O.K., that's it, I've had it. When I moved back to Niverville, I lost my exercise partner and just got really busy, so I stopped exercising! A year and a half later and an extra 12 pounds - I've had enough! So two days ago, I started running. Well....slowly jogging with intermittent walking in between! But today I ran again and what happened - I jogged twice as long and twice as fast! What, what, what?!? I think I like this! So, if you see me running....cheer me on or come join me!
Today was Chris's uncle Ken's birthday as well as Father's Day. He died 4 months ago of Lung Cancer. Chris didn't know a lot about his uncle, but always felt this "connection". He was a very gentle, kind & generous man who had an amazing creative/mechanical mind. Chris only realized exactly how much they were alike until after his death, when he got to see all the sides of his uncle. They're so much alike, all of his clothes fit Chris exactly - same shoe size, pant size, shirt size and even the same style - incredible. Chris also got the opportunity to see his creative side. A lot of you know how many "creative ideas" Chris has for building his "castle", stone fence, etc. Well, upon visiting his Uncle's property, Chris found some of the exact (minus the castle) passions/dreams/ambitions had already been achieved by his uncle, or in the process. That was an amazing moment. For Chris, it was looking at someone in a mirror.
One passion Uncle Ken has was stained glass. The things he made were incredible. Chris inherited his tools, glass, etc and upon trying it for the first time, Chris said it just felt "right". So neat how Chris can continue his Uncle's creative side and bless others!
Today, we transplanted a tree at his gravesite in honor of Him. He had planted them in his yard before he died. It was sooo special. Chris is hanging an angel wind chime on the new tree. His wife, Diane also gave us one of the exact same trees to plant in our new backyard in honor of him. We planted it tonight. When it grows bigger, we will make a little "garden" in honor of Him.
This is my biggest blond moment - it's so stupid, I just have to tell it. So here goes: When Chris & I were first married, we lived in this apartment that had large patio doors. Everytime you would cook, they would get fogged up. Well.....one day, he wrote in the "fog"
I
love
and then a picture of a rose.
I then yelled- "Hey, that's perfect cause my name's Roseanne"
What?! What?! What?! That actually came out of my own mouth! I actually forgot my own name. How is that possible???????? The funniest part was that Chris responded instantly with yes, but as soon as he realized he immediately said No, your name's NOT Roseanne! The crazy part was that I needed him to tell me my name was NOT Roseanne. There, now you know. And yes, I know you will all look at me different, but it just shows you we're all stupid sometimes! I DARE you to write your most embarassing moment. It's quite liberating.
17 days until we depart for downtown Vancouver to do street ministry with YWAM! So excited......so curious....so broken at what I'm going to see.....
Still remember my first encounter with street ministry - 12 years old with my youth group. There was a homeless man who took a liking to me during our times at Union Gospel Mission because I looked like his daughter. Talked with him for a couple hours....he accepted Christ....I was hooked.
10 years later.....met a guy, fell in love with Him, not just for who he was, but what he saw in these street people. After all, he had been one of those...druggie....sleeping under a bridge, or in buses. But God found him, and took him out of it. Some of our very first dates were walking around Osborne, asking God for divine appointments...he always provided. Hitchhikers, homeless men, women in trouble, angry teenagers. Incredible how he connected us to them and how he opened the doors.
One specific night I will NEVER forget. Chris (my hubby) and I were coming home from Winnipeg. Before we went home, we had a sense that God wanted to use us that night, so we asked Him what it was. He led us to a location...and lo and behold...there was a homeless man there. We approached him and asked him about his life. Turns out, he was so discouraged, he had told God if somebody didn't come and help him today, he would kill himself that night. Incredible how God works.
February, 2007 - went to a conference. By the end of the weekend, they asked Chris & I to lead a small team to do street minsitry down Osborne. I didn't even know my team until they showed up! Sooooo amazing, though. Prayed with a homeless man who inspired me to love God more....met another guy who poured out his heart about his daughter who was a drug addict...met a complete stranger who God gave us a prophetic word for...turned out she'd been talking to God about that exact thing that same week. Again, incredible. God is amazing!
God's heart burns for these streets..these people.. Why he chooses to use us humans, I'll never understand, but I'm sooo glad to be part of the plan.
Pray for our team of 15 people. Pray our heart would be broken with the things that break God's heart. Pray for strength, wisdom, and most of all, people would come to know our God and how great He is! Pray for Chris & I as we lead our "dream team" of youth. They are so incredible. It's inspiring!
I can't wait........can't sleep.......
My husband and I are going away tomorrow for a couple days to a friend's cabin....finally. This has been quite the crazy year, but a good year. So, just the two of us are headed off to a remote location that is so beautiful you cannot describe. Can't wait to do exactly what I've been waiting for....nothing. Maybe read a few books, go on lots of nature walks. Can't believe I'd ever be at this place where I'm so excited to do nothing. Vacations in the past have been crazy road trip adventures, theme parks, water parks, etc. But now.....quiet. Sounds so good....and so old.
