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!!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
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!!!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Blessed Christmastime!
Friends, it has been an incredible year! As we have just finished celebrating Christmas and look forward to what the New Year has in store, we are again and again reminded of what we have been brought through this past year. Here's a brief update as to what our Christmas was like:
- Aaron arrived home late on the 18th, as we were sharing a "family" evening with Chris' girlfriends' parents and extended family - a great start to the holiday time! SOOO good to have him home again! (He is doing very well in college, and is not having too much pain in his back at this time - PTL!!)
- I was privileged to be included in a luncheon for the staff that I worked with at the orthodontic office where I worked for 10 years up until the accident - they are still so supportive and encouraging!
- Christmas Eve was shared at home with our sons and Chris and Jason's girlfriends - a wonderful, quiet, peaceful and joyful time!
- Christmas Day was a relaxing day of good company, good food and a good nap!
- Sunday we had an amazing time of worship and sharing the goodness of our Lord this past year.
- Monday dear friends of mine from the arts community - my 'sisters' on the stage and in life - had an incredible birthday dinner for me!
- Tuesday Ben planned a lovely surprise birthday party for me! Even though I found out about it (he accidentally emailed the invitation to me as well!) it was still a fantastic evening. My sister and her husband and my mother came up from the coast for a few days, and it has been so wonderful having them here!!
I have to honestly say that I have never enjoyed a Christmas more than this past one, at least that not that I can remember. And I have never been so happy to celebrate a birthday - my 50th at that!! The only word that I can use to describe how this whole season of celebration has been is "thankful"! I am so grateful to my Lord and Saviour for allowing me to still be here and celebrate with my family and friends what He has accomplished in and through us this year. Although the stiffness/soreness are still there, and there have been times where I felt myself getting frustrated, mostly I've been able to keep my sights where they should be, and look to the good things that are a part of my life now. Because of the accident, I've been able to relinquish all of my outside commitments, and focus on that which is most important right now, resulting in the quietest pre-Christmas season in the last few decades! I thought I would miss the concerts, recitals, programs and all the rest, but I found it so relaxing! I was even able to do a few things that I have been wanting to do for a very long time - like making new Christmas stockings for the family, and some beaded snowflakes for the windows. These projects and the wonderful food and other things that are part of our 'traditions' have all made this a very memorable end for a very memorable year!! Our hearts are full of thankfulness and praise to our Lord Jesus for His incredible gift, and most of all, for life!! I trust all of you have been able to experience the same, and that you will continue to look to Jesus for the joy of the season all year through!
- Aaron arrived home late on the 18th, as we were sharing a "family" evening with Chris' girlfriends' parents and extended family - a great start to the holiday time! SOOO good to have him home again! (He is doing very well in college, and is not having too much pain in his back at this time - PTL!!)
- I was privileged to be included in a luncheon for the staff that I worked with at the orthodontic office where I worked for 10 years up until the accident - they are still so supportive and encouraging!
- Christmas Eve was shared at home with our sons and Chris and Jason's girlfriends - a wonderful, quiet, peaceful and joyful time!
- Christmas Day was a relaxing day of good company, good food and a good nap!
- Sunday we had an amazing time of worship and sharing the goodness of our Lord this past year.
- Monday dear friends of mine from the arts community - my 'sisters' on the stage and in life - had an incredible birthday dinner for me!
- Tuesday Ben planned a lovely surprise birthday party for me! Even though I found out about it (he accidentally emailed the invitation to me as well!) it was still a fantastic evening. My sister and her husband and my mother came up from the coast for a few days, and it has been so wonderful having them here!!
I have to honestly say that I have never enjoyed a Christmas more than this past one, at least that not that I can remember. And I have never been so happy to celebrate a birthday - my 50th at that!! The only word that I can use to describe how this whole season of celebration has been is "thankful"! I am so grateful to my Lord and Saviour for allowing me to still be here and celebrate with my family and friends what He has accomplished in and through us this year. Although the stiffness/soreness are still there, and there have been times where I felt myself getting frustrated, mostly I've been able to keep my sights where they should be, and look to the good things that are a part of my life now. Because of the accident, I've been able to relinquish all of my outside commitments, and focus on that which is most important right now, resulting in the quietest pre-Christmas season in the last few decades! I thought I would miss the concerts, recitals, programs and all the rest, but I found it so relaxing! I was even able to do a few things that I have been wanting to do for a very long time - like making new Christmas stockings for the family, and some beaded snowflakes for the windows. These projects and the wonderful food and other things that are part of our 'traditions' have all made this a very memorable end for a very memorable year!! Our hearts are full of thankfulness and praise to our Lord Jesus for His incredible gift, and most of all, for life!! I trust all of you have been able to experience the same, and that you will continue to look to Jesus for the joy of the season all year through!
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Almost Christmastime!
Hey, friends and family! Sorry I let the Friday deadline come and go this week - with Aaron coming home, and in all the excitement for Christmas, it kinda slipped away! But what a weekend we've had already! It's so good to have all the boys home, and Chris and Jason's girlfriends as well. The tree is finally decorated, the new stockings are almost finished, and now we just need to plan and shop for the food! Our celebrations always include lots of good food - at least we think it's good!
It's been an interesting Christmas season. Usually this time of year I am very busy with concerts, recitals, programs, parties and so on. But this year there has been very little of that, and it's been good. There has been time to do things with my kids and husband, time to read and have coffee, time to sleep (!!) and just relax. Yes, we're still busy, but not hectically so. It's somewhat a forced quiet Christmas, but we're really appreciating it for what it's truly worth.
Today we enjoyed attending a performance of the Nutcracker, which was truly beautiful. I keep waiting for the time when I'll feel resentful or frustrated that I can't participate in productions like that any more, but it hasn't come!! I'm so thankful for what I do have, and for the many other things that I can do, that the other stuff just doesn't matter - honestly! I so enjoyed playing keyboards in church for the worship team again this morning - that is something that I find so fulfilling, and have great joy in serving that way, that I don't miss being able to sing. But I'm still working at it!
So as you all go into this week before the big day, may you also find peace, joy, love and a lot of good times with family and friends. And if you can't find it where you are, let me know when you'll be arriving here!!!
Much love, and Merry Christmas! May Jesus be the Reason for your Season!
It's been an interesting Christmas season. Usually this time of year I am very busy with concerts, recitals, programs, parties and so on. But this year there has been very little of that, and it's been good. There has been time to do things with my kids and husband, time to read and have coffee, time to sleep (!!) and just relax. Yes, we're still busy, but not hectically so. It's somewhat a forced quiet Christmas, but we're really appreciating it for what it's truly worth.
Today we enjoyed attending a performance of the Nutcracker, which was truly beautiful. I keep waiting for the time when I'll feel resentful or frustrated that I can't participate in productions like that any more, but it hasn't come!! I'm so thankful for what I do have, and for the many other things that I can do, that the other stuff just doesn't matter - honestly! I so enjoyed playing keyboards in church for the worship team again this morning - that is something that I find so fulfilling, and have great joy in serving that way, that I don't miss being able to sing. But I'm still working at it!
So as you all go into this week before the big day, may you also find peace, joy, love and a lot of good times with family and friends. And if you can't find it where you are, let me know when you'll be arriving here!!!
Much love, and Merry Christmas! May Jesus be the Reason for your Season!
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