For the past two weeks, we have been in a winter deep freeze, with temperatures barely making the daily high warmer than -23, and feeling like -34 with the wind chill. Those are the daily highs. Never mind the overnight lows, and waking up to temps of -30 with a wind chill of -43.
So earlier last week, when it was reported that the Toronto area was experiencing severely cold temperatures at -15, Manitobans mocked them. We are a sturdy lot, here in Manitoba, embracing the nickname “Winter-peg”. I did try to come to the aid of my Ontario kinfolk by trying to educate the mocking Manitobans by enlightening them that if you factor in Ontario’s humidity, it feels like a much colder “cold”; a cold that goes through all of your layers. I tried. I got mocked.
But I think it is all relative. For those living in Ontario where the seasonal temperatures are much more moderate and -5 might be typical for a winter day, then -15 is much colder. Here in Manitoba, our typical winter day is around -15.
The sad thing is, last Friday, when the high was about -22 with a wind chill of -35, and the sky was a beautiful blue and full of bright sunshine, I actually said to someone, “It’s warming up! It’s not too bad out there!”
It’s all relative.
Found the following at www.yuksrus.com/weather_coldtemp.html. Enjoy!
"Cold" is a relative term. Use the handy list below to overcome
the confusion. (Degrees Celsius)
+25 Aussies put on sweaters (if they can find one in their wardrobe)
(technically, they call it a jumper, which explains why they can't
find a "sweater")
+20 Miami residents turn on the heat
+10 You can see your breath
Vancouverites shiver uncontrollably
+5 Italian cars don't start
0 Water freezes
-5 Maritimers put on T-shirts
Politicians begin to worry about the homeless
British cars don't start
-10 Toronto water freezes
Vancouverites weep pitiably
Manitobans eat ice cream on the patio
Maritimers go swimming
-15 You can hear your breath
Politicians begin to talk about the homeless
Montreal water freezes
-20 French cars don't start
You plan a vacation in Mexico
Cat insists on sleeping in your bed with you
-25 Too cold to ski
Manitobans do up the top button
You need jumper cables to get the car going
-30 American cars don't start
Yukoners put on T-shirts
Too cold to skate
-35 German cars don't start
Eyes freeze shut when you blink
You can cut your breath and use it to build an igloo
Newfoundlanders stick tongue on metal objects
Miami residents cease to exist
-40 Cat insists on sleeping in your pajamas with you
Politicians actually do something about the homeless
Ottawans shovel snow off roof
Japanese cars don't start
-45 Too cold to think
You need jumper cables to get the driver going
-50 You plan a two week hot bath (if you could only thaw the water)
The St Lawrence freezes over
Swedish cars don't start
-55 Vancouverites disappear
Maritimers put on sweaters
Other Canadians put on overcoats
Your car helps you plan your trip South, but won't start
-60 Parliamentary hot air freezes
Yukoners close the bathroom window
-70 Hell freezes over
Polar bears move south
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Blessings in Disguise
My son is taking a nutrition and wellness course at college and seems to be enjoying it immensely. He’s learning about making healthy nutritional choices, including the apparent evils of gluten. I commented to him that it’s much easier to choose to eat gluten-free when it hasn’t been imposed upon you by a diagnosis of celiac disease, to which he replied, “Possibly a blessing in disguise?”
I’ve been thinking of that phrase “blessing in disguise” often this week. Since being diagnosed as having celiac disease and going on a gluten-free diet nearly 15 years ago, I don’t believe I’ve ever thought of my diagnosis as a blessing. I think I have been in “crisis management mode” for the past 15 years and can't say I have really moved forward in a healthy way. It has taken a long time, but I feel like I’m finally at a point where I want to make a healthy change, and not because I have to. I’m finally working at seeing the blessing in my situation and diagnosis.
I had to think then of what other circumstances and occurrences might qualify as “blessings in disguise” or as “sheep in wolf’s clothing”, if you will; scary at first, but then warm and fuzzy. (OK, maybe not warm and fuzzy, but I hope you get my drift.)
Last week I wrote about having to deal with repairs to our furnace and van. In the middle of it all, it was a financial hardship and a huge inconvenience; it hardly seemed like a blessing and felt more like a “wolf”. But the blessing in the inconvenience was that these things happened during a week of abnormally warm winter temperatures, just before a blizzard hit and we are now enduring a cold snap. I’m so very thankful both the van and the furnace are running well when it is so bitterly cold outside!
