I am thankful!

Tonight I’m thankful! 

There were so many incredible testimonies this weekend! To God be the Glory, great things He has done and what amazing things He IS doing!!  Yesterday a young man was wandering the streets and heard a voice tell him to go to the old movie theatres. He stopped and turned around and headed in that direction. When he arrived at what he thought was the old theatres, he saw our church and peered in the windows. When a young man in the church saw him looking in, he went out and welcomed him and asked him to have a cup of coffee with him. He was visibly struggling with addiction, but was welcomed and greeted with open arms, by serval people.  From there realizing he once walked with he Lord. He stayed for service and was ministered too, he snuck out at the end of service but Praise the Lord, we may never see him again but seeds were sown and we are believing they will take root!  

Last night as service was kicking off I was waiting for my youngest daughter to arrive at the church so was hanging around in the lobby. A young mom who doesn’t attend our church came through the doors with her young baby. She had a concerned look on her face.  We greeted her at the coffee bar and she mentioned there was a homeless man sitting in front of the plaza with a dog. No mission was able to take him in because he was accompanied by his dog. She had bought him some food but couldn’t offer him anything more…. She had mentioned when she saw this man, she initially just walked by him, but the further she got from him the more convicted she felt and she heard the Lord tell her to turn around, and go back to this man, she went into the store he was sitting in front of and bought him some food, but that’s all she could offer him. She had a heart of compassion and desired to help..but there was nothing more she could do for him. Which is when she realized our church doors were open.

As she was sharing what had taken place, I told her I’d go talk with him. As I headed out of our building one of our ushers happened to come out of the sanctuary. Amazingly enough he also happens to be an animal lover. I said ‘Hey if there was a homeless man who couldn’t find a place to stay for the night because he had a dog,  would you take the dog in for a couple nights until he had place to stay?” He said, Yeah, of course. (I looked at him and said, “You would?, Come with me.'

We went around the building and found this young man, he was in his early 20’s just sitting there. He looked like many of the other people we find around our city, lost, sad and hopeless. He was cold, sitting with a sign propped up on his lap. His dog laid beside him. We introduced ourselves and let him know that if he needed a bed, we would get him transportation to the mission and would watch his dog for a couple nights until he found a place. He was hesitant as his dog was all he had. As we shared more with him about who were were and what God was doing in the lives of those in our church, we asked if he’d like to join us for service. He wanted to come! As we walked around the building, we reaffirmed that his dog was well taken care of. At this point I was still waiting for my daughter so we needed a vehicle to take this dog to the home where he would be staying for a few nights, instantly another usher came out who also loves pets and when we shared what was going on, he immediately responded that he would give them a ride to get the dog settled.  The three men and the dog went for a quick drive, got the dog settled and the man came back for service. The word was powerful, this young man who was previously cold, lonely and hopeless was now surrounded by men of God who desired to see him restored and made whole. He stayed until the end of the service and was ministered to. Following the service I was tied up and when I was leaving I saw him being escorted by another young man who was carrying all of his bags to the bus stop for him. I was SMILING from ear to ear… our people, they have the heart of Christ, they desired to GO…and to seek and save the lost. 

This morning, when I pulled into church…guess who walked in with me? This gentleman! Hallelujah!!! Again he was greeted and welcomed into the House of God… He worshipped alongside of our church family, sitting in the front row. Hope is being restored. 

I love and such a heart of the down and out. I have a heart for those who are struggling, and lost. I have a heart to see the potential in those that can’t see the potential in themselves. The amazing thing is, God has blessed our house with people with the same heart. We are surrounded by men and women who love God. Some have come from great homes, some have come from backgrounds most can’t relate with. 

Last night wasn’t a one man show, as I looked over the night I was amazed to see how many hands were involved in this process.

One lady hearing the voice of God and turning around… realizing she couldn’t solve his problems she reached out and asked for help.

I am not intimated by people, so it was easy for me to approach this man..but you better believe I am not a dog lover so couldn’t help there, so the Lord sent someone out of service at the EXACT time we needed somewhere for the dog to go. Then when we realized we couldn’t transport the dog, God sent someone else out who was willing to take the dog over to where he would be looked after for a few days. As this was going on  the ladies in the coffee bar said, while you were out we were praying for discernment for you guys as you ministered! Ha. Someone gave bus fare and someone carried his bags and walked with him to the bus stop!! Come on…God was surely at work!

