The Wonder of Christmas!

Here I am sitting in my warm and cosy home, preparing for our Christmas brunch and imagining the laughter and love that this season brings! I feel my heart explode with love and thank Jesus for giving us himself to show us what true love is! Paul and I are thrilled to be in Thunder Bay and celebrate Christmas with his family. Last year we spent Christmas in Montreal with my family. It was truly wonderful spending not only Christmas but also my 30th birthday with my family! Nonetheless,this year is very special not traveling, just spending Christmas with my in-Laws and looking forward to some quality time with my mother-In-Law! Paul and I are so blessed to be in Thunder Bay during this season of our lives!
Just two days to Christmas and the preparations are making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside: the hot chocolates, the smell of cinnamon in our house, the wrapping of the presents, the cards hung above our livingroom window as a testimony of all the friendships we have built, but mostly the shopping with my mother-in-law, sharing the wonder of Christmas together! What joy this brings to my heart!
We pray that you and yours will have a Christmas filled with Wonder!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!

Spoken To

I am sitting here pondering on the last few months where Paul and I have been searching for God’s will in Paul’s life regarding his job search and for the next job I could get that would sustain us for the remainder of our stay in Thunder Bay before we leave for Toronto, Lord Willing, in May or June\09. Much has happened since our last blog and we owe all of you an apology for our silence.

Moving on, in these past few months, Paul has been filming for the Eagle’s Cry Life Centre. He has also found some part-time work cleaning but he is still looking for another part-time job that would somehow build him up for working in his field once we arrive in Toronto. Paul has also been busy editing for a church in town. As for me well, I worked a lot. I taught French as a full time job and had different opportunities presented to me to teach French in the community and working with children at an after-school program, and also tutoring on the side. Now my question is not what will the Lord provide next but more how will he guide me in making the right decision? I don’t need to worry about that either. We are His children and are cared for unconditionally. Let me encourage you in showing you how Our Father cares for us in very mysterious ways.

Yesterday, I went to a fruit of the Spirit night at Care’s place, a powerful woman of God who is so hospitable that when you enter into her house, you feel you have entered a haven, a holy place. She has made her house a sanctuary. It was such a beautiful evening and filled with God’s love and a fellowship of women who come from different backgrounds and life experiences. It was so refreshing to the soul. Imagine sitting by a creak of water and building your roots by this creak. It makes for solid roots and no winds can affect these roots. Imagine a bond fire and a circle of women just sharing their lives, being vulnerable and when one hurts all the others gather around and help her with her burdens, carrying the load. Around a bond-fire there is also singing lifting each other up and keeping Christ the center, Christ is our fire and He ignites our hearts. Last night reminded me of Psalm 23:1-3 “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul...” Last night restored my soul and helped me to realize that I need to lie down in green pastures more often. Yesterday I witnessed (not for the first time) the Holy spirit at work. Some of these women knew my heart before I even spoke to them. What a miracle! I love it when that happens, I really feel cared for and witness God’s love in a tangible way!

I didn’t have any pictures from last night but I hope that I painted a picture that moved your hearts in some ways. So I would encourage you all to put on the Armour of God (Ephesians 6:14-18) and remember if God is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31)Read the Word of God. It not only refreshes, it heals our wounds, binds the broken-hearted and sets the captives free!

Today...

Today was a good day. Over the last couple weeks Steph and I have been blessed to serve alongside Sky & Angie, two missionaries to the Native people group of Thunder Bay. They run "An Eagle's Cry Life Centre," building relationships and spreading the hope of Jesus with anyone who pops by. Check out their website: www.aneaglescry.org. They are extremely encouraging. I had the priviledge to sit down with Sky and hear more about his vision for ministry that flows directly out of his testimony: how Jesus' captivated his life, freed him from bondage and laid his healing power upon his soul.

