And It Was

Amazing that is.
The Good Friday service was just as I imagined it would be.
The readers delivered their words with clarity. The extinguishing of candles highlighted the betrayal in their speeches. Our vocalist, a young woman who is only 13 sang with the voice of an angel. The dark and empty sanctuary was a reflection of the darkness and emptiness that Christ's followers may have felt that day.
The children responded well to Father. He was at ease interacting with our children and even enjoyed the laugh when a child pointed out that it was Earth Day.
As the wooden cross 'floated' over the pews with parishioners handing it to the next rows, the family choir sang, "Jesus Remember Me" in a moment to be cherished for long time to come.
Yes, in God's house, I like to believe His will was done on that day.

Siblings

Meet Tiki and Zoey, our new birdie friends, born January 26/27 in Mississauga. They are green cheek conures. These siblings will reside one (with the red breast) with my oldest child and the other with my youngest, here at home. Sibling birds for siblings.

These babies are quiet and cuddly; eager for the attention of their new parents. New life always brings the hopes and dreams of those of us privileged to journey along side. Only our maker knows what will become of these siblings, but human and avian, but we trust this is the beginning of long and loving friendships.

Let God

I am trying to organize a very special Good Friday service. Friday is now only days away and I am still missing a youth reader.
It seems that throughout this process, difficulty has been the name of the game. From the venue, to getting help with the music, to finding choir members and readers, it feels like this has been an up-hill battle.
My mom would always suggest that when things are difficult in the planning, they are always rewarding in the final product.
I have decided that since this is a Good Friday service, in God's house, bringing life to words describing the sacrifice of His only Son, perhaps, I am not the person in control after all. Perhaps our dear God has a plan and in my desire to find all of the solutions, I am not listening to his plan.

Stayed tuned...who knows what is yet to come.

In Harmony

Today we had a rehearsal for the upcoming Good Friday Service. The family choir practice consisted of two families per see and a group individuals from Vietnam who are learning and living together here.

Because this is a Good Friday service everything will be a capela - that is no instruments allowed. The music the choir created was beautiful.

As the group became more comfortable with each other the time for experimentation had arrived. The leader of the choir choose to add some harmony to the vocal performance. One of the Vietnamese stepped forward to join her and the music they made together was heaven sent.

At the end of practice the two introduced themselves. It was obvious very quickly that a language barrier made the true exchange of ideas a challenge. However, this made their incredible harmony even more amazing.

To me, the language of music is a mystery, but this evening, it was demonstrated very clearly that the language of music has the ability to transcend the usual barriers of spoken communication. I wonder how often God speaks to us in ways that we do not comprehend, but when we do things in concert with Him, many wonders occur.

Somethings New

To mark this milestone, my husband and I traveled to the island of St. Lucia for a week of relaxation.

After just a few days we discovered that we do not enjoy sitting on a beach, eating great food, with unlimited access to alcohol and endless tropical sun. We decided we needed to do something.

So we took a speedboat tour of the island, walked in a live volcano, took a mud bath, went snorkeling and zip-lining. Each of these an experience that until that moment I had not before tried.

Life is short. Try something new. And pause to give praise for all of it.

A Wonderful Day

When last I wrote, I was preparing myself for the surprise celebration of 'me' honouring my fifty years on this journey.

The day began quietly and restfully. Good wishes came by phone and in person.

After Mass, our Pastor, my friend had agreed to join us for dinner. When we got to the restaurant, all five of my children, and my husband's family had gathered in celebration.

Sharing stories and laughter we dined. The evening was quiet just as I would have planned. Just as people who know me well, would have planned.

I am grateful to all of my family for this gift.

I am grateful to the God who gave me these people to enhance my journey.

Been A While

The past months have been busy, revealing, scary and gratifying.

While it is my intent to speak of the wonders of life, in this case life is the wonder.

As each day reveals it treasures: the simple amazement of a glorious sun set, green lights while driving, a meal with family and friends; we recall the importance of remembering He to whom we must all give praise.

Over the next little while I may take a little time to recall some of those great moments while drawing attention to the wonder of each day.