There are so many times we don’t do anything because we think we can’t do it all…. so we pass by. 

I am so thankful this lady didn’t just hear the voice of God but that she was obedient to it. When she realized there was a need bigger than her, she sought help. 

i’m so thankful that someone offered to take in a strange dog! I’m so thankful that the bystanders didn’t just stand there, but that they watched over the house and were praying for those involved! I am thankful that God uses all of us, in different ways to accomplish great things. This young man has a place to stay as of Monday, but just didn’t for two nights. Thank you Lord for your timing and for your provision in every step of this process. 

I love our church and the diversity in the house. I love that we have all walks of life in our building…but our hearts are united. I love that we all realize that we all fall short of God’s glory, whether we live in a 6 bedroom house and make six figures or live in government housing and make very little. God loves us all the same and so we desire to treat each other accordingly….Tonight I’m just thankful. I”m thankful for the Godly relationships The Lord’s put in our lives and the timely words he brings. 

I’m thankful for The Sanctuary and for those who have stuck it out when we’ve gone through tough seasons. I’m thankful that God is s restorer of all that’s been lost or stolen. I”m thankful that even though there have been times so many have reached out to those who appear to be in need, only to realize they’ve been milked  that it hasn’t allowed us to become jaded. I’m thankful that God will use each and everyone of us to reach all walks of life, rich, poor, clean, addicted, young, old, educated, non educated. He’s not looking for the perfect, he’s looking for the willing! 

And most of all, I’m thankful that God chooses to use each and everyone of us, each and everyday if we are willing! 

James 2:1-12

Once A Month Cooking - You Can Do it!

I honestly can't believe this is Labour Day weekend! It feels like I just scooped the children up on the last day and school and rushed off to the beach for the afternoon. This summer has been full of cliff jumps, cannon balls, rollercoasters, camps, cottage time, day trips and lounging by the pool.... and to be honest, I'm not ready for it to be over!

When any change comes I feel the need to clean, cook and purge! I desire to get my home and things in alignment so I can tackle the new season with a sense of readiness. Yesterday was a long day, but for some reason on those really exhausting days, I seem to push myself farther?? So... I called up my neighbour and asked if she wanted to accompany me to COSTCO. I loaded up on school snacks and groceries to do my big cook off!

Today I was up and at it early so I could do another quick grocery shop and load up on Freezer Bags and Tin containers. Many of you have asked about the Once a  Month Cooking... and I always hear, "You're so organized! I wish I could do that''. YOU CAN!! I am not any more organized than another. I have list in my journal of our favourite meals and that's what I try to focus on and make for the month. To be honest when I hit the grocery store, I don't even take a list. I rush through the isles and throw this and that in. I'm not a precise cook... I"m an adventurous one. I know roughly what I'd like to make and start tossing things in the cart. It's nice knowing when these meals are completed that all I have to do is throw on a pot of rice, add fresh veg, salad or fresh bread to any of these meals to make them healthy and complete!

Why do I do the 'Once a Month Cooking?"

1. It saves time. (5 hours to complete 29 meals is better than 45 min every day for the month!)
2. It allows our family to eat great quality meals, even though we are busy and on the go.
3. It saves money. (No more stopping and grabbing what's convenient and racking up unnecessary charges)
4. It saves dishes!! No more prep dishes for the month!!
5. It brings PEACE to our home. (Anyone of us can walk to the freezer, pick out a meal, pop it in the crock pot or stove, and BAM! Dinner is served!)

Is it a long day cooking? Yes! But there are choices we make in our family to make life easier and run smoother. Eating dinner as a family is big to us. The stories we hear and the laughs we share  as we're gathered around the table each night is vital. We laugh, we laugh until we cry, we train and instil manners and this time allows us all to reconnect after being pulled in different directions throughout the day, and often times in the evening following our meals. (Side note : Our dinner table is often a gong show. The children are all expressive and animated, so although we desire to teach & train them....things can get wildly funny and Pa Paton has to bring us all back into alignment.)

I'd encourage you, if you feel run ragged, or feel something has to give to tackle this! You can do it! Sit with your family and compile a list of your favourite meals, then away you go!