It’s not easy to find blessings in everything. Serious illness, hospitalization,and death are some of life’s most painful experiences that don’t offer up a lot of positives.
How can I change my perspective of life experiences to see the positives and not just focus on the negatives. How can I unmask the “blessings in disguise” in the circumstances that come my way?
I’ve been thinking of that phrase “blessing in disguise” often this week. Since being diagnosed as having celiac disease and going on a gluten-free diet nearly 15 years ago, I don’t believe I’ve ever thought of my diagnosis as a blessing. I think I have been in “crisis management mode” for the past 15 years and can't say I have really moved forward in a healthy way. It has taken a long time, but I feel like I’m finally at a point where I want to make a healthy change, and not because I have to. I’m finally working at seeing the blessing in my situation and diagnosis.
I had to think then of what other circumstances and occurrences might qualify as “blessings in disguise” or as “sheep in wolf’s clothing”, if you will; scary at first, but then warm and fuzzy. (OK, maybe not warm and fuzzy, but I hope you get my drift.)
Last week I wrote about having to deal with repairs to our furnace and van. In the middle of it all, it was a financial hardship and a huge inconvenience; it hardly seemed like a blessing and felt more like a “wolf”. But the blessing in the inconvenience was that these things happened during a week of abnormally warm winter temperatures, just before a blizzard hit and we are now enduring a cold snap. I’m so very thankful both the van and the furnace are running well when it is so bitterly cold outside!
It’s not easy to find blessings in everything. Serious illness, hospitalization,and death are some of life’s most painful experiences that don’t offer up a lot of positives.
How can I change my perspective of life experiences to see the positives and not just focus on the negatives. How can I unmask the “blessings in disguise” in the circumstances that come my way?
Romans 5:3-5
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Sunday, January 13, 2013
I resolve ... to exercise more
I don’t generally make New Year’s Resolutions, and this year was really no different. I had been thinking that I need to exercise more and get into better shape (more of a triangle maybe? less of a circle?), and had been thinking of starting a rather drastic diet, mostly in part due to my celiac disease, but also in an effort to establish more health-conscious eating habits. I have yet to start on that diet, as I thought it might be best to get rid of all of the Christmas chocolate first.
As far as exercise goes, I am still hoping to work those abs, legs, thighs and arms and whatever else connects all of those body parts together. But last week my exercises were less physical and more, how shall I put it, spiritual?
As a Christmas gift, I received a daily devotional book called “Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His Presence”, by Sarah Young. It contains short daily readings with corresponding Scripture encouraging and nurturing one’s relationship with Jesus. So here’s a snapshot look of my past week and the daily readings that fueled my spiritual workout:
Sunday, January 6: Woke up early to drive Eric to the yard so he could leave on a trip. I should note that we needed to drive Corey’s car since our van had a meltdown on the day before. "Meltdown" accurately describes it, since the van overheated, the coolant had leaked out and the van kept stalling. Later that morning I noted that the furnace wasn’t kicking in and the inside temperature gradually kept dropping. At least it wasn’t -35 outside! I tried a number of things to re-set the furnace hoping to kick-start it, but finally caved and called a repair guy to come and take a look at it. The long and short of it was that he couldn’t fix whatever the issue was and hooked up a construction heater to heat the house through the furnace fan. Unfortunately for me it had to be plugged in to my dryer outlet and I still had one load in the washer.
The daily reading for the day:
Monday, January 7: I actually did get some physical exercise and worked those legs, since the van was out of commission and I needed to walk to the bus stop, which is either a 6-8 minute walk to a feeder route or a 20-25 minute walk to the express route.
The daily reading for the day:
OK. Furnace fixed. Next course of business is getting the van fixed. Lord, help us get the van to the garage without it stalling or overheating!
Tuesday, January 8: The van had been dropped off at the garage Monday night without incident (and with much prayer). When I finally spoke with the mechanic Tuesday morning, he gave me the news of what needed to be repaired and gave me the estimate. This time I was anticipating a big bill, so when the amount was less, it felt like it was good news!
The daily reading for the day:
The reading for January 10th really summed up the whole week for me:
So I guess I do have a Resolution for the new year: I resolve to keep exercising those trust, hope and thankfulness muscles. I have a God who is good to me and loves me very much!
Psalm 62:5-8
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
As far as exercise goes, I am still hoping to work those abs, legs, thighs and arms and whatever else connects all of those body parts together. But last week my exercises were less physical and more, how shall I put it, spiritual?
