Easter Sunday 2007

After a morning at church celebrating Jesus' resurrection we gathered at Nickel's for family food, fun and fellowhsip.

Sabrina and Darren posing

Sabrina chowing down !!!

Lecia and Libby, Jude, Jessica, Misha

Surveying the spoils

Sabrina AGAIN ! She was everywhere! Nice smile from Owen's Nana.

Owen Honking and beeping Uncle Steve

Lecia's cupcakes were the visual hit!! See all the desserts?

HALLELULLAH CHRIST IS RISEN

Not more can be said. Jesus is the central figure of the world!

Today marks the celebration of Jesus conquering the grip of sin in peoples's lives. We are still subject to sin, but the penalty for sin has been paid in full. We still have the earthly consequence of our actions against people but the signal from God is love and total forgiveness.

If this is not clear for you please explore this question with me or another Christian influence in your life.

an introspective week --sort of---Palm Sunday should be

Interesting how blogging has started to create a feeling of obligation to post frequently. Now to the title..........

Well not totally introspective, but maybe a bit more than usual. This week had a lot of the same old day in day out things the way all of us do. Well, not many would be part of bowling with 73 Grade 6-8 kids and then 35 K-5 kids. Yep I was tired.

On Tuesday one of our Alpha group members didn't attend because she slid back in to some old habits for a few days. Her habit just happens to be more visible to those around her than mine and probably those of anyone reading this. Many times in the last few weeks I have seen various sayings about each failure being the stepping stone for the next success or that success is built on failures. Not so easily done or felt.

Palm Sunday--talk about a time to revisit purpose and actions! As we were singing worship songs this morning I realized I have been too busy with various dimensions and concerns of my life to allow God to speak to me and support me.

As you read this please pray for someone in your life that looks like they are managing everything. We probably are only 2 or 3 bad days away from collapse. Maybe more, but maybe not.

Use this week to refresh your vision of God and Jesus' role in your life. Attend a Good Friday service and then the celebration of His resurrection on Sunday.

another week of ease and challenges

We have a good life. Sure we have our issues and challenges that wear us out and down, but we have been able to host visiting family members, share time with friends and family and not once did we encounter any danger. Our marrige is healthy. Our income is secure. Our kids and grandson are healthy. We have a great church. A MARVELOUS GOD!

And it's spring in Saskatchewan!

The Winter Season for the Soul

Interesting presentation at church tonight..........
We don't often talk about sorrow and pain at Lakeview. The worship singing and messages met Colleen and I right where we have been living the last several months.

Thomas Miller opened talking about the winter he has been going through the last 11 months. Don Pogoda talked about silence and quiet and listening. Carmen Schock walked us though Job and tying it into her personal life. As we move forward through the uncertainty of our relationship with Jay and Julie God will continue to support and strengthen us.

well more snow

light fluffy snow, but several cm deep and windy too

Not so nice on top of the ice that was melting the last 3 days

Oh and Sylvia's BD today

Another week, another.......

5 days of work

alpha and alpha retreat

Steve in a funk a few times

Steve looking for a portable table saw

Colleen loving and tolerant

Opportunity for people to experience God's love and grace

2 of my small group boys having surgery tomorrow to continue repair cleft palate

Pastor Dean announcing 6 months leave

Sorrow for a young family losing the father in a snowmobile accident, Chris Quiring

Thoughts of family and blessings and relationships

A nice family evening

Tony, Arlin and Brennen came down to visit Parker and Shawna so we had them over for dinner Sunday evening. They had a full day going to PA to visit Grandma.

Brennen is such a HAPPY little boy.

And Parker and Shawna are the perfect Auntie and Uncle!

We didn't hear from Jay and Julie. We missed them. Please pray that we will remain patient and God will place the people in their lives and ours to help rebuild our connection.

How was your week?

