December

Happy New Year!

I like rhymes.  I liked the sound of "2025, the year to thrive".  I have no doubt of God's abundant blessings and perfect provision this year ... but it has been a hard, challenging year.  Things are so very different from one year ago.  

I just looked back and last New Year's Eve I prayed that 2025 would be a year of spiritual growth. Perhaps it has been?  I'm so thankful God never leaves us or forsakes us and include that in my prayer with my dad most nights.  

My dear Dad broke his collarbone a few weeks ago.  He could have been hurt a lot more so I am grateful.  He has not had much pain and clavicles are supposed to heal well on their own.  We'll head back to the surgeon in a few weeks and hopefully he'll move on to physiotherapy if the x-ray shows that it has healed.

Graham and the boys are watching something in the basement and I just finished watching King of Kings with Lily-Anna so I want to get back to her soon.

We had a good Christmas.  We once again enjoyed Christmas Eve at First Baptist with friends followed by a fun time at their place and then on Christmas morning we were able to attend the service at the local Christian Reformed Church with my dad.  The worship and preaching were great and I LOVE the end of the service when everyone sings the song Glory to God (Ere zig God) in one's choice of Dutch or English.  I always seem to be able to cry in that service for which I am thankful.  After some gift opening, we were also able to go to Listowel and spend some time with my wonderful in-laws before the bad weather hit.  

We found out on Boxing Day that my mom's eldest sister passed away suddenly.  Her husband passed away this past October.  

One thing I have enjoyed is escaping into the latest Mitford book from the library.  

May my life and the lives of my family bring God glory this year.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Matthew 5:26

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.    

 

November

This is the first year that Lily-Anna has asked me for a typical kids' Advent Calendar - a door to open each day to uncover chocolate.  I think her friends at school have been talking about their calendars.  So, my three darling offspring will be surprised to find their first Advent calendars when they come to the table in the morning.  

I typically want to do so many things this month - hiding a card for the two youngest to find after school with an activity to do (it could be having a candy cane or buying a gift to donate, etc.).  We also have an Advent wreath with a candle to light each night and a Mary on the donkey to move one step closer to the middle, and ornaments to add to the tree every night as well as a Scripture and devotional reading ....  We definitely miss things every day and some things are missed for more than a day ... but some things happen and I give myself lots of grace for what doesn't happen.  

We put the tree up this weekend as well as a nativity set that we inherited this year.  We still have ornaments to add and boxes to put away but hopefully I'll be able to deal with that tomorrow.

Each evening I write my three gratitudes for the day and then look back at all the gratitudes I've written on that date for all the past months of this year.  I really just want to see where I mentioned my Mom.  I want to be reminded of all the times she showed up with muffins or cookies or loaves or blessed us in some way.  

I bought a necklace of two daffodils to remember my mom as those were her favourite flowers.  

I had one dream of my mom a few weeks after she passed away.  In the dream I went into my sons' room and my mom was standing there.  I said, "Mom!" and I gave her a big hug.  I knew she had died so I was surprised and excited to see her.  We just hugged and turned around and then it was over.  I'm very thankful for the dream.  

I've never been great at grieving.  I usually have to work at feeling something or be alone and focused in order to feel the sadness.  I'm thankful for any time I can cry as I often just feel nothing at all (more like flat affect except that I definitely still react to things that annoy me).  I often just say out loud, "I love you Mom."  I suspect I'll be able to cry at Christmas when Dad comes over alone.  

Graham's shoulder has been painful for a while and he's going to physio.  The arthritis in my body has been more active so I've started my medication again and it seems like it's starting to kick in.  A cold has been going around our home but I've been able to stay healthy thankfully.  

It's definitely past time for bed so I'll say goodnight.  May Advent be a very special time in your home.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Isaiah 9:6

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given:  and the government shall be upon his shoulder:  and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

October

Well, the Blue Jays are going to Game 7 so here's hoping we'll be celebrating tomorrow night.  Kohen was not impressed with the lodged ball rule.

Kohen and Lily-Anna had fun dressing up as a Star Wars character and a pioneer girl respectively.  They brought home lots of candy tonight after walking around with friends.  Isaac was invited to a sleepover so I'm hoping he gets a little sleep as he is attending a birthday tomorrow afternoon.  I enjoyed giving out candy and eating some as well.  

