Author: ba

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First Doc Appointment

Today was Bingo’s first appointment.
For now, Ludmila is our doctor, and she did a great job today! Of course, Bingo is still only 16 to 17 weeks old, so he’s got a lot of growing to do (does the phrase, “skin and bones” mean anything to you?). But we saw Bingo’s heart beating away, 135 bpm, strong, steady and very much alive! YAY! Still no conclusive evidence of gender, but not to worry, we’ll know soon enough… Speaking of, Bingo’s due date is also inconclusive, but anywhere between April 25 and May 10 we should have one more incredible experience in a hospital room (it better be in an hospital room!). Can’t wait to meet you Bingo! (By the way, don’t worry if you can’t tell what is baby on the image … I can barely tell either!)

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Thanksgiving

In most of the places we have spent our fall in the last 5 years, there is usually more American influence than Canadian, which means celebrating American thanksgiving. So this week we will celebrate with all our friends here. (we found out that our friend Becky even imported pumpkin pie filling for the pies… we’re excited!)

This Sunday at church, we heard a really great line that defines thanksgiving for us. Most of the time, what happens on thanksgiving is a day of being thankful. So we do some special activities that remind us of how much God has blessed us. Which is good. But thanksgiving is so much more, it is an opportunity to remind ourselves that we are supposed to be thankful people. We’re not just thankful today, we’re thankful in all circumstances.

Paul, our pastor, reminded us of some of the times when we’re not ordinarily thankful. Like when the walk needs shovelling or something around the house needs fixing. Or when the clothes fit a little too snug or we can’t sleep in (because the kids are up bright and early!). Those are great opportunities to remember that we have a home to shelter us, plenty of food to eat, and kids full of joy and excitement for life!

Thankfulness is usually a matter of perspective and not usually circumstance – of course, that’s difficult to remember when we’re in the middle of it. But I hope that I become more thankful as the days turn into seasons and the seasons into years – becoming a person characterized by thankfulness, day in and day out!

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Inspiring Thoughts on Reading

I recently read an article by Danny Lehman on the importance of reading. As I sit and teach Cassie to read, Danny’s thoughts and words remind me to persevere. Although I am a Mom of two (almost three), these words remind me that reading time needs to be intentionally included in my schedule because ‘Readers make leaders, and leaders make readers.’ I hope they inspire you too.

C.S. Lewis, well-known for his brilliant mind and sharp metaphors once said that one of the best ways to keep our spiritual senses sharp is to, “keep the clean sea breeze of the centuries blowing through our minds.  This can only be done by reading old books.”  He wasn’t saying that “old books” are the only source of reading that will refresh our souls, but to supplement our diet on a regular basis by reading books from centuries past.

We stand on the shoulders of giants and we must read what these giants had to say. Wesley warned his preachers that “No one could ever be a deep preacher or even a thorough Christian without extensive reading.” “No man in the eighteenth century did so much to create a taste for good reading and to supply it with books at the lowest prices than John Wesley.” Hans Nielsen Hauge changed the nation of Norway by his incessant promotion of Bible reading and Christian books over a period of 30 years. Jesus is the Divine “Logos” – the “Word” in human flesh. Why did God use the word “Word” to describe Jesus? Because God is a Communicator and words communicate!  No wonder OM founder George Verwer said “Readers make leaders.”

So if you have read any good books lately or ones you would recommend (old or new) please leave a comment. We are always looking to keep learning and growing.