List of What I made in my 5 1/2  hour stretch.
- 2 x 7 Smothered Swiss Black forest Chicken Breasts
- 2 x 7 Salsa Chicken (Family Fav!)
- 2 Ham & Pineapple
- 2 Shepherds Pie (Family Size)
- 3 Lunch Sizes that feed two (great for Jamie & Syd for work)
- 2 Family Sized Chili
- 2 Meatloaf
- 3 Family Sized Lasagna
- 1 Lunch Sized Lasagna
- 1 Family Sized Mac & Cheese
- 2 (lunch portions feeds two)
- 2 Chicken Stir Fry
- 2 Freezer Bags of cooked Ground beef (great for Tacos, Nachos, Cabbage Rolls, Spaghetti Sauce)
- 3 Freezer Bags of cooked chicken breasts shredded (great for BBQ Chicken, enchiladas)

Tips : 

• The Dollarstore has freezer bags and tin foil containers for $1.25.
• Don't stress it... your kitchen will be messy, have fun!
• If you're doing a lot of veggies google blanching. You want to make sure your veggies still taste great and are giving you all the nutrients they are desired to give! 
• Learn to treasure table time... it's when your children open up! 

Trust the process!

Trust the process... 

James 4:2

About a month ago my little leader was preparing to go on a field trip with her class. She insisted I come along with her class as a chaperone. Before I agreed I asked a few key questions. Where was the trip? What would we be doing? And how long was the trip?  She told me they would be headed downtown...(okay not so bad, they have some incredible pizza and ice cream joints down there.) Then she chimed in and interrupted my daydreaming moment in a very loud voice and said, 'We will be studying structures!' I'm sorry, structures?!? Do I look like a mom who would be interested in that? I immediately said, ''No! I am not going to look at structures!'' My husband, who was standing beside  me, said "Oh, mom would love to go'. I said 'No way, I do NOT want to go look at structures!' To make matters worse what she thought would sell me, almost made me collapse on the floor. She said, "It'll be fun Mom! We get to take the city bus!" WHAAATTTT....the bus?!!  Her excitement had me believing she'd mistaken the city bus for a limousine. But in her defense being able to travel with your favourite parent (wink wink), classmates, and your favourite teacher to the heart of the city was pretty exciting! So, because of her excitement I reluctantly said, "Yes.''

It was a fantastic day. The sun was shining for what felt like the first time in 4 months. So, while the children studied structures the parents assisted with questions and soaked in the sun. My daughter had talked about this trip for weeks and how she was going to meet the mayor. She prays for him nightly and for the other MP's and leaders in London, and in Canada. She has a heart for government and to cover those who make decisions for all us. She made sure her iPod was charged so she could get a picture with him. (As I assessed the number of students and chaperones, I thought she'd be lucky if we could identify her in the big group photo.) When we got to City Hall we studied the building and then the class was escorted up to his office. The children were excited to meet the Mayor of London.  His assistant came out and apologized, he was out of the office. Seeing as City Hall wasn't our last stop, we left to check out a few more structures and then ventured back to City Hall to see if he was back in the office yet. Again, we missed him. I could tell by my littles ones face, she was very disappointed. We had missed the mayor, the very thing she had talked about and desired to do for weeks. As a class we headed to the park and waited for the bus to take us home.  I looked over and saw my daughter slumped under the trees so I went and asked her what was wrong. She said, 'It's the worst day ever. I didn't get to see Uncle Craig, and I didn't get to meet the Mayor or get a picture with him. God didn't answer my prayer.' I didn't know how to respond, so I said what every mother of faith would say, 'Ummmm...you have to trust God, we don't know why he wasn't here today, maybe he was helping someone or had somewhere else to be. Maybe you'll be able to meet him another time.' My answer did not console her, she was visibly (she wears her emotions well) upset.

Well, not even 6 hours later I received a message. The Mayor had asked me to schedule my daughter in for an appointment. WHAT?! Yes, praise the Lord!  The Lord knew the desires of this little ones heart. A few weeks went by and finally yesterday she had the opportunity to meet the vary man she prays for daily. She had worked hard into the wee hours of the night creating a book for him and had picked out the perfect gift for a special leader.

Before going into the office we gathered on the sidewalk  and prayed that she would have courage and boldness to ask the questions she has been desiring to ask him. We also prayed that she would have a peace so she could enjoy the time with him that she'd prayed for.  He was so welcoming, gentle and
humble. Our Mayor definitely showed and recognizes the great responsibility he carries in making tough decisions in this great city. He loved and laughed at the creativity in her storybook. He was patient and made sure she understood his answers when she asked her list long page of questions. It was as if the two of them were the only two in the room. And me, I got to witness something so precious. 

