This week....and this morning's sermon

So, I was thinking about what I was going to write about tonight, and thought, hey, I've got something good - I was on the tv this week!  Check it out - my clip is at the end, at about 7:50:
The 50th anniversary of the school is next weekend, and we had Mark Campbell come to school to do a promo.  The unfortunate part was it kind of fell of my radar, and I realized about 5 minutes beforehand that he was coming...plus, the other guy that was supposed to do the interview with me wasn't there, so it seriously brought a whole new meaning to "winging it".

So that was going to be my post for today.  Short, sweet, and to the point - plus, a little exciting!

But, then I got to thinking about this morning's sermon, and got me reflecting on a few things.  We're in the beginning of a series called "Vital Signs", based out of 1 John, looking at the Vital Signs of a Christian.  This morning's message was about sin - how we all have a sin problem.  You can take a listen to it here.

Ian began his message talking about what a difficult topic we would be discussing. He spoke about how people struggle not only with sin, but with the idea of forgiveness, and understanding how God could possibly forgive them, and did He really forgive all their sins?

Got me to thinking, that I've never honestly struggled with any of that.  Now, don't get me wrong, this is not a "Wow, look at me, how righteous I am".  No, it's made me realize (and it's something I've been realizing more as I get older) what an amazing gift I've been given in growing up in a Christian home.  Growing up in the Reformed church, where we were brought up on solid doctrine and theology. It has given me a confidence in these things that I'm realizing not everyone has.

There's been times where I wished I had an amazing conversion story, that I was circling around the pits of hell and was dramatically saved, but a very wise friend of mine told me that wasn't the way to look at it.  Having come to faith as an adult herself, she told me there's nothing she would've loved more than to have grown up in the church, and to cherish the gift that it is.

So that's where I'm at.  Loving the church where I'm at, and so thankful for the strong, solid upbringing I've had.  So thankful to God that He's brought me this far, and has prepared me for what I have to come yet....

"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."  Romans 8:28 (NLT)

Why I do what I do....

While some days it doesn't seem like it's coming fast enough, summer is coming. There is only 1 month left of school - aaah! It really is a good thing, even though I do have a ton to finish before the end of the year. I can feel it every morning as we leave for school - the kids are done, and ready to just be home. I think we're a little later every morning. :(

And while I am ready for some time at home with my kids, just to be able to be a stay-at-home mom, I do love my job. I'm reminded of this so often, in so many different circumstances....

• sitting in Tim's with former and present students, just being able to hear about their lives, and speak into them (yes, some kids actually want to hang out with their teachers!)
• sectionals in choir: while banging through parts drives me crazy, I love the time I have with just the girls.  Singing "Holy is the Lord" with 25 teens as a warm-up just makes my heart sing.
• being surrounded by Christian people, and feeling the love and support of such a strong community 
• the trips.  Obviously this is a perk - whether it's grad trip, choir tour, you name it.   I love the opportunities to get away, but even more I love the unstructured time with the students, when you really get to know them
• random hugs during the day 
• students waving wildly down the hallway at you until you wave back
• the fact that I've found out my brain does still work, and I can still do trigonometry!  Who knew....
• being able to express my creative side through the yearbook and bulletin boards, as well as my organized administrative side through helping out with subs and stuff in spec. ed.
• there's so many reasons I love my job, but this is definitely my top one:  being named as a student's Christian influence in a grade 12 survey for the yearbook.  Wow.  Honored doesn't even begin to describe it.  That is why I do what I do....

Every now and then I need to go through this list in my head, just to remind myself.....and now I'd better get to bed, so hopefully we're not so late in the morning. :)

So very, very blessed.....

Wow, before you know it, a couple of weeks has gone by, and I've posted nothing. It's been busy - first it was the Women's Retreat out at SABC two weekends ago, which was amazing. I went there with the anticipation of spending time with friends, and definitely was not disappointed. It was a great weekend with some amazing women, whom I'm so thankful for.

Then it was time to focus on the memory book for the ICS 50th Anniversary. When I signed up for this, it seemed like a good idea, and now that's it finished, I'm glad I did it, but wow. It was a bit of a stress in my life! But, it's finished and at the printers'.

This past week was grad trip - this is the 5th year that I've gone on the annual trip to West Edmonton Mall, and as always, it was a great trip. Fun kids, no problems, great shopping, and an amazing pedicure (thanks, Elsie!). Who wouldn't want to go on a trip like that?

Which brings us to this weekend. I was looking outside yesterday at all the beautiful blooms, and realized that I hadn't even pulled out my camera in weeks. So, out I went, camera in hand....

