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Showing posts from 2011

Shiny, Happy People...the Christmas letter boast

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For the past decade our family has written a Christmas letter. It started when my Boy was born. We called it the New Yorker (Andrea York , get it?); it’s a double-sided page and formatted with articles (like the magazine) and each member contributes their unique voice. Like every other Christmas letter you receive, it’s a boast summary of the things we did throughout the year. This year, I wrote something different and this is what I leave you with for 2010. I’m taking a week off from writing until January 1.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.   ******* The New Yorker , issue 1, volume 10  winter 2011 I wrote a short (but humourous) synopsis of the past year and the activities we did as a family and some things I did on my own but it felt flat, dull and lacked life; and it wasn’t what I really wanted to say.  My man and my Boy wrote about what did this year, so you can read it by them. I love my life and I’m blessed among women to have what I have and a husband who loves me so

Arrival of One which is Awaited

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Advent is more than eating a chocolate per day in the countdown to Christmas. According to the World English Dictionary the word advent is defined as:  an arrival or coming, especially one which is awaited. A true Advent season waits with anticipation of the Gift, which is Christ. It starts on a Sunday, four weeks prior to Christmas, not December 1 as Advent calendars would lead us to believe. Each week is meant for a guided meditation of four themes: hope, joy, peace, love. Hope is necessary for living; without hope, we give up. It’s grievous to witness people who live without hope. God has plans for us, plans to give us hope and a future . Not only is hope for the future, but it is relevant for us already; hope deferred makes the heart sick but a longing fulfilled is like the tree of life. Every hope and desire is fulfilled in Christ who has come into the world and is coming again. Once hope has been established, we are released into joy because without hope, there is no possibilit

Who's Your Daddy?

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Originally, today's post was published on July 26, 2011 but it's Christmas and it's only proper to reflect the birth of Jesus. If you haven't read this post before, please enjoy - it's one of my favourites and if you remember it from July, enjoy it again... ******* Have you ever wondered how Jesus felt around Joseph’s family while he was growing up? I’ve heard many sermons on how Mary was/is an excellent example of forsaking your own reputation for Jesus, and yet, I’ve never contemplated how Jesus might have felt. Yes, I’m sure it was difficult for Mary but more so for Jesus, I would think. He was a bastard, the one who didn’t belong, not like James his brother. Joseph might have accepted Jesus, but he had an angelic visitation - fairly compelling, I’m sure. His family didn’t see or hear from an angel, what was their reaction? Did Jesus receive equal attention and gifts from the grandparents, compared to the real children of Joseph and Mary? I wanted 4 child

Back Off! This is my Territory

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My house has been ready for Christmas since November 18. I love everything about it – decorations, traditions, music, gifts and of course, celebrating Jesus’ birth. Some sticklers of details will argue Jesus wasn’t actually born on December 25. So what? Find the day that he was born and I’ll celebrate with you.  One of my closest (definitely my longest-time) friends has been celebrating her birthday in February for more than 30 years before she learned her father (bless his heart) had mixed up his two daughters birthdates when they immigrated to Canada, and her birthday was actually in April. She still celebrates in February. Several years ago, a couple from church adopted a child from overseas. The child’s birthday was unknown, so they picked a date at random. Will that child care it isn’t his actual birthday? Probably not, because he is still celebrated and isn’t that the point of Christmas? To celebrate the Living God came down to us because God knows, no one was good enough to

To Fast, or not to Fast - That is the Question.

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I’ve recently started attending a house church mid-week; it’s low-key with some worship (we have a guitar, violin, handheld drum and tambourine – depending on who attends that night) and then a discussion. We’re doing a series on the spiritual disciplines.  I’ve grown up in churches where some of the disciplines were encouraged and engaged but apparently there are 12 disciplines; I could only name 5 or 6, after that I forget or didn’t know. It’s kind of like an 8-course meal – I’m clueless after soup, salad, entree and dessert. So far we’ve discussed meditation, prayer and this week is fasting. Coincidently, I’ve recently finished a 21-day fast. It was the first time I’ve fasted (aside from observing Lent). As I contemplate fasting on the other side of it, I have to admit it was different than I had anticipated. I described some of what I felt and learned in this post . As I contemplate fasting again this week my Man and I were talking about the reason and need for fasting. He sa

"Excuse Me Sir, You've Left Something Behind"

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When I go into a store and look at a price tag on an item I would like to buy, I make an evaluation whether I believe the item in question is worth the value listed on the price. If the value is equal or greater than the price, I make the purchase. If not, I pass on the item in that store and see if I can find the item in a different store for a better price. Business transactions are conducted a bit differently within the large Indian population and community’s close by. I learned this when I purchased my first saree. I went into a shop, saw a price of less than $75 for a beautiful beaded saree. I perceived it to be a good value, so I was prepared to make the purchase. Fortunately I had an Indian friend with me and she stepped up to start negotiations. I walked out of the shop with a saree that I paid $35 for. I am grateful I had an Indian friend who made the negotiations for me. In my naivety, I would have accepted a lesser bargain than I could have received. Unfortunately, many