At "Eagle's Cry" we had an amazing time. I think the two greatest moments for me were: seeing some 40+ people (some God haters and others Jesus followers) stand in a circle, holding hands and giving thanks for the special spagetti lunch that was offered today. The 2nd amazing moment was with William, a 70 year old homeless man suffering from arthritis. William currently lives at "The Shelter House" and shared with me part of his life story. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with him, building a friendship, and I look foward to seeing him tomorrow. Please pray he will be open the hearing the gospel as our friendship builds.

Today was also a good day because we have continued to labour for Jesus and spend time with our church's Outreach team planning and praying. It was a pleasure to see Ellie joining the team and embracing her passion to outreach to the lost in our community! Afterwards, we went to encourage Jon & Kathleen (aka The Cedars of Lebanon) as they played a set in a local coffee house. To hear more of the Cedars fo Lebanon check out: http://www.myspace.com/thecedarsoflebanon.

So Steph and I got back home around 10:00. We've been out since breakfast, and now we're feel spent. I'm drinking some tea to help fight this weird cold I've got and I am just finishing some posters for an outreach dinner event that runs on the 2nd Saturday of every month. (We're trying to do something unique for Thanksgiving and we hope it will turn out well.) Well I gotta run because I have to cut the posters and go to bed. But I have just one last thing to share:

Today is a good day... because Jesus reigns today.

The familiar faces at the Desiring God conference

Hello!

We spoke to you about our experience at the Desiring God conference last week end but had no pictures posted. I must say these pictures only give you a snapshot of what our weekend was like. Unfortunately, we have no pictures of the speakers, the crowd, and our hotel room but we do have pictures of memorable moments with our friends with whom we shared this experience. I don't know if any of you ever had an adventure where you look back and said: "It would not have been the same without these people." Well, this week-end was definitely like one of those adventure; and what an adventure it was! Paul and I carpooled down to Minneapolis, a 6 hour drive across the border, with Jeff and Rich. Great conversations, great laughs, great snacks! What a great time!

Once we arrived in Minneapolis we met up with Poul-Erik and Trudi and Mackenzie-Skye. There were also another group from our church there whom we met up with at the conference. Unfortunately, we do not have pictures with them. There was Debbie, Laurie & Rob, their kids, Josh( who flew from Vancouver with some of his friends) and Sarah. We also saw Rosemary and Marvin. Imagine saving seats for about 15 people when 3485 others are looking for good seats as well! There were a few others from other churches in T-Bay who came to enjoy the fellowship and teaching time! It is so great to share this time together worshiping our Lord and Saviour, surrounded by countless others who share the same passion. What a rich experience!

One of the things that was so amazing was when we saw a familiar face in the crowd! Paul and I were talking with some friends when we saw Ed. Ed is a man who played in the Messengers group. The communication group whom Paul and I followed to Toronto in March 2007 and who introduced us to World Team, the mission organization we are with now. Yes! It was fantastic to see him and to hear about his adventures since March 2007! He has not changed one bit! Ed, it was a joy to share supper with you!

Meet Ed! Ed was volunteer for the DG conference.

We first met Ed when he came to Thunder Bay with the Messengers for a presentation.

Paul and P-E at the DG conference

Father-daughter time at the hotel in Minne. What a great pic mom!



Jeff and Mackenzie at the restaurant


Why do you get to eat and I just sit here and watch?

At the conference, Paul and Mackenzie bonded some more. It was truly priceless to see Paul with her, entertaining her. What a break it gave to Trudi!

What is that on your face?

Ha! Tricked ya! Got your nose!

...Where can I get a hat like this one?...



Howdy pretty lady!



This is our group who hung out the most together. from left to right: Trudi, Rich, Jeff, Paul, Steph and in the middle, P-E.

This picture was taken in the bookstore area. It was such a great experience and thanks to Trudi, we have great memories from that weekend. I must say, I am still wondering what was the better part of the weekend for Paul, the conference or his new found buddy, Kenzie!

With much love, we bid you goodbye...for now.

So Thankful!

