Tuesday, August 26, 2008

6 months TODAY

We thought about sending an email to our list, but then - y0u probably get too many anyway, and I have nothing new to say. I'd love to have more emails from you though.

Kara has enrolled at Dalhausie University in Halifax and we are planning to fly out on Thursday. Alayna went to Greece and is coming back early - Thursday afternoon - but not on time to see Kara off at the airport. Justin is working at Subway on Corydon Ave.

Martha shared on her blog of the agony and pain that is still a daily companion. I spoke to someone who said that the new normal might set in soon. That got me thinking - I'd rather lose 2 arms and 2 legs than a daughter. The pain of that loss would go with me for the rest of my life. How much more pain is in the loss of a daughter and friend.

After Halifax we go to Salt Lake City for Renee's friend Jacqui's wedding. Back in Winnipeg for a while and Toronto for some business, then to PA for October 10 - 12, 2008 for a SilentGrief conference.

At the same time I am trying to find an Executive Assistant that can help me set up the new R&D shop for Innovaat at St Adolphe, purchase property, I need to renovate/upgrade the property, finish the development of the Biomass Energy System, check up in Morris, and Steinbach once a week, write blogs.....

Thanks, Mark, for that box of books on grieving. They look like they could have a very positive impact. I just need to find out if my brain works well enough actually read a book from cover to cover.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

FAITHFULNESS - Fruit that is never out of season

Pastor - Delbert Enns
Eastview

Give honour to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery. Heb 13:4
How to remain faithful...

1. Make a commitment to God's Standard
How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. Ps 119:9 Drink water from your own well - share your love only with your wife. Prov 5:15 - no sex outside of marriage

2. Magnify the consequences of your affair.
A man who commits adultery is an utter fool, for he destroys himself. Pr0v 6:22 Sexual sin = emotional damage.
...Sleeping with another man's wife will cost you your life. Prov 6:22 You always pay the piper.
It is never too late to ask God and the ones you have sinned against for forgiveness.

3. Maintain your marriage. Say "I loveYou" often.
A man should fulfil his duty as a husband, a wife should fulfil her duty as a wife, and each should satisfy the other's needs. 1 Cor 7:3
Read the book "His Needs- Her Needs" by Willard Harley
The 5 top needs for men:
1. Sexual Fulfilment
2. Recreational Companionship
3. Attractive Spouse
4. Domestic Support
5. Men need admiration
The 5 top needs for women:
1. Affection, hugs, kisses
2. Conversation
3. Honesty and Openness
4. Financial Support
5. Family Commitment
These lists are not even parallel.

4. Manage, guard your mind
Temptations come from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. James 1:14
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead persue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Tim 2:22
Read Scripture everyday. Fill your mind with positive things. Surrender all to God. Confess your sins Ps 51:1-4
The pathway to purity:
1. Acknowledge sin
2. End the sinful relationship immediately
3. Avaid all contact with that person from now on.

1 Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.
2 Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin.
3 For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night.
4 Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.

Thursday, August 07, 2008

Happy Birthday, Jason!

If you were still with us, you'd be 30 years old today! Who knows what you'd be doing? Married with kids, working to put bread on the table, perhaps inventing all kinds of new things already, or would you be a missionary to Cambodia, China, Africa?
But those dreams were dashed 9 months after you were born. Instead, you are dancing a jig with your wonderful sister, Renee, and older brother Kris.
Your parents are left to mourn the whatifs.