It's surreal that my mom is gone.  She would have seen the kids in their costumes today and given them too much candy and she would have been cheering for the Blue Jays.  

I've put my volunteering on hold at the moment to be available for my dad.  I'm thankful I'm available to help, though he's doing well.  It's lonely to live alone after being married for 56 years.  

Well, that's not much news but if I'm going to stay awake for Game 7, I'd better get some sleep.  Thankfully it's Saturday tomorrow.  Let's go Blue Jays!  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Revelations 21:4

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.

Goodbye Mom

This will be the first post that my mom will not read.  My beautiful, wonderful mother is with Jesus.  After having a mild heart attack the evening of September 24, my mom was scheduled for an angioplasty on September 26.  While in the hospital, she was put on blood thinners which ended up causing a severe brain bleed shortly after midnight on September 26.  Thankfully, all of her children and grandchildren were able to see her on life support and say our goodbyes before she passed away,

We are so thankful to God for our recent family photos.

We miss you so much Mom.  Thanks for being such a great mother and grandmother.  Love you!

  

Psalm 116:15

Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.

August

August may have finished but summer is not over yet.  We are hoping to head to Toronto Island tomorrow to continue our annual tradition.  We'll get some Bingsu on Tuesday as a back-to-school treat and be ready for the school bell on Wednesday morning.  

I was originally scheduled for jury selection this Tuesday so I was praying I would be able to drop off the kids with Graham for the first day of school.  I found out this week that my jury selection was cancelled.  I always look forward to finding out what teachers and classmates Kohen and Lily-Anna will have.  This year we won't find out until Tuesday.  

August began with a trip to Kincardine for the long weekend.  Our neighbour has a trailer/mobile home there and she generously invites us to use it each summer.  We enjoy the beach, pool, bagpipers, parade, go karts, mini golf, playgrounds, and ice cream.  

Isaac then spent two weeks volunteering at a local community centre.  He was happy to have the last two weeks to sleep in and spend more time with friends.  

Isaac's recreational soccer team also made the playoffs.  It was fun to cheer him and in the end his team received the silver medals.  

My brother and his family came for a weekend and we had family photos taken.  Thankfully it was the same weekend as Isaac was getting baptized in the river.  When Isaac returned from camp in July, he said he wanted to get baptized.  It was a blessing to have so many family and friends supporting him.  

We enjoyed two shows at the Busker Festival last weekend, went to the Farmer's Market and even arranged for Lily-Anna to walk a corgi puppy named Bonnie.  Kohen enjoyed going to Ctrl V with some friends and we said goodbye to two of my nieces who headed back to university.  

For the past three months, our church has read through the Minor Prophets together and the last sermon on the book of Malachi was today. 

We've been blessed with a lovely summer and we look forward to all that fall will bring.  And now, I had best make some lunches for our trip tomorrow.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Malachi 4:2

But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.  And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.

  

July

Thank You Lord for the blessing of summer!  Summer camps, vacations, VBS, swimming lessons, family time, and even a beautiful wedding to attend.  The change of pace is a wonderful thing.  

Unfortunately, Isaac's camp coincided with VBS at our church so he wasn't able to help out this year.  I was nervous before it started as I felt exhausted but two friends were praying for me and God provided abundantly.  I was awake in the mornings and thoroughly enjoyed my time with the kids and other leaders in our group.  I was definitely tired in the afternoons but it was a fun and meaningful week.

Isaac had a wonderful week at camp.  This is his third year attending with his friend.  He always comes home with great stories.  

Lily-Anna enjoyed her first extended stay away from home.  She stayed with a friend at her friend's Grandma's trailer and went to an all-day art camp on a Christian campground.  She is also hoping to go back next year.  

Last week we went to Fort Henry in Kingston, Upper Canada Village, Montreal, Quebec City, and then saw family near Ottawa.  It was a hot week but we had a good time and enjoyed the hotel pools and yummy croissants. 

Kohen and Lily-Anna are each finishing their second week of swimming lessons.  They've both done well and made progress.  

I'm happy that another long weekend is almost upon us.  We upgraded the stereo in our minivan so it was nice to be able to play audiobooks easily.  We also have a backup camera now which I am getting used to.  

