Crosses and Bunnies

Easter is coming up this weekend. I love this holiday. I love it because it embodies the greatest sacrifice ever made and the greatest celebration one can be a part of. Imagine! All your sins forgiven and the gift of everlasting life because you believe in Jesus Christ. Imagine! A life full of love and promise and hope and joy; all because you surrender yourself to the work of the Holy Spirit. Imagine! Someone who loves you so much that He accepts you just as you are -- with all your foibles and hangups and mistakes -- and that same someone, a wonderful Father, who lovingly gives you the ability to each day become more like that perfect being that He sees when He looks at you.

Spring and Easter go hand in hand. And my feelings about Spring and the life and hope and freshness and sense of anticipation that go along with it are all emcompassed in this one weekend and what it means to me as a Christian. (The hot cross buns and chocolate eggs and family gathering are an extra added bonus to the weekend!)

REJOICE FOR HE IS RISEN!

Is it spring yet? Huh, huh! Is it?

I am getting so excited! It's been almost 2 weeks now of little or no snow on the ground, and I can smell spring in the air. Never mind that it's still below zero at night and I had to scrape the car yesterday morning. I can smell it, people!! I can smell it!!!



I'm telling you -- I'm like the "Hound of the Easter-Baskervilles"when it comes to smelling things moving underground and birdies coming back from Capastrana (or wherever it is they go for the winter [wish I was them]). I wanna run outside side and find me a dirt road so I can play hopscotch! I want to shop for an Easter hat like my Gramma used to buy me! I want to haul out the large vat of Vaseline to shine my patent leather shoes like my mama did! Spring is here!!


And for all those naysayers who can't see the obvious signs of spring all around them, I want you all to remember what the scriptures say about speaking into existence that which IS in the heavenlies -- and I know it's always spring in Heaven! Yes, I joyfully join with the angels singing that the season of hope and new growth is here and the season of death is gone! Hallelujah! I will open the doors and say "Welcome daylight savings time!" "Come in fresh breath of air." "I laugh at you, muddy shoes!" And even though winter may re-emerge to shake it's fist at me, and though it may try it's hardest to dampen my spirits and take the "spring" out of my step, I know it's days are numbered and final defeat is close at hand. I will not be shaken!


All this being said, I know that it's not yet time
to pack away my snow shovel or my wooly hats.
Although I have to admit, I'm often tempted! I
want to take the cover off the barbeque and
bring out the Adirondack chairs and sit with a
fleece blanket and a hot cuppa! I long to go
outside and brush all the dead leaves and
Christmas tree needles off my precious flower
beds to have a better look at how my babies are

doing. Every morning and afternoon, I do an
inspection of the ranks and check to see who's
beginning to peep their little heads up and how
far they've grown since yesterday. Just look at
them over there! I'm so proud!


But I must be careful and I must be patient. Unlike what I'd do with my own human babies if I felt they were oversleeping too much, I mustn't yank off their covers and yell "Get outta bed, you sleepy heads!" Yeah ... they still need their winter protection around them for a few more weeks.



So, until that blissful day when I can don my gardening gloves and bring out the rake, I must amuse myself with planning and dreaming. I'll get out my gardening binder and check the progress of last seasons' plantings. I'll pour over the gardening catalogues and think of new possibilities in color, shape and texture. I'll decide on the next section of my little wilderness to attempt to tame this summer. And I'll sit face-forward in whatever stream of sunlight in whichever room I find, smiling broadly, soaking it in! Ahhh, the anticipation is intoxicating!

Oh dear! Is it snowing outside right now? Oh, yeah!!! Well, you think that's going to get me down? That's just fal-da-rall and fiddlesticks!

Get thee behind me, winter! Spring has sprung!

TAG! YOU'RE IT!

I got this idea from my bloggy-friend Rachael at Christians in Good Company (Blogspot); she got it from another blogger (Minxy Mimi Unplugged!)

Copy and post this on your blog and BOLD the things you've done so far. It's simply a fun exercise designed to help other readers can get a little insight into who you are and what you like to do. Enjoy!



1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower or seen the Northern Lights
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself anything artistic - musical instrument, drawing/painting, etc
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa at the Louvre in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice, Italy
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar, frogs legs, rattlesnake or candy-coated insects
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (I once kissed a guy who saw George Harrison at a football match!)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in more than one ocean
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day

What Time of Day Are You?

