wish my kids were this athletic

Black Friday

Do I really need that, even if it is 75% off?   stuff, stuff and more stuff, do we really need more?   As a mother, I have made a true effort this season, to leave the stuff out of Christmas.  Now, I do not want my kids to come down Christmas morning to a Christmas tree barren of any gift for them.  I just feel this year one small gift is enough.
Do not get me wrong, I like stuff, I really do.  Stuff can make my life more convenient, and sometimes, more complicated.  I cannot feel the voids with stuff, only God can do that.
So, this season, my aim is not to be sucked in by consumerism, but, let love for others lead me.  God's love, my family's love, and my friends love. 
So, that extra 10 bucks I did not spend on dollar store stocking stuffers that no one really wants anyways, will go to buy some toothbrushes for a shelter, or food for the foodbank, or the commitment to sponsor a child.  Need over want, I will make that my aim for this shopping season. 

Matthew 6:19-21

Treasures in Heaven

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. ²¹ For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

November-National Adoption Month

Remember

 

As we observe Remembrance Day, I am so thankful for my families freedom in our great country Canada.  Adopting and bringing home a child from a communist country opened my eyes once again to the great privelges I as a Canadian take for granted.  The freedom to walk down the street without fear, the freedom to send my children to school, the freedom to have healthcare, the freedom to vote, the freedom worship.

I Remember and am Thankful..

• for my brother, Evert, who served in Afghanistan.
• for my brother, Sye, who serves in the reserves as a Chaplain.
• for the Canadian soldiers who served in Holland during WW II
• for the soldiers who continue to protect our country, and who help bring peace to other countries in war.

one in 147 million

Halloween

the kids had a great halloween.  Noah got right into dressing up and getting candy for his first trick or treating.  Kiah went as a spice girl with her friends...she was nutmeg.  Alida was our cereal killer.  Micah a dog, Anneke a catepillar and Noah a cow.
The wind was cold,  living along the ravine makes it for a quiet night, as the houses are further apart; so, we ended up with only 15 kids, mostly teens.
Now, all the candy.....Anneke asked for a treat at 715am this morning.  She asked 3 more times, until I gave in at 930.