Half A Century!

A very special man is half a century young today! :) Yes, 50 candles!!!

And when I say special, I do mean special... this man is the grace of my life and is definitely a keeper.

This is a man who “fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.” (Psalm 112)

Each day, I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me with this man, to do life with and to serve Him together.

I honestly don't remember a time when I didn't know hubby. Our families have known each other since we were children and since he is six years older than me, I don't remember not knowing him! Isn't that awesome?!?

We promised each other forever almost 25 years ago now and I can honestly say that who I am today, this better version of myself, is no doubt because of God's great love for me... and packaged within that great love is this gift of a wonderful man whom He has given me to walk this thing called life together.

... a marriage made in Heaven is one where a man and a woman become more richly themselves together than the chances are either of them could ever have managed to become alone. ~ Frederick Buechner.

I couldn't have asked for a better life partner...
God is gracious and He truly gives good gifts, #1000gifts --- "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)

Through his sacrificial love for me, I have been given a tangible example of just how much Jesus loves us, His Bride... the church.

Through seeing him be a father to our children, I came to truly see, for the first time in my life, God as my Heavenly Father.

#1000gifts ~ Love this photo that @_godsgal4ever took of @papa2greatkids and me "sitting around & doing nothing." ;) #LabourDayWeekend #latergram

A photo posted by Aimee Esparaz (@mama2greatkids) on Sep 9, 2015 at 10:26am PDT

Happy 50 candles to my best friend, the one my soul loves, the amazing life partner that this girl isn't deserving of, one who is immeasurably more than I could have ever asked for or imagined! 

I love you and I thank you because...

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;
You raise me up to walk on stormy seas;
I am strong when I am on your shoulders;
You raise me up to more than I can be.

When I am down and, oh, my soul, so weary;
When troubles come and my heart burdened be;
Then I am still and wait here in the silence,
Until you come and sit awhile with me.

There is no life - no life without its hunger;
Each restless heart beats so imperfectly;
But when you come and I am filled with wonder,
Sometimes, I think I glimpse eternity.

Edited to add... that true to his selfless character, this is how he is inviting family and friends to celebrate with him today:

Compassion is a command, an act of worship, a song of thanks to Him.

Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God!

Celebrating A Birthday...

Today...
We are celebrating a very special man's birthday! It's just another ordinary Thursday for our family... both kids are in school, he's gone to work at a client's location and I'm about to start my work day... but trust me, this man is no ordinary man!

There are a few stories about him that I would have liked to publish on the blog today... in celebration of his birthday, but it's been a busy season and blogging has taken somewhat of a backseat here.

So... I am thinking back instead to this story that I wrote about him, in celebration of his birthday last year... and I think it is worth re-publishing today... because this very much describes just how special of a man my hubby is! He truly is a keeper!

It was Friday afternoon...
He walked in the door at the end of a hard work day, at the end of a stressful work week, which must have felt longer than five days to him... and he greets me with the brightest smile he's had in days.

Coaching basketball in an inner-city neighbourhood with Ephraim's Place.

Serving lunch at a Compassion project in the Philippines.

I knew right then, even without him uttering a word, that something beautiful had happened in his day.

Then, he told me the story...
On his way to a client's place earlier that day, he saw a homeless man as he exited the highway. The man was standing to one side at the end of the exit ramp, begging. The traffic lights worked beautifully in a way that hubby was stopped right beside this homeless man.

He rolled down his window and struck up a conversation. He learned that the homeless man's name is Bruce. Bruce has been homeless for five years... since his wife passed away. He sleeps under a bridge every night, the one right by Pharmacy Avenue just down the road. Most days, he stands at this exit ramp until 6pm... getting enough money to buy dinner.

Then, the traffic lights changed. It was time to keep moving.

Hubby went about his work day and finished the job at his client's place just before 5pm. As he drove past that same exit ramp to get onto the on-ramp across the street to come home, he saw Bruce still standing there.

Instead of coming home, he drives past the on-ramp and goes to a Mr. Sub restaurant. With a foot-long sub and orange juice in hand, he gets on the on-ramp and drives towards home. He takes the first exit, turns around and enters the highway again going the opposite direction... to get to the off-ramp where Bruce was standing.