I am thankful for another sweet month of summer ahead.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Micah 6:8

He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

June

I thought May was a busy month.  Now I know it was just a warmup for June.  June has been a whirlwind but with many bright moments and God's perfect provision.  Many hands helped to empty my in-laws' home and it went on the market today.  Hopefully it will sell quickly.  

The most recent highlight was this past weekend as my brother-in-law and sister-in-law and my nieces and nephew flew out from B.C.  It's always wonderful to spend time with them.  

The month began with our church's All-African Event in which we celebrated, enjoyed, and learned about a number of African countries represented in our church.  Next year will be an All-Asia event followed by Central-South America.   

Next we had a late birthday supper celebration with family for Lily-Anna.  

In early June both my eldest brother and Graham's eldest brother visited for a number of days (and they both attended Isaac and Lily-Anna's piano recital) and the following week we were able to see my cousin Natasha who was visiting from England for work.  (Happy birthday tomorrow Natasha!!!)

Lily-Anna and I also attended a lovely Garden Luncheon Wedding Shower on a beautiful afternoon.  

Isaac, Kohen, and Lily-Anna successfully finished their school year.  They are happy to be home and I am happy to spend more time with them and not pack school lunches.  

My calendar just reminded me that it is my nephew's birthday today.  Happy birthday Kieran!!!  

Graham and I also celebrated our 21st anniversary.  Friends surprised us with a delicious dinner and dessert and a lovely gift of an enlarged photo of the two of us.  

I must head to bed.  Tomorrow is Canada Day!  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Romans 12:2 - Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

May

I've just remembered I need to do this and it's late.  We celebrated Graham's birthday today and Lily-Anna's birthday yesterday.  Birthdays tucker me out.  

It's been quite the month in many ways.  We are praying for my father-in-law Ray as he recently discovered he has cancer.  People all over the world are praying for him.  We are thankful for all the little blessings we have already seen as God keeps providing in many ways.  My in-laws moved to a retirement home this month and we see God's timing in this as well.  

One more month of school and then the kids will be home.  I'm looking forward to it.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Isaiah 40:29: “He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

April

I have a Bible study to prepare so this may not be long.  

The highlight in April was celebrating Holy Week.  Our small group meets on Thursday evenings so this year we decided to have a Seder service together.  Four adults and seven children each had place setting with parsley sprigs, charoset (a tasty mix of apples, walnuts, honey, cinnamon, and grape juice), freshly grated horseradish, and matzah along with a glass of grape juice.  We followed each step of the traditional ceremony while also highlighting the significance of each step for Christians and reading the Gospel account of the last supper.  I found it quite meaningful and would love to do it again.  Next time I would end by reading the account of Jesus' arrest to prepare us for Good Friday.

We were able to celebrate with family on Good Friday.  My brother and sister-in-law are wonderful cooks and they blessed us thoroughly with a delicious meal.  The weather didn't cooperate for a walk in the woods but we enjoyed playing games together.

I enjoy hiding Easter eggs for the kids to find on Resurrection Sunday.  We started by reading the Gospel account of that incredible morning and then the kids searched.  One egg is empty, to represent the empty tomb.  

This year Kohen requested that we search for eggs in more than one location (it's usually just our basement).  So, they needed to search in the basement and main level in our home and then in the afternoon I surprised them with another hunt at their grandparents' home.  I told them this was one time only.  Their chocolate stash was definitely bigger this year.  

Isaac had his Level 8 piano exam this month and he received First Class Honours!  We are very thankful.  Just prior to his Level 6 exam, he had Covid and we weren't sure if he would be able to perform (thankfully, he was).  Just prior to this exam, he caught the Flu and once again I didn't know if he would be better in time.  He was nervous when he left our home (his exam was at a church in Hamilton) but he said he wasn't nervous during the exam and enjoyed playing the piano.  This was a wonderful answer to prayer.  

Isaac has decided to take the summer off from lessons (he's taken some lessons in the summer for years) and start again in the fall so he can prepare for a theory exam next January.  I'll be happy for him to have a break.  I suspect I will still hear him playing as he enjoys picking out tunes on the piano.   

I'm LOVING the beautiful spring flowers.  Maybe this will be the year I plant some bulbs?

It's time to focus on the book of Mark so I'll say goodnight.  Sadly, I don't think I can figure out photos.

