Lest We Forget

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Remembrance Day Video - 2010 - Exclusive WW2 Footage
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"In Flanders Fields" is one of the most notable poems written during World War I. Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae is popularly believed to have written it on May 3,1915 after he witnessed the death of his friend.
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In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
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We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
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Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

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In Flanders Fields - Anthony Hutchcroft

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Lest we forget.
God, heal our land.

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33 Chile Miners Praising God!

Were you like me yesterday? Glued to the screen? Watching one of the most amazing rescues of our times in Copiapo, Chile, South America?







Thirty-three gentlemen trapped in a mine approximately one kilometer in the bowels of the earth for 69 days. Over two months of wondering every moment whether or not you will soon meet your Maker.




The tomb served as their home, and their co-workers were now their family.

After a disaster in the mine, they were all able to reach the underground shelter where they were careful to ration what food they had. Over time the workers above were able to drill a hole to them the diameter of a grapefruit, where they sent down food and water for these survivors.

It appeared to be a rescue mission that would not be complete until Christmas time. (That's right.... CHRISTMAS TIME!!!... can you imagine???) Families camped out at the site for the 69 days, never giving up hope. In fact, that is what they called it.... Camp Hope. God moved in a mighty way; and through the hard work of officials and rescue workers, things started clicking.

In the evening of October 12, 2010, the rescue mission was about to begin. At midnight, just as the calendar turned to October 13th, the mission began where Phoenix 2, a large capsule which would one-by-one bring the men to safety, was lowered into the earth.

One man at a time was winched back up to the earth's surface by a large metal cable, provided by the country of Germany. What joy filled the hearts of millions of people around the world as each one stepped out of the capsule and onto solid ground, donning sun glasses to protect their eyes from the natural sunlight that they had not viewed for well over two months!

And as soon as he was unharnessed and cleared his way from the capsule, it's door was shut once more and lowered back to the bowels. (Kevin, just so you know, it's my blog so I don't need permission to use the word "bowels".... [wink, wink]. Sorry folks, just a little friendly joke between a handful of friends).

As I timed the rescue from Miner #12 to Miner #19, each one seemed to surface approximately every 40 minutes. As I had plans to attend my son's highschool soccer game that afternoon, I had to leave the screen. It was a very difficult thing to do. I wanted to watch this amazing rescue and see each family greet their beloved husband, father, son, uncle, brother, nephew.... But I knew I would be able to watch the rescue once I returned home.

Imagine my amazement that in just a matter of less than six hours, they had rescued eleven more men!! Wow. They must have cranked up the accelerator on the winch because I had no idea they would be that far along. Earlier reports suggested that they would not all be out of the shelter and back onto the earth's surface until some time around lunch on October 14th.

After the 33 miners were rescued, they returned the capsule six more times to the ground to retrieve six rescue workers who bravely stepped forward to travel down into the mine to assist the miners.

Can you imagine being the last man in that hole? All by yourself? Watching the second-last man go up the long dark tunnel, leaving you all alone? My heart ached for this dear lone man.

Communicators on the earth surface kept talking to him on the phone that was down there, and after what seemed a very long time to me, the capsule finally poked through the hole once again to bring the last man to safety. He turned to the camera and waved goodbye, stopping only to gather a few pieces of loose rock from the mine floor to keep as a momento.

The other men who climbed into the capsule always had someone else to shut and latch the door for them, but this man had to do it on his own. I kept thinking, "I sure hope that latch is accessible from the inside!". After giving a shout and flashing his light, which was the signal that he was ready, the capsule once again, for the last time, started upwards on it's long journey to millions of people watching and praying.

And then, at approximately 11:30pm (Eastern Standard Time), the capsule appeared and the last of the 33 miners and 6 rescuers was safe at last.

I don't think I've cried that much since 9-11 back in 2001.

But those tears had no sadness. They were all tears of joy for these dear brave men.

And just in case you're one of those folks that likes to play with numbers, check this out:

33 miners were saved on October 13, 2010. The date is written 10/13/10. If you add that together, look what you get: 10+13+10 = 33.