It's so hard to trust the process when it seems the desires of our heart are crushed. When we learn to trust the process we begin to see that God hasn't abandoned us, He just sees a much bigger picture than we do. It's amazing when God answers the desires of your heart, and it's equally if not more amazing to witness the Lord answering the desires of your children's heart. Our little leader had asked the Lord to make a way and He did. She was so disappointed and frustrated when it didn't look like what she thought, but she didn't realize God was customizing something so much bigger than she could have imagined.  She was able to sit in the Mayor's office and interview him, one on one. She was able to sit in his chair and use his gavel. She was able to bless him with an plaque and a precious card that lists all things God thinks about him, and more importantly she was able to write in and bless him with his own bible, what an honour. God used her as a mouthpiece. Not her father, not her mother, not her teacher.  Her, a nine year old girl. 

I continually remind myself that we have not because we ask not. When we ask and it looks as though everything is failing, when it looks as though God has forgotten or not heard the cries of our heart, we need to trust that He's at work behind the scenes. His ways are higher than our ways. We will go through disappointment and we will be let down, but in those times we have to trust that our Father knows best and that He's in control and working things out. Greater things than we could have ever imagined! TRUST THE PROCESS!  

Perfectly Imperfect....

There's so many ways to describe families. Fun, loving, crazy, hardworking, God fearing, athletic, brilliant, talented and the list goes on. How would I describe ours? 

Oh boy, there's so many words that could be used. Way to many stories, moments and qualities to just limit it to one word....so I'll say we're perfectly imperfect!

I love my family. I love everything about them.  My husband is my best friend, my bestie, my BFF whatever you want to call it, that's him! Not sure if that's awesome or pathetic, or just awesomely pathetic, but I know I love him and am so thankful for him!  Our marriage is refreshing, and the best part about it, is it wasn't always this way. In the early years, if it was a gift, I wanted a full refund! 

It was nothing but a constant battle and eventually something had to give, something had to change. And after a few years it did. It started to change when we started to serve one another selflessly. When we did that, it unleashed the heart of the father at the very core of our relationship.

We have been blessed with five beautiful, healthy children and for that we are so grateful.  

I love that our children are all at different ages and going through different stages of life. Each one of our children are highly animated!  I love that at dinner each night our table erupts with excitement and stories that have us all laughing, crying and laughing until we're crying.

I repeatedly hear from people, "You have the perfect family!' 

Each time I hear that,  part of me agrees because I think they're unmatchable and perfect! But another part of me cringes. Years ago there was a season in my life when I felt inferior in comparison to another family, because I thought they were perfect. I started to compare our family with theirs and the comparison didn't empower me as a mom, it discouraged and crippled me.

 It wasn't until I was in the presence of this family on a more regular basis that I realized they too have real life issues, and struggles. Their children weren't perfect! They too needed to be guided, nurtured and disciplined.

What is a perfect family? One with no flaws, faults or outbursts? If so, that's not the perception I want people to have of our family.  We like other families have children who speak with more truth at times than one ever should. A perfect mom? Oh man, I sent my child commando to VBS this year without knowing it! 

I have four children to get out the door by 8am in order to catch the bus, can you even imagine the veins that buldge from my head in the morning as I realize the bus is around the corner the same member of our family (who shall remain namesless) has no boots on for the 64th day in a row?! We are definitely not perfect!

Moms I have two tidbits for you, the first one is : Don't compare, glean! Comparing will leave you feeling frustrated and like a failure. Gleaning will leave you feeling empowered and encouraged. Glean from those who have gone before you. Ask, enquire and learn from their mistakes and victories. 

Whether you have one child or fifteen, embrace them. Numbers don't make a great family, the unity and bond you have does! Invest, love and nurture the ones the Lord's entrusted you with. Make memories and be present. Learn, grow and become victorious together.

My second word to mama's is to use life lessons as teaching moments. Those stressful and exciting times you have during the daily grind, teach from them. 

What does that mean, what does that look like? Put handles on your words. Walk things out with them in a way that will cause them to always remember what you've imparted into them.

