changes...decisions...

I've worked on some site changes, and I'm pretty impressed with myself. I made some HTML changes to enable a three column blog.. that took me forever to figure out! I'll be adding some other features, too, so check around the site periodically .. (can you discern what would have prompted me to waste time redesigning my blog.. ? You guessed it.. a heavy writing assignment, a 15 page research paper on Attachment Theory. I am so easily distracted!!)

Anyone recognize the skyline at the top? Yup, it's Winnipeg. Made the change to commemorate our decision to spend the next year there! After 6 months of deliberating and praying, we finally have a plan.. but its only for the next year! This has been a really hard decision, and we continue to appreciate your prayers for our family. There are still lots of unanswered questions, but things are beginning to come together.

We'll be learning and serving in the North End, living in an intentional community called Flatlanders Inn.

More to come. I've tried to convince Bren to write the next post.. but he says he's starting a blog of his own.. that is worth the wait!!

You'll notice my new liking for the phrase "All who wander are not lost".. or some variation of it. It fits.. we have felt a little like wanderers, and we've even felt a bit lost at times. But the truth is, we're not lost.. in fact, we know that our family is on a beautiful journey and we're excited about the future. It's been a long time since I've been able to say that and mean it.

The phrase is from Tolkien's LOTR series.. and there's another part of it... he also says that 'All that is gold does not glitter.' .. that is part of what we want to explore in Winnipeg. There is much to learn from those who have been marginalized, those who are pushed to the fringes of society.. but they're often not very glittery. And they're often not heard, valued. We know there is gold there. And we want to learn more, understand better.

Stay tuned! We look forward to sharing our journey with you in lots of ways, and hope you'll keep reading.

blessings.

All that is gold does not glitter, and all who wander are not lost.. JRR Tolkien.

jungism

Anyone who wants to know the human psyche will learn next to nothing from experimental psychology. He would be better advised to abandon exact science, put away his scholar's gown, bid farewell to his study, and wander with human heart throughout the world. There in the horrors of prisons, lunatic asylums and hospitals, in drab suburban pubs, in brothels and gambling-hells, in the salons of the elegant, the Stock Exchanges, socialist meetings, churches, revivalist gatherings and ecstatic sects, through love and hate, through the experience of passion in every form in his own body, he would reap richer stores of knowledge than text-books a foot thick could give him, and he will know how to doctor the sick with a real knowledge of the human soul.

Carl Jung

I am Suzy Homemaker

Well, after the last post that was long and heavy, here's one that is lighter and a little more random... :)
Lots of people have been asking me how I like being 'at home'. On one hand, I really do. On the other hand, I'm not really sure where I ever found the time to work full time, because each day is so full! I can only think of three days where I was actually home all day!
But, in the spirit of being a 'home-maker' (and I realize I'm a poor excuse for one!) here are some thoughts from recent days in our house:

• Renee's is making a bottled salad dressing called Blue Cheese and Pear.. pour this on Spring Mix, Dried Cranberries, a chopped pear, some pecans... YUMMY summer salad!
• The PC imitation Activia Yogurt is very good, especially the vanilla flavor. I've been eating it lots with fruit and granola. The kids are tired of it for breakfast!
• I've had a couple of chances to use the Norwex sweeper-mop. I know its pricy, but it's awesome. (and I now have to eat all those cynical comments about Norwex made to my two sisters who have tried to convert me. And I guess I should apologize for the eye rolling while I'm at it....) I may have to get one.. when I have a job!
• Rice milk does not steam as well as dairy. But there is still no way for a latte or London Fog to taste bad..
• I've been doing some house cleaning with my friend Gloria. I think I like working in others' homes.. its very satisfying and the clients really feel like it makes a difference in their family's routine. We clean one house where mom is expecting twins and has two preschoolers. I like being a helper! And its nice to do work with immediate and visible results!
• Have you tried the hummus in the deli cooler at Superstore/Extra Foods? Its as good as homemade. (well better than my homemade but not as good as Cory's!) We've been liking the garlic or spicy varieties. Hummus and crackers or veggies is great travelling or camping food - we discovered this on our last trip to MB.
• With open houses and trying to sell the house, we've really been on a decluttering kick.. even Syd sent TWO garbage bags to Value Village.
• The restaurant in Dalmeny is worth trying, even if you live in Hepburn and get lost on the way due to grid roads that all look the same. Its called 'Whats on Third' and its in the strip mall on 3rd by the food store and credit union. They have about 8 different pies to choose from every day. YMMM!!

