The best style of worship

....is the one that most authentically represents your love for God.

Yesterday I went to church with my brother. http://trinity.sarnia.net/index1.php is the church that he and his family belong.

A place to belong: (The Purpose Driven Life, chapter 17) Today's culture of independent individualism has created many spiritual orphans - "bunny believers" who hop around from one church to another without any identity, accountability, or commitment. Many believe one can be a "good Christian" without joining (or even attending) a local church, but God would strongly disagree. The Bible offers many compelling reasons for being committed and active in a local fellowship.
(Kirk and I are 'work in progress' in this area)

In trying to explain my joyful experience with Kirk, the upbeat style of music became a topic. Kirk is a traditionalists who draws closer to God through rituals. I'm going with "If God intentionally made us all different, why should everyone be expected to love God in the same way?" The good part of this is Trinity offers both styles. Both styles represent our Love for God.

I think Kirk is more an ascetic. Ascetics prefer to love God in solitude and simplicity. Which brings me to the books our sister-in-law lent us - International Inductive Study Bible and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. When I returned home from church Kirk couldn't wait to start reading. The rest of the day was Bible study in solitude.

On the Other Side

~DEATH~ WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT !!!!!

A sick man turned to his doctor, as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said, "Doctor, I am afraid to die. Tell me what lies on the other side.

" Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."

"You don't know? You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?"

The doctor was holding the handle of the door; on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining, and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness. Turning to the patient, the doctor said, "Did you notice my dog? He's never been in this room before. He didn't know what was inside. He knew nothing except that his master was here, and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear. I know little of what is on the other side of death, but I do know one thing... I know my Master is there and that is enough."

May today there be peace within you. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. I believe that friends are quiet angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.

Indifferent, Bad and Good

What a Day!

Indifferent;
Started the day all excited about sharing some cake decorating sales ideas for Halloween.
That got squashed in a hurry. This place is like no other I have ever worked for. The aloof attitudes won't get me down. It just confirms they don't want ideas, change or any experiences I could offer. Communication and sharing is not something that is going to happen at IGA.

Bad;
A letter arrived from Immigration. Time is running out on requests that we are not sure on how to tackle. We feel we sent them everything in the first package Oct 2005 resulting in a reply letter Dec. 2005 - requirements met with additional medical information needed. OK.

Feb 2006 they request FBI background check (which was sent in Oct/05) plus 'good conduct' certificates from NC, MD, KY and FL. plus evidence of disposition of 1960 property damage record which Kirk can not recall. This is where we got lost. I could go into all the details but it all comes out the same. I think we are out of rope not knowing how to obtain all this information.
We did look up many phone numbers. Tomorrow will be a phone day.

Good;
Kirk's talents are needed. (at least one of us has needed talents) Forest Fire truck arrived this evening. Driver stating "if anyone can fix it, Ernest can."
They will be back first thing tomorrow morning.

Where are the customers?

Is this a sit-in customer job?
no charge of course
Ride-in customer job.
may have charged?
Race-in customer job.
better charge

It was just yesterday Kirk was going on about 'no walk-in/drive-in customers'.
As compared to what? Call-in customers.

Not that he doesn't have things to do. As he puts it, he is 'covered up' with work.
I think he misses the company.
Well today, the customers must have heard him. Small, large and unusual.
Of course, I took pictures.

Butternut Squash -There is a point

Actually there are many points or factors to this.

1. Years ago we received a subscription to a Cookbook digest with an unknown origin.

2. Last year my Brother offered squash from his garden. I picked Butternut Squash throwing the unwanted seeds on our compost pile. This resulted in a crop of volunteer butternut squash plants late in the spring. It produced a nice crop of squash.

3. Last Monday, I had a tooth pulled which results in, living on soup and food that doesn't require chewing. (mashed potato)

4. It is now quite chilly (down right cold) outside so the furnace has been 'kicking on' constantly.

5. Since it is not that busy at work I have more days off which gives me more than enough time to cook/bake. Baking produces heat in addition to the job of keeping the fireplace hot. (the furnace is not running 'on my watch'.)

Put these points all together.

We are making; Butternut Squash Soup Portuguese Style from Twelve Months of Monastery Soups of the Cookbook Digest. I have to share the recipe. (Kirk likes it!)

6 tablespoons olive oil
3 onions, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 butternut squash, peeled, halved, seeded, and cut in chunks.
1 potato, peeled and cubed
1 carrot, peeled and sliced
7 cups chicken stock
salt and pepper to taste
1/3 cup freshly minced parsley
fresh thyme leaves as garnish.

