had a wide variety of gifts. I had scored strong in one area - teambuilding - whereas others were stronger in initiative, completion or organization roles. So I was dubbed the cheerleader!
Each evening, we spent time as a group debriefing the days' topics. Many of us voiced how we had wondered why we were part of the team and felt levels of doubt as to our usefulness or purpose. My husband and I had such a clear call that we don't doubt His purposes, but I know I wondered what I could contribute besides making coffee and taking minutes for meetings. These times of learning and discussing really helped confirm to me that I am unique and can offer specific and necessary skills to the team!
The last couple of workshops were geared for goal-setting and big picture vision-casting. This is probably my weakest area and I felt overwhelmed. Our facilitator brought out a huge arrow, with many small spaces for writing in the steps to accomplishing our mission statement as an organization. Walter was excited when he saw this and could hardly wait to tackle it! With the time we had available, we began to scratch the surface of a much longer and more detailed journey for the future.
We stayed in a dormitory-style facility, with the use of a kitchen and lounge for preparing and eating our own breakfasts and lunches. Then for our evening meals, we chose restaurants in the area. One day we had Mexican food, another day a buffet at the Golden Corral. The local folks recommended a great barbecue place close by, Dillon's. And we all enjoyed the southern home-cooking restaurant called Cracker Barrel, with a country store to browse in and fresh biscuits and cornbread with every meal.
With the teaching times being indoors, we were disappointed not to be outside much more in the Arizona sunshine. Fortunately, the weather was cool, cloudy and rainy for a couple days so we didn't miss much heat and sun. On Friday of that week, our Executive team went to the Desert Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and we wandered the paths and admired the amazing cactus and succulent gardens, plus other displays all outdoors. We enjoyed snacks in the outdoor cafe and fed the local ground squirrels and quail that scurried or waddled through the patio. What a glorious day!
Our hearts and minds were full and we definitely agreed we wanted to return to Phoenix next year. More teaching, more fellowship, more fun times and yes, more sunshine in February!
Back row: Robert Laird, Deanna and Dan Woodard, Walter, Anita and Jason Boucher, Huron Claus (director of CHIEF ministry in Phoenix) Front row: Doris Laird, me.
Walter and I, along with the Executive members of NCEM, went to Phoenix for a 4-day series of workshops on leadership. The couple who facilitated the workshops have been in First Nations ministry over 25 years and have excelled in personality profiles and team dynamics. The four couples met and discussed 7 different topics, beginning with our DISC personality assessments.
Wow, are we all created uniquely!
As we put up sticky notes on the diagram to identify our specific personality traits, we saw how well-rounded we are as a team. Those with dominant and strong personalities balanced those with quiet and sensitive characteristics.
Then we looked at team roles and found again, we had a wide variety of gifts. I had scored strong in one area - teambuilding - whereas others were stronger in initiative, completion or organization roles. So I was dubbed the cheerleader!
Each evening, we spent time as a group debriefing the days' topics. Many of us voiced how we had wondered why we were part of the team and felt levels of doubt as to our usefulness or purpose. My husband and I had such a clear call that we don't doubt His purposes, but I know I wondered what I could contribute besides making coffee and taking minutes for meetings. These times of learning and discussing really helped confirm to me that I am unique and can offer specific and necessary skills to the team!
The last couple of workshops were geared for goal-setting and big picture vision-casting. This is probably my weakest area and I felt overwhelmed. Our facilitator brought out a huge arrow, with many small spaces for writing in the steps to accomplishing our mission statement as an organization. Walter was excited when he saw this and could hardly wait to tackle it! With the time we had available, we began to scratch the surface of a much longer and more detailed journey for the future.
We stayed in a dormitory-style facility, with the use of a kitchen and lounge for preparing and eating our own breakfasts and lunches. Then for our evening meals, we chose restaurants in the area. One day we had Mexican food, another day a buffet at the Golden Corral. The local folks recommended a great barbecue place close by, Dillon's. And we all enjoyed the southern home-cooking restaurant called Cracker Barrel, with a country store to browse in and fresh biscuits and cornbread with every meal.
With the teaching times being indoors, we were disappointed not to be outside much more in the Arizona sunshine. Fortunately, the weather was cool, cloudy and rainy for a couple days so we didn't miss much heat and sun. On Friday of that week, our Executive team went to the Desert Botanical Gardens. It was a beautiful day and we wandered the paths and admired the amazing cactus and succulent gardens, plus other displays all outdoors. We enjoyed snacks in the outdoor cafe and fed the local ground squirrels and quail that scurried or waddled through the patio. What a glorious day!