He handed Bruce the foot-long sub and orange juice. Bruce was surprised to see him, in awe that he would actually come back and bring him dinner. After a handshake, my man drives off. Exiting the highway and turning around one more time to get onto the on-ramp towards home.

As he approached the on-ramp to come home, he saw his new-found friend, Bruce... dinner in hand, walking towards home earlier than the anticipated 6pm, to his home under the bridge, the one right by Pharmacy Avenue just down the road.

And my man comes home with the brightest smile he's had in days.

He's a keeper, isn't he?
He could have driven straight home and not bother to check if Bruce was still there. After all, it's been a stressful work week and a long hard day. He's entitled to come home and relax. Besides, it's too much work to go the opposite direction on the highway, just to get to where Bruce was standing. Plus, he'd have to stop and buy the food still!

Yet, my man chose compassion over comfort... choosing to demonstrate a cross-shaped love, a Jesus-shaped love.

You have no idea how much this makes my heart smile happy and overflow with thanksgiving.

More than when he buys me flowers. More than when he washes the dishes. More than when he takes the trash out. More than when he makes sure my car's gas tank is always at least half-full.

I am truly blessed beyond measure.

Because a man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments (Psalm 112:1); a man who chooses compassion over comfort, choosing to love with a Jesus-shaped love, he's a gem. He's a keeper!

In an endless cycle of grace, He gives us gifts to serve the world. This is how to make a life great and eucharisteo embarks us on the path: "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave" (Matthew 20:26-27).

It's the fundamental, lavish, radical nature of the upside-down economy of God. 

Empty to fill.

Here I can become the blessing, a little life that multiplies joy, making the larger world a better place.

God can enter into me, even me, and use these hands, these feet, to be His love, a love that goes on and on and on forever, endless cycle of grace.

~ Excerpts from Chapter 10, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp.

Compassion is a command, an act of worship, a song of thanks to Him.

Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God!

On Celebrating 20 Years

Today, we are celebrating... 
... 20 years of God's faithfulness and His relentless love for our family on this occasion that we've fondly named as "our family's birthday".

I read this quote recently...

... a marriage made in Heaven is one where a man and a woman become more richly themselves together than the chances are either of them could ever have managed to become alone.

- Frederick Buechner.

At the Compassion Philippines office.

I was also reminded of this children's song by Psalty (The Singing Songbook) yesterday as we visited with Floyd's brand new great nephew:

I want to be like you, Lord Jesus, yes it's true. Give your peace. Share your joy. Show your love, Lord. How I want to be like you.

With Baby Boaz. We're at the grandparents' level now... level up! ;)

I am deeply thankful for God's gift of a life partner for me in Floyd because together, we are definitely bolder in giving Jesus' peace, sharing His joy and showing His love than we each could ever have managed to on our own.

The fact that I am writing this blog post back here in the Philippines today, the place where we were married, is a testament to this... because, as I've said before, braveness is outside my comfort zone.

Just one of the many slum communities that we drove past on our first day in Manila.

Our family is looking forward to these next three weeks and thankful for the opportunity to learn more about the different ministries that, over these 20 years, we have come to love supporting. We will be visiting the field work of the following organizations:

Compassion International: Compassion International exists as a Christian child advocacy ministry that releases children from spiritual, economic, social and physical poverty and enables them to become responsible, fulfilled Christian adults. Founded by the Rev. Everett Swanson in 1952, Compassion began providing Korean War orphans with food, shelter, education and health care, as well as Christian training. Today, Compassion helps more than 1.2 million children in 26 countries.

International Justice Mission: International Justice Mission protects the poor from violence throughout the developing world. We are inspired by God’s call to love all people and to seek justice for the oppressed.

Habitat For Humanity: Habitat for Humanity’s vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Our mission is to put God’s love into action by bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.

God's grace is truly a beautiful thing. I am deeply grateful.

Compassion is a command, an act of worship, a song of thanks to Him.

Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God!

Why He's A Keeper

It was Friday afternoon...
He walked in the door at the end of a hard work day, at the end of a stressful work week, which must have felt longer than five days to him... and he greets me with the brightest smile he's had in days.

