So today was your wedding day ... and your name is no longer Erica Scammell but Erica Baerwald... you are no longer Tim's fiancee' but Tim's wife. You remember how you posted a blog addressed specifically to me entitled "Hi Carolyn Epp" well I really wanted to right you a specialized blog post for you and I figured your "wedding day" would be the perfect opportunity. Erica... I don't know you yet but from what I have read from your blogs I know that you will be an incredible blessing to Tim. Especially with your delightful words of encouragment and your joyful attitude towards life. Wow, I wish I could have been there to share this day with you and Tim. I pray that God will continue to bless you and Tim as you begin your lives together.
A story just for you Erica of the blessing of Tim's family. In the summer of 2004 I lived with Tim's family and worked with Liz, Greg and Elsa at Koffee Korner. Elsa was pretty much my sister at times!! And you will experience the blessings of having Elsa as a "sister-in-law." When I read your comment about "alas I'll laugh as much about the little things as possible... at least that way I can blame my wrinkled cheeks, forehead, and eyes on the fact that I laughed too much" it reminds me of the times I laughed with Tim's family so much that I cried. Watching videos is never the same anymore... Elsa would recite many of the movies word for word... then we would laugh so hard we would cry especially when watching "Mark Lowry." Hopefully as you get to know Tim's family there will be moments when you remember your quote and laugh so hard you cry... and when you get older you can blame your wrinkles on the fact that you laughed too much!!!
I look forward to the day when we will chat face to face rather than blog to blog.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Out of the Blue!!
On Saturday just out of the blue Darren surprised me with these beautiful flowers and a card. To be the recipient of such a beautiful gift feels so special especially when it is out of the blue. Its so funny how many times I read the card he wrote probably about 10 times or more and the truth is I am not exaggerating. Just to read the words of such love expressed is such an honor and a blessing. And every time I look at these flowers I am reminded of God's blessings... specifically blessing me with Darren. Darren thank you for blessing me with your love and kindness!!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Opportunity vs. Difficulty
Have you ever heard the saying, "If life hand's you lemons make lemonade." Well there is always opportunity to have a positive perspective on the difficulties that are passed your way. When you face challenges you have a chance to view it as "sour lemons" or "sweet lemonade." Its a chance to view the situation as an opportunity to reflect Christ's character in the midst of challenges.
About two or so weeks ago at clinical I injured my lower back while turning a stiff patient. As a result I was not able to finish my clinical practicum. After talking to the assistant program coordinator she suggested that I work as a nursing attendant for six months prior to reapplying into the program. So needless to say my plans are not God's plans. I am certain that God has a greater plan in this situation than I realize. Scripture has been my comfort and my joy these past weeks. The promises that God has given us in his word allow us to perceive these types of situations as a joy. As it says in James, " Consider it all joy my brethern when you face trials of various kinds knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing." " Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him." As I opened up my Bible I observed four dried crocuses which I placed in my Bible as a reminder that, "if God cares enough to provide sunshine, water and food for these crocuses I know that God cares for me." The Lord says, " I know the plans I have for you plans to prosper you, plans for welfare and not for calamity to come upon you to give you a future and a hope." God has so many promises in his word to bring us hope and joy. Another one of his promises that I love is found in Romans 8:28 which says, " And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." God definitely has a plan for me with in this time. Even in these past two weeks the Lord has been teaching me so many things. Even as I wait at the Medi-centre for 3 hrs to see a doctor I am being taught patience. And as I visit the physiotherapist 3 times a week I am learning self discipline in performing exercises for 1 and half hours 3 times a day. I know the Lord will continue to reinforce the promises outlined in his word. He is faithful to teach those who earnestly seek after him. In this time I desire to be completely dedicated to him and I know he is faithful.
About two or so weeks ago at clinical I injured my lower back while turning a stiff patient. As a result I was not able to finish my clinical practicum. After talking to the assistant program coordinator she suggested that I work as a nursing attendant for six months prior to reapplying into the program. So needless to say my plans are not God's plans. I am certain that God has a greater plan in this situation than I realize. Scripture has been my comfort and my joy these past weeks. The promises that God has given us in his word allow us to perceive these types of situations as a joy. As it says in James, " Consider it all joy my brethern when you face trials of various kinds knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete lacking nothing." " Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him." As I opened up my Bible I observed four dried crocuses which I placed in my Bible as a reminder that, "if God cares enough to provide sunshine, water and food for these crocuses I know that God cares for me." The Lord says, " I know the plans I have for you plans to prosper you, plans for welfare and not for calamity to come upon you to give you a future and a hope." God has so many promises in his word to bring us hope and joy. Another one of his promises that I love is found in Romans 8:28 which says, " And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose." God definitely has a plan for me with in this time. Even in these past two weeks the Lord has been teaching me so many things. Even as I wait at the Medi-centre for 3 hrs to see a doctor I am being taught patience. And as I visit the physiotherapist 3 times a week I am learning self discipline in performing exercises for 1 and half hours 3 times a day. I know the Lord will continue to reinforce the promises outlined in his word. He is faithful to teach those who earnestly seek after him. In this time I desire to be completely dedicated to him and I know he is faithful.
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