A renewed Family connection

I think I met her 2 times. Her father was a cousin to my father.

Luella Wriston, 66, died Sunday, July 29, 2007, in Liberal. She was born June 10, 1941, to Luel Theron and Effie Alta (Crites) Wriston in Liberal. She graduated from Liberal High School in 1959. She was employed by Southwest Guidance Center as executive director of the CRO. She was a member of the First Assembly of God Church and Nuts and Bolts, all of Liberal. Survivors include one brother, Eldon Wriston, Adams, Okla.; two nephews; and two nieces.

* Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the First Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Richard Martin presiding. Cremation will follow. Visitation time will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Kitch-Brenneman Funeral Home of Liberal. Memorials may be sent to First Assembly of God Church in care of the funeral home. 1212 W. Second, Liberal, KS 67901.

One step from citizenship

Life's frustrations and challenges feel fairly small today. PRAISE GOD!

Most will be surprised to find out I am not a Canadian citizen. On Wednesday I completed the second last step. My documents and identity are confirmed! Now I just have to wait for the letter confirming the ceremony. Probably August 30 or 31.

It took about 3 minutes on Wed. which helps make up for how long the process has taken so far. May 2006 I sent in the application and all accompanying pieces. I didn't think the 12-18 months was realistic. silly me!

Vacation continues to go well for Melissa. We have her here until August 14th! I have enjoyed 2 weeks vacation so far, well mostly 2 weeks back in the office yesterday and for about an hour today. A few days here and there to match Colleen's days off and Melissa's schedule.

I'M 57

Well no BIG party but still a very good day.

Time with Melissa. Time with Colleen. And time with Parker and Shawna. We had a GREAT visit. Melissa and I bought caramel turtle pie, Italian rum cake and butter pecan and chocolate banana brownie ice creams. Yep a bit unusual but then so am I. Brenda, sorry I missed you.

For those concerned no word from Jay and Julie. Please continue to pray for wisdom and an open heart as we seek God's guidance.

Continue to love those around you and if you are holding your self back from someone BE BOLD step forward in love and caring. No rift or hurt is too much to resolve and heal.

Peace out!

A Dynamic week

Not in the usual sense of dynamic, but it is becoming my usual week!

A work colleague and friend, Margo Reekie passed away last Saturday after only a 6 or 7 month battle with cancer. She had a special way of touching people in a personal way through work, volunteer and as an example as a mother and wife.

Another work colleague and friend had his diligence and integrity rewarded this week as he was successful in the selection of a new Associate Vice President at the University. Colin Tennent represents strength, perseverance and integrity in all I have seen him do.

OH AND MELISSA IS HOME FOR 5 WEEKS. well okay here since home for her is Kaohsiung. We have kept our plans to a minimum so far so we can relax together rather than just run a different race!

HAPPY JULY TO ALL. oh by the way my birthday is on the 16th in case anybody wants to celebrate. There isn't a party though, 57 year olds don't get a party!!

Jessica turned 7

I started this blog in recognition of our grandson Alexander, but I have many Pride and Joy people in my life. Jessica, Lecia and Brendan's youngest, Elizabeth and Neil's second oldest grandchild turned 7 this week.

She opened presents as people arrrived. A very nice touch and then we could focus on cake and ice cream. 3 kinds of each!

Nice Day and nice family supper

Colleen's sister's kids were here for supper tonight.

Lollipop shrimp appetizer's inspired by the CHHF Big Grill, Steak from Prairie Meats, baked potato, salad, grilled asparagus spears and chocolate cheesecake for dessert.

Brennan is such a happy boy. reminds us of Alex last summer.

And very active and imaginative...........

Father's Day 2007

Let me start with one key aspect from my Mother's Day post. If you have not spoken with your father recently I URGE YOU TO RIGHT NOW.

Father's are strange creatures! Most of us have a very tender heart but seldom show it. As much as we are strong we are also too weak to say or do many of those things we should have as fathers to our sons and daughters. We need to connect with our kids often.

The last several months have had life changing questions and as yet have no answers or significant developments. None are health related! I continue to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance for my life. Oh, there are days that are down and a struggle but God is good and provides strength

hmm 2 weeks no post

Well not terribly busy, just distracted.

Melissa will be home for a visit in less than 4 weeks!

Life continues.

I survived the Power Hour Grade 5 sleepover. Even when 4 boys decided to pull an all nighter. Pretty quiet until the sun came up around 4 am and they could see 2 deer across the field. That meant get them out so the others had enough quiet to sleep. Who would have thought they would be willing to pick up mini marshmallows that had been out all night. We used marshmallow shooters similar to this (blowers - no alcohol involved)http://www.curriculumconnection.net/marshmallowgun.htm

Life continues, work, eat, rest, feed the internet addiction.