I knew right then, even without him uttering a word, that something beautiful had happened in his day.

Then, he told me the story...
On his way to a client's place earlier that day, he saw a homeless man as he exited the highway. The man was standing to one side at the end of the exit ramp, begging. The traffic lights worked beautifully in a way that hubby was stopped right beside this homeless man.

He rolled down his window and struck up a conversation. He learned that the homeless man's name is Bruce. Bruce has been homeless for five years... since his wife passed away. He sleeps under a bridge every night, the one right by Pharmacy Avenue just down the road. Most days, he stands at this exit ramp until 6pm... getting enough money to buy dinner.

Then, the traffic lights changed. It was time to keep moving.

Hubby went about his work day and finished the job at his client's place just before 5pm. As he drove past that same exit ramp to get onto the on-ramp across the street to come home, he saw Bruce still standing there.

Instead of coming home, he drives past the on-ramp and goes to a Mr. Sub restaurant. With a foot-long sub and orange juice in hand, he gets on the on-ramp and drives towards home. He takes the first exit, turns around and enters the highway again going the opposite direction... to get to the off-ramp where Bruce was standing.

He handed Bruce the foot-long sub and orange juice. Bruce was surprised to see him, in awe that he would actually come back and bring him dinner. After a handshake, my man drives off. Exiting the highway and turning around one more time to get onto the on-ramp towards home.

As he approached the on-ramp to come home, he saw his new-found friend, Bruce... dinner in hand, walking towards home earlier than the anticipated 6pm, to his home under the bridge, the one right by Pharmacy Avenue just down the road.

And my man comes home with the brightest smile he's had in days.

He's a keeper, isn't he?
He could have driven straight home and not bother to check if Bruce was still there. After all, it's been a stressful work week and a long hard day. He's entitled to come home and relax. Besides, it's too much work to go the opposite direction on the highway, just to get to where Bruce was standing. Plus, he'd have to stop and buy the food still!

Yet, my man chose compassion over comfort... choosing to demonstrate a cross-shaped love, a Jesus-shaped love.

You have no idea how much this makes my heart smile happy and overflow with thanksgiving.

More than when he buys me flowers. More than when he washes the dishes. More than when he takes the trash out. More than when he makes sure my car's gas tank is always at least half-full. More than when he still tucks our 16-year-old girl to bed. More than when he reads the Bible with our boy each night.

I am truly blessed beyond measure.

Because a man who fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments (Psalm 112:1); a man who chooses compassion over comfort, choosing to love with a Jesus-shaped love, he's a gem. He's a keeper!

Hallelujah!
Blessed man... who fear God,
Who cherish and relish His commandments,
His children robust on the earth,
And the home of the upright — how blessed!
His house brim with wealth
And a generosity that never runs dry.
Sunrise breaks through the darkness for good people —
God’s grace and mercy and justice!
The good person is generous and lends lavishly;
No shuffling or stumbling around for this one,
But a sterling and solid and lasting reputation.
Unfazed by rumor and gossip,
Heart ready, trusting in God,
Spirit firm, unperturbed,
Ever blessed, relaxed among enemies,
He lavishes gifts on the poor —
A generosity that goes on, and on, and on.
An honored life! A beautiful life!

~ Paraphrase of Psalm 112, The Message.

As we celebrate his 48th birthday today...
He is, once again, choosing to bless others over pampering himself. As a result, we will be contributing towards our church's 1,000-lbs Thanksgiving Food Drive in a special way!

There are 10 most-needed items on the grocery list. We will be donating 48 units of each item, to celebrate hubby's 48 years!!! We can't wait to hit the grocery stores this coming week!!!

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area and would like to help us celebrate hubby's birthday in this way, please let me know!

I can't wait to see what 1,000 pounds of food looks like!!!

The donated food will be going to two wonderful Christ-centered organizations, Covenant House Toronto and The Sharing Place, just in time for the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend!

Covenant House Toronto is Canada's largest homeless youth agency. Recognizing God's providence and fidelity to His people, they are dedicated to living out His covenant, serving the youth that come to them with absolute respect and unconditional love.

The Sharing Place provides a safe place for anyone who needs a hot meal or a bag of groceries, serving out of a spirit of brotherly and sisterly love as commanded by Jesus and the early church.