Ok, now I should give the directions on how to put this together. I'm not going to.
This is soup folks.
I found it much easier to cut squash in half (take seeds out and plant) bake squash (to produce heat) if cooked too long (because you are on computer) skin peels off very easily (rather than trying to peel/chunk it before being cooked) If you forgot the potato. Leftover mashed potato from yesterdays meal works. One carrot? I put in at least three big ones since that may be the only way I can get Kirk to eat carrots. (I baked them with onions and garlic).
Throw it all together in a pot and let it simmer until the first one get hungry.

It taste great! I think any country that can grow butternut squash can claim this recipe.

Wipeout

Last night one of the topics of conversation was music. I mentioned that years ago when I was very young I dated a drummer. Drummers don't get much recognition sometimes. Derek was good and he could play Wipeout. Click below to see video of someone playing Wipeout.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXZ_qmzNh6g

Day of Bonding

This day was wonderful. I spent the day with my sister-in-law and her mother.

The program was from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. which consisted of great music, testimony, teaching, reflection and commitment. It was truly a helpful experience. It refreshed my reading of "The Purpose Driven Life". A reminder of "what on earth am I here for".

One of my many problems is fear/worry. Today's lessons learned/reminded; write down the list of fears and or worries and when you review them, it is called "don't sweat the little stuff".

Not to ask the question; "Why Me?", "Why Now?" and "Why doesn't God do something?"

Instead; Who else?, What for? And How can I use the wait?

Another lesson learned the statement "It's not fair" is not biblical. Humans made that one! Surprise!

After my day of declaring, rejoicing, exalting, proclaiming. Protected, preserved, delivered, restored. All praise to You, Lord!

Kirk and I joined friends at the Forest Legion October-feast just in time for the meal. It was our first time out to a public function (unless I count going to the Forest Fair on our own). We had a great time. We missed the Um Papa music. It was good ol' country music while we're there. Home by 8 p.m. All wore out.

Continuing Education

Not many people, that I know of, return to school in their 5o's.

My friend of 25 + years did just that. She is a very smart and talented lady to start with. So with her wisdom, continuing education was a logical choice. Being a widow with a young son, a good job/income is high on the list of priorities.

I ask for the help of all who read this to pray that she finds that job. Congratulations Rose!

Sears Called

This is a continuation of my Post of Oct 16 - Things that make me feel better?

Today I received the phone call promised in the reply letter. A Sears specialty agent is calling.
It was not a customer confidence building conversation.

A young sounding voice commented on my cheery mood when I answered the phone. She introduced herself asking how am I enjoying my dishwasher and water-softener? (I did stay cheery through the whole conversation).

I proceeded to repeat the same information I wrote in my letter adding that the price of the new dishwasher is more than twice that of the old and expected at least the same performance from the new one.

Now, this is where it goes beyond my understanding of things.

She says

"I hear this all the time, that the older model is better." something wrong with this statement

However, "It is more energy efficient." The old days of elbow grease is back

"Your warranty is only for mechanical defects." to me, the whole thing is a defect

"Would you like to sign up for a one year maintenance contract?" You have got to be kidding?

"Should you have any problems go to your local retail outlet. They may help you." Now there is an idea!

Or, "You can call parts and service at ###-####. Tried that, push 1 for this, 2 for that and wait.

Help! I know I was talking with a human who is suppose to be a Specialty Agent. Special at what? She couldn't answer my question about the power of the pump. In fact I don't think she knew anything about dishwashers. If her job was to make me go away. I have to think this one over.

It looks like I'm soon making another trip to Sarnia to talk with someone in the appliance department.

Muslim Vail

Things we don't understand.
We are watching the news. The woman (assuming a woman) past her driver test and now it is time to have picture taken for driver license. She refuses to remove her Vail for the picture?

Kirk goes off the deep end. He says "sure I'm going to go and have my picture taken with a paper bag over my head and I promise to put it on when I get stopped by the police so they will recognize me by my picture. " "Give me a break."

We understand they have "their rights" but sometimes you have to change to the rules of the country you want to live in.

More on vail - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/5410472.stm

Rodent

Pronunciation: 'rO-d & nt
Etymology: ultimately from Latin rodent-, rodens, present participle of rodere to gnaw; akin to Latin radere to scrape, scratch, Sanskrit radati he gnaws
1 : any of an order (Rodentia) of relatively small gnawing mammals (as a mouse, a squirrel, or a beaver) that have in both jaws a single pair of incisors with a chisel-shaped edge
2 : a small mammal (as a rabbit or a shrew) other than a true rodent

This is something we are confronted with as the seasons change. These little critters enjoy the great out doors just as we do. Then it gets cold. Just like us they like the warmth. Now we have a problem. We (humans) do not want to share our warmth, food and accommodations with them (mice).

I think they are cute. But, they have to find their own place in life.

Traps & poison are now on the list things to launch. I hate to do it. Power to the people! Gnaw and scratch somewhere else until next summer.

Things that make me feel better?

