Things are not perfect...

Although things are not perfect

Because of trial or pain

Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the times are hard

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the things

Love imparts to thee

Move out of "Camp Complaining"

No weapon that is known

On earth can yield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To "thank" is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

Xalting God most high

Yes, there'll be good times and yes some will be bad, but...

Zion waits in glory...where none are ever sad!



The shortest distance between a problem and a solution
is the distance between your knees and the floor.
The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.


I got this little poem from my Aunt Linda ~ I know she writes poetry, she could have written this. I'm not sure but thought I'd share! ~smile~

Happy Birthday, Honey...

This is Cliff as a toddler. We can't tell but he's seated just so because the eye that is closest to the wall is black ~ that's right he had his first black eye. He was padding around with a pop bottle in his hand, when he fell on the bottle and it hit him in the eye. The photographer put a little make up on his eye. He's says, "not if I would have anything to say about it!"

Here he is graduating from the Boys & Girls kindergarten program at 6 yrs old.

this is a photo of Cliffton when he was working for Ernie's Landscape ~ no wonder he caught my eye! Cliffton, I know even though you have to work, the Lord will give you a blessing today ~ so watch out!

HAPPY B'DAY CLIFFTON ~ I LOVE YOU!

My photography skills at 11 yrs...

This is my family, who came to visit after my first week of two at Camp Glenburn (Summer 1974) This is taken with a camera I got for Christmas 1973 ~ I couldn't wait for camp to use it. Notice the beautiful station wagon in the background ~ that was Gram's. She loaned it to Dad more than a time or two.

I'm the only one not in the photo, because I took the picture!

Mom, Dad (holding Todd), Lisa and Jane is in the crook of Lisa's arm, then Jason standing in front, Daryl and Keith kneeling in front!

Out to Dinner...

Cliffton's b'day is not until Sunday but he has to work everyday til Tuesday. I promised to take him out to dinner at a great place the Pastor & Mrs introduced us to. Great Greek food, and the prices are excellent!

Honey, will you still love me if I tell you, I forgot my bank card?

We love you, Daddy! oX

Kash always has to check out how pretty the desserts are ~ so here she is, doing her thing! You should have saw Kasha's eyes when her platter came ~ yes, I did say PLATTER!

Happy B'day to you!
I love you, Cliffton, so much I'll never tell how old you are... oX

Only Believe ~ Mk 5:21-43

"As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe" (Mk 5:36)

Jesus doesn't ask us a difficult thing but we struggle in the flesh to leave things with Him. Only believe is a simple truth that was enough for us to be saved ~ and to all those who only believe, He gave them the power to become His children (Jn 1:12)


Is there something in your life at this time, you should give over to Him and only believe? It's the beginning of true fellowship with Christ... Maybe it's a sick loved one, a spiritual battle, maybe you need to put your trust in Him today to save you? Only believe!


Faith in essence is believing God's word ~ faith is taking God at His word! Put your trust in Him and He will give you rest with whatever the struggle...


Only trust Him, only trust Him,

Only trust Him now...

He will save you, He will save you,

He will save you now!

Why is it...

...when my hair falls out in the shower, it's never any of the white ones???

The reason I got braces...

This is me in the Spring of 1974 ~ yes, I know... It looks like I can eat corn on the cob thru a picket fence. I've heard!!!

Happy B'day, Jane ~ Feb 18th, 1970 (Part 2)

Momma says she'll name the baby Jane to remind us of this time spent together. "And what if it's a boy?" I ask. She is so quick to say, "I'm not naming any child of mine Dick!" is where I left off...

The reading problem had been all worked out. I was reading like nobody's business and reading aloud to brothers and sister, if they would sit still to listen. ~wink~

But soon the time came when my mom was off to the hospital to have baby #5. I stayed with a neighbor, so I was close to school. And my favorite times of the day were checking up on my Dad. I went by and made sure he didn't sleep past the alarm, sometimes cooked him an egg and toast, and we had lunch together. Split Pea soup with ham with bread was our favorite... ~mmm~ Still a favorite but it somehow tasted much better with Dad!

