Strangers on a plane

I recently took a flight down to Ohio for my brother's wedding. I sat with my sister the whole way down, and she was there to hold my hand when we hit some turbulence just over Chicago (I now know why they call it the 'windy city').

I am not usually a nervous passenger on planes, but my stomach is prone to more than flip flops when we hit air pockets or strong winds. Cutting through storm clouds, although quite fascinating, is a test of my ability to clench my jaw and prevent my stomach contents from reversing their path.

Once we had soared above the clouds, it became smooth sailing, and I no longer needed the assurance of my sister's hand. My sister was grateful to have her hand back in order to accept the drink the stewardess was offering.

I was completely at ease as we checked in for our return flight...until I saw that my sister and I were not going to be seated together! Who was going to hold my hand????

My sister gave me some very good advice on how to breath through the anxiety and 'pretend' that I actually loved turbulence. Yeah. Not going to happen.

I decided that I'd just have to clench my hands together and pretend I was holding someone else's hand. I settled myself into the window seat that I had been assigned to, and proceeded to study the emergency landing procedures and feel under my seat for the life jacket that the booklet claimed was there. (it was!)

A business man placed his briefcase in the overhead compartment, then sat down next to me. We didn't say a word. Not even 'hello'. My reasoning was apparent (I was immersed in the emergency manual), his was just habit I'm sure.

We prepared for take-off. I prayed silently, all the while wringing my hands.

The plane was airborne. I braced myself for the clouds....evidently I didn't brace hard enough.

The plane pitched to one side, dropped a couple hundred meters, then pitched the other way to right itself. I was terrified! I lost my normal social etiquette skills, and grabbed the businessman's hand next to me. He hadn't even flinched through the whole ordeal, but my sudden panicked gesture shocked him beyond what the turbulence possibly could.

He turned to me, smiled, then gently said, "Just a little wind, nothing to be scared of."

I was mortified, embarrassed, and laughing all at once. Once the seat belt sign was turned off, I went to join my sister who had an empty seat next to her. I thanked the gentleman as I squeezed past him. I think he was relieved that he wouldn't see me for the landing.

Lord,
Thank you for stangers on planes. Amen

This post does not exist.

Seriously.

You are not reading these words because I'm in denial. And, as we all know, until I recognize the issue (or issues), it does not exist in my life. So, this whole post does not exist because I'm going to talk about something that does not exist in my life.

Capish?

Remember how I went off coffee creamers to see if it would have any effect on my waistline? And remember how I 'cheated'--but not really--and felt guilty all the same?

Well, I'm back on creamers. (I know! I was shocked too!)

The first week or so wasn't so bad. I was able to add just a 'dab' of cream and be satisfied. Then I tried a Cappuccino. With cream. Oh.my.word......it was heavenly! Each day I needed just a smidgen more to satiate my desires. I told myself that it wasn't that bad, I mean, one little drop more couldn't hurt, right?

I became very comfortable (and generous) with my coffee cream. So much so that I now fill my mug 1/4 full with cream before the coffee goes in! (You can't be grossed out by this....after all, I didn't really say any of it because I'm still in denial)

I do believe I mentioned a few posts back that I don't stick with anything for more than about 2 weeks at a time, right? Therefore, none of this should come as a surprise to those who pay attention to my ramblings.

Anywho....what was I talking about? Oh, yeah! My jeans have shrunk again. I'm determined to write a complaint to the jean manufacturers about these faulty pieces of clothing! Stay tuned for my world-wide petition against shrinking material being used in women's jeans! It must be discrimination! It may take me some time to figure out the best wording for said petition......

In the meantime, I'm going to start playing soccer again to release some of these pent up (denial) feelings.

Family Wedding

I attended my little brother's wedding in Ohio this week. It was such a special, intimate ceremony, and I was able to capture the pure joy and love with a few pictures.

My new sister in law, getting ready at the Church:

My little brother and his new Bride:

Cutting the cake:

The rings:

And here is the speech that I wrote out and surprised them both with:

David and Stephanie,

I have some Marriage advice from my children, but first I’d like to quote two verses of the Bible:

Matthew 18:3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.

1 Corinthians 7:14 For the Christian wife brings holiness to her marriage, and the Christian husband brings holiness to his marriage. Otherwise, your children would not be holy, but now they are holy.

Since my children could not be here today, I asked each of them to give some pointers about what they thought makes a marriage great. Here is what they shared:

Ethan’s Marriage advice:

To have a good Marriage you must believe in God. To have a great one, you need to ring the bell when you kiss at the altar. Be careful about how you dress, making sure it’s appropriate....because if you don’t you will look weird and embarrass your husband or wife. Make sure that your clothes match each other.
You should treat each other the way you would want to be treated. You should not divorce because God does not like divorce. You should talk to each other very lovingly.
When you argue, since Uncle David is a good arguer, you should be careful Auntie Stephanie.

Ethan also wanted to say a prayer for your wedding day:

Dear Lord, today you have found yet another matching pair...my Uncle David and my Auntie Stephanie. I love them very much, thank you lord. Lord I hope you bless them with kids. Amen.

Here is Alec’s Marriage advice:

Make sure you kiss every few hours.
When you argue, walk away instead of fighting.
Oh, and Good job on getting married!