As a Christmas gift, I received a daily devotional book called “Jesus Calling, Enjoying Peace in His Presence”, by Sarah Young. It contains short daily readings with corresponding Scripture encouraging and nurturing one’s relationship with Jesus. So here’s a snapshot look of my past week and the daily readings that fueled my spiritual workout:
Sunday, January 6: Woke up early to drive Eric to the yard so he could leave on a trip. I should note that we needed to drive Corey’s car since our van had a meltdown on the day before. "Meltdown" accurately describes it, since the van overheated, the coolant had leaked out and the van kept stalling. Later that morning I noted that the furnace wasn’t kicking in and the inside temperature gradually kept dropping. At least it wasn’t -35 outside! I tried a number of things to re-set the furnace hoping to kick-start it, but finally caved and called a repair guy to come and take a look at it. The long and short of it was that he couldn’t fix whatever the issue was and hooked up a construction heater to heat the house through the furnace fan. Unfortunately for me it had to be plugged in to my dryer outlet and I still had one load in the washer.
The daily reading for the day:
“I am able to do far beyond all that you ask or imagine. ...Time is a trainer, teaching you to wait upon Me, to trust Me in the dark (or the cold?). The more extreme your circumstances, the more likely you are to see My Power and Glory at work in the situation. Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention.”Typically in a situation like this with the furnace not working, I would be a worrier, fretting constantly. I made a conscious decision to exercise my “trust” muscle, waiting on God to work it out and resting in Him to take care of us.
Monday, January 7: I actually did get some physical exercise and worked those legs, since the van was out of commission and I needed to walk to the bus stop, which is either a 6-8 minute walk to a feeder route or a 20-25 minute walk to the express route.
The daily reading for the day:
“It is impossible to praise or thank Me too much. ... When adversity strikes and you thank Me anyway, your trust in My sovereignty is a showpiece in invisible realms.”As I walked and exercised my legs, I also exercised my “thankfulness” muscle, praying and thanking God for His sovereignty and for taking care of us in the midst of the furnace not working. It was much harder to be thankful at the end of the day when I had to write the cheque to pay the bill for the furnace repair, as it was roughly twice what I had been anticipating.
OK. Furnace fixed. Next course of business is getting the van fixed. Lord, help us get the van to the garage without it stalling or overheating!
Tuesday, January 8: The van had been dropped off at the garage Monday night without incident (and with much prayer). When I finally spoke with the mechanic Tuesday morning, he gave me the news of what needed to be repaired and gave me the estimate. This time I was anticipating a big bill, so when the amount was less, it felt like it was good news!
The daily reading for the day:
“Whenever you feel inadequate, remember that I am your ever-present Help. Hope in Me ... Hope is like a golden cord connecting you to heaven. The more you cling to this cord, the more I bear the weight of your burdens.”When it comes to mechanical issues with the vehicles, I feel completely inadequate. I thank God that we had previously found a mechanic that we liked and trusted. I was continually exercising those hope, trust and thankfulness muscles!
The reading for January 10th really summed up the whole week for me:
“Every time you affirm your trust in Me, you put a coin into my My treasury. Thus you build up equity in preparation for days of trouble. I keep safely in My heart all trust invested in Me, with interest compounded continuously. The more you trust Me, the more I empower you to do so.
Practice trusting Me during quiet days, when nothing much seems to be happening. Then when storms come, your trust balance will be sufficient to see you through. Store up for yourself treasure in heaven, through placing your trust in Me. This practice will keep you in My Peace.”
So I guess I do have a Resolution for the new year: I resolve to keep exercising those trust, hope and thankfulness muscles. I have a God who is good to me and loves me very much!
Psalm 62:5-8
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my fortress where I will not be shaken.
My victory and honor come from God alone.
He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.
O my people, trust in him at all times.
Pour out your heart to him,
for God is our refuge.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Peace on Earth
On Friday, December 14, 2012, the peace was shattered in idyllic Newtown, Connecticut. Evil paid a visit and snuffed out the lives of 27 people, including the perpetrator. When I first read the news reports online at work Friday morning, my heart was heavy and grieving. I don’t know any of these people, but as a mother, my heart aches for those parents and family members who lost loved ones. I cannot imagine the scope of their grief. Innocents were taken, and innocence was lost.
