Walk for a cure!

I enjoyed a very refreshing walk outside tonight. The wind was calm, the air was cool, and it was SO quiet! Oh the joys of country living! I have started my walking routine again after taking way too much time off. I was asked if I wanted to participate in a 20K walk for cancer on June 13th. I would really like to try it, but keep thinking "that's 12 miles!" Which would be at least 10 miles more than I walk now! Tonight while I was walking I was thinking of what I had read about this morning:
"God gives us the power to overcome our obstacles, but just as the Israelites were filled with fear and skepticism, we often let difficulties control our lives. When we follow God reagardless of the difficulties, we demonstrate courageous, overcoming faith" (footnote for Deut 1:22 NIV)
"We become fearful and immobile when we focus on the negative aspects of a situation." (footnote for Deut 1:23-40 NIV)
And these thoughts brought me to the verse that Lysa TerKeurst made us memorize "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and sound mind." 2 Tim 1:7

I think I really need to step up to the challenge. I haven't officially given a yes, but am seriously considering it. Anyone else want to join in on the challenge?? Even be a walking partner??

God Speaks

I'm really on a roll with this blogging!! LOL, who knows how long that will happen though!

What I wanted to share today was in regards to my post yesterday. I found the quote that Tressa made "You can dress in fashion without compromising Biblical Principles". I have been reading the "One Year Chronological Bible" and have just finished the book of Numbers. The Israelites are camped outside of the promised land after 39 years of wandering. Here is what I read in the footnotes of my Bible in regards to the end of the book of Numbers:
"The apostle Paul says that the events described in Numbers are examples that warn us and help us avoid the Israelites' mistakes (1 Cor 10:1-12) From their experiences we learn that unbelief is disastrous. We also learn not to long for the sinful pleasures of the past, to avoid complaining, and to stay away from all forms of sexual sin. We must not weaken our biblical beliefs by compromising them with our culture's values. If we choose to let God lead our lives, we should not ignore his message in the book of Numbers." (Life application Study Bible, NIV)

I have highlighted the parts that spoke to me and I thought tied in so well with what I said yesterday. For me it was confirmation!

"What Happens When Women Say YES to God"

So I just spent the last 15 minutes typing up this post to have lost it. Here goes again...

A couple of weekends ago two friends and I got out of our comfort zone and spent part of a weekend in the city attending the Lysa TerKeurst woman's conference at Calvary Temple. We had a lot of fun hanging out! We got our toes done at a cheap spa, and found out you get what you pay for! We used up a gift certificate to Earl's that Henry got for Christmas (he refuses to go there because of the barely dressed waitresses). Did a little shopping and two of us upgraded our purses...lol! After the conference on Friday night, we went to the cheap theater and watched a chick flick. We spent the night at the Sandman Hotel. But the best part was the conference! Our ladies in Sunday School have gone through Lysa's book "What Happens When Womens Say YES to God!" I have also read a book she co authored with Sharon Jaynes called "A Woman's Secret to a Balanced Life". Now I have purchased the book "What Happens When Women Walk in Faith" I also receive daily emails from Proverbs 31 ministries, which Lysa is a co founder of. So this was a great priviledge to see her in person! Here are some quotes from my notes that I like:

"When a woman says yes to God, she changes the world" (and if you've heard her amazing God stories, you would totally agree with this)

"God's love for me is so consuming that He can only have my best interests in mind"

"Park your mind, heart, and soul with truth, which will crowd out fears"

As well all know, you come away from these conferences so pumped but then you go home to reality and everything you have learned seems to fall by the wayside. Knowing this, Lysa gave us 4 things to remember and everything else would fall into place. I have now engrained these into my mind.

1) The First Thing - Ask God to be my portion (enough) for TODAY in whatever area my life falls short. Even Jesus asked for DAILY bread. Don't be concerned about what you will need to get through tomorrow, or in the days/weeks ahead, but TODAY.

2) The Next Thing - Do whatever is required of you (daily chores, work, etc) OR what God asks of you.

3) The Most Important Thing - "In ALL your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight" (Prov 3:6) Represent Christ in EVERYTHING you do.

4) The Last Thing - Thank God for all He has entrusted to you that day. Thanksgiving should be on our lips as we fall asleep.

I hope this can be an encouragement to you as well.

Moms for Modesty

Came across this website while blog surfing Moms for Modesty I believe there is so much truth to it that I wanted to share it. (Thanks Sonya for helping me with the link thing, now I need to know how to add a picture link on the side bar!) A couple of weeks ago when I was at a woman's conference, Tressa Lempky did a spring fashion show. Some of you may remember Tressa from CHVN days. She has been in the modeling business for 31 years and has never compromised her belief on modesty. That truly is amazing. She is speaking on 100 Huntley Street this Friday (May 1st) I believe, on this very topic. Unfortunately I won't be watching it as I don't have T.V. or high speed, but if you have a chance, I would highly recommend it.

The Red Desk

Last summer we went to an auction sale and bought ourselves some projects. We rarely go to auction sales, but this one sounded like fun! All the projects were cheap enough that we could use them for firewood if we were to change our mind! We bought 3 school desks for $7! During spring break, I did touch up painting in the kids rooms and re designed their rooms. The boys got new shelves and we put some order to all their posters, etc. Jeziah is the only one without a desk, and the plan is to buy the boys desks to match their bed, so I didn't want to invest in another desk. Then I got to thinking about these desks taking up space in my garage. I really should have taken a before picture, they weren't the prettiest things on the block! Then Jeziah decided he wanted a red desk...no problem kiddo...your mother is a genius...lol! So I sanded as much of the old paint, water stains, mold, etc. off as I could. Then I dug out a can of Georgian Brick stain left over from my cupboards and Jeziah and I went to work one afternoon. We were both so proud of our accomplishment! Henry evened out the uneven legs, and now Jeziah has his red desk in his room! Hoping I'll find a unique chair for it at a garage sale somewhere...now I need to fix up the other two desks, thinking of using them for night stands in our bedroom. It's fun, but as with all things...takes time!

Manitoba Living...

I have lots of things I could probably post here, but due to lack of extra energy, I will bore you with weather pictures! And after this I may even have a valid excuse, my camera is on its way to Mississauga for repairs. Let's hope this is not a long drawn out warranty issue! Well, I guess I don't really have a valid excuse, I do still own a little pocket camera...but I could always post some pictures from Christmas, Carl & Sara's wedding, Easter...but then again, that would make it look like I was behind...lol...time will tell...

When you get two good ole blizzards at the end of March, you know you could be in for some extra moisture, if it ever decides to melt.

This is our creek in the front yard in it's glory. This was taken in fall of 08.

This is our creek in our front yard in its power! That noisy waterfall is from water running over the bridge, which makes for interesting crossings! As of April 13th, the water is running under the bridge, but under a huge chunk of ice. It will be an interesting mess to clean up when all is said and done. And when is all said and done, I would still rather have a bridge to repair and not everything else included. My heart goes out to those that are experiencing alot stronger currents than this one.