Here's a very recent precious teaching moment I did with our oldest son. Seeing as it's Valentine's Days in a few days, I had gone and picked up a couple dozen roses and other wild flowers and had arranged several small bouquets. 

When my son got home from school, he walked into a kitchen full of paper, twine, flower clippings and arrangements. 

He instantly asked what in the world I was doing. I said 'Hey, buddy, I've got something fun for us to do tonight! But first I need you to make a list of a few women that have made an impact on you!' Instantly he looked at me with his ever so unexcited eyes and said 'Oh no, Mom, what is this for?" haha. I was overly excited and said, 'Seeing as you don't have a valentine, I thought it would be fun for you to deliver flowers to these women'. 

He said 'No! No way! I don't want to do that!' To which I responded, "I know, and sometimes when we get married there's things we don't necessarily want to do, but we do it because we know it will bless our spouse.'' 

After he stared at me in a tone that only teen boys can stare at you in, he reluctantly agreed. Then said "Mom, this is going to be so awkward!" I said, "Yes, but it's going to be very awkward one day when you have to ask your girlfriends father for her hand in marriage.' 

Now he understood what I was saying. We were training him to be a gentleman and preparing him for the road ahead. After he loaded the flowers in the truck, we were on our way.  We went around to different homes that night blessing Grandmothers, and those who have invested into him. 

Did he say much? No, he said he told everyone I was training him to be a gentleman. ha!  This was a real life, awkward, fun, and funny teachable moment. Was it perfect? No! Was it funny? 

Oh you better believe it! Did it impart something into him? Yes. He saw the smiles, and the difference one bouquet of flowers and one small gesture can make in someones life.

 I was able to share that being a gentleman goes far beyond good intentions.

We have been given the awesome responsibility to love our spouses and to train our children. So instead of comparing with one another, lets vow to glean from one another. 

Let's ban together and strive for perfection, knowing that none of us have yet reached it. That we are all doing our best to be faithful in what He's called us to. Let's unite in purpose, heart and vision. 

Let's vow to do our part in building strong families, families that last! And let's link arms and encourage one another to raise Godly men and women who fear The Lord above fearing man.

Make New Friends...

Almost two weeks ago, I was having some quiet time before heading to work.  I prayed and asked The Lord to give me an obvious opportunity at work that day,  but not necessarily one that would have to painfully stretch me. As I thought of what I just said, I started laughing and then carried on my way.

Well, that afternoon I had what I consider an obvious opportunity! A few hours into my shift I had a mom come to me and enquire about some information. As we were conversing back and forth I heard a baby cry.  It clearly came from the direction of this mama, but there was definitely no baby in her arms. As I moved towards the cry I realized there was a precious baby boy swaddled on her back. Ohhhh, my heart melted! This boy was so precious! I patted and rubbed his back and we exchanged genuine smiles. I asked the mama where she was from and she responded, 'Rwanda'. As she said it, my eyes doubled in size! (I almost died.  I instantly wanted to hug her, to embrace her, to squish her, to lift her up and swing her around and ask 'If we could be BFF's?) Instantly I started speaking to her in Kinyarwandan. She was stunned and started laughing. We shared a few basic greetings back and forth in her native tongue as we both smiled from ear to ear. She asked how I knew Kinyarwandan, so  I was able to share with her about the mission work we do in her country and told her about the wonderful friends we've made there. This brief moment with her took me back to so many memories, so many living room prayers, visits and moments with our family in Rwanda. (We had received word earlier this week from our Pastor in Rwanda, that his daughter  had become very ill and was put into a coma. This girl is very near and dear to our hearts so was very hard and very sad for us to hear, but we kept faithfully praying for her healing!) Did God really send this women as a gift? A representative of a people group we love so much, yet feel so far from right now?  We talked for several moments, I then gave her my contact information and as quickly as she came, she was gone.

I came home from work that night and practically did a cartwheel through the front entrance and a back flip off the kitchen island where my family was standing. I completely interrupted every conversation taking place in the kitchen and started to share with them about my prayer and my newly found friend.

Over the next few days I thought about her often. I thought about being in a new country, a new culture, learning a new language, all alone.... just me and my children. Overwhelmed with emotion, I began to wonder if I truly understood bravery.   