Love and encourgement to all

One more Welcome

Caleb Piper Sowden was born at 7:45 on Sunday May 11, 2007.

Auntie Diane and cousin Anna holding Caleb

He weighed in at 8.5 lbs and was 20.5 inches long

I AM PROUD OF MY KIDS

Lest any wonder with my recent anguish I am VERY PROUD of Melissa , Jay and Julie.

Not much more needs to be said. Some things we do not understand and so must trust in God's direction. It is so much easier to trust when the questions are small and short lived.

This morning Power Hour talked about what interferes with hearing God. I know some of our recent turmoil has made it difficult to hear God speaking to us.

May Long Weekend and Rainy

Well some consider this the Saskatchewan signal for safe garden planting....pretty cool yet.


I was encouraged by a few things this week. The comment from Rosydot, a thank you card from one of the Power Hour kids. I don't think Danielle has ever been in one of my small groups , but my practise of talking with the kids personally and getting to know aspects of their lives has struck a chord in her heart. And also this morning Aran asked what happened to Jeremy, he had been his small group leader 3 years ago! I was able to connect Aran and Jeremy after the service, super cool. (school, marriage and baby happened)


We had an inpromptu gathering Sunday evening with Jen, Roger and Ben and Paul, Christa, Jude and Owen. So here are a couple of my favourite boys (Jude and Owen) and a new one(Ben). Too bad Alex isn't available.




MISCHIEF PRIDE AMAZEMENT CARING IN ONE SPOT

Mother's Day 2007

All mothers deserve honour! If yours is still living please make sure you recognize her more than just today. Those of you such as me whose mothers are no longer with us I urge you to reflect on the positive influence she had on your life.

I know some have not had the blessing of a mother who showed love and nurturing and for that I am truly sorry you but do not be discouraged rather look around you and see the opportunities you have to show that which you did not receive.

I also urge you to draw encourgement from God through those around you.

If you have failed to talk to your mother recently I VERY STRONGLY urge you to talk to her this week. You will be rewarded. Perhaps not immediately, but you will be rewarded.

My First Day

Wow starting my 32nd year at the U of S.

Not sure how to comment. I expect to have my position phased out before the end of 2007. It has been a bit tough dealing with discussions and yet not be able to influence any timing. The options are interesting and exciting but unclear. Taiwan is VERY high on the list. I am not in control but I KNOW God will provide.

God's blessings and banquet

Well this week didn't feel as daunting as some of the recent ones.

We have completed our Power Hour series on God's blessings and Pastor Brad finished the OMG series talking about the similarity the range of food at a banquet has to God's plan for us, comparing vegetables to the teaching and red meat, potatoes and desserts to the bountiful blessings from God. I'm sure glad I have been getting a little bit of dessert in the midst of this high fibre vegetable diet of the last 4 months!

God continues to bless me with good health and a steady income a loving wife that can cook very well. And I got the water feature tidy and running this afternoon so that satisfaction and marvel is one of my Sabbath moments today.

Yes, I am getting emotionally worn by events but continue to trust God's timing and leading. As each of you go through your day clearly identify and acknowledge God's handiwork and blessings around you. Please remember the facts and do not be misguided by your doubts or fears.

a week of blessings

This month we are talking about blessings in Power Hour and I have had a week where some moments it was difficult to remember the blessings because the details were so tough to deal with.
But then I remember I have had a secure, well paying job for more than 30 years.
I have a loving wife.
I can chat with my daughter in Taiwan 2 times almost every day.
I am healthy, well pretty healthy for a sedentary guy like me.
I get to read aboutDarren and Shona's new family as it takes shape in Kyiv.
Last night we got to meet a marvelous young woman who has suffered great physical trauma due to a gasoline fire injury 7 years ago and she has been able to see how good God is as she has experienced the losses, healing, help from others and God's support.

God is SO good if we are patient enough to see His support through others. And his provision for our needs in so many ways that we cannot even imagine.

just showing I'm still here and thinking

just living regular life.

God loves me, my wife loves me and likes me most of the time, I love my kids, daughter in law and grandson.

Life could be better, but is still REAL GOOD.

I have a friend who is going to National Institute for Health in Maryland for another assessment for LAM. Please pray for Lois and remember to pray for those you know who are in need of any type of support or encouragement. Take the challenge!

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!