Blessings,

Elizabeth

Mark 16:15

And he said to them, "Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation."

March Maladies

I'm tired so this may be short.  This is Day 11 of having sick children in the house.  I'm not complaining.  In some ways it's been relaxing and nice to spend time together.  I am thankful they didn't all start at the same time and the first one sick is returning to school tomorrow after missing six days.  Thankfully today was a PD Day.  

I have repented for not having the kids get their flu shots (and for not doing that myself).  Thankfully Graham had his Flu shot at work and he has stayed healthy.  Flu shots are already on the calendar for the Fall.  

In other good news, my eldest has graduated to the adult pills you need to swallow.  He's better at swallowing them than I am after all my years of practice.  In the past, he would have gladly suffered a fever or pain rather than chew the Junior Tylenol so I am grateful.  

Kohen enjoyed his birthday, though the extended family were not able to get together due to travel and sickness.  He did enjoy a hockey game and going to the movies and is looking forward to going to a virtual reality game place soon (all gifts from family).    

It was lovely to have Graham off work for March Break.  We stayed close to home but had fun.  The boys enjoyed some indoor rock climbing and Graham and the boys had fun at Activate.  Lily-Anna enjoyed seeing her friends and she and I went to a local historic site.  We also enjoyed an afternoon at Niagara Falls and went behind the Falls for the first time (Graham has done that before).  

I am thankful spring has officially arrived and I am looking forward to spring weather.  We always get a little taste of warmth in March that has me longing for more ... but I now know not to get my hopes up too soon.

I decided to go off Facebook for Lent after seeing a friend say she was doing that.  It is has been a good change but it hasn't gone far enough.  It's meant that I've spent more time reading Google News and I really don't know what's worse for me.  I'm not used to the news regularly surprising me and causing me to think what I read had to be made up, even though it's from a reputable source.  We are living in quite the times.  

I am loving my daily Lent devotional called Loved to Life by Ann Voskamp.  It goes through the book of John.  Our small group is also going through the book of Mark using a Francis Chan study I am enjoying.  I am looking forward to celebrating Easter.  

It's time to head to bed.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to figure out photos or not as some of my technology has changed.  

Blessings,

Elizabeth

John 14:1-7 ESV

"Let not your hearts be troubled.  Believe in God; believe also in me.  In my Father's house are many rooms.  If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.  And you know the way to where I am going."  Thomas said to him, "Lord, we do not know where you are going.  How can we know the way?"  Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.  If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.  From not on you do know him and have seen him."

  

Frigid February

I'm typing while listening to Jennie Allen preach at Gather 25.  It's inspiring to hear what God is doing around the world and it's convicting.  May we see revival and be part of it.  May we live in awe of God and all He has done and is doing.  

In the morning, the Faulkner 5 are going to a Family Candy Making Party at a museum.  I'm hoping it's a fun and tasty memory-making experience.  

I did have four Valentine's dates this month.  Graham and I were able to enjoy a lovely lunch together and I took each of my children to Starbucks for a cake pops and drink.  Apparently Graham and I didn't take a photo of our date. 

Isaac enjoyed playing at his school's coffee house last night.  He played his trumpet in a quartet and also played a solo on the piano.  This is an event for students so I didn't have the pleasure of listening to him.  Actually the rest of us were at our small group Bible study.  The kids have fun playing together while the adults are studying Mark.  On our way home, we stopped at our community centre to vote.  

Last Saturday our family walked in the Coldest Night of the Year along with friends.  This is the first year that all five of us participated.  

We had lots of snow this month.  It's been nice to smell the scent of spring this week.  I'm looking forward to seeing the first flowers of spring pop up through the ground in neighbours' yards.  One year I hope they'll be in my yard too.  Perhaps this will be the year I'll finally plant bulbs.  It's on the calendar for the fall (as it was in 2024).  

I've been able to do some post-assessments for children in a literacy program I volunteer with at my kids' school.  It's rewarding to see the improvements they've made.  

The highlight this month was seeing Graham's brother in person.  

I just woke up to find five rows of the letter 'd' so I'd better head to bed so I don't fall asleep while making marshmallows in the morning.  Good night!

Blessings, 

Elizabeth

Mark 2:10

But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.