One day I was late ~ I couldn't stop today but all was good... Dad's car was already gone. When I got home for lunch, it seemed one of Dad's workmates came home with him. I could hear my Dad talking to someone when I entered the bottom of the stairs. I yelled up the stairs, "it's me, Dad". And I heard soft voices and then steps. When I looked up from my boots, I saw the most beautiful site ever. I cried, "Mom...you're home". I ran up and hugged her tight and she soon let me know it was a little too tight so I eased up. My Dad chuckled and told me there was a nice present on the bed ~ I had a b'day about a week before. He said it was a late b'day gift! Boy, I couldn't wait to see it...

I padded down the long hallway and peeked in the room ~ the prettiest pink package I'd ever saw lay there just waiting for me. I layed on the bed beside her and looked in her face with both my parents peeking in the door with huge smiles. I asked, "is she really mine ~ I'll take really good care of her?", my dad chuckled (the big tease he was) and said "yes". Mom frowned and said, "Daryl..." Then she said, "I could really use your help around here". And I promised 100x's, I would be the best helper, ever! ...and then it dawned on me, "what is her name?" "Jane, remember?", Mom answered with a wink. I was completely overtaken and I whispered, "hi Jane, I'm your sister, I'm gonna take good care of you".

I stuck to my word the best I could and in no time, my mom was expecting again, so I did end up caring for the little girl more than I bargained for but I was never sorry. I took her on the bus when she was a toddler, washed out favorite outfits by hand (my absolute favorite was a pink pants suit ~ man, it was cute!), did her hair everyday, when I wasn't in school, etc. I had a neighborhood friend that had a sister the same age... Jane and she became great friends, they attended kindergarden together ~ Lanie G was her name... I often wonder if Jane remembers her...

Thoughout the summer, we took them to the park to play on the swings, and of course we weren't too big yet to play along... ~wink~

Happy B'day, Jane! I hope you have a great day... oX

Dick & Jane ~ 1969-70

I have to go further back than I care to but it's of great importance to truly understand the significance of this memory in full!

I was in grade 1 and was extremely nervous when it came to reading aloud. Like clock work, I would have and episode... At this time in the family history, we had just moved to the North End of the city and our place was great. We had lots of play area, lots of bedrooms (4 children all under 6 yrs ~ much needed), and a lovely place for my momma to mother us. I'm certain it was a comfort to Dad too, knowing that my mom would meet other mom's in the neighbourhood.

With four small children, no one seemed to notice my reading problem, except Mrs Vail. I just couldn't read ~ the words of my Dick&Jane reader didn't say anything, they just jumped off the page in a random order and confused me... (Oh, and don't let me fail to tell you, we had to stand by our desks to read) ~ugh~

And with the confusion, came the tears ~ and lots of them too!! I was wiping my tears all up but most times things seemed better even after reading corner was done. Ah, to get home, away from school, books and yes, even sweet, Mrs Vail... One day, the tears didn't end in the classroom ~ a few of the kids found pleasure in calling me stupid and a few other hurtful names ~ it didn't let up all day! Being new at the school didn't help either...
After school this day, my mom asked why I was sitting in my room and not outside playing with the other kids. I broke down and told her about my day. I told her I was convinced Mrs Vail thought I was dum. She told me, that probably wasn't true. She sympathized with me about my dealings with the kids throughout the day. She hugged me and said, "we're going to work on the reading thing, together". I wasn't sure what she meant but I felt better with her knowing... My secret was out!!!

My mother was expecting her fifth child so she was in tiring easily. The best time for her to spend time with me was when all the other children were put to bed. This was a nice treat because I knew that my mother kept "Scotties" chips in her bottom drawer of her dresser. ~mmm~ I have to confess, I was hoping that after our reading lesson, she would offer me a bag! ~wink~

We worked together and after a few weeks of putting the other kids to bed, we sneaked to her room and yes, she shared the chips! I was improving more all the time ~ Mrs Vail even complimented me. ~smile~ We wondered if it wasn't more the audience I was reading to. Momma coaxed me to read to the classroom, imagining I was reading to her in her room! ~wink~ During the time in my mom's room reading, there were times when we had to stop ~ the baby was kicking! So for about 10-15 mins we would talk about the baby and of course, names were coming to mind! ~wink~

Momma says she'll name the baby Jane to remind us of this time spent together. "And what if it's a boy?" I ask. She is so quick to say, "I'm not naming any child of mine Dick!"

To be continued...

My parents...as teenagers

This handsome man is my father. He is about 16yrs old at this time!

