Unearthly things....

Chris's creations.....

2008-07-05T22:04:00.000-07:00

This is what my hubby made in 2 days (Chris has only being doing this for 8 months and he's self-taught as well! I love the fact that he has a hobby that benefits me :)

Update!

2008-05-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

I find it hard to blog as I don't always know what to say as I don't know who's all reading this....but for those of your who have requested an update, here she goes!

These last few months have been good. I feel like I'm in a bit of a changing/shifting season.
Chris and I are toying with the idea of either building a garage onto our house or moving somewhere within Niverville that has what we need. Our house is great and fine, it's a new house, but recently, he inherited stained glass supplies to fill an entire shop and has fallen in love with the hobby :) the only problem is that I'm allergic to the chemicals he uses, so he has nowhere to do his stained glass!

My job has been OK, I've got a fantastic boss and I love the people at the chiropractor's office, but it's not THE JOB. I used to work at Youth For christ in Winnipeg and it was THE JOB. I felt like I was at home, like it was a perfect fit. After the weekend, I couldn't wait to get back to work. But it's not that way at the chiopractor office. I feel I'm in a season of waiting and watching where God will bring me. I still love helping chris out with our youth group and am there about 30 hours/week and I love it. It does get discouraging and sometimes I'm overloaded, but that's ministry. It's not about what I FEEL. God still uses me even when I'm totally weak and feel like someone else would be better to do this job :) There are so many youth that are just so amazing, it keeps me going. We've had some pretty powerful things happen lately and I keep falling in love with the God that makes this all happen.

Kids. Everyone's asking about when we're going to have kids. In due time, friends, in due time.

My sister and her family moved back from Vancouver this last October. It's been awesome getting to go walking and shopping with her over these last few months. It's kind of funny, because we HATED each other growing up. I mean HATED. But now we both realize the reason we hated each other so much is cause we're so much alike. She's even been away for the last 5 years and we're more alike that ever even though we've only seen each other a few brief times over those years. Funny how things change. I'm so glad they did (love you roberta :)

Above all else, God's really been reminding me how short this life is. I've been thinking about the verse in 2 corinthians - so we fix our eyes on what is unseen and not what is seen - for whatever is unseen is eternal, but what is seen is temporary.

Lord, make every moment of my life count. Help me to live for eternity and not in the "now" of this earth.

Our little conehead...

2008-03-12T19:01:00.001-07:00

Chico got spayed today and I don't know who was more traumatized - us or her. We picked her up at the vet with a huge scar and so many instructions...and even pills to give her. How do you give a cat pills, you ask? The logical answer would be to crush them and put them in with her food. Apparently that doesn't work. They're not able to be crushed. So, they sold me a little gidget and gave me these instructions:

Force open mouth. Force pill down throat, she'll have to swallow it eventually.

How cruel! The worse part is that under the instructions, you are supposed to confine the cat to a small room, not allow her to jump, run or lick the wound for 8 days! The only way that we can do any of this is if we use one of the cones that she wears on her head. It's sooo sad. Poor, poor chico, our little conehead.

Randomocity

2007-11-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Heather to do this meme"8 random things about me"...so here goes
1. I'm scared of cows. Bet you didn't see that one coming. it comes from a childhood traumatic event watching my sister get chased by a cow.
2. I don't like speaking in public. It's funny, I'm so outgoing and love talking with people, but don't like speaking in public!
3. I HATE peanut butter & jam sandwiches. No reason, haven't really had them much in my life, but I hate them. Jam & cheese sandwiches on the other hand are AMAZING!
4. I used to pray every night that God would make me 6 foot 1. Just like my brother (he now is taller, though). Glad God didn't grant that wish!
5. When I was in kindgergarten, I used to tell everyone I wanted to be a cherry picker and even came home from school with a paper that said...when I grow up, I want to be a cherry picker and I drew a picture of someone picking cherries. Wow, kids are random.
6. I love crowds! The more people, the better. I also enjoy going to places/parties who I don't know a single person and spend the evening getting to know new people.
7. Weirdest thing ever. I kind of like the smell of skunks. Wouldn't want to get sprayed by one, but I still don't mind the smell.
8. I completed Grade 10 in Piano, and who knows, you might see me play sometime in church.

Now that I've done this Meme, I tag the following 4 loveley individuals:
Jenene
Mel
Kathleen Metz
Ruth

Hair Disaster!