Now to put away distraction and write a paper.....

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Wait.. a couple of thoughts from recent discussions:

"Say no to the 'good' things so you can do the 'right' things - Lori

"You may be sure the Landlord has brought you the shortest way; though I confess it would look an odd journey on a map." - CS Lewis, via Lisa

"Consider the 'descending' way of Jesus - last becomes first and first becomes last - Jesus chose the small, hidden, and poor things of this world. The love of God is visible through Jesus' way of 'descending' rather than 'ascending'. Jesus chose to be poor with the poor, and He modeled this as the way to know God." - Henri Nouwen, via Gloria

"We cannot make good decisions without eachother. We need to seek to be filled TOGETHER, as a household of faith, a community of love, a family." - Jeff, as part of a message about Ephesians/living wisely

Be Reconciled

The Statue of Reconciliation - Coventry Cathedral

.. Christ’s love controls us.Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view. At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now! This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.

from 2 Corinthians 5

Last week, on Thursday, I attended my first seminary chapel. The text above provided our topic - Reconciliation. It was a memorable message.

The speaker was passionate about the gospel being a gospel of reconciliation. First between people and God, and then between individuals. He had an emphatic way of speaking; every few sentences punctuated with a reminder to BE RECONCILED!

I'll try to summarize some of his thoughts here, although of course my 'interpretation' is factored in. I heard this message as we all hear things - with most of my 'hearing' filtered as a result of things I've learned, my experiences, what I believe, value.... isn't that always how we all interpret? Each person's lens is unique, and it affects how and what we hear - whether in face to face conversation, hearing a message in chapel, or reading scripture. There is not only one way to understand most things, for example, I'm thankful that David's prayers were recorded all those years ago to comfort and encourage us today... I'm so glad those recorded intimacies have gone on to bear fruit and sow seeds of faith over and over and over.

It is also true that we need to not only internalize, but also externalize. Anytime I share my understanding of a thing with others, I learn more and the result is an 'enhanced' version of what I had concluded on my own. (See how I can work my value of community into everything?!) We need each other!

Anyway, back to the message of reconciliation. The speaker started off by referring to the God we worship - the God of reconciliation. The One who initiated reconciliation. The One who had a plan from the very beginning to facilitate a reconciled people - to Himself and amongst themselves. That sunk deep into my heart as I contemplated it. Reconciliation is not only possible - its happening - everywhere. Are you working towards it or against it? Opportunities for reconciliation are everywhere, daily... they have been woven by the Spirit into the fabric of our relationships, our days, our rhythms, our churches. He said that the reconciliation message was TRUE, even though its not always APPARENT. (That fits much some of what I've seen - how about you?)

After spending some time talking about the gospel of reconciliation as it pertains to individuals, he broadened it and spoke about the message of reconciliation as it relates to the community. (Again, the emphatic statement; BE RECONCILED!) He shared some struggles with lack of reconciliation and how the body suffers as much as the individual when this is the reality. For me sitting there, the sense of the importance of reconciliation grew as I listened... then another emphatic statement from our charismatic speaker; WAKE UP CHURCH! I was jarred by this. Have I been asleep in the light? Have we been asleep in the light?

He closed by saying that perhaps we don't really know how to live as reconciled people. We aren't really committed to embracing it - how can we be ambassadors for it? And how can that honor the God of Reconciliation?