Interesting that one of the girls I have known for a few years asked me that question at Alpha tonight. My week was good. Hmm was that right? Maybe, but as I reflect on my answer there have been a mixture of events . A couple meetings I would rather not had, but needed. Many meetings and phone calls which are just a part of working. Good food. A good wife. Chats with Melissa, Lois May, my small group boys, Deb Welter. Good family connections, one birth and one death..

My week was good!

Feb 22nd has been quite a day!

Today is an around the world day.

In Asia there is new member in the clan. Congratulations to Heather, and her husband, Vincent on the birth of their first baby! Atticus Vincent Lu was born on February 22, 2007 at 10:31AM in Taipei, Taiwan. He weighs 8 lbs, 4 oz. Grandma Gerrie got there on the 20th so she sure had good timing.

In Courtney B.C. we had one member pass away today. Auntie Lois died at home. Funeral arrangements are still being finalized.

Here in Saskatoon we are expecting another big snowfall. Probably not the newsmaker of January 10th, but it sure has people talking about emergency preparedness.

Oh an interesting note, on this date Feb 22nd 1948 Beulah (Breeden) Meeds, aunt to Lois, passed away. She was one of 6 sisters in the Breeden-Royce-Meeds family connection. It was complex then and has only gotten more complex. After 36 years I have some of it straight. Oh and when we were in PA this past weekend we discovered some notes written by Colleen's Grandma Carrie listing some of the who was born when and where. Wow it was something to see Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska mentioned. It could be my family history. We’re safe. None of the towns or family names match up so were not likely 4th cousins!

Enjoy the laugh. Make it a hearty one so you get the health benefit.

another week another trip to PA

Well maybe not just that, but we got back from PA less than an hour ago and I am feeling the effects of diving 90 minutes, not sleeping well last night, wife, and mother-in-law. Not sure which order, oh and of course the effects of me being who I am so it's not just their fault.

Let's see the last week I've seen one of our young friends looking pregnant, but I'm NOT saying who until I hear it. Don turned 50, Sandy turned "not that old". Bryer will be 22 on Tuesday. We saw Linda and Maurice at Fudds' Saturday and shared bkfst. Sat. afternoon I shovelled some snow off our roof. 4 ft from the edge the snow was knee deep! AND the eaves trough has 8 inches of ice buildup hopefully it will melt without creating a problem.

I'll try to post mid week so I'm not rambling and give a few more thoughts. I'm sure glad I get to chat with Melissa several times a week. It keeps me sane.

Happy Valentine's Day

I feel obligated to espouse on my spouse, but she would be embarrassed so I won't.

Now I challenge you to look back into what Valentine's day really celebrates. Once you know let me know and then we all may feel a bit less disappointed in the grandeur of the marketing surrounding it.

well another week flew by

Wow, hardly seems that long.

Let's see COLD

Last week work involved reviewing decimal, binary and hexadecimal numbering sytems as we prepare to be able to assign IP addresses.

ALPHA on Tuesday night

COLD

Wednesday monthly lunch meeting with two coworker's Dragon's Diner at hwy 5 and 42.

COLD

COLD

Zou Friday night Wahoo full gym space

Saturday was nice for us both to be off and have a nice slow brkfst of waffles and sausage then I got some more done on the corner unit in the family room so Colleen could show the house to her coworkers Sunday.

Sunday church was great and then rush home so Colleen could get ready for hosting coworker's bridal shower. Then I washed the car, parked underground and wandered, lunched in Circle Centre mall and watched "Unaccompanied Minors" movie. Easy empty brain amusing show about pre and early teens snow bound in an airport at Christmas. I got home just as they were walking to their cars. Do I know women!? COLD-sort of watched the Grammy show. slipped to another tv and caught parts of Sniper 2 movie and Brothers and Sisters tv show. I enjoy music, but tolerate award shows in favour of my wife.

COLD looks like tomorrow will be around -23, hmm Melissa mentioned that 2 nights ago it was too warm so she kicked off the covers. I have a tough time feeling sorry.

Carnival and FIRST services in new Sanctuary

Wow 4 hours of Carnival on Saturday with close to a thousand people through food, gym, gallery and other rooms.