It is a grace for our family to be able to help, even in a small way, stock the shelves of these two ministries with much-needed food during this Thanksgiving season and to celebrate hubby's birthday at the same time!

In an endless cycle of grace, He gives us gifts to serve the world. This is how to make a life great and eucharisteo embarks us on the path: "Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave" (Matthew 20:26-27).

It's the fundamental, lavish, radical nature of the upside-down economy of God. 

Empty to fill.

Here I can become the blessing, a little life that multiplies joy, making the larger world a better place.

God can enter into me, even me, and use these hands, these feet, to be His love, a love that goes on and on and on forever, endless cycle of grace.

~ Excerpts from Chapter 10, One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp.

Compassion is a command, an act of worship, a song of thanks to Him.

Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God!

Two Hearts...

Happy Valentine's Day!
I had to drive out to a meeting this morning and he made sure my van's gas tank is full and the windshield washer fluid is topped up. That's my Valentine!

He does that, not only on Valentine's Day, but all. the. time. My children once asked me, "Mom, do you know how to use the gas pump?" :D

Twenty years ago, on this day, my Valentine and I got engaged. It's been the best years of my life!

He is the grace of my life… a man who “fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.” ~ from Psalm 112:1 NASB.

I have in my hubby a man who holds my heart and chases after God's heart... I am blessed beyond measure... God is so good to me... His grace truly is amazing!

I am so glad these two hearts, mine and his fell in love all those many years ago! ♥♥♥

Compassion is a command, an act of worship, a song of thanks to Him.

Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God!

Birthday Boy...

Today, a very special man is celebrating a birthday!!!
Even though today will look and feel like an ordinary day in the life of our family... well, except for maybe dinner out tonight {but that's more like a treat for me so I don't have to cook! :-) }... the man of this house is one extraordinary guy!

He works hard and values integrity.
He exemplifies living simply in order to give generously.
He sacrifices his comfort so that others can be comfortable.
He loves his family... as Christ loves His church.

He is the grace of my life… a man who “fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.” ~ from Psalm 112:1 NASB.

I have in my hubby a man who holds my heart and chases after God's heart... I am blessed beyond measure... God is so good to me... His grace truly is amazing!

Compassion is a command, an act of worship, a song of thanks to Him.

Do justice. Love mercy. Walk humbly with God!

18!

Celebrating 18 years today of being married to my best friend, the grace of my life and marveling anew at the goodness of our God... for He has gifted us with immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine!

With a grateful heart... for a Good God who gives good gifts...

As I continue to count grace-gifts, these are the things I am thankful for this week... #1445 - #1457:

:: 18 years of God's faithfulness.
:: Time spent with my parents who are visiting.
:: Getting the Eucharisteo Concert's website up and running!
:: My boy having a great night go-karting with his friends from church.
:: Awesome exam week for my girl.
:: My girl's piano exam all done... and good lessons learned.
:: My boy being part of this movement.
:: A letter from Florianlyn.
:: My girl nominating me as "Mom of the Year".
:: Hubby's sister and her family visiting.
:: Volunteering at WonderJam for Compassion and seeing at least 25 children sponsored!
:: Shaun Groves' amazing appeal at WonderJam... thought-provoking!
:: Awesome Sunday with our church family!

Happy Monday, friends!

May you be looking forward, as I am, to an awesome week of marveling at the goodness of our God!

When I realize that it is not God who is in my debt, but it is I who am in His great debt, then doesn't all become gift?

~ Ann Voskamp, One Thousand Gifts.

Let's soar into this new week together, friends... let's do justice, love mercy and walk humbly!

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Jump in... I promise you will be blessed!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

It's Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day, friends! In my Internet wanderings in recent days, I came across something I never knew before... and that is, the history of Valentine's Day! Did you know that one of the theories of its origin is based on this...

Three hundred years after the death of Jesus Christ, the Roman emperors still demanded that everyone believe in the Roman gods. Valentine, a Christian priest, had been thrown in prison for his teachings. On February 14, Valentine was beheaded, not only because he was a Christian, but also because he had performed a miracle. He supposedly cured the jailer's daughter of her blindness. The night before he was executed, he wrote the jailer's daughter a farewell letter, signing it "From Your Valentine." Another legend tells us that this same Valentine, well-loved by all, received notes to his jail cell from children and friends who missed him.

