Morning has broken...

Sunday morning, new years eve. 2007 is getting dressed for its own party. 2006 is packing and backing a U Haul up to its back door.

10 things...

1. A deepening desire to see small things make impact in the lives of ordinary people
2. Navigating away from the "doing something big" mindset
3. A growing awareness of my own dissatisfaction with the institutions I gave my life to for more than 20 years.
4. A longing for peace in all places at all times
5. A growing value on people versus projects
6. Awakening the sleeping creative giant within
7. Attention paid to the "sighs" of life
8. Pursuing health and wellness...again
9. The building desire to cling to those closest to me
10. The lingering sadness of the broken lives of friends

Christmas Letter Tidbits...

Every year we publish a Christmas letter...if you don't get one and would like one, leave some info in the comment section (ie: an address) and we'll send one your way. This year we even got them n the mail before Christmas...last year we gave up around the 3rd of March. But as you can see, and as I have said...we are so far ahead of the game this year, that we are just waiting for it all to happen. (Christmas that is).

The carolers (just two this year, whatever happened to volunteers!) are caroling their hearts out...

In his master's steps he trod, Where the snow lay dinted

Heat was in the very sod, Which the Saint had printed

Therefore, Christian men, be sure, Wealth or rank possessing

Ye who now will bless the poor, Shall yourselves find blessing

Tis the Season

As you can see, our small town has turned on all the lights and trimmed every tree. Its as if we are all just waiting for Christmas to happen. And, as happens every year, the rare, one horned Ibex appears with its mate near the largest tree in town. Nice to see some things never change. I hope that boy has his dog on a leash...

Mittens and Goats...

One of the things I learned this summer was that small things can make a big difference in the lives of people who are suffering. For the homeless and the marginalized that we met, summer is a time of relative ease compared to the damp, cold winters on Toronto's streets. Our little team tried to do what we could and they were all hopeful that when they came home they would impart some of what they had learned at home.

Our small group collected hats, mitts and gloves for the Food Bank. In a few short weeks they filled a big box with love. It is cool and warm to think of those little gloves going onto the hands of a kid who has lost her gloves and has no way of replacing them. Way to go group!

Oh, and I also wanted to mention...our group also bought a goat. A goat! Through world vision, we put the funds in place to buy a goat for a family in the third world. You can see the best Christmas catalogue ever at http://www2.worldvision.ca/gifts/app.

Am I bragging? No. I am encouraging...small things to bring relief to those who suffer.

Stained Glass

Maybe you have noticed some of these stained glass windows in the blog...they are from an old (I mean old old) church we worked at in Toronto this summer. The neighborhood was tough. Life was hard for the people that came to find some food, clothing or other basics of life. When basic needs are not met...life spirals out of control...there is no other way to say it.

SOLD!

We sold our house. In a day. We bought a house! In Devon...on the other side of town. Good-bye Pipestone hello Devonian Crescent!