Each season has its own specialness, but spring is definitely a highlight for me after the dreary months of January and February. And this year spring came earlier than usual, which is always a bonus! The sunshine and the rain are washing away the last bits of snow, and it's finally time to get things started again!
And what a start this spring has had for our family! In the past 5 days, we obtained a new dog (her name is Sadie, and she is a 10 month old Shih Tzu cross that we adopted from our local shelter), I got a new pair of glasses, and my son Jason proposed to his girlfriend Danielle (we call her Dani) and will be married this summer!!! So I will have a daughter-in-law!! We are so happy for them, and they are, too, obviously! I'll try to get some pictures of them in the next post.
So we are all in planning mode, and not thinking about the minor difficulties of everyday life. Sadie is good for me - I have to get out at least once a day to walk her! My goal is to be more disciplined and scheduled, and that is one of the reasons that we decided to go ahead with the adoption. I just didn't expect to get such a small dog! But she's a sweetheart, and has worked her way into our hearts quite quickly.
God has given us so much to be thankful and grateful for. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about how much I have to be thankful for. Sometimes I need to remind myself to do so, but I do! Sometimes the things to be thankful for are very clear, sometimes not so much. I am finding that the more inward focused that I am, the less thankful I tend to be. So it is good for me to now have so much to focus on outside of myself! We pray that as we prepare for the wedding that all will be done to give God glory, especially the day of the wedding. Not everyone in Dani's family know Jesus personally, and we pray that they will see God's love through the two of them as well as through our family.
I can't help but think of those two precious Bartel girls that were traveling to the wedding in Vanderhoof but never made it there. And with the reminder comes the urge to pray for the family again. We will continue to uphold them as often as God brings them to mind. Pray for them with us as you are reminded.
May your spring be full of all things new, both inside and out!!
Judy
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
March
It is said that time passes more quickly when you are having fun...I must be having fun! I can't believe that it is March already, and well into March for that matter! There are so many things that I want to get done, such as regularly posting to this blog, but don't seem to get to do them! So this is the message for my blog today - in the past most of my prayer requests had to do with physical issues, but today I'm asking for prayer for my lack of motivation and discipline. I have recovered enough to be able to function at a semi-normal level (in the 'new normal'!), but there are still so many days that I don't have the energy or willpower to do what I would like to do. There are so many things that I'd like to do - projects that I have been keeping for 'someday' and 'when I have time'. Well, now I have time, but not the energy or drive. So that is my prayer request. Thanks!
One thing that has come about recently is that I have a date for the surgery for my eyes - April 26th. I am very excited about being able to have single vision again! I was able to book the flights today, and will be flying down with Aaron on the 23rd. He will then be continuing on to Austria for 2 months! He will be attending Tauernhof, a school run by Capernwray Ministries, in Schladming, Austria. We are all very thrilled that he is able to do this! Although I must say that I am very tempted to go with him!!
But for now, I should try to get back to sleep - this is another problem, that I don't always sleep at night. I wake up after a few hours of sleep and sometimes can't fall back to sleep again. At least it gives me time to do things like this!! I like the nighttime, though - it's so quiet and peaceful. But I know that sleep is important, too, so I'll leave this for now and try to get some more!
Thank you all for your prayers and the encouragement you continue to give by simply checking back here now and then. It is still a wonder to me that God is choosing to use this in such a mighty way!! Have a great day, and don't forget to give Him the glory for everything, regardless what it is!
One thing that has come about recently is that I have a date for the surgery for my eyes - April 26th. I am very excited about being able to have single vision again! I was able to book the flights today, and will be flying down with Aaron on the 23rd. He will then be continuing on to Austria for 2 months! He will be attending Tauernhof, a school run by Capernwray Ministries, in Schladming, Austria. We are all very thrilled that he is able to do this! Although I must say that I am very tempted to go with him!!
But for now, I should try to get back to sleep - this is another problem, that I don't always sleep at night. I wake up after a few hours of sleep and sometimes can't fall back to sleep again. At least it gives me time to do things like this!! I like the nighttime, though - it's so quiet and peaceful. But I know that sleep is important, too, so I'll leave this for now and try to get some more!
Thank you all for your prayers and the encouragement you continue to give by simply checking back here now and then. It is still a wonder to me that God is choosing to use this in such a mighty way!! Have a great day, and don't forget to give Him the glory for everything, regardless what it is!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
I'm still here!