I found a silly quiz today called "What Time of Day are You?" Here's what it said about me:

You are a Sunrise

You enjoy living a slow, fulfilling life. You enjoy living every moment, no matter how ordinary.You are a person of reflection and meditation. You start and end every day by looking inward. Caring and giving, you enjoy making people happy. You're often cooking for friends or buying them gifts.All in all, you know how to love life for what it is - not for how it should be.

Ahhhh! Isn't that sweet! Very encouraging as well! Still I couldn't help but think that I've only become a "sunrise" over the past few years; I'm not sure what time of day I was before that. But it doesn't matter; NOW is what matters, right? And the description above is dead on!



Mind you, this only speaks of the positive aspects of being a sunrise. I wonder if the negative side of my personality would alter what day I am? -- my self-indulgence, my glutteny, my need to be heard and be noticed -- just to name a few. Still, in my quest to become the best that I can and to enjoy the time I'm given to the utmost, I choose to dwell on the positive. The scriptures say:


"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Phillipians 4:8


THIS is what has made me into a sunrise -- or should I say "Sonrise"! HE has changed me and continues to do so. His grace is what enables me to not only have the characteristics of a sunrise but to know that my negatives are temporary. I am changed from glory to glory!


So, just for fun -- check it out. What Time Of Day Are You?
http://tinyurl.com/oy3b3

New Year's Resolutions

Remember in late Nov 2008 when I said I'd keep you informed of my Xmas preparations? Well, I lied. I'm sorry. Now --- get over it! December was much too busy (with Xmas preparations) for me to blog. So, please forgive me!

New Year's Resolution #1 -- Don't make promises you may not be able to keep!

Ah, but it was a lovely Christmas though. The house was so very, very festive. It took me 3 days to decorate (and 2 days to dismantle). The girls and I spent 2 days baking goodies (and 10 days eating them ..... and, for me, 6 months of dieting???) I got a really nice Xmas bonus, the kids and I had the house to ourselves, and I had almost 2 weeks off work. I entered Christmas being so blessed!

I awoke early Xmas morning; and while the girls slept, I got the turkey in the oven. Then I sat in the dark with just the tree lights on and drank tea and basked in my happy "Xmas is here" feeling. Silent Night, Holy Night! I thought about God's goodness to me.

The girls were up by 10 am, and after breakfast, there were gifts to open from so many people -- lovely, thoughtful gifts. We were all well-pleased! Seven of us sat down for a most delicious Xmas dinner and some wonderful fellowship afterwards. Then later that evening when my guests were gone, Xmas vacation began. The girls were fairly busy over the holidays, so I spent most of my time reading and relaxing with my usual jigsaw puzzle, glass of wine, turkey sandwich and chocolate box. Every January when I'm feeling (and looking) rather sausage-like, I vow to never do it again. But it really is such fun while it's happening. I went out without the girls for the post-Xmas sales -- another change in my household! But they're changing, so I just rolled with it. I left early, and while the stores just teemed with shoppers, I happily and leisurely meandered and enjoyed my day out. (What a great word "meandered" is!) I came home with some great purchases and had a fun day hanging out with ME!

And I renewed friendships. I talked to my dearest, darling friend whom I'd only just rediscovered this summer, as well as a dear friend from overseas. And an old friend that I thought I'd lost called me and we reconciled; what a wonderful gift that was.

The most important thing I got for Xmas was a further revelation of how to enjoy the important things in life, things like family, friends and making each day count. I consciously choose not to stress out about anything. As an old, wacky friend once used to say, "I was present and lived in the moment!" I arose when I was awake, and I slept when I was tired. I sat and observed my daughters -- how much fun they had together and their obvious love for each other -- and I thanked God for that. I smiled at people and really looked at them when they spoke to me. I savored food -- from the simplicity of one grape to the medley of flavors in my turkey, dressing, cranberry, mayo and lettuce on whole wheat. I smelled, not the roses, but the fir tree. The only real responsibility I placed on myself was to have a merry little Christmas. And it was a wonderful, refreshing 2 weeks.

Perhaps other people learn this valuable lesson at an earlier age. How fortunate they are! I can't help but think how much better it would be for all of us if we could be present all the time. But for me, I'm just happy to be learning and experiencing this now. Better late than never!

New Year's Resolution #2 -- Practice being present!