Source: The History of Valentine's Day, About.com

In light of this story, will you follow in Valentine's footsteps today, on this Valentine's Day... spreading Jesus' love across our world... and being the miracle, bringing hope to so many in the margins who are waiting?

Will you carry the LOVE of Jesus to the little ones?
Will you sponsor a Compassion child today?
Will you *be* the hope they are waiting for?

So, how did Valentine's Day evolve to the way it is celebrated today?

In 1537, a Royal Charter by Henrry VIII officially declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day. By the next century, Valentine's Day was widely celebrated in Britain and, by the 1700s cards were exchanged on a regular basis, which became one of the precursors to how the holiday is celebrated today.

Source: The History of Valentine's Day, History.ca

In light of this, let me tell you about my Valentine...

Chocolate Hills, Bohol (Philippines), Summer 2011.

He is my best friend, the man my soul loves. He is the grace of my life… a man who “fears the Lord, who greatly delights in His commandments.” (from Psalm 112:1 NASB). I am blessed beyond measure.

If I need evidence God is good
Just looking at you is enough
You are the grace of my life
For you grace my life with your love

~ Brian Littrell, Grace of My Life.

In my devotional reading yesterday from Girlfriends in God was this prayer... quite appropriate for this day, Valentine's Day... but I think it's a great prayer for everyday as well!

Lord, I pray for my husband, from head to toe:

:: His Head - That he will look to You as Lord of his life. (1 Corinthians 11:3)

:: His Mind - That he will have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead him and not the flesh. (1 Corinthians 2:16)

:: His Eyes - That You will keep his eyes from temptation and that he will turn his eyes from sin. (Matthew 6:13, Mark 9:47)

:: His Ears - That he will hear Your still small voice instructing him. (1 Kings 19:12, Psalm 32:8)

:: His Mouth - That his words will be pleasing to You. (Psalm 19:14)

:: His Neck - That he will humble himself before You and be strong, courageous, and careful to do everything written in Your Word so that he will be prosperous and successful. (James 4:10, Joshua 1:8-9)

:: His Heart - That he will love and trust You with his whole heart. (Deuteronomy 6:5, Proverbs 3:5)

:: His Arms - That You will be his strength. (Psalm 73:26)

:: His Hands - That he will enjoy the work of his hands and see it as a gift from You. (Ecclesiastes 3:13, 5:19)

:: His feet - That You will order his steps and that he will walk in Your truth. (Proverbs 4:25, Psalm 26:3)

Happy Valentine's Day, friends!
Let us love... "because He first loved us." ~ 1 John 4:19.

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I promise you will be blessed!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

Good Gifts

God gives good gifts... I know that full well.

My hubby is a perfect example of that. (#1006) I am reflecting on that today as we celebrate his 46th birthday! (#1007) He is my soul-mate and best friend (#1008, #1009) and he is an awesome and wonderful father to our kids! (#1010) Each day, I thank my God for the gift that my hubby is to me.

This week, my 1,000 Gifts list continues with these good and perfect gifts --- grace-gifts #1011 - #1017, from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17, NIV 1984)

~ Strength for a busy week.
~ Free groceries.
~ 130 pounds of food to Yonge Street Mission {in honour of hubby's birthday}.
~ Hubby helping to build a Habitat home {also for his birthday}.
~ Seeing house keys handed over to two Habitat partner families. So cool!
~ A big box of used books from my boy's school for the children at UrbanPromise!
~ Awesome time at a Sunday afternoon church BBQ!

Click on the banner below for more Multitudes on Mondays posts...
Jump in... I promise you will be blessed!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

A Tribute to Seventeen Years

I was just 19 years of age when we promised each other forever... just a tender adult, emerging from those tumultuous teen years. We exchanged wedding vows three years after that. Today, we are celebrating seventeen years of God's goodness (#745) and His grace (#746) in our marriage!

May 1991

How time flies... it has a way of doing that when one is having fun, don't you think?