Then the weekend worship led by Corwin. Our camera and low lighting mean 3 hard to see pictures.

Pastor Dean spoke about how this is just the beginning of the next phase of development. These church walls are not the objective, they provide the foundation for working outside and beyond to serve God working in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada and the world.

And then at the end of the service people walked across the stage with phrases of loss and brokenness which turned in to phrases of love and acceptance.

Tail end of another week

well 3 1/2 weeks since the blizzard of '07 and -25 with wind! BRRRRRR

Lakeview has Grand Opening weekend. I have mixed feelings about the Gala Supper tomorrow night, but support I will and be there. THEN SATURDAY IS CARNIVAL!!! Yahoo! 4 hours of kids and games.

And for you that think this 56 year old is crazy, you're right. But I'm having fun.

Jerrod, Susan and Suhky's son, is here this weekend for Med school residency interviews. It's always a pleasure to host him and hear of his latest adventures and conquests.

We miss seeing Jay, Julie and Alex more often. Saturday will be 3 weeks since Jay dropped Alex off for 4 hours. Please pray for every body's wisdom and patience.

Check Melissa's blog through the link to see her 3 dogs! All seem pretty fantastic for her. And warm for here even though cold for there.

January 26th, 2007

Well another work week almost done.

Went to the Friday Birk's Breakfast Club this morning. I took the car to get a noise checked out. Probably the front bearing on the alternator that was replaced in July! Kal Tire must shudder when I call. Oh and time for the 10K km tire rotation too. I didn't expect to be able to get the car in this afternoon.

Colleen's Mom had another laser eye surgery this morning so maybe we will go to PA tomorrow after all. Other wise same old exciting but boring stuff in our lives. Getting older, but not making hospital or doctor trips.

Oh Melissa got a blog comment from Dewey Wriston about a family photo. I think he is one of my Dad's cousins. It will take while to sort that out.

Have a great weekend.

a pretty tame slow week

No blizzards-even at DQ
Monday night Anniversary supper at the Keg-their steak is GREAT
Tuesday 36th Wedding anniversary-ours
Tuesday night Welcome team meeting-about 50 people
Wednesday night Core Community meeting-about 60 people
Friday night Zou-about 35 kids
Saturday night-maybe church
Sunday church and small group meeting
Oh and work too

Newly Weds

36 years ago we were freshly married for about 3 hours. A lot of things have happened since then!

This is just our housing: 6 months in Bismarck ND and the remainder in Saskatoon. 9 places in the first 7 years, built our own house and then really only have one wall in this house that hasn't been modified in some way. I, like this house, am continually being improved by Colleen.

The reason I started this Blog

Melissa and Alex.

Grandma and Grandpa are filled with satisfaction today. Sorry for the accompanying dialogue. I haven't learned how to edit audio.



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos



Photo Sharing - Upload Video - Video Sharing - Share Photos

January 10th 2007 Blizzard

Wow did we have wind today! 2 foot drift in front of the garage door.


January 10th Blizzard.wmv

Shinny 2007 as promised

Well I loaded a video of the NewYears Day Shinny game to Mydeo. This link should be amusing, but I expect it to expire Feb 8th.

Shinny 2007

Saskatchewan driving

This was an easy Saturday afternoon drive! At least it was only like this for 1/2 hour.

January is mild so far

wow what a week! here are just a few tidbits.

2 women coughing, sneezing and stuffy head

My telephone team's office move to a smaller shared space today. This will be a REAL psychological and emotional challenge.

Melissa is safely home. It seemed strange, but natural to feel that even though her home is Kaohsiung.

New Year's day shinny game at Shepherd's. I'll try to post some video soon.

Steve & Edie's Friday saga

No, not the singers from the 50's and 60's!

Well I almost did her in today. From the car to Shopper's to drop of Christmas photos and then walking through Circle Centre Mall to Zeller's for lunch must have been a 1/2 mile. I did let her rest on a bench about 1/2 way through though just in case anybody thinks I am trying to punish my Mother in law.