I thought that was very interesting. Much like the disaster in the United States of America on September 11th, 2001, which was the ninth month, eleventh day.... 9-11. (911 is, of course, our emergency number when dialling for help).

I was so happy that many of the men gave thanks to God... not just a "Oh-yah-thanks-God" attitude, but rather true heartfelt deep praise to our God who proved today that miracles still happen. One miner dropped to his knees in praise to our Father before they could even unharness him as he came out of the capsule. Another miner described it as meeting God down there as well as meeting the devil, but God won.

I can only imagine that each one has gotten his life into perspective over these last two months and how they have plans to make some changes. One miner sent a message to his girlfriend of 25 years saying that once he returned to earth, they would marry and have a church wedding. I'm willing to bet that wedding will be a televised event! haha.

The President of Chile, President Pinera, remained faithful at the site and greeted each miner as they returned. He also spoke with each rescuer who entered the capsule to descend into the hell-hole deep within the earth and was there to greet each rescuer upon their return. He took time to comfort family members.

When asked about the cost of the rescue operation, the President replied that the cost did not matter.... what mattered was saving the miners. When asked if it was in the millions of dollars, the President hesitantly replied (and I'm paraphrasing here), "Yes. It's in the millions. But it doesn't matter! What matters is that they're alive and safe."

Greetings and well wishes were being sent to Chile's President from officials all over the world. He promises to make changes to the mining industry to make things safer. Apparently this mine was closed down many years ago, but was re-opened by a small independent mining contractor. It's a hard enough job when conditions appear to be safe, but to have this happen in an already-previously-closed mine makes it difficult to swallow! I am hoping this Chilean President is true to his word.

Accidents like this don't usually result in a happy ending. In most mining accidents miners are dead before even reaching an underground shelter. In this case, to have 33 miners make it to a shelter, survive for 69 days, and then travel approximately half a mile through the earth's crust back to the surface with no problems, no glitches,.... well, it's amazing. It truly is a miracle.

I am thankful I was able to witness a miracle. I am thankful our Lord still sits on the throne. I am thankful of His promises that He never ever leaves us (Psalm 121).

And one more little miracle to note.... One miner's wife delivered their beautiful baby daughter while he was trapped some 700 metres below. He is the proud father of Esperanza, which is Spanish for Hope.

And after we just finished celebrating our Canadian Thanksgiving this past weekend, it's 33 more reasons for us to be thankful!

God bless you, Chile.

Jacob And His Tighty Whities

If your child is comfortable wearing his underwear out in public, does that mean you've done a GOOD job in raising him? or a POOR job?

Under the circumstances, I'm going to say I've done a SUPER job in raising him.



On June 11, 2010 Jake and some friends participated in a local fundraiser, Relay For Life For Cancer. Their team was called The Tighty Whities!

Here is Jake with two good friends, Brandon (on the left) and Joel (on the right).

[Brandon, are you wearing flip-flops? And are those SOCKS??? Socks with FLIP-FLOPS????? CrAzY!!!!!]

Introducing The Tighty Whities Team! Way to go, guys and gals!

Many folks in the community and surrounding areas took time to walk, run, or jog for the whole night to raise money for Cancer. The event took place just behind our local Community Centre in Picton. Many teams dressed up for the event, and that's why this crazy bunch are out in public with their "gaunchies".



I think Jake inherited his muscles from his Momma!!! [wink]






Again, members of The Tighty Whities. Brandon asked me who I thought he was "supposed to be". I answered "Edward Scissorhands???" He disappointingly informed me I was incorrect. I think he said he was "The Wolverine" or something like that.








I was wondering...... why Jake..... would be putting..........

a flashlight.... in such.... a safe..... area......

..... until I realized that it may have been helping him to see in the dark!

What a kook!

We're very proud of Jake and The Tighty Whities for their contribution to the all-night walk-a-thon to raise money for Cancer. Thank you to everyone for their unselfishness and lack of sleep!

"The End!"

(BAHHHHH-hahahahahahaaaaaaa.... sorry, I just couldn't resist.)

Blake's Health Update 2010/06/24

I cannot believe that I just typed 'June 24th' in the title.

REALLY????

JUNE 24th??????