I was going about my day on Saturday with Christmas music playing and one particular song caught my attention and caused me to stop what I was doing. It’s an old carol that isn’t one of the popular standards, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. This particular version was sung by Casting Crowns.
I looked up the lyrics to read them fully and discovered that the lyrics were based on a poem “Christmas Bells” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. At the time Longfellow wrote the poem, his wife had died in a house fire and his oldest son had gone off to fight in the American Civil War. For Longfellow, Christmas was a time of despair with the loss of his wife and his son away at war. He wrote, “And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."
The words of the next stanza of the song were the words that jumped out at me: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men."
I don't know that we will ever fully understand the reasoning for the senseless acts and choices of one young man in Newtown, Connecticut. So where was God? I have to believe He was there, giving courage to the heroic teachers who laid down their lives for their young students and giving comfort to those children in their final moments. He is there now giving peace and comfort to the hurting through the embraces and support of friends, family and the community.
Hearing the news of the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, it does seem that hate and evil is strong and peace is mocked. But along with the words of Longfellow, I have hope and proclaim that God is not dead, nor does he sleep. I have hope that wrong (evil) will fail and right (good) will prevail. God is good.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Words by Henry W. Longfellow; Music by Jean Baptiste Calkin
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."
Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
I was going about my day on Saturday with Christmas music playing and one particular song caught my attention and caused me to stop what I was doing. It’s an old carol that isn’t one of the popular standards, “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day”. This particular version was sung by Casting Crowns.
I looked up the lyrics to read them fully and discovered that the lyrics were based on a poem “Christmas Bells” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. At the time Longfellow wrote the poem, his wife had died in a house fire and his oldest son had gone off to fight in the American Civil War. For Longfellow, Christmas was a time of despair with the loss of his wife and his son away at war. He wrote, “And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men."
The words of the next stanza of the song were the words that jumped out at me: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men."
I don't know that we will ever fully understand the reasoning for the senseless acts and choices of one young man in Newtown, Connecticut. So where was God? I have to believe He was there, giving courage to the heroic teachers who laid down their lives for their young students and giving comfort to those children in their final moments. He is there now giving peace and comfort to the hurting through the embraces and support of friends, family and the community.
Hearing the news of the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, it does seem that hate and evil is strong and peace is mocked. But along with the words of Longfellow, I have hope and proclaim that God is not dead, nor does he sleep. I have hope that wrong (evil) will fail and right (good) will prevail. God is good.
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Words by Henry W. Longfellow; Music by Jean Baptiste Calkin
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Their old familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along the unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will to men.
And in despair I bowed my head:
"There is no peace on earth," I said,
"For hate is strong and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will to men."
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
"God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
With peace on earth, good will to men."
Till, ringing singing, on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
Of peace on earth, good will to men!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
What can I give?
It is time for Christmas giving. I have made lists and started my shopping, trying my best to find gifts that will be welcomed and appreciated and express my love and appreciation. Some people are really hard to shop for, giving very little input as to what they would like to receive. When asked, they respond, “Oh, I don’t care. I don’t really need anything.” Need? What fun is it to get something that you NEED! What do you WANT? (... and is it in my budget?)
Mind you, my boys need new socks, underwear and a toothbrush every year, so they have come to expect those sorts of things in their Christmas stockings. No need for a spoiler alert.
I enjoy giving. I like thinking about someone and wondering what I could give them that would make them smile and know that they are loved. The gift doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture, shiny and expensive. As corny as it may sound, I believe it truly is the thought that counts.
Last year I wracked my brain trying to think of something to give my oldest son, other than just new socks, underwear and a toothbrush. Corey was working full-time as a gas jockey at the nearby Co-op gas station and often came home with pockets full of change from tips. Once he would accumulate a significant amount of coin, he would spend time sitting at the table rolling the coins. Lightbulb moment! It took me trips to at least 3 different stores, but I finally found what I was looking for – a battery operated coin sorter. I had fun shopping around for that gift, but enjoyed even more watching Corey open it up on Christmas morning and seeing his response. Watching his eyes light up was his gift to me.
“It is better to give than to receive”, so the saying goes. I believe that to be true for me. Of course, I won’t ever say no to receiving!
Mind you, my boys need new socks, underwear and a toothbrush every year, so they have come to expect those sorts of things in their Christmas stockings. No need for a spoiler alert.