Well, from the initial lack of response, I just about gave up the blog! But even though there have been very few comments, either here of elsewhere, the few of you who did take time to let me know how much this site has meant to you - thank you! Your words have encouraged and challenged me to keep allowing God to do His work and continue His plan. And for the others who may have thought it but didn't say anything, thank you too! It seems as if this is something that is far greater than just our family here, which we know. It's still a wonder to me that God has chosen to use us and our experiences to be a tool for good! I am so thankful for the fact that I can know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God is definitely in control!! So with that in mind, I will continue to post, even if it's only once a month. I will try to get back here more often, but post I shall!!
We continue to progress, slowly but surely. Ben now has a fancy brace for his leg that is to help support and protect it. Not sure yet if it will help, but it certainly can't hurt - well, not much, anyway! He continues to go to physio once a month, and is working on becoming more active on the treadmill. Aaron is enjoying being at home, and will be looking for a job until he leaves for Capernwray School in Schladming, Austria in April. His back pains him occasionally, but for the most part, he can cope with the problems as they come. I am trying to get myself to the gym but have had a bad week this past week. Just no ambition or motivation to get anything done, and I wasn't sleeping well again. But I talked to my doctor on Friday and she made some adjustments to my medications. I hope that this will keep things more steady for me.
This coming week is the local music festival, and I hope to be able to attend many of the sessions. Some of my past students are now with other teachers, and there are many others whose progress I have enjoyed watching over the years. It is always a pleasure to listen to the many talented people in this city! So even though I'm not teaching, I enjoy the chance to learn and observe.
In church this morning our pastor spoke about having clean hands - metaphorically speaking about the need for us to be real, not just acting like Christians. It was an excellent challenge, and a good reminder to get deep and not just pretend. I have a book as well that I never finished reading entitled "Stop acting like a Christian - just BE one!". I think this is a good time to finish reading it! That's my challenge for this week. I hope you find yours!!
We continue to progress, slowly but surely. Ben now has a fancy brace for his leg that is to help support and protect it. Not sure yet if it will help, but it certainly can't hurt - well, not much, anyway! He continues to go to physio once a month, and is working on becoming more active on the treadmill. Aaron is enjoying being at home, and will be looking for a job until he leaves for Capernwray School in Schladming, Austria in April. His back pains him occasionally, but for the most part, he can cope with the problems as they come. I am trying to get myself to the gym but have had a bad week this past week. Just no ambition or motivation to get anything done, and I wasn't sleeping well again. But I talked to my doctor on Friday and she made some adjustments to my medications. I hope that this will keep things more steady for me.
This coming week is the local music festival, and I hope to be able to attend many of the sessions. Some of my past students are now with other teachers, and there are many others whose progress I have enjoyed watching over the years. It is always a pleasure to listen to the many talented people in this city! So even though I'm not teaching, I enjoy the chance to learn and observe.
In church this morning our pastor spoke about having clean hands - metaphorically speaking about the need for us to be real, not just acting like Christians. It was an excellent challenge, and a good reminder to get deep and not just pretend. I have a book as well that I never finished reading entitled "Stop acting like a Christian - just BE one!". I think this is a good time to finish reading it! That's my challenge for this week. I hope you find yours!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
February...
Honestly, I never meant for this much time to elapse since my last post. I can't believe that it has been almost 2 weeks! I've had a wonderful time in Vancouver and Victoria, doing some relaxing and attending some appointments. Here's a quick recap:
- First, the wedding on the 30th of my nephew was absolutely beautiful, even if it was raining outside. It was so good to be surrounded by family and friends that day, the one year anniversary of the accident. We ended the evening with a time of prayer with our boys who were all down for the wedding as well. What a privilege to share such a blessed time, reflecting on how different things are now compared to then. We are so aware of the many, many miracles that we have been a part of, and continue to be amazed at the honor that has been given to us to have been brought through the fire!
- Second, Aaron and I took a few days to putz around Victoria. I had forgotten how beautiful that city was! We enjoyed the warm weather, the ocean and just having fun together. We did some of the 'tourist' things, and rented a car for a day, driving around the coastal areas. It was a great break for both of us from the regular routine.
- Third, Christopher and I had some time to hang out in Vancouver as well, and I especially enjoyed attending church with him last Sunday. Being able to stay with my brother and his wife, which is where Christopher is staying while he is at BCIT, was another treat. Christopher will be finished his apprenticeship program this Friday, and I'll be traveling back to PG with him. I feel such joy in being able to spend time like that with my boys, and that they want to spend time with this old lady!! Now if I could only get to spend some time with Jason...!
- Fourth, I've been cleared for surgery on my eyes! I don't have a date yet, but the doctor determined that the surgery should be successful in restoring my eyesight back to normal!! PTL!! For now I will continue to wear a prism on my glasses, which allows me to see single vision for the most part. The surgery will probably be in April, and I can hardly wait!
