[talk: Year End Piano Recital.]

It was a very successful year ... at least at the end *grin*.

With us going away to Australia and New Zealand, and some other scheduling conflicts - piano didn't seem to really get going for us until ... well ... January??  Eek.  That's embarrassing ... but the truth.

Mattias did well in the festival in March, placing with a silver certificate in Preliminary piano.  From there, he moved along quickly - completing all of his Grade 1 Piano requirements from March until June.  It was like something just "clicked" ... thank the Good Lord *grin*.  He has big goals for next year, wanting to complete Grade 2 and Grade 3 Piano by June of next year.  He can do it ... especially if my mom helps (Hi mom, are you reading this???). 

This was Josiah's first year in piano ... our lack of consistency kept him behind, but since January he really improved.  I often find him at the piano, practicing his "five-finger-exercise" and playing past pieces.  He loves it ... 

But what the boys love MOST, is when their Nanny practices with them.  She has a gift ... and the time that they spend with her is invaluable.  They love the one-on-one time, it gives me a break (because they won't listen to me anyways, even though I have 3 music degrees of my own ... ), and my mom loves it too.  Win, win, win.

The year-end recital was small and cozy.  Their teacher has down-sized her studio considerably over the last few years ... and I'm just happy that she's willing to keep things going with our kids.  They love her.  And they loved that their family came to support them ... these moments are moments that kids REALLY cherish.

This pic of my friend, Ron, is because he always talks of his performance of the "Bronze Bear".  Apparently - it was life-changing to those who listened to it *grin*.  This was the piece that Mattias chose this year, and as he performed it - Ron looked over at me and I captured this *grin*.  

Afterwards, he went up to Mattias and raved about his performance ... what a good guy.

Because her studio was an intimate group, Karen decided to affirm each student by having them stand up at the front and telling the audience a little about each one.  I thought it was beautiful - and watching your child be affirmed in front of others makes you feel like your heart is going to explode.

She talked about their musical accomplishments, of course - but also told of their character and little stories about things they may have said or done in class.  Really great.

So a BIG thank you to Karen, and to my mom, for another successful year.  

And now ... summer break.  Phewf!!

Have a great one!

[talk: Three. Nine.]

Three.   Nine.

Thirty.  Nine.

No, no ... three-nine sounds so much better *wink*.

Yup ... I've been three-nine for a little over a month now - and it's been an interesting month.  Turning three-nine was a bit of a slap-in-the-face ... but necessary, I guess.  I mean ... I can't avoid it, um, unless I'm dead? And I've got a whole lot of living before that happens!  I hope ... 

Getting older means the obvious - feeling ... old.  So, one of the things that I've been consciously aware of - is watching how I think of those who are younger than me.  In fact, my hubby and I have been intentional in getting to know some of those who are just starting their adult life - and we've really enjoyed the process of "bridging the gap"over these last few months ... 

Here's what I've learned ... 

1.  It's up to me to be the adult, not those younger than me.  So many times have I heard those who are 40+ muttering about the 20-year-olds.  I've listened, and sometimes agreed with - how the 40+ feel in regards to being shoved out, replaced ... but wait - maybe it should be up to US to show ourselves friendly and to include THEM.  Leading by example, being the grown up ... 

2.  Here's another thing I've learned:  they want to be like US, if we're doing it right.  So - get rid of the notion that you're not cool enough, or whatever your hang up is.  If you're living a life worth living - then others will want to glean off of it.  Those younger than us will want to BE us one day ... so get over yourself.  Be inclusive - stomp on your fears of insecurity.

3.  The importance of having a teachable spirit.  Here's the thing - just because we're *cough cough* older, doesn't mean we know everything.  In FACT ... it's not even a bad thing to admit that *grin*.  And again, leading by example - it's important to show those younger than us that it's ok to NOT know everything.  I hear it over and over that the twenty-somethings think they know-it-all ... and I have to smile.  Because, how could THEY possibly know it all, when clearly - we do *BIG WINK*.

I say, bridge the gap.  Those who are older - step out.  Teach.  LOVE.  Those who are younger - accept.  Be willing to listen.  LOVE.

Hmm.  Deep, eh?

Ok ... on a closing note - I came back from my annual "Pink Phoenix" girl's-trip a couple of weeks ago - and we did it again.  Yup.  Our photo-shoot for us old-ladies who aren't afraid to chuckle-it-up in front of the camera.  I actually needed some new pics for my RHP website - so happy NR was able to capture these for me ... 