We connected briefly over the next week, I wanted to hook up, to meet for coffee, to hang out...but I didn't want to push it. But after a conversation with 'My Erin', and although I know it's not proper to invite yourself over to someone's house, I did! Seeing as my invitation was so welcomed I pushed a little further and asked if I could bring my children too....aaannnnd since that too was so warmly received, I then asked if my husband could come as well! (Wink, wink!) She was eagerly receptive to everyone coming to visit that Saturday morning. 

Well you better believe first thing Saturday morning our youngest children rose early and did what all children do, they started with the questions! Yes, those questions!! "When are we going?" "How much longer until we leave?" "Can we go now?" I heard these questions repeatedly, so by 7am I had no choice but to jump out of bed and help them in their preparations. They coloured, they baked, they recited common rwandan greetings and they decorated a special gift for their soon to be new friends.

A few hours later the time came and we arrived at their home. The mama came to the entrance and greeted us.  She went straight for our youngest boy,  she scooped him up with a strong embrace and hugged him, swinging him back and forth. As she swung him, his legs dangled and swung back and forth beneath him. If you know Jamie and I at all, then you know when we saw this we died laughing knowing this was going to be a great visit! We all greeted one another with genuine hugs and godly affection and then the children ran off with their new friends.  We didn't overstay our welcome, although I'm sure it would have been embraced. It was such a beautiful morning. We prayed, ate, laughed, played and shared with one another.

I'm so thankful that God knows exactly what we need, when we need it. I'm so thankful for people, for diversity, for old friends and for the ability to always be stretched to make room for new ones. People and relationships are one of God's most precious gifts. And most of all, I'm so thankful that He hears even the smallest prayers and knows every desire of our heart.

Afterthought....

As I was thinking about this precious visit, I thought of how often we rob ourselves of awesome opportunities and so many deep friendships in exchange for a few quick 'likes', comments, or messages.' Because it's more comfortable... In this new era of 'social media' we've traded the deep relationships for surface ones. Sure, social media is great for so many things. It's great to stay in touch and to keep people up to speed....but why not slow down? Why not be more intentional. We can't become so comfortable creeping people and looking in from the outside that we forget what it's like to be on the inside. Social media will never trump physical touch and warm embraces. It can rob us of hearing the irreplacable sound of laughter, seeing the tears and hearing the quivering voice. It misses the unity and bond that's formed in breaking bread and fellowshipping with one another. Let's not let the opening of our laptops, rob us of the beauty and opportunity of opening our doors.

-h

Play Dough Recipe.... Cherish the tidbits!

There's only so many things that compare to the awesomeness of rolling over on a cold winters morning, grabbing your cell phone to shut off the alarm and seeing ''School is CANCELLED". Suddenly that warm cozy bed gets even cozier. Instead of running through the house like a wild woman waking children, packing lunches, grabbing mitts, gloves, hats and bags is a memory of days gone by....today new dreams are about to be birthed! Could I really lay in this cozy bed for 10, 20 maybe even 60 more minutes? No rushing and no where to be...I laid still. Do I dare to even open my eyes? Laying in fear that the littles may actually hear and wake to the sound of my eyelids separating! One by one over the next hour the three littles came in for a morning cuddle. I was so thankful for a slow, relaxing morning after a late night.

(Last night our oldest son had three friends stay the night. Who agrees to a school night sleepover?? This gal! He asked me in a moment of weakness...you know the ones where you aren't 100% in the conversation! Well... as it turns out it was a great night! What a great group of guys!! We were all sitting around the island around midnight when they realized it was most likely going to be a snow day, high fives went around the island and I sat there thinking....just my luck they probably knew this all along!! haha.. But honestly, I couldn't have asked for a better group of young men! I may have to do another trip to the grocery store and have the cat and the hat come clean the basement upon their departure but other than that and the strong smell of AXE things at the Paton residence are good!)

We woke up, threw the kettle on, lit up the frying pan and had a full on french toast feast! Then the boys retreated to the basement and our littlest looked me in the eyes and said "What can we do today M?'. (She calls me 'M'.... I LOVE IT!!!)

In the making..

I thought back to what my mom would have done....
So we made Play Dough.....

-PLAY DOUGH RECIPE -

Mix in a medium pot on stove top 

1 Cup of white flour

1/2 cup of salt

2 Tbsp. Cream of Tartar

Add : 

1 Cup of water

1 tsp food colouring (Joie chose purple today)

1 Kool-aid package (this is only to add scent and taste, so not necessary)

1 Tbsp oil

Cook over medium heat, stirring for 3-5 minutes. YOu'll notice the mixture will start to form into a ball in the middle as it heats. Turn out onto counter and knead on a lightly flavoured surface. If it's to soft add small amounts of flour until just right! VOILA!! 

