GrEightful

I am stressed beyond, but thought that I should take a moment to reflect on what I am grateful for. Also I could really use some prayer for a big interview I have tomorrow. It's for a term position with the Government in Regina. It is at my current level, which is awesome, but the drive to Regina would be long--but only for a term (4 to 7 months, depending on which position I could get). The interview is two hours long--yup 2 hours! I have to prepare a Powerpoint presentation and then go into a 'normal' government interview. AHHH!

This week's grateful list will be dedicated to the Lord! Even in the toughest, most stressful times, I know that I can take peace, comfort and joy in knowing that He will provide, He will vindicate, He loves unconditionally, He forgives me, He speaks to me when I really need to hear from Him most and He listens to me and my heart! He also provides us with miracles (more on that to come). I am in awe at how extremely awesome HE is and the way that he works and moves in our lives!

1. That He sent his only son to die on the cross for our sins! The ultimate price, something unfathomable!

2. The BIBLE. The inerrant, living, Word of God. Yes He is alive and speaks to us all the time through the Bible. Anyone who thinks it's old or outdated, they really need to spend some time and read it! ;o)

3. Grace, enough said.

4. That the Lord knows exactly what we need and when we need it. (although I wish that I would know His timing--sometimes)

5. For providing us with so much!

"if you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof overhead and a place to sleep, you're richer than 75% of the world"

6. The fact that I am forgiven and that he does not keep record of my mistakes nor hold them against me.

7. For providing me with the most amazing husband (he certainly picked the best partner for me) and two incredible, beautiful gifts--my two children! I am soooo blessed!

8. Knowing that He has a plan for our lives and that if we submit to His will rather than our own, we will have an amazing journey and an incredible eternity! So, so excited to see what our Journey ahead will be like. God is doing some pretty amazing things in the midst of the storm we are going through!

Now I leave you with this email that I got! I thought that it was pretty cute! :o)

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings (GOD) is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart. This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units, code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. This defect has been technically termed "Sub- sequential Internal Non-Morality," more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed. Some of the symptoms include:

1. Loss of direction
2. Foul vocal emissions
3. Amnesia of origin
4. Lack of peace and joy
5. Selfish or violent behavior
6. Depression or confusion in the mental component
7. Fearfulness
8. Idolatry
9. Rebellion

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory-authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this defect. The Repair Technician, JESUS, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required. The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure.

Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component. No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love
2. Joy
3. Peace
4. Patience
5. Kindness
6. Goodness
7. Faithfulness
8. Gentleness
9. Self control

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on Jesus.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. Thank you for your attention! - GOD

P.S. Please assist where possible by notifying others of this important recall notice, and you may contact the Father any time by 'Knee mail'! Because He Lives!

Simple Woman Daybook #7

Haven't done one of these for a while, so I thought I would do one. It has been a crappy day, a crappy week! We are stressed beyond, so perhaps this would give me something else to dwell on. My biggest complaint is WHY CAN'T PEOPLE EVER TELL YOU THE TRUTH, just be honest is it really that hard! I know what is wrong with this society and that is a very simple, straightforward answer.....

There it's out of my system!

For Today . . . August 12, 2010

Outside my window... The sky is clearing after a storm.

I am thankful...for revelation and the incredible ways God has spoken to me.

I am praying...for a lot, a real lot, but most importantly a JOB!!!!!

I am also praying...for peace, contentment, and a deeper relationship with the Lord.

I am thinking...about all the things we have to do, tomorrow will be a busy day!

I am also thinking....the things that God has been laying on my heart!

I am celebrating...that I finished a couple of exercises that I needed to complete for another job competition I am trying to apply on.

From the kitchen...not much tonight. We bought a chicken and had some salad and corn.

I am wearing...some JOE shorts, and a new hoodie that I love!