So.   I've done thirty-seven, thirty-eight and now thirty-nine.  Looking back at those pics, has been so good for me.  I remember what I was going through - I remember how I thought of myself.  And this year?  I feel stronger, smarter, better, happier than ever before.   That doesn't mean I don't ever feel down-in-the-dumps, ugly, stupid, irrelevant ... of course I have those moments too.  But I'm determined to make this the best year ever ... 

I love my family, I love my church, I love my job.  Life is good ... and even when it isn't, it still really is.  As I get older, my eyes continue to be opened to what REAL struggles others have - and it has put to rest a lot of my selfish belly-aching.  I'm still learning - still make mistakes - but getting older can actually mean getting better.  I think that's a good thing.

So.  That's where I'm at right now ... and I hope that you're doing well - that the things the Lord is placing on your heart will have a harvest of great fruit in His perfect time.

Have a great one!

[fave things: What I'm Loving Today ... ]

The last few posts have been kinda ... heavy.  Yeah.  And it's not like I couldn't pour out another 500 words on things that are on my heart and mind today ... but no.  No.  Today, I'm keeping it "light" and wanted to share with you a few of my "fave things" for right now.

Like.  May2013 "right now".  This could, and will, change at any moment.

1.    Fusion Spice Butter Chicken Sauce Mix.

I am not lying.  I bought 6 of these yesterday.  And - I gave one as a hostess gift last night, to a big smile and "THANK YOU".  Honestly - if you love butter chicken, there is no need to do anything else, than have this in your cupboard.  Better than any jar, truly.  And it's less than $5.00 and makes a great meal for 6 people.  I know.

2.    Trader Joe's Lentil Chips.

I try and be "gluten-free".  I suck at it - but I have noticed that when I start eating it (even though I have never had a reaction to gluten) - I feel icky.  So ... these black-pepper lentil chips are AH-MAY-ZING. Yup.  Like 23 chips in one serving.  THAT good ... lo-cal, full-flavour, no stomach cramps.   Boom.

3.   David's Tea "Steeper"

My fabulous sis-in-law, Suzanne, got this for me for my bday.  Ok, ok ... and her hubby, Joele, too.  But I'm pretty sure this was Suzanne's handy work.  The BEST thing ever ... scoop some loose leaf tea in, pour in the hot water, steep until ready ... then, place it on top of the mug and the pressure releases the tea in the cup.  Lift up - it closes.  Clean, not dripping.  I LOVE THIS!!

And I got a whole bunch of new teas ... but this one is my fave.  Kokomo Green tea with papaya, mango, pineapple ... it's like a vacation in a mug.  Mmmm ... 

4.   Baby Lips.

I have the purple one, with it's perfect sheer-nude tint.  LOVE it.  So does Katia.  Little stinker ...

5.  Living Proof Prime Style Extender:

There is NOTHING like this product.  OK - first off - please don't judge me, but I have a thing for Jennifer Aniston's hair.  I mean - who doesn't???  Well - when I saw that she was the spokesperson for Living Proof, I had to try it.  HAD to.

When I was in the states this past March, I bought the $25 trial pack ... and went back a few days later to get the REAL stuff.  It's really incredible.

The Prime Style Extender actually REPELS dirt.  True story.  Grease, dirt, muck - whatever ... I can put this in my hair, blow dry it and wear it straight for up to 3 days without washing.  Honestly - for me, that's a crazy thing.

I have now collected almost the whole line ... love the shampoo, leaves my hair feeling different than anything else.  There's a hair-mask that I use once a week and it makes my hair SHINY.  The thickening cream is my 2nd fave, behind the Primer.  It WORKS.  Just a pea-size ... and your hair does not get weighed-down .. not a bit.  It feels clean, light, thick, shiny ... seriously just about as close to having Jennifer Aniston hair you'll ever get.

Yes.  It's expensive.  But here's my delimma.  I have about 5 bottles of hair mousse that are half empty, they leave my hair crunchy, flat on the top ... they flake.  With the $20 I spent on those combined products, I could've bought one thickening cream and been HAPPY.  Like - super happy.

I find that sometimes I try and save a few bucks, only for my money to actually be wasted and  ... well. That's just how I see it  ...  next!

6.  AfterGlow IPhone App:

I get asked ALL the time about photography apps on the IPhone.  This is the one I use ... it has about 20 preset filters for the "one click" edit ... there are textures; I can crop in many dimensions and make the background white and clean ... or I can forget the filters and edit images, almost like I was on my Lightroom on my computer.  Well.  Not quite ... 