June has flown right by.


Well, just as I started to type this post, Blake decided to throw up. Not sure what's up with that.

He had a headache last night before bed, yet had a restful night. I can't remember if he said that Nurse Janice brought him some Tylenol for his headache through the night or not. When I, myself, woke up with a headache this morning, I thought maybe we were just dealing with some barometric pressure issues. (This affects me every year in drastic weather changes, continuing through the summer months.)

Then at breakfast he was really sleepy. When he finally sat up, ready to greet the day, he didn't have much of an appetite and only ate half of a small muffin. I couldn't encourage him to tackle a bowl of cereal. About an hour or so passed, and then he hollered for a bucket and threw up.

Nurse Amy gave him some Stemetil, which helps with upset stomach, and he's been resting soundly.

I know from past experience if my headaches get bad enough, or are borderline migraine, it can upset my stomach. I like it that there was a good progression yesterday in a positive direction with Blake's health, because of the Remicade from Tuesday. I don't like this little red flag, but I'm not pushing a panic button. We're here in hospital in good hands, and we'll just stay put until we're sure he'll be OK. They're certainly not pushing us out the door, thankfully.

He just woke up a few minutes ago and said he keeps dreaming. That's normal with morphine. But then he was laying here awake and was "dreaming", he said. When I asked him to describe his "dreams" to me, he couldn't. He said it just feels "confusing" and he feels anxious. I think it's just the morphine affecting him, but will check with Nurse Amy when she comes in the room again.

I remember my dreams when on Demerol.... I remember 'zippers' and 'distorted faces'. It felt extremely weird.

The thing is.... Blake is on less morphine now than when he came in! Maybe it's just working it's way out of his system. Now he wants a sleeping pill to sleep so he doesn't "dream" while awake! I'm sure the nurse will know what we should do. In the meantime, he's devouring a tuna sandwich. For weeks we can barely get him to move, and now we can't keep him from climbing the walls! haha. I'm sure this is all expected and he'll be fine shortly.


So, folks, I don't know what your weather has been like, but here in Kingston today it can't make up it's mind. It was dark when we awoke. Then the sun came out. Then it downpoured. Now it has let up again. Looks like a lot of rain forecasted, though, for the coming week.

Ontario & Quebec had quite the variety of flavours in different weather conditions yesterday. Midland, Ontario experienced the wrath of a tornado with homes and trailer parks appearing like they were run through a wood chipper! Quebec was shook up with a 5.0 Richter-Scale-reading earthquake, which affected most of Southern Ontario and parts of the U.S. with tremors. Bowman, Quebec had a bridge collapse. I've not heard of any serious injuries, thank the Lord.

There were Warnings and Alerts issued for many parts of Southern Ontario last night on The Weather Network, which included tornado watches, hail, strong winds, heavy rainfall..... however, I understand that it wasn't too bad of a night. (We can't hear or see much from this hospital room, as we're surrounded by other buildings. I can only see a portion of the sky.)

I'm glad my kids weren't home alone. Jake was at his employer's house and Jared was staying with my sister, Wannett. Jon will be home tonight, though, to keep an eye on things.

Well, Mr. Sun has decided to come out, and the bit of sky that I can see looks absolutely clear. For the time being, the rains take a break.

I, unfortunately, have been taking a break on being in The Word, and somebody needs to kick my butt for that. I've had plenty of time to spend with the Lord while here with Blake at KGH, but just haven't been focussed enough, or disciplined enough, to make it a priority. I follow a couple of blogs that have provided nourishment, but I feel like I haven't had a "good meal".... if that makes any sense to you.

Even the devotionals that I receive by email are inaccessible to me right now, as my gmail doesn't work properly on Blake's computer.

But I know that God is lifting us up in this trial and is carrying us through. How do people that don't know the Lord ever make it through their trials? I simply don't know. I am thankful for His hand upon my life.... and Blake's life..... and my family's lives.

Who am I to receive such blessings!

And, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
Matthew 28:20b KJV

ps - I will let you know later if Blake's condition gets any worse; but I'm convinced it's just the morphine playing some mind games.