Today, I am no longer that shy 19-year-old girl. This woman that I have become is no doubt because of His great love for me... packaged within that great love is the gift of a wonderful man (#747) He has given me to walk this thing called life together with.

Truly a grace-gift!

February 2011

My hubby is a man of few words. As Canada Post is on strike this week and no mail is flowing, I am reminded of the postal strike back in 1991 which lasted even longer.

He and I were physically separated, twelve time zones apart, during those early years. It was before the advent of the Internet... before email, Skype, Facebook, Twitter. Plus, international long distance telephone charges were sky-high expensive! Snail mail was our only means of regular communication.

Because of the labour dispute, mail that was getting through were few and far between. That, plus the fact that he didn't write all that often {a man of few words, remember?} made each letter even more precious to me. Each letter I got from him, I treasured with all my heart. I read his words over and over again. And then, again!

I quickly discovered that hubby expresses the language of love, not with words, but more importantly with his actions. Through his quiet strength and his love for God, he spoke a love language and I understood. With understanding came growth.

We grew. And, I grew... into the bride God intended me to be.

Through his sacrificial love for me and for our family, I have been given a tangible example of how much Jesus loves us, His Bride... the church.

Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.
~ Ephesians 5:25-27 (NIV)

There is so much more growing to do, even after these seventeen years. And, God's grace is all-sufficient. Truly thankful. Truly humbled. Truly blessed.

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

20 Years!

This past weekend marked 20 years since hubby and I started dating and promised each other forever!  How time flies... it sure does that when you're having fun, eh?

Here we were 20 years ago, May 1991... we were on board a ferry en-route to The Statue of Liberty!

Here are twenty things why this man is the one that my soul loves...

1. He loves God!
2. He “fears the Lord, greatly delights in His commandments.” ~ from Psalm 112:1
3. He's my best friend.
4. He's the grace of my life.
5. He's an awesome dad to our kids.
6. He has a compassionate heart.
7. He works hard.
8. He loves me unconditionally.
9. He sacrifices for our family.
10. He makes breakfast... his pancakes are awesome!
11. He fills my car up with gas.  All. the. time.
12. He makes sure I have windshield washer.
13. He washes the dishes.
14. He takes out the garbage.
15. He makes awesome lattes.
16. He's really funny... makes me laugh.
17. He's very intelligent... a really smart guy!
18. He eats anything I cook. :-)
19. He completes me.
20. He is more than what I asked for or imagined... truly God's gift to me!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

Celebrate Love...

♥ All because two hearts fell in love! ♥

292.
The photo above is taken by my hubby.  It is of tire marks, made on the fresh snow on our neighbour's driveway one morning, which created two perfect hearts!  As Valentine's Day is celebrated today... I am forever grateful for God's gift to me in my hubby!  He is the grace of my life! :-)

Engagement Photo, Valentine's Day '93

293.
Speaking of the grace of my life, the one my soul loves... 18 years ago on Valentine's Day, we got engaged (officially)!  Let me explain... it was the date of our traditional Chinese engagement ceremony when extended family and friends officially learned of our engagement.  We had promised forever to each other long before that day... in fact, forever was promised almost 2 years prior to Valentine's Day 1993!  Today... almost 20 years later, I am forever grateful that God brought hubby and me together.  Forever is truly bliss when shared with a best friend! :-)

294.
As love is celebrated all over the world today, I am thankful that Love was born for you and for me.  Such. Amazing. Grace!

295.
♫♪ Jesus loves me.  This I know. ♪♫  Thankful for songs learned in childhood.  They come so naturally when my heart needs to just sing...

296.
Seeking refuge in my Heavenly Father's love and relying on His grace on days when I realize that a sore in my heart has not quite fully healed yet.

297.
The journey from a sore heart to wholeness is oh so slow (and sometimes bumpy)... thankful that God is holding my hand and accepting that sometimes it is with a sore heart that God grows us into the masterpieces that He's designed us to be.

298.
For endings and beginnings... and that my God is always leading the way... and remembering that my role is to follow one step at a time.

299.
My boy sitting on my bed in the early morning hours (early for me, that is!) waiting for and watching me wake up.

300.
For Chapter 2 of Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts... "Eucharisteo - thanksgiving - always precedes the miracle."  