2007-10-30T22:44:00.000-07:00

Normally, I go to a salon to get my hair dyed/hi-lighted, but on the missions trip in summer, some of the girls helped me highlight my hair and it turned out great, so I thought I'd try it again. Bad idea. I bought a hair dye that was SUPPOSED to be 1 shade lighter than the one I had before. It's a base colour, then a highlight. Now I have red/plummy hair with copper highlights. It totally sucks. Worst hair ever. Michelle, you better be working tomorrow, cause I'm coming to see you to fix my hair!

By the way, I did the exact same thing to Chris's hair. It looks good on him, but not an improvement from his naturally awesome brown hair.

How to Book a Doctor's Appointment...

2007-10-24T22:45:00.000-07:00

You might ask...how do I know the answer to this question? Well....this last month I started working at a Chiropractor's office and have gotten to know many interestings "workings" within the medical field.! Most importantly - WHY DO I ALWAYS HAVE TO WAIT FOR AN HOUR AT THE DOCTORS?!?!?! (my biggest pet peeve in life)....well, here's the scoop. Most doctor's offices book appointments every 15 min, ex 2:00, 2:15, and in those appointments, they sometimes will book up to 6 or 7 people for the SAME 2:00 appointment.

Sooo...next time you book an appointment, try the following:

DO NOT BE LATE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT (in fact, come 5-10 min. early)- MOST OFTEN, YOUR SPOT IN LINE IS BASED ON FIRST COME , FIRST SERVE BASIS, NOT THE ACTUAL TIME OF APPOINTMENT!
Book either the first appointment of the day, first appointment after lunch or the last appointment of the day and be there 5 minutes early!

DISCLAIMER: I can't guarantee that you won't still have to wait for an appointment, afterall, you are going to a doctor, expect somewhat of a wait! Good Luck!

chico, the wonder cat

2007-09-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Who knew having a pet was so entertaining, but she's sooo incredible! She voluntarily found this spot and was sleeping like this!

Our most embarassing moment happened in church....

2007-09-02T12:56:00.000-07:00

11:35 am. Sitting in church. Dead quiet, because everyone was waiting for Roger to come to the front to pray. Chris leaned over to say something to me but instead of saying something....he moved funny and hit his chest and guess what? It caused him to burp - LOUD! - right in my ear.

We almost died of embarassment. Kim said it was super loud & could be heard at least 2 rows in front of us and 2 rows back. The worst part was that it looked like Chris deliberately let out a huge burp in my ear in church. And we weren't even at our church! We are at a chruch that was hosting us and another church as part of a joint service!

So, all of you who heard that burp....no, we're not totally rude & obnoxious. Our most embarassing moment ever - please tell me someone's had worse!

My Surprise hotel getaway

2007-08-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

Last week, Chris planned a mini-vacaton for us to stay in a hotel in the city for a few days. He planned EVERYTHING and kept me guessing for the whole time..it was awesome. Tonnes of surprises and lots of fun!

Chris made a "spa" for me - it was amazing -

complete with a 1/2 hour massage - whoo hoo!

We tried a new restaraunt - the melting pot.

Fun to cook your own meal right before your eyes!

My favorite thing - shoppers drug mart at all hours of the night.

We made a midnight run just to try new perfumes

My summer

2007-08-07T23:43:00.000-07:00

Who needs starbucks when you have your own personal barista

2007-07-24T21:44:00.000-07:00

My hubby & I love our coffee, and now that's it's so hot, we love our frappucions - the ones from starbucks - he's probably had 4 already today. Just one catch - we have the starbucks recipe and he makes them at home! In fact, he makes so many we need a new blender...and our own cow! We made them ultra low fat ones too, which is just ice, a little sugar, a little milk & lots of espresso....yum... $5.00 at starbucks, but my hubby, the barista makes them all day long for a mennonite's dream price - 25 cents/venti (large)!

Note to all you single people out there - put on your "husband requirements"

MUST BE ABLE TO MAKE FRAPPUCINOS.

I guarantee you, it's a plus. Just make sure you don't take any of those other character qualities off your list to make room for this frappucino requirement!