Here is the hope he offered: the more we are reconciled, the more we practice reconciliation, the greater will be our burden and desire for reconciliation in all the places we go. The evidence and practice of reconciliation will be greater and deeper in our communities. Be assured that the Lord of Reconciliation will put to good use those who 'get' this. (Sadly, the reverse is true, too - the more we resist reconciliation, the more we will continue to resist it.)

The thing that is most prevalent in my mind as I write this is the debate I've heard whispers of in the larger church - emerging thoughts/concepts vs. maintaining traditional expressions. My prayer is that we would all appreciate the beauty and diversity of other expressions of faith, realizing that one creative God made all of us, and He clearly loves diversity! Shouldn't we?

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters,by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, “I am a follower of Paul.” Others are saying, “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Peter,” or “I follow only Christ.”
Has Christ been divided into factions? Was I, Paul, crucified for you? Were any of you baptized in the name of Paul? Of course not!

From 1 Corinthians 1

curiosity

Is anyone really reading this, anyway? This is the question on every blogger's mind at least every once in a while. My tracker says about 20 people every day cruise over and either spend a bit of time or link elsewhere from here. Who are you guys?!


I really am curious to know.. so if you're not too shy, then leave a comment.. or if you are, then email me at dvorak.kelly@gmail.com.


Don't be afraid to tell me what you do and don't like about this blog. I'm interested in knowing ;) -- and I will always try to include more of what everyone likes!


Happy Long Weekend.. and welcome, SUMMER!

What the random?!!?

Just a few random thoughts as I sit here in Caronport...

• have you looked at the 43things site? i love the idea of a life list.. that you can add to and modify .. and a site that inspires you with lots of great ideas from others ....


• a few thoughts/stats from my learning this week - did you know that of the people who do prenatal testing and learn that they are having a child with Down Syndrome - between 80-90% will terminate the pregnancy. This brought tears to my eyes. And have you heard of 'partial birth'? I had not. If you have not, consider yourself lucky.


• Have you ever thought of FAS/FASD in the same way as you think of Down's Syndrome? Although one is avoidable and one is not, from the perspective of the affected person, they are the same. Have you considered the staggering effects of FAS/D in certain communities - I was realizing today that its sort of like compound interest in the way that the initial circumstance multiplies exponentially with each generation. Staggering. I'm starting to have some new realizations.
*** the same as in something that must be coped with every day but was never asked for..

• In case you haven't heard, our house hasn't sold. aaarrgghhh!! We really hope it sells soon! Two more open houses this weekend...


• Soccer season has started.. O is wearing GOLD cleats ('Boots') this year. He is really loving the game now! I am sad that I have to miss his first three games :(


• I had forgotten how much I enjoy group fitness classes. Step classes at Bethany are awesome, and its too bad they are over for the season! Boot camp was not awesome. My favorite group class ever was called 'turboKelly' - I took it at the Polish Club in Winnipeg (Main and Machray-ish?). Sydney came with me and also loved it. (not!)


• Speaking of fitness, I have allowed myself to be way too stressed for the last two years - its amazing how different my body is as a result. (plus aging, sleeplessness, constant cold/flu ... all that good stuff.. )... But, I am committed to undoing what I let happen. THats my public declaration - it creates a small bit of accountability! I have also set a goal of cycling 500K this summer!


• Syd turns 12 next week. It feels like shes been 14 for the past two years! We are thinking about doing a Hepburn scavenger hunt as part of the celebrations... should be fun. She loves her birthday, and thinks it should be a weekend long party. Perhaps even a national holiday.
• Have you ever visited the Marriage and Family Therapy website? Me either. But I've been there a few times now as I consider the program I'm in at Briercrest and my professional future. Check it out.

This is my amazing niece, Ally. She is only 11! These photos are from her first dance competition. She's not only an amazing dancer, shes just an all around amazing kid!