Boujour a tous! (Hello all)

I am blessed by a mother that looooves me, a husband that adores me and friends that bless me every single day. This is how I see God providing for me all the time! I had coffee with my friend Beth yesterday and I was blessed my socks off, as she would say! We laughed and cried and shared and it was all around beautiful to meet a new sister. It is so wonderful to meet someone, once every so often, who will touch your heart in this way! Beth you are precious and you empower people around you. Don't ever lose your passion for life! Beth is a woman with much wisdom. She does not hold back, she makes sure that what she says will edify and build. Beth is a mother to many and is viewed as a spiritual guru for many moms and moms-wanna-be! What a fierce woman and yet with a gentle spirit she moves your heart to love Jesus more every single day. Thank you Beth for that precious time with me.

Now speaking of heart, I was able to share with you about my surgery on september 20th but not how we celebrated our 2nd year! So here are some pictures to show you and no...She is not my baby girl! Although I would love to have Mackenzie-Skye as a daughter! ;) So P-E, Trudi and Mackenzie-Skye came for a visit for the afternoon\evening. It was so great to have them and you can only imagine who was the biggest entertainment! We didn't do a movie marathon this time but soon maybe we'll do one! he he! Those are the best.

Mackenzie Skye lying down on our living room floor. What a cutie-pie!

Jordie paid a visit while she was in a deep sleep...too bad he was no prince charming!

Well it wasn't much longer before Paul would befriend her! What a pair they make!



You can see who was the biggest entertainment now!



What a beautiful girl! Mackenzie-Skye you will break hearts!

As for mom and dad you will have to wait until tomorrow for their picture! P-E and Trud's, thank you so much for celebrating such a significant part of our year with us! You ahve been such a blessing to Paul and I. Continue to live the Joy of the Lord! This will without a doubt have a print on Kenzie's life!

You see this is what I mean, blessed all around! I hope you feel just as blessed as we do!

What are friends for?

Last night we had our ladies Bible studies Kick off night! It was a blast! Not only did we do a fashion show but we all had the opportunity to listen to Heather talk on our wild hearts and how we have a perfectly tended pasture offered to us, but like mustangs we all ere towards the wilderness where we don't have to answer to anybody, yet again, we have no one to take care of us either. Well, If you know me, you would know this talk spoke to me. First, because I am like a mustang, wild at heart, adventurous, making my life difficult by doing everything on my own and always looking for the long way home. Second, because I LOVE horses!
Last night touched my heart because she reminded me that I don't have to face the storms of life on my own, and that crying out to Jesus for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Letting go of what I know best, myself and clinging to Him.

You see if you knew Heather that would have touched you too because, like me she is wild at heart but loves Jesus. She went through storms and not without struggles but came out victorious! Heather is very dear to me. She needed hip surgery this year and is now enjoying her new hip. But not without hardship! But she hung on to her Savior and let go of herself, knowing her own weakness. She used to horseback ride and ADORES it! Yet she had to go 4 yrs without ridding because of her hips. Yes! I did say HIPS! She is on the waiting list for her next hip replacement.
I want to head to what many have said before her and cling to my Savior, "to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us..."
Have a beautiful day!

A weekend filled with Fellowship!

Paul and I came back late Sunday, refreshed spiritually and yet there was this feeling of exhaustion from taking so much in and being surrounded by 3500 people for 2 days. Wow! It seemed longer than that! What a wonderful experience to fellowship with so many people. It was a time of renewed perspective, spiritual growth and so much laughter. I don't think I laughed like that in a looong time! I don't mean to rub it in, Desley. I would encourage anyone who would like to hear the speakers to go on the desiring God website at www.desiringgod.org and check the speakers out as they podcast the teachings. They were incredibly enjoyable and yet they spoke right to my heart! Every speaker had their purpose there this weekend.
Unfortunately, we don't have pictures yet to put up, but as soon as we get some we will put some up. It was such a blast to share our very first experience at a desiring God conference with about about 10-15 others from Thunder Bay. Beth, we saw Al and his wife, along with Dennis and Maureen! It was so neat!
Paul and I were able to connect with the head of Desiring God for the media ministry and to talk with them a little. That was awesome! And if you knew us at all you would know that Paul and I found a few books to bring back. On our way back to Thunder Bay, I heard myself ask Paul, "where will we put these books?" and he answered, " I guess we'll have to buy another book shelf!" ;-0 It was a Desiring God conference after all!