Mission Accomplished

For those who may think this was the perfect morning here's a glimpse at the bigger picture. My husband is ministering in Florida, our oldest took ill about 4am and the dog...oh the beloved dog is oozing with excitement at having a household of visitors..only this dog is a dane, so as his excitement elevates he rearranges our furniture....if you know what I mean.  We may not always have the perfect day, but there will always be perfect moments in everyday! Cherish the tidbits...

Those who honour me....

There's been quite the buzz in our house for the last month! It's HOCKEY season and for the first time in 7 years Hunter has the opportunity to play in an organized league!

As a young boy Hunter was always found in his boxers, with his hockey helmet on and his stick in his hand. He lived and breathed it.  His dream, like many canadian boys was to play in big leagues when he was older.

Hunter first started playing in a league when he was four. When he was just 5 or 6 he was already super fast and super dirty....as competitive parents we would laugh when he would take players out. His coaches noticed and mentioned early on that this boy had potential.

The next year when Hunter was seven we could no longer avoid it. If he wanted to play hockey, he needed to play Sundays which meant major conflicts with church. As ones who served in the church and with Jamie being a competitive hockey player we knew this was one of the many difficult choices we would need to make as parents. Our desire as parents is to put Christ first in every area of our lives, and to teach our children to the do the same. What? That meant telling our all canadian boy he couldn't play hockey? Yes, that's exactly what that meant. This was not only heart breaking for us, but especially for him. Year after year at registration time he would ask if he could play, and year after year we were faced with the same news, game days in our zone were on Sundays.

5 years later a young Pastor must have been carrying the same burden. So he started a Saturday morning league so his boys, along with many others would still have the opportunity to play. As with any new vision, it takes time to get things rolling which meant there were only enough players to run one ice time. This meant there were players ages 6-13 on the ice at the same time. Hunter was 12, so was much bigger than most of the other players. He found this frustrating at times, but knew this league was at the grassroots and was his only opportunity to play...so he continued to play for the year.

Finally, the moment we'd all been waiting for came. After seven years we got a lead on a league that didn't require his age group to play on Sundays. HALLELUJAH!  Hunter was pumped! After a month of evaluations, practices and exhibition games the season began. Hunter was placed on a team not knowing anyone, but he didn't seem to care because was finally playing hockey! After the first game his team and coaches gathered and had a meeting, voting in the team captain.....the captain would be announced before they hit the ice at the next game.

I wasn't able to attend the game last night, but all of a sudden my phone lit up and this is what I saw.

Hunter walked out of the dressing room with a "C" on his jersey, he was chosen by his teammates and coaches to be the team Captain. I jumped up off my chair and couldn't wipe the smile off my face when I saw the text. My boy was Captain. He may not be playing in the best league, on the best team or even be the best player in town, but regardless I knew The Lord was showing us something. As I sat down to get in the Word, I was still staring at the picture Jamie had sent,  I felt The Lord say, "Those who honour me, I will honour.' Wow. He was showing His faithfulness once again.

This was a major decision we had to make with our son.  The Lord had given Him to us, and we had vowed to give him back to the Lord. Hunter never kicked and screamed when we asked him to lay hockey down, he was disappointed and yet when we shared our hearts on why, he chose to be understanding. Parents I want to encourage you, when we lay something down we don't know how long we'll have to lay it down for, but we have to trust him. I never really thought much about it over the seven years, but we knew that missing church for hockey wasn't an option. There's many things The Lord will ask us to lay down along the way and some things will definitely be harder than others. My number one responsibility as a mom isn't to raise a hockey player, but to raise a son that will put God first in all he does.

Last night when he walked in the door after the game it was as if all the years of laying it down didn't matter, because The Lord made it clear we as a family had made the right decision in honouring Him first.
H




(A huge thank-you to Kevin Furtney for starting up the Armour Hockey League, which allows so many young players to play on Saturdays instead of Sundays. We are thankful that each year this league has grown and this year our littles have the opportunity to play! Don't despise small beginnings, many families, churches and players are blessed by this league.)