Rejoicings plus Odds and Ends

Though our feelings come and go, God's love for us does not. -- C.S. Lewis

My thoughts lately, "I can't believe I said that!" "I'm such a ditz." "I don't know how anyone could like me." It's interesting how sensible and correct they seem when they pop into my mind and I stow them away without examining them.

But when I do take them out and look at them, I see how destructive and wrong these thoughts are. Why are they wrong? They're proud thoughts. I have been taking pride in my "humility" and spirituality. That alone makes them proud thoughts. But there's another aspect, as well. God has promised us His love and power. While there is a time for guilt and repentance, there is no time for self pity and focusing on our weakness.

So, I am trying to establish a new habit: Whenever a negative thought comes to my head, instead of inwardly moaning about myself, I think of something to thank God for. When I think of something stupid I have done, I thank God that there are people who love me. When I think of something I am truly ashamed of, I thank God for His gift of forgiveness and love.

I watched Star Wars (both Trilogies) over the past few weeks and the character Yoda said something I found very thought provoking: "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering." When I am thinking negative thoughts about myself, it ultimately leads me to thoughts of anger. Anger towards myself, God, people in my life, my past, situations... that anger then transfers itself to bitterness and hatred (or, at least, dislike). I have seen what these emotions have done to those around me... I have seen hate destroy the person and hurt others in his or her life. It is not a path I wish to travel. My greatest desire is to live with love. I wish love to become such a part of me that it is me.

This evening, take a moment and think about what it means for God to love you. I have been dwelling on that today and it fills me with such happiness. I am so blessed. Beyond words blessed. :-)

Today, my friend Jeanette sent me a link: http://listen.grooveshark.com/ ... I am now listening to the soundtrack from Howl's Moving Castle, one of my favorite anime films. I am excited to see what else they have available. :-) Thanks, Jeanette. You made my day. :-)

I finished my last day of teaching this week. It was amazing. I have some of the best students in the world. :-) I am so glad to have them. Rylan and Rese both came with face paint and in Rider shirts. The entire community goes green along with the team. Fun. :-) I'm not into sports that much but the spirit is undeniably contagious.

(At camp, there were some really athletic kids...)

Did you know the fingering for the Ab scale is really interesting? It works but honestly, it's not something I would have picked up on my own. Thank goodness for musically knowledgeable people and the internet. I hate the thought of teaching a student something that was an error. For those who are wondering, fingering for R.H. is: 23 123 1234 123 123 ; L.H. is: 321 4321 321 4321 2. 

Something else to think about: my timing stinks on the song "Just You Wait". I wish I could practice with the band a little more before the show. :-P Lol. Well, it's much better than it was. I just need to keep working at it. :-) I love the tune. The chord structure is so interesting and the colors are amazing.

Well, I'm off to eat my supper. You know, I made soup the other day. Then, Michele took my soup and made soup. I am always amazed at her culinary skills. She's amazing. Someday, I would like to cook like her. For now, I simply devour. ;-) May your day, regardless of country in which you may dwell, have been a happy thanksgiving. :-) :-)

Here's to Life!

According to blogger, this is Treasuries' 273rd post. It seems like forever ago that I created this blog and tentatively began writing about my life. There have been a few people who have been very faithful about commenting and participating throughout the months since then. Thank you. As someone wrote to me, comments are a blogger's dessert. :-)

Here is a brief synopsis of my life recently:
Friday: My friends Nathan and Jenn (along with their three children: Gideon, 5; Isaiah, 3; Emmé, 1) picked me up in the afternoon and took me to their home in Deloraine, MB. Once there, we warmed up our very cold fingers and toes with some hot tea and Kettle Chips (I've developed a new addiction/craving thanks to you guys!!) and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. 


Saturday:  Lots of wonderful conversations, food (Jenn and Nathan are both excellent chefs as well as hosts) (we even made chocolate ice-cream which I'm still dreaming about....)


Sunday: ....and music (had a wonderful time "teaching" Jenn how to chord/accompany. She picked it up so quickly I don't think I can honestly term it teaching. Amazing. :-))


Being around their kids made me miss my siblings!! Children give such perspective to life. It's so interesting to hear their point of view and see their trust. I love watching them be creative and expanding their horizons. It can be art or even learning a new word... or their character develops suddenly as they realize something about life. 