So nice to share our experience with you! We encourage you to check out our new memory verse on the right hand side, it will be on there for 1 week! We would challenge you to equip your heart and your mind with Scripture! Enjoy!

We Are OFF!

Here we go! Leaving for Minneapolis, Minnesota. Off to hear some awesome speakers at The Desiring God Conference. Paul and I have tried to make this conference every year for the last 4 years. So This is a very exciting trip! Paul and I feel bathed in love by everyone around us. It is so wonderful having such wonderful friends and family, who care and take time for us and sharpen us in our faith. We appreciate you all very much! We are seeking to grow in the Love and Grace of our Lord for one day be the ones to encourage, strengthen and equip others.
Have a wonderful weekend!

Old Photo, New Packaging

Steph wanted me to post our latest prayer card/photo that is geared more towards children. We were asked to create something that the Sunday school teachers at our church could pin up in their class rooms. I hope this is okay. I just finished it an hour ago...

Marching in a Victory Processional

I just wanted to share what I read from the Bible today and give a quick thought.

"You ascended on high,
leading a host of captives in your train
and receiving gifts from among men,
even among the rebellious, that the
LORD God may dwell there."

"Blessed be the Lord,
who daily bears us up;
God is our salvation.
Our God is a God of salvation,
and to GOD, the Lord, belong
deliverances from death."

(from Psalm 68:18-20)

As I reflected it struck me that Jesus is described as leading a host of captives in a truimphant procession. The imagery is that of a great warrior king being welcomed home after bringing a decisive victory over the enemy and we are described as a host of captives. We had no part of our deliverance. We are captives. I was bound and enslaved in sin, but Christ triumphed over death and sin and gives me new life. That's amazing!

Biblical Christianity is not just some religion out there. Christianity is about being freed and having a relationship with the Deliverer and King. It is about love: Jesus steadfast love that is never ending. Here is the reality of my life: I was a rebellious sinner against God, I didn't love God but had a self-centred heart that dishonoured and spit at God; but Jesus lives the perfect life that I can never life; Jesus dies for my sins of yesturday, today, and tomorrow; he is raised to life; he rescues me, forgives me, and offers me new life; patiently he helps me stop sinning and live the life I should be living, he gives me a new heart that loves God; and he pours out his love and grace for all time. That's a true demonstration of Love.

I invite and encourage you to trust in Jesus Christ for freedom of your sin and lean on him day by day for fresh living water. Jesus' grace and mercy are new every day, he "bears us up." He is our salvation; not money, or people, or science, God is our salvation and to him belong deliverances from death. It is only fitting that you and I should praise, adore and love him more and more each day.

- Paul

Refreshed

Today, Paul and I were able to connect for "coffee" at Timmy's before meeting with friends. That was refreshing and it reminded me of what the Lord promises us; among other things, that He is the source of living water. That we go to Him for our rest. When I spend time with Paul, it is rejuvenating. Then when we met with our friends, they encouraged us and reminded us that no matter our circumstances that our God is a Good God! That was refreshing...and then the highlight of my day: I phoned my mother and chatted with her. Now that is always refreshing! But what is most refreshing of all is reading a peace of scripture that brings your spirit to a quite place like in psalm 23. "He will lead me in green pastures, He will lead me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul..." Well yesterday, I read a passage that restored my soul and brought me back to that place of rest:

"I saw the Lord always before me.
Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;
my body also will live in hope, because you will not abandon me to the grave,
nor will you let your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence." (Acts 2: 25-28)

Because our Great God gave up His Son so we can spend eternal life with Him gives hope and rest to our soul! Since we have a God who keeps His promises, we can trust that He will keep His promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us!

I want to tie this in with a friend of mine who gave birth on August 31st. I want to encourage Sarah that her little man, Owen can hold on to these promises in Acts 2:25-28. I love you girl and wish the best for both you and Jeremy in your first steps of parenting! Hey...take heart your one step ahead of us! ;p

Meet Sarah, the day before she gave birth to a beautiful boy!