301.
So blessed to be participating in the online book club over at Bloom (In)Courage!  So. Blessed.

302.
For the privilege of praying for and about the hard things that my children are dealing with... and remembering that eucharisteo always precedes the miracle.

303.
This photo...

At the FINALS game of my girl's Baskeball Tournament.  This is during the last timeout, few seconds before the final buzzer of a tied game.  The coach is relating the play to the five players on the left (my girl is #9).  Do you see what the rest of the girls are doing?  They drop to their knees, in a circle huddle, to PRAY!  They lost the game by one basket, BUT, I am soooo proud of these girls for being public with their faith, in a Canadian public school system!  They are winners in my eyes!!!

#304 - #330
~ Sunshine on a crisp, cold winter day.
~ Down vest keeping me warm.
~ Long johns and wool socks, too.
~ Productive days.
~ Time for reading and blogging... two of my favourite past-times.
~ Shadows of tree branches gently dancing on my desk.
~ Clicking "send" for those hard-to-write email notes...
~ For friendships... that withstand tough times.
~ Strength to get through a very busy week.
~ His sustaining grace on emotionally tough days.
~ For a few hard eucharisteo(s) this week...
~ Practicing thanksgiving even when my heart says no.
~ Basketball games... for winning and losing well.
~ Hard, but honest, conversations.
~ My girl's high school placement meeting.
~ Thai food lunch with my hubby.
~ My boy reading...
~ Picking up my girl's grad dress at the seamstress.
~ My girl looking like a young lady in her grad dress... 
~ Sleeping in.
~ Lazy Saturday mornings.
~ Chats with my hubby... for the perspective he gives.
~ Shoe shopping with my girl.  High heels already?!?
~ Warmer, spring-like weather... a break from the deep freeze.
~ Awesome time of worship and communion!
~ A new week starting with me turning a new corner...
~ It is {indeed} well with my soul!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

Forever Holding Hands...

In my Facebook meanderings yesterday, I came across a song by Steve Green.  It is entitled Holding Hands.  I've never heard of it before... first time yesterday.  It is beautiful... I love it!  I thank my Heavenly Father each day... for when "we trace God's daily grace... thankful we're (hubby and I) still holding hands."

Here's a video and the lyrics...

 

One day, far away, you gently won my heart
And one night, by candlelight, we made a vow to never part
And then it seemed just like a dream
When wide eyed, side by side
We faced the future holding hands

Years fly, they hurry by, the simple times are gone
Bills due, a kid or two, a week can feel eight days long
By fading light, let's kiss goodnight
And then we trace God's daily grace
Thankful we're still holding hands

There's a hope that won't let go
There's a truth we know
God is holding us
In His arms

Thoughts stray far away to all that lies ahead
In frail days when strength fades
Will we still mean all that we said?
Our love's secure, so rest assured
Come what may 'til that day
We'll walk forever holding hands

By God's grace 'til that day
We'll walk forever holding hands

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

Snowy Hump Day

So... a HUGE snow storm was supposedly going to come through our area today with an accumulation of 30cm of snow by the time it's done.  Well... as a friend of mine put it on Facebook today, it was sNOw-big-deal!  It is over now and we probably have only about 15cm of snow on the ground.

Because of the big media hype leading up to this snow "storm", my kids were convinced that school will be closed today --- a snow day!  They woke up to some disappointing news... our school board kept schools open!  So, off they went to school... reluctantly!

When they came home for lunch, I learned that my daughter's class was pretty sparsely populated.  As a result, her teacher didn't want to teach new lessons or give a test only to do it again tomorrow... so they watched a movie instead.  My son's teacher didn't make it to school so he had a supply teacher.  Well, that sealed my decision... they were staying home from school for the afternoon!  Playing hooky from school with my permission!  :-)  Somehow, I can't remember my mom ever letting us do that?!?

So, this turned out to be a pretty relaxing day for our family...  

Hubby worked from home all day! :-)  Both my daughter's basketball practice and game were canceled.  So was band practice for the school board wide Honour Band that she's been chosen to be a part of.  Hubby and the kids shoveled our driveway and we made hot chocolate after-wards.  They also helped shovel a neighbour's driveway.  I tried a new recipe for pork ribs and it was very yummy!

