Imagine...... As I sit at my desk with the window open, I am listening to the soft sounds of crickets in the midst of the city. I guess we can't really call Oakville a city, but it certainly isn't cottage country. It is so relaxing to hear those reassuring sounds, reminders that nature surrounds us even in a town of black asphalt, cement buildings, shopping malls, fast food stores and racing cars. How often do you sit and actually pay attention to the sounds around you? Do you hear the airplanes soaring above late at night and wonder where the people are headed? Do you hear racing cars at midnight and wonder why those people are not at home cuddled up to a loved one? Do you hear birds flying in flocks over head and wonder what their flight plan is? Do you hear the distant sound of barking dogs and wonder where their masters are? What about complete silence? Do you find complete stillness, even momentarily, strange in the midst of a busy city? Do you ever wonder how many people live in the town you reside in? How many children are being born, or how often do you think about the pain of families who have lost a loved one? What about the joy of young couples getting married? Do your thoughts ever go to the elderly people who are lonely with no family to visit them? How often are your thoughts consumed only by the little world immediately around you with little focus outside of your own circle? There is so much life going on around us that we can't begin to even imagine. Imagine! What a powerful word, what an adventure that word can bring us . Imagine you can stop what you are doing, sit back and take a glimpse into the lives of people in Japan, Holland, Georga, Florida, downtown Toronto or the jungles in the world. Can you just imagine what life elsewhere would look like? Yes, I am once again pondering how beautiful it is to fold my arms, lay my head down as I take in the sun's rays and people watch. See you in Japan, maybe....

I had a friend share with a few of us the following inspiration. I share it today with you.

I’M HAPPY !
I’M FABULOUS !
I’VE GOT IT !
I’M BEAUTIFUL !

Ladies.... You’ve got it...because you ARE fabulous and beautiful. Be happy !

If you forgot this like I have the past many years -I am here to remind you!

YOU HAVE GOT IT ALL!!

AND DON'T LET YOURSELF EVER FORGET IT ! !

NIGHT....

And then there is SHEIRA! Yippeee! What a chick, what a daughter. She's a riot. She's like a rock for me - my friend. What a personality - she's just like me, or at least how I used to be... on fire and passionate for whatever cause she believes in. Look out if you do or say something that offends her. She's a fiercefully loyal friend. She's funny, friendly and never ceases to put a smile on my face. She has often ticked me off so badly that I could scream and yell at her until my throat is sore. She can turn around after the screaming match, reach out to hug me and say sorry. Love DOES mean having to say "you're sorry."

I have enjoyed spending the past few days in the grace of her company. We went mall browsing looking for bargains we couldn't even afford, and had fun doing it; sat together for lunches and dinners. She must be bored by now! This chickie talks to everyone in the retail stores...clerks and customers. She talks to them with such flair and intensity that you'd think she was truly interested in every single aspect of their lives. I can't begin to count how many people she has initiated conversations with these past few days. I am sure she has left an impression on every single one of them.

Hurrrrraaaayyy Sheira....! You're a blessing to me this week...THANKS.. I LOVE YA... Mom

Sandy...my beautiful eldest child. I call her beautiful not just because she is physically beautiful, but because her heart is more beautiful than the most stunning actress. She has a passion for the elderly and when she speaks about the client she works with, she truly beams with love. I am so blessed to have her as my child and I know that I don’t often tell her this. We so often get caught up with the day to day activities of life and so unfortunately don’t stop to tell those very special people just how beautiful and outstanding they are. Sandy you are a shining star and I love you so much.

I was thinking about her as I was ironing my clothes tonight. I pulled out a pair of white and blue capris pants and immediately my thoughts and memories jumped to the day I was shopping with her last summer when she convinced me to buy these pants. I argued with her explaining that I couldn’t possibly buy and wear these pants as first of all I wasn’t sure if I even liked capris pants and second of all...these were WILD. No way was I venturing to buy these. Well, I did buy them, in fact I even wore them...over and over. I shocked a few of my friends as I am sure they didn’t really like them...but I grew to love them so I didn’t care what they thought. Shortly after, I was in a little boutique at a village near my cottage and I spied an outlandish pair of black capris that had red apple prints all over them. I wanted these pants so badly, but they were very expensive so my friend steered me out of the store telling me over and over that I was loosing it as these pants were UGLY. Anyway, we made our usual stops through this tourist town and finally headed back to the cottage. Upon arriving, Linda handed me a bag and asked me to hold it for her as she asked me to open up the bag and get something out for her. To my surprise as I dug in the bag, I found the "ugly" pants. Her fashion sense got the better of her and she treated me to the pants.

This entire venture into what I call the "wild" side of weird clothes started when Sandy bought me a pair of hip hugger "flair" jeans for my birthday two years ago. I remember opening the box and my heart sank as I looked at these jeans that I knew she spent way too much money on. How was I possibly going to tell her that I couldn’t wear them? BELL BOTTOMS - I didn’t like that one bit. I felt silly even thinking about waking around with them on. With age, I had graduated to straight leg pants, afterall we wore these "bell bottoms" in the 70's. However, after being convinced by Sandy that it was time for me to get "with it", I stepped out of my comfort zone and wore them.. To my amazement I actually looked pretty good in them and even had a few eyes turn when I wore them...it just took me some time to stop attempting to pull them up from my hips to my waist.

Thanks Sandy for showing me that I don’t have to "age"without fashion, but more importantly I can mature and continue to step out of my comfort zone! I LOVE YA! MOM.....

Back to normal...YES! Whatever bug that was swimming my system as taken a dive and I am feeling almost back to normal. As I sit at my desk with the window open, I am listening to the soft sounds of crickets in the midst of the city. I guess we can't really call Oakville a city, but it certainly isn't cottage country. It is so relaxing to hear those reassuring sounds, reminders that nature surrounds us even in a town of black asphalt, cement buildings, shopping malls, fast food stores and racing cars. How often do you sit and actually pay attention to the sounds around you? Do you hear the air planes soaring above late at night and wonder where the people are headed? Do you hear racing cars at midnight and wonder why those people are not at home cuddled up to a loved one? Do you hear birds flying in flocks over head and wonder what their flight plan is? Do you hear the distant sound of barking dogs and wonder where their masters are? What about complete silence? Do you find complete stillness, even momentarily, strange in the midst of a busy city? Do you ever wonder how many people live in the town you reside in? How many children are being born, or how often do you think about the pain of families who have lost a loved one? What about the joy of young couples getting married? Do your thoughts ever go to the elderly people who are lonely with no family to visit them? How often are your thoughts consumed only by the little world immediately around you with little focus outside of your own circle?

There is so much life going on around us that we can't begin to even imagine. Imagine! What a powerful word, what an adventure that word can bring us to.Imagine you can stop what you are doing, sit back and take a glimpse into the lives of people in Japan, Holland, Georga, Florida, downtown Toronto or dare if you can to imagine the jungles in the world. Can you just imagine what life elsewhere in the world might look like? Yes, I am pondering how beautiful it is to fold my arms, lay my head down as I take in the sun's rays and people watch. See you in Japan or maybe Greece on this adventure. Night....

Weather...I am under it these days....having major ulcer problems or something... just tought I'd say HI. I shall dig my way out into the sunshine quickly. I have to muster some energy and good health to teach tomorrow...help.....! lol.... I shall be back to my usual self tomorrow. NIGHT!

The Dog barks...and barks and barks... I laid half asleep last night struggling desperately to zonk out and find restful sleep. I tossed and turned, flipped over and back again.... for what seemed like ages. I couldn't get to sleep again, a routine that has been happening frequently these days. Anyway, as I struggled to find sleep I heard my son's dog muffling out a few grumbling barks. After the second or third bark I shouted down at him to "ssssshhhhhhh up".... he ignored me and proceeded to yelp a little more. It was then that I wondered what he wanted. Did he want water, food, company or a walk? At this point I didn't really care what he wanted as I wasn't about to get up and do anything about his needs. I did however concentrate on trying to figure out why dogs were not created with a vocabulary that we can understand. Like, why not speak in English? What was the point of creating a dog (or any animal for that matter) who can't speak the same language...or at least one we can learn to REALLY understand clearly. I hope he doesn't do his bark routine again tonight!
NIGHT ONCE AGAIN ..........

Why some kid believes in God..... I was cleaning out my house this week and I found some articles that I had printed and saved, which is something I often do when I read something that very significant. As I reviewed some of these articles, one in particular caught my attention to which I am going to share parts of with you tonight. As this article appears to be written by a child, I asked my son if he wrote it, to which he replied "never saw it before". Where did this come from? I have no idea, but I am going to share some of the writing as it really touched my heart. The article was called "EXPLAIN GOD".

"One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth. He doesn't make grown ups, just babies"

"God's second most important job is listening to prayers. An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times besides bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this."

"Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista. At least there aren't any who come to our church."

"His Dad (God) appreciated everything that He had done and all His hard work on earth so He told Him He didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So He did. And now He helps His dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important to God to take care of and which ones He can take care of Himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important." (I loved that one).

"If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids."

"But... you shouldn't always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and He can take me back anytime He pleases. And... that's why I believe in God."

From the adult reading this article...I share why I believe in God....