Our hearts and minds were full and we definitely agreed we wanted to return to Phoenix next year. More teaching, more fellowship, more fun times and yes, more sunshine in February!
Wednesday, 30 January 2019
Tonight I am a proud parent.
As my husband and I sit watching Christian comedy on YouTube, Caylea and Daniel are at the Healing Hearts Youth night. Caylea has been taking the lead for the youth ministry and its been neat to see her grow through this. There were a couple of boys attending last year and not necessarily a regular guy to hang out with the guys. So Caylea conscripted her brother, Daniel. And he seems to be thriving in his role as "cool youth sponsor guy"! Without trying too hard, the guys seem to be drawn to Daniel.
But what makes me feel so thankful and a little proud is when I overhear their planning meetings, along with Daniel's girlfriend, Danae and our Healing Hearts intern, Carolyn (from Millar College of the Bible). I hear them discussing fun activities and scheduling who is leading which Wednesday.
And then to hear them discussing their Bible study topics. Going through the book of Genesis. And to sometimes get the privilege of hearing their debriefs after a youth night, when they talk about who prayed out loud. Or who had offered to pray for them as leaders!
I'm excited to see Caylea and Daniel, Danae and Carolyn bring their enthusiasm and love for God and impart it to the youth!
From a humble start in the fall with 4 church kids to sometimes up to 9 or 10 by Christmas, we are witnessing how God can use the up and coming young adults to minister the Gospel to the next generation.
Lord, bless them tonight as they clean the church and then study Scriptures and pray together. May revival start with our youth!
As my husband and I sit watching Christian comedy on YouTube, Caylea and Daniel are at the Healing Hearts Youth night. Caylea has been taking the lead for the youth ministry and its been neat to see her grow through this. There were a couple of boys attending last year and not necessarily a regular guy to hang out with the guys. So Caylea conscripted her brother, Daniel. And he seems to be thriving in his role as "cool youth sponsor guy"! Without trying too hard, the guys seem to be drawn to Daniel.
But what makes me feel so thankful and a little proud is when I overhear their planning meetings, along with Daniel's girlfriend, Danae and our Healing Hearts intern, Carolyn (from Millar College of the Bible). I hear them discussing fun activities and scheduling who is leading which Wednesday.
And then to hear them discussing their Bible study topics. Going through the book of Genesis. And to sometimes get the privilege of hearing their debriefs after a youth night, when they talk about who prayed out loud. Or who had offered to pray for them as leaders!
I'm excited to see Caylea and Daniel, Danae and Carolyn bring their enthusiasm and love for God and impart it to the youth!
From a humble start in the fall with 4 church kids to sometimes up to 9 or 10 by Christmas, we are witnessing how God can use the up and coming young adults to minister the Gospel to the next generation.
Lord, bless them tonight as they clean the church and then study Scriptures and pray together. May revival start with our youth!
Friday, 25 January 2019
At first, I felt like a double-agent.
Healing Hearts or Northern Canada Evangelical Mission?
But lately, we are seeing our worlds overlap. When we are in Prince Albert, some of our Healing Hearts Ministry team stops by the office. And in a couple weeks, we have an NCEM couple spending the night in our home in Regina. Our hearts want to bring the best of both worlds to bless the other!
The reality that our two different lives are becoming more unified was apparent last weekend. We arrived at the Pambrun campus of Millar College of the Bible. Caylea had the booth set up with both Healing Hearts Ministry and NCEM. We brought some items to add to the display. The fun part was we were set up beside the NAIM display (North America Indigenous Ministries - our former mission) and two tables away from Interact (another ministry focused on First Nations)!
We had lots of laughs and meaningful conversations with our fellow mission representatives. But more importantly, we had lots of students coming by. Caylea roomed in the dorm and her hosting student may be interested in an internship with Healing Hearts in Regina. We also met a young lady who feels called to inner city work and wondered how to apply! Another couple connected with us who would like to explore NCEM's options. God is at work and He isn't worried about organizational divisions. His Kingdom is ONE kingdom.
I love how the Lord brought our life to intersect with so many missionaries serving in Native ministry. Next year, we are planning to work with NAIM and Interact for the Saturday night Marketplace at the missions conference. Our joint project? Indian Tacos!
Healing Hearts or Northern Canada Evangelical Mission?