Sometimes it's just little things that make you feel better all over. Today I got a very quick response to a letter I wrote to Sears. It could be a generic type letter as it could cover anyone's concerns. The nice part, it arrived minutes after I sent mine. The following is my letter and their response.


Re: Kenmore Elite Ultra Wash Dishwasher (stock # 17262)
Purchased November 10, 2005 at Sarnia Retail Store, Lambton Mall

To Whom It May Concern:

This letter may only serve to vent my frustration and disappointment in the cleaning results of this dishwasher. The best way I can explain this is to refer to my experience.

Back in 1996 we purchased our first new dishwasher from Sears in Asheville, North Carolina. (We even obtained a Sears Card at that time to get a discount.) I don't know or remember model it was mid-range in price compared to other Sears models. I do know it was the best thing that ever happened to me. This thing cleaned everything. My husband was a skeptic the day I put a burnt-on broiler pan in the dishwasher and to his amazement it came out sparkling clean.

Nov. 1, 2005. We move to Canada. The home we purchased had a very old rusty dishwasher. With our experience of Sears products we immediately find your closest store and purchase a new dishwasher (and Kenmore Ultra soft 480). This time funds are more available and the sales consultant, Jim, was very convincing that Ultra Wash was what we needed. We have TURBO ZONE now! And lots of buttons to push.

Well, it has been a disappointment ever since. Yes, I have read all the Use & Care Guide more than once. So long I don't put any pots, pans not to mention even trying broiler pan. (Ok, I did try once) this thing cannot match my Kenmore in NC.

Should someone at your company feel they could help or fix this I will be greatly appreciative.

Yours truly, AnneMarie Kierstead
8275 Rawlings Rd. Forest, Ontario N0N 1J0
519-786-5299

(old address was- 52 Thoren Court, Clyde, NC)




Hello AnneMarie Kierstead,Thank you for taking the time to bring your concerns to our attention.We value you as a Sears customer and regret that you have had an unpleasant experience.We have directed this important issue to our Corporate Customer Service representatives, one of our specialty agents will be in touch with you soon to rectify this matter.We are looking forward to discussing this matter further and working with you to find a suitable resolution.We appreciate your continued patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.Thank you for shopping at Sears.Sincerely,Wendy tmp

Dog Philosophy

The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue.
- anonymous

Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.
- Ann Landers

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went.
- Will Rogers

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
- Ben Williams

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
- Josh Billings

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
- Andy Rooney

We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare.
And in return, dogs give us their all. It's the best deal man has ever made.
- M. Acklam

Dogs love their friends and bite their enemies, quite unlike people, who are incapable of pure love and always have to mix love and hate.
- Sigmund Freud

I wonder if other dogs think poodle's are members of a weird religious cult.
- Rita Rudner

A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.
- Robert Benchley

Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.
-Franklin P. Jones

If I have any beliefs about immortality, it is that certain dogs I have known will go to heaven, and very, very few persons.
- James Thurber

If your dog is fat, you aren't get getting enough exercise.
-Unknown

My dog is worried about the economy because Alpo is up to $3.00 a can. That's almost $21.00 in dog money.
-Joe Weinstein

Ever consider what our dogs must think of us? I mean , here we come back from a grocery store with the most amazing haul, chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we're the greatest hunters on earth!
-Anne Tyler

Women and cats will do as they please. And Men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.
-Robert A. Heinlein

If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you; that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.
-Mark Twain

You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, "Wow, you're right! I never would've thought of that!"
-Dave Barry

Dogs are not our whole life, but the make our lives whole.
- Roger Caras

If you think dogs can't count, try putting three dog biscuits in your pocket and then give him only two of them.
-Phil Pastoret

My goal in life is to be as good of a person my dog already thinks I am.

Sad But True

It is amazing how many people dislike their position in life.
I am finding out more and more that many at work are very unhappy. No definite signs of a reason. (not that they are going to tell me.) Just unhappy.

One of my clues; when you get comments more than once or twice "Why are you smiling? Don't you know you are at work?" or "Why are you smiling, what's up?"

Remember the phase "When you smile the world smiles with you." Not where I work.

The good side is, it seems to work on the customers but some of the co-workers are determined to be miserable. We all have bad days and things go wrong but we get through it. Hopefully the unhappy will see the light and find something to smile about.

In the mean time, I will continue to smile in hopes that it is contagious.

Perfect Fit

Thanks to Laura, Peaty has a new coat for the winter. I think he likes it. I know I do. It is easy to put on and take off. It is warm and cute too. Great for that quick evening piddle before bedtime.

By the way, it is cold here now.

Thanksgiving in Canada

This was our first Thanksgiving together in Canada and it was great. Just being with family and friends and eating too much.

The weather was perfect.

3:00 pm Sunday, On our drive to the family gathering every field we past had a tractor working diligently to harvest it's crop before the forecast mid-week rain.