"When I walk the journey of life and I stumble on the stones and rocks thrown in my path, even though my feet are tired, cut, sore, and bleeding He will always reach out to pick me up, dust me off and put that cushion under my feet until they heal enough to walk the rest of the journey."

And that ladies and gentlemen is just the beginning of why I believe in God !
What's yours! Night.......

Exercising the human brain...my brain! I decided a week or two ago that it was time I started to pump up the brain cells and study something that may boost my brain power such as some educational intelligent reading. My good friend gave me some suggestions all to which I have ignored, justifying my actions as being either too lazy or busy to embark on such a strenuous adventure. Finally I concluded it wasn't either excuse that stopped me from the new adventure, it was just that I am truly an emotional heart person not likely too busy or lazy. I have never really been know to be lazy (although I have had times of exhaustion forcing me to hibernate). Anyway, I truly did think about switching my avenue of reading material and much thought I decided to stick to the heart stuff. I think that the hearts of many people as well as myself, need to be pumped up, encouraged and fed. The brain can wait as I have discovered when the heart is in good shape, healthy, happy, beating well and pumping oxygen to the brain then the natural progression of pumped up brain cells will re-produce. So I am back to reading the heart books, the ones that re-vitalise the emotions and thoughts as I was designed to be an encourager. YEA.... that is so much more fun! I'm hitting the books again, starting tonight.

Let the sunshine beam down into the window of each of your hearts. Night.........

Dateless in Oakville... Well..that's not exactly what I intended on writing about, however I had to find a catchy line. Recently, I was reading a Christian Single's newsletter I get e-mailed to me. The editor had been writing on how it has become a general male opinion that today's women are too independent. Apparently today's woman does not want a man to take out the garbage, help pay the mortgage, ask for help, open the door, get too close - and the list goes on and on. Well, let me tell you, this lady would be thrilled if someone was around to take out the garbage, pay the mortgage and hug me !! I think these guys are looking in the wrong places!Anyway, there have been articles written back and forth from men on this subject with the greater percentage of men still sticking to that opinion of "today's" woman.

In a discussion with my daughter and another friend wherein I stated that it's been hard to find a nice guy (or even get a date to figure out if they are nice). To my surprise, they shared that maybe I intimidate men. Afterall, in THEIR opinion I am independent, strong minded and willed, aggressive, very friendly and confident and drive a nice car. Hmmm... really I thought - is that what I really look like from the outside? Then today someone shared as they looked my way, that their "partner" is intimidated by TALL woman. That comment really took me back because first of all this particular person they were talking about has always seemed to me to be one who would not be intimidated by much, let alone a tall woman. Apparently I am "TALL". Looks like I am batting to strike out on all counts. Someone please make me short, helpless, weak, timid and driving a car that actually belongs to me, which would be more in line with what I could afford....like a Pinto or something - then maybe the great date would ask me out !
lol...
Night...as I drift off to Mexico basking in the sun....

I sat at my window earlier in awe as I watched the rain turn into flakes of thick white snow. The flakes danced through the air quickly hitting the ground and piling up. Before I knew it the neighbourhood children were running out their front doors and stooping to make snowballs. I truly couldn't believe my eyes, snow in August. I had the bedroom window open and it didn't take me long to jump off my chair to shut it as the wind was howling and snow was quickly drifting in from the accumulation on the window sill. It was truly bizarre - even the weather reports didn't predict this sudden change in precipitation. Did I get off on the wrong stop - somewhere to Alaska?! One minute I was sitting with the spindly rays of sun bouncing off my face to frost bite from the razor sharp edges of the snow flakes. When I touched the steel part of the window my fingers froze to the edges. I had to press hard hoping that some warmth from my finger tips would free this instant sticking. Yuck... snow and ice so soon being pelted upon us. Where did the summer go?

I was very glad to open my eyes and realize that I was only dreaming and that the sun is truly still shining - although faintly. Chin up all... stop complaining about this "cold" weather...... it could be worse!

NIGHT!

The Toe.... A story of Godly healing!!
Well, we are all safely home from our retreat in Illinois. We shared an incredible experience bringing the TULIP retreat to the U.S. This is our first international retreat and it was successful and we were blessed with meeting so many new friends and shared many fun experiences. However, in the midst of this fun time, I had a mishap. On my way way out out of the bathroom into the bedroom at the home we were staying in, I caught my foot on the door frame, pulling my baby toe completely away from the rest of my toes - four toes pointing north and the baby toe heading east! In pain I hobbled to the bed, sat with my foot up in agony waiting for what I actually thought was a "charlie horse" to subside. The sharp pain in my foot slowly started to subside however the easterly direction my baby toe had taken, still had not changed course. I called Michelle into the room in exasperation realizing my toe was broken, with possible chances it would drop off my foot. What an ugly site, Michelle smiled with concern but her eyes showed disbelief. Long story, we were blessed that the Pastor of the church we were visiting managed to contact one of their members (who happened to be a husband /wife team of chiropractors) who immediately invited us to their office to complete x-rays. Done - with bad news that I would have to visit the hospital immediately to have a "soft" cast put on the badly broken toe, at an approximate cost of $1000-$1500 U.S. Dollars - just like me to forget an important job of getting medical insurance!! So, we hobbled back to Pastor Johnathan's house where the group of about 15 or so adults and children gathered around to peer at the gimpy toe. I decided to not venture the hospital route for expensive unaffordable medical help. The group decided that we would all pray for healing of this messy toe. With little 3 year old Mika joining in, we had group prayer ending with the girls providing medical assistance wherein they taped my toe back into place (ouch, ouch, ouch !).

I spent the next two days being whipped around in the wheel chair, (thanks Garry and Jay) and gracefully guided from conference centre to the dinner hall (thanks to the graceful Anita, Kim, Michelle, Louise and Karen!!), carried on piggy back rides (thanks Lance!) and just beautifully taken care of. Upon our return very late last night, Louise zipped me into the local hospital for medical assistance and more x-rays (where OHIP would now cover the expense). Results - the technician said that "we" did an incredible job of putting the toe back into place - and when she saw the original x-rays taken in the U.S. , she was totally shocked at the healing that had taken place. With big smiles and not so much surprise, we had shared the story of the answers to prayers for healing. I am hoping this story will stay with her for a long time as it's a beautiful example of God's healing and love!!

Tim - a picture of the toe will be on it's way in a couple of days!

Night from hobbie the knob who didn't get insurance!

Off to Illinois ! Colombia that is. We will be stopping at Chicago for an overnight stay. This is a ministry event that we are combining with a family vacation - so it's going to be a smashing time.! Not much to say today other than the brain has been absent from the body these days. I went over to the mall to pick-up my pants (which were having a zipper fixed) that I needed to take with me and I did everything but pick the pants up - and ended up at home at 6:15 remembering. So...just one more dilema. As I have much to do I bid my farewells and shall chat when we get back.

Cheri

Morality... Tonight I was pretty tired from a long day. I am actually going through some sort of transition thing, oddly enough I am not even sure what the transition is. However, I in efforts to exercise my brain, I had decided to start reading some mentally stimulating things. Tonight I opened my journal a friend gave me about a week ago. It's such a nice leather bound book that I didn't want to write in it. In fact, I have chosen to use pencil not pen to make my notes.

anyway, what I read tonight something written by C.S. Lewis. Just opening the book to whatever spot the pages flopped open at, I coincidentally open up to Chapter 1 (1/4 of the way through the book) headed "The Three Parts of Morality". Lewis writes that there are "two ways in which the human machine goes wrong, one being when the human individuals drift apart (or collide) and the other is when things go wrong inside the individual." He carries on to say "the voyage will be a success only in the first place, if the ships do not collide and get in one another's way and secondly if each ship is seaworthy." Are you following this? In other words, if "their steering gears are out of order they will not be able to avoid collisions". If we don't get it together, we are going to crash and smash into each other.

This sounds pretty basic. I believe he is simply saying that if you drift away from those close to you - you loose accountability. Loss of accountability gives room for corrupt behaviour. Each of us need to be accountable, it keeps us in line. Also, if our wires short out in our heads, things burn out and we get the wrong message, causing us to act out of character.

Hmmmm.... That actually took me quite a while to read and decipher. The question written for our analysis is "What is the importance of each part of morality as Lewis describes them here? IF we are moral within ourselves and with others, why would it matter what the overall purpose of morality is to human life as a whole?

So, how does one answer this question? I started by breaking the question down - outlining and understanding each part of morality and I am still lost as to how to answer this question other than we need to understand the purpose so we are aware conscious and accountable to each other to remain moral. I am not sure how much that exercised my brain, but it's a start.

Night!!

Your Opinion....  it matters!  Have you ever had a strong opinion on a topic and were somewhat reluctant to express it, even to your closest friend.  Did you ever wonder why you were reluctant, did you question your own confidence or was it the fear of the reaction you might receive from the person you were sharing it with?  I have recently been told that I am somewhat far more opinionated than I used to be.   I guess if I an honest with myself I have to admit that the accuser is probably right.  I wonder why it is that I have this new personality trait jumping out.  I am sure it's not because I have become smarter, or bolder.  I think it's probably because I am so tired of so many dumb people and things around me that I just can't help myself.  My recent pet peeve has been drivers....I just don't know where most of them have buried their heads.  Then there are the arrogant people who think they can talk to you anyway they want.  Then there are those who treat others as though they are blocks of wood sitting in a pile waiting to be thrown in the local wood stove.  Then there are teenagers who just have no respect for anyone around them. 