But lately, we are seeing our worlds overlap. When we are in Prince Albert, some of our Healing Hearts Ministry team stops by the office. And in a couple weeks, we have an NCEM couple spending the night in our home in Regina. Our hearts want to bring the best of both worlds to bless the other!
The reality that our two different lives are becoming more unified was apparent last weekend. We arrived at the Pambrun campus of Millar College of the Bible. Caylea had the booth set up with both Healing Hearts Ministry and NCEM. We brought some items to add to the display. The fun part was we were set up beside the NAIM display (North America Indigenous Ministries - our former mission) and two tables away from Interact (another ministry focused on First Nations)!
We had lots of laughs and meaningful conversations with our fellow mission representatives. But more importantly, we had lots of students coming by. Caylea roomed in the dorm and her hosting student may be interested in an internship with Healing Hearts in Regina. We also met a young lady who feels called to inner city work and wondered how to apply! Another couple connected with us who would like to explore NCEM's options. God is at work and He isn't worried about organizational divisions. His Kingdom is ONE kingdom.
I love how the Lord brought our life to intersect with so many missionaries serving in Native ministry. Next year, we are planning to work with NAIM and Interact for the Saturday night Marketplace at the missions conference. Our joint project? Indian Tacos!
Thursday, 10 January 2019
What did we do before texting?
I love the fact that the kids will text and I can anticipate their arrival.
Mark, Amy and Caylea were coming home from Manitoba for New Years. They got in about 10 pm on December 30 and we had a lesser version of Christmas with more gift-opening. Mark was happy with his two dress shirts and a 4K movie! He said most of his other presents had been gift cards so he appreciated opening these ones! Amy appreciated her devotional journal, Christmas socks and a Carcasonne game - to share with Mark, of course!
We sat up and visited for a while, but everyone was pretty tired. The next morning, we slept in and then Mark and Amy needed to make a trip to Walmart. Then Mark helped me spice up the roast beef I was cooking in my "Instant Pot" for my traditional candlelight New Years' Eve supper. We played some games and then I finished up the preparations for Yorkshire pudding and veggies.
We ended up spending the evening at home, watching a movie. Walter and I made it to 10:30 pm ad left the younger generation to bring in the New Year. They watched the "Taylor Swift Concert" that was just released on Netflix. We had nothing to prove and so went to bed!
Our plan for New Years Day was to drive the almost 2 hours to Kisbey and arrive at the Rec Centre for the "ringing of the bells" at noon. We brought some crackers and cheese to share and about 15 of the townsfolk were there. A smaller crowd than usual celebrated with a potluck lunch and one of the fellows walked across to the United Church to ring the church bell. We all went outside in the cold sunshine, and posed for a picture while several brought cowbells or other bells for ringing! It was a fun way to begin 2019.
Back at Mom and Clarence's home, the men watched the Junior hockey tournament on t.v. while us ladies played a game called 5Straight. Quite the competitive match: Caylea and Grandma Charlotte vs. Amy and Cindy. Well, several rounds later, Amy and I conceded to the champs!
Mark snooped around to watch; Grandpa Clarence took over Mom's hand at one point so we could begin supper preparations. We had pork tenderloin, turnips and carrots and a tossed salad. Mom made Grandma Cecile's creamy rice pudding, which involved Cindy stirring the mixture for 40 minutes to get it to the perfect thickness. It was worth it! We enjoyed a delicious meal and visit around the table.
Grandpa got in a storytelling mood. He told us memories from being six years old, after his mother had died and his aunt came to care for him and his siblings. He recalled taking a train to Winnipeg at the age of fourteen to sell cattle. For being 98 years old, his memory is sharp as ever, and not just of days gone by. If you ask him what he did yesterday, he will recall details of the weather, who was at the coffee shop and what they discussed. He keep my mom on her toes!
Mark and Amy left early to meet friends back in Regina. Caylea came home with us and we enjoyed a quiet ride back in the darkness.
No mention of Daniel, you may notice.
Daniel travelled with his girlfriend's family to Ontario for a wedding. Danae has relatives in the Sudbury area so Daniel experienced a two-day marathon trip. They travelled through the United States and both ways, the border officers gave Daniel some razzing over being the odd one out in the van! The wedding was in the evening of December 31, with a short ceremony and a fun dance. The 1920's theme included flapper dresses and feather boas, hats and three-piece suits! Very classy! Daniel mentioned the midnight lunch with meatballs and various cold cuts. He didn't mention the salads, but Danae did! She likes her vegetables. We were glad when they arrived safely a couple days later as travel in January can come with weather and road risks.
