Planning

The kids and I drove to Calgary for the weekend.  It was a short weekend where we felt like we did more driving than anything.  However, it was good arriving in Calgary on Friday and being there even if it was for a short and busy time.  We are so grateful for my Auntie Lee and her hospitality of having the four of us invade her house each time we visit.  The kids love spending time with her and with Mighty.  Jaret even took a little dog toy (a bone that squeaks) and gave it as a gift to Mighty.  Then Jaret proceeded to have Mighty jump for the bone and feels like he taught Mighty a new trick.  I know two kids who very much want a puppy and I am thankful that my aunt is willing to share hers with us as we don't plan to add a dog to our family any time soon!

Saturday was a full day full of decision making and house planning.  We spent a few hours at Hawthorne Interiors picking our flooring, tile for back splashes, paint colour, and stone for fireplace.  I forgot how many details go into this planning.  But despite all the time and decisions, I very much enjoyed this appointment and we appreciated the help that Megan provided for us along the way.  We had a short time to stop for lunch and since we were so close, we decided on The Farmer's Market.  And as usual, it did not disappoint.  After lunch we met headed to our lighting appointment at Carrington Lighting.  There is so much to choose from and it is funny how everyone is walking around the store looking up and bumping into each other.  We are excited to see what our final choices will look like once they are put together in the house.  The house is framed, plumbing done, and electrical is currently being worked on.  So exciting to see each stage of building.

Saturday evening we were looking forward to church.  Pastor Ian spoke on Romans 8 and his sermon was entitled Inseparable.  It was a message that really spoke to Terry and I.  It has only been one week being apart as a family and it is definitely not easy.  There are so many changes going on and change is never easy.  The main thread of the sermon was how the Holy Spirit works in our life and that by living life according to the Holy Spirit, we gain blessings and spiritual freedom that God has planned for our lives.  We are God's children who have a connection with the Heavenly Father through the Holy SPirit and that we need to have courage in and through the truth of the Spirit.  It is easy to fear and feel loneliness but Pastor Ian reminded us that God doesn't want us to wallow in such things but to reflect on God's promise and know that we can cry out to God as, "Abba, Father."  Having such an intimate relationship and connection with God through the Spirit allows our mindset to be changed, helps us overcome our vulnerabilities, renews our passions, and helps us live a life that is full.  A life that we can live in the light of God's glory.  So grateful for the message and for being at home among our church family.

"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship.  And by him we cry, "Abba, Father." ... Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."  ~Romans 8:15, 17

It was hard having the kids say good-bye to Terry today as they really didn't want to have to.  There were some tears with lots of hugs.  Harder this week than last week because they have now experienced a week apart and know what it is like.  However, we have plans to head to Regina next weekend and Terry will fly there to meet us so we can spend the weekend with my parents.  We will take one week at a time and help the kids to get through with planned visits as often as we can.  Prayers would be greatly appreciated for our family during this transition time.

On a side note, I have good news to share.  This past week, Jaret was accepted to BCS for the last Grade 3 spot for next year.  We are so excited that both Jaret and Kirra have now been accepted and will be attending there.  I loved sharing this news with Jaret this week and he stopped and thanked God for this answer to prayer.  Then he talked non-stop about how he will get to go to the same school as Kirra and McKinley and Ev.  He is excited about seeing his old friends again and can't wait to be back.  When Jaret told Kirra that he was accepted, she was so excited.  Her eyes lit up and she hugged Jaret and then started dancing around.  Her way of praising God - song and dance.  God is good!  We are grateful for how each of the steps are falling into place and we will continue to take it one step at a time.