And now some Words of wisdom from Annlise:

For Auntie Stephanie and Uncle David, I hope you have a good marriage!
Marriage means love, care, and happiness. You should be nice with each other when you are married because if your’re not, God will be sad. I think you will look beautiful on your wedding day, Auntie Stephanie.

Last, but not least, Kalyna’s marriage advice:

Don’t fight! Say sorry on Saturday. This was then followed by a ‘high five’, I guess she was quite proud of herself!

I then asked her two questions: What do you want to say to Auntie Stephanie on her wedding day? Kalyna answered, “I love you “

What do you want to say to Uncle David on his wedding day? And I quote: “Thank you for do the wedding.”

There’s not much more that I can add to this wonderful advice. I wish I had some of these instructions when Arnaud and I were starting off!
I have always known David to be caring and wise beyond his years. As he grows and matures, I see the effort he puts into each decision he makes. I am confident he spent the same time and care in choosing a good woman for his wife, as Stephanie has already been a blessing to him.
The biggest blessings in life come after the biggest hurdles. You both have overcome obstacles and unexpected trials to be together--and you will face many more as you grow together in love. I have no doubt that with God’s help, you will conquer the mountains and valleys you encounter in your new life together.

God Bless you both in your Marriage. Welcome to the family Stephanie!

Fresh Air

It's been a very long winter. Literally and figuratively.

The prolonged cold snaps and late March snow storms made a season that is notoriously depressing....even worse.

But this post is not about winter. No, it's about the END of winter, and the beginning of a wonderful season called Flooding....err, I mean Spring.

The snow is almost completely melted now, and the ice jams on the river seem to be behaving, reducing the likelihood of us needing to gather the children and bare essentials in a panic and running for higher ground! Okay, we were never in any danger of that, but it sounds more interesting than saying the kids got all muddy in the puddles forming in our backyard, and I have tons of laundry to do.

I think the opening of windows and the freedom to head outside without 5 layers of clothing has put a spring in my steps and a song on my heart (I promise not to sing out loud....again).

I decided it was high time that I get out to do some walking with Kalyna. She seemed eager to jump into the backpack carrier (yes, at 3 years old, she still gets to ride on Mommy's back!), and join me for the hike--well, technically I live on the prairies, so 'hike' is not the right terminology....but it's my blog, so I'll write what sounds best.

Anyway, we set out for our first walk of the year. The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and people were just really friendly. I enjoyed the smiles I met as people realized I had a child on my back, not just a backpack loaded with textbooks from the University.

Kalyna took in a deep breath, let out a huge sigh, then stated, "Ahhh....Fresh Air."

Indeed.

I Will Eat Chocolate Today

It's inevitable. Although it's technically for the children, I always find reasons to join them in the beauty of chocolate-eating.

And I pay the price.

Today in Church we heard about the empty tomb. Christ was no longer held prisoner by death, but overcame the power of sin and death to free us from our own tombs. The Tombs that were sealed closed by the boulders in our lives that are too heavy for us to roll away.

I can remember a lesson Christ taught me shortly after my experience with the Holy Spirit. I had (for a long time) thought that God sent His only Son to earth so that He could relate better to His creation (us). I viewed Jesus' temptations and hardships as a 'reality' check for Him....a chance for God to know just how hard this earthly life really is. (wow, writing it out I can see how lost I was...)

It was when I took some time to focus on His sacrifice on the cross that my eyes were opened to the Truth of God's Love. He sent His Son for us to relate to Him, not the other way around. God didn't need to send Christ, He chose to send Him....and let us crucify Him....because He loved us, and we needed to learn how to love Him.

Jesus didn't need to move the stone away from His tomb when He rose from the Dead. He could have walked right through that rock, just as He did to enter the room where His disciples awaited Him. No, He chose to move that large stone for our benefit; so that we could be witness to the foundation of our faith--the risen Lord.

God continues to move the large stones in our lives in order for us to see Christ and His Good works. Today I am praising Him for opening my own tomb so that I may live in Him.

God Bless and Happy Easter!

2 Years Old

Has it really been 2 years?



I marked your first birthday with a gift and card that I sent to your Mom. I wanted her to know that I was celebrating your birthday, and giving thanks for the love you brought into my life. Even though that love hurt deep initially, and brought your Mommy to her knees in sorrow....I can see the joy that your tiny footprints have left on her heart, and on the hearts of all who love you still.



I imagine that you are full of life and giggles in Heaven....much like your older sisters and brother are full of them here on earth. How they would love to hear your beautiful voice! For now only the angels and God Himself are blessed with your wonderful sounds, but one day we will all celebrate together.


Happy 2nd Birthday sweet Savannah_Grace. Your precious little life mattered to me. And still does. I pray that your family on earth will feel Peace and Joy as they are reminded of their special gift from Heaven who had to return too soon.


Love always,
Sarah

Down on my knees

I just received news that Hannah is in heart failure.



Lord have mercy.

Christ have mercy.

Lord have mercy.



Please say a prayer for little Hannah's family. I will continue to have faith that God will lay His healing hands upon Hannah, and she will have many years to sing His Praises.



Thank you Lord for preparing a way, a straight path, and a soft landing. Hold dear little Hannah close and command those heart cells to work properly.



Amen.