Today was a definitely a bit of a unique Mother's Day for me. I woke up, and while it was Mother's Day, I was all by myself. No kids home. A little depressing....but, I got up and out the door, since I had to be at church at 8. By the time I made it to the end of my street, I was already feeling better - the sun was shining, and it was a beautiful day.

To then be surrounded by my amazing church family just made the day even sweeter. So many "Happy Mother's Day!" wishes, hugs from good friends, a good morning in the tech booth with my friend Rob - just a great morning at EFree. We were privileged to hear a solid message on the responsibility of raising children, whatever your circumstances are - thanks, Ian!

When we got home, I made the kids pose for a quick picture for me - after all, it's Mother's Day, and I should get what I want, right?

After that we headed to the Big House, and just had a nice afternoon. It was just us, Mom & Dad and Darrel & Rachel with their kids. Now, keep in mind, that was still 5 adults and 7 kids, but when you're talking Wind gatherings, it was just little. It was fun to be able to visit, and play with the kids - I love being an auntie! Rides on the golf cart, pushing kids on the swing - just enjoying each other's company.

So, it was a great day - but it wasn't until tonight that I really realized how blessed I really am. We came home, and the kids all went to do their own things - they hadn't been home since Wednesday, and just were glad to be back with their own stuff. So, Nathan was on the computer, Katie was on her iPod, John was playing Lego, the music was going, I was making lunches....and it hit me: I love my life.

Obviously it hasn't turned out how I thought it would, but that's ok. Looking around tonight, I realized one of my greatest blessings: my home. Now, I'm not necessarily just talking about my actual physical house, although I am so thankful for that. No, I'm talking about the sense of "home" that is in my house. It is safe place, where we can be ourselves, be relaxed, and just be. It might not be a big thing to some people, but to me, it means so much.

Thank you Lord, not only for the many blessings in my life, but for helping me see them...

It's Springtime!

It's 10:00 at night, and I still have windows open all over my house. It's so wonderful, being able to have all the fresh air in the house.

It was a busy week - the first week back after time off always seems to take forever, but it was a good week. I got a lot done on the book for the ICHS 50th Anniversary - the end is in sight! I'm so glad - it's been neat to be involved with this project, but I'm looking forward to handing it in to the printer.

The week was capped off with a great day today. The original plan was to go to Calgary to celebrate the dedication of my nephew Tyson, but when that didn't work out, we made alternate plans.

Started out the day with church, sitting behind the piano. I do love that big, black grand piano - it was a great morning to be part of the worship team. Jumped in and sight-read with the choir too - just a great morning.

After church, we came home to get changed, picked up a bucket of KFC, and headed down to the park for a picnic.

Pavan Park was beautiful - not too busy, not too windy. We'd never gone down there, but we'll be back. After lunch, the kids pulled out their ball gloves, which is a new pastime for our family....

We hung out at the park for awhile, just enjoying the sunshine.

And of course, the inevitable self portraits....

After some fun in the sun, we headed home to movie night: "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban", pizza and ice cream. This is a tradition I started after we moved this fall, and it's been great. Especially now that the library is getting new releases!

So, all in all, it was a great day. So great in fact, that I think I'm glad our trip to Calgary didn't pan out, so I could spend the time here, with my kids.

Now we head into a new week....starting with day surgery tomorrow - nothing like starting with a bang! Oh well, we work hard, and then it's off to Women's Retreat this weekend. Can't wait! Looking forward to some time with good friends....

What a Week!

Wow, can't believe Easter break is already over! It's always a little bittersweet - there's not really any real breaks from now until the end of June, but at the same time, it's all downhill from here, baby! Summer's coming....

It was a busy week around here. Monday was a great day at home, hanging out in pajamas and just generally relaxing. Got my flowerbeds cleaned out, and they're looking great! There's tulips coming up all over the place.

Tuesday morning I was at school at 7 am, and boarded the bus for Edmonton. The Senior High choir was invited to sing at the King's University College spring concert at the Winspear Centre in Edmonton! This was definitely a big deal, and it went so well. It really reminded me how much I love performing - I really didn't want to get off the stage! Thursday was a big day in my little house - John turned 12! I'm so proud of my oldest boy - he's turning into a young man, and I can't wait to see what God has in store for him.
While the weather definitely turned over the last couple of days, it's so good to see signs of spring. Makes me look forward to the months to come.....
Yesterday's excitement was my new haircut. It's been a long time since I went this short....like maybe kindergarten? So, it's off to work again tomorrow. While I do enjoy staying home, I was reminded again this morning of our God-given calling to work. I was privileged to listen not only once, but twice to an amazing sermon by Pastor Steve Bateman this morning about living out the Gospel in our work. If you've got a few minutes, take a listen.....