And that was our New Years celebrations.
Thanks for sharing it with me!
I love the fact that the kids will text and I can anticipate their arrival.
Mark, Amy and Caylea were coming home from Manitoba for New Years. They got in about 10 pm on December 30 and we had a lesser version of Christmas with more gift-opening. Mark was happy with his two dress shirts and a 4K movie! He said most of his other presents had been gift cards so he appreciated opening these ones! Amy appreciated her devotional journal, Christmas socks and a Carcasonne game - to share with Mark, of course!
We sat up and visited for a while, but everyone was pretty tired. The next morning, we slept in and then Mark and Amy needed to make a trip to Walmart. Then Mark helped me spice up the roast beef I was cooking in my "Instant Pot" for my traditional candlelight New Years' Eve supper. We played some games and then I finished up the preparations for Yorkshire pudding and veggies.
We ended up spending the evening at home, watching a movie. Walter and I made it to 10:30 pm ad left the younger generation to bring in the New Year. They watched the "Taylor Swift Concert" that was just released on Netflix. We had nothing to prove and so went to bed!
Our plan for New Years Day was to drive the almost 2 hours to Kisbey and arrive at the Rec Centre for the "ringing of the bells" at noon. We brought some crackers and cheese to share and about 15 of the townsfolk were there. A smaller crowd than usual celebrated with a potluck lunch and one of the fellows walked across to the United Church to ring the church bell. We all went outside in the cold sunshine, and posed for a picture while several brought cowbells or other bells for ringing! It was a fun way to begin 2019.
Back at Mom and Clarence's home, the men watched the Junior hockey tournament on t.v. while us ladies played a game called 5Straight. Quite the competitive match: Caylea and Grandma Charlotte vs. Amy and Cindy. Well, several rounds later, Amy and I conceded to the champs!
Mark snooped around to watch; Grandpa Clarence took over Mom's hand at one point so we could begin supper preparations. We had pork tenderloin, turnips and carrots and a tossed salad. Mom made Grandma Cecile's creamy rice pudding, which involved Cindy stirring the mixture for 40 minutes to get it to the perfect thickness. It was worth it! We enjoyed a delicious meal and visit around the table.
Grandpa got in a storytelling mood. He told us memories from being six years old, after his mother had died and his aunt came to care for him and his siblings. He recalled taking a train to Winnipeg at the age of fourteen to sell cattle. For being 98 years old, his memory is sharp as ever, and not just of days gone by. If you ask him what he did yesterday, he will recall details of the weather, who was at the coffee shop and what they discussed. He keep my mom on her toes!
Mark and Amy left early to meet friends back in Regina. Caylea came home with us and we enjoyed a quiet ride back in the darkness.
No mention of Daniel, you may notice.
Daniel travelled with his girlfriend's family to Ontario for a wedding. Danae has relatives in the Sudbury area so Daniel experienced a two-day marathon trip. They travelled through the United States and both ways, the border officers gave Daniel some razzing over being the odd one out in the van! The wedding was in the evening of December 31, with a short ceremony and a fun dance. The 1920's theme included flapper dresses and feather boas, hats and three-piece suits! Very classy! Daniel mentioned the midnight lunch with meatballs and various cold cuts. He didn't mention the salads, but Danae did! She likes her vegetables. We were glad when they arrived safely a couple days later as travel in January can come with weather and road risks.
And that was our New Years celebrations.
Thanks for sharing it with me!
Tuesday, 8 January 2019
CHRISTMAS 2018
How can an event we look forward to for months be over in the blink of an eye?
Christmas did begin on December 1 for us, with some early parties and events. We had a week at home where Walter was laid up with a bad back, so I had him cornered to discuss Christmas gifts and then I went out and bought them all in virtually one shopping trip! The rest we can thank Amazon Prime for excellent service!
Then we had a funeral and some meetings in northern Saskatchewan, which brought us home just in time for quick preparations for hosting family on Christmas Day. I conscripted help in the kitchen and Daniel proved to be handy at chopping, slicing, peeling and even rolling out Scuffle dough! Caylea was busy in the garage with Walter, preparing scroll saw gifts for the exchange. I must say, it was a simpler meal with less baking than normal, but everyone was full and satisfied!