~wink~

This is my Momma ~ she is about 17 yrs old on the beach of the westside of Saint John NB. I'm not sure if she had met my Dad at this time or not??

Happy Valentine's Day...

Valentine Day History

There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine.

Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers. There was often a social gathering or a ball.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first valentine cards. Commercial valentines were introduced in the 1800's and now the date is very commercialised. The town of Loveland, Colorado, does a large post office business around February 14. The spirit of good continues as valentines are sent out with sentimental verses and children exchange valentine cards at school.

Good morning to you, valentine;

Curl your locks as I do mine ---

Two before and three behind.

Good morning to you, valentine.

http://www.pictureframes.co.uk/pages/saint_valentine.htm

1st Princess & Talent Award ~ May 30, 1983

This is my sister on the far right of this newspaper clipping from Tuesday, May 31, 1983. She danced and got a talent award and she also received the award for first princess. It was the 6th Annual Grand Bay Days celebration.

Here's my ticket to enjoy the program... Go, Lisa go!!!

This is the program...

By the way, she wore a black & white block style dress, white hose and black pumps. I have no pics... ~Ugh~

Here is my sister today! It looks like she's at Keith's place! ~smile~

The rest of our story...

Here is the old envelope with all the tracts I gave to the handsome landscaper in the yard! Yes, I kept them!

And yes, that ticket...

Now, where did I leave off...

Ah yes, the suggestion to walk some place! He wasn't sure about that but he did say he would come to church. ~yippee~

My friend, Shelley was going on her trip to Florida and was in the habit of giving Lance and some of the other young fellas in the church, her season tickets while she was away. She was just about to offer them to Lance and I cut her off mid sentence and almost yelled, "I'll take 'em!". To that she frowned and said, "they're hockey tickets"... "I know, I was wondering if I could have them this time?", I almost begged...

Now I had these wonderful hockey tickets in my possession ~ yes, I know, y'all are sayin',"you hate hockey" and I'd have to say, "You're right but I'm grasping here for a very public activity!" I had to come out and ask Cliff to the hockey game soon or the tickets would go to Lance and he was waiting in the wings ~ he didn't think I'd do and neither did I. My brother, Daryl was on a ladder in my hallway changing a bulb for me when I saw Cliff in the yard. Oh Lord, help me if it's your will...in Jesus name, Amen. And with that, I opened the door and almost knocked my brother to the floor.

Man, my heart was beating ~lub,dub~ "I have some tickets to the hockey game for Tuesday". Did I just ask him out! ~eek~ His reaction says he thinks I'm offering them to him... Okay, give them to him and it's all over! No, I can't it's the public affair I've been praying for and it's just across the bridge, a good walk. And was it public, I saw someone in every second row I knew from church. ~ugh~ We discussed things like friends, church and then age. I was so disapointed when I discovered I was alot older ~ well, if nothing else, I got to go on., yes, it was a date, the first, in 6 or 7 yrs... During the date, he found out, I really didn't like hockey. I guess it was a dead give away when I covered my face everytime the players started to fight! ~yikes~

We became friends and he asked me to things like the Santa parade and other things that I could bring the kids. It was great! He called lots and I was really starting to fall for him. On Christmas Eve (1996), he asked me to marry him and I said 'yes' but changed my mind the next morning. ~yikes~ But by May 17, 1997 we became 'man and wife'. He was really rough around the edges but then, I was more than rough around the edges myself. And I still have some rough spots but I'm the Lord's project and so is Cliffton!

The rest in history! ~wink~

It's sooooo cold out...

It is sooooo cold here in Saskatoon! It was -32 feeling like -43 earlier! ~burrr~ Now it is -29 (warmin' up)!

Small Talk...

Where do I start...

I better start as near to the beginning as I possibly can. I was a single mother, two children, and saved about 5 yrs. In the beginning I was happy to stay single, almost bitter... But after meeting some saved couples and how they interacted with one another, I struggled with the Lord about my singleness... I came out resigned to spend life alone and be content to do so! God's word commands me to learn to be content in whatever state I find myself (Phil 4:11) ~ so I was going to learn!

I remember being annoyed almost like clock work! It seemed that I'd just settle down to do devotions with my children, I would hear the blowers, mowers, whippers, etc ~ the landscape crew was in the neighborhood! This landscape crew had been part of the neighborhood for the 11 yrs that I lived there.