But with so many of us using our IPhones for pics - why not make them their very best?  I think it was $4.99 when I bought it.  

... it's how I edited this image of me that I took a couple of weeks ago.  So many asked "HOW did you do this??"  Simple.  I put my head on the counter, too the pic with my right hand with my IPhone resting horizontally ... snapped the pic and EDITED THE CRAZIES OUT OF IT in AfterGlow. 

Ok ... so those "are a few of my fave-o-rite-thingggggs"

Have a great one!

[talk: The Power of Words.]

I continue to be fascinated by the power of words.  I've written about this a few times ... talking about how people's words have lifted me up during difficult times (with the loss of Shalom) and completely gutted me (written in "I Can't Stand Her") ... and it leads me to feel more and more strongly to be an example of my words.

If you're anything like me, then you probably haven't always done this well either.  I know that I have made the Father hang his head in shame for me ... my words are not always well chosen.  Far from it.  I've used words to rip apart others, in my own selfishness to lift myself up.  I've used my words to deflate, to condemn, to judge.  To mock.  I'm certainly not proud of it - but admitting it has allowed me to grow in this area and hopefully learn from my mistakes.

I'm learning.  It's a process.

I'm not sure why, but in the recent weeks I have been showered with kind words.  Words of opportunity and encouragement.  I am so grateful.  Someone once said that it takes 15 kind words to undo the damage of one bad one.  Or something like that.  I believe it ... how many of us can relive that one thing that was said to us - that cut so deep - and yet we have to be reminded over and over again of the good words spoken over us.

As a parent, words are a daily lesson.  My boys are getting older, learning phrases and words that are hurtful ... even in their innocence, they are learning sarcasm and insults.  It's a constant reminder of how I use my own words, words that they parrot.  Because of this, I've been reminded that God's Word says that our words show what's really inside of us.  Luke 6:45 says, "what you say flows from your heart" and goes on to say, "if you are bitter, then you will find yourself talking about it because bitter people love to spread it around."

I don't know about you - but I sure don't want to be known as someone who's words reflect poorly on who I really am.  And here's the thing - you can try all you want to make your words "perfect", but your heart will always show through ... another reminder to have my heart in check.  Over and over and over and over again ... 

So when I read people's FB status' ... status that rant or attack others.  Status's that belittle others and are judgemental ... it's a reminder to ME of what I put out there.  What do my words say of me?  Sure, it's easy for me to look at the others and psycho-analyse them and say, "wow ... this and this and this ..." - but then that goes right back to MY heart.  What does that say of MY words? 

The other thing I've been learning about words, is choosing who's words to listen to.  That's a tricky thing.  I like the kind words - but is there growth to be had in the words of others that cut and hurt me?   Of course.  Or - are there times when I need to say, "no - I don't receive that.  You don't know me, you don't really care about me ... you are taking pleasure in attacking me."  Of course. I think that there's a time for both.  The REAL way to grow, I believe, is by surrounding yourself with a village of people who genuinely care about you and your family.  These people will give correction in love.  These people will not allow you, allow me, to only be lifted up - because the truth is ... I need correction.  We all do, no?  Words that others who are not in relationship with us - they need to be guarded and received with caution.  

So, what I've recently chosen to do is recognize who the words are coming from - where as before, I would cripple myself by listening to everyone.  And let me tell you ... people who have hurt in them, who are scarred, who are bitter ... they have no problem unleashing their poison on you.  On me.  And truly - there's not much that one can do to stop them.  

I am trying to live by all that I've shared here.  I am trying to stop and encourage - text, FB, private message, phone - when God puts someone on my heart.  I am trying to use my little voice to bring life, not venom.  And I know - because people have already spoken this to me - that there will be some who will find fault in even that.   They will say - they've even said it to my face - that my words of encouragement sicken them.  That I think I'm so great.  That I think I have the power to make people feel this and that.

Oh how that breaks my heart. 

But again ... it goes back to our words mirroring our souls.  My heart is to be so much like Jesus ... and I fail so, so, SO much.  And when you say that's what your heart is - you simply get judged so much more.  Every time you miss that mark - there will be someone who gets so much joy from that fall... and since I fail all the time,  I must bring some people a LOT of joy *wink* ... 

So.  My words.  What can I do with them today?  Who's words will I listen to?  Who's words need to be stopped in their tracks and told, "no"?

It's where I'm at.

Have a great one.  Really.  xo

[talk: I Can Feel It.]