I am reading...the Bible, The Key to Your Child's Heart by Gary Smalley, Wild at Heart by John Eldredge and How to Keep Your Kids on Your Team by Charles Stanley! A lot on the go and all of them AWESOME!

I am hoping...that I will hear about a job SOON!!

I am hearing...my hubby talking on the phone to his best bud. They have the funniest conversations, but I am so glad that they have one another! Two men who have amazing testimonies and an amazing desire for God.

I am creating...I started on a traditional scrap booking page of moi when I was prego with Zech! It is almost completed, I will have to share soon! Can't believe I did a traditional page in 20 min. without little hands getting into everything (Gigi was sleeping, but Zech wasn't).

Around the house... it's looking a lot more organized and put together. We even put up pictures!

One of my favorite things...spending time with my incredible husband and amazing, beautiful gifts from God--Zech and Gigi!

A few plans for the rest of the week...a busy day tomorrow with lots of decisions to be made and things to sort out, please pray for us. Not much for the weekend going on here.

Here is a picture thought I'm sharing with you....

Wascana Park Regina, the legislature is in the background

First Words

This little one is working on those first words and animal sounds! :o) She is sooo obsessed with animals and books lately!

An Alberta Break!

We left for Alberta on Canada Day for a mini vacation and of course to meet my new nephew! We had figured that it was about a 7 hour trip, max. 8 hours. Yeah----10 hours later we finally pulled into Beaumont to stay with my Sister and her family! It was a long drive. Yes we did stop along the way and had a picnic at a lake, Zech had to throw-up a few times and finally some ice-cream in Vegreville to make everything feel better!



This trip was a multi-purposed trip. We had not been on a holiday in a long time and desperately needed one. We had been invited to a Christian camp a while ago by some pretty good friends. We wrestled with it, we really wanted to go, but didn't know if we could afford it or if we could get time off. We also knew that it would be around the time that my sister was due and then we found out that it would most likely be around the time that my cousin was to be married. So we were hoping that maybe we could fit everything in. Well, we made it to see the baby and went to camp, but couldn't stay for the wedding. I guess we just couldn't do it all.

We spent the first few days trying to help out my Sister and her family. I am not sure how much help we were, but we did try. My kids were obsessed with baby Emmett and were constantly wanting to hold him. Zech and Jonas fought a lot, and Gigi was grumpy and teething.

We were able to see my Grandma, but it was a real short visit. We took Jonas with us, so 3 little kids (who seemed to be a little cranky) meant that it would be short and sweet. She looked good and she remembered who I was! She loved seeing Gigi, but Gigi was so grumpy and got very upset every time Grandma tried to touch her!

I celebrated my 31st birthday with my family. My sister and brother-in-law are BBQing experts! We had a yummy supper and Mom and Bill brought a strawberry shortcake over--yummy!

On Monday we headed to the camp. We had to make a pit stop in the mall at first (which was a bit of a gong show--as the kids were too tired) and then we picked up some groceries for the week and headed out to the camp. I was pretty excited as it was the fist Bible Camp I had ever been too!

Our little cabin was tiny (ok very tiny) and well, antique. We knew that we did not have a bathroom, but were a little shocked that we didn't have running water in the kitchen. I guess it was camping in the true sense! :o)

Chruch service ran every morning at 10:00 and every evening at 6:00. Zech had a great little 'Sunday' school program during these times. There was no nursery for Gigi, so that made things a little difficult at times. We would try to alternate. John would go to a service while I watched Genesis and vice versa. We both went there with expectations, pretty big expectations. There were a few things that I had been struggling with and really seeking answers on and John wanted a break, plus some spiritual rejuvenation. Plus we were pretty excited to hang out with our good friends and met some really great people too.

However, sometimes 'our' expectations don't always pan out the way that we envisioned them. Our picture perfect beach times, never came to fruition. In fact halfway through they completely closed the lake off to swimmers and pets due to the blue/green algae that was present. Kids were coming out of the water with massive hives and the lake stunk! So no beach time for us. Close to the end of the week, Zech had had enough of Sunday school. He was tired and all 'churched' out! ;o) Genesis was beyond grumpy with her poor little teeth and we were getting some pretty horrible sleeps and then the second last day it rained and what were we to do with the kids. So we decided to pack up and leave a day early.