Speaking of helping our neighbour shovel snow... after they were done, she offered to pay the kids.  Hubby thanked her but declined the money.  He explained to her that it is our way of teaching our children how to be generous with their time and how to be kind to others... you know, thanks-living!  I love it when God gives us such opportunities... it warms my heart, especially on a frigidly cold day like today!    

I wish everyday can be as carefree as today was...

Well, life revs back up tomorrow.  Tonight I am asking myself these questions: Are there things we do as part of our family's everyday life that just amount to clutter?  Which things have eternal purpose and which ones don't?  Which things allow us to live out Micah 6:8 and which ones don't?  Which things amount to thanks-living and which ones don't?  Maybe it's time to do an inventory again...

As I think about answering my own questions, I am also thinking that I loved today.  It was an awesome, snowy, relaxing hump (Wednes)day and... I am truly grateful for this gift!
  

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God! 

Ordinary Graces...

Back to routine... back to everyday life.  God's grace still new every morning... especially on ordinary days!

213.
Reconnecting with friends over the Christmas break via email... hoping to get together in the coming weeks!

214.
My growing son... his shoe size went from size 4 to size 6 over the Christmas break!

215.
Great first day back to work for hubby and me... great first day back to school for the kids.

216.
My daughter doing very well preparing for her upcoming Royal Conservatory of Music piano exam.  She is hoping for a great result!  I am very proud of her focus and determination.

217.
Leftovers!  I don't have to make dinner.

218.
Hubby receiving a plaque of appreciation from Habitat for Humanity Toronto for his work in ensuring a smooth transition to their new home where IT and telecommunication systems are concerned.  Thankful for God's grace as hubby worked very long hours to make this happen those few days between Christmas and New Year... extremely proud of my man!

Plaque of appreciation presented by HFHT CEO Neil Hetherington.

219.
Beautiful snowfall.

220.
I was knocked-out by a stomach flu for a few days this past week... thankful for my doting hubby, my warm bed and my very understanding boss who ordered me to turn off my computer until Monday (today!). :-)

221.
Yummy congee for this sick girl's tummy!  Hubby went to buy some (twice!) even though it was snowing bad... nearest congee restaurant is in the neighbouring city.  Did I already say he's one doting hubby?!?  Each day I thank God for giving me a priceless gift in my wonderful hubby... I am blessed beyond measure... all because of grace!

222.
A reminder that as Christ followers, we are to live life radically!

223.
Finally feeling better from my bout with the flu... making Sunday night dinner and thankful that my Heavenly Father is also the Great Physician.

224.
There is finally enough snow on the ground for the kids to go tobogganing! 

Until next Monday... may you also see God's grace in your every-days!

Unwrapping more of His love in this world.

Act justly.  Love mercy.  Walk humbly with God!

Thinking Deeply...

I read a blog post by Ann Voskamp yesterday and I haven't stopped thinking deeply...

The blog post really was just a continuation of my thoughts... I've been thinking the same thread of thoughts for weeks now... since experiencing beauty instead of ashes!

Here are questions I ask myself: How do I fight the middle ground?  What is my response because a non-response is a response just the same?  Am I losing this fight?  Will I become too comfortable living in the middle?

The world, your community... even your family — they are going to try to push you back to the middle. North America feels pretty comfortable in the middle. Balance, everyone says. I don’t know what Jesus is going to say to you... How He might direct your life now… just don’t assume He wants you to live in the middle. Be open to the possibility… Of something radically different.

Powerful words... reaching down into the depths of my soul.

I grew up in a third world country... I've seen with my own eyes what it means to have nothing.  Then my parents moved us to Canada... ranked as one of the top ten best places to live in the world!  It is in living here for the past 22 years and raising a North American family of my own that has me thinking I have become comfortable with the middle ground... 

Last night... I asked hubby what our family's response should be... how are we distributing God's wealth to those who have less... how do we make sure we don't pass down to our children a legacy of being comfortable in the middle ground.  

It was an interesting discussion.  Lots to think about.  Hoping for action to follow.

Here I am.  Lord, send me!