- Fifth, I've been able to observe some of the Olympic hoopla going on here at the coast.Today we even got to watch the Russian pairs skaters during one of their practice sessions. What grace and control! It reminds me how much we need to work at letting Christ have control of what we do, just like the athletes are controlled by the coaches on the sidelines, who made them repeat segments of their programs over and over again. The final performance that we see on TV is like how most people observe each other - not seeing the hours of grueling preparation that result in the 3 minutes of seemingly effortless gliding and spinning, or the coach who trained them to become who they are. But our 'performance' needs to be a reflection of our 'coach' and His influence on our lives.
It's been a great time here, but I'm very much looking forward to being home again. Not having a routine leaves me more tired, but the weather here has been so fantastic that it will be hard to leave that behind! A few things to keep praying about:
- Continue to uphold the Bartel family
- Ben has been experiencing more pain in his foot and ankle. He has had it x-rayed, and is looking for some answers as to how to deal with it. We should have results sometime next week.
- Aaron will be looking for what to do for the next few months. He would like to go to Capernwray in Austria in April, and we are encouraging him to do that. It's costly, but worth the time and money for the understanding and insight to one's own faith that it gives.
- That we will continuously and joyfully be a testimony to the grace and glory of God in whatever way He sees fit. We all appreciate your interest in our lives so dearly, and thank you again for your love and prayers. Once I'm home again, and have established myself back into a routine, I hope to be able to give more of my time to things of importance, and keeping in touch with people is one of those things. I wasn't sure if I should continue this blog or not, but if you are still interested and think that it has a purpose, please let me know. If there is enough interest, then I guess that will be my answer! Until soon!!
- First, the wedding on the 30th of my nephew was absolutely beautiful, even if it was raining outside. It was so good to be surrounded by family and friends that day, the one year anniversary of the accident. We ended the evening with a time of prayer with our boys who were all down for the wedding as well. What a privilege to share such a blessed time, reflecting on how different things are now compared to then. We are so aware of the many, many miracles that we have been a part of, and continue to be amazed at the honor that has been given to us to have been brought through the fire!
- Second, Aaron and I took a few days to putz around Victoria. I had forgotten how beautiful that city was! We enjoyed the warm weather, the ocean and just having fun together. We did some of the 'tourist' things, and rented a car for a day, driving around the coastal areas. It was a great break for both of us from the regular routine.
- Third, Christopher and I had some time to hang out in Vancouver as well, and I especially enjoyed attending church with him last Sunday. Being able to stay with my brother and his wife, which is where Christopher is staying while he is at BCIT, was another treat. Christopher will be finished his apprenticeship program this Friday, and I'll be traveling back to PG with him. I feel such joy in being able to spend time like that with my boys, and that they want to spend time with this old lady!! Now if I could only get to spend some time with Jason...!
- Fourth, I've been cleared for surgery on my eyes! I don't have a date yet, but the doctor determined that the surgery should be successful in restoring my eyesight back to normal!! PTL!! For now I will continue to wear a prism on my glasses, which allows me to see single vision for the most part. The surgery will probably be in April, and I can hardly wait!
- Fifth, I've been able to observe some of the Olympic hoopla going on here at the coast.Today we even got to watch the Russian pairs skaters during one of their practice sessions. What grace and control! It reminds me how much we need to work at letting Christ have control of what we do, just like the athletes are controlled by the coaches on the sidelines, who made them repeat segments of their programs over and over again. The final performance that we see on TV is like how most people observe each other - not seeing the hours of grueling preparation that result in the 3 minutes of seemingly effortless gliding and spinning, or the coach who trained them to become who they are. But our 'performance' needs to be a reflection of our 'coach' and His influence on our lives.
It's been a great time here, but I'm very much looking forward to being home again. Not having a routine leaves me more tired, but the weather here has been so fantastic that it will be hard to leave that behind! A few things to keep praying about:
- Continue to uphold the Bartel family
- Ben has been experiencing more pain in his foot and ankle. He has had it x-rayed, and is looking for some answers as to how to deal with it. We should have results sometime next week.
- Aaron will be looking for what to do for the next few months. He would like to go to Capernwray in Austria in April, and we are encouraging him to do that. It's costly, but worth the time and money for the understanding and insight to one's own faith that it gives.
- That we will continuously and joyfully be a testimony to the grace and glory of God in whatever way He sees fit. We all appreciate your interest in our lives so dearly, and thank you again for your love and prayers. Once I'm home again, and have established myself back into a routine, I hope to be able to give more of my time to things of importance, and keeping in touch with people is one of those things. I wasn't sure if I should continue this blog or not, but if you are still interested and think that it has a purpose, please let me know. If there is enough interest, then I guess that will be my answer! Until soon!!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Remembering...