WE packed up and went to the mall. It was great this time! The kids slept on the way in, we had a nice Vietnamese meal (some of our favourite food) and we did a lot of sightseeing and just hanging out and having fun. I even bought some new shoes (I can't remember the last time I bought new shoes). We spent the night with Mel and Cory again. Sunday we had a lunch BBQ with some friends and then that evening we had another fabulous meal from the BBQ from Mel and Cory (still drooling). Monday morning we left and made the long trip back.

Road trips are long, but really fun. I love travelling on the road as it is such a great time for my Hubby and I to really connect and just talk. We prayed for our trip like we always do and then we just started sharing with one another and reminiscing and opening our hearts up to one another about what we learned, what we felt that God was speaking to us on and just life in general.

While this sort of vacation did not turn out as we had planned, it turned out exactly the way God had planned. Even though we could not make it to every church service, the ones that we did make it too, were exactly what we needed. I was amazed that at every service I was able to attend, it all had to do with the struggles, the questions, that I was seeking God on. I found myself moved to do things that I NEVER do and I know that it was the work of God and what He was stirring in me. John felt the same and even though we didn't see these things in the midst of the week as everything was going on, we were able to look back and reflect on what God really wanted us to see and know.

We also felt that we didn't get a chance to see everyone that we wished we could have--sorry! It was rushed and we felt kind of sad as we were leaving. Plus I didn't get to hit IKEA! ;o(

Thanks to my sis and bro-in-law for putting up with us and letting us sleep there! Thanks to the Buhlers for inviting us and for putting up with us at camp. ;o)


Gigi wondering how on earth she can get this baby home!
Gigi obsessed with babies, is naturally obsessed with her real life baby cousin!
Proud Uncle John! Another nephew to rough house with!!
Zech smothering his new baby cousin! He absolutely adored him and prays and ask about him all of the time! He is convinced that we can just hop in the car and head over to play with Jonas and see his new baby cousin!
Our attempt at a picture of Grandma and all the grankids! These kinds of pictures are so hard to get! I love the boys matching shirts though!
Mommy and her precious little one! There is something so incredibly special about witnessing a mommy with her newborn child, especially when it is my baby sister!

GrEightful...

Well it is about time that I get back on track and do some more grateful lists. I have decided to dedicate this grateful list to the Town of Caronport where we are now living. Yup, I am definitely living in a small, rural town, but this one is different and unique. I may miss the amenities and shopping at my door step, but there are other perks--right!!?

So I am grateful for the Town of Caronport because:

1.) The people here are really friendly. We have met a lot of people and everyone seems really nice and genuinely interested that you settle in and become acquainted with everyone and everything.

2.) PEACE, QUIET, and good ole country air (manure and all)! :o)

3.) Safety! Every town no matter how big or small has it's crime issues and problems, but Caronport is pretty safe. The most outrageous thing we have heard thus far is 'kids' taking some pedal bikes out for a joy ride! Oh, I can't forget to mention the sneakers we find hanging off of the power lines and in the trees! :o)

4.) This is a transitional town. So many people are coming and going all of the time. I will be honest, this has been a little hard because we have met some awesome people who I know we would have become really great friends with, but they have left. There are still more people leaving and by September there will also be more people coming. So while it is hard, everyone understands and is in the same boat as us. We all want community and friends for however long God has us here for.