Earthquakes and Heart Attacks

By now I'm sure most of you have heard the "rumblings" from folks regarding today's earthquake.





It measured 5.0 on the Richter Scale. It originated in Quebec and was 18km (11 miles) DEEP!





My Mom, sister Danielle, and niece Abby were visiting Blake and me in the hospital room. Mom, who was sitting next to Blake with her arm on the bed, asked Blake if he was shaking the bed. I, too, assumed he was shaking one of his feet causing the bed to move. I was sitting at the foot of the bed and looked at him. He had a look on his face that I interpreted as, "uhhhhh, nooooooo.... why is my bed moving......". Danielle said, "My chair is shaking". Then Blake noticed his tray next to his bed was shaking. I first thought 'earthquake', then I thought maybe the construction work going on somewhere in the hospital was affecting the foundation.





I went to the door and no one else seemed worried or panicky. Blake's nurse saw me, and I said, "Did you feel that?" She replied with a 'no'... looking at me strangely.... and I explained that our room was shaking. (She likely thought I had tapped into some of Blake's morphine). We brushed it off and then Mom & Dani & Abby started collecting their things to leave. I walked them down to the lobby. Apparently in the meantime, Maintenance Staff came running to the Nurses Station, asking if everyone was alright.... that there had, in fact, been an earthquake.





Nurses were calling and texting their cell phones trying to get in touch with their children to ensure their safety, but no calls were going through. I managed to text Jake & Jared, but neither responded. I was able to contact Jon; he said he didn't feel anything in Indiana, but had read on Facebook that a friend of ours had felt it in Petawawa. Jon was just getting ready to type on Facebook that she was crazy; but he received my phone call and realized it was true.





It sounds as though everyone is OK, but it always throws a little scare into me. The hurricanes and floods and earthquakes and tornados and tsunamis....... it seems they're all occurring more often... the earth is groaning in it's labour pains.





Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:8 NIV





I warned Blake that we might get an after-affect sometime later today, through the night, or even tomorrow. I remember feeling an earthquake when I was a teenager. It was very early in the morning. Dani & I shared a bedroom and I was on the upper portion of a not-so-sturdy bunkbed set. The next morning I felt another tremor, although not as strong. Mom & Dad hadn't felt the second one, so I was glad when Dad turned on the radio and they announced that there was a second tremor. I like it when I know I'm not officially going crazy! haha (Unofficially, you should know that I'm extremely crazy!)





Anyways, I will feel better when I can get ahold of my boys. I'm sure they're fine.... I just like the reassurance. [Update: it has taken me forever to type this post because of a few interruptions; however, I have heard from my "troops" and they are fine! Whew!]







So everything is going well with Blake. The Remicade was infused late afternoon yesterday, and all seems to be OK. I would say today has been his best afternoon in many weeks. He had a shower this afternoon as well, and that always helps to perk one up a bit. If he continues to improve, I am gonna guess that we MAYBE can go home Friday, but I'm just guessing. Dr. Paterson was in today and said that Blake should be noticing a difference in his health with the Remicade within 48 - 72 hours. Right now I'd say we're already noticing a positive difference.








You know how the Lord always works things out for our good? Well, we are not on the Gastroenterology Floor. When we were admitted, they were short on beds, and because of Blake's C-Diff infection, we needed an isolated room. So we were brought to the Third Floor of the Davies Wing which is Cardiology (heart).





Well the elevators in this hospital have been receiving repairs since before we were here last October! They're STILL not finished. There is ONE elevator working for Visitors at the Kidd & Davies Wings and ONE elevator working at the Connell Wing. Even the cafeteria staff had to use the Visitor elevator the other day because the only working staff elevator had quit AGAIN.





I was going to head downstairs to the cafeteria and thought, 'I'm not waiting for that cotton-pickin' elevator.... I will be healthier if I take the stairs down to the cafeteria! Then I will cheat and take the elevator back UP!' [snicker] But after I got my food, I decided that it would be better for me if I took the stairs back up to the 3rd Floor.





With each 1/2 level, I was getting slower and slower. I kept thinking "My Shihan and Sensei will be happy that I'm taking the stairs..... My Shihan and Sensei will be happy that I'm taking the stairs.... My Shihan and Sensei will be happy......"