Then there is me.... the maturing lady who has suddenly developed a very dry sense of humour, a little more wit (not necessarily charming wit) than she'd prefer to have and a mouth that seems to open and let some pretty dumb words fall out.  And I mean fall out....blubber blubber...blaaa.... 

You see, the last few days I have been reflecting on my friend Tim's writings.  He is so profoundly smart in my humble opinion.  I have to carefully read what he writes so I can full comprehend what he is sharing most of the time.  I have decided that my silly little ramblings, although entertaining to me and possibly one other dedicated follower.. (wonder who that could be?) needs to be spiced up.  I need to get more confidence to share some really good stuff.  So.. I am going to put the brain to work and research, study and entertain you, my friends with some startling writing..... once I get back from Illinois......... maybe.....

Night....

THE TRAMPOLINE.....   Have you ever had the opportunity to step foot on one?  It's been years for me, but I did last night.  We had a riot, being at a birthday party a couple of us ventured out, kicked the kids off - age being power.  My friend and I jumped all over this thing like fools with very little talent or even balance.  Eventually both of us falling down, laughing our heads off.  This morning I was looking at the pictures our friend took and I had a good laugh once again.  I began to do what I seem to do best, reflect.  I was thinking of life and the trampoline.  Sometimes we get on a roll in life and we are jumping all over the place, bouncing fast and  furiously.  Before we know it, we are bouncing so high in the sky experiencing such thrills of excitement paying little attention to where were are bouncing to.  All of a sudden we either loose perspective or balance and we are jumping right off the trampoline onto the side of it or the ground...crashing hard, causing possible serious injury to ourselves or those around us.   Hmmm.... we should be jumping high in life, however taking care to ensure we are not so taken away by the excitement that we loose track of what direction we are taking. 

Not exciting, but definitely reflective...!  Have a great day.

Here I sit....totally distracted from what I was doing - eating Caramilk Chocolate birthday cake.  It's my lunch break and instead of working through it, I thought I'd take a moment to write.  I just read an article from my friend's site that was the real reason I got distracted.  He was reflecting on a friendship he cherishes with a couple I also  share friendship with - so my understanding on his reflection is enhanced.  His reflection  brought some tears to my eyes and time of thought on such great friends.  Anyway, through the moments of emotions, my thoughts were taken far from the article as I started thinking about  an old girl who's at the foot of a patch of grass...she is facing a huge mountain .  One step forward and she is going to scrape her nose all to bits, yet one step taken too shakily she is going to fall right off the grassy patch into a possible ever ending canyon.  However, steps taken backwards are taken into the darkness of never never land.  So, the old lady is testing her faith, endurance and hopes that the steps are taken with all confidence that the mountain will be gentle and only slightly scrape her nose and that the steps that could throw her into the canyon are far beyond her protected steps.  Maybe, just maybe that old lady will come out revitalized with just a few wrinkles faded. 

Stay tuned....

So....here I go again...slacking.  I have to admit to a streak of laziness these days. Well... maybe not laziness...possibly exhaustion...whatever..!  I went to the show Saturday night and watched an apparent "chick-flick" in the company of a nice humble male, to whom I am grateful for being such a good sport - although he did admit to enjoying the movie!
 
First time I have been to the show in months...actually since I saw "The Passion" three times in the spring.  Well,  Saturday night we saw "Notebook".  Has anyone seen it?  It's somewhat of a slow moving production, but quite nice.   The story line, without giving away too much of the story line, is a love story laid out before us through the voice of a gentle man as he reads from a   journal.   There was some humour, a couple of relatively tastefully portrayed steamy love scenes and a good bag of tears.  As one can figure, the noise of rattling purses, kleenex unraveling, sniffling and tears were brought on by the heart wrentching tales of love and lost love. 
 
I can admit it did make me somewhat teary eyed however what really made the droplets of tears fall onto my cheek and down onto my lips was one particular scene wherein the female star had realized she had not lived out her passion of painting, realization of course brought to her attention by her handsome lover.  A scene shows her sitting near naked, wrapped in her lover's blanket as she overlooks through the windows of his home to the beautiful rolling green grassy fields and hills in the country as she begins to paint ever so passionately.  I realized how I can't even remember if I had a passion to leave behind... and then a flash of reminder flew by me as I realize I do have passions that I have forgot to live.  So... I shed a few tears, came home, spent time reflecting and went to bed.  The thought won't leave my little nimble brain these days and have been doing what I do best, analyzing how one stops what they are doing... and truly work out what is important in life. 
 
Often we spend too much time running to make a living, that we don't stop and smell the roses in that garden we spend hours pruning.  We sit right there on the grass with our garden tools in hand, sun shinging down, pulling weeds, mowing the lawn, pruning trees and watering the gardens without ever stopping to smell the fragrance of those beautiful roses and flowers in our gardens.  Do you actually remember smelling the fresh scent of the cut grass that you just cut?  Were you not there at the hand of that lawnmower as it buzzed it's way across the grass?
 
Ohhhh....memories.... once again just to sit in my little cabin on the beach with my computer and music.... writing away....(oh did I forget to mention - making money while I wrote?)
 
MOI
 

New York City... I know that I have said I was going to write more on the friends thoughts, but today I have to talk somewhat about my visit once again to the Big Apple. The friends topic is still on fire and I will have more to say about that! I had quite the experience in NY City with my daughter last week, actually I should re-phrase that to say "experienceS". As we were standing in SOHO (the fashion district of NY) waiting for a red light to turn green, we heard police sirens screeching their way through the area when before we knew it there were a couple of police vehicles pulling up directly in front of us, preventing us from crossing the street. Within minutes there were 7 police cars (one being a NY City Police Youth department van) and two big yellow NY taxi cabs pulling all around us (talk about freaky). We watched police officers getting out of these vehicles and a couple of undercover police officers jumping out of the taxi cabs. I noticed one officer pointing discretely to a group of young boys and the other officer nodding his head in affirmation. Within seconds these young boys were up against the wall with their arms up in the air with hands firmly planted on the wall, legs spread and the usual television drama of badges being flashed and frisking activities. It was quite the intense scene and it drew crowds of people. As I scanned the crowds and looked back to the boys being arrested, I saw one young boy turn his head and look around. I peered into his young face and was very disturbed to note that he couldn't have been any older than ten or possibly 12 years old at the most.

At some point in time my daughter urged me to cross the street and continue our journey through NY. I carried this vision of this troubled young man with me. I thought of him and the many young boys and girls that are trapped in a cycle of crime and destiny of despair. The questions of how does this happen to such young children seemed of less importance than how do we reach these children and either prevent this destiny or even a harder task of reaching them and pulling them out of that pit and give them new teaching, guidance, support, and love to encourage a life on a new journey. I wanted to run to the church in Brooklyn that seems to be giving youth a safe haven and just give my time to the youth right there in this big city that I can only imagine is full of youth in desperate need. Youth crime is everywhere in our world, but in huge cosmopolitan cities it is rampant and sad. If one would only put their arms around that ten year old boy and protect him, pull him from this journey and pain, guide and love him beyond his imagination.

I reflect on my drive in NY City (not Manhattan!) as I was driving along a main highway and being in the left lane, watching the broken lines between my lane and the right lane and all of a sudden the broken lines stop and within maybe 50 feet the two lanes merged, without notice. I thought of that merging, and realized that often these youth end up on that broken line that merges into a journey they didn't even expect to see happen. It just did with ease and no planning or notice of the change of destiny.

I am left with this feeling of despair for troubled youth and thankful for my child's youth group and the leaders that dedicate their time to guiding, reaching, teaching and loving them. Our children are so blessed by these youth leaders.

Just needing to share my heart with each of you. If you have a teenager in your midst that looks like they need just a bit more....reach out and share with them, it could be a gift they may never receive.

Cheri

Relationships.... This weekend I had my feelings hurt (boo hoo, I am female!). I came home and as I was getting ready for bed I tried to sort out why I would be experiencing these specific hurt feelings, afterall this person isn't close to me anymore. Don't get me wrong here, I understand the psychological issues of hurt feelings (and feelings in general), I was just trying to reason why someone would have hurt MY heart. I fell asleep with many thoughts roaming my little head. Then, this morning in church the sermon was none other than..... relationships! I had waited anxiously the past few weeks for this specific sermon as I knew it was slotted for today. The pastor of our church was away on holidays and the pastor of our church plant in Brampton delivered the message. I have to mention that he did a superb job, and through his message I now have the ending for my personal message for the Women's Retreat in August!

I took many notes as this sermon was written for me! The pastor reminded us of the need to share close relationships with others. We call these people in our relationships, friends. We are all looking for friends in our lives that will;

* Listen to our hopes and dreams;
* Know our faults and fears and love us anyway;
* Stand with us in times of adversity;
* Laugh when we laugh and cry when we cry;
* Be an advocate in times of need;
* And cheer us on when life gets tough;

Apparently many of us do not enjoy the gifts of these relationships. Fortunately I do! The sermon is quite in depth and I won't share everything in this blog tonight as I am far behind on things I need to do in order to get ready to go out of town, however, I guarantee I will be sharing more on this sermon as it was really good! What I want to share tonight is how I was able to sort out my hurt heart today and hope that if you are reading this today and may be experiencing some hurt from a relationship, that maybe something I share here may help you.