All in all, it was a beautiful weekend and something I wouldn't mind repeating. :-) If you're reading this, thank you so much for your wonderful hospitality. I came away so blessed. :-)


Sunday evening, Nathan took me back to Carlyle because I needed to participate in the theatre practice. The time of the Christmas play is almost upon us and I have part. So, it's rather necessary to keep on top of matters. :-) The play is about a nasty old spinster named Esmeralda Scrooge who must learn about love. I am her niece. I have a solo and lines... and I also play a piece on the piano (which has me most worried...). It has been a very enjoyable and stretching experience being part of this. Just like "We'll Meet Again", except it's better this time since I kind of know the people I'm working with. :-) 


Monday: I worked at Dairy Queen and made... cakes. Surprise, surprise. ;-) :-P I made logs, Blizzards and designed gels. Plus, I washed all of my gel frosting bags and the container so they're all fresh and lovely for the next person who dares mess with them. ;-) One of the biggest benefits of working at DQ is that you get to make your own combinations of blizzards. They have a new size of Blizzard: mini. It's just right for me. I love Oreos, strawberries and cheesecake.. mixing them all together, then topping it off with strawberries. It's delightful. I kid you not. And yes, I have been eating a little more sugar lately. :-) 


For the record, I love Dairy Queen ice-cream. A lot. It's among the best. :-) :-) 


Tuesday: I got up early and went to write my test. Before I go on, I must say it: I am so glad to have that over with. How did I do? Well, I missed 2 on my signs test and 4 on the regular. Just passed. My errors were always on the side of caution. For instance, on an uncontrolled railroad, did you know that you are not required by law to stop before proceeding over the tracks? That is, you are not required to stop if there are no trains in sight... in the happenstance of a train, one might consider halting their progress in favor of life, law abiding citizen or no. :-P

The only other thing worth mentioning about yesterday was Michele almost scaring me to death in the evening. Will was asleep so it was all done very silently. :-P I was impressed with myself because usually I am very vocal about fear and being startled. I managed to scream without sound. Yep. ;-) I remember when my sister Ellie used to take great delight in leaping at me out of the dark like Michele did. (I foresee future episodes because she was so pleased with the reaction I gave. They just can't help themselves.)


Wednesday: Hasn't been lived yet. Or at least not much. :-) I woke up early even though I could have slept in. :sigh: Bad habits are hard to break. I made cheese bread yesterday evening along with a vegetable soup... it was lovely. Had a student arrive in the middle of the baking progress and had to have Will take over. He said it was stressful but he managed to survive. Thankfully the bread survived as well. :-) So I think I'll have cheese bread for my breakfast. 


Talked to my Mom, my sister Ellie and my sister Lydia yesterday. I might be going home around the end of the year. We shall see. 


Ok. I need to get off of my computer and prepare myself for life. Cleaning, teaching, music, theatre practice. Full day. I hope yours is lovely and joyous. I think mine will be. Cheers!!


Still round the corner there may wait, A new road or a secret gate. -- J. R. R. Tolkien

Odds and Ends

I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see.

--John Burroughs

I was updating my quotes and found this treasure. I have had a good day. The last day of teaching for this week. I walked to town in the morning and taught in the afternoon. I love days that I sit back at the end of them and am up to the brim in happiness. 

Three students today. The first was my most advanced. That lesson always goes over the allotted half an hour.. simply because it can and it's so much fun. Lol. I find such joy in learning and teaching and learning. I am discovering so much about music and people... and myself. I am discovering how much fun life can be. :) 

My next two students are sisters. They're pretty awesome. The oldest is quiet and shy but her eyes light up when she's excited. She laughs like my sister Ellie... just a faint sound but the mirth dances through her entire body. Her sister is the exact opposite. She giggles and chatters and basically enjoys life. But they are the same in many ways... one of them is that they are both in love with music. Today, Rylan opened her book and showed me a song she and Rese had written and played together. I was so excited. I couldn't wait for Rese to arrive so they could play it for me. :) :) When Rese did come for her lesson, they played it and... it was wonderful. That's all I can say about it. I was so happy, I was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. ;)

I am amazed at the amount of creativity that comes from people. I am also amazed at how much they begin to enjoy music when they realize they can create. I think it makes them feel that the music is their friend. A healthy friendship is something we must work at but it is also something brings us great freedom (to be ourselves) and joy. I think these things are beginning to shine through for these girls. It makes my heart so happy. 

So many things to remember... Names. Ages. Siblings. How many years playing piano. How fast the learning curve is. How they think about me. (Should I be more teacher than friend or more friend than teacher?) Where they are at in life. What will benefit them most.

Names are especially hard for me sometimes. Especially since I have so many girls around the same age and size. Had a funny experience yesterday... I asked one of my students if she knew Taris R. She gave me a funny look and I realized I was speaking to Taris R. Lol! :P 

Well, off to Swan River tomorrow for my orthodontist app. Have to get up early... so I should close this up and get it posted. Here's to a beautiful weekend! Gotta love this November weather. :) 

Something else that makes me happy: "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return until the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon." Isaiah 55:7 

God loves us. It's a fact of life... right up there with the birds and the bees. 