By the time I'd reached for the handle of the 3rd Level door, I stopped, caught my breath, and thought, "THANK GOD WE ARE ON THE CARDIOLOGY FLOOR BECAUSE I'M ALMOST POSITIVE I MUST BE HAVING A HEART ATTACK!!!!!!!" I just can't believe how out-of-shape I am lately!





So, see? God knows what He's doing!





For three days now, I have not taken the elevator.

I haven't had a heart attack yet; but it is nice to know that if I collapse here, clutching at my chest, gasping for air, I am in the exact right place.... here in Cardiology!

BUT IF WE GET TRANSFERRED TO THE 9th FLOOR, I AM SERIOUSLY GOING TO RE-THINK THINGS REGARDING THAT ELEVATOR!





And just so you know, there are 59 stair-steps from the basement to the 3rd Floor..... ya' know.... just in case you decide to forego the elevator yourself!

[grin]

What's Your Anthem?

I do not know what it is about hearing a country's Anthem, but I get so choked up.









It might be the fact that as you sing your Anthem, you are joined together with millions of other people who, despite differences in religion, politics, or anything else, stand united in support of their home country.









Saturday Night's "Hockey Night In Canada" always brings a tear to my eye before each game. Hearing the Canadian Anthem of "O Canada" just stirs my heart. I join in on the singing, belting out the lyrics from our family's rec room, and it is all I can do to finish the song without choking on that lump in my throat.

O Canada, our home and native land
True patriot love in all thy sons command.....









Then, if we are playing against the United States, I sing along with their Anthem, as I know every word. The melody to their Anthem is absolutely beautiful, and a small part of me wishes it was Canada's Anthem..... but don't tell anyone I said that.

Oh say can you see
By the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed
At the twilight's last gleaming....









Since our oldest son, Blake, has been hospitalized this week due to a severe Crohn's Disease flare-up, he and I have taken the opportunity of enjoying some of the soccer games in the 2010 South Africa Fifa World Cup on television. Of course, at the beginning of each game, the two competing teams' Anthems are played.









The camera zooms in on the faces of each of the players, some standing still and concentrating, others mouthing the words, all in support of their country. Some players display the vertical line of tears streaming down their face; and I can't help but think they've got that same lump in their throat.









The camera captures the supporting fans in the stands as they belt out their Anthem as loudly as they can, waving their country's flag, supporting their team, with painted faces and large coloured wigs and hats, huge flags draped around their shoulders.









What is it about a song that makes us stop what we're doing and reflect on it's meaning? And what exactly IS an Anthem anyways?









The Oxford Dictionary describes "anthem" as:




1 an uplifting song associated with a group or cause, especially a patriotic one adopted by a country as an expression of national identity.
2 a musical setting of a religious text to be sung by a choir during a church service.









So it got me to thinking......









What will be our Anthem in Heaven?









Of all the hymns or worship songs you know, which one do you think we will be singing? Which one will join our hearts as one?









I suppose the first song that comes to my mind would be the hymn that many Christians use as their doxology....









Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above ye Heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.









But then my mind pondered the word "Holy" and this song came to mind....









Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!
Early in the morning our song shall rise to thee.
Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity!









Revelation 4:8 says, Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."









Our "Anthem" in Heaven will be one of praise to our Lord. Our Anthem, the song that joins our hearts and binds us together as one "country" will be a continual song of praise.... non-stop.... day and night.









If it weren't for the fact that there will be no tears in Heaven, then I would say we would definitely have tears streaming down our face and big ol' lumps in our throat!









We'll be waving our palm-branch flags, and shouting words of praise and adoration, and singing full strength to our Lord.









Our hearts will be united in proclaiming that Our Lord Reigns.









And, rather than standing at attention and facing a flag with a hand over our heart, the difference will be that every knee will be bowed in reverence as we kneel before the Lord our God, our Maker.









Yup..... I feel that lump returning.

Time To Put Things In Perspective

Well I suppose it was just a matter of time, but my computer has been attacked! The viruses came with a vengeance. My call has been placed to a computer geek and hopefully the damage will be rectified without too much trouble. In the meantime, I am using Blake's computer to type this post.