I am very fortunate as I have many friends in my life that fit the above categories. Friends who truly go the distance for ME, without question. I am not sure why I am so blessed with these friendships, and wonder if I am so deserving, but somehow on the journey through my life I have met and kept some incredible friends, a group of friends that keeps growing!

The sermon directs our thoughts on the types and degrees of friendships we experience in our lifetime. Some friends are "fair weather" friends, others are not quite role model friends, and there are the "forever friends". The "forever friends" are the ones that go the distance with us. They take our hearts in their hands with care and love and full intention of protection and encouragement.

I scan my thoughts to these different degrees of friendships and I realize I was subconsciously expecting all of my friends to relate and treat me in the same manner. How can I possibly expect someone who is a "fair weather" friend, or a friend to whom I have not allowed to get beyond my outer walls into the inner walls of who I am, to relate to me on the same level as my "forever friends"? I can't possibly expect those friends to fulfill any relational performances based on the same way my "forever friends" relate to me, the relationships are not the same and on the scales they do not balance.

So, in order to deal with hurt I must look at the level of the friendship I have with the specific person who has hurt me and take that into consideration when I allow my feelings to be hurt. If I have not let someone get close enough to me to be my forever friend, (or if they have not wanted to), I can't expect to experience the same level of caring from them.

I think because I have been so truly blessed with many "forever friends" that I just hoped that all of my friends would be "forever friends" not just "fair weather" friends. Yes, I am a dreamer...a selfish one I must admit!

Thoughts for the week.... guard your heart! Love your forever friends with all your heart. Give carefully to your fair weather friends so that you don't get hurt, and pray that those fair weather friends may find some spark that would allow them to want to be your forever friends! Forgive your friends (fairweather or forever) for any hurts they may cause.

Remember, your forever friends are eternal friends.

Night....

something is wrong....so I think. I had determined I had writer's block... tonight like a real live light bulb being snapped on...you know with the snap of the old fashioned chain attached to the base of a basic foundation holding a basic bulb, a thought came to me. I heard the clicking and have seen the light. The real light. I do NOT have writer's block. I have a case of terminal "who cares what I have to say, after all I can be overwhelmingly boring" syndrome. So I have decided to post even the tiniest of thoughts that might possibly interest even one single person (probably my son accidentially hitting the blog spot) might enjoy.

I was thinking all week about the huge weeds growing in my garden. It is so embarrassing that when I slide down the street in my car I try very hard to not look at the side of my fence where the nature plants are sprouting. I honestly wonder how many of my neighbours are finding their tongues falling out of their mouths as they discuss the shape of my garden (if that's what is can be called). I think of those huge weeds growing and I can't help relate it to some issues that many of us carry around in our lives. We carry and carry and all of a sudden we look out of the window in our eyes and discover we can't see past the weeds we have allowed to crowd our thoughts and sights. It's time to put the garden gloves on and grab those weeds right at the roots and zap them right out of that bad excuse of a garden. Keep in mind I suggest very good garden gloves to ensure that the sensitive skin on those hands pulling the weeds don't get torn apart in the process. Weeds can become wicked and very tough to pull out of that hard soil they have planted their roots in. I'm off to Wallmart on Saturday to buy garden gloves...which is somewhat frustrating as I think about it - because I do have garden gloves....somewhere in this house!

Night....sleep tight!
Cheri

THE POWER OF OUR VOICE.... The week or so has gotten by me so quickly that I honestly do not know where time has went other than out the window. I have had no voice the past two days. I can barely get words out and those that do get out are muffled by high pitch and low pitches making me sound like fog horn. How difficult it is to communicate without a voice. How powerful our voices are, especially when used in haste and without thought. Knowing that I can't stretch this voice of mine, I am choosing what to say more carefully as I don't want to waste what I do have left. So, I have realized by putting a curb on what I say, I have been somewhat quiet and gentle these days. Humbling I say, to be left without a voice. (I actually typed "vice" instead of "voice" which leaves me to more thought). I am doing more listening these past couple of days, which is good as listening is not one of my better skills...yes I can admit that. This as much as it is painful, is very good...it's showing me how much more character I would have if I just kept my mouth shut with the voice box on vacation.! Let the words float in my head and never enter the voice box and out my mouth. HAVE A GREAT DAY.

SNAKES.... Any of you that really knows me has probably experienced a snake thing somewhere along the journey with me. I dream about snakes, I run into, over and on top of snakes...probably more than the average person. I am an absolute freak when it comes to snakes. I mean "freak" in the sense that I go ballistic when I run unexpectedly into a snake. I scream, run and totally loose it.

Well...this weekend I was out of town in St. Thomas. On Saturday morning, I headed out the front door to go to the car and get something....my errand running quite smooth. However, a friend of mine went out after (or possibly before)me and along side of the path was a slithering little beast making it's way past the distraction of foot steps. I missed the beastly (apparently not so little) thing - thank goodness! In the afternoon I sat outside on the front step with a few friends as we shared lunch. I watched diligently to make sure the visiting little snake didn't make HIS way along the path near my spot on the step. Note I highlight HIS - afterall a WOMAN snake would figure a way to walk not crawl! (haha....just kidding).

Later during the day after much discussion on this little varmit, I found out that Mr. Snake actually slipped through the cracks in the stairs and was resting right below the area where my little butt was sitting. I was pretty freaked out for a while to realize that while I ate my lunch in complete enjoyment, there sat the horribly, slithering beast... probably chuckling to himself and entertaining temptation to poke his threatening head out at me possibly slither right past my feet - just to put me in spastic mode. However, it appears he probably decided it wasn't worth his energy and of course if news traveled fast enough, he would think about it twice - afterall he wouldn't want to get his ears damaged from high pitched screaming. I hope when he decides to poke his skinny slimy little head out of the steps that he notices the beautiful sunny day, slips out from the stairs to bask in the sun for a quick tan with results of the biggest burn he's ever experienced!

Sorry guys...that's all I could come up with for today! lol.

Eyes.... I was looking into the eyes of a friend tonight, actually two friends. One I knew is walking along a short journey, however this journey has been a little rough. The other friend I didn't know was upset about something. As soon as I came into the room tonight and greeted her, I knew something was weighing her down. I didn't know what it was and didn't impose on her time of thrashing the burden around. There were a few of us spending some quiet time together and each of us spent time just silently reflecting. Do you know how I knew she was struggling with something? Because I know her so well and one look into her eyes told me. Her smiles and chit chat didn't hide her emotions because her eyes looked sad.

I am so blessed that my friend has given me the opportunity to really get to know her. I may not be able to always help her, but I will always try to. I encourage you to spend time listening and watching your close friends. Look into their eyes when you listen and talk to them. Eyes tell it all my friends.

Husbands, know your wives, and when you talk to her, look directly into her eyes with your heart. Wives, men hide much behind their armor of steel, but if you just seek their eyes you will experience more intimacy than you could imagine.

Eyes are like the doorway to our hearts! Open the doors!

Night....

MEDICATION.... An interesting topic I think. So much to discuss, the dangers of, the side effects of, the cost of, generic or ...??? The big question, will it work? I have a skin problem that causes me much grief. I need to watch what I eat, drink and put on my face or I shall have break outs. Yes, at my age! As a teenager, I was blessed with beautiful skin, seldom ever a blemish to cry about. I turned 35 and something happened (I blame Joseph - as it started after he was born!) If I eat too many candies, chocolates, spicy foods and when I am indulging myself in a big dose of stress I have a face from mars, crater face. Well, it's not actually ever been that bad, but there have been moments when I would personally prefer not to go outside so the entire world can see the mess. I have tried medications, creams, changed soap, you name it, I've tried it. I finally decided to give up and just accept it - and best defense, watch what I eat. For the most part it works o.k.

Well, the other day an advertising fax came through the office introducing a product called Face Doctor. It sounded to me like a wonder product. Within two days I was standing in front of the pharmacy at 9:00 at night searching for this miracle product. Found it, bought it and couldn't wait to get home to try it. I tried it, for three days. Wow... I have a worse mess than I started with. I am broken out so badly that I can't help but just laugh at myself. $28.00 spent to agitate the problem even more. This does not mean this product isn't good, it's just terrible for me.

The point of this blog is not my sad face, but the fact that we as human beings are always looking for something to fix something. We can be lured so easily by the ads for anything that is presented attractively. Weddings, vacations, retirement, clothing, jewellery all fall into the categories to which advertising and marketing executives dabble their talents in. They are good at their jobs of spinning webs to catch us teeny little creatures. The webs are pretty pink, or metallic black they sparkle and catch our eye, but once our little fingers get close to the web, the crazy glue grabs us and we are lured into the powers of buying...anything and everything to fix what we need fixed.

Just as I was getting ready to finish the blog, I was wondering if the new product I bought to add more calcium to my diet may have thrown my skin off? Calcium that is in the form of french caramel cream soft chews... so beautifully packaged in butterscotch and orange colours! LOL...I think those marketing guru's got me twice this weekend. I should have painted all weekend, or danced.

Signing off again wondering if the marketing web has caught me once again?

Night....