We got nail polish, slippers and pictures and a nice lunch. Here's one picture from Christmas dinner at Bob and Lura Mae's. Neil was taking pictures so he WAS there!

And Parker and Shawna stopped by earlier in the day......

Hmm, winter's day with my Mother in law

Well now that you have laughed or cringed it hasn't been as bad as I may imply. I took Colleen to work, had breakfast at Smiley's Buffet, and looked around Peavey Mart for Christmas markdowns. I have some more lights and stick on window decorations. Now to try to stay out of trouble. Hmm difficult? It depends on how charitable Colleen is feeling.

I keep noticing some of her, my Mother in law, not Colleen, forgetful things and then just when I am ready to add it to the tally of concern, I forget to put the gas cap on the car or forget why I went to the other room! Argh.

Okay don't broadcast this, but her tentativeness with almost all walking is more of a concern. Maybe not feeble, but at times close. Put that with frequent shakiness and the "Breeden sigh" I never know what I am going to encounter. I know there are no blog secrets so enjoy and be wary of judging someday you might be 83! JUST DON'T BE STUBBORN.

Have a great Day or evening depending on where you are.

Merry Christmas

I GOT MANDARIN LANGUAGE CDs LOOK OUT WORLD!!!

A nice day so far. We will be joining Elizabeth & Neil at Bob & Lura Mae's in late afternoon for Christmas Dinner. Fun will be had by all.

I trust you are all experiencing Christ's love today!

We hope to hear from the Belfast crowd soon.

December 23rd

Well Melissa is at Heathrow heading to Belfast in about 4 hours. I am headed to PA in a couple hours to get Colleen's Mom and bring her here for Christmas. I hope we hear from Jay and Julie. Haven't heard much since Sept. 29th, sigh!

For those of you that have a heaviness in your heart I am praying that you will be encouraged and you will be blessed with moments of happiness and joy.

I hope and trust that all who read this will remember that we celebrate this time of year due to the birth of Jesus. The excitement of a new life and the capacities of God's love for us are astonishing. Please revel in the wonder and amazement of the season, but also remember years later Jesus suffered and died on the cross because He loved us. The joy of a new birth is complemented by the joy of a love so great that He willingly accepted our punishment and died in our place.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Christmas Decor at our house

A few things collected over the years
Angels basket, nativity lantern, three angels, snow globe
and one of my many light strings

Christmas at Lakeview Church

Chapter and Verse

 

Another week

Well another week, almost. pretty ordinary even though Colleen was away for 4 days visiting her sister Judy in Campbell River. Too bad they had almost as much snow as we do, but it may be melted or rained away in a few more days.

I got to attend another SaskTel Customer event tonight. A bit thought provoking to think I have been attending for more than 15 years! Hmm, more of those curious age realizations. I have made some wonderful business relationships over the years even though most of the people I see each Christmas have not had direct business with me. The personal dimensions speak well of many of the people in SaskTel and Saskatchewan. It sure builds my ego!

Well now to give more though to my weekend talk with my Power Hour small group. tomorrow night Zou and then Sunday morning Kids.

Wow December 2nd

What a mixture of things this week.

The realization that I have 3 work weeks left in 2006.

-25 and new snow 2 or 3 days in a row!!!!

The first weekend entering our new church through the Main Entry. It sure makes it warmer and as the previous pictures showed BIG.

This week one of my Aunts passed away. She was 79 and has lived in Ardmore OK the last few years with her daughter. It brings back the realization I miss my cousins. I love all my family in Canada, but sometimes the childhood family heartstrings ache. And to top it off my cousin, Kathy Carroll, said she, me and my cousin Dean Robertson are soon to be patriarchs of the family now. OUCH! Not yet 57 and a patriarch! She will be 59 in July. I used to think she was so much older than I was. Why she is still very young!

Now I'm not sure my Aunts Neva, Ruth and Avis and Uncle Fred would be so happy to be counted out, but I'm sure they are quite willing to see us pick up the family torch.