This is a reminder to all of us that God has gone ahead of us on our journey, whatever that may be.

A walk on the town!

Our day was filled with great conversations, encouragement from a friend and a very uplifting phone call with one of the World Team board of directors. Thank you! It is nice to personally contact the people who voted us in their organization! It is nice to touch base with people and to share our joys of ministry with each one of them! Our day was also filled with one unforgettable unpredictable event: at around 7:00 p.m. this evening, Paul's mom called and asked Paul if he could help her find her dog, a beautiful black lab cross. It turns out her back gate was opened and when she put her outside, Zoe slipped out and left the backyard. How dreadful that was! But something amazing happened...something one would only hope to see in movies. While Donna and Paul were out looking for Zoe, I was teaching French in our basement. All of a sudden, I hear panting coming from our backyard. I went upstairs and opened our backdoor, and what to my surprise do I see, but a beautiful black lab looking at me as if she was saying "let me in". I look around to see if Donna or Paul are around but they are nowhere in sight. Suddenly it dawned on me that Zoe took a walk on the town and found our house (which is located 45 minutes from Donna's place)! So I called Paul on our cell phone and he could not believe his ears either! Of course she had been here before but I was still floored that she found her way to our house 2 hours later! What a party animal!

Meet Zoe focused and calm...

This is Zoe at her high energy level peek! Here, she is intensively involved in a ball game.





Zoe, no matter how you come you are simply precious to us all! We love you and are so glad you found your way back to us safely!

The beauty of accountability

Less than a week ago, I called a person I had been praying for this summer. I wanted to encourage her heart. It turns out she encouraged me! Isn't it awesome when God gives you exactly what you need through someone else...He works wonders like that. We were chatting and I told her that I lacked discipline in regards to blogging. She encouraged me and told me what I had to do was to post a blog the next morning and make a point of blogging regularly. So I did, I woke up, read my Bible and took time to blog before my day started.

At the end of my day, I went to check my blog and sure enough she had left me a message. Then, I went to her blog (as she blogs every single day) to read hers and there it was before my eyes: a message about my husband and I and to my surprise, she wrote the link to our blog for everyone to see. My accountability had grown in spades overnight! Yikes! that is scary! however, I must say I am reaping the rewards ever since. Everyday, I have one, two and sometimes three comments. It is so exciting to see that people are reading my blogs! But what topped it was her blog entry from today. After sharing about my 2nd year anniversary from heart surgery yesterday on our blog, she made a beautiful-scrapbook for Paul and I! What a gal! Beth, you are one of a kind. That touched Paul and I and really brought home what a beautiful family we have in Jesus! Thanks a million!

And speaking of God's family... There are two new beautiful additions to our family at Fort William Baptist Church. Kaj Joseph Frederick Joshua Lindeman, brother of Riley, Hugo and Ceighan (I apologize for any spelling mistakes ;)) was born on Friday September 19th. Also, Jeremy John Balek, brother of Bradley was born Thursday. Unfortunately, I don't have pictures for Jeremy John yet but here meet Kaj... ( Pete, I took these from Facebook, hope you don't mind).

Kaj, you are so beautiful! Congratulations Pete & Alicia!





Ryleigh, you are such a wonderful big sister! Keep going girl!





Here is the Brady Bunch! What a beautiful family!

Paul and I are honoured to know both families! You are so precious to us!

2nd Year anniversary!