I enjoy giving. I like thinking about someone and wondering what I could give them that would make them smile and know that they are loved. The gift doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture, shiny and expensive. As corny as it may sound, I believe it truly is the thought that counts.
Last year I wracked my brain trying to think of something to give my oldest son, other than just new socks, underwear and a toothbrush. Corey was working full-time as a gas jockey at the nearby Co-op gas station and often came home with pockets full of change from tips. Once he would accumulate a significant amount of coin, he would spend time sitting at the table rolling the coins. Lightbulb moment! It took me trips to at least 3 different stores, but I finally found what I was looking for – a battery operated coin sorter. I had fun shopping around for that gift, but enjoyed even more watching Corey open it up on Christmas morning and seeing his response. Watching his eyes light up was his gift to me.
“It is better to give than to receive”, so the saying goes. I believe that to be true for me. Of course, I won’t ever say no to receiving!
WHAT CAN I GIVE HIM?
by Christina Rossetti
"What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part.
Yet what can I give Him?
Give my heart."
Sunday, December 2, 2012
‘Tis the Season
We have certain Advent traditions in our family that I look forward to every year. My favourite are the Advent candles that we light each week. When my boys were small, my mother gave us an Advent calendar made of felt on which the days leading up to Christmas could be marked by completing the nativity scene, one character at a time. Every year my boys finagled their order of taking turns, because each one wanted to place the Baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas morning. My boys are older now and I actually wasn’t going to put it up this year (might have something to do with the cows in the sky jumping over the moon in recent years?), but my youngest specifically asked that we do it again this year. We’ll see where the cows end up.
It seems that many want to take Christ out of Christmas, and make it simply a winter holiday. The Christmas tree becomes a holiday tree, and “Merry Christmas” is replaced by “Happy Holidays” as the politically correct greeting. But Christmas, in its historicity is the celebration of Christ’s birth! If you remove Christ, there is no Christmas. There is no reason for gift-giving, just as the magi brought their gifts to Baby Jesus. There is no reason for carol-singing, just as the angels sang so long ago. Christ came to earth as a baby for all people, even for those who try to deny His existence.
It seems cliché to say, but Christ is the reason for the season.
Isaiah 9:6 (New Living Translation)
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor,[a] Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Dear Dad,
Within the last couple of weeks, two friends of mine have each experienced the grief of losing their father. Whether your father is a pillar of the community, a deadbeat dad, an author of dysfunction, or just a regular joe, he is your father and you love him no matter what. For better or for worse, both negatively and positively, a father shapes who his children grow up to be. That’s a pretty heavy responsibility for fathers!
Thinking about my friends and their fathers, brought to mind my own father. He was taken from us much too early, dying just days before his 60th birthday as a result of a head-on car collision.
I was looking through old photo albums trying to find pictures of my father, and discovered I don’t have very many. In most of the photos that I did find, he was holding or playing with my young nephews. Oh, how I wish you could have met my sons, Dad. I think you would have really enjoyed them too.
I have an early memory of my dad coming home on a sunny summer day, and as he walked through the yard where I was playing, he greeted me with a happy “Lizza Pizza!” I can’t recall just how old I was, perhaps 4 or so, but that moment is indelibly printed on my memory.
The most impacting words my dad spoke to me were after high school when I was trying to figure out what to do with my life and where to go, and my dad said to me, “No matter what you decide, we will always support you.” Those words have stayed with me. They were words of support, affirmation, blessing and love.
Dear Dad,
Thanks for loving me. I still miss you.
Love, your Lizza Pizza
Thinking about my friends and their fathers, brought to mind my own father. He was taken from us much too early, dying just days before his 60th birthday as a result of a head-on car collision.
I was looking through old photo albums trying to find pictures of my father, and discovered I don’t have very many. In most of the photos that I did find, he was holding or playing with my young nephews. Oh, how I wish you could have met my sons, Dad. I think you would have really enjoyed them too.
I have an early memory of my dad coming home on a sunny summer day, and as he walked through the yard where I was playing, he greeted me with a happy “Lizza Pizza!” I can’t recall just how old I was, perhaps 4 or so, but that moment is indelibly printed on my memory.
The most impacting words my dad spoke to me were after high school when I was trying to figure out what to do with my life and where to go, and my dad said to me, “No matter what you decide, we will always support you.” Those words have stayed with me. They were words of support, affirmation, blessing and love.
Dear Dad,
Thanks for loving me. I still miss you.
Love, your Lizza Pizza
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