THE DATE - I was looking around my house tonight and certainly not in appreciation. I was looking in disbelief. I can't seem to get motivated to keep this house neat and tidy because quite frankly I can't be bothered. Do you know when single women get motivated to clean their houses? When they have a date coming over to visit. Really, trust me. The phone rings, the handsome guy is going to pick her up for dinner/dessert, whatever... and all of a sudden she is panicked...he can't come to the house as it's a total disaster. The laundry she started on Monday is sitting on the couch, the rubbermaid bin which acts as a tool box is still sitting on the counter waiting to be sorted out and put back downstairs, the soil you bought for the garden a month ago is sitting by the door, the garden tools she used to dig a few weeds two weeks ago sits on the stand in the hallway, the clean dishes are still in the dishwasher and the sink has a pile of dirty dishes in it. How can a lady possibly entertain a date (even for moments) in this mess? What does she do? Cancel the date, or clean quickly, skipping fixing her hair? She quickly throws everything in the spare room upstairs that has been sitting waiting to be painted for 5 months. Manages to do something with her hair, changes her clothes, or attempts to and realizes she hasn't done laundry in a week and the jeans are not clean. Rummages through her closet finally finding something to wear. See, I know what to do, now if someone would just call and ask me for a date, I could get motivated to clean the house! (not?!)

lol... Have a blast today in the sun as I think I'll pass a day in the sun and clean the house, maybe......

Wondering.... I have been wondering how a blogger gets her friends to actually start using the comments section of her blog. She blogs and blogs and blogs, checks her site meter and sees that people read and read and read (often the same people over and over and over)...however they seldom comment. Now come on, my blogging can't be THAT bad can it?

Anyway, tonight while I was searching a name in google for a ministry, up came in the 8th section of 10 each, my name. Yes, my personal name. I was quite surprised actually. When I clicked on it, my blog spot came up. Apparently it was something I wrote about "loosing my petals" from my tulip flower or something that sparked my writing to come up. So, I have decided, who needs comments, I am famous already! Well.. I can believe I am anyway....

Have a cool Friday night, I am off to pick-up Pizza Pizza pizza. My fav. Guess I shall watch movies with the dog. I might even share the pizza with him.

Night my friends.

Humour....What makes YOU laugh? I mean REALLY laugh? Do you laugh much? I think life has many of us so busy that we seldom take the time to engage in activities that give us opportunity to sit, smell the flowers and have so much fun that we can laugh until our guts are tight and sore! I mean REALLY!! I know for me it has been a long time since I had moments of fits of laughter, until about two weeks ago anyway (details to follow). Last night I went to see a Christian speaker from England who not only was a very good speaker (in my opinion), but he was also very funny, with the ability to pull the audience into bouts of laughter. One of the guys at our church who attended, appeared to have such a good time and laughed so hard he couldn't keep his head up. I was laughing, but not like him, it was a joy to watch someone laugh their "heads-off" actually.

About 2 weeks ago Joseph did his usual acting stunt wherein he sang "Hero" to two of my girlfriends in celebration of their 40th birthday's. With about 50 people standing around, he sang, acted the part of the suave rock star singing love songs to these women. I looked around at my friends and watched as even the most serious person was laughing so hard that they had tears!

So why am I writing about laughing tonight? Probably because it's been a tough day, actually a tough couple of weeks and I know that laughing is good medicine. I could use a really good fit of laughter however, there isn't much around me tonight to laugh about, considering I am alone in the house - except the dog - who doesn't make me laugh.

OH, I guess tonight fond memories will have to suffice - almost like taking the generic brand of drugs for an illness - just not the same effect and it takes longer to cure the illness.... hmmm....

MOI

The World.... I don't know if the news is something that may disturb any of you out there, but I can certainly share that there is not a day recently that I log on to the internet and see extremely disturbing news. So disturbing that I really must say I pray for the children of our world. My purpose in writing this is not to depress you, but maybe just to share my very concerned heart for the pain around us. I read things like eleven year old GIRLS killing their school mates, fathers killing their children, politicians sexually abusing young girls, stalker sitting in bushes near schools taking pictures of the children. Those items are just from the past couple of days. Evil deeds are more rampant than ever before. I remember hearing about rape as a young girl and being clearly shocked to hear of such terrible crimes. Either the papers and news stations back then didn't write about those things often, or possibly they just didn't happen as frequently as they do in this day and age. I think the latter is the reality. I do remember when I was about 11 there was a murder in the neighbouring village near my cottage. Our family was sitting waiting to hear the village news in hopes of some survivors of the horrific crime in complete and utter shock. Something back then never heard of, murders of family members, especially innocent children. My heart goes out to the young couples who are beginning to have families, as I wonder what life is ahead for them. Truly I do, the simple fear of allowing your children to walk to school on their own, or of student bullying. As beautiful as this world is, it carries such evil and horrific crimes. I know remember why I did stop reading the newspaper.

I will continue to try to focus mostly on the beautiful things and events around us and focus less on the horrible crimes. Such as looking off to the side of the road when I am sitting in dead stop traffic and ponder in awe, the flowers growing from the cracked cement where no flower should grow, or watching the incredibly talented children growing and flourishing in our midst.

Share with me please some positive beautiful things you encounter this week!

GOLFERS UNITED ! ! Well...they let me join in on the fun this Saturday. I joined a group from our church for a fund raiser golf event in a game called "best ball". It was the best time I have ever experienced in playing golf. One of us had never played golf in his life, the other two (myself and Louise) don't really play. My thanks to Bruce who shepherd us with teaching and amazing patience, despite the fact we threw his game off. What a perfect game of golf, not so much in the score category, but in the friendship department. It was really neat to spend 4 hours with other people that we did not know very well and yet have such a good time that we laughed almost the entire time (possibly at the expense of some of us lesser experienced golfers!). The weather was ordered perfectly, not cold, incredibly sunny with not a cloud in sight, yet not too warm, an absolutely perfect day. I am hooked and Louise & Bruce are hiding! I suggested that we try 6:00 a.m. golf and I have not heard from any of them. I wonder if it was the 6:00 a.m. tee-off time that scared them or my golfing...oh well.....

My point of all this rambling is to encourage each of you out there to just DO IT. Step out of your little burrows of comfort zones and just do something you have always wanted to do, zap that fear of ...whatever...! Next adventure.... horse back riding. Anyone up for the adventure with me?????

Night....!

MY FAITHFUL FRIEND DANI!!
I have been so pre-occupied with so many things that I have not taken the time to blog. I guess part of my slacking is that there isn't much exciting happening these days in my life - other than the usual crazy drivers, people that continually irritate me and life in general. I have however checked my site meter and I am so impressed that my dear friend DANI continually checks daily to see if I have written - oh how I must have disappointed YOU. So, just for you DANI I am going to get the wheels of this nimble brain going and surprise you with some inspiration.

This weekend was a busy one with going to the cottage to partially open it up, visit family and head back home to attend a huge birthday bash for three of my friends who are turning FORTY in the next days and weeks. My incredible son was with me and caused many of the group much laughter. He sang "hero" to the two ladies who were celebrating their birthdays (he did not sing to Jeff!). His facial expressions were so funny and his absolute charm poured out as he sang the love songs to these "OLDER" women...lol... He had the entire group of at least fifty people in fits of laughter. Oh, I saved the funniest kid for the last - because I think God knew I would need a lot of time to appreciate his many talents (not that my other children don't have talent - but this one has been blessed). His sense of humour constantly gives me reason for laughter. So, this little TULIP shall continue to watch him - and pray that my "petals" don't fall off....(another joke from the child!)while I laugh my way through his childhood.

Have a blessed day each of you my friends!

Cheri

May 14th.... Writer's block.

I have it, had it- whatever! Maybe I have just been too busy to think straight...or maybe I am just lazy these days? Not sure! I think it is writer's block.

I have figured out that I am just a very basic laid back lady who thrives on warm weather, sun, warm breezes, beaches, lakes and sail boats. I don't need anything fancy, just a warm roof over my head and some food in the fridge. Most importantly, I need and want my incredible friends to be a big part of my life. I do not need the fancy furniture, big house, fancy car (although I admit I have a fascination for fast nice cars - however reliable does fit the bill first!)

When this weather beams down, I remember how much I enjoy these days and how limited and quickly they pass by. Being locked up in an office in the summer is really a though thing to do for me...... My dream is to live in warm weather all year round.... walk around in sandals or thongs (feet thongs that is!) shorts and t-shirts. How absolutely cool it has been to have sat at an outdoor patio for dinner and a dacquiri (sp?) TWICE this week....YEA... summer is here!

Love You All....
MOI

Tuesday, May 4, 2004.... AND THE LEAFS LOSE !!..... Well, do they really lose, after all, they did make it to the play offs?! Last night when I saw some of the Leaf players kick into action, my mind wandered questioning if the sparked passion the players displayed came from the thought of the big bucks they could make if they go further into the playoffs (that is what happens isn't it?) or, was it from the sheer thrill of the "we can win" competition?

I, sitting with a gang of friends last night was so caught up in the excitement, I almost elbowed my good friend in the head - not sure she would have been as excited about the game after that. It was a tense third period and you can only imagine the hooting and hollering that went on in this room (let alone in pubs and living rooms all over Toronto). What a rush. What a scene... A bunch of middle aged men and women hooting and hollering, jumping up and down and screetching in an otherwise conservative quiet environment of Bible study! What a let down when that little black puck slid along the ice in what appears to be slow motion right into the warm comfortable net belonging yes, to the Leafs! Game over, let down soaks in. The room becomes silent. And I still didn't figure out if the players displayed such passion from desperation of a fatter bank account or an overwhelming WIN WIN instinct!