Vancouver 2007

2007-07-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

We just got back from our missions trip working with YWAM doing street ministry/service in Vancouver on & around East Hastings, commercial drive, etc. It was amazing. I saw things there I won't ever forget and met people I'll always remember. It's changed me- a lot - saw things I thought I'd never see, but yet felt so at home. Saw a guy shoot up right in front of me and it broke my heart. Met a prostitute and got to share a little God-moment with her while she was trying to pick up guys. Worked with various ministries and put on a few different services in street missions. Picked up garbage in the park. Got lost - a lot. Got stranded at Michaels/Wal-mart due to vehicle breakdowns. Saw God bring people/things to help us on our journey. Saw God break my heart for those on the streets. Saw success stories of people who made it off the streets. Saw the character of all those who came on our trip shine incredibly - was so proud of each and every one of the youth that came..they were an inspiration to me!

I thank God for this amazing opportunity - it has truly changed me.

Run Baby Run

2007-06-20T22:05:00.000-07:00

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!

A Tribute to Ken....

2007-06-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

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.

Our new tree at home!

As much as this is tragic and sad, and we would have loved to know him better, we see God's great mercy in all of it. He was a wonderful man who got to know the Lord before he died. We are also getting to know his wonderful wife and 2 beautiful sons (and one daughter-inlaw) through this. They are a wonderful family we are praying for God's strength to get them through.

Chris & I have a "life verse" and it is so suitable here -

Isaiah 61:1-3

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

because the LORD has anointed me ..........

to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion—

to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.

God, we thank you for his life. Thank you for what you have taught us through this man!

My little duckies

2007-06-16T19:35:00.001-07:00

We went to the park today and snapped some quick photos before my camera batteries died! So cute these little guys!

The day I was Roseanne...

2007-06-15T22:52:00.000-07:00

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.

Streets of Wonder....

2007-06-13T22:18:00.001-07:00

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.......

Rainbows & Lollipops

2007-06-08T22:48:00.000-07:00

Only a few individuals will know why I named this story rainbows & lollipops....

We just came back from our mini-vacation and it was truly rainbows & lollipops - especially since we stayed in a 70's style cabin, listened to Boney M., read books by the fire and went for hikes on 15 acres of amazing nature. Fun, fun, fun. In life, there are many, many good days, but not too many rainbow & lollipop days where everything is perfect. It felt good to say the last few days were just that. Rainbows & Lollipops. Thanks God - You're amazing for giving us those days!

Finally........

2007-06-05T22:33:00.001-07:00

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.

The most amazing people I know......

2007-05-28T21:38:00.000-07:00

My husband and I are youth pastors. We love our youth. In fact, I feel like I have 60 children. I cry when they cry, laugh when they laugh and get a little crazy with them sometimes. There are nights when some of them are unable to come and it just doesn't feel right. I am so amazed that God has chosen us to be His ambassadors to these amazing wonders called youth. I can't imagine my life without them. Some days I get discouraged and wonder why God chose me - I'm not near perfect. But I am so thankful. We've also got the most amazing team of mentors around us - can't imagine doing it without them. Each person brings a "flavor" with them that is just, well, them. We've got one guy who is our "gentle father" - he protects and cares for us all so deeply - he is a 2nd father to the girls. One woman who is so sweet & gentle and everyone wants to be around her. One woman who is THE social butterly and is in the middle of every crazy fun conversation, one man who is quiet and gentle and so full of wisdom and strength, one woman who is sooooo encouraging, cute and has the most amazing worshipper's heart, and one who is so a model for all of us in her gentleness, maturity and character. No one else can take their place. This reminds me we all have a destiny. There is only one person in the world like you. Only you can fill what God has called you to do. And I am glad God has called me to these people.....the most amazing people I know. I love you all.

My very own chocolate bar

2007-05-24T22:38:00.000-07:00

Chris came home with this today - 5 of them for $1 at Dollorama - they're actually very good too! There's not many people that can say they have a chocolate bar named after them.

2007-05-24T21:40:00.001-07:00

Nothing else matters

2007-05-24T21:07:00.000-07:00

When my husband and I first got married, we were poor like all married couples. I remember thinking how much I'd like to start off in a nice house, go away on a 2 week honeymoon to Hawaii.....the list goes on. Right then and there I felt God say to me that you can have everything in the world, but if you don't have God, you have nothing. However, if you have God and nothing else, you have everything. Everything starts & ends with Him. My life has been a series of "God Moments" and I can say nothing else is better than a "God moment". Sunsets, little kids laughing, answered prayer, family, friends, His great love for us little humans. Why he chooses to use us despite our weaknesses is amazing. I am so honored to say my best friend is the God of the universe!