My neighbor and I were having tea and she informed me that one of the fellas working the crew was asking about me. To that I asked her if she told him I was a born~again, blood~bought, regenerated, bible~believing, Christian? She said yes! Later, Cliffton told me, she told him I was a RELIGIOUS NUT!

Cliffton wasn't saved when we first had words. I remained cool, as a cucumber ~ I didn't want to give him any ideas, or lead him on in any way! But he was a handsome man, no doubts there. ~wink~

A couple of times he asked me about what I was trying to accomplish with my little garden ~ small talk, you know! ~wink~ I talked in the yard with him about going to church, and gave him a whole envelope full of bible tracts. Months before he had rented an apartment from Lomax's. He'd since moved out but they invited him to church a time or two. Cliffton told me he was a Christian so I asked where he went to church ~ he wasn't going! I said, "a believer would be going to church somewhere ~ the address is on the back if you'd like to visit a great bible teaching church (FBC)".

Cliffton did read the tracts over and over and called me on them. Halloween was coming up and he wanted to know my feelings on it. I tried to tell him my feelings about all the things we talked about were personal and everyone had to develope some personal convictions about things ~ but it was personal! And some things were not convictions, just strong preferences. This only added to the cult/religious nut thing.

Later, I found out that as he lay on his bed, Halloween night ~ Oct 31/1996, Cliffton repented and asked the Lord to save him.

Cliffton wanted to take me out ~ he thought I was a member of some kind of religious cult because I wouldn't go in the car with him (alone) to get a coffee. I told him I had a testimony to maintain in my neighborhood ~ I lived there almost 11 yrs (unsaved, then saved), people were watching. We could walk some place, I suggested?


TO BE CONTINUED...

A beautiful picture of momma ~ Dec 7, 1986

This is a picture of me, drawn by my artistic son at the age of 4 yrs ~ the date, December 7th, 1986.

Man, I wasn't aware I was such a rocket! ~wink~

I have to admit it ~ I'm stranger than I thought!

I didn't know just how strange and weird I was til I started taking stock... I think I could actually go on ~ there could be more! I wondered at first if I could come up with 6 and here I am still going... ~yikes~

1. I will never walk in front of a car that stops for me to cross ~ whenever possible I will look away so I don't make eye contact with the person and walk behind the car pretending to not want the car to bother. I've always felt a sense of pity ~ I know it's stupid but I can't help but feel it and I've always rejected pity... sympathy is quite something else but pity I can't/won't accept!

2. I do hate to wake up to a dirty kitchen ~ I'll stay up past my bedtime to clean it so I don't have to wake up to it. Having a dishwasher sure comes in handy with this one... ~wink~

3. I'm fussy about pasta ~ I have to use a timer for pasta to get it just right, rinse it right away, and it has to have some olive oil to keep it from sticking together. I do privately cringe when I see pasta on someone's table that has invited me to supper. I guess it's linked to one of those many episodes as a child being invited some place and having a huge hunk of pasta stuck together. Have you ever been there? Chewing, trying not to gag, etc... Okay, I have to stop now, no really! ~La,la,la,la~

4. My bread has to match up when I make sandwiches, toast, etc. If I get a sandwich that the bread in not matched up, I have to eat it without looking at it...

5. I hate panty hose and always have ~ I don't like the feel of them, the look of them, the price, etc. If women are expected to wear them, I think they should be free! It is torturous for me to even consider wearing them. I have done a total overall on my wardrobe so I never have to wear them. Oh, I know if invited to a formal, I won't be able to get out of it. But I continue to live on the edge, having none in my drawer...

6. I hate the sound of cardboard boxes/styrofoam and cardboard rubbing together ~yuck~ It puts a weird feeling in my jaw/teeth... Oh, you don't have to tell me it's strange ~ I figured that out for myself!

7. I have to have a clean nose ~ yes, a clean snout to function. And what's more, I have the ability to tell when others need to blow their nose. I developed this ability when we found out thru a Dr's diagnosis of course, that Lance had asthma. I was alert to the dirty nose thingy then and have never forgotten and I find myself wondering if children in Joy Club have asthma by the similar sounds, of yes, a dirty nose...

8. It bothers me to see spelling mistakes especially the words, there, their and they're but there are others... I mean it, it drives me up the wall!