Christmas morning was very special as we gathered by the Christmas Tree and gas stove in our dining room. Walter read the Christmas story in Luke Chapter 2. Caylea even shared some special things she had learned about Jesus through reading Leviticus and Hebrews simultaneously. Daniel led us in prayer. We missed Mark and Amy that morning, but they were spending December 25 with the Teichrib Family this year. (We enjoyed their company for New Years!) We opened our gifts with thanksgiving and focus on the Lord. It was such a meaningful time.
My mom and Clarence joined us for brunch around 11 am and opening of gifts. We had quiche, apple kuchen, scuffles, fruit and coffee. Yum!
Then out came the game of Sequence. My 98-year-old stepfather did not miss a beat as we six played several rounds of the card game. It was really fun!
They left early afternoon, while it was still light outside. They had turkey dinner plans at my aunt and uncle's farm and then still planned to drive another hour after that to their home in Kisbey, SK.
The next round of family arrived but my turkey was finished early. So we readied the table and cooked up the potatoes and vegetables for the big meal. About 13 of us gathered in our dining room for a delicious meal. I'm so thankful others brought items for the dinner and it wasn't too much work for us! We ate our desserts and sipped coffee or tea before someone suggested we do our gift exchange game. Dishes were quickly cleared away and leftovers stored, while the table was moved and chairs arranged in a semi-circle. Good thing Walter had built our dining room addition as big as he did!
After the exciting game of drawing numbers, stealing gifts and unwrapping unique and fun items. we cleaned up that mess and moved on to the next event. CARDS!
Hand and Foot is a Canasta game that was apparently invented in Saskatchewan. We had enough players for a tournament - I can't remember who the winning team was but there was lots of laughter and complaining! That's the main thing!
The crowd went home about 10 pm. Walter and I sat on the couch, sighing and feeling quite content. Boxing Day was just going to be watching movies, playing games and eating leftovers. The main event was over. God had been so good to us!
How can an event we look forward to for months be over in the blink of an eye?
Christmas did begin on December 1 for us, with some early parties and events. We had a week at home where Walter was laid up with a bad back, so I had him cornered to discuss Christmas gifts and then I went out and bought them all in virtually one shopping trip! The rest we can thank Amazon Prime for excellent service!
Then we had a funeral and some meetings in northern Saskatchewan, which brought us home just in time for quick preparations for hosting family on Christmas Day. I conscripted help in the kitchen and Daniel proved to be handy at chopping, slicing, peeling and even rolling out Scuffle dough! Caylea was busy in the garage with Walter, preparing scroll saw gifts for the exchange. I must say, it was a simpler meal with less baking than normal, but everyone was full and satisfied!
Christmas morning was very special as we gathered by the Christmas Tree and gas stove in our dining room. Walter read the Christmas story in Luke Chapter 2. Caylea even shared some special things she had learned about Jesus through reading Leviticus and Hebrews simultaneously. Daniel led us in prayer. We missed Mark and Amy that morning, but they were spending December 25 with the Teichrib Family this year. (We enjoyed their company for New Years!) We opened our gifts with thanksgiving and focus on the Lord. It was such a meaningful time.
My mom and Clarence joined us for brunch around 11 am and opening of gifts. We had quiche, apple kuchen, scuffles, fruit and coffee. Yum!
Then out came the game of Sequence. My 98-year-old stepfather did not miss a beat as we six played several rounds of the card game. It was really fun!
They left early afternoon, while it was still light outside. They had turkey dinner plans at my aunt and uncle's farm and then still planned to drive another hour after that to their home in Kisbey, SK.
The next round of family arrived but my turkey was finished early. So we readied the table and cooked up the potatoes and vegetables for the big meal. About 13 of us gathered in our dining room for a delicious meal. I'm so thankful others brought items for the dinner and it wasn't too much work for us! We ate our desserts and sipped coffee or tea before someone suggested we do our gift exchange game. Dishes were quickly cleared away and leftovers stored, while the table was moved and chairs arranged in a semi-circle. Good thing Walter had built our dining room addition as big as he did!
After the exciting game of drawing numbers, stealing gifts and unwrapping unique and fun items. we cleaned up that mess and moved on to the next event. CARDS!
Hand and Foot is a Canasta game that was apparently invented in Saskatchewan. We had enough players for a tournament - I can't remember who the winning team was but there was lots of laughter and complaining! That's the main thing!
The crowd went home about 10 pm. Walter and I sat on the couch, sighing and feeling quite content. Boxing Day was just going to be watching movies, playing games and eating leftovers. The main event was over. God had been so good to us!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)