Well enough for now. I should be more involved getting Colleen ready to fly out to visit her sister in Campbell River tomorrow morning. We should be at the airport about 6:30. Did I mention the -25?

more snow more wind more driveway cleaning

What more to say. The snow is now 5 feet high on the side of the driveway!

And one for Sylvia (ok and Linda)

A few pictures from Lakeview Celebration. The first event in the newly finished Lobby

A few photos from tonight's Celebration at Lakeview Church

Ok Linda here you go

We went to visit Colleen's Mom in PA on Nov 11th.

Just another day

Well really there never is JUST another day. We need to realize each day is a blessing from God. Oh, there are some days that don't feel like a blessing, some days are a matter of choice not desire.

Today is a good day. Above freezing, warm office, car and food. All other things are a bonus.

Old but beautiful

Well she isn't really old, just having a Birthday. Today is Colleen's birthday. She got this bouquet

from her Mom yesterday afternoon.

Cold but beatiful

The blanket of snow creates a stillness.
The soft fluffy snow shows the smoothness and grace of God's creation. 

It warmed to -11

Just making a path to the alley and garbage. It is about 10 cm deep, light and fluffy! And COLD! 

YIKES -22 this morning

we should be able to declare the first -20+ day as vaction or sick day!

Sam at tea

Poppa Neil can't resist his youngest grandson. Sam is a few months younger than our Alexander.

Colleen's Birthday Tea

 

The last 14 hours

Well we now have 20 cm of snow and the first BIG driveway clearing behind us! Sorry no pictures. check out the web cam at http://webcam.usask.ca/bowl_big.html to see the beauty of it all.

Another day in sunny Saskatoon

hopefully the sun will come out melt the ice on the roads.

UP EARLY AND DON'T KNOW WHY

I trust all of you are well.

short update

We have been after Melissa to post so I will try to lead by example.

I have been trying to finish one project for a few days now Colleen has been trying to get me to finish for maybe 5 years! when I put it on top of everyday concerns for her health, Jay, Julie and Alex and Melissa it almost overwhelms me. Also I am not the world's best finish carpenter. Not the worst, but I like to do it myself and have the determination and not much skill. So it has taken me 3 years to get to where I MIGHT have the patience to use the skill I do have.

Oh please be praying for Lynn and Sylvia as they travel to Belfast, Ireland, oops Northern Ireland, to Jenn & Roger and David and Hilda with their mix of children and child to be. I think Jenn is due within the next couple weeks.

Saskatoon is a sheet of ice

Well this morning we had everything covered with a thin sheet of ice. Most has cleared now it is noon. I heard of several semi trailer trucks in the ditch and saw several bike riders picking themselves up after discovering that lateral stability is not good on ice!

Several years ago I talked with my friend Lee Barbour, engineering prof( now department Head), about bikes and cars winter stability. A bike has a better weight to contact surface ratio than a car, but the car wins with the protective cage and lateral stability every time!

It makes me desire Kaohsiung.

Saskatoon's first snow

 

The beauty of the first snow

 

The uglinesss of the first snow

 

The beauty of the first snow

 

Life continues on

Well like most people a few weeks fly by very easily when you are in the normal routine of work.

Get up go to work, come home, do stuff like get ready for winter, eat, sleep, care for each other, laundry, love, work and repeat as needed. Oh and MSN chat with Melissa often.

Then get ready for the next week or so which reminds me I am off to Mississauga for SCOD meetings next Friday and Saturday. I am the ??? on the Study Commission on Doctrine for the Free Methodist Church in Canada. It has forced me to think in a very differnt manner. Mind you a LOT of things in the lst 5-6 years have made me think in a different manner. I am almost too deep a thinker now! Alright some of you will laugh at me as a deep thinker. I hide it well at times.

Well that's it for now.

May God's peace fill each of you.

And remember to leave a comment even if it is only Hi I was here, but use your name!

Grandpa for 1 year!

We met at Moxie's for supper on friday night.

First there were gifts.

then there was mashed potatoes!