Yeah! so today Paul and I are celebrating my second year anniversary from my heart surgery...This time 2 years ago I was laying in ICU after open heart surgery and Paul was faithfully by my side along with my mom, my two sisters, my brother-in-law and a lovely niece! Well my nice wasn't quite by my side as it would be a traumatic experience and she would never wish to see me again. ;) I am not only grateful for that hurdle the Lord has carried us through but I am grateful for every single day He has given me since I was born. I am extremely grateful for my mother and father who raised me with such tender hearts and with a vision without limits. They have always told me I could do whatever I desired, raising me with gentleness and trying to channel my wild passionate heart and giving me direction. My sisters were instrumental in my becoming the person I am today. My eldest sister, Marie-Claire, taught me every name of every NHL team and what city they corresponded to since I was about 6 yrs old! And now everybody wonders why I chose outdoor recreation as a career. Blame it on her! Just kidding M-C! Dominique on her part can take pride in having taught me and continues to teach me how to truly listen to people and to love them. Both of them taught me how to put others first! Merci les filles! I love you so much.

God has placed these wonderful people in my life to teach me many things...and many things I continue to learn. I am thankful for my husband and the love he has for me and for my in-laws who show only kindness and camaraderie!
God has brought me to the Church family who has carried me through prayer in all those years as well! There are so many things to be thankful for and today I wish to ponder on such things that brings a glad heart!

I love you all and I consider myself blessed!

Paul and I at the hospital after my surgery. What a supportive husband I have! I Love you Paul!

My sister Marie-Claire with my ever so precious niece Emma Claude, my sister Dominique and me.

My Mom cheering after another successful surgery! My mom and I we are like two pees in a pod, if only we could live in the same city! Boy we would both like that very much!

Paul and I with my mom and Richard. Thank you so much for the wonderful hospitality! Love you both very much.

While our church family was praying back in Thunder Bay, others visited. Meet Dave and Gerri! They are wonderful and encouraged both Paul and I by visiting us 1 hour North of Montreal! When you can't be with your church family, they come to you! Thank you so much Dave and Gerri! This meant so much to us!

As you can see, Paul and I do not lack the support. We are ever so grateful and continue to thank our Great God for His amazing love!

The Saga continues...

Yesterday, I mentioned a wedding Paul and I went to in the Greater Toronto Area on Labor Day weekend. Matt and Andrea were joined together on August 30th! What a beautiful day that was. Here are some pictures as my ever so thoughtful brother-in-law (Peter) installed them on my hard-drive. Thanks Pete! Allow me to specify that all of the pictures that will be posted here from Labor day weekend are mostly taken by our friend JJ since the camera we brought lacked in battery power before the wedding!

Paul and I and a few others were staying at Andrea's parents place before the wedding! What great hosts they were! I was amazed how everything seemed under control and yet Andrea's mom, Evelyn, sowed the dresses for the brides maids and the flower girls, of which there was a total of nine! But that is not all, she sowed every napkin holder as well and made sure before the wedding that we all had meals to eat, and Paul and Evelyn both took time to get to know us and care for us! I know I must have forgotten other details they put together. I think what amazed me most was how it all seemed very manageable for both of them. As for me I love organizing an event but being more of a big picture girl, details seem to pass me by. Let me give you a glimpse of what the week end looked like!

This is Andrea (the bride) and I the day before the big one!

These are the napkin holders that Evelyn (Andrea's mom) sowed. Evelyn discovered the art of delegation and so I had such a great time folding napkins in an artistic kind of way! I didn't realize how therapeutic it could be!

Here she is! This is Evelyn. I don't think I need to tell you that is the only picture of her. Working away! meanwhile, JJ, Paul (my Husband), and Dan (Andrea's brother) were being artsy themselves!

There were handsome groomsmen surrounding the radiant groom....(Paul, A.J., Matt(Groom), Paul Aurich, and JJ. Sharing in his very joyful day...

There were beautiful little flower girls.....This is Alicia, Andrea's niece. There were three others.

And there there was the whole party! Andrea looked breathtakingly beautiful!


Needless to say Paul and I had a great time together and with our friends. Rejoicing in each other's union is so refreshing.... I had a great time sharing this weekend with you today and hope you enjoy taking part in our little adventures!

Refiner's Fire!