• I was reading a devotional book last week that defined the word SELAH in the Psalms as 'pausing to praise'. This season is so ripe with 'pause-worthy' things... buds forming, landscape beginning to turn from brown to green, children outdoors biking and playing, ... and my favorite - prairie fields being prepared. I can't wait for the 'mint chocolate chip' colors that will emerge after seeding! I'll end this post with a wish for you to be finding many moments of contemplation, worship, and feeling overwhelmed with much praise!

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From Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Selah

Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Selah

Happy Mothers Day!

"Mothers are all slightly insane." - J.D. Salinger

"I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them." -

Phyllis Diller

"It takes a woman twenty years to make a man of her son, and another woman twenty minutes to make a fool of him." - Helen Rowland

"The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for thirty years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found." - Calvin Trillin

"All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his."

- Oscar Wilde

"My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it." - Mark Twain

Cheers to all of you amazing moms! Have a great day!

... hmmmmm

I receive a 'daily thought' from Real Simple Magazine. They're kinda neat. I usually read them because they're only one sentence. Here is today's:

"My mother is a poem I'll never be able to write,

though everything I write is a poem to my mother."
—Sharon Doubiago

So many different ways to read that. So dependent upon our relationships, circumstances.

..... hmmmmm, indeed.

its a mad, mad world

Sheryl has moved to Winnipeg, and Owen and I had the privilege of driving much of her furniture and belongings from Saskatoon to Winnipeg. We left Thursday morning and were back in our own comfy beds in Hepburn on Saturday night.. so it was a quite a fast trip!! It was fun - thanks Sheryl, for the opportunity.

On Saturday morning, I had a great date with Nancy and Trena; old friends from high school. (Jr High?!) During our reminiscing, laughter, and great conversation, it felt like time stood still for a few moments as they caught me up on an old friend who is dying of cancer. He had been embarking on a new career, enjoying a great family life, when all of a sudden he was given a diagnosis of several months to live. I reflected on how this particular person changed my life - I know his presence, encouragement, and friendship after my mom died was crucial, and a piece of him will always be with me. Wow. Then reality really struck me as I thought about his children losing their awesome dad, his wife losing her best friend, and so many others losing the friendship of one of those salt of the earth people who is just 'a really great guy'. I heard great stories about people rallying around, an amazing circle of support - inspiring stories that need circumstances like this to be told. But still, WHY?? HOW??? and mostly, just heaviness and grief, sadness for his family. A feeling of this being too unreal.

I've been thinking about valleys and canyons lately. Valleys are a

bit more commonplace - perhaps they're your garden variety challenges and difficulties. But canyons - where the despair is the thickest, the desire to keep going is little more than a glimmer somewhere in the distance - canyons are not your garden variety troubles. Getting out of a canyon is akin to going to hell and returning to tell about it. And the redemption stories that are the most poignant, that stay with us the longest and touch our hearts in the deepest place... they involve canyons, not mere valleys. Join me in praying for this family, as they go through a canyon experience. Pray for peace, for comfort, for the beginnings of understanding to grow. And while you're at it, pray for a medical miracle. They still happen, you know.

I also had conversations about other mutual friends who are in the midst of terrible marriage break-ups. Vindictive and nasty behavior towards someone they had once pledged lifelong commitment and love. What a paradox.

It really is a crazy world.

There's an opportune time to do things, a right time for everything on the earth:

A right time for birth and another for death,

A right time to plant and another to reap,

A right time to kill and another to heal,

A right time to destroy and another to construct,

A right time to cry and another to laugh,

A right time to lament and another to cheer,

A right time to make love and another to abstain,

A right time to embrace and another to part,

A right time to search and another to count your losses,

A right time to hold on and another to let go,

A right time to rip out and another to mend,

A right time to shut up and another to speak up,

A right time to love and another to hate,

A right time to wage war and another to make peace.

Eccl. 3 - the message