He is Risen Indeed!

What an amazing day! An amazing weekend, really. When you stop to think about it - Jesus died for me. For you. For all of us. I know that we need to remember this all year round, but I'm so thankful for a weekend dedicated to it.

I was so blessed to be able to sing in the choir this weekend. Good Friday was 3 pieces from Handel's Messiah - it was amazing! Big shout-out to my good friend Warnesia with some amazing solo work1 I loved singing it, but realized that maybe I was a little arrogant in thinking I could just sight-read it....but, it went good and was fun.

This morning was 3 services of celebration. I realized how much I missed being a part of the choir - and how out of shape I was, because, man, did my abs hurt after the third service. The singing was amazing though, being able to lead the congregation in celebration the Resurrection. Big thanks to Ken Dosso for letting me be a part of the group - it was so good to be back.

But, all of this was overshadowed by a very special moment. In our services this morning, we were blessed by the "cardboard testimonies" of about 20 people from our congregation. Cardboard testimonies are a very simple, short statement of how God has worked in someone's life - a life situation is written on one side, and then is quietly turned to the other, which reveals how God is working. These are always moving, and we were blessed with the testimonies of people who have survived cancer, infidelity, people who are journeying through the death of loved ones - it was amazing.

But for this mom, it was all about this moment:

Last Sunday morning, when Pastor Ian was looking for people to share their testimonies, John came to me and said "Mom, I want to do a cardboard testimony." I told him to think about it, and we would talk about it Monday morning. Monday morning came, and he sat down and told me he wanted to be a part of it. I was so proud, so nervous, so emotional.

The other side of his sign read "My parents live in separate houses". Yup. Right there in black and white. For anyone who didn't know yet, they do now. A little horrifying, to be honest, to have your deepest failing right there on the platform for the entire congregation to read.

But, then, the glorious flip side - "And I will trust God for the future". What a witness! Thank you, God, for working this in my son. Such a reminder, from the lips of a child.

I too, will trust God for the future. Thank you, Father, for the gift of Your Son and the matchless gift of eternal life, through His sacrifice.

Looking Back....and Forward

Well, it's Sunday night, and it's finally quiet in my little household. Usually the tv would be on by this point in time, and I would be "tuned out". But, I've been sitting here getting ready for the week to come, and doing a little reflecting.

Not going to lie. This last week sucked. A lot. It was insanely busy - school stuff, meetings, 1700 invitations to get sent out for the 50th anniversary of the school, piano lessons, kid stuff, you name it. Add to that a lot of stress in trying to learn how to parent separately, and it just wasn't fun. I found myself by the end of the week not really talking to anyone, and just working. Because that's what I do. Things are going wrong? Work harder. Do more. I'm pretty sure it's the Dutch Calvinist in me. Is it the healthiest way to do things? No, probably not. But, the week ended well, being able to play for a wedding of 2 former students yesterday, catching up with old friends at the reception, being able to celebrate with one of my dearest friends the wedding of her daughter, and just generally spending time with people who love me.

Today, I started the day bright and early doing projection at church, which, while it means I have to be at church at 8, and really just hit space bar a lot, I love it. I love being involved in the services. This afternoon we went outside of our "normal" Sunday afternoon, and went to see a movie. The kids and I took in "John Carter", which was actually a decent movie, and then busted out the A & W coupons, and went for supper. It was fun!

Now I'm looking at the upcoming week, and I think it'll be ok. The invites for the anniversary are out, so that's good. It's only a 4 day week - hooray! I'm really looking forward to the Good Friday/Easter chapel at school Thursday morning. BTW, anyone who's interested: Thursday morning, 8:48 - 9:25, ICHS large gym. Please come! I get to go to choir rehearsal on Thursday evening, and be a part of the Good Friday and Easter Sunday services - thank you, Ken Dosso, for letting me jump in and sight read! I do love my church.

Granted, it's not going to be all fun....Thursday morning after chapel I'll find myself back in court, once again dealing with the ramifications of the move I made....

But then this weekend I get to celebrate the most amazing gift ever - the sacrifice that Christ made for me. For me! As He hung on that cross, He knew the mess my marriage would become, and how it would all end. He knew about all the times I "lose it" on my kids. He knew about all the times I doubt and don't trust. All the times I gossip, slander, lie....the list goes on and on. And He hung there for me, taking my punishment.

"This, the pow'r of the cross: Son of God—slain for us. What a love! What a cost! We stand forgiven at the cross.