Xmas is a comin' & the goose is gettin' fat ...................

Christmas is upon us! As soon as Canadian thanksgiving is over (mid October), I begin to think Christmas - it's my favorite holiday. And once we've passed Remembrance Day, I begin to put thoughts in action. Some people scoff when I put the wreath on the door Nov 12th. But really! There isn't a lot of time to accomplish what I want to do between Nov 11th and Dec 25th. And I derive so much joy from the preparations and the sharing. For me, being a Christian is not just about going to church on Sunday, and celebrating Christmas is not just about Dec 25th!

It's my feeling that Christmas traditions are extremely important to ones family. They add richness and depth; they not only build memories, but more importantly, they give roots to ones life and create connections that span the miles and the years. You can be set apart by your differences from the family next door and yet joined together by your sameness. You can be unique and yet still fit in. It's another part of what defines us as "Our Family".

Over the holidays, I often ask people, "What are your family traditions during Christmas?" And I love hearing the answers. As I age ... and the children grow and mature and leave the nest ... and I open up my house to share Christmas with those who don't have close family ... I not only share our traditions but will sometimes incorporate their traditions into the festivities. I'm constantly looking for ways to add to what is called "the season of joy and peace".

It doesn't matter to me that this season came out of a pagan festival. Nor does it matter that Dec 25th isn't really the birth day of Jesus Christ. My God was first. He is the origin - the source - the creator; and everything else was taken from His creation and is a reproduction. Just like my faith, the birth of Jesus is personal for me and deserves to be celebrated every bit as much as my own or my childrens' birth days. Jesus came to reconcile us to each other. And what better way for reconciliation to happen than doing things like sharing cookies with a non-Christian neighbour, or eating rugelach with a Jewish friend, or carolling with your church family - joining in with other during this season!

Over the next 27 days of preparations, let me share some of our traditions with you. In this time of personal "flux", I'm curious to see what my aging body and mind will permit me to bring to the Xmas table this year. I may not be able to climb to put the exterior Xmas lights up anymore; and yes, I know that when I eat that other piece of pie, it will stay with me. But those things are becoming more and more irrelevant in my life.

As Christmas approaches, I'm so full of thoughts and plans and excitement! So ...... think of my mind as a goose ... and it's a gettin fat!

The courtship of Autumn!

I've been 3 weeks into not exercising and BOY! Do I feel it. I'm not sleeping as well, my finger joints are beginning to ache, my pants are tighter, my mood is sometimes sour. Oh dear! I'm realizing that I need to do something as long as I can do something. So, it's goodbye once again to carefree days and evenings. I really enjoyed not having to go work-out! Maybe some yoga in the family room with the occasional turbo-kick will do the trick.

One thing I'm definately enjoying lately is the weather. It's cool and crisp and the trees are full of gold and red and orange hues -- it's like being surrounded by all this warmth amidst the coolness of autumn. The apples are so sweet and crunchy, and we're eating lots of fragrant stews and soups with dense, crusty breads. Everyone's wearing their slippers, and throw blankets are on every chair.

When I walk, I love the air on my cheeks and the feeling that everything's clean and fresh. I love the smell of the woodfire from my neighbours house, the feel of my soft, fleece gloves on my hands and the way my "cushiony" Clarks hug my feet without sufficating them. I like the way my aching limbs slowly warm and loosen up, the swing of my arms, the different sounds all around me (dogs, trucks, children, leaves being raked, wood being chopped) -- and the fact that amongst all the sounds, my mind dwells on the beauty that God has created and how wonderfully and fearfully we are made. And I praise Him as I walk.

This is the first year I've ever knowingly enjoyed fall. I'm a spring person! But my eyes, ears and senses are opening to the beauties of autumn. It's no longer just a passage-way to Christmas, my favorite holiday. I feel it calling me to embrace it's changes in color and it's slower pace; to listen and be aware of the call to thanksgiving for the season just past - a season of sunshine and seashores, warmth and growth and bountiful harvest. And as the evenings get longer and I slow down and rest more, wrapped in my favorite sweater, my hands cupped around a mug of dark, hot chocolate, the candlelight flickering and soft worship music playing, I have a feeling of security and love and well-being and joy. The simple things in life are far more valuable than gold and silver. And then I come to the recognition that autumn is wooing me -- both with the season and with my aging process. And it's okay!

God's in His house and all's right with the world.