Advent 2009

Yesterday, the first Sunday of Advent, we lit the first candle on our advent wreath.  This is a special tradition in our home.  The wreath was made about twenty five years ago together with our children.  Each year we have used it  together with readings and meditations for encouragement towards paying attention to God's presence in our lives.  Happy Advent Season to all!

"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back--whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn.  If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.  What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!'.  Mark 13:35-37

Happy Thanksgiving!

Because we lived in the United States for four years and because our children were born in the U.S. we have permanent fond recollections of previous Thanksgiving celebrations.  We gained a real appreciation for friends who showed us how to celebrate this "holiday" in grand style.  Even after we moved back to Canada in 1978 we have always celebrated two Thanksgivings every year.  The Canadian celebration in October and then again now in November.  Our standard reason for two Thanksgivings has always been that we have so much for which to be thankful we can't fit it all into one celebration.

Tomorrow the turkey is going into the oven in the late morning--and together with Lisa we are putting on a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. 

Maybe it will be a morning like this!!

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.  Psalm 34:8

Discovering Joys of Grandparenthood

My mom and sister, Brenda, and niece, Katya, visited this past weekend. The introductions to Annika were so much fun and pure joy! What great moments! A four generational photo--My mom, Mary, Lisa, Marilyn and little Annika.

Happiness is...

Proverbs 17:6: Children's children are a crown to the aged...

On Being Grandparents

The blog post on October 19th had a picture of a car seat, still vacant, but waiting.

Monday, November 9th our first grandchild, Annika, was born. She is the one who will be seen in that car seat. She is Lisa and Mike's first child. She is beautiful. And yes, i am the grandparent, who is quickly slipping into total love and adoration of this little one--but see for yourself.

Being a grandparent as i see it is an honour and a privilege. I am watching and listening for tips and insights into this new stage in life. It would be instructive to receive advice from you my readers.