Oh well.... off to anticipation of another season - 2005...

I'm Back! (Again)....... Well, I see that TIM misses me, but then he has a somewhat encouraging soul considering he designed this incredible site that I have let sit to get dusty and lonely. My days for three weeks have been all consuming with many distractions all of which don't necessarily bring joy like this site does.

As I finally get undisturbed time to write, I hear the shrill of Joseph's voice begging for use of my computer as he sits with his cute little face in the t.v. watching Malcolm ..... says he needs to do some research for a school project....more likely he has friends to visit on MSN. So much for the quiet time!

I have actually managed to get some reading time with much pondering (what else is new!). I have actually been steered to thinking about someone (who I don't even know personally - don't ask on that one!). Seem to have my thoughts and heart on them.
I started a book today titled "The Best 10 Decisions a Woman can Make".... Anyway, as I have been working through a few issues and also been thinking of a friend who is working through some issues.... I have heard the words ....."we need to DECIDE and CHOOSE to make changes"... Note the two words - DECIDE and CHOOSE. We must remember, "it is never too late to be what we might have been"

I am not quite sure why I am reflecting on these words, but someone somewhere (other than me) needs to hear those words. If it is YOU, let me know.! The words and thoughts have been placed on my heart for a reason!

Have a blessed and amazing day tomorrow.!

Wednesday, April 21, 2004.... ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER.
So it is said! I have been quite busy with the TULIP Ministries Spring 2004 Retreat. It has come and gone - with great success. I see that many of you have faithfully continued to log on..... just waiting in anticipation! Great inspirations to be sitting here for you tomorrow, stay TUNED!

Cheri

Saturday, April 10, 2004
HAPPY EASTER !HI EVERYONE! I apologize - I know you have been logging on this past week to disappointment of no new blogging from me. The tap is not dry, it's just been a hectic life, especially with the TULIP retreat coming up next weekend. I am trying to figure out my power point (to which I have never done before), finish some writing and just getting the house in order. I find myself getting one track thoughts these days, and even bored myself with some the things I started to write about, so I thought it would be good to spare you from the boring details and leave you to wonder what happened to me!!

Today was beautiful. The weather was so nice and the sun shined enough that I could see in my living room and bedroom blinds that the dust has embedded itself on each little slat. Oh I love spring cleaning. Now I know where the line "spring cleaning" comes from! It might be into the early summer before I can begin to think of finishing it. I have a kitchen and a bedroom to paint before anything else gets done and I just remembered, I need someone to install my carpet on my stairs....hmmmm.... does it ever end?

Anyway, as Easter Sunday approaches and we have been spending a lot of time with friends, at church and really pondering Jesus, I just want to remind each of us to think about the many blessings we as Canadians have. We have heat, hydro, water, gas, warmth, good food, freedom,friendships, family love and just an incredible beautiful life in this country. Reflect on our luxuries and pray for those who could not even possibly know or remember what these luxuries are !

Easter Blessings to All!!
Love - Cheri

Wednesday, April 7, 2004.... DUSTY JOURNEY WITH FLOWERS !

We never know what one day brings us. We travel the journey from day to day to week by week. The journey sometimes is dry and dusty and other days it's wet, hazy and damp. Lately my days truly have been bright and sunny despite the wet, damp weather. There has been a peace within my heart, despite some uneasy times.

I have been part of a four week study group and a man that does not attend our church had decided to join us. His wife had been unable to attend the study as they are care givers for a handicapped young man. The other night was the end of this particular study and our new friend's wife joined us later in the evening with the young man they care for. I feel such an honour to have met this couple. To share in the love and care they pour out for this young man. What hard work they have volunteered for in order to give this young man quality of life. It is truly awesome to have met such a kind, loving and compassionate couple. I couldn't help wonder if each of us were even slightly more like this couple, what an incredible world we would live in. I just want to express the honour I felt in watching the love they displayed. Despite the dusty journey we travel, we must be reminded that flowers still grow along side of the road and there is someone sitting there with the watering can.

Night...and have an incredible day !

Tuesday, March 30, 2004.... MORE ON THE SUBJECT OF DRIVERS AND THE FIRST ON SPRING WORMS.....
Today I had two things happen that I really wanted to write about. I arrived home later than normal from home church so I am limited on how in depth I can get on these two subjects as I am in need of decent sleep tonight! So... first on about the subject of drivers. Once again, with promises to leave this subject alone for a month or so (if I can manage that), I share what I saw tonight on my way home from work. However as I am shocked over this incident, my passenger fassures me that this sighting I am freaked out over, is quite a frequent event on our roadways.

I am driving along the 403, in keeping pace with traffic when all of a sudden to the right of me a car flashes by me from the side of the road, most certainly not in a designated official lane! He swept by me quickly and cut me off! Okay, here I go again - I am ticked! What has become of drivers in this city, do they left their brains and their courtesy on the kitchen counter when they leave for work in the mornings? I guess the fact that I am driving a van and that it is not going to stop on a dime means absolutely nothing to this character behind the wheel of the car. I am so flabbergasted at this incident, however I manage to get in the next lane to the left and I proceed along. I challenged my passenger to take a look at this "character" that cut me off as we are approaching to his left - traffic slows down and we both look over at him. Guess what? He is reading the newspaper - and driving! His newspaper is fully opened across the steering wheel and he is focused DOWN on the paper reading it, as his vehicle is moving at a moderate speed. Blair deciding that he must be looking for a job or something. My lane opens up and we start proceeding faster and this character continues reading, keeping at his pace, now slowing traffic down. I am truly shaking my head the rest of the way home. Now I have seen everything. This guy needs to be reported, and I would have if I had been able to get his plate # ! Am I looking for the nutso drivers or are they looking for me these days? Now for the better part of my day.........

As I reached home tonight and got out of the van, I stepped out feeling the peace of spring lurking all around me. Yes, so nice to be home when all of a sudden I get a beautiful whiff of spring - the smell of worms working their way out of the ground. They lay on the cold, damp lawn just waiting for the sun to shine down on them. What a glorious smell of spring. Honestly, you know when spring is here when you can smell the dew worms. It has been a long time since I remember the smell of the spring worms - and how reassuring it is to welcome them back. Keep your eyes and senses open for the beautiful signs of spring !

Spring is here my friends and I am now on my way to that comfy bed of mine !

Night......

Sunday, March 28, 2004... TEENAGERS ! Well...what a weekend. I volunteered to have my friend's two daughters stay with me while they were at a Christian conference in the United States. I was looking forward to the TWO girls (so was Joseph). It was supposed to start Friday night, but was delayed until Saturday as both girls and Joseph decided to stay with Louise who also volunteered for the FOUR other children of this family.

Saturday the group of teenagers went to a youth event - which was at a wave pool in Toronto. I picked up Joseph, Jamie, Sara and Charis after the event but along with them came four other young adults. So, in my little home we were entertaining SEVEN teenagers, a mix of boys and girls. The girls slept in Joseph's room - right next to my room so I could supervise them. The boys slept in the living room - a floor below us! My bedroom door was kept wide open - with the girl's door shut to protect them from the prowling young men from playing their typical pranks. I actually had a blast. I was entertained by chit-chat echoing from the girls room until 3:00 a.m., apparently complete girl talk about boys. I fought to stay awake to ensure the boys retired to bed and stayed out of trouble.

I don't remember much past 3:00 a.m. however, I had the honor of knocking on these ladies door - and cheerfully waking them up at 7:15 am. in order to get them in the shower and to a youth meeting for 8:45 a.m. What a site - all four girls sleeping in ONE queen size bed! Oh too be young. The only thing that managed to get ME out of bed this morning after about 4 hours sleep was the thought of waking up these sleep deprived girls. However, they bounced wide awake - took turns in the shower and within one hour all four girls were giggling and ready for the day. (hmmm.!) The boys on the other hand were somewhat groggy, resisting the wake-up calls. Despite this sleep deprived gang, they were all ready for church and on the road by 9:10 this morning with promises of a visit to Timmy's for Ice Cappuchino - YES.. caffeine - just what they needed !

Do you know how cool it was to spend time with these really neat kids? To listen to their laughter watch the conniving boys conjure up pranks and to travel down memory lane of the pajama parties I once shared many many times as a young teenager? To sit back and participate from the side rings was really neat. They should have taken five years off me - just for the memories, but I actually feel 5 years older, as I was too tired to function this afternoon and needed to sleep for an hour! Oh to be young!

Sara, Charis, Tory, Kelly, Jamie W, Jamie C, Joseph - thanks for the great weekend! Good job we had a van this weekend. Please don't come back for a few months! Just kidding. It was a joy to have ALL of you!!

Cheri

Friday, March 26th.... SPRING IS ON THE WAY ! As I slipped out of the office today to complete some work banking, I was quite surprised at how nice it is out, despite the continued rain drops. How awesome to actually have wiffs of spring "smell".