The last few days have been very busy..... I can't believe December is upon us already. The Christmas programs and parties have begun. I headed to Whitby on Friday to have my passport processed. I can go to Scarborough and pick it up on Monday, December 14th. Blake has asked Jon and me to take him to New Jersey later that week to pick up his girlfriend from Brazil. She will be visiting family in Jersey and then coming to Canada to stay with us over the Christmas holidays.

Last night I had Jon at the hospital. He was working in Griffith on his cousin's cottage when he started feeling symtoms of cellulitis..... it's something he's had about six times before in as many years, and it attacks him quickly. It is considered a mild form of the flesh-eating disease, but is manageable with meds. For some reason, the antibiotics are taking longer to start clearing things up.

Last night (Friday) Jake and I drove north of Napanee to Roblin to meet Jon and his cousin. Doug (Jon's cousin) and I switched vehicles... I got in with Jon to bring him back to Picton hospital and Doug got in with Jake. Jake is going on to Griffith to help Doug finish the roof of the cottage.

The doctor put Jon on an I.V. antibiotic, which is the only thing that will settle down the infection. We assumed he'd be on the pills alone today; however, they requested we return to the emergency department today for another dose, and then they requested he return again this evening. I just returned home from one of Jared's hockey games tonight and Jon said that the doctor on duty tonight wants him back to the hospital by 7am Sunday morning. She had given him Flagyl tonight because the infection doesn't look like it's going down at all.

I don't know why Jon keeps having trouble with this cellulitis, but when it attacks, it comes very quickly with little warning. I'm sure by tomorrow, things should be turning around. Goodness! If it's not one thing, it's another, eh?

Which brings me to the point of this post.

As I reflect on things like my computer problems; plans to travel to Jersey; passport preparations; this weekend's hockey games; Christmas festivities; preparations for Christmas gifts, foods, guests; and so much more;....... I can become overwhelmed with all of these things.

But then I receive an email that helps put things in perspective.

This week my sister, Wannett, sent me an email requesting prayer for the Bishop of the Free Methodist Church in Kenya. I was so moved by it. It made me stop what I was doing immediately and lift this man up before our Lord.

Here's Wannett's letter that she forwarded to folks she felt would pray for Bishop Nick:

Hello Friends

I am forwarding a request for prayer from Bishop Nixon Dingili in Kenya. As most of you know, this man is a new but very dear friend to me. I love this man and his family. A threat has been made to his life as you will read in the email below. Please forward this on so that we can have a huge prayer umbrella for Nick and his family (wife - Neddy, son - Leslie, daughter - Kelsey). Thank you, in advance, for your prayers and for forwarding this on to others. I will give you any and all updates as I get them.

Wannett.

And here is Bishop Nick's letter to folks that he felt would cover him in prayer:

Pray with me, I received a terrible phone call on Tuesday on my way to Kericho for Bible school. I was with my family in the car when someone by the name of John Maina called and told me that he has been hired and paid in full together with his group to finish me. He says that his boys are fully armed with guns and they will accomplish their mission soon. I asked him why he was sent and by whom? He refused to tell me and he hanged his phone. During the conversation, he told me that he will not hide his identity on phone neither will he hide his name. In my private findings, I have found out that both the name and number are genuine. He says he is not scared even if i report the matter to police. I reported the matter to Kericho police station and the Criminal Investigation Department is following up on the matter and they will get back to me. I will appreciate your prayers.

Blessings,

Bishop Nixon Dingili

Free Methodist Church of Kenya

Does that just not force you to look at things from a different perspective?

Please take the time to lift up Bishop Nixon and his family before the Lord. Wannett has not received any updates as of today (Saturday night); but, we know that the Lord is watching over his flock constantly, 24/7, and no action can come to Nixon without first passing through the hands of our Lord.

Oh how we need faith like this Bishop.... we have no idea what it's like to have someone literally hunt us down like an animal. This hitman obviously has no fear, as he boldly calls his victim with no fear of giving up his identity. I prayed that the Lord would confuse this hitman so he would not carry out this threats; and then I prayed that he would have a clear enough mind that the Holy Spirit would move in his life and convict him of the decisions and actions he's making.