It is one year ago today that we set out for Breakforth in Edmonton, and ended up arriving there in a much different way than we planned. I just want to thank every one who has followed our story and given us support in so many ways, and especially give God the glory for bringing us through! Today will be a day of celebration as we are with my family for the wedding of my nephew. But it will also be a day of remembering and reflecting. We know that our Lord is good, and that we are here for a purpose. Our purpose is obviously not completed, so we are still here. But we sorrow for the family that lost two precious girls and will miss them until they are reunited again someday in heaven. Pray with us for the Bartel family. Their loss will be especially heavy on their hearts today, I'm sure.
As we get together today to be a part of a new family being united, we are so thankful for our family, be it immediate, extended or in love! We love you all!! May God be praised for His wonderful ways, even when we don't understand them. Have a great weekend!!
As we get together today to be a part of a new family being united, we are so thankful for our family, be it immediate, extended or in love! We love you all!! May God be praised for His wonderful ways, even when we don't understand them. Have a great weekend!!
Friday, January 15, 2010
A quick update...
Aaron is coming home! He has decided that the program that he was enrolled in is not for him, so he's coming back home! I'm glad, but if you could pray for him as he looks for where he should go, we would really appreciate that. In the meantime, he will probably look for a job to do while he is waiting.
As it gets closer to our one year anniversary of the accident, our thoughts again go to the family of the two young ladies who passed away. Keep this family in your prayers as well, as I am sure that they are still in great pain. I can't imagine their loss, and know that only our gracious Lord can give them any peace.
As it gets closer to our one year anniversary of the accident, our thoughts again go to the family of the two young ladies who passed away. Keep this family in your prayers as well, as I am sure that they are still in great pain. I can't imagine their loss, and know that only our gracious Lord can give them any peace.
Monday, January 11, 2010
I haven't forgotten!
Yes, I know it has been almost 2 weeks since my last post, for which I apologize. I guess I just got busy living! And that's a good thing! But I don't want to abandon this project yet - I had thought that I would at least keep it going until the end of this month - one year from the time of the accident. I realize that there will still be changes and adaptations to our lives after that, and perhaps some of you may still want to know how we are, but more on that later!
For now, the New Year has started just fine - peaceful and uneventful, just the way we need it for now. Ben & I had another opportunity to share our story with a group of international students last Friday night. It is so cool to see how God can use it regardless of place or time! It's always so encouraging, and a good reminder to look back at how far we've come!!
Other than that, things are pretty much as before - physio, speech therapy, gym and pool workouts, as well as a music history course that I'm trying to finish are what occupy my days. The idea of putting this all into a book is still in the back of my mind, and I did start a few months ago. Not sure of where that will go, either!
On a side note, we had a visitor over the holidays - the young lady who started this whole blogsite! She told us about another unique feature that she attached to the site once she saw the numbers climbing - a tracker that allows us to see where the people are that are following this. Nothing too personal, don't worry! We can only see the general locations (city, province/state, country) and how often that location is checking in. From that we found out that those of you who are reading this are from all around the world! We were stunned to see representation from almost every continent in the world that have checked this blog out at one time or another! Praise God! Now we pray that the testimony that we have shared here will continue in some way, all for His Glory!! And as long as you keep checking back, I guess I'll keep posting!!!
For now, the New Year has started just fine - peaceful and uneventful, just the way we need it for now. Ben & I had another opportunity to share our story with a group of international students last Friday night. It is so cool to see how God can use it regardless of place or time! It's always so encouraging, and a good reminder to look back at how far we've come!!
Other than that, things are pretty much as before - physio, speech therapy, gym and pool workouts, as well as a music history course that I'm trying to finish are what occupy my days. The idea of putting this all into a book is still in the back of my mind, and I did start a few months ago. Not sure of where that will go, either!
On a side note, we had a visitor over the holidays - the young lady who started this whole blogsite! She told us about another unique feature that she attached to the site once she saw the numbers climbing - a tracker that allows us to see where the people are that are following this. Nothing too personal, don't worry! We can only see the general locations (city, province/state, country) and how often that location is checking in. From that we found out that those of you who are reading this are from all around the world! We were stunned to see representation from almost every continent in the world that have checked this blog out at one time or another! Praise God! Now we pray that the testimony that we have shared here will continue in some way, all for His Glory!! And as long as you keep checking back, I guess I'll keep posting!!!
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