Before we know it, the TULIPS will be blooming and escaping from the cold ground. We will see beautiful gardens sprouting all around us. I can't wait for the first sounds of lawn mowers and watching the neighbours pulling out their garden hoses, washing down their cars. Activity will start in my neighbourhood - friendly visits on front steps, shared barbecue dinners and clanking of the plastic wine glasses as they take a few moments at night to visit with neighbouring friends they have missed all winter.

YES for SPRING!

Wednesday, March 24.... BLOCK THE ROADWAY... Well Monday's roller coaster ride ended nicely for me - only to allow my friend Kim to take over, sorry Kim ! Today I am faced once again with frustration from society. People who apparently have no regard for other humans along side of them. I know this mentality is all over the city and my experiences with other humans are the apparent norm. However, I have to vent and I have the vehicle to which allows me to do that! YEA!

This morning I pull up to the local grocery store and sit parked in my vehicle as Joseph runs in quickly to pick something up. This driveway is narrow and there are areas for shopping carts etc. There are cars parked behind me in this driveway with no drivers (we shouldn't be leaving our vehicles unattended in this area, in fact I probably shouldn't even be sitting in my car here). This younger woman pulls up beside me in the driveway, parks her car and gets out - she is parked behind the area where the shopping carts are brought to by the clerk in the parking lot collecting them. She not only blocks this stream of carts, she totally blocks vehicles from pulling through the driveway. She is talking on her cell phone, looks over at me, locks her car door and proceeds to enter the store. I can't believe the audacity of this woman. She does not give it a second thought - or look even to notice that she has now totally blocked the driveway. I was totally flabbergasted at her lack of common sense and courtesy for others.

But then I guess that's par for the course in a day in the city. There, I feel much better just venting. Have a marvelous day tommorow - I know I will.

Monday, March 22nd.... ROUGH DAYS!
I am sure that I am not the only person that faces rough days. However, when we are in the midst of one, it certainly seems like it's our own very personal roller coaster ride. I had one today, sitting in the seat, hanging tight to the bar but continually being thrown from side to side with the occasional slam to the shoulder. Then, left with the headache as you get ready to crawl into bed, left as a reminder of a truly rough day. Two Advil, a glass of juice, good book and the remnants of the day to be left behind at the computer.

tomorrow promises to bring much a better roller coaster ride, hopefully one that does not find me slamming against the sides of the car that carries me. Hopefully there will be a few friends along with the ride with me to buffer the bruises.!

NIGHT my friends!

MOI

Saturday, March 20..... MARCH BREAK

Yeah, it is over! What a long week. I took a couple days off work to spend time with Joseph, we cruised the book stores, had dinner out together and managed to take in two games of bowling. He cooked dinner for me twice - once was a crock pot roast beef dinner with potatoes, carrots, onions and the best roast I have tasted in a long time ! That young man will make either an incredible bachelor or a great husband!

Joseph managed to get invited to a paint-ball event, a sleep over at his friend's house (with a gang of kids) and a sleep over at our house. An inexpensive vacation - a well deserved rest for this amazing kid.

I can't imagine what it would feel like to have a gang of kids hanging out for March break - day after day for a solid week in this weather. However, I can imagine sitting beside a pool in 80 degree weather (oh is that hard to imagine?!) with a good book, sun tan lotion and a gang of kids swimming in the blue waters of either the ocean or the hotel pool....with time to bask in the sun.

Oh to have a condo in Florida !

Happy March Break !
Welcome back next semester!

MOI

Thursday, March 18....HOCKEY ? !

Hi All. I just read this on the AOL news line. Am I missing something here??? WHat in the heck is wrong with Toronto fans wearing their BLUE'S!!! Give me a break! SOMEONE NEEDS TO PAINT THE SIDE OF THE COREL CENTRE BLUE! What a bunch of HICKS. Too bad it is one of my fav cities. I AM OFFENDED! Hmmmm........

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Sorry, the blue-and-white Toronto Maple Leafs jerseys are not welcome in Ottawa.

Reflecting one of Canada's greatest sports rivalries, an Ottawa city council committee voted to ban the jerseys from the Senators' final game of the season, against the Leafs on April 3.

The full council will vote on the ban later this month. The resolution is expected to pass.

Mayor Bob Chiarelli explains that it is intimidating to Ottawa players and fans to see 7,000 to 9,000 Toronto jerseys in the stands at an Ottawa home game.

"We're going to intimidate them back," Chiarelli told CBC radio.

He recognizes that the tongue-in-cheek resolution has no teeth -- offending Toronto fans will only be "requested" to make a donation to the Ottawa Food Bank on leaving the Corel Centre -- but council wanted to make a point.

Leafs fans come up by the busload from Toronto, some 250 miles (400 kms) away, and others are Ottawa area residents who were fans of Toronto long before the Senators were resurrected early in the 1990s.

Chiarelli and the council may also have been trying to deflect attention from the city's most bitter local political row in years, over hiking property taxes.



03/18/04 09:21 ET

Well...HELLO! I have been a little behind in posting this week (as happens with me from time to time). I guess life has been a little uneventful, giving me not much thought to share. Except, this morning. I have decided I need to work from my house in order to avoid the crazy drivers out there, as I appear to be a target for the nuts.

Back in November my car was hit by a "crazy" guy driving to work. Sitting at a off ramp waiting for traffic to move, minding my own business, this "crazy" as I like to call him, side swipes my car and rips the mirror off. Damage to the tune of approximately $600.00. He was speeding along the road where no road actually is. O.K., I managed to deal with that incident and the fact that the driver was one arrogant dude who really ruffled my feathers. However, today is another story.

I sit at the intersection of Dundas and Trafalgar this morning behind a few vehicles at a RED light. I am waiting to turn right when this van sitting in front of me all of a sudden flips into reverse. I see his back lights changing from red to red and white, I do not have enough time to do anything other than honk my horn as he smacks right into me. I am shocked, dismayed and somewhat freaked out. I can't believe my eyes, oh and top of it, I am now rather wet as my tea spilt all over me. I pull myself together, step out of the car as he also steps out and I ask the question "what were you thinking of?" The poor soul, he's an elderly gentleman of European heritage, who is apologizing all the way to my car in his broken English, explaining that he just wanted to switch lanes (to the left). I shake my head, he wants to change lanes and there are cars in that lane too! Why couldn't he smack into one of them? Why me? Anyway, he was a very nice man who felt so bad and was as upset as I was. Thank goodness there was no damage to my car and he didn't hurt either of us. It's a crazy world out there my friends and I can't figure out why anyone would want to get their license to look like a sitting duck sitting in the water. Can someone please start driving me to work?

I am in absolute dismay as I continue the journey to work, late once again !

Friday, March 12, 2004..... BLOGGING

I have today finally managed to get my next site up and running. It has been fun figuring out how to change the colours from blue and white to rose and pink, add links and generally mess things up and find a way to correct them. My arms and hands are sore from constantly typing. My eyes are sore from looking at this screen for hours. You would think I would have something far better to do than sit at a computer starting a new blog spot site! I can truly appreciate every second of Tim's time invested in my first site, what a task for an amateur like MOI !

Please click on the link (if it shows up) THE TRUTH AND THE WAY. It has shown up on my preview part, I am just waiting for the system to do "it's" thing to ensure it is actually running. This is my official Bible study site. I have enjoyed the journey of my study time and I ask that you let me share it with you weekly. My hopes/plans are to have the study posted late Sunday evenings.

Let me know what you think. THANKS!

Thursday, March 11, 2004...... HOCKEY IS THAT WHAT THAT GAME IS CALLED ?!
I have distinct memories of Hockey Night in Canada. Every single Saturday at 8:00 p.m. we knew where my dad was and exactly what was on t.v. And if I didn't have a date (which wasn't very often!) I'd be sitting right there with him, even though I really wasn't a hockey fan - I just liked Dave Keon. Usually by 10:00 p.m. the game was over and my dad was often frustrated as the Leafs lost again. However, I was a bit of a Leafs fan, even way back then. I actually enjoyed sitting with him "watching" the game. I didn't really "watch" the game like he did, but I did partake in the evening of sitting with him while he sat on the edge of his seat, encouraging the players, criticizing them for their bad plays and finally often in disappointment getting up to change the channel at 10:00 to something else when the game was over. We didn't have colour t.v. nor did we have remote controls, remember those days? We didn't get a colour t.v. until around 1975 - and it came with a remote.

Getting off topic for a moment, I remember with laughter the day my parents got their new COLOUR t.v. Dad set it up and myself, my two brothers and our families came over to watch it with them, as dad was so thrilled with the new t.v. My parent's dining room overlooked the livingroom and as we were watching the t.v. the stations started flipping back and forth. My youngest brother brought his remote control from his set at home (both brothers were pranksters) and sitting away from us in the dining room, he started flicking the stations in hopes of freaking my father out. Job well done, my dad was in total confusion, and in frustration he started blaming my mom for doing something with the converter. She getting excited and worried immediately jumped up professing innocence. In the interim the rest of us are finally figuring out what was going on. Having such new technology in the house was somewhat frustrating to him, he was sure the t.v. was damaged. It was quite the scene and finally when the rest of couldn't hold the laughter in, we started howling with fits of laughter. My father was not impressed, with the joke nor the fits of laughter we engaged in. YEA for remote controls and the memory.