July 24th

July 24^th, 2010

This past week has been a week of pondering... Situations... People... What does God want me to learn from this? How does God want me to act? Does He want to use me to bless someone? If so, how?

Jesse, Caitlin and myself were assigned to Cabin 1, in which resided the oldest boy campers. I had been dealing with a cold/cough for a couple days and on Sunday, I was whispering. My voice was absolutely gone. Lol! That night was rough, like last week but I think it wasn't as much as a shock because I was half expecting it. One of the boys in our cabin is a natural leader and all the boys followed him. He isn't evil like the kid in wk 2 but is at changing point in his life. What kind of a man is he going to be? Cross-roads like these are always the most difficult and I am afraid that I was really bossy this past week. :-P But as stretching and difficult as the week was, there were more blessings. And yes, even though the past weeks have been wonderful, this week was more wonderful.

I had the Four Blondes. See picture. When I first saw them, I honestly thought I had two sets of twins on my hands. As it turns out, two of the blondes are brothers and the third is their cousin. The fourth is no relation at all but he looks so much like Owen Wilson that it makes up for it. Lol. ;-) I also had Riley, Conor, Harley, Jeff, Kevin, Jordan and Christian. They got the Most Macho Cabin award. :-) The best part of the week was when they were wrestling in their cabin and I popped in for chat. At first I was worried because they make the most agonized faces and noises... but after I learned the rules of the game, I stopped worrying. They were pretty conscientious about hurting each other.. we only had to run for the nurse once and Brayden was ok after I wiped the blood out of his hair. (And I'm not being sarcastic, honest. He was just fine.) I think I'm going to be more understanding of my brothers when I get home. :-) Hehe.

It's amazing how each boy was so different than the next. And so fun drawing each of them out to see what special talents they had. Riley, for instance, is an awesome worker and can draw like you wouldn't believe. Kevin treats his sisters like princesses and is such a gentleman. Christian is intense, as Kevin says. Everything about Christian is intense. He can carve, he can fight, he is really, really strong... I told Kevin that everything he said was true but Kevin was just as intense in his own way.

It was a pleasure getting to know them all.

More pictures

Conor and Riley were tickling Lydia. :)

Singing for the final program

Week 3 kids

Rykele and Misty... two of my girls

Stirling loves chocolate. :) Hehe

Boys will be boys :P

Canada Day fireworks

I loved this boy so much. He was such a little gentleman. :)

True Canadian Home Conversation

Mom: “If you want to play Hockey, you'll have to leave the table.”

pictures... and odds and ends :-)

Babysitting. That's what I'm doing today. :-) It's a blessing to be able to do something that I love (watching and interacting with kids) while getting paid for it. ;-) Sometimes it's a little hairy because things can get a bit wild but we try to keep it under control. ;-) Today we built a high lego tower, using all of the legos. And we colored and painted pictures... went outside and played soccer (er... well, sort of) and swung on the swing. I'll have you know that I'm quite popular as an underdunker. Hehe! :-) Blesses my heart to no end... ;-) Hannah also made cookies.

Life has been pretty full for me lately. I've been reading... one book after another, as fast as I can get my hands on them. :-) Some of deeper, some are pretty light. I'm a great lover of good mysteries and I think Agatha Christie is among the better mystery authors. Any other fans out there? I recently read Nancy Rue's “Antonia's Choice”. It was a story that came to me just when I needed it... really blessed me and answered some questions I'd been asking. It's definitely not a story for anyone under eighteen... and for those very protected, you might want to wait until you're thirty-five. :-) ;-) But, regardless of the issues dealt with in this book, it was very good. I highly recommend it.

The family has been cutting firewood and bringing it in. Jesse said that he thinks we need another three or four cords more. We need in total about eleven, I believe. But it's been slow going for them because it rained for a few days (yeah, in October in Saskatchewan!) so the ground is pretty wet and mushy for hauling. But I think it's slowly drying out again and they're talking about going again soon.

Dad and the kids went hunting three times but didn't get anything. Jesse saw a couple of moose in range for a rifle but, alas, only had his bow. He is still kicking himself. LOL! I hope they do get a moose because it would sure help with the eating part of the winter. :-) Besides that, I know Jesse would feel especially pleased if they did. But God always provides in all ways. If He wants, we will. :-)

This coming week looks like it will be full of kids, music, reading and writing. And maybe a little picture taking. :-) Hopefully the sun will come out and warm up my toesies. Brrrr... and it's not even -40*. :-)

Contrary to popular belief, I am not complaining. :-) Or griping. Hehe. :-) :-)

Have a wonderful week!