Well, I'm stopping there even if I can think of more ~ maybe I'll have to continue to add as time goes on... ~blush~

Kim, Keith & Lisa ~ Fall 1974

This is myself, Keith, my brother and Lisa, my sister in Fall of 1974. I can tell ~ we've still got our summer tans but warmer jackets on for the cooler weather...

This photo was taken at the photo booth in Woolworths down at the plaza in the North End of Saint John. Remember, you guys? ~smile~

My boy shares his Savior...

I had to put these on! This is Lance and myself in about 1989-90, one year before Kasha and 2 yrs before Lance brought the gospel home to share. No, I wasn't happy then ~ but months later I accepted Christ as my Savior, and I've never known Joylike this! Thank you, Lance ~ for being brave enough to tell me and then faithful enough to pray for me... God is so good & long suffering, isn't He? ~smile~

Isa 55:11

Here's my bundle of joy ~ May 1982

Lance Daniel Allen ~ weighing 8lbs, 7 1/4 oz at birth and 23 ins in length! That's Momma's boy...

This is my little fella with his Aunt Lisa, who I might add started to jig school regular just to see him. She used to let herself in and just go get him up, dress him, feed him, etc. She even brought friends by to see him a couple times a week! I think she really liked him! ~wink~

Christmas 1981 ~ Waiting for Santa? Nope ~ I'm waiting for Lance!

Helping to prepare Christmas dinner at Aunt Carolyn's ~ she and Aunt Ruth put together a dinner so my brothers, sisters and I could spent a dinner together in 1981... By the way, I'm expecting Lance (4 mnths along). I have pics of that day at the table eating, I'll find them and blog another day!

Christmas morning 1981 (4 mths along). Wow, I got too much! I really liked the Micron ladies skates but I can't for the life of me remember where they went..?

This is a photo of me in front of the Christmas tree in 1981 ~ I was expecting Lance (4 months along). It was a time when a woman didn't show off belly like today. I can't believe I picked out that dress and paid big bucks for it ~ what was I thinking??? I look like someone off "Little House on the Prairie"! ~blah~

Happy Birthday, Jason...

This picture taken as Jason sat on the couch ~ (1974-5)

This picture is of Jason (Christmas 1974)

This is one of my youngest brothers ~ this is Jason Allan Green (36 yrs today). This picture was taken in Fall 2001 at Aunt Faith's place. This is the most recent picture of have of the b'day boy! ~smile~

Jason is talking with Dad at my place ~ it was Christmas (mid 90's) , Jason dropped by and Dad just happened to call from Ontario...

I think Jason is 10 yrs old here (Christmas ~ 1981)! What a handsome fella! ~wink~ I'm thinking he's about 36 yrs old today but I could be wrong, someone will let me know, I'm sure!

Happy Birthday, Jason! Have a great day... oX

Orchestra Friends & Great News Too...

This is Rosalinda, Chantal, and Kasha at the Orchestra Program at Christmas 2006 back in NB. Kasha always has a good time with her music programs. She made some great friends...

This morning Kash had an audition/lesson with Mr Toews (1.5hrs), who directs the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra and it all went absolutely great ~ he invited Kash to the orchestra practice on Saturday. We are so disappointed ~ we can't go. We've made a plan to drive Lance out to St Paul AB on Saturday. Good for Lance, not so good for Kasha.

Mr Toews says Kash is a bright, intellegent young lady who learns fast with good inclination. He has offered to teach Kash for a month, and get this, for FREE!! He says she should be able to join the orchestra by the Fall. Mr Toews says it will be difficult in mid year to find her a good teacher so he will take her on as a student ~ since she's homeschooled it made it easy to fit her in. ~yippee~ Isn't the Lord good? I was able to find my way there too ~ another bonus (answered prayer)!

We anticipated great things because we were simply trusting the Lord and we know a few people were praying for us to find a suitable instructor. Thanks, friends... ~wink~

So that's what happened...

I must share something about my brother Keith... When he was a young boy, he had a childhood accident that left him with part of his big toe missing.

This is Kelly~girl (that's my special name for her), my niece and Keith's youngest daughter. Yesterday, I chatted with Kelly~girl on MSN (her newest passion) and told her to have a look at my blog ~ there was a pic of Daddy when he was little... Sue, my sister in law, read the blog and after hearing that story she looked at her mom and said, "that's what happened to Dad's toe".

~wink~ ;)