My memories of Saturday nights is quite cool actually to ponder.
I remember the game as being totally different to today's game. Our kids really don't know what GOOD hockey is. They know what rough hockey is, the slamming, punching, ramming people's heads into boards type of game. But they truly do not know good hockey.

I am angry today as I read of the terrible incident causing such serious harm to a player. Even my son said they are picking hockey players that are just too big, they cause harm often without possibly meaning to, just because they are so big. It's true. It seems to me that the main focus on choosing a hockey player for your team is to find the biggest, meanest guy on the draft pick, (if that's even what they call it!). I wish I had an opportunity to stand in front of the entire NHL big shots and tell them that they have totally messed up hockey and the meaning of it. (this morning I actually posted my opinion on an AOL opinion board - not that many will agree to it !) I'm sure like the many other things I'd like to express my opinion on, my opinion would be meaningless to most. Heck, what ever happened to just throwing your sticks and helmets down and just punching each other in the face when you can't control your anger? Where did the "killer" instinct come from?

Anyway, as I am JUST A WOMAN I am sure that my opinion will be laughed at by several of you guys out there. But personally, I'd like to see a bunch of 5'0" 145 lb guys out there playing REAL HOCKEY!! That is when you'd see REAL talent come out. Then again, that's just MY opinion!

I am on a day's holiday and I am going to have a Great day - you have one too! Think I shall sit on my couch with the remote, look for a hockey game and ponder some wonderful memories.

Wednesday, March 10, 2004..... HIS ROBES

This morning I share with you a devotional I wrote a couple of months ago. I wanted to share with all of you who possibly have seen The Passion. This is my vision of Jesus these days.

His Robes of Fine Cloth

My mother used to recite the scripture mentined below in Psalms 119 to me often. This scripture inspired this devotional. I think of her so much as I get more into His Word. I continue to thank her for sharing Jesus with me.

He walked with me before I even knew it. He was there hovering over me, whispering to me ever so gently and sitting at the foot of my bed as I prayed.

I see you Jesus walking ahead of me, especially in those dark and troubled times. The gentle waving of your hand motioning me onward. Your smile of encouragement and love. Your robes of fine white cloth draping your body in elegance. Oh, to reach out and touch your robes, just to catch a minute of your grace.

You my Lord are so Holy.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path”

Psalms 119:105

To each of you with Love and Blessings!! Morning!

Tuesday, March 9th...... The Dream.....
I open the journal to simple yet powerful words "The Dream Giver gave my Dream back to me. Now it is part of his Big Dream - and that means my Dream is a lot bigger than before."

The Dream Giver

Wow.. these words strike me with passion and excitement. If you don't know, this journal is actually published along with the book "The Dream Giver". It is sold in Christian book stores as well. I do not have the book (YET).... I will be on my way to Burlington next weekend (again), I can't wait to get that book in my hands and to start reading it.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY ! !

Monday, March 8th, 2004..... The Way...

The page I opened to this evening in my new Dream Planner journal shows me a picture of a rickety old row boat, it is wooden and the paint is chipped and faded from the sun and water. It is pointed in a hazy direction along the water. Pictured in black and white and represents such peace and tranquility to me. The oar lays along the inside, sending an invitation for me to slip in and sit on the seat for the journey.

We read on the next page "Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul."

Psalms 143:8

Sunday, March 7th..... Comfort Zone....

"On the other side of that single step - the exact one. Ordinary didn't think he could take - he found that he had broken through is Comfort zone. Now the Wall of Fear was behind him. He was free and his Dream was ahead."

The Dream Giver

I read this tonight and as I have taken the spoken first steps to tear down the wall and break though my Comfort zone, I was reminded of the fear that lives within each one of us. When we abandon the fear that binds us, we are released to incredible freedom and the dreams we would never have imagined.....

Night....

Saturday, March 6, 2004.....

The Dream Planner...Inspired by the Dream Giver
I picked up this little journal today at the Christian Book store. It's so neat. On the back page it reads "Capture Your Dream. Your Big Dream is surging within you heart, ready to carry you to heights you never dreamed possible."

"Take out your long white feather - or your favorite pen - and record your travels out of your Comfort Zone, past the Border Bullies, across the Wasteland, and beyond the Giants in the Land." Have you ever imagined that there would be border bullies lurking so close to you, waiting to stop you from taking that dream and run all the way to the goal post? Close your eyes and imagine the presence of the border bullie...what does he look like, are you ready to tackle him right to the ground?

The Dream Giver - "God created you for a greater purpose. It's the most important journey of your life. The pursuit of your God - given destiny."

I was quite drawn by this journal. It is so inspiring that I want to share it with you over the next little while as I believe many of us have such incredible dreams dreams that never make their way out of our heads. We need to let those dreams escape the snare we sweep them into. Break down the walls that stop you from following your dreams, the ones that snap the locks shut on the snare.

"See, the Lord your God has given you the land, Go up and take do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

Deuteronomy 1:21

Friday, March 5, 2004.... How tired is TIRED?

I have been exhausted these past few days. So tired that when I finally crawled into my beautiful, comfy bed last night, I literally laid my head on the pillow and that is all I remember. For those of you who truly know me, know that I have to either read until I fall asleep or I lay there tossing and turning....with thoughts, ideas and events churning in the brain, keeping me awake.

YEA for being exhausted. I have not written the past few days because of just too much going on - and the exhaustion thing. Tonight I am not any better - and lucky me...I have to be up at 6:00 a.m. (yes my shocked friends...me... awake at 6:00 AM not PM !!) Joseph has a youth event to attend tomorrow - they are driving to Niagara Falls, U.S.A. to help a church with some things. I don't have to drive there - I just have to get him to the departure point - somewhere here in Oakville! My hat tips to these incredible youth leaders who are so dedicated they would be up so early to do this with them.!!

Well... look out pillows here I come....hopefully the writing gets better over the next few days.... I do have lots to share...but....I can't help myself, I hear whispers of promises of hugs and warmth from my new feather pillow...and blankets......

NIGHT!!

Wednesday, March 3rd.... Dancing
I realized last night that I often talk about dancing in my journal. I asked myself why do I always go back to dancing? Simply because I love to dance? I do not classify myself as a good or amazing dancer (neither do those who dance or have danced with me!). However, dancing does pull me to the floor. It pulls many, even those who have the fear of dancing usually get up and try.

I'd love to close my eyes and be whisked away under the glitter of the dance ball as my black, slinky yet elegant, beautiful ball gown flows around me. The lights are sparkling, the music so captivating and me floating on air. I close my eyes and the world is mine, the dance floor is empty just for me. My feet are like a ballerina's, soft to the step, strong and swift. My heart pounds as he reaches for me and leads in the dance.

The music changes and the temp becomes upbeat and wild.... I throw my caution to the wind, I toss my head back, kicking off my shoes and I am clapping my hands in the air, shouting out the words to the rock and roll song. I am free as a lion roaming the wilderness. The dance floor is packed and we are rocking the floor. The ceiling below is is buckling.

Dancing....what is it? It is emotional, it is freeing, humbling, it is so soothing and yet so exciting. It's wild, its fun, it's daring. Take a chance, dance your heart away and just shout to the music !! Don't just dance, make your life a dance... let the dance be the stages of your life......

Are you ready?

Tuesday, March 2, 2004
Let it Bloom..... Those words are etched in a beautiful clay pot that contains an array of curly yellow tulips that I was given on Sunday by my friend Karen. These words were not painted on the clay pot, they were etched in, just as though they needed to be embedded directly into the clay as to not wear away.

Karen delivered these pretty flowers to me after church on Sunday, she handed the pot to me with the look of a young child so excited to see the reaction of her receiver. There was a twinkle in her eye that I couldn't overlook. I was humbled by her. I held the pot close to me and carried it to the car along with my hands full of other belongings. I sat the pot down on the floor in the front seat of the car and drove onward home. As I sat at the red light, I looked down at the pot just to make sure all was well. I was startled when the pot sitting there so regal, was situated such that the words stood tall and proud, just waiting for me to read them and catch the drift.

I, me, Cheri WAS created with much talent, most of which I have hidden. I took this talent, wrapped it in cellophane on a pretty ceramic dish and finished it off with a bow of soft pink ribbon. There sat the talent, all pretty laying on the dish to be picked up and shared, but I kept it sealed and held tight by ribbon... not to be let loose from the ceramic dish that just happens to be shaped as a heart. My friend Karen, oh how you know me and I am in awe of how He uses you to get to me! Thank you.

So many of us hold ourselves back from being who we were truly meant to be. Sometimes out of fear, lack of confidence, preoccupation and simply because we don't recognize our talent. That talent may be vast and incredible and it might be gentle and just plain nice. The degree of the talent is not important. What is important is that we stop and recognize our talent and just share it. Let it out of the cellophane, untie the ribbon and just let it jump out of that dish to the dance of the music.

I want to encourage you my lovely daughters and friends to look at yourselves, take the talent that you have and just unleash it, even just a bit. My daughter SANDY you have talent - you know where it is - I have created for you the site - SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR THOSE OFTEN FORGOTTEN PEOPLE! My friend DANI - you are an angel, truly you are. An angel with writing talent, don't hide it - get to it girlie!! Sheira, you are just beginning, slow down a bit and catch up in this fun! I will be waiting to see each of you put your foot forward and just try.

I wait to be enthralled with your dance!