I can feel it ... something's coming.  And it's not just "wishful thinking" ... it's time.  I know it is.

What am I talking about?  Well ... if you're not a Believer, you may just tune me out right about now, because I am talking about big things happening - spiritually.  With worship.  With our church family.  With the living God.

I've been waiting.  Many years ago there was a season at our church, where amazing things were happening ... but I had gotten married and we chose to attend my hubby's church during those latter times.  And the truth is, I simply wasn't ready.

Since then, both difficult things and fruitful things have happened in my church community.  I've witnessed them myself.  But now -  I just know that something's about to explode ... break through our walls and into our community.  For no other reason, than to heal the broken, give life to the hopeless and restore ... 

Spirit Break Out.  And I am ridiculously excited about this.  

My heart's calling is also being increased.  I'm beginning to feel a responsibility ... I feel courage, I feel urgency ... I feel that it's finally NOW.

What do I mean by all this talk?  I mean, that I believe that those who are ready for more - it's going to happen.  For those who have their own calls on their lives ... it's going to be set in motion.  Lives are going to be changed ... God's glory is going to be evident - undeniable ... and it's going to be contagious.  

I think that there are so many who are ready for this, specifically where we live.  I know that there are people all over the world who are already walking in this today ... who know and are living what I believe is starting to bubble up here ...

I'm embarrassed to say that there was a time when I felt like I was never given any opportunities, like I was a fill-in.  That I was never the one who was chosen.  Then years later, I began to believe that it was a "man's world" out there - so travelling, group song-writing, "being-in-a-band" ... none of these things were conducive with my role as wife and mother, raising three small kids.  I've felt envious of the guys that I've see in the past, living their dreams, of the opportunities they've had ...

And I've actually thought, "Is this it? Does no one else want me??"

I am so happy to say that my mind has been restored in these matters and that I can actually SEE things now.  The enemy loves to cloud the truth and feed us lies of others thinking we are  insignificant - thus producing a false sense of entitlement.   For me, it's been years of working through - but I now see clearly ... I see how the Lord has been preparing me, working on me, and how He has Father-ly reminded me that NO "high-fives" should ever go to me, that I cannot do a moment of worship without submitting it all to Him.  And He has brought me to a place where I can truly see the value of every worship service, of every size, of every congregation.

Another attack on my mind, has been the reality of getting older  I've always seen my age as a potential 'pink slip' - thinking, "I wonder when I'll be seen as un-relatable, as irrelevant."  I remember thinking those very thoughts a very long time ago *grin* - especially when I was pregnant (who wants to see a mammoth woman leading worship??) ... oh the insecurities I have had - the self pity.  I am so ashamed to say that, but it's the truth.

But now I see the amazing opportunities I've been given all of these years - and how they look different than other people's because they've been a part of HIS plan for ME.  I have repented of my jealous heart of other's opportunities, and see the TRUTH in how MANY I have been given.

Oh, how I long to walk in that confidence and to do great things for Him - even if my earthly eyes see those things as small.  I now recognize my life-experiences as an asset, not as a hinderance.  I know that my heart is in a different place, becoming a wife and mother, that losing Shalom, being involved in Recovery Ministry, growing in relationships with new friends, restoring past relationships ... it's all been a journey that I hope continues to shape and teach me.

I am ready.  I am ready to rise up to however He calls me.  I'm ready to be a part of it.  I'm ready to help in any way - to be stretched, to grow, to learn.  I'm ready to SEE with my own eyes, His glory.

Tomorrow morning, I'm leading at She Is.  This weekend, I'm leading at a Conference in Burnaby - Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.  The following weekend, I'm heading north to lead at our Women's "She is Refreshed" Retreat - Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  The week after that, I'm heading to Wagner Hills Farm to worship with the recovery guys and families there ... it's like the Lord is opening doors as I smack my head with my hand and say, "oh Saviour - NOW I get it."

I am just so excited to have a part - whatever that looks like ... and  to watch each other rise up in our God-given dreams.  To see how each part of the Body of Christ IS significant, IS valuable.  Friends, don't believe the lies that what you do has no relevance.  Don't look at someone else and say, "oh - but they can do this, and I can't."  Don't be frozen with inability because of comparison.  Ask yourself, "what is it that I can do?"  Can you be an encourager?  Can you be hospitable?  Can you be a prayer warrior?  Can you serve?  Can you give?  Ask the Lord to be specific, and WALK in it.  And if you're just plain scared to believe that the dreams He's given you can come to fruition, then let me be someone who cheers you on. 

Let's do this.