The farmers Thanksgiving was much different then ours. We couldn't help to think they were giving thanks to the warm dry weather rather than eating turkey and watching football as they were still out in the fields long after we returned home at 8:00 pm. (they have flood lights on these tractors)

Monday, Thanksgiving Day we get back to work along with all the farmers. We had to work off all that food.

A Child's Angel

The expectation of a new born brings out feels of excitement and wonder.
I feel honored that my co-work is sharing with me the progress of this miracle of life.
I found the following poem for her



A Child's Angel
Once upon a time, a child was ready to be born. So he asked God, "How am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"
God answered, "Among the many angels, I chose one for you. She will be waiting for you and will take care of you."
The Child asked, "Here in Heaven, I don't do anything else but sing and smile, that's enough for me to be happy.
God answered, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you every day. And you will feel your angel's love and be happy."
The Child asked, "How will I learn?" "I don't know the language that men talk?"
God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to live."
The Child asked, "What am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"
God smiled, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."
The Child pleaded, "Who will protect me?"
God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life. "
At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard, and the child in a hurry asked softly: "Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel's name?"
Your angel's name is of no importance, you will simply call your angel, "Mom."


http://mrmom.amaonline.com/Inspirational.htm for more poems.

Attorney

Another reason to celebrate! We are now related to an ATTORNEY! This is great news. The following is the email we received this morning. "You go girl" and all the best.


Hello Everyone,
Again I apologize for the mass email, but I wanted to share some good news with everyone. On Friday Sept. 29th I found out I passed the CT bar exam! So I am now officially an attorney(scary).
I want to thank everyone who helped me get to this spot in my life. I appreciate the encouragement and support I received from everyone. Hopefully, in May when I graduate from my LLM program I will have a nice job lined up.
I am still awaiting the NY bar results. I will keep you posted on those results.
Take Care
Natasha
"There are no short cuts to any place worth going."
Source Unknown

Be Thankful - email

We received this email the other day. (As email goes we have seen the message before) However, I copied/paste the text comment and retyped the original message without all the >>>>>> (you know what I mean)
The message is the important part and yet the comment gave even more reasons to Be Thankful.

The following is from our friend Sheila -

These thoughts remind me of a special friend, Kirk Kierstead, who always sees the silver lining in the cloud before he sees the cloud. I'm not even sure that he sees the cloud. He has a wonderful way of looking at the world and this message is right in line, I think, with his way of thinking. One of my goals in life is to look at the world the way he does. Thanks, Kirk, for your inspiration

• "I AM THANKFUL: FOR THE WIFE WHO SAYS IT'S HOT DOGS TONIGHT, BECAUSE SHE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
• FOR THE HUSBAND WHO IS ON THE SOFA BEING A COUCH POTATO, BECAUSE HE IS HOME WITH ME AND NOT OUT AT THE BARS.
• FOR THE TEENAGER WHO IS COMPLAINING ABOUT DOING DISHES BECAUSE IT MEANS SHE IS AT HOME, NOT ON THE STREETS.
• FOR THE TAXES I PAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM EMPLOYED
• FOR THE MESS TO CLEAN AFTER A PARTY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN SURROUNDED BY FRIENDS
• FOR THE CLOTHES THAT FIT A LITTLE TOO SNUG BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE ENOUGH TO EAT.
• FOR MY SHADOW THAT WATCHES ME WORK BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM OUT IN THE SUNSHINE.
• FOR A LAWN THAT NEEDS MOWING, WINDOWS THAT NEED CLEANING, AND GUTTERS THAT NEED FIXING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE A HOME.
• FOR ALL THE COMPLAINING I HEAR ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT BECAUSE IT MEANS WE HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
• FOR THE PARKING SPOT I FIND AT THE FAR END OF THE PARKING LOT BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM CAPABLE OF WALKING AND I HAVE BEEN BLESSED WITH TRANSPORTATION
• FOR MY HUGE HEATING BILL BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM WARM
• FOR THE LADY BEHIND ME IN CHURCH WHO SINGS OFF KEY BECAUSE IT MEANS I CAN HEAR.
• FOR THE PILE OF LAUNDRY AND IRONING BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE CLOTHES TO WEAR
• FOR WEARINESS AND ACHING MUSCLES AT THE END OF THE DAY BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE BEEN CAPABLE OF WORKING HARD.
• FOR THE ALARM THAT GOES OFF IN THE EARLY MORNING HOURS BECAUSE IT MEANS I AM ALIVE.
• AND FINALLY, FOR TOO MUCH E-MAIL BECAUSE IT MEANS I HAVE FRIENDS WHO ARE THINKING OF ME.

This is Good!

Some things we have to share.
Kirk asked me to put this on the blog.
Click on link it is self explanatory.


http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com/viewmovie.html