THANKS FOR THE BIRTHDAY GREETINGS EVERYBODY

Today was full off reminders, blessings, the Lord's great faithfulness and love.

It's labor day. The day my mom labored to have me. Sure appreciate all she ever did for me. Last year she gave me a birthday card with a clear bookmark that has butterflies on it. Last year was the last year on this earth my mom would say happy birthday to me. I am thankful for all of her words of encouragement.

The outside of the bday card says: A MESSAGE TO MY DAUGHTER.  The inside says: WITH LOVE ON YOUR BIRTHDAY AND ALWAYS. Then she signed it LOVE FOREVER, Mom. The clear bookmark says: I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT IN MY HEART, YOU'RE ALWAYS WITH ME. NOT A DAY GOES BY WHEN I DON'T THINK ABOUT YOU, CARE ABOUT YOU, AND WISH GOOD THINGS FOR YOU.

Speaking of GOOD THINGS --- My husband woke up early before his busy school schedule and made breakfast for me...wrote me some thoughts from His heart. My friend Marty came by, thought we were going to pick black berries, but instead she had baked me a heart shaped chocolate cake. She also gave me a bag of gifts with a card. She said she tried to think what my mom would have wanted for me. That God loves me and that I might be feeling far away from my family, but God knows where I am. My mom loved light houses (Marty's card was a lighthouse). Mom also had a habit of not just giving one gift, but many. (Marty did the same thing by giving me so many useful things in one bag). Marty's only known me for barely three weeks...

Then we just moved into this basement apartment on Saturday (and it was Monday on my bday) and the lady that lives upstairs left a bag with a card and gifts on the porch. Gave me an antique tea cup and saucer, some very nice tea from her and her husband. Her birthday card was about "When the winds of change feel too strong..." very encouraging and such a blessing.

I look forward to Dylan coming home or getting out of school every day. And for some reason, He has had school everyday even on Sunday's here.  Today when he got out of school we picked up some pizza and cokes and when to a park to enjoy it. Met a 90 yr old man name Jim Schnell. We went to the recreation room in the basement of Columbia Bible College and played a few rounds of ping pong. (Man he's got skills!) He's learnin me all he knows. Whoa... I love playing with him!

So along with some calls from nephews and nieces, and sisters, some text msgs fom friends, and all the HAPPY BIRTHDAY wishes from all of you... I felt very much loved. Thanks for caring and for every effort you make to be a true friend to someone today. You never know whose day you might be making something beautiful.

MOVE IT

Packing and moving...packing and moving... it really does describe a good portion of my life. Ok ok I'll admit. I do like to MOVE.

So we were without the internet for a few days and nights and did not really have a way to contact you people that are trying to get a hold of us. My apologies.

We have now moved to another basement apartment that serves us well...has a beautiful view...it's more permanant than the last one. We were staying in the last place temporarily until we found another. The place we are staying at now is exactly 2 miles from the school. 1 mile from shopping centers etc., So either of us can walk or run or bike if we wanted too instead of driving. The people seem very nice. The lady is a family counselor.

SUNDAY DRIVE TO HOPE

Went to church this morning with Gordy and Karen to Abbotsford Baptist. Afterwards came home and then went to go look at a basement apartment possibility. Decided to get me a cup of something great to drink and then go for a Sunday drive to Hope going East on the Canadian Hwy 1.

 This is a little past halfway to Hope...possibly a few miles past Chilliwack. Mountains surrounding far and near, clear blue sky, a few clouds, windows rolled down...

                              And then at Skagit Road Park... found this little rushing river.

 Decided that I would wait to do any real exploring til Dylan's around. Snapped a couple of pictures of sunlight in the trees, drove past a few trails that looked interesting, saw a few cabins right near the river.

                                         On the drive back to Abbotsford, it was just as lovely.

THE END OF THE ROAD

Drove to the end of Townline Rd today and snapped a picture, and then drove to the end of George Ferguson Rd and got another shot of Mt. Baker. I actually drove to the end of a few different roads today so that I could see what other roads they intercepted... I stopped back by the HOUSE OF JAMES and there was a live band playing in their coffee shop.

The Lady I met at the store the other day invited me to spend the day with her. We went to a thrift shop, I bought a few wooden bowls for .25 cents each. Another little .15 piece of wood to woodburn later on as a gift for someone.  We went to a cute little place for lunch.  Then I got a  hair cut and the lady cutting my hair said her boyfriend died 6 months ago. I'm too tired to write anymore of the details right now.


Talked to all three of my sisters tonight and one of my dearest friends earlier today.

JOY COMES

Hard to realize sometimes just how faint our own hearts can be. Crying helps sometimes. Sleep helps too. Thinking upon the unchanging Word of God is what it takes for joy to come despite the gut wrenching turmoil of this life...

                    what's on the inside...sustains life. Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

MILLS LAKE PARK

Went to two different parks today. Renee was generous enough to ask me to go with her and her son for a walk at Mills Lake Park. Took a few pictures so you could see what I saw today. Very beautiful day here.  On my second walk I went to a park right down the street from where we're living, read 2-3 chapters in a book entitled, "Holding onto Hope" by a lady that lost someone close to her. I also sang, "Come Thou Fount" outloud all three verses. I walked to the post office. Got me something cold to drink, sat on the sidewalk and wrote three letters to some dear friends.

 Just realized today that lilly pads actually bloom. Quite lovely. Saw some turtles purched on some logs, but they were too far away for me to take their portrait since I do not have extended zooom on my cam.

 There were some memorials written on benches and stones that we passed by as we walked. Thought this one was worthy of capturing for others to read. It blessed my heart.

                                        Dylan will be returning in just a few more days! YEAH!!!!

FROM EAGLE MOUNTAIN

Had a glorious day today...found two thrift stores, got some postcards, greetings cards, and some pieces of wood to burn in the future. Accidently found the HOUSE OF JAMES christian coffee house and bookstore. The Hagen's, Gordy and Karen, a couple I met on the plane back in February when I was in BC last time...they invited me over for a wonderful dinner and special time with them. They drove me to Eagle Mountain and down Mt Sumas road where the trees were illuminated with the sunset. I took a picture or two of Mt. Baker.

And then here's a few pictures from yesterdays drive down Mt. Lehman road...saw some hazelnut trees.