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~