Please keep the Bishop in your prayers.

Here are a couple of photos of Wannett and Bishop Nick in Kenya in September 2009. Wannett apologizes for the quality of the photos.... she doesn't understand why there is such a glow around them....... I'd say perhaps they were being covered by the Spirit. :O)

Please pray right now. And remember, over this very busy season, to keep things in perspective. Don't get caught up in the hub-bubb. Rather, remain steadfast in the Lord and continue to draw near to Him and HE will draw near to YOU!

In Flanders Fields....

In Flanders Fields
by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow

Between the crosses, row on row,

That mark our place; and in the sky

The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead.

Short days ago

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,

Loved and were loved, and now we lie

In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:

To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.

If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow

In Flanders fields.

We remember.

Remembering Nine-Eleven

My heart is always so full this time of year in remembering those who experienced the tragedy on September 11, 2001.

Actually, in some way, we ALL experienced it. Just like our parents all remember exactly where they were when President John F. Kennedy died, we too recall where we were and what we were doing on the day of what's been referred to as 9-11.

I remember my Mom calling to tell me a plane had hit a building in the States. So I turned on the television, thinking it was a computer problem in an airplane or perhaps an air traffic controller's error in calculations.

After watching the television for a bit, I called my husband who was trucking in Western Canada. I was telling him of the horrific scene of what I was watching. All of a sudden, I saw plane #2 smash into the second building. I remember trying to relay those visions by words to Jon as I tried to process what I was seeing on the screen.... Live! My stomach was sickened, my mind confused, my mouth struggled to find the proper words. I sat, awestruck.

And the rest of the day was truly history in the making.

We grieved and prayed for our American neighbours and our fellow Canadians as we watched many perish, many suffer, many literally run, or jump, for their lives, or in some cases, their deaths. I remember being nauseated while watching a woman, who was terrified of burning to death, leap from a window of one building. I can't imagine that she survived the hundreds-of-feet fall. It all seemed like a dream.... a terrible confusing nightmare.

And as the day unfolded, and we heard of other planes that had crashed in a field and rumours of a plane crashing into the Pentagon, the world seemed to stop. The skies were off limits for absolutely every metal 'bird'. Every airline shut down. Every plane and helicopter grounded. Every single heart heavy.

The following days turned out every emotion..... sadness and grief, pain, heartache, fear, anger, confusion, wonder. We had all been violated.

But there was also this amazing sense of love as strangers embraced one another and offered support. We saw and heard stories of an outpouring of love; we heard reports that the churches couldn't hold the number of people who were pressing in to get answers from The Almighty; we saw people putting others ahead of themselves.....

And all the while, God was still on the throne.

Some will argue that a "good" God would not allow this kind of tragedy to happen. As Christians, we know that everything that happens to us, or around us, happens for a reason. We can't understand it now, but someday we will.

And perhaps we don't HAVE to understand what happened with 9-11. Might we just need to trust that our Lord knows what HE's doing? That HE's still in control? That in the end, all will make sense?

It's hard for us to not question God, but if we can just remember that our days were all ordained for us and were written in His book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:16). We need to keep trusting in Him with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding...(Proverbs 3:5), because our own understanding is really SO limited.

I wanted to share these two videos. They're both the same song, by Alan Jackson. The first one is of Alan singing the song for the very first time at the Country Music Awards, just after the 9-11 tragedy; I remembering hearing it, live, that evening. I bawled through the whole thing, and I still shed tears every time I hear it.

The second video shows pictures and news reports of that day. Perhaps some of you don't care to see some very descriptive images; that's why I've posted the first video as well.

Today as you go out into the world, embrace others with the love that you felt that day for the victims and their families, for those who suffered injuries, for the emergency response folks who sacrificed their very lives for the lives of others.

And thank you to radio station UCB Canada 102.3 for your songs and words and reports this morning in memory of September 11th.

God is still on the throne. Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty. To Him be all glory and praise and adoration. Amen.