5.) The Community email. Ok, I will admit that some of the emails are pretty annoying (ie does anyone have this xb0x game we can borrow), but I love the fact that people put anything on it and feel comfortable doing so. It really is a community (we still have yet to post anything--still finding it a little foreign)! :o)

6.) Biblical based. Obviously since the whole town is primarily made up of the High School/college/seminary of Briercrest, the majority of the people living here are Christians (oh and please don't take this the wrong way--just because it is primarily Christian does not mean that it is perfect, that Christians are perfect, that there are not issues---we all know that is not true, especially as Christians--hence the reason for being Christian--recognizing that we are so imperfect and need Christ in our lives desperately!). When you pull into the town you will see the huge sign for the School which reads: "The word of our God stands forever"! Love it! Also, when we signed Zech up for Soccer, the very first meeting entailed the whole community praying over the kids for safety and good times! WOW! This blew our minds! It is nice to be in a place where we can openly express our faith and not be persecuted for it!

7.) That we can walk in the middle of the street. We can walk to the post office, the park and then home again within 10 minutes (of course that never happens as we have to stop in the park to play).



8.) That we are not alone. Something I have really struggled with for a while now, is feeling like we are the only ones that have had struggles, that have moved around a lot, that will continue to move around a lot, that have had to be patient and wait on God. All we want and are trying to do is live our lives according to what we believe that God wants for us--meaning a lot of prayer, a lot of questioning and a lot of blind leaps of faith and a whole lot of chastisement, and discouragement too! What we have learned and realized since being here is that we are SO NOT ALONE!! You should hear some of the stories. The trials, the tribulations, the joys, the tears, the pain, the celebrations. The stories of the journey that so many of the families here are on and have been on are incredible. This has been sooooo encouraging for both of us. We are finally not alone, we have people that we live with that know exactly what we are going through and that are going to love us, support us and pray for us no matter what. YAY and PRAISE the LORD! :o)

An Update

It has been a while since I actually sat down to...blog....without hearing little voices crying out in the background......without feeling the need to study.....without the constant pressure of searching for jobs and writing resumes/coverletters.......without feeling that I need to connect with the important people in my life. Tonight I sit here and all I hear is quiet, the kids are asleep, John is at work and I am here quietly sitting and enjoying some time to myself. Ahh QUIET!

So a little update. On Monday I had 'the interview'. I was a nervous wreck the night before, but I did quite a bit of praying, studying and more praying that night and surprisingly I walked into that interview as cool and calm as a cat (are they cool and calm?--I hope so, cause I really was) and I felt confidence like I have never felt before. You see the night before as I was STRESSING OUT, I started talking to God and really just laid it all out. Instantly scripture jumped out at me (thank you Lord I really needed that) and then I decided to check out a favourite blog that I found recently. She doesn't update that often because of the poor internet connection. Her post hit me hard. Why don't I believe or trust that God can move mountains?? Why do I take on so many burdens and issues myself when I can just hand it over to HIM who can move mountains, who MADE the mountains? I need to change the way I think. If it is God's will, He will make it happen. I just need to TRUST. He knows what we need, when we need it and what the big plan for our lives is.

So with that the interview went well. It was a lot easier than I had anticipated. I had a great board that interviewed me. It was really easy to be myself and just say what it is that I had prepared for and am experienced in. The problem is, I have been burnt before. I walked out of an interview super positive and pumped before, as it was for a promotional position (one level up from my current) and I was really confident. I had also been doing a lot of work at that level for a long time. However, I never got it. I never made it into the pool. Talk about humbling and a bit of a slap in the face. I did do a post interview and was given the complete run around. I wanted to know what I needed to improve on and how I could better myself (which was a big pride buster and super humbling for me) and I got NOTHING. So I am weary and I am trying not to think about it. If it is God's will I will get the position. He got me this far! I will know for sure by July 31st, so I just keep praying and remembering that I have done all that I can possibly do. If God can make and move mountains, then surely if it is His will he can provide me with a position.

Thanks for your prayers, thoughts and comments. It has been a real struggle lately. None the less a few more updates:

1. We are Moving!

Haha! I am sure there were quite a few of you that gasped and said "again"! No worries, we are just moving into the trailer next door to us. It has a better yard set-up and a few other pluses that will hopefully help us get settled and feel a little more settled.