Since our last blog, Paul and I have worked on our deputation, preparing the mission work that Jesus has laid on our hearts. We went to Toronto for a wedding. Paul's friend Matt got married to Andrea and Paul had the privilege to be by Matt's side for his big day. What a great time that was! We arrived on the Thursday and left on the Monday of Labour day weekend. (There would be pictures but they are all on my brother-in-law's computer so there are still yet to come.) This trip was filled with good times and friends. Let's see, while Matt and Andrea were getting married, our friend Sarah was expecting. As she was a little late, she and her husband Jeremy made it to the wedding and were able to join in the festivities. Well it turned out that Sarah gave birth while we were still in Toronto on the Sunday! Welcome to this world Owen Josiah!

On Sunday, Paul and I were privileged to attend The Sanctuary Milton for Worship and to share with them our vision for ministry. It was such a great time to meet new people and to really connect with the Pastor Jim Danielson and his beautiful family!

As we are preparing for full-time ministry, it is pressed on our hearts how we need to pray for a home and a church family in the Greater Toronto Area. It can be overwhelming to make these decisions but it is so comforting that we are not alone in it and God promises to take care of us as He refers to the birds of the air in Matthew 6:26: "Look at the birds of the air;they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable then they?"

As Christians we are being refined every day until the coming of Christ. At this time in our lives, the Lord is definitely preparing us for the next step in our lives. However, in the meantime, I desire to live fully and embrace each day, as each day was given to us not to waste but to cherish and make the most of it!

It's been a while

Sorry we haven't written recently. We have been quite busy, and I know that this is no excuse. I guess we haven't really perfected the discipline of blogging.

Last month we were helping with our church's Summer Bible Conference. D.A. Carson was the key speaker teaching from Hebrews. It was an extremely busy time, and even a trying time (the AV system crashed the 2nd morning of the conference) but Steph and I really enjoyed seeing our friends, hearing the word of God, and learning more and more about ourselves.

During this time we also were shooting a short documentary about 2 Christian couples, one from Romania and the other from the 1st Nations. I'm currently editing it and should have it done shortly. I was just going through some footage and was hit by the huge privilege that I have to communicate these unique and powerful stories of God working in and through their lives. Sometimes it can be difficult sitting in front of a computer (especially when we're having amazingly beautiful weather right now in Thunder Bay) but I am really finding it a joy to sit hear listening, and re-listening to honest and powerful stories about our Living God. It's really something : )

Happy Mother's Day!

Since Heather is on vacation during Mother's Day, Brynn, Graeme, & Megan wanted to post something for their mom to read while in California. Enjoy!

We're Alive!

This last week has been fantastic. Stephanie and I have been really blessed to take care of Brynn, Graeme, and Megan. It's been a huge learning curve for the two of us non-parents. I guess you don't really understand the work, effort, and joy that it takes to raise kids until you are thrust into it. I have found myself excitedly anticipating their after school arrival on the bus. I think that we'll find it a little difficult leaving when Al & Heather get back, especially when we're just starting to understand the sister-brother-sister relational dynamics. These kids are really dear to us. I have found our evening prayer and devotional time to be my favourite. It has been a privilege to be here for our friends; to be trusted for the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of their children.

- Paul

Today, Stephanie and I accompanied the kids as they went horseback riding. I don't think I'll walk right for a week!

Yesterday: My brother, Graeme, myself, and Luke went paint-balling with the guys from my church for some male-bonding, let's shoot each other kinda fun.

Stephanie took this picture of Graeme, Megan, and I earlier today as I attempted to give them both a piggy back ride. Steph and I are taking care of the kids (and their sister Brynn not seen here) for the next 10 days while their parents are on vacation.

Pics from Easter continued

Stephanie and I on Easter Sunday!

My two brothers, Daniel and Peter.

The Dudes, Marco, Al, Luker, Jeff, Poul-Eric.

The Ladies: Trudi, Shannon, Heather, Brynn, Nancy, (Luker, Poul-Eric)

Lindsay doing dishes.

This entire day was a great time. Everyone pitched in. Trudi brought the potatoes, Al bought the ham, Brynn made a cheesecake, and Shannon & Nancy brought Salads. The guys cut the turkey for me and made the best gravy ever. Steph arranged an Egg Hunt in for the kids! It was awesome.