2. Zech was praying for me before I went to the interview. I have been talking to him a lot lately about going back to work. I guess I am trying to prepare him a bit. He told me that I don't need to go to work, when I get older I can go to work! I love that kid. He also told me during one of our discussions that Genesis and I needed to stay home and that Daddy and him would go to work. I told him that he is going to be an incredible provider for him family one day, but not now! ;o)

3.) Genesis is our little Miss Sensitive. We tell her 'no' and she has a melt down. John just has to give her the look and she cries. However, she still tries all sorts of things and is one stubborn little monkey. I was putting the kids to bed and she ran out into the hall. I decided that things were pretty quiet and so I called her and went to check on her. She came out of our room with my wallet and she knows she is not supposed to have my wallet. I sternly said her name and she gave me the wallet and then turned around and ran back into our room and climbed into the laundry hamper and sat there. I couldn't help but laugh my head off. It was so funny! She knew she was busted and so I guess she thought she could hide. I wish I had my camera handy!

4.) We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of some good friends of ours from Korea. Actually he is from Canada and she is from Korea. We became pretty good friends while we were in Korea. She is the same age as moi and he is the same age as John. We haven't seen them in 6 years and have kept in touch infrequently over the past few years. We reconnected on facebook and just found out that they are moving to North Battleford. We were so shocked! Also the company that she is working for has their head office in Moose Jaw. We are so excited to see them!

5.) I go to a Mom and Tots on Wednesday mornings. I don't go too frequently as it is during nap time and we have had a few issues with behaviour. I went yesterday and met some new ladies, re-connected with a lady I met when I first got here and was talking with another lady who lives right across the street from us. We were taking about our 'home' towns. One of the ladies husband is a candidate for a position in Warburg, so we talked about that. Anyways, this lady who lives across the street asked me where I was from and when I said Thorsby she just about fell out of her chair. Apparently they lived there for 5 years and her husband was the Associate pastor at the New Life Christian Fellowship Church. It was pretty funny! Talk about a small world!

I still have to post about our short, whirlwind of a trip to AB and share some pictures of my beautiful new Nephew! He changed so much during the week that we were there!

Tonight I leave you with a few random photos from the Park in downtown Moose Jaw! My kids love the water so much--which makes me sooo happy! Hope you have a great night!

Still Alive

Yup we are still alive and breathing. I have had so many 'blog posts' running through my head lately (I am sure that all bloggers out there understand what I am talking about), but ZERO time. I should be studying for this interview that I have in a few days, but instead I am wasting time here and on the internet again!

It has been one of those days and I am beyond frustrated. Heck, days, I mean weeks, years! Blah! :o(

I have a tonne of scripture running through my head about trials, tribulations, trust, faith, worry, you name it, but nothing seems to quell the pure frustration and stress that I feel. That we feel. I wish I had some way of sharing things with someone else besides my dear husband, but that is where the 'trust' thing comes in. Too many people have taken my struggles and hardships and turned it around on me, or blamed my dear husband --oh yes poor Vanessa the victim. I know that like Jesus said on the cross: 'forgive them father for this just don't know'. That is the story of my life.

Nonetheless, my little rant and frustration does have a purpose. I really need prayer for this interview. REALLY! So please, if you happen to read this and think about 'moi' in the next few days, please pray for me. I really, really, really need this job. Ok, we really need this job, but of course I also want God's will. So if this is not God's will then I need him to close the doors, but if it is, I need a LOT of HELP!

With that I leave you with a picture I took a few weeks ago. Thank goodness for Photoshop--the original is not so pleasant looking. Lots of cuddles and kisses from this little one lately. She is teething--yup her 4 molars are coming in at the same time. It has not been pleasant and I feel like I am going to